Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility Essay

In economics, utility is a measure of personal satisfaction or level of meeting a need that a good or service meets. For example the initial cup of coffee in the morning meets a large need and provides a large amount of satisfaction (utility). Another example is go under water and hold your breath, keep holding it until you think you will pass out. Then come up out of the water, that first breath is wonderful — tremendous utility. That is utility – the meeting of a need or being satisfied. Now Marginal Utility is the change in utility from one more good or service being consumed. So the amount of utility from the first cup of coffee or that first breath is huge. Diminishing Marginal Utility is the fact that each addition good or service consumed, creates a smaller and smaller amount of additional utility. In the examples above, that second cup of coffee in the morning or the second breath after the first will provide additional satisfaction or need meeting, but it will not provide near as much satisfaction (utility) as the first one did. The third cup or third breath has even less additional satisfaction or need meeting ability (utility) as the second and the first. Some products or services may have some increasing marginal utility at first, but every good or service at some point provides decreasing additional utility (or diminishing marginal utility). When the total utility curve stops increasing at an increasing rate and starts increasing at a decreasing rate, that is the point where the marginal utility curve reaches its max and starts decreasing — this is the point of diminshing marginal utility. Let me give you another example, if you had no shoes and someone gave you only one shoe, you would receive some utility. You can now hop through the sticker patch. But a second shoe that completes the pair might actually give you more utility than the first shoe, because you are clumsy and you keep falling down with only one shoe. But with two shoes, you can run and hop and not worry about stickers and stones. So the second shoe actually has increasing marginal utility. Now going on, a second pair of shoes doesn’t add as much utility as the first pair; though it is still better to have two pair of shoes than just one. So total utility has increased with the second pair of shoes, but marginal utility has diminished with the additional shoes.

Samples Legalizing Marijuana Essay - the Story

Samples Legalizing Marijuana Essay - the Story Details of Samples Legalizing Marijuana Essay The list of methods marijuana can make money is all but endless! Most weed arrests are minor offenses and do not demand prison time but should you get busted for a few grams or perhaps a joint here and there you can obtain a hefty record begin to pile up. More people will have the ability to use marijuana for medical purposes more freely without needing to hide it all of the time. There are several different ways marijuana can be ingested to reap the advantages of everything it has to offer you. Thus, the paper outlines the probable pros and cons linked with legalization of gambling. At our essay assistance, essays are always delivered in a brief moment. Still, opinions on the topic of legalization differ greatly and the amazing debate continues to rage. Vital Pieces of Samples Legalizing Marijuana Essay Legalization by the states has demonstrated the immense financial opportunity of a marijuana market, particularly for smaller businesses. Legalized sales place a plug on the black industry. The marijuana industry would have the capacity to supply thousands of work in each state if it were to become legal. Marijuana is simply a plant whose production aids in generating many beneficial products for our everyday survival. The state would have the capacity to use its resources on lawyers to defend people who've been accused of more serious crimes. It's unfathomable to think about the amount of lives it might save. Legalizing weed includes many perks but a substantial one that numerous people today are hunting for would be more job openings. Marijuana may help solve many issues in america especially with the total amount of profit it can make and marijuana may help with treating patients that are sick are only a couple of issues that the country has to face. New Ideas Into Samples Legalizing Marijuana Essay Never Before Revealed It's possible to also r ecieve the advantages of marijuana with a vaporizer. Marijuana has been demonstrated to be second only to alcohol for a substance that individuals seek treatment for. In the majority of countries around the world, the usage of marijuana is outlawed as it's thought of as a narcotic drug. Early and normal use of marijuana predicts an elevated probability of addiction and the danger of using other illicit drugs. Even in case you don't utilize Marijuana, you ought to be supporting getting it decriminalized. Moreover, it is not possible to overdose on marijuana as there haven't been any deaths linked to it. People today believe that since marijuana is legal it's safe for the body-this is simply not true. Indeed, marijuana is related to the dangerous gangs in the previous days, where the gangs used marijuana prior to going to commit crimes. Another facet of why marijuana ought to be legal is that having low crime prices