Heart Is a Lonely Hunter

â€Å"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them. † * Albert Einstein The Heart is a Lonely Hunter is a book describing and reflecting upon the problems in the southern United States in the 1930’s. The problems that the author, Carson McCullers, analyzes include alcoholism, labor unions, racial bias, as well as the many problems that economic instability can create. McCullers depicts each problem in a very realistic manner connecting one character with one specific issue. The reader identifies with each character because the social problems the characters face have not gone away.Americans still fight for economic justice and racial equality. Labor unions are still demonized by big corporations. These issues have not gone away. The most overbearing problem- in the 1930's and currently- is the economy. Poverty prevents a main character in this novel, Mick Kelly, from being able to follow her dream. Mick loves music more than an ything in the world: â€Å"The whole world was this symphony, and there was not enough of her to listen†¦ Now that it was over there was only her heart beating like a rabbit and this terrible hurt. (145) Micks feels so passionately about music that she wants to absorb as much as possible. She wants to pursue her dream of music, however, her father does not have a stable income and her mother works very hard for very little. This situation restrains Mick from being able to pursue her dreams by not allowing her to get the adequate instructions and opportunities she needs. The fact the Mick grows up working instead of in an environment where she cannot take music lessons or have the opportunity to follow her dreams, holds her from achieving greatness.The working class not only had to deal with the poverty but also labor unions. Jake Blount is a confused and mentally unstable man who spends his first few weeks in town drunk. Blount has many ideas that he is constantly speaking abo ut: â€Å"words came out of his throat like a cataract† (13). Blount is upset with company’s treatment of the middle class and finds it necessary to tell most everyone in his presence. He believes that America should enact socialist reforms. He is constantly encouraging the revolts of middle class workers to revolt as a reaction to the treatment in the workplace.Another prominent problem that McCullers identifies is institutionalized racism. Dr. Copeland's solution is education and fighting against the inequity: â€Å"In the face of brutality I was prudent. Before injustice I held my peace. I sacrificed the things in hand for the good of the hypothetical whole. I believed in the tongue instead of the fist. As armor against oppression I taught patience and faith in the human soul. I know now how wrong I was. I have been a traitor to myself and my people. All that is rot. Now is the time to act and to act quickly.Fight cunning with cunning and might with might. † (301-302) Dr. Copeland when first dealing with racism would attempt to find peace and submit to the criticism. As time went on in his life he realizes the best option is to fight the injustice. Not only has the problem held true to today's society, but his solution to the problem has become a reality. The problems the characters experienced then are still prevalent today. Poverty is an issue that is one of the focus of society. According to San Jose University the unemployment rate in the Great Depression peaked at 23%.The current unemployment rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is at 9. 2%. While these numbers are different, they are still both very high. McCullers approaches this subject in very realistic and connecting method. The perspective in the 1930's, Mick Kelly is one that many kids are facing today. Kids today and 1930's face the problem of wanting to pursue their dreams but instead must work to support their family. This leads to unequal social statuses of children from varying backgrounds. Not only has the poverty remained present, labor unions have as well.Labor unions continue to be demonized by large companies. Since the 1930's labor union membership had been steadily decreasing until the beginning of the current economic recession. The fact that McCullers took the time to analyze such a problem that still exists today show how perceptive she was socially of the world around her. Institutionalized racism is a subject that is no longer prevalent today. The reason that the issue has decreased is because solution of fighting the injustice has taken effect.The current American president, Barack Obama, has dealt with the problems that McCullers describes. He has also taken the solution that McCullers implements through Dr. Copeland and has become the American president. McCullers identifies the possibility of the success and offers the solution. The problems of society are not taken lightly by anyone. McCullers broaches the problems i n a careful yet aggressive manner. She paints a powerful picture of each issue allowing the reader to connect with each problem even sixty years after writing the book.It does not take a genius to realize that the problems that McCullers examines and even offers solutions for come problems that are still prominent in today’s society. The specifics of the economy, labor unions, and racial bias have evolved with the rest of the country, but the fact that the problems are still here is a testament to the social awareness of McCullers while she was writing The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. While McCullers did not actually change these issues, she brought to light struggles that many Americans are facing today.

After the Civil War

After the Civil War, industrialization changed American culture, as railways connected developing urban communities and manufacturing plants pulled in floods of foreign laborers. By the late nineteenth century, numerous reformers looked to enhance the conditions in which numerous Americans worked and lived. Imperialism is the strategy of broadening a country's power over different nations by financial, political or military means. The objective of the Americans for imperialism was for new markets would expand exchange which provided money, military power enhanced control, so it could contend with different nations, and social dominance so it could spread America's way of life like religion, and language. The United States' industrialization was developing so quickly that it was creating a bigger number of products than individuals could consume, and so American Imperialism was justified because of the overabundance of modern merchandise that drove the United States to search for entrance and venture into worldwide markets which were essential in making it a World Power. A U.S. representative' speech had motivations in how the US gained with trades and starting to become wealthy, they still didn't have a strong army nor navy. But it still fought for against the Spanish and fight for the rights of Cubans that suffered under the Spanish empire, even does many Americans didn't support this because many weren't ready for war. However, Albert Beveridge who was running for US Senator in 1898 had motivations to assure that US imperialism was necessary, that it was an ethical commitment to spreading their insight and prevalence of American's religion and government overall less lucky individuals. For McKinley's decision in the early 1900s after the Spanish War ended, with motivations that he pretentiously repudiated the U.S. army accomplishment of the Philippines under their control. The Hawaiian Memorial during 1897, the reason behind this was to remove the US government because they believed their nationality was being extinguished, but the US call to vote for annexation for the need of naval bases to protect the world trade. A letter brought questioning to many Americans if a severe fight between the Philippines and United States was worth the expansion because of the idea of imperialism. Each source shows different points of views on how larger nations gave to the smaller colonies. Social and cultural changes led many in the U.S. to conclude at the time had come for the country to assert its power beyond the borders. American Imperialism was justified because of the overabundance of modern merchandise that drove the United States to search for entrance and venture into worldwide markets which were essential in making it a World Power. As the United States' empire started to be advanced, leaders and officials led the nation in a burst of overseas expansion in which it acquired Hawaii, the Philippines, Puerto Rico etc. The way to sustain prosperity was to find foreign markets for U.S. goods. Beveridge compared the Philippines colonization to U.S. westward expansion across North America and argued that Filipinos were a child-like and savage race incapable of self-governance. The American imperialism was important for the urge to fulfill United States' destiny–as a world power by colonizing, looking for fresh land to conquer in which opening new markets, was a favorable balance of trade, and make exports exceed imports, sought to expand foreign markets. Development was the principal center of American Imperialism justification, which ought to enable the United States to pick up much benefit as could reasonably be expected. This brought about the advancement of new items and administrations, as well as in different nations–this had powered financial development. As innovations expanded, the American homesteads and manufacturing plants creations were significantly more than American natives could expand. The government saw the remote exchange as the solution for American over creation. In any case, this thought of exchange likewise brought problems as the main path for trade products among the US and different countries. The larger part through overcoming those countries that were self-administered or even under control by different countries (the Philippines and Spain). However, the Filipinos felt sold out when the U.S. took control of their country and wound up irate. Indeed, regardless of what the Filipinos felt the Americans would not like to abandon them to self-administer, on the grounds that they since a long time after a short time have strife and botch over there more unfortunate than Spain's wars. Concerning numerous Americans, this thought of development brought riches however for a couple brought demise, as wars caused the passing of numerous soldiers in every country. To the extent the entire needs were concerned, they requested that the wrongdoing (mercilessness battling the Philippines) ought to be ceased and that America could wipe out the disgraceful nation. To be a world power, United States needed to have land beyond its borders (expansion) that the Americans could control. On the time whilst in all the different countries the public economic system become subjected to deep changes in the outcome of the warfare, showing itself mainly in the decline of money, excessive cost of residing—America had not the simplest now not suffered from the struggle, but at the opposite the country had gained by way of it and became during that time World Power. Having increase sources, and a few strategic positioning of colonies better exchange and raise the American financial system. Which kind of along the lines takes place the Manifest Destiny, colonizing overseas lands brought about the United States spreading its wealth, have an effect on and lifestyle overseas. Imperialism turned into a key aspect in creating an extra civil overseas human. Even in changes in the recent past events the imperialistic developments likewise had a worldwide effect that emerged between countries like wars that made an endeavor at holding their opportunity. In the long run, these wars were a factor in the foundations for WWI. But this event to the counter colonialist contention that America shouldn't administer individuals without their assent, by expressing that freedom gets its power from the assent of the administered, just by those equipped for self-government. It contrasted with Indians enable Americans to administer without an assent and parents likewise oversee over their youngsters without their assent. America should spare them from countries as opposed to giving them self-run of catastrophe. Much like a youngster who needs direction (government). With conflicts, outside and within the borders of US, imperialism remains justified more than a century later as it could become the World Power in the past and present.

