Meursault The Stranger By Albert Camus - 2065 Words

Meursault Meursault is the main character from the Novel The Stranger by Albert Camus. Meursault is psychologically detached from everything around him. He does not have strongly attached emotions connected to anyone or thing. As for people in his life he does not feel any sentimental emotions towards. In his mind his actions are neither good or bad when it comes to his morality. He does as he pleases because he has the ability to do so without realizing the consequences. The Mother The novel starts out with Meursault’s mother dying and him traveling to the home where she lives. Meursault settled his mother in an old person’s home because that’s where she would be the happiest. Living at home with Meursault was neither enjoyable for either of them since they did not talk. When he comes to the funeral he finds out that there were many people that cared for his mother at the home including a boyfriend. The travel to the funeral is seen as a nuisance because he has to take off from work and take a bus two kilometers from the village. The death of his mother is not an emotional time for Meursault because he has no level of bond with his mother. Not having feelings of grief is seen to others as something very strange, even monstrous to some. At the funeral, he does not wish to see his mother one last time and even has a cigarette with the caretaker in front of his mother’s coffin. The next day instead of grieving or spending tim e close to his mother like most people would afterShow MoreRelatedThe Personality Of Meursault In The Stranger By Albert Camus1218 Words   |  5 Pagesbeing and that we should use it as long as it doesn’t affect anyone negatively. In his novel, â€Å"The Stranger†, Albert Camus introduces his audience with an unusual main character, Monsieur Meursault. Camus describes Meursault as a man who â€Å"doesn’t play the game†, meaning that he does not participate in the social game of lying in order to be accepted by society. Many of Camus’ readers would describe Meursault as a piece â€Å"social wreckage† as he could be seen as a person without morals. Nevertheless, manyRead MoreMeursault as Sisyphus in Albert Camus,The Stranger687 Words   |  3 Pagesbegins.† Meursault is not unlike Sisyphus. In the novel, The Stranger, by Albert Camus, we watch this character change from a carefree man who loves being alive and free to a man who is i mprisoned for a meaningless murder he commits but who eventually finds happiness in his fate. During the first half of the novel, we see many examples of Meursault’s freedom and how he exercises it. He does what he wants, when he wants to with no regard to how he affects the people around him. Meursault livesRead More Is Meursault Heroic in Albert Camus The Stranger? Essay1544 Words   |  7 PagesIs Meursault Heroic in The Outsider?       When Meursault is described to us in the early stages of The Outsider we see that he does not obey societys codes therefore is it fair for us to assess him using societies interpretation of heroic?    If we are to judge him by them then we are given ample examples throughout the novel of his having no compassion or even of his thinking of the consequences of his actions, hardly heroic, but the converse is also demonstratedRead MoreAlbert Camus the Stranger: Meursault Is Aloof, Detached, and Unemotio854 Words   |  4 PagesAlbert Camus The Stranger: Meursault Is Aloof, Detached, and Unemotional In The Stranger, Albert Camus portrays Meursault, the books narrator and main character, as aloof, detached, and unemotional. He does not think much about events or their consequences, nor does he express much feeling in relationships or during emotional times. He displays an impassiveness throughout the book in his reactions to the people and events described in the book. After his mothers death he sheds no tears; seemsRead MoreChanges in Reader Opinion on Meursault Throughout Albert Camus’ The Stranger653 Words   |  3 PagesIn Albert Camus’ The Stranger, Meursault is seen as a very unique character, but not in a good way. Throughout the novel, he continually fails to show normal human emotions to things like his mother’s death, Marie’s love, and the man he killed. Most people in his town, along with the reader at first, are not able to reason out his actions but as the final events of the novel unfold, the reader begins to see Meursault in a different light. The novel starts out with Meursault getting a telegramRead MoreLiterary Analysis: How Meursault Is Indifferent in the Stranger, by Albert Camus874 Words   |  4 PagesLiterary analysis: How Meursault is indifferent in The Stranger, by Albert Camus Although Meursault is the title character and narrator of Albert Camus’ short novel The Stranger, he is also a somewhat flat character. His apparent indifferent demeanor may be a convenience to Camus, who mainly wanted to display his ideas of absurdism. And as a flat character, Meursault is not fully delineated: he lacks deep thought and significant change. His purpose is that of a first-person narrator whose actionsRead MoreAbsurd Actions of Meursault in The Stranger by Albert Camus538 Words   |  2 PagesIn â€Å"The Stranger† by Camus, Meursault’s actions throughout the story can be summed up in one word, absurd. From the start of the story Meursault showed no regard to human life. Life to him was meaningless. His action toward his mother’s death was the 1st encounter into how emotionless, cold, untouched unmoved Meursault was. Although he attended her funeral he was only there in the physical. Natures’ element and the environment around him was more of concern to him than the death of his motherRead MoreAlberts Aimless Absurdity898 Words   |  4 PagesIn Albert Camus’ novella, The Stranger, he exposes his beliefs on absurdism through the narration of Meursault. Camus’ definition of absurdism is a philosophy based on the belief that the universe is illogical and meaningless. Camus, founder of absurdism and French Nobel Prize winning author, sends the reader his underlying theme that life is meaningless and has no ulti-mate significance. This underlying theme of life’s absurdity is extremely personal to Camus through his own individual experiencesRead Mo reAnalysis Of Meursault A Stranger To Society1026 Words   |  5 PagesMeursault, a man living in Algiers, takes a bus to Marengo to attend his mother’s funeral after receiving a telegram. After the funeral, he seems unaffected by her death and he briefly describes his outing with Marie, his co-worker. Later on, he meets Raymond, an abuser of women, and agrees to go with him to his friend’s beach house. There, he gets entangled in a ruthless murder, and is ultimately sentenced to death. During his last hours, Meursault realizes how meaningless and pointless life isRead MoreEssay Theory of the Absurd1667 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"logic.† Albert Camus, a major writer of the â€Å"Theatre of the Absurd†, construes the â€Å"Absurd† by completely varying this concept through the human personality, exemplified by The Stranger and â€Å"The Myth of Sisyphus.† Camus redefines the absurd by envisioning the â€Å"absurd† as a world consi sting of â€Å"the struggle to find meaning where none exists† (Albert). In The Stranger, Camus writes about a man named Meursault, who one day is notified that his mother passed away. Shockingly, Meursault does not

