Comparitive Study Between Euripides’ Alcestis and Hippolytus Free Essays

Euripides, youngest of the three great Greek tragedians, was born c. 485 BC though he was scarcely a generation younger than Sophocles, his world view better reflects the political, social, and intellectual crises of late 5th-century Athens. Euripides’ enormous range spans contradictory tendencies:   He was both a rationalist and a romanticist;  he both criticized the traditional gods and celebrated religious phenomena He incorporated the new intellectual and scientific movements into his works but also conveyed the irresistible power of the irrational. We will write a custom essay sample on Comparitive Study Between Euripides’ Alcestis and Hippolytus or any similar topic only for you Order Now Original and experimental, he parodied the conventions of tragedy and also used new theories about the illusionist and deceptive powers of language. He created tragicomic plots. His Alcestis and Hippolytus are his two great plays. We will notice many similarities in Euripidean plays. There are many similarities in Alcestis and Hippolytus and also have some dissimilarities. Comparative studies between these plays are discussed below. In ancient Greek tragedy there has several parts—Prologue, Parados, Episode. the first Stasimon the second Episode, the second Stasimon, the third Episode, the third Stasimon, the fourth Episode, the fifth Stasimon and Exodos. The plot structures of both plays are same. In both play we find Prologue, Parados, Episode, the first Stasimon the second Episode, the second Stasimon, the third Episode, the third Stasimon, the fourth Episode, the fifth Stasimon and Exodos and also choral ode with strophe and antistrophe. In both play the unity of time, pla ce and action have been maintained. Both plays are written in Iambic Pentameter. Both Alcestis and Hippolytus open with prologue or monologue which is a common characteristic of Greek plays . In both plays the audience have lost their interest from the very beginning because everything has been told before in the prologue. The play Alcestis begins with the prologue of the god Apollo. Here Apollo stops death from taking the life of Admetus and predicts that Alcestis will die instead of Admetus. He also predicts that Alcestis’ life will be saved by Heracles, the demi god. Similarly the play Hippolytus also begins with the monologue of the goddess Aphrodite. In the play Aphrodite the goddess of love, is angry with Hippolytus because of his devotion to Artemis, the goddess of chastity and hunting. So she makes a plan to ruin the life of Hippolytus, phadra and Theseus as well. Chorus plays a very significant role in Greek plays. The appearance of chorus is mandatory in Greek plays. In the plays of Sophocles the chorus continually present on the stage. In Euripides the picture is quite different. His plays are relatively complex. He experienced difficulties in retaining chorus. In Alcestis The entry of the chorus, or the â€Å"parodos† sequence, follows: a chorus of fifteen men of Pherae, led by a â€Å"coryphaeus† (chorus-leader), enter the orchestra of the theatre. The chorus-leader complains that they are in a state of suspense, ignorant of whether they ought to be performing mourning rituals for their queen. The chorus’ lyrical ode, to which they dance as they sing, consists of two paired stanzas of strophe and antistrophe. They sing of the silence that greets their search for signs of mourning, the evidence of Alcestis’ death. When goodness dies,† they lament, â€Å"all good men suffer, too. † The chorus-leader concludes by dismissing the chorus’ search for hope in the situation: â€Å"The King has exhausted every ritual. † The Chorus is significant here and active. They informed the audience about what is happening inside the palace. Unlike Seneca’s chorus, the chorus is very active and pla ys a very important role. In Hippolytus the chorus is composed of fifteen women of Troy. In this play the chorus is mostly passive. For in a Sophoclean play the chorus announces new comers. In Hippolytus the chorus is not as active as Sophoclean tragedy. They inform the audience of the death of his wife. But under no circumstances could they speak of the criminal passion of Phaedra for Hippolytus. That would have been the height of impropriety. That is why Phaedra has to lay bare her heart to the Nurse. It is Artemis who informed Theseus of what actually happened. What mortals fail to do, Dues ex machine can. The choruses in Hippolytus therefore do not serve any important purpose as they do in the tragedies of Aeschylus and Sophocles. Euripides always highlights the role of servant or nurse throughout his plays. He always highlights the salve character. In Alcestis it is the servant who reveals the secret to Heracles that their queen is dead. Heracles gets drunk and begins irritating the servants, who loved their queen and are bitter at not being allowed to mourn her properly. Finally, one of the servants snaps at the guest and tells him what has happened. Heracles is terribly embarrassed at his blunder and his bad behavior, and he decides to ambush and confront Death and save Alcestis from the clutches of Death. Similarly in Hippolytus it is nurse who reveals the secret of her queen to Hippolytus which hastens the death of Phaedra. Phaedra took her Nurse into her confidence. But the nurse foolishly exposed the truth to Hippolytus. So we can say in both plays. Euripides