Monday, December 30, 2019

Doll House - 799 Words

In A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen, a woman named Nora is facing a life altering situation that stands to both ruin her social and private life. In dealing with the potential outcomes of the scenario, Nora comes to find that she has been living a convenient mistruth. Nora’s greatest and most damaging lies are lies she tells to herself. As is seen numerous times throughout the play, Nora hides, withholds, and distorts the truth in order to please everyone around her, including herself. Nora is presented almost immediately as a person of questionable character, wherein the first scene she conceals from Torvald having eaten macaroons. Torvald says to Nora â€Å"Not even a bite at a macaroon?† after suggesting she had been to the confectionaries’†¦show more content†¦This false reality is damaging her ability to be honest, trustworthy and reliable. Nora’s false reality is partially created because she never forms an opinion of her own. Nora is always afraid of having an opinion because it will disrupt or upset her husband. Nora’s life as an adult is stunted because she isn’t her own person. Nora states that â€Å"when I was at home with papa, he told me his opinion about everything, and so I had the same opinions; and if I differed from him I concealed the fact, because he would not have liked it† (III.141) and that â€Å"I was simply transferred from papa’s hands into yours. You arranged everything according to your own taste, and so I got the same tastes as your else I pretended to† (III. 142). Nora is a woman made to be a doll, and she plays the role with lies and misdeeds. Nora again demonstrates the lack of opinion. Nora’s life as a deceptive doll is further showcased by the dangerous decisions she makes. Nora takes out a fraudulent loan against her father’s name because she wants something and cannot have it. Nora realizes the burden her actions can put against her father’s name and she realizes the legal action that can result from fraud. Krogstad, Nora’s lender states â€Å"but did it never occur to you that you were committing a fraud on me?† (II.52). Nora replies that â€Å"I couldn’t take that into account; I didn’t trouble myself about you at all† (II.52). Again, when Nora is presented with an opportunity to make a poor choiceShow MoreRelatedA Dolls House Essay790 Words   |  4 PagesIt has been said that, some people think that it’s holding on that makes one strong; sometimes it’s letting go. In Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, Nora’s departure becomes the controversial topic of debate for many rea ders; was Nora Helmer justified in leaving her husband and kids or not? It is argued that both parents are needed for a child to succeed in life and that separation is an act of cowardness. However, several readers also debate that Nora was justified in leaving Torvald and her kids.Read MoreKatherine Mansfield s The Doll s House929 Words   |  4 PagesIn Katherine Mansfield’s â€Å"The Doll’s House† children are like sponges soaking up all the impurities of society. These little girls portray a vast array of feelings determined to be brought about by their varying backgrounds in their young lives. The short story encircles how our society functions; allowing people with power and wealth to overlook the important little details in life. Wealth categorizes how people fit into society throughout this entire short story. Mrs. Hays sent the Burnell sistersRead MoreIndividualism Vs Society, A Doll s House1589 Words   |  7 PagesIndividualism vs Society, â€Å"A Doll’s House† Struggle In the 19th century Victorian society, individuals were expected to follow strict generalized standards for what is considered, acceptable conduct. With his play, â€Å"A Doll’s House†, Ibsen captures conflicts, especially for women, to abide by the standards placed by society. While Nora the main character at first seems to fulfil her role as the perfect mother and wife, she is eventually divided between her obligations as a woman, and her need toRead MoreA Doll House By Henrik Ibsen901 Words   |  4 PagesA Doll House The play A Doll House written by Henrik Ibsen has strong symbolisms such as the doll house, Christmas tree, macaroons, and New Year’s day that help outline the theme. The author uses symbolisms to pull his audience in and allow them to feel the full effect of inequality and emotional abuse men gave women in the year of 1879, when Ibsen wrote this play. The first symbolism in this play is the Christmas tree which represents Nora’s inner state of mind. In Act 2 the stage directions describeRead MoreA Doll s House : Dolls2775 Words   |  12 Pages A Doll’s House: Dolls in Real Life Introduction Today, the accepted roles of both women and men judged by society’s expectations is an extremely controversial topic. Feminism is a battle that many women are fighting, because even though today’s women can be and accomplish almost anything, men often play the more superior role in many relationships. The role of women has been viewed differently throughout different points in history and in different areas. However, many people don t realize thatRead MoreA Doll s House : Dolls2775 Words   |  12 Pages A Doll’s House: Dolls in Real Life Introduction Today, the accepted roles of both women and men judged by society’s expectations is an extremely controversial topic. Feminism is a battle that many women are fighting, because even though today’s women can be and accomplish almost anything, men often play the more superior role in many relationships. The role of women has been viewed differently throughout different points in history and in different areas. However, many people don t realizeRead MoreSymbolism in A Doll House1501 Words   |  7 Pages456 The Use of Symbolism in A Doll House Author Margaret Trudeau once said, â€Å"I can’t be a rose in any man’s lapel† (â€Å"I Can’t Be†). This quote expresses exactly what was going through many women’s minds during the 1800’s in Norway. Women had let their husbands control their lives for ages before the 1800’s. Soon, they could no longer stand being the rose in their husbands’ lapel. The women of Norway longed for freedom and began to rebel. Henrik Ibsen’s play, A Doll House, displays what women were goingRead MoreA Doll House : A Play From Different Perspectives1557 Words   |  7 PagesSean Walsh Literary Perspectives Research Essay A Doll House: A Play from Different Perspectives When A Doll House was first produced Ibsen successfully shocked and angered many who went to go see it. However if you google A Doll House today you’ll find many article’s praising it for its feminist themes. When looking at reviews for A Doll House after its first production I find no mention of feminism but rather many called it untrue and one even called the third act â€Å"it’s Achilles heel†(AvisRead MoreEssay on Plot and sub plot of A Dolls House1511 Words   |  7 PagesPlot and sub plot of A Dolls House A Dolls House is set in Norway 1879 and is a story of a woman Nora who sees herself as always being treated as a doll in the dolls house. The play shows her deceiving her husband and borrows money without his consent. At this time the play cause much shock and people responded strongly to it. In Act one Nora is returning from Christmas shopping there is then a short scene between her and her husband Torvald. We then immediately get the impression ofRead MoreAnalysis Of Henrik Ibsen s A Doll House995 Words   |  4 Pagesguiding the integration of all these elements belongs to the director. One of the toughest tasks of a director is to reinvigorate a socially important and renowned production while maintaining its original message and composition. Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll House is a socially important realistic play that portrays the gender dynamics that plagued the nineteenth century and questions the expectations held for women in a household and society. The play is still incredibly influential because the issues it

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Financial Globalization Essay - 1808 Words