`` Requiem `` By Robert Louis Stevenson Essay - 1534 Words

Requiem’s† existence as an Epitaphic fiction, a contrast to life What do you think of when one brings up Robert Louis Stevenson? Perhaps his great works, Treasure Island or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Maybe his successful and adventurous life, full of travel and fame (Editors). What one may not think of is the areas of his life that were wrought with disease, struggle and homesickness. Stevenson’s life was full of adventure, but much of it was as a result of him attempting to escape his tubercular existence (Bosch). The themes presented in Robert Louis Stevenson’s lesser known poem, Requiem, contains what is known as an Epitaphic fiction, a testament of one’s life which contrasts the way in which it was actually lived, a wish of how it should have gone, so to speak. Robert Louis Stevenson’s poem Requiem displays the writer’s wishes to escape from his constant illness and wish return home, in the form of an Epitaphic fiction, an Epitaph con trary to how reality treated its recipient. To begin, Robert Louis Stevenson was born into a middle class family in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1850. He was the middle child of the family who gained most of his attention through his frequent illness (â€Å"Robert†). During the 1800s, a typical means to cure illness was travel, the Stevenson family attempted to cure roberts sickness by traveling Europe (â€Å"Timeline†). These European adventures by the Stevensons led them to many iconic European cities, from Naples to Genoa and from Rome to Innsbruck.Show MoreRelatedThe Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll Mr. Hyde1200 Words   |  5 PagesBiography: Robert Louis Stevenson Robert Louis Stevenson was born on November 13th, 1850 to (father) Thomas Stevenson and (mother) Margaret Isabella Balfour. Stevenson grew up in Edinburgh. At the age of 17, he enrolled at Edinburgh University where he planned on studying engineering. He instead took courses to study law, and passed all of them in 1875, but he later abandoned this because he wanted to be a writer. His first published work was an essay entitled â€Å"Roads.† Stevenson met his wife

To Wear a Hat free essay sample

In the fading light, the old man looked at his son. â€Å"You think Id lie to you? Son, all you need to wear a hat is attitude. And you got that. You think Id tell you you looked good if you didnt? You look real sharp. You dont believe me?† – Neil Gaiman, Anansi Boys Washington winters arent that cold, but I have a half-hour walk from Starbucks home, and I need to be warm. I have my fuzzy brown jacket and an umbrella in case it rains, but, as everyone knows, most body heat escapes through the head. Recently in New York I bought a penguin hat with ear flaps that extend to my waist, ending in mitten-pockets for my hands. I tentatively packed it into my bag today, and now I take it out and finger the seams. My mom has told me multiple times that I do have to clothe myself with a certain amount of dignity because of my responsibilities. We will write a custom essay sample on To Wear a Hat or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page A debate president, orchestra council member, and who-knows-what-else shouldnt dress like a five-year-old. Shes probably right. Looking at my penguin hat, I give myself a moment to chicken out. There is no doubt that wearing a hat like this in public will cause a potentially embarrassing stir. But I like it, and I will wear it if I want to. After quickly shaking it out, I pull it over my ears and put my hands in the mitten-pockets. It is warm, but already out of the corner of my eye, I see the barista smothering a giggle. I push open the door and start walking, past glittering storefronts and cozy restaurants. Initially, Im not sure whether to pretend to be on the phone or just look at the ground to avoid eye contact, but instead I keep my eyes in front of me and my chin level. People curiously look at me through the windows, as if Im a strange animal specimen. As I reach the main street, I feel more people staring. One man waiting at a bus stop quacks at me. A young girl tugs on her mothers hand and gleefully points out â€Å"the penguin costume.† I raise my eyebrows at her, grin, and walk by with all the poise of a concertmaster. In the wicked winter air, a little penguin breathes like a dragon and swaggers like an emperor. I do believe in me. I believe in all that is good and adorable in this world, and I believe that I can be mature whether I wear a tam-o-shanter or a toque. I believe that embarrassment stems not from the hat itself, but from hiding my face or wearing it half-heartedly. Luckily, I do neither; I walk contently across streets, under low-hanging tree branches, and up the hill to my house. I reach my front door with my dignity intact.

