Saturday, May 23, 2020

Summary of Findings From the Banking Industry - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 5 Words: 1447 Downloads: 10 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Finance Essay Type Analytical essay Did you like this example? 4. Summary Of Findings The study has been conducted to observe the impact of national elections on the share market, with regard to its performance in terms of volatility, which has been proved on the basis of the following findings published here: 4.1 As observed from Banking Industry: The return of PNB on the date of elections (16th May, 2014) was 7.34%. When compared with the previous dates stock returns, the performance of the bank shows an inclination towards a positive fluctuation, as the returns rise from 1.3% on 2nd May 2014, 0.24% on 8th May 2014, 4.86 % on 9th May 2014, and then assumes a negative trend, but with a high volatility, succeeding the date of elections, as witnessed in (1.69%) returns on 20th May 2014, (0.14%) returns on 22nd May 2014, and so on. Furthermore, this strong volatility is exhibited by a comparatively high standard deviation of 0.0367 and a strong beta value of 1.7049 The return of SBI on the date of elections (16th may, 2014) was 5.71%. When Compared with the previous dates stock returns, the performance of the bank shows a positive volatility, as the returns rise from 0.37% on 4rd may 2014, 3.75% on 9th May 2014, on and than assumes a negative trend, but with a high volatility, succeeding the date of elections, as witnessed in (-1.64%) returns on 18th May 2014, (- 2.74%) returns on 19th May 2014, (-2.76%) returns on 27th May 2014 and so on. Furthermore, this strong volatility is exhibited by a comparatively high standard deviation of 0.0307 and a strong beta value of 1.9186. The return of Axis bank on the date of elections (16th may, 2014) was 5.30%. When compared with the previous dates stock returns, the performance of the bank shows a positive volatility, as the returns rise from 1.45% on 5th May 2014, 4.64% on 9th May 2014, 1.51% on 15th May 2014, on and than assumes a negative trend, but with a high volatility, succeeding the date of elections, as witnessed in (-2.23%) returns on 21st May 2014, (1.37%) return on 27th May 2014 and so on. Furthermore, this strong volatility is exhibited by a comparatively high standard deviation of 0.0204 and a strong beta value of 1.1601. 4.2 Pharmaceutical industry has shown the following fluctuations: Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Summary of Findings From the Banking Industry" essay for you Create order The return of sun pharma on the date of elections (16th may, 2014) was -1.27%. When compared with the previous dates stock returns, the performance of the company shows a high rate of volatility- the returns as on 5th may 2014 is -0.52%, on 6th may the return decreases to -0.08% whereas on 7th may again it became positive 0.74% whereas on 14th may the returns are 0.50% but on the day of election it again turns negative -1.27%. This shows the market is highly volatile. Furthermore this volatility is exhibited by a standard deviation of 0.0168. Lupin and Cipla, both the companies show a similar trend in their volatility rate. The returns on the date of elections (16th May 2014) were Lupin 0.56% and Cipla’s was -2.54%. When compared with the previous dates stock returns, the performance of both the companies show a similar trend in volatility- the returns on 2nd May, 2014 – 2.07% and 1.16% respectively; 5th May, 2014 – (1.21%) and (2.37%), respectively. The companies follow a similar path before the date of elections. After the election date, similar high volatility is exhibited- returns on 19th May 2014 (4.63%) and (0.91%), respectively, 20th May 2014 1.7% and 1.18% respectively and returns of (0.95%) and (1.99%) respectively. This is further exhibited by a high standard deviation of 1.5 of both the companies. The return of Torrent on the date of elections (6th May 2014) was -1.70%. When compared with the previous dates stock returns, the performance of the company shows a high volatility trend as compared with the other companies in the industry as well. The returns are, on 5th may 2014 2.64%, on 7th may 2014 -1.28%, 13th may -1.67% and on 15th May -3.21%. The mentioned figures show a high volatility in the stock returns. Furthermore this volatility is exhibited by a standard deviation of 2.44%. 4.1.3 FMCG industry showed the following volatility: The returns of Nestle on the date of elections (16th may 2014) was -1.45%. When compared with the previous dates stock returns, the performance of the company show a high volatility rate, as on 2nd may the return is -0.94%, whereas on 8th may the reruns are 1.48%, 9th may shows 1.17% but on 13th may the reruns again drops to -1.94% which is a negative figure, 14th may the returns are -1.20%. The returns mentioned show a high volatility trend. Furthermore this volatility is exhibited by a standard deviation of 0.0135. ITC shows a high trend of volatility in the returns, the returns on the date of elections (16TH MAY 2014) is -3.04%. When the returns are compared with the previous dates stock returns, the performance of the company show a high volatility rate, as on 2nd may is -0.15%, 5th may the return is 1.31%, 8th may it turns negative to -1.30%, but again on 12th may the return became positive to 3.94%, whereas on 14th the return drop down to 1.33%. Thus the mentioned figures show a high volatility. Furthermore this volatility is exhibited by a standard deviation of 0.0183 and a strong beta of 0.2513. The return of Dabur on the date of elections (16th may, 2014) was -3.38%. When compared with the previous dates stock returns, the performance of the company shows a high rate of volatility- the returns as on 2nd may the return is 0.56%, on 5th may it drops down to -0.42%, on 7th may it is -0.67%, whereas on 12th may it turns to 1.25%, on 13th it increases to 3.71%, whereas on 15th may it again drops down to a negative figure of -0.98%. Thus the figures conclude that the company has a high volatility rate. Furthermore this volatility is exhibited by a standard deviation of 0.0150 and with a strong beta value of 0.2180. 