monologophobia - definition and examples

Definition: A fear of using a word more than once in a single sentence or paragraph. The term monologophobia was coined by New York Times editor Theodore M. Bernstein in The Careful Writer, 1965.See Examples and Observations, below. Also see: What Is Monologophobia?Elegant VariationThe Fear of Repetition in Writing: Beware the Elongated Yellow FruitPeriphrasis (Rhetoric)RepetitionSynonyms and Variety of Expression, by Walter Alexander RaleighSynonymyThesaurus Examples and Observations: It took about a dozen men and women to heave the huge, orange produce item onto the forklift.When the driver lowered the massive pumpkin, the last of the 118 entered in yesterdays annual All New England Weigh-Off kicking off the Topsfield Fair, the traditional Halloween ornament broke the scale. . . .(Pumpkin Pounds Topsfield Scale: Oversized Produce Weighs in As Big Hit With Visitors to Fair. The Boston Globe, October 1, 2000) Bernstein on MonologophobiaA monologophobe (you wont find it in the dictionary) is a writer who would rather walk naked in front of Saks Fifth Avenue than be caught using the same word more than once in three lines. What he suffers from is synonymomania (you wont find that one, either), which is a compulsion to call a spade successively a garden implement and an earth-turning tool. . . .Now avoidance of monotony caused by jarring repetition of a conspicuous word or phrase is desirable. A little touch of monologophobia might have helped the framer of this sente nce: The Khrushchev defeats, General Hoxha said, took place at the international Communist meetings that took place in Bucharest in June, 1960, and in Moscow in November, 1960. . . .But mechanical substitution of synonyms may make a bad situation worse. Elegant variation is the term applied by Fowler to this practice. It is particularly objectionable if the synonym is the one that falls strangely on the ear or eye: calling a snowfall a descent, calling gold the yellow metal, calling charcoal the ancient black substance. Repetition of the word is better than these strained synonyms. Often a pronoun is a good remedy, and sometimes no word at all is required.(Theodore M. Bernstein, The Careful Writer: A Modern Guide to English Usage. Scribner, 1965)[M]onologophobia strikes in many places. In court reports there is a bewildering alternation of the names of people with their status as defendant or plaintiff. It is better to stick to names throughout.(Harold Evans, Essential English. Piml ico, 2000) Verdict and Ruling[An] accident of style that writers often get into with verdict and ruling is switching blithely back and forth between them, as if the words were interchangeable. In a story about a British libel case where the judge ruled against a Holocaust-denying historian, a reporter for the Chicago Tribune did this egregiously: International Jewish groups applauded the unsparing British court verdict against Irving. . . . The verdict shredded Irvings reputation. . . . Professor Dorothy Lipstadt of Emeroy University . . . hailed the ruling. . . . The ruling also was a victory for Penguin Books, her British publisher. . . . [Irving] said he had two words to describe the ruling. . . . Irving may appeal the verdict.In every instance in that story, verdict should have been ruling. But the reporter was no doubt suffering from a bad case of monologophobia, a fear of repeating the same word. . . .Instead of flip-flopping between the correct ruling and the incorrect verdic t, the Chicago Tribune reporter should have assuaged his monologophobia by here and there tossing in the word decision, an unobjectionable substitute for ruling.(Charles Harrington Elster, The Accidents of Style: Good Advice on How Not to Write Badly. St. Martins Press, 2010) Also Known As: elegant variation, burly detective syndrome

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay - 1063 Words

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, written by an anonymous author some time during the fourteenth century, reflects many of the religious, political and social aspects illustrated in other literary works of the time. The author, a contemporary of Chaucer, lived during a time when gallantry, loyalty and honor defined a true man. During this period, Christianity was prevalent, and inherent human weakness was commonly accepted. The author begins the poem with the mention of the siege and destruction of Troy, said to be a result of the traitorous acts of the knight that had knotted the nets of deceit (Norton 3), Aeneas. The knights who survive this destruction go on to build the great empires of that time:†¦show more content†¦Proving his loyalty to the king, and living up to the honor code of a knight, young Sir Gawain accepts the challenge. After beheading the Green Knight, who astonishes everyone by remaining alive, Sir Gawain is led on a journey assumed to end in his certain death. During his adventure, his honor and pride are unsuspectingly put to the