The Untouchables Essay Example

The Untouchables Paper Throughout De Palmas career, he has spent time exploring the idea of corruption from within. De Palma has examined the ideas of power and justice in previous films such as; Blow Out, Scarface and The Bonfire of the Vontities. This theme is carried out throughout The Untouchables. During the motion picture, De Palma uses a number of film techniques to create tension and excitement throughout. The climax reaches its height in the station scene. When the scene opens, the audience is immediately faced with a feeling of anticipation, as a car drives at high speed along the road. It weaves in and out of the traffic with its horn blazing. This opening sequence is followed by the camera panning in to show a close up the speeding car wheel. This shot is super ceded by the camera slowly moving up to reveal the two inhabitants; Ness and Stone. The use of lighting in films is very important and can easily set the mood for a scene. For example, the time of day can be established by the quantity of light. During the car scene, De Palma uses lighting to effect. The lighting inside the car is subtle; with only the faces lightly illuminated, making sure that the audience are fully concentrated on Ness and Stone and what they have to say. We will write a custom essay sample on The Untouchables specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Untouchables specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Untouchables specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Stone and Ness appears detached, as if they are anxious to get some where. This is demonstrated through their dialogue which is short and to the point. Again, this adds to the growing tension. As the two characters walk to the train station, their fixed expressions are heightened. They are focused on what is going to happen next. When Ness says, The book keeper is no good to us dead Stone? the audience feels unnerved and tense; can Stone (the proti gi ) hold himself together so that he does not shoot the book keeper? For this is the penultimate scene, if they can capture the book keeper (the only one who can decode the ledger book) they can put Al Capone successfully behind bars. Also we remember back to the previous scene in which Malone (Nesss mentor) was killed by Capones cronies. This adds an emotional level to the scene and hence ups the tension and excitement; for without the book keeper, Malones death would have been in vain. Throughout the film De Palma has use a number of different camera shots/angles and editing to create more of an effect on the audience. For example, the scene in which Malone is killed, De Palma uses a point of view shot in which we see everything through the eyes of one of Capones cronies; in doing this, De Palma is able to give the audience a completely different cinematic experience. This is true for the station scene. He uses continuity editing which gives the impression of an unbroken continuum in time, where everything runs smoothly. For example, when Stone and Ness reach the station and open the door, this followed by a smooth switch over to an extreme long shot; which hence gives the impression that everything runs smoothly. The extreme long shot shows two enormous pillars and a huge lobby, putting into perspective the two men and the vast area they have to cover. This sustains the tension and excitement in the scene, how can Ness and Stone possibly watch and cover such a large area between them? Then Stone is sent to cover the south entrance, leaving Ness alone covering the main entrance, this cultivating anticipation within the audience. Ness takes a vantage point from which he can oversee the entrance hall and looks up at the clock; it is four minutes to twelve. Ness looks back to watch Stone walk across then entrance hall to the south exit. The audience hears Stones foot steps echo across the hall, which re-establishes the fact that they have such a huge area to cover. Sound of course plays a vital effect on how motion picture is perceived. These are separated into three main sets; diegetic, non diegetic and extra-diegetic. Diegetic sound is when you can see whats making the noise; for example if a person is playing the piano and you can hear a piano, the sound is obviously the piano. Non diegetic sound on the other hand is when we cant see whats making the noise but we know what is making it; for example an announcement from a speakerphone. Whereas extra-diegetic is a noise that is not part of the film; for instance a sound track playing over the top. As Ness turns away from the clock we instantly hear a baby crying, a non diegetic noise as we know what is making the sound. Instantly Nesss concentration is drawn away from the job at hand, the presence of a child at once creates tension as there is now another distraction. At the same time a low discordant note plays, adding an eeriness to the scene. As the baby is trundled into view, an unsettling baby lullaby plays over the top; this being an extra diegetic sound effect. Adding to this first distraction, the announcer calls for all