5. Conclusions India, ever since its independence 68 years ago, seems to have been struck with policy paralyses, indecisiveness, and widespread bureaucracy. Its political lineup includes – the Congress, the Bhartiya Janata Party and the newly emerged Aam Aadmi Party. In the world’s largest democracy, elections, which signify its very essence, bring activity and excitement not only on the political front, but also send our financial markets into turmoil. This study examined the impact of political uncertainty on stock exchange. To study this issue the researcher has taken two companies form two different sectors and than there returns are studied and correlated with the Sensex. The study brings to light several interesting facts. It is clear that political events stimulate a strong reaction from the stock market. Investors and Stock Market Analysts will benefit from analyzing the political situation of the country as well before investing in particular scrip. Furth er research and analysis to determine the exact extent of this influence will help analysts accurately measure future returns from scrips. Researcher studied the effect of political news i.e. election results, when the Bhartiya janta party formed a new government, on the stock market returns and volatility. Hence after the study it is proved that the political news does have a great impact on the volatility of the stock prices of different companies in different industry. For the month of May, average returns given by banking industry is more than the pharmaceuticals industry. Though the returns are more in banking industry but the returns are more consistent in pharmaceuticals industry i.e. the returns are less volatile. The comparative analysis shows that the positive relation between stock and the market is more in banking industry as compared to pharmaceuticals industry. The expected returns as compared to actual returns i.e. Alpha is counterbalanced by the samples selected i n both the industries. Hence the industries are on the same platform as regards to Alpha. The uncontrollable risk (beta) is more prominent in pharmaceuticals industry, which states that it is more affected by outside sources. This study will be beneficial for the investors, who invest in stock market as political scenario is one of the important factors for price fluctuations and this will help them to analyze and study the market properly. This study will also help the economist and companies to study the influence of political news on the share prices. 6. Implications of the study This study will be beneficial for the investors, who invest in stock market as political scenario is one of the important factors for price fluctuations and this will help them to analyze and study the market properly. This will also help the economist and companies to study the influence of political news on the share prices. 7. Limitations The study have been conducted on using only 3 sectors of the economy i.e. Banking Pharmaceuticals and FMCG. The political news, which has been taken, is for one month but not on an annual basis. The study has ignored the dividends and different interest rates, as it does not create any significant error when we forecast stock market volatility.

Monday, May 18, 2020

Sexuality in the Renaissance - 2020 Words

During the Renaissance period, sexuality impacted how people, both men and women, were treated and how they behaved. The lives of women were completely defined by the ideals of sexuality that were enforced during that time. Every area of a woman’s life from birth was influenced by outside influences rather than by they themselves. It took a particular type of woman to break past the clearly defined description of what a â€Å"Renaissance woman† should be. Sexuality is defined as one’s sexual character which possesses the structural and functional traits of sex. In the Renaissance, this definition was accompanied with ideologies of gender. This incorporated knowledge led to their notions of the female being inferior to the male based on what was†¦show more content†¦A young woman would marry a man who was usually significantly older than she was. After marriage, women were stuck in a home where the male was the head of the household and made all of the decisions.11 Marital choice did not exist; at least not for women. Woman were forced to marry men that they barely knew, thus even the most intimate details of their lives were decided not by them, but by others. Love was usually not a factor in the marriage equation. Wife-beating was also allowed and men sometimes imprisoned, starved, and humiliated their wives.12 Divorce did not come about until the Protestant Reformation and even then, it was mostly used by upper class citizens. â€Å"Fornication, clandestine marriage, and adultery were sexual offenses related to marriage.† Adultery was seen as a â€Å"wife’s crime† and was very serious. On the other hand, men did the same thing but were not punished for it. These men even had children outside of their marriage and the wife was expected to take care of them just the same. This happened mostly with high status families, but in poorer families men resulted to bigamy of desertion. Either way, the woman was put in an unfair position that she had to deal with.13 Motherhood was an expected part of the wife’s life. Woman would have a large number of babies right after each other although some babies would not survive. â€Å"High mortality rates must have overshadowed the experience of motherhood in ways difficult toShow MoreRelatedGuido Ruggieros the Boundaries of Eros: Sex Crime and Sexuality in Renaissance Venice1551 Words   |  7 Pageseverywhere from TV, to movies, to the internet. One might think that in the early centuries, such disregard for the privacy and dignity of the sexual act never existed. But as we can see in Ruggieros The Boundaries of Eros: Sex Crime and Sexuality in Renaissance Venice, historical facts beg to differ. By using criminal records, he takes us into a world that, although it is many centuries long ago, is much like todays society in their way of committing sexual crimes and sexual behavior. In my opinionRead MoreFemale Humanists in Renaissance Italy Essay1355 Words   |  6 PagesFemale Humanists in Ren aissance Italy Arcangela Tarabotti like many young girls in Renaissance Italy had parents who could not afford a sufficient dowry to purchase their daughter a good marriage. In order to protect their honor and her virginity they sent Tarabotti away to a convent against