Definition and Examples of Linguistic Prestige

In sociolinguistics, linguistic prestige is the degree of esteem and social value attached by members of a speech community to certain languages, dialects, or features of a language variety. Social and linguistic prestige is interrelated, notes Michael Pearce. The language of powerful social groups usually carries linguistic prestige; and social prestige is often granted to speakers of prestige languages and varieties (Routledge Dictionary of English Language Studies, 2007). Linguists draw important distinctions between overt prestige and covert prestige: In the case of overt prestige, the social valuation lies in a unified, widely accepted set of social norms, whereas with covert prestige the positive social significance lies in the local culture of social relations. It is, therefore, possible for a socially stigmatized variant in one setting to have covert prestige in another (Walt Wolfram, Social Varieties of American English, 2004). Examples and Observations: Linguistic prestige is directly associated with power. As [Thomas Paul] Bonfiglio (2002:23) puts it, There is nothing in the particular language itself that determines its worth: it is the connection of the language in question to the phenomena of power that determines the value of that language and that contributes to the standardization process.(Gerard Van Herk, What Is Sociolinguistics? Wiley-Blackwell, 2012) Old English certainly had words for language and female and face, and we could perfectly well have carried on using them [after the Norman invasion], but the much greater prestige of French induced many English-speakers to introduce French words into their speech in the hope of sounding more elegant. This attitude is always with us: French no longer enjoys quite the prestige it once had, but you may perhaps know someone who cannot resist spattering his English speech or writing with such French words and phrases as au contraire, joie de vivre, au naturel, fin de sià ¨cle and derrià ¨re. (R.L. Trask, Language: The Basics, 2nd ed. Routledge, 1999) Prestige in Grammar In grammar, most prestige forms are related to prescriptive norms of standardness or even literary norms. For example, the use of whom in Whom did you see? or the placement of never at the front of the sentence Never have I seen a more gruesome sight might be considered prestige variants in some social contexts. Apart from these somewhat special cases, it is difficult to find clear-cut cases of prestige variants on the grammatical level of language, particularly in the grammar of ordinary informal conversation...For present-day American English, it is clear that the vast majority of socially diagnostic structures exist on the axis of stigmatization rather than the axis of prestige.(Walt Wolfram, Social Varieties of American English. Language in the USA: Themes for the Twenty-First Century, ed. by Edward Finegan and John R. Rickford. Cambridge University Press, 2004) Overt and Covert Prestige A standard dialect speaker of English who intentionally switches to use of social markers such as aint and he dont is said to seek covert prestige. Such prestige is covert because its elicitation will often not, if successful, be consciously noted.Deliberate (as opposed to instinctive) use of taboo words such as fuck and shit, usage which tends to characterize male more than female speech, may also seek covert prestige, but the strength of these as social markers makes this more difficult to achieve. In a contrasting register, one uses unusually formal non-vernacular forms in vernacular contexts. For example, one will ordinarily say Its me to the question Who is it? asked by a familiar interlocutor, but, when asked the same question by one from whom one seeks prestige, the same speaker may say It is I. Similarly, except after prepositions Americans ordinarily say who in preference to whom: Who did you ask?, not Whom did you ask?  but in some circumstances, the latter may be substituted. Such usage is said to seek overt prestige because the often dubious prestige one gets from such usage is ordinarily consciously noted, hence overt. One may use jargon similarly seeking overt prestige, saying, for example, semantics when nothing more than ordinary meaning is intended.(Grover Hudson, Essential Introductory Linguistics. Blackwell, 2000) Labov on Prestige and Gender [American linguist William Labov developed] three principles regarding the linguistic behavior of men and women: 1. For stable sociolinguistic variants, women show a slower rate of stigmatized variants and a higher rate of prestige variants than men (Labov 2001: 266)2. In linguistic change from above, women adopt prestige forms at a higher rate than men (Labov 2001: 274)3. In linguistic change from below, women use higher frequencies of innovative forms than men do (Labov 2001: 292) Ultimately, Labov formulates the corresponding Gender Paradox: Women conform more closely than men to sociolinguistic norms that are overtly prescribed, but conform less than men when they are not.(Labov 2001: 293) All these principles and the Gender Paradox itself appear to be fairly robust findings with almost universal applicability in contemporary sociolinguistics...[E]very language period and every language community must be investigated independently and in its own right (pace Jardin 2000). The actual concepts and functions of class, gender, networks, and, most importantly, norms, standards, and prestige, differ radically in different communities.(Alexander Bergs, The Uniformitarian Principle and the Risk of Anachronisms in Language and Social History. The Handbook of Historical Sociolinguistics, ed. by Juan M. Hernà ¡ndez-Campoy and Juan Camilo Conde-Silvestre. Wiley-Blackwell, 2012) Prestige, Status, and Function What do we mean by status and function? The two terms are often confused with one another and also with another term, prestige. Basically, the essential difference between prestige, function, and status is the difference between past, present, and future. The prestige of a language depends on its record, or what people think its record to have been. The function of a language is what people actually do with it. The status of a language depends on what people can do with it, its potential. Status, therefore, is the sum total of what you can do with a language--legally, culturally, economically, politically and, of course, demographically. This is not necessarily the same as what you do with the language, although the two notions are obviously related, and indeed interdependent. They can also be connected with the prestige of a language. Let us illustrate the differences. Classical Latin has had a lot of prestige but it has few functions. Swahili has a lot of functions, but little pres tige. Irish Gaelic has status, official status, but few exclusive functions.(William F. Mackey, Determining the Status and Function of Languages in Multinational Societies. Status and Function of Languages and Language Varieties, ed. by Ulrich Ammo. Walter de Gruyter, 1989)

Regulating The American Gun Control - 2098 Words

Regulating the American Gun Charles Dennis Eastern Kentucky University Author Note This paper was prepared for English 102, Section 20357, taught by Professor Roman Abstract Gun control has been a political and government issue for decades now, and figuring out exactly the right formula on how many laws, regulations we currently need. While some gun control regulation is necessary; increasing the amount and intensity of gun regulation is problematic because it is an infringement on second amendment rights, it does not deter crime, it allows for the government to have too much power and control over weapons, and proper regulations already exist. A middle ground stance on the issue of gun regulation is important, because if citizens are too far right or left on the matter it will be problematic. Either running into over regulation and over use of government power and if there is no regulation you run into chaos and anarchy from no control. To clarify, I draw a conclusion from the summary of gun regulations currently in place, being enforced today by the ATF today. In conclusion the need for some gun regulations and laws is a much needed necessity but the p roblem we seem to run into as a country is trying to shoot for too much or too little. Keywords: gun control, government, ATF, U.S. Constitution, regulations, amendments, tyranny, self-defense Regulating the American Gun WhenShow MoreRelatedGuns, Ammunition And Its Negative Effects On Society944 Words   |  4 PagesIssue Question: can the availability of guns, ammunition and its negative effects on society be a thing of the past? Claim: An analysis of the United State gun culture reveals their negative effects on society. Thesis paragraph: In the wake of recent killings and mass shooting in sandy hook and other locations across the country and communities, there has been public cries for the need for stricter gun laws and regulations. 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Business and strategic management Samples †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Business and strategic management. Answer: Summary The approach of business expansion of UPS in India which was under the supervision of Ms Page had suffered a setback due to various aspect of rural India. The road ways of rural India, as compared to other developed countries where UPS was already functional, was not much developed yet (Jenkins Williamson, 2015). After the analysis of the economic scenario and the company, Ms Page devised getting into alliances would assist in resolving the problem that is faced by UPS in delivering its services in rural India. Making alliances with companies like Jet Air marked first expansion of the brand outside North India. The strategy of DHL could prove to be an effective approach for the business expansion of UPS in India more so in the rural India (Wheelen Hunger, 2017). The evaluation for the problem faced by UPS in delivering services in rural India initiates with the analysis of early history of UPS, common carrier rights, assessments of UPS Airlines, the involvement of aspects of public, synchronization of commerce, application of Hub and Spoke Model, the integration of brand and organizational culture of UPS and insights of transportation sector (Jenkins Williamson, 2015). In order to have business expansion, the company had to make association with Jet Air, second alliance with AFL Private Ltd which is a major holder of business operations in India in this sector. By following the business expansion strategy of DHL which was acquiring the Indian delivery company Blue Dart, clarity in both the segments of domestic and international market along with business operations in rural India can be identified. References Jenkins, W. and Williamson, D., 2015.Strategic management and business analysis. Routledge. Wheelen, T.L. and Hunger, J.D., 2017.Strategic management and business policy. pearson.