passengers for the 12:05 train to board. This raises the tension in the scene as there is already too much happening. Simultaneously De Palma switches to a point of view shot, in which the audience are looking at the clock and the front entrance. Already people are coming through the doors. The audiences anticipation grows as they dont know what the book keeper looks like. It is clearly visible that Ness is distracted by the baby as he repeatedly looks over to the child in the pram and his mother, thus causing this anxiety for the audience. This is carried on as Nesss full attention is drawn towards the mother and her desperate attempts to calm the child down. The shift in attention heightens the tension as we worry that Ness might miss the book keeper. Again the announcement is made. More people come through the door. Time is passing by and the child is still playing on the audiences mind. These few changes help keep the excitement and tension sustainable. As the mother caries on soothing her child, the orchestral music playing in the back ground slowly rises. However more tension is created by the shadows of the people walking past, and the start of slow eerie music. Throughout this scene De Palma has chosen to use a point of view shot in which we can see everything that Ness sees as if through his eyes. This is extremely useful in that it shows where the characters attention lies and is also a useful instrument in creating tension and anxiety. By only showing what Ness is concentrating on, the audience grow anxious over what else is happening around Ness that he is not seeing. A suspicious looking character comes into frame wearing the typical gangster clothing. The baby music lowers to be heard quietly in the background; horns can be heard with a look out type of melody raising the tension of the scene. Audiences know that Ness is distracted by this man as his focus as well as ours is drawn away from the baby. The music fits in with this feeling, with slight increases in volume followed by quiet. The music seeps away as the man becomes no threat. De Palma is a clever film maker. He cleverly takes certain things from different films and fits them into his films. This is what sets De Palma apart from many film makers. The constant checking of the time and the fact that is moving towards noon, is in reference to the film High Noon, in which the penultimate part of the film (as in The Untouchables) is when the clock strikes twelve. The merge of the films is rammed home by the constant camera shots of the clock, as if waiting for it to stick at twelve. This anticipation both sustains and creates tension and excitement for the audience. Another thing that De Palma does to make this scene different is the fact that the scene is in real time everything occurs on screen in the time span of the scene. De Palmas constant use of camera shots easily shows where Nesss concentration lies. It becomes very obvious that Ness is caught between two sides, the obvious need to carry out his duty and his moral duty; should he help the woman? Of course, these feelings are perceived by the audience, they too undergo the same dilemma. This feeling grows to frustration and heightened tension as yet more people pass and still no-one offers the woman any assistance. As Ness looks down on the woman in dismay, the audience are reminded that he himself is a family man. However Nesss interests are in conflict; on the one hand he has his official duty (to arrest the book keeper) and that of his moral duty, (to help the weak). Ness takes one last look at the clock realising that it has hit twelve and with this last glance at the clock the audience again hear the low ominous horns sustaining the tension. Ness finally gives in to his moral duty. The music used in the film has a huge part in sustaining and hightening the tension and excitement. One of the most effective instruments used in the set scene are the horns. When the horns play, it warns the audience of the danger and brings their attention in to what is happening around Ness. This is expertly used when two suspicious men walk down the opposite staircase. As they draw level we hear the horns, which confirms our suspicion. This is followed immediately by a reaction shot of Ness who is becoming aware of the danger; what will Ness do? Tension is further sustained with the use of sound. The womens distracting chatter, the prams heave and awkward clank. We wonder how Ness keeps his focus? Another of Al Capones men comes in, Ness looks uneasily at him and as he turns round yet more men come in to the station. It seems that Ness is surrounded and the audiences excitement of what will happen grows. However, as Ness looks round he does not see another of Capones men come in. It is the gangster that Ness hit earlier on in the film. The audience (tension rising) and question whether gangster recognises him and whether when Ness is seen by him, he will be recognised. He currently appears to be the babys farther, but the audience knows this cant last. At this point the baby starts crying and De Palma gives us a closeup. This is a sign of