Essay on Dr. Helene Gayle and the Aids Epidemic - 907 Words

NAME: Sherry Title of Case: Dr. Helene Gayle and the AIDS Epidemic Author: Norma M. Riccuccl 1. This case discussed Dr. Helene D. Gayle’s career that is fighting with AIDS epidemic, and stated that how Dr. Gayle successfully utilized the effective managerial leadership in her position. In my opinion, this case not only propagandizes that these infectious diseases, such as AIDS, STD, and TB, for humans and the whole world are still a huge challenge, but introduces that Dr. Gayle’s personal magnetism charisma and leadership on managing her teams and preventing AIDS all over the world. Thus, this case is very important because it teaches us that a public leader or supervisor who only has managerial skills is not enough; meanwhile, they†¦show more content†¦For example, she knows the impact of discrimination against African American in this country, so she decides to study psychology, medical degree, and Master of Public Health because she wants to use the power of knowledge to help and care about much people, especially the vulnerable groups; furthermore, she is a very likable, dedicated, and selfless person, so these personalities make her colleagues like to work with her and respect her. The second reason is she understands how to flexibly manage her work groups and AIDS projects and effectively negotiate with different public or private sectors. For instance, she knows the importance of collaborating with communities, government agencies, and private sectors, and her effective collaborating skills help her build a good relationship with these social groups and people; moreover, she recognizes the development of each AIDS program should adopt to the political environment and her work will face a number of formidable obstacles, so she makes flexible managerial methods to overcome the problems and set short-term goals or long-term strategies to adapt the political realities. The third reason is her risk spirit and successful leadership. As Dr. Gayle said, â€Å"you have to be willing to take risks inShow MoreRelatedLeading The Figh t Against Aids Epidemic : Global Achievements Of Dr. Helene Gayle1427 Words   |  6 Pages Leading the Fight Against the AIDS Epidemic: Global Achievements of Dr. Helene Gayle Rebecca A. Abbott Northern Arizona University â€Æ' Abstract This paper examines the international health threat posed by AIDS and HIV. Utilized were resources accessed online (Internet) as well as printed publications. Research focused on the efforts made by international humanitarian, Dr. Helene Gayle, to make a difference in a lot of people’s lives. Realizing the need for action, this physician and epidemiologistRead MoreEssay Case Study: Effective Managerial Leadership1205 Words   |  5 Pagesaffected Dr. Gayle in establishing legislation to fight the AIDS epidemic as is presented in the case study Managing Across Boundaries: A Case Study of Dr. Helene Gayle and the AIDS Epidemic. Main Political Forces That Were Faced The case study being analyzed presents Dr. Gayle’s career as a public administrator who throughout her career has raised awareness to the increasing social problem of the AIDS epidemic. Furthermore, the case study presents several political forces that Dr. Gayle had toRead MoreChief Of The National Center For Hiv, Std, And Tb Prevention1097 Words   |  5 Pagespositions as leaders, in the case of Dr. Helen Gayle, who was the director of the National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHSTP) at the U.S. Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Managing across boundaries). In her recent assignment she was credited with innumerable accomplishments in the battle against HIV/AIDS and other contagious diseases not only in the United States but globally as well (Managing across boundaries). In the case of Dr. Helen Gayle addresses main political, social

Michael Moore s Fahrenheit 9 / 11 - 1450 Words

Michael Moore’s documentary Fahrenheit 9/11 is a visual that critiques President George W. Bush’s regime, particularly with regard to the handling of the â€Å"war on terror.† Moore stresses the questionable ethical nature of the post-9/11 policies put in place by the Bush administration, particularly as they give a new meaning to the U.S. relationship between censorship and freedom. In this manner, the documentary challenges the Bush’s administration construction of America’s morality as self-serving and ultimately elitist. The film contends that Americans were deceived during the push for war with Afghanistan and Iraq since no weapons of mass destruction existed, and Saddam Hussein was never a threat to the security of the United States (Weber, 2006, p. 115). According to the film, Iraq had no connection to the September 11, 2001 attacks, and that the Iraqi government, under the presidency of Saddam, had fewer people compared to that under Bush. S tated differently, Moore contends that far from being the leading defender of human rights, America has turned into a willing participant in acts of torture of prisoners. The film uses the themes of elitism and vengeance in critiquing the Bush Administration. The Central Themes in the Film Elitism The film portrays President Bush, and indeed the entire United States government during the time, as engaging in acts of crime. Moore recollects the Bush’s administration response to 9/11, which included the war in Afghanistan, the enactmentShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Michael Francis Moore s The Columbine High School Massacre 1139 Words   |  5 PagesBorn in 1954, Michael Francis Moore is an American documentary filmmaker. His opening documentary, Roger Me, â€Å"launched his career as one of America’s best-known and most controversial documentarians† (In IMDB). However, his documentary that studies the events of the Columbine high school massacre is what put him on the map. 