The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Dorian Gray...

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Dorian Gray The novel The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde was written by Robert L. Stevenson and first published in 1886. The years from 1837 to 1901 are considered the Victorian Era, so the novel is considered a Victorian novel. Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is written in the same era as Dr Jekyll and is a Victorian Novel as well. Having read the extracts of the novels and knowing what happens in the end, a comparison of the Victorian Era and the novels can easily be made. One of the major themes of these novels is the double personality that Dr Jekyll suffers from. When Dr Jekyll takes his metamorphosis potion, he becomes Mr Hyde who is pure evil, which is clearly shown in the†¦show more content†¦Dr Jekyll doesn’t like Mr Hyde and does not want to become him, but his unknown desire to become evil has more control of him. This could indicate that the storyline could have been taken from the Bible. This assertion is supported a few lines later in the Bible, Romans 7:24-25: â€Å"What a wretched man I am. Who will rescue me from this body of death?† Thanks to be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!† Jesus saves him because he’s his lord. Due to Darwin and his theory of evolution, God’s liability was doubtful. That’s why Dr Jekyll knows that if he wants change, he will have to make it himself. He is his own lord and he has to save himself. In the end of the novel he kills Mr Hyde and thereby himself as well. The same ending is seen in Dorian Gray where he stabs the picture which in reality is himself. This brings us to another topic which is represented in both texts and is a common trait of the Victorian Era; the denial or ignorance of a split personality. In both texts the main characters, Dorian and Dr Jekyll, look at their less flattering side as distinct. Dr Jekyll isn’t fond of Mr Hyde and sees him as another person even though he is a part of himself. The same happens in Dorian Gray where he is so detached from the painting that he only sees himself as a young and cannot relate to the painting before it is too late. In the end they both find out thatShow MoreRelatedSummaries of Fifty Shades of Gray, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and Dracula799 Words   |  4 PagesThe Picture of Dorian Gray The story begins in an artists home in the city of London. The artist, named Basil Howard, is talking with his friend Lord Henry about his newly found inspiration otherwise known as Dorian Gray. They discuss how innocent and handsome he is which of course leads to Lord Henry asking to meet and talk with him. Basil, fearing Henrys potential inluence on Dorian, asks him to leave. As if on some certain que Dorian arrives and meets Lord Henry for the first time. From thatRead MoreThe Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde1317 Words   |  6 Pagesthe book The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson, Dr. Jekyll, who is the main character, has an evil alter-ego by the name of Mr. Hyde. So, much like Diana, he lives a double life. However, not all heroes have an alter-ego; for example, mythological heroes like Hercules, or epic heroes like Beowulf. And unfortunately, not all heroes are worthy of recognition. Dorian Gray in The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar W ilde falls under this category. Mr. Gray is a well-likedRead MoreThe Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde1833 Words   |  8 PagesWritten in 1886 Robert Louis Stevenson’s â€Å"The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,† shocked Victorian audiences with its complex themes of the division of human nature. Inspiring a flourishing Irish writer, Oscar Wilde, who himself was struggling with an internal division, â€Å"The Portrait of Dorian Gray,† (1891) was conceived. Both novels explore the motif of a split existence with notable differentiations yet each produces a substantial investigation into what it means to have a dual personalityRead More The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde760 Words   |  3 PagesPicture of Dorian Gray† is, â€Å"there is no such thing as a good influence...because to influence a person is to give him ones own soul†¦he becomes an echo of someone elses music, an actor of a part that has not been written for him† (Wilde 18). â€Å"In The Picture of Dorian Gray†, Dorian’s portrait alters as Dorian himself alters his personality which exemplifies more of an influential transformation compared to Jekyll’s addiction to becoming Hyde in â€Å"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde†. Lord HenryRead MoreThe Picture Of Dorian Gray1608 Words   |  7 Pagesand Mr. Hyde Double is one of the most frightening themes of Gothic literature as it discloses humans’ darkly hidden desires or natures through their transformations. The characters’ transformation into double can be either literal or figurative. Either way, it demonstrates the decay of ones’ souls when the controls of their desires are lost, which result identity crisis or extreme panic and usually end in death. In Oscar Wilde’s novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, the picture illustrates Dorian’sRead MoreThe Amazing Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde1287 