Baz Luhrmanns adaptation of the classic Romeo and Juliet Essay Example For Students

Baz Luhrmanns adaptation of the classic Romeo and Juliet Essay Baz Luhrmanns adaptation of the classic Romeo and Juliet is set in 2 vastly differing times; the language of Shakespearian era in contrast to a much more modern set and city. The use of Shakespearean language gives a sense of timelessness; that the time it takes place is irrelevant; it can happen any time, any where, to any people, and this is what matters. It addresses a young adult audience, who are familiar with both the situations which arise and the pop-like video style of shooting, with the fairly pacey storyline. At the very beginning of the film, there is a vague sense of mystery given by the fuzzy sounds of the TV tuning in. we are not entirely sure of what we are going to see, and so the tuning in of the TV represents how we are trying to grasp the story, trying to latch on to what is happening around us. We see the black and white screen with the noise of no reception just before the newsreader appears on the screen, and so we anticipate that what we are about to hear will be important, or worth waiting for. We relate it to how we feel when we are waiting for the news to come on, and so the way that the story is presented; as the focus of a news report and the distinct tuning in of the viewer, means we expect the story to affect us. The way in which this introduction is presented sets its status to us. Its obvious sense of importance and slight air of tragedy contributes discretely to the overall atmosphere the audience feels at the beginning of this film. The television set is placed in the middle of the screen, and all around it is plain blank blackness. Since the focus is on the TV in the centre, the viewer doesnt consciously notice the black background. This is deliberate to keep the attention on the screen, which mirrors the importance of this story and this news item. The fact that one barely notices the presence of the background emphasises the dominance this story has on ones thoughts, but all this is in the back of ones mind, so does not consciously add to the atmosphere one feels as a viewer. It only adds on to the overall feel. In the corner of the newsreaders setting, the image chosen is that of a broken ring. This represents to us one of the key elements of the story; symbols of unity, split. The ring is a wedding ring, we later find out, and so we transfer this image not to a broken marriage, but to one that was split. We know the story of Romeo and Juliet to be one of truly strong love, and so the image of the ring doesnt represent divorce. It represents a marriage broken against its will, and so the already subconscious feeling of tragedy to be expected is reinforced by this image. During this shot, the camera slowly and gradually zooms in on the TV set, and so the TV set gradually fills up more and more of the space in the screen, pushing the black back ground out. It is to convey the idea of slowly getting drawn into the story, how the viewers focus eventually rotates entirely around this news item. It mirrors how we can sometimes feel that when someone is talking to us they seem far away, how their words seem distant. It makes the viewer feel like this story relates to them, how distant sounds become common ground. The overall feeling this aspect of the shot gives of is that of involvement. It makes the audience anticipate once more that this story will affect them as an individual. As the beginning sequence takes off into a rapid Rolla coaster of images, the music and atmosphere take on an entirely different tone. It goes from one of casual, and maybe more intense interest, to one of extreme excitement and tension. This is due partly to the speed of the shots and their content, but mostly because of the music and the ideas and images it puts across. The music portrays the idea of overwhelming emotion above all. It is extremely dramatic in its use of emotion, and the power and energy you feel from it. The high pitch of both the piano chords and vocal harmonies give an idea of excitement and speed, and the classical element to it, the traditional instruments and ensemble, give the idea of depth, meaning and sophistication. The high tempo of the piece as it climaxes towards the end increases with the pitch, representing how the power and the emotion and the intensity all build up together. It creates a very powerful, impacting atmosphere of emotion à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" be that of love, loss, finality, deep influence, realisation, accomplishment, indomitable spirit, excitement, violence, downfall, dependency or redemption. There are countless feelings the music could bring out in you, and so the medium of music is perfect for this effect because it is so widely interpretable, you can have all of these feelings at once, and so you are overwhelmed by emotion à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" emotion you felt from this film, and so you anticipate that you could feel overwhelmed again in this film, or that characters will be. When the piece does climax, it then abruptly subsides, and the film titles and quiet remain. The lead up to the names Romeo and Juliet give you a sense of the strength of their presence. Its as if there is this huge mountain of things going on, all the things we have just seen and heard in the rush of the previous sequence, simply come down to these four words: Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet. It is mostly dark, night shots, and so the air of mystery resumes, and we get the idea of shadowy goings on. It is natural to associate dark feelings with dark nights, and so sad atmospheres with darkness. The feeling is given that maybe it wont be a happy film. The audience are quite unsure of what to expect, as darkness can also be associated with excitement, and after dark activity. So again, moods are split, and the audience is intrigued and very curious about what is to come. The other lighting effects that stand out to the audience are the bright flashing lights. The two main sources of bright flashing lights are the lights of emergency service vehicles, and the bright lights of Vegas. These are two very similar yet contrasting ideas à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" that of danger of safety, and the thrill and excitement of the danger seen in casino life. We see brief characterisations of main composites in the film, mainly the relations of our two main characters à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" Romeo and Juliet. These freeze-frames are usually taken from later periods of the film, when a lot has happened. The characters often look menacing or anxious. We see a brief window into what is to come, and we see the faces of highly-strung, grieving and on edge characters, all of who appear to be close to either Romeo or Juliet. When we see these traits in the people of the story, we combine these new characteristics to the atmosphere created previously, and later it is added to the atmosphere yet to come, and our atmosphere of danger and excitement becomes one of ominous emotion. This foreboding feeling is the product of the things that have just flashed before our senses; the power, the emotion, the excitement, the danger and the worry. The screen with the titles wipes onto the Montague boys speeding down a highway, wearing loud Hawaiian