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Corporate Governance Organization and Humanistic †Free Samples

Question: Discuss about the Corporate Governance Organization and Humanistic. Answer: Introduction Corporate governance is very crucial for the success of any organization corporate governance. The board of directors dictates corporate governance of a company. This, therefore, requires that the board to constitute of the mechanisms that ensure that the best people are appointed to the boardroom. The topic of corporate governance was first developed in the 1930s but came to be popularized in the 1970s. The aim of corporate governance is to achieve the best practices within an organization that promotes productivity. The practices which are developed by the board are meant to balance the interest of stakeholders and at the same time provide a framework that helps attain the company's objective (Arnold, 1997). The case is not of any difference at OPTUS Australia, the company that strives for sustainability in their customers, employees, and employees. The company has a Corporate Responsibility group that was formed in 2010 and provides strategic leadership, governance, and oversight. This group also helps to drive the agenda by ensuring that the companys agendas are aligned with the business strategy. The paper will provide an oversight of corporate governance at Optus Australia and how it can be used to enhance business practices (Blant, 2013). Corporate governance is a structure through which direction and control of a company are attained. The board of directors of a company normally exercises corporate governance. The shareholders appoint the board of directors as well as the auditors who then form a governance structure that represents the interest of the shareholders (Cadbury, 2011). The role of corporate governance in a company involves: Setting the strategic aims of the company, providing leadership by affecting the strategies, conducting supervisory duties on the company management and reporting to the shareholders in regards to their stewardship. Therefore, corporate governance is about how a company sets its values and its strategies to ensure it is aligned to the desired direction. Corporate governance for the listed companies is a requirement by law. A good corporate governance is one that considers the control of a company regardless f it is a requirement by law or not. This is because corporate governance improves transparency and accountability between the organization and its stakeholders. In summary, the role of corporate governance can be simplified to the role of the board of directors (Cadbury, 2011). These roles include: Governance; where the board establishes the structure as well as the response that help to fulfill board responsibilities, which aim to address the stakeholders interests Strategy; which involve advising the management in developing strategies and plans that are aligned with the goals of the organization as well as the stakeholders. Performance: where the board reviews and approves company strategies, financial plans, and the annual operating plans. The board also conducts an assessment on the performance of the management based on the established budgets and the alignment to the company's goal. Integrity, the board is responsible for setting the ethical standards of a company of which it passes over to the management for policy and procedure implementation. These policies are designed to promote legal compliance and promote honesty. Talent, the board overseas talent programs within an organization especially those related to executive leadership as well as the potential successor to the CEO. Risk governance, the board monitors the risk exposure on strategy, operations, and finance and works together with the management in determining the risk appetite, tolerance, and alignment with strategic goals (Turnbull, 2012). Better management and fewer ethical and or legal problems are one of the benefits of corporate governance. This involves setting values that limit these issues. Corporate governance improves reputation in a way that more stakeholders become willing to work with your organization. The stakeholders might include the media who can promote the business government and suppliers. This process is further promoted through information sharing which is viewed as information sharing. This makes people feel more confident while engaging in business dealings(Dorcas, 2017). Corporate