Time Travel Essay Example for Free

Time Travel Essay Most people are familiar with the idea of wormholes in space. Try to imagine the universe as a balloon. When you pick two spots on the balloon and push toward the center, you can make those two points meet with no space between them. To imply that idea was true for the universe would mean that two points far from each other could be traversed in one step. The normal immense distance between the earth and the moon, or even another galaxy could be skipped by taking a shortcut. Now imagine time as a ribbon with ripples. The same idea could be applied to time. What if you took the ribbon at the base of two ripples and joined it? The longer distance between those two points in time, now out in a loop, could be skipped by passing where the ribbon touches. There are a few problems though. When travelling through time, one can only travel forward. Travelling backward seems impossible because changing something would have an effect on your opinion back when you came from. That would change your motivation for going back in the first place, and you wouldnt make the change at all. For example, if you went back in time and successfully prevented the assassination of JFK then back when you came from JFK would have lived and your motivation would not exist. If JFK were alive, then you would never have the idea to go back in time to prevent his death. If you dont go back however, he would have died which would once more provide the motivation. Going backward ties the ribbon in knots; the action itself might be possible, but to do it would be to condemn yourself to a life in limbo while the rest of existence is living two lives.

Death in Auden’s Funeral Blues, Forche’s Memory of Elena, and Dickinson

Death Reflected in Auden’s Funeral Blues, Forche’s Memory of Elena, and Dickinson’s Last Night that She lived Death is a natural and inevitable part of life. Everyone will experience death, whether it is of a loved one or oneself. In W.H. Auden’s poem â€Å"Funeral Blues† (1003), he describes such a catastrophic event and the drastic effect that it has on his life. It is interesting how people choose to accept this permanent and expected event, death. Similarly, Emily Dickinson has written many poems about death, such as â€Å"The last Night that She lived† (843), which describes a family waiting for a woman or girl to die and the dreary and depressed mood that exists within the household. Mourning is considered a perfectly healthy reaction when someone who is deeply loved and cared about passes on, and this is illustrated in â€Å"The Memory of Elena† (1070-71) by Carolyn Forche. She writes about the events following a funeral and also flashes back to the actual moment that a wife has watched her husband die. W.H Auden’s â€Å"Funeral Blues,â⠂¬  Carolyn Forche’s â€Å"The Memory of Elena,† and Emily Dickinson’s â€Å"The last Night that She lived† are all poems which share death as their subject matter, but differ in the fact that they discuss death in a unique style with a variety of literary devices to make them more effective. Upon reading these poems, I could relate to each strongly on a personal level. Each poem expresses a different view of death and the different stages of acceptance and grieving. When I was younger, my grandmother passed away. I was quite fond of my grandmother and she and I had a close relationship. When she passed away, I was devastated and went through a series of phases and emotions, much like those descr... ...otions are expressed in the poems â€Å"Funeral Blues† by W.H. Auden, â€Å"The Memory of Elena† by Carolyn Forche, and â€Å"The last Night that She lived† by Emily Dickenson. Although each poet writes with his or her own literary techniques, such as rhyme scheme and hyperbole, symbolism and repetition, and dramatic pauses, they all have made the experience of death seem real and personal to the reader, and that is why their works are considered great works of modern, contemporary, and classical poetry. Works Cited Auden, W.H. â€Å"Funeral Blues.† Literature. 5th ed. Ed. Robert DiYanni. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002. 1003. Dickinson, Emily. â€Å"The last Night that She lived.† Literature. 5th ed. Ed. Robert DiYanni. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002. 843. Forche, Carolyn. â€Å"The Memory of Elena.† Literature. 5th ed. Ed. Robert DiYanni. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002. 1070-71.