Words   |  6 PagesFrankenstein, and the famously known novel, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson. In the novel, Mr. Hyde is the alter ego of Dr. Jekyll, just as The Hulk is the alter ego of Bruce Banner. Not all heroes have alter egos, such as the mythological hero Achilles or the epic hero Beowulf. Some characters do not have any qualities that make them a hero, such as Doria n Gray. In the novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde, Dorian is an evil man that only cares for himselfRead MoreComparrison of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and the Picture of Dorian Grey1946 Words   |  8 Pagesthemes are apparent in two of the genre’s classic works: Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Grey, and Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Both novels entertain the common theme of duality of the main characters in the book, and also correspondingly go about depicting the vast city of London, England. Both The Picture of Dorian Grey and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde go about depicting London in the same manner. The persistent theme of duality showsRead MoreThe Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde : Literary Review1515 Words   |  7 PagesThe Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Literary Review The Romantic era was plagued with class conflict, poverty, and labor issues. The Victorian novel allows those who had access to them discover and focus on moral issues with society. Among the novel that were created during the era, the genre of a gothic novella emerged. Well knowns gothic novellas included Frankenstein, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Robert Stevenson’s gothic novella The StrangeRead MoreThe Importance Of Being Earnest By Oscar Wilde1438 Words   |  6 Pagesaimed at self-righteous morals. In The Importance of Being Earnest, Wilde also faced many issues that affected the Victorian Age with modern earnestness, brilliant tragedy, and comedy. While The Importance of Being Earnest and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde have different motives and identity, their shared concern for the upper middle class society makes them similar. The first issue and artistry engaged in The Importance of Being Earnest during the Victorian concerns was modern earnestnessRead MoreEssay on Quest for Identity in the Victorian Era1880 Words   |  8 PagesAlice, other Victorians could not definitively be a personality and searched for an identity they conceived was the purest form.   Such is the case in The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde and Robert Louis Stevensons The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in which Dr. Jekyll attempts to flush every bit of his evil being into Mr. Hyde.   As well, Dorian Gray wishes his portrait would acquire all the traits he desires not to attain.   Both these men and Alice struggle with an identity crisis, questing

Definition Essay - What is Art - 569 Words

Definition Essay - What is Art? There are few questions quite as esoteric or as futilely subjective as the philosophers What is†¦? Yet posing and answering this question in reference to the identity of art is critical to further discussions of our subject matter in this course. There is no way for us to discuss art until we have a working definition of what art is; we cant adequately use the term until weve defined it. To this end, I would like to submit this as a working definition: Art is anything created for the purpose of communicating the sensations of emotional response to, or creating emotional response in, those who experience it. There are three advantages to this sort of a definition for†¦show more content†¦Under this definition, an object such as a sculpture or rug remains art even if it remains unseen for a long period of time or is no longer considered aesthetic. Of course, this definition is still rather vague. What do we consider emotional response? If the creator of a piece is long-dead or tight-lipped, how can we know that a communication of emotion was intended in its creation? This ambiguity in the definition is an acceptable one, as it still allows us to discuss the artistic nature of individual pieces without feeling constrained to a rigid model of art. It is a definition that allows us enough room to maneuver while narrowing the range of discussion enough that we can talk coherently about art. This definition also naturally produces another set of questions for each piece under analysis. Once we have determined that a given object is art, we are immediately inclined to analyze it. The first such question is, What was the artist attempting to accomplish? This is a question of intent, and is integrally tied in with the historical and personal environment of the artist. An answer to this question can help us understand why the art exists at all, and can help us appreciate it as it was intended to be appreciated. The second question that comes from the above definition is, How well did the artist do in his attempt? This is a question of effectiveness. It is much moreShow MoreRelatedEdgar Allan. Poe and H. L. Mencken’s Uses of Humor in Negative Reviews1120 Words   |  5 Pagesof people who would indulge themselves with them. However, Noà «l Carrol does not speak about the use