Inside A Hindu Temple Essays - Hindu Gods, Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple

Inside A Hindu Temple Inside a Hindu Temple The Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple, located in Lanham, Maryland, is unique in that it houses both an icon to Shiva and an icon to Vishnu. Shiva is represented with a stone lingam and Vishnu is portrayed lying upon a bed of snakes. These two icons are the center of the temple and are housed in inner shrines. About twenty other gods are also represented in icons ringing the temple. These icons were dressed in saris and jewelry. Placed in front of many of these icons were offerings of fruit and rice, as well as the red powder kunkumma. These offerings were likely placed privately by families during worship. The visitor is struck by the bright colors of the ornately decorated interior, tje smells of burning incense and the sound of ringing bells. When we arrived, a puja was being conducted for Vishnu by two temple priests. A puja is a Hindu act of devotion to a deity. Though they may vary considerably, a puja typically is directed towards an icon of the god being worshipped. The icon is bathed, typically with water and milk. The icon is then dressed in a sari and jewelry, and often shown his own image in a mirror. A food offering is made to the icon, accompanied by the ringing of bells. The puja being conducted at the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple was being conducted by two priests, dressed only in dotis, cloth wrapped around their lower bodies, and wore their sacred thread bandalier-style on their upper bodies. A small congregation was present, reciting from prayer books. The priests rang bells and bathed Vishnu. First they poured water over the icon. Next they bathed him with milk, one of the five nectars. Finally they bathed him with water again. All the while they recited mantras, inviting Vishnu to come down and join them. After bathing Vishnu, the priests closed the curtain to the inner shrine. The puja was to conclude later in the evening, a very lengthy ceremony in contrast to Western Christian services, which only last about as long as several time slots on prime time television. The priests at the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple reside at the temple, and are Brahmins who have studied the Vedas. They are men who's lives are committed to the worship of the gods, and one marvels at their devotion. Religion

Discuss the extent to which you think that goals are determined by the overarching culture of a society as opposed to smaller social groups or subcultures

Discuss the extent to which you think that goals are determined by the overarching culture of a society as opposed to smaller social groups or subcultures Pascal Cisangani 23023554 / 23345853 Danai MuswaziDiscuss the extent to which you think that goals are determined by the overarching culture of a society as opposed to smaller social groups or subculturesDefinition of key termersCulture and subcultureA culture is made up of beliefs, behaviors, objects, and other characteristics that members of a specific group or society have in common. Through this, individuals and groups define themselves, conform to society's shared values, and contribute to society. Hence, culture does contains many social characteristics, among them are language, customs, values, norms, rules, tools, technologies, products, organizations, and institutions (Finnemore, 1996:326). However some common institutions include but not limited to family, education, religion, work, and health careA subculture can be defined as a group of people holding a particular culture (that could be visible or hidden) which differentiates them from the larger culture from which they d o belong.JARMILA GROTHFor instance, in case where a subculture is characterized by some element of opposition to the main or governing culture, it may be described as counterculture (Finnemore, 1996:326).SocietySociety can be defined a group of people who interact in such a way as to share the same culture (Isajiw, 2006:265).GoalsA goal can be defined as a result or an achievement toward which efforts were focused. People have certain goals that they may want to achieve in life. These goals might include but not limited to getting married, Education, employment, a house, means of transportation and so on (Settergren, 2003). The question is to know where these goals come from. Do individuals set them up? If so, based on which criteria's? How do people know what is best for them? Or are people obliged to attain certain goals?Structural functionalismStructural functionalism is a method of viewing society...

Acquisition of a language

Acquisition of a language Acquisition of a language is a situation whereby a person, specifically one who is exposed to the language to be acquired is exposed to that language.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Acquisition of a language specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It can either happen in a natural set up where the target language is used and that the learner of this language acquires it by mere exposure to that language (Ellis, 1994), or in a formal set up where the language is to be taught to the learner and he or she is introduced to the rules and ‘tools of trade’ of the language, for instance, when a learner is born in a certain environment, for example an English family, and the language of communication is English, then the learner’s first language is English (Ellis 1985), but when another language comes up such as French, and the child is under circumstance that he or she has to learn French, then French will come in as a second language. The environments of acquiring both languages will be different and therefore after acquiring the first language, acquisition of the second language can either be simplified or made harder. The second language can either borrow from the first language or not borrow at all; therefore the first language will have played a role either positively or negatively in the second language acquisition process (Gass Selinker, 2001). Second language acquisition entails the acquisition of a language after the first language also known as the native language. The first language is considered the language that one acquires first as the mode of communication. This language is always thought to be an individual’s mother tongue. Any language that comes after the first language is then referred to as the second language, which is essentially the language that opens an individual to the outside world or rather to communicate with people outside his or her native backgrou nd. Most often than not, an individual’s background can be traced using the (Gass Selinker, 2001) accent that he or she has in her foreign language as his or her second language accent can easily contain traces of his or her first language. It is therefore the case that first language can have both positive and negative effects on an individual (Ellis, 1985). The second language can be easy to learn if there are some similarities between it and the first language. It is always the case that a French speaker can easily learn English as his or her second language because of the few similarities between the two languages, but a speaker of Chinese can find it a bit hard to learn English because there is a wide gap in terms of differences between the two languages (Gass Selinker, 1992).Advertising Looking for essay on linguistics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More There will be more interference experienced (Ellis, 1994) from the Chinese language because of the difference in pronunciation than it will be the case with French. It is therefore believed that similarities and differences in various languages play a significant role in the acquisition of the second language, the more the differences, the difficult it is to acquire the second language but the less the differences, the more easy it is to learn the second language (Gass Selinker 2001). Second language acquisition will be interrupted by the first language in a situation whereby the first language dominates much more in its usage than the second language. Whenever the first language gets more prevalence, then it is most probable that the use of the second language is minimal. Practice makes perfect and therefore if the language acquired as a second language will find it as a challenge when the learner uses the first language more often because the learner finds it more comfortable to use the first language, then it will be hard reachin g the target language. Therefore the first language will have stood in the way of the learning of the second language and therefore its acquisition hindered. The first language will have stood on the way in the learning of the second language. Errors can come up in the acquisition of the second language because of the interference caused by the first language (Dulay Krashen, 1982). Most of these errors are caused by transfer of forms and meanings by a learner from their first language into the second language. This is evident in practical measures when a learner wants to make it easier to understand a notion that is found in the second language that is almost similar to that found in the native language (Dulay Krashen, 1982). Most errors are always linked to the first language caused by transfer.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Acquisition of a language specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In the acquisition of the se cond language, the learner either consciously or unconsciously finds himself or herself transferring rules from his or her first language into the second language. These rules May affect the acquisition of the second language either positively or negatively (Dulay Krashen, 1982) As propagated by the behaviorist theory that language learning is a process of habit formation (Gass Selinker, 1992) whereby old habits from the first language are thought to stand in the way of the learning of the new habits found in the second language, this is referred to as negative transfer. This will in the wider picture lead into the formation of errors. According to behaviorists therefore old habits that will have been formed in the learning of the first language contribute greatly in the learning of the second language and in as much as in the behaviorist context this will lead to formation of errors and it is evident therefore that there is a significant role played by the first language in the l earning of the second language. At times, the habits from the first language help the learning of the second language and make it easier because the contribution of the first language could have been strengthened the values found in the second language, this is called positive transfer. It is therefore true that the first language has a significant role in the learning of the second language. Second language learners may in some circumstances exhibit habitual avoidance of some constructions in the second language due to the differences exhibited therein from their first language (Beebe, 1998). From their first language, second language learners will tend to concentrate largely on discourse or grammatical forms that do not pose problems with their first language. Those that show a wide margin of difference will therefore be avoided in order to make it easy for acquisition of the second language, which is as per the learners. But avoidance of these constructions is in the long run att ributed to the interferences of the first language. Avoidance of the constructions that deem hard can affect the acquisition of the second language by the mere fact that the constructions that are avoided can cause major grammatical errors in the acquired language. These errors caused by transfer can seriously harm the acquisition of the second language.Advertising Looking for essay on linguistics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In view of the cognitive approach to second language learning, the learners are thought to creatively use the knowledge that they already have from the first language so as to learn the second language on their own with minimal supervision. This is done by the learners coming up with patterns that are of their own making, making use of the underlying rules they borrow from the first language. After formulating the rules they then try to fit them in the second language, if they are not relevant they rectify them and if they are applicable then they will have achieved in the learning of the second language. The learners therefore will have learnt from their own mistakes because partly they hold an active role in the learning process. They will be in a position to learn on their own and acquire firsthand knowledge of the second language courtesy of the first language knowledge they will have had. Rules from their first language will have played a significant role in the general outcome of the second language learning. The learning processes of both the first language and the second language are always not the same, because the first language always comes first and in a natural setting, the second language comes later and in most cases in a more formal setting but if it occurs in a natural setting the mechanisms used in its learning are not always the same (Sharwood 1994). Whereas the acquisition of competence in the first language comes at relatively faster rate, those standards of the second language are relatively slow unless it happens in a relatively faster learner. More often than not, when a learner gets exposed to the second language at a relatively young age, and incase the first language is not in constant use, the first language stands a chance of being dropped along the way because new rules of the new language tend to overshadow those of the first language. But in case of comparison of both rules and applying them in the acquisition, then it is quite evident that both languages will have complemented each other (Sharwood, 1994). When looking at the linguistic word order in a language, more often than not the first language affects the second language (Gass Selinker, 1992). For instance in English, there is the ‘subject-verb-object’ agreement in word order in a grammatically correct sentence but for an English learner it may not be the case that his or her first language could be having this same word order. In acquiring English as the second language, the learner will find it convenient using the word order of the native language ignoring that of the second language (English). This is always the case when considering the theory of overgeneralization where the second language learner over generalizes, specifically the rules acquired from the first language. This can be considered as a type of simplification that aids the learner in understanding and acquiring the second language. The first language will have therefo re played a significant role in simplifying second language rules. Though this can be seen as interference from the first language, the end result is this will have aided in the understanding and acquisition of the second language by the learner. Learners of English as a second language, most significantly French learners will in a way change the rhythm in English because their first language, that is French allows. The distortion of the language is mainly caused by use of words that could not be having the meaning they intend to pass across, for instance the misplacement of the word ‘for’ with a word like ‘since’. An example in a sentence is, â€Å"I have been living here for the last four years and instead use â€Å"I have been living here since four years†. This is a case of syntactic borrowing from the first language into the acquisition of the second language (Gass Selinker, 1992) On the basis of the first language, it is easy to detect areas o f the study of the second language that will be of difficulty to the second language learner and those that will not be difficult (Ellis, 1994). The underlying factor is for the second language learner to understand the finer details of the language, so that a line is drawn between the first language and the second language (Gass Schachter, 1989). One needs to invent a mechanism that can help avoid the kind of confusion that can arise as a result of errors that arise through overgeneralization and transfer. It is evident that some errors realized in the acquisition of the second language are as a result of the first language influence. Therefore a line needs to be drawn between the rules of the second language and the native language. Accents are usually carried by the leaner from their fist language into the learning of the second language. In this case, a learner will always tend to pronounce sounds in the second language as if they were in their first language (Gass Selinker, 19 92). This can be seen in languages that share particular words even though the meaning and pronunciation could be different. This can be seen for example to be in existence among French and English languages. The learners of either of these two languages may find themselves carrying the accents of either of the languages into the other. This will happen if one language comes after the other as a second language. Therefore borrowing of accent from the first language can always be traced if the native speaker competence of the second language is not achieved (Gass Selinker, 1992). Thus, this leads to the passing judgment on the origins of an individual through this particular individual’s accents. In the field of second language acquisition, it is always the case that the learner of the second language achieves the status of being able to communicate with people outside his or her native boundaries of the native language. But at times the second language speaker may find it di fficult to get the right words with which to communicate with the speakers of the second language. This learner will find himself or herself using first language phrases in order to pass a point or rather to say what he or she intended to say (Gass Selinker, 1992). In most cases this is accompanied by signs and gestures which will aid the listener in understanding what the reader intends to say. This helps in the expression of oneself in the language that one is well equipped in but with accompaniment of body language, then he or she is well understood. For instance, when one finds it hard to use the word university in the acquired language and has got that word in his or her first language, then with aid of the first language together with facial and other extra linguistic devices, the whole meaning will have been arrived at. During encoding and decoding of messages, most second language learners find it easy encoding it and giving the messages their own interpretations in their f irst languages and thereafter find the suitable words to employ in the second language. This is so because before one gives a response, he or she needs to internalize the encoded message after which he or she needs to decode the message. Apparently before a response is given many processes do take place which in return contributes to the communication cycle to be complete (Gass Selinker, 1992). The second language in itself cannot be sufficient if the learner has not yet acquired all the vocabularies that aid good communication, before the learner acquires second language competence it is therefore always the case that the first language is helpful. In case the learner does not get the right vocabulary, then he or she can decode the message in the first language after which it can be given an interpretation that is required in the second language. The use of the first language, in as much as the initial studies posed as a hindrance to the acquisition of the second language serves a s a measure that bridges the gap left by lack of the right words in the second language, but it is this same first language that will serve as a ‘bank’ where borrowing of words takes place to aid encoding and decoding of information for easy communication. Some linguists view the first language as less important in the acquisition of the second language and that instead of being a positive factor in second language acquisition; the first language seems less important (Beebe, 1998). If just left aside, as a major factor that contributes positively to the acquisition of the second language, then an individual’s fist language will have been done harm, this will be seen as means of killing the first language after the acquisition of the second language (Gass Schachter, 1989). It is therefore wise to see the acquisition of these two languages as complex but equal processes that needs reinforcement in either way. The underlying factor in this case, at all levels and s tages of the acquisition of both first and second language acquisition, both of the two languages need each other. It should be noted that both the first and the second language complement and need each other (Beebe, 1998). Any language of the world plays the role of communication and expressing oneself so as to be understood and to understand other members of society. The acquisition of a second language in the natural environment of the first language can see the first language being used in making incorrect assumptions concerning the second language but that notwithstanding (Gass Schachter, 1989), it can be used in making the acquisition of the second language a lot easier. Both of these two languages need each other in a healthy way in order to strengthen each other, one way nit to make the first language distinct and secondly to make the second language helpful in aiding the first language speakers open up to the outside world of communication References Beebe, L.M. (1988). Is sues in Second Language Acquisition: Multiple Perspectives. New York. Newbury House Publishers. Ed. Dulay, H., Burt, M. Krashen, S. (1982). Errors. Language Two. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Ellis, R. (1985). Learner Strategies. Understanding Second Language Acquisition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 164-189 Ellis, R. (1994).The Study of Second Language Acquisition. Oxford. Oxford University. Gass, S. Schachter, J. (1989). Linguistic Perspectives on Second Language Acquisition. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge. Eds. Gass, S. Selinker, L. (1992). Language Transfer in Language Learning. New York, Routledge. Gass, S. Selinker, L. (2001). Second Language Acquisition: An introductory course. New York. Routledge. Sharwood S. (1994). A quick tour around, Second Language Learning: Theoretical Foundations. London: Longman. pp. 3-21.