Employing Strategy in a Competitive Environment Essay

Employing Strategy in a Competitive Environment - Essay Example Strategic management is essential in necessitating business both short term and long-term development and expansion. However, business professionals have asserted that the formulation and implementation of a working business strategy is an extremely complex process that requires an all-inclusive mechanism. Moreover, consistent evaluation of the company’s strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities have as well proved to be very productive and instrumental in the entire process of formulating a workable strategic management plan. This essay will therefore create an environmental scan for the Panera bread company indicating the most significant environmental threats. Panera Bread is a chain of cafe and restaurants in Canada and United States of America. The company’s headquarters are situated in Sunset Hills, Missouri. The Panera Bread also has a bakery for producing fresh breads and other bakery products. Apart from selling breads and other bakery products, Panera B read sell other products including cold sandwiches, muffins, bagels, soups and salads. Moreover, restaurant businesses in modern markets have proved to be very complicated and competitive. Over the years, the industry has encountered a consistent flow of new entrants that result in increased struggle for any company to make profit. Therefore, the Panera Bread Company has received consistent competition at all levels including specialty foods as well as fast casual dining. The main competitors of Panera Bread are Subways, Starbucks and McDonald’s. Despite the three main competitors, Panera Bread also encounters lively competition from other competitors at local, regional and national level. Increased competition has a negative impact on the company’s market share and revenue. As a result, to sustain its profitability, Panera Bread ought to frequently revisit and amend its menu to attract and sustain new and regular customers, fulfil the ever-changing customer demands an d preferences, as well as reacting and responding to various seasons of the year. By consistently changing its menu, Panera Bread would have an advantage over their competitors such as subways and McDonald who do not always change their menu forcing customers to loss interests in their products and services. In addition, in restaurant industry, there is no perfect substitute for food and drinks. Therefore, there is a relatively limited threat on food preparation. However, due to the existence of different operational and cultural background, Panera Bread Company is sometimes compelled to change their coffee selection to meet customers’ needs and cultural demands. Consistent change of coffee selection has emerged to be a very expensive and complicated process for Panera Bread restaurant (Panera Bread Company, 2012). Moreover, the company has created an atmosphere that encourages consistent interaction and consultation among all players in the organisation including the company ’s customers. To advance the competence of its employees, the company’s management is as well known for holding consistent strategic meetings with their employees and loyal customers. However, to counter the emerging alternative such as working from home, the company should offer an accommodating atmosphere to its employees in order to facilitate effective and uninterrupted working environment. Moreover, the limited barriers to new entry in restaurant markets have significantly increased in the market. It is

EPIC - DSS Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

EPIC - DSS - Research Paper Example The evaluation process will assist in determining the probability and effectiveness of EPIC-DSS. Apart from this, the evaluation process will also help to determine the benefits of implementing DSS in case of business decision making or structuring reports (Louw, 2002). The implementation of DSS has acted as solution to the management in order to increase the effectiveness of decision making process for better effectiveness and efficiency. It has secured the business operations as well as reduced the cost of business operation for the future endeavors. Moreover, it has advanced the business processes and improved an organizations competitive advantage by ensuring facilities in case of production, promotion, pricing, marketing and some logistical functions (Louw, 2002). On the contrary, it also helps to make decisions in case of nursing and clinical purpose. It helps in delegating responsibilities to the people so that the organisation is managed efficiently. The proposed research, aims to evaluate the benefits of EPIC-DSS after implementing DSS. The evaluation approach will review the quality of the decision making in case of various business activities. Apart from this, it will also determine the cost involvement in the EPIC-DSS process to increase the effectiveness of business. Moreover, it will help to identify the improvement of an organization in terms of competitive advantage. Through the evaluation approach it will be possible to identify the effectiveness of the DSS. Beside, this it will also help to determine the advancement of business processes due to the implementation of EPIC-DSS in the management (Louw, 2002). The results of evaluation will help to understand the benefits and threats of EPIC-DSS in case of business activities. Moreover, the result of evaluation will help to take precautions before using the EPIC-DSS in case business activities are

Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation Research Paper

Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation - Research Paper Example eneral antislavery policy† (Civilwarhome, n.d.) The political and social conditions of the late 19th century stand testimony to these reasons behind the Emancipation Proclamation. Historians like Historian Benjamin Quarles wrote: â€Å"As a constitutionalist Lincoln was dedicated to the preservation of the Union.† (Abraham Lincoln Papers, n.d.). Preserving the Union and to uphold the constitution were the primary motives of Lincoln, in which he was honest. One of the primary reasons for which the Emancipation Proclamation was deemed necessary has been predicted and stated to be one of political object. It was the period of the American Civil War. It was obvious that Lincoln issued the Proclamation in the capacity of the Commander-in-Chief with no constitutional color nor as an amendment but only as a necessary war measure Abraham Lincoln Papers, n.d). As not all the slaves were released from slavery, most of them were motivated to run to the Union Lines in order to save themselves as refugees of slavery. Regarding this, the Secretary of State William H. Seward said "We show our sympathy with slavery by emancipating slaves where we cannot reach them and holding them in bondage where we can set them free† (Primary Sources: Workshops in American History. n.d.). Secondly, the Emancipation Proclamation made room for the enrollment of the freed slaves into the United States Army (Mr. Lincoln and Freedom. 2002). It was Civil War Period and more new soldiers were welcome. According to a statistics, almost 200,000 blacks, of whom most of them were freed slaves, became part of the Union Army (Holzer, Harold, Medford, Edna, & Williams, Greene Frank J. 2006.) As they added military strength to the North which led to the great win, later, Lincoln announced benefits to these soldiers. So, the Emancipation Proclamation, though did not make slavery illegal, paved a legally protected route for beneficial acts towards the slaves. Thirdly, the Emancipation Declaration stated

Companies Conflict Resolution in Focus group Essay

Companies Conflict Resolution in Focus group - Essay Example External conflicts comprise of situations and issues seemingly created by others and which threaten personal and professional goals and desires of a person. It is often observed that poor communication among the workers and administrators lead to conflicting situations. â€Å"If resolution to a conflict is to end properly, it must begin properly – by negotiating a solvable problem. Therefore, the act of successful conflict resolution begins with the way the problem is examined† (Erickson). Thus, the best way to tackle workplace conflicts is to provide a neutral platform to the involved parties and thrash out the differences with a mediator with clear intention of solving it. The mediator is a person who facilitates easy communication between two warring groups or individuals with a well planned strategy. These facilitators are experts who specialize in human psychology with good listening power. They are assertive without being aggressive and confront the problems with an open mind which inspires confidence of the individuals involved. They provide an atmosphere that eases tension among the participants and promotes a proactive session where people can put forward their opinions without the threat of a backlash. These mediators often believe in forming focus groups of individuals followed by an interactive session among the group members with the facilitator subtly guiding the group towards resolution of the dispute or conflict and help generate as many different ideas and opinions as possible within a given time schedule. The mediators or moderators are helped by assistant moderator who takes notes and runs the recording of the discussion. Focus group is characterized by its homogeneity with relatively small number of people (normally from 8 to 12 persons) each of who are encouraged to voice their opinions. Main objective of the formation of the group is to go deep into the problem and

Beyond Leadership, the Social Architecture for the Future Essay

Beyond Leadership, the Social Architecture for the Future - Essay Example The significant policies for this purpose may include Risk Management, Human Resource Management, and Procurement of goods and services, marketing.† (File Format†¦) The listing of legal responsibilities is long. Some of the important ones are annual business plans, long term plans, capital needs and budget, manpower planning, preparation of quarterly operating results, and framing a perfect system of internal audit, planning joint ventures, fulfill the demand of the revenue and regulatory authorities. Warren Bennis (1997) writes, â€Å"The new leader is one who commits people into action, who converts followers into leaders, and who may convert leaders into agents of change. â€Å"(p.3) In a military environment, the four actions that should be taken on assuming a new leadership position are: Determine what is expected of your unit; determine what is expected of you; determine the strengths and weaknesses of your subordinates; determine what other key people whose willing support is necessary to accomplish your job.(Military†¦.) A leader immediately after his posting, has to quickly take stock of his duties and responsibilities in the given environment and with the tools available to him. He is a poor leader who has the habit of complaining about the inadequacies and the facilities not provided. In any organization, including the military set-up, there are compulsive limitations of financial resources and constraint of policy decisions. If your resources are not adequate, you need to carry on with the available resources. But the discipline in the unit needs to be perfect; as a leader you cannot say, I somehow carry on with the available discipline! The co-leader may or may not have the power of positional authority, but such an individual does enjoy the authority that may be delegated to him from time to time. Or a co-leader may be given fixed duties and responsibilities to manage and take care of the unit in a military set-up, for which he will be held

Car Industry Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Car Industry - Assignment Example Financing is another new dimension to the whole situation as car companies are trying to make a profit on financing by offering lower financial rates than financial institutions. Most giant automobile companies have expanded into providing financial services to car buyers. Leasing has benefited both consumer and manufacturer. With leasing option consumers find cars more affordable and thus they increase the overall demand for cars. However, if leasing is not done at the right value of the vehicles at the end of the lease then it could eventually be a loss for the company. Technological & Environmental Concerns: Technological changes and advances have also become a key factor in the industry. Advances in aerodynamics, brake assistance, adaptive speed control and global navigation and satellite tracking system etc require a proactive approach by the industry with regard to technology. Increasing awareness of environmental issues has also forced the industry to look into cars with alternative fuel options. Fuel Efficiency has also become a key selling element in the industry. Hybrid cars can be considered a step in this direction with the use of smaller, more-powerful and easily recharged lithium ion batteries for hybrid cars. Such batteries would be able to help in reducing the oil consumption and thus helping in reducing the oil demand. Ethanol, Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Power cars are therefore coming to the limelight putting a lot of emphasis on environment. Ecommerce: Internet like every business has also affected the car business as consumers can make informed decisions before making an automobile purchase. There sites available that support deliver competing bids for cars, insurance and financing in a way that lowers costs and improves satisfaction among consumers. Not only Internet revolution has helped customers but e-commerce has helped manufacturers in managing their supply chains and controlling their inventories. Capacity Issues: The industry has also been facing problems of capacity. Plant capacity throughout the world has resulted in an industry that is capable of making more cars for fewer customers meaning that supply exceeds the demand for cars. This sustenance of capacity by creating parallel demand for cars is a challenge for the industry. Dealerships: Dealership of cars is another area which has seen major changes over the years. Now, nationwide holding companies have got their hands on the best dealers in major markets. Even national chains have acquired the used car business. These changes now affect the way car manufacturers see the delivery of their end products. Situation of Car Parts Firms: Suppliers have of car parts have an important role to play in the industry. Dash boards, seats, tires, etc. are provided by Original Equipment Manufacturers. Many car parts manufacturing firms in UK are losing ground to cheaper rivals in Eastern Europe and the Far East. Some firms could even get closed, without the upgrade in their setup. There are companies in the region which are investing in their future by getting new equipment to help keep going in the face of growing foreign competition for example, some firms got ability to mould larger plastic car parts with its new machinery. The competition from Eastern Europe and the Far East is very disturbing for the manufacturing industry. A new

The Anatomy of Temperature Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Anatomy of Temperature - Research Paper Example Temperature is an important indicator of other problems, with high temperature being indicative of fever (which usually signals an infection) and therefore can be useful in determining the health of the patient (Miller, 2009). Essential Principles Evidently, a nurse needs to be aware of how to check the temperature of a patient as it is important in so many ways. There are four major areas from which a temperature can be taken; oral, rectal, gut and skin-based (including ear and forehead). Other areas can sometimes be used, such as the vagina (Timby, 2008). The first four are the most consistent with the body temperature and therefore are the most useful in determining the true temperature of the patient. The oral temperature is the easiest of these measurements to take, although it is generally slightly lower than the ‘core’ temperature because it is influenced by outside factors such as eating and talking (Blainey, 1974). An oral thermometer can be placed below the ton gue to take this reading. The skin measurements, such as the ear and the forehead, tend to be more susceptible to changes in outside temperature and the clothing of the individual, and therefore have different ranges of what can be considered normal and healthy (Ilsley et al, 1983). Skin temperatures can easily be taken by the patient using a plastic thermometer strip, which is useful for patients who do not require hospitalization but may require some temperature monitoring (Funnell et al, 2008). This simply needs to be placed against the forehead and the approximate measurement given should be noted (Hegner et al, 2009). The gut temperature is the most difficult to take, although it is most accurate, as it involves swallowing a small thermometer. The ear has become one of the most popular ways of testing the temperature of the individual in recent years.