Executive Summary During the past two decades, financial markets around the world have become increasingly interrelated. Financial globalization has brought considerable benefits to national economies and to investors, but it has also changed the structure of markets, creating new risks and challenges for market participants and policymakers. The international marketplace continues to present opportunities for companies. But change is constant and prudent so companies must work to minimize their risks while maximizing their opportunities. The International marketplace can offer considerable financial returns to companies conducting business but there are risks that have to be considered such as trade, foreign exchange, cash management,†¦show more content†¦This happens with the increased flow of goods (trade), foreign direct investment, money (finance), and/or people (migration). While globalization is not new, the speed, depth, and scope of the changes on the globalization are novel by techn ology. Also new to the mix is the enormous power of International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and global trade groups such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) to set the rules of the global economy. (Holmes 2005) Financial institutions play a vital role in the global economy. They are generally referred to as IFIs, a generic term given to all financial institutions operating on an international level. IFIs range from development entities such as the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), to monetary authorities such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These organizations provide loans to governments for large-scale projects, as well as for restructuring and balance of payments (on condition that they make specific changes IFIs believe will boost economic growth). (Holmes 2005) 2. International Financial Institutions While each organization came into existence under different circumstances, each is vital to economic growth around the world and to the global economy. For example, the World Bank,Show MoreRelatedForces Of Globalization And Its Financial Implications For A Multinational Firm3892 Words   |  16 PagesChapter 1 Forces of Globalization and its financial implications for a multinational firm Chapter Objectives †¢ Understand why international competition has led to multinational corporations †¢ Explore globalization and related advantages and disadvantages †¢ Identify motivations for corporations to expand internationally †¢ Describe differing traits of multinational companies (MNCs) †¢ Consider risk and the financial marketplace from a global perspective THE GLOBAL NATURE OF BUSINESS Businesses todayRead MoreFinancial Globalization and Risk Essay3148 Words   |  13 Pagesthe beginning of the 1990s, the global financial system has entered a phase of unprecedented restructuring, marked by the increasing integration of financial markets and increased economic interdependence. This process, known under the name of financial globalization allows companies better access to financing, offers investors a greater possibility of investment and thus increases the liquidity of the global economy. However, this financial globalization has enormous risks. Indeed, creating anRead MoreReferee Report On Economic Globalization, Financial Development And Financial Crises1530 Words   |  7 Pagesstability? Financial globalization, financial development and financial crises. By Daniel Silla 21482511 Word count: 1500 General comment This paper explores the concept of financial stability, recognising that some countries have learnt to achieve this state over time, while others have not. The study uses empirical evidence in conjunction with several nation-based case studies to account for potential causes of this discrepancy. The interplay between financial development, financial globalizationRead MoreFinancial Globalization And The Financial Crisis1274 Words   |  6 Pages The term financial globalization can be defined as the integration of various financial markets of countries across the world. In other terms, it means the mobility of finance across various countries without encountering any barrier. Therefore, financial liberation is not sufficient enough parameter for globalization. Financial globalization advocates for development of a single currency worldwide currency that can be regulated and managed by a single global monetary institution. The first eraRead MoreUnderstanding The Financial Market And Globalization1529 Words   |  7 PagesUNDERGRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH PAPER Understanding the Financial Market and Globalization in India Prepared By Dionne Benard FIN4604005_2014f_81778 International Finance Fall 2014 Understanding the Financial Market and Globalization in India Abstract The research paper is a brief study that explains the different factors that play a key role in growth international financial market in India. We also took a brief look at what the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) and their role inRead MoreThe Theoretical Gains Of Financial Globalization2003 Words   |  9 Pagesthe world has experienced a strong wave of financial integration, which – through capital-market liberalization – seems to have played a vital role in facilitating economic growth, in opening up national capital accounts and in boosting the cross-border movements of goods, services, technology, labour and capital (Elson, 2011; Caprio et al., 2012). For this reason, the aim of this paper is to briefly describe the theoretical gains of financial globalization and to provide a critical review of the empiricalRead MoreFinancial Globalization : The International Economic System979 Words   |  4 PagesThe financial globalization is growing nowadays and it is important to know what its causes are and how they influence the world’s economics or one of the separate countries. The main area of globalization is the international economic system (economics), i.e. global industry; the exchange and consumption done by the enterprises in their national economies and in the world market. As a result of the globalization, the financial capital gained the considerable mobility, seeking for the most attractiveRead MoreA New Age Of Financial Globalization Solutions955 Words   |  4 Pagesnibbling at his assets to eating them up in great bytes! What is Fintech? The term, fintech, a contraction for financial technology, has been on the minds of bankers all around the planet for a while now. Social Science Research Network looks at fintech as an evolutionary term arising out of the ashes of the immediate past crisis (2008). Truly, as technology has enabled unique, financial solutions to meet the monstrous, demand for mobile payment convenience--in both developed and developing countries--fintechRead MoreGlobalization Of Financial Markets And The Global Crisis2182 Words   |  9 PagesGlobalisation of Financial Markets and the Global Crisis The financial markets are increasingly and highly interconnected, which means that the regulation of the financial services is becoming globalised as well, since most of the bigger firms operate all over the globe, the standardization of the regulation is a very common practice nowadays, making very difficult especially for developing countries keep up with the regulation. The financial crisis of 2008 was one of the most devastating and longestRead MoreGlobalization : The Economic And Financial Integration Of Economies Around The Globe1369 Words   |  6 Pageseconomy. For the worldwide economy to be existing a rising share of the financial actions occurring between countries to country who live in distinctive nations. It can involve trade, investments, production labour and also viewing its economic situations in nations and between nations. Globalisation has similar content as global market but it is more abroad. Globalization can be considered as the growing economic and finan cial integration of economies around the globe. It is used in terms of overall

Friday, December 13, 2019

Assess the Claim That Class Differences in Educational Free Essays

ASSESS THE CLAIM THAT CLASS DIFFERENCES IN EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT ARE PRIMARILY THE RESULT OF EXTERNAL FACTORS. In this essay external factors will be assessed. On average, children from middle-class families perform better than working class children. We will write a custom essay sample on Assess the Claim That Class Differences in Educational or any similar topic only for you Order Now The gap between the grade percentages grow wider as children get older. It is proven that 77% of children from a higher professional background achieve five or more A*-C at GCSE. Whereas only 35% children from a routine background achieve five or more A*-C grades at GCSE. These statistics show that there is a persistent gap in the achievement levels of working class and middle class pupils. There are two factors related to home background that sociologists argue may lead to differences in a pupils educational achievement. The first is CULTURAL FACTORS. Some sociologists argue that most of us begin to acquire the basic values, attitudes and key skills that are needed for educational success through primary socialisation in the family. However, these sociologists also believe that many working class families fail to socialise their children in the right way. Therefore these children are ‘culturally deprived’. The three main areas of cultural deprivation are intellectual development, language, and attitudes and values. Intellectual development was discovered by a sociologist called Douglas. Douglas conducted a longitudinal study of 5362 children born in 1964. He followed them through primary and secondary school and found that children of the same measured ability at age 7 varied a great deal at age 11 depending on their social class. He basically found that working class did badly and middle class did well. Douglas also found that working class pupils were less likely to continue in further education after the age of 16. Douglas believed that middle class children