Tobacco Advertising Is Illegal but Alcohol Is Not

COMM 3P14 – Media Industries Tobacco Advertising is Illegal, but Advertising for Alcohol is not, Is This Hypocritical? Rebecca Stewart 4574927 Russell Johnston Seminar 3 November 11, 2012 Advertisements are a vital part of any company’s marketing strategy, and are used to inform or persuade an audience about a certain product or service. In fact, North American companies are among the world’s highest advertisers (Boone et al. , 2010, 502). Today, an average consumer is exposed to hundreds of advertisements every day.It is when these companies attempt to promote a dangerous product that restrictions must be, and have been put in place. For several years, Canada’s regulations on tobacco advertisements have become stricter, while alcohol advertisements are still permitted across multiple mediums. This leads one to question the difference between the two substances, and if this notion is in fact hypocritical. The stakeholders identified in this paper are the v iewers and listeners of the advertisements, specifically the youth audience.The principles involved with alcohol promotion are examined with a lens that incorporates the views of Horkheimer and Adorno’s perspective on advertising. Along with a brief history of tobacco advertising regulations, this paper will discuss the ethical issues involved in alcohol advertising, and evidence to support that alcoholic products are no less of a danger than tobacco, and should have the same advertising restrictions. There is also evidence to suggest that the majority of Canadians are in favour of tighter restrictions on alcohol advertising.The current hypocritical state of allowing alcohol to be advertised, but removing all tobacco related marketing is further discussed in detail. Literature Review Not only is advertising illegal for tobacco companies, retailers are now obligated to remove these products from sight. Cigarette companies are also no longer permitted to label their product as light or mild on the package (Pollay, 2004, 80). The first Canadian legislation successfully passed in favour of advertising regulations was the Tobacco Act of 1997 (Pollay, 2004, 80).Health Canada created provisions in this act such as, tobacco products must not be promoted, and all manufacturers must share information about the product’s emissions and health hazards arising from use of the product on the packaging (Health Canada, 2011). The intent of this act was to protect young people and others from being encouraged to try tobacco related products without being informed of the dangers to their health (Polley, 2004, 81). The belief was that tobacco ads were aimed at new smokers, and that companies were trying to attract young people towards their brand.This idea is plausible because in order to maintain a strong business over a long period of time, new users must be targeted. Further, there is evidence supporting the fact that current smokers are not likely to be converte d to another brand, making youth targeted advertisements more likely (Polley, 2004, 83). There was pressure to strengthen the advertising restrictions after countless health risks and deaths were attributed to smoking. â€Å"Smoking has been estimated to result in roughly 45,000 deaths annually and is a major cause of respiratory disease, cancer and circulatory disease† (Sen, 2009, 189).A study conducted by the American Journal of Public Health looked at 481 randomly selected tobacco retailers after the product display ban to understand the changes that resulted in tobacco promotion (Cohen et al. , 2011, 1879). Their study revealed that this ban successfully limited the exposure of tobacco products, and demonstrated the importance of a complete ban on retail tobacco displays (Cohen et al. , 2011, 1880). Clearly, limiting advertising exposure to hazardous products such as cigarettes truly limits consumer exposure, and thus promotes the idea of a healthy public.Since these ad r egulations have proved to be a success, it would likely have a very similar effect when applied to alcohol. Ethics is an essential consideration in the world of advertising. Marketers should make responsible decisions, and not just focus on generating profits, because it is legal. â€Å"Ads should address audiences not just as consumers who care about material interests but as citizens who care about social virtues and the public good† (Hove, 2009, 35). The idea of advertising alcoholic beverages is unethical.While there are mild restrictions in Canada regarding alcohol promotions, there is a demand for more. Some provinces run ads that promote responsible drinking, or the dangers of drinking and driving in an attempt to shed light on alcohol abuse (Boone, 2010, 525). However, these attempts do not cancel out the multitude of beer and liquor advertisements in today’s media. Some alcohol advertisements include the ideology that drinking a certain brand of beer will infl uence their social class, or improve their quality of life in some way. This is extremely controversial.An article from the South African Journal of Psychology notes, â€Å"there are no laws against [alcohol] advertisements; however, responsible corporate and professional action, would prevent the use of these advertisements from a social and moral standpoint† (Dubihela & Dubihela, 2011, 209). Clearly, an ethical dilemma is present. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission is one organization that has viewed alcohol advertisements critically. Since 1968 they have required broadcasters to report the number of alcohol related messages broadcasted annually (CRTC, 2011).The messages also must adhere to their Code for Broadcast of Alcoholic Beverages (CRTC, 2011). This code includes provisions to ensure promotions for alcoholic beverages do not encourage non-drinkers or young people to drink or purchase alcohol, imply a certain brand is superior because of a higher alcohol percentage, and that consumption of alcohol enhances enjoyment of an activity (CRTC 2011). These regulations are far more lenient compared to the restrictions on tobacco advertising.Advertising Standards Canada has now gained responsibility to review advertisements concerning alcohol to ensure they are in accordance with the CRTC’s code (Darling, 1996). Moreover, alcohol is just as dangerous to society as tobacco. Statistics Canada shows that alcohol use by drivers was a factor in nearly 30% of motor vehicle related deaths from 2003-2005 (Statistics Canada, 2011). Also, deaths from other alcohol related disorders such as cirrhosis of the liver accounted for over 1400 deaths in 2003 (Statistics Canada, 2009).The most relevant stakeholders in this issue, young people, are severely affected by alcohol use in Canada. In 2011, 13. 2% of Canadian youth ages 12 to 19 fell under the heavy drinker category, that is, consuming 5 or more drinks on one occasion at least o nce a month (Statistics Canada, 2011). Similarly, â€Å"the rate of persons accused of impaired driving offences was highest among young adults between the ages of 19 and 24† (Statistics Canada, 2011). Additionally, 28. 8% of Canadian students admitted to being driven by someone who was legally impaired (Statistics Canada, 2011).Many Canadians support the public opinion that seeks to enforce stricter regulations when it comes to alcohol products. A study from the Drug and Alcohol Review Journal reports that 50. 1% of Canadians agree with prohibiting alcohol advertising (Macdonald et al. , 2011, 653). Similarly, 47. 4% thought the current legal drinking age of nineteen should be increased, and 40. 1% believed taxes on alcoholic beverages should be raised (Macdonald et al. , 2011, 653). These kinds of changes would make alcohol less available or attractive to young adults.The CRTC’s report that outlines the framework for their advertising regulations states, â€Å"parti es argued that excessive alcohol consumption is as dangerous as smoking and, therefore, should be treated in the same way: the consumer should be warned of the dangers associated with abusive consumption† (Darling, 1996). Clearly, encouraging the sale of any product that can cause this kind of harm is morally irresponsible. Evidently, many Canadians believe alcohol is a dangerous substance that should not be easily accessible to young people. Establish an Interpretive ContextThis research is used to establish whether or not a bias exists. The death and disease rate caused by both alcohol and tobacco is examined to prove that hypocrisy is present. Harmful effects caused by the use of alcohol and tobacco is compared to uncover why this imbalance of advertising restriction is unjust. This is not to say that tobacco products should be reintroduced, but that both substances should be eliminated from media advertising altogether. Furthermore, the views of actual Canadians are consid ered because this fosters a public sphere and forms a widespread opinion on the issue.Also taken into account is the amount of time spent with media by Canadians and specifically young people. Statistics that outline hours spent watching television and surfing the web will be considered. The best outcome for this situation is to restrict alcohol advertisements based on the same grounds outlined in the Tobacco Act. Discussion After reviewing the available data, it is clear an unjust bias exists. The position of this discussion remains that alcohol should be eliminated from advertising for the same reasons tobacco is.Tobacco has been restricted from advertising based on major health concerns, and in an attempt to deter youth from smoking. These same properties are present, and even heightened, with alcohol. â€Å"Some parties, including government representatives, stated that anyone involved with the sale of alcoholic beverages should have the opportunity to advertise their productsà ¢â‚¬  (Darling, 1996). Since evidence categorizes both alcohol and tobacco as dangerous substances, both should be treated the same way with regards to advertising.Alcohol has proven to be even more dangerous than tobacco in some cases. The immediate effects are particularly alarming. Consumption of alcohol can alter one’s state of mind, causing negative health effects, accidents