Things Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe - 881 Words

Chinua Achebe has stated that he wrote his novel Things Fall Apart in response to Conrad’s novella, Heart of Darkness, which appears, at face value, a piece of literature that demonstrates the horrors of imperialism. However, when compared with a novel such as Things Fall Apart, the novella’s numerous faults become glaringly obvious. It is effortless to construe why Achebe would write such a novel when Conrad’s novella did not recognize the people of Africa as people, rather casualties and never sought to understand or assist them. Achebe corrects the errors made in the Heart of Darkness by delving in his book into the lives, customs, and traditions of the natives allowing them to be seen as people. He also responds to Conrad through the way he writes and targets the book, along with how he demonstrates the ideas of the imperialist and Christians in Things Fall Apart. Achebe takes the reader on a journey through an African native’s life, Okonkwo, and as t he reader learns more about the complexity of the character the reader also learns about the intricacy’s and complexities of the lives of all the natives. The Africans that Conrad shows are referred to objectively, while the protagonist in the Heart of Darkness, Marlow, may feel apologetic for the mistreatment of the Africans he does nothing to stop their mistreatment. He even looks down on them just as the imperialist that the novella is attempting to speak against doing. They are referred to as â€Å"cannibals† (Conrad 104)Show MoreRelatedThings Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe1415 Words   |  6 Pagesbook Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe does just that. This book should be taught in schools because it shows the values and traditions of Achebe’s Igbo culture, persistently teaches life lessons throughout the book, and shows the darker reality of European colonialism in Africa. Chinua Achebe is known as one of the most influential and famous authors to ever write. Chinua Achebe originates from an Igbo background and he expresses that through his writings very well including Things Fall ApartRead MoreThings Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe1324 Words   |  6 Pages Chinua Achebe chose to write his novels in English to reveal a deep response of his people to colonisation and to make that response understood to people all over the world. Things Fall Apart was written in English to teach people worldwide of the struggles he faced and the people of Nigeria faced growing up. Many authors and critics have written about Achebe’s ‘Things fall apart’ adding their valued opinion on what he was trying to say and his decision to write in English. In the followingRead MoreThings Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe Essay1203 Words   |  5 Pages who took their land for monetary gain. This was a dark period of time for Africans that live there. The U.S. Civil War and The Great Depression both can be related, in this instance, to how down their people were because of what happened. Chinua Achebe said it best, â€Å"I would be quite satisfied if my novels...did no more than teach my readers of their past...was not a long night of savagery from which the first European acting on God’s behalf delivered them†(qtd. in â€Å"Morning Yet† 45). In theRead MoreThings Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe1452 Words   |  6 Pagesassume control over the Roman Empire. However, imperialism in Africa remained a recorded element from 1750 to 1945. This paper visits how control and changes were influences over the Africans during this time period as seen through Chinua Achebe’s novel Things Fall Apart. (UKEssays, 2015) Europe was experiencing a few financial and political changes that forced the major European forces to investigate abroad regions to add to their resources during the seventeenth century. In order for the EuropeanRead MoreThings Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe2361 Words   |  10 PagesThings Fall Apart Book Critique Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a historical fiction novel describing the life of Okonkwo in a Nigerian village succumbing to European ways, in order to portray Achebe’s view on imperialism. It was chosen for us to read by our teacher because it describes imperialism and its effects in an Ibo village of Nigeria. It also shows the treatment of natives by the Europeans and how the natives reacted. Things Fall Apart is useful to our course of studies because itRead MoreThings Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe1265 Words   |  6 PagesThings Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is markedly relevant to our current course of studies in World History, as it tells a story based on European Imperialism in Africa. Coming off the heels of our Imperialism unit, this post-colonial novel provides very helpful context on different civilizations’ perspectives throughout the Age of Imperialism; aside from analyzing death tolls, descriptions of conflicts, and names of countries, it was previousl y hard to envision what life was actually like during thatRead MoreThings Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe 735 Words   |  3 PagesThings fall apart. Achebe. Ernest Gaines once said, â€Å"I write to try to find out who I am. One of my main themes is manliness. I think Im trying to figure out what manliness really is.