Two Sides of the Same Coin Essay Example

Two Sides of the Same Coin Paper Analyse the change in character of Michael Henchard throughout the novel, the Mayor of Casterbridge Through the entire novel Michael Henchard, his municipal office providing the books eponymous title, portrays a persistent fluctuation of character. At a glance, we see that he is driven by rage and impetuosity yet; his harsh exploitations uncover a fountain of love deep within his body. This does not only resemble his ambivalence, but also reinforces the fact that the Mayor of Casterbridges actions have either been fuelled by ambition or just led by fate. Right from the beginning, Thomas Hardy suggests that his tale will revolve around one central character, as he subtitles his book: The Life and Death of a Man of Character. Yet, in this vast world, Henchard, a mere drop in the ocean, has been singled out and conspired against by providence. We will write a custom essay sample on Two Sides of the Same Coin specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Two Sides of the Same Coin specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Two Sides of the Same Coin specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In what some say as the prologue of the novel, chapters one and two feature the first twist in Henchards life. The Furmity Scene sees the selling of Susan Henchard to a sailor, who was unobserved by the rest. This is therefore, the first sign of impulsiveness, which overcomes Henchard. It can also be concluded that his fate had turned sour because the auction was about to end fruitlessly until, at the very last moment, Mr. Newson, by chance had entered the tent within the last two or three minutes and agreed to purchase Mrs. Susan Henchard for five guineas. However, I think that this is not a fair judgement of Henchards character, as he was under the influence of alcohol and his taciturnity had turned into drunken fury. Yet, I turn to the initial reason for Henchards attraction to the rum in the furmity. It is blatantly obvious that Henchard is unhappy. From the audiences eyes, Thomas Hardy depicts the lack of communication between husband and wife, and the silence they preserved. Fr om this and Henchards primary reactions, it appears that Henchards melancholy attitude is due to the fact that he has married young and already fathers a child by the name of Elizabeth Jane. In his resent and attempt to seek revenge at anything he can think of, Henchard salvages himself by drinking to ease his emotions, but this altogether ends up making him more aggressive than before. Once again, Henchards rash and indecisive manner leads him to take an oath in this solemn place (the church) and he will avoid all strong liquors for the space of twenty years to come. Yet this shows that on one side of Henchards coin, there is this bitter vehemence, however it can be instantly flipped over to reveal a sense of regret and remorse. It also implies that Henchard has a strong belief in God and that fact that he swears on the bible suggests that he is moral and religious. Moreover, the point that he kept his oath for exactly twenty years displays a determined and resolute character. Apart from his reflecting sense of temperament, two other forces also pull Henchard. Like a puppet on strings, Henchard either acts to the strong haul of fate or of ambition. The first glimpse of ambition is seen when Henchard receives Farfraes letter after selling his wife eighteen years before that. During that period, Michael had earned a reputable position in the community: The Mayor of Casterbridge. Being able to reach such a status proves that Henchard is not only competent, but also capable of meeting his goals in life. Just before accepting Farfraes letter, Michael Henchard was amidst a meeting with fellow council members. His direct, no-nonsense approach meant that he willingly admitted, the wheat had turned out badly. Also, his instant reaction to the note clarifies that Henchard is still as rash as he used to be nearly twenty years ago. The actual encounter with Farfrae discloses a commendable effort from Henchard. He immediately judges him positively. He believes that if this man (Farfrae) can help him, he must be amiable. However, Henchards sudden liking could be due to the immense similarity between Farfrae and Henchards poor brother whos now dead and gone. So believing is Henchards character, that when Farfrae had refused his offer to return to his house for better food than cold ham and ale, Henchard returned the next morning to persuade Donald to come under his belt as manager of the corn and hay business. However, when Farfrae was at Henchards store, he lightly mentioned what has and will trouble Henchard for much longer: Should a man turrun against fate? As Henchards dealings with Farfrae grew stronger and more frequent, Henchard began to unmask his true feelings and unlock stories of the past. His liking and trust in Farfrae led him to speak of the memories that clouded his shameful past. Henchard also admits that he is a lonely man and has nobody else to speak to. His lack of drinking means that he has no chance to socialise and therefore make friends. So at the first chance of a real friend, Henchard trusts Farfrae immediately and tells him everything. His constant persistence led Farfrae to be hired and only because Henchard li ked Farfrae well did he feed and shelter him; the one who was to cause Henchard pain and grief. Henchard is capable of showing extremes of emotion in both directions. Nevertheless, his ruthless and insensitive connections with Jopp, only increases the hate I feel against Henchard. I personally believe that Henchard finds people to use, and when he no longer needs them, he discards them like rubbish. A prime example of this is when Henchard rejects Jopps management offer with the loose excuse that: Jopp was too late and as he did not keep his appointment, Henchard engaged another manager. This theory is also linked to the importance of letters in this novel. Letters and his preliminary responses towards them, govern every key incident in Henchards life. In his letter to Jopp, Henchard stated Thursday or Saturday for the appointment. Still, with the prospect of a better manager who may help him in his time of need, Henchard dismissed the man who he had as good as engaged and chose Farfrae instead. With yet another letter, Henchard comes face-to-face with the wife he disowned approximately twenty years ago. Slowly, Susan Newson re-enters his life by one of his cunning plans, which basically meant that through time, Henchard accommodated the widow Mrs. Newson and her daughter. Then he would meet her, court her, and marry her. This therefore would lead to Susan entering Henchards house, without arousing any suspicion or doubt. On one hand, Henchard is trying very hard to make amends for his slip-ups, by ensuring that they rent a cottage. His penitence is genuinely accepted when he pleads for Susans forgiveness and says: judge me on my future works. Nonetheless, on the other hand, it appears that Henchard only acts nicely to ease his guilty conscience. Concerning this matter, Henchards innocence is established when he immediately tells Farfrae the new turns in his life. His situation is now laid in front of Farfrae, who Henchard believes cannot only help him in his economic, but s ocial crisis as well. After rudely accusing someone, Henchard is always disappointed about what he has done. Without thinking, he recklessly says what first comes onto his head and when he later has time to review his behaviour, with dim dread, he often regrets many of his previous mistakes. This execution of grief features too well in the preparations and outcomes of the tenth anniversary celebrations. To compete with Farfraes quick movements, Henchard was not to be classed as a contender out of the running. In his haste to come top, and reclaim the position that he felt was slowly slipping away to Farfrae, Henchard in spite of this, threw money into a festivity, which was destined to fail. So it was to be, Henchards ill-fated link to fate, led him to yet another disastrous blunder. It was in joining the tail ends of Farfraes spectacle, did Henchard say those fatal words: Mr Farfraes time as my manager is drawing to a close. Instantly, Hardy makes it obvious that, Henchards vacillating sense of character made his heart sink within him because his now passed jealous temper unveiled a sharp feeling of repentance. Henchard was also able to make the deadly misconception of being able to judge the weather. Michael Henchard is often linked to Shakespeares Lear, due to the fact that they both are inevitably deprived of the ones they loved in their later life and dying days. His respectability and importance are slashed by his horrific past and present actions. Also compared to Farmer Boldwood, from Thomas Hardys Far from the Madding Crowd, Henchard hardly differs. A reputable figure in society exposed to the public as a completely different man. With these links to the community, I feel Hardy is trying to show that nothing is ever hidden and it will come out, maybe not now, but in the future. Not to completely judge Henchard on a couple of his words, I thought that his impartial manner towards Farfrae, after the rude dismissal, portrayed his true emotions. When hearing about Farfraes coup for establishing himself independently, Henchard agreed it was only right to allow Farfrae to have a go at the corn-selling business. This decision shows that Henchard is still moral. We are made to feel sympathetic towards Henchard when he realises that he is alone at home again. His appointment of Farfrae as his manager was disrupted by his jealousy. His resentment of a family made him give up love for ambition. He thought he could be happy when Susan returned, yet she died not long after their reunion. Elizabeth Jane, whom he had willingly loved, was turned against him after his envious rage belittled her. However, the moment he audience grasp the fact that Henchard has lost his daughter, among many other things