and addiction in some cases. The Canadian Public Health Association reports, â€Å"drinking too much alcohol in a short period of time can lead to poor judgment, impulsive behaviour and alcohol poisoning† (CPHA, 2008). Alcohol poisoning can contribute to long-term health problems and even death. Also of concern are the permanent consequences of long term drinking.Serious conditions such as, brain damage, certain cancers, cirrhosis of the liver, and sexual problems are attributed to alcohol abuse (CPHA, 2008). In addition to life threatening illnesses, withdrawal symptoms can also occur when h eavy drinkers suddenly stop consuming alcohol. These symptoms include but are not limited to insomnia, sweating, tremors, and convulsions (CPHA, 2008). Clearly the additive properties of alcohol are similar to tobacco, and should therefore be handled the same way in advertisement laws. Problems with mental health can also be found with alcohol abuse.According to the Canadian Community Health Survey, â€Å"fifteen percent of people who were alcohol-dependent have experienced major depressive episodes† (Tjekpema, 2004). Also, women who consume alcohol while pregnant are of grave concern. Regular alcohol intake during pregnancy can lead to miscarriages, low birth weight, and genital malformations in boys (Damgaard et al. , 2007, 272). â€Å"Children born to women who consume alcohol during pregnancy may exhibit a range of abnormalities and developmental deficits that together are termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorders† (Kobor & Weinberg, 2011, 29).These preventable defec ts are another reason why alcohol should be considered as dangerous as tobacco. Overall, the negative statistics for alcohol are no less alarming than they are for tobacco. In 2011, 10. 1% of 15 to 17 year olds considered themselves smokers (Statistics Canada 2011). This is substantially lower than the 13. 2% of Canadian youth who fall under the category of heavy drinkers, not to mention the 30% of motor vehicle accidents that are alcohol related. These contrasting statistics speak for themselves, and prove the hypocritical nature of only banning tobacco advertising.Alcohol brands use effective marketing strategies that specifically reach a youth audience, the main stakeholder in this issue. Since the ‘young market’ is attractive to advertisers, their ads frequently catch the eye of people aged 15 to 34 (Novak, 2004). Celebrity endorsements are one way marketers attempt to sell their product to young people. Dan Aykroyd, Zak Galifianakis, and Will Ferrell are just a few celebrities who have endorsed popular alcohol brands (Novak, 2004).These people are relevant to Canadian youth, and they may be inclined to purchase the same brand of alcohol as one of their favourite celebrities. Moreover, 20. 1% of males and females ages 18 to 22 claimed to watch 15 or more hours of television per week (Statistics Canada, 2007). This is a large portion of young people who are subject to the dozens of alcohol advertisements broadcast each day. Alcohol advertisements are not limited to radio and television broadcasting. Many brands are turning to the Internet and social media to promote their products. This is problematic.According to a 2009 survey by Statistics Canada, 82. 9% of Canadians ages 34 and younger claimed to use the Internet at lease once a day, and 86% of these users went online for social media purposes (Statistics Canada, 2009). The government should implement restrictions on encouraging the sale of alcohol to a youth audience. They act as a legitima te spokesperson because they look out for citizen’s best interests. The reasoning behind banning tobacco advertising stemmed from the health hazards and dangers associated with smoking, and the same should be true for alcohol.Some parties argue that there is no scientific evidence linking advertising to overconsumption or underage drinking. If this is true, then the same can be said for tobacco products. However, polls taken in 2011 show that tobacco use fell rapidly amongst teenagers 15 to 19 years of age, shortly after the ban was placed (Goldfarb, 2011, 209). If these restrictions were applied to alcohol products, similar results could be expected. This issue fits into the realm of communication theory. As Horkheimer and Adorno proclaim, the direction of society, â€Å"is incarnate in the subjective purposes of company directors.Production is geared primarily towards profit, not towards the satisfaction of human need or use value† (Johnston, lecture, 2012). Advertis ing executives constantly make decisions based purely on profit instead of taking culture into consideration. Their ads are intended to increase sales and attract new customers of any age. This is problematic on a youth audience. These theorists proclaim that the audience has no choice in the matter (Johnston, lecture, 2012). â€Å"If all culture is enmeshed in the capitalist marketplace then all cultural products espouse the ruling ideology† (Johnston, lecture, 2012).This ideology is business. The government needs to intervene in this cycle so that ethics and moral