and not as much cartel groups would continue to keep the co untry safer than it's now. When it regards legalization of marijuana for medicinal usage, I have long believed that every state needs to be permitted to implement a system which works best for its residents. Arguably, an excellent number of men and women who smoke marijuana aren't criminals, and thus, it is going to be unfair if they're treated as criminals. Studies demonstrate that black and white adults utilize marijuana at similar prices. Already Legalized drugs are way more harmful than marijuana. Marijuana for a drug shouldn't be legalized, although the benefits of legalizing it and taxing it are more than the expenses of attempting to keep it illegal. Marijuana legalization might even be a potent weapon in the struggle against the opioid crisis. Marijuana is thought to be considered a gateway drug to use different drugs. Marijuana is among the most frequently abused drugs in the United States of america and legalizing Marijuana has been a continuing controversial debate for decades. There are risks connected with legalizing marijuana. Marijuana is apparently somewhat illegal still but substances like tobacco and alcohol are completely legal to get, at a particular age that is. What to Expect From Samples Legalizing Marijuana Essay? Marijuana may also be put to use as a pain reliever, as its usage recues the degree of pain however high it is. Aside from relieving pain, marijuana has a number of other medical usages. As a result of adverse negative effects which marijuana has on the body, its usage for the medicinal goal is simply accepted if it's delivered by an experienced health practitioner. Legalizing marijuana is not going to make our problems disappear it is only going to create new ones. Getting in a position to more fully understand the medicinal advantages of marijuana could result in a decrease of using other, more addictive, narcotics for pain reduction, like opioids. The adolescent length of the brain has doubled. There might be a lot of pros as to why it ought to be legalized but in addition, there are cons as to why it shouldn't. The Start of Samples Legalizing Marijuana Essay You'll receive your high quality plagiarism-free paper based on your deadline! My purpose is to help you with your studies at no charge. Despite Marijuana legalized on a state level it's still hard to track revenue that ought to be taxed. It's apparent that marijuana is a powerful revenue stream that might help fund critical government programs at all levels. What You Should Do to Find Out About Samples Legalizing Marijuana Essay Before You're Left Behind Marijuana's prohibition has resulted in the presence of black markets where it's sold at a reduce price without prescription, and it has given criminals the monopoly on the lucrative marijuana trade. To summarize, marijuana shouldn't be legalized. In the Indian context, marijuana is largely considered as being of recreational usage, but it's not simply that. Determining whether legalizing marijuana is wise or not is a challenging call at best, with pros and cons on either side.

John Maynard Keynes Absolute Income Hypothesis - 1481 Words

The basis behind much of macroeconomic consumption theory rests with John-Maynard Keynes’ Absolute Income Hypothesis, described in The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money (1936). His findings lead to the conclusion that aggregate consumption is highly dependent upon disposable income; but also, as total income increased, the proportions of savings would increase, meaning one’s marginal propensity to consume (MPC) would decrease. Leading to the assumption that consumers’ consumption decisions are made only by considering disposable income. Following Keynes Absolute Income Hypothesis, James Duesenberry developed the Relative Income Hypothesis (Duesenberry 1949). This theory asserts that consumption is not only based on one’s†¦show more content†¦Expanding upon the Life Cycle Hypothesis and the Permanent Income Hypothesis, Robert E Hall introduced the Random Walk model of Consumption (Hall 1978). Hall’s theory introduces rational expectations into the Life Cycle and Permanent Income Hypotheses. Stating that if rational expectations exist, then consumers will change their expectations as additional information becomes available to them. Variations in consumption are then only able to be explained by events that were unpredictable, as they would otherwise be smoothing consumption, which suggests that changes in consumption should be unpredictable as well. Evidence from Jesse Rothstein and Cecilia Rouse’s (Rothstein and Rouse 2007) research about how student loan debt affects post-college career choices suggests that recent college graduates behave in a manner that is not in accordance with life-cycle agents in. They create a regression-based estimator using difference-in-differences analysis (DID) combined with the Wald Test, with controls for variances that a simple version of DID/Wald would not be able to capture. The first of their results that can be of importance to consumption is that students wi th student loan debt were more likely to take higher-salary jobs over lower paying or â€Å"public interest† positions, which would result in higher pre-debt servicing disposable incomes. The claim that those with student loan debts are not life-cycle