that could go wrong with his life, Hardys emotional detail gives us a real insight into Michael Henchards true character, his fight to make amends and to repair a guilty conscience. Nevertheless, his status in the community overcame the love he felt for his daughter. Henchard suffered embarrassment at the poor quality of Elizabeth Janes broken English and instead of trying to comfort her and help her improve, he mocked her. The constant jeering and taun ting showed a cruel side of Henchard. He not only lowers Elizabeth Janes confidence and self esteem, but he does this as a way to retaliate against the lying, which has held him back from the truth. The resurfacing of Lucetta was one of the main reasons for Henchards demise. He had all hope of regaining control of his life. He had compensated everything and started to rebuild his relationship with Susan. His business was thriving with the help of his most trusted friend: Donald Farfrae. He had also found another type of love: the love for his daughter, Elizabeth Jane. However, due to the tight control fate had on his life, the importance of letters struck once again. In her dying days, Susan Henchard had written Michael a letter to tell him of her betrayal. This led to unforeseen hate and anger. Among these letters, Henchard received notes from Lucetta, informing him of his promise of marriage to her. With the entrance of Lucetta in his life, his last love of Elizabeth Jane began to fade away. Where he felt lost and unloved, he hoped to gain back, by marrying Lucetta. It also then due to Henchards imprudent manner that Farfrae meets Lucetta. If Henchard had not let Elizabeth Jan e go, Farfrae wouldnt have gone to find her at Lucettas abode. How unfortunate a man Henchard was, to have fate plot against him in such a way. It is not as if Henchard is a simple man conspired against by fate, but he is also capable of being insensitive and rude. The first time he appointed Jopp he dismissed him, just because Farfrae was able to solve Henchards problems. Nonetheless, after discharging Farfrae, Henchard once again enlisted Joshua Jopp as his manager. Yet, as things go from bad to worse, Henchard fires Jopp believing that it was through no fault of his own, but an error on Jopps part that he became bankrupt. Nevertheless, it was entirely through his own fault that he was made bankrupt. He even thought he could prejudge the weather, but from his previous mistake, he thought he should be on the safe side and ask someone to confirm his forecast of the weather. Like many other farmers who came to see this lonely man, Henchard got the same cock-and-bull story: August will be rain and tempest! So Henchard did try to use his initiative before attacking the problem headlong, however it wasnt only him who got trapp ed by the weather. He once again was thwarted and fell into a more dangerous situation. By overbuying and underselling, he loses everything. He put everything he had into buying corn in fear of the rain, but the rain didnt fall and Henchard sold his entire crop at a lower price. After he traded his whole stock, the rain fell in bucket fulls. We are made to feel sorry and sympathize with Henchard, because his ambition wouldnt comprise for his love and fate shattered that ambition. In the end, he is left with neither hope nor love. The Casterbridge folk understand that mistakes can happen and are ready to forgive Henchard, however, his status and reputation sinks in lower. All the respect he had accumulated when he first came to Casterbridge was washed away by two primary mistakes. Firstly, the resurfacing of the Furmity Woman, who tried to take the attention off herself and dumped it on Henchard. It is also very unlucky that Henchard was to judge the trial because the Furmity Woman was able to reveal He nchards most dearest secret: the selling of his wife. It was unlikely that a woman of her age would remember such a trifle incident, but with constant reminders from Henchard and finally Susan, it came to her memory that Michael Henchard was the one who performed such a terrible act, (and the man who sold his wife in that fashion is the man sitting there in the great big chair.) Henchard, however, is not completely rotten to the core, because he always has a sense of morality and fairness. When he met the debt collector, he took his gold watch from his pocket and laid it on the table. To accompany that, he also said that he didnt wish to keep it from them. Conversely, we still pity Henchard because there was quite a sympathetic reaction in town as they admirably saw a man who once lead their town, leave in the same poor manner. Not only was he lingering dangerously low, he had lost all the love that had ever entered his life. To top it off, Farfrae had also taken Lucetta, Henchards last chance at true love. My title: Two sides of the same coin can be used in many circumstances in Henchards life. One of them is the fact that on one side sits Henchard, rich and respected, and on the other side sits Farfrae, who is poor and penniless. However, through the course of novel, these positions and interpretations change. Gradually, Farfrae has taken everything Henchard once had; leaving Michael in the same state, as he himself was when Henchard had helped him. Farfrae though, is willingly to return furniture of sentimental value back to Henchard, after purchasing it at the auction, but Henchard is set on the fact that Donald is out to get him. This hot and big-headedness, made him start a fight with Farfrae. It wasnt any old fight, but a fight until death. Henchard tied back his hand as he felt that he had an advantage over Farfrae. Some think that Henchard was very rational in doing this, but I believe it shows Henchards character a little clearly. He thinks that he is obviously better than Far frae, and he could win hands down with two hands and possibly even one. This led Farfrae to loathe him even more. After determining one aspect of Henchards temperament, I feel that Hardy portrays Henchard as a nicer person, to balance the hate and understanding. Subsequently, Henchard still puts enough trust in Jopp, the one he has treated so badly, to deliver letters to Farfraes new home. Assessing all that had happened so far in the novel, I could predict that Jopp was going to take revenge on Henchard, and Thomas Hardy depicts that in a malignant way. As if Henchards life couldnt get any worse, Jopp takes his chance and shows everyone Lucettas love letters written to Henchard while she was in Jersey. This has two main outcomes; the death of Lucetta due to the obscene truth in the skimmity ride. However, did this happen because of fate? Or Henchards weakness of not being able to face the truth? That Donald Farfrae and Lucetta Templeman were living together in his old home. I think that this is due to both because; it was Henchards lack of courage that let fate take charge of an action that made Henchards life a misery. Though, one good outcome of the skimmity ride was that Farfrae was shown the truth, which had been hidden from him for so long. Henchard is also a man who likes to be the centre of attention. This is represented when he tries to spoil Farfraes reputation by gate-crashing the royal celebrations. He wanted to try and get back his position and wreck Farfraes in the process, however this in fact made it a lot worse. Dead likewise, is how Henchard explained Elizabeth Jane when Newson returned to find out what had happened to his family. Yet he did not say this in pure spite, but for the love of his daughter and wanting to protect her from the truth. Though, like always, Newson returns with the truth to disrupt Henchards life. It is not his fault that Henchard had lied to him, but to escape from all his troubles, Henchard had to pretend that both Elizabeth and Susan had died. To further escape from his doom, Henchard decided that he was going to leave Casterbridge. He would rather be out of sight and able to follow his own ways. It therefore suggests that Henchard had opted for the cowardly option, and that he was running away, but leaving his reunited love for Elizabeth Jane, shows a very determined character. Being an itinerant hay-trusser, Henchard was still curious but looking out for his stepdaughter. To make amends and renew Elizabeth Jane and Farfraes trust, Henchard returns for their wedding with a sign of peace: a caged gold-finch. Yet, instead of this being a final good-willed act, Henchard ran away from his encounter with Elizabeth Jane, to live a solitary life until his death. With a final verdict on Henchard, I believe that his benevolence was enough to have Abel Whittle still looking after him, even though he had mistreated him. Henchards pride also fell with him when he wished in his will that no one should be told of his death and no man remember him or mourn for him. Overall, I feel that Hardy has presented him as a tragic hero. His quarrelsome and angry nature is attacked with kind acts. Through the entire novel, it is either the good or bad in Michael Henchard that takes over. Sometimes the rash impetuosity will triumph, but his regret and desire to make amends will equal that out. His isolation and substitution for love (ambition) makes his social life an unimportant part of his actual life. His alienation is the beginning of his downfall, the world seems to have the blackness of hell. Henchards success is shadowed by his repeated absence in the face of misfortune. He plans his own destruction by persuading Farfrae to stay in Casterbridge, and when all other contact fails, hopelessly clings onto Lucetta, Elizabeth-Jane and Jopp. Adversity doesnt let Henchard keep his emotions under control, because his feelings are intensified in hundreds. His hate turns into pure loathing, but his affection turns into infatuation. Thomas Hardy does intend us to sympathise with Henchard, despite his flaws. His catastrophic end, heart-breaking love, the flair for ambition and the leash-like hold of fate. Henchards lifes choices have the fifty-fifty percent probability of a coin. Good or bad, fate or ambition; the coin decides.