responsibility are taken into consideration, just as they were with the tobacco advertisement ban. Conclusion If tobacco advertising was banned because it was considered wrong to encourage a habit that causes such detrimental effects, should not the same be true for alcohol? This bias is hypocritical because the government deemed it necessary to intervene when it came to tobacco advertising, and alcohol should not be overlooked.Smoking and alcohol consumption take away people’s lives at the height of their productivity (Jiloha, 2012, 65). By keeping these activities out of the media, youth can be deterred from engaging in them. In fact, advertising has profound consequences. Its persuasiveness and lack of information give audiences a false sense of what the product at hand really is (Hove, 2009, 36). Advertising experts should focus their attention on directing youth audiences against dangerous habits such as smoking and drinking, instead of encouraging them through advertising.While there is no scientific link connecting advertising to over consumption of alcohol, the decrease in young smokers as previously mentioned after the tobacco retail display ban gives reason to assume the same could be true for alcohol. If tighter restrictions are put in place to limit promotion of these products, it could help discourage Canadians from underage drinking, or over consumption. The current stat e of applying restrictions only to the tobacco industry is hypocritical when compared to the equally dangerous properties of alcohol. Works Cited Boone, Kurtz, Mackenzie & Snow (2010).Advertising and Public Relations. Contemporary Marketing, Second Canadian Edition. Toronto: Nelson Education. 500-532. Canada’s Public Health Association. How does alcohol affect health? Canada’s Public Health Leader. November 1, 2012 URL: http://www. cpha. ca/en/portals/substance/health/faq01. aspx Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunication Commission. (August 1, 1996). Code for Broadcast Advertising of Alcoholic Beverages. November 2, 2012, URL: http://www. crtc. gc. ca/eng/general/codes/alcohol. htm Damgaard, I. N. , Jensen, T. K. , Petersen, J. H. , Skakkeb? k, N. E. , Toppari, J. Main, K. M. , & The Nordic Cryptorchidism Study, G. (2007). Cryptorchidism and Maternal Alcohol Consumption during Pregnancy. Environmental Health Perspectives, 115(2), 272-277. Dubihlela, J. , & Dubihl ela, D. (2011). Youth attitudes towards advertisements depicting nudity and alcohol: ethical dilemmas in advertising. South African Journal Of Psychology, 41(2), 207-217. Goldfarb, A. , & Tucker, C. (2011). Advertising bans and the substitutability of online and offline advertising. Journal Of Marketing Research, 48(2), 207-227. doi:10. 1509/jmkr. 48. 2. 207 Health Canada. (2011).Tobacco Act. Health Canada. November 1, 2012, URL: http://www. hc-sc. gc. ca/hc-ps/tobac-tabac/legislation/federal/tobac-tabac-eng. php Hove, T. (2009). ADVERTISING, ETHICS, AND THE CITIZEN-CONSUMER. American Academy Of Advertising Conference Proceedings, 35-36. Jiloha, R. C. (2012). Tobacco smoking: How far do the legislative control measures address the problem?. Indian Journal Of Psychiatry, 54(1), 64-68. doi:10. 4103/0019-5545. 94651 Johnston, R. (2012 September). The Public Sphere. Lecture conducted from Brock University, St Catharines, Ontario. Kobor, M. S. , & Weinberg, J. (2011).FOCUS ON: EPIGENETIC S AND FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS. Alcohol Research & Health, 34(1), 29-37. MacDonald, S. , Stockwell, T. , & Luo, J. (2011). The relationship between alcohol problems, perceived risks and attitudes toward alcohol policy in Canada. Drug And Alcohol Review, 30(6), 652-658. doi:10. 1111/j. 1465-3362. 2010. 00259. x Novak, J (2004) Alcohol Promotion and The Marketing Industy. York Univeristy: The Association to Reduce Alcohol Promotion in Ontario. Pollay, R. W. (2004). Considering the Evidence, No Wonder the Court Endorses Canada's Restrictions on Cigarette Advertising.Journal Of Public Policy ; Marketing, 23(1), 80-88. Sen, A. (2009). Estimating the impacts of household behavior on youth smoking: evidence from Ontario, Canada. Review Of Economics Of The Household, 7(2), 189-218. doi:10. 1007/s11150-008-9046-11 Statistics Canada. (2007). Prevalence of and adjusted odds ratios for viewing television 15 or more hours per week, by selected characteristics, household population aged 2 0 years or older. November 1, 2012. URL: http://www. statcan. gc. ca/pub/82-003-x/2008002/article/10600/t/5202428-eng. htm Statistics Canada (2009).Internet use by individuals, by selected frequency of use and age. November 1, 2012. URL: http://www. statcan. gc. ca/tables-tableaux/sum-som/l01/cst01/comm32a-eng. htm Statistics Canada (2009). Deaths by cause. October 31, 2012. URL: http://www5. statcan. gc. ca/cansim/pick-choisir? lang=eng;p2=33;id=1020525 Statistics Canada. (2011). Heavy Drinking by age group and sex. November 1, 2012. URL: http://www. statcan. gc. ca/tables-tableaux/sum-som/l01/cst01/health79a-eng. htm Tjepkema, M. (2004). In Alcohol and Illicit Drug Dependence. Statistics Canada, Catalogue 15.