governance ensures fewer fines, penalties, and lawsuits through policies and regulations that take a specific step to file complaints within the local and state rules. Corporate governance decreases conflicts and fraud as it limits the potential bad conduct of employees by putting in place laws that mitigate fraud and conflict of interests. For instance, a Company's governance might forbid loans to officers and family members or hiring of family members (S?tiblar, 2016). Reduction of wastage is also realized within an organization once corporate governance is put in place. This is due to the set guidelines and structures that are meant to guide the execution of activities hence reducing the wastage of resources (Gerald, 2017). Mitigation of risks and mismanagement, as the board of governance, lays down a structure and provide the way forward; it helps in reducing risks as well as mismanagement within the organization. Finally, there are increased economic benefits, which result from increased trust within the community. Even though the benefit is long-term, corporate governance is very crucial for profit making organizations The limitations of corporate governance The establishment of corporate governance within an organization leads to increased operation cost due to increased administrative requirements. This is due to the duties of the board that includes entering into contracts and financial agreements (Slater, 2015). The separation of management and ownership is another limitation of corporate governance that could hurt the organization in the end. The separation poses an agency problem in that the board of directors especially in corporations that trade stocks publicly. The directors are torn in between maximizing the shareholder's wealth and maximizing personal benefits from the company success (Goodijk, 2015). Misrepresentation of information to avoid paying high taxes or affect the value of the company shares through trading assets between the parent and subsidiary to increase or decrease the amount of revenues and assets. This limits the effectiveness of corporate within the organization (Harisson, 2017). The extensive misuse of power that has been delegated to the company has contributed to the development of laws that prevent the misuse. However complying with each and every of this policies or laws is very costly and demanding for many organizations. Insider trading is another problem that has largely been associated with corporate governance. This happens when officials who have access to highly confidential information, sells it to an outsider. This might lead to an impact on the company's shares as well as its value. Insider trading can also occur when a person with access to the companys share information sells the shares to a person unknowingly (Kelvin, 2017). Using corporate governance to enhancing business practice with the Optus Australia organization Corporate governance is a system that governs and leads the corporation towards the realization of its goals. The objective of corporate governance is to increase accountability to avoid massive disasters. The disasters might include bankruptcy and lawsuits. Corporate governs ensures that problems are promptly addressed, and all the stakeholders are involved. All these actions help in enhancing business practices at Optus or any other organization (Mary, 2017). Other ways in which corporate governance can be used to enhance business practices is by recognizing the role of shareholders in maintaining the companys stock price. This will eliminate the normal trend of brushing away shareholders with little impact on stock prices and allowing a way for shareholders with the majority shares to move their interest. This will not only favor the minority shareholders but also increase the popularity of Optus Australia. The consideration of other stakeholders is also another way of ensuring corporate governance has been well incorporated into the business practices. This is attained by creating a good relationship through addressing the non-shareholder stakeholders, which creates harmony with the community as well as the press (Melis, 2015). Corporate governance ought to make a unanimous decision involving business strategies, therefore corporate governance requires that the board of directors at Optus be on the same page. Optus is a successful organization in Australia. However, the success can be further be enhanced through corporate governance, which will help to make sure that apart from attaining higher profits, the organization also ensures the sustainability of the organization. This may include ensuring that the staff is well paid, civil and legal issues are well addressed through establishing a code of conduct regarding ethical decisions (Morroni, 2013). Once the Optus Australia organization has embraced the corporate governance into ifs business practices, it will also ensure transparency within the organization. This means that financial records and earnings reports will be stated clearly and without exaggeration. Having transparency within the organization helps to increase the public confidence and avoid Ponzi schemes (Simon, 2013). Conclusion In conclusion, corporate governance acts as the control station for a plane which is the Optus organization. Without proper directions and controls from the directors, the organization is prone to face a lot challenges along the way. The company not only does it face challenges but slows its growth and even at times, it lead to stagnated growth. Therefore regardless of whether the company is listed or not, the presence of corporate governance is very crucial and should be included in the business practices of the organization. Optus should thus grab the opportunity as well as the benefits of having corporate governance to take their success to the next level. References Arnold, F. (1997). Corporate Governance Update.Corporate Governance,5(1), 46-48. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-8683.00040 Blant, K. (2013). Corporate Governance Report: Corporate Governance Principles -a Japanese view.Corporate Governance,7(2), 209-214. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-8683.00149 Cadbury, S. (2011). The Corporate Governance Agenda.Corporate Governance,8(1), 7-15. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-8683.00175 Dorcas, S. (2017).Why is Corporate Governance Important?.BusinessDictionary.com. Retrieved 10 May 2017, from https://www.businessdictionary.com/article/618/why-is-corporate-governance-important/ Gerald, F. (2017).The Role and Benefits of a Corporate Governance Framework. Retrieved 10 May 2017, from https://deloitte.wsj.com/riskandcompliance/2013/05/24/the-role-and-benefits-of-a-corporate-governance-framework/ Goodijk, R. (2015). Corporate Governance and Workers' Participation.Corporate Governance,8(4), 303-310. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-8683.00209 Harisson, K. (2017).The Disadvantages of Corporate Governance.Smallbusiness.chron.com. Retrieved 10 May 2017, from https://smallbusiness.chron.com/disadvantages-corporate-governance-76573.html Kelvin, J. (2017).The Drawbacks Of Corporate Governance | The Best Practice Network Guidelines | The Best Practice Network.Best-practice.com. Retrieved 10 May 2017, from https://www.best-practice.com/compliance-best-practices/corporate-compliance/the-drawbacks-of-corporate-governance/ Mary, G. (2017). Corporate Governance Report: Corporate Governance in the Netherlands.Corporate Governance,5(4), 236-238. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-8683.00066 Melis, A. (2015). Corporate Governance in Italy.Corporate Governance,8(4), 347-355. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-8683.00213 Morroni, M. (2013).Corporate governance, organization and the firm(1st ed.). Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar. Simon, A. (2003). Corporate Governance Update.Corporate Governance,11(2), 149-154. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-8683.00016 Slater, J. (2015).Governance(1st ed.). New York: Aspen Institute for Humanistic Studies. S?tiblar, F. (2016).Vpliv lastnis?tva na uspes?nost corporate governanance bank v Sloveniji(1st ed.). Turnbull, S. (2012). The Science of Corporate Governance.Corporate Governance,10(4), 261-277. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-8683.00291

Shakespeares use of minor characters in Macbeth and Othello Essay Example

Shakespeares use of minor characters in Macbeth and Othello Paper Shakespeare tends to use his minor characters to allow a brief interlude of comic relief in his tragedies. However, these minor characters are also pivotal characters through which Shakespeare can convey much deeper and darker meanings to the audience whilst using black humour. The minor characters of the Porter in Macbeth and the Clown in Othello are both seen as comic characters whose main purpose would initially be expected as bringing comedy to the stage, yet the scenes in which they are involved and the characters themselves are much more significant than may first appear. Shakespeare is using these minor characters to contrast the element of dark comedy with tragedy enabling the two to become indistinguishable, allowing a sense of movement between the comedy, which creates the feeling of relief, therefore heightening the dramatic tension and the tragedy. The Porter in Macbeth enters the stage immediately following the murder of King Duncan. The Porters use of prose as opposed to verse and his frequent crude jokes and poor style of language, coupled with his short appearance and lack of stage space, resulted in him generally being ignored by much earlier critics. However there is layered meanings to this scene, enabling it to be interpreted in a number of ways, for technicality purposes or to further establish the character of Macbeth, and without it, the themes of the play do not hold as much significance. Although the scene is a mere 40 lines long, it is a dividing point of Macbeth, and one of the most debatable scenes in the entire play. The Porter Scene occurs at the start of Act II, and is multi-functional serving both practical technicalities and hidden meanings in the more sinister elements of the play. We will write a custom essay sample on Shakespeares use of minor characters in Macbeth and Othello specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Shakespeares