The Dutchman by Leroi Jones

The Dutchman by Leroi Jones Summary Clay, a twenty year old black man is taking the subway. At first glance he looks like an educated black man. Lulu on the other hand is a thirty year old white woman. She is a decade older than Clay. She is tall, slender, and beautiful. Her long red hair flows straight down her back. It is a chance meeting, man and woman did not know each other. Lulu sits down besides Clay and talks him as if she knew him.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Dutchman by Leroi Jones specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More She engages in him in a light conversation. She is teasing him, saying that Clay looked at her with lust in his eyes. In his defense, Clay vehemently denies her accusations. She starts to humiliate him talking about his utter lack of independence, the fact that he is living with his parents and making references to racial slurs and other forms of insults. But the moment that Clay shows his discomfort, she changes her tone and appears to be friendlier. The change of heart disarms Clay and he is caught off-guard. The light banter quickly turns serious once again but this time she is forcing him to admit that he is a phony, a man who wants to be someone he is not. She is obviously referring to the fact that Clay is a black man trying to behave as if he is a white man. When things began to overheat she diffuses the tension by making sexual gestures that sent a clear message to her seatmate. She places her hand on Clay’s knee and she said: â€Å"Am I exciting you now?† (Baraka, p.4). Once again Clay is caught-off guard and he lowers his defenses once more, each time he allows Lulu to enter deeper into his heart and mind. Clay is no match for a seductress. He has no clue that Lulu is playing with him. Lulu’s actions are all premeditated and she is trying to lead him to a place to be comfortable and vulnerable before she pounces on her unsuspecting prey. The seduction continues in an accelerated pace. By her words and actions she makes Clay believe that they will make love in her apartment. Clay believes her with all his heart that there is a genuine attraction between them. This is made evident in the opening of the second scene when the audience can see Lulu hugging the arm of Clay. The young man’s tie is loose and suggests that he is already comfortable with her and willing to follow her lead. The seduction is complete and the hunter is ready for the kill. Her actions seem to be harmless at first. Lulu is acting as if she is overly excited about something. She began to throw things out of her bag and into the aisle of the train. She began to sing and all of a sudden she was hysterical. She is like woman under the control of a spirit.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is as if a foul spirit is controlling her like a puppet. It is also as if she is drunk. She is gyrating wildly. The behavior did not really bother Clay except for the words coming out of her mouth. Lulu began to humiliate Clay in front of the other passengers. After some time Clay could no longer take the insults. Clay grabs her arms and forces her to her seat. Lulu refuses to obey and so Clay hit her on the face. The force of the violence slams her head against the back of the seat. Clay began to verbalize his frustrations and aims his speech at Lulu and the passengers. He told them that the world should let them be. He is referring to the black man and their desire to fit in. He is angry and he said that murder is a simpler solution but he would not use it. But when he calms down and ready to leave the train Lulu stabs her with a knife. She kills him and all the passengers did nothing. The passengers are passive. When all the passengers are already out of the train, Lulu waits for her next target. A young black man boards the train. After a while an old Negro conductor enters the car and he tips his hat to Lulu. Characters Clay represents all middle class African-Americans who are desperate to fit in. Clay’s character demonstrates how this can be done by acting like a white man. He is educated and speaks as if he has an English accent. He associates with white people. He is not afraid to interact with them. The lack of inhibition against white people is made evident when Clay did not back down against an equally talented, beautiful and educated woman in the person of Lulu. Aside from trying to fit into the white man’s world Clay improves on his actions by choosing friends that are like him. His desire to create a world where whites and blacks can interact is made clear when Lulu made a playful reference to one of his friends and said: â€Å"Is Warren Enright a tall skinny black boy with a phony English accent† (Baraka, p.4). While Clay’s desire to live in peace in a white man’s world is acc eptable to some, there are those who feels that it is wrong to do so. This is where the character of Lulu and the old conductor plays a vital role in the story. Lulu hates the idea that Clay is not real. The old conductor represents black people who oppose the actions and belief system of the young man Clay.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Dutchman by Leroi Jones specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Lulu is a complex character. She plays the part of the hunter and she also plays the part of a person who hates black people and everything they stand for. She wants to eliminate from the face of the earth. Aside from being racist she also plays the role of a victim. Lulu represents those who felt that they are victims of the actions of young black man desiring to enter their world. She resents them and ends up becoming some sort of a persecutor to force black people to realize that they should not aspire to become white . It is also possible that Lulu is a victim of violence and she blames young black man for that crime. She is therefore enforcing the law to punish the guilty. The old conductor represents all the members of the black community who wants to preserve the status quo. He also represents the fence sitters – the people who are aware that racial violence has been committed and yet refuses to believe in the reports and refuses to act on it. The old conductor is a member