agents stems from data about the pledgesShow MoreRelatedDissertation Proposal1339 Words   |  6 Pagesstrategies has been a matter of controversy. Before Keynes (1936), many economists considered the interest to be the important factor to determine the propensity of saving. Keynes introduced ‘Absolute Income Hypothesis’ (AIH) in 1936 which demonstrated that fluctuations in the short run interest rate had no significant effect on spending decisions; rather the consumption behaviour is entirely dependent on current income. The theory asserts that as income rises, the consumption will also rise. HoweverRead MoreSmith s Attack On Mercantilism3631 Words   |  15 PagesBy this, he implied that a citizen was a propriet or of property instead of the property of an expert. Besides, Smith was a backer of setting duty rates as indicated by one s capacity to pay. Citizens, he contended, ought to pay in extent to the income which they individually appreciate under the security of the state. Smith put stock in burdened property, benefits, business exchanges, and wages. In any case, these duties ought to be as low as would be prudent to meet general society needs ofRead MoreEffects of Interest Rates on Business Performance4959 Words   |  20 PagesIntroduction This study aims at establishing the effects of interest rates on Mukwano industries (U) ltd. This chapter presents background of the study, statement of the problem, purpose of the study, objectives of the study, research questions or hypothesis, scope of the study, significance or justifications to the study and Theoretical framework. 1.1 Background of the study Mukwano Industries (U) Ltd was established in the early 1980s and has evolved to be one the fastest growing fully integratedRead MoreClassical Theory of Employment5251 Words   |  22 Pages Basic Assumptions of Say’s Law: * (a)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Perfectly competitive market and free exchange economy. * (b)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Free flow of money incomes.  Ã‚  All the savings must be immediately invested and all the income must be immediately spent. * (c)  Ã‚  Savings are equal to investment  and equality must bring about by flexible interest Rate. * (d)  Ã‚  Ã‚  No intervention of government  in market operations, i.e., a laissez faireRead MoreThe Main Theoretical Weaknesses of Mercantilism8168 Words   |  33 Pagesas it was in Mexico) or sugar (for example in the West Indies), as well as turning into high-class markets. European power did evolve all over the world but it was done through force which was a disadvantage that turned into a weakness. In 1690, John Locke argued his point that mercantilism was very weak. His reason was that the prices were varying in proportion to the amount of currency. Lockes Second Exposition also points in the direction of the heart of the anti-mercantilist evaluation: thatRead MoreEconomics12898 Words   |  52 Pagesprice of rice on consumption behavior, ceteris paribus (or other things remaining constant)? If the price of rice increased by 20 percent, how much consumption will there be, assuming no simultaneous change in other variables that is, assuming that income, number of family members, population, laws and so on all remain constant. Brief History: The Classical, Keynesian and Modern Economics This brief historical introduction aims to give a background on most profound names in the study of economicsRead MorePublic Expenditure and Economic Growth in India13502 Words   |  55 Pagesexpenditure of governments all over has significantly increased. In the early 20th Century, John Maynard Keynes advocated the role of public expenditure in determination of level of income and its distribution. In developing countries, public expenditure policy not only accelerates economic growth promotes employment opportunities but also plays a useful role in reducing poverty and inequalities in income distribution. ECONOMIC GROWTH Economic development is a broad term that generally refers toRead MoreTrade Openness and Economic Growth in Nigeria23422 Words   |  94 Pages(Thirlwall, 2000). Likewise, Fontagnà © and Mimouni (2000) noted that since the end of the European recovery after World War II, tariff rates have been divided by 10 at the world level, international trade has been multiplied by 17, world income has quadrupled, and income per capita has doubled. Incidentally, it is well known that periods of openness have generally been associated with prosperity, whereas protectionism has been the companion of recessions. In addition, the trade performance of individualRead MoreInflation Cause, Effects and Remedies11309 Words   |  46 Pagestrend of prices is gradual and irregular, averaging only a few percentage points each year, such creeping inflation is not considered a serious threat to economic and social progress. It may even stimulate economic activity: The illusion of personal income growth beyond actual productivity may encourage consumption; housing investment may increase in anticipation of future price appreciation; business investment in plants and eq uipment may accelerate as prices rise more rapidly than costs; and personalRead MoreExercises for Microeconomics17876 Words   |  72 PagesAverage benefit ââ€"Ž Average cost ââ€"Ž Economic surplus ââ€"Ž Economics ââ€"Ž Microeconomics ââ€"Ž Macroeconomics ââ€"Ž Marginal benefit ââ€"Ž Marginal cost ââ€"Ž Normative economics ââ€"Ž Positive economics ââ€"Ž Rational person ââ€"Ž Sunk cost ââ€"Ž Opportunity cost ââ€"Ž Absolute advantage ââ€"Ž Comparative advantage ââ€"Ž Attainable point ââ€"Ž Unattainable point ââ€"Ž Efficient point ââ€"Ž Inefficient point ââ€"Ž Production possibilities curve REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. The most you would be willing to pay for having a freshly washed car

