Death of a Salesman Context Essay

Death of a Salesman is a play that consists of a HISTORICAL background which is key to understanding the play. It was written in 1949, just a few years after the World War ll was over, meaning the United States, where the play occurs, was going through many changes. For example, the war caused an increase in industrial production markets and non-farming business. For the poorest Americans, however, the economic situation was not improved as America started having high inflation, causing problems for the poorest citizens to purchase the basics. Also, the government started to create policies which helped larger corporate farmers but not smaller farmers. Happy, a sales clerk and Biff, a farm worker, had the lowest-paid jobs in the country, leading them to some trouble in maintaining dignity in society. For Americans, dignity and pride were very important things. Due to their victories during the war, Americans felt proud and had a feeling of superiority over the world. This lead to the ir need of proving that capitalism was better than communism. Because of this, Americans felt responsible for protecting their nation from any influences from communist Soviet Union. This period of time where Americans felt the obligation to achieve financial success in order to show gratitude for the liberty they had as a democratic society and also to defeat the Soviets is now called the Cold War era. During this period of time, people like Willy relied too much on long-term credit to show they were financially successful and ended up having trouble in giving their families the basics. In the play, this Cold War attitude is shown by Willy’s preoccupation with his position in society and financial status. Willy’s worry also represents some of the SOCIAL context in the play as he fears not being accepted in society; he wants to be â€Å"well liked†. American society changed after WWll. Before, people were motivated by morals and rules but after the Cold War era started, Americans became motivated bywhat others thought of th em. Willy represents the people in American society who lost their identity due to their need to achieve social standards. This idea is reflected at the end of the play where Biff says that Willy â€Å"didn’t know who he was.† This social change may have been a cause of POLITICAL change because, as a result of The Great Depression, American government became more influential on citizens’ daily lives.  Because of this, and also due to an increase in media communication such as radio and television, Americans started to feel like they belonged to a large, connected society and along came a desire to be accepted by their peers in society. Miller also shows some of the CULTURAL background behind the play through three of his main characters: Willy, Ben and Biff as the three of them, similar to many Americans at the time, show they are eager to achieve â€Å"The American Dream†. Two versions of the American Dream are mentioned in the play. One is represented by Willy, focused mostly on money which was a way Americans found to show they had the â€Å"freedom and liberty† to purchase material goods. The other version is shown through Biff and Ben with their â€Å"go West, young man† mythology representing the dream of having the liberty for new adventures. Leticia Hosang

Developmentally appropriate and child-centered curricula

Ensuring that curriculum in early childhood education is both developmentally appropriate and child-centered involves educators making decisions about the most relevant content to include in the curriculum based on the needs, interests and capabilities of the learners. Developmental psychologists such as Erik Erikson and Jean Piaget, have done extensive work in describing the cognitive changes that children go through throughout their lifetime. Knowledge of these changes is important in guiding decisions about curricula content, material and activities.Piaget proposed that each child moves progressively through each of four stages of cognitive development as they mature physically. These are the sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational and formal operational periods. At the early childhood level a child is in the sensorimotor and preoperational stages which lasts between ages zero (0) to two (2) years old and two (2) to seven (7) years respectively. Children first â€Å"le arn about their surroundings by using their senses and motor skills†.  (Slavin, 2000, p. 33).Edwards (2005) believes that these stage-based characteristics that Piaget has identified are important starting points for curriculum design as educators need to have a clear understanding of the characteristics of learners before any decision can be made about what curricula content to deliver to them. In designing an early childhood curriculum Jalongo, Fennimore, Pattnaik, Laverick, Brewster, and Mutuku (2004) contend that the child must figure at the center of this process.As a results the developmental needs of the child must be first and foremost in the mind of the educator as decisions are made about curricula content and structure. First and foremost an early childhood curricula must be specific to the early childhood level. Jalongo et al (2004) caution that early childhood programs must be designed specifically for early childhood education â€Å"rather than replicate the c urriculum and pedagogy that characterizes later academic experiences† (p. 145). Consequently tasks should be so designed so that they are manageable based on the cognitive and physical capabilities of the children.Additionally the designers of curricula material need to ensure that such programs and the material that go along with them are innovative. Educators in the field should work collaboratively in deciding on the most appropriate material to include in the curriculum. Moreover when it comes to actual classroom implementation the curriculum should be used as a guide and not as an absolute (Jalongo et al, 2004). This means that teachers should be flexible in implementing aspects of the curriculum based on the unique needs of their particular set of learners.Furthermore curricula should be continuously improved to reflect new knowledge about how children at the early childhood level learn. For each group of students the curriculum should be adopted to better serve their ne eds and challenges. Consideration must be given to the particular ethnic, cultural, and language characteristics of the children concerned and seek to meet them where they are. This means that, rather than trying to force children into a pre-made mold, educators must ensure that the children are the basis used in constructing the mold.Evidently the task of designing developmentally appropriate curriculum, though it is left mainly up to the educator who interacts most intimately with the students, must take into account the specific needs, interests and capabilities of learners. Educators cannot leave the child out of planning the early childhood curriculum. Failure to include the group at which early childhood programs are geared will only result in failure both on the part of the educator and the learner. References Edwards, S. (2005, Mar). Children’s learning and developmental potential: Examining the theoretical informants of early childhood curricula from the educator’s perspective. Early Years, 25(1), 67–80. Jalongo, M. R., Fennimore, B. S., Pattnaik, J., Laverick, D. M., Brewster, J. & Mutuku, M. (2004, Dec). Blended perspectives: A global vision for high-quality early childhood education. Early Childhood Education Journal, 32(3), 143-155. Slavin, R. E. (2000). Educational Psychology: Theory and Practice. (6th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

Create-A-Greeting-Card College Scholarship Contest

With college costs on the rise, more and more families are looking for ways to bridge the gap between what they can afford to pay and the price of tuition and fees. Fortunately, a number of independent scholarships exist to help students attend their dream colleges. While securing these scholarships isn’t as simple as filling out the FAFSA form, students who are willing to put in the time and effort can often secure significant amounts of money toward financing their college education. Different scholarship opportunities exist to recognize students with various talents, skills, and interests. For high school students who are artistically minded, it might be worth considering the Gallery Collection’s Create-A-Greeting-Card College Scholarship Contest. The winner of this award receives a $10,000 college scholarship, with an additional $1,000 award going to the student’s high school. The Create-A-Greeting-Card contest invites applicants to use their innate talent and creativity to design a holiday, get well, or birthday greeting card. To apply, simply submit a work of art, computer graphic, or photo intended for the front side of a greeting card. Each image must be submitted in JPEG format and be two megabytes or fewer in size. Entries will be judged based on the following factors: Candidates can view current designs online at www.gallerycollection.com . To apply for this scholarship, you must be a high school, college, or university student who is currently enrolled in school. All applicants must be U.S. citizens. If you have additional questions or concerns about the requirements, feel free to contact the Gallery Collection online at scholarshipadmin@gallerycollection.com . Estimating your chance of getting into a college is not easy in today’s competitive environment. Thankfully, with our state-of-the-art software and data, we can analyze your academic and extracurricular profile and estimate your chances. Our profile analysis tool can also help you identify the improvement you need to make to enter your dream school. It’s not enough simply to hope you get a scholarship for college. Savvy students seek out a variety of contests and programs offering scholarships to reduce the cost of their degrees. Fortunately, you don’t have to look far to find lucrative opportunities. Not only do a number of high schools boast scholarship programs targeted toward college-bound students, but many community organizations offer contests as well. You can discover scholarship programs through your town or city, church, Lions club, or even businesses in your community. When deciding which scholarships to target, students often ignore contests with smaller awards. While you might be hesitant to invest time and energy into applying for a $500 scholarship, the truth is that these awards can add up quickly. After all, winning five $500 scholarships is the same as securing one worth $2500. Moreover, the number of applicants might be lower because of the smaller potential payout. So your odds of winning might be higher with these contests. Similarly, scholarship contests that require a lot of work tend to draw a smaller applicant pool. After all, busy high school seniors are often hesitant to invest their time in writing lengthy essays or shooting video submissions. According to one Money.com article , scholarships requiring 1000-word essays tend to receive fewer than 500 submissions. So don’t be afraid to put in a little extra effort to score some additional funding. Unlike student loans, scholarships represent financial awards that don’t have to be paid back. So it’s only logical to apply to a wide range of contests and opportunities. At , we created our Applications Program to help students gain admission to their dream schools and find the financing they need to make their dreams a reality. From creating a custom roadmap for the applications process to filling out FAFSA and scholarship forms, we help students best the competition. To learn more about our services, call today or contact our team online.

Reading response Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 39

Reading response - Essay Example Nevertheless, a writer should have the capacity to overcome the counterclaims on his argument. Olsson argues that Wal-Mart is one of the multinational companies that underpays, mistreats, and overworks its employees. She also argues that Wal-Mart has been fighting off unions that advocate for workers’ rights. Olsson argues that Wal-Mart employees must have a second job to survive unless an employee is a manager or has been working at the company for more than 20 years. According to Olsson, the company has been pushing employees to maximize all their potential to reap maximum benefits and cut costs without hiring more employees. The author supports the former and current Wal-Mart employees’ right to fight the company for violating wage-and-hour laws. Olsson accommodates counterclaims by recognizing Wal-Mart’s policies and views on employees’ treatment, compensation, and right to join unions. She also accommodates the company’s response to complaints of unpaid overtime. She stated, â€Å"Wal-Mart blames unpaid overtime on individual departmen t managers, insisting that such practices violate company policy† (Olsson, 2003). Olsson also considers the dominant complaints about understaffing and low pay as well as the company’s response on training and promoting female managers. However, Olsson addresses all the counterclaims by treating Wal-Mart as a unique case by considering its size and potential as well as the employees’ right to fair pay and treatment. She also refutes the counterclaims by quoting the wage-and-hour laws. In the reading â€Å"Progressive Wal-Mart. Really,† Mallaby argues that the anti-Wal-Mart campaign brewing in Maryland and across America is trivial, ironic, and comic. He argues that preventing the company from opening new branches will bring suffering to poor Americans since it will limit ordinary families from sharing the health benefits and food relief offered by the company. Mallaby argues that Wal-Mart