of humor in arts criticism, for good or for bad. If we are to use Carrolà ¢â‚¬â„¢s definition of arts criticism, then we can’t judge the effectiveness of Poe and Mencken’s use of humor in criticism, or whether it belongs at all. The question, then, is if humor has a place in the world of arts criticism, and how effective it is at conveying the critic’s judgment and evaluation of the work. As Poe and MenckenRead MoreArts of the Contact Zone by Mary Louise Pratt999 Words   |  4 PagesThe â€Å"Arts of the Contact Zone†, an article written by Stanford professor Mary Louise Pratt, discusses many different ideas about culture and communication by utilizing what she calls the literate arts. Pratt explains many terms that she believes are beneficial in gaining a further understanding of a literary piece. Key terms such as, contact zone, autoethnography and transculturation are introduced in her essay. She describes contact zones as â€Å"social spaces where cultures meet, clash, and grappleRead MoreIs it Possible to Define ‘ Art’?1656 Words   |  7 PagesDictionary’s definition of art. It is one of the many definitions and theories written in answer to the question â€Å"what is art?† However, that very question implies an inhibited and essentialist answer such as â€Å"Art is†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Throughout the centuries philosophers, critics and authors have attempted to edge us ever nearer to the evasive concept that is ‘art’. It is an incredibly difficult concept and practice to theorise and define, especially in the twentieth century, as it is the very essence of art, as withRead MoreTok Essay Knowledge Is Generated Through the Interaction of Critical and Creative Thinking. Evaluate This Statement in Two Areas of Knowledge.1460 Words   |  6 Pagesand the arts. The definition of critical thinking is to â€Å"judge† and thus implies the use of logical reasoning using convergent thinking. While creative thinking implies the opposite, using a divergent approach which will tend to reach a variety of possible results. Creative thinking is â€Å"producing† , like producing alternatives and therefore expanding the field of discussion and There is three knowledge issues I will explore: How much are we biased in favoring critical thinking, to what extent doesRead MoreThe Achievement Of Desire By Richard Rodriguez1412 Words   |  6 Pagesliterate arts. Literate arts are significant, but not mandatory. It is crucial for everyone to understand how it attributes towards the outside environment. Literate arts is a way for individuals to express and understand themselves through different forms of writing- like stories, poems, etc. Literate arts are good for promoting the development of aesthetic sensibility, using sentimental and cognitive responses- which leads to precise critical reasonings. In Richard Rodriguez’s essay, â€Å"The AchievementRead MoreIs Art A Waste Of Time?1557 Words   |  7 Pagesmethods. Robert Southan is a screenplay writer who recounts his encounters with some Effective Altruists in his essay â€Å"Is Art a Waste of Time?† He says that Effective Altruists generally do not consider art to be a worthy profession for they perceive it to be an occupation that has little potential to do good for others. However, they do not take into account the enormous emotional support that art has had for countless people. Music, in particular, is part of nearly all cultures and is instrumental inRead MoreTok Essay Art Is a Lie That Brings Us Nearer to the Truth (Pablo Picasso)900 Words   |  4 PagesTOK ESSAY â€Å"Art is a lie that brings us nearer to the truth† (Pablo Picasso) There are different ways for art to portray elements of truth and lies; but what Picasso was mostly referring to with his quote was that art might be a representation of the truth however lies to the human eye in terms of perception. The word art is somehow â€Å"controversial, especially in contemporary philosophy† because it relies on different AOK’s and WOK’s. The main area of art focused to support Picasso’s quoteRead MoreRhetoric: the Art of Persuasion1094 Words   |  5 PagesRhetoric: The Art of Persuasion Since the development of the human language, many philosophers throughout history have given their own interpretation of rhetoric. The term rhetoric is used to describe the effectiveness of language and how incorporating certain aspects into writing and speech can lead to improved clarity and persuasion. If used correctly, rhetoric should include ethos, pathos, and logos, also known as the rhetorical triangle, in order to have a well rounded argument. Although opinionsRead MoreThe Problem Defined By In Collingswood s Essay908 Words   |  4 PagesThe problem defined: In Collingswood’s essay, he begins with a question on what is a work of art. He defines this idea by asking two questions on the origin of the art (which is not made of altering a raw material) and of the artist. First he discusses the artist, and how the art is composed. He remarks that something is controlling the artist and what it might be and elaborates that it is not the artist skill but the control that is producing the art. This control can be thought of as inspirationRead More Oscar Wilde Art Essay1488 Words   |  6 PagesOscar Wilde Art We begin another chapter in the life of Oscar Wilde, the year 1888, many things have taken place, Oscar has been married and bore two children, Vyvyan and Cyril and his touring of the United States and other countries have brought forth success to the literary giant. Some of his successful writings are The Picture of Dorian Gray(1891), A Woman of No Importance(1894) and his most resent essay known The Decay of Lying. Is it true that lying has fallen to its deepest shadow