shirts and brave hairstyles. They are jumping about, very over-excited, playing loud music and yelling a lot. The music is very upbeat and rap-like, and associated with carefree youths. The impression is immediately given that these boys are fun loving, arrogant, self assured, confident and aggressive. It is a bright sunny day, and they are in an open top car. It, again, gives that sense of carefree fun, contentment and a completely worry-free atmosphere. The bright colours and the casual dress sense implies all of these things, that they are not afraid to show their true colours, and one has the word Montague written on the back of his bald head, which immediately shows his pride and family loyalty. They offer more relaxed and easygoing prospects than that of the music and images in the previous sequence; however it is possible that their pride and aggression may get the better of them. As the Montague boys party in the car, the camera tracks it from behind. Indeed, most of these shots are close ups, or at least within a few metres of the characters. The viewer feels closer to the action. It makes the audience feel as if they are in the car also, and so the excitement seems more real to them. The man in the back seat turns around and speaks to the camera with a tone of excitement, and so it feels as if you are in the car and he is talking to you. You share in his excitement and enthusiasm à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" you share his emotions as if you were a friend in the car with them. This feeling contrasts slightly that of what we have seen before, as it seems so much more social and fun. The audience feels more relaxed and comfortable. The main images used to characterise certain aspects of these characters are the shot of the front of the car, the back of one mans head, Benvolios necklace and the black eye. Romeo and Juliet EssayThere is a crescendo, at which point Romeo is looking with desperation at Juliet, and with the music steadily increasing in volume, the feeling of overwhelming emotion resumes. At the beginning of the film, powerful and dramatic music was used to create this same atmosphere, but this time around it is slower, and sadder, and represents more about forlorn hope and great sadness than an overall tragedy. While Romeo is walking down the isle, we see some shots from his point of view as he approaches Juliet. This goes along side the music, in that Luhrman is trying to get us into Romeos shoes, so that we can see what he is seeing and feel what he is feeling. It makes the feelings seem more real, and makes the audience more involved and caught up. It greatens the sadness also, because the feeling of empathy is literally right there in front of you. Once Romeo has joined Juliet, from that moment on, the shots are all very close up. It gives a huge sense of intimacy with the characters, which, in the long run, means their deaths are more of a tragedy. We see many small movements in Juliet, such as her fingers or eyelids twitching, and they are quite clear in comparison to the predominant stillness around her. It makes the viewer feel very involved, that we have seen she is alive and Romeo hasnt, that after all this time of being in Romeos shoes, now is the time he needs us to be in his shoes to show him she is alive. A great sense of tension, helplessness and frustration is felt by the audience, who feel as if they are involved in what is going on, because of the intimacy entailed by the shots, but arent there, so cant help the situation. We also see a close up view of the bottle of poison in Romeos hand as he lifts it towards his mouth. Since we see it from Juliets point of view, we see what she sees and feel the same as her, but we know all that has happened, and so the frustration is felt again, but this time from the other way round, feeling as if we want to help her. We also see Romeo die from Juliets point of view; so again, we share her feelings and their intimacy. Since we felt as if we shared something with them; the intimacy, we also feel the loss when he dies. These scenes are very slow; to provoke thought maybe. It takes time to comprehend some things. This is reflected in the music, as its tempo is consistently slow and sorrowful, the lighting, as it is dark around and intimate in amongst the candles, and the characters seem very thoughtful. After Romeo dies, we see his gun, slowed down and blurry, from Juliets point of view. The blurriness could represent both the tears in her eyes and the confusion she is feeling about what she may do. It is always intended for the audience to feel empathy, so when so much is shared with the character to the point at which the tears are shown from that same perspective, it is hard to see where the audience ends and the character begins. A viewer can get very emotionally caught up in this scene. Her indecisiveness is common with the image in that it is out of focus. It represents her mind at the same time. Once it comes into focus, it is clear she has decided. The scene after Romeo dies is mostly silent, and so when the echoes of the noises made by Juliet are heard, it is very sudden and shocking, and both Juliet and the audience are startled. For instance, When Juliet clicks the gun, she jumps from the shock of the sound, and this is echoed. The click of the gun makes her jump because of the realisation of what she is about to do, that it is actually real. The tension is slightly relieved because it has been certified that she will shoot herself, but the realness of it shocks both Juliet and the audience. After the gunshot, the camera goes from the close up intimacy with the characters to a long shot overlooking the scene. It acts as a reminder that it is just a story, that before you could have been drawn in, but the reality is you are the onlooker, and so only empathy can be felt at this point because of the detachment entailed. After a few seconds overlooking the final resting place of Romeo and Juliet, some moments of Romeo and Juliet are re-shown. It highlights the sense of loss and nostalgia; that it picks at the fresh wounds of all that was and all that could have been, showing the happiest moments they shared together. The music mirrors this, being slow and sorrowful, creating the atmosphere of great sadness that all involved must be feeling. At the end, it freezes on a shot of Romeo and Juliet kissing underwater. It is the last effort to hold on to what has been lost. And so the feeling loss is greatened and can overwhelm the most emotional of viewers. The film becomes memorable for the sadness felt. A moments pause for reflection is given between the two scenes, to take in all that has happened; to think how it could have been. It draws out the feelings previously felt, and so the feelings are remembered and the memory sticks. During the gathering of people, including the Montagues, Capulets, police and ambulance men, the camera stays mostly on the chief of police. The importance of what he says is clear, and the focus is certainly solely on him and his words. The people are gathered around him, and all is quiet except for him speaking. When he says, all are punishÃÆ' ¨d, all are punishÃÆ' ¨d! he is summarising what all the surrounding characters and possibly the audience too are thinking. The fact that he repeats simply puts emphasis on it, and it is also the final thing he says. It is the message he wants you to take away with you. The