Financial Market Assessment Bahrain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Financial Market Assessment Bahrain - Essay Example The Index of Economic Freedom measures countries against a list of 50 independent variables divided into 10 broad factors of economic freedom. Low scores are more desirable. The higher the score, the greater the level of government interference in the economy and the less economic freedom a country enjoys. These 50 variables are grouped into ten categories: Trade policy, Fiscal burden of government, Government intervention in the economy, Monetary policy, Capital flows and foreign investment, Banking and finance, Wages and prices, Property rights, Regulation, and Informal market activity. As shown in Table 1, Bahrain ranked 20th of 155 countries (North Korea is 155th). Using the table, we can make a quick comparison of Bahrain and Hong Kong (HKG), the country with the highest economic freedom, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain's closest competitor for the title of the Middle East's financial capital. As Table 1 shows, Bahrain had the same scores as HKG in five out of ten categories, but in one of these (Fiscal burden), it scored higher (meaning, it performed worse) than the UAE, which is developing Dubai to compete with Bahrain. Since our paper is a study of Bahrain's competitive weaknesses in financial markets, we have a tool we can use to know what it should fix if it wants to win the competition with Dubai. The comparison with the United States gives us a better idea of how Bahrain fares in economic freedom. The U.S. is ahead only by a margin of two: better in three categories: Trade policy, Government intervention, and Informal market; worse in one: Fiscal burden; and tied in the rest. We now look briefly at where Bahrain did well. Then, by focusing on those where it scored badly, we can come out with the basic tools to analyze the degree of openness of Bahrain's financial sector. Bahrain's Good Points1 Bahrain scored well in four areas: monetary policy, banking and finance, wages and prices, and property rights. The main reasons for these are: Monetary Policy. Measured on the basis of the weighted average annual inflation rate of 0.04 percent, Bahrain is stable. Banking and Finance. Bahrain's banking and finance sector has very few restrictions. It is relatively easy to establish a bank; there are few, if any, restrictions or requirements on new banks; and foreign banks are welcome. At the end of 2003, there were 25 commercial banks, mostly foreign, and foreigners and Bahrainis alike have ready access to credit on market terms. The banking system is sound and undergoes examination and supervision by the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA), which has a solid international reputation. Efforts are being made to increase the liquidity of the Bahrain Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened in 1989. The government allows Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) nationals to own 100% stakes in firms listed on the BSE and increased the proportion that could be owned by other foreigners to 49%. The Minister of Commerce has announced that ownership for non-GCC nationals will be increased to 100% by end-2005. Wages and Prices. Bahrain, despite issuing a minimum wage law, improved its wages and prices regimes in the past year, reducing its influence over setting of domestic prices. It liberalized its telecommunications sector, where it had monopoly power, and reduced state power over

South Africa Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

South Africa - Research Paper Example According to the research paper "South Africa" findings, South Africa has been inhabited by modern humans for approximately 170 000years, with the two historically dominant groups being the Zulu and Xhosa people. The Dutch colonized South Africa in 1652. Slave transport from Madagascar, Indonesia and India by the Dutch colonists led to increased migration into South Africa. The discovery of gold and diamonds led to conflicts between the Boers and the British, with British and Boer settlers claiming land in the East and North of the country (Fox, 2008). This, in turn, caused conflicts with the Zulu, Xhosa and the Afrikaner groups, mainly for territory. The Zulu grew in strength in the early 19th century, under Shaka the Zulu, and expanded their territory, which ultimately led to the crushing of the1820s, and the rise of the Matebele, under Mzilikazi. In 1830, the Boers, also Voortrekkers, migrated to Orange Free State, Natal and Transvaal region, to get away from British rule and foun ded states in these regions. The mineral revolution of 1867 and 1884 increased immigration and intensified the subjugation by the European settlers of the indigenous people (Fox, 2008). The South African Union was formed by the 1909 South Africa act, following three and a half years of negotiating, becoming a British Empire dominion. The 1913 natives’ land act restricted quite severely indigenous ownership of land. Following a referendum, solely by whites, South Africa gained republic status and the British monarchy was no longer head of state. With legislation for apartheid, most western countries boycotted doing business with South Africa. Nelson Mandela was jailed, and released after 27 years, when he negotiated the end of apartheid. This led, in 1994 to universal elections, won by the ANC (Fox, 2008). South Africa, however, still continues to suffer from chronic unemployment, especially among its indigenous population, and a rising number of poor white citizens. With info rmation and knowledge, it is hoped that Kelly Services will better understand the people of South Africa and the dynamics of their relationships; economically, politically and socially. Dress Code and Business Etiquette In South African banks, companies and other business enterprises, businessmen dress in suits, or if the weather is hot, as it often is, the dress code can sometimes be casual. During summer, men dress in suits, with short-sleeved shirts under their coats, and when they leave the office, they normally discard their stifling coats (Fox, 2008). During meetings business and casual encounters, South Africans shake hands, with firm handshakes being preferable and appreciated. It is also part of the South African culture to acknowledge and address persons of advanced age first. Meetings are also held on appointment, with the South African people valuing punctuality (Fox, 2008). Negotiations are also accepted as a method of doing business in South Africa, although the people prefer to close the deal straight away. It is also necessary to note that they value the generation of realistic figures in these negotiations, with prices

Location and Layout of IKEA Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Location and Layout of IKEA - Assignment Example Elements pertaining to prospective customers become crucial considerations in creating the internal environment of retail stores and outlets that embodies its marketing philosophy, and finding the site that best supports its marketing strategy. Ikea is an internationally renowned furniture company with a global presence and strong market following. Its key strategy is to provide quality at affordable cost; its vision is to enable everybody, regardless of economic wealth or status, to be able to acquire beautifully designed and well manufactured furniture at reasonable prices. In order to realize this vision, costs must be kept down and distribution made more efficient, which are the most important objectives in the location and layout of Ikea stores. ... 1.0 Introduction The management decision about where to locate the firm’s productive facilities is always a critical strategic consideration for the firm, because it involves a long term investment, and it impacts on cost efficiency and therefore profitability. Layout is likewise of critical concern because the manner in which facilities are appointed either support or constrain smooth operations. While these aspects of a business are important in all types of operations such as manufacturing, it is in in the retail distribution function (whether in goods or services) that both layout and location play a crucial role, because of the interface it creates between the firm’s productive activities and its intended market. Ikea is a retail company whose stores’ location and layout designs are governed by the company philosophy; as a consequence, these aspects of the business have assumed unique characteristics that have provided the firm both advantages and disadvanta ges. 2.0 Literature Review Layout concerns â€Å"the optimum arrangement of facilities including personnel, operating equipment, storage space, material handling equipment, and all other supporting services along with the design of the best structure to contain all these facilities† (Moore, 1962 as cited in Kumar & Suresh, 2006, p. 14). Traditionally, the basic types of layout are fixed position, process, cell, and product layout schemes (Slack, et al., 2010). There are numerous combinations of these basic types, and in detailing one particular design in a retail centre, important considerations are market strategy and flow of people and materials. Location of facilities is â€Å"a long term capacity decision which involves a long-term commitment about the geographically static factors that affect a

About indentifying the most significant issues facing cities in the Essay

About indentifying the most significant issues facing cities in the 21st century and discuss some possible solutions .. 600 word - Essay Example Some of the major causes of air pollution include fossil fuels from power-generating stations, factories, release of hydrocarbons from petroleum refineries, radioactive fallout, pesticides and insecticides, and mining operations. Pimentel states, â€Å"Air pollution from smoke and various chemicals kills 3 million people a year†. Some of the effects of air pollution on heath include eyes and throat infections, pneumonia, heart diseases, lung cancer, and skin problems. Air pollution can be reduced using some effective ways. Some of those ways include using electric heaters instead of coal heaters, using solar cars instead of fuel-powered cars, and closing the doors for almost half an hour after using pesticides and insecticides. Water pollution is another type of environmental pollution that causes adverse effects on the health of humans, plants, and animals if not treated properly. Some of the major sources of water pollution include industrial waste, inorganic substances like chemical waste, water storage tanks, and hazardous waste sites. If the concerned authorities take no proper sanitation measures, water contamination can put adverse effects on the health of marine and human life. Some of the effects on humans include different kinds of bacterial, viral, and protozoal infections. Some diseases like typhoid, paratyphoid fever, Cholera, dental carries, and hepatitis are closely associated with water pollution. Water pollution can be treated using many ways. Some of those ways include creating awareness among people regarding harms associated with water pollution and developing proper sanitary systems. Soil pollution is the third type of environmental pollution, which causes adverse effects on the health of living creatures. One of the major sources of soil pollution is the chemical processes, which are used to take out the minerals

The military relationship between Qatar and the United States Essay

The military relationship between Qatar and the United States - Essay Example Similarly, the states in the Middle East have been seeking to relate with the United States in a manner that promotes their political, security, and economic interests. Historical records indicate that the first contacts between these two can be traced to the late eighteenth century when there were efforts to sustain relations between them. This was particularly reflected through American missionaries who were spreading Christianity in Middle East and Africa. Apart from spreading Christianity, they were also establishing educational institutions, primarily in Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon (Shunnaq 2012). In Post-World War II period, the United States has been seeking to maintain relations with the Middle East based on prevailing interests, mainly supply of oil and promoting security and democracy in the region. It should be noted that the relationship of the United States and the Middle East has also been largely shaped by how it relates with the Israeli state and conversely how Isra el is relating with the other states in the Middle East (Hahn 2005). Political analysts and historians argue that the Israel-Palestinian conflict has significantly shaped the United States policy in the Middle East. In addition, the recent happenings in Syria have been critical in defining how the United States relates with the Middle East, and vice-versa. ... States like Iran, Lebanon, and Syria are yet to warm to cordial relationship with the United States (Blanchard 2011). This paper will discuss the United States policy with specific reference to the military relationship between the United States and Qatar. Qatar is a small peninsular state that borders Saudi Arabia in the Gulf of Persia. It is a constitutional monarchy being headed by the Emir, Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. It gained full independence on 3rd September, 1971 from Britain. The Emir is the head of government and has the mandate of appointing members of the governing Council of ministers, headed by Prime Minister Abdallah bin Khalifa Al-Thani, who is the monarch’s brother (Fromherz 2011). It has a constitution that was approved in April 2003 and it stipulates that the state rule is hereditary within the family of Al-Thani. It further stipulates that the future successors will follow the Emir’s male offspring line. In addition, the constitution states that the re shall be a legislative authority residing in the hands of Advisory Council of 45 members, two-thirds of whom are elected directly, while one-third are appointees of the Emir. Natural gas and oil production is the backbone of Qatar’s robust economy, which has been experiencing an average annual economic growth of 9 percent over the last half a decade. It has signed a number of agreements with the United States energy companies such as ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips. As regards its foreign policy, Qatar is a United Nations’ member, as well as being a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organization of Islamic Conference, the Arab League, and the Organization of

