Clovis - Early Hunting Colonizers of North America

Clovis is what archaeologists call the oldest widespread archaeological complex in North America. Named after the town in New Mexico near where the first accepted Clovis site Blackwater Draw Locality 1 was discovered, Clovis is most well-known for its stunningly beautiful stone projectile points, found all over the United States, northern Mexico, and southern Canada. Clovis technology was not likely the first in the American continents: that was the culture called Pre-Clovis, who arrived before Clovis culture at least one thousand years earlier  and are likely ancestral to Clovis. While Clovis sites are found throughout North America, the technology only lasted for a brief period of time. The dates of Clovis vary from region to region. In the American west, Clovis sites range in age from 13,400-12,800 calendar years ago BP [cal BP], and in the east, from 12,800-12,500 cal BP. The earliest Clovis points found so far are from the Gault site in Texas, 13,400 cal BP: meaning Clovis-style hunting lasted a period of time no longer than 900 years. There are several long-standing debates in Clovis archaeology, about the purpose and meaning of the egregiously gorgeous stone tools; about whether they were solely big game hunters; and about what made Clovis people abandon the strategy. Clovis Points and Fluting Clovis points are lanceolate (leaf-shaped) in overall shape, with parallel to slightly convex sides and concave bases. The edges of the hafting end of the point are usually ground dull, likely to prevent the cord haft lashings from being cut. They vary quite a bit in size and form: eastern points have wider blades and tips and deeper basal concavities than do points from the west. But their most distinguishing characteristic is fluting. On one or both faces, the flintknapper finished the point by removing a single flake or flute creating a shallow divot extending up from the base of the point typically about 1/3 of the length towards the tip. The fluting makes an undeniably beautiful point, especially when performed on a smooth and shiny surface, but it is also a remarkably costly finishing step. Experimental archaeology has found that it takes an experienced flintknapper half an hour or better to make a Clovis point, and between 10-20% of them are broken when the flute is attempted. Archaeologists have contemplated the reasons Clovis hunters might have had for creating such beauties since their first discovery. In the 1920s, scholars first suggested that the long channels enhanced bloodletting--but since the flutes are largely covered by the hafting element thats not likely. Other ideas have also come and gone: recent experiments by Thomas and colleagues (2017) suggest that the thinned base might have been a shock absorber, absorbing physical stress and preventing catastrophic failures while being used. Exotic Materials Clovis points are also typically made from high-quality materials, specifically highly siliceous crypto-crystalline cherts, obsidians, and chalcedonies or quartzes and quartzites. The distance from where they have been found discarded to where the raw material for the points came is sometimes hundreds of kilometers away. There are other stone tools on Clovis sites but they are less likely to have been made of the exotic material. Having been carried or traded across such long distances and being a part of a costly manufacturing process leads scholars to believe that there was almost certainly some symbolic meaning to the use of such these points. Whether it was a social, political or religious meaning, some sort of hunting magic, we will never know. What Were They Used For? What modern archaeologists can do is look for indications of how such points were used. There is no doubt that some of these points were for hunting: the point tips often exhibit impact scars, which likely resulted from thrusting or throwing against a hard surface (animal bone). But, microwear analysis has also shown that some were used multifunctionally, as butchery knives. Archaeologist