screen changes, and slow zooming backwards reveals that what we have just watched was on the TV report seen at the very beginning of the film. It renews the sense of detachment, that we are just onlookers to this tragedy. The fact that it zooms out is a direct reference to the opening of the film and the story, where there is slow zooming in. t the beginning, it is used to convey the idea of slowly getting drawn into the story, tuning in and trying to understand. At the end it is like closing off the story, rounding it all up, just taking time to think about what happened. As if youve been drawn into this story, you experienced it, and now its time to go back to your own life. The last thing the newsreader says is: And go forth to talk more of these sad things, for never was there a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo. It leaves you with a feeling of sadness. Seeing it in a news reel emphasises your detachment from it, whereas before the audience was led to be very caught up in the story. At the very beginning of the film, there is a vague sense of mystery given by the fuzzy sounds of the TV tuning in. however, at the end, it represents not mystery but closure. At the beginning of the film, there is a similar set out to the one seen at the end: The television set is placed in the middle of the screen, and all around it is plain blank blackness, and since the focus is on the TV in the centre, the viewer doesnt consciously notice the black background. In the opening scene, the story gradually unfolds and initiates. And so the end is the opposite; the story is coming to a close and the viewer is gradually disconnected from the scenes which have held the attention and emotion of the audience. In conclusion, it would seem that Luhrman has used many aspects of media to provoke the emotions of his target audience. Young people are very interested in music, so the carefully chosen tracks he has used, particularly at the beginning and end, relate to young viewers very well. He has chosen the cast and characterised them so that they, too, are easy to relate to, and so has really reached the audience. He has also used lighting and images to his advantage, making the atmosphere memorable, and accelerating the feelings brought up in the scenes. He has used the shots to show the audience different ways of looking at what is going on, and also giving participation and status. Overall, using different combinations of the same types of lighting, colour, images, characterisation and shots, he has created equally powerful beginning and ending to a film very effectively with the way he has done it.

The Insider Secret on Topic Ideas for Presentation Revealed

The Insider Secret on Topic Ideas for Presentation Revealed Topic Ideas for Presentation - Is it a Scam? As a college or university student, you will need to compose several presentations in the duration of acquiring your degree. Why every second person requires a dentist. How to have a spouse to deliver the remote. Make your buddies pay every moment, all of the moment. Poetry One of the greatest keys to presentation success is making certain your talk is memorable. An additional way you may introduce your presentation is using a map of the region. There quite a few means by which you are able to keep presentation entertaining and persuasive. Moreover, presentations shouldn't consist of content which might be deemed inappropriate for someone. Topic Ideas for Presentation Can Be Fun for Everyone Many businesses now challenge candidates to produce their own interview presentations, as a component of the recruitment procedure. So even if you're presenting facing a signific ant client or investor, don't forget to use humor in your presentation. Consult your last few candidates to do a presentation that's right for you, so you really can suss out who is the ideal candidate for your organization. Any dependable caterer, given enough notice, should have the ability to work to your particular requirements. If you've got thorough comprehension of the topic, then you can readily present your points to your audience via your presentation. It isn't difficult to choose the topic. To make it simpler for you they have also allow you to select your own topic. If for educational purposes you select a provocative topic, make sure it opens a discussion and doesn't pass a verdict against a particular community. Let's look at ways to generate ideas for a presentation even if you've not been provided a particular topic. If you believe you're good to go, it's not ever a bad idea to find another opinion. So, the crucial thing is to select a topic that you're passionate about and are thoroughly interested in. The most significant thing for you to do is to do an exhaustive research and don't plagiarize. This 30 page PDF guide with included checklist will assist you with the comprehensive presentation procedure. The most fascinating area of the presentation was over. If you're still uncertain about your presentation, continue reading to get a wide array of engaging presentation topics. Now you get your presentation in check. The Marketing Companion podcast is one of the top small business podcasts on the planet. Business is just one more important sector where PowerPoint presentations are frequently used. You've been requested to provide a presentation. You should remember to make your PowerPoint presentation effective and memorable. It's also important to genuinely consider the length of time someone can and ought to discuss a specific topic I would personally never ask a candidate to talk for over 30 minutes exceeding this is going to be a severe strain on their brain and won't offer you an opportunity to get to understand them after the presentation. Well, the majority of us may believe that justifying any topic in only 5 minutes or 300 seconds is impossible. The exact same team was interviewed every couple of months. You just have to get through the initial two minutes. A Secret Weapon for Topic Ideas for Presentation You may also find some on the world wide web. You may probably find a l ot of travel photos on the internet but please do ensure you have the permission of the copyright owners. Social networks ought to be allowed in school. The work of business is simply business 73. Harness that energy and you will be more successful. Limit alternatives to produce your choices easier. In case it Regards to find the ways then it is possible to find just two methods of producing a niche website. You simply can't get this sort of marketing. There are many visual aids that could aid with a training presentation. Thematic Design To provide the audience a true sense of your company identity, consider customising your slides in agreement with your trading model. Try to remember that a successful presentation is a mixture of interesting info and helpful visual aids. Make the most of these creative suggestions for creating your presentation better. Neatly type each point you need to deliver, preferably in 1 slide. Now you're worried and are likely to shell out too much of your creative time attempting to choose the most suitable topic and not rehearsing your presentation. Before you settle on a single idea, you're go through dozens which don't make the last cut. To avoid losing your audience and receiving a lower grade, you ought to start with mulling over a few cool presentation suggestions to decide on an ideal topic.