Katniss Everdeen and Michelle Obama’s relation Essay Example for Free

Katniss Everdeen and Michelle Obama’s relation Essay What a makes a person who they are is not what clothes they wear or the car they drive. A person’s true identity lies within their mind, the way they think and how they chose to act upon those thoughts. Katniss Everdeen the brave young woman that fights for her sister in the book, The Hunger Games, is much like our first lady, Michelle Obama. Michelle fights by her husband day in and day out for this country for the good of the people. Katniss strives tooth and nail in the hunger games to save her dystopian society and her younger sister. Katniss Everdeen, a courageous, beautiful and talented young women that could have the world at her fingertips. She lives in the future where hope is hard to come by along with many other things such as food, water, and a home. The district she lives in, district 12, is what is referred to as a dystopian society. Every year a boy and a girl’s name (12-18 years old), from every district, is drawn to participate in the hunger games where they will fight to death and one will be left to be named victorious. Being the stand up lady she is she takes her sister’s place so she does not have to participate. Katniss lives in a time where everything is challenging, people look up to her, and everyone is watching her every move. Michelle shares much of the same qualities as Katniss does. Michelle Obama, the first lady, is highly intelligent and incredibly influential. Her husband was elected president and from that point forward she has been an outstanding first lady. Her duties in her position require much more than what meets the eye. She has to be on her toes, alert, witty, a role model and many other things to be considered a successful first lady. Throughout the past 4 years seeing Michelle Obama work as the first lady has been a joy and watching her work harder and harder everyday has been inspirational. Michelle Obama and Katniss Everdeen share a courageous, inspirational spirit that light up the room they stand in. Whether real or fictional; people have to have someone to look up to. Katniss may not live in the actual world that we do today, but it is a matter of symbolism and how the message of her character can relate to real life. Role models and representing something greater is very important. Michelle Obama is a real life example of an extraordinary role model. She has shown young women and men all over the world how to live an outstanding life. Katniss and Michelle share an incredible amount of great characteristics. It just goes to show that a person does not need to be real to relate to them. Katniss Everdeen and Michelle Obama may come from two completely different worlds, but they can relate to one another on an entirely different level. These two outstanding characters shine among many and prove to others that they are amazing role models. Katniss lives in a post apocalyptic world while Michelle does not, they are parallel in a sense that each of their worlds are cut throat. Whether they fight to their death, or fight for their country both of these young women are strivers and amazing citizens.