Essay on Chapter 2 Literature Review 2

Essay on Chapter 2 Literature Review 2 Essay on Chapter 2 Literature Review 2 Chapter II Introduction Students with learning disabilities appear to struggle with writing more than their typically achieving peers. Effective writing strategies need to be implemented in order to help learning disabled students meet the Common Core writing standards. This chapter will show the benefits of teaching Self Regulated Strategy Development to students with learning disabilities. Difficulties Mastering the Writing Process are More Prevalent for Students with Learning Disabilities When compared to normally achieving students, students with learning disabilities tend to produce writing samples that are shorter, less coherent and less refined. (Graham, Schwartz & MacArthur, 1993). Their poor writing performance can be attributed to difficulties in executing and monitoring many of the cognitive processes considered central to effective writing (Graham & Harris, 1989). These students are frequently less knowledgeable about how to develop and organize ideas, control and regulate the writing process, and monitor the quality of the text produced (Englert, Raphael, Fear & Anderson, 1988). A study by Graham, Schwartz & MacArthur (1991) showed normally achieving students were more knowledgeable than students with LD about writing and the writing process. When responding to questions about revising, normally achieving students were much more likely than students with LD to concentrate on substantive issues. LD students were more likely to suggest revising mechanica l errors. For planning, when students with LD were asked what they would do if they were having difficulty with an assignment, the most common answer was to ask the teacher for help. Normally achieving students’ most common answer was they would gather more information on the subject. Scardmalia and Bereiter (1986) identified five areas that are problematic for students with LD when writing. They are generating content, creating and organizing structure for compositions, formulating goals and higher plans, quickly and efficiently executing mechanical aspects of writing, and revising text and reformulating goals. Students with LD are at a disadvantage compared to their peers. These students require more extensive strategies and explicit instruction to learn skills and processes that other students learn more easily. (Newcomer, Nodine, & Barenbaum, 1988). Definition of Learning Disability The Individuals with Disabilities act (2004) includes a definition of specific learning disability as Specific learning disability means a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, write, spell or to do mathematical calculations, including conditions such as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia. Specific learning disability does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities, of intellectual disability, of emotional disturbance, or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage. Students with Learning Disabilities Meeting Common Core Standards in Writing During the past several decades, efforts to improve writing have played a minor role in education reform in the United States (Graham