Research Paper Topics About Psychological Disorders

Research Paper Topics About Psychological DisordersOne of the most effective ways to help you prepare for your research paper is to know the proper research paper topics about psychological disorders. By having a general idea of the problem areas in psychology, you will be able to better understand your area of expertise and apply that knowledge to your writing. In fact, your choice of topics can make or break your success at writing your paper.As a beginning student, you should definitely begin by searching the internet for a variety of topics that deal with psychological disorders. The field of psychology is one of the most extensive in the world. This means there are hundreds of different topics to research and choose from. You can even focus your research on a particular type of disorder if you so desire.The next step to make sure you have done enough research is to take a look at what you already know. Once you have already started writing, pay attention to what you are doing. I t would be helpful to write down a list of possible topics as you do so, so that you will have an easy reference when you need it.The biggest thing you need to remember when writing about psychological disorders is to be as accurate as possible. It is very easy to get sidetracked in the process of writing, especially when you are completely unfamiliar with the topic. Trying to research something that you don't understand well can seem like an impossible task, but once you gain a better understanding of the subject, the process will be easier.The goal of this research is to find out what makes some people more susceptible to developing certain problem areas than others. Of course, all good writers will know how to use good writing techniques to present their thoughts in a way that is easy to understand. They also should be able to keep the reader interested in the paper and easily get them to read through the information given.Another important aspect to consider is how to write abou t a particular disorder without causing any harm to the patients. For example, studies have shown that blaming a patient for their problems is not only wrong, but could actually do more harm than good. By not pointing fingers and instead using medical jargon and common terms, you can make a strong impact on the readers without causing undue damage to the person in question.The biggest thing to remember when choosing the proper research paper topics about psychological disorders is that you should know the right people to consult. There are many people within the psychology field who you can ask for advice on your research paper topics. This could be family members, friends, colleagues, or even your current professors. All you need to do is make sure that you listen to what they have to say.The Internet is full of resources for both people and mental health professionals. Most websites are dedicated to helping people with their questions and concerns and will probably be willing to g ive you advice and input on what is available. Choose carefully and you will find yourself becoming much more successful at your own research paper topics about psychological disorders.

The Secret to Best Non Cliche College Essay Topics

The Secret to Best Non Cliche College Essay Topics New Questions About Best Non Cliche College Essay Topics Having selected a very good topic to argue about, at this point you will need to make an argumentative essay outline. You ought to be certain to understand everything clearly once you opt for an essay topic. Before it's possible to pick a compelling essay topic, first you have to know why there's an essay in the very first spot. It's important to select debatable argumentative essay topics as you need opposing points you can counter to your own points. Do not be hesitant to ask questions if there are a number of unclear points. There are several intriguing topics that could be become a persuasive essay if you take the opportunity to think about doing it. It's clear they weren't done at the last minute. Writing the college application essay is a difficult gig. As you are likely only applying to university once, why don't you give it your very best shot. 2 minutes is longer than you believe! There are millions of young people who are in the US only who are considering studying Law. They can now buy essays. Now you can begin Writing an essay is similar to doing a jigsaw puzzle. Superior writing is just not possible without reading. You will need to reveal the readers that you master of the subject and not a confused newbie who doesn't understand what he or she's referring to. You need your writing to have a truly very clear and concise principal idea that's made clear to the reader early on. It's important to understand that essay topics are just basic ideas that leave you pondering a notion that might be a huge deal to somebody else. There's a small danger that she'll secure a reader who will not accept the Goth'' culture Carrie describes, but most readers will adore the manner Carrie approaches her topic and her straight-shooting style. Don't be scared to engage your reader in the exact questions you're asking yourself about life and your journey thus far. Don't just tell your reader what you're thinking, DISCOVER what you're thinking and be curious about it. In addition, the reader is probably going to be pleased with the manner that Carrie imagines her audience's reaction. Naturally, giving an amazing persuasive speech requires more than simply picking a fantastic topic. Writing a research paper even though may appear challenging is a considerable portion of routine student life. Then you ought to know that you must shell out a great deal of time trying to find a trustworthy support. If you are searching for somewhere to acquire non-plagiarized customized research paper, you've located the proper locat ion. You are needed to write a minumum of one research paper in a semester for most of the subjects. Write down the essential points you should make and what resources and references you need to go with them. The best lines are usually 5-6 lines back on the webpage in a very first draft. To begin with, you want to create a comprehensive collection of all of the extracurricular pursuits which may be relevant for your plagiarism free college essays. If You Read Nothing Else Today, Read This Report on Best Non Cliche College Essay Topics Take a look at our price calculator to discover what your perfect price for the paper is! Make the usage of the suggested research paper topic ideas and you'll be prosperous. Multiple option, on the flip side, is objective. When deciding on your research paper topic, you have to make certain it is neither boring nor worn out.