Assessment Of The Clash Of Civilizations Politics Essay

Assessment Of The Clash Of Civilizations Politics Essay Huntington (1993) argues in his well-known theory about the clash of civilizations that the future conflicts in the world will be between civilizations, most especially along the fault lines of these civilizations. He identifies seven or eight civilizations, namely the Western, Confucian, Japanese, Islamic, Hindu, Slavic-Orthodox, Latin-American and possibly the African civilization. This paper will first examine the arguments Huntington employs in favour of his thesis and the critique formulated on this. The second part will look deeper into the research on war causation to look if conflicts can indeed be explained by intercultural differences. 2. Huntington and his critics (300-500) The first argument in favour of the civilization thesis is that, according to Huntington (1993, p. 25), differences among civilizations are basic. The differences can be found in amongst others history, culture and religion. Many critics do not agree with this argument, arguing that the division of civilizations would be imprecise and that Huntington is generalizing too easily. Huntington neglects the diversity which exists the world nowadays (Perry, 2002; Veer, 1999; Esposito, 2003). Perry (2002, p. 3) gives an example that neither religion nor alphabet can justify the differences between the Western and Latin American civilization. Another argument is from van der Veer (p. 2), who acknowledges that religion is important when distinguishing civilizations, but that this also counts for nation-states. That Huntington chooses for civilizations and neglects the importance of nation-states is a short-coming according to van der Veer (1999, p. 2), especially because the two world wars wer e between nation-states within the same civilization. Furthermore, there have been many other conflicts within the same civilization (Iraq-Iran; Kuwait-Iraq). The second argument Huntington (1993, p. 25) gives is that world is becoming smaller, so that interactions between people of different civilizations are increasing. This creates consciousness and awareness of the differences between civilizations and can also lead to clashes. According to Perry (2002, p. 4) this argument is slippery, because Huntington is referring to one trend happening in many European countries today but which is not present everywhere in the world. He is referring to the tensions between immigrants and natives caused by immigration to western countries. Besides, according to van der Veer (1999, p. 8), this trend does not per se increase feelings of civilizations but can also increase feelings of nationalism or other forms of identity. Thirdly, the nation state as source of identity will weaken due to processes of economic modernization and social change. These processes throughout the world separate people from their local identities and instead increase religion as a source of identity. Religion unites people across borders and, as religion being an important characteristic of civilization, civilizations will become more important (Huntington, 1993, p. 26). However, critics argue that modernization could also lead to a decrease of religion instead of an increase (Veer, 1999, p. 2). This can be seen in the EU nowadays, in which less and less people go to the church. Besides, modernization led in the past to increased feelings of nationalism, and not to feelings of civilization (Muller, 2008). The fourth point Huntington (1993, p. 26/27) makes is the dual role of the West, which is at the moment at the peak of its power but at the same time the period is characterized by a return to the roots in Non-Western civilizations. According to critics, this assumption is also too oversimplified, as in each country there are pro-western and anti-western individuals. Besides, the last years have showed a growing interest in the West among the mass population. Immigration towards Western countries is because people hope to find better lives in there, and they wish that their countries become like Western countries (bron). Fifthly, cultural features are less mutable than political and economic ones. This means that they are also more difficult to overcome. It is hard to change someones ethnicity and religion (Huntington, 1993, p. 27). However, according to Muller (2008), this does not necessarily lead to a clash. As seen in the past, different ethnicities lived peaceful together in empires without conflicts between them. Furthermore, Huntingtons arguments imply that cultural features are primordial, which means that features are a cultural given and a natural affinity. Besides, he does not make a clear difference between civilizations and ethnicities. According to constructivist theories cultural features are not like kinship sentiments, they are constructed and it is thus possible to change them (Rubenstein Crocker, 1994, p. 118; Oberschall, 2000, p. 982/983). The last argument is that economic regionalism is increasing which will be most visible with economic blocs. According to Huntington, economic regionalism may succeed only when it is rooted in a common civilization, a good example of this would be the EU (Huntington, 1993, p. 27). However, nowadays it is not so obvious that the EU is regarded as a success, taking into account the financial problems in Greece and Ireland. 3. War causation (750-1500) Although Huntington is convinced that the future wars will be between civilizations, the research on war and conflict causation shows different findings. As already seen in the previous section of this paper, the two world wars of the last century were between countries within the same civilization (WW I and WW II). Also the majority of conflicts were within civilizations, which implies more inter-ethnic conflicts (Fox, 2005, p. 448) Also the Islamic civilization has seen many conflicts, for example the Iran-Iraq war and the war between Iraq and Kuwait. These conflicts show that it is not per se about cultural differences, but about national interests. But also conflicts between different religions can have a false image. An example is the conflict in Northern Ireland between Catholics and Protestants, in which political and socio-economic issues and grievances are more important than religion itself. This also counts for Islamic-Christian conflicts in Sudan, Lebanon and Bosnia. From the top it looks like a conflict about religion, however at the ground other issues than religion are more important (Veer, 1999, p. 7; Esposito, 1999, p. 228/229). Furthermore, many of the terrorists attacks in the last decade have been against Muslims in Muslim states. Tensions between Shii and Sunni are still there, and also tensions around the Kurds and other ethnic Muslim groups (Fox, 2005, p. 447). Academics in the field of war causation have much critique on Huntingtons thesis, because there are other important causations for war which he ignores. In this part the following question will be answered: Are ethnic or cultural differences a driver of war, or are there others causations? First other theories of war causation will be discussed and at the end there will be reflection to Huntingtons theory. 3.1 Ethnic and cultural differences as a driver of war Explanations of conflict by ethnic differences is a popular topic in the war causation theories nowadays. However, it is not only popular but it also received much critique. Since the end of the Cold War the world has seen many ethnic conflicts. To name just a few: Tutsis and Hutus in Rwanda, Abkhazians and South-Ossetians in Georgia, Uzbeks in Kyrgyzstan and Kurds in Turkey. In the debate about the ethnic differences as a driver of war, there is one group of scholars that sees these differences as the main driver. These can be called the primordialists. The primordialists see ethnicity as a given: people are born with it. Different ethnicities can be seen everywhere in the world, the world exists of different traditions, cultures, religions, norms and values (Baumann, 1999, p. 59). Furthermore the world exists of inequalities. Mostly these inequalities run parallel with different ethnicities mentioned before. In other words, inequalities are caused by different ethnicities, because different ethnicities exist just because they are there. The inequalities cause conflicts between different ethnicities. Clashes and conflicts between ethnicities and cultures are thus unavoidable (Baumann, 1999, p. 61-62). Also Huntington can be regarded as a primordialist, because he sees no other option than a clash between civilizations. A clash will occur, just because different civilizations and cultures are there. The second group of scholars are the constructivists. They argue that ethnicity is being viewed as a cogent existential reality, which is a process of reification (Baumann, 1999, p. 61-62). Reification is when an abstract belief or idea is taken for granted as being real. Something which in fact is not real, is being treated and viewed as real, just like ethnicity (Baumann, 1999, p. 63). According to the constructivists ethnicity is made by mankind and it is socially constructed. Baumann (1999, p. 64) gives a clear example of how ethnicity should be regarded: it can be compared with wine, which is made of natural ingredients. But these natural ingredients do not make wine themselves. The ingredients need to be added to each other and they need to ripe. In the end, a wine will have different flavours depending on a certain context. Also ethnicity exists of different natural bonds which do not in themselves create ethnicity. It needs economic and political interests in order to work in everyday life. Furthermore it needs social conditions, because the ethnicity needs to make sense for the people. Furthermore, ethnicity has also different meanings related to various social settings (Baumann, 1999, p. 64). So in other words, ethnicity is a peoples creation based on natural products and not a natural product on its own (Eriksen, 1993, p. 16; Barth, 1998, p. 15). So although ethnicity is being viewed by many academics like Huntington as something absolute and a natural given, in fact it is not because it is socially constructed. People can change their identity (Eriksen, 1993). For the explanation of war this has consequences, because if ethnicities are constructed, clashes between ethnicities could be avoided. There should be some other forces which cause war and feelings of ethnicity. The next part will deal with some of these other theories. 3.2 Other explanations of war Greed: economic factors One group that does not agree with Huntingtons Clash of Civilizations is the group who argue that economic factors are the main drivers of conflict (Collier, 2000). They see greed as the important cause for war (Collier, 2000; Collier Hoeffler, 2004). Economic incentives make rebellion possible and there are groups with economic power who tend to gain from the continuation of the conflict. This has all to do with the rational choice paradigm, conflict gives rebels the opportunity to enrich themselves (i.e. rebels are rational) (Bulte, 2009, p. 2). When looking at the ongoing conflicts in the world nowadays, it becomes clear that in many cases economic aspects indeed play an important role: Colombia, Mexico, Congo, Afghanistan, Sudan, Iraq, etc. All are cases in which drugs, oil or natural resources are (leading) factors in the war. This leads us to the resource curse, which implies that the availability of resources would increase the risk of conflict (Collier Hoeffler, 2004). Resources in a country are associated with 1) a slower economic growth; 2) violent civil conflict; and 3) undemocratic regimes types (Bulte, 2009, p. 2). An important aspect of the greed theory is Cramers (2002, p. 1857) point of view that capital and capitalism is an international phenomenon. He says that none of the contemporary civil wars can be explained without the magnitude of the interests and activities of international capital linkages. Economic powers intervene when they can get profit out of it. It is no surprise that the Middle East has seen so many conflicts in which the U.S. was involved. Oil and natural resources are main drivers to intervene and main drivers for conflict. Grievances: inequality Another group that does not agree with Huntingtons thesis is the group that focus on the explanation of conflict by grievance. Grievance is in contrast to greed rooted in a behavioural paradigm and emphasized by relative deprivation, inequality and social exclusion (Bulte, 2009, p. 2). The definition of relative deprivation is the perceived gap between peoples value expectations and their value capabilities that is, the discrepancy between what people think they ought to get from society and what they believe they will actually obtain (Schock, 1996, p. 101; Gurr, 1970). When people feel they cannot obtain what they want, people feel that they suffer from inequality. The feeling of inequality leads to frustration which may lead to aggression and violence. This happens mainly with people who suffer from social exclusion, for example an ethnic minority (Gurr, 1970). However, critique on the grievances theory is that it does not explain how the people get mobilized. Therefore, political factors should be taken into account. Political factors The last group of theories that will be discussed is the group that explains conflicts by state (trans)formations, weak states and democracies, i.e. the political context. They argue that there is more chance on violence during a period of democratisation than in a full authoritarian or a full democratic regime. This means that when a state is changing from an autocracy to a democracy, the state is in transition and this increases the chance on war. In a transition period a situation of social change, institutional weakness and threatened interests arises. This can produce a political impasse for getting to democracy: it becomes difficult to form stable political coalitions and to gain sufficient support for power (Mansfield Snyder, 1995, p .26). Some add to this that not only transition can explain the level of civil war, but also the degree of democracy (Hegre et al, 2001, p. 42/43). They state that semi-democracies are unstable, because they are partly open yet somewhat repressive: a combination that invites protest, rebellion and other forms of civil violence (Hegre et al, 2001, p. 33). Political participation is ineffective but mobilization is possible. Potentially effective violent protest is thus selected to oppose the government (Schock, 1996, p. 124/125). 4. Conclusion This paper discussed Huntingtons theory about the clash of civilizations and to what extent this theory find its support in research on war causation. Huntington is right to a certain extent, that future wars will be more and more between different cultures. However, the explanation of this statement and a great understanding of what is happening in the world is very important. Clashes between different cultures do not happen just because different cultures are there. Clashes between cultures happen because of a certain context in which they exists and because of certain forces which influence a conflict. These can be economic aspects, feelings of inequalities or the political context. All should be taken into account in order to understand future conflicts. Furthermore it is necessary to say that although Huntington can be right that clashes between different cultures will occur, this does not have to be per se between civilizations. It makes more sense that conflicts happen between ethnicities or nations, also within the same civilizations. The concept of civilizations is too generalized. Only time can learn us what will happen in the future. Literature Barth, F. (1998), Ethnic Groups and Boundaries: the social organisation of cultural difference. Long Grove: Waveland Press. Baumann, G. (1999), The Multicultural Riddle: Rethinking National, Ethnic and Religious Identities. London/New York: Routledge. Bulte, E. (2009) Natural resources and violent conflict: resource abundance; dependence and the onset of civil wars Oxford Economic Papers. Collier, P. Hoeffler, A. (2004) Greed and grievance in civil war, Oxford Economic Papers, 56:563-595. Collier, P. (2000) Doing well out of war: an economic perspective, in: M. Berdal D.M. Malone (eds) Greed and Grievance; Economic agendas in civil wars. Lynne Rienner Publishers, Colorado. Cramer, C. (2002) Homo economicus goes to war: methodological individualism, rational choice and the political economy of war, World Development, 30(11): 1845-1864. Eriksen, T. H. (1993), Ethnicity and Nationalism: Antropological Perspectives. London: Pluto Press. Esposito, J.L. (1999), The Islamic Threat. Myth or Reality?. Third Edition, New York/Oxford: Oxford U.P., 1999, 212-289. Fox, J. (2005) Paradigm Lost: Huntington ´s unfilled clash of civilizations prediction into the 21st century, International Politics, 42:428-457. Gurr, T.R. (1970) Chapter 2, Relative Deprivation and the impetus to violence, in T.R. Gurr, Why men rebel. Princeton: Princeton Universtiy Press. Hegre, H., T. Ellingsen, S. Gates N.P. Gleditsch (2001), Toward a democratic civil peace? Democracy, political change, and civil war 1816-1992, The American Political Science Review, 95 (1):33-48. Huntington, S. (1993), The Clash of Civilizations. In: Foreign Affairs (72,3) Summer 1993, 22-49. Institute of International Studies (IIS) (2003), Islam and the West Conversation with John L. Esposito. In: Conversations with History, Institute of International Studies, UC Berkeley. [Accessed 6 January 2011]. Available at www: http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/people3/Esposito/esposito-con0.html Mansfield, E.D. J. Snyder (1995), Democratization and the danger of war, International Security, 20(1):5-38. Muller, J.Z. (2008), Us and them. The enduring power of ethnic nationalism. In: Foreign Affairs, March/April 2008 Oberschall, A. (2000) The manipulation of ethnicity: from ethnic cooperation to violence and war in Yugoslavia, Ethnic and Racial Studies, 23(6):982-1001. Perry, G. (2002), Huntington and his critics: the West and Islam. In: Arab Studies Quarterly 24 (2002) 1. Rubenstein, R.E. J. Crocker (1994) Challenging Huntington, Foreign Policy, 96:113-128. Schock, K. (1996) A conjuctural model of political conflict: the impact of political opportunities on the relationship between economic inequality and violent political conflict, Journal of Conflict resolution, 40(1):98-133. Veer, P. van der (1999), Political Religion in the twenty-first century. In: T.V. Paul and John A. Hall (eds.) International Order and the Future of World Politics (Cambridge University Press, 1999), pp. 311-327.

Attitudes Towards the War in Regeneration and All Quiet on the Western

"...no nation is rich enough to pay for both war and civilization. We must make our choice; we cannot have both." -- Abraham Flexner "Regeneration" is an anti-war novel, reflecting the issues and the concerns in wartime Britain. "All Quiet on the Western Front" is also an influential anti-war novel and an important chronicle of World War 1. Both are historical fiction set near the end of the war, 1917-1918. The two texts explore similar themes in condemning the war. Remarque’s novel (All Quiet on the Western Front) is a profound statement against war, focusing especially on the ravaging effects of war on the humanity of soldiers. Similarly, Barker (author of Regeneration) offers realistic detail of many abominable war scenes, dwelling upon the destruction that war wreaks upon men’s minds. These details comprise a large portion of the novel. In All Quiet on the Western Front, through the narrative of Paul BÃ ¤umer, a young German soldier, there are constant attacks on the romantic ideals of warfare. The novel dramatizes the disjunction between high minded rhetoric about patriotism and honour, and the actual horror of trench warfare. Remarque continually stresses that the soldiers are not fighting with the abstract ideals of patriotic spirit in mind; they are fighting for their survival. Nothing in this novel makes the actual experience of war look attractive. The overriding theme of All Quiet on the Western Front is the terrible brutality of war, which informs every scene in the novel. It sets out to portray war as it was actually experienced, replacing romanticized versions in preceding novels, with a decidedly unromantic vision of fear, meaninglessness, and butchery. World War 1 completely alter... ... large concepts of duty, sanity, and war. Barker, with her insightful and direct writing style, succeeds in presenting a microcosm of madness that prevails during war. Regeneration recounts many vivid war scenes, and without drawing conclusions, effectively instils a feeling of vexation against the war into the reader. In presenting his grimly realistic version of a soldier’s experience, Remarque strips away the typical romanticism of war narrative in All Quiet on the Western Front, providing an unrelenting portrayal of carnage and gore. It is a novel of social protest; totally rejecting the war and nationalistic policies; and in doing so, successfully depicts the many horrors of World War 1. Works Cited Barker, Pat. Regeneration. New York: Plume, 2003. Remarque, Erich Maria. All Quiet on the Western Front. New York: Ballantine Books, 1984.