Characteristics of Film Noir Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Characteristics of Film Noir - Essay Example Obscurity and profound black scenery reflected the sinister face of American dream (Westcombe). Film noir or black film referred to characteristic movies well thought-out to be apprehension pictures, murder mystery or misdemeanor melodramas (Hirsch 71). The late 1940s saw Hollywood put in place standard style to depict cops, lawbreakers and private detectives universally. Film noir also has a romantic recounting of love. Romantic narration is evident in films like â€Å"Postman Always Rings Twice† and â€Å"Double Indemnity† and creates the mood of an irretrievable past, a premeditated past and all-enveloping despondency (Hirsch 168). Dialogue is an essential element of film noir and it is usually brusque. Dialogue is brought about by characters who contemptuously or straightforwardly express themselves (Hirsch 74). Film noir characters often make wisecracks like in Mitchum in 1947’s â€Å"Out of the Past†. The wisecracker’s daring witticism and angry replies are risky and hilarious. For the audience, these aspects are impressive since the character, despite knowing they have messed up, cares less solely depending on their fast tongues and wits for rescue. Lighting in film noir scenes does not just involve light addition (Westcombe). Instead, lighting is used to form shadows which to the audience depict that danger prowls around the corner. Lighting in film noir should come from the sides as this varies the intensity across the person and creates depth to the subject through appending dimension (Hirsch 84). An exception of side lighting in film noir is during a criminal’s interrogation when the light can be bright directly on him or her. In addition, creation of sharp and discrete shadows is created using a single point of light. Sharp discrete shadows are used by audience to construct comprehensible mental images of the objects casting the shadows (85). Distinct approach to camera settings

Managing Org Behavior Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Managing Org Behavior - Assignment Example Besides communication, I would also ensure that the problem solving skills exhibited by the team are as efficient as possible so that the team can guide itself in case the manager is not available. This is because disagreements are bound to happen at any time within the group. How the group deals with the disagreements would be of great importance to me as the manager. Moreover, when the group is discussing a problem, I would also be concerned about the participation of the members. This is because when all members are engaged, a certain positive level of coordination is present (Tina). Although criticism may have a negative impression at certain instances, I would encourage the team members to provide constructive criticism, which is essential in creativity and innovation. Furthermore, I would also be concerned about the flexibility of the team. Flexibility is very important when the organization intends to make certain changes within the organization. Adaptation of the team members would be of importance to me, as their manager, since the contemporary world demands flexibility because it is highly competitive. Other characteristics would include how much the team is focused, as a good team is able to focus with the issue at hand and avoid interruption. An effective communicator has certain specific characteristics that ensure the message is passed appropriately. Such a communicator is said to be effective because they provide a clear and a concise message to the audience. Clarity is one of the most important aspects in communication since it helps in elimination of confusion. In addition, a concise message is straight to the point and does not waste the audience’s time. On the other hand, a good communicator understands the audience. This implies that the mode of communication that they adopt does not confuse the audience. An effective communicator also employs empathy for the audience. This involves viewing the