Pro Death Penalty Essay Sample - Writing a Good One

Pro Death Penalty Essay Sample - Writing a Good OneIf you want to write a great pro-death penalty essay sample for the ultimate test in writing, you need to take some of these tips into consideration. You can use these three tips to get your essay perfect, and some extra practice for your essay!The first tip to take is to start your pro-death penalty essay sample with a solid introduction. Don't start your essay from the first paragraph; start at the second paragraph. Use that time to set the tone for your essay. Tell your reader what kind of essay you're going to be, how you came to write it, and who you hope will read it. This keeps the focus on your essay topic and gives your reader a feel for your style.The second tip is to put the essay down and let it breathe. While writing your essay, don't do anything else. When you finish your pro-death penalty essay sample, stop what you're doing and sit down to read it. Don't answer emails, make phone calls, or make plans with friends and family.The third tip is to answer the question 'What do you really think about the death penalty?' by taking time to think about your answer. The best thing to do is to use these three words and then let them soak in. Your goal here is to show your readers that you have thought about your answer and not just randomly throw out a bunch of words. The best way to do this is to take your time to think about what you're really saying.The fourth tip to remember for your pro-death penalty essay sample is to write a good introduction and follow-up paragraph. With that said, you should have an introductory paragraph that starts out with an interesting subject matter and finishes up with an interesting conclusion.Remember, all four of these tips are really just basic guidelines to help you get started. The actual writing itself is up to you. Now, if you follow those guidelines, you'll have a great pro-death penalty essay sample to start off with.For anyone looking to write a pro-death penalty essay, these are all steps that you need to take. Hopefully, this article has helped you get started with writing your first pro death penalty essay.As you can see, these three tips are all important in your writing on the death penalty. They can help you produce a great essay, but remember that the key to writing a pro-death penalty essay is to take the time to write it, let it breathe, and focus on your topic.

The KGB A Historical Review

Abstract The KGB was a Russian secret police agency that played a significant role in the totalitarian Soviet Union. This paper engages in an informative discussion of the KGB to highlight the agency’s evolution and its role in Communist Russia. The paper begins by tracing the formation of the KGB to the establishment of the Extraordinary Commission to Combat Counterrevolution in 1917.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on The KGB: A Historical Review specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It then traces the numerous evolutions of the organization; from the State Political Directorate (GPU) in 1922, the OGPU in 1923, the NKVD in 1934, and eventually the KGB in 1953. Efforts to decrease the power of the KGB after 1953 proved effective for only a short while. Under the leadership of Andropov, the agency was able to regain its previous prestige and autonomy. The discussion provided clearly reveals that the KGB was a highly penetrative agency that had vast amounts of power over the state and the society. The paper concludes by discussing the activities that led to the collapse of the powerful KGB. Introduction The Russian Komitet Gosudarstvennoi Bezopasnosti (KGB) was the Russian secret political police that gained worldwide repute for its efficiency in covert affairs. The KGB is regarded as the â€Å"most efficient political police system in modern history† (Waller 333). Historians record that the KGB system was so effective that other totalitarian states structured their own political police systems after it in order to enhance their grasp of power. This security agency was able to survive for decades and play an instrumental part in reinforcing the position of Communism in Russia. White and Kryshtanovskaya assert that the KGB acted as a guarantor of a system of single-party dominance in Russia (170). Up until its dissolution, the KGB was used as a tool for countering internal and exte rnal threats to the state. To effectively execute its directives, the KGB possessed exceptional powers, which were often abused leading to a repression of individual freedoms and violation of human rights both in Russia and abroad. Considering the huge significance that the KGB had in Russian life for over 8 decades, this paper will endeavor to provide an informative discussion on the KGB. It will discuss the creation and evolution of these security apparatus and highlight the role that it played in Communist Russia. The paper will conclude by highlighting the downfall of this once mighty security apparatus.Advertising Looking for term paper on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Origins of the KGB The birth of the KGB can be traced to December 1917 when the newly empowered Bolshevik regime in Russia created a police system that was to act as the party’s machine for destroying all opposition (Waller 334). A numb er of the prominent factors in Russia at the time made the formation of a secret political police necessary. To begin with, the Bolshevik party came to power following a coup against the Tsar. During its reign, the Tsar made use of a security service that constantly infiltrated the Bolshevik Party. The Bolshevik party therefore took power in an atmosphere of conspiracy and mistrust with factions being formed and the leadership undermined by party members and non-members. A means for consolidating the Bolshevik’s supremacy was needed and the secret political police provided a solution. Thus, the KGB was founded in 1917 as the Extraordinary Commission to Combat Counterrevolution (Cheka) and the commission was required to fulfill a number of key