The Yellow Wallpaper Essay Thesis Example For Students

The Yellow Wallpaper Essay Thesis American Gothic literature of the late nineteenth century can generally be characterized by its interest in Psychology. Rather than incorporate the supernatural or science fiction, which is the foci in other Gothic works at the time, authors such as Edgar Allen Poe and Charlotte Perkins Gilman use this mental condition of their protagonist in order to achieve the expected Gothic reaction. Specifically, in Gilmans the Yellow Wallpaper, the protagonist, a white, middle class housewife diagnosed with depression, sinks into insanity right before the readers eyes; her psychology unfolds and produces that horrific reaction appropriate for the American Gothic. This, however, in not the only product of Gilmans work. Through literary style, unusual characterization, and a haunting (and knowledgeable) account of madness, Gilman makes her intended statement effectively: nineteenth century women were not only repressed, but practically driven to inhumanity by the men who overprotected and undere stimated them. Both traditional Gothic elements and productive special position are laced throughout Gilmans short story. We will write a custom essay on The Yellow Wallpaper Thesis specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now To first look at a piece of fiction, one must examine its technical aspects, that is, the literary style with which it is written. In the Gothic tradition, the Yellow Wallpaper is written using a unique narrative technique. The narrator is also the protagonist, whose actions and thoughts the reader learns about through her journal. This tool brings the narrator to life and gives the reader a sense of trust in the main character, Jane. In the beginning of the story, the narrator describes the setting, the other characters, and her feelings. Because she is in a position of weakness, the reader sympathasizes with her melancholy and shares her resentment for her physician husband, John, who does not believe that she is sick! (Gilman 249). Telling the story in first person also exemplifies Gilmans feminist ideology: by giving the central of the story telling to the female protagonist, she joins other prolific Victorian writers. In the tradition of Charlotte Brante and Jane Auster, Gilman places a woman at the core of the story. Therby thumbing her nose at the majority that more often chase men as literal focal points. Another literary choice that hinges the meaning to the story is Gilmans diction; she weanes normalcy and lunacy together so well that they blend to produce a realistic account of insanity. When the reader meets Jane, she is personable and she feels sympathy towards her plight. Her husband seems the irrational one, as he cannot she her plainly stated need for congenial work, with excitement and charge(249). But, soon, the reader notices the harshness and violence of Janes thoughts that mix with calm, feminine words: the floor is scratched and gonged and splintered, the plaster itself is dug out here and there, and this great heavy bedlooks as if it had been through the wars. But I dont mind it a bit (253). Another notable example is the use of the word creep. At the finale, Jane sees creeping women out the window, she sees the woman in the wallpaper cre eping, and finally, when Jane faints, she had to creep over him every time! (263). the repetition of the word to her adds swirling and incoherent thoughts, as well as links Jane to the woman whom she eventually becomes. Gilman certainly uses the word creepily. By choosing the short story as her medium of expression, Gilman increases the Gothic effect: the reader is drawn in quickly, tossed about in the womans spiraling lunacy, and left hanging on a strange and (un) interpretable finale. Were this tale told in another style, it would be dsumpened by the inability to feature short and personal phrases that could only represent ones thought patterns: personally, I disagree with their ideasbut, what is one to do? (249). Also, because the Yellow Wallpaper must be read as a social statement and not simply as a Gothic tale, a significant part of Gilmans strategy, then, in writing short fiction was to demonstrate viable alternatives to long-ingrained an oppressive social habits (Knight 25). One may presume that critic Denise Knight speaks here about the novel form. Clearly, Gilman chooses to hit the reader hard and fast, sending her message in an abbreviated and yet, powerful package. .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f , .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f .postImageUrl , .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f , .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f:hover , .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f:visited , .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f:active { border:0!important; } .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f:active , .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ua2a8227e6e2fb1bea60171c65df0af6f:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Anne frank EssayAnother aspect of the Yellow Wallpaper that lends to its overall Gothic impression and feminist assertion is a characterization, that is, the regression of the main characters personality. She begins as an obedient, but sad, housewife, and slowly devalues to a rebel (at least in her own mind) and finally, to a pseudo-animal. The reader meets a timid woman who gives hints of her repressed anger, although she follows her medical orders and allows herself to be treated as a child: John laughs at me, of course, but expects that in marriageso I take phosphates or phosphates-whichever it is, and tonic, and journeys, and air and exercise, and am absolutely forbidd en to work until I am well again (Gilman 249). In the second phase or regression, the woman becomes excited and hides her knowledge that another woman lives in the wallpaper: life is very much more exciting now than it used to beI had no intention of telling him her improvement was because of the wall-paper (258). This sneaky attitude is new to her, as she has not thus far, deceived John. Finally, the womans rationality totally fails, and she tears the wallpaper apart saying, I am getting angry enough to do something desperate. To jump out the window would be an admirable excuse, but the bars are too strong to even try (262). Jane rationalizes suicide, which is frightening enough, when she seems to be completely overtakes by another personality; she becomes the woman she sees behind the pattern in the wallpaper: Ive got out at lastin spite of you and Jane (263). Gilmans extreme treatment of the three personalities in the character leaps over any furnished cliche; the three phases of Janes regression symbolize a mural for women. the Yellow Wallpaper strives not only to evoke sympathy for the woman of the nineteenth century who were coddled and at the same time, mistreated, but to show the sort of triumph in the narrators understanding of her situation, andher heroism that resides in her perceptivity and in her resistance. To a significant degree that resistance takes the form of anger (Hedges 228), and the character is indeed angry. It is noteworthy that her insanity manifests itself in a violent form. Gilman also shocks the reader when the insane Jane makes light of her outrageous behavior by taunting, it is no use, young man, you cant open the door! (Gilman 262). The moral is clear: before this poor character realizes the detriment of her treatment by her doctor husband, it is too late. To forbid a woman to use her own mind and make her own decisions is to, fundamentally, destroy her sanity. To read the short story as one of success does not seem to take into account Janes dehumanization. According to Elaine Hedges, this is the narrative of a womans efforts to free herself from the confining social and psychic structures of her world, but unfortunately, her efforts are futile. (Hedges 223). The decent into madness is a failure to outwit or win the male dominance in the womans (and in all womens) nineteenth century environment. Janes transition to dementia should not be considered a creative act and a successful defiance, as Gilmans language clearly depicts her heroine as an animal: I tried to hit it and push it until I was lame, and then I got so angry I bit off a little piece at one corner- but it hurt my mouth (Hedges 223, Gilman 262). Her creeping also lends greatly to the animalistic imagery. The protagonists depravity is extreme: the repugnant body to which the narrator is reduced becomes a figure for the repressions imposed on women (Hedges 230). In its Gothic horror, however, the Yellow Wallpaper leaves one detail up for interpretation: because John faints when he encounters the crazed Jane, Gilman presents the reader with a no-win situation. Jane has lost her wits and her identity as a woman (and a person), but John has not maintained his traditional Victorian male control. The authors moral expands here for all people, not only women: freedom is freedom, regardless of sex. Repression, in the end, affects just as harshly, the repressor. Apart from its literary style, and characterization, the most effective element of Gilman short story is her unnervingly realistic account of madness. The portrayal of Janes insanity works well for three reasons: first, it conforms to the popular American Gothic tradition. Second, it is an easily recognizable metaphor for Victorian women, and third, the Yellow Wallpaper is largely autobiographical. Nineteenth century Gothic literature in the United States was interested in psychology, and Gilmans story is an apt example of the psychological horror story. By placing the reader so close to the narrator, Gilman has both beginning to believe there is actually a women in the wallpaper, and Janes madness comes alive: I think that woman gets out in the daytime! And Ill tell you why-privately- Ive seen her! (Gilman 262). Insanity is an intriguing subject, and because it is not imaginary (like the supernatural or science fiction), it makes of a more horrific Gothic experience. Also, in this c ase, the insanity functions in two ways: madness manifested as progressive incipient insanity and madness manifested as extreme and repressed anger at female bondage become dichotomous components of the protagonists condition (Knight 16). .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e , .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e .postImageUrl , .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e , .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e:hover , .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e:visited , .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e:active { border:0!important; } .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e:active , .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u249fa6d8fdc98e840d5c352a0d22681e:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Diary Of Anne Frank EssayThe tool of an extreme psychological condition only loosely masks the metaphor (and moral) of the Yellow Wallpaper. Reading this story easily incites independence and puts repression into harsh, yet understandable terms. Gilman once justified her reasoning behind writing the Yellow Wallpaper : It has, to my knowledge, saved one woman from a similar fate- so terrifying her family that they let her out into normal activity and she recovered (Gilman). Whether the short story was intended as a longer feminist ideal or as a catalyst for immediate action, the Yellow Wallpaper certainly opens ones eyes to the dire circumstances under which it was con ceived. Gilmans success in literature is compled with a personal triumph: But the best result is this- many years later I was that the great specialist that had treated Gilman had admitted to friends of his that he had since altered his treatment of neurasthenia since reading the Yellow Wallpaper (Gilman). The final reason why Gilman so effectively paints a portrait of the mentally disturbed Jane is because the story is based on a portion of the authors life. During a bout of a post-partum depression, Gilman suffered as, the treatment her doctor prescribed required Charlotte to love as domestic as possible, to have the baby with her at all times, and to never touch a pen, a paintbrush, or a pencil for the remainder of her life (Knight 15). This is almost identical to Janes orders. the Yellow Wallpaper also serves as a platform through which Gilman voices her innate independence: Charlotte was exceedingly wary of relinquishing her own identity and being forced into an obseqniores role. Again and againsheexpressed her fear of subjugation (Knight 12). Although it is a simple interpretation of the story, the autobiographical component is important because it accurately records a womans suffering and Victorian treatment, and because Gilman uses her own experience as a metaphor for the repre ssion she felt, even outside of sickness. the Yellow Wallpaper, although packed with legitimate feminist commentary, is an extremely effective Gothic tale: like her contemporaries, Gilman wanted her literature to produce an effect upon the reader (Knight 23). Through her choices in narrative style, form, and diction, a progressive (or regressive) character, and a true-to-life version of an insanity story, Gilman brings to the reader both effects of the Yellow Wallpaper: a strong reaction and a special moral: this is story about a nineteenth century white, middle-class woman, but it addresses womans situation in so far as a group must contend with male power in medicine, marriage, and indeed most, if not all, of culture (Hedges 231). Works CitedGilman, Charlotte Perkins. the Yellow WallpaperThe Oxford Book of Gothic Tales. Chris Baldrick, ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1992Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. Why I Wrote the Yellow Wallpaper. Online http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu. 24 July 2000Hedges, Elaine R. Out at last? the Yellow Wallpaper after Two Decades of Feminist Criticism. Critical Essays on Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Joanne B. Rarpinski, ed. New York: G.K. Hall and Co,. 1992Knight, Denise D. the Yellow Wallpaper and Selected Stories of Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Newark, New Jersey: University of Delaware Press, 1994Masse, Michelle. In the Name of Love-Women, Masochism, and the Gothic. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press, 1992