Essay on “Arnolfini Wedding Portrait” by Jan van Eyck

Essay on â€Å"Arnolfini Wedding Portrait† by Jan van Eyck Arnolfini Portrait was painted by Jan van Eyck in 1434 and it is oil on oak panel. This painting represents two people, a husband and a wife who are making an arrangement. The nature of this arrangement is discussed in articles and different authors think differently of this painting. There is a mutual consensus that this painting serves as a form of evidence about the relationship between the husband and the wife. The two articles are: In the Name of God and Profit: Jan van Eycks Arnolfini Portrait† by Margaret D. Carroll and Jan van Eycks Arnolfini Portrait: Business as Usual? by Linda Seidel. In the Name of God and Profit: Jan van Eycks Arnolfini Portrait† was written by Margaret D. Carroll and it is the article which deals with the meaning of the painting. There is a depiction of what merchants were like in Italy in the 15th century and the true meaning of the Arnolfini Portrait is sought after. Arnolfini is a merchant and it is a person who needs money. He accumulates wealth, but according to the church and to the moral conduct of the time, there was the right way of earning money. A just merchant is the one who is pleasing God and just to men. This belongs to a medieval culture and a merchant of that time had to obey the rules. It is widely known that: â€Å"Arnolfini earned his fortune through international trade, finance, and money lending to the French and Burgundian courts. He owned a house in Bruges near one owned by his wifes relatives, the Cenami, another family of wealthy merchants originally from Lucca† (Carroll 97). His wife’s family was f rom France, but settled in Italy and her family was more prosperous than his. He married above his social status because he needed money for trade. Arnolfini was involved in financial ventures starting from 1421 and he dealt with textile. There is a record that he lent money to the duke of Burgundy in 1425 and he also became a supplier for Philip the Good. Arnolfini became an established figure in Burgundy and France and their court circles. He became a financier, a merchant and a courtier and he worked on his own. This painting suggests that his wife, Giovanna managed his affairs while he was absent because of business. This was common in the medieval Italy and the wife needed to have consent from her husband. Giovanna was able to manage Arnolfini’s business so that nobody else would be involved in it. Once that he dies, she was the executor of his wealth. This painting is supposed to represent a legal authorization which Arnolfini gave her to conduct his business. There are the elements of contract in the painting, there is good faith and mutual consent. There are also witnesses, visible in the mirror and the painter’s signature serves as a legal element also. In this painting the couple is already married and this is just an agreement that the wife is authorized to work on behalf of her husband. The painting is set in the bedroom because at the time, there was no distinction between public and private space in one’s home: â€Å"a businesslike transaction is shown taking place in a bedroom, one may answer that late medieval houses did not rigorously separate spaces for domestic and mercantile activity. In general, storerooms and offices were not clearly distinguished from living spaces† (Carroll 102). Arnolfini’s footwear is for outside, while Giovanna’s is for the inside which shows the roles a husband and wife have in this marriage. Her activity is related to their home, while his is related to the outside world. H er position is by the bed, which indicates her role at home, while his is by the window. The painting served as an evidence of a contract between Arnolfini and his wife. This is the affirmation of Giovanna’s involvement in her husband’s business affairs. A wife was not able to be involved in any kind of a legal transaction without a legal consent of her husband which is why this painting is so important as it does not represent marriage according to Carroll. The Arnolfini family are a merchant couple and this is what this portrait represents. There are other elements in this painting, such as religious ones: â€Å"Of crucial importance in the late Middle Ages was a merchants reputation for Christian piety-attested in this painting by the historiated mirror frame with scenes of the passion and the amber prayer beads on the wall next to it† (Carroll 105). Good faith is also one of the main themes in the painting and it can be seen in the right hand which