Deign and Materials Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Deign and Materials - Assignment Example When the characteristic stength for concrete is based on the cube strength it is necessry that it is multiplied by 2/3 because the stength in bending is always significantly less than that resulting from the cube strength†. â€Å"The ultimate load theory analysis is based on the assumptions that plane surfaces remain plane during bending and there is no contribution to the bending strength of the beam from concrete in tension.  The strain therefore varies uniformly down the beam section. The stress diagram however is not linear but has a rectangular parabolic shape as shown below.† â€Å"Briefly illustrate with the aid of annotated plans and elevation sketches, examples showing the differences between functions of braced and unbraced (perimeter and internal) columns required to support loads in a typical four-storey rectangular reinforced concrete structure. (Note: No calculations

Seminar in criminology classmate response 6 Essay

Seminar in criminology classmate response 6 - Essay Example In her third paragraph, Gonzalez asserts that the defendant does not get a fair shake in a plea deal process because he or she may plead guilty without a trial. In my opinion, even though Sudnow (1965) argues that most of the defendants pleading guilty without trial are actually guilty, some are innocent. I believe those who are innocent may also decide to plead guilty because if pleading guilty is the only way that they are likely to save themselves, they end up doing it. For example, for a defendant who comes from a low-income household and has previous records of problems with the law, he or she is likely to plead guilty even when he or she is actually innocent. The defendant acts this way because of the possibility of being locked for only a short time. Additionally, defenders from low-income earning families are still likely to plead guilty even if they are innocent, because they would not want to gamble with a trial. People from low-income earning families may act this way beca use even when the state provides for them lawyer, because they do not believe in getting a just trial. As noted by Gonzalez, public defenders are known to be only accessible for only a limited time and the work they put on a case is also usually limited. Therefore, looking at it from a defender’s point of view, most people would rather plead guilty and get a shorter sentence than take their chances in court, where the outcome might not be as favorable for

Financial Markets and institutions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Financial Markets and institutions - Assignment Example March 16 saw an even worse situation in which economic data of the US painted a dismal outlook for the economy. Whole sales prices were seen increasing more than expected, while a lower than expected demand in the housing sector pushed the investors over the edge and panic selling took place. Investors sought sanctuary in US Treasuries instead of the stocks. Another key factor that lowered the stock index was the fact that option prices jumped up by 21% given the situation in Japan. However, the index saved grace and climbed up by almost 2.2% in the following two days, owing to the fact that G& offered their assistance in helping to control the Japanese fiasco. At the same time, the US manufacturing sector registered steady growth figures which boosted the S&P index. Another key factor was that investors displayed a slightly higher risk appetite and this saw Treasuries going down as yields rose to 3.26% from 3.19%. The most primary determinant of any index is the economic outlook of the region. S&P was highly influenced by the economic data that was coming forth. The disaster in Japan nudged the fact that US imports from the region would suffer. This could cause production issues in the US, which depended on machinery and raw material from Japan. Furthermore, the economic indicators such as inflationary pressure and weak demand elucidated the fact that the GDP growth would slow down. These assumptions triggered the rise in US treasuries which were seen as a safe haven. Oil prices not only raised the energy costs in US, but also created a sense of dread in OMCs’ who were at risk of supply shocks. Investors offloaded these stocks, judging that the P/E measures would drop due to lower earning concerns. Present valuation of future cash flows, or rather the ability to generate future cash flows was the major determinant in the decline and the rise in the market during this week. As mentioned above, the rise in manufacturing growth suggested that the sector wo uld show positive returns, hence the market jumped up. International support for the Japanese boosted sentiments that their production capacity would soon normalize. Investors took this as a positive sign and the S&P 500 gained ground on this. The economic theory apart from present value of cash flows which applies to the S&P’s fluctuation is the inflation development. If inflation persists, then monetary tightening could occur. Any hike in interest rates would hurt economic growth, and such sentiments can cause a decline in the indices. As mentioned earlier, the biggest determinant of price movements of stock indices are the economic indicators and expectations of these indicators. If expectations lead to believe that there will be a positive change, then the prices of these indices will jump up. The flip side of the coin is that if sentiments perceive the market factors to be unfavorable, then a downward spiral can ensue. Financial Crisis 2008-11 Introduction The global fin ancial crisis which started in early 2007 has proven to be perhaps the great financial catastrophe in history. Although it traces its roots back to the starting of the millennia, the subsequent meltdown was most gruesome over the past 3 years. What began as a crisis of the sub-prime mortgage market in the United States quickly transcended national borders and developed into an