Humanistic Theory, Psychodynamic Theory And Cbt - 1373 Words

Here I am going to explain the key characteristics of: Humanistic theory, Psychodynamic theory and CBT. Firstly I am going to talk about what I think the Humanistic theory is, this approach works by providing the client with a better understand of themselves. It helps them to understand their feelings and gives them a chance to explore the option to create personal choices. Humanistic therapy is used for depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, stress, loss etc. It pushes the client to work towards self-awareness and self-realization. Deurzen (2002) says the humanistic approach will always include a through consideration of limitations, realities and consequences. The counsellor shows honesty and openness towards the client making them feel comfortable and even equal. The key characteristics are congruence, genuineness and empathy. The counsellor accepts the client for who they are and is non-judgmental, also using UPR (unconditional positive regard) putting themselves in their clients shoes. Humanistic overall is an approach looking at the client, not only through counselor’s eyes but through the client’s eyes too. The allegation has been made before that the CBT therapy counsellor does not actually have to be aware of the theoretical basis of CBT in order to practice. â€Å"Some may argue that the theory side of CBT may be important for the academic and researcher but hardly for the therapist, who needs to know what works and how to work it. Indeed a hard lineShow MoreRelatedEvaluating the Main Theories of Counselling Essay1695 Words   |  7 Pagesthree main theories of counselling within the module covered this term. The three approaches in discussion are psychodynamics, cognitive behavioural and humanistic. The psychodynamic theory originated from Sigmund Freud, a medical doctor and philosopher (1856 - 1939) founded in the 1900s. Freud developed his ideas whilst working as a psychiatrist in Vienna, collecting information from his patients such as feelings, thoughts and early childhood experiences. The psychodynamic theory focuses onRead MoreEssay about Evaluating the Main Theories of Counseling1932 Words   |  8 Pagesthree main theories of counselling within the module covered this term. The three approaches in discussion are psychodynamics, cognitive behavioural and humanistic. The psychodynamic theory originated from Sigmund Freud, a medical doctor and philosopher (1856 - 1939) founded in the 1900s. Freud developed his ideas whilst working as a psychiatrist in Vienna, collecting information from his patients such as feelings, thoughts and early childhood experiences. The psychodynamic theory focuses onRead MoreDiscuss the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Three Main Theories Covered in This Module.1965 Words   |  8 PagesDiscuss the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Three Main Theories covered in this Module. This essay will attempt to highlight and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the three main theories of counselling within the module covered this term. The three approaches in discussion are psychodynamics, cognitive behavioural and humanistic. The psychodynamic theory originated from Sigmund Freud, a medical doctor and philosopher (1856 - 1939) founded in the 1900s. Freud developed his ideas whilst workingRead MoreThe Humanistic School Of Counselling936 Words   |  4 PagesThe second school of counselling to be discussed is the Humanistic school. This school of counselling evolved in the USA during the 1950’s (McLeod, 2015) and includes a large number of related approaches such as the Person-Centered approach, Existential and Gestalt. Although different in ways, these approaches share a number of goals and core beliefs, key to the humanistic school. Approaches within the humanistic school share the acknowledgement of the counsellor-client relationship and client autonomyRead MoreStrengths And Weaknesses Of Psychology1411 Words   |  6 Pages(McLeod’s 2007) stated that within ‘contemporary psychology’ there are many different approaches used to understand the study of human behaviour, with eac h approach having a different perspective. There may be many theories within a psychological perspective, but they will all have common assumptions on the way we function. As no approached is viewed as right or wrong, they are often just evaluated for their strengths and weaknesses and what they have brought to modern psychology in the understandingRead MoreContrasting Psycodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral and Person-Centered Counseling Theories1732 Words   |  7 Pages2005). Counseling theories are used by counselors as part of their treatment plan for clients. There are many types of theories that counselors can choose from. These theories are usually hosen based on the client needs and what the counselor feel