receive more attention and stimulus from their parents in their early years. Douglas believed that working class parents took their children to parks in the day time, put them in front of the television, and gave them not very educational toys. He also believed that middle class parents gave their children a ‘head start’ by taking them to museums, libraries and bought them educational toys, like jigsaw puzzles and talking toys. Linguistic deprivation is a theory argued by Basil Bernstein. Bernstein believed there are two types of language used. Restricted code: Typically used by working class people, they use limited vocabulary, and use short simple sentences. The speech is predictable and context bound (which means the speaker assumes the listener shares same views/experiences) Elaborated code: Typically used by middle-class people, the speaker has a wider vocabulary and speech is varied. Context free (which means the speaker does not assume the listener shares same views/experiences and uses language to explain meanings) Bernstein believed that the success of a pupil depends heavily on language. The ability to read and understand books, to write clearly and to be able to explain yourself fully in both speech and writing are key language skills required for success in education. If these skills are not developed in the family, then a child will be at a disadvantage in education. Teachers in schools are more likely to use context free elaborated code, as it is more descriptive and explanatory. Also, the elaborated code is the typical way of speaking for the middle class, and not many working class people will become teachers. However, some pupils may not understand the elaborated code and may switch off preventing learning in the classroom. The elaborated code may benefit middle class students after school, for example in college, university and job interviews. Middle class students can express themselves better which then gives a better impression than maybe one of a working class background could not. Attitudes and values is the third area of cultural deprivation. Some sociologists argue that parents’ attitudes and values are a key factor affecting a pupils’ educational achievement. Douglas argued that working class parents’ attitudes prevent children from achieving in education. He believed that middle class parents were more interested in their children’s education. For example, visit the school more frequently, encourage their children to stay on in further education, and help their children with school work. He found that working class parents place less value on education, were less ambitious for their children, gave them less encouragement and took less interest in their education, they visited their schools less often, and were less likely to discuss their children’s progress with teachers. As a result of this, the children had lower levels of motivation. There are many reasons why working class parents may place less value on education, maybe they haven’t experienced the benefits of college and universities so they don’t value further education as much. Working class parents may be less ambitious because they have seen how their peers and family members have ‘turned out’ and think there is no point in focussing on education because none of their peers/family members achieved in education and they’re getting on with their lives. Working class parents may show less interest as they personally don’t enjoy their lives, there is no motivation to even get out of bed in the morning, let alone push for their child to do well in school. Sugarman (1970) believed lack of parental interest in their children’s education reflects the sub-cultural values of the working class. Large sections of the working class have different goals, beliefs, attitudes and values from the rest of society and this is why their children fail at school. Sugarman believes there are four key features: Fatalism- The attitude of ‘what will be will be‘ (working class). The attitude of ‘to change through efforts’ (middle class). Collectivism- Value being part of a group (working class) Immediate gratification Vs Deferred gratification- Want reward as soon as possible ,leave school and go straight into work to make money (working class). Present- time orientation- Seeing the present as more important (working class). Seeing planning for the future, more important (middle class). Cultural deprivation recognises the importance of social (not biological causes of class inequalities in educational attainment. Research has been conducted which supports these theories. However, it blames the individual for their failure, it ignores the influence of school and peer pressure by only focussing on the home. The theory is deterministic- it assumes that all working class will fail. It is very stereotypical and involves a judgement that the culture of one class is better than another. However, the cultural deprivation theory has been influential and did at one time influence the government to improve parenting skills by running a programme in the U. S called OPERATION HEAD START. This organisation helped working class families by health visitors and educational psychologists visiting their homes, and learning programmes for deprived children. In the U. K (2000) SURE START was launched. Sure start is a major element in the British governments policy to tackle poverty and social exclusion. The second factor related to home background is MATERIAL DEPRIVATION. According to the ‘Halifax building society’ (2006). A private education for a child between the ages of three to 18, will cost ? 26,000. This shows that middle-class parents take great care and money into providing a better education for their child. Some sociologists see material deprivation as the main cause of underachievement. This argument states that working class children are disadvantaged because they are more likely to lack material factors that are necessary to create a good educational environment. For example, good housing, clothes, healthy food, space to study, lack of educational books and educational equipment. Facts show that exclusion and truancy are more likely for children from poorer families. Nearly 90% of ‘failing’ schools are located in deprived areas. Jesson Gray’s 1991 Nottinghamshire study revealed that half of the pupils receiving free school meals had low GCSE scores as opposed to one sixth of pupils. This fact proves that material deprivation is a massive reason for pupils under achieving in education. Children that do not have the books and writing equipment are less likely to succeed because they are getting further and further behind. There are many factors that impact on the educational attainment of working class children. Pupils may not have the time to do school work at home, due to maybe a sick parent or a busy household. Working class families are less likely to own their own home, rented accommodation is less stable as they could be asked to leave. This means the child will fall behind, get in trouble with the teachers’ , creating a reputation for themselves. Pupils may not have the space at home to do homework, due to bigger working class families, smaller houses. The parents of working class pupils may not be able to raise money for educational trips, resulting in lack of understanding of a subject, looked lower by peers at school. They may not have access to educational materials like computers and software. There are so many important facts that as a sociologist you have to remember and take into consideration. However, both middle class and working class are affected by economic down turn recently (the recession). Family break- down in both classes can affect the child’s upbringing or emotional well being, regardless of class. To conclude How to cite Assess the Claim That Class Differences in Educational, Essay examples

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Component Activities for TESCO