† Indeed, every society or culture has its own understanding of an ideal man. Even though these characteristics are different in various parts of the world, the significance of masculinity can never be overestimated. â€Å"Things Fall Apart† by Chinua Achebe is considered as one of the best examples of a riseRead MoreThings Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe692 Words   |  3 Pagesthe way to go. Through commercial trading Islam spread into Igboland, and this led to more Igbo people leaving the Igbo way of life for another, whether it be Islam or Christianity which divide the country in two. In the novel Things Fall Apart written by Chinua Achebe British colonialism and the migration of Muslims to Nigeria led to the change in the faith, social and economic changes in the Igbo society. Traditional Igbo faith believes that there is only one creator or god known as ChinekeRead MoreThings Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe897 Words   |  4 PagesIn the novel, â€Å"Things Fall Apart† by Chinua Achebe the Igbo tradition revolves around structured gender role. Everything essential of Igbo life is based on their gender, which throughout the novel it shows the role of women and the position they hold, from their role in the family household, also planting women crops, to bearing children. Although the women were claimed to be weaker and seemed to be treated as objects, in the Igbo culture the women still provided qualities that make them worthyRead MoreThings Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe Essay1851 Words   |  8 Pageschoice and styles are critical not only to the reader’s understanding of the text but to his appreciation as well. How language is effectively manipulated in their writings enhances the reader’s valuing of the works. The selected novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a representation of Igbo culture and their language. It explores the life of an Igbo tribe at the time of when colonization hit Africa. It could be considered as a post-colonial text, as the protagonist of the story and the other

The Significance of Architectural Ideas Free Essays

What is the significance of architectural ideas? The question begs the question of which architectural ideas should be considered in the first place. While it may be true that there have been a huge number of architectural ideas since the beginning of human civilization, it is important to limit the question at hand. At the least, what can be done is to appropriately categorize architectural ideas according to their chronology. We will write a custom essay sample on The Significance of Architectural Ideas or any similar topic only for you Order Now In doing so, we are confining ourselves to a more specific and easier task. There is little reason to doubt that earlier architectural ideas have influenced the more contemporary ones. Theories on how buildings are to be designed have long existed, perhaps as early as the time when human beings began to first conceptualize their dwellings and their places for worship and other social activities. For the most part, early civilizations had to consider their needs and means. They had to reflect on building structures for the sake of providing shelter, security and a place of worship. They also had to consider their level of architectural skills and the materials available during the time. These basic considerations for early architectural ideas are significant for the people back then since their needs and means limit what they can design and actually build which, as a consequence, delineate the characteristics of their architectural designs. In his De Architectura, Vitruvius provides one of the few surviving earliest examples of architectural designs. He suggests that good buildings should have three basic characteristics—durability, utility, and beauty (Pellecchia, p. 378). Apparently, these three precepts have remained integral to modern architectural ideas. Thus, it is only fitting to say that these ideas are significant inasmuch as they have set in motion a well-established standard in envisioning the designs of buildings regardless of certain sizes and scopes. More importantly, these foundations for architectural ideas give rise to more complex yet more specific approaches in designing buildings according to the balance between these basic precepts. For instance, an architect may give more preference to utility over beauty without having to abandon the latter completely. Another architect may focus more on the aesthetics of the building without neglecting the durability of the structure. There are other influential architects in earlier times—such as Leon Battista Alberti and Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, among others—but it is sufficient to say that their contributions in terms of architectural ideas can never be