Edwin Arlington Robinsons Richard Cory Essay -- Edwin Arlington Robin

Edwin Arlington Robinson's Richard Cory I have always secretly envied my dearest high school friend Erin.   It was easy to be jealous of Erin since she was tall with beautiful blonde hair that turned many heads.   She possessed grace and style and had the coolest car.   Though people try to resist envy, most succumb to it from time to time.   As people focus on all that they lack, they tend to ignore the flaws in those they envy.   The observers in the poem Richard Cory allow envy to cloud their perception of themselves.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cory appears to have it all.   The poor townspeople look at him and they see the qualities that they themselves lack.   An ugly person may believe that if they were beautiful then happiness would be secure.   A lonely person believes that finding someone to end his loneliness would diminish his sadness.   This is evident in the first three stanzas.   The townspeople notice Cory’s appearance as superior to their own.   â€Å"He glittered when he walked† (Robinson 986).   They also noted the main character’s manner and abundance of material possessions.   The observers were too busy working to have time to put effort in improving manners and could not even think of saving money when they were lucky not to starve.   Many people want to be more outwardly beautiful or to have more money.   My aunt and uncle were coming home to Indiana from Iowa for the Thanksgiving holiday six years ago when they met a drunk driver in a head-on collision.   I remember the anguish my family felt for the following few days when we were unsure whether my uncle was going to survive.   He did survive though he was altered for the next few years and suffered permanent damage to his body.   Insurance companies are set up to right wrongs wit... ...een fulfilled.   The observers’ separate Cory and isolate him because of their perceptions of him.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I learned a very important lesson about envy a few years after becoming friends with Erin.   After spending a few years wishing to be more like her, I expressed my feeling of envy.   To my amazement, she expressed shock at the idea of my jealousy.   She then told me of how before she became my friend that she was envious of me.   I was friendly and possessed an outgoing personality whereas she was very timid.   If the townspeople had the opportunity to develop a relationship with Richard Cory as I had with my schoolmate, they likely would have discovered their enviable qualities as well.   Reference: Robinson, Edwin Arlington. â€Å"Richard Cory† Literature Reading, Reacting, Writing.   4th Ed. Ed. Camille Adkins. Orlando: Harcourt College Publishers, 2001. 986.

Coming Full Circle in Blue Highways Essay -- Blue Highways

In his traveling diary, Blue Highways, William Least Heat Moon takes a trip to various destinations of unknown worth. His American back roads tour is characterized by the pattern of taking a journey that follows a circle. Least Heat Moon's circular journey is both literal and spiritual. His travels circle the nation, and he gathers history and personality from all corners of America. More importantly, however, Least Heat Moon sets out to fully explore and find himself. He provides the audience with the simple explanation of the circular nature of his journey because "following a circle would give a purpose&emdash;to come around again&emdash;where taking a line would not"(Least Heat Moon 3). Immediately, the reader is faced with William Least Heat Moon's goal to find himself and the wisdom of others. Before his journey began, Least Heat Moon experienced two significant life-changing events. First, the author was abandoned by his wife after being separated for nine months. Then, as a result of declining enrollment, he lost his job teaching English at the Universi...

To What Extent Is Macbeth Responsible for His Own Downfall

In Shakespeare’s tragedy, Macbeth, he depicts the rise and downfall of the eponymous protagonist, Macbeth. The text illustrates that there is no sole person to blame for Macbeth’s downfall but numerous reasons for Macbeth’s downfall. Macbeth is only partially responsible for his own downfall for his eventual downfall at the hands of Macduff. Macbeth is driven by the prophecies given by the witches and this is perpetuated with the manipulation of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s own ‘vaulting ambitions’. All of these are factors which lead to Macbeth committing murders in order to become King and his ultimate downfall. The main cause of Macbeth’s fall from grace is due to the three witches and the prophecies which they give to Macbeth at the start of the text. The Thane of Glamis is content with his position until the witches prophesise †¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Hail to the, Thane of Glamis†¦ Thane of Cawdor†¦ That shalt be king hereafter! † After the previous Thane of Cawdor’s execution, Macbeth is appointed the new Thane of Cawdor and as the prophecy is partially fulfilled, he contemplates how the rest of the prophecy will play out. Due to his ambitious personality and a prophesised kingship, he murders King Duncan and Banquo in order to become King faster. This eventually causes his downfall at the hands of Macduff in the final scenes of the play. The witches are responsible for his downfall as it is their prophecies which instigate Macbeth’s killing spree to become King and his downfall because of the murders he committed. Lady Macbeth is also to blame for Macbeth’s downfall. Lady Macbeth is obsessed with becoming royalty, even more than Macbeth, and will do anything in order to achieve it. Lady Macbeth is fearful of her husband’s good nature as it is ‘full o’ the milk of human kindness. ’ And so Lady Macbeth has to challenge his manliness and goad him in order for him to follow her plan so he can become King. It is Lady Macbeths shaming which causes him to murder King Duncan and Banquo and incur the retribution of Macduff which causes his eventual downfall. Without Lady Macbeth, Macbeth would have not gone though with the plan to become King and would eventually have become King in an honest manner, and so would not have had his downfall at Macduff’s hands. Macbeth is responsible for his own downfall as his own downfall due to his ‘vaulting ambitions’ to become King, his fear to retain his crown and his temperament. Macbeth’s ambitious desires to become king very fast results him killing King Duncan, who he was fiercely loyal to at the start of the text, becoming a traitor. With the King gone, the princes flee to England and Ireland and Macbeth ascends to the throne. Fearing the witches’ prophecy that Banquo’s sons will become king, he orders their murders but Fleance is able to get away. Macduff’s family is killed as Macbeth wanted to watch Macduff in order to stop a potential plot to overthrow him but Macduff fled to England. Macduff angrily returns and avenges his family by killing Macbeth and causing his downfall. In Macbeth, there are many people responsible for Macbeth’s downfall including the three Weird Sisters, his wife Lady Macbeth and Macduff and Macbeth himself. It was the interaction of these people with Macbeth and Macbeth’s own mindset which caused his downfall in Dunsinane. Therefore, Macbeth is only partially responsible for his own downfall.