will be most effective. Counselors are not limited to just one theory when it comes to treating their clients. Theories can be used in conjunction with one another to effectively treat clients. Counseling does not just involve theories alone, it in involvesRead Morecompare an d contrast three core theories of counselling2615 Words   |  11 Pagesï » ¿Compare and Contrast the Three Core Theories of Counselling The British Association for Counselling’s Code of Ethics and Practice for Counsellors states that ‘Counselling may be concerned with developmental issues, addressing and resolving specific problems, making decisions, coping with crisis, developing personal insight and knowledge, working through feelings of inner conflict or improving relationships with others’ (BACP Ethical Framework). Throughout this essay I will illustrate the similaritiesRead MoreThe Theory Of The Therapy982 Words   |  4 Pagesthis is not intended to diminish the effectiveness of other available approaches. The final school of counselling to be discussed is the CBT approach; this approach is one of the most popular forms of talk therapy (Jhugroo, 2015). CBT adopts a directive approach and is both problem focused and action orientated. Similar to the PCT in the Humanistic school, CBT focusses on the here and now, and suggests there are no unconscious meanings behind behaviours; in fact, behaviour is governed by the naturalRead MoreCognitive Behavioral Theory and Psychodynamic Theory Essay1840 Words   |  8 Pagesunpack cognitive behavioural theory and psychodynamic theory. This will include the history of each theory and the theorists that discovered and developed both. I am going to link each theory to where they fit in Payne’s Triangle of Social Work as well as compare and contrast each theory. Both Cognitive behavioural theory and psychodynamic theory both support the purposes of social work in which I will cover beneath. This assignment will also include criticisms of both theories as well. CognitiveRead Morecounselling theory essay1690 Words   |  7 PagesSkills Theories Theory Essay Written Introduction In this essay I will describe key elements of Psychodynamic theory, Person-Centred theory and Cognitive-Behavioural theory. I will also identify the key differences between the above theories. I shall also describe how counselling theory underpins the use of counselling skills in practise. I will then end with my conclusion. 1.1 Key elements of psychodynamic theory Dr Sigmud Freud (1856-1939), is the founder of the psychodynamic approach

Rationale Behind Crazy Transfer Fee of English Soccer Players Free Essays

Rationale behind crazy Transfer fee of English Soccer Players England had a disastrous Football world cup in South Africa. English players are deemed as over-rated and perennial under achievers. But when it comes to the transfer fees, English players are able to command a premium. We will write a custom essay sample on Rationale Behind Crazy Transfer Fee of English Soccer Players or any similar topic only for you Order Now Liverpool paid ? 35 million for Andy Carroll, ? 16 million for Jordan Henderson and ? 20 million for Stewart Downing. Manchester City paid ? 26 million for James Milner and Manchester United paid ? 17 million for Ashley Young and ? 16. million for Phil Jones, who is just 19 and played only 28 times in English premier league. The important point to consider here is all the above mentioned players come from mediocre clubs and none have premier league winners medal under their belt. What is the mystery behind their astronomical transfer fees? The answer lies elsewhere. UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) has introduced a new ‘home-grown’ rule which states that each participating club in European competitions should have at least at least 8 homegrown players in their squad of 25. A player who is registered for at least three seasons at an English or Welsh club and is between the ages of 16 and 21 is termed as an home-grown player. The FIFA (International Federation of Association Football), the supreme body of the football is working on introducing a whole new system – nine players on every 18-man match day  squad must be home-grown. These developments have caught the English clubs off guard as most of the clubs don’t have the required number of English players in their squad sheet. The home-grown rule has forced the English clubs to go for head hunting of the English talent. The Demand –Supply curve of the transfer market for the English players is given below. D1 = Demand of English players before the implementation of ‘home-grown’ rule D2 = Demand of English players before the implementation of ‘home-grown’ S = Supply of English players p1 = Transfer Amount before FIFA implemented the ‘home-grown’ rule p2 = Transfer Amount after the implementation of ‘home-grown’ rule q1 = Number of English players in demand before the implementation of ‘home-grown’ rule q2 = Number of English players in demand before the implementation of ‘home-grown’ rule The home-grown rule has moved the demand curve to the right and with supply of the English players remaining almost the same; two changes have happened to the equilibrium 1. The equilibrium number of players has increased as there is more demand from English clubs 2. The equilibrium transfer amount has increased and this explains why even the