of the Negro race and he refuses to lift a finger because he is already content with life and he wants to keep his job. The young black man who came in at the latter part of the story represents all the young black males that have faith in the system. This young black man is like Clay who came before him. He has the proper attire and the tools he needs to convince others that he is more than willing to do anything to be like white people. His character represents those who thought that imitating the ways of the white man results in acceptance but there are people like Lulu who think otherwise. Setting The setting of the play represents the world where black and white people interact. It is a meeting place, a location wherein they interact. They may not like each other but in the train station they meet face-to-face and it is inevitable for their bodies to touch because they are to take a journey together. The setting is also a microcosm of the real world in terms of a society filled with different people coming from all sorts of social, political, background. Conflicts There are three types of conflict that is evident in the play. The first is man against man or more specifically the conflict between the young black man and the white woman. The second major conflict is man against himself. Clay is torn by two opposing forces. He knows that he has to be true to himself and that he has to be proud of his heritage but he is also aware that he has to become someone he is not. He imitates the white man because of his desire for acceptance.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The third major conflict is man against society because Clay feels there is oppression from without. He feels the impact of racism and he wants to retaliate but he believes that he is powerless to do so and decides to keep quiet. Symbolism One of the symbolisms in the story is the reference to Adam and Eve. The apple is the symbol of seduction and temptation. Lulu comes into the train eating and apple. Clay understands the significance of the action. She makes him understand that the apple is a tool to seduce him. This symbolism is important if one takes a closer look at the nature of temptation and the consequences of falling into the trap set by the woman. In this play Clay wants to do the right thing. He thought that he is safe by doing the right thing. Nevertheless, the temptation is stronger than he thought. The symbolism helps explain the struggles of the young black man. Significance The significance of the play can be seen in two ways. The first one is the need to break free from the idea that acceptance can only be achieved by conforming into an alien and restrictive lifestyle. Clay is unhappy but he forces himself to do things against his true desire. He is hoping that he can receive the acceptance and friendship of the white people. Although Clay is wrong in trying to imitate white people and doing things for the sake of maintaining the status quo, Lulu exhibits a more destructive behavior because her hatred causes her to kill. One of the moral lessons of the story is that violence is not the answer. If one uses violence then there is no resolution because the cycle continues. Themes One of the main themes is Race and Racism. This is made evident in Lulu’s harsh response to Clay’s choice of clothes and she says: What’ve you got that jacket and tie on in all this heat for? And why’re you wearing a jacket and tie like that? Did your people ever burn witches or start revolution over the price of tea? Boy, those narrow-should er clothes come from a tradition you ought to feel oppressed by. A three-button suit. What right do you have to be wearing a three-button snit and striped tie? Your grandfather was a slave; he didn’t go to Harvard (Baraka, p.9). In every chance that she could get Lulu tries to insult and humiliate Clay because of his race. Lulu is not only hateful to black people she is also mean to people that does not shares her religious background. Her racist attitude is evident in the following statement: â€Å"You’re too serious. I bet you’re even too serious to be psychoanalyzed. Like all those Jewish poets from Yonkers, who leave their mothers for other mothers, or other’s mothers, on whose baggy tits they lay their fumbling heads† (Baraka, p.17). The racist behavior leads to Cruelty and Violence, Passivity another major theme in the story. Both Clay and Lulu are guilty of violence. Clay hurt her and the drunkard with his excessive use of force. However, it is interesting to note that the passenger and the conductor did nothing to stop Lulu’s murderous rampage and that is a clear example of passivity. The third major theme is Victim and Victimization. This is seen through Lulus actions and words. In an indirect way Lulu is saying that she is a victim and she is doing these things to force the guilty to pay for their sins. She is playing the part of a victim. But at the same time she also acts the part of the person who is doing the â€Å"victimization† as she stalks and murder hapless prey. The fourth major theme is Sex Roles and is made evident by the sexual tension in the interaction of Clay and Lulu. This is an important theme to discuss because in the area of sexuality there is equality among people belonging to different social and cultural backgrounds. Lulu is white and Clay is black but they are attracted to each another. At least Clay demonstrates that he can flirt with a white woman and he can have a relationshi p with a white female. The fifth major them is Retribution. Lulu is killing young black men. It is an obsession. She is on some sort of a mission. She is a hunter looking for her prey and she seduces them for the purpose of killing them. It is possible that Lulu is a victim of some past crime and the perpetrator is an educated young black man. This is her way of seeking retribution. She has become a murderer but in her mind her actions is justified. She hates them for what they have done to her. However, payback time comes in the same way that she has been victimized by the perpetrator of the crime, she seduces them first so that they would not see the knife that she would use to kill them. Work Cited Baraka, Amiri. The Dutchman. New York: HarperCollins, 1964.