denied. However, that is not to say that new architectural ideas have not materialized in more recent years, or that architects are simply confined to the ideas of the earlier generations. For example, the American architect Louis Sullivan who is considered to be the â€Å"father of modernism† once suggested that form follows function (â€Å"Louis Sullivan and the Architecture of Free Enterprise,† p. 42). It has been an overriding force in 20th century architectural designs, influencing architects to take more consideration of the practical use of buildings rather than their aesthetics. The general direction of architecture at that time became more focused on the intended function of buildings, thereby relegating its aesthetic aspects to a lesser degree of importance. Buildings were designed according to how they will serve their purpose, or how they will address the primary intention behind their construction. A museum in New York, for instance, will have to be designed based on how a museum ought to function and not on how the structure will stand visually appealing to its visitors. The â€Å"form follows function† approach stands in direct contrast to the idea prevalent during the 19th century that architectural design should bestow more significance to aesthetics. John Ruskin, for instance, proclaims that a building is not strictly a product of architectural ideas if it is not adorned in certain respects (Bliss, p. 37). Thus, an office building will not only have to serve its purpose. Rather, it will also have to be appealing to the senses of its occupants. The shape of the building will not only have to be sufficient enough in order to accommodate the target number of occupants. It will also have to be ornamented with figures on its topmost floor, or its windows will also have to be visually appealing when viewed from a certain distance. This formidable clash between architectural ideas only signifies the fact that each idea belonging to a certain generation is presumably significant first within that generation and second to the generations which later used that idea as a platform for other architectural ideas. This observation is clearly manifested in the way 19th and 20th century architectural ideas stand in opposite ends. They contradict each other in terms of approach but subsequent generations of architects may have found their own ways to strike a balance between the two. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the primary concern for each of these generations is on the nature per se of the architectural design. In more recent times, the idea that architectural designs should follow the concept of â€Å"sustainability† reflects the notion that these designs should also take into consideration the prevailing social and environmental conditions (Watson, p. 121). Much of what can be called â€Å"sustainable buildings† is designed in such a way that they minimize environmental hazards or that they promote an ecologically friendly environment. This type of architectural idea is significant today since it directly addresses major environmental concerns including the use of natural resources. For example, the use of wind turbines and solar panels in providing electricity to modern buildings can help lessen the demand for electricity derived from coal-powered electric plants. Also, designing buildings with larger glass windows allows for sunlight to penetrate and provide the light, thereby reducing the need for light bulbs during the day. In essence, the approach places great premium on the environmental effects of architectural designs, from lighting fixtures to the materials used in the ornamentation of the structure. With the continuous depletion of the planet’s natural resources and the unending threats to the environment, sustainable architectural designs significantly help in reducing the environmental dangers. If the proper allocation of â€Å"earth-friendly† materials for the aesthetic construction of a building reaches a global scale, there is reason to believe that the present environmental problems will be addressed in the long run with far-reaching benefits. As it can be observed, architectural ideas belonging to certain generations reflect the respective social conditions and aesthetic interpretations in those times. Looking back, the early architectural ideas still have their influence on contemporary designs. Architects still have to consider the durability, utility, and the beauty of the designs of their buildings, without which buildings will be devoid of use, will disintegrate faster and put thousands of lives in grave peril, and will look as though they are sore to the eyes so much so that they fail to inspire those who dwell in them. Architects will also have to reflect on whether or not they have to put form over function, or the other way around, especially with regard to the very intention of why the structure needs to be constructed. Ideas in the field of architecture can truly survive great lengths of time precisely because they remain significant not only for those who lived those ideas during their time but also for those architects today who seek inspiration. One architectural idea may give rise to another. Or an architectural idea being criticized for its preference for function over form may result to yet another idea harmonizing function and form into a single design. At any rate, it can be said that the significance of architectural designs rests on their application. If they hardly apply to any immediate need, they may lose their influence and eventually become mere footnotes in the annals of the history of architecture. How to cite The Significance of Architectural Ideas, Papers