Managing Organisational Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Managing Organisational Change - Essay Example Recent advancements in technology and globalization have rendered the business environment full of changes. For instance, the emergence of mobile adaptability and social media has resulted in an increase in the need for change. Paying attention to detail has raised the stakes for failed business efforts pilling pressure on the struggling executives. With this so much change going on in the business environment, firm need to learn how to adapt to these changes. Organizational changes ensure that changes are smoothly and successfully implemented in order to attain long-lasting benefits. Change occurs due to the pressure of both external and internal forces in the firm. The paper will discuss technology advancements and change of managerial personnel as external and internal forces of change in an organization respectively. The paper will go ahead and relate how these pressures have impacted on Group Danone. Technological advancements have a secondary influence of increasing the availability and accountability of change. Therefore, to remain and survive in the business environment, the management needs to be alert to any changing forces and make a response by initiating changes within the organization. Palmer, Dunford and Akin, (2009:358) argue that the images for managing change include the director, navigator, caretaker, coach, interpreter, and nurturer. For instance, during the course of change, the director is tasked with the responsibility of designing the process of change and directing people to adhere in that the change is attained as planned. The navigator designs the change process in order to best fit the conditions experienced. The caretaker role is attained are attained due to environmental factors. The coach is tasked assisting the members of the organization to develop within themselves the abilities prerequisite for success. For a change to be effective, the organizations need to ensure that the employees are in support of

Earl Jones - Scams and Fraud Essay Example for Free

Earl Jones Scams and Fraud Essay Earl Jones was born in Montreal on June 24, 1963. He started to work at Montreal TRUST for over 16 years; he worked 8-10 different positions including investment management, estates, trust administration, will planning and manager of the mortgage department. In 1970 Jones left the company to start his own business, he began holding courses on taking care of finances. He then launched a company he called â€Å"Earl Jones Consultant and Administration Corporation, an administrative and financial advising† (Gazette, 2010). He began to make withdrawals from his bank account, into which he deposited his client’s money. Earl Jones is a â€Å"White Collar Criminal† which is â€Å"members of the rich and powerful who used their positions for personal gain ignoring the law and the consequences for others. He surmised that white-collar criminals damaged the social relations between citizens and their government, clients and professionals and consumers and corporations† (Sutherland, 1940). Earl Jones grew up in a family whom barley made it by with money, this contributed to his personality later in life. Earl Jones felt the need to fulfill his desires of better schools for their children, keeping up the appearance of greater wealth than he was able to afford as a status symbol (Sutherland, 1940). Earl Jones scheme works by simply paying old investors the funds collected with new investors. The fraud can only continue just as long as there was a continued flow of new investors. Jones had made a promise to his clients that they will achieve an above normal rate of return. (Moffatt, 2012). In 2005 Jones set up nine mortgages valued nearly two million dollars; he convinced many of his clients to re-mortgage their homes. In 2008 he switched to, a commercial account, he still continued to print ‘in trust’ on cheques he was using with clients. Earl Jones had claimed to be a financial advisor. All the payments he had made showed as an administrative expensive. Jones convinced clients that he would invest their funds to generate high returns with little or no risk. Earl Jones seemed like a very friendly and trustworthy guy. Investors considered him to be a part of the family, most calling him â€Å"Uncle Jones†. Jones targeted his family and his immediate circle of friends, then he started to convince widows with a paid off house to take out a new mortgage so he could invest the loan and get a higher return (Maclellan, 2009). Many people have been hurt in Earl Jones scheme; obviously the initial victims lost their money and were very angry. His family lost the most in this scheme. His wife and daughters experienced many emotions from anger to losing all hope to depression and disappointment. His family knew him as a loving husband, devoted father, and a respected member of the community. When his wife and daughters had figured out what he was really about, they stated him â€Å"as a man we can scarcely believe exists† (CBCNEWS, 2009). Jones had left his family with zero financial means to face the future; his family now needs to become members of local charities, to have basic needs such as food and medication, they also need to worry about finding places to sleep. Earl Jones was sentenced to eleven years in prison. He has pleaded guilty to scamming 158 clients of $50 million dollars in the scheme he had operated for over more than two decades. The punishment does not fit his crime, he had ruined several people’s lives, not only robbing them of their money, but he took their freedom and self-esteem (The Gazette, 2010). In comparison to the punishment given to American Ponzi scheme Bernard Madoff who was sentenced 150 years in jail which is the maximum sentence allowed, Bernard pleaded guilty of 11 felony counts including security fraud, money laundering and perjury. Bernard has scammed clients of $65 billion dollars (New York Times, 2013). Jones sentence does not seem appropriate seeing as he has stolen $50 million dollars from his clients and would have continued this scheme if he was not caught. According to ‘Theories and History of enterprise/white collar crimes’ the theory â€Å"Rational Choice – Need† is appropriate for Earl Jones conduct because â€Å"some individuals are driven by psychological or financial needs to commit crime. Executives may feel the need to keep up the appearance of greater wealth than they are able to afford as a status symbol, or to stroke their egos. Blue collar workers may feel the need to take things to augment their incomes to keep pace with inflation† (Sutherland, 1940). Earl Jones grew up in a family that could barely get by, making him become a needy person in the future, always wanting more. Earl Jones had stolen millions of dollars from his loved ones and his close friends, this proves that he would do anything for money and always wanted to be looked at as a rich person whom always kept up his appearance and style. References The Gazette. (2010). Earl Jones Scandal. Retrieved from: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/earl-jones/index.html Sutherland, E. (1940). White Collar Criminality. Handout presented at SOCS10261G, Sheridan College, Oakville. Moffatt, M. (2012). Ponzi Scheme. Retrieved from: http://economics.about.com/od/financialmarkets/f/ponzi_scheme.htm Macelellan, N. (2009). Earl Jones – A Canadian Ponzi. Retrieved from: http://beforeyouinvest.ca/2009/07/earl-jones-canadian-ponzi/ CBCNEWS. (2009) Ponzi Scheme Suspects Family express ‘Grief, Shame’. Retrieved from: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/story/2009/07/20/earl-jones-family-statement.html The New York Times. (2013). Bernard L. Madoff. Retrieved from: http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/bernard_l_madoff/index.html