mediocre English players are able to command a premium in the transfer market. Recently many problems have arisen due to the high price tags. Most of these players are either young or mediocre that they don’t find place in the starting lineup of the clubs. Players get frustrated by the lack of playing time and some of them put in transfer request. Also, the high price tags put immense pressure on these players to live up to the expectations. The danger with paying such a high price for a young player is that he might crumble under the pressure of expectations. James Milner is a perfect anecdote for this as he struggled to hold a place in Manchester City’s starting lineup during last season. ———————– Transfer fee A English Players A p2 p1 q1 q2 S D1 D2 How to cite Rationale Behind Crazy Transfer Fee of English Soccer Players, Essay examples

Armistice Day has Lost its Meaning free essay sample

A look at why Armistice Day has currently lost meaning for American society. This is an argumentative paper that deals with the lost meaning of Armistice Day, or as it is better known, Veterans Day. The author argues that this American holiday has lost significance and meaning as a memorial day. With 500,000 cheering, flag-waving spectators lining the way, and thundering drums flanked by nostalgic Glenn Miller swing music on the autumn air, tens of thousands of proud American warriors marched out of the past and up Fifth Avenue in New Yorks largest Veterans Day Parade since the end of World War II. This 1995 parade was a victory of sorts due to the fact that, in recent years, Veterans Day observations have become, as Robert McFadden says, desultory at best, with spectators often limited to passers-by walking their dogs or heading out for a quart of milk(On Parade). This parade was evidence of a revival in veteran appreciation, and a renewal of Veterans Day as a much celebrated American holiday. We will write a custom essay sample on Armistice Day has Lost its Meaning or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page But while this parade can be used to model a renewal in ceremony and enthusiasm, the true meaning of Veterans Day, or Armistice Day as it was originally called, has been lost.

Symbolism of Color in the Masque of the Red Death Essay Example

Symbolism of Color in the Masque of the Red Death Essay Symbolism of Color in ‘The Masque of the Red Death’ Edgar Allan Poe focuses an intense amount of information on the setup of Prospero’s suite within ‘The Masque of the Red Death’. The topic is addressed in the beginning of the story with great detail and is mentioned again during the final chase. It is impossible for this concentrated focus to be without meaning. Symbolism is commonly used by writers to convey hidden feelings and to compel the reader to see beyond the written word. Symbolism forces the reader to focus intelligently on not only the words on the page, but the unseen implications they convey. The meanings within Poe’s text are greatly debatable since every reader views things differently. Poe’s use of symbolism in ‘The Masque of the Red Death’ seems fairly consistent according to critics. Poe uses the location and colors of the rooms within the castellated abbey to illustrate the progression of life from birth through death. He also uses the scene with the â€Å"spectral image† (Poe 265) to suggest humanity’s immense fear of death. Support from Poe and his critics will illustrate the importance of this symbolism within the tale of ‘The Masque of the Red Death’ One of the first topics that Poe addresses in ‘The Masque of the Red Death’ is the location of the rooms within the abbey. Poe tells the reader that in most palaces, â€Å"suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded†(Poe 262). This palace is quite different in that â€Å"The apartments were so irregularly disposed that the vision embraced but little more than one at a time. There was a sharp turn at every twenty or thirty yards, and at each turn a novel effect†(Poe 262). The rooms are situated in a way that forces the viewer to see only one room at a time and each room is located from East to West. This directional location most commonly refers to the progression of the sun through the sky. The birth or rise of each new day begins in the East and dies or sets in the West, this is symbolized through the color of each room within the abbey. If the first room is located â€Å"at the eastern extremity†(Poe 262), then it is logical to assume that the rooms proceed in a westerly path which puts the last room at the western extremity. We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism of Color in the Masque of the Red Death specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism of Color in the Masque of the Red Death specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism of Color in the Masque of the Red Death specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer According to H. H. Bell Jr. , â€Å"These directions are time-honored terms which have been used to refer to the beginning and the end of things- even life itself†(Bell 101). As the evidence will soon show, the first room is symbolic of birth while the last indicates death. This directional progression is the first sign of the symbolism signifying the procession of the rooms from birth through death. The first room described within Prospero’s