Danny free essay sample

â€Å"How is it that a thirteen year old boy can raise more money than any of our board members?† asked the director of Camp One Step at a Time to open his board meeting. All of the board members were truly in shock at this opener. Did a thirteen year old really raise that much money? Yes, he did. And that thirteen year old boy is my little brother Danny. In the months leading up to his Bar Mitzvah, Danny informed my family that for his Bar Mitzvah project he wanted to raise money for Camp One Step at a Time. This very special camp is a place for terminally ill kids to escape for a week and have a camp experience that many kids take for granted. Because camp has played a huge role in my life as well as Danny’s, we were all very impressed with his decision. We will write a custom essay sample on Danny or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page My parents had previously suggested the idea to him, but never pushed him into doing it. When Danny told me he was really going to follow through with this, of course I was proud of him, but I didn’t think he would really be able to pull it off. Could my little brother really do this? My immediate thought was there was no way Danny could make this happen. Both he and I take a lot of things for granted and we never really work for anything. I wouldn’t say that we are selfish, but we always think about ourselves much more than we think of others. But this would soon change. All on his own, Danny wrote and sent out a letter to all of our family and friends. As people began to receive the letter, our home phone did not stop ringing. Everyone was calling to say how wonderfully personal and inspiring Danny’s letter was. When the phone calls stopped, the donations started to roll in. No matter how big or small they were, Danny gratefully accepted all of them because he knew that every single donation would help his cause. This impressed me because I could see Danny’s selfish tendencies melting away before my eyes. On the day of his Bar Mitzvah after completing his service, Danny read a speech to all of the people in attendance. He explained what the camp was, what the camp meant to him, and thanked everyone for all of their donations. And then he said the words I will never forget. â€Å"With all of your help, I will be able to send three kids to camp this summer!†Everyone, especially me, was in shock. Danny actually pulled this whole project together and made it happen. When I looked at him standing before all of our friends and family, I had never seen him so full of pride in his entire life. Annoying, difficult, and selfish are typical adjectives many use to describe their siblings. These words exemplify the ways my brother and I used to be before his Bar Mitzvah. But from the moment I saw a changed Danny stand before me and tell everyone what he did to help others, I knew I had to change too. Danny’s speech and actions showed me how helping others not only makes the less fortunate feel great, but it makes you yourself feel like a better person. Danny, a normally shy and timid kid, felt so powerful and proud after he turned in all his donations to the camp. Because of what Danny did, I have changed for the better as well. Before Danny’s Bar Mitzvah, I took so many things for granted and I never took the time to think about others less fortunate than I, but because of Danny I have learned the importance of putting others before myself. The annoying, difficult, and selfish person I used to be took a positive change and developed into a more caring, considera te, and thoughtful human being, all in thanks to my little brother’s push in the right direction. Danny free essay sample â€Å"How is it that a thirteen year old boy can raise more money than any of our board members?† asked the director of Camp One Step at a Time to open his board meeting. All of the board members were truly in shock at this opener. Did a thirteen year old really raise that much money? Yes, he did. And that thirteen year old boy is my little brother Danny. In the months leading up to his Bar Mitzvah, Danny informed my family that for his Bar Mitzvah project he wanted to raise money for Camp One Step at a Time. This very special camp is a place for terminally ill kids to escape for a week and have a camp experience that many kids take for granted. Because camp has played a huge role in my life as well as Danny’s, we were all very impressed with his decision. We will write a custom essay sample on Danny or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page My parents had previously suggested the idea to him, but never pushed him