Troy Movie Notes

Troy= the movie(post classical depiction) * Troy is the most powerful alliance against the Greeks * Agamemnon wants ‘the world’ all the land * Achilles has disappeared from the army. A boy goes to find him, * Achilles mother is goddess as can’t be killed (Contemp) * Nester persueds Achilles to fight the big guy because of Time. He can’t stand to lose his pride * Achilles, son of Paris * Achilles kills the big guy with one stab * There is a huge feast , thrown by Agamemnon and Helen, to drink to peace, between troy and Sparta * Helen and Paris are lovers behind Menelaus’s back.Hektor goes to see what they are doing. * Helen is afraid to wear the necklace because she is afraid that she will be caught and Paris will be killed or shipped away. Before she met him, she was a ghost. * Agamemnon commands all the Greek forces to fight. * Hektor warns paris not to endanger Troy * Paris kidnapped Helen. Hektor is upset. He talks about his father’s love ( Paris and Helen were already in love with each other, the Gods didn’t give Helen to Paris) * Menelaus wants to kill Helen. â€Å"The Trojans spat in my eye† * He asks Agamemnon to go to war with him. He said yes. Menelaus is very angry and calls to sail after the Trojans * â€Å"If troy falls, I control everything†- Agamemnon. They need Achilles * Nestor said that â€Å"you don’t need to control him, you need to release him. † About Achilles * Achilles is like a secret weapon to the Trojans * Odysseus is in Greece. Agamemnon needs to ask him something. There is a difference to the PCD about how Odysseus is involved in the war * Achilles and Patrokolas are cousins * Achilles doesn’t want to fight for Agamemnon. Odysseus wants him to fight for Greece * Achilles talks to his mother. She thinks that he should fight.She wants his name to become TIME and KLEOS, if he fights â€Å"Your glory walks hand in hand with your doom† * He travels to Troy with the Greeks * Paris and Helen get married in Troy. Hektor and Paris are greeted by their father, Priam in Troy * Hektors wife is Andromache * Briseis is Paris and Hektors cousin * Hektor doesn’t want to see his country fall because of his brother’s selfishness. * Priam has worked 30 years for peace and he will still fight many wars if it means that Paris can be happy. * â€Å"Everything is in the will and hands of the Gods† Priam * Helen- â€Å"Sparta was never my home† * Priam prays to the Gods Hektor cares a lot about family. Everyone is preparing for war- the Trojans. Everyone gives offerings to the Gods * Hektor is incharge of the army * â€Å"honor the gods, love your woman and fight for your country† Hektor * . you know what is beyond that beach. Immortality, take its yours,† Achilles * Give him too many battles and the men will forget who is king. †- Agamemnon * They retreat back to the city and Achilles orders everyone to steal from the Trojans temple * He cuts off the head of the statue of Apollo at the Trojans temple. * Achilles sneaks inside the temple, and the Trojans follow him but they get ambushed.Their temple is destroyed * Achilles fights for him honor, hector fights for his country. â€Å"Why kill you now, prince of Troy when there is no one here to see you fall†- Achilles. He wants people to see it because killing a prince will give him great honor, fame and Time and Kleos * You speak of war as if it is a games, but how many wives for you think will be pained with the loss of their men†- hector * Agamemnon is worried that the thought of power will get to Achilles head and everyone will forget that he is their leader * They kidnap Brisis and give him to Achilles I want what all men want, i just want more† Achilles * Everyone is presenting gifts to Agamemnon even though he didn’t fight. * Young men dying and old men talking. You know to keep out of the politicsà ¢â‚¬ -Odysseus * You came here because you want your name to last the ages† Agamemnon * History remembers kings not soldiers† Agamemnon * Agamemnon takes Brisis for his own. Achilles gets very angry * They want a war, we will give them a war. * The Trojans are buring on the fire because of one youthful desire† * Paris and menlaus fight for Helen Helen tries to run away but hektor finds her. â€Å"Their husbands died because I’m here†-helen * This is about power not love†- hektor * Achilles smashes up his tent * I will stay until Agamemnon groans to have Achilles back†- Achilles * I blame you for nothing, everything is in the hands of the Gods. †- Priam * The Trojans seem very out numbered * The agreement between Agamemnon and Achilles didn’t happen on the second day like in the movie, it happened in the tenth year of the Iliad * The fight takes place in book three of the Iliad â€Å"I see 50,000 men bought here to fight for one man’s greed†- Hektor * I didn’t come here for your wife, I came here for troy† Agamemnon â€Å"I came here for my honour† –menelaus * In the Iliad, Paris was a man before Achilles was born because he got Helen at Theitis and Priams Wedding- Achilles parents. * There was a crow crowing before paris went to fight Menelaus * Because Paris didn’t fight, the Greeks attack the Trojans. Hektor kills MenelausHektor fights with Ajax. He takes a while to die because he is god-like. This happens in book 7 * Menelaus doesn’t die in the Iliad, neither does Ajax.Ajax committees suicide. Menelaus takes Helen back to Sparta in the Iliad * Odysseus and Achilles seem to have a better understanding about the practicalities of war unlike Agamemnon * Odysseus warms Agamemnon about retreating. * The first 8 books of the Iliad have been. * Agamemnon promises Menelaus that he will bring Troy to the ground * â€Å"Hetkor fights for his country, Achi lles fights for his pride† Agamemnon * The Greeks are about to burn Brisis, Achilles prize but Achilles rescues her. * Achilles develops a protective relationship with Brisis. â€Å"Gods envy us because we are mortal† Achilles * Brisis tries to kill Achilles but they end up sleeping with each other. If she wasn’t willing she would have had stabbed him. * It wasn’t until book ? that Achilles got Brisis back. Brisis is the cousin of Hekor in the movie and in the Iliad she isn’t royalty. * Achilles tells Odysseus to start loading the ship because they are going home. * â€Å"the world seems simple to you, but when you are king, there are very few choices which are simple† –Odysseus * â€Å"Sometimes you have to serve in order to lead†- Odysseus * Patricolus is very upset with Achilles. You betray all these men just to see Agamemnon lose†- Particolus * The gods favour our calls. Now it is time to destroy a weak army†- Pr iest * â€Å"Yesterday the Greeks underestimated us, we should not return the favour†- Hektor * Hektor thinks that attacking the Greeks is a mistake * The Greeks are packing up their ships and returning * Brisis and Achilles have developed a loving relationship. She wants him to stay but he is leaving. * The Trojans attack the Greeks with fire arrow s and they are caught of guard. Around book 15-16. The Greeks attack back.They send down balls of straw and stick with catch on fire from the fire arrows. They cause lots of destruction. They Greeks are outnumbered and off guard. * Odysseus seems scared and worried. * Menelaus doesn’t die in the Iliad but dies in the movie. Due to the relationship with Menelaus, Helen (in the movie) is seen as a Romeo and Juliet relationship due to the fact that the audience will understand this because Menelaus is portrayed as evil and bad * Time is no longer heroic. Giving the gifts to Agamemnon because he won the war is wrong because he didn’t fight and win the war. Patroclus pretends to be Achilles and Hektor believes him. He kills patroclus and everyone is quiet. They all now that Achilles is going to be very angry at this. * Patroclus wore his armor. Achilles didn’t know that Patroclus fought for him. In the Iliad, Achilles told him to fight for him. * Hektor knows that Achilles is going to come after him and so he tells his wife to save people. * Agamemnon â€Å"This boy has just save this war for us† about Patroclus’s death * Achilles agrees to fight again * All of Troy is deserted Achilles travels to the gates of troy to find Hektor * Hektor says good bye to his family because he knows that he has angred Achiiles. * Achilles stabs Hektor twice and then drags his body around the castle walls which his family is distraught over. His father collapses. He drags his body back to the greek camp. Briseis is distraught and cries. * â€Å"You lost your cousin and I had mine taken away† –Briseis * Priam comes in the night, as a secret. He kisses the hands of Achilles * â€Å"I have done what no other person on earth has done before.I have kissed that hands of the man who killed my son. † –Priam * Book 24 * â€Å"You’ve taken everything from me, my eldest son, my heir to my throne† –Priam * He begs to have Hektor’s body returned, * â€Å"You are still my enemy in the morning. †- Achilles â€Å"you are still my enemy tonight but even enemies can show respect â€Å"- Priam * Achilles cried over Hektor’s body * Achilles wraps him up and returns him * â€Å"He is the best man I have ever fought†¦ We will not fight for 12 days for the funeral† Achilles * He also lets Briseis go with Priam. If I hurt you, I didn’t mean to â€Å" * Achilles to Priam â€Å"you are a far better king than the one leading this army† * The funeral process for Hektor begins. This is the end of the Ilia d. The director continues with the movie * Odysseus watches a man make a horse for his son back home and he thinks about attacking Troy by using a Giant horse. * The anger in the movie is definitely less. * The Trojans go down to the beach and see no ships, dead men and a Giant horse * The priests thinks that it is a gift to the Gods.They think that they should bring it back home. * Paris thinks they should burn it. * They bring it back home to Troy and bring it inside the gates. Everyone is happy and dancing * The dog is a reoccurring theme in the movie. * A Trojan rides around the coast and sees all the Greek ships. He is shot before he has a chance to tell the people of troy. * Inside the Trojan gates, the Greeks are escaping from the Horse and killing everyone in the city. They send a signal to let all of the other Greeks into fight. They urn down houses * Agamemnon yells to let troy burn * Priam is very upset * Hetkors wife takes people down the passage way Hektor showed her. P aris wants to stay and fight. * Achilles is looking for Briseis * Paris is the archer * Odysseus kills nester * The Greeks destroy the temple. * Agamemon kills Priam * Agamemon i s killed suddenly by Briseis. Achilles save her but paris shoots him in the Achilles and in the chest. He dies. Briseis loved him. He still managed to stay alive. Chaos is brought to a standstill. The Greeks, using Troy cremate Achilles. The Trojans who escape find a new home in the mountain. * If they ever tell my story, let them tell that I walked with Giants. Let them stay that I lived in a time of Hetkor, breaker of Horses. Let them stay that I lived in the time of Achilles * There are many differences in the ending. They want to give the viewers a happy ending. Paris is killed before the Trojan horse and Helen went back to Sparta with Menelaus * There is no ‘villain’ in the iliad * Patricolus is older than Achilles in the Iliad but in the movie it is the other way around. Troy Movie Notes Troy, directed by Wolfgang Petersen (2004) is an epic war film based on Homer’s Iliad. In ancient Greece, the passion of two of literature's most notorious lovers, Paris, Prince of Troy (Orlando Bloom) and Helen (Diane Kruger), Queen of Sparta, ignites a war that will devastate a civilization. When Paris spirits Helen away from her husband, King Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson), it is an insult that cannot be suffered.Familial pride dictates that an affront to Menelaus is an affront to his brother Agamemnon (Brian Cox), powerful King of the Mycenaeans, who soon unites all the massive tribes of Greece to steal Helen back from Troy in defense of his brother's honor. In truth, Agamemnon's pursuit of honor is corrupted by his overwhelming greed – he needs to conquer Troy to seize control of the Aegean, thus ensuring the supremacy of his already vast empire. The walled city, under the leadership of King Priamand (Peter O’Toole) defended by mighty Prince Hector (Eric Bana), is a citadel that no army has ever been able to breach.One man alone stands as the key to victory or defeat over Troy – Achilles (Brad Pitt), believed to be the greatest warrior alive. Arrogant, rebellious and seemingly invincible, Achilles has allegiance to nothing and no one, save his own glory. It is his insatiable hunger for eternal renown that leads him to attack the gates of Troy under Agamemnon's banner – but it will be love that ultimately decides his fate. Two worlds will go to war for honor and power. Thousands will fall in pursuit of glory. And for love, a nation will burn to the ground.This was an exciting action packed film, which had plenty of historical accuracies and inaccuracies and for the most part follows Homer’s Iliad. Many similar films in this time period portray the gods as more important and powerful than the humans. In fact, this movie almost completely ignores the gods and instead places the focus on the warriors themselves. I think th e film tries to portray the Trojan War in a manner in which it could have actually happened. Achilles acknowledges that he is not the son of a goddess and is not immortal or invulnerable. The movie basically shows us how a rumor can blossom into a legend unto itself.Achilles' legend becomes immortal. We see that the elders who continually refer to their so-called gods, and they come across as fools. When Hector refers to the fact that Apollo did not strike down Achilles for desecrating the statue. It is obvious that Hector seems to doubt the gods he has been taught to worship. Achilles disrespects the gods by decapitating the statue for the god Apollo, proving that both characters have little respect for the gods. Compared to the Iliad and historical facts the gods were always centered on everything. Throughout time, men have waged war. Some for power, some for glory, some for honor – and some for love.

Corporate Social Responsibility -Pros and Cons Essay

CSR which stands for corporate social responsibility which is also known as corporate citizenship, corporate conscience and responsible business. 2.Different organisations have framed different definitions – but in a nutshell CSR is about how companies manage the business processes to produce an overall positive impact on society. It is like giving back to the society. 3.CSR working would go beyond monetary donations to involvement in actual planning, execution and monitoring of public welfare programmes which has an overall impact to the consumers, workforce and stakeholders. 4.By adopting CSR it enables the corporate sector to achieve the twin objective of achieving a measurable positive change in the community and also the brand building of the company, boosting the morale of owners, shareholders, employees and customers. 5.All leading corporates in India are involved in corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes in areas like education, health, livelihood creation, skill development, and empowerment of weaker sections of the society. 6.Our company is too busy surviving hard times to do this. We can’t afford to take our eye off the ball – we have to focus on core business. It’s the responsibility of the politicians to deal with all this stuff. It’s not our role to get involved 7.Notable efforts have come from the Tata Group, Infosys, Bharti Enterprises, ITC Welcome group, Indian Oil Corporation among others. 8.As per the latest news, government’s new companies bill reportedly ask large companies to spend 2 % of their net profit on CSR.The theory is that corporates must aim for social goals not just profits. 9.To summarize CSR is one where it’s a win- win situation for both company as well as for the society.