HR Activities: Nestle, Pakistan

HR Activities: Nestle, Pakistan Abstract The research pursues an eminent theme of human resource management, the costs and benefits of human resource activities in an organization. Importance of the HR-activities in an organization can not be under estimated, as the HR-activities directly or indirectly influence the performance of the organization. The following research will study the costs and benefits of HR-activities and its long-term and short-term influence on the performance of Nestlà ©, Pakistan. The study will be useful in those organizations which prospect an increment in the performance related to the HR-activities. The study will also identify if which activities are beneficial and less cost incurring for the organization, and how managers can make the investment decisions regarding the HR-activities. The positivism along with qualitative method of research have been adopted for the study, data will be collected from primary and as well as secondary resources. Research will be pursuing the objectives of the stu dy and will contribute to the vast subject of human resource management, namely the Human resource activities, the costs and benefits associated and its influence on the performance and management decisions. 1. Introduction: 1.1. Nestlà ©: The Case under Discussion Nestlà © headquartered in Switzerland, is a multinational organization carting the human needs and having its substantial presence in more than 86 larger countries of the world. Nestlà © has been serving Pakistani consumers since 1988. With market capitalisation increasing yearly at average rate of 28% till 2008, Nestlà © Pakistan having great diversity of workforce, employed 2377 people in 2008, with a net profit of 3005 (PKR) billion, which grew by 94% in 2009, Nestle shared 20.7 % of its profit to its employees in 2009. Nestlà © Pakistan has designed a number of programs to develop the human resources activities e-g world-wide training programs, benefit and compensation programs, adoption of new technologies etc. The following research will look into the costs and benefit of HR-activities of Nestlà © Pakistan, how these activities are conducted, invested and developed to achieve the objectives of the HR-unit and organization as a whole. 1.2. Background Good people produce good customers; is the philosophy of modern era. Efficient and effective human resources are vital for the successful organizations. An organization is said to be exultant if its human resources activities enhance its performance. It is very difficult task to manage the human resources in competitive and challenging environment. Organizations should consider specific proportion of the profit for investment in Human Resources to achieve high returns. Human resource activities mean the actions performed within all functions of the human resource management. Usually Human Resource activities include Payroll, Benefits, Recruiting, Training, Labour Relations, and Human Resources Information Systems. The reason of the following research is to study the costs and benefits of the HR-activities of Nestlà ©, Pakistan, to know that how Nestlà © develop and use its HR-activities to run its business successfully. What value the HR-activities are adding towards the Nestlà ©. 1.3. Rationale HR activities play key role in the development of organizational performance. So investment in Human Resource activities is an important decision to achieve the various objectives of the organization. However, investing without setting the clear objectives can prove to be disastrous for the business. Cost-benefit analysis should be kept in consideration before making the investment plan for HR-activates. Nestlà © has strived to achieve the best results through the strong strategies related to the investment in HR-activities. The intention to conduct this research is to explore the issues related to the costs and benefit of HR-activities at Nestlà ©, how Nestlà © develop its cost-benefit analysis, how it makes its HR related decisions and to what extent these decision are successful. Nestlà © has to evaluate the cost and benefit of an activity before investing in it, e-g should Nestle invest in training of existing employees or recruit new people with the required skills. To know whether to invest in the training program or in the recruitment program, organization must project the costs and possible benefits of the both HR-activities, and then take the relative decision. The research will probe that how Nestlà © decides about the human resource activities, how it considers the costs, benefits, and how it decides that whether the activity will be outsourced or will be performed within the organization. The research will be helpful to the small and large organizations working in the same industry. It may help managers about how to decide about investing the different HR-activities and what could be the possible choices and ways they can perform these activities, and which activities can be beneficial and less cost incurring. The research has been divided into five sections, after covering the detailed introduction, the next section will discuss the preliminary review of the literature, and the third section of the research will cover the methods. Fourth section of the research will consist of the interpretations and findings and fifth section of the research will comprise of the discussion, limitations and recommendations. 1.4. Research Question The research will focus on the costs and benefits of the human resource activities at Nestlà ©, Pakistan. Hence the research question is, Why to invest in the HR-activities, the costs and benefits of HR-activities at Nestlà © Pakistan. 1.5. Aims and Objectives Besides pursuing the research problem, the research will pursue the following aims and objectives: To elaborate that which human resource activities are being conducted at Nestlà ©. How these activities affect the overall performance of Nestlà ©. To investigate that how Nestlà © make investment decisions about different HR-activities To explore that how much human resources costs to Nestlà © and how much return the it is getting back from these activities in both monitory and non monitory terms, and which are the activities giving higher return and incurring lower costs at Nestlà © To describe that how Nestlà © , Pakistan is deciding about the HR-activity, whether it is out sourcing the activities or performing it within the organization To discuss the issues related to human resources at Nestlà © To achieve the following objectives, firstly research will study the organization (Nestlà ©) thoroughly, its HR Unit, and HR-activities will be studied deeply, and related data will be gathered from available resources to achieve research objectives. 2. Preliminary Review of the Literature Human resources are the part and parcel of the management from the day of commencement of the idea of a business; According to Guest (1997) human resources are required to carry the business activities of the organization. In the past, HRM was known as the personnel management. However, with the advent of humanistic movement the concept of personnel management was broadened and it covered many other aspects which were not included previously in the subject. It was the time when HRM was realized as a vital part of the business to sustain. It was the time when researches on recruitment, wages, leave and leisure were revised, Employees and employers relations were redefined and concepts of monetary benefits for the workers were introduced with social benefits. Today human resources are considered the most important asset of an organization and the philosophy of having good human resources is vital to ensure the good customers and better performance of the organization. 2.1. HR Activities: Human resource activities are the functions and actions performed with in the business by the people of the organization. Armstrong (2006) conducted a study; the purpose of the study was to analyse the importance of the activity and suggest the HR-managers to evaluate the benefit of the HR-activity under consideration. Human resources in any organization have to perform some stereo type functions like Payroll, Benefits, Recruiting, Training, Labour Relations, employees planning, selection, interviews, placement, transfers, development and Human Resources Information Systems etc., and a crucial practice is to calculate the benefit of each single activity, because every organization incurs a cost on each HR-activity. The justification of the existence of the activity must be provided. In the broader perspective it is one of the basic jobs of HR department in the recent era of high competition to justify the existence of a particular activity to interpret the costs incurred and benefits gained out of the activity. Study concluded that without calculating the benefit for a HR-activity, organization may invest or incur cost on a wasteful activity and benefit out of that activity may be less than the cost incurred. Managers should first conduct the cost-benefit of the activity; this way organization minimizes the wastes. 2.2. Why to invest in HR-activities? There might be an argument as to why invest in HR-activities, which activities to be invested in and why? Amit and Shoemaker (1936) conducted a study according to which, human resources becomes the invisible tools to promote the organization and develops the core competencies. According to Becker et al. (2001), the purpose of the study was to know that how investments in HR-functions create value through out the organization. It directs the managers to project that which activity should be invested and why. Managers should clarify their goals before embarking on costing a project to ensure that the return over the investment exceed the cost. The more worthwhile activity according to the authors is to calculate the cost-per-hire or to determine the most effective way to increase employee competencies (training) in a certain area; HR-score card can also help managers to identify the most salient HR achievable(s) and deliverables. These elements should be primary focus of cost-benefit analysis of the HR-activities; strategic importance, financial significance, widespread impact, links to a business element of considerable variability, focus on a key issue, problem, or decision facing line managers. Study concluded that the HR-activities influence the over all performance of the organization, so when investing in these activities managers should keep in view that how a particular activity will be beneficial for the organizational performance and for its long term and short term objectives. According to Arthur (1994), the role of HR-activities for the organization is very crucial. This causality may or may not be calculated in term of money only. The monetary or non-monetary aspect of the correct selection of the activity could lead towards the corresponding performance of the selected activity and the benefit towards the organizational goals. For example, the training cost incurred on an employee can be seen as expenditure but when these employees help the organization to have a competitive advantage, it is not calculable in terms of money only, but it will enhance the performance of the organization may be in terms of higher quality of the product, higher productivity, lower absenteeism, lower turn over or greater satisfaction from the job. So the research concluded that it is necessary to invest into the HR-activities. However; According to Barney (1986), organizations that compare the costs and benefits of these HR activities, Should keep into consideration that the benefits out of the HR-activities will be received into the future. 2.3. Cost-benefits of HR practices: All HR practices involve a substantial level of costing but there is a resultant benefit out of the activities for the organization. The realization of the cost of the whole process or any of the practice therefore may easily be identified but the benefits of the whole process and its parts, are not identifiable just in terms of money but there can be some non-monetary benefits as well, (Becker and Gerhart, 1996). Boudreau (1990) conducted a research; the purpose of the research was to apply the cost-benefit analysis to HRM decisions. Cost-benefit analysis is a technique through which the decisions regarding the human resources activities can be made. The cost and benefit analysis consist of the relevant cost of the activity and the benefit out of it, which assist in decision making. It is widely used to make consistent, organized and accurate decisions. Although most of the decision making techniques focus on dollar value but the cost-benefit analysis can be used to improve the decisions and can make usage of the information more effective. Therefore, cost-benefit analysis is a simple method that assists to recognize the positive and as well as the negative outcomes of the decision choices to improve the quality, efficiency and communicability of the decision. The research concluded that the cost-benefit analysis can be used; to justify the expenditure on HR-activities and programs, it can he lp in improving the quality of the human resources, it can help in decision making regarding the investment in alternative HR-activities (such as training versus selection, or two different compensation systems), it can help in managing the uncertainty and reduces the risk of failure, and it can help in determining that when to invest in human resources and to forecast the outcomes. Further the research concluded that the cost-benefit models are compatible with financial analysis, but they are different from human resource accounting, because it focuses on HR-decisions. According to Rauschenberger and Schmidt (2005), methods that allow estimating the dollar impact of human resource programs are now available to Industrial-Organizational psychologists and other human resource professionals. These Dollar estimates have been established for numerous recruitment, selection and training programs. But even then the large part of the work has gone unobserved by typical business communities. The human resource professionals and Industrial-Organizational psychologists are unable to communicate their research findings in a clear and credible way to organizational decision makers. The research concluded that Industrial-Organizational psychologists and other technical human resource professionals should place more emphasis on adequately communicating cost-benefit estimates to managers and other organizational decision makers, to improve the decision making regarding the HR-activities. Cost-Benefit Analysis can also help in knowing that whether it would be beneficial for an organization the in-house production of its HR-activities or not and what will be the cost-benefit of outsourcing it. Brown and Wilson (2005) have defined the outsourcing as the act of obtaining services from an external source, while elaborating information technology (IT) outsourcing Kern and Willcocks (2000) state that outsourcing is the practice of contracting out or selling the organizations IT assets, people and/or activities to a third party supplier for monetary payments over an agreed time period. Patry et al., (1999) conducted a study in Canada to develop and estimate a descriptive model of Human resource outsourcing. Six HR-activities were taken into consideration: Payroll, Benefits, Recruiting, Training, Labour Relations, and Human Resources Information Systems. As per the question that what will determine that whether the organization should outsource the HR-activities are not, the field of the organizational analysis, strategy formulation methods and transaction-cost theory were used. The results of the study indicated that the factors of the outsourcing the HR-activities are specific to each type of activity. Prior experience of the organization with outsourcing the other activities, business stability/instability, and the existing union have a powerful influence over the decision that which activity will be out sourced and which will not be out-sourced. However cost-benefit analysis can also be used to compare the costs of performing the HR-activities in-house or outsou rce it, and benefits against the both can be compared to improve the decision. The previous research has identified many HR-activities but the following research will only discuss the major HR-activities; Payroll, Benefits, Recruiting, Training, Human Resources Information Systems and the costs-benefits of the following HR-activities at Nestlà ©, Pakistan, in order to achieve the prescribed objectives of the following research. 3. Methodology It is very significant to plan which data will be useful and how it will be collected to achieve research objectives. The data in the following research follows case study on human Resources. Mostly this research covers qualitative method and will include quantitative, if needed in future to obtain research objective. 3.1. Data Collection Methods The following sources are used to collect the data, in order to achieve the objectives of the study. Primary Research Secondary Research 3.1.1 Primary Research Primary data will be collected to gather information about the HR-activities and to conduct cost and benefit analysis. The research will assemble the results by the study of Nestlà ©s website and case studies of Nestlà © Pakistan and will conduct interviews with peoples working in different sections of Nestlà ©, by online communication, phone calls, emails, instant massaging. 3.1.2 Secondary Research Secondary research will help the researcher to obtain the data which will covers different aspects of the research topics. Following sources will be used to collect the data; online HR journals and articles, newspapers, books, publications of Nestlà ©, magazines, financial statements, business news letters, articles, annual reports and records. 3.2. Instruments The following Instrument will used in the study: 3.2.1. Interviews The research will use online interviews to collect the required data. Following questionnaire will be used to collect latest and effective information about the subject area. What are the Human Resource activities being conducted at the Nestlà ©? What Role the HR- activities play at Nestlà © and generally why these activities are important in any organization? What are, the investment decisions regarding the HR-activities and how they are made? How costs-benefit analysis is conducted at Nestlà ©? What is monetary performance of the organization regarding the HR-activities? Which activities are the value additives and less cost incurring? What are the non-monetary benefits of the HR-activities? Can these activities be conducted differently? If yes then why? What innovations can be brought into the ways of conducting the HR-activities? Does Nestlà © need to conduct the activities in a particular fashion according to its operation or it just do it conventionally? What are the various possible alternatives of the current HR-activities at Nestlà ©? Does Nestlà © consider the ethical issues regarding its HR-activities? What is Nestlà ©s philosophy about the worldly issue changing the machines with human beings? What are other issues related to the HR activities? How the issues related to HR-activities are handled at Nestlà ©, Pakistan? Does Nestlà © consider the cultural constraints, demographics, geographic, various labour laws, environmental constraints, while making policies related to HR-activities? What cultural, environmental and geographical constraints might affect the HR-activities at Nestlà ©? How these constraints are handled? 3.2.1.1. Interviews framework The interviews have been scheduled as follows, to complete the primary research and to collect maximum information possible related to the following research. Table: 3.1. Interview Framework No. Interview Date Interview Time Interviewee Name Designation of Interviewee 1 22,September,2010 12:00 pm Raymond Franke Chief Financial Officer 2 24,September,2010 3:00 pm Uzma Qaiser Butt Head of Human Resources 3 25,September,2010 3:00 pm Ali Sadozai Head of Legal Affairs No. Interviewee Name Responsibilities Discussion Topics 1 Raymond Franke Manages the finance department, facilitate the investment decisions, sets the profit goals, financial goals, finance the business operations etc. Investment decisions regarding the HR-activities; how they are made? How costs-benefit analysis is conducted at Nestlà ©? Monetary performance regarding the HR-activities Value additives and less cost incurring activities 2 Uzma Qaiser Butt Head of Human resource department handles all the issues related to the human resources, plan, career development, organizational development, people development, compensation and benefit programs and all HR-functions are handled under her supervision. What are the Human Resource activities? Role of HR- activities at Nestle Non-monetary benefits of the HR-activities Can these activities be conducted differently? If yes then why how? What innovations can be brought into the ways of conducting the HR-activities? Does Nestlà © need to conduct the activities in a particular fashion according to its operation or it just do it conventionally? What are the various possible alternatives of the current HR-activities at Nestlà ©? What is Nestlà ©s philosophy about the worldly issue changing the machines with human beings? 3 Ali Sadozai Looks after and handles all the legal affairs of the company, related to all departments including finance, HR and marketing. Does Nestlà © consider the ethical issues regarding its HR-activities? What are other issues related to the HR activities? How the issues related to HR-activities are handled at Nestlà ©, Pakistan? Does Nestlà © consider the cultural constraints, demographics, geographic, various labour laws, environmental constraints, while making policies related to HR-activities? What cultural, environmental and geographical constraints might affect the HR-activities at Nestlà ©? How these constraints are handled? 3.2.2. Other instruments Required data will also be collected from: Calculated costs and benefits from HR-score cards (last 5 years) ROI(s) Financial statements (2005-2010) Published Business news letters Articles Annual reports and records 3.3. Sample of the study As the research is about the case of Nestlà ©, related to the costs and benefits of its HR-activities, hence the sample of the study is Nestlà © Pakistan. 3.4. Techniques of the Analysis Due to the most up-to-date information primary research data is considered more reliable and significant. To check the validity of the data, contents of the data will be checked through face- validity technique which involves an expert opinion and the expert opinion will be taken from Nestlà ©s Head of Legal Affairs; Mr. Ali Sadozai, after taking the notes from the interview. 3.5. Strengths of the Methodology The strength of the research methodology depends upon the relevance with the topic and objectives of the study. The following methodology provides all the relevance provided; the requisite data is retrieved from the quarter concern. As the data is to be gathered from the internal sources of the organization, it is therefore supposed that management and the staff will facilitate with the required data, the best results may be achieved, as the source of the data is quite reliable. 3.6. Ethical Considerations As the research focuses on role of HRM in multinational, no ethical issues is involved in the study apparently, however, if during the course of the study any ethical issue arises, then it will be dealt in accordance with the best practices available. 3.7. Project plan The research has been planned as follows, and will be completed with the given objectives and concerns. The time schedule will be strictly followed, in order to conduct the research successfully. S. # Month( Days) Task 1. August 25-30 Introduction 2. September 01-15 Literature review 3. September 21-29 Methodology 4. October 01 -15 Data collection, Analysis 5. October 18 -28 Conclusion and Finalizing 6. November 01-15 Proof reading 4. Analysis Data collected through primary research is usually considered as important because of the high reliable source of the data, besides it also provides up-to-dated information. So secondary data will be used to support the research objectives and primary data will be collected to deeply analyse the issues. The following research will cover the in depth analysis of the issues raised into the research, using primary and secondary sources of data to fulfil the various objectives of the research effectively. 5. Conclusion The following research will analyse the issues regarding the HR-activities at Nestlà ©, Costs-Benefits of these activities for Nestlà © and for other organizations in general, and will probe that what are the issues which the other organizations working on same level and in same industry might face. The research will then provide the various recommendations and suggestions and limitations of the following research to help the future researcher to increase the effort in the following subject area.