The Vietnam War Essay Example for Free

The Vietnam War Essay The Vietnam War is a conflict with Vietnamese against itself, North Vietnam or the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam, wherein the Americans got involved mistakenly and honorably. (see Wikipedia) It is an effort to unify Vietnam into a single state. But then it is considered as false and dishonest theory. As per John Pilger, this war is an invasion of Vietnam’s homeland and lives. (see Global Issues) It is by far the longest war in the century of America against North and South of Vietnam. The Vietnam conflict with America is included in the Second Indochina dated 1954-1975 that grew out from the long conflict between France and Vietnam. (see Wikipedia) It is widely reflected in history and media that America lost this war because of the guerilla movement in Vietnam. (see Global Issues)   It is also believed that America lost this war due to the contribution of media that is against it. (see Global Issues) Actually, Vietnam approached US for assistance in building a nation from the Second Word War and mainly from French imperialism to achieved control for South Vietnam. (see Global Issues) It is believed that US supported Vietnam’s independence and determination. But then, US turned down the assistance that is why they turned to the other superpower at that time, the Soviet Union. (see Global Issues) Ho Chi Minh, communist leader, appealed to President Truman for assistance because Vietnamese wanted to pattern their constitution with the American government. (see Global Issues) But America declined to support their freedom and instead allied with the French. Vietnam was then forced to turn to China and the Soviet Union. (see Global Issues) United States is believed to give support to South Vietnam. They deployed personnel and US military advisers in 1956 to be responsible for training the army of South Vietnam. (see Global Issues) President Nixon purpose was to strengthen South Vietnam. US declined to support North Vietnam due to their communist belief to which US is not partaking. They came to aid the regime in the South who were said to be attacked by the North Vietnamese. (see Global Issues) The opposition said that America really lost the war. It is included in the criticism of the media. There are two most influential beliefs on why America lost this war. First, media undermined the military and political effort through media coverage, especially on television, in America. (see Global Issues) Second is that most of the journalists and broadcasters were against the war. It is on the whole of American media which resulted that war is a â€Å"failed crusade.† (see Global Issues) It has been reported that South Vietnamese had taken up arms to defend their villages and homeland. The North Vietnam Government was not recognized by the United States and the reason why US declined to assist because it is believe to be â€Å"improper† to acknowledge such correspondence. (see Global Issues) During the war, it is believed that it was the time where US dispatched its greatest ever land army and even offered the French two atomic bombs to use prior to its defeat in 1954. (see Global Issues) They pursued military strategies designed for people to abandon homes like usage of chemicals. Millions of people were killed and maimed, some were Americans and the rest are Vietnamese. The agreement to end the war included $3.25 billion of grant aid for 5 years to which was never paid. (see Global Issues) It is supposed to be for the postwar reconstruction but Vietnam did not reveal all the prisoners of the war who were supposedly part of the deal to aid. (see Global Issues) This is a tragic issue for Americans who have been unaware of the fate of their loved ones. (see Global Issues) The Vietnam conflict with the intervention of America is not really a war between the two countries. It is said that America lost this war. But America did not really lose it because in the first place, America was there to become an ally and just to support South Vietnamese for their fight against aggression from the North. Ineffectiveness is a more appropriate term. The way that Americans implemented their policy is ineffective in this conflict. America’s main goal is to unite Vietnam into one state. (see Global Issues) America failed to achieve that goal. The conflict highlighted more on the Cold War ideological battle. It reported and portrayed on the killings and tragedies that happened in the War. It focused more on the bad mistake. The good intentions were rarely questioned and carried out poorly. The media made coverage of America in an extremely one-sided story. (see Global Issues) It resulted to inaccurate reporting because only fragments were told. They mainly focused on the nature of the war. The atrocity of the war were mistakenly branded and blundered. Americans are on the side of South Vietnam that opposed the aggression from the communist, the North Vietnam. What really happened in this war was â€Å"internal aggression.† (see Global Issues) Wherein they invaded and attacked their own country and people. But then there were confusion on who really were â€Å"allies† on this war. The non-communist South Vietnam was said to be invaded by the communist, North Vietnam. (see Global Issues) United States therefore came to the side of the â€Å"democratic† regime in the South. But it was reported untrue. It is because Ho Chi Minh sent regular forces to assist the American attacks. (see Global Issues) He was persuaded to send regular armies to support the South in their opposition to American invasion. (see Global Issues) America lost the war in Vietnam. But millions of acres of forest were destroyed through herbicides poisoning, millions of people were slaughtered, rice fields were left with spots of bomb craters after â€Å"winning† its freedom. It is believed that in a war, no one really win or lose. Though they achieved what they are fighting for, they lose a great deal as well. Vietnam might have the independence and freedom they wanted but it caused them a lot before they achieved it. In contrast, America is still one of the most powerful countries in the world. They still aid and support other countries. But what is the measurement of victory? Is it shown in wealth or material possessions? Or is it measured by power? Or achieving what we really wanted though nothing was left afterwards? Winning does not end or achieve from a certain period of time. Victorious winning is seen on how you live after or if you were able to cope up with life after the battle. Fighting for what you desire and achieving it is a great reward for winning. On the process of achieving for these goals, you may lose some, but gain some as well. It really doesn’t matter if Vietnam conflict is a Winnable War. What matters most is the lesson learned from this war. The experiences happened, whether good or bad. Making things better and hoping that none of this will happen again in the future. To be able to have a peaceful world that can only be attained if we will not let selfishness rule over us. Most people believed that US lost the war. But Vietnam was destroyed to its core where it could be a pool of hope for the next generation and development option in Asia. If only plans were made and done effectively, things might have been different or it could be better than what happened. REFERENCES: Shah, Anup (29 December 2002). Media Propaganda and Vietnam. Retrieved October 15, 2006, from War, Propaganda and the Media Website: http://www.globalissues.org/HumanRights/Media/Propaganda/Vietnam.asp#ThemedialostthewarforAmerica Vietnam War Retrieved October 15, 2006, from Wikipedia Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_war#Richard_Nixon_and_Vietnam_.281969.E2.80.931974.29

Hispanic, Worker, Student, Mother Essay -- Graduate College Admissions

Hispanic, Worker, Student, Mother    I am the only girl and middle child in a family of five siblings. As is common in Hispanic culture, my status was automatically placed below that of my brothers by virtue of my gender alone. Even as a teenager, I was not allowed to go out to movies alone with my friends; my younger brother was sent to keep an eye on me and report back to my mother. Needless to say, I was also not permitted to date in high school. At that time, without the social life afforded to other girls my age, I turned to academics.    Captivated by muckrakers, yellow journalism, and the sheer power of the printed word, I discovered through journalism my love for writing. The idea of writing something that would get the attention of my teenage peers, or anyone for that matter, appealed to me. In one column I wrote about gang activity at my high school. I argued for tougher disciplinary measures for gang members and against ineffective administrative procedures in dealing with gangs. However, one did not disrespect gangs in the school paper and expect it to go unnoticed. While my adviser feared for my safety, he agreed to run the column anyway. The day it ran, I walked into school with my head held high and prepared for the worst, but it never came. Instead I got people talking; talking about changes. I had succeeded in what I had intended for my writing. My senior year I became a correspondent for the El Paso Herald Post and earned an internship for the summer after graduation. Although I served as more of a gopher than a writer, no task was too small. I loved the opportunity to hang around the newsroom and witness seasoned veterans at work.    When summer ended I was terrified at the prospect ... ...e I had loved in academics. I needed to do more for my daughter and myself. In the summer of 1996, 1 walked off the job and back into the classroom.    Unlike the scared, sheltered girl fresh out of high school, I was now a single mother, a little older but far wiser. While I had longed for my mother's approval when I began college, I now had the admiration of my daughter. As her role model, I'm obligated not merely to teach her about responsibility but also to show her what is right through my actions. I have balanced academics, a child, a household, and a job (sometimes two jobs) every semester while continuing to have my writings published and making the best grades of my academic career. The decisions to keep my daughter and to raise her alone could have devastated my academic career, but instead they made me into a strong, dedicated, and balanced person.

Hot Cheetos Essay

Teenagers and children today are not only suffering from serious health issues, but also are putting their lives at risk. It is not only the fact that they choose to eat unhealthy, but more so that they have these delicious, mouthwatering, and cheap foods right in their cupboards. â€Å"Junk food†, as stated by Gregory Lopez, soared during the 1980’s and 1990’s, doubling among adults in the U.S. and tripling among children (Natural News). Studies show that the number one â€Å"Junk food† consumed by children and teenagers were Hot Cheetos. Not only may gastritis come from the consumption of Hot Cheetos, but are also at arm’s length for children, following up with health issues that are quite devastating and are also addicting, to top things off. Hot Cheetos were invented in the 1900’s, as a simple experiment. At first it was seen as a simple and innocent creation, but later on took a toll on the children. I was able to discuss the Hot Cheetos topic with my cousin Guadalupe and understand the effects these chips caused her. At first she did not feel any sort of symptoms or pains, but little by little, she began experiencing a pain in her stomach. She began throwing-up everything she ate, right after eating the chips. She would spend sleepless nights getting up and down, just to throw up, because Hot Cheetos irritated her stomach way too much! â€Å"As soon as I ate Hot Cheetos, I would feel my stomach begin to burn up, but I did not understand why. If everyone else could eat them, why couldn’t I. Sometimes I wondered if I was the only one.†Clearly she wasn’t the only one, and her stomach pains had a name. As addressed by ABC News, Hot Cheetos cause gastritis and a change of pH in one’s stomach. â€Å"Super spicy chips and snack foods have come under attack as being unhealthy,† ABC News addressed. The health issue is not so much of an issue, but more directly, what the effects of the spiciness can cause the body to undergo. Doctors have seen cases where kids are going into the ER with gastritis, â€Å"an inflamed stomach lining.† According to Andrew Medina, he experienced stomach pain on and off for weeks before seeing a doctor, as told by ABC News.  "It’s like if you have a bruise or something. It really hurts a lot.† Regardless of the symptoms Andrew, along with other children still consumed 20-30 bags including snacks, a month. Not only are kids messing up their stomachs, but more so making unnecessary visits to the ER. Dr. Martha Rivera, a pediatrician at White Memorial Medical Center in Los  Angeles said, â€Å"We have a population who loves to eat the hot spicy, not real foods, and they come in with these real complaints.† Dr. Rivera was not only a witness of the negative effects of Hot Cheetos, but also came to the awful conclusion that kids do not think of their health for once. Following up with Dr. Rivera’s comment, Dr. Robert Glatter, an ER physician, at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, agreed that kids are constantly eating this snack that has quantities of unreal spicy flavoring. According to Glatter, he has not had many cases where patients come in complaining that their stomach is burning up due to consuming large amounts of spicy salsa. More cases of visits to the ER are seen when ingesting unreal foods, rather than natural ones, like the spicy salsa. It makes sense that spicy salsa does not cause as much problems as the one on Hot Cheetos, because where one is made of natural ingredients, the other one is not. Not only are we feeding venom to our bodies, but also killing it, little by little. Think how much in excess and unnecessary ingredients are used when making unhealthy foods, rather than when one makes healthy foods. Hot Cheetos are known to be, â€Å"an affordable snack that is sweet and calorie-dense† and is available in urban environments as stated by the Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute. Not only did the Yale-New Haven Teachers find that living in the poorer and urban parts of the city highly affected the health and well-being of children, but more so that because of this â€Å"flammable† unhealthy food, the rates of obesity were increasing. Studies shown that the poorer the community was, the more convenient stores there were. â€Å"This trend is statistically significant across the United States with 1.3 times as many convenience stores as compared to middle-income urban neighborhoods.† Although this is a very good technique for any corporation, the ones suffering are the children and their health. Any child would be delighted to have one of these â€Å"convenience stores† at arms-length, but it is the parent’s job to incorporate the child’s mind into knowing what is good and what is not. Hot Cheetos have become an addiction for students. Guadalupe could not understand why Hot Cheetos were so addicting for her and could not get out of the habit of eating them. Whenever she would go to the store, she would strictly look for these chips and think of all the wonderful things she could do with them. â€Å"I would always buy a bag of chips, take it home and shower it with Tapatio and extra lemon juice.† Even though she knew that  doing this was very unhealthy, she chose to do it either way because of the exquisite feeling you feel due to the smell of it. â€Å"Once you start eating them, they are kind of addicting, and you can’t help it, you feel like you can do anything and everything is possible.† Studies have shown that Hot Cheetos trigger a response, which is similar to those created by controlled substances in addicted individuals; something called â€Å"hyper palatable foods.† These hyper palatable foods have become an addiction among students of Noble Street Charter School Network and the entire Rockford school district has banned Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, due to nutritional concerns as addressed by Monica Eng. â€Å"Although Hot Cheetos deliver high levels of salt, fat and artificial flavors with little nutrients or fiber in return, the same can be said for similar snacks.† Regardless of the lack of healthy nutrients, there are many other snacks that are just as bad as Hot Cheetos, but still are not the best choice. Also, because of the lack of nutrients, obesity rates have tripled since 1980, as expressed by the Chicago Tribune. Hot Cheetos have not only been shown to make people addicted (students in particular), but also have high levels of unhealthy n utrients. Due to the lack of nutrients and â€Å"addicting† chemicals did the Chicago Tribune argue against Hot Cheetos, but won nothing, because students are still eating them or purchasing from anywhere close by that sells them. Hot Cheetos will always be sold, but it is up to the adult, as a parent to take charge of their children’s health, before lamenting something. Studies and nutritionists can only do so much in trying to help us to know what it is we are putting into our bodies. As stated by ABC News, the Yale-New Haven Teachers, and the Chicago Tribune Hot Cheetos are not a healthy snack for children, teenagers, or anybody. Not only does it cause major health problems, like obesity and gastritis but it is also an addicting substance that we might see as scrumptious and tasty, but in reality, it is something that is causing children to have mishaps and unnecessary visits to the ER. It is the parent’s job to know more and take care of their child’s well-being.