Question: Identify the component activities for an organisation of your choice then evaluate the performance objectives used by each and critically examine and suggest ways in which the performance could be improved? Answer: Introduction Tesco is the second largest retail chain in the UK and in the world, it is the fourth largest. The retail chain has stores in over 12 countries in Asia and in Europe. More over the retail chain is the market leader in the grocery division in the UK, Thailand, Malaysia, Hungary etc. The store was opened in the year 1924. Being one of the leading retailers in the UK and the world the company has a well developed supply chain management system as well an improved information management system (Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014, 2015). Though Tesco has a developed supply chain, there are certain changes that need to be improved so that the company can prosper. The company entered in the convenience store market when the store opened the Tesco Express store format. The larger store of Tesco can hold stocks of 20000 products. Thus this services that the company provides would not have been possible without the support of the service levels which includes the correct time delivery and the correct quantity being delivered to the specific windows of the Tesco. There are cases of 2.1 billion times when the products are transported from the suppliers to the Tesco stores. What is supply chain management? Supply chain management can be described as the strategic and systematic process and tactics which are applied across the business functions of a particular company and the businesses that are associated with the company. It helps in the improving the long term performance of the company and the associated company of the business as a whole. The process of supply chain management involves sourcing, procurement, and conversion as well as all the logistics activities of the company (Charter et al., 2001). It involves the coordination and the collaboration with the players in the channel which includes the various suppliers, third parties including the intermediaries, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and last of all the customers. Thus the function of the supply chain is to integrate the demand and the supply within the company and across the entire business of the companies. Supply chain management in Tesco The supply chain management at Tesco relied heavily on the concept of improvement of the processes. This concept was guided by the fact that the company uses the concept of creating value for the customers so that the company creates loyalty among the customers for a life time. The company took the initiative of supply chain with the period from 1983-1996. During this period, there were some major initiatives that were taken by the company. The company introduced various systems including the electronic data interchange (EDI), scanning of point of sale, centralized distribution, centralized ordering, and automated control of warehouse. The manager of the supply chain of Tesco between 1985 and 2002 was Graham Booth. He felt that the replenishment which was triggered by the customers, needs to have the same set of suppliers along the cross deck DC (distribution centers) and the formats in which the vehicles supplying to the entire store chains would be perfect for the company (Barnes, 2011). In the year 2005, the company had 23654 stores throughout the world of which there were 1780 stores in the UK. The internal operations of the company were spread across the world in 12 countries. The company gained advantage and maintained its position over their competitors. They did so by incorporating innovations which was triggered by the demand of the customers. The company aims to build a strong relationship with the suppliers of the company so that the company is able to deliver safe and sustainable products to the people (COMPETING THROUGH LOGISTICS, 2015). The analysis of the supply chain management of Tesco delivery process adopted by Tesco- it is seen in earlier times that many of the retail chains that the products are delivered to the depots of the company rather than delivering to the every outlet of the chain. During the early 80s and the 90s the distribution of the company was handled by the 26 depots which were small and inefficient (Sparks, 2015). More over the volume of the delivery were relatively low. More over the delivery to these stores were not economic to be done each day. The problems with those depots were that they could not handle the growth in the volume of the sales and the need for high standards of the cooling temperature system could not be met. The problems faced by the company Tesco used the method the method of piling of the stocks and later sold it at cheaper rates to the people. But this philosophy was not useful for the company as the people became rich. The people were demanding more luxurious products and expensive items. There was a bad phase that was going for the company as the company was unable to deliver goods as per the expectations of the people. Several stores got closed and the small capacity stores were running which was then refurbished to make them friendlier for the customers (Retailgazette.co.uk, 2015). More over the supply chain and the logistic of the company in the eastern European market were not developed and they have to rely on the deliveries from the suppliers. These were possible for the large stores that operated in those parts but were not possible for the smaller stores. The method of transportation of the goods to the stores from the suppliers was a main issue for the company as the problem of how much to sent to the stores could not be determined. With so much of products in the stores now, it is not possible for the store to order for the whole range of the products that are available in the store. Thus the company uses a EPOS (electronic point of sale) whereby the company are able to keep track of the sales. When the customers make any purchase then automatically the bar code reader records the transaction and it is tallied with the stock keeping unit. The cumulated sales are updated on the information exchange of Tesco (Wilkinson, 2000). This technology uses the web based technology so that the company is able to track the sales and place orders with the suppliers by using the EDI (electronic data interchange). When there was increase in the de4mand of the food from Tesco, the company used to order only what was needed by the company for the next day. It was done so that there are no stocks left in the outlets of the company for the next day. Thus it increased the capacity of the depots as they were able to reuse the depots for stocking other products. The delivery in the stores is done by two waves (Special Topic Forum on Resources and Supply Chain Management, 2013). It is done in specific times and was delivered to the defined windows of the store so that the products were available to the stores throughout the day and thus it would support the changes in the demands of the people. Knowledge hub Tesco announced in the year 2012 April that the company will launch the largest collaboration among the suppliers of the company via on-line. The company in order to reduce the cost of the energy and reduce the waste and the impacts on the environments from the products that the company buys, it has decided to increase the knowledge hub in which here are 750 members from over 380 different organizations from over 20 countries. The company decided to bring 1000 of the suppliers of the company under the hub in the hope that the company cut 30% of the emissions of carbon from the supply chain of the company by 2020 (Potter and Disney, 2015). It was a platform that the companys suppliers can use where the suppliers from the different countries could share their expertise on the sustainability and can make progress by using the best practices (Supplychainanalysis.igd.com, 2015). The solution to the supply chain that the company got was aimed at reduction of the materials, waste, energy and the use of water. The company aims to achieve the objectives with the help of the 20000 professionals with in the wider community of the company. Information technology in Tesco Tesco is the third largest in the global retail business, with many diversified business in the area of telecoms, clothing, car insurance, internet services apart from the food and the drinks. There are six ranges of stores that are functional under the Tesco brand. They are the Tesco Extra stores which are large in size, then the hypermarkets, Tesco super stores the Tesco metros and the Tesco express stores. Tesco was the first retailer that offered home shopping since the year 1996. The official website of the company tesco.com was launched in the year 2000 (Kelly, 2009). The company draws the goods from the suppliers into the regional distribution centers from where the onward delivery is done to the stores. The company is upgrading their logistic practices in order to reduce the cost and improve the reliability of the suppliers. The radio frequency identification technology of the company takes the handles the additional responsibility of the distribution process. The company ope rates in various countries thus there arises a need for the increased use of information technology. Thus if there is any major failure in the IT processes of the retail operations of the company then it will largely affect the trade of the company (Weele, 2010). Tesco recognize the vital role that is played by IT crosswise in the Group which allows efficient buying and selling and attainment of commercial benefit through implementation of IT innovations that develop the shopping tour for consumers and build life easier for the employees. The company has widespread control in place to keep the efficiency and integrity of IT infrastructure and sharing of worldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ class systems throughout International operations so as to make sure there is uniformity of delivery (Xie and Allen, 2013). Transportation system of the company Transportation is considered an important system in the retail system and the supply chain and the logistics (Fernie and Sparks, 2004). The