what is going to happen and shows the babys helplessness and innocence. Will the baby survive? As the babys crying gets louder, the camera suddenly switches to the gangster with the broken nose and slowly closes up on his face. At the very same time the music starts to get louder, heightening the tension. The camera changes to Ness and gradually gets closer, as if showing the gangster slowly starting to remember who Ness actually is. In unison the orchestral music reaches a crescendo, signalling that something big is going to happen. All the tension that De Palma has managed to create and sustain thought the scene so far, has been built up until the moment when Ness fires the first shot. When he does, we get an immediate reaction shot of Stone, but moving in slow motion; heightening tension as to whether Stone will get there in time. From this moment onwards, De Palma has chosen to shoot the scene in slow motion, thus allowing the audience to appreciate every moment. However by also choosing to shoot in slow motion, De Palma manages to make the fight seem almost graceful, thus making the audience understand and appreciate De Palmas skill as a film maker. De Palma demonstrates his skill by editing sound and only allowing sounds that he wants the audience to hear; by doing this, he makes the audience concentrate on the most important aspects of what is happening. De Palma chooses to allow us to hear the load clank as the pram rolls down the stairs, the gun fire and the slow echoing foot steps of Stone as he runs to the rescue. De Palma has a good knowledge of film and he shows us this in the closing part of this scene. The shoot out reminding us of cowboy films (High Noon) and also he uses the classic film Battleship Potemkin, these demonstrating how well he can manipulate his audience. However De Palma has not finished creating tension and excitement during this scene. As the pram falls down the stairs, Ness has to choose either to save the baby or capture the book keeper. Choosing to shoot in slow motion also serves in creating anxiety; as Ness runs after the pram, it seems he is moving too slowly to save the child. Aiding in creating tension are the violins that play eerily over the top, creating an ever more tense atmosphere. As well as the constant sound of bullets ricocheting reminding the audience of the danger. As Ness runs out of bullets (highlighted by the load click as he fires), Stone rushes in to save Ness; arriving like the cavalry to save the day. Yet De Palma has not finished showing off his filmmaking technique, for as Stone runs in, De Palma has used a vast montage of shots showing everything that happens in those few seconds. At this point the cradle music that once unnerved the audience now serves as a comfort and is a sign that scales have turned. Ness now has the authority in situation; we get this through the way he takes control of the scene. Presently we get a reaction shot of the gangster and the bookkeeper; the gangster sweating and the bookkeeper trembling and afraid. All tension is now on the two. The gangster tries to take control of the situation but Ness is calm, conveying this by the slight shake of his head. The gangster is desperate Ness speaks calmly to Stone You got him? Stone replies with the same air Yeah I got him. Followed by a close up of the gangsters sweating face and trembling bookkeeper as he starts to count out One! There is a tense pause of anticipation as the audience wonder what will happen next, no other sound or musical compliments are playing, just silence. Take him, Ness says it as if it is nothing to him, followed by the load bang of the gun. Two, Stone says very calmly (blackly humorous), with a reaction shot of the gangster slowly falling to the floor. Immediately the orchestra play, still with the same eeriness as the bookkeeper looks down at his ex-comrade. The load click of Stone re-cocks his gun, now all tension is with the bookkeeper. The scene finishes on Ness; stern and impassive. The audience now are relieved of all anxiety, for justice has prevailed. What has De Palma shown us? Justice wins, in the wake of injustice and corruption, tying in with De Palmas theme of corruption from within. Ness has done whatever was necessary, even if it was not by the book as he was primarily so steadfast in doing. Most importantly De Palma has shown his skilfulness in directing, using a variety of camera angles to create different cinematic experiences. He also uses camera angles to provoke different emotions from the audience. His usage of sound, music and lighting has successfully been employed to formulate tension and excitement. He uses various editing styles to show the audience just how well he can make and produce a film, as well as influencing his audience in the way he wishes to; to feel worried, afraid, tense or excitement and relieved. In all De Palma has managed to show in one scene the following; how skilful a director he is, his knowledge of films, his ability to take things from previous films and make them his own, also how he can influence an audience into feeling what he wants them to.