into doing it. When Danny told me he was really going to follow through with this, of course I was proud of him, but I didn’t think he would really be able to pull it off. Could my little brother really do this? My immediate thought was there was no way Danny could make this happen. Both he and I take a lot of things for granted and we never really work for anything. I wouldn’t say that we are selfish, but we always think about ourselves much more than we think of others. But this would soon change. All on his own, Danny wrote and sent out a letter to all of our family and friends. As people began to receive the letter, our home phone did not stop ringing. Everyone was calling to say how wonderfully personal and inspiring Danny’s letter was. When the phone calls stopped, the donations started to roll in. No matter how big or small they were, Danny gratefully accepted all of them because he knew that every single donation would help his cause. This impressed me because I could see Danny’s selfish tendencies melting away before my eyes. On the day of his Bar Mitzvah after completing his service, Danny read a speech to all of the people in attendance. He explained what the camp was, what the camp meant to him, and thanked everyone for all of their donations. And then he said the words I will never forget. â€Å"With all of your help, I will be able to send three kids to camp this summer!†Everyone, especially me, was in shock. Danny actually pulled this whole project together and made it happen. When I looked at him standing before all of our friends and family, I had never seen him so full of pride in his entire life. Annoying, difficult, and selfish are typical adjectives many use to describe their siblings. These words exemplify the ways my brother and I used to be before his Bar Mitzvah. But from the moment I saw a changed Danny stand before me and tell everyone what he did to help others, I knew I had to change too. Danny’s speech and actions showed me how helping others not only makes the less fortunate feel great, but it makes you yourself feel like a better person. Danny, a normally shy and timid kid, felt so powerful and proud after he turned in all his donations to the camp. Because of what Danny did, I have changed for the better as well. Before Danny’s Bar Mitzvah, I took so many things for granted and I never took the time to think about others less fortunate than I, but because of Danny I have learned the importance of putting others before myself. The annoying, difficult, and selfish person I used to be took a positive change and developed into a more caring, considera te, and thoughtful human being, all in thanks to my little brother’s push in the right direction.

Insider Essays - Brown Williamson, Films, The Insider,

Insider A dramatization of 1995 events in which the tobacco industry allegedly covered up proof that nicotine is addictive and harmful. When Brown and Williamson executive Jeffrey Wigand (Crowe) tries to expose the industry's cover-up, he is threatened into silence. He eventually gets his story to 60 Minutes producer Lowell Bergman (AL Pacino), but CBS decides against airing it due to political and economic pressures, and the threat of lawsuit from Brown and Williamson. Before we start, I think it's important that you know a little thing about me, and where I'm coming from. I do smoke. But I believe that most of the lawsuits filed against the tobacco industry are unfounded, desperate attempts for people to put the blame on anyone but themselves. I think social security is a safety net for the financially irresponsible. I thought The Insider was a great movie from a strictly entertainment perspective (don't get ahead of me on this one!), and I enjoyed it very much. Russell Crowe is Jeffrey Wigand, a Brown and Williamson VP of Research and Development whose conscience compels him to blow the whistle on the industry. He claims that Big Tobacco has been covering up scientific research that proves nicotine is addictive and harmful. The writing puts a lot of energy into making sure that Wigand is a sufficiently complicated character, and one that we sympathize with. To be sure, he's not entirely one-dimensional. Initially, he does what most of us would do in his position: he takes the money and benefits that the company offers him in return for silence. After all, the guy has a family to look out for. But then Wigand is tortured over his passiveness, wondering if he should take a more aggressive stance with his potentially damaging knowledge. 