reveals the truth by a slave character. Aeschylus and Sophocles had implicit faith in the Olympian gods and goddesses. Euripides had refined sensibility and looks at the divinities a little critically disciple of Xenophanes and Anaxagoras, he had a rational outlook on men and things. He was not a skeptic, far less an atheist. He profusely used the traditional myth and legends. In Alcestis, Admetus  forgot to sacrifice to Artemis, and consequently found his marriage chamber full of coiled serpents. Apollo bade King Admetus  appease the goddess, and meanwhile he obtained (because Admetus  1 was such a kind master towards him) a special favour of the MOERAE: that when Admetus  1 should be about to die, he might be released from death, if someone should choose voluntarily to die for him. â€Å"In Admetus I found a godly man. And so I rescued him from death by tricking the MOERAE. These goddesses promised me that Admetus could escape an immediate death by giving in exchange another corpse to the powers below. † (Apollo. Euripides, Alcestis 10). Alcestis dies in vicarious death Admetus could not find someone who would die for him. Only because of the role of Apollo, Admetus’ life saves and Alcestis dies instead of him. Euripides makes gods and goddesses questionable. In Alcestis, Alcestis dies because Admetus could not find someone who would die for him. Only because of the role of Apollo, Admetus’ life saves and Alcestis dies instead of him. Here the justice of Apollo is definitely questionable. In Hippolytus, the Olympian gods and goddesses plays a very important role although they are presented in the play in an unpleasant way. Hippolytus is very much devoted to the goddess Artemis and do not worship Aphrodite which makes the goddess angry and she made a plan which ruins the life of Hippolytus, Phaedra and Theseus as well. The main theme of this play is the conflict between love and chastity, infact it is the conflict between Aphrodite and Artemis. Artemis is not also totally blameless. She could have save her favorite but didn’t do so. Although the god Poseidon does not appear physically but he plays a very significant role in this play. He too is responsible for the death of Hippolytus. Euripides portrayal of women in his plays has been somewhat bizarre. His female characters kill out of revenge, kill out of jealousy and kill because a god possessed them too. Women occasionally assert dominance in the household; although, even within the home they posses limited influence over their husbands. An interesting theme runs through Euripides theatrical tragedies Alcestis and Hippolytus. In each play the lead female character forgoes her life for the sake of love. In Alcestis, Alcestis willingly gives her life to prevent her husband Admentus’ death. In Hippolytus, Phaedra chooses to commits suicide as a result of falling in love with her husband’s son and refusing to be deceitful to her husband. Although Alcestis’ love should be considered as moral and virtuous where as Phaedra’s passion for her son was immoral, incestuous and illegal. In these two plays, a major female character challenges the predominately masculine centre pf power and authority and in some way questions the limits of that power. Alcestis forces her husband to confront the gap between the value that he attaches to family ties and affections and the honorific exchange of guest relationship that belong to the outward-facing world of male prerogatives. Phaedra’s erotic passion invades the garden world of idealized purity that Hippolytus would create with his virginal huntress-goddess, Artemis and shatters its defense by opening it up to the power of Aphrodite that he has rejected (both for himself and others) so absolutely. In the process, Phaedra also releases the suppressed violence and hatred that fuel Hippolytus’ total rejection of Aphrodite. .Although Phaedra has passionate desires for her stepson she is thoroughly ashamed of these feelings and as a result of her shame she decides to die by starving herself. She also condemns women who are unfaithful to their husbands as she says ‘And I despise them, women who preach faithfulness to husbands but dare the worst behind their backs. ’ Euripides, therefore, presents Phaedra as a moral woman who is just an unlucky victim of Aphrodite In these two cases the women are impelled to their actions by their intense emotional commitment to house and family. Alcestis and Phaedra both try to ensure their children’s future; and each is prepared to sacrifice her life in the process, although in diametrically opposite ways. In the play Hippolytus we notice the growth and development in Phaedra’s character. She is a dynamic or round character. But Alcestis does not have any growth and development throughout the play. She is a static character. Unlike Phaedra she plays a trivial role in the play. There is a question whether Euripides is misogynist or not. Euripides’ innovation in his Hippolytus is to cast the woman as a sympathetic character, Aphrodite’s helpless victim caught in a divine plan to destroy Hippolytus. His audience expects to see the wicked woman vilified and the virtuous youth exalted; that is the tradition. Instead, Euripides portrays his Phaedra as a highly moral woman struggling against the shame of her passion, while Hippolytus is an intolerant prig. Alcestis’ love is virtual, a sacred love for a husband. But Phaedra’s love for his step son has been considered in the play as