Environmental Economics Essay

Agriculture has an instrumental role and close association in preservation and conservation of the environment and economic development. It promotes environment diversity and enhances the creation of artificial habitats. The green biomass that covers many fields forms a basis of aesthetic to the human emotions. Intensified uses of chemical in agricultural production threaten the above benefits that arise from agricultural fields. In the recent past, a growing concern has been raised with regard to the negative impact arising from agricultural related activities and policies. Legalization of substances such as pesticide and fertilizer enhance negative consequences on the environment. They contain toxic elements thus causes pollution of surface water and underground water, drainage of wetlands, air pollutions and loss of diverse life forms and habitats. Settlement scheme in implemented on fragile lands such swamps, disturbances the ecological balance in the area. Environmental issues can be resolve by promoting organic agriculture, establishing relevant institutions, formulation of legislation and policies. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) members agreed that reforms should, to the extent possible, simultaneously enable progress to be made on trade liberation and environment. They also agreed to uphold the need to integrate agricultural development with environmental issues. (OECD 1993, p, 24-50) The focus of this study is therefore to examine the risk of inorganic agriculture against organic agriculture on the environment and thereafter formulate alternative strategies to foster sustainability. Environmental issues are diverse and multi-disciplinary in nature since they cut across all sectors of the economy and cultures. Unsustainable agriculture and increase in populations in the world modifies environmental issues. Population increase exerts high pressure on the economic processes to stretch, in most cases beyond the natural sustainable limit, to accommodate the excess demand (Sandler, Todd. 1997, p, 34-73) In response, the world has embarked on intensified adoption to scientific invention and advancement in technological development to improve production. Organic means of production are therefore considered redundant and barbaric in favor of inorganic agriculture. Unsustainable means of production, consequently, have widened and continue to widen environmental global challenges that threaten to cripple and suffocate the world’s economy. Studies have shown that increased use of chemical, such as pesticides and fertilizers for production in farming activities perpetuates the environmental global challenges. This puts the future livelihood for mankind at a stake and uncertain. It is therefore important to examine environmental challenges attached to intensive use of chemical for agricultural production and thereafter provide an alternative strategy to enhance sustainability. (Dutch Committee, 1994, p, 30-50) Intensified use of chemical for production is largely attributed to agricultural and industrial revolution. Population has also influenced the need to use chemicals to increase food production to meet the ever growing world demand for food. Initially, the above means of agricultural production were common in Europe and Asian continent. Abject poverty in the world has created great desire and demand for technological innovation to increase food production. Globalization and scientific advancement has therefore provided a solution to the world food demand problem. However, the solution comes with a bundle of side effects. Technological and scientific information transfer, particularly, to African countries, where poverty is obsolete and unsustainable (Andersons, L. and Bruce, Yundle, 2001, p, 50-200) Over the last three decades there has been an increasing global use of chemicals for agricultural production. Traditionally, production was based on organic means thus less environmental concerns. Merchandised agriculture has raised the public concern over the nature of the problems that arises from agricultural production. These problems are diverse and wholly attributed to environmental pollution caused by intensified use of pesticide and fertilizers. (Uri, Noel, 1999, p, 23-123) The problems are aggravated by improper management of agricultural chemicals thereby causing serious environmental issues. These pose a great problem to the survival and well-being of humanity, particularly those living in developing world. This is because fertilizers and pesticides are agent of pollution to water bodies, food sources, land, air and vegetation. The development of agriculture production through specialization and intensification of land use in recent decades has given rise to a wide range of environmental effects, both within the agricultural industry itself and increasingly, externally to it. The recognition and understanding of these consequences of modern high technology agriculture developed in the 1970s and during the 1980s progress was made in addressing these impacts. Some problems still remain however and will be of increasing importance. (OCED, p, 177) The use of chemicals for agricultural production therefore will continue to compromise the environmental sustainability. The World Health Organization estimates that about a quarter of the diseases facing mankind today occur due to prolonged exposure to environmental pollution. Most of these environmental related diseases are however, not easily detected and may be acquired during childhood and manifest later in adulthood. The indiscriminate and excessive use of agrochemicals for crop protection represents by far the greatest threat to human health, to the genetic stock of the population and to sustain agriculture and environment. At a United Nations seminar in Nairobi Kenya in 1984, it was reported that almost 370,000 people suffer from pesticide poisoning and about 10,000annually die due to poisoning. Recently, the World Health Organization estimated 500,000 fatalities due to pesticide poisoning in developing world. This WHO’s report further claims that another 400,000 cases of poisoning were due to pesticide handling and usage. (Mervyns, p, 12) From the quotation above, it is clear that the impacts of agrochemical increases with time and magnitude. This kind of trend is unsustainable and therefore threatens the future of humanity. The impact of pesticide and fertilizer on human health is crucial and therefore should never be under-estimated. The traces of these chemical causes inhalation problems. Accumulation of the elements in the body system affects the free circulation of blood in the body. Biodiversity forms a basis upon which the world’s beauty, emotional fulfillment and aesthetic appeal are based. Agriculture spices up the aesthetic-array of the world. It also creates artificial habitats that shelter migratory organisms such as birds, insects and animals. It therefore follows that agricultural production is a gene bank for scientific development. Intensive use of pesticides and fertilizers puts the existence of nature in it natural form at stake. This is because chemicals kill organisms that perpetuate natural fertilization processes thereby hindering the natural form of nature stabilization. Chemical enhances the process of mutation. This leads to evolution of hybridized species of pests which are resistant to natural mean of pest control and at times even resistant to pesticides. Loss of biodiversity as a result of chemical use in agricultural production is therefore eminent. It has been reported that, â€Å"The first sub lethal effect of a pesticide on a bird was probably the eggshell thinning phenomena first described by Ratcliff. DDE, the stable metabolite of DDE is reported to be the cause of eggshell thinning and consequent decline in the breeding success of birds of prey. † (Mervyns, p, 78) Equity is a controversial aspect of resource distribution in the world. The gap between the rich and the poor is quite disheartening. Economic processes and advancement also work towards widening the gap. Commercialization of agriculture with intensive use of chemicals, poses environmental degradation. This consequently deprives the land of its ability to naturally produce food thereby lowering its production yield. The poor depend totally on the environment for their livelihood. Inorganic agriculture is a world’s strategy to check the gap between the poor and the rich. It is widely believe that many people in the world sleep without food for many days. Increased food production, will therefore help to resolve one of the greatest challenges that is threatening to tear the earth a part. However, inorganic farming has failed to bridge the gap between the poor and the rich. The efficiency of using chemicals to increase food production is questionable. Traditional means of production were more manual, labor intensive and time consuming with minimum negative impacts to the environment. Current means of agricultural production are merchandized and more efficient as compared with the traditional methods. However, with regard to the environmental challenges, the efficiency of inorganic production to address the abject poverty in the world is low. Ecology is defined as the domestic site of organism, knowledge and the sum of the relation of the surrounding world. It is a self sustaining environment. Ecology is always sensitive to changes. Introduction of foreign substances such as traces of pesticides and fertilizer modify the ecological characteristic and identity. Nutrients like nitrate and phosphate are normally washed down into water bodies when it rains. This initiates the process of eutrophication. Eutrophication is a process whereby the water experiences enrichment with nutrients of nitrate and phosphate. Consequently water lilies, phytoplasm and algae blooms to experience luxuriant growth. This phenomenon has negative impacts on the functions of the water body. In the first place, Algae bloom forms a green like layer on top of the water thereby hindering penetration of light to the water body. Due to high accumulation of substance in the water, decaying process increases. This causes a biological oxygen demand which leads to suffocation of aquatic lives in the water body. Bad smell arises from the water body as a result of decaying processes. The value of water for domestic use therefore reduces.