Continuity and Change-over-Time free essay sample

The Silk Road is a trading route on the continent of Eurasia that stretches from the vast coast of China all the way to Eastern Europe. The trade route was at its greatest use from 200 B. C. E. to 1450 C. E. The society that began the Silk Road was the Han Dynasty in China in approximately 200 B. C. E. The Han Dynasty facilitated trade in the east, while the Roman Empire facilitated trade in the west and in Europe. The two empires traded many goods, as well as cultural aspects of each society’s way of life. From 200 B.C. E. to 1450 C. E. , the Silk Road changed in terms of trade, such as what items were traded, and contact with civilizations, such as what societies made use of the Silk Road. Although these changes affected the efficiency of trade and goods, the route of the Silk Road was able to remain the same over time. We will write a custom essay sample on Continuity and Change-over-Time or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Many goods were traded on the Silk Road throughout its history. In its early history, the goods traded on the Silk Road were mainly items made from silk; therefore, it was given the name, the Silk Road. Eventually, goods such as hemp, spices, and slaves began being traded on the Silk Road. Animals were also being traded on the route, animals would be imported from the Swahili Coast of Africa to the Middle East, and they would then be traded along the Silk Road. Later on, expensive goods from China became more in demand by the Europeans. These increases in demand led to larger factories being built in China and an expansion of the Chinese economy. While under the rule of the Ming Dynasty, China began producing and trading white dishes decorated with blue artwork called porcelain. Porcelain is sometimes referred to today as â€Å"China†. The goods that were traded along the Silk Road changed over time as trade expanded and different societies either collapsed or grew around the trade route. Many societies used the Silk Road from 200 B. C. E. to 1450 C. E. , in the early years of the trade route; the two major civilizations to use it were the Han Dynasty and the Roman Empire. Even after the decline of the two empires, trade still continued throughout Eurasia. Trade between the East and the West continued despite the constant conflict among the people of the former Han and Roman Empires. One society that helped continue the Silk Road trade was the Byzantine or Eastern Roman Empire near Asia Minor. The Byzantine Empire, along with other dynasties in China, led to the expansion of trade throughout the continents of Europe and Asia. Other civilizations in Asia and the Middle East also began trading on the Silk Road. These civilizations included: India, Egypt, southern Russia, the Middle East, and Mongolia. In China, the Tang and Song Dynasties helped facilitate and expand trade on the Silk Road in the East. During the 13th and 14th centuries, a large nomadic group called the Mongols dominated Asia, the Middle East, Russia, and portions of Eastern Europe. Under the unification of the Mongols, trade on the Silk Road continued to be active. When the Ming Dynasty took over control of China from the Mongols in 1368, porcelain began to be trade on the Silk Road. The fall of the Mongols in Asia opened trade to other places in the known world, such as Mongolia, and southern Russia. Over time, the societies controlling trade along the Silk Road changed as empires either rose to power, or declined then collapsed. Although the goods traded and the societies that facilitated trade changed over the course of approximately 650 years, the basic land route of the Silk Road remained the same throughout this time. This was because, when new societies took control of the trade route, they did not alter the course of the Silk Road. When the Silk Road first reached its height in activity, the route began in China, passed through northern India, into Persia and the Middle East, and then ended in Asia Minor and the Mediterranean region of Europe and northern Africa. After the collapse of the Roman and Han Empires, the Silk Road remained on the same course. It continued to be the same throughout the times of the Byzantine Empire, the Islamic empires, and while under control of the Mongols. Despite the rise and fall of empires, dynasties, and other societies; the course of the Silk Road remained the same over time. The Silk Road from 200 B. C. E. to 1450 C. E. retained the same course over time, even though different civilizations used it in different areas over the course of about 650 years. The goods that were traded on the Silk Road also changed over time. Goods such as silk, porcelain, clothing, food, and weapons were traded along the Silk Road for hundreds of years. Even after being controlled by several empires, invaders, and societies; the Silk Road was never destroyed. It lasted, flourished, and provided goods for civilizations throughout Europe and Asia.