sickness. She became love sick. Since her love is not pure like Alcestis so her love defined as sickness throughout the play. Euripides’ sympathetic tone is toward woman is also expressed in the play Alcestis. Alcestis’ fate can be viewed as a reflection of the male- dominated world of fifth- century Athens- her death is decided by her husband, in that he allows her to take his pre-ordained place in Hades; her rescue from Death comes only through Heracles’ intervention. Being led silently from the tomb perhaps symbolizes the woman’s role in the Athenian household as a subordinate figure, from whom it was preferred to hear little. In all, the play shows that the rules of the male world, guest- friendship and hospitality in particular, are more important that the whims of a female, even her dying wish are disregarded. So he can’t be considered as misogynist. Heroes are undistinguished in Euripidean plays. They do not have much heroic qualities. They are very common and simple rather heroines are more focused in Euripidean play. For example in Alcestis, Admetus’ role is not heroic rather he is coward and self centered. He has not any growth and development. Alcestis sacrifices her own life for her husband, Admetus just laments on her wife’s death. He does not try anything to save her beloved wife’s life. Rather it was Heracles who save the Alcestis life and rescued her. In Hippolytus, we notice the growth and development of Phaedra’s character. Phaedra’s love, her passion, her struggle and her death makes her a round character. But Hippolytus’ remains quite inactive throughout the play. He has no contribution to the action of the play. Phaedra and Aphrodite play the main role in this play. They are more focused than Theseus or Hippolytus. According to Aristotle a hero should not be too good or too bad. Hippolytus is too good. He is a debatable hero. He has no growth and development. Unlike Phaedra he is a static character. Deus ex machine is a technique where a god or artificial or improbable device introduced into a play to resolve the entanglements of the plot. This technique is frequently used by Euripides. In the play Alcestis, Heracles acted as Dues ex machine. In the play Hippolytus it is the goddess Artemis who is presented as Dues ex machine. Alcestis is considered as a satyr play. Alcestis is a domestic tragicomedy with a mixture of fairy tale atmosphere and intense personal suffering that in the extant plays reappears again. Although the play begins with a gloomy and tragic mood but the ending of this play is joyous. It has a happy ending though artificial. So this play is considered as a tragicomedy. His play Hippolytus explores the nature of passion, the problem of communication and language and the emotional and the moral pitfalls of intense aspiration and one-sided devotion to the ideal. This play is totally a tragedy. In this play Phaedra commit suicide and the play ends with death Hippolytus. Obviously this play does not end with a happy tone. So it has been considered as a pure example of tragedy. Euripides has come to be increasingly appreciated in modern times for his intellectual subtlety, bold and original dramatic power, brilliant psychological insight, and ability to elicit unexpected symbolic meaning from ancient myth and cult. Critics find the Alcestis a richly rewarding play in many areas. D. J. Conacher explores how Euripides expanded the myth of Admetus and Alcestis, adding comic and folk tale elements to suit the needs of his tragedy. In Hippolytus, he also adapts the myth of Pasiphae the mother of Phaedra and Ariadne, the sister of her. But he relates it to the play by his own way. Throughout his works Euripides struggled to show the human side of his characters and tried to elevate their actions to a status of importance and not just as a consequence of the intervention of the gods. For this reason Euripides stands apart as does his works. How to cite Comparitive Study Between Euripides’ Alcestis and Hippolytus, Papers

Early Number Counting

Question: Discuss about theEarly Numberfor Counting. Answer: Introduction Counting an object twice: many times when children begin to learn counting, it is possible that they often name one object more than once. As a result, one object can be counted more than once. It takes time for children to learn the art of saying one word and pointing at one object and then repeating the same object and says a different number name. as stated in the Australian Curriculum, each other must be counted only once and the order of arrangement does not affect how many they are (ACARA, 2013). Given that the items were not placed in some patterns, a possibility of mixed up can make a child to count one item twice. This could have been one of the mistakes that Lizzie made in the process of counting the plastic dinosaurs. She did not establish one-to-one correspondence. Lizzie must have had momentary lack of attention to note the dinosaurs that she already counted (Reys et al 2009, pg 151). Non-convectional sequencing: In this case, a child begins to count number and skips the correct sequence. For example, counting up to ten then move to twelve then fourteen and skips 15 and 16 and says 17. This is a common error for many children in counting numbers beyond 10. The unique sequence in the teens poses a challenge of counting (ACARA, 2013). Lizzie must have missed the sequences in the teens and thus got 17 instead of 13 that was there. With non-convectional sequencing, children often count numbers that are easy for them to pronounce and ignore others that appear difficult to pronounce. It is common for children to say non-convectional number names. This also reflects the struggle that children go through to remember the number names and the order (Reys et al 2009, pg 148). Rote counting: in this case, a child knows the correct counting sequence but is unable to maintain the correct correspondence between the number names and the objects being counted. As a result, the counter will often say the number names faster than he or she points the actual objects so that the numbers names are not in coordination with the dinosaurs that are being counted. Rote counters may also point faster than they say the number names. In this case, Lizzie must have committed the first error. That is, she said the number names faster than she was pointing to the dinosaurs thus counted four extra. Rote counting affects many children in the elementary stage. Encouraging them to slow down would help improve counting skills (Reys et al 2009, pg 151). Coordination error: In this case, a child continues to count even after touching the last item or not counting until the first item is touched. In either case, there will be an undercount or over-count. In the case of Lizzie, she did an over-count. The problem could have resulted from coordination of the items and the names way after the items are over. Sometimes, children also do repeat counting till they fill they have counted all the items. After counting up to thirteen, Lizzie could have repeated counting four more objects resulting into 17 dinosaurs. The problem could have also been escalated by the fact that the dinosaurs were randomly scattered before so the possibility of repetition was very high (Reys et al 2009, pg 148). Reference List ACARA. (2013). The Australian Curriculum | Version 4.2 dated Thursday, Reys et al, 2009. Counting and number sense in early childhood andprimary years.NY: John Wesley Sons, pg 139-164.

The Sun Also Rises - Betrayal Essays - English-language Films

The Sun Also Rises - Betrayal In the novel The Sun Also Rises , written by Ernest Hemingway the main character Jake, makes a decision to introduce the woman he loves to a young bull fighter. Jake makes this decision very much against the will of Montoya, which leads to the betrayal of both Montoya, Pedro Romero, Mike and himself. Jake does this because he is unconditionally committed to Brett, and is willing to do whatever necessary to bring her happiness, even if it is only temporary. Jake's first reaction to the news that Brett is interested in meeting and spending time with Romero is one of negativity. He learns of this from his friend Montoya and tells him not to give Romero the message. He does not think that it would be a good idea for Brett to have anything to do with Romero, and does not want him to receive the message that invites him to have coffee with their group. At this point it is clear that both Jake and Montoya do not approve of this proposed encounter. Montoya fears Brett will corrupt Pedro Romero and Jake is jealous of the possibility of them having a relationship. Jake's decision to introduce Brett and Romero ultimately leads to the greatest betrayal in the novel; the betrayal of himself. He betrays himself because he is unconditionally devoted to Brett, and her happiness. He is so in love with Brett that he will do anything for her even it means hurting himself. He is driven by the reality of his physical impotence and therefore gives up on Brett, although in his heart he will always love her. The last remark in the novel is very important in making us see how Jake ultimately betrays himself. He says "yes I said isn't it pretty to think so?" He is being sarcastic when he says this, he seems to have come to a realization that he stubbornly holds on to, that he and Brett will never work out because he can not have sexual relations with her. Brett thinks that maybe, just maybe they could work it out, but Jake kinda gives up on himself, betrays his true feelings, and throws away his possibility of a relationship he always wanted with Brett but was impossible. There is also a betrayal of pedro Romero. Jake betrays Romero and thus breaks the aficinado code. The code, almost like a code of chivalry has somewhat of an accepted theme which includes a loyalty to fellow aficinados, and looking out for their best interest. Jake breaks this accepted theme when he acts as an accomplice in getting the two of them together. Jake knows that Brett will corrupt the young bullfighter and thus betrays the bullfighter. Again he does this for his love of Brett, because he will do anything to make her happy. Jake also betrays Mike. Although they do not really get along, he should respect Mike and his plans of marriage to Brett, but he does not. He ruins Mikes chances with Brett when he helps get Brett and Pedro Romero together. To betray is to commit treason against; to be a trader. To be false or disloyal to. When using this definition of betrayal it is safe to say Jake betrays many in the novel as well as himself. In this story Jake is forced with a decision that will change a great deal of his life. His decision, ultimately costs him a good friendship, and takes away the respect that Montoya once had for him. It also ruins the chance that he might have had with Brett. He does this consciously and unselfishly without hesitation.

The Cratchits all worked Essays

The Cratchits all worked Essays The Cratchits all worked Paper The Cratchits all worked Paper In A Christmas carol, how does Dickens make the reader aware of the conditions of the poor in the 19th century? In what ways does he make his message palatable? The story of A Christmas Carol is set in Charles Dickens home town of London. In the Victorian period Londoners were split in two categories, the rich and poor and the streets were filled with diseases and many poor children died at young ages. There were many big families who had small but affordable meals throughout the year, but for one day in the year they attempted to earn as much money as they could so families could have a special meal. This day was Christmas and in my essay I am going to be describing how Dickens get across the Christmas spirit people have. Dickens knew London well and he saw all the poverty on the streets and the diseases. Dickens cared immensely about poor peoples welfare and started writing his books to help people understand the hard lives poor people had to live, to earn enough money and make enough food for their families to survive. He hoped that someone would listen to what he had seen and change London to make the poor and rich an equal community. Many businessmen in Dickens lifetime were making their money from the Royal Exchange. Like them Scrooge was a very wealthy businessman who is selfish and only cares for himself. Scrooge rarely spoke to people as he kept himself to himself and didnt like expressing his feelings to other people. He showed his attitude to people when he said, every idiot who goes about with Merry Christmas on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart. He should. Businessmen were supported by their clerks who worked very hard for an amount of money that could only afford to rent a house and support a small family. This would usually be about i 80 a year. But Bob Cratchit who worked for Scrooge as a clerk was treated even worse then most poor workers who were never treated with dignity. He was paid below the average pay for a regular poor worker, so struggled to pay for food and his family bills. He had to work in terrible conditions, for example Scrooge looked after the coal box and wouldnt give Cratchit fclerk put on his white comforter, and tried to warm himself at the candle; in which efforts, not being a man of strong imagination, he failed. Bob Cratchit really loved Christmas and when he applauded Scrooges nephew talking to Scrooge about how great Christmas was, Scrooge said, Let me hear another sound from you and youll keep your Christmas by losing your situation. Scrooge had threatened to sack Bob Cratchit so close to Christmas and just shows how mean he was and how poorly workers were treated in Victorian times. In Dickens time workers were paid poor money but they had to rely on this income so much because if a poor person didnt have this small amount of money they would surely have to live on the streets begging for food and would find it difficult to get another job which is why Bob Cratchit cant argue with Scrooges dismal treatment of him and he just has to cope with it. Cratchit had to work everyday in the year, except Christmas which was the one day the Cratchit family would have a proper meal with a goose and lots more treats they wouldnt be able to afford on an ordinary day. Christmas was a day that poor people didnt care about the expense of all the food or presents, it was a day that all families came together. The Cratchits all worked together to make their Christmas dinner, Mrs Cratchit made the gravy, hissing hot; Master Peter mashed the potatoes with incredible vigour; Mrs Belinda sweetened up the apple sauce; Martha dusted the hot plates. Christmas was a great day for all poor people but they all knew the next day was just another ordinary day and so they would have to go back to the usual boring diet which usually consisted of bread and potatoes but this is why the Crachits were so happy at Christmas as it was the one day they would have a good meal and would be very happy. In the Victorian times population in London was at its peak. This meant there were more illnesses mainly young people but it was usually only the richer families that got treatment. If a poor person got ill they wouldnt stand much chance of surviving.