Dover Beach & My Last Duches Essays - Dover Beach, My Last Duchess

Dover Beach & My Last Duches Essays - Dover Beach, My Last Duchess Dover Beach & My Last Duches Setting in Dover Beach & My Last Duches Intro to Literature Paper II . My analysis of the setting in My Last Duchess and Dover Beach At first glance the setting of a poem is the psychological and physiological environment in which the story takes place. In some instances, the setting is used to develop the characters. Robert Browning and Matthew Arnold use the setting to expose their character traits. My Last Duchess and Dover Beach, respectively, portray the weaknesses of the characters using elements from the setting. The text, page 629 and 630, tells us that the setting in My Last Duchess displays a valuable art form that exposes his greed and cruelty. Dover Beach demonstrates changeability and impermanence. The speakers solution is to establish personal fidelity as a fixture against change, dissolution, and brutality. Even though the text tells us the main use of setting in these two poems, I believe that many individual words used in the poems help describe the surroundings and the feelings that the speaker is trying to get across. Robert Browning, the author of My Last Duchess, uses the setting to show the Dukes greed, cruelty, and jealousy. The development of the setting begins with the Duke showing an agent for the Count of Tyrol the curtained picture of his deceased Duchess. Count of Troy sent an agent in order to see if the Duke is worthy to marry his daughter. The fact that he keeps the picture behind closed curtains and deems it a privilege to view the Dukes last Duchess illustrates his possessiveness and greed. She thanked mengood! But thanked somehowI know not howas if she ranked my gift of nine-hundred-years-old name with anybodys gift. This line lends to the setting by showing his greed and how he places himself above other men according to his possessions and can not believe that she had the audacity to place the Duke in the same category as other men. The physical setting of this poem is revealed by phrases such as Thats my Duchess painted on the wall and words like curtains and Duke. Duke itself makes one think of a beautiful castle with priceless furniture and art work. The use of curtains to cover up the Duchess picture implies that the Duke is hiding something. The phrase mentioned above informs all that the Dukes past wife is dead and that by putting her picture on the wall shows the love and devotion that he had for her and will have for his future wife. Where the words of the Duke imply that he shows dedication and warm heart for the Duchess the setting reveals the true character of the Duke. Dover Beach is a poem written by Matthew Arnold and was first published in 1849. The physical setting is described as a moon lit night by a calm sea. In the distant background the speaker describes the cliffs of England as he looks across a tranquil bay. The author is setting up a romantic scene for two people in love. The waves give both a mental and physical setting for the poem. Listen! You hear the grating roar of pebbles which the waves draw back, and fling, at their return, up the high strand, begin, and cease, and then again begin, with tremulous cadence slow, and bring the eternal note of sadness in. Here, Arnold begins using the setting to describe the characters and their traits. The phrase begin, and cease, and then again begin is indicative of the characters changing state of mind; to like then dislike, to love then hate then love again. The use of ebb, flow, and misery makes the night and the relationship between the lovers appears dark and chaotic. Through his depiction of the eroding shores of the earth, Arnold describes the constant changes in the relationship and the continuous changes of their feelings towards each other. Lines 20 and 21, the Sea of Faith, was once, too, at the full, and round earths shore, describe the erosion of not only the land but the relationship of the couple, too. The wind, waves, and sounds that you hear along the beach, obviously the physical aspects of the setting represent the emotional ties of the lovers. The speakers description of a land of dreams having, neither joy, nor love, nor light, nor certitude, nor peace, nor help for pain: is one were the relationship has nothing hidden and the roar of the waves on the beach

Writing a Good Biology Research Paper

