contemporary Antigone essays

contemporary Antigone essays Society cannot escape contemporary moral issues. We are continually exposed to situations that bring into question our very system of beliefs. In response to these ethical dilemmas we are forced to adapt and reevaluate our present frame of mind resulting in both positive change and unavoidable struggle. Throughout the play Antigone, Sophocles clearly demonstrates the adversity one must face in the fight against injustice. One need not look very far to find immediate parallels in our own present-day society. The central conflict in Antigone is very recognizable: the struggle of a strong minded individual in direct conflict with the established rule of another. In the case of Antigone this rule comes in the form of King Creon. The story unravels as Polynices, Antigone's brother, dies while attacking the city of Thebes. By order of Creon Polynices's body is left to rot in the streets, a seemingly fitting judgment for a traitor. Regardless of her brother's actions Antigone believed he deserved a proper burial. In her eyes Creon's power wasn't limitless. "I did not think your edicts strong enough to overrule the unwritten, unalterable laws of God and heaven, you being only a man." Unwilling to yield her convictions Antigone was found burying her brother and sentenced by Creon to die. Her fiance Haemon, the son of Creon, discovered Antigone's dead body. Stricken with grief he killed himself. Upon hearing the news of his death Eulydices, Haemon's mother, also took her life. Creon, al one and responsible for the deaths of three people, finally understood his failings and weakness as a king. The relationship between Antigone and her sister Ismene clearly illustrates two opposing views. Both women, sickened by the news of Polynices's death reacted in a contrasting manner. Regardless of the consequence Antigone was ready to protect the rights of her brother. Ismene, however felt powerless, filled with fear and unable to...

Rohypnol (aka Flunitrazepam, Roofies) Fast Facts

Rohypnol (aka Flunitrazepam, Roofies) Fast Facts Rohypnol is the trade name for Flunitrazepam, a drug that acts as a sedative, muscle relaxant, hypnotic, and antidepressant. While Flunitrazepam is called Rohypnol when marketed by Roche, it is also sold by other companies under the names Darkene, Flunipam, Flunitrazepam, Fluscand, Hipnosedon, Hypnodorm,  Ilman, Insom, Nilium, Silece, and Vulbegal. Rohypnol may be taken as a pill or the pill may be crushed and snorted or added to a food or drink. What Does Rohypnol Look Like? Rohypnol is available as a pill, though the pill may be crushed and mixed into food or drinks or it may be dissolved in liquid and injected. The present form of the drug is imprinted with 542 and supplied as a 1-milligram dose in an olive green, oblong tablet which contains a blue dye that is supposed to be visible if the drug is added to a drink. Before that, Rohypnol was sold as a white 2-milligram tablet. Why Do People Use Rohypnol? As a prescription medication, Rohypnol is used as a pre-anesthetic medication and as a short-term treatment for insomnia. It may be used to treat the depression resulting from the use of cocaine, methamphetamine, and other stimulants. As a recreational drug, Rohypnol (roofies) may be seen at nightclubs, parties, and raves. The drug has been used in connection with rape and robbery to incapacitate the victim and prevent him or her from recalling the crime. Rohypnol may be used to commit suicide. What Are the Effects of Rohypnol Use? The effects of Rohypnol use may be felt within 15 to 20 minutes of administration and may last for over 12 hours. Symptoms associated with the use of Rohypnol include drowsiness, lowered blood pressure, muscle relaxation, headache, visual disturbances, dizziness, slurred speech, poor reaction time, confusion, memory impairment, upset stomach, retention of urine, tremors, and nightmares. One side effect associated with Rohypnol use is retroactive amnesia, where the person who took the drug cant remember events that occurred while under the influence of the drug. Although Rohypnol is a depressant, it may produce excitability, talkativeness, or aggressive behavior. An overdose of Rohypnol produces sedation, impaired speech and balance, respiratory depression, and potentially coma or death. Why Is Rohypnol Illegal in the United States? It is illegal to manufacture, sell, or use Rohypnol in the United States because taking it can produce physiological and psychological dependence and benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. The drug is legal in other countries (e.g., Mexico) and is smuggled into the US through the mail or other delivery services.