Examining The Story Of Beowulf Religion Essay

Examining The Story Of Beowulf Religion Essay After hours of self debate on why the Christian influences in Beowulf slowly die out and eventually cease to exist towards the end of the story; I have come to the conclusion that the monk who rewrote the story was not a full blooded Christian. In this time period, the pagan religion had not been completely dismantled, and it had been around at the same time as Christianity. The monk, I believe, was fighting an internal battle with himself. Two religions clashing inside of him, waging war through the very text he was rewriting. In the beginning of the text he adds heavy amounts of Christian influence but pagan beliefs such as: superhuman strength, revenge, and fate still linger amidst the Christian references. As the story progresses it is clear that the monks pagan beliefs are beginning to overtake his Christian beliefs. The beginning of the story through the battle with Grendel contains the largest amount of Christian reference and influence used by the monk and the least amount of pagan influence. The beginning consists of Grendel listening in on the Danes singing about the creation of the earth and man by the almighty ruler or God. He also listens in on them singing about his creation; he is a descendent of Cain, the brother killer, therefore Grendel is forced by God to live a life of exile. The first conflict between religions lies here; Grendel is forced to live a life of exile yet one of the main beliefs in Christianity is forgiveness. It is the Anglo-Saxon pagan belief that once a name is cursed, it is cursed forever. Hrothgars throne being protected by God is another Christian element along with God sending Beowulf to watch over Herot as a savior. It is not until Grendel sneaks back into herot that the pagan influences start to turn up again. Lines 24 through 27 of The Battle with Grendel rea d: Ere morning came, since fate had allowed him The prospect of plenty. Providence willed not To permit him any more of men under heaven To eat in the night-time. (Lesslie Hall 29) Now fate is showing up in the story, fate being a pagan belief, mixed in with the idea of Devine providence willing that Grendel shall kill no more. Then Beowulf exhibits more superhuman strength when Grendel cannot break his grip and he rips Grendels arm off; these are more pagan elements. Beowulf is protected by God in this section however. He has come to save the Danes, not seek revenge upon Grendel; Christianity does not believe in revenge. This section of the text was the beginning of the religious battle inside of the monk; this struggle becomes more evident as the story goes on. Before the battle with Grendels mother she bursts into Herot and takes Hrothgars closest friend as reparations for the death of her son. Before Beowulfs decent into the water to find Grendels mother he gives a speech about fate to the men. Beowulf tells Hrothgar that if fate decides that he will not win the battle, he wants him to be a king to his men and send the jewels that Hrothgar gave to him to Higelac, king of the Geats, to show how generous of a king he was to Beowulf. The monk is walking a tight-rope between religions here. Beowulf being the savior sent by God to save the Danes is now about to take revenge for them; however at the same time he is once again helping save them. Paganism comes into play once more here; Beowulf sinks down to the sea floor for nearly the entire day, these are more examples of superhuman traits. Once at the seafloor the monster has the upper-hand on Beowulf it seems; she grabs him and brings him to her lair, she destroys his helmet (which has never been done before) and Unfearths sword is unable to damage her. It would seem he is fighting a losing battle with Grendels mother until the monk begins adding more Christian influence to the text. Lines 79 through 82 of The Battle with Grendels Mother read: And had God most holy not awarded the victory, All knowing lord; easily did heavens Ruler most righteous arrange it with justice; Up rose he erect ready for battle. (Lesslie Hall 53) It appears as if the Monk is assuming that God is allowing Beowulf to live since he is the only man who can defeat this monster and save the Danes again, even though he is fighting the monster for revenge this time. Then once again Beowulf exhibits superhuman traits by picking up the giant sword and cutting Grendels mothers head off. It would seem that the monks pagan beliefs are beginning to overpower his Christian beliefs; there is a noticeable difference in the amount of Christian influence versus the amount of pagan influence being used in this portion of the text. The monk is beginning to doubt his faith in Christianity therefore he is adding more pagan elements to the story; for now though he is still using Christian elements to keep Beowulf alive. Now it has been many years since Beowulf saved the Danes; Higelac has passed away and Beowulf has become king of the Geats. A thief enters the lair of a dragon and steals his treasure; now the dragon begins to terrorize the land and Beowulf hears news of it. There is almost no Christian reference or influence in this section. The monk makes two different pagan references to fate in the same battle. On top of that Beowulf is only fighting the battle for fame to further secure his immortality after he passes on. In previous sections he was set apart from the rest of Anglo-Saxon culture because he was going out of his way to save the Danes because he was sent by God. It would seem that now he is just another warrior set out to kill for fame and treasure. Fate decides against him now when his shield is not strong enough to fend off the dragons fire and his sword breaks after piercing the dragons scales. All of his warriors save for one have no faith in him and run away. Compared to the b eginning and middle of the text the monk has only used pagan elements here. Beowulfs victory or defeat was based solely on fate; there was no Devine assistance given to him here. Beowulf kills the dragon with his knife but ends up being defeated as well; not before he is brought his treasure by Wiglaf, his follower, and then he tells Wiglaf to build a massive tower that will forever immortalize him. Beowulf gets his treasure and immortality but at the price of his own life. Compared to the beginning and middle of the text the Christian influence has dissolved completely and left the pagan influence to thrive. It is known that paganism and Christianity were around side by side in this time period. Pagans were being converted to Christians by the Catholic Church and it is a possibility that this monk was a pagan convert. This possibility supports my theory that the monk may have been balancing upon a razors edge, this edge being the line between religions. The monk was fighting an internal battle between paganism and Christianity and the text was directly affected by this. Whether or not he intended his struggle to be shown in the text he was rewriting we will never know, but it certainly has been. The beginning of Beowulf starts out with heavy amounts of Christian influence and little amounts of pagan influence. The battle of religions begins around the middle of the story when Beowulf battles Grendels Mother. The end of the religious war comes at the battle with the dragon when paganism seems to have won and leaves Beowulf to die. All we can do is speculate about this monks life; did he l ose faith in Christianity or keep his pagan roots? Maybe one day we will finally have the answer to that question.