Writing a Good Biology Research Paper Biology research papers can be very challenging for many students. Biology is such a broad field and the range of topics for research papers is vast. Biology research papers are not the hardest scientific papers to write but they do take time. There are many sources available for your biology research papers. Actual sources are needed because you cannot use your thoughts or feelings in your biology research paper. You need to answer a scientific question or hypothesis supported by material found from texts, experiments, and journals. Essentially a biology research paper would be based on some form of plant or animal life. A more basic biology research paper would discuss some basic concepts found in science. Questions can be answered on mitosis, meiosis, explain experiments you conducted in class, investigate the differences between sexual and asexual reproduction, investigate cell division, describe single cell life forms and how they evolved into multiple cell life forms, discuss Darwin and the evolution theory. There are many topics. It is a matter of finding one that interests you. Supporting material can come from books, textbooks, scientific journals, class notes, experiments conducted even some online sources. Illustrations and graphics can also help to present information that is difficult to explain in words. Many people respond better to pictures as means of illustration. Graphs and graphics can help cement a point to your audience. Assigned to write a research paper? Here is a great  guide to the research paper writing: How to Write a Research Paper It is important that you understand the assignment given before you choose your biology research paper topic. There are often specific guidelines and questions that must be answered completely independent of the chosen topic. Plan your biology research paper, make sure the structure is correct and that you have access to the appropriate amount of supporting material. The most important rule, try not to procrastinate! A biology research paper that is written at the last minute does not have the content or supporting materials to be rewarded with a good mark. Biology research papers take some time so don’t leave it to the last minute. Contact our support team if you have questions or need assistance in writing your research paper in biology or place an order.

Google is a Successful Organization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Google is a Successful Organization - Essay Example From this paper it is clear that  Google is an international worldwide organization that is ranked world’s third biggest and valuable organization. The extraordinary work force with passionate and commitment to work environment, sound management practices and peoples analytics approach are some other determinants of success for Google. Google has incorporated the concept of continuous innovation and considering new talent screening the marketplace to the top. Google has taken a strategic shift to strengthen its workplace by great people management. Innovation is a product of new retainers and new people and Google accepts this fact for success. The managers are enabled to produce advanced business outcomes only when they are managing people decisions, accurately.  This study outlines that  people analytics approach is applied here. Pursuing long term relationships with the personnel, reward and recognitions, growth and opportunity, securities are yet other determinants o f success. The analytical based models for producing great results, enhancing workforce productivity and growing dramatically is given out by Google that has gained enough recognition and acceptance by the executives of other firms.   Google largely depends on data and analytics for driving decisions. Technology is a great breakthrough and coping up with the ultra high tech standards for maintaining and provoking it also call for Google’s success.

Love and Hate Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Love and Hate - Research Paper Example In the end a conclusion is given about the essay. Thesis Statement: In this essay, a relationship between ‘Love’ and ‘Hate’ is emphasized. A descriptive commentary is given in the favor of the existence of relationship between Love and Hate. Stories of ‘The Storm’ by Kate Chopin, ‘Eveline’ by James Joyce, ‘Araby’ by James Joyce and ‘The Cask of Amontillado’ by Edgar Allan Poe are also discussed as references to prove the existence of relationship between Love and Hate. There are numerous beliefs about ‘Love and hate’. People consider these two emotional jargons according to the manifestations of their own minds. So, in this stance it can be said that the individual meanings of Love and Hate may differ from person to person. Likewise, the relationship between these two extreme emotions may vary according to the circumstances. It has been perceived that there is a relationship between ‘Love and Hate’, although they seem contrary to each other. It has been noticed that almost all the Love stories have vast number of harmonies and they quite look alike. To prove this, there are many things which are needed to be taken into consideration. Many writers and poets have written loads of chunks about ‘Love and Hate’. Spot light must be put on extracts of those writers and poets. Literal meanings of ‘Love’ and ‘Hate’ in solitude must be deemed. ... t can be seen that in real life as well ‘Love’ reaches to the verge of extreme intensity and the lovers, normally called as love birds do not seem to consider this intensity. The real life experiences may also prove the literal meaning of ‘Love’. Now, if we see the literal meaning of ‘Hate’, then it means that ‘an intense and strong aversion or hostility, which is normally