her will. Here she lived out the rest of her unhappy life as a nun. What sets her apart from other girls of similar circumstance is that she became one of the few female humanist writers#. The story of TarabottiRead MoreSexuality And Modernity : Bruce Nugent s Modernist Aesthetic827 Words   |  4 PagesSexuality and Modernity: Bruce Nugent’s Modernist Aesthetic Within the purview of new scholarship conducted on the expression of black queer sexuality during the Harlem Renaissance, scholars are quick to acknowledge the longstanding critical reticence to address such expression. Only relatively recently have scholars been willing to analyze queerness not just as negligible intimation of sexual otherness, but as a significant thematic pulse that shaped and fashioned the Renaissance into the dynamicRead MoreThe Rise Of The Italian Renaissance1287 Words   |  6 PagesThe Italian Renaissance, in contrast to the conservative attitude of the Middle Ages, introduced a society dominated by a secular, humanistic spirit. One of the most historically significant events of the Renaissance was the Reformation. Some people argue that the Reformation was a rejection the secular spirit of the Italian Renaissance. Others assert that the Reformation was an embracement of these secular ideas. However as with many questions, this issue cannot be given a defini te answer. The eventsRead MoreAnalysis Of Rona Goffen And Mary Pardo851 Words   |  4 Pagespaintings of women. Goffen focuses on who these women were, their agency, and what can be gleaned for the details of such paintings to come to a conclusion. Pardo focuses on how Titian’s abilities to make paint tactile relate to the eroticism and sexuality of his art. Both authors bring up ideas of agency and gender in art and also the importance of understanding these paintings, and their sitters, in their time. Both Goffen and Pardo view many of Titian’s paintings of women to be erotic or sensualRead MoreMy Last Duchess by Robert Browning693 Words   |  3 PagesThis demonstrates the vanity of the Duke, as he would not want to be perceived as a lesser man than he is now. Even though is unhappy with his late wife’s actions, he is refusing to correct his wife with fixing her sexuality which was often seen during the Italian Renaissance. The Renaissance was a time when men exercised absolute power. They also strongly believed that anybody lower than them would be inferior, which would include women even if the had the same title. Browning uses ambiguity to showRead MoreGender Stereotypes : Macbeth And The Wife Of Bath1515 Words   |  7 Pagesthroughout the medieval ages and the Renaissance. While many authors portrayed women as a weak stereotypical female, some authors such as William Shakespeare and Geoffrey Chaucer challenged this by describing the female characters as strong and ambitious characters. Not only challenging the sexual stereotypes that existed in both time periods, Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare also enabled the female characters both in Macbeth and The Wife of Bath exploit their sexuality to obtain the balance of powerRead MorePassing by Nella Larsen1292 Words   |  6 PagesNella Larsen brings up in her story, Passing, is the aspect of lesbianism. Before the Harlem Renaissance began, people back then were not very open about being a gay or lesbian person. As the years progressed, people became more open about their sexuality if they happened to be different. The Harlem Renaissan ce was a time period that is known for the blossoming culture of African Americans. The Harlem Renaissance took place in the vicinity of Harlem, New York. This event was a cultural movement for theRead MoreGender Advancements During The Renaissance Essay1418 Words   |  6 Pages The Renaissance was a time of enlightenment and discovery around the world. There were many advancements in culture, art, and science. An interesting area to look at for this period would be the advancements made based on gender. Historically, women do not always have a significant impact on their culture, and they do not always have the same standing as their male counterparts. Margaret L. King and Joan Kelly-Gadol delve deeper into the issue of gender advancements during the Renaissance when theyRead MoreThe Way Of The Ways1687 Words   |  7 Pagesstory with a look all the way back to so-called â€Å"primitive† art—which often reflected an interest in human sexuality, if only based on con cerns about fertility—it may be more appropriate to begin with a culture whose traditions have been clearly identified as having found their way into the ancient Roman psyche. That is, the culture of ancient Egypt. An example of this interest in human sexuality, and an expression of it in art, is Min, the Egyptian â€Å"god of male fertility.† â€Å"Representing masculine

Monday, May 11, 2020

How High In the Sky Are Clouds

Have you ever looked up at the sky while cloud watching and wondered exactly how high above ground clouds float? A clouds height is determined by a number of things, including the type of cloud  and the level at which condensation happens at that particular time of day (this changes depending on what the atmospheric conditions are). When we talk about cloud height, we have to be careful because it can mean  one of two things. It can refer to the height above ground, in which case it is called the  cloud ceiling or cloud base. Or, it can describe the  height of the cloud itself -- the distance between its base and its top, or how tall it is. This characteristic is called cloud thickness or cloud depth.   Cloud Ceiling Definition Cloud ceiling refers to the height above the earths surface of the cloud base (or of the lowest cloud layer if theres more than one type of cloud in the sky.) (ceiling because it is the Low clouds, which include cumulus and clouds, can form anywhere from near the surface up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet).  Middle clouds form at altitudes of 2,000 to 4,000 meters (6,500 to 13,000 ft) above ground near the poles, 2,000 to 7,000 meters (6,500 to 23,000 ft) at mid-latitudes, and 2,000 to 2,600 meters (6,500 to 25,000 ft) at the tropics.  