The Hellbound Heart essays

The Hellbound Heart essays The book I read for my report was The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker. I choose this book because on the books cover it said that it was by an author that wrote many other books that were bestsellers, and on the back the Chicago Tribune gave it a good review. Another reason was that it was not very long and Im not a very fast reader. As I read this book it definitely kept my interest. It was never boring for more than one page, and you wanted to just keep reading. This book mostly took place in 55 Lodovico Street. It does not say the city or state or country. The setting is an old two-story house that Rory and Franks Grandmother owned. You could hear the friendly neighbors outside chatting away. You could feel the dampness in the old room upstairs. You could see the shiny, brilliantly carved wooden banisters on the staircase and the boxes laid about the house from the moving van. You could taste the eggs being cooked on the old stove because thats all they had since they had just moved in. You could smell the rotting wood in the damp room waiting to be replaced. This story mostly takes place in 1987 and 1988. The time itself it not very important to the story; it could have taken place at any time in the 20th21st century. The main character in this story is Frank. He is bored of what this world has to offer, good at solving puzzles, and tries to get pleasure or excitement the easiest way with the amount of energy. Frank is a young man around the age of twenty. He is very lazy, and just barely gets through life and lives on what little he has. He is bored of what this world has and thinks there is nothing left to excite him in it. He searches for excitement and/or pleasure in the Lemarchands Box, which is an elaborate puzzle and is supposed to give him what he seeks for if he solves it. The book doesnt say anything about his appearance, background, or relationships because you don&apo...

Biography of Henry Avery, the Most Successful Pirate

Biography of Henry Avery, the Most Successful Pirate Henry â€Å"Long Ben† Avery (c 1659–1696 or 1699) was an English pirate, plying the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and making one big score: the treasure ship of the Grand Mughal of India. After this success, he retired. Little is known for certain of his ultimate fate. Contemporaries believed that Avery took his loot to Madagascar where he set himself up as a king with his own fleet and thousands of men. There also is evidence, however, that he returned to England and died broke. Fast Facts: Henry Avery Known For: Most successful pirateAlso Known As: Long Ben, John AveryBorn: Between 1653 and 1659 in Plymouth, EnglandDied: Perhaps in 1696 or 1699 in Devonshire County, England Early Life Henry Avery was born in or near Plymouth, England, sometime between 1653 and 1659. Some contemporary accounts spell his last name Every, while some references give his first name as John. He soon took to sea,  serving on several merchant vessels as well as ships of war, when England went to war with France in 1688, and a few slave ships. In early 1694, Avery took a position as the first mate aboard the privateer vessel Charles II, then in the employ of the king of Spain. The mostly English crew was extremely unhappy with their poor treatment and they convinced Avery to lead a mutiny, which he did on May 7, 1694. The men renamed the ship the Fancy and turned to piracy, attacking English and Dutch merchantmen off the coast of Africa. About this time, he released a statement declaring that English vessels had nothing to fear from him, as he would attack only foreigners, which clearly wasnt true. Madagascar The Fancy headed to Madagascar, then a lawless land known as a safe haven for pirates and a good place to launch attacks in the Indian Ocean. He restocked the Fancy and had it modified to be swifter under sail. This improved speed began paying dividends immediately, as he was able to overtake a French pirate vessel. After looting it, he welcomed 40 new pirates to his crew. Then he headed north, where other pirates were amassing, hoping to loot the Grand Mughal of Indias treasure fleet as it returned from an annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Indian Treasure Fleet In July 1695, the pirates got lucky: the great treasure fleet sailed into their arms. There were six pirate ships, including the Fancy and Thomas Tews Amity. They first attacked the Fateh Muhammed, the escort ship to the flagship, the Ganj-i-Sawai. The Fateh Muhammed, outgunned by the large pirate fleet, didnt put up much of a fight. There were 50,000 to 60,000 British pounds in treasure aboard the Fateh Muhammed. It was quite a haul, but it didnt go far divided among the crews of six vessels. The pirates were hungry for more. Soon Averys ship caught up with the Ganj-i-Sawai, the powerful flagship of Aurangzeb, the Mughal lord. It was a mighty ship, with 62 cannons and 400 to 500 musketeers, but the prize was too rich to ignore. During the first broadside they damaged the Ganj-i-Sawais main mast and one of the Indian cannons exploded, causing mayhem and confusion on deck. The battle roared on for hours as the pirates boarded the Ganj-i-Sawai. The terrified captain of the Mughal ship ran below decks and hid among the concubines. After a fierce battle, the remaining Indians surrendered. Looting and Torture The survivors were subjected to several days of torture and rape by the victorious pirates. There were many women on board, including a member of the court of the Grand Mughal. Romantic tales of the day say that the beautiful daughter of the Mughal was on board and fell in love with Avery and then ran off to live with him on a remote island, but the reality was probably far more brutal. The haul from the Ganj-i-Sawai was hundreds of thousands of pounds in gold, silver, and jewels, worth tens of millions of dollars today and possibly the richest haul in the history of piracy. Deception and Flight Avery and his men didnt want to share this prize with the other pirates, so they tricked them. They loaded their holds with loot and arranged to meet and divide it, but they took off instead. None of the other pirate captains had a chance of catching up with the speedy Fancy, which headed for the lawless Caribbean. Once they reached New Providence Island, Avery bribed Gov. Nicholas Trott, essentially buying protection for him and his men. The taking of the Indian ships had put a great strain on relations between India and England, however, and once a reward was put out for Avery and his fellow pirates, Trott could no longer protect them. He tipped them off, however, so Avery and most of his 113-man crew got out safely. Only 12 were captured. Averys crew split up. Some went to Charleston, some to Ireland and England, and some remained in the Caribbean. Avery himself vanished from history at this point, although according to Capt. Charles Johnson, one of the best sources of the time (and often thought to be a pseudonym for novelist Daniel Defoe), he returned with much of his loot to England only to be later swindled out of it, dying poor in perhaps 1696 or 1699, maybe in Devonshire County, England. Legacy Avery was a legend during his lifetime and for a while thereafter. He embodied the dream of all pirates to make a huge score and then retire, preferably with an adoring princess and a large pile of loot. The idea that Avery had managed to get away with that booty helped create the so-called Golden Age of Piracy as thousands of poor, abused European seamen tried to follow his example out of their misery. The fact that he supposedly refused to attack English ships (although he did) became part of his legend, giving the story a Robin Hood twist. Books and plays were written about him and his exploits. Many people at the time believed that he had set up a kingdom somewhere- possibly Madagascar- with 40 warships, an army of 15,000 men, a mighty fortress, and coins bearing his face. Capt. Johnsons story is almost certainly closer to the truth. The part of Averys story that can be verified caused great headaches for English diplomats. The Indians were furious and held officers of the British East India Company under arrest for a while. It would take years for the diplomatic furor to die down. Averys haul from the two Mughal ships put him at the top of the earnings list for pirates, at least during his generation. He took in more loot in two years than pirates such as Blackbeard, Captain Kidd, Anne Bonny and Calico Jack Rackham- combined. Its impossible to know the exact design used by Long Ben Avery for his pirate flag. He only captured a dozen or so ships, and no first-hand accounts survive from his crew or victims. The flag most commonly attributed to him is a white skull in profile, wearing a kerchief on a red or black background. Below the skull are two crossed bones. Sources Cordingly, David. Random House Trade Paperbacks, 1996.Defoe, Daniel (writing as Capt. Charles Johnson). A General History of the Pyrates. Edited by Manuel Schonhorn. Dover Publications, 1972/1999.Konstam, Angus. The World Atlas of Pirates. Lyons Press, 2009.Henry Every’s Bloody Pirate Raid, 320 Years Ago. History.com.John Avery: British Pirate. Encyclopedia Britannica.

Assess the extent to which manufacturing in China can compete on a Essay

Assess the extent to which manufacturing in China can compete on a global scale. Illustrate your argument with different types o - Essay Example These were originally set-up on the south china coast near Hong Kong and opposite Taiwan. The 1990s was the actual boom decades in china’s introduction to foreign capital. About 70 percentages of FDI flows to china are in developed businesses. This was a reply to a rising political commitment by the Chinese administration to market-oriented reform, the continued creation of special economic zones and strong domestic development and other shareholder incentives. New worldwide economic slowdown and U.S recession are forcing a lot of U.S companies to re-evaluate their manufacturing policy in order to compete successfully in the market. China has turn into a preferable and logical option. There are a number of methods to doing manufacturing in china. â€Å"In china, there are many industrial parks with all the needed infrastructure- electricity, water, telephone, transportation, customer service, shipping service, bank branches, government service and security† (Michael Yih -chung Shen, 2004. P. 118). Presently china has a part of the world trade organization has skilled 23 successive years of development in its gross domestic product. This paper analyses the importance of manufacturing competitiveness in China and its influence on the global market, including aerospace, apparel/clothing, automobiles, and electronic goods. Competitive strength of China in manufacturing field: China’s move to the global centre for manufacturing is based on numerous factors such as the eastward immigration of manufacturing facility, the fact that china is already the world’s number one manufacturer for more than 100 products in terms of quality and its complementary position in terms of financial levels from east to west. The geographical attentiveness of exports and imports in china is highly rough. It is focused in the coastal regions. According to Jintong Lin, Xiongjian Liang and Yan Wan in his book Telecommunications in China: development and prospects says that â€Å"The development of china’s telecommunication manufacturing industry is closely linked with the development of china’s telecommunication industry† (Lin, et al, 2001, P. 74). In the late of 2000s china was the second largest nation in the world in terms of purchasing power parity GDP and it was the third biggest trading state. In the primary production, china was the main producer of wheat, rice, cotton, red meat, coal, tobacco and aluminium. In the case of manufactures, china produced about 60% of the world’s bicycles, 70% of the world’s toys, 40% of the world’s mobile phones and 50% of the world’s motorcycles. In addition to being the world’s top producer of LCD screens and TVs, china created above a third of the world’s air conditioners, luggage, computer monitors and microwave ovens. It also creates above 50% of the world’s cameras and shoes, and regarding two-thirds of all DVD players. "The succ ess of home-grown companies rests in equal measure on the vision of their strategic management and the competence of their labourers. While China indeed possesses a vast pool of workers, few of them are able to compete in today’s global economy" (Wyne, 2007). A major feature of china’s competitive benefit as a site of export-oriented manufacturing production is a low-cost, huge and highly creative labour force. According to James Riedel, Jing Jin, Jian Gao in his book How China grows: investment, finance, and reform says