derived from anger, sense of injury or fear’ (Webster). Similarly as ‘Love’ can be evidenced from the different examples of practical life, ‘Hate’ can also be proven to be giving the same meaning in the real life, as the literature explains. A person hates some other person if he or she is having some sense of injury or fear from other person. This can also be called as an emotional distress because this fear/sense of injury causes the ‘Love’ to evaporate in the air. Apparently it seems that ‘Love’ and ‘Hat e’ do not have any relationship with each other. However, a deep thought is needed to be given in order to break the shell and think other way round. A vague idea about ‘Love’ and ‘Hate’ is unlikely to become a source of conviction to prove that ‘Love’ and ‘Hate’ are integral to each other. There are many common things between ‘Love’ and ‘Hate’. The most common thing is that both are intense and extreme feelings which cause a robust emotional bond and cause a strong emotional arousal. Both are related to intangible feelings of emotions. When we look at the relationship between the ‘Love’ and ‘Hate’, in the perspective /context of science, then scientists also come up with an idea that ‘Hate’ and ‘Love’ have a thin line in the brain. (Reporter). According to the biologists passion of hate is equal interest to the feelings of

Heart of Darkness Essay -- essays research papers

When considering a work of literature, the title can be just as important as the context of the story. Literary devices such as contrast and repetition help develop the symbolism of Joseph Conrad's novel, Heart of Darkness. The use of contrast can be seen within the differences between the black and white people along with the differences between the civilized and uncivilized. The phrase "Heart of Darkness" itself is repetitious to describe certain places, events, and people. Joseph Conrad successfully relates his title to the African continent, the people, how the people were treated, and the soul of Kurtz. The title can relate to the wilderness in the center of Africa where Marlow is headed. In the story, the commander sees England as many men viewed Africa. It is a "sea the colour of lead" and "sky the color of smoke" which conveys the place as dark and gloomy. Furthermore, Englishmen wanted to colonize Africa and they were willing to sacrifice their lives for the journey. Marlow shows that wilderness really isn't a place for men to be. The sheer size of "darkness" makes the people powerless, despite the fact that they feel that they can make improvements in Africa. Through it all, the darkness provides many challenges for the civilizers and as a result, their conditions become worse, causing them to achieve very little. Wilderness is a very significant symbol becau...

Chpl 500 Writing Assigment 1

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY WRITING ASSIGMENT ONE a RESEARCH paper sUBMITTED TO Dr. Charlie Davidson iN PARTIAL FULFILMENT oF THE REQUIREMENTS chpl 500 lIBERTY Baptist THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY BY wILLIAM nESTOR LAGRANGE GA March 24, 2013 When we think of a chaplain we think in of those who sever in the military providing spiritual comfort to soldier’s hospital. This role of spiritual leader can be traced back to the Roman imperial period where the Roman emperor was not just in charge ruling the empire but also was in charge of the state religion.Since the emperor was head of the state religion he was known as the â€Å"pontifex maximus† and it was his job to maintain the â€Å"pax deorum (peace of the gods)† to ensure welfare of the state. Those who served in Roman army religion were important, in every camp there was a shrine called aedes signorum which was locate at the headquarters. Within military there were personal that held different religious responsibilities such as victimarius and turarius who were the incense keepers. It was not until the fourth century when Christian clergy began to emerge in the Roman army.The source that is often looked at about the use of Christian clerics comes from Eusebius of Caesarea. In his report Life of the Emperor Constantine when he engaged in war he would make his tent in shape of a church to have sacred edifice to worship God in which the priests and deacons would provide the service according to the law of the church. Other group soldiers that practice religion was the Barbarians who professed Arian from of Christianity and these soldiers were attached the Roman army and were the first examples of Christian’s clerics being attached to an army unit.The Arian clerics would follow the barbarian armies for practical because when the armies would travel they could not find any Arian churches to meet the spiritual needs of the soldiers at the time. As stated earlier Christian clergy started to be used by the Roman army by Emperor Constantine who had vision of a cross which lead him to paint the symbol on his legionaries shield. This would also lead to other rituals to help Romans soldiers moral they would eventually use Christian relics and litanies and on the sails of the ships