responsibilities on behalf of the regime. The core responsibility was to stop all attempts and acts of counterrevolution in the motherland and execute judgment over any counterrevolutionary elements without involving the judicial system. The agency was also to work out ways of stopping any rebellious elements and make investigations to help in their suppression. The organization was also mandated to set up surveillance over potential saboteurs and impose sanctions against these enemies of the people. From the initial goal of suppressing the few counterrevolutionary elements in the state, the Cheka expanded its mandate and went into killing political and military opponents of the Bolshevik party. The Cheka operated with total impunity and citizens were publicly executed for minor violations of the rigid laws set in place by the Party (Waller 335). Such atrocities were allowed to happen since they assisted the Bolshevik party in its power consolidation campaign. These actions led to a popular opposition to the Bolshevik party and ordinary citizens expressed resistance to the authoritarian rule. This deep resentment to the Bolshevik party rule across the Russian society led to random attack on party officials by ordin ary citizens and counterrevolutionaries.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on The KGB: A Historical Review specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In retaliation to such attacks, the political police apparatus engaged in mass executions and a myriad of terror tactics against innocent civilians. Under Lenin’s rule, the agency carried out executions of entire classes of the population. Population categories such as clergymen, ethnic groups, socialist rivals, and farmers were targeted and killed within a short duration (Waller 335). At the end of the Civil War, the Cheka began to be viewed as a liability. The terrorization that the commission had engaged in during the Civil War made many Russians hate the commission. In addition to his, many Bolshevik leaders were horrified by the actions of the Cheka and they sought to bind its actions in any form of legality. There was therefore an intention to reform the securit y police force and make it more agreeable to the public. The Cheka was therefore abolished and in its place, the State Political Directorate (GPU) was created. This new organization continued carrying out the work of the Cheka albeit under a different name. Knight documents that while the GPU purported to have less power than the Cheka and was actually under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the organization still answered to the Party and maintained all the powers of its predecessor, the Cheka (14). The GPU was separated from the Ministry of Internal Affairs in 1923 and renamed OGPU. A year later, Lenin died and the new leader Stalin started using the OGPU as a weapon against his political rivals. The status of the agency rose with Stalin giving it power above the party apparatus. By giving the agency such great power, Stalin was able to perpetrate great terror on the citizens and an estimated 14.5 million peasants died between 1930 and 1933 (Dziak 38). Stalin continued to use the OGPU to eliminate prominent party figures and Army officials whom he perceived as threats. The OGPU was further restructured by merging it with the interior ministry to create the People’s Commissariat of Internal Affairs (NKVD). The NKVD wielded enormous power and Stalin’s dominance of these police apparatus gave him near absolute power in Russia.Advertising Looking for term paper on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The KGB The death of Stalin on March 1953 necessitated a change in the security organization. The new leader of the Soviet Union, Nikita Khrushchev, embarked on a mission to de-Stalinize the country and one of his goals was to diminish the power of the security organs. These reforms were backed by Party leaders who were keen to ensure that the security organization would never again be at the command of one man as it had been under Stalin. The political police system was therefore split and renamed the Committee for State Security (KGB) with loyal communists appointed to run it in order to bring the agency under strict party control (Sakwa 125). The Russian secret political police maintained its new name from 1954 until its final disbanding by Boris Yeltsin in 1991. The KGB was veiled in secrecy and its protocols and budget were kept secret. There was no oversight from the legislative arm of the government and control of the organization rested with top party officials. The deep rel ationship between the KGB and the Party can be seen from the fact that the heads of the KGB top organs were highly placed members of the Party. A significant difference between the KGB and its predecessor the NKVD was that the surveillance abilities of the KGB were curtailed. Specifically, the KGB was forbidden from spying on Party officers or carrying out operations against them. The Party officials enforced these restrictions since they wanted to remove the danger to themselves that the police system had presented under Stalin’s reign. The powers of the agency were also reduced and government officials such as judges and the State procurators were placed out of KGB reach. During Khrushchev’s rule, the KGB was placed under strict party control. Even so, the agency was still used as a tool by Khrushchev to gain control within the party. Without support from the KGB, Khrushchev was successfully deposed in 1964 and Brezhnev took his post as Party Secretary. After Brezhne v took over, KGB leadership was reshuffled with some of the agency’s responsibilities being given to the Party. The KGB was placed under even firmer Party control leading to a period of relative tranquility and stability for the party and the KGB. The KGB was not only responsible for domestic security intelligence but also foreign intelligence. As such, this agency was involved in numerous intelligence and counterintelligence activities. Fleron and Hoffmann contend that the KGB operated the world’s largest and most