60 Minutes producer Lowell Bergman, sensing a big story in the works, tries to coax Wigand into talking. An energetic Al Pacino, who fights to get the story on the air, only to have it snuffed by CBS, plays Bergman here. Allegedly, the television network was possibly up for sale around the time of this story, and airing it might have damaged their image with controversy, making it less appealing to potential suitors. This, coupled with the threat of lawsuit from Brown and Williamson, made CBS refuse to air the story. The Insider portrays these events as a crusade on the part of Bergman and Wigand to get the truth out there, against the will of Big Business and Bigger Tobacco. And while Bergman is never portrayed as much more than a journalist with an uncharacteristic amount of integrity, Wigand is a great character to follow as he tries to balance out everything around him. Tortured and sleepless, his reactions are what you would expect from someone forced to choose between the safety of his family with the gravity of what he knows. Most of it makes for edge of your suit viewing. Suspense abounds, and AL Pacino's confrontations with the "evil" corporate executives, censors, and whatnot are the centerpiece of the movie. He gets to climb up on the soapbox and belt out a few speeches about truth and justice and freedom and right and wrong and all that other fun stuff. It's tense, and it's really quite fascinating, actually. From a dramatic standpoint, this movie couldn't have asked for better performances. Gina Gershon makes an appearance in the movie as a tough, icy corporate attorney for CBS. As a standard caricature of faceless law more interested in money than people, she's fabulous. The Insider runs at over two and half hours, but always remains interesting and never drags. The biggest issue I have with this movie is how it so comfortably passes itself off as an unbiased, historical representation of what happened between real life executive Jeffrey Wigand, real life producer Lowell Bergman, and real life corporation Brown and Williamson. The problem is that the movie is so well crafted and so interesting that it's very easy to accept it as 100% Grade A Truth. However, this is clearly Wigand's story, and closer inspection would reveal that the main characters here are just a little too perfect to be real. Did Bergman really storm into the offices of CBS and rant and rave the way AL Pacino does in this movie? Some words might have been exchanged, but it's hard to believe anything as dramatic as what's depicted in The Insider could have happened for real. They would have likely said, "Okay, calm down, have a cup of coffee, have

Course Evaluation Essay Sample

Course Evaluation Essay SampleIf you are having a hard time with your final paper, try writing a course evaluation essay sample to help you out. These essays are generally used in both the undergraduate and graduate level.You want to write an essay that uses recent data to support your arguments. In the graduate level, most programs don't give you the chance to create your own argument. They will let you choose a specific topic from a short list. This list can range from a significant event in history, the first half of a conversation between two people or a series of events from one or more years in college.Firstly, make sure that you understand how the essay will be graded. What are the criteria? Generally speaking, every essay must include at least three major points, if not four. The most important point is the conclusion, which usually begins with a question mark and answers the questions that the reader may have.Some colleges give no direction when it comes to the main point of the essay. They just ask for a specific topic or even an alternative topic. So for example, if you ask your reader 'what was the most significant event in their life' they could also ask you to provide information about a student who died recently. However, this doesn't mean that you can't come up with some other alternatives.A student's major or area of concentration is often used as the basis for an argument. So if you are writing about the events surrounding an election you might mention that politics is a field with many fields to fill, thus showing that students always need new ideas. It would be good to also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates, but only briefly because the purpose of the essay is to support your argument. For instance, if you were to start the argument by saying that an extra candidate could not have won the election, you would probably fail your course evaluation essay, but if you later mentioned that the second candidate had certain quali ties that could not be found in the first candidate, you could very well get an A.Instead of using analysis sections, you could also use a 'last paragraph' or conclusion to help get the point across. Since the essay should answer the reader's questions, you should have a conclusion that builds the argument and directly addresses the reader's main questions.The conclusion section should not end the evaluation essay. If you really want to make a persuasive argument, the conclusion should say something like 'The problem with the argument is that it requires a change in thinking.' It should also point out the faults in the argument and what needs to be done in order to fix them. While this will do nothing to change the score, it could help to make it more persuasive and likely to receive an A.Your grade will depend on whether you use your analysis section effectively or not. On a specific topic, if you use the analysis sections, you may earn a D or an B, depending on how well you do in the argument. On a general topic, you may still get and if you use the analysis well, but a C if you are not so well spoken.