A History of the Napoleonic Code (Code Napoléon)

A History of the Napoleonic Code (Code Napolà ©on) The Napoleonic Code  (Code Napolà ©on) was a unified legal code produced in post-revolutionary France and enacted by Napoleon in 1804. Napoleon gave the laws his name, and they largely remain in place in France today. They also heavily influenced world laws in the 19th century. It is easy to imagine how the conquering Emperor could spread a legal system across Europe, but it might have surprised many of his day to know long it outlasted him. The Need for Codified Laws France in the century before the French Revolution may have been a single country, but it was far from a homogenous unit. As well as language and economic differences, there was no single unified set of laws that covered the whole of France. Instead, there were large geographic variations, from the Roman Law which dominated in the south, to a Frankish/Germanic Customary Law which dominated in the north around Paris. Add to this the canon law of the church which controlled some affairs, a mass of royal legislation which had to be considered when looking at legal problems, and the effects of local laws derived from parlements or appellate courts and trials, and there was a patchwork which was very difficult to negotiate, and which stimulated a demand for a universal, equitable set of laws. However, there were plenty of people in positions of local power, often in venal offices, who worked to prevent any such codification, and all attempts to do so before the revolution failed. Napoleon and the French Revolution The French Revolution acted as a brush that swept away a mass of local differences in France, including many of the powers that stood against codifying the laws. The result was a country in a position to- in theory- create a universal code. And it was a place that really needed one. The Revolution went through various phases, and forms of government- including Terror- but by 1804 was under the control of General Napoleon Bonaparte, the man who appeared to have decided the French Revolutionary Wars in France’s favor. Glory Beyond the Battlefield Napoleon wasn’t just a man hungry for battlefield glory; he knew a state had to be built to support both him and a renewed France. Most important was to be a law code that bore his name. Attempts to write and enforce a code during the revolution had failed, and Napoleon’s achievement in forcing it through was massive. It also reflected glory back onto him: He was desperate to be seen as more than a general who took charge, but as the man who brought a peaceful end to the revolution, and establishing a legal code was a massive boost to his reputation, ego, and ability to rule.   The Code Napolà ©on The Civil Code of the French People was enacted in 1804 across all the regions France then controlled: France, Belgium, Luxembourg, chunks of Germany and Italy, and was later spread further across Europe. In 1807, it became known as the Code Napolà ©on. It was supposed to be written fresh, and based on the idea that a law based on common sense and equality should replace one based on custom, societal division, and the rule of kings. The moral justification for its existence was not that it came from God or a monarch (or in this case an emperor), but because it was rational and just. A Compromise Between Old and New All male citizens were supposed to be equal, with nobility, class, a position of birth all wiped away. But in practical terms, much of the revolution’s liberalism was lost and France turned back to Roman law. The code did not extend to emancipating women, who were subjugated to fathers and husbands. Freedom and the right of private property were key, but branding, easy imprisonment, and limitless hard labor returned. Non-whites suffered, and slavery was allowed in French colonies. In many ways, the Code was a compromise of the old and the new, favoring conservatism and traditional morality. Written as Several Books The Napoleonic Code was written as several Books, and although it was written by teams of lawyers, Napoleon was present at nearly half of the Senate discussions. The first book dealt with laws and people, including civil rights, marriage, relationships, including those of parent and child, etc. The second book concerned laws and things, including property and ownership. The third book tackled how you went about getting and modifying your rights, such as inheritance and through marriage. More codes followed for other aspects of the legal system: 1806’s Code of Civil Procedure; 1807’s Commercial Code; 1808’s Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure; 1810’s Penal Code. Still in Place The Napoleonic Code has been modified, but essentially remains in place in France, two centuries after Napoleon was defeated and his empire dismantled. It is one of his most lasting achievements in a country in thrall to his rule for a turbulent generation. However, it was only in the latter half of the 20th century that laws were altered to reflect equality to women. Wide Influence After the Code was introduced in France and nearby areas, it spread across Europe and into Latin America. Sometimes a straight translation was used, but other times large changes were made to fit local situations. Later Codes also looked to Napoleon’s own, such as the Italian Civil Code of 1865, although this was replaced in 1942. In addition, laws in Louisiana’s civil code of 1825 (largely still in place), derive closely from the Napoleonic Code. However, as the 19th century turned into the 20th, new civil codes in Europe and around the world rose to reduce the importance of France’s, although it still has an influence.