use of minor characters in Macbeth and Othello specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Shakespeares use of minor characters in Macbeth and Othello specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Shakespeare includes these comic scenes in his plays for a variety of reasons, and they are much more purposeful than merely adding some humour and lightening the mood. The location of this scene adds to the peculiarity of it and defamiliarizes the situation to the audience making events feel out of time and in the wrong space, resulting in possibility for its many interpretations. The scene immediately follows Macbeths offstage killing of Duncan and therefore, in terms of technicalities, without this scene Macbeths dress cannot be shifted nor his hands washed (Capell, 13). This is a very practical reason for the inclusion of the Porter yet minor characters were often included to enable the major characters to fulfil something or to support the actions of the major characters. This also delays the audiences as well as the other characters discovering the murder of King Duncan and therefore enables Macbeth to change his clothes; not only hidden from the audience but also to disguise and prolong the fact that he has committed the murder. However, if these are the solo reasons for the scenes existence a character who causes delay need not to be a drunken porter, (Muir). Therefore there must be a deeper meaning for such a comical character in a drunken state, which despite performing a series of comical actions could be considered as anti-comic. The fact that Macbeths brutal slaying of Duncan immediately precedes his entrance locates the Porter as the true test of comedy that shall awaken thoughtful laughter. (Meredith, 994). Whilst providing comic relief, the scene is also as a transition period for the audience as the action moves from the intensity of the murders to the drama that follows, acting as a paradox to add to the tension not only on stage between the characters but also with the audience. The use of light humour in the porters soliloquy intensifies the suspense as opposed to merely creating humour and increases the effectiveness of the transition which would not have as much meaning if every minute of the play contained violence and intense drama. Although the Porter initially appears as a drunken fool who is nothing more than an idiot, Shakespeare is actually providing the audience with a much deeper understanding of the themes of the play through some of the Porters comments. One reading of the Porter is to take his comments literally and to read him as a porter of Hell Gate (II. i. 3), not just a porter of the gates of Inverness Castle. This then links to the meaning of Hell and whether it is the place he is referring to or Macbeths state of mind. If the purpose of the Porter is to represent the state of Macbeths mind at this vulnerable time, then the Porter can also be seen as taking on the role of Macbeths interrogator. (Chahidi) Macbeth is under a lot of pressu re from both Lady Macbeth and his own guilt and conscience after having killed King Duncan, therefore the Porters talk of hell and damnation are things that will be at the forefront of his mind. The fact that the Porter immediately converts to the role of a regular, drunken porter at Macduff and Lennoxs arrival, may be representative of the dual personality that Macbeth is going to require; the public Macbeth and the private, murderous Macbeth; who has given himself up to the devil due to the amount of evil within him. This representation of the Porter as Macbeths disorderly state of mind may be why he regards his job as a porter of hell-gate. The house has become a house of hell due to it being owned by Macbeth. The Porters drunken stupor, coupled with the fact that the conversation turns to talk of drink and sex upon the arrival of Macduff and Lennox, enables Shakespeare to contrast the Porter with the other characters, including Macbeth, and declaring him to as a character who is of a lower social class and an uneducated member of society. The intensity of Macbeths sins and crimes are also intensified by the Porter whose sins are merely innocent drinking and fornication as opposed to the cold, evil crimes within the castle. The Porters simple vices establish an ethical distance between ordinary humanity and Macbeth. (Harcourt) During his speech, the Porter mentions three professions, a farmer, a tailor, and possibly the most important, the equivocator. The choice of these professions is not a mere coincidence but a result of their importance to the dramatic situation and Macbeths character. The first, .. a farmer that hanged himself on thexpectation of plenty (II. iii. 7-8) parallels Macbeths earlier state of mind in Act 1 Scene VII. He struggles to cope with the amount of evil and the great sin he is committing because of his conscience, and as a result of which, he depends upon his drive and ambition to help him fulfil the evil deed, I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition which oerlaps and falls on thother (I. vii. 25-26). It is only his internal drives that lead Macbeth to his downfall; there are no real external necessities or factors causing Macbeth or the farmer to resort to such drastic actions. The inclusion of the tailor and his thieving may relate to the fact that Macbeth is stealing Duncans place on the throne and will be dressed in borrowed robes. (I. iii. 108) This image of clothes is used a number of times throughout the play and is also a recurring symbol in the Porters speech who refers to a French hose. (II. iii. 13) The most important of the professions mentioned by the Porter is evidently the equivocator, that could swear in both the scales against either scale, who committed treason enough for Gods sake, yet could not equivocate Heaven. II. iii. 8-9) These words are heavily laden with the element of sin and the treason of the equivocator paralleling the treason of Macbeth murdering the King. At the end of the play, Macbeth will have to pay for his crimes but unlike the equivocator who was able to equivocate Heaven, Macbeths punishment will be eternal. The Porters status as a minor character is justifiable due to his short presence in the play, yet his presence can also be seen as a continuance of the supernatural elements throughout the play. The clown disappears without a word: we might say that he vanishes, like the witches, when his many tasks are complete. (Brown) This interpretation of the Porter as a continuation or product of the witches is intensified in certain productions of the play as some directors have chosen to have the same actor play both the part of a witch as well as the Porter. Very often it is the actors own depiction of the Porter that determines his characteristics resulting in it being interpreted in many different ways. As Shakespeare does not specify how he wants the character to played it may be that this was his original intention. Paul Chahidi who played the role of the Porter as well as one of the witches believed that the Porters speech was included in order to give a voice to all of Macbeths thoughts and imaginings after the murder (Chahidi), which have ironically come about as a result of the witches prophecies, voiced by the same actor. Following an analysis of the character of the Porter and the scene in which he is located, it is evident that this minor character is very important as he is included at such a significant and pivotal point in the play. He serves a much greater purpose than merely making the audience laugh. The introduction of a character such as the porter enables Shakespeare to juxtapose moments of humour with moments of tragedy. Without these elements of humour, the language would not carry the same connotations or meaning, resulting in it being less effective. Macbeth is not the only play to have a minor character; whose presence is so brief that they do not even qualify for an individual name or title; playing such a momentous role and it is especially common in Shakespeares tragedies. These arguments of the purpose of minor characters are also supported by the role of the Clown in Othello who is equally more important and significant than first suggested. The function of the Clown in Shakespeares Othello can also be queried as although it is initially conveyed as a character who provides humour and some comic relief, the poor quality of the jokes and the fact that they result in very little humour, leaves the audience questioning Shakespeares intentions of including a character who initially appears insignificant and useless. The Clown works as a servant in Othellos household and therefore has a dual role as both entertainer and servant. He makes two appearances in the play, the first being in Act 3 Scene I and the second later in the same act, in Scene IV, as opposed to the Porter in Macbeth who only appears in the one scene. However, despite making two appearances the total amount of dialogue spoken by the Clown only equals the equivalent of approximately twelve lines. The Clowns first appearance establishes him in his servant role, defamiliarizing the audiences image and purpose of a clown. However, the way in which these servants duties are performed and his choice of language carrying comic connotations, helps to re-establish him as a clown and therefore a comical character in the play. The Clowns speech is not as straight forward as first appears as Shakespeare has employed the use of puns with almost every statement he makes. The Clowns opening line and introduction to the audience is whilst making a derogatory comment about the musician performance, Why masters have your instruments been in / Naples that they speak I th nose thus? (III. i. 4) This line is suggestive of the comical scene that lies ahead, which is enforced by the imminent need of some humour and comic relief at such an intense point of the play, following Cassio and Roderigos fight. Granville-Barker justified the inclusion of the Clown at this point as being : For relaxation before the tense main business of the tragedy begins we next have Cassio in the early morning bringing musicians to play beneath Othellos window (a pleasant custom, and here what delicate amends! ), to this being added the grosser, conventional japes of the Clown. Granville-Barker). Othellos