Practice in Adding Adjectives and Adverbs to Sentences

Practice in Adding Adjectives and Adverbs to Sentences A common way of expanding a simple sentence is with modifierswords that add to the meanings of other words. The simplest modifiers are adjectives and adverbs. Adjectives modify nouns, while adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. For instance, in the sentence below, the adjective sad modifies the noun smile (the subject of the sentence). The clowns sad smile touched us deeply. In this same sentence, the adverb deeply modifies the verb touched. Used carefully, adjectives and adverbs can make our writing clearer and more precise. Arranging Adjectives Adjectives most often appear just in front of the nouns that they modify: The old, cranky caretaker refused to answer our questions. Notice that when two (or more) adjectives precede a noun, they are usually separated by commas. But occasionally adjectives follow the nouns they modify: The caretaker, old and cranky, refused to answer our questions. Here the commas appear outside the pair of adjectives, which are joined by the conjunction and. Placing the adjectives after the noun is a way of giving them added emphasis in a sentence. Adjectives sometimes appear in a third position in a sentence: after a linking verb such as am, are, is, was, or were. As their name implies, these verbs link adjectives with the subjects they modify. See if you can identify the adjectives in the sentences below: His voice was rough.Your children are cruel.This seat is wet. In each of these sentences, the adjective (rough, cruel, wet) modifies the subject but follows the linking verb (was, are, is). Arranging Adverbs Adverbs usually follow the verbs they modify: I dance occasionally. However, an adverb may also appear directly in front of the verb or at the very beginning of a sentence: I occasionally dance.Occasionally I dance. Because not all adverbs are this flexible in all sentences, you should try them out in different positions until you find the clearest arrangement. Practice in Adding Adjectives Many adjectives are formed from nouns and verbs. The adjective thirsty, for example, comes from thirst, which may be either a noun or a verb. Complete each sentence below with the adjective form of the italicized noun or verb. When youre done, compare your answers with those on page two. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina brought great destruction to the Gulf coast. It was one of the most _____ hurricanes in recent decades.All of our pets enjoy good health. Our collie is exceptionally _____, despite its advanced age.Your suggestion makes a great deal of sense. You have a very _____ idea.Google made record profits last year. It is one of the most _____ companies in the world.Dr. Krafts job requires patience and skill. He is a _____ negotiator.All through high school, Giles rebelled against his parents and teachers. Now he has three _____ children of his own.Telling jokes that will not offend others can be difficult. Some comedians are deliberately _____. Practice in Adding Adverbs Many adverbs are formed by adding -ly to an adjective. The adverb softly, for instance, comes from the adjective soft. Note, however, that not all adverbs end in -ly. Very, quite, always, almost, and often are some of the common adverbs that are not formed from adjectives. Complete each sentence below with the adverb form of the italicized adjective. When youre done, compare your answers with those on page two. The exam was easy. I passed _____.Leroys careless act set the warehouse on fire. He _____ tossed a cigarette into a tank of gasoline.Paige is a brave little girl. She fought _____ against the poltergeists.Howard is a graceful dancer. He moves _____.Toms apology sounded quite sincere. He said that he was _____ sorry for misusing the tax funds.Paula made a generous contribution to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. She gives _____ every year.The lecture was brief. Dr. Legree spoke _____ about the importance of flossing after every meal. Answers to the Exercise:Â  Practice in Adding Adjectives 1. destructive; 2. healthy; 3. sensible; 4. profitable; 5. patient; 6. rebellious; 7. offensive Answers to the Exercise:Â  Practice in Adding Adverbs 1. easily; 2. carelessly; 3. bravely; 4. gracefully; 5. sincerely; 6. generously; 7. briefly

Free sample - The Place of Technology in Marketing. translation missing

The Place of Technology in Marketing. The Place of Technology in MarketingTo begin with, quest to establish the place of technology in the marketing sector has been a matter that has been of great alarm. The most effective and cost effective technologies in use in the market have also been a matter of concern amongst scholars and businessmen. In line with this, cost effectiveness of technology and its impact to the customers has been a matter of apprehension. In this context, there are past studies as well as literatures that have been directed towards expounding on the matters mentioned as to be of great concern in the contemporary corporate world. Arguably, Hastings Saperstein (2008) is an example of literatures that have carried an in-depth research on the place of technology in marketing. According to this account, integration of technology and marketing is a recipe for top achievements in the market place. In this context, it has been argued that technology can be used to maintain a holistic customer management without much struggling and thus achieve maximum benefits. In line with this, Hastings Saperstein (2008, p.71), further points to technology as to have transformed marketing from backwater to mainstream. As such, technology has been pointed to change and facilitate consumer behavior towards purchase and loyalty. However, the IT has not served marketing well up to the current times though (p.71-72). Oldroyd Oldroyd (2007, p.230-234) provides that technology allows marketing solutions to be directed to the needs of the specific customers. In this sense, the authors points to the example of Tesco which is the world’s largest online retailer (p.230-234). It has actually made a lot of profits owing to the use of technology. As such, it has been established that technology has a greater role to play in bringing about growth and developments in the marketing sector. In the same line of thought, Zajas Church (1997, p. 243-245), points out to the fact that marketers have employed use of advertisements through TVs and internet which is the emerging technology to market their products. As a result, this has led to great sales and increased market share for their products. Together with this, Ray Acharya (2004, p.463) has examined the applications of IT in marketing. In this context, successful application of using technology in marketing has been identified with the examples of A mazon.com with the sale of books and search engines like Yahoo which market different products and others as such (Ray Acharya 2004, p.463). The greatest challenge however, is that most of the businesses have not yet established how to efficiently and cost-effectively apply technology in marketing. The review of the literature shows that technology has a place in marketing though this has not yet been effectively integrated.  Ã‚  Ã‚      References Hastings H, Saperstein J, 2008, Improve your marketing to grow your business: insights and innovation that drive business and brand growth, Wharton School Publishing, New Jersey. Oldroyd, M Oldroyd, M 2007, Marketing Environment 2007-2008, Butterworth-Heinemann, Massachusetts. Ray, AK Acharya, T 2004, Information Technology: Principles and Applications, PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. Zajas, JJ Church, OD 1997, Applying telecommunications and technology from a global business perspective, Routledge, New York.