High clouds have base heights of 3,000 to 7,600 meters (10,000 to 25,000 ft) in polar regions, 5,000 to 12,200 meters (16,500 to 40,000 ft) in temperate regions, and 6,100 to 18,300 meters (20,000 to 60,000 ft) in the tropical region. Cloud ceiling is measured using a  weather instrument  known as a ceilometer. Ceilometers work by sending out an intense laser beam of light into the sky. As the laser travels through the air, it encounters cloud droplets and is scattered back to the receiver on the ground which then calculates the distance (i.e., the height of the cloud base) from the strength of the return signal. Cloud Thickness and Depth Cloud height, also known as cloud thickness or cloud depth is the distance between a clouds base, or bottom, and its top. It isnt measured directly but rather is calculated by subtracting the altitude of its top from that of its base.   Cloud thickness isnt just some arbitrary thing -- its actually related to how much precipitation a cloud is capable of producing. The thicker the cloud, the heavier the precipitation that falls from it. For example,  cumulonimbus clouds, which are among the deepest clouds, are known for their thunderstorms and heavy downpours whereas very thin clouds (like cirrus) dont generate any precipitation at all.    More: How cloudy is partly cloudy? METAR Reporting Cloud ceiling is an important weather condition for aviation safety. Because it affects visibility, it determines whether pilots can use Visual Flight Rules (VFR) or must follow Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) instead. For this reason, it is reported in METAR (METeorological Aviation Reports) but only when  sky conditions are broken, overcast, or obscured.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Prohibition The Ignoble Experiment Essay - 579 Words

Prohibition: The Ignoble Experiment nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The 18th Amendment , considered to be one of the biggest follies of the nation, was brought about with the intent to sincerely help the U.S., but more harm came from it than good. Prohibition, also known as the 18th Amendment , was ratified on January 29th, 1920 and was repealed on December 5th, 1933 with the ratification of the 21st Amendment which nullified prohibition. The 18th Amendment stated that it was illegal to manufacture, transport, and sell alcoholic beverages in the United States. quot;The national prohibition of alcohol was undertaken to reduce crime and corruption, solve social problems, reduce the tax burden created by prisons and poorhouses, and improve†¦show more content†¦Well, the drys were wrong because many problems surfaced as a result of prohibition. One problem was the increase of alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption did go down at the beginning of prohibition, but subsequently went back up. Alcohol became more dangerous to consume and crime burgeoned and became  ³organizedquot;. The courts and prison systems became over crowded resulting in a full blown war on alcohol which costed the government millions of dollars. Political officials began to want a piece of the action and became corrupt. The prohibition of alcohol also resulted in the removal of significant tax revenues and the increase of government spending. It also led many drinkers to switch to other drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opium, patent medicines, and other dangerous substances they would have been unlikely to use otherwise.  ³ Speakeasiesquot; or illegal saloons, and  ³bootleggersquot; (dealers of alcohol) surfaced all over the U.S. This created crime and corruption everywhere. This darkside of alcohol gave it a glamourous and forbidden feel to it which tempted non- drinkers to drink so they could  ³experience the forbiddance of alcoholquot;. This drastically increased the alcohol consumption rate higher than it was before prohibition was ratified. quot;Prohibition did not achieve its goals. Instead, it added to the problems it was intended to solve

The Da Vinci Code Chapter 100-101 Free Essays

CHAPTER 100 Bishop Manuel Aringarosa’s body had endured many kinds of pain, and yet the searing heat of the bullet wound in his chest felt profoundly foreign to him. Deep and grave. Not a wound of the flesh†¦ but closer to the soul. We will write a custom essay sample on The Da Vinci Code Chapter 100-101 or any similar topic only for you Order Now He opened his eyes, trying to see, but the rain on his face blurred his vision. Where am I? He could feel powerful arms holding him, carrying his limp body like a rag doll, his black cassock flapping. Lifting a weary arm, he mopped his eyes and saw the man holding him was Silas. The great albino was struggling down a misty sidewalk, shouting for a hospital, his voice a heartrending wail of agony. His red eyes were focused dead ahead, tears streaming down his pale, blood-spattered face. â€Å"My son,† Aringarosa whispered,† you’re hurt.† Silas glanced down, his visage contorted in anguish. â€Å"I am so very sorry, Father.† He seemed almost too pained to speak. â€Å"No, Silas,† Aringarosa replied. â€Å"It is I who am sorry. This is my fault.† The Teacher promised me there would be no killing, and I told you to obey him fully. â€Å"I was too eager. Too fearful. You and I were deceived.† The Teacher was never going to deliver us the Holy Grail. Cradled in the arms of the man he had taken in all those years ago, Bishop Aringarosa felt himself reel back in time. To Spain. To his modest beginnings, building a small Catholic church in Oviedo with Silas. And later, to New York City, where he had proclaimed the glory of God with the towering Opus Dei Center on Lexington Avenue. Five months ago, Aringarosa had received devastating news. His life’s work was in jeopardy. He recalled, with vivid detail, the meeting inside Castel Gandolfo that had changed his life†¦ the news that had set this entire calamity into motion. Aringarosa had entered Gandolfo’s Astronomy Library with his head held high, fully expecting to be lauded by throngs of welcoming hands, all eager to pat him on the back for his superior work representing Catholicism in America. But only three people were present. The Vatican secretariat. Obese. Dour. Two high-ranking Italian cardinals. Sanctimonious. Smug. â€Å"Secretariat?† Aringarosa said, puzzled. The rotund overseer of legal affairs shook Aringarosa’s hand and motioned to the chair opposite him. â€Å"Please, make yourself comfortable.† Aringarosa sat, sensing something was wrong. â€Å"I am not skilled in small talk, Bishop,† the secretariat said,† so let me be direct about the reason for your visit.