Mass Extinction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Mass Extinction - Essay Example A life seen through the eyes of a forever-existing mountain, which has witnessed wonders and ruins forming the current space we are living in today. As a part of this holistic ecosystem, it is our responsibility to respond to the nature’s call. This paper sheds some light on this mass extinction by focusing on its causes to determine the effects brought about by this extinction to find out how man should respond to this phenomenon, and why it is important for man to act quickly. Sea turtles are inhabitants of all worlds’ oceans except for the arctic, and are referred to as marine reptiles. However, they have been listed as endangered, for their reproduction rate is so slow to cover up for its rapid decrease from the ecosystem due to man’s activities that threaten their survival. It is noteworthy that sea turtles play a significant responsibility to two ecosystems that are very important to the turtle’s themselves and to humans too. This is because in the s eas they eat the sea grass that grows on the sea floor. This is very important, for they function to keep them short enough to avail breeding and development locations for many fish species as well as other marine life (Elewa, 34). The sea turtle’s meat, shell and eggs ate so precious and forms one of the main reason as to why man continue hunting them at an alarming rate. This has greatly reduced its numbers as St Catherine’s Sea Turtle Conservation program reports that the nesting levels of sea turtles today are less than one percent of those in 1947 (Leakey and Lewin, 46). This is an immense decline that calls for mans attention to reclaim these turtles. Therefore, to prevent the loss of these creature, fishing nets should be designed a way to allow for escape of turtles because if trapped in the net they are bound to drown. This is because they naturally come to the surface of water to breath, and if trapped, they don’t get the opportunity to do this. Beach development should also be monitored so that they do not encroach more into the water bodies. This is because hatchlings are mostly affected b y light especially during the night. As talked about above, the mass extinction of sea turtles is majorly brought about by man and his activities. It is evident that these moral violations of man as well as their practices are set to drive the sea turtles into extinction. It is important for the public to be warned that this is an impending disaster if nothing is going to be done now. The debate as to whether man is capable of slowing the extinction seems to drag on as some opponents claim that it is too late for man to intervene. This happening as little by little man continues to take down the homes of millions of animal species for cultivation, settlement and other infrastructure, and this has doubled since 1960 (Goodale and Black, 22 ). Therefore, this indicates that more habitats will continue to be reclaimed by man as he continues to sa tisfy himself at the expense of other animals. The current extinction rate in the world over stands at ten thousand times faster than earlier recorded, and the highest for that matter (Garner, 23). Is this the sixth extinction? Scientists are of the opinion that these reductions in biodiversity have already stated having an impact on human life. With the belief that the world is in the middle of a mass extinction, it implies that the millions of people who are indeed contributing to this extinction of animals will face food

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Movie 1974 Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 1974 - Movie Review Example First of all, it is a process of everlasting thinking and intention to broad own outlook. Without critical analysis, brainstorming and generation of own thoughts and emotions, any cultural event is pointless, as long as it does not compel person to accept provided information properly, developing knowledge base, forming private views and altering previous attitudes. Sometimes watching a play or visiting exhibition, a person is able to be pleasantly impressed and manages to learn a lot more than last several years of life can teach him with different situations, experiences, acquaintances and problems. It is not random when they say that a smart person studies life with a help of outside experiences, instruments and sources, which prevent him to make mistakes in own real situations. Therefore, cultural enrichment is imperative device of personal development and growth, which stimulates thinking activity and embellishes insipid days with bright and abundant emotions. One of such cultur al events that had managed to become not only entertainment but also educational element, encouraging to further communication, expression of own ideas and making of relevant conclusions, was a free presentation of legendary Toby Hooper’s movie â€Å"The Texas Chain Saw Massacre†, which took place on the lawn at Enzian theatre. The outdoor show occurred on the 19th of October at 8:30 PM. Word of mouth, especially my close friend, who is a passionate fan of horror movies, and Internet links on the official web site of the theatre have helped me to find out more about impending event, providing details concerning the venue, time and gist of gathering. Being not very impressed with such genre of movies, after my friend’s arguments concerning the significance and popularity of the mentioned film I was extremely intrigued, containing interest and intention to be able to appraise a picture that was totally out of my taste. Preliminary having read some reviews, among