Apples from the desert Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Apples from the desert - Essay Example What is strange here, and made me curious if this really happens in Israel, is the fact that despite the divorce, the man remained in the house of mother and daughter – with Hannah continuing to support the needs of the man she divorced. In â€Å"Hayuta’s Engagement Party†, Bella, the mother of Hayuta, is a daughter of a concentration camp survivor, Grandpa Mendel. The horror and trauma that Grandpa Mendel experienced during the war remained hidden in his heart for a long time, until six years ago. The impending wedding of Hayuta was feared to be another venue for Grandpa Medel’s expression of Holocaust stories. The family’s efforts to silence him created tensions between the older generations and the new generations of Israelites. What is striking in this story is that despite the probable embarrassment that Grandpa Medel could create during the party, the family recognized the importance of his presence in an occasion like this. They are willing to go through all the trouble of trying to silence him against all odds. In â€Å"Apples from the Desert†, Victoria, the mother of a rebellious daughter, only recognizes the depths of her own marital misery when she sees the loving relationship Rivka has formed outside the legal bonds of matrimony. This story presented that older generations still believed and practiced arranged marriages without knowing the desperate consequences both man and woman experience during their married life. This is a sad plight if, indeed, it still happens in Israel today. The universal issues eminent in the stories are: (1) the unconditional love that a mother has for the child (or daughter, specifically) in her stories; (2) the value one gives to one’s family and (3) the option of divorce for unhappy marriages. These issues are considered universal because they encompass people from all cultures. Definitely, there might be differences in

Managing People Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Managing People - Essay Example Strategic global human resource management takes on certain significance in the regions of performance capacity and management, in international businesses. Human Resource Management is a fundamental part for whichever organization. In addition, development of this sector is the primary step, the position on which the future of the corporation relies on. It is vital for each single business element and in particular for such global company as Coca Cola. Organization at Coca Cola Company concentrates on the attainment and retention of exceedingly skilled and well-informed employees so that it can uphold its top position in the marketplace (Khurana, 2011). It cares for these resources as a plus point. It offers such circumstances of employment and actions that enable all workers to build up a sense of accord with the venture and their duties  to perform in the most enthusiastic and effectual manner. It as well provides for the safety of employment to the personnel so that they may not be preoccupied by the worries of their future. These goals, policies, strategies, and programs are pre-exacted by the corporation, which directs the administration and unions in taking choices. In addition, they are in line with the organization’s task, goals, strategies, procedures and its and inner, external milieus (Khurana, 2011). HRM is the lawful connection involving the organization and the workers; they are to sustain the employment and protection laws, in addition to pursue the practices, which may vary within federal procedures that the employer approves. For an organization, like General Motors has spent more than 50 billion dollars in the previous decade to update its production amenities to develop abilities in supple manufacturing (Shetty, 2011). Businesses are at all times searching for enhanced ways to manufacture goods and overhauls. When novel technical developments provide

Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 Essay Example for Free

Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 Essay The law allowed an increased cost exemption, which stated that employers that can demonstrate a one percent or more rise in costs due to parity implementation will be allowed to exempt themselves from the law. The Mental Health Parity Act did not include rules for service charges, designations for the number of inpatient hospital days or outpatient visits that must be covered, coverage in connection with Medicare or Medicaid, restrictions on a health insurance plan’s ability to manage care, and coverage for treatment of substance abuse or chemical dependency. I do not think that the Mental Health Parity Act was successful, because there are many people still in this world who don’t have insurance have to pay more than what people with insurance do. Even some people with insurance have to pay a lot out of pocket for services. Even when it was still in act, it only took effect to people with major disabilities. This left most of the population having to pay for many of the services themselves.

Fairytales and Folktales Essay -- Literary Analysis, Charles Perrault

Fairytales and folktales have been told around the campfire, in the living room, the class room, and before bedtime for centuries. First told orally, the â€Å"†¦ stories had to have remarkable features in order to remain memorable (Nodelman 246).† These stories were passed down from storyteller to audience until they were eventually written down and collected for consumption by the public. Due to the passing of time and fallibility the stories have changed throughout the years and slightly differ from culture to culture, however, â€Å"Stories similar to â€Å"Cinderella† can be found in historical records from as far back as the seventh century, and from a variety of places around the world (Nodelman 246).† Although the classic tales differ in various ways from their modern counterparts (such as Disney films, etc.), the characters and their journeys are still very much identifiable. For centuries, fairytales have been used for instruction; to teach children what is expected of them as they age and what terrors behold them if they do not comply with the guidelines laid out for them by their culture/society. Many of the tales were purposely frightful in order to scare children away from strangers, dark corners, and traveling off the beaten path into the dark thicket. Charles Perrault first began writing fairy tales in the late 17th century to educate his children. The morals of those tales often center on what is expected of young women; that they should remain ‘pure’ and ‘docile’. He wrote the tales in a time period when fairytales or ‘jack’ tales were looked at as instructional lessons. They were also widely told around the fire, as entertainment, for adults. Angela Carter adapted Perrault’s classic tales in the 1970’s; changing the victim... ...the end of the 1960’s – the mid 1970’s) was a revolutionary time period for women. In America, The Civil Rights Act of 1964 protected women from workplace discrimination and Roe v. Wade, 1973, guaranteed a woman’s right to choose when to be pregnant. In England, for the first time, a law was passed guaranteeing equal pay to women in Britain’s civil service (Women’s International Center 1). Carter, herself, was a self proclaimed feminist; she once said, â€Å"The Woman’s Movement has been of immense importance to me personally, and I would regard myself as a feminist writer, because I’m a feminist in everything else and one can’t compartmentalize these things in one’s life (Gamble 15).† Her writing began to be viewed, and still is viewed as feminist literature adored by college students, especially those concentration in gender related studies, and the literati alike.