Books: Digestion and Best Friend Essay

Books Books are the best friend a person can have. For they are the kind of friends that are never disloyal. A person is never going to feel alone or bored in the presence of books. So, books can be read out of passion as a hobby or to gain knowledge and information. For that, some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed; and some few to be chewed and digested. There are certain types of books which can only be tasted. To taste a book is just to have some sensations out of reading it which may be like or dislike it and it stops there without any further clinging to it, so the taste can be good or bad. Novels, dramas, short or long stories all belongs to this category because readers may like or dislike what they are reading. Nonetheless, it is doubtful whether they are going to remember any or some of them. For example, when I was fifteen years old, I read Agatha’s Christie Hickory Dickory Dock. I admit that I do not remember the events at all but what I remember is liking it very much. Another example is pride and prejudice by Jane Austen, I loved it very much when I studied it but now I cannot remember all the events, but only some. For my friends, some of them do not remember the events at all and others remember some of them. For the second kind some books are to be swallowed. When one swallows an antibiotic capsules, he does not swallow it because of liking it but because it is necessary for his health. Researches, educational books, law books and many others belong to this category. For me I hate reading researches and scientific articles but I have to read it when I am asked to do a research. For some friends of mine, educational books such: history, geography and biology books are some of their worst nightmares. However, they have to go through them because of their grades. This category books are like multiplication tables to a child. One does not like going through this kind of books but has to because of his own benefit whether it is educational or informational benefit. Then, the third type of books which are to be chewed and digested. To chew any kind of food is to grind it with one’s teeth. There is no hurry in this process, he should grind every bit of the food in his mouth to make it easy to digest. This process is applicable to books. To this category belong grammar books, phonetics books, religion books, poetry and great and complex drama such as Shakespeare’s and Aristotle. These books or works are timeless and difficult to understand at once. They need a lot of time, meditation and contemplation to be fully understood and absorbed. For example, grammatical rules needs time and practice to be understood. Other example is Qur’an it is almost impossible to understand it if one’s read it in a rush. This special book needs lots of meditation and contemplation to understand all of its meanings. For me I faced some difficulties when I studied phonetics because I did not know how to study it. Actually, I did not know that I should study it with my full attention focused on it. However, when I knew, it became one of my favorite courses. Grammar and phonetics books are troublesome to my colleagues. Because they need lots of time and concentration in class and they do not like to do that. Nevertheless, these kind of books are needed to enrich our knowledge and to make us used of concentration. Books are one’s best friend. It is impossible to feel bored in the presence of them. they are essential to develop one’s information and enrich his mind with knowledge. It does not matter witch kind of books one’s read because they all have information inside of them. Whether the book is from to be tasted kind, to be swallowed kind or to be chewed and digested kind.

Why longhouses are beneficial to college campuses Research Paper

Why longhouses are beneficial to college campuses - Research Paper Example perfect gathering place on college campuses where people from different cultural backgrounds could learn with each other, and deepen the native programs within colleges. Longhouses are a platform for supporting indigenous arts. The Evergreen State College in Olympia intended to build a longhouse that would serve as both a social facility and a public service center with the aim of supporting indigenous arts. The longhouse would serve as a multipurpose facility that can serve cultural, community, and educational functions. The primary vision for instituting a multi-purpose facility in college campuses is to provide a platform for hospitality and service for people from different cultural backgrounds. If people in learning institutions learned to stay together, they would elevate the levels of education by creating and maintaining conducive learning environments. As a public service center, the longhouse would promote indigenous arts and cultural exchanges through education, creative expression, cultural preservation, and economic development. The Evergreen State College received a $325,000 grant to build the longhouse to support the following program s; Colleges have been committed to expanding Native programs and faculty. Longhouses have provided a program where the Native focused programs link undergraduate and graduate native students. The Evergreen State College’s case has underscored the need for longhouses. The Native focused programs enable students from different cultural backgrounds

Mean Girls Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Mean Girls - Essay Example Cady’s behavior upon arrival in the US is enough evidence of how the black-originated individuals are forced to impose their presence in the purportedly civilized white man’s land, and this is the major cause of corruption on mannerism and morals (Brooks, 2012). The undermine of African culture and way of life makes Cady ditch her personality for what she believes is approved by the new civilized society, and she confesses self-denial in order to impress the new peers she wishes to adopt. The dissections made by the play give a perfect reflection of the modern society of young people, especially on the aspect of moral corruption and the influence of parents in shaping the respective upbringing of their children. The occurrences in the movie puts a lot of questions on the roles played by parents in the modern society, in the midst of intercultural settings and diversity. Apparently, young people have been let to embrace what they consider befitting and relevant behavioral changes in order to suit a particular group of individuals, who are in this case regarded modernized or civilized (Brooks, 2012). Despite the apparent fading off of mannerism and morality, there is hope for a future glimpse of the same from the indications given in the movie. The role played by Aaron gives hope of value for mannerism and good morals for both the modern and future generations. The movie exposes numerous failures of the societal institutions in performing towards what the general society has always thought they would. For a long time, schools have been regarded as important institutions where young boys and girls are manufactured into responsible men and women (Vena and Kash, 2009). However, this fails to be reflected in the modern settings, as portrayed in the movie. Even at the center-stage of moral deterioration and sexual promiscuity, little can be done by school administrations to help salvage

Land Law Memorandum Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Land Law Memorandum - Essay Example The second item was fitted wardrobes in the master bedroom. Peter says that they had appeared to him to be spoke pieces of furniture since they fitted the space in the bedroom perfectly. The removal of the wardrobes has caused some damages that will require re plastering work. The thirds item was an ornamental fountain in the garden. Peter says he fell in love with the feature as it was a real center piece of the garden. It was made of cast iron and had a cherub at its center with a circular pool surround. The primary legal issue is whether the cooker, wardrobes and fountain are fixtures or chattels. This way, the right of ownership of the same assets would be determinable upon Jarvis show of proof that he legally owns the realty. The first legal test that Jarvis must pass in claiming the cooker, wardrobes and fountain is the right to the property. Secondly, the proper legal definitions of a fixture and chattel would then follow. Having settled the dues and by virtue of the freehold title in his position, this condition has been met. A fixture is defined as a chattel which is fixed in or on a property such as land in a way that it becomes part of the property in question. Any item such as a cistern or water filled heater fixed in a house to fill a space is regarded as a fixture by law. On the other hand, a fitting or chattel is an item, which is separate from the realty and moveable with minimal damage to the realty or the property at the centre of the transaction. A fitting may be regarded as a fixture if it is embedded to a building or a piece of land. For example, prior to the installation of a radiator system, the item is a chattel, but immediately it is installed, it becomes part of the property and is, thus regarded as fixture. There are two primary legal tests used in common law to determine whether a property is a chattel or a fixture: the method and level of annexation; and the object and purpose of annexation. The courts use the Section 62 Law of

How Teachers Can Identify Talented Students Term Paper

How Teachers Can Identify Talented Students - Term Paper Example It is imperative for teachers to first understand what giftedness or talent is, in order to determine whether a student is talented or not.   According to  Goodhew (2009), a person is said to be talented if he or she is unique in one or more aspects when compared to other individuals within the same age bracket. Talented students have specific learning attributes that enable them to attain excellent performance in comparison to those around them. Such talented learners often require distinctive education services or programs, which supersede those conventionally provided by regular education programs.   Without such perks, talented students may fail to develop their identity and ability to contribute optimally to society. Teachers should note that talented children that have high-performance capacity usually demonstrate potential ability or overachievement in one or more of several areas.   These areas include particular academic aptitude, general intellectual capacity, produ ctive or creative thinking, leadership capacity, and proficiency in visual or performing arts. For effective talent identification, teachers must work closely with parents, so as to take note of information and observations made both at home and at school. With the preceding giftedness attributes in mind, teachers must commit themselves to play the crucial role of scouting for student talent. This implies that instructors must remain alert to potential talent signs in four principal areas including, intellectual/academic, technical/vocational, social/interpersonal and artistic matters. Chuska (2005) is emphatic that this process of identifying talent must be started at an early age and progress, as the student continues to grow and develop. Such continuity would serve to facilitate better development and delineation of the students’ interests and strengths. Therefore, instructors should know that talent identification is not a one-time occurrence that enables them to declare children talented solely at a particular time.

The role of International Financial Reporting Standards Essay

The role of International Financial Reporting Standards - Essay Example This facet consists of mathematical approach that most of managers do not have insight towards the norm and get scared of the mathematical issue. Other prevailing issue as per the management of numbers is that most of seniors as well as managers are busy that they do not have time give attention as far as the aspect of company data analysis and its interpretation is of more concern (Cunningham and Fiume 10-15). Many companies however, prefer to adapt the issue of numbers management for realizing their level of production. One of the companies that have adopted numbers management is the wall mart companies, one of the largest fashion companies on this world. Senior manager have articulated this norm with saying that their clients usually ask help to make them understand why workload within the company is at increase norm compared from the previous years Wal-Mart have been providing its services. Cumulatively, number management produces a stable, repeatable, and predictable pattern of variation in the output of a process as far as the aspect the aspect of business is taken into consideration. Some of the factors leading to the control of numbers and its management includes; capability of equipments, the level of training given to staff, and the choice and specification of paperwork/materials used in the process. Special Causes arise from time to time, with an unstable and unpredictable pattern. They are however, often within the control of staff or work-teams, for example in setting up and following procedures, using the correct paperwork or information (Cunningham and Fiume 21-25). Wall-mart being one of the outstanding business company worlds has had bad articulation as availed by Johnson. It is realized that in the year 2009 the company practiced manipulation on inventory counts, which is believed that it extended beyond Carmon supervised regions anticipated. As per the research, it showed that wall-mart organization decided to shrink rate of over 400 of their stores around the United States of America country, one of the issue that astonished Johnson, who was an employee and a senior manager by then. At the world of business, competition norm is evitable and that is why a standard practice comes at hand and makes us consider giving shrinkage rate of other stores an attention. Management of number generally affects only minority of people, equipment, procedures, or materials and a control Chart becomes the main tool used in SPC to give a visual representation of process performance based on data collected from the process. SPC helps one to identify any prevailing statistically significant variation that channelizes the aspect of corrective action. The Control Chart provides direction on when to take a concrete action and this in turn avoids the essence of error production. However, it also gives an oversight on when not to take an action and this avoids any possibility of over-adjustment or over-reacting from both the clients as well as employees (Cunningham and Fiume 32-36). Projecting the aspect of wall-mart numbers management, Johnson states that â€Å"It was a standard practice to look at [the shrink rates of] other stores because everyone competes with each other,† Johnson said. â€Å"When you see these overages in there that clearly should be investigated but the regional VP is saying ‘this is exactly what we're looking for,’ or ‘outstanding job,’ it is a point of concern,† Johnson said.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I think there is an unspoken culture at Wall-mart that a store is allowed to have excessive overages if it makes that store and the company look more profitable.†