W. Carl Hutchings (2015) conducted experiments and compared impact fractures to those found in the archaeological record. He noted that at least some of the fluted points have fractures that had to have been made by high-velocity actions: that is, they were likely fired using spear throwers (atlatls). Big Game Hunters? Since the first unequivocal discovery of Clovis points in direct association with an extinct elephant, scholars have assumed that Clovis people were big game hunters, and the earliest (and likely last) people in the Americas to rely on megafauna (large bodied mammals) as prey. Clovis culture was, for awhile, blamed for the late Pleistocene megafaunal extinctions, an accusation that no longer can be leveled. Although there is evidence in the form of single and multiple kill sites where Clovis hunters killed and butchered large-bodied animals such as mammoth and mastodon, horse, camelops, and gomphothere, there is growing evidence that although Clovis were primarily hunters, they didnt rely solely on or even largely on megafauna. Single-event kills simply dont reflect the diversity of foods that would have been used. Using rigorous analytical techniques, Grayson and Meltzer could only find 15 Clovis sites in North America with irrefutable evidence for human predation on megafauna. A blood residue study on the Mehaffy Clovis cache (Colorado) found evidence for predation on extinct horse, bison, and elephant, but also birds, deer and reindeer, bears, coyote, beaver, rabbit, bighorn sheep and pigs (javelina). Scholars today suggest that like other hunters, although larger prey might have been preferred because of greater food return rates  when the large prey wasnt available they relied on a much broader diversity of resources with an occasional big kill. Clovis Life Styles Five types of Clovis sites have been found: camp sites; single event kill sites; multiple-event kill sites; cache sites; and isolated finds. There are only a few campsites, where Clovis points are found in association with hearths: those include Gault in Texas and Anzick in Montana. Single event kill sites (Clovis points in association with a single large-bodied animal) include Dent in Colorado, Duewall-Newberry in Texas, and Murray Springs in Arizona.Multiple kill sites (more than one animal killed at the same location) include Wallys Beach in Alberta, Coats-Hines in Tennessee and El Fin del Mundo in Sonora.Cache sites (where collections of Clovis-period stone tools were found together in a single pit, lacking other residential or hunting evidence), include the Mehaffy site, the Beach site in North Dakota, the Hogeye site in Texas, and the East Wenatchee site in Washington.Isolated finds (a single Clovis point found in a farm field) are too numerous to recount. The only known Clovis burial found to date is at Anzick, where an infant skeleton covered in red ochre was found in association with 100 stone tools and 15 bone tool fragments, and radiocarbon dated between 12,707-12,556 cal BP. Clovis and Art There is some evidence for ritual behavior beyond that involved with making Clovis points. Incised stones have been found at Gault and other Clovis sites; pendants and beads of shell, bone, stone, hematite and calcium carbonate have been recovered at Blackwater Draw, Lindenmeier, Mockingbird Gap, and Wilson-Leonard sites. Engraved bone and ivory, including beveled ivory rods; and the use of red ochre found at the Anzick burials as well as placed on animal bone are also suggestive of ceremonialism. There are also some currently undated rock art sites at Upper Sand Island in Utah which depict extinct fauna including mammoth and bison and may be associated with Clovis; and there are others as well: geometric designs in Winnemucca basin in Nevada and carved abstractions. The End of Clovis The end of the big game hunting strategy used by Clovis appears to have occurred very abruptly, connected with the climate changes associated with the onset of the Younger Dryas. The reasons for the end of big game hunting is, of course, the end of big game: most of the megafauna disappeared about the same time. Scholars are divided about why the big fauna disappeared, although currently, they are leaning towards a natural disaster combined with climate change that killed off all the large animals. One recent discussion of the natural disaster theory concerns the identification of a black mat marking the end of Clovis sites. This theory hypothesizes that an asteroid landed on the glacier that was covering Canada at the time and exploded causing fires to erupt all over the dry North American continent. An organic black mat is in evidence at many Clovis sites, which is interpreted by some scholars as ominous evidence of the disaster. Stratigraphically, there are no Clovis sites above the black mat. However, in a recent study, Erin Harris-Parks found that black mats are caused by local environmental changes, specifically the moister climate of the Younger Dryas (YD) period. She noted that although black mats are relatively common throughout the environmental history of our planet, a dramatic increase in the number of black mats is apparent at the onset of the YD. That indicates a rapid local response to YD-induced changes, driven by significant and sustained hydrologic changes in the southwestern US and High Plains, rather than cosmic catastrophes. Sources Grayson DK, and Meltzer DJ. 2015. Revisiting Paleoindian exploitation of extinct North American mammals. Journal of Archaeological Science 56:177-193.Hamilton M, Buchanan B, Huckell B, Holliday V, Shackley MS, and Hill M. 2013. Clovis Paleoecology and Lithic Technology in the Central Rio Grande Rift Region, New Mexico. American Antiquity 78(2):248-265.Harris-Parks E. 2016. The micromorphology of Younger Dryas-aged black mats from Nevada, Arizona, Texas and New Mexico. Quaternary Research 85(1):94-106.Heintzman PD, Froese D, Ives JW, Soares AER, Zazula GD, Letts B, Andrews TD, Driver JC, Hall E, Hare PG et al. 2016. Bison phylogeography constrains dispersal and viability of the Ice Free Corridor in western Canada. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 113(29):8057-8063.Hutchings WK. 2015. Finding the Paleoindian spearthrower: quantitative evidence for mechanically-assisted propulsion of lithic armatures during the North American Paleoindian Period. Journal of Archaeological Science 55:34-41.Lemke AK, Wernecke DC, and Collins MB. 2015. Early Art in North America: Clovis and Later Paleoindian Incised Artifacts from the Gault Site, Texas (41bl323). American Antiquity 80(1):113-133.Rasmussen M, Anzick SL, Waters MR, Skoglund P, DeGiorgio M, Stafford Jr TW, Rasmussen S, Moltke I, Albrechtsen A, Doyle SM et al. 2014. The genome of a Late Pleistocene human from a Clovis burial site in western Montana. Nature 506:225-229.Sanchez G, Holliday VT, Gaines EP, Arroyo-Cabrales J, Martinez-Taguena N, Kowler A, Lange T, Hodgins GWL, Mentzer SM, and Sanchez-Morales I. 2014. Human (Clovis)-gomphothere (Cuvieronius sp.) association approximately 13,390 calibrated yBP in Sonora, Mexico. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 111(30):10972-10977.Shott MJ. 2013. Human colonization and late pleistocene lithic industries of the Americas. Quaternary International 285:150-160.Speer CA. 2014. LA-ICP-MS analysis of Clovis period projectile points from the Gault Site. Jou rnal of Archaeological Science 52:1-11.Speth JD, Newlander K, White AA, Lemke AK, and Anderson LE. 2013. Early Paleoindian big-game hunting in North America: Provisioning or Politics? Quaternary International 285:111-139.Surovell TA, Boyd JR, Haynes CV, and Hodgins GWL. 2016. On the dating of the folsom complex and its correlation with the Younger Dryas, the end of Clovis, and megafaunal extinction. PaleoAmerica 2(2):81-89.Thomas KA, Story BA, Eren MI, Buchanan B, Andrews BN, OBrien MJ, and Meltzer DJ. 2017. Explaining the origin of fluting in North American Pleistocene weaponry. Journal of Archaeological Science 81:23-30.Yohe II RM, and Bamforth DB. 2013. Late Pleistocene protein residues from the Mahaffy cache, Colorado. Journal of Archaeological Science 40(5):2337-2343.

A Paper On Tattoo Culture - 1771 Words

Maddie Edwards Humorous Discourse Foundations Paper Tattoo Culture When defining a term it first has to be understood, which is why American studies can be incredibly difficult to define. Although using different ways of studying popular culture, in this case tattoo culture, a better understanding of American studies can be formed. Specifically by using the ideas of researching context to understand the time and surrounding area, self- reflexivity to understand how oneself is affected by this, and studying how the material and visual cultures of everyday lives. Tattoos are one of these forms of popular culture, and the culture surrounding tattoos exemplifies many of the characteristics of American Studies. When studying tattoo culture context is significantly important, because a majority of the time this art form means something to the individual. As Nash Smith discusses literary analysis only gives us part of the information that is necessary in understanding where ideas stem from and how they became relevant. He also talks about ho w â€Å"the informations gathered from these sources needs to be interpreted in the light of a thorough knowledge of class structure, of the stratification of taste according to levels of sophistication, and of the different audiences in which different magazines and publishing houses addressed themselves.†1 While tattoos are not regulated by publishing houses and different magazines it is still helpful to interrupt them based on the environment.Show MoreRelatedFor Centuries, Ink On Skin Has Been A Synonym For Social1060 Words   |  5 Pagesbeen a synonym for social markers, group identity, and perpetration of traditions. Tattoos in the past were a permanent hallmark--a stamp of authenticity and a mark of permanent fidelity to a cause, a group, or to an identity. They were a loud statement of culture and belonging. They served as amulets, symbols, and religious traditions. However, nowadays, tattoos seem just the product of a capricious and vain pop culture. They seem chea p and easy souvenirs from travel adventure, bachelorette partiesRead MoreTattoos And Its Effects On Society1151 Words   |  5 PagesTattoos are a very trendy and fun way to express yourself. I myself have several tattoos and as much as I love my tattoos I was horrified to get them. I constantly get asked why I get tattoos or that I will regret them when I get older. Some people dont understand that to me, my tattoos mean more then just pretty art. They are a vivid remider of the reason I got them in the first place. Like the tattoo I got as a reminder of the pain and heartbreak I went through when my father passed away. The tattooRead MoreTattoos Essay812 Words   |  4 PagesIn this research paper the main topics will be about the history of tattoos, how tattoos are made, and the impact of tattoos in society. Research shows that people have been experimenting with tattoos for many years, as early as c. 2000 B.C. The ancient Egyptians were the ones to help popularize the idea of tattooing. Tattoos have many meanings behind them depending on the culture. Such as for the Ancient Asian cultures tattoos were to help sustain strong physical health. Another example would beRead MoreHow Tattooing Is Well As The Modern Techniques Of Tattooing1126 Words   |  5 Pageshistory of tattooing as well as the modern techniques of tattooing. 5 types of tattoos: †¢Medical tattoos †¢Traumatic tattoos †¢Professional tattoos †¢Cosmetic tattoos †¢Amateur tattoos Have you ever wondered why you have heard of tattoos hurting or experienced the tattoo process? Have you ever wondered how or why tattooing began? Well in this essay I hope to get you these answers and more. My Reasoning After 11 years as a Tattoo Artist I decided to figure out when tattooing first started and the first tattooingRead MoreThe Social Change Of Tattoos And Young Adults1511 Words   |  7 PagesChange of Tattoos and Young Adults in the Workforce Body art modification has changed drastically over the last several decades. The negative association that society has with tattoos is beginning to become over looked as the newer generations are adapting more and more. The younger crowd has begun to embrace the tattooed culture either through self-expression or stylistic body modifications, although the social stigmas still remain evident. Despite the military’s current views on tattoos, countlessRead MoreVideo Games, The Category Of First Person Shooters Essay1624 Words   |  7 Pagesstayed the same†(154-155). Search, Katherine Lee. â€Å"Evaluating Internet Sources† â€Å"As with print sources, you must take care to evaluate any material you locate on the Internet before you use it in an academic paper. You must use your judgment when selecting sources for your research paper. The Internet may pose more difficulty because its resources offer fewer clues that a book or journal article might give. Often, authors’ names are missing, there may be no contributor credentials, and typicallyRead MoreIn Southeast Asia, Animism and Buddhism have led to a unique tattoo culture where tattoos have1400 Words   |  6 PagesIn Southeast Asia, Animism and Buddhism have led to a unique tattoo culture where tattoos have