Effect of Spina Bifida on Different Age Groups

EFFECTS OF SPINA BIGIDA ON DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS Individuals who are affected with spina bifida are faced with many difficult challenges. The social factors are different in each age group (newborns to infants, toddlers and preschoolers, school aged children, adolescences, teenagers, and adulthood). Nevertheless, finding resources in your community, knowing what to expect, and planning for the future can help increase confidence in managing spina bifida, enhance quality of life, and assist in meeting the needs of all family. Spina bifida affects the entire family.People who are affected by spina bifida get around in many different ways. This may include walking without any aids or assistance; walking with braces, crutches or walkers; and using wheelchairs. Some people with spina bifida have difficulty picking up the verbal and non-verbal cues necessary for social skills. Some of the areas that might be difficulty for them are talking over differences without getting angry, persistence when facing frustration, taking turns while talking, understanding social rules, demanding immediate attention, and waiting when necessary.However, finding resources, knowing what to expect, and planning for the future can help. No two children with spina bifida are exactly alike. Children’s health issues will be different for each child. Some will have issues that are more severe than other children. With the right care, children born with spina bifida will grow up to reach their full potential. NEWBORNS AND INFANTS In many cases, infants and children with spina bifida require early and frequent hospitalization. This can interrupt normal social development.The challenge is to balance medical needs with the need to let a child develop into a confident, self-sufficient and independent adult. Regular and physical activity is important for all babies, especially for those with conditions that affect movement. There are numerous ways for babies with spina bifida to be active. Ne wborns and infants can be active by: * playing with toys, such as activity mats; * enjoy parks and recreation areas; * participating in community programs, such as the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities, which is a free program n many communities; and * do exercise with physical therapist. TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS Life with a toddler or preschooler is both fun and challenging. These young children experience huge mental, social, and emotional changes. They have a lot of energy and enthusiasm for exploring and learning about their world and becoming independent. Since developing independence can be particularly trying for children with spina bifida, parents should begin helping their child develop independence early in childhood.The achievements can be measured one by one; building blocks are an effective way to think of them. In the early years, moving about and exploring things with the eyes, mouth and hands are the elements of independence for t he toddler. Parents and other caregivers can help them become more active and independent by: * educating the child about his or her body and about spina bifida; * encouraging the child to make choices, for example, have them choose between two items of clothing; * asking the child to assist with daily tasks, such as putting away toys.Children with spina bifida might require extra help at times. It is very critical that children be given the opportunity to fulfill a task before help is given. It is also important that parents give only the help that is needed rather than helping with the entire task. Parents must become skilled at learning the difficult balance between giving the right amount of help to increase their child’s independence and confidence, while simultaneously not giving the child tasks that cannot reasonably be completed? which might decrease their child’s confidence. School agedSchool connects children regularly with the larger world. Friendships becom e important and physical, social, and mental skills develop quickly during this time. Children who feel good about themselves are more able to resist negative peer pressure and make better choices. Many children with spina bifida do well in school but some can experience difficulties at school. There are children with learning disabilities (water on the brain), struggle with paying attention, work slowly, be restless, or lose things. They also might have difficulty making decisions. There are activities that children an do both at home and at school to help with these problems. These children might struggle with activities which lacks opportunity to socialize with peers. Children with spina bifida have fewer friends and spend less time with peers than typical developing children. Many social difficulties tend to be stable into adulthood. Fortunately, with the proper medical care, children with spina bifida can lead active and productive lives. Many children with spina bifida are suc cessful in school and many are actively involved in modified sports activities despite their physical challenges.With recent progress in care for these children, their outlook continues to improve. This is a significant time for children to become more responsible and independent. This is also a good time to start exploring potential lifetime interests such as hobbies, music, or sports. Acquiring independence can be challenging for people affected by spina bifida. It is important to begin working on this process early in childhood. Physical activity again is important for children of all ages, but especially for those with conditions that affect movement.For example, they can: * engage in active play with friends; * roll or walk in the neighborhood; * enjoy parks and recreation areas with playgrounds that are accessible for those with disabilities; * attend summer camps and recreational facilities that are accessible for those with disabilities; and * participate in sports activitie s and teams for people with or those without disabilities. Children with spina bifida often cannot control when they go to the bathroom (incontinence).They also can develop urinary tract infections. It is important to develop a plan for going to the bathroom that works and is as simple as possible. This can lead to increased health, participation, and independence at school and in the home, and avoid embarrassment for children with spina bifida. ADOLESCENTS AND TEENS Many physical, mental, emotional, and social changes are associated with the adolescent and teen years. Teens and adolescents develop their own personalities and interests and want to become more independent.It is important for the parents and caregivers of adolescents and teens with spina bifida to take effective steps toward making them independent starting in childhood, so that by the time they are older they can develop the necessary skills to help them reach their full potential. Physical activity is important for all teens and adolescents. There are several ways for teens and adolescents with spina bifida to be active. For example, they can: * engage in physical activities with friends; * roll or walk in the neighborhood; * lift weights; participate in sports activities and on teams for people with and those without disabilities; and * attend summer camps and recreational facilities that are accessible for those with disabilities. YOUNG ADULT The transition from adolescence to adulthood can be a time of progression and success, as well as difficulty. For people with spina bifida, it is specifically vital to begin planning for transitions in childhood so they are able to lead independent lives as adults. Young adults affected by spina bifida can face challenges, such as: * learning to take care of their own health needs; working or continuing their education; * volunteering; * finding and using transportation; * living outside their parents’ home; and * obtaining healthy relationships. Young adults can provide or manage much of their own care. Some instances include: * finding new doctors that care for adults affected by spina bifida; * obtaining medical insurance if they are no longer covered under their parents’ health plan; * talking to health care professionals about their condition; * making doctor appointments; * ordering or reordering medications and supplies; * seeking immediate medical help when needed; and managing their own bathroom plan. There are many ways for people with spina bifida to be active. Such as: * roll or walk in the neighborhood; * lift weights; and * participate in sports activities and teams for people with or those without disabilities. Transportation is important, young adults need to be able to find and use transportation safely. Many adults with spina bifida have problems that can affect safe driving. They may need a driver rehabilitation evaluation specialist in order to identify if special changes are needed to a car to ma ke it accessible for driving by someone with spina bifida.Adults also can learn to find and use other transportation safely, such as buses and cabs. Being safely mobile in their homes and communities will help adults become more independent. As adults plan for employment, college, or vocational training, they need to find and use transportation safely. Many young adults are still getting used to their new independence. They may have started working, volunteering, going to college or other training, or living on their own. Nonetheless, continuing to plan for the future is very important.This involves setting goals and how to achieve them. At times, unexpected problems can make life difficult. It is important for them not give up and to keep moving towards their goals, even if their goals sometimes need to be modified, or take longer than planned. Planning now will help adults continue to grow and succeed as they get older. In summary, people with spina bifida will face lifelong medic al challenges associated with this disorder, and the emotional and financial effects that the family will endure are overwhelming.In the United States, children born with spina bifida often live long and productive lives, even though they face many challenges. Though individuals reported having a high quality of life, they also described facing challenges and barriers that affect their ability to fully engage in life experiences. Individuals of all ages from birth through young adulthood reported experiencing common physical challenges such as pain, skin break-down, pressure sores, mobility limitations, latex allergy, and difficulties with endurance and balance.Some individuals between the ages of 6 and 18 years reported having scoliosis and breathing difficulties, during a time of rapid growth. As youth reach the teen years through young adulthood, many also reported difficulties with weight gain and concern about sexuality. Although individuals with spina bifida may experience sec ondary conditions, the role of support has shown to be a large factor that minimizes these challenges. Family support has been reported as a critical component as well as support given to families from outside sources such as friends, relatives, churches and other community groups.These supports have shown to help reduce secondary complications for individuals with spina bifida as well as ensure that they can participate fully in life activities and experiences. While individuals with spina bifida face many challenges growing up -whether they are social, physical, or academic -remember that the person with spina bifida is first and foremost a person with similar desires, likes, talents, frustrations, and concerns as all people. They will experience the same developmental milestones as all individuals -from saying â€Å"NO! in the toddler years, to becoming more independent and social in the teen years, to thinking about relationships and employment in the adult years. We are privil eged to live in a time of positive change and opportunities for people with disabilities. Expectations are changing for the positive to include individuals with disabilities in all facets of community living. Regrettably, change is usually a slow process and many of the physical and attitudinal barriers of society have not kept speed with the new positive expectations.