The Inequalities Surrounding Indigenous Health Essay Example

The Inequalities Surrounding Indigenous Health Essay The Inequalities Surrounding Australian Indigenous Health Inequality in health is one of the most controversial topics within Australian Health Care. Inequality in relation to health is defined as being â€Å"differences in health status or in the distribution of health determinants between different population groups† (World Health Organization, 2012). Within Australia inequality affects a wide range of population groups; however Indigenous Australians are most widely affected therefore this paper will focus on how inequality has impacted their health. Research shows that Australia’s Indigenous people suffer from a multitude of social and economic inequalities such as inadequate access to nutritious food and health care, being socially and economically ostracized, cultural barriers, discrimination, inadequate shelter and sanitation, and insufficient education (Commonwealth Grants Commission 2001, p. 58-60; Australian Human Rights Commission 2007), which all contribute to poor health physically, emotionally and spiritually. To gain a better understanding of the ill treatment of this population it is important to review Australian history and the affects on the individual and the community. Throughout history Indigenous Australians have suffered great inequality at the hands of white settlers. In 1788 the British colonialists arrived claiming the continent as their own without respect or consideration for its inhabitants. The inequality suffered by the Indigenous due to this lack of respect was brutal and executed with contempt, such as large scale massacres, assimilation of Indigenous children (known as the stolen generation), the banishment of entire communities, and a loss of land impacting on the hunter gatherer lifestyle etc. Australian Indigenous Health Info Net, 2011). Prior to the arrival of the British, â€Å"Indigenous Australians generally enjoyed better health †¦ than most people living in Europe† (Australian Indigenous Health Info Net, 2011), this could be directly due to the nomadic lifestyle and relatively small clans. According to the Australian Indigenous Health Info Net after the arrival of the British, Indigenous tribes were exposed to a n umber of diseases such as pertussis, small pox, tuberculosis, venereal diseases, measles, scarlet fever and Influenza. We will write a custom essay sample on The Inequalities Surrounding Indigenous Health specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Inequalities Surrounding Indigenous Health specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Inequalities Surrounding Indigenous Health specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Having had no previous exposure to such afflictions Indigenous Australians endured a significant loss of life and their social structure was severely disrupted (2011). Throughout history inaccessibility of conventional health services and insufficient distribution of health frameworks in some Indigenous communities, has inevitably created a disadvantage to be as healthy as non-Indigenous Australians (Australian Human Rights Commission, 2007). Although society has advanced and is now bound by more equitable laws, large numbers of Indigenous Australians as individuals and as communities continue to suffer lower socioeconomic circumstances and health inequalities. This history of inequality, discrimination and overall mistreatment has not only had a prolific impact on the health and socioeconomic status of Indigenous individuals but it has contributed to an increase in detrimental social conditions and a lack of faith in their Non-Indigenous counterparts, the Government and the Australian Health Care System. Isaacs, Pyett, Oakley-Brown, Gruis, and Waples-Crowe (2010) found that â€Å"A general lack of trust in mainstream services by the Indigenous community and previous experiences of racism and discrimination can draw individuals away from these services† (p. 78). VicHealth determines that the disadvantages of financial hardship has a considerable residual influence on health inequalities (2005, p. 1). Low income and financial hardship has commonly been linked with poor housing and hygiene. Disadvantaged Indigenous individuals are more than often sharing their dwellings and overcrowding is not unlikely. Overcrowding generally means that there is an unavoidable spread of disease (Commonwealth Grants Commission, 2001, p. 58-60), placing significant strain on an individual’s financial position, due to higher expenditure outcomes, affecting their ability to seek health treatment. Such strain can increase the individuals stress levels. The Australian Human Rights Commission points out that stress â€Å"can impact on the body’s immune system, circulatory system, and metabolic functions through a variety of hormonal pathways and is associated with a range of health problems, particularly diseases of the circulatory system (2007). Indigenous individuals are strongly identify with their community and work together to heal rather than exclusively. Therefore socio-economic disadvantages, intolerance and health inequalities that affect Indigenous individuals also have an impact on their communities. The introduction to the western/European way of living, loss of ancestral land, intolerance and the economic disadvantages that Indigenous Australians suffer fuels socially related conditions within their communities such as substance abuse, violence, increased degrees of infectious diseases and chronic diseases etc. ulminating in higher mortality rates than non-Indigenous Australians (Duckett Willcox, 2011, p. 34-35). Stephens, Porter, Nettleton and Willis (2006) state that â€Å"infectious disease burden persists for Indigenous communities with high rates of diseases such as tuberculosis, and inequality also exists in the prevalence of chronic disease, including diabetes and heart disease† (p. 2022). Statisti cs show mortality for most age groups of the Indigenous population is twice that of non-indigenous people. The highest rate of mortality of Indigenous people is six times that of non-Indigenous Australians, this mortality is encountered by both males and females aged between 35-44 years of age (Duckett Willcox, 2011, p. 33). Consistency of low socioeconomic position in Indigenous communities is a causality of ill health which exacerbates Indigenous people’s disparity, contributing a continuum