test, and his human vulnerabilities are pushed to their limits. After three days of feasting, fighting off the sexual advances of a beautiful married woman, and battling with his own weaknesses, Sir Gawain meets the Green Knight, as he has promised, and is ready to die like a true knight. Only then is Gawain told that this game has not been a test of his bravery as a knight, but rather a test of his moral character as a man. With his almost impeccably honorable actions of the past three days, he has already won his life. In this passage, lines 1 - 59, we are introduced to the court of King Arthur. Emphasis is placed on the happiness and joy experienced by all during the fifteen-day Christmas celebration, hosted by King Arthur. High were their hearts in halls and chambers, / These lords and these ladies, for life was sweet. / In peerless pleasures passed they their days (48 - 50), says the narrator. King Arthur, and his people, are young and carefree, enjoying feasting and dancing. The bravery of the knights is emphasized by the many tournaments and jousts taking place, in which all true men participate. The participants in theShow MoreRelatedSir Gawain And The Green Knight1359 Words   |  6 PagesIn the poem â€Å"Sir Gawain and The Green Knight,† a protagonist emerges depicting an Arthurian knight named Sir Gawain. Sir Gawain, King Arthur’s nephew, takes initiative by accepting the challenge requested by the Green Knight in place of his uncle. He undergoes a perilous adventure, seeki ng for the Green Knight to receive the final blow. Although Sir Gawain is not viewed as a hero for his military accomplishments, he is, however, viewed as a heroic figure by the Knights at the Round Table for hisRead MoreSir Gawain And The Green Knight862 Words   |  4 PagesIn Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, by an unknown author referred to as the â€Å"Pearl Poet,† we are introduced to Sir Gawain. Gawain is a knight of the Round Table and he is also the nephew of King Arthur. As a knight, Gawain is expected to possess and abide by many chivalrous facets. Throughout the poem he portrays many of the qualities a knight should possess, such as bravery, courtesy, and honor among others. Because of his ability to possess these virtues even when tempted to stray away from themRead MoreSir Gawain and the Green Knight1100 Words   |  5 PagesThe poem of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight compares a super natural creature to nature. The mystery of the poem is ironic to the anonym ous author. The story dates back into the fourteenth century, but no one knows who originally wrote the poem. This unknown author explains in the poem of Sir Gawain not knowing of the location of the Green Chapel and or who the Green Knight really is. This keeps the reader entertained with the suspicion of not knowing. The author then does not give his name orRead MoreSir Gawain And The Green Knight Essay1687 Words   |  7 PagesSir Gawain and the Green Knight contains ambiguity and irony that make it interesting to read and teach. Gawain’s conflict arose when he accepted the girdle that could protect him and when he lied to his host, severing fellowship with the lord for courtesy with the lady. By utilizing a social reconstructionist philosophy of teaching that emphasizes personal beliefs and ethics, a teacher will help the students establish their identities and learn to appreciate classic literature. Sir Gawain and theRead MoreSir Gawain And The Green Knight1514 Words   |  7 PagesSir Gawain and the Green Knight is an epic poem written in the mid to late fourteenth century by an unknown author. Throughout the tale, Sir Gawain, a Knight at the Round Table in Camelot, is presented with many hardships, the first being a challenge on Christmas by a man in which, â€Å"Everything about him was an elegant green† (161). This â€Å"Green Knight† challenged someone in Camelot to accept his game which they will chop off his head with his axe and the Green Knight will do the same to the playerRead MoreSir Gawain And The Green Knight1335 Words   |  6 PagesSir Gawain: The Ironic Knight Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a tale of the utmost irony in which Sir Gawain, the most loyal and courteous of all of King Arthur’s knights, fails utterly to be loyal and courteous to his king, his host, his vows, and his God. In each case, Sir Gawain not only fails to perform well, but performs particularly poorly, especially in the case of his relationship with God. Ultimately, Sir Gawain chooses magic over faith, and by doing so, shows his ironic nature as aRead MoreSir Gawain And The Green Knight906 Words   |  4 Pagesusually the latter. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight we see Sir Bertilak go off to hunt three very specific animals as a game with Sir Gawain. They agree that â€Å"what ever [Bertilak catches] in the wood shall become [Sir Gawain’s], and what ever mishap comes [Sir Gawain’s] way will be given to [Bertilak] in exchange.