By close analysis of the language Essay

This poignant monologue from Richard is a series of thoughts which he speaks aloud as he ponders on what it to become of him. Richard is a king with extremes of emotion, and so a monologue from him is always full of poetic devices and ornamentation of language, as he conveys his emotions rather than facts. In this case, his violent change of mood leaves his desperate and depressed, as he begins to convince himself that Bolingbroke has usurped his throne once and for all, and Richard prepares to resign himself to either an existence of poverty and shame, or an untimely and undignified death. The repetition of the word â€Å"king† emphasises Richard’s pride of his title, and his bitterness in losing it. The word is used sarcastically as Richard remarks on the king doing what he â€Å"must†, when it should be the king giving orders. The line â€Å"A god’s name, let it go† could hint that Richard is relieved to no longer be king, as â€Å"let it go† could suggest dropping a burden. However, the line is ambivalent as it could also show Richard finding it difficult to let go and move on. The word â€Å"let† in any case however, shows Richard’s acknowledgement that it is his responsibility to allow his title to be removed, and that the situation could be seen as abdication as easily as it could be called usurpation. This is questionable however, as Richard is quick to blame others for his inability to rule a country and keep order. The anaphora used by Richard as he starts several consecutive lines with â€Å"my†, then states what each item will be exchanged for, is an effective rhetoric device because it makes his speech mnemonic, and emphasises how strongly he feels about having to give up everything which belongs to him. Richard is exaggerating his situation in a moment of self-pity, showing his pessimistic attitude. He believes he is being forced into a lower-class existence. The fact that he does not use the royal â€Å"we† also shows that he is humbled by the situation. However, he is still obsessed by his right to call certain things his own; he is ever possessive and desperately clinging to what is rightfully his. Richard then proceeds to talk about death; â€Å"and my large kingdom for a little grave, a little, little grave, an obscure grave†. This reference shows that Richard’s view of his situation is utterly negative, and he now believes he is doomed to death as well as believing his throne has been snatched from him. This repetition shows his tendency to exaggerate situations. Not once has his death been suggested; in fact, Bolingbroke deliberately makes it clear that his motives in confronting Richard are peaceful, that he is only there to claim that which rightfully belonged to his father, John of Gaunt. It is Richard’s view of the situation which turns this scene into an apparent potential confrontation, and it is Richard’s view which portrays Henry Bolingbroke as a violent and unfair throne usurper and destroyer of Richard’s life. Richard’s view of this situation is entirely distorted, as he is incapable of sense and reason, letting his emotional instability block out reality and justice. This habit of blowing matter out of proportion is further revealed by Richard’s conceit, or exaggerated metaphor, of creating two graves from his tears wearing away the earth. This shows Richard’s view of the situation to be not only highly morbid, but also utterly absurd. Yet it is likely that Richard says this in jest, albeit it attention-seeking and self pitying humour. Yet it seems that Richard’s humour is not even to his own taste, but instead for the sake of others. Richard says this to make Aumerle laugh, showing the contrast as Aumerle finds humour in Richard’s over-exaggeration, yet from what Richard has said previously, it seems that he believes his own words. Richard is also bitter and sarcastic in calling Bolingbroke â€Å"King†, showing his firm belief that there is no other possible outcome. The speech is written in blank verse except for the last two lines which form a couplet. This adds to the memorability of the speech, and also shows Richard’s macabre humour. In lines 178-183, Richard makes a classical reference to Phaethon, showing the depth of thought with which he has considered his predicament. The repetition of â€Å"down† conveys his ever-declining outlook, as he is now convinced he has lost all power. The final couplet, â€Å"Down court, down king, For night-owls screech where mounting larks should sing† shows how wrong Richard sees the situation as. The word â€Å"shriek† is also onomatopoeic and harsh, conveying Richard’s mental torment.

U.S. Economic Crisis 2008 essayEssay Writing Service

U.S. Economic Crisis 2008 essayEssay Writing Service U.S. Economic Crisis 2008 essay U.S. Economic Crisis 2008 essayThe global financial crisis, which started from the problems in the US mortgage market in 2007, consequently gradually spread throughout the world. Sale of assets and withdrawal of funds from other countries by large US corporations led first to a lack of liquidity and credit resources in the financial markets, and then to the problems in the real economy. Many of EU states that pursued an active policy of integration into the world economy have become no exception.Thus, for the first two weeks of January 2008 the European DJ Euro Stoxx Banks stock index fell by about 10% (Agarwal Samanta, 2014). According to Eurostat published in February 2009, industrial production in the EU in 2008 decreased by 11.5%, which is an absolute record: this was the biggest fall since 1986 (Stiglitz, 2010). Despite the fact that the official end of the global economic crisis is considered the second quarter of 2009, the average economic activity in the euro zonerecovered b y about 2/3 compared with losses of 2008-2009 (Choi, 2013). Indeed, the constant growth of the fiscal deficit and public debt in the US, accompanying government measures to rescue the national economy, marked the beginning of a prolonged global debt crisis with the cumulative effects and, according to Agarwal and Samanta (2014), the second recession began in 2011 and continues to this day.In general, most recently in the markets the concerns have increased about prospects for the world economy in the face of growing interdependence in the global market.Especially in light of the persistence of debt problems in the euro zone and the lack of specific solutions, as well as a marked slowdown of the US economy, which fuels the rumors that the Federal Reserve will have to take new measures to stimulate it (Stiglitz, 2010; Choi, 2013). However, the massive printing of money to save the demand, to support the economy and reduce unemployment postpones the problem, but no longer removes it: l iquidity ceased to transform into economic growth. Moreover, today experts (Agarwal Samanta, 2014) consider obvious that the economic measures of international monetary and financial regulation are almost completely exhausted, while the West has not developed any political agenda to prevent the global crisis. In particular, the failure of regulatory role of institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank causes great concerns, as well as the dependence of markets on the actions of the US Federal Reserve, which back in the 1990’s, in fact, turned intothe institute of influence on the global economy having no authority from the other actors in the world politics.In addition, the global crisis has moved from financial to social and political phase. The American version of the socio-political and economic protest had milder forms and expressed mainly in the electoral behavior, unlike the EU countries, where dissatisfaction resulted in street demonstrat ions. Thus, in November 2010 by-election to the US Congress brought success to Republicans striking the positions of the Democratic Party and the Obama administration. Democrats are did not lose the Senate, but kept minimal advantage over Republicans in it. The president had less room for maneuvering. In the meantime, social protest and indignation surge swept Germany, France, Italy and Greece; in the latter, for example, the main â€Å"sore spot† of Europe, the country’s GDP has not grownsince the first quarter of 2010 (Choi, 2013). Because of the crisis, in October 2009, Greece held early parliamentary elections thatbrought the Socialists to power. Political changes also occurred the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania and a number of other states.Against this background, a kind of pause occurred in international relations. Its main features were the refusal of the US, the EU and Russia from the activity in the field of international political relations. However, judgi ng by the events in the Arab world, there are signs that the economic and socio-political manifestations of the crisis are accompanied bycertain features of the international political destruction in the form of growing threats of new interventionism. However, the changes initiated by the crisis impact on the quality and content of modern democracy, revealing its limitations and lack of flexibility of the dominant political institutions. In addition, the crisis distinctly demonstrates the gap between elite groups from the general population.Thus, in the current phase of the cycle, on the one hand, the methods of state regulation are being modified and enhanced, on the other hand, the transformation of neo-liberalism. At the same time, processes of degradation of political institutions are now mostly noticeable, as the new model of global development and democracy has not yet emerged.