practical, magical, protective and power enhancing properties. Animism is the world view that non-human entities (animals, plants, and inanimate objects or phenomena) possess a spiritual essence. This is the indigenous belief system of the people who inhabit Burma, Thailand, Southwest China, and Laos. The imagery and ritual of tattoo cul ture in Southeast Asia takes its roots in a mixture of indigenous practicesRead MoreAn Army White Paper, The Profession Of Arms900 Words   |  4 PagesAn Army White Paper, The Profession of Arms A Profession of Arms. It is a title that the United States Army currently holds. A Profession that is uniquely separates us based on the lethality of our weapons and operations. Many factors are involved that make what we do in the Army a Profession and not just a job or an occupation. To maintain this idea that what we do is a Profession takes understanding what a Profession is, a tenuous balance by leadership and the culture of the professionalsRead MoreResearch Report : What Are Tattoos1641 Words   |  7 PagesReport: What are Tattoos? Criteria A Name: Amna Saeed Class: MYP 3 Date: 9/29/17 Word count: 1589â€Æ' Research plan: What Why Time Priority Primary Research Secondary Research What are tattoos? To have knowledge about tattoos and can differentiate between tattoos and other products. 9/29/2017 High ïÆ' ¼ What is the history of tattoos? For inspiration from past ideas and products. 9/29/2017 Medium ïÆ' ¼ Are tattoos unacceptable? To know the opinions of society and how they affect types of tattoos. 9/29/2017Read MoreWhat I Learned At The English 110 Essay1125 Words   |  5 Pageslearned throughout my research process this year is the use of the writing center and librarians , the online databases, and the moodle forum post allowed me not only to succeed in English 110, but will give me beneficial techniques to use in future papers I will have to write. After receiving the prompt for a reflective research essay three, I began my writing process in a normal direction to starting an essay with simply brainstorming ideas. I started to think about which topic I d be most passionate

Satire in Huckleberry Finn Essay Example For Students

Satire in Huckleberry Finn Essay The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is an acclaimed piece of work by one of America’s famous early writers, Mark Twain. Huckleberry Finn is looked upon as one of the great American novels of all time. The novel traces the story of a young man named Huckleberry Finn from conformity to the Southern way of thinking, to his own ideas. In the novel, Twain shows his opinion on certain topics by satirizes a variety of things such as the romantic mode, sophistication of southern aristocrats’, and the hypocrisy of people. Twain satirizes romanticism in this novel. The Grangerford’s are a family that welcome Huck into their home when Huck stumbles upon their house in the Kentucky swampland, and pretends to be lost. The Grangerford’s furniture, much admired by Huck, is actually comically tacky. You can almost hear Twain laughing over the parrot-flanked clock and the curtains with cows and castles painted on them even as Huck oohs and ahhs. Huck especially likes the poetry and drawings by the Grangerford’s deceased daughter. Huck describes the poetry verses and drawings so that it is vivid to the reader. The poetry and drawings are romantic, such as the painting of a girl holding a handkerchief, leaning over a tombstone under a weeping willow with the verse â€Å"Shall I Never See Thee More Alas† written by it. Huck adores this, however the reader is aware that Twain is making fun of the poetry and drawings. By using Huck’s narration, Twain is successful in creating dra matic irony. Huck likes the drawings, and thinks that the poetry is nice. However, the reader is aware that Twain is being sarcastic when describing the romanticism of the drawings and poetry and Twain uses his satire to let the reader know how foolish he thinks it is. Twain satirizes the pseudo sophistication of Southern aristocrats’ in this novel. The Grangerford family offers hospitality to Huck. Huck’s fascination with the Grangerford house permits Twain to compose an elaborate description. Through Huck’s narration, the house is described in detail. Dramatic irony is revealed again when Huck describes the nice clock and books that are perfectly lined up on the table. It is obvious that Twain is poking fun at the fact that many of the items in the house are there so that the Grangerford’s look sophisticated, when in fact, the books are not read, etc. Twain also satirizes the southern feuds in this novel. The southern feuds occur between two families which are the Grangerfords and Shepherdsons. These two families, who conduct themselves in the accordance with the standards of the Southern aristocracy, nevertheless proceed mindlessly to kill one another for a vague reason that is the tradition of the Southern frontier. Twain uses satire to stress to the reader that no matter how sophisticated people may look, if they kill one another, they are scum. In this novel, Twain also stressed the hypocrisy of people. Twain’s idea that people are basically savages, confined for the moment by society is shown between the Shephardson’s