Warfare welfare and citizenship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Warfare welfare and citizenship - Essay Example People are more loyal to their nations than before because of improved political environment. Governments on the other hand have struggled to empower their citizens either politically, socially, intellectually and religiously. In the modern society, there is a general notion that people are all pluralist. This paper will therefore discuss warfare, welfare, pluralism and citizenship from both the historical and modern perspective. The three terms warfare, welfare and citizenship largely influence each other, making it hard to analyse one without discussing the others. From a political perspective, scholars regard warfare as an ideological struggle in which people try to dominate their ideas over others. More often, many people refer to this struggle as propaganda or psychological contest to implement conditions in the political arena. Warfare is a broad field that encompasses various components, ranging from military operations, through morale warfare to psychological wellbeing of the citizens. The military struggle seems to harbour all the other aspects in a war such as propaganda and publicity. Nations for example, were eager to demonstrate their military prowess during World War I and II. It involved the use of military machines, political influence, religion and social integration among nations (Richards 2005). Welfare on the other hand entails the effort of a particular government to provide its citizens with economic security. As a result, a government guarantees its citizens with the fundamental necessities such as food, health care, shelter, security, as well as protection in the old age (Light n.d). The government fulfils this role using two methods. First is direct assistance, where it provides the citizens with their needs on a one-on-one basis. The other method is indirect assistance, where a particular administration implements programs that reduce problems faced by the citizens. Such programs include

State-Supported Terrorism Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

State-Supported Terrorism - Assignment Example These are the nations that pose a threat to the US National Security, although Saudi Arabia and Pakistan also come under the same list of â€Å"passive sponsorships† but regardless to their activities they are excluded out deliberately. In article 3 the writer, Daniel Byman has identified the states that are passively sponsoring terrorist organizations around the world. The states that are prominently known for their support are Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran, and Lebanon. These states in order to strengthen their security jeopardize the National Security of US and drag societies into the darkest propensities. It is a widely known fact that 9/11 was orchestrated with the help of Saudi Arabia of which funding transactions were traced evidently displaying Saudi Arabia’s tacit terrorist sponsorship for destroying US security. Likewise, Pakistan is held responsible for the Talibanization within the country, as the members of its intelligence ISI are in full support of Al-Qaeda. These countries which are referred to as â€Å"non-state actors† stay at the corner, some may as well agree on fighting terrorism becoming invaluable allies for the time being. The problem is not with their attitude of doing something instead it’s their attitude of doing nothing at all about the prevailing threats to the national security. One way these states react to these problems is that they offer a middle ground to the problem to safeguard their own security they shift their problem to others by offering the terrorists to stay and get arrested or leave which moves them to other countries where they perform acts of terrorism. These terrorist groups often act as government’s partners and not as their agents, although they openly deny the accusations it is evident with the size of their training setups, their methods of recruitments and funding.  

The Concept Of Evidence Based Practice Social Work Essay

The Concept Of Evidence Based Practice Social Work Essay Introduction This essay aims to identify and critically appraise evidence of whether social intervention improve outcome for depression in British Pakistani women. I will analyse whether social intervention can lead to improve mental wellbeing, empowerment and individual growth. I will analyse the value emphasis of therapeutic social support in mental health. The context of social work practice in mental health is complex, therefore social work intervention has to have an ethical and value based framework. I will assess the theoretical basis for standardise practice. The statutory changes in Britain to consider the fundamental values position incorporated in recent policies and legislation will be examined. Define the concept of evidence based practice Evidence based practice (EBP) according to Sackett (1997) citied in Gray et al (2009: 119) connotes a process of improving professional judgement through the conscientious and judicious integration and synthesis of well-researched empirical evidence to evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of intervention in enhancing service users outcomes and how this can be integrated into practice context to improve service delivery and professional accountability (Department of Health Service and Public Safety, 2012) (Gray, Plath, Webb, 2009) (Sheppard, 2004) (Corby, 2006). It gives a framework for analysing the situation and generating a number of possible options (Thompson N., 2000, p. 35). (Mathews Crawford, 2011) suggested that practitioners must think critically and reflect on research evidence for credibility, completeness and transferability to inform professional judgement as this an implication for policy makers, professionals, communities and service users. The impetus for EBP within social work is underpinned on the centrality on service users best interest to guide practice that is culturally sensitive and of significance to service users within the dynamic context of practice, legislation and social policy (Bolton, 2002). EBP therefore necessitates social workers reflexivity of how values, theoretical assumptions, policies, past experiences and the context in which practice takes place combine with service users perspective, preferences, and culture to guide and inform practice (Munro, 2002:10). This is to account for the multifaceted personal, cultural and social dimensions of service users (Webber Nathan, 2010) Select an aspect of social work What interest me in this topic is the gap which exist in providing culturally