† â€Å"Please. Speak openly.† Aringarosa glanced at the two cardinals, who seemed to be measuring him with self-righteous anticipation. â€Å"As you are well aware,† the secretariat said,† His Holiness and others in Rome have been concerned lately with the political fallout from Opus Dei’s more controversial practices.† Aringarosa felt himself bristle instantly. He already had been through this on numerous occasions with the new pontiff, who, to Aringarosa’s great dismay, had turned out to be a distressingly fervent voice for liberal change in the Church. â€Å"I want to assure you,† the secretariat added quickly,† that His Holiness does not seek to change anything about the way you run your ministry.† I should hope not!† Then why am I here?† The enormous man sighed. â€Å"Bishop, I am not sure how to say this delicately, so I will state it directly. Two days ago, the Secretariat Council voted unanimously to revoke the Vatican’s sanction of Opus Dei.† Aringarosa was certain he had heard incorrectly. â€Å"I beg your pardon?† â€Å"Plainly stated, six months from today, Opus Dei will no longer be considered a prelature of the Vatican. You will be a church unto yourself. The Holy See will be disassociating itself from you. His Holiness agrees and we are already drawing up the legal papers.† â€Å"But†¦ that is impossible!† â€Å"On the contrary, it is quite possible. And necessary. His Holiness has become uneasy with your aggressive recruiting policies and your practices of corporal mortification.† He paused. â€Å"Also your policies regarding women. Quite frankly, Opus Dei has become a liability and an embarrassment.† Bishop Aringarosa was stupefied. â€Å"An embarrassment?† â€Å"Certainly you cannot be surprised it has come to this.† â€Å"Opus Dei is the only Catholic organization whose numbers are growing! We now have over eleven hundred priests!† â€Å"True. A troubling issue for us all.† Aringarosa shot to his feet. â€Å"Ask His Holiness if Opus Dei was an embarrassment in 1982 when we helped the Vatican Bank!† â€Å"The Vatican will always be grateful for that,† the secretariat said, his tone appeasing,† and yet there are those who still believe your financial munificence in 1982 is the only reason you were granted prelature status in the first place.† â€Å"That is not true!† The insinuation offended Aringarosa deeply. â€Å"Whatever the case, we plan to act in good faith. We are drawing up severance terms that will include a reimbursement of those monies. It will be paid in five installments.† â€Å"You are buying me off?† Aringarosa demanded. â€Å"Paying me to go quietly? When Opus Dei is the only remaining voice of reason!† One of the cardinals glanced up. â€Å"I’m sorry, did you say reason?† Aringarosa leaned across the table, sharpening his tone to a point. â€Å"Do you really wonder why Catholics are leaving the Church? Look around you, Cardinal. People have lost respect. The rigors of faith are gone. The doctrine has become a buffet line. Abstinence, confession, communion, baptism, mass – take your pick – choose whatever combination pleases you and ignore the rest. What kind of spiritual guidance is the Church offering?† â€Å"Third-century laws,† the second cardinal said,† cannot be applied to the modern followers of Christ. The rules are not workable in today’s society.† â€Å"Well, they seem to be working for Opus Dei!† â€Å"Bishop Aringarosa,† the secretariat said, his voice conclusive. â€Å"Out of respect for your organization’s relationship with the previous Pope, His Holiness will be giving Opus Dei six months to voluntarily break away from the Vatican. I suggest you cite your differences of opinion with the Holy See and establish yourself as your own Christian organization.† â€Å"I refuse!† Aringarosa declared. â€Å"And I’ll tell him that in person!† â€Å"I’m afraid His Holiness no longer cares to meet with you.† Aringarosa stood up. â€Å"He would not dare abolish a personal prelature established by a previous Pope!† â€Å"I’m sorry.† The secretariat’s eyes did not flinch. â€Å"The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.† Aringarosa had staggered from that meeting in bewilderment and panic. Returning to New York, he stared out at the skyline in disillusionment for days, overwhelmed with sadness for the future of Christianity. It was several weeks later that he received the phone call that changed all that. The caller sounded French and identified himself as the Teacher – a title common in the prelature. He said he knew of the Vatican’s plans to pull support from Opus Dei. How could he know that? Aringarosa wondered. He had hoped only a handful of Vatican power brokers knew of Opus Dei’s impending annulment. Apparently the word was out. When it came to containing gossip, no walls in the world were as porous as those surrounding Vatican City. â€Å"I have ears everywhere, Bishop,† the Teacher whispered,† and with these ears I have gained certain knowledge. With your help, I can uncover the hiding place of a sacred relic that will bring you enormous power†¦ enough power to make the Vatican bow before you. Enough power to save the Faith.† He paused. â€Å"Not just for Opus Dei. But for all of us.† The Lord taketh away†¦and the Lord giveth.Aringarosa felt a glorious ray of hope. â€Å"Tell me your plan.† Bishop Aringarosa was unconscious when the doors of St. Mary’s Hospital hissed open. Silas lurched into the entryway delirious with exhaustion. Dropping to his knees on the tile floor, he cried out for help. Everyone in the reception area gaped in wonderment at the half-naked albino offering forth a bleeding clergyman. The doctor who helped Silas heave the delirious bishop onto a gurney looked gloomy as he felt Aringarosa’s pulse. â€Å"He’s lost a lot of blood. I am not hopeful.† Aringarosa’s eyes flickered, and he returned for a moment, his gaze locating Silas. â€Å"My child†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Silas’s soul thundered with remorse and rage. â€Å"Father, if it takes my lifetime, I will find the one who deceived us, and I will kill him.† Aringarosa shook his head, looking sad as they prepared to wheel him away. â€Å"Silas†¦ if you have learned nothing from me, please†¦ learn this.† He took Silas’s hand and gave it a firm squeeze. â€Å"Forgiveness is God’s greatest gift.