suite is located â€Å"at the eastern extremity†(Poe 262) and is decorated entirely in blue. The color blue is often used to represent new birth or renewal. Expanding upon the example of sunrise and sunset, the first thing one typically notices upon the rising of the sun is the lightening of the sky. Therefore, the initial color of the sunrise or birth of the new day is blue. This is significant in â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death† because it is the first room described, as well as being the one in which Prince Prospero is located when the â€Å"spectral image† (Poe 265) is first noticed at the masquerade ball. This indicates that Prospero begins his chase after death at birth or during the dawning of new life. The second room described is adorned in purple. The color purple is often associated with prosperity or accomplishment. It is the stage of adulthood in which someone has gained power or accomplished goals within life. The color purple is commonly associated with royalty, which is significant in relation to Prospero considering his royal standing as a Prince. The color purple can often be seen in the setting of the sun or the death of each day, which seems to indicate the decline of life. Though the location of the room within Prospero’s suite signifies that it is close to the start of new life, Poe seems to be pointing out that we are all traveling toward death from the moment of our birth. The next room encountered in Prospero’s suite is â€Å"green throughout†(Poe 262). The color green is often associated with money which logically follows the success or accomplishment of the previous room. Another way to look at the color green is to see it as a verdant color. Bell suggests that the color green indicates â€Å"that which is verdant, with that which is full of life and vigor- indeed with a man who is in the prime of his years†(Bell 103). This color suggests a man who has prospered from his accomplishments and is at the top of the hill of life. When the sun begins to rise into the sky, the first thing it illuminates on Earth is the ardent green of the surrounding grass. This illumination signifies the notice one receives from his peers when he prospers from his achievements. The fourth room exemplified in the tale is â€Å"furnished and lighted in orange†(Poe 262). The color orange, according to Bell, suggests â€Å"the autumn of life. Prospero could well be considered here to be beyond his prime, but by no means old yet†(Bell 103). The color orange is often evoked through the multiple shades of autumnal leaves. The color orange is also found in both the sunrise and sunset which could indicate mid-life. At this time a person is no longer young, but neither are they old; they are stuck somewhere between the two. Kermit Vanderbilt stated that â€Å"the orange room, corre-sponding [sic] to the high noon of existence, becomes the harvest or fulfillment of human labor and ambition†(Vanderbilt 381). This room not only signifies the fulfillment of labor and ambition, but also the slow decline unto death. Once one begins the descent down the hill of life, it is never known how fast the bottom may come rushing up to meet you. Death is no longer a thing in the distance, but the visible end of one’s life. The fifth room is entirely white. This color is generally associated with aging or old age. The reason for this association is quite obvious in that it is the color most commonly attributed to the hair of elderly people. The color white is often symbolic of purity or cleansing. It appears that Poe is saying that when people see the immanent approach of death, they begin a process of cleansing or purifying themselves in preparation. In trying to tie in the metaphor of the sun’s path of life, the color white seems to signify the light and airy quality of the clouds seen when the sun it at its highest. The elderly are trying to achieve this airy quality of purity before death comes to greet them. The sixth and final room of life is bedecked entirely in violet. This color is the darkest of the life colors which seems to correlate with the gravity that is forced upon all people of great age. It is at this time that people begin to truly face their lack of a future. When someone reaches great age, contemplating death and imagining it around every corner is to be expected. The violet color of the room is given greater importance by the room that immediately follows. The color is burdened with a darker meaning due to its location. The last color seen in the sunset is a deep, dark shade of violet. This could attest to the fact that it is one of the darkest colors possible other than black. This color seems to vividly symbolize the end of life, the very last stage of the hill of life, and the moments before one encounters death. The last room encountered in ‘The Masque of the Red Death’ is the most unique. It is the only room in Prospero’s suite in which â€Å"the color of the windows failed to correspond with the decorations†(Poe 262). This room is hung in black tapestries that fall â€Å"in heavy folds upon a carpet of the same material and hue†(Poe 262). The windows of the room were scarlet, a color as deep as blood. This room is the most symbolic of them all in that it is the only room that obviously symbolizes the death and destruction of mankind. This room is also the most westerly of all, which