Literature Review on Polygamy

Literature Review on Polygamy Polygamy is an intricate phenomenon and a result of power relations, with profound social, cultural, financial, and political roots. Regardless of being prohibited in numerous nations, the practice holds on and has been connected with women marginalization and emotional well-being sequelae. In this study, Daoud, Shoham-Vardi, Urquia and Campo, (2014) tried to enhance comprehension of this progressing, complex phenomenon by analyzing the commitment of financial position, social support to the abundance of depressive side effects and poor self-appraised wellbeing among women in polygamous marriages contrasted with women in monogamous marriages. Measuring the commitment of these elements could encourage approaches and mediations went for ensuring womens psychological wellness. The research was directed among an example of Arab Bedouin women living in a marginalized group in southern Israel (N=464, age 18-50). The females were actually met in 2008-2009. The researchers used logistic regr ession models to figure the commitment of Socio economic position (as characterized by the women training, family SEP, and family attributes) and social support to abundance of depressive indications and poor SRH among members in polygamous versus monogamous marriages. Results showed that around 23% of the members were in polygamous marriages. These women announced twice over chances of depressive signs and poorer self-rated health than those in monogamous marriages. Females training changed these affiliations marginally, yet family SEP and family unit attributes brought about for all intents and purposes no further change. Social bolster lessened the chances for poor SRH and DS by around 23% and 28%, respectively. Polygamy is connected with higher hazard for poor emotional wellness of women paying little mind to their SEP and training. Social bolster appears to have some defensive impact. Another study which was led by Al-Krenawi, Graham and Izzeldin (2001). In this research the sample was taken from refugee camps outside Gaza City. Snowball sampling technique was used to collect the sample of 187 females (100 senior or first spouses, 87 junior or second wives) in polygamous marriages. They completed questionnaires basic demographic information, Rosenbergs Self-Esteem (SE), and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Senior and junior spouses experienced crowded housing conditions. Senior wives perceived fundamentally more financial issues than did junior wives. In perceived relationship fulfillment significant difference occurred, with junior spouses less disappointed than senior wives. Significant differences occurred in five measurements of the BSI: somatization, interpersonal affectability, gloom, nervousness, and phobic uneasiness, with senior spouses scoring higher than junior wives on all subscales. Self-esteem scores were altogether lower among senior than junior s pouses. Socio-demographic and psychological discoveries are broke down in connection to financial, interpersonal, and intra-familial stressors, and social arrangement settings. On the other hand, Chaleby, (1985) examined that whether Kuwaiti spouses of polygamous marriages were extremely represented to in the inpatient psychiatric instead of the general public. A second intention was to decide the degree of the relationship between psychiatric issue and marital condition. Preliminary data showed that the rate of spouses of polygamous marriages was essentially more prominent in the inpatient psychiatric populace than in the all-inclusive community of Kuwait, as reflected in the 1975 registration. Moreover, the outcomes recommended a relationship between the way of psychiatric issue and the conjugal circumstance. Exchange clarifications of the information are progressed, and the requirement for controlled future studies drafted. However, Slonim, Nevo and Al-Krenawi (2006) conducted a study. For this study, the researchers interviewed 10 polygamous families, who were living in a Bedouin Arab town in the south of Israel. Every one of the 10 families were comprising of 1 spouse, 2 wives, and kids. Five individuals were met in every family: first spouse, second wife, the oldest child of first and second wife, and the husband. Among 10 families five families were viewed as well-working families and five as ineffectively working. Results revealed that polygamy is difficult in both well-working and ineffectively working families, especially for spouses. In any case, there are numerous customs and mastery that encourage individuals from the family to function well. Among them are acknowledgment of polygamy as Gods desire or fate, square with equal distribution of resources among both families by the spouse, partition between the two families, evasion of minor clashes and differences, keeping up a disposition of rega rd toward the other wife, and permitting open communication among all siblings, children and the other mother. Researchers likewise examined the need to create, execute, and assess family mediation programs for polygamous families among various communities in the world. In like manner, working with polygamous families some clinical implications are likewise investigated. A report of research which depends on those females who were being found in essential medicinal services focuses by Al-Krenawi. The sample comprises of 126 Bedouin-Arab women from polygamous families (1999). Of these, 94 were senior spouses who were trailed by another wife in the marriage, and 32 were junior wives, the latest wife joining the marriage. Information uncovered that senior spouses showed lower self-esteem when contrasted with junior wives. Findings additionally revealed that senior spouses showed poorer associations with their husbands contrasted with their junior counterparts. Often when a spouse wedded a second wife, the marriage could be founded on adoration, instead of parental course of action, a trade, or relationship as in the first. These variables likewise add to the senior spouses low self-esteem and marital disappointment. Furthermore, another study was conducted by Al-Krenawi, Graham and Al-Krenawi (1997) this study examined the information in view of understudy documents of 25 Bedouin-Arab children born to senior mothers of polygamous families. The interviews were conducted with children teachers and mothers. Mothers reported that their children had an assortment of behavioral issues, and below average academic achievement. Mothers griped of substantial side effects, financial issues, poor relations with the spouse, and competition and desire between the co-wives and among the co-wives children. Social work practice ought to perceive the social and individual essentialness of polygamy to relatives; value the noteworthiness of polygamy to childrens functioning; select children as an objective framework for intercession; and strengthen the Islamic value base for mediations.

A funeral in my Brain Essay -- essays research papers

I Felt a Funeral in My Brian â€Å"I felt a funeral in my brain† by Emily Dickinson traces the speaker’s descent into madness. It is a terrifying poem for both the speaker and the reader. The speaker experiences the loss of self in the chaos of the unconscious, and the reader experiences the speaker’s descending madness and the horror most of us feel about going crazy. Dickinson uses the metaphor of a funeral to represent the speaker’s sense that a part of her is dying. This is reason for her, being overwhelmed by the irrationality of the unconscious. A funeral is an appropriate image for this ordeal. The most obvious connotation with a funeral is death. Also a funeral is a formal event, whose rules and procedures suggest control and order. The control and order implicit in a funeral contras...