Business and Employment Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Business and Employment Law - Essay Example it is the EEC (now known as the EU) that has had the most significance, particularly for law†2. Elliot further comments that in addition to the economic objectives, â€Å"it is intended that there should be increasing political unity, though there is some disagreement – particularly, though not exclusively in Britain – as to how far this should go†3. It is submitted that economic integration and the policy making of the EU is inherently dependent on legislation and therefore a central issue of importance is the ability of the EU institutional framework to effectively implement and regulate EU economic objectives at national level4. As an initial observation, Baimbridge and Whyman posit that the organisational model of the EU with the roles of the Commission, European Parliament and the European Court of Justice is its inherent weakness in achieving EU harmonisation5. In supporting this argument, they refer to the EU regulatory model as the democratic deficit of the EU framework â€Å"in terms of direct influence afforded to European citizens over the decision making process of the principle institutions†6. As such, the institutional framework clearly lends itself to conflict with the national political framework of member states. The focus of this paper is to critically evaluate the impact of European Union and EC law on the UK and business. Whilst the sheer complexity of multifarious issues raised by the impact of EC law and EU institutional policy making on the UK is outside the remit of this paper, in evaluating the issue this paper will focus on the policy initiatives of the EU, impact of legislation and undertake a contextual evaluation of the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 (â€Å"HRA†). The tension between European Community law (EC) and national law is arguably the most debated topic of constitutional law7. The convention of Parliamentary supremacy is rooted within the British constitution as a fundamental limb of the separation of powers

Ritz Carlton Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ritz Carlton - Case Study Example According to the hotels motto employees are considered as valuable and important as the customers they serve, "We are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen" (McDonald, 2004). The company believes that their employees are its greatest assets and should be treated as such. The hotel is very selective in hiring employees that they believe will be suitable for the job. They take in consideration the perspective employees personality and attitude rather than just hiring based on experience. This method allows the hotel to select employees that not only will provide excellent customer service but will also be happy with the job they are doing. According to a director of training at one the hotels locations, "If you want to achieve service excellence, you must select people who want to go with you" (Lampton, 2003). After they are hired, the hotel provides all employees with extensive training that prepares them to face any difficulties that they may encounter on the job. It is estimated that the Ritz-Carlton spends an average of $5000 training each new hire (McDonald, 2004). The secret to Ritz-Carlton's high employee retention rate is not high wages or perks. In fact, wages and benefits are equivalent to any other luxury hotel. The key to company's high retention rate is creating an environment in which employees feel that they are valued members of a dedicated team and are treated with respect. Employee birthdays are celebrated along with employment anniversaries (McDonald, 2004). Hotel leaders have high expectations from each staff member but do not expect them to perform tasks that they themselves cannot accomplish. Obviously, these methods are proving to be very effective since the annual employee turnover rate in Ritz-Carlton hotels is 25% while other luxury hotels have a rate of 44% (Lampton, 2003). Employees are involved in the process of change rather than having it forced upon them from hotel management. For example, at some hotel locations employees are videotaped performing everyday duties such as setting tables. Later, participating employees watch the videotape with management and discuss ways in which their service can be improved (Lampton, 2003). In addition, every employee has the power to spend up to $2,000 to resolve a guest's problem without having to ask management for approval. This hands on method results in a high employee satisfaction rate by giving employees more control over their profession and motivates them to do a better job by involving them directly in the change process (McDonald, 2004). The hotel has an open door policy when it comes to accessibility. Dissatisfied employees can easily talk to hotel managers about any problems that they may encounter on the job and ask for guidance. On a routine basis, employees are involved in 15-minute daily talks in which they discuss the core values of the hotel such as excellent customer service. This method enforces enthusiasm among the employees because they have a chance to share their work experiences with each other. The Ritz-Carlton is one of very few large companies that focuses attention on core values on a daily basis (McDonald, 2004). Although the hotel does an excellent job at making employees, feel valued and provides excellent training at times its methods can be a little

The characters in Of Mice and Men Essay Example for Free

The characters in Of Mice and Men Essay Many of the characters in Of Mice and Men have dreams. What are their dreams and how near are any of them to achieving what they want? Many characters have dreams and aspirations in the story Of Mice and Men and try to achieve them in different ways. Many characters have dreams and I will be discussing the dreams of: Candy, Crooks, Curley and his wife. Candy, Crooks and Curley wife all have similar dreams, which is to have freedom and equality. All three characters are treated with very little respect and are seen as lower class due to race, gender, age or disability. Dreams are very important to the characters as they help them to escape from reality even if only for a short while. Their dreams are also significant as they are hope that things will get better and are vital to keep spirits high. However, many peoples dreams were affected by the economic downfall that America experienced. The story is set in the 1930s, which was when America experienced the Wall Street crash. This was when the stock market collapsed and many Americans lost thousands of dollars they had invested. This caused mass homelessness and led to the great depression. During this era there was lots of prejudice and discrimination against black people, women, the elderly and the disabled. This affected them the worst as any time when life was getting tough they were hit much worse and were the first to experience suffering. This tough lifestyle encouraged people to dream as many people believed in the American Dream which was that everyone deserved a piece of prosperity if they worked hard enough. So a dream helped people to get by as it encouraged people to work hard and remain optimistic that they can succeed and it also helped people by temporarily escaping from reality. One character in the story called Candy had a dream but it was crushed when he busted his hand and he gave up. Candy is the first person George and Lennie meet on the ranch and he was the swamper. Later on in the novel Candy overhears George and Lennie speaking of their dream and he becomes involved as when he busted his hand he received compensation and offers his money and says he would cook for them. For example Candy says: I aint much good, but I can cook and tend the chickens. This dream is very important for Candy as he is getting old and needs to retire soon so he becomes very enthusiastic and optimistic about the dream and starts to realise that he may be able to retire and live happily. This is shown when Candy interrupts George and the way that he is being inquisitive. Candy then talks of the dream to Crooks even though George said not to talk about it to anyone else. When Candys dog dies there is a sense of dramatic irony as it is almost foreseeing a bad event is about to occur. Later Candy goes into the barn to check on Lennie but instead discovers a shocking sight, Curleys wife laying dead in the middle of the barn and he sense it is the end of the dream for example he says: Oh Jesus Christ! this shows his show and despair as he knows its only the beginning of bad events. However, Candy doesnt want to let the dream go and shows he wants to carry on dreaming as he says: You and me can get that little place, cant we George? Candy feels very strongly about the dream as he starts yelling at Curleys dead wife that she ruined their dream. This is shown when he says: You God dam tramp and You done it didnt you. Although Candy does get quite close to his dream with George and Lennie I do not think he will achieve his dream as his hope has now gone as he faces reality that he can not work on his own and make his dream come true. Candys hope did inspire Crooks to dream and at one stage Crooks was thinking about joining their dream. Candy thinks that Crooks is a nice fella for a black man and that although he is black they get on well. Candy also says The boss gives him hell when he mad. This shows that if the boss is angry he will take it out on Crooks due to his minority ethnicity in the 1930s. Crooks has lots of possessions including law books. This is shown in the following quote: And he had books, too; a tattered dictionary and a mauled copy of the California civic code for 1905. This shows us that he has an interest in law and his own rights. This gives us the impression that Crooks dreams of freedom as he keeps a law book on him so he knows what rights he does have even though there are very few. Crooks had a daydream about the past when he did not know of racism as a child and played with the white children unaware of the discrimination he was later to face. People treat Crooks with no respect yet he does not react but he doesnt have a choice as he is outnumbered and treated unfairly. Crooks does not mind Lennie and Candy visiting his room as they are similar to him as they are both treated with less respect due to mental or physical disabilities. When Crooks first hears about the dream he laughs at Lennie and says he is crazy. This is shown by the following quote: Youre as crazy as a wedge. What rabbits you talking about? This simile shows how crazy Crooks thinks Lennie is. . However, after Candy explains it all to him Crooks gets involved with it and says If you guys wanted a hand to work for nothing just for his keep, Id come and lend a hand. Then Curleys wife comes along and ruins the dream for Crooks by insulting the three of them. For example she calls them: A Nigger an a dum-dum and a lousy ol sheep Curleys wife then goes on to belittle Crooks even more by saying: Well, you keep your place then, Nigger. I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it aint even funny. This make Crooks go silent and he no longer wants to be in the dream. For example: Crooks seemed to grow smaller. This shows that Crooks has now been silenced and has to accept that he has no say once again. Crooks is nowhere near close to achieving his dream of freedom and equality, as there will be racism and intolerance for a long while. Crooks hope was shot down when Curleys wife came in and ruined his dream. Curleys wife is described as very purty but jail bait. This is because she is very pretty but she is very promiscuous so Curley gets suspicious when she talks to another guy and he would start a fight if he caught her. Lennie thinks that she is very attractive and this worries George as he has a history of going for attractive girls as he held a womans dress previously and caused trouble. I think Curleys wife is exactly how the men think of her, that she is a tart. This is because she goes around giving other men the eye and is always flirting with other men. However, she is only like this because Curley gives her very little attention and treats her with no respect so if she had a good husband she would act appropriately. Life is very tough for her on the ranch because all she wants is some love and attention what Curley does not give her and the other men do not either, as they are afraid of Curley. I think she turned nasty in Crooks room because they were reluctant to talk to her and she just flipped out of frustration. Curleys wife dreams of being in the movies and being a famous actor as she met a man who said she could be a star and ever since then she hoped for the best. This is shown when she says: An a guy told me he could of put me in pitchers. Curleys wife needed to have dreams as they kept her going and made her fell as though her life would one day get better and she could be a movie star. When Curleys wife was found dead it ruined everyones dream. George and Lennie could no longer get their own place as Lennie was about to be hunted down and Crooks and Candy could no longer get out of the ranch and live with them as the dream was fuelled entirely on Lennies enthusiasm. Curley was a terrible husband to his wife as he paid no attention to her whatsoever and maybe she was better off dead than living with him. For example Curleys Wife says: swell guy, aint he? this shows that she is being sarcastic and really telling them hes a bad husband. So far most of the character we met, apart from the boss and slim, have dreams; however, it is unlikely that anyone will fulfill these dreams as one small event could end on big dream. Contrasting dreams are important to different people and when the novel was set dreams were more significant due to the corrupt way of society back then. So dreams were hope, inspiration and optimism to those who were disliked by society and were at a disadvantage. The title of the novel Of Mice and Men was derived from the poem To A Mouse. John Steinbeck may have chosen this, as the meaning of to a mouse is that no plan is foolproof, which is what happens in the story as the dream was not definitely going to happen and it did not. He may have also done this as in To A Mouse Robert Burns says: The best laid schemes o mice an men Gang aft agley. This translates as the best-laid plans of mice and men often go astray. This is an overview of Of Mice and Men as the dream was well planned but it went wrong. No Matter how much you plan and how near you get nothing is set in stone.