according to several previously cited sources indicates death in and of itself. Joseph Patrick Roppolo states that â€Å"The appearance the presence of blood is confirmation or assurance of the existence of the Red Death or, more broadly, of death itself† (Roppolo 64). This accounts for the reveler’s reaction to the room of death. According to Poe, the room â€Å"produced so wild a look upon the countenances of those who entered, that there were few of the company bold enough to set foot within its precincts at all†(Poe 262). The color of the window panes is symbolic of the Red Death, the very thing which every one of the revelers is trying to run away and hide from. The black color of this room is only seen in the sky when there is no light source to accompany it, the time between the sunset and the next day’s sunrise, it is the color of the world at the death of each day. According to Vanderbilt, â€Å"the blood-colored panes depict, of course, the dread effects of the plague, and the black tapestries represent death itself†(Vanderbilt 382). This puts the seventh room into a perspective that may not easily be seen, one which recognizes Prospero’s decision to create this world separated from disease and pestilence. Roppolo states that â€Å"Prince Prospero’s world came into being because of the Red Death, which, although it includes death, is the principle of life†(Roppolo 68). By this he means that life includes death but should not be defined by it. Prince Prospero was standing in the chamber of birth or renewal when his eyes first fell upon the spectral image. The mummer solemnly walked from one room to the next with Prospero chasing after him. Prospero’s chase after the spectral image led him from the room of birth and renewal into accomplishment, wealth, middle age, old age, great old age and finally into the room of death. The chase after the masked figure symbolizes the progression of Prospero through each stage of life until he comes face to face with the masked figure in the room of death. It is at his entrance to this room that Prince Prospero â€Å"fell prostrate in death†(Poe 266). It is at this point that Prospero has symbolically walked through each stage of life in an effort to chase death, only to find it waiting there to meet him. The revelers threw themselves at the masked figure only to find that it was not a tangible thing but the essence of death itself. After this revelation they all fell to their deaths from the very thing they had secluded themselves from. According to Edward W. R. Pitcher, â€Å"The dwelling, however tightly secured against the dreaded Unknown, is no defense against Necessity . . . and however carefully constructed and with whatever purpose, man is still the walled-in fool . . . an inmate of the death-in-life prison†(Pitcher 246). This emphasizes the idea that one can never hide himself from death. It is not a phase of life that can be avoided through simple willpower or desire. Everyone will face their own death, but it is not something that should be chased after. Life should always be lived to its fullest with full knowledge that death could be waiting around the next corner. Prospero’s seclusion in the castellated abbey seems to provide a measure of this lifestyle, in that the revelers are celebrating life, but not one of them believed that death could come within the abbey. Had they have done so, the conclusion of life may not have been quite as exaggerated as it was. Every being within this world created by Prospero mistakenly believed himself to be inoculated from death. The fact that death was able to gain entry within their hallowed halls provided a sense of chaos and despair among the revelers that may have been avoided had they have understood that death is a part of life. Roppolo states that â€Å"Blood, Poe has been saying, is (or is symbolic of) the life force; but even as it suggests life, blood serves as a reminder of death†(Roppolo 67). The body can only produce blood when it is alive, but the sight of it is an instant reminder that each of us will one day meet our death head on. Poe uses symbolism in the location and color of the rooms within the abbey to illuminate a solid progression from the beginning of life through death and uses Prince Prospero and the revelers to illustrate humanity’s fear of death. Whether or not Poe is arguing against disbelief of death is greatly debatable, but it is quite obvious that he has used ‘The Masque of the Red Death’ to clarify the thought processes of humanity in regards to death and it’s link to life. Works Cited Bell, H. H. , Jr. â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death: An Interpretation. † South Atlantic Bulletin  38. 4 (1973): 101-105. Print. Pitcher, Edward W. R. â€Å"Beyond Gothic Flummery: A Cosmoramic View of Poes Symbolism and Ideas. † The Sphinx: A Magazine of Literature and Society 4. 16 (1985): 241-249. Print. Poe, Edgar Allan. â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death. † The Essential Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe. Ed. Benjamin F. Fisher. New York: Barnes amp; Noble Books, 2004. 261-266. Print. Roppolo, Joseph Patrick. â€Å"Meaning and The Masque of the Red Death. † Tulane Studies in English 13 (1963): 59-69. Print. Vanderbilt, Kermit. â€Å"Art and Nature in The Masque of the Red Death’. † Nineteenth-Century Fiction 22. 4 (1968): 279-389. Print.