Media Studies Mass Media

hAbstract: This essay explores what the media, mass media and mass communication is. As well as a major focus on the hypodermic needle theory also known as the magic bullet theory on the reception analysis, the passive audience and the encoding and decoding model with reference to relevant theorists and statements and examples from Africa and other countries. In conclusion this essay states that the reception analysis and the hypodermic needle theory both are important and complex in understanding the media and the active and passive audience.The hypodermic needle theory and the reception analysis is a complicated theory in the media world. These two theories explore how the media affects its audiences, both active and passive. This essay will explore through relevant examples and ideas from theorists, the hypodermic needle theory and the reception analysis, what they are and what role it plays in the media world and how the media affects the passive audience. The media is â€Å"a d iverse collection of industries and practices, each with their methods of communication, specific business interests, constraints and audiences† (Briggs and Cobley, 2001 ;1).And mass media according to TheFreeDictionary is, â€Å"A means of public communication reaching a large audience. † The media is almost everywhere in societies today and people view or listen to so much types of media every single day. As a result the media that is taken in affects its viewers and listeners subconsciously and are not aware of the impact that the media has on them. Mass communication thus, is the â€Å"process of transforming a message created by a person in a group to large audiences or market through a transforming device which is the medium† (J. Baran, Introduction to Mass Communication).As Connell (1984 :88) says that it is common that media’s message is distorted and misunderstood by society. Thus it effects the society subconsciously buy the way they act. The aud ience plays a vital role in the media world, because if the audience did not exist neither would the media. (Hanes) The media sends out information to the audience and the audience is there to receive it. â€Å"Audiences are not blank sheets of paper on which media messages can be written; members of an audience will have prior attitudes and beliefs which will determine how effective media messages are. (Abercrombie 1996, 140). Hence, the message received by the audience and how they interpret that message will depend on the background of the audience members, such as their values and beliefs, their attitudes and their circumstances. Furthermore, there are two types of audiences that are seen to take in media, the active audience and the passive audience. The active audience interacts with the media given to them, and they have the knowledge to challenge the messages that the media gives to them.The uses and gratifications model that was first expressed in the United states in the 1940s (Moores 1993) believed that audiences were active and that they had a choice as to the texts they received, and that they were able to choose the one that would satisfy their needs. The passive audience, as seen by the hypodermic needle theory just accept all the information given to them. â€Å"Passive audience an audience that does not interact with the media and†¦ it has no control of the medias influence on them†¦ † (Unknown. www. aber. c. uk. ). The hypodermic needle theory assumes that â€Å"the audience is passive in receiving and interpretation of media texts. † (Hanes, 2000). The media is seen to directly affect the passive audience and that it will have the power to directly influence the audience, because the audiences just take in and accept what the media gives to them. Children are often seen as a passive audience because they do not fully understand what they are viewing, thus are affected subconsciously and often act out what they have s een on TV.Teenagers often try to copy their celebrity role models and lose sight of what is real and what is fantasy (Manali Oak) The hypodermic needle theory which was explored by the Frankfurt School also known as the magic bullet theory is a famous theory that states that the media is a needle or magic gun and that it â€Å"injects the message into the audiences mind and it causes changes in the audience’s behaviour†¦ towards the message. †(Unknown. poundedmonk. wordpress. com ). The audience is passive and as a result the message is injected into their mind without their knowledge.Harold Lasswell was a well known theorist of the hypodermic needle theory stated that â€Å"the new mass media could directly influence and sway public influence. † Meaning that when the audience (which is passive) views something on the television or hears something on the radio, it affects the audience directly and unconsciously, and could possibly change the way the audienc e views a certain subject. For example, in 1930 Orson Wells created a fake news bulletin about an alien invasion in an American city called Grover’s Mill.He broadcasted this message on a Radio Station program called â€Å"The War of the Worlds†, and it reached about twelve million American people. Due to this broadcast the whole country was in chaos. (Taken from :communicationtheory. org) Additionally the Hypodermic needle theory’s supporters believed that because the audience is passive in that they receive and accept the messages given to them by the media texts that, they put a great emphasis on the text itself and the power that it has on the audience.However because that information about the texts are so readily available and very easy to access, that the Hypodermic needle theory is generally disregarded by many other theorists when they consider the audiences response to the media . (Idea taken from: Phillip J Hanes) an example of this is when apartheid c ame into action in South Africa, the white government controlled the media and showed the black people as weak and inferior to the white people and that they are the dominant race and should be in charge.Most of the white viewers believed and accepted this information and as a result treated the black people like they are inferior to the white people, and thus some of the black people began to believe that they are inferior to the whites. (International Afro Mass Media) However the hypodermic needle theory â€Å"was not based on empirical findings†¦ rather it employed assumptions†¦ about human nature. † and that â€Å"People were assumed to be†¦ controlled by their biological instincts†¦ † (Lowerg and Delfleur, 1995 . p. 400).As a result the Hypodermic effects model is â€Å"considered to be an inadequate representation of the communication between media and the public, as it does not take into account the audience as individuals with their own bel iefs, opinions, ideas and attitudes. † (Unknown: www. aber. ac. uk). Hence the quote above shows the complications that were aroused by other theorists when it came to the hypodermic needle theory of how information was just accepted by the passive audience. In addition the reception analysis plays a major role in the media.The reception analysis is the way in which the audience receives, accepts and interprets the message given to them in the media (www. museum. tv. com). The way that an audience will receive and interpret a message in the media usually depends on their â€Å"socio-economic position, gender, ethnicity and so forth. † For example if four people from different people from different societies, watch the same programme, each of them will have a different view on what they have just watched, showing that the way they receive a message will be etermined by their own individuality. (Journal of Communication, 1990, vol,40, no1, p. 73) The theory on audience re ception has taken into account â€Å"the individual members of the audience. It realises there is a preferred meaning in the text, but also places emphasis on the audience in the process of constructing a meaning. † (Hanes: www. aber. ac. uk/media) meaning that the reception theory does not just look at the audience as whole, but as well as the individuals in an audience and how the medias messages affect the individuals.In South Africa, research has been done, that shows that they youth in South Africa is very influenced by the media received from North America. Teenagers watch reality shows and believe that in order to be popular and liked by their peers they have to look, act and be a certain way. Hence showing that the youth, depending on their demographic that they are in are heavily influenced and effected by the messages that they receive from the media. (M. Way: Journalism and Mass Communication). Hals encoding and decoding model draws up on Abercrombie’s (1996 ) â€Å"dominant text view and the dominant audience view. The dominant text view states that the text is more important because the audience is passive they will be influenced by the messages given by the media. Whereas the dominant audience view states that the audience is more important because it â€Å"is up audience to analyze and interpret the text. † (Hall; 1980). The advantage of the encoding and decoding model is that â€Å"it realises that the meaning made by the audience is affected by various other factors – including socio/economic frameworks and past experiences, but also involving the context in which the media message is consumed. † (Hanes: www. aber. ac. uk/media).This statement means that if one person watches television while being distracted by two children will receive a different from another person who is watching the same television programme but is concentrating on what they are watching. The reception analysis views on how the audience receives the message and how the audience interprets the messages received by the media. Thus we can see that because everyone has different ethnicity, gender, socio-economic backgrounds and political views, that they will view the messages that they receive completely differently to any other person, showing that there is individuality in audiences.For example, a Zulu woman who is a domestic worker who lives in a black township who watches ‘Carte Blanche’ will interpret the message differently to a white business man who lives in a mansion in Northcliff who watches the exact same thing. â€Å"Due to different backgrounds and experiences,  each person has  his or her  own way for decoding messages, and  people could even form different interpretations toward the same message† (stereotypebyinternet. wordpress. om) Furthermore, because there are so many types of media being given to us as the consumers of the media, we become numb to many of the informatio n given to us that we begin to just accept the information and messages. The messages that are in many of the television programs that are consumed that they begin to affect the viewers subconsciously, and the viewers will eventually act out and behave like the people on the programs that they watch and begin to think that everything that they view on the television is acceptable and that, that is how normal or even popular people should behave. The first effect of reality TV deals with†¦ teenagers. Already with self-esteem and acceptance issues, adolescent youth that frequently watch television shows that are advertise as being ‘reality', most likely will have the delusion that their appearance should mirror the people they see on the shows. Like with magazines and tabloids that historically have caused harmful†¦ trends in teenagers, such as anorexia and bulimia, reality TV foster facades that are readily accepted by our youth. † (D.Watkins, 2008) In conclusio n one can see that the media, mass media, mass communication play an important role and are important to the hypodermic needle theory, the reception analysis, and in the encoding and decoding model. This essay also shows how the audience, passive and active play an important role in the theories mentioned in this essay, and that media consumption is a very complex activity. Bibliography Abercrombie, Nicholas (1996): Television and Society. Cambridge: Polity Press Branston, G and Stafford, R. 1999). The Media Student’s Book. London: Routledge (pp. 410-420). Cruz, J. & Justin Lewis (1994): Viewing, Reading, Listening: Audiences and Cultural Reception. Boulder, CO: Westview Gillespie, M. (2005). Media Audiences. Maidenhead: Open University Press (pp. 26-50) Hanes, Philip J (April 2000) The Advantages and Limitations of a Focus on Audience in Media Studies. Retrieved April 29, 2012 from: http://www. aber. ac. uk/media/Students/pph9701. html Hart, Andrew (1991): Understanding the Media: A Practical Guide.London: Routledge Koufie-Amartey, I, (2010) Hypodermic Needle Theory. Retrieved April 29, 2012 from: http://amartey1. blogspot. com/2010/04/hypodermic-needle-theory. html Nightingale, Virginia (1996): Studying Audiences: The Shock of the Real. London: Routledge O'Sullivan, Tim, Brian Dutton ; Philip Rayner (1994): Studying the Media. London: Edward Arnold Seiter, Ellen et al. (Eds. ) (1989): Remote Control. London: Routledge Strelitz, L. (2002). Media consumption and identity formation: the case of the ‘homeland’ viewers.Media, Culture ; Society, 24(4), 459. Taylor, L and Willis, A. (1999). Media Studies. Texts, Institutions and Audiences. Oxford: Blackwell (pp. 168-183). Watkins, D. (2008): The effects of reality TV. Retrieved April 30, 2012 from http://www. helium. com/items/933893-the-effects-of-reality-tv Way, M. Strelitz, Larry. Mixed Reception: South African Youth and their Experience of Global Media. Retrieved April 26, 2012 from: http:// findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_7081/is_1_26/ai_n28420075