sensitive support to black and ethnic minority group with depression. The evidence available suggest that individual with mental health distress including depression are the most marginalised and excluded groups in society (Stepney Ford, 2001). Additionally, the prevalence of depression in black and minority ethnic (BME) and in particular women from Pakistani background in Britain, underlines the importance of supporting statutory and voluntary initiatives directed towards meeting their needs (Husain, Creed, Tomenson, 1997) (Gater, et al., 2009). (Miranda, et al., 2003) noted the gap in evidence based for social intervention. Drawing on their practice experiences and appropriate evidence Within the context of community voluntary mental health services, their diverse types of evidence that informs practice and policy and social workers have an ethical obligation in the choice of theories and model of working. In my practice, a systems approach is emphasised in understanding the interplay and multiplicity of service users context. Psychodynamic approach is concerned with how perceptions of needs, stigma and stereotypical assumptions motivate human behaviour including help seeking, disclosure of sensitive information. Past experiences are seen as central in the problems individual experience and used in understanding the dynamics of the helping relationship. Social learning theory suggests behaviours are influenced by service users socio-cultural context. For example help seeking behaviour is influenced and reinforced by stigma and service delivery Therefore cognitive- behavioural therapy is emphasised by understanding the role perceptions in help seeking. Therefore through interaction, modelling service users perception is influenced. Conflict theory is invaluable in understanding cultural conflicts, stigma and oppression, power imbalance. As noted in Saleeby (1996) the strength perspective is intrinsic to social work values of service users involvement, and respecting individual as having strengths The feminist perspective takes into account the role of gender and the historical lack of power experienced by women. Collaborative relationship is emphasised between the social worker and service user through equality and empowerment. Through empirical observation using randomised controlled trial, Gater, et al (2010) investigated the effective of Social intervention for British Pakistani women with depression. It sought to explain the cause and effect, to predict and control reality, and to create unambiguous objective truth that can be proven or disproved to inform the effectiveness of intervention and policies implementation. Qualitative data used to understand individuals social reality within their socio- cultural context which questions cultural assumptions, discrimination and oppression and the implication and significance in implementation. This can be used to conceptualise service users perspective regarding intervention and polices implications, their needs and perceptions about current polices and interventions. The problem solving model focuses on understanding service users in their context and working in partnership. In a cross sectional study, prevalence of depression amongst women of Pakistani origin was twice as high compare to white European women (Gater, et al., 2009). (Campbell McLean, 2002) suggested that social capital resources is embedded in within social networks and improve recovery. An alternative explanatory framework for the prevalence of depression in Pakistani women in mental health statistics has been the social constructive perspective. This perspective encompasses help seeking behaviour. There are some evidenced based interventions that have been proven to help people recovery from depression. The randomized control trial study by (Harris, Brown, Robinson, Befriending as an intervention for chronic depression among women in an inner city: Randomised control trail, 1999) found that befriending schemes are beneficial in improving recovery. This is to counter the criticisms of institutional racism and cultural assumptions in the delivery of mental health services to black and ethnic minority groups (Gould, 2010). Phillip Rack (1982) cited in (Gould, 2010): 40 proposed a Culturally attuned approach that used insight This intervention is central to social work values of respecting and valuing uniqueness and diversity and recognising and building strengths. Social intervention involves aspects of partnership and include and emphasis on the impact of environmental pressures on individuals and therefore can be invaluable in anti-discriminatory work with service users in offering empowerment and dealing with structural oppression (Ahmad B. , 1990, p. 51). He also noted the importance of importance of qualitative research in exploring these issues (Ahmad W. , 1995). This social intervention included specific target groups. It uses an approach that included education and/or direct contact with people who are depressed. Social intervention provides social workers with a structural appreciation of the nature of social problems (Gould, 2010, p. 60) (Harris, 2010) social support and depression Reconnection of hope through therapeutic encounter Psychosocial and cognitive therapies have now been included in clinical practice guidelines. However, there remain considerable problems with black and ethnic minority accessing these services. Research has shown a consistent relationship between mental illness and indicators of social disadvantages (Fryers, Melzer, Jenkins, 2003). Thus, development of strategies to support help seeking and treatment is needed. (Mathews Crawford, 2011) (Orme Shemmings, 2010) (Smith, 2004) (Gask, Aseem, Waquas, Waheed, 2011) qualitative thematic analysis (social isolation) family conflict, social cultural factors, psychosocial factors Identify what can be learned from the evidence In Gater,et al (2010) Social intervention for British Pakistani women with depression: randomised controlled trial, Participants social functioning and depression were signi ¬Ã‚ cantly improved. Given the prevalence of depression (Gater, et al., 2009) in this group and the under-representation amongst people able to access supportive services, this presents an important development. In relation to improving participants engagement qualitative studies have found the debilitating effect of stigma as a signi ¬Ã‚ cant barrier for accessing support (Livingston Boyd, 2010) (Mak, Poon, Pun, Cheung, 2007). Stigma is understood as the interplay of individuals social identity and socio-cultural dynamics in which individuals with mental health are discriminated against and socially excluded due to stereotypical