and the Grangerford’s. They are enemies. At one point in the novel, they go to church together and listen to a sermon about brotherly love given by the priest, and then after church, they try to kill each other. Twain’s point of view about people is pessimist; he looks upon civilized man as a merciless, cowardly, hypocritical savage, without want of change, nor ability to effect such change. He shows his opinion in the novel through the Shephardson and Grangerford feud. It is apparent that Mark Twain wishes society would realize it’s shortcoming and the limitations imposed by human nature. He realizes that people will not change, but feels that they should be aware of who they are, and what comes with humanity’. I believe this is Twain’s main purpose in writing this novel. He is successful in reaching his purpose by using Huck’s narration to let the reader know his point of view by using satire, causing an overall impact on the novel. .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d , .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d .postImageUrl , .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d , .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d:hover , .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d:visited , .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d:active { border:0!important; } .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d:active , .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u99236b84d0bf96308b77f93cd542010d:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: How Can Artificial Intelligence Help Us? EssayIn the novel Huckleberry Finn, Twain uses satire. He uses satire to shows his feelings toward the romantic mode, sophistication, and the hypocrisy of people. Twain primarily uses the Grangerford family to be satirical with. He pokes fun at the daughter’s drawings and poetry, the sophistication of the house, and uses their feud with the Shephardson family to show how ridiculous humans can be. Twain’s satire contributes to the overall impact of the novel in that he expresses his opinions about humanity. His satire indicates to the reader his thoughts and feelings.

Defining True Love free essay sample

Through recent production of certain movies, books, and songs, people have started to adopt this certain perception that the culture has put forward and has completely trashed whatever opinion they had about true love because they assume that the world’s knowledge of love must be greater than one’s own beliefs. What many individuals tend to forget is that the movies, books, and songs that they see, hear, and read about are almost always fiction. In turn, the media makes the love they portray to be fiction as well. In other words, people should not be striving towards this certain romance being illustrated by Hollywood actors when it is only a false, unrealistic fantasy of a certain individual’s view on love and what they wish they could experience themselves. Looking towards what culture has to say about love, individuals have slowly but surely, started to abandon their view of true love and what it truly means to love someone else. True love isn’t about the â€Å"fairytale ending,† although some may be fortunate enough to attain such romance. The most true and honest love is about two people coming together and making a choice to respect one another and accept them as they are even with all of the baggage, flaws, and shortcomings they may bring into the relationship. Having a perfectly flawless love story is simply unattainable and must be accepted in order to love someone else to ones fullest capacity. Best expressed by Sam Keen, â€Å"You come to love not by finding the perfect person but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly. The most beautiful aspect about true love is the way two imperfect human beings can come together and choose to see past all of the mistakes one has made and the flaws one may have, yet still choose to love and accept that person unconditionally. Loving someone else is an everyday battle that requires work, sacrifice, and patience, but the end result far exceeds any trials one may face throughout a relationship. Troubles and obstacles are sure to arise in any relationship, but true lov e will overcome any circumstance no matter the sacrifice because that is what true love is about. Although culture has somewhat distorted and perverted the meaning throughout time, love, in its truest form, is still a reality that remains to be one of the world’s most significant desires. One of the biggest factors that result in the distortion of true love is due to the influence of media and its effect on people’s view of what true love is supposed to look like. Even from the beginning of childhood, individuals are told about the unrealistic, fairytale stories of Prince Charming coming to save his princess. Growing up with this point of view on love only creates foolish expectations for kids and this newfound perception hugely impacts the decision when choosing a partner later on in life. Through all of the movies, books, and music of today’s society, love is often portrayed as nothing more than a romance between two people. Many will strive throughout their entire life in