Journalists can talk the economy up or down - Emphasis

Journalists can talk the economy up or down Journalists can talk the economy up or down The media should exercise caution when reporting the Euro crisis, researchers warn, as the language that journalists use seems to be affecting our economic fortunes. According to a new report from the Emphasis Research Centre, there is a strong link between consumer confidence and the use of the word recovery in the press. The study tracked the presss use of the word recovery (along with green shoots) during the recent recession and the months leading up to it. In doing so, researchers found that the use of the terms increased significantly even as the financial markets were still in freefall. From August to November, for example, the FTSE 100 fell an enormous 24 per cent. Yet references to recovery rose by 26 per cent in the same period. Meanwhile, just months after recession became official in January 2009, consumer confidence began to rise and continued to rise the more recovery appeared in the media. Crucially, however, consumer confidence lagged slightly behind the presss use of the word. The researchers suggest that the language used by the press may have helped buoy consumer confidence and therefore contributed to the UKs eventual climb out of recession. They also warn that the media itself could trigger the much-feared double-dip recession. Rob Ashton, Chief Executive of Emphasis, says this appears to support anecdotal claims that the press can talk the economy up or down, even if they do so unwittingly. It could be that merely repeating the word recovery, like a mantra, somehow seeped into the subconscious of both the public and the market, he explains. This may be an example of journalists influencing the news, as well as reporting it. The research project began as a positive alternative to The Economists R-word index, which tracks how often the word recession appears in The New York Times and Washington Post. Over the past two decades, the index has spotted major economic turning points, such as the start of recessions in America in 1981, 1990 and 2001. A copy of Recovery Watch is available from the Emphasis website at emphbootstrap.wpengine.com/resources/research-centre/ Ends Press enquiries For more information, please call Indigo Cow, Emphasis PR agency, on 01273 773516 or email info@indigocow.com Notes for editors 1. Recovery Watch tracked the number of articles containing the words recovery and green shoots in the UK broadsheets between January 2008 and May 2010 against the backdrop of market activity and intervention measures. These measures include the UK Governments stimulus package, announced in November 2008; the start of quantitative easing in March 2009; and the G20 summit leaders $1.1 trillion package to tackle the financial crisis in April 2009. While these other factors may have contributed to renewed faith in the future of the markets, similarities between the rise in newspaper references to recovery and the Nationwide Consumer Confidence Index appear significant. 2. Recovery Watch is the second research project published by the new Emphasis Research Centre. Launched in April 2010, the centre conducts research into language, communication and writing skills in the UK. 3. The Emphasis Research Centre is funded by Emphasis Training Ltd, which is the UKs leading business writing training organisation.

Semantic change Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Semantic change - Case Study Example During the etymological period of the name â€Å"journey†, the meaning was attached to time or period. One of the meaning at the time was a long process in work. Secondly, the word journey could mean the days travel. The time frame of day was always attached. For that reason, it was always used to show a process. Thirdly, the name means traveling in modern time English without necessarily considering the period attached to it. The present time meaning of the name journey represent a narrowing semantic shift. The name journey during its etymological period had time frame attached to it but currently, in the modern time English, it has been narrowed down to travelling from one point to another regardless of the time frame. Additionally, the name has shifted semantically in meaning in a metaphorical fashion where it refers to a process in the modern time English. The journey as process can refer to change that occur in a period of time in somebody such as â€Å"character journey† ‘Queer’ originally meant strange or peculiar. In the year 1811 the name queer affairs was used with an intention of meaning strange as in the following context: Its devilish queer behavior about a man was going to be buried alive. However in the year 1935 semantic shift took place with the meaning evolving and was connected with sexuality to mean homosexuality. However, the strangeness of homosexuality made the semantic shift in meaning, but the word also retained its original meaning. The use now modifies the harshness of the name homosexuality. In modern time of years 2000, the meaning became core and as modifier amongst the homosexuals. The name is currently being used in the context of queer rights, queer bashing, and others that reduces the negativity that is seen in the name such as gay and homosexuals. The regular use of the name queer in the modern time English has been associated with the gay community. According to COHA, in

Globalization and Poverty Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Globalization and Poverty - Essay Example Consensus is there regarding the mission plan of these strategies for the eradication of poverty however the various different actors in the scenario do not agree on the framework and the methodologies in which these strategies have to be implemented for achieving the goal. According to Kanbur the reason behind this trend is the fact that the people who are at the forefront of this cause are themselves not sincere to it and are more concerned about their own interests (1093). There exists an evident difference of opinion between the two parties involved in the process of eradication of poverty in various regions of the world. The various institutions involved in the process of eradicating poverty have been divided into two groups by Kanbur, one who control the policies and play the decision making part in the process include the IFI’s, banks and financial ministries. ... itely the most pivotal in the whole scenario and must be addressed if a consensus has to be developed, so Kanbur’s analysis can be utilized to find out the root cause of the whole situation. Milanovic however argues that the ideology behind the whole process has been shaped by the IFI’s and the banks and there is nothing wrong with the whole idea of eradicating poverty but the only issue is the correct implementation of this idea which is not being done at present. Milanovic has very effectively pointed out the deficiencies of the current approach with the help of facts and figures which show that despite the continued involvement of IMF and other International Financial Institutions the results are not very encouraging. Not a single African country has managed to increase its GDP while working under the IMF and other international bodies, while some of the countries have hit new lows in their history since 1960’s. Milanovic has also mentioned the other factors w hich are responsible for the poverty of various communities living in rich economies. Europe made economic progress when it managed to attain roughly a uniform culture in all the countries and that’s why we cannot find the native culture of various regions anywhere. But the various communities like the Chinese and the Muslims who migrated to the European countries were never accepted by the native communities and were not allowed to prosper well (669). With the popularity of the concept of globalization, the international financial organizations (IFOs) are increasingly involved in determining the economic policies of countries. The International Monetary Fund, World Bank and other bodies of the United Nations (UNDP etc.) have their own poverty reduction plans for different countries according to the

American-Spanish War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

American-Spanish War - Essay Example In the history of the United States, the Spanish-American War (SAW) is one of the most important foreign wars. The result of the war was the victory for the United States, and this victory became possible due to the hard work and efforts of far-sighted Americans, particularly known as â€Å"Navalists†. The contemporary world would have looked quite different today, if the United States had not won this war. The United States was able to defeat Spain so easily because some far-sighted Americans, such as Theodore Roosevelt and Henry Cabot Lodge, were able to develop a strong American fleet. Creating a strong navy was one of the most important ways to protect the national interest and sovereignty of the United States. The navy was to be the backbone of the American power for years to come . The U.S. was able to defeat Spain at considerably low cