Analysis of Freedom by Ambrose Bierce

Introduction

This post is written to discuss about the analysis of freedom by Ambrose Bierce. I will talk about the poet, the context of the poem, few of the themes embedded in the poem, the poetic devices employed, etc.

 

The Poet

Ambrose Bierce, the author of "The Devil's Dictionary" was an American poet born 1842 in Ohio. He was also a soldier and many of his poems had war and leadership reflection. He became lost or disappeared since 1914 till date at the age of 71.

What is Freedom

The state of speaking, acting or living without restrictions from both internal or external forces is referred to as freedom. This is the number one property every conducive state or environment must bestow dwellers.

According to the first stanza of the poem:
"Freedom, as every schoolboy knows,
Once shrieked as Kosciusko fell;
On every wind, indeed, that blows
I hear her yell."

Content of the Poem

The poem title "Freedom" by Ambrose Bierce is about human rights and how rulers trample on it. A four stanza rhyming verse of four lines per stanza; it fits under the category of leadership and politics.

The content of the poem goes thus: The painful death of freedom was loudly heard and known by everyone; not excluding the juvenile schoolboys. She screamed whenever rulers gathered to bind and stoke his funeral bell. And freedom also yelled louder when rulers made unwholesome decisions unpon his pestilential blast. It has finally come to reality that any ruler (either democratic or dictatorial) will always give himself Heaven but show freedom Hell.

Poetic Devices

Freedom is personified in the poem with phrases such as "her yell", "her knell", "she screams", "her clamor swell", "her Hell", etc.

"Once shrieked as Kosciusko fell" is a historical allusion to the brave death of a certain soldier Tadeusz Kosciusko who fought in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth's struggles against Russia and Prussia, and on the U.S.

"Among themselves apportion Heaven/ And give her Hell" in line 15-16 are instance of antithesis in the poem where to opposing ideas (good and bad) are placed side-by-side.

Metonym exist in the poem via words like "monarch", "parliament",
"sovereign" are employed by the poem sp to refer to  the act of leadership.

In a nutshell, the poem exposed the importance freedom and the negative impact of war on any given people, country or place.

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Lesson Note: Government as an Institution of the State

Hi, this is a blog post about "Lesson Note: Government as an Institution of the State

Subject: Government

Topic: Government as an Institution of the State

Class: Senior Secondary 2

 Entry Behavior:

Students are expected to have a basic understanding of the concept of government and its role within a state.

 Instructional Objectives:

1. Understand the concept of government as an institution of the state.

2. Identify the different branches of government and their functions.

3. Analyze the relationship between government and the citizens.

 Instructional Materials:

 Slides or visual aids

 Textbooks or reference materials

 Whiteboard and markers

 References:

 "Introduction to Government and Politics" by Mark Garnett

 "Understanding Politics: Ideas, Institutions, and Issues" by Thomas M. Magstadt

 Content:

Government is an essential institution of the state that is responsible for making and enforcing laws, protecting citizens' rights, and ensuring the welfare of the society. It is comprised of three main branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Each branch has distinct functions and responsibilities that serve as a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from having too much power.

The executive branch, led by the head of state or government, is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, managing public affairs, and representing the country at home and abroad. The legislative branch, typically a parliament or congress, is responsible for making laws, approving budgets, and checking the actions of the executive branch. The judicial branch, which consists of courts and judges, is responsible for interpreting laws, settling disputes, and ensuring that justice is served.

The relationship between government and citizens is a vital aspect of governance. Citizens have rights and responsibilities that are guaranteed and protected by the government. In return, citizens are expected to abide by the laws of the state and participate in the democratic process through voting and civic engagement. The government is accountable to the people and must act in the best interests of the society as a whole.

 Procedure:

1. Begin the lesson by defining the concept of government and its role within a state.

2. Introduce the three branches of government and explain their functions.

3. Discuss the relationship between government and citizens and the importance of civic engagement.

4. Use examples and case studies to illustrate the concepts being discussed.

5. Encourage students to ask questions and participate in discussions throughout the lesson.

 Evaluation:

 Use a short quiz or discussion questions to assess students' understanding of the material covered in the lesson.

 Assignment:

 For homework, students can research and write a short essay on the differences between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. They can also discuss the importance of each branch in maintaining a functioning democracy.

By following this lesson plan, students will gain a deeper understanding of government as an institution of the state and its significance in the governance of society.

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