Art History Chapter 4 Essays

Art History Chapter 4 Essays Art History Chapter 4 Paper Art History Chapter 4 Paper Essay Topic: Literature What is considered the first great work of Greek literature the finest epic poem? Iilad The cities Troy, Mycenae, Tiryns were uncovered by ___ ___. Heinrich Schliemann Scholars believe the city of Troy had been destroyed by fire in ___. 13th Century BC Schliemann based his archaeological excavations on a careful reading of ancient ___. Literature The heyday of the ancient Aegean civilization occurred in the ___ ___ ___. 2nd Millennium BC ___ was the abundantly available on Naxos Paros. Marble The New Palace (Late Minoan) period began the ___ ___ of Crete. Golden Age The ___ ___ is a recurring motif in the Minoan Palace. Double Ax The new palace at Knossos was carefully planned w/ the ___ as a major organizing element. Court Minoan columns are characterized by their ___ ___ capitals. Cushion Like ___ adorn the walls of the palace at Knossos depicting many aspects on Minoan life. Frescoes The Minoans used the ___ ___ ___ fresco technique on their walls. True or Wet In the late cycladic period Thera was artistically w/in the ___ orbit. Minoan Cretian potters introduced the ___ ___. Potters Wheel ___ ___ ceramists placed dark silhouettes on a light ground. Late Minoan By 1500BC a distinctive ___ culture was flourishing on the Greek mainland. Mycenaean Mycenae was a large ___. Citadel The best preserved most impressive Mycenaean remains are the fortified palaces at ___. Tiryns The most important element in the Mycenaean Palace plan was the ___ or reception hall of the king. Megarom

Major General Sir Isaac Brock in the War of 1812

Major General Sir Isaac Brock in the War of 1812 The eighth son of a middle class family, Isaac Brock was born in St. Peter Port, Guernsey on October 6, 1769 to John Brock, formerly of the Royal Navy, and Elizabeth de Lisle. Though a strong student, his formal education was brief and included schooling in Southampton and Rotterdam. Appreciative of education and learning, he spent much of his later life working to improve his knowledge. During his early years, Brock also became known as a strong athlete who was particularly gifted at boxer and swimming. Early Service At the age of fifteen, Brock decided to pursue a military career and on March 8, 1785 purchased a commission as an ensign in the 8th Regiment of Foot. Joining his brother in the regiment, he proved a capable soldier and in 1790 was able to purchase a promotion to lieutenant. In this role he worked hard to raise his own company of soldiers and was finally successful a year later. Promoted to captain on January 27, 1791, he received command of the independent company that he had created. Shortly thereafter, Brock and his men were transferred to the 49th Regiment of Foot. In his early days with the regiment, he earned the respect of his fellow officers when he stood up to another officer who was a bully and prone to challenging others to duels. After a sojourn with the regiment to the Caribbean during which he fell critically ill, Brock returned to Britain in 1793 and was assigned to recruiting duty. Two years later he purchased a commission as a major before rejoining the 49th in 1796. In October 1797, Brock benefited when his superior was compelled to leave the service or face a court-martial. As a result, Brock was able to purchase the lieutenant colonelcy of the regiment at a reduced price. Fighting in Europe In 1798, Brock became the effective commander of the regiment with the retirement of Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Keppel. The following year, Brocks command received orders to join Lieutenant General Sir Ralph Abercrombys expedition against the Batavian Republic. Brock first saw combat at the Battle of Krabbendam on September 10, 1799, though the regiment was not heavily engaged in the fighting. A month later, he distinguished himself at the Battle of Egmont-op-Zee while fighting under Major General Sir John Moore.   Advancing over difficult terrain outside of the town, the 49th and British forces were under constant fire from French sharpshooters. In the course of the engagement, Brock was struck in the throat by a spent musket ball but quickly recovered to continue leading his men. Writing of the incident, commented, I got knocked down shortly after the enemy began to retreat, but never quitted the field, and returned to my duty in less than half an hour. Two years later, Brock and his men embarked aboard Captain Thomas Fremantles HMS Ganges (74 guns) for operations against the Danes and were present at the Battle of Copenhagen. Originally brought on board for use in assaulting the Danish forts around the city, Brocks men were not needed in the wake of Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelsons victory. Assignment to Canada With fighting quieting in Europe, the 49th was transferred to Canada in 1802. Arriving, he was initially assigned to