search of this fairytale love story, but what most people don’t realize is that Hollywood has fabricated and distorted what true love actually looks like in an every day life. The love stories of today are often shallow and consumed with the physical aspect, which was never meant to be a focal point of a relationship in the first place. Physical attraction is important to the beginning of a relationship; it is what sends off the initial spark of the relationship. Physical attraction to another person is what draws two people together, but how attractive someone is on the outside will never be able to compete with how attractive someone is on the inside. Although many agree with this fact, many more get so caught up in their need for affection. Affection is needed by all, but was never meant to hold a relationship together. Hollywood has so convincingly brain washed people into thinking that pre-marital sex is normal and almost necessary in order for true love to last. Blinded by the glamorization of pre-marital sex, individuals are pressured into believing that they must conform to the world’s standards in order to attain attention from their significant other. In â€Å"To My Dear and Loving Husband,† Anne Bradstreet professes her undying love for her husband. Through this poem, she places the highest importance on man and woman becoming one. Bradstreet states, â€Å"If ever two were one, then surely we† (1), expressing her goal of true love to be as one. She understands the value of the true love that her and her husband possess, and she believes that his great love she â€Å"can no way repay† (9). Anne Bradstreet gives the reader a realistic view on true love, in that it is beautiful and rewarding, yet only because of the struggles and obstacles. In the last line of the poem, Bradstreet highlights the gift of true love that lasts. Lasting love seems impossible to the people that Wislawa Szymborska portrays in her satiric poem, â€Å"True Love. Szymborska expresses true love as a difficult, unrealistic fantasy that people tend to get caught up in. Through her witty sarcasm, Szymborska communicates to the reader the difficulty that comes with finding true love and making it last. Szymborska says, â€Å"tact and common sense tell us to pass over† true love â€Å"in silence† (28). This shows tha t she understands the human heart and that the greatest gift of all, love, is sometimes illogical and heavy-handed. Though the journey may be long and treacherous, Wislawa Szymborska believes that the reward is exceedingly greater. In the end, the greatest reward is the gift of true love through marriage. In William Shakespeare’s sonnet, â€Å"Let me not to the marriage of true minds,† he attempts to describe what love is and what love is not through the use of metaphors. Essentially, this sonnet is all about presenting the ultimate principles of romantic love: it never changes, never fades, outlasts death, and admits no flaw. In the first verse, the speaker describes love as being perfect and steadfast; it does not â€Å"admit impediments† and does not alter or change when change is found in a loved one. People are bound to transform and adjust to different circumstances within their lifetime because it is just human nature. It may be transformations that one may not agree with or necessarily prefer, but if that individual truly loves his or her spouse, he or she will not allow their love for that person to change or alter. In the second verse, Shakespeare refers to love as a star that serves as a guide to every wandering ship and is not shaken or distorted by any storm that may come along. There are going to be obstacles to face and arguments to work through every single day, but true love will work through those disagreements together and lift each other up with kind words of encouragement. In turn, this way of getting through things together will strengthen and build an even healthier relationship that others will want to look at and follow. In the third verse, the speaker describes how love is not vulnerable to time. Within time, beauty will fade and aging will begin to take over, but love should not just be rooted in physical attraction. Rather than only seeing the outside appearance, true love searches much deeper within a soul in order to understand the heart of a person and what they’re all about. In the final verse, the speaker claims his previous statements about love cannot be proved by error and if they can be, then he disproves ever writing a word and that no man has ever loved. In full, Shakespeare does an excellent job at describing love and what it is and what it is not with simple metaphors that individuals can easily grasp hold of and understand how to truly love one another. The three most powerful words in the English language, ‘I love you’, can mean one thing to one person and something completely different to another. Define love. Is it possible? 1 John 4:8 tells us, Whoever does not know God does not know love because God is love. The simplest, truest form of love is Jesus Christ dying on the cross for the world. Throughout every time period, in every culture, and in every country, there is a constant search for true love. The reality is, the world just has the wrong definition.