blood brothers

blood brothers "As like each other as two new pins."Within the play Mickey and Edward are presented differently due to their upbringing. Mickey is created to be friendly and very adventurous, as he like to play adventure games with his friends. Edward is presented as a friendly, generous character who a well-behaved, shy little boy.There are many differences and similarities throughout the play.The first difference is that Mickey makes friends easily than, unlike Edward who hardly has any friends this is because Mrs Lyons rarely lets Edward go out to play. Mrs Johnston lets Mickey roam round freely without any rules this lets Mickey socialise more than Edward.Another difference is there education. Edward has a better education than Mickey as Edwards's parents can afford to send him to a private school. Edward knows many large words, which a normal seven year old would not. For example in the play if Edward does not know the meaning of a word he would get his dictionary out and look it up on the oth er hand Mickey does not know what a dictionary is.This suggests to the reader Edward has a good, strong education and that he is independent.The next difference between Mickey and Edward is the class of their families. Mickey comes from a lower class family than Edward. Mickey's family gets treaded like dirt from the policeman as he threatened the Johnston family with court. The policeman acts the total opposite with the Lyons family as he has a scotch with Mr Lyons, this shows he wants to stay on their good side and blames the lower class for Edwards mistakes as he said " If y' don't mind me sayin' this I'm not sure I'd let him mix with the likes of them in the future,