Critical Thinking Paper (read the instructions carefully) Essay - 1

Critical Thinking Paper (read the instructions carefully) - Essay Example As such, the Christian Americans always perceive the Arab Muslims as terrorists; whereas the Arabs perceive the Americans as villain pagans, whose justice is death. The Arab Americans conflicts extends through each American administration, with every new president of the united states of America coming up with a new international relations policy, as well as, developing new strategies in creating world peace through the merging of both Arabs and Muslims in one belief of faith and progression through democracy (Colbert & John 34). However, these conflicts always lie in the three main issues mentioned above, which is terrorism, oil, and religion, particularly Islam. Terrorism is a worldwide scourge, whereby renowned terrorist groupings attack American installations across the world, and to some extend bring the war to American soil, such as the 9/11, terrorist attack whereby the Al Qaeda group of terrorists based in Afghanistan hijacked four passenger planes and crashed them at tree strategic targets in the United States. These strategic targets were the twin towers in New York City that hosted the World Trade Center, and the pentagon building that hosts the United States Department of Defense. The 9/11 attack led to the death of over 3,000 innocent Americans, which was another scar in the already palatable American Arabs relationship. This terrorist attack led to the onset of the Iraq and Afghan incursion to root out terrorists, with a global man0hunt to the notorious terrorist leader Osama Bin laden believed to be the mastermind behind the 9/11 attack. In addition, this attack worsened every peace efforts made by the various American governments to foster peace and restoration between Americans and the Arabs. For a long time, America suffered terrorist attacks either on its own soil, or in its foreign installations, such as ambassadorial offices, such as the Nairobi august 1998 bombing at the US consulate located in the CBD leading to the death

Discuss posthumanism and the fears concerning it that are addressed in Essay

Discuss posthumanism and the fears concerning it that are addressed in pop culture - Essay Example The world of pop culture has had a particular influence on art from the early 1960s on, through Pop Art. John Storey in his book "Cultural Theory and Popular Culture" defines popular culture as a culture that is related to masses and can be defined as an "authentic" culture of the people. It is commonly seen as a commercial culture that is mass produced for mass consumption Items of popular culture most typically appeal to a broad spectrum of the public. So a culture that is related to masses consequently represents the common ideas, practices, theories, customs, traditions and values of the people in all aspects of life, or in other words, it represents all that is truly human. As compared to the theories of Pop culture, Post humanism, as the name of a discourse, suggests an episteme which comes "after" humanism ("post-humanism") or even after the human itself ("post-human-ism").

A safe Choice-but her only choice Essay Example for Free

A safe Choice-but her only choice Essay James Joyces short story Eveline sets the stage for a time between adolescence and maturity. Written in 1914, which was four years short of the womens suffrage in Ireland, the storys protagonist, Eveline, is largely influenced by the feminist issues. Since she has little control over her life, Eveline has grown accustomed to a routine life. She is paralyzed from the thought of leaping into a new path. Eveline faces two extremes: a miserable home life or a dramatic escape to an uncertain future. Both extremes she deals with involve a man controlling her life. Living in the early 1900s women did not have the opportunity to be independent. No matter which path she chooses, she would still answer to a man. She lives in a male-dominated world in which she is stripped of choice and emotion. She is helpless against the way her life is heading. Considering this, one cannot blame her for choosing to stay home because it was not much of a choice, and she has never made an independent choice of her own. If she left with Frank, her lover, then there could be the possibility of danger. â€Å"She felt him seize her hand† (Joyce 7). Joyce’s choice of diction â€Å"seize† tells the audience that Eveline’s guard is up because she knows how a man can be abusive. She saw this with her mother and father and wants to have a life different from her mother but cannot. Furthermore, psychologically, Eveline cannot move towards Frank because she was exposed to a life of domestic violence, which her mother and older brothers endured. She knows how violent a man who at times can be even kind, funny, and sweet. â€Å"She remembered her father putting on her mother’s bonnet to make the children laugh† (Joyce 6). That same man turns into an aggressive, ruthless man who selfishly makes his daughter feel guilty about herself. On the other hand, she has known him her entire life. Her older brothers used to take the beating and now that they are not there â€Å"†¦he had begun to threaten her and say what he would do to her for only her dead mother’s sake† (Joyce 4-5). If she has gone 19 years without a beating, then there would be a good chance of his threats as just talk. Since he says, he will not hit her for â€Å"her dead mother’s sake,† then one would think he would honor his word for the respect of his deceased wife. All of Eveline’s life has revolved around her family. She runs her household domestically and works for a living in which all her earnings wind up with her father. In addition, she manages to care for her two younger siblings seeing them to school and preparing dinner. Since the death of her mother, she took over domestically and maternally with no choice. Her mother, on her deathbed, made Eveline â€Å"promise to keep the home together as long as she could† (Joyce 6). By doing so her mother has caused another obstacle Eveline must face in order to leave, that is the guilt of a broken promise. As any good daughter would, she stays to fulfill her vow. This vow gives Eveline another excuse to stay home and carry out her routine life. In addition, Eveline knows the difficulties of her life but she still prefers it. Joyce explains Eveline’s view of her life â€Å"†¦a hard life but now that she was about to leave it she didn’t find it a wholly undesirable life† (5). Any modern day daughter with those responsibilities would find that a very undesirable life, but Eveline changing her mind about leaving shows the reader how she cannot bear to abandon her family and this life, which has been the only thing, she has known her whole life. Because compared to an unknown destiny, Eveline would much rather stay home and be miserable because she would expect this. Being a woman with little say in her everyday life, the present opportunity is new to her, and she cannot make a major decision on her own because she has never had to. Eveline has been given an opportunity to flee home in hopes of happiness, but she could not risk a life of uncertainty. Frank, a sailor, offers a chance of happiness to her and â€Å"†¦she had begun to like him† (Joyce 6). Eveline says that she â€Å"like(s)† him; not loves. Can their â€Å"like† for one another be enough to survive in the New World? Joyce says that Eveline â€Å"begun† meaning she barely knew if she was interested in him not if she was ready for a lifetime commitment. Eveline’s upbringing influences her adult decisions because she has never known anything but Ireland. The fear of leaving home is essentially, why she doubts Frank. A future with him is not set in stone; thus, it cannot be. As one might foreshadow, â€Å"she chooses the hell she knows rather than the possible hell of the unknown† (Rogers 172). Hell here symbolizes the men and she would much rather be with the familiar than the unfamiliar. She likes to play it safe because if Frank turns out to be the worst, then where will she go since going back home is not an option. As they are ready to begin this epic adventure in her life, Eveline believes that â€Å"†¦he would drown her. She gripped with both hands at the iron railing† (Joyce 7). The first part â€Å"he would drown her† meaning he would not save her from this wretched life. This is a change of setting from the window seal to the sea. The window was sturdy, whereas, the sea is constantly moving. She is unable to adjust to this new path because she believes Frank cannot guarantee a life better than her home. â€Å"She gripped with both hands at the iron railing† symbolizes her paralysis. The iron railing signifies the home ground and she grips on the rail for dear life. Her actions tell the reader how fearful she is to leave her homeland. Eveline does not want to depart the only thing she has known. Eveline’s life is routine from the footsteps in front of her house to turning her wages to her father every week. â€Å"But Eveline†¦ perceives any and every change as a loss†¦ she knows this with her head, her heart rejects it†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Rogers 171- 172). Eveline cannot seem to grasp the changes around her as a positive because deep inside her she knows where she must be, at home. Meeting Frank was a change to her and instead of embracing it; she ultimately fears it. Even, if staying home will most likely lead to a miserable life one like her mother’s, she would because she cannot accept change. Today, most young women have not had to endure a â€Å"life of commonplace sacrifices† (Joyce 6). Sadly, Eveline has no choice but to stick to the familiar and steer away from any fickle opportunities. If Joyce set the setting during a modern era, then Eveline would be more aware of the opportunities there are now. Furthermore, the world today has come along way and is not as male-dominated as before.

Terrorism and Technology :: September 11 Essays 9/11

Terrorism and Technology It wasn’t until the morning of September 11th that America began to question just how safe we really are. As the world watched the devastation on the news, everyone was looking for comfort. However, often times when something as horrific as this happens, the ones you look to for comfort are looking back at you for comfort. Many people found what piece of mind they could, through technology during this horrible time. The September 11th terrorist attacks have had both positive and negative impacts on the use of computers and technology. It is hard for many to believe that good things can come from bad situations. In this case it took a terrorist attack to make us realize that there is room for improvement in the quality of our technology that we rely so much on today. On September 11, 2001 so many people tried to log onto the internet to get information about the terrorist attacks, that there was a huge jam. No one could get online. Modern technology, televisions, radios and scanners rescued our curious minds. Most everyone found himself or herself glued to the television, watching the gruesome scenes over and over again, after the computers had failed us. Computers were not the only devices that let us down on that tragic day. In New York cell phone connections even went out. Too many people were trying to use their cell phones at once, that there was an overload, making it extremely difficult for anyone to get through the lines. Another technological advance that we entrust our safety to, that failed us was airport security system. Those men managed to get past out high tech security systems and onto those planes. Thousands of innocent people lost their lives because some men out smarted out fool proof system. The creators of airport security must have been unfamiliar with the saying, "where there’s a will, there’s a way". No one wants to admit to himself or herself, or anyone else for that matter, that sick people who thrive on pain and suffering, really do exist. Because airport security creators didn’t think about this fact, or they thought about it and chose to ignore it, innocent people lost their lives. This horrible act of terrorism has opened the doors to many necessary changes. Terrorism and Technology :: September 11 Essays 9/11 Terrorism and Technology It wasn’t until the morning of September 11th that America began to question just how safe we really are. As the world watched the devastation on the news, everyone was looking for comfort. However, often times when something as horrific as this happens, the ones you look to for comfort are looking back at you for comfort. Many people found what piece of mind they could, through technology during this horrible time. The September 11th terrorist attacks have had both positive and negative impacts on the use of computers and technology. It is hard for many to believe that good things can come from bad situations. In this case it took a terrorist attack to make us realize that there is room for improvement in the quality of our technology that we rely so much on today. On September 11, 2001 so many people tried to log onto the internet to get information about the terrorist attacks, that there was a huge jam. No one could get online. Modern technology, televisions, radios and scanners rescued our curious minds. Most everyone found himself or herself glued to the television, watching the gruesome scenes over and over again, after the computers had failed us. Computers were not the only devices that let us down on that tragic day. In New York cell phone connections even went out. Too many people were trying to use their cell phones at once, that there was an overload, making it extremely difficult for anyone to get through the lines. Another technological advance that we entrust our safety to, that failed us was airport security system. Those men managed to get past out high tech security systems and onto those planes. Thousands of innocent people lost their lives because some men out smarted out fool proof system. The creators of airport security must have been unfamiliar with the saying, "where there’s a will, there’s a way". No one wants to admit to himself or herself, or anyone else for that matter, that sick people who thrive on pain and suffering, really do exist. Because airport security creators didn’t think about this fact, or they thought about it and chose to ignore it, innocent people lost their lives. This horrible act of terrorism has opened the doors to many necessary changes.

An appreciation of ‘The Tell Tale Heart’ by Edgar Allan Poe and ‘The Confession’ by Charles Dickens Essay

This assignment asks for an appreciation of the stories by Edgar Allen Poe ‘The Tell Tale Heart’ and Charles Dickens ‘The Confession’. I will start by exploring Edgar Allen Poe’s story and style of writing, how it captivates the reader, building suspense and terror. I will then explore Charles Dickens ‘Confession’ And finally following my analysis of the two stories I will compare and contrast the different styles. Edgar Allen Poe’s story ‘The Tell Tale Heart’ describes how the perpetrator plans and executes a vicious attack on an old man. This story is told in an autobiographical format with the author describing his state of mind, questioning his own sanity. He calmly describes how there was no object or passion that caused him to commit the heinous act of murder as he describes his love for the old man. His only explanation is his victims ‘eye’ which he describes as vulture like and intimidating. He disassociates the ‘eye ‘ from the old man and it is the eye that drives him to commit the crime. He talks of his dissimulation in planning the old man’s death and how e treated him during the week prior to killing him, how he taunted him, stalked him, and preyed upon him at midnight (witching hour), this sinister act of voyeurism is unpleasant and adds to the tension of the story. It was only until the seventh night when he realised that to rid himself of the ‘Evil Eye’ he need to have the old man’s eye open to commit the act. On the eighth night he describes how he carefully taunts the old man describing his actions as clever and skilled, hysteria sets in and finds the events exhilarating, which is further compounded by his knowledge that the old man was fearful of intruders and robbers to realise the real danger is from within. He describes the fear and panic the old man is experiencing when he hears someone in his room, he goes on to empathise and understand how the old man is rationalising for the noise he heard. The author gives a description of a Grim Reaper, stalking in the shadows and enveloping the victim. He builds suspense and describes the web that he’s weaving to rid himself of the ‘vulture eye’. He describes seeing the ‘eye’ as freezing him and bringing his focus purely on the ‘eye’ completely detaching the old man from the ‘eye’. He recalls hearing the old man’s heart beating like a drum ‘It was a low, dull, quick sound- much such as a watch makes when enveloped in cotton’. His acuteness of hearing increases the loudness of the heart beat it’s then he describes nervousness mixed with excitement. It’s with this increasing loudness that he fears he will by heard by neighbours that he enters the room dragging the old man to the floor pulling the mattress on top of him, where as the heart beat becomes muffled and finally stops. He describes the man as being stone dead and not troubling him any longer. In the concluding paragraphs he talks of how he concealed the body, dismembering the body cutting off the old man’s head and limbs and depositing them under the floor boards, believing himself to be clever. However the actions at such early hours raised suspicions. This brought three policemen knocking at the door, alerted by a neighbour hearing a shriek, in the middle of the night. The murderer invited the policemen in to search the house and take a rest from their duties. He showed his boldness, by placing the chairs above where he concealed the body. It was then he describes hearing a ringing much the same as the beating of the heart. He describes it as catching his breath, in fear that the officers also heard the beating. His anxiety increased and his paranoia set in. With the policemen not making a move to go he feared that they had heard the beating, it was so loud to him he thought they were bound to hear it and that he confessed to committing the deed and exposed the body to the police. There the story ends and we can only guess at the murderer’s sentence. ‘The Confession’ This is an autobiographical story which takes places in a retrospective view of the author’s life. This is a story that tells a confession of a condemned man. He talks of his childhood where he is victim to his own low self esteem with a few friends and his relationship with his brother. He is extremely jealous of his sibling because he perceives him as better than him ‘He was open-hearted and generous, handsomer than I, more accomplished, and generally beloved’ his friends and acquaintances would say ‘†¦they were surprised to find two brothers so unlike in their manners and appearance’. Then it tells of how his brother has been struck with a terminal illness. He talks of his marriage to his brother’s sister-in-law and describes this additional tie as estranging them further. He disliked his sister-in-law for he felt she could see through him, and see his jealousy, and so he could not meet her eyes but felt hers constantly digging into him. Only relieved by a quarrel, and her subsequent death, she both frightened and haunted him. She died shortly after her birth of her son. And on his brother’s death bed the child was placed in his care and should the child die all property and possessions pass onto to his wife. With ‘†¦a few brotherly words with me, deploring our long separation; and being exhausted, fell into a slumber, from which he never awoke.’ The author talks of his own childless relationship and how his wife took the place of the child’s mother. It was the child’s infatuation with his wife that he found disturbing as within him he saw his natural mother’s intuition, her face and her spirit which caused him to mistrust the boy to the point of obsession. He increasingly become uneasy in the child’s presence, he showed him fear and hate. The boy kept his distance whenever possible. He could not recall when these feelings came upon him and initially he wished the child no ill. The thoughts crept upon him until they overtook his whole thought patterns. He describes uneasiness when in the child’s focus, he become fixated on how easy it would be to kill the child. He began stalking the child, watching him, undertaking his tasks. As in the Tell Tale Heart this unhealthy voyeurism is vividly described to great effect- ‘I never could bear that child should see me’ in the Confession and ‘†¦ a pale blue eye, with film over it. Whenever it fell upon me, my blood ran cold†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ in a Tell Tale Heart. He goes on to describe how he grooms the child by modelling a model boat and waiting for him to go to the river to float it where he had planned to carry out the crime. He describes how he waited for three days until the child went to the river and when he was about to commit the crime the child saw his shadow in the water. It was as if the child’s mother’s eyes were starring back at him. In a moment lost in time the author appears to have mixed recollections of the event, one the child running for escape and the other when he is confronted with the child’s dead body lying at his feet stabbed by his sword. With his wife away from home he planned to bury the child in the garden and he became obsessed by the murder he committed. He talks of his feigned distress at being told the child was missing and how he had to break the news to his wife. He carried out the actions of a grieving parent raising no suspicions whilst all day long watching the new turf being laid hoping to add speed to the process. He talks of disturbed sleep, waking from nightmares and constantly needing re-assurance ‘†¦ and thus I spent the night in fits and starts, getting up and lying down full twenty times, and dreaming the same dream over and over again,’ he became paranoid and terrorised by his actions, fearful of discovery; he started to hear whispers on the wind- ‘†¦ a breath of air sighed across it, to me it whispered murder.’ This increased his fear. Then he goes on to describe how on the fourth day visitors from his earlier regiment called upon him. He invited them into the garden and set the chairs out on top of the child’s grave. They ask after his wife and the child, unsettling him a ‘theme’ in his life and his paranoia sets in. He is obviously terrified they would discover his secret. In attempt to hide his fear he asks the men if the child has been murdered. They attempted to re-assure him there was nothing to gain from killing an innocent child. Then as they were attempting to raise his spirits, two bloodhounds bounded into the garden and began pacing and sniffing the ground, until they came upon the murderer’s chair they began to howl. The visitors said that the dogs had made a discovery. It was then the murderer became hysterical that his two visitors after a battle restrained him, during which time the dogs tore at the earth and on seeing this, the murderer dropped to his knees and confessed the truth and begged for forgiveness. Then he retracts his confession for which he’s tried and found guilty. His only Solace is the fact that his wife has lost all her faculties and does not know his and hers own misery and his guilt. I wonder, however, if our ‘hero’ was truly repentant or just searching for sympathy since he has been found out – disguising what was really inside as he had done all his life. Perhaps we’ll never know the real badness. There are many similarities between both stories. ‘The Tell Tale Heart’ is autobiographical description/confession of the murder of a victim known by the perpetrator. It describes the careful process and preparation/planning of the murder and how the murderers own paranoia and psychosis results in the confession. They both describe the careful stalking of the victims. ‘The Confession’ by Charles Dickens is also an autobiographical description/confession of the murder in which the victim is known to the murderer and also he describes the preparation and once again has confessed as a result of paranoia. Both stories use the technique of repetition to create tension and suspense, and the use of short sharp sentences are also used to construct the state of panic of which both murderer’s encounter when they are discovered. The contrasts between the two stories are that ‘The Tell Tale Heart’ by Edgar Allan Poe talks of his love for the victim, but fear of the eye. There is no financial gain to the murder on the death of the victim. The author describes no regret or remorse for the act and prides himself on the cleverness of his actions, Edgar Allan Poe tells the story through a psychotic murderer, whereas in Charles Dickens ‘The Confession’, the author tells the story through more of a thinking and tactical murderer. The author dislikes the victim altogether with no love loss between them. There is a gain from the death of the victim. And during more rational times the murderer talks of much regret and remorse.