of disparity and ill health among generations (VicHealth, 2005, p. 3). These impacts of health inequality for Indigenous Australians on the Australian health system are varied. Hospitals and health services experience a higher influx of Indigenous patients compared to their counterparts (Australian Human Rights Commission, 2007). The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare maintains that the ratio of Indigenous patients in health care settings compared to non-Indigenous is about three to one. Indigenous people present with a plethora of health problems including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, substance and violence related injuries, mental illness etc. (2011). All of these health issues have a deep correlation with inequality. The high rates of patient intakes and health issues surrounding Indigenous people suggests they are not accessing health services and health education that encourages and aids in prevention. As mentioned earlier Isaacs et al (2010) stated that this is a direct impact of fear and trust related to racial discrimination (p. 78). Insufficient education may play a role in the inability to understand what services are available to them. An abundance of health services are available to urban Indigenous communities; however access to services for more remote communities poses much financial difficulty and stress. Financial stress has also impacted the health care system as funding continually needs expansion to support the outcomes of poor health inequalities for this population. In 2006-2007 â€Å"Indigenous health care expenditure accounted for 3. 3% of national expenditure† (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011). The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare states that this is only slightly higher than what is allocated to services accessed by Non-Indigenous Australians, even though Indigenous people suffer a higher burden of disease (2011). It is evidential that more services are required to create preventative outcomes and to relieve financial burden across the board. Considering Indigenous people generally work as a community rather than as individuals (being that they are clan affiliated) perhaps it would be more beneficial for the community as a whole to address what improvements need to be made to better suit their cultural beliefs. Freemantle, Officer, McAullay and Anderson (2007) acknowledge that Indigenous communities who oversee attainable and adaptable services have consistent, convincing health improvements (p. ). Community leaders should work cohesively with local and state governments to create more holistic approaches toward gaining effective health outcomes. This may mean making the choice to take a leap of faith in the health care system and the government that has primarily been responsible for the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples. In addition the government at a national level is cohesively strategiz ing to improve life for Indigenous people. The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has agreed upon a strategy developed to ‘Close the Gap’. Closing the Gap is a commitment by all Australian governments to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians, and in particular provide a better future for Indigenous children† (Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, 2009). State health departments such as VicHealth are also aiming to create improved health equality by enhancing awareness across all sectors, engaging in promotion to decrease health inequalities, establishing schemes that address health inequalities etc. (2005, p. ). Compared to the global community, Australian life expectancy and morbidity rates for Indigenous people have been found to be greater than that of other developed communities such as New Zealand, Canada and the USA (Freemantle et al. 2007, p. 2). The Freemantle et al. research (2007) revealed that Australian Indigenous people had an inferior life expectancy with males living approximately 56 years and females 63 years. In comparison, Canada’s Indigenous males lived approximately 68. 9 years and females 76. 6 years. In addition, the discrepancy in life expectancy between Australia’s Indigenous population and their non-Indigenous counterparts is marginally greater than that of other developed nations, with non-Indigenous Australians life expectancy at 76. 6 years for males and 82 years for females. In relation to morbidity, compared to the USA Australian Indigenous people experience an increased rate of illness such as diabetes at 85. 4, while the American Indigenous people only experience a rate of diabetes at 36. 2 (p. 26-28). It is evidential that Australian Indigenous populations suffer higher rates of health inequalities compared to other developed countries; this may be proof that Australia is not doing enough to bridge the gap. However it must be acknowledged that underdeveloped nations experience much lower rates of life expectancy and greater rates of illness, than developed nations. In conclusion it is suffice to say that since white settlement, Indigenous Australians as individuals and communities have suffered great health inequalities, due to racial discrimination and low socio-economic disadvantages. Although the Australian government and the health care systems are working towards amending these health inequalities, working cohesively with Indigenous communities will increase positive outcomes. Evidence shows that more effective action needs to be committed to and enforced. References Australian Government. (2001). Commonwealth grants commission: Indigenous funding inquiry. Retrieved March 26th, 2012, from www. cgc. gov. au/publications2/other_inquiries2/indigenous_funding_inquiry2/reports_and_other_documents/indigenous_funding_inquiry_-_final_report Australian Human Rights Commission. (2007, April 29-30). Social determinants and the health of Indigenous peoples in Australia: A human rights based approach. Retrieved March 26th, 2012, from www. hreoc. gov. au/about/media/speeches/social_justice/2007/social_determinants_n_the_health_of_indig_peoples. html Australian Indigenous Health Info Net. (2011). The context of Indigenous health. Retrieved March 23rd, 2012, from http://www. healthinfonet. ecu. edu. au/health-facts/overviews/the-context-of-indigenous-health Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2011). The health and welfare of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.