w hich there were as positive as critical comments equally, I realized the vagueness of horror movie that managed to create inner desire to form own point of view. That is why, being interested and rather skeptical about greatness of the picture, I decided to take my friend’s piece of advice into consideration and watch Hooper’s movie. In the beginning of â€Å"The Texas Chain Saw Massacre† a viewer can observe rather unusual fact when a teller emphasizes on the truthfulness of the current story. However, despite that during the creation of the Leather face’s image script writers have alluded to well-known in 1950s American slaughter Ed Gein, in the reality all characters are invented and the plot is fictional. Such disinformation of the viewers is able to evict considerable interest and attract people’s attention to the movie right from the beginning, keeping them in a huge tension and concentration to the plot until the very end. The movie starts w ith dreadful flashes of dead bodies and announcement of the radio speaker about the barbaric treatment of graves on the Texas cemetery. In the center of the movie there is a young girl named Sally and her disabled brother on invalid chair, who, being heard about tombs robbing, with other friends get a ride to investigate a grave of their grandfather. Driving near a cattle farm, Franklin explains everybody how farmers slaughter cows, while Pam interjects that â€Å"people should not kill animals for food†. That is the first push for thinking that a viewer meets with. Ordinary and

GPS Safety Bubble Technology Essay -- Safety Bubble Technology

Although Global Positioning technology has existed since the mid 1970’s, some of the most significant advancements have taken place within the last five years. In recent months, studies have been conducted by NASA and other institutions concerning the use of advanced GPS technology in both computer controlled flight of commercial aircraft and the establishment of â€Å"no-fly safety bubbles† around designated areas and buildings. In essence an aircraft’s computer system would override a manual command and not allow the craft to enter these designated areas. There are many possible benefits of this technology, but with any new advancement also comes ethical questions. While some believe this technology will increase air travel safety, others argue that misuse of this technology could lead to disaster and loss of life. The use of Global Positioning System navigation technology was established in the early 1970’s, long before the idea of a GPS â€Å"safely bubble† existed. Up to this time the required satellite technology to support global positioning systems had not been developed. In 1978 the first GPS satellite was launched (Rand McNally). It took nearly fifteen years to perfect GPS for public use, but since this has happened, land navigation has been revolutionized. GPS was initially developed by the Department of Defense for primarily military uses, but has since been made available to the general public. In 1996 the National Security Council published the following goals for the GPS system: †¢ To strengthen and maintain national security. †¢ To encourage acceptance and integration of GPS into peaceful civil, commercial and scientific applications worldwide. †¢ To encourage private sector investment in and use of U.S. GP... ...tation advances the common good, promotes a safe society for citizens, and helps to ensure the freedom of the American people. We have a duty to use modern technology such as advanced GPS systems to achieve these aforementioned goals. It is clear that despite the risks, this technology is needed and should be developed and installed on all aircraft. References: Haskens, Shelly. â€Å"Security Now Their Domain† The Huntsville Times. Oct. 21, 2001 Kostiuk, Peter F. â€Å"An Integrated Safety Analysis Methodology for Emerging Air Transport Technologies†. NASA. April, 1998. Parasuraman, Raja, Jacqueline Duley. Et al. â€Å"Human Factors in Free Flight: Developing Dynamic Automation Tools to Support Air Traffic Management†. Cognitive Science Lab, Catholic University of America. 1996 Rand McNally & Company. http://www.randmcnally.com/rmc/products/gps/gpsHome.jsp

Paper on “Agricultural Rhythms and Rituals: Ancient Maya Solar Observation in Hinterland Blue Creek”

The article of Gregory Zaro and Jon Lohse, â€Å"Agricultural Rhythms and Rituals: Ancient Maya Solar Observation in Hinterland Blue Creek,† mainly discusses the various and highly effective agricultural practices in Mesoamerica during times when sophisticated equipment and instruments were not yet available.The authors mainly focused on the ancient Mayan civilization whose settlements are now collectively known as Latin America.   Basically, it was evident that much of Mesoamerica was highly successful in terms of agricultural production and the planting and growing of crops, among others.However, the authors stressed that it is important to not that the ancient civilizations that lived in the past had little to no knowledge of soil types, regulation and moisture levels, fertility, the growing cycles, and other requirements and that are essential in crop production, yet they still were able to have successful and sustainable agricultural conditions.The authors point out tha t the main reasons behind their success are their ancient rituals, practices and beliefs which mainly focused on the cosmos and are used to mark the passage of time and the seasons relative to their agricultural production.These practices rituals include sacrifices, rituals that are associated with water management and fertility and the civilizations ability to