assumption (Lam, 2008). This  ¬Ã‚ nding is consistent with the evidence regarding social support interventions in (Harris, A stress-vunerability model of mental health disorder: implications for practice, 2010). However, there is a gap of how stigma associated with mental illness can be reduced. The study was of high research quality, which indicates a reduced risk of biasness and confounding. A major limitation of this study is heterogeneity amongst the sample, that only 123 participants and increase in social functioning is limited to only 3 months. Therefore, the medium to long-term effects of social intervention within this group remain largely unknown. Another research gap is the absence of a dynamic medication adherence related studies aimed at this group, which have been identi ¬Ã‚ ed as important for achieving adherence and better outcome for depression (Miranda, et al., 2003). Addressing the resistance from family members around issue of confidentiality and stigma amongst this population may be best accomplished through culturally appropriate communication strategies that facilities warm and empathy and social capital. In contrast, the research suggests that social intervention although it improves depression in the short run will not achieve meaningful improvements in the long run without antidepressant. (Department of Health, 2007) emphasises partnership working, respect for diversity, strengths and aspirations and service users centred. Its focus on effectiveness, accountability and personal development are congruent with the principles of evidence based practice. (Slade, 2009) noted that personal recovery is a challenging and contested concept within the domain of empirical evidence. The multi facet level of mental illness is evident in the definition of mental health, the impact of treatment and the social consequences. However, (Resnick, Fontana, Lehman, RA, 2005) highlighted that empowerment, hope and optimism, knowledge and life satisfaction outcome that are central to the recovery model allows the prevalence of recovery to be investigated empirically. (Gould, 2010) As stated in (Gater, et al., 2009), an epidemiology of depression that accounts for social support and social difficulties is critical. Social context of depression Nonetheless, depression is associated with important negative consequences, such as social exclusion, low self-esteem. Social exclusion according to (Hills, LeGrand, Piachaud, 2004)should be conceptualise in the context of the personal, cultural and structural dimension and highlighted lack of social interaction as a form of social exclusion. Attuned to cultural beliefs and norms Social and inclusive practice have been developed and reinforced by the Capabilities for Inclusive Practice (Department of Health , 2007) report: working in partnership, respecting diversity. Assessment requires service users participation and access to information to make informed choice. This model of assessment has to be cultural sensitive and proactive in nature. Psychosocial assessment Although social support is frequently referred to as beneficial in relation to depression, there has been little attempt to specify what this means and to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to reduce isolation. (Tew, 2004) Partnership working is crucial in adopting a social model of intervention. Culturally sensitive practice. (Gater, Waheed, Husain, Tomenson, Aseem, Creed, 2010) (Webber W. , 2011) Research indicates that (Oakley, Strange, Toroyan, Wiggins, Roberts, Stephenson, 2003) Mental health is practice within a context of multi-disciplinary collaboration to integrate the bio-psychosocial model of practice. The implementation of EBP within this context has to account for the theoretical assumptions that underpin this area of practice. This involves training and supervision. Research by (Huxley, et al., 2005) indicated stress of workers as accounting for their lack of implementing EBP. noted that another reason for EBP not been implemented is due to stereotypical assumptions that black and ethnic minorities prefer informal support than support from professional. One barrier to effective assessment and intervention for depression epidemiology Another barrier is the reluctance of ethnic minority group to share their emotional symptoms due to family pressure and perceive stigma. To overcome these barriers, social intervention that accounts for social capital is crucial. EBP therefore requires practice that is needs not resources leads if services are to be provided that are of sound professional judgement. Perceptions about depression and stigma have been empirically supported in experimental, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies to worsen depression and affect interpersonal outcome and social support (Thomsen, 2006). Analysis and reflective process of data collection, the transparencies about the relational nature of the research, and the ways which service users perspective are constructed through a respectful partnership and reflexivity of how our values, theoretical assumptions, policies, past experiences and the context in which practice takes place. Trust and openness in research relationship a reciprocal process right- based analytical approach (Department of Health, 2008) ethical and critical engage that with respectful uncertainties that reflect on the process of engagement and analysis Mutual and sincere collaboration, over time respectful uncertainties Using multiple data sources to account for publication biasness and multiple perspectives and ways of knowing Acknowledgement of complexities of realities Use of reflexivity focus on contexts of and relationships between researcher and researched as shaping the creation of knowledge. Ethical consideration in knowledge (Gask, Aseem, Waquas, Waheed, 2011) understanding how symptoms are expressed and perceive. Understanding emotional expressiveness within cultural context. Conclusion In conclusion, social intervention has highlighted strategies that have demonstrated some success for improving help seeking. Given the complexities and multi facet dimension of individual experiences and the context in which needs occurs, it is imperative that the uniqueness of individual is taken into account within the paradigm of culturally competent practice (Dalrymple and Burke, 2006). In addition, Social Work practice draws on theoretical knowledge from social sciences, which are usually Eurocentric, it is essential, that Social Work practice integrate knowledge from best evidence for it to meet it ethical obligation to counter oppressive and discriminatory practice (Thompson N. , 2003) (Webber W. , 2011). (Thompson N. 2003)