Montreal where he was forced to deal with problems of desertion. On one occasion, he violated the American border to recover a group of deserters. Brocks early days in Canada also saw him prevent a mutiny at Fort George. Having received word that members of the garrison intended to imprison their officers before fleeing to the United States, he made an immediate visit to the post and had the ringleaders arrested. Promoted to colonel in October 1805, he took a brief leave to Britain that winter. Preparing for War With tensions between the United States and Britain rising, Brock began efforts to improve Canadas defenses. To this end he oversaw improvements to the fortifications at Quebec and improved the Provincial Marine which was responsible for transporting troops and supplies on the Great Lakes. Though appointed brigadier general in 1807 by Governor General Sir James Henry Craig, Brock was frustrated by a lack of supplies and support. This feeling was compounded by a general unhappiness with being posted to Canada when his comrades in Europe were gaining glory by fighting Napoleon. Wishing to return to Europe, he sent several requests for reassignment. In 1810, Brock was given command of all British force in Upper Canada. The following June saw him promoted to major general and with the departure of Lieutenant Governor Francis Gore that October, he was made the administrator for Upper Canada giving him civil as well as military powers. In this role he worked to alter the militia act to expand his forces and began building relationships with Native American leaders such as the Shawnee chief Tecumseh. Finally granted permission to return to Europe in 1812, he declined as war was looming. The War of 1812 Begins With the outbreak of the War of 1812 that June, Brock felt that British military fortunes were bleak. In Upper Canada, he possessed only 1,200 regulars which were supported by around 11,000 militia. As he doubted the loyalty of many Canadians, he believed only around 4,000 of the latter group would be willing to fight. Despite this outlook, Brock quickly sent word to Captain Charles Roberts at St. John Island in Lake Huron to move against nearby Fort Mackinac at his discretion. Roberts succeeded in capturing the American fort which aided in gaining support from the Native Americans. Triumph at Detroit Wishing to build on this success, Brock was thwarted by Governor General George Prevost who desired a purely defensive approach. On July 12, an American force led by Major General William Hull moved from Detroit into Canada. Though the Americans quickly withdrew to Detroit, the incursion provided Brock with justification for going on the offensive. Moving with around 300 regulars and 400 militia, Brock reached Amherstburg on August 13 where he was joined by Tecumseh and approximately 600-800 Native Americans. As British forces had succeeded in capturing Hulls correspondence, Brock was aware that the Americans were short on supplies and scared of attacks by the Native Americans. Despite being badly outnumbered, Brock emplaced artillery on the Canadian side of the Detroit River and began bombarding Fort Detroit. He also employed a variety of tricks to convince Hull that his force was larger than it was, while also parading his Native American allies to induce terror. On August 15, Brock demanded that Hull surrender. This was initially refused and Brock prepared to lay siege to the fort. Continuing his various ruses, he was surprised the next day when the elderly Hull agreed to turn over the garrison. A stunning victory, the fall of Detroit secured that area of the frontier and saw the British capture a large supply of weapons which were needed for arming the Canadian militia. Death at Queenston Heights That fall Brock was forced to race east as an American army under Major General Stephen van Rensselaer threatened to invade across the Niagara River. On October 13, the Americans opened the Battle of Queenston Heights when they began shifting troops across the river. Fighting their way ashore they moved against a British artillery position on the heights. Arriving on the scene, Brock was forced to flee when American troops overran the position. Sending a message to Major General Roger Hale Sheaffe at Fort George to bring reinforcements, Brock began rallying British troops in the area to retake the heights. Leading forward two companies of the 49th and two companies of York militia, Brock charged up the heights assisted by aide-de-camp Lieutenant Colonel John Macdonell. In the attack, Brock was struck in the chest and killed. Sheaffe later arrived and fought the battle to a victorious conclusion. In the wake of his death, over 5,000 attended his funeral and his body was buried at Fort George. His remains were later moved in 1824 to a monument in his honor that was constructed on Queenston Heights. Following damage to the monument in 1840, they were shifted to a larger monument on the same site in the 1850s.