Poem: "The Darkness" by Lord Byron

1.) I read "The Darkness" by Lord Byron. I liked the poem and I enjoyed it because of many reasons. I enjoyed the dark, gloomy tone that the poem had that the other poems didn’t seem to have. While reading the poem, I could imagine myself in the situation in the poem, watching all of the horrors occur. I also liked the language of the poem and the fact that I knew what most of the words in the poem meant J.

2.) I think the poem is trying to say that once it is the time for the world to end, and the world is full of catastrophes, every man (or creature) lives for himself. All the riches, luxuries, and money that you may have will no longer matter. Every man will have the same look on his face: desperation to be spared from death. Everything will revolve around death and there will no longer be love in the world. The poem also talks about the lack of religion and that people will not even care for a higher being when in disastrous situations. Once the world is falling apart, people will give up everything to stay alive. This connects to today’s world because I feel that many movies today are based on post-apocalyptic events causing the whole population to be in mayhem. I also think it’s relevant in today’s world because I feel that that’s how this world would respond to monstrous disasters as well. The phrase “every man for himself” is clearly identified in movies today that include apocalyptic events, such as zombie outbreaks, airborne illnesses, etc. Most of the characters in the movies put their own lives before others and do not allow themselves to trust others. Like in the poem, all the love and care is replaced by fear and mistrust. Also, I don’t think that the world has changed or will change. I feel Lord Byron is telling us that it is in man’s nature to become helpless, selfish, and savage once placed in a life or death situation.

 3.) The poem is “romantic” because it expresses a personal experience of the poet, it contains a lot of negative emotions (anger, fear, sadness, etc.), and it glorifies nature. It expresses his personal experience because it was the poet’s dream. I think that the poet wants the readers to imagine all of the events in his poem and feel all of the powerful emotions. It glorifies nature in that it shows how nature is in control of the lives in the world. In the end of the poem, “the winds were withered in the stagnant air,/ And the clouds perished; Darkness had no need/ Of aid from them.” This shows that although man needs nature in order to survive, nature does not need man. 

Celtic Tiger

1. What factors attributed to the rapid growth in Irish Economy in the early 2000s?

They began to become open to the global market and began trading. They also had a low tax rate (corporate tax rate). This attracted many people to build their businesses in Ireland. Ireland also began to invest in their education more.

2. What factors attributed to the rapid decline in thea Irish Economy?

The decline happened because, with their newfound money, many people in Ireland began to spend..and spend A LOT of their money (expensive restaurant, helicopters etc.). Many bought property, such as hotels. Also, house prices rose extensively. The Irish banks started to loan out tons of money. The Irish government failed to regulate the banks despite several warnings. This created a chain reaction. When the Irish people lost money, the banks didn't have enough money to loan out. Soon the government was bankrupt. :(

3a. 1950-1990

During the 1950's-1990's, Ireland was basically an agriculturally based economy. They didn't trade with other countries around the world. Because of this, they developed slower than other West European countries. During the worldwide recession in the 1980's Ireland had high unemployment. They soon began to flourish, though, during their "Celtic Tiger" phase. America during the 1950's, however, was doing really well while trading with other countries around the world.

3b. 1990-2007

During this time, Ireland was becoming a "Celtic Tiger." As unemployment began to decrease businesses started to flock over, Ireland was thriving. Although not many knew, there were signs that this "Celtic Tiger" phase was not going to last. Anyways, Ireland had one of the highest GDPs. During this period, many migrated into Ireland because of low tax rates (corporate). Ireland's unemployment rate was also very low. For America, in the early 1990's, they were facing a recession.

3c. 2007-2012

Since 2007, the Ireland's GDP has fallen from over 180 Euro billion to less than 160 Euro billion. Residential property prices have also decreased substantially since 2007. America has also not been that well. The US debt has increased substantially (citizens). There has also been a loss in wealth.

4. Please develop three curiosities about the Irish or international economy.

- How come the wealthy Irish people spend all their money instead of saving it?
- Will a nation's economy always crash when they are on a high like Ireland was during their "Celtic Tiger" phase?
- Why isn't Ireland still not able to build itself back up again like they did before?