transportation is done mainly by air, sea or by road. The company does its transportation so that there is reduction in the emission of carbon. The company is in a joint relation with Paragon so as to support the sustainable network of distribution. Paragon is the foremost benefactor in the route and the optimization of the transportation system which works with Tesco in the efficiency of the Tesco fleet. Paragon helps the company in reducing the mileage of the company and also reduces the emission of carbon by 50 %. The online initiatives of the company will make the delivery by battery powered vehicles which will save about 120 tons of carbon in the whole year (TESCO: A CASE STU DY IN SUPER MARKET EXCELLENCE, 2004). The company moves the products throughout their modern and proficient supply chain into their multi-format, well located network o f store, which is ready for the customers to buy the products 24 hours a day. The company has made noticeable improvements in the process of supply chain; it has done so by shortening the length of the logistics programmes and focusing on attribution, traceability and greater control. Conclusion It can be said that the supply chain is a system of associates who jointly converts essential products (upstream) into finished products (downstream) which are valued by end consumers, and who administer returns at every phase. The company is aiming to become a zero-carbon company by 2050 they also plan to use responsibly the scarce resources, including the supply chain (Tesco and Society Report 2013, 2015). In addition to the waste from the food in the Tesco stores, those are mainly the waste occurring in the agriculture sector, and the supply chain as well as their customers. Over the longer period the company will try to build closer relations with their suppliers and producers which allows for bigger investment, sustenance and collaboration on the cause of, as well as solutions to, waste of food. As a component of this the company will also apply their knowledge to improve their order forecasting to their producers and suppliers, which helps them to arrange more efficiently and r educe the surplus in the process of supply chain. References Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014. (2015). 1st ed. [ebook] Available at: https://www.tescoplc.com/files/pdf/reports/ar14/download_strategic_report.pdf [Accessed 31 Mar. 2015]. Barnes, R. (2011). The great Tesco beauty gamble (the Tesco supermarket chainÂ’s marketing strategy for breaking into the UK beauty services market).Strategic Direction, 27(7). Charter, M., Kielkiewicz-Young, A., Young, A. and Hughes, A. (2001).Supply Chain Strategy and Evaluation. 1st ed. [ebook] Available at: https://www.projectsigma.co.uk/rndstreams/rd_supply_chain_strategy.pdf [Accessed 31 Mar. 2015]. COMPETING THROUGH LOGISTICS. (2015). 1st ed. [ebook] Available at: https://catalogue.pearsoned.co.uk/assets/hip/gb/hip_gb_pearsonhighered/samplechapter/Harrisonchapter1.pdf [Accessed 31 Mar. 2015]. Fernie, J. and Sparks, L. (2004).Logistics and retail management. London: Kogan Page. Kelly, D. (2009).Tesco: use of IT and information systemsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Introduction to MIS. 1st ed. [ebook] Available at: https://cws.cengage.co.uk/colekelly7/students/Video%20Cases/Chapter%2030%20-%20Video%20Case%20Study%2027.pdf [Accessed 31 Mar. 2015]. Potter, A. and Disney, S. (2015).Removing bullwhip from the Tesco supply chain. 1st ed. [ebook] Available at: https://www.pomsmeetings.org/ConfPapers/015/015-0397.pdf [Accessed 31 Mar. 2015]. Retailgazette.co.uk, (2015).Tesco creates worlds largest supply chain group- Retail Gazette. [online] Available at: https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/articles/40420-tesco-creates-worlds-largest-supply-chain-group [Accessed 31 Mar. 2015]. Sparks, L. (2015).Supply Chain Management and Retailing. 1st ed. [ebook] Available at: https://www.supplychain-forum.com/documents/articles/SCFIJvol11-4-2010-Sparks.pdf [Accessed 31 Mar. 2015]. Special Topic Forum on Resources and Supply Chain Management. (2013).J Supply Chain Manag, 49(3), pp.111-111. Supplychainanalysis.igd.com, (2015).Tesco Supply Chain-Building an intermodal solution - IGD Supply Chain Analysis. [online] Available at: https://supplychainanalysis.igd.com/Hub.aspx?id=15tid=1rid=2cid=162 [Accessed 31 Mar. 2015]. Tesco and Society Report 2013. (2015). 1st ed. [ebook] Available at: https://www.tescoplc.com/files/pdf/reports/tesco_and_society_2013_ipad.pdf [Accessed 31 Mar. 2015]. TESCO: A CASE STU DY IN SUPER MARKET EXCELLENCE. (2004). 1st ed. [ebook] Available at: https://www.coriolisresearch.com/pdfs/coriolis_tesco_study_in_excellence.pdf [Accessed 31 Mar. 2015]. Weele, A. (2010).Purchasing supply chain management. Andover: Cengage Learning. Wilkinson, M. (2000). The Tesco Roundabout.Books Ireland, (236), p.373. Xie, Y. and Allen, C. (2013). Information technologies in retail supply chains: a comparison of Tesco and Asda.IJBPSCM, 5(1), p.46. technologies in retail supply chains: a comparison of Tesco and Asda.IJBPSCM, 5(1), p.46.

Monday, November 25, 2019

The Sociological Criticism of The Masque of the Red Death

The Sociological Criticism of The Masque of the Red Death Free Online Research Papers From inside the abbey’s sturdy walls and its maze-like suite of seven rooms specially decorated according to a theme color, come the sounds of laugher and enjoyment. Its iron gate is welded shut, making it impossible for anyone to enter or leave. Clowns, musicians, and dancers amuse the prince and his guests of a thousand knights and ladies selected from his court for six heavy months. But there is one guest not invited. This masquerader, tall and thin, is outfitted as a corpse in a grave. His mask is as stiff and fearsome as a dead man’s face. Deep, red smears on his costume make it clear that he has come in the disguise of the Red Death. Prospero orders the unmasking of the intruder and declares that he will be hanged in the morning from the fortress’s battlements. But no one undertakes the task. The intruder then moves from room to room. Prospero withdraws a dagger and chases him. In the black, final room, the intruder turns and faces Prospero. There is a cr y. The dagger falls to the floor. Then Prospero collapses. Finding courage, Prospero’s friends rush to attack the intruder. To their horror, they discover that there is nothing inside the costume or behind the mask. Edgar Allan Poe ends the story by revealing the identity of the intruder: â€Å"And now was acknowledged the presence of the Red Death. He had come like a thief in the night. And one by one dropped the revelers in the blood-bedewed halls of their revel, and died each in the despairing posture of his fall. And the life of the ebony clock went out with that of the last of the gay. And the flames of the tripods expired. And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all† (47). Edgar Allan Poe, master of horror, writes a chilling tale that can be interpreted using Sociological Criticism. By examining its history and behavior, one can understand society at that time; one can see how society felt and what tragic experiences can do to the people’s views on subjects ranging from decease and disease to its emphasis on the journey of life to death. John Dewey once wrote that society exists in and through communication. What a group of people share that distinguishes them from others is often labeled their â€Å"culture.† A distinctive framework of language and religious, benevolent, cultural, scientific, political, and patriotic categories makes common experiences possible and shareable. Sociological Criticism is criticism directed to understanding or placing literature in its larger social context; it analyzes both how the social functions in literature and how literature works in society. It’s influenced by New Criticism; however, it adds a sociological element and considers literature as an expression of society, one that contains metaphors and references directly applicable to the existing society at that time. Sociological Criticism was introduced by Kenneth Burke, a 20th century literary and critical theorist, whose article Literature as Equipment for Living outlines the details and significance of such a critique. According to Burke, works of art, including literature, are strategic namings of situations that allow the reader to better understand, and gain a sort of control over shared happenings through the work of art (Adams 942). This completely complicates the basic trend of New Criticism, which simply calls for a close textual reading without considering emotional response or the authors intentions. It also rejects historical and biographical study as irrelevant to an understanding of the work in its entirety. While Burke also avoids emotional response and the overall intention of the author, he specifically considers literature as logical reflections of society and its behavior (Adams 957). Austin Harrington outlines in his book, Art and Social Theory, six ways in which art can be approached from a sociological standpoint: 1) humanistic historic approach, 2) Marxist social theory, 3) cultural studies, 4) theory of art in analytical philosophy, 5) anthropological studies of art, and 6) empirical studies of contemporary art institutions (15). The variety of sociological approaches introduced by Harrington confronts traditional approaches to literature. According to Harrington, sociological approaches generally possess a stronger sense of the material preconditions, historical flux and cultural diversity of discourse, practices and institutions of art, (31). Harrington argues that literature art can serve as normative sources of social understanding in their own right, (207); the ways in which these sources make apparent this social understanding is exactly what is of interest to Kenneth Burke. As Harrington observes, there are several methods of regarding literature from a sociological perspective, and considering the sociological element is essential because literature is inevitably full of references and commentaries on the society. Sociological critics are then to look at exactly how such references and commentaries function within the work of literature. In Franco Morettis article, The Dialectic of Fear, he addresses the methods by which Mary Shelley and Bram Stoker highlight the problems and inconsistencies within their societies through their novels, Frankenstein and Dracula. Moretti notes that the fear in Frankenstein lies in the protagonist and not the reader, so as to encourage the reader to reflect on a number of important problems (the development of science, the ethic of family, respect for tradition) and agree rationally that these are threatened by powerful and hidden forces (12). Shelley does this, notes Moretti, by keeping the novel in the past tense, and not hiding any of the monsters qualities, but rather informing the readers totally (12). Stoker, by contrast, wants to scare his readers, and so Moretti recognizes the way in which this is done: the narrative time is always in the present, and the narrative order always paratactic never establishes causal connections the reader has only clues (12). Kenneth Burke wou ld approach these pieces of literature through their statements on society, and push for sociological critics to use methods, like the ones used by Shelley and Stoker, as a way of regarding literature as a function of, and functioning in, society a criticism technique that cut[s] across previously established disciplines (Adams 952). The Red Death had long devastated the country. No pestilence had ever been so fatal, or so hideous.There were sharp pains, and sudden dizziness, and then profuse bleeding at the pores, with dissolution. The scarlet stains upon the body and especially upon the faceshut out [its victim] from the aid and from the sympathy of his fellow men. [T]he whole seizure, progress, and termination of the disease, were the incidents of half an hour (Poe 41). In writing a story of this nature, Poe would have considered such historical examples in society as the Black Death or the bubonic plague of the Middle Ages, as well as the cholera epidemics that ravaged Philadelphia in the 1790s and Baltimore in his own lifetime. In this story, the plague takes the unusual form of a red death rather than a black one so that blood, the very substance of life, now becomes the mark of death. Poe’s fictional Red Death resembles a real disease that occurred in Medieval and Renaissance Europe– septicaemic plague. A victim of septicaemic plague sometimes got up in the morning strong and healthy, without an ache or a pain, and went to bed in a grave. The disease manifested itself in three forms: bubonic plague, which caused painful swellings (buboes) in the lymph nodes of the armpits and groin; pneumonic plague, which filled the lungs with fluid; and septicaemic plague, which poisoned the bloodstream (Bubonic Plague and Cholera 230). Septicaem ic plague was far less common than the other two forms of the disease. Sometimes one form of the disease killed by itself; at other times, it progressed into another form before claiming a victim. Together, these three manifestations of plague were known as the Black Death because of the purple hue of corpses caused by hemorrhaging underneath the skin (Bubonic Plague and Cholera 234). Cholera’s physical symptoms closely relate to the description of the Red Death’s. The diarrhea associated with cholera is acute and so severe that it could result in severe dehydration, or even death. Writer Susan Sontag wrote that cholera was more feared than some other deadly diseases because it dehumanized the victim. Diarrhea and dehydration were so severe that the victim could literally shrink into a shriveled distortion of his or her former self before death (Briggs and Mantini-Briggs 114-119). Other symptoms include nosebleed, rapid pulse, dry skin, tiredness, abdominal cramps, nausea, leg cramps, and vomiting (Bubonic Plague and Cholera 299). Examining the first paragraph in the story, the reader can see the close resemblance between the Red Death and the real septicaemic plague, or Black Death, and Cholera disease. This demonstrates that society not only feared the plagues that were killing thousands of people, but were terrified of it. It haunted and clouded t he dreams of the people at night, cursing them to fear death and mortality, wondering if the next day will be their last. Society’s emphasis on the journey of life to death is reflected in Poes story, which takes place in seven connected but carefully separated rooms. This reminds the reader of the past significance of the number seven. For example, the history of the world was thought to consist of seven ages, just as an individuals life had seven stages. The ancient world had seven wonders; universities divided learning into seven subjects; there were seven deadly sins with seven corresponding cardinal virtues. Therefore, a reading of this story suggests that the seven rooms reflects the seven stages of ones life, from birth to death, through which the prince pursues a figure masked as a victim of the Red Death, only to die himself in the final chamber of eternal night. The seven rooms are laid out from east to west, reminding the reader of the course of the sun which measures our earthly time. This progression is symbolically significant because it represents the life cycle of a day: the sun r ises in the east and sets in the west, with night symbolizing death. What transforms this set of symbols into an allegory, however, is the further symbolic treatment of the twenty-four hour life cycle: it translates to the realm of human beings. This progression from east to west, performed by both Prospero and the mysterious guest, symbolizes the human journey from birth to death. Poe crafts the last, black room as the menacing endpoint, the room the guests fear just as they fear death. In creating this room, this is how Poe links the color black with death. The significance of time of life to death in this story is seen in the symbol of the gigantic clock of ebony, which is draped in black velvet and located in the final room. It adds to the threatening atmosphere as it tolls the hour with a deep chime that echoes through the winding hallways and unnerves all the guests. The masqueraders are reluctant to enter. Instead, everyone congregates in the other rooms. The overwhelming dar kness of the seventh room, the importance of time, with the clock and the layout of the rooms from east to west, and the masquerader’s attitude towards the final room describes to the reader how society felt about the journey to death; it’s not celebrated like in other populations, but feared with anxiety and apprehension. Using history and the behavior of society at that period in time, Sociological Criticism can interpret the short story â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death,† by Edgar Allan Poe. The commoner’s fear of death and mortality is seen by the ultimate resemblance of the plague that killed every person in Prince Prospero’s abbey and the plagues and diseases that afflicted society in the past and at the time of Poe’s life. However, the story also indicates that not only can the Red Death kill those of common status, but also those wealthy or noble enough to be in the Prince’s presence for six months. This shows how society felt; that no one is safe from disease or death. Society’s emphasis on the journey of life to death can be grasped through the seven rooms, which reflect the seven stages of life; each one located east to west to signify the sun’s movements and count of our earthly time. Although Sociological Criticism examines how literature re flects society, it has limitations that might not represent the story as a whole. For example, a main part of Sociological Criticism is to not examine the author’s background, the author’s intent, or any emotional response; any of which could alter the views reflected upon by the reader. [S]carlet stains upon the body and especially upon the face of the victim indicate the presence of the Red Death (Poe 41). Blood, the very substance of life, becomes the mark of death as it bursts through the pores. Death, then, is not an outside antagonist, to be feared and walled out as Prince Prospero attempts to do; but instead it is a part of each of us and consequently, society as a whole. Its presence is felt in our imaginations as we become aware of the control that time has over our lives. We hear the echoes of the ebony clocks that we carry within. Prince Prospero tries to escape death by walling it out, and by so doing, creates a prison out of his sanctuary. However, the Prince learns that no one can escape death. Death holds illimitable dominion over all. Research Papers on The Sociological Criticism of â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death†The Masque of the Red Death Room meaningsMind TravelCapital PunishmentAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows EssayEffects of Television Violence on Children19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraCanaanite Influence on the Early Israelite ReligionQuebec and Canada The Sociological Criticism of The Masque of the Red Death Free Online Research Papers From inside the abbey’s sturdy walls and its maze-like suite of seven rooms specially decorated according to a theme color, come the sounds of laugher and enjoyment. Its iron gate is welded shut, making it impossible for anyone to enter or leave. Clowns, musicians, and dancers amuse the prince and his guests of a thousand knights and ladies selected from his court for six heavy months. But there is one guest not invited. This masquerader, tall and thin, is outfitted as a corpse in a grave. His mask is as stiff and fearsome as a dead man’s face. Deep, red smears on his costume make it clear that he has come in the disguise of the Red Death. Prospero orders the unmasking of the intruder and declares that he will be hanged in the morning from the fortress’s battlements. But no one undertakes the task. The intruder then moves from room to room. Prospero withdraws a dagger and chases him. In the black, final room, the intruder turns and faces Prospero. There is a cr y. The dagger falls to the floor. Then Prospero collapses. Finding courage, Prospero’s friends rush to attack the intruder. To their horror, they discover that there is nothing inside the costume or behind the mask. Edgar Allan Poe ends the story by revealing the identity of the intruder: â€Å"And now was acknowledged the presence of the Red Death. He had come like a thief in the night. And one by one dropped the revelers in the blood-bedewed halls of their revel, and died each in the despairing posture of his fall. And the life of the ebony clock went out with that of the last of the gay. And the flames of the tripods expired. And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all† (47). Edgar Allan Poe, master of horror, writes a chilling tale that can be interpreted using Sociological Criticism. By examining its history and behavior, one can understand society at that time; one can see how society felt and what tragic experiences can do to the people’s views on subjects ranging from decease and disease to its emphasis on the journey of life to death. John Dewey once wrote that society exists in and through communication. What a group of people share that distinguishes them from others is often labeled their â€Å"culture.† A distinctive framework of language and religious, benevolent, cultural, scientific, political, and patriotic categories makes common experiences possible and shareable. Sociological Criticism is criticism directed to understanding or placing literature in its larger social context; it analyzes both how the social functions in literature and how literature works in society. It’s influenced by New Criticism; however, it adds a sociological element and considers literature as an expression of society, one that contains metaphors and references directly applicable to the existing society at that time. Sociological Criticism was introduced by Kenneth Burke, a 20th century literary and critical theorist, whose article Literature as Equipment for Living outlines the details and significance of such a cr itique. According to Burke, works of art, including literature, are strategic namings of situations that allow the reader to better understand, and gain a sort of control over shared happenings through the work of art (Adams 942). This completely complicates the basic trend of New Criticism, which simply calls for a close textual reading without considering emotional response or the authors intentions. It also rejects historical and biographical study as irrelevant to an understanding of the work in its entirety. While Burke also avoids emotional response and the overall intention of the author, he specifically considers literature as logical reflections of society and its behavior (Adams 957). Austin Harrington outlines in his book, Art and Social Theory, six ways in which art can be approached from a sociological standpoint: 1) humanistic historic approach, 2) Marxist social theory, 3) cultural studies, 4) theory of art in analytical philosophy, 5) anthropological studies of art, and 6) empirical studies of contemporary art institutions (15). The variety of sociological approaches introduced by Harrington confronts traditional approaches to literature. According to Harrington, sociological approaches generally possess a stronger sense of the material preconditions, historical flux and cultural diversity of discourse, practices and institutions of art, (31). Harrington argues that literature art can serve as normative sources of social understanding in their own right, (207); the ways in which these sources make apparent this social understanding is exactly what is of interest to Kenneth Burke. As Harrington observes, there are several methods of regarding literature from a sociological perspective, and considering the sociological element is essential because literature is inevitably full of references and commentaries on the society. Sociological critics are then to look at exactly how such references and commentaries function within the work of literature. In Franco Morettis article, The Dialectic of Fear, he addresses the methods by which Mary Shelley and Bram Stoker highlight the problems and inconsistencies within their societies through their novels, Frankenstein and Dracula. Moretti notes that the fear in Frankenstein lies in the protagonist and not the reader, so as to encourage the reader to reflect on a number of important problems (the development of science, the ethic of family, respect for tradition) and agree rationally that these are threatened by powerful and hidden forces (12). Shelley does this, notes Moretti, by keeping the novel in the past tense, and not hiding any of the monsters qualities, but rather informing the readers totally (12). Stoker, by contrast, wants to scare his readers, and so Moretti recognizes the way in which this is done: the narrative time is always in the present, and the narrative order always paratactic never establishes causal connections the reader has only clues (12). Kenneth Burke wou ld approach these pieces of literature through their statements on society, and push for sociological critics to use methods, like the ones used by Shelley and Stoker, as a way of regarding literature as a function of, and functioning in, society a criticism technique that cut[s] across previously established disciplines (Adams 952). The Red Death had long devastated the country. No pestilence had ever been so fatal, or so hideous.There were sharp pains, and sudden dizziness, and then profuse bleeding at the pores, with dissolution. The scarlet stains upon the body and especially upon the faceshut out [its victim] from the aid and from the sympathy of his fellow men. [T]he whole seizure, progress, and termination of the disease, were the incidents of half an hour (Poe 41). In writing a story of this nature, Poe would have considered such historical examples in society as the Black Death or the bubonic plague of the Middle Ages, as well as the cholera epidemics that ravaged Philadelphia in the 1790s and Baltimore in his own lifetime. In this story, the plague takes the unusual form of a red death rather than a black one so that blood, the very substance of life, now becomes the mark of death. Poe’s fictional Red Death resembles a real disease that occurred in Medieval and Renaissance Europe– septicaemic plague. A victim of septicaemic plague sometimes got up in the morning strong and healthy, without an ache or a pain, and went to bed in a grave. The disease manifested itself in three forms: bubonic plague, which caused painful swellings (buboes) in the lymph nodes of the armpits and groin; pneumonic plague, which filled the lungs with fluid; and septicaemic plague, which poisoned the bloodstream (Bubonic Plague and Cholera 230). Septicaem ic plague was far less common than the other two forms of the disease. Sometimes one form of the disease killed by itself; at other times, it progressed into another form before claiming a victim. Together, these three manifestations of plague were known as the Black Death because of the purple hue of corpses caused by hemorrhaging