† (Sir Gawain†¦, ln 1105-1007). In this deal we slowly see Gawain loose his honor as paralleled with Sir B ertilak’s hunt. The first animal that is hunted by the knight is a deer, while thisRead MoreSir Gawain And The Green Knight Essay1521 Words   |  7 PagesFall 16 Donnelly Many years ago, knights were expected to form a certain type of relationship with their king, this relationship was otherwise known as fealty. Fealty is a knight’s sworn loyalty to their king (in other words a loyal relationship should be formed between the two). The use of this relationship is shown in the poem called â€Å"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight† ( the author is unknown). This poem has a classic quest type of formula, with a knight receiving a challenge and then going outRead MoreSir Gawain And The Green Knight1455 Words   |  6 PagesHowever, for Gawain in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight temptation existed around every corner while he was playing the game of the Green Knight. Temptation existed every day and each day it existed in a new way. Gawain never knew what was coming his way throughout the grand scheme of the game, but one thing was for certain he was being tested. Without his reliance religious faith and dedication to his reputation, Gawain wo uld not have been able to make it through the game of the Green Knight alive andRead MoreSir Gawain And The Green Knight Essay1020 Words   |  5 PagesBoth Sir Gawain, from â€Å"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight† translated by Marie Borroff, and Beowulf, from Beowulf translated by Burton Raffel, serve as heroes in different times of Medieval English Literature. Many of the basic principles that describe heroes in Medieval Literature are seen in both of these characters even though they were written in different times. There are distinct similarities, differences, and also a progression of what the hero was in English literature, between Sir Gawain and

Causes of Environment Free Essays

cause of environmental degradation The primary cause of environmental degradation is  human disturbance. The degree of the environmental impact varies with the cause, the habitat, and the plants and animals that inhabit it. ————————————————- Habitat Fragmentation Habitat fragmentation carries long term environmental impacts, some of which can destroy entire ecosystems. We will write a custom essay sample on Causes of Environment or any similar topic only for you Order Now An ecosystem is a distinct unit and includes all the living and non-living elements that reside within it. Plants and animals are obvious members, but it will also include other components on which they rely on such as streams, lakes, and soils. Habitats become fragmented when development breaks up solid stretches of land. Examples include roads which may cut through forests or even trails which wind through prairies. While it may not sound all bad on the surface, there are serious consequences. The largest of these consequences are initially felt by specific plant and animal communities, most of which are specialized for their bioregion or require large areas of land to retain a healthy genetic heritage. Area Sensitive Animals Some wildlife species require large stretches of land in order to meet all of their needs for food, habitat, and other resources. These animals are called  area sensitive. When the environment is fragmented, the large patches of habitat no longer exist. It becomes more difficult for the wildlife to get the resources they to survive, possibly becoming threatened or endangered. The environment suffers without the animals that play their role in the food web. Aggressive Plant Life A more critical result of habitat fragmentation is land disturbance. Many weedy plant species, such as garlic mustard and purple loosestrife, are both opportunistic and invasive. A breach in the habitat gives them an opportunity to take hold. These aggressive plants can take over an environment, displacing the native flora. The result is habitat with a single dominant plant which doesn’t provide adequate food resources for all the wildlife. Entire ecosystems are threatened with extinction, according to the National Resources Defense Council. Effects of Environmental  Degradation One of the greatest challenges facing humanity is environmental degradation, including deforestation, desertification, pollution, and climate change – an issue of increasing concern for the international community. Environmental degradation increases the vulnerability of the societies it affects and contributes to the scarcity of resources. Climate change will lead to an increase in the intensity and frequency of weather extremes, such as heat waves, floods, droughts and tropical cyclones. The people hardest hit by climate change and environmental degradation are those living in the most vulnerable areas, including coastal communities, small island nations, Sub-Saharan Africa and Asian delta regions. It is the poorest of the poor, who lack the resources to prepare, adapt and rebuild, that are most affected. Environmental degradation can lead to a scarcity of resources, such as water and farmable. Extreme weather events, such as severe flooding, increase the spread of waterborne diseases, such as malaria and diarrhoea. The effects of the major environmental problems on both health and productivity are: a. Water pollution and water scarcity: As per the estimation of UN, more than two million deaths and billions of illnesses a year are attributable to water pollution. Water scarcity compounds these health problems. Productivity is affected by the costs of providing safe water, by constraints on economic activity caused by water shortages, and by the adverse effects of water pollution and shortages on other environmental resources such as, declining fisheries and acquifer depletion leading to irreversible compaction. b. Air pollution: As per the estimation of UN, urban air pollution is responsible for 300,000—700,000 deaths annually and creates chronic health problems for many more people. Restrictions on vehicles and industrial activity during critical periods affect productivity, as does the effect of acid rain on forests and water bodies. . Solid and hazardous wastes: Diseases are spread by uncollected garbage and blocked drains; the health risks from hazardous wastes are typically more localized, but often acute. Wastes affect productivity through the pollution of groundwater resources. d. Soil degradation: Depleted soils increase the risks of malnutrition for farmers. Productivity lo sses on tropical soils are estimated to be in the range of 0. 5-1. 5 per cent of GNP, while secondary productivity losses are due to siltation of reservoirs, transportation channels and other hydrologic investments. e. Deforestation: Death and disease can result from the localized flooding caused by deforestation. Loss of sustainable logging potential and of erosion prevention, watershed stability and carbon sequestration provided by forests are among the productivity impacts of deforestation. f. Loss of biodiversity: The extinction of plant and animal species will potentially affect the development of new drugs; it will reduce ecosystem adaptability and lead to the loss of genetic resources. g. Atmospheric changes: Ozone depletion is responsible for perhaps 300,000 additional cases of skin cancer a year and 1. million cases of cataracts. Global warming may lead to increase in the risk of climatic natural disasters. Productivity impacts may include sea-rise damage to coastal investments, regional changes in agricultural productivity and disruption of the marine food chain. Conclusion:  The impact of environmental disasters can be devastating on the social, economic, and environmental systems of a country or region as well as the global ecosystem. Environmental disasters do not recognise man-made borders, and threaten the legacy left to future generations of a clean and supportive environment. Because of the interdependency of earth ecosystems international co-operation is paramount to prevent, and when disaster strikes, respond to relieve quickly and effectively the effects of environmental disasters. Thus, Governments, International organizations and communities must work together – at all levels – to lessen the risks associated with environmental degradation and its contributing factors, such as climate change, and ensure that vulnerable people are prepared to survive and adapt. At the same time, companies, organizations and individuals must also ensure that their work is environmentally friendly and sustainable. Similar essay: Disadvantages of Plants Living on Land How to cite Causes of Environment, Essay examples

Criminal Trials Essay Example For Students

Criminal Trials Essay One of the most vaguely understood events in the United States is themodern criminal trial. Most people have a faint knowledge of the goings-onof criminal proceedings, mainly due to what is seen on television, but theperson who knows the real course of a trial is rare. However, there isnothing mysterious about the events that determine criminal guilt. Trialsare carefully orchestrated, following procedures that have been laid inlegal concrete over the years, and generally follow the same basic formatacross the United States. Criminal law is distinguishable from civil law in the aspect thatcriminal acts are officially considered to injure not only individuals, butsociety as a whole. This is the reason why criminal cases are described asstate v. offender. The state, as the injured party, is taking thedefendant to court (Schmalleger 64). The purpose of a criminal trial is todetermine if the offender is legally guilty of the crime, but this does notnecessarily mean that the person in question committed the crime. Asopposed to factual guilt (the person did it), legal guilt merely meansthat a jury of the defendants peers is convinced without reasonable doubt. As can be seen, this leaves room for possible discrepancies (Schmalleger198). Before a trial can proceed, certain events must take place. Thefirst is the arraignment of the defendant, which can happen anytime betweenarrest and a logical, non-specific time before the trial itself. Arraignment consists of the court reading to the defendant the substance ofthe charge, and calls on the subject to enter a plea within a given time(Tull 1). The defendant may consult with and be advised by an attorney on whatplea to offer the court. He may plead guilty or no contest (nolocontendere), in which case a trial does not occur and the subject goesdirectly to a sentencing hearing (Tull 1), or he may plead not guilty, andtrial preparations will proceed. In very rare cases the defendant will notenter a plea, and is said to stand mute (Schmalleger 189). Directlyafter entering a plea of not guilty, the defendant must decide on one, ifany, of many courses of defense to follow. A plea of guilty or no contestthat is withdrawn by the defendant cannot be used as evidence against thedefendant (Tull 3). One of the most popular defenses is the alibi defense. This courseof action holds that the defendant was at another location at the time ofthe offense, and therefore could not possibly have committed the crime. Ifan alibi is to be offered, the defendant has a court-appointed time inwhich he must declare his intentions. The attorney for the state will senda notice describing the time, date, and place of the offense, and thedefendant must refute this information. If the defendant issues notice ofalibi but then withdraws the claim, this information cannot be held againsthim later in court (Tull 5). Another popular defense is the insanity defense. The courtdefinition holds that a person should not be guilty if they did not knowwhat they were doing, did not know that what they were doing was wrong, orif their actions were the result of a mental disease or defect(Schmalleger 75). This obviously covers a lot of area, which is part ofthe reason for its popularity. If the defendant plans to claim insanity,he must notify, in writing, the states attorney of his intentions, andalso file a copy with the court clerk. Failure to follow these guidelinesresults in the disallowance of the insanity claim. A withdrawn claim ofinsanity is not admissible as evidence against the defendant (Tull 5). There are many other defenses, divided into three categories, thatare much less common than alibi and insanity. The first of thesecategories is designated other defenses. The following are examples ofthese. Temporary Insanity implies that the defendant was only insane atthe time of the offense, and was once a very popular defense, as thedefendant usually got off scot-free. However, due to recentrestrictions, it has lost its appeal. Guilty but Insane, a defense thatis all but extinct, resulted in a stiff penalty, but mandatorypsychotherapy was included in any sentence. Involuntary Drunkenness,holding that the defendant was intoxicated against his will, is rarelyused, although it has resulted in a number of successes in court. Unconsciousness is even more rare of a defense, and is used if thedefendant committed a crime while sleepwalking, having a seizure etc. AChemical Imbalance defense is used if the defendants actions wereinfluenced by the consumption of food products or stimulants, including butnot limited to sugar, nicotine, and caffeine. Premenstrual StressSyndrome, or PMS, is a very new defense and not yet even officiallyacceptable. However, it has been successfully used in Virginia(Schmalleger 77-79). The second group of defenses is labeled special defenses. One thatis fairly commonly used is Self Defense, holding that the defendantcommitted the crime in self-defense to avoid physical harm. Duress, onthe other hand, is not common, and is used when the defendant claims tohave committed a crime in order to alleviate a prior wrongdoing againsthim. The Entrapment defense has become the subject of media attention,since its implications are a bit sinister. It is implied that lawenforcement officers have created a crime solely for the purpose ofprosecuting the defendant. In the case of an Accident defense, theoffense is said to have been purely accidental on the part of thedefendant. Mistake says that the defendant committed an unwitting crimedue to outside forces that precipitated the actual offense. A defense ofNecessity is rare, and is only used when the survival of the defendantwas at stake. It is only truly useful if no serious harm was done. Recommendation For Recycling Water in Florida EssayThere are several types of testimony that are inadmissible asevidence. Hearsay evidence is described as what a witness heard fromanother person, rather than what he saw or experienced firsthand (Zerman71). Allowances, however, can be given under certain circumstances. Oneis the dying declaration, which is a statement made by a person who isabout to die. A second instance is that of the spontaneous statement,which