far-reaching foreign intelligence apparatus with numerous intelligence officers being placed in most Western nations (467). The KGB did not have trouble recruiting personnel for its foreign missions since the high salaries acted as adequate incentives for the vast pool of eligible Russian youths. The US was the target of most of the KGB’s intelligence gathering efforts and up to 40% of Soviet officials engage in intelligence gathering were placed in t he US (Fleron and Hoffmann 467). The Andropov Era A new era for the KGB emerged under the leadership of Yuri Vladimirovich Andropov from 1964 to 1982. Dziak documents that the agency experienced a remarkable transformation during the leadership of Andropov (52). The KGB’s power had been significantly weakened in the years following the death of Stalin. The agency no longer commanded the authority and influence that it had exerted from its formation in 1917. Albats and Fitzpatrick articulate the revolutionary nature of Andropov’s leadership by noting that â€Å"it was precisely with the coming of Andropov, that the KGB once again became the state within a state it had been in the pre-Khrushchev era† (176). Steps were taken to professionalize the KGB by raising educational standards among recruits and establishing numerous scientific and research facilities. Andropov’s era in the KGB was marked by a greater orientation towards electronic espionage. Because of this, the KGB played a role in the technological advancement of Russia’s military during the 1980s. Through its intelligence network, the agency collected significant Western military technology and this was passed on to the relevant military entities who used it to improve the soviet military. The success of these collection efforts lightened the burden on Soviet research and improved the technical performance of Soviet military equipment (Fleron and Hoffmann 469). Because of these professionalization efforts, the KGB took on additional roles within the Communist party. In addition to the security roles fulfilled by the organization, it started to perform ideological, governance, and economic roles. Intensified crackdown on dissidents was also carried out through an expansive labor camp system and increased surveillance of Soviet society (Dziak 159). The KGB developed a countrywide system of secret informants completely infiltrated the society. These informants reported i ncidents of even the slightest dissent and retaliatory action was taken against the offenders. To create an atmosphere of unease and apprehension, the KGB encouraged voluntary informers in every segment of Russian society. The voluntary informers proved to be a valuable asset since they gave the impression that the organization possessed an all-seeing eye. In this way, the KGB was able to isolate the individual to the extent that people could not trust each other. The KGB had been demoted in 1956 but through Andropov’s efforts, the KGB was once again elevated to ministry status in 1978 and this gave the agency jurisdiction all over the USSR. In addition to this, the Soviet Constitution was amended which made cooperation with the KGB a duty of all Soviet citizens. Failing to comply with the KGB was a crime against the state and severe penalties were served to offenders. These new powers allowed Andropov to instigate a highly sophisticated system of control within the USSR. And ropov was able to reinvent the KGB as an uncorrupt institution that was necessary for the stability of the state. By the late 1970s, the KGB began an intensive crackdown on corruption in the country. Many investigations were carried out and party officials were implicated in scandals. Deriabin and Bagley report that these ambitious crackdowns against corrupt party officials signaled the height of the KGB’s power with its leader, Andropov, being seen as a likely candidate for Party leadership (85). Andropov’s death in 1984 marked an end to the recreation of the counterintelligence state that Andropov had successfully achieved in less than two decades. The KGB during Gorbachev’s Leadership Following Andropov’s death, the KGB remained instrumental in Party affairs and it played a role in the appointment of Chernenko as the new General Secretary. When Chernenko died in 1985, the KGB backed Gorbachev who took the position of General Secretary. Ebon documents t hat Gorbachev came to power with KGB backing and in his first years in power, his policies were but fresh implementations of Andropov’s blueprint (39). Considering the relationship between Gorbachev and the KGB, Gorbachev tried to make use of the secret police while avoiding the danger of being used by it. Gorbachev and the KGB chief Chebriko fell out in 1988 owing to a difference in opinion between the two. Gorbachev wanted to reform the state and the KGB to adhere to liberal principles. Chebriko considered liberal principles an attack on the state and felt that authoritarian control from the top was necessary to stabilize the country (Ebon 40). Chebriko disapproved of some of Gorbachev’s actions including the freeing of the distinguished dissident Andrei Sakharov who had been under KGB house arrest. These differences led to the replacement of Chebriko by Kryuchkov who would remain hold the position of KGB chief until 1991. Kryuchkov did not hinder the political and l egal reforms that Gorbachev embarked on. Demise of the KGB The KGB’s demise was initiated by the series of changes initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev to reform the USSR. Before the creation of a standing parliament by Mikhail Gorbachev in 1989, few people dared to challenge the KGB. Individuals who called for change in the KGB were mostly dissidents and the international human rights community. White and Kryshtanovskaya observe that these changes saw the KGB placed under the scrutiny of a parliamentary committee. The agency’s finances were placed under the control of the state auditor with an official budget of the KGB being made public (169). The KGB began to adopt a more public oriented approach and it even opened a public relations office in 1991. By late 