they would paint pictures of the Virgin.As move from the Roman imperial period to the Middle Ages religious leaders took continue to maintain the moral of the men who were fighting and facing imminent death. Chaplains gather their flock and provided liturgical services like penitential rites of purification and supplication because they believe war was the result of sin and the outcome was divine judgment. During the Crusades the fighters would fast three days and only take the Eucharist.They would bless the standard of the forces and would lead the soldiers with a processional cross or a prized relic. Chaplains would provide special blessings to provide protection on things like The Crusader’s Holy Lance because it was used a tool to communicate during chaos of combat. Just by looking at two different time periods religion was very important to people and the spiritual leaders had their hands full to maintain moral of people especially those who served in military units.They have to deal with stress of war and the toll it would take on the soldiers, this is the same thing that modern chaplains or religious leaders deal with today and it is not an easy job. ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Doris L. Bergen, ed. , The Sword of the Lord: Military Chaplains from the First to the Twenty-First Century (Notre Dame, Ind. : University of Notre Dame Press, 2004), 29. Chpl 500 Writing Assigment 1 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY WRITING ASSIGMENT ONE a RESEARCH paper sUBMITTED TO Dr. Charlie Davidson iN PARTIAL FULFILMENT oF THE REQUIREMENTS chpl 500 lIBERTY Baptist THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY BY wILLIAM nESTOR LAGRANGE GA March 24, 2013 When we think of a chaplain we think in of those who sever in the military providing spiritual comfort to soldier’s hospital. This role of spiritual leader can be traced back to the Roman imperial period where the Roman emperor was not just in charge ruling the empire but also was in charge of the state religion.Since the emperor was head of the state religion he was known as the â€Å"pontifex maximus† and it was his job to maintain the â€Å"pax deorum (peace of the gods)† to ensure welfare of the state. Those who served in Roman army religion were important, in every camp there was a shrine called aedes signorum which was locate at the headquarters. Within military there were personal that held different religious responsibilities such as victimarius and turarius who were the incense keepers. It was not until the fourth century when Christian clergy began to emerge in the Roman army.The source that is often looked at about the use of Christian clerics comes from Eusebius of Caesarea. In his report Life of the Emperor Constantine when he engaged in war he would make his tent in shape of a church to have sacred edifice to worship God in which the priests and deacons would provide the service according to the law of the church. Other group soldiers that practice religion was the Barbarians who professed Arian from of Christianity and these soldiers were attached the Roman army and were the first examples of Christian’s clerics being attached to an army unit.The Arian clerics would follow the barbarian armies for practical because when the armies would travel they could not find any Arian churches to meet the spiritual needs of the soldiers at the time. As stated earlier Christian clergy started to be used by the Roman army by Emperor Constantine who had vision of a cross which lead him to paint the symbol on his legionaries shield. This would also lead to other rituals to help Romans soldiers moral they would eventually use Christian relics and litanies and on the sails of the ships they would paint pictures of the Virgin.As move from the Roman imperial period to the Middle Ages religious leaders took continue to maintain the moral of the men who were fighting and facing imminent death. Chaplains gather their flock and provided liturgical services like penitential rites of purification and supplication because they believe war was the result of sin and the outcome was divine judgment. During the Crusades the fighters would fast three days and only take the Eucharist.They would bless the standard of the forces and would lead the soldiers with a processional cross or a prized relic. Chaplains would provide special blessings to provide protection on things like The Crusader’s Holy Lance because it was used a tool to communicate during chaos of combat. Just by looking at two different time periods religion was very important to people and the spiritual leaders had their hands full to maintain moral of people especially those who served in military units.They have to deal with stress of war and the toll it would take on the soldiers, this is the same thing that modern chaplains or religious leaders deal with today and it is not an easy job. ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Doris L. Bergen, ed. , The Sword of the Lord: Military Chaplains from the First to the Twenty-First Century (Notre Dame, Ind. : University of Notre Dame Press, 2004), 29.