is made by a person in the heat of excitement without time forfabrication (Schmalleger 212). Irrelevant or immaterial evidence istestimony that goes beyond or misses the point of the question asked, andstatements of opinion show only what a witness thinks, rather than what heknows (Zerman 71). Physical evidence, if any, is brought forth during witness testimony. There are two classes of evidence: direct and circumstantial. Directevidence, if believed, proves a fact without opinionation. It can betestimonial, which is the aforementioned witness testimony, or it can bephysical (Schmalleger 207). There are three kinds of physical evidence. Documents are anything written or typed, objects are weapons, clothing, andthe like, and copies and reproductions include photographs and recordings(Zerman 72). Physical evidence is only subject to challenge on grounds ofauthenticity or manner in which it was obtained (Zerman 72). Circumstantial evidence, however, requires inference and drawnconclusions. It is often enough to convict anyway (Schmalleger 207). After all witnesses and evidence have been shown, the attorneys giveclosing arguments, also called summations. Closing arguments are directattacks on the opposing sides weaknesses. They provide review andanalysis of evidence. Testimony, exhibits, and inconsistencies in theopposition will be pointed out (Schmalleger 212). Many good defenseattorneys are effective showmen. They try to play on the feelings of thejurors during this crucial point of the trial. The argument is oftenemotional and poetry or verse is sometimes used. The prosecution, however,is only likely to use one emotion: outrage at the defendant (Zerman 89). The situation during summations is favorable to the prosecution, who, inthe vast majority of instances, opens the argument (Tull 18). After arebuttal by the defense, the prosecution then has an opportunity forcounter-rebuttal. In any case, the prosecution is always given the lastword in closing arguments (Zerman 91). After summations, the judge gives his charge to the jury. He callson the jury to retire and select one of their number as the foreman, anddeliberate upon the evidence that has been presented until a verdict hasbeen reached (Schmalleger 213). He also summarizes all testimony, makescomments, and gives guidance. It is often considered the single mostimportant statement made during a trial (Zerman 94). Once the jury leaves the courtroom for deliberations, they immediatelychoose a foreman, whose job it will be to deliver the final verdict. Thejury may deliberate for hours, days, or weeks, and may examine evidence,review testimony, analyze the judges charge, discuss, argue, and negotiate(Zerman 13). Disagreements emerge early, but the majority almost alwayswins. Surprisingly, immediate unanimous decisions are not uncommon theyaccount for about 31 percent of all verdicts (Zerman 106). Mostjurisdictions require a unanimous decision, although the United StatesSupreme Court has ruled that only capital cases must warrant a unanimousverdict. Jurors are not allowed to discuss the case with relatives, friends, oreach other until the proper time, because it is known that thinking isaffected by the influence of others. Scientific studies have shown thatpeople instinctively and subconsciously want to be with the majority, andbecause of this, are not likely to hold out in an argument against the restof the jury. Duringdeliberations, if the case is important enough and the judge believes thereis risk of the jury being influenced by outside sources, he may sequesterjurors, putting them in a hotel with little contact with the outside world. Even newspapers and television may be censored. Telephone calls are shortand monitored, and windows are usually covered over so as not to let thejurors see anything that may influence their thoughts (Zerman 58). Deliberations will ultimately end in either a verdict or a hungjury. In a hung jury, the members debate, argue, plead, and finallyadmit defeat, not being able to agree on a verdict. Hung juries areusually just replaced, but sometimes the trial is stopped, and the time andmoney involved, which is sometimes quite substantial, is wasted (Zerman101). But a verdict is reached successfully 99 percent of the time. Thejury, led by the foreman, gives the verdict to the judge in open court(Tull 19). If the verdict is guilty, the defense attorney may choose topoll the jury. He asks each juror his personal opinion, and in a fewcases, a jurors doubts re-emerge to cancel the verdict. This rarelyhappens, but if it does the result is a victory for the defense (Zerman167). A criminal trial is a complicated but closely choreographed event. Almost nothing happens without proper precedent, and even the mostfactually guilty defendant can be sure of having at least a small chance ofgetting off the hook. The unbiased trial is a constitutional institutionthat may not always make sense to the average person, but that reflects thevalue of justice in American society.