1991, the surveillance capabilities of the KGB were curtailed and the agency made a public announcement that it would no longer engage in the invasive practice of monitoring conversations of private citizens. In spite of these changes to fit in with the times, the KGB was heavily implicated in the attempted coup of August 1991. The Chairman of the agency, Vladimir Aleksandrovich Kryuchkov, was a prominent member of the abortive coup and he was accused of organizing a crime against the state (White and Kryshtanovskaya 170). Because of this, the KGB was placed under the jurisdiction of the Russian presidency and by October, the agency had altogether disappeared. It was replaced by a group of new security agencies that were headed by reformers. Conclusion This paper set out to provide an in-depth discussion of the infamous political enforcement system, the KGB. The paper began by providing a historical overview of the agency. It traced the agency’s history with a detailed review of the KGB’s predecessors. The paper has outlined how KGB officials on orders from party leadership engaged in the murder of innocent people, deprived citizens of basic freedoms and created a society of spies a nd informers. Through these activities, the KGB was able to play the role of guarantor of single-party dominance in Russia. In addition to the intelligence services in the country, the KGB was also reputed for its espionage abroad. The paper has also discussed how the KGB was able to engage in internal and external changes to remain important in Russian leadership. It concluded by highlighting the events that led to the eventual demise of the once powerful secret political police organization. From the discussions presented in the paper, it is clear that the KGB did not serve society; rather it served the ruling party and its leaders. The Russian leaders were able to successfully keep the KGB powerful and effective while at the same time maintaining its loyalty and subservience. Works Cited Albats, Yevgenia and Catherine A. Fitzpatrick. The state within a state: The KGB and its hold on Russia – Past, Present, and Future. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1994. Print. Deria bin, Peter, and Bagley Tahid. The KGB: Masters of the Soviet Union. New York: Hippocrene Books, 1990. Print. Dziak, John. Chekistry: A history of the KGB. Lexington: Lexington Books, 1988. Print. Ebon, Martin. KGB: Death and Rebirth. NY: Greenwood Publishing Group, 1994. Print. Fleron, Fredric and Erik Hoffmann. Soviet Foreign Policy, 1917-1991: Classic and Contemporary Issues. Boston: Transaction Publishers, 1991. Print. Knight, Amy. The KGB: Police and Politics in the Soviet Union. Boston: Unwin Hyman, 1990. Print. Sakwa, Richard. Soviet Politics: In Perspective. NY: Routledge, 1998. Print. Waller, Michael. â€Å"Russia: Death and Resurrection of the KGB†. Demokratizatsiya 12.3 (2004): 333-355. EBSCOHost.com. Web. White, Stephen and Ol’ga Kryshtanovskaya. â€Å"Public attitudes to the KGB: A research note†. Europe-Asia Studies 45.1 (1993): 169-176. Print. This term paper on The KGB: A Historical Review was written and submitted by user Christina Wagner to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Avoid these Overused Resume Phrases

Avoid these Overused Resume Phrases Avoid these Overused Resume Phrases The goal of every resume is to provide a brief and comprehensive summary of your job history and skills while leaving a lasting impression on the recruiter. Since companies receive dozens of resumes per hiring season, employers who are assigned to sort through these documents encounter repetitive phrases which render the submission clichà ©. Several online resources provide a list of key phrases to avoid when writing a resume. While helpful, sometimes these phrases provide the opportunity to share something valuable. Instead of deleting these phrases altogether, rewrite them in a way that makes your resume stand out, and provide concrete examples of your work experience. Here are some commonly used phrases from resumes and suggestions to rewrite them: â€Å"Works well independently† Most of the time, this phrase is used as a crutch (and is usually part of a bullet list). Instead of focusing on the trait alone, provide an example that showcases your independent nature. Example: â€Å"In 2010, I launched my own website focusing on providing young adult readers with tips and tricks to save money.† This statement showcases your skill, experience, and knowledge while providing a concrete example to the reader. â€Å"A great team player† Teamwork is important is crucial in any workplace to meet company goals, but this phrase does not impress. Instead, share events that showcase you and your former team’s participation or achievement.Example: â€Å"Volunteered with colleagues and organized a 2011 fundraiser.† â€Å"Results driven† Results usually require quantitative data. To avoid this ambiguous claim, write about strategies you implemented which resulted in a percentage of change.Example: â€Å"Reduced the percentage of tardy employees by 10% by implementing an incentive and penalty policy to encourage them to be on time.† â€Å"Good communication skills† Communication skills are important, but this is another example of a broad statement. In this case, provide an example showing how your skills were put to good use.Example: â€Å"Prepared and presented a slideshow to job applicants attending the 2010 job fair in Springfield.† â€Å"Strong attention to detail† It pays to be meticulous with details but it’s even better when other examples are provided.Example: â€Å"I have considerable experience editing articles for an SEO company.† If you rewrite overused phrases and provide concrete examples of your success, potential employers are more likely to schedule an interview with you. Your new resume offers a concise summary of your knowledge, skills, and experience while helping you stand out from the rest of the applicants. hires a team of talented writers who have considerable experience in writing, editing, and/or proofreading resumes while providing key phrases that impress employers.