monitor seasonal changes by observing the movements and changes of the celestial bodies in the sky.In addition, these practices, rituals and other agricultural behaviors, according to the authors, are possibly the most overlooked reasons by most archaeologists who are attempting to have a deeper understanding of ancient civilizations.The authors, in their investigations of these ancient races, found their first evidence at the Quincunx site, an architectural complex in Belize. At the site, they discovered an unusual structure which is unlike the Mayan houses and residential patios.It mostly comprises of central masonry room b locks but the most notable structure of the complex, according to the authors, are the four broad, low, circular cobble platforms that are situated intercardinal directions (which means that the four platforms are placed in southeast, southwest, northeast, and northwest each).   Each platform is also located approximately 20 meters from a central structure.The authors noted that initially, it can be surmised that these five-point or quincuncial   structure was designed mainly to monitor the movements of the sun in the sky every year. But upon closer scrutiny, it is actually closely associated with the Mayan civilizations high regard for astronomy and their dependence on agricultural production.In addition, the authors claimed that the evidence which they use to support their claims include ethnographic and ethnohistoric accounts, particularly the Mayan behavior towards astronomy and agriculture;Tthe five-part or quincuncial design of the site; and the solar observations at the s aid site during times of summer solstice on June 21, which are further assessed in relation to architectural elements and features that denote important events in the civilization’s history and way of life.Based on the authors’ accounts, in order to have a better understanding of the Mesoamerican agricultural behaviors and practices, it is first necessary to closely examine symbolisms in their structures, particularly the quincuncial design of the site.Basically, according to historical evidence and studies of Mayan cosmos or their belief in astronomy, the five-part complex mainly represents the universe. Historically, the Mayans believe that universe is composed of four corners and one center, similar to the quincuncial structure.The corners represented what they called the vaxakmen or the race’s standard bearers or spokespersons. In addition, the positioning of these corners also designate and give rise to the center, which more or less represents the Mayan co mmunities themselves.Moreover, the positioning of the quincuncial complex are also closely associated with fertility and famine, which are essential aspects in Mesamerica as these play major roles in determining their way of life.For example, according to the authors, one Mayan Tribe believed that the north is associated with the color white and the god maize/cereal grain, the south is associated with the color and the god of wind, the east is associated with white and the god of rain, and the west is associated with black and the god of death.Meaning to say, the positioning of the quincuncial complex they found may strongly indicate that it is meant to determine their timing in planting crops and other agricultural activities that they Mayan civilization practice during that time.Another example that indicates their strong reverence for astronomy relative to their agricultural production, based on the authors’ article, is the rituals that the civilization practiced. In one r itual, an altar is situated in a center with four corners. In each of the corners, four men sat and imitated the sound of thunder.The entire ceremony is mainly done to pray to the gods to bring rain during times of famine or drought. Moreover, the authors noted that places that are socially significant such as plazas, homesteads, and cornfields also followed the quincuncial rule mainly due to their perception of the universe.Furthermore, the authors also noted that the quincuncial structure is also used in actual agricultural production. Basically, the four corners represent solar events: two zenith passages, in which the sun is directly above the earth, and two summer solstices, in which the sun is either towards or away from the earth, depending on the planet’s tilt.In this regard, quincuncial symbols, especially in places rice in agriculture, help the civilization determine the sun’s position and, in effect, their timing for successful food production.  Finally, i n order to further support and validate their claims, the authors documented a devastated quincuncial architectural site in Belize and recreated it to show the sun’s possible position in the sky and how the Mayan civilization used this to time their agricultural activities.In their excavation, they were able to discover that during the June summer solstice, a person’s shadow was cast from the central structure’s south doorway to the north edge of the southwestern area. From this finding, the authors concluded that the quincuncial structure was indeed crucial to the lives of Mesoamerica as it affects their agricultural production.However, they emphasized that the passage of time has caused a lot of changes in the structures which is why it is hard to assume that all of Mesoamerica used the same quincuncial symbols described above in their lives. But nevertheless, they surmised that all communities in the area shared the same belief that prominent spaces and areas must divided into five parts and four corners in order to represent the universe.

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