Arnolfini raised. He also joined hands with Giovanna and there is a small dog between them, a sign of fidelity. Good faith was extremely important in those times and one’s reputation was at stake because of it. Legal matters could not be settled in court and that is why it was best to do business with merchants who were known for good faith. It was not honorable to accumulate wealth for oneself, but for the family and the country. Giovanna also seems to be pregnant in the painting which suggests the fruitfulness of the married couple. There is also the bed in the painting which is the ultimate indicator of good faith and a good relationship between the husband and wife. The family is ethical, pious and wealthy and that is exactly what this painting serves to show. Moreover, â€Å"van Eycks nuptial imagery speaks to the late medieval corporative ethos of partnership, good faith in contracts, and the sharing of both profits and risks† (Carroll 114). The husband and wife are in a legally binding contract which is based on good faith coming from both sides. There is also no central figure in the portrait and the attention is divided between the husband and the wife. There can also be seen people in the mirror and there is the painter’s signature above. The people are witnesses to this contract. Jan van Eycks Arnolfini Portrait: Business as Usual? is an article written by Linda Seidel and it suggests that there is a different meaning of the painting. „The painting represents an Italian cloth merchant, Giovanni Arnolfini, and his foreign-born wife, Giovanna Cenami, standing together and holding hands in a well-lit domestic interior where they are surrounded by personal belongingsâ€Å" (Seidel 57). There is also a dog in front of them and a mirror in the back. The painter also put the date and his signature in the painting. Seidel suggests that this is the painting which represents the actual marriage which served as the way for Arnolfini to get dowry and for Giovanna’s father to give her to her husband. There is no priest, but van Eyck was a landowner and capable of serving as the person who can guarantee for the marriage in the legal way. The bedroom serves as a nuptial room and there is also symmetry which suggests the equality of the married couple. Giovanna ’s family was very wealthy and they were also merchants, so it is a fact that Arnolfini was marrying into a wealthier family. The negotiations â€Å"between parents of future spouses would be kept secret until the pledged parties reached an appropriate age or the families accumulated a suitable dowry. The marriage ceremony proper began with a public meeting between male members of the familiesâ€Å" (Seidel 63). The father of the bride represented her and she took no part in this or in the decision making process. Afterwards, the groom would go and meet the bride during the day with the notary present and the groom would give a ring to his bride to be. The groom also brought gifts at this stage which can be seen in the Arnolfini Portrait. The marriage is complete once it is announced to the public. What can be seen in the painting is that: â€Å"it is Ring Day, around noon, and Giovanni has entered the house of Giovanna accompanied by family members. Their arrival is ascer tained by the alert dog and is attested to as well by the mirrors imagesâ€Å" (Seidel 66). It is the bride’s room since her shoes can be seen near the bench used for praying. This painting serves as the proof to the bride’s father that the groom has taken the dowry so that it can be given back to Giovanna once it is necessary. I chose Carroll’s article over Seidel’s because it makes more sense to me. It is also written in a better, more comprehensible way. While Seidel repeats her findings in the course of numerous pages, Carroll is very clear. Her organization makes her points seem reasonable and it is more persuasive than the portrait represents a legal agreement than the marriage itself. It is also possible that the marriage with the motive of a dowry takes place in the portrait, because of all the evidence, such as the bedroom, the clothes and the witnesses. However, the bride seems to be pregnant, so it seems more plausible that the marriage already took place. Reading these arguments changed my point of view about the painting because I never thought of the marriage as a business transaction. Both articles have plenty of evidence and it is upon personal preference to choose one as the explanatory for the Arnolfini Portrait. This painting serves as a piece of evidence that marriage was about business in medieval Italy.