† â€Å"But Father†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Aringarosa closed his eyes. â€Å"Silas, you must pray.† CHAPTER 101 Robert Langdon stood beneath the lofty cupola of the deserted Chapter House and stared into the barrel of Leigh Teabing’s gun. Robert, are you with me, or against me? The Royal Historian’s words echoed in the silence of Langdon’s mind. There was no viable response, Langdon knew. Answer yes, and he would be selling out Sophie. Answer no, and Teabing would have no choice but to kill them both. Langdon’s years in the classroom had not imbued him with any skills relevant to handling confrontations at gunpoint, but the classroom had taught him something about answering paradoxical questions. When a question has no correct answer, there is only one honest response. The gray area between yes and no. Silence. Staring at the cryptex in his hands, Langdon chose simply to walk away. Without ever lifting his eyes, he stepped backward, out into the room’s vast empty spaces. Neutral ground.He hoped his focus on the cryptex signaled Teabing that collaboration might be an option, and that his silence signaled Sophie he had not abandoned her. All the while buying time to think. The act of thinking, Langdon suspected, was exactly what Teabing wanted him to do. That’s whyhe handed me the cryptex.So I could feel the weight of my decision.The British historian hoped the touch of the Grand Master’s cryptex would make Langdon fully grasp the magnitude of its contents, coaxing his academic curiosity to overwhelm all else, forcing him to realize that failure to unlock the keystone would mean the loss of history itself. With Sophie at gunpoint across the room, Langdon feared that discovering the cryptex’s elusive password would be his only remaining hope of bartering her release. If I can free the map, Teabingwill negotiate.Forcing his mind to this critical task, Langdon moved slowly toward the far windows†¦ allowing his mind to fill with the numerous astronomical images on Newton’s tomb. You seek the orb that ought be on his tomb. It speaks of Rosy flesh and seeded womb. Turning his back to the others, he walked toward the towering windows, searching for any inspiration in their stained-glass mosaics. There was none. Place yourself in Sauniere’s mind, he urged, gazing outward now into College Garden. What wouldhe believe is the orb that ought be on Newton’s tomb? Images of stars, comets, and planets twinkled in the falling rain, but Langdon ignored them. Sauniere was not a man of science. He was a man of humanity, of art, of history. The sacred feminine†¦the chalice†¦the Rose†¦the banishedMary Magdalene†¦the decline of the goddess†¦the Holy Grail. Legend had always portrayed the Grail as a cruel mistress, dancing in the shadows just out of sight, whispering in your ear, luring you one more step and then evaporating into the mist. Gazing out at the rustling trees of College Garden, Langdon sensed her playful presence. The signs were everywhere. Like a taunting silhouette emerging from the fog, the branches of Britain’s oldest apple tree burgeoned with five-petaled blossoms, all glistening like Venus. The goddess was in the garden now. She was dancing in the rain, singing songs of the ages, peeking out from behind the bud-filled branches as if to remind Langdon that the fruit of knowledge was growing just beyond his reach. Across the room, Sir Leigh Teabing watched with confidence as Langdon gazed out the window as if under a spell. Exactly as I hoped, Teabing thought. He will come around. For some time now, Teabing had suspected Langdon might hold the key to the Grail. It was no coincidence that Teabing launched his plan into action on the same night Langdon was scheduled to meet Jacques Sauniere. Listening in on the curator, Teabing was certain the man’s eagerness to meet privately with Langdon could mean only one thing. Langdon’s mysterious manuscript has touched a nerve with the Priory. Langdon has stumbled onto a truth, and Sauniere fears its release.Teabing felt certain the Grand Master was summoning Langdon to silence him. The Truth has been silenced long enough! Teabing knew he had to act quickly. Silas’s attack would accomplish two goals. It would prevent Sauniere from persuading Langdon to keep quiet, and it would ensure that once the keystone was in Teabing’s hands, Langdon would be in Paris for recruitment should Teabing need him. Arranging the fatal meeting between Sauniere and Silas had been almost too easy. I had inside information about Sauniere’s deepest fears.Yesterday afternoon, Silas had phoned the curator and posed as a distraught priest. â€Å"Monsieur Sauniere, forgive me, I must speak to you at once. I should never breach the sanctity of the confessional, but in this case, I feel I must. I just took confession from a man who claimed to have murdered members of your family.† Sauniere’s response was startled but wary. â€Å"My family died in an accident. The police report was conclusive.† â€Å"Yes, a car accident,† Silas said, baiting the hook. â€Å"The man I spoke to said he forced their car off the road into a river.† Sauniere fell silent.† Monsieur Sauniere, I would never have phoned you directly except this man made a comment which makes me now fear for your safety.† He paused. â€Å"The man also mentioned your granddaughter, Sophie.† The mention of Sophie’s name had been the catalyst. The curator leapt into action. He ordered Silasto come see him immediately in the safest location Sauniere knew – his Louvre office. Then he phoned Sophie to warn her she might be in danger. Drinks with Robert Langdon were instantly abandoned. Now, with Langdon separated from Sophie on the far side of the room, Teabing sensed he had successfully alienated the two companions from one another. Sophie Neveu remained defiant, but Langdon clearly saw the larger picture. He was trying to figure out the password. He understands the importance of finding the Grail and releasing her from bondage. â€Å"He won’t open it for you,† Sophie said coldly. â€Å"Even if he can.† Teabing was glancing at Langdon as he held the gun on Sophie. He was fairly certain now he was going to have to use the weapon. Although the idea troubled him, he knew he would not hesitate if it came to that. I have given her every opportunity to do the right thing.The Grail is bigger than any one of us. At that moment, Langdon turned from the window. â€Å"The tomb†¦Ã¢â‚¬  he said suddenly, facing them with a faint glimmer of hope in his eyes. â€Å"I know where to look on Newton’s tomb. Yes, I think I can find the password!