underneath the skin (Bubonic Plague and Cholera 234). Cholera’s physical symptoms closely relate to the description of the Red Death’s. The diarrhea associated with cholera is acute and so severe that it could result in severe dehydration, or even death. Writer Susan Sontag wrote that cholera was more feared than some other deadly diseases because it dehumanized the victim. Diarrhea and dehydration were so severe that the victim could literally shrink into a shriveled distortion of his or her former self before death (Briggs and Mantini-Briggs 114-119). Other symptoms include nosebleed, rapid pulse, dry skin, tiredness, abdominal cramps, nausea, leg cramps, and vomiting (Bubonic Plague and Cholera 299). Examining the first paragraph in the story, the reader can see the close resemblance between the Red Death and the real septicaemic plague, or Black Death, and Cholera disease. This demonstrates that society not only feared the plagues that were killing thousands of people, but were terrified of it. It haunted and clouded t he dreams of the people at night, cursing them to fear death and mortality, wondering if the next day will be their last. Society’s emphasis on the journey of life to death is reflected in Poes story, which takes place in seven connected but carefully separated rooms. This reminds the reader of the past significance of the number seven. For example, the history of the world was thought to consist of seven ages, just as an individuals life had seven stages. The ancient world had seven wonders; universities divided learning into seven subjects; there were seven deadly sins with seven corresponding cardinal virtues. Therefore, a reading of this story suggests that the seven rooms reflects the seven stages of ones life, from birth to death, through which the prince pursues a figure masked as a victim of the Red Death, only to die himself in the final chamber of eternal night. The seven rooms are laid out from east to west, reminding the reader of the course of the sun which measures our earthly time. This progression is symbolically significant because it represents the life cycle of a day: the sun r ises in the east and sets in the west, with night symbolizing death. What transforms this set of symbols into an allegory, however, is the further symbolic treatment of the twenty-four hour life cycle: it translates to the realm of human beings. This progression from east to west, performed by both Prospero and the mysterious guest, symbolizes the human journey from birth to death. Poe crafts the last, black room as the menacing endpoint, the room the guests fear just as they fear death. In creating this room, this is how Poe links the color black with death. The significance of time of life to death in this story is seen in the symbol of the gigantic clock of ebony, which is draped in black velvet and located in the final room. It adds to the threatening atmosphere as it tolls the hour with a deep chime that echoes through the winding hallways and unnerves all the guests. The masqueraders are reluctant to enter. Instead, everyone congregates in the other rooms. The overwhelming dar kness of the seventh room, the importance of time, with the clock and the layout of the rooms from east to west, and the masquerader’s attitude towards the final room describes to the reader how society felt about the journey to death; it’s not celebrated like in other populations, but feared with anxiety and apprehension. Using history and the behavior of society at that period in time, Sociological Criticism can interpret the short story â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death,† by Edgar Allan Poe. The commoner’s fear of death and mortality is seen by the ultimate resemblance of the plague that killed every person in Prince Prospero’s abbey and the plagues and diseases that afflicted society in the past and at the time of Poe’s life. However, the story also indicates that not only can the Red Death kill those of common status, but also those wealthy or noble enough to be in the Prince’s presence for six months. This shows how society felt; that no one is safe from disease or death. Society’s emphasis on the journey of life to death can be grasped through the seven rooms, which reflect the seven stages of life; each one located east to west to signify the sun’s movements and count of our earthly time. Although Sociological Criticism examines how literature re flects society, it has limitations that might not represent the story as a whole. For example, a main part of Sociological Criticism is to not examine the author’s background, the author’s intent, or any emotional response; any of which could alter the views reflected upon by the reader. [S]carlet stains upon the body and especially upon the face of the victim indicate the presence of the Red Death (Poe 41). Blood, the very substance of life, becomes the mark of death as it bursts through the pores. Death, then, is not an outside antagonist, to be feared and walled out as Prince Prospero attempts to do; but instead it is a part of each of us and consequently, society as a whole. Its presence is felt in our imaginations as we become aware of the control that time has over our lives. We hear the echoes of the ebony clocks that we carry within. Prince Prospero tries to escape death by walling it out, and by so doing, creates a prison out of his sanctuary. However, the Prince learns that no one can escape death. Death holds illimitable dominion over all. Research Papers on The Sociological Criticism of â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death†The Masque of the Red Death Room meaningsMind TravelTrailblazing by Eric AndersonCapital PunishmentAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows EssayEffects of Television Violence on Children19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraCanaanite Influence on the Early Israelite Religion

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Public relations officer interview Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Public relations officer interview - Essay Example The Richmond Veterans Hospital offers services to over two hundred thousand veterans who dwell in the central and southern parts of North Carolina. Their services are offered in their outpatient clinics that have been located in Emporia, Charlottesville and Fredericksburg. The Hunter Holmes Hospital was actually the first hospital in VA to execute heart transplants on its patients. The Richmond VAMC is also the hospital that offers patients suffering from heart failure with medical care throughout the country. In addition, the hospital offers a variety of services to its patients that range from comprehensive outpatient care to the multifaceted inpatient services like heart, kidney, liver and lung transplantations. The medical facility also provides medical care to patients suffering from traumatic spinal and brain injuries. The hospital has about 415 operating beds and an acute care department, mental health services and nursing home. In addition, a new polytrauma transitional rehab ilitation center was recently opened to assist injured veterans adjust to living normal lives (US Department of Veteran Affairs, 2012). Ms. Edwards, the public relations officer at the Richmond Veterans Hospital plays various roles on behalf of the facility. ... situation with the police officers, determine who and how the family of the deceased should be informed and deliver a statement to the hospital staff and the press. In another instance, an employee who was engaged to another employee fell out with his fiancee and shot his fiancees cousin as they arrived at the facility (the cousin was a veteran who had been receiving cancer treatment and was killed). Ms. Edwards immediately communicated with the police, offered statements to the press and communicated the situation to the hospital’s employees. On the same day that I interviewed Ms. Edwards, the assailant was in court pleading not guilty though she ensured that the employees who had been affected by the incident were okay. The Richmond VAMC hosted the wheelchair Olympics this summer with Ms. Edwards being put in charge of coordinating the event which took a great deal of her time and energy. Prior to the event she resided at the downtown Marriot hotel which was the center for o perations for this event. She was charged with the tasks of directing the events, the staff members, various organizers, participants, medical staff and everyone else who was a part of the event. The public relations officer for the Richmond VAMC was also responsible for arranging the itinerary and making clearances with the hospital’s director when public figures like Michelle Obama visited the facility. According to the WWBT news, the first lady, Michelle Obama’s visit to the Richmond region came less than three months after the president had visited. It was a high profile visit to the state which was considered an important swing state during the coming elections. The news channel reported that at around lunchtime on Wednesday, the country’s first lady would attend a high profile