Pro-Child / Pro-Choice: An Exercise in Doublethink? by Judith A. Boss E

In her essay â€Å"Pro-Child / Pro-Choice: An Exercise in Doublethink?† Judith A. Boss deconstructs the argument supporting legalized abortion on the basis that it is beneficial to children in general. Boss presents the oft-used slogan of the pro-choice position, â€Å"Pro-Child / Pro-Choice†. She maintains that this slogan seems closely related to â€Å"newspeak†, which she characterizes as â€Å"†¦vocabulary pared down to a minimum so that whole ideologies are expressed in a single slogan†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (156-7). The term â€Å"newspeak† comes from George Orwell’s 1984. In the novel, these simplistic slogans serve to perpetuate â€Å"doublethink†, which entails, as Orwell writes, â€Å"holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously and accepting both of them† (156). Boss also explains, â€Å"Doublethink is maintained by a refusal to examine the assumptions and facts supporting one’s beliefsâ₠¬  (156). In order to weaken the pro-child/pro-choice position, Boss begins by presenting the â€Å"assumptions and facts† supporting it. Boss states that the basic assumption behind the pro-child /pro-choice position is the belief that â€Å"†¦the exclusion of humans prior to birth from the protection of the moral and legal community, thereby leaving the choice of carrying a pregnancy to term entirely up to the woman, benefits children† (157). Boss creates two categories of children and presents the possible benefits that abortion-on-demand provides. The first category, the unborn child, benefits because his or her â€Å"†¦ abortion will spare him or her a life of misery† (157). On the other hand, the second category, the born child, benefits because he or she â€Å"can enjoy a higher quality of life and paternal love unhindered by the presence of burdensome siblings who were... ...recognizes that the true utility that legalized abortion serves may lie in the benefits that it presents to women and that those benefits may appear in the form of social empowerment. It does seem that since 1973, women have been able to empower themselves in the occupational realm. However, Boss leads us to ask ourselves if this professional empowerment of women has come at any cost. In order to understand the true utility of allowing abortion-on-demand, one must weigh all the consequences it creates. It seems though that we have not appropriately measured the consequences of ensuring abortion-on-demand. Questions: How is doublethink mutually exclusive with the correct use of utilitarian theory? What positive consequences, if any, come from ensuring abortion-on-demand? How does one ensure that every child is a healthy child? Is it even possible?

Exercise Prescription :: Exercise Physiology

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Date of Birth: 09/01/77   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sex: Female   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Height: 61†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Weight: 113 lbs   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Resting Heart Rate: 58 bpm  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Health problems or injuries: Previous lower back injuries  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Medications that may influence heart rate: None  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Risk of cardiovascular or orthopedic injury: None  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Individual preferences for exercise: Jogging, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, resistance ball, free weights, yoga  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Individual dislikes for exercise:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Stationary bike, treadmill, some weight machines  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Individual program objectives and goals: 1)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Maintain health 2)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Increase core strength 3)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Increase lean body mass 4)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Decrease body fat percentage 5)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  5 months to train for triathlon: Need to increase speed and endurance in running, biking, and swimming  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Opportunities Live close-by gym with pool, weights, and aerobics classes Live close by running and biking trail Gym available at both jobs  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Barriers Varied work schedule Sometimes need partner or personal trainer for motivation  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Expected Results â€Å"After 5 months of training I expect to be moderately stronger and more efficient in all areas of activity as well as see a reduction in body fat and an increase in lean body mass.† Cardiovascular/Respiratory Training Schedule Warm-up: Before Running: Do 5 minutes of light walking. Before Bicycling: Do 1 set of 10-15 of stationary lunges without weights and do leg stretches (including quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and glutes). Before Swimming: Do full-body stretching with 5 minutes freestyle swimming. Cool Down: After Running: Do 5 minutes of light walking and stretch all leg muscles. After Bicycling: Do 5 minutes of light cycling and stretch all leg muscles. After Swimming: Do 5 minutes of easy freestyle swimming and do full-body stretches for flexibility. Running Exercise #  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Time  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sets  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Type R1  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  10 minutes  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ---  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Light run R2  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  20 minutes  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ---  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Intervals – alternating 1 min. light run w/ 1 min. moderate run R3  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  30 minutes  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ---  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Moderate Run Bicycling Exercise #  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Time  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sets  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Type B1  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  10 minutes  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ---  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Light cycling B2  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  20 minutes  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ---  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Intervals – alternating 1 min. light cycling w/ 1 min. moderate cycling B3  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  30 minutes  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ---  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Moderate cycling Swimming Exercise #  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Time  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sets  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Type S1  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  10 minutes  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ---  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Breast stroke, butterfly, back stroke, freestyle S2  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  20 minutes  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ---  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Breast stroke, butterfly, back stroke, freestyle S3  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  30 minutes  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ---  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Breast stroke, butterfly, back stroke, freestyle L1: 30-45 minutes of any exercise above at intervals (1 min. light/1 min. moderate). If swimming, do 1 lap light/1 lap moderate intervals. Week #  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mon.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Tues.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Wed.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Thurs.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fri.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sat.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sun. 1  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  *R1, B1, S1, R2  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ---  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  *R3, S2  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ---  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  *B2, S3  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  *L1, B3  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  --- *Note: Each exercise does not have to be done simultaneously. Because of varied work schedule and other activities, spread exercises according to amount of free time. Core Strength Training Warm-up: Do 5 a minute walk or do 5 minutes of the movements of the following exercises without the weight and so light full-body stretches.

World War II Essay -- History, Pearl Harbor

America’s involvement in World War II has often been equated to the Japanese waking the â€Å"sleeping giant†, and is often thought of as an invincible superpower. The reality is that the United States’ invincibility has never been really tested. The United States’ is separated from the rest of the Western world by an ocean on either side of its borders and has therefore only had two attacks on native soil. While America’s invincibility is not easily tested, and therefore not easily discredited, whether or not the Japanese awoke the â€Å"sleeping giant† by bombing Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, is, however, debatable. The American public before the attack on Pearl Harbor were isolationists, they may have felt sympathy for the victims of Hitler, Franco, and Mussolini, but did not in fact care enough to get involved in another war. The congressmen they elected into office from the late 1930’s to the early 1940’s respected th e wishes of their constituents and therefore did everything in their power to prevent U.S involvement in World War II even after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In fact one of the only Americans to appear at all concerned with the horrific events occurring across the ocean was President Franklin Roosevelt, however, despite pleas from the heads of the allied forces, even President Roosevelt could not entirely commit to the need for U.S involvement and remained a wishy-washy figure up until the late 1930’s. It was not until 1940, that President Roosevelt was able to take a stand and begin the attempts to talk the American people into actively supporting the allied forces against Nazi forces. The Japanese may get the credit for waking the â€Å"sleeping giant†, however, it is in fact President Roosevelt and a small portion of t... .... War secretary Stimson believed it was necessary to â€Å"maneuver them into the position offering the first shot without too much damage to ourselves†. (515) Roosevelt may not have left the fleet at Pearl Harbor exposed intent ally, but he did seem aware that a sacrifice would be necessary to rouse the will to fight. This sacrifice came in the form of 2,403 men at Pearl Harbor on December 5, 1941. (522) Congress would declare war just three days after the Japanese attack, with only one dissenting vote. (523) The American people had finally realized what Roosevelt had been saying for years, that the Axis powers could not go unchecked or it could and would bring about consequences for Americans. The attacks had exactly the opposite effect that Yamamoto had intended, the American people were furious and cried out for vengeance against the â€Å"treacherous japs†. (523-524)

High School and District Championship

Holding the ball in my hands, sweat pouring off my forehead into my eyes, I stare confidently at the hoop, ready to shoot my first free throw. My teammates are lined up behind me at the half court line yelling words of encouragement. I shoot my first shot and the ball flies through the air. After what seems like centuries, it sinks in the rim with a loud swoosh, and the crowd roars. My teammates rush up to me, high- fiving and slapping me on the back. The game is tied and I have one more shot. The eferee tosses me the ball and the gym falls silent.Adrenaline coursing through my veins, I shoot the second shot. It rolls around the rim and falls in. The gym is alive with excitement as the final buzzer sounds and all my teammates are on their feet jumping and cheering, some crying with Joy. We won the state championship! In the midst of all this, a strange thought enters my mind. Where would I be if I hadn't been in basketball? My basketball career started in 4th grade. Back then the onl y thing I really wanted to do was run around, dribble a ball, and hang out with friends. Practices were all very basic: plenty of layups and dribbling drills, and not much shooting or running.When our season began, we went into the games Just for fun; however, we started getting better and going into games with a â€Å"NO LOSE† attitude. We ended our fourth grade season undefeated. This is where my love of the game started. This devotion continued throughout later elementary and middle school. We have been extremely lucky to have 5 girls who have remained constant through all of the adversity we have faced together. When I started high school, I had to go hrough a big change that I had never experience before. I was no longer the star. I had girls four years older than me, not to mention much better.I had to earn my spot. Though I didn't play much varsity my freshman year, I learned many ways to improve. The last game of my freshman year was the district championship against our arch-rivals St. Thomas More, which we lost. As I was sitting in the locker room, watching the senior girls cry and listening to them apologizing for not getting us farther, I started setting goals in my head. Our coach came in after the game, gave us piece of paper and told us to write down what we needed to improve, so the seniors the following year wouldn't feel that way.That next summer we pulled those papers out and we started to improve on our flaws. My sophomore year was one that I will never forget. The transition from my freshman year to my sophomore year was a little more drastic. Instead of sitting the bench like I had the previous year, I was now starting varsity as a point guard. Starting the season with this big of a responsibility was very nerve-wracking on me, but my teammates and coaches, gave e a great deal of confidence that carried me through the season.We had two amazing seniors that were great leaders and very effective on the court. The night before the dis trict championship, I was admitted into the hospital for appendicitis. It was the worst feeling I had ever had in my life. The thought of letting my team down tore me apart. I called my head coach at 4 am the morning of the game, letting him know what had happened and that I wouldn't be playing that day. Three hours later I nad my appendix taken out. All I remember is lying in the hospital bed crying, hinking why this had to happen to me when it did.When I woke up after surgery, my coach had come to see how I was doing and to let me know that this had happened for a reason and that we would make it work. He told me that if I wasn't able to go to the game, he would bring me a radio on the way so I could be sure to listen, and that he would stop afterwards to let me know how it went and I could see the team. After all day lying in my hospital bed crying, I was released at 2 pm that day and the first place I went was the gym. When I walked in, my team gathered around me to make ure I w as 0k.As I continued to watch them shoot, I decided I wanted to go to the game, but I didn't want to ride with anyone other than the team. I checked with my mom and she allowed me to ride the bus to the game. Sitting on the sideline, I watched my team win the district championship. My day went from terrible to amazing in less than two hours. It was a great feeling when a few of my teammates came up to me and said, â€Å"This was for you! † The season continued after that, and we won the regional championship, and we made our first trip to the2009 State Tournament, and we placed 3rd.After all that success my sophomore year, we hit some adversity starting into my Junior summer. After our trip to state, our head coach got an offer for a different coaching position at a bigger school, and our assistant also got another Job offer teaching. We were left coach-less, and the 5 of us that had been together through everything up to this point didn't know what we were going to do. A few of us started going to open gym in another town, so we could play, because we had no one to open it for us at home. We older girls tried getting everyone together to see what their thoughts on the situation were.Finally, in August of my Junior year, they hired someone. It was such a relief knowing that our season wasn't going to be dropped before it even started. We had a few open gyms with the new guy, and suddenly he quit. He left us a week and a half before our official season started. There we were again, shocked and hopeless, some of us wanting to move to another town, Just so we could play. Then our current coach took the position. He had been the boys head coach for a few years having Just a couple successful seasons.The team had a meeting the Tuesday before practice started and he asked us to make eam goals for the season; we told him, â€Å"A trip to the state tournament, and an undefeated season. † Coach looked at us crazy but wrote them down. We started the season off stronger than ever, winning all of our games until it came to the West River Tournament, which we had been back-to-back champs the previous years. We played Wall and they ended up beating us by 3 in the championship game. It was devastating; we couldn't believe they took our perfect season, Just like that. After that game we came back ready to kill, and that's exactly what we did.We went into the istrict championship 21-1 . That â€Å"NO LOSE† attitude came back into effect and we won the district championship and the region championship for the second year in a row. We went back to state and played our hearts out, with the help of one amazing senior who played a huge role in our team's success. We finished 5th as consolation champions. As I reflect on the many years I have put into this game, I can't help but still wonder where I would be without it. I have learned so much about life, relationships, and hardships through this experience.With the help of basketball I m a ble to be a good leader, can work through adversity, and am a competitor through any obstacles I am torced to tace. As a senior, this year is the beginning ot the end of my high school basketball career, and I want nothing less than a state championship. I want to feel the rush of being on the line, with the game in my hands, and seizing that opportunity to make my teammates proud; to prove that all that hard work and hours in the gym has paid off. I want to leave the Newell Lady Irrigators knowing we accomplished something great, and that we will always be remembered.

Classic 45c Notes

* Female by nature, not by law†¦are supposed to be obedient†¦ruled by men†¦there’s something unnatural about what Antigone is doing†¦. * This play is about gender also * Ismene =ideal woman * Women should be silent and Ismene voices that * Women should be sensible, should be ruled by men * Greek audience at the time is supposed to hate Antigone * Creon he wants to see himself as voicing the opinions of the gods†¦ Antigone also says that she’s working for the divine†¦and that complicates things * Creon stands for the city He aligns his authority with the authority of the gods * He doesn’t think of himself of going against the gods * He has taken over and summoned the people and asked them how he rules†¦.. how does he rule? Notice how he likes public speaking! When the city is suffering†¦. when the city is in trouble, you shouldn’t be silent * The city is at this point in a kind of danger that Creon does not see yet. H e will see it later on†¦. if the city is suffering he wants the people to speak up and take action†¦. he’s not talking about Antigone of course†¦. but she’s doing just that†¦. Loyalty is to the state! Not to another human being! * And yet at the end of the play, to whom does he show loyalty HIS SON * These are his values and he does not abide by his values†¦ * It is not in a way family vs. state†¦. it is family vs. Creon state†¦. this is the state that Creon is organizing†¦.. why does this state have to fall? Not state in general†¦. keep that in mind†¦ * He wants us to see the proclamation coming up is in harmony†¦.. he’s inviting us to see the proclamation: Eteocles will be buried in his grave while Polyneices will not be buried†¦. he is not to be mourned†¦.. Creon uses the future ( Eteocles SHALL BE BURIED†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦) * Antigone uses the past * Another thing we noticed is the cruelty of the ki ng ( you shall watch him chewed up )†¦something that we see rot, devoured, we see the body, he doesn’t belong with the living †¦. or the dead†¦what happens when the body becomes food for the animals * The idea that we’re supposed to watch someone rot, take delight in it†¦. * Someone is going to violate the proclamation, we don’t know who is the criminal†¦we are looking for the identity of the person who has violated the law†¦. what is the crime It looks almost miraculous, someone sprinkled dust over the body and buried it without leaving any marks†¦.. or traces†¦as if the body was visited from above * Chorus wonders if it’s the god’s doings†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦and Creon loses it when the Chorus says that! * Here’s Creon is arrogant, how can a man know what the gods want? * Both characters act in a way that they think the gods want them to do†¦. * Creon thinks he’s doing all this to please the gods Creon cannot believe that Antigone did the burial†¦. She is his niece and a woman! :O Notice that he’s interrogating and asking for the truth just like Oedipus * Nature is assisting Antigone†¦. ature participates in the events†¦mimicking what Antigone was gonna do with her own hands.. * The dust rising†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦she was about to finish the ritual but then someone removed the dust off the body the second time she visited the body * Why does Antigone abide by the laws of the gods? They are there forever†¦. * Human laws like everything human, are subject to change * Antigone is basically saying Creon’s worthless cause once someone comes after you to rule, things will change * Antigone’s demise and Creon’s demise * Both will have terrible ends Creon thinks that he has supreme power over her, and that power is to kill her†¦. according to the proclamation, whoever †¦they will be stoned to death in public,†¦fate given to he r by man†¦. gender roles is very important * Antigone tries to weaken his powers by put down his laws†¦. saying that his laws are not strong as the gods cause they were there forever†¦whereas his laws are only in effect in his reign†¦. that is one way * Second way is saying that I know I will die†¦. even if you are not the one putting me to death, I will die anyways†¦.. by saying that, she is robbing away of his power†¦. ssentially Creon is only a guy killing her†¦but her death is just gonna come to us†¦. death is part of the universe†¦what makes a difference is that we die naturally or someone is killing us†¦. * And creon’s reaction to antigone’s words is that he’s being lectured by a woman†¦ * Creon’s the man, so therefore he needs to teach this subordinate woman how to behave†¦. * He seems to think that whatever he believes is what the gods and how their people want†¦. identifies the ir wishes with what they think others wishes also * Ismene comes out, shy, obedient, at the end of theplay changes her mind and wants to die with Antigone†¦.. he had a real change of mind namely she saw that what she wanted in the beginning of the play when she was called cowardly†¦. her decision is as cowardly now namely that now she wants to be accused of the burial †¦is that she doesn’t want to be left alone†¦ * LONLINESS†¦. that’s another theme of the play * Antigone enjoys the support of the citizens but dies alone in a tomb * Creon is loathed by his citizens and is also alone when his family is no longer alive†¦he is ruling a kingdom and no one respects him†¦thought to be a corrupt king * Ismene doesn’t want to be alone†¦.. Creon changed his mind so that DEATH is killing her†¦and not him†¦so DEATH will kill Antigone and not Creon himself and that is an act of cowardice†¦. some of the characteristics tr ansfer to other characters * Haemon and exchange between father and son * Antigone is very much the daughter of Oedipus†¦.. Antigone and Haemon never talks†¦or interacts†¦. they never will come together†¦so son goes to talk to his father * What seems to matter to Creon more than anything else is obedience†¦power relationships†¦someone is obeying someone else†¦. e demands obedience from his sons and his subjects†¦ruling both state and family in the same way†¦. he does not differentiate the family and the state†¦.. in EVERYTHING†¦. small and just things and unjust things.. bigs.. that is the problem†¦. it is NOT family vs. state! It’s actually family vs. tyranny / Creon’s state†¦. * Is Creon disobedient? Does he violate his own principle? Yes he is disobedient to himself to his own proclamation†¦. this is to be contrasted to Oedipus†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦what Creon does when Tiresias comes forth†¦.. he cha nges his mind and does something different†¦. he actually tries to save Antigone to which he has condemned her†¦.. Creon thinks that both his family and city as his possession * He does rule the land at someone else’s judgement in the end†¦. by Tiresias †¦.. CONTRADICTIONS AND INCONSISTANCIES†¦. * He is not changing his principles†¦. but the change in action was for personal gain! Had he saved in Antigone, it’s doubtful for him to change his ruling if she even lived†¦. * Unmarried women are put to death in marriage gown†¦.. marrying dead kind of a ritual and so Antigone’s addressing the tomb as the bridal chamber†¦.. she’s having sex with Death, that’s her husband from now on.The idea is that DUE BRIDAL CHAMBER†¦already an emphasis on DEATH, not Haemon†¦ * To die if she so wishes or live†¦. how can she live?! SHE CANNOT LIVE†¦. she does NOT wish to die!!†¦. Creon wants a clean co nscience†¦. he makes it sound like whether Antigone dies or lives, it is up to her or the gods, he has nothing to do with it†¦.. * Antigone put in the tomb, locked inside, left there to die†¦. Polynices and he is not in his tomb†¦notice the unnatural of things†¦a living person taken into tomb†¦. not dead yet†¦a corpse is left outside left to rot†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ * Rituals are important the gods will not listen to the chorus cause of Creon’s past * protecting, shielding himself!†¦ he wants to keep Haemon so he can stay in his throne†¦. not for the sake of his son, it’s for himself†¦ * they might belong to different realms cause Creon does not see what’s going on inside the cave/tomb * Haemon is embracing Antigone, and Creon is asking him to join his father†¦. he would be saying bye to Antigone and joining the father, and also joining the political succession of his father and no love†¦. so what does he doâ € ¦he attempts to kill the father with his swords but fails†¦and cannot touch the father†¦. o far away and even the attempt fails,†¦so the father is still the king and Haemon †¦.. he no longer belongs to anyone†¦. disowns his father†¦. he does not belong with death yet†¦. he leans on the sword (phallic symbol) and kills himself†¦. FULFILLMENT of marriage †¦.. sexual union with Antigone†¦. sword is the phallic that enters him†¦blood is of the woman†¦.. once blood starts coming out, blood drops fall on her white cheeks, break of hymen†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Antigone has never been touched by anybody†¦. Haemon’s body receives the wound * Eurydices kills herself with a knife and Creon is alone Political situation in france in the play * Think about nazi, jews, money, greed, later on before she dies (ring) * Who is the hero? Who is the villain? This makes it harder for us to pinpoint who is who†¦. * Antigone’s stubborn = French resistance * A lot of emphasis on childhood, beauty, purity * Many people who read anouilh’s play doesn’t like her * she goes back and forth a lot * METATHEATER : beyond the theater, outside the theater, something that goes beyond it * watching a play; any kind of comment about the play, about what’s going on†¦second look at what’s going on†¦. Prologue is a character that tells us what is going to happen * Chorus tends to delay, more of a commentary on the action itself†¦ similar function to the prologue in this play * Prologue is commenting on the roles of the characters, basically introducing us to the main actors, he is talking about the situation†¦.. * Page 4: Prologue gives us that insight into Creon’s soul: sensitive man, someone who doubts his political authority, something very important and different from the Sophocles one * Characters are full of self doubt, is a second level situation†¦looking a t what I’m doing and figuring out what I’m doing†¦.. Function of metatheater? The effect? * Conveys a sense of inevitability as if the characters cannot be anything other than what they are†¦they have been given roles†¦.. assigning the roles and they are going to enact the roles and there’s no escaping that†¦ * The idea that theater and maybe life in a totalitarian regime is more like a play†¦if you live in a state where you can die anytime, your life won’t matter much, might as well go out and have fun†¦.. et’s just do what we have to do and get it done †¦get the job done ( what Creon says a lot) and move on†¦truth of life lies elsewhere†¦.. characters talk about the truth a lot here†¦.. Antigone is kind of like that, but the truth she longs for is an illusion and doesn’t exist and all that she has in her life is what exists, nothing beyond that†¦ Prologue†¦. is just like the Greek gods, a kind of fate†¦. Scene between antigone and nurse Nurse doesn’t exist in the original†¦. have Tiresias but not here†¦ it’s the nurse..We are given a first insight of Antigone†¦. she’s rebellious, not sleeping, she’s out†¦god knows where she is Nurse thinks she’s having a boyfriend†¦yet she’s about to be betrothed to Haemon†¦aristocratic women should not behave this way†¦. there’s all this back and forth between them†¦ The Nurse is perhaps.. IS the example of pure love and care in the play, there’s nothing selfish, impure about her†¦. she’s all about selfless giving to Antigone, cares about her, loves her†¦political outsider, has no role, she’s a servant†¦. nothing to gain from the system†¦.. o you might say that’s what is achieved, introducing kindness and goodness into a world where motives are very much fluid, neither Creon or Antigo ne are good or bad, they are deluded†¦. Nurse is not full of Illusion†¦she loves Antigone Antigone Her famous word is saying NO†¦.. no is a word of a rebel†¦. She says yes to the Nurse†¦affirming a bunch of things to the Nurse even though it’s false†¦. we have a bunch of yeses right after the other. Affirming things to the Nurse, denying things to everyone else†¦WHY? Nurse is someone she trusts, not a political authority†¦.. rusts her and not an opposition to her as she is to everyone else, even her sister One of the things we noticed is that the relationship of Ismene and Antigone and how they are different in here than in Sophocles Ismene still the same in which she is opposite of Antigone, follows rules, obedient She understands where Creon’s coming from, but there’s some other stuff too One of them is the BEAUTY contest†¦. Antigone is physically unattractive and Ismene is physically attractive, and there’s a jealousy thing between the two sisters†¦. Haemon is in between†¦.Antigone steps in and uses Ismene’s stuff to attract Haemon STRESSES Nazi’s term of BEAUTY blonde, blue eyes, and not any way dark skin and stuff Ismene is the resemblance of beauty= German Nazis Antigone= French resistance STRENGTH & WEAKNESS Antigone .. not as beautiful as Ismene apparently Antigone’s love for dirt and mud†¦. has a lot to do with her upbringing, was told to do things in a certain order, she was told to be clean, not dirty†¦. keeping surface clean of mud, cover up the imperfections, not let physical ugliness show†¦. Same applies to strength†¦ Person who says no? erson who says yes? Antigone in this play is IN LOVE WITH LIFE†¦she loved life when she was little, but as she grew up, she realized that the world is really corrupt so now she doesn’t really care about dying and she doesn’t others to touch her†¦does that mean Antigon e is in love with death? NO, not exactly, she is tired of living†¦.. a very young innocent Antigone and now that she is an adult, she doesn’t want the world that she sees in her†¦she js doesn’t want to live IN THIS WAY†¦rejecting REGIME†¦German occupation of France, resisting THAT kind of life†¦ Childhood= paradise†¦. or example Antigone just like in Sophocles play buries her brother twice 1st time she buries her brother= just the sprinkling of the earth†¦.. †are you sure it wasn’t an animal that did it? † animal metaphors †¦. THE SPADE†¦little childhood spade†¦rusty also.. we know that this spade belongs to Polynices children are associated with purity, innocence, all these ideas that the Nurse resembles spade= rusting†¦.. playfulness, innocence, lack of care is gone .. it doesn’t exist. uses this to bury the brother second time, Antigone did it with her bare handsAntigone is very much be having like an animal when she is arrested Creon thinks it might have been an animal the first time She behaves like an animal Why would a girl be like an animal? What’s the association with the animal that ends up being a woman Why bring up animals here? Antigone is very much an adolescent, someone who hasn’t grown up†¦.. her using the spade is a sign of someone clinging to childhood, innocence†¦. the animal means she doesn’t want to enter â€Å"society† Nurse gives her little pet names†¦all of them have to do with birds†¦. alls her dove/sparrow/turtle dove†¦.. so that’s another case in the play where Antigone is thought of as a bird, as a non human, term of endearment used by the bird†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦all of them comparing Antigone to a non-human and then we have Creon continuing that later on†¦.. all of these things resemble Antigone as not belonging to society †¦. that and she doesn’t put make up†¦noth ing artificial on†¦sign of clinging to childhood†¦. rejection of artificiality, she’s clean pure, naked†¦.. clings to childhood cause everyone else is an adult * Both Jonas and Antigone are under Creon’s rule Jonas is a guy that says YES†¦doesn’t rebel in any way†¦.. Antigone is the rebel * How does the guards behave†¦. his desire to be on the ruler’s good side†¦promotes himself a lot†¦saying he does his job well†¦. Creon and Jonas are fixated on doing well & being efficient * Creon is very in favor of taking orders and executing†¦Jonas is his subject * Efficiency†¦. every failure was followed by with justifications just in case the king wants to kill you†¦his greed to get more money†¦ * Self promotion, beautifulness, efficiency, desire to be on the ruler’s good side†¦.. nd those are the values that Creon likes and that’s what Jonas displays * We know who did it and now we go to the confrontation between Antigone and Creon * Creon’s obsession with duty†¦. he sees his job as a duty that needs to be executed almost mechanically†¦. Creon has been given the role so he needs to play that role as best as he can†¦it’s all over the play†¦. so a few examples * Creon says that Thebes needs a king with no fuss†¦Ismene’s a sensible person, Antigone’s a irrational person * Creon is the guy that says yes * Antigone’s a person that says no Creon is caring about just DOING THE JOB, doesn’t matter about how it’s done†¦not that kinda guy†¦just DO THE JOB * By doing that, Jonas and Creon is alike * Creon is the lover of CLEANLINESS†¦Antigone is the one that likes to get her hands dirty†¦mud†¦. Ismene is the clean make up etc†¦. make up†¦. Antigone is the natural, and Ismene is not†¦.. * Creon is a practical guy†¦hygiene * **The world is empty of meanin g†¦.. Haemon and Creon are talking†¦Haemon wants someone to look up to, to have values†¦. Creon says that we are alone and the world is empty and you’ve looked up to your father too long * values are what make the world work†¦. ut in the play, if you’re given an order, just go execute it†¦if you want to live and value life, given a task execute that task†¦ * next: keeping quiet†¦is what Ismene shows in both plays†¦. * Creon here does not believe in the gods in this play†¦. he thinks the gods are him in this play†¦absence of the divine completely†¦. gods are actually being ridiculed * Creon: be practical†¦don’t waste time†¦. get married have kids live a happy life and then die * One of the THEMEs: NEGATIVITY†¦fact that she says no all the time†¦. * Antigone thinks she’s the best thing in a corrupt world†¦she will only love a Haemon that is like her†¦