† Teabing’s heart soared. â€Å"Where, Robert? Tell me!† Sophie sounded horrified. â€Å"Robert, no! You’re not going to help him, are you?† Langdon approached with a resolute stride, holding the cryptex before him. â€Å"No,† he said, his eyes hardening as he turned to Leigh. â€Å"Not until he lets you go.† Teabing’s optimism darkened. â€Å"We are so close, Robert. Don’t you dare start playing games with me!† â€Å"No games,† Langdon said. â€Å"Let her go. Then I’ll take you to Newton’s tomb. We’ll open the cryptex together.† â€Å"I’m not going anywhere,† Sophie declared, her eyes narrowing with rage. â€Å"That cryptex was given to me by my grandfather. It is not yours to open.† Langdon wheeled, looking fearful. â€Å"Sophie, please! You’re in danger. I’m trying to help you!† â€Å"How? By unveiling the secret my grandfather died trying to protect? He trusted you, Robert. Itrusted you!† Langdon’s blue eyes showed panic now, and Teabing could not help but smile to see the two of them working against one another. Langdon’s attempts to be gallant were more pathetic than anything. On the verge of unveiling one of history’s greatest secrets, and he troubles himself with a woman who has proven herself unworthy of the quest. â€Å"Sophie,† Langdon pleaded. â€Å"Please†¦ you must leave.† She shook her head. â€Å"Not unless you either hand me the cryptex or smash it on the floor.† â€Å"What?† Langdon gasped.† Robert, my grandfather would prefer his secret lost forever than see it in the hands of his murderer.† Sophie’s eyes looked as if they would well with tears, but they did not. She stared directly back at Teabing. â€Å"Shoot me if you have to. I am not leaving my grandfather’s legacy in your hands.† Very well.Teabing aimed the weapon. â€Å"No!† Langdon shouted, raising his arm and suspending the cryptex precariously over the hard stone floor. â€Å"Leigh, if you even think about it, I will drop this.† Teabing laughed. â€Å"That bluff worked on Remy. Not on me. I know you better than that.† â€Å"Do you, Leigh?† Yes I do. Your poker face needs work, my friend. It took me several seconds, but I can see now that you are lying. You have no idea where on Newton’s tomb the answer lies. â€Å"Truly, Robert? You know where on the tomb to look?† â€Å"I do.† The falter in Langdon’s eyes was fleeting but Leigh caught it. There was a lie there. A desperate, pathetic ploy to save Sophie. Teabing felt a profound disappointment in Robert Langdon. I am a lone knight, surrounded by unworthy souls. And I will have to decipher the keystone on my own. Langdon and Neveu were nothing but a threat to Teabing now†¦ and to the Grail. As painful as the solution was going to be, he knew he could carry it out with a clean conscience. The only challenge would be to persuade Langdon to set down the keystone so Teabing could safely end this charade. â€Å"A show of faith,† Teabing said, lowering the gun from Sophie. â€Å"Set down the keystone, and we’ll talk.† Langdon knew his lie had failed. He could see the dark resolve in Teabing’s face and knew the moment was upon them. When I setthis down, he will kill us both.Even without looking at Sophie, he could hear her heart beseeching him in silent desperation. Robert, this man is not worthy of the Grail.Please do not place it in his hands.No matter what the cost. Langdon had already made his decision several minutes ago, while standing alone at the window overlooking College Garden. Protect Sophie. Protect the Grail. Langdon had almost shouted out in desperation. But I cannot see how! The stark moments of disillusionment had brought with them a clarity unlike any he had ever felt. The Truth is right before your eyes, Robert.He knew not from where the epiphany came. The Grailis not mocking you, she is calling out to a worthy soul. Now, bowing down like a subject several yards in front of Leigh Teabing, Langdon lowered the cryptex to within inches of the stone floor. â€Å"Yes, Robert,† Teabing whispered, aiming the gun at him. â€Å"Set it down.† Langdon’s eyes moved heavenward, up into the gaping void of the Chapter House cupola. Crouching lower, Langdon lowered his gaze to Teabing’s gun, aimed directly at him. â€Å"I’m sorry, Leigh.† In one fluid motion, Langdon leapt up, swinging his arm skyward, launching the cryptex straight up toward the dome above. Leigh Teabing did not feel his finger pull the trigger, but the Medusa discharged with a thundering crash. Langdon’s crouched form was now vertical, almost airborne, and the bullet exploded in the floor near Langdon’s feet. Half of Teabing’s brain attempted to adjust his aim and fire again in rage, but the more powerful half dragged his eyes upward into the cupola. The keystone! Time seemed to freeze, morphing into a slow-motion dream as Teabing’s entire world became the airborne keystone. He watched it rise to the apex of its climb†¦ hovering for a moment in the void†¦ and then tumbling downward, end over end, back toward the stone floor. All of Teabing’s hopes and dreams were plummeting toward earth. It cannot strike the floor! I can reach it! Teabing’s body reacted on instinct. He released the gun and heaved himself forward, dropping his crutches as he reached out with his soft, manicured hands. Stretching his arms and fingers, he snatched the keystone from midair. Falling forward with the keystone victoriously clutched in his hand, Teabing knew he was falling too fast. With nothing to break his fall, his outstretched arms hit first, and the cryptex collided hard with the floor. There was a sickening crunch of glass within. For a full second, Teabing did not breathe. Lying there outstretched on the cold floor, staring the length of his outstretched arms at the marble cylinder in his bare palms, he implored the glass vial inside to hold. Then the acrid tang of vinegar cut the air, and Teabing felt the cool liquid flowing out through the dials onto his palm. Wild panic gripped him. NO! The vinegar was streaming now, and Teabing pictured the papyrus dissolving within. Robert, you fool! The secret is lost! Teabing felt himself sobbing uncontrollably. The Grail is gone.Everything destroyed.Shuddering in disbelief over Langdon’s actions, Teabing tried to force the cylinder apart, longing to catch a fleeting glimpse of history before it dissolved forever. To his shock, as he pulled the ends of the keystone, the cylinder separated. He gasped and peered inside. It was empty except for shards of wet glass. No dissolving papyrus. Teabing rolled over and looked up at Langdon. Sophie stood beside him, aiming the gun down at Teabing. Bewildered, Teabing looked back at the keystone and saw it. The dials were no longer at random. They spelled a five-letter word: APPLE. â€Å"The orb from which Eve partook,† Langdon said coolly,† incurring the Holy wrath of God. Original sin. The symbol of the fall of the sacred feminine.