Deaf Dance - The School for the Deaf essays

Deaf Dance - The School for the Deaf essays Imagine feeling music instead of hearing it. Imagine knowing each beat, each quarter note, each word without ever hearing a sound (Griver). Could you dance in time, in rhythm to a song if you've never heard it? The thought seems nearly impossible for those who have their hearing. I have most of my hearing, and I could never do any of this. I blame it on an inner ear problem that affects my balance, but I truly think that some people are gifted in various arts. There are people out there that were meant to dance, as luck would have it, they ended up deaf, but they were still meant to dance. In the early years, an interpreter was provided for signed translation of music during school productions. Later, a song was requested which did not lend itself to a sign language interpretation (Johnson). Instead, it was danced, and a new art form was born. Inspired by a vision of integration between deaf and hearing cultures, it uses visual language, the basis of deaf culture, and fuses that with expressive dance and live music (The Company). Almost every School for the Deaf has a dance program. The only ones that don't are only because of budget dilemmas. Gallaudet University is the most famous of deaf institutions. The story of Gallaudet Dance Company begins in 1955 when Dr. Peter Wisher, a professor in the Department of Physical Education, observed a student signing "The Lord's Prayer" during a campus ceremony. Impressed by the beauty and movement of the signs, he saw the possibility of using signs as a foundation for dance movement. He invited interested students to a meeting to explore this possibility. At first, this was not a performing company but rather a recreational activity. Students got together two or three times a week for an hour of fun and social enjoyment. Word of the club spread, and the group began to be asked to perform- both on and off campus (Hottendorf). Besides, what is Dance anyway? It is an art form ...

A problem solving model for Wal-Mart Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

A problem solving model for Wal-Mart - Essay Example The largest retailing company of the world, Walmart has been facing a decline in sales in the US, continuously for â€Å"nine straight quarters†, according to The Wall Street Journal. This has been partially due to the economic recession and partially owing to the negative image that has been there for this company. In order to suggest a package of solutions to get over with this â€Å"sales slump†, this paper invisages synthesizing different organizational theories, with a focus on three- the neoclassical theory put forth by Roethlisberger and Dickson (1943), the socio-technical theory proposed by Pasmore and the contingency theory evolved by Hellriegel and Slocum (1973). This project will put forth innovative and creative solutions to rectify the sales slouch in Wal-mart, using the problem-solving tools provided by these three theories. Access has been gained into the facts about the organizational design of Wal-Mart by conducting interviews with three senior level managers in charge of organizational structure. Basically, the design of Wal-Mart, as an organization, is that of a divisional structure. It has different divisions like, Wal-Mart Realty, Wal-Mart International, Wal-Mart Specialty Stores, Sam's Clubs, and Supercenters which are separate and partially autonomous units. Each division has its own specific set of goals. Step-2 The three theoretical frame works selected for this paper are chosen based on the advantages they have in addressing the specific issue in focus. For example, most of the complaints against Wal-Mart that have led to legal litigations and negative publicity has been regarding labor issues and hence a worker-centered approach put forward by Roethlisberger and Dickson (1943) can help re-model the organization’s functioning in such a way as to avert this criticism. Similarly, the socio-technical theory of Pasmore ((1988, p.87-109) and the contingency theory by Hellriegel and Slocum (1973) have their focus on the environmental aspects of an organization, which can be applied in the case of Wal-Mart which is haunted by many a social conflicts. Neoclassical theory of Roethlisberger and Dickson (1943) has as its core focus, the relationship between â€Å"working conditions† and â€Å"employee efficiency† (p.1). Through an experiment, Roethlisberger and Dickson (1943) had proven that there was a connection between better working conditions and better performance. In this way, this theory had changed the essence of organizational theories evolved thus far by replacing the mechanistic views by a more humanistic worker-oriented view. This theory had asserted that: An individual is not a mechanical tool but a distinct social being, with aspirations beyond mere fulfilment of a few economic and security works. Individuals differ from each other in pursuing these desires. Thus, an individual should be recognized as interacting with social and economic factors (NRMED-FAO, n.d.). Participative management has been another aspect of this theory, whereby employees are given an appropriate role in the decision making process (NRMED-FAO, n.d.). Any application of the neoclassical theory has to be by keeping in mind, the existence of an informal organization within any formal organization, the socio-psychological factors that influence workers, the inherent illogi cality of human mind, the two-way flow of communication within the hierarchy, and the need of teamwork (Pradeep, p.295). Socio-technical theory of Pasmore (1988) has based all its assumptions on the fact that â€Å"every organization consists of the people, the technical system and the environment† (NRMED-FAO, n.d.). In this theory also, the importance of considering workers a human beings and all the more, social beings, is stressed (Pasmore, p.5). It has been observed that what is meant by an organization is actually an agreement, a contract between and among people and â€Å"changes in the organization will affect this agreement and vice versa†

Long term psychosocial effects of parental divorce Essay

Long term psychosocial effects of parental divorce - Essay Example Even if they chose not to take much of the effect of their parents’ divorce, the society allows them little room to grow normally with all the taunts and criticism they have to offer. The children of divorced parents have to develop extra potential, stamina and endurance to survive in the society. Adverse effects of the parental divorce are inevitable and start to surface in the very early years of a child’s academic career, when he/she has to mention the name of guardians on the admission forms. In case the child happened to live with only one of the parents, he/she develops a grey area for the image of the second parent in his/her mind. He/she can not realize what it feels like to be the son of the missing parent and becomes even more perplexed, as his/her friends narrate their relationship with the parent, that the child lacks. This paper discusses the long term psychological impacts of the divorce on the children that they have to live with. Soon after the parents divorce, the biggest problem that the child faces is his/her ownership. In a vast majority of cases, the ownership of child is decided by the laws. The child might have to live away from the parent he/she was very close to. The child also looses his/her grandparents. Although a child may not realize such a big loss of companions and relatives, the feeling pinches the child in his subconscious and he always misses something. The feelings lives on with the child as he/she grows up. Many children suffering from similar conditions might feel they lack something, though very less of them actually realize that it is all of those relations that were abandoned soon as his/her parents parted ways with each other. The confusion causes the child to develop psychological problems. The child can not find answers to many questions rising in his/her own mind. The child has to live on with those questions for the rest of his/her life. The child tries to sort out who was