distaste for the music and the fact that the Clowns entrance evolves around music, relates to Shakespeares conceptions of peace ad agreement in terms of music played or sung in tune, and of disagreement and conflict in terms of music out of tune. (Prager) Othello does not want to be soothed by the tune and therefore does not want any music, showing that he is evidently in a state of disarray. The Clown refers to the music as nasal, reminding the audience of the intensity of the conflict between the characters. The Clown is immediately established as being different to Shakespeares other comical characters. His dialogue is generally directed at other characters on stage without the need for him to soliloquize his speeches, and the puns and innuendos he makes are also aimed at the other characters who in turn respond to the Clown. The response of these on stage characters also helps the audience to further develop their understanding of them, and therefore the role of the clown may not solely be for comical purposes and to provide a sense of relief to the play, but also to further establish the main characters. This is established from the moment the Clown appears and he is left alone with Cassio who asks if Dost thou hear me, mine hones friend? (III. i. 21) and the Clown responds with, No, I hear not your honest friend. I hear you. (III. i. 22) This manipulation of honesty is a central theme in Othello and conveys the use of the Clown as a tool for establishing the other characters to the audience and intensifying the element of irony in the play. If Othello trusted his honest friends as opposed to the dishonest Iago the play would not have such a tragic outcome and the events that unfold would be quite different. Cassios response to the Clown further establishes Cassio himself as someone who does not like humour and is in fact a very serious person, contrasting entirely with the Clown. This serious aspect to Cassios character and his inability to partake in humour may contribute to his actions in later scenes. The Clowns later appearance in Act 3 Scene iv and his exchange with Desdemona, also contains dialogue laden with these puns, which relates to the earlier events, proceeding the speech and continues to emphasise the themes of honesty and lies. Despite the element of humour in this scene; reminding the audience that the main purpose of the Clown is to provide a moment of relief amidst all the tension; the Clowns choice of language and jokes also develops Desdemona as a sentimental, emotional character who is portrayed as nai ve and someone who readily believes what she is told and readily believes those she thinks she can trust. This results in Iago being able to manipulate her so easily. When asked of Cassios location, the Clown states that he dare not say he lies anywhere, (III. iv. and Desdemona takes his statement literally, replying, Why man? (III. iv. 3), again showing her naivety. Although the lying that the Clown is referring to is where Cassio is located, the context in which it is spoken and the earlier representation of the Clown, suggests to have a double meaning relating to telling a lie. The irony of this speech and fact that it is stated in the same sentence as stabbing Cassio, He is a soldier and for one to say a soldier lies, is stabbing. (III. iv. 7) is heightened by the later events in the play when Iago actually stabs Roderigo, a soldier, in Act 5. The way in which the Clown plays with the truth results in it being more believable and effective, enables the audience to understand Shakespeares intentions for what lies ahead and the subtle hints he provides about the events still to come. It is this black humour, which comes about as a result of Shakespeares education in Greek classics and literature that enables the incorporation of comedy or humour into the tragedies, Shakespeare loved Latin and Greek literature. What he had been taught at school he remembered, he improved his knowledge afterwards by reading translations. (Highet) This helps to maintain the attention of the audience and heightens the intensity of the dramatic moments. The use of these two minor characters is to provide elements of humour yet it also evident that the techniques employed by Shakespeare enable them to have a dual purpose. As is the fool in King Lear, who plays a larger role than the Clown and the Porter whilst still maintaining the position of minor character, the voices of these characters speak directly to the audience connecting the events of the play and reminding the audience of any subtle suggestions they may have missed or not understood. Whilst some critics view the insertion of these minor characters and comical elements as interrupting the actions, it can be argued that they in fact add to the tragedy and sinister moments. They are not there purely for comical reasons but to serve a purpose in terms of structure and theatrical necessity (Playnotes). It is through these minor characters that the brief moments of comic relief are seen. No matter how small or what the underlying meanings may be at these points of the plays they still provide a sense of humour and relieve the intensity of the drama.