† Teabing felt the truth come crashing down on him in excruciating austerity. The orb that ought be on Newton’s tomb could be none other than the Rosy apple that fell from heaven, struck Newton on the head, and inspired his life’s work. His labor’s fruit! The Rosy flesh with a seeded womb! â€Å"Robert,† Teabing stammered, overwhelmed. â€Å"You opened it. Where†¦ is the map?† Without blinking, Langdon reached into the breast pocket of his tweed coat and carefully extracted a delicate rolled papyrus. Only a few yards from where Teabing lay, Langdon unrolled the scroll and looked at it. After a long moment, a knowing smile crossed Langdon’s face. He knows! Teabing’s heart craved that knowledge. His life’s dream was right in front of him. â€Å"Tell me!† Teabing demanded. â€Å"Please! Oh God, please! It’s not too late!† As the sound of heavy footsteps thundered down the hall toward the Chapter House, Langdon quietly rolled the papyrus and slipped it back in his pocket. â€Å"No!† Teabing cried out, trying in vain to stand. When the doors burst open, Bezu Fache entered like a bull into a ring, his feral eyes scanning, finding his target – Leigh Teabing – helpless on the floor. Exhaling in relief, Fache holstered his Manurhin sidearm and turned to Sophie. â€Å"Agent Neveu, I am relieved you and Mr. Langdon are safe. You should have come in when I asked.† The British police entered on Fache’s heels, seizing the anguished prisoner and placing him in handcuffs. Sophie seemed stunned to see Fache. â€Å"How did you find us?† Fache pointed to Teabing. â€Å"He made the mistake of showing his ID when he entered the abbey. The guards heard a police broadcast about our search for him.† â€Å"It’s in Langdon’s pocket!† Teabing was screaming like a madman. â€Å"The map to the Holy Grail!† As they hoisted Teabing and carried him out, he threw back his head and howled. â€Å"Robert! Tell me where it’s hidden!† As Teabing passed, Langdon looked him in the eye. â€Å"Only the worthy find the Grail, Leigh. You taught me that.† How to cite The Da Vinci Code Chapter 100-101, Essay examples

Locke And Equality Essay Research Paper First free essay sample

Locke And Equality Essay, Research Paper First of wholly, the footing for understanding Locke is that he sees wholly people as holding natural God given rights. As God # 8217 ; s creative activities, this denotes a certain equality. So, what # 8217 ; s equality harmonizing to Locke? Locke # 8217 ; s definition of equality is: # 8220 ; A province of equality, wherein all the power and legal power is mutual, no one holding more than another ; there being nil more apparent, than that animals of the same species and rank, indiscriminately born to all the same advantages of nature, and the usage of the same modules, should be equal one amongst another without subordination or subjection.. . . # 8220 ; ( encyclopaedia of doctrine ) Harmonizing to Locke, human existences are driven by both their emotions and ground ; they are both self-interested and of course societal or other interested. Locke likewise begins with equality from which he draws a wholly different decision that we respect and love others in the same manner we love ourselves ( chp2: P. We will write a custom essay sample on Locke And Equality Essay Research Paper First or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 262 ) So, to esteem and love others as ourselves there should be equality # 8230 ; So, harmonizing to Locke # 8217 ; s definition of equality, giving up one # 8217 ; s natural rights means equality is no longer genuinely existing. Though we are all still # 8216 ; born to the same advantages of nature # 8217 ; , and we still # 8216 ; portion the same modules # 8217 ; , we consent to subordinate our personal freedoms and autonomies to a common jurisprudence. By accepting to this authorization, we give off the power over our ain. In add-on, true equality means that no adult male is superior to another. Harmonizing to Locke the Earth is the common belongings of all busyness an being and person in someplace will hold conflicting involvements with another human being because of something and this will do to come in in a province of war. The lone protection from the province of war in John Locke’s sentiment is to come in into civil society and if there is equality between people there won’t be any job. So, we need equality again†¦ In Locke # 8217 ; s position, in the province of nature it is impossible to keep an absolute peace. Harmonizing to him the being of struggles between people is possible. So in footings of equality between people, everyone has right to penalize another ( chp:2 P.264 ) . In the province of nature there are no independent Judgess, everyone is a justice because of equality. But in footings of self-preservation, it is necessary that people should continue the Property, which includes their lives, autonomies and estates. By this manner, a authorities is needed for the saving of the belongings and peace. Locke states that # 8220 ; # 8230 ; holding together reciprocally to come in into one community, and do one organic structure politic # 8221 ; ( chp:2 P.268 ) So, Locke finds it a necessity to organize civil society ruled by a common authorization.For a such authorities to continue its legitimacy, the transmutation into civil society must include some grade of equality. So, we need equa lity once more # 8230 ; If there are inequalities in the civil society, than there may be the danger of larceny, or hurt to belongings. Locke non merely believed in one person # 8217 ; s right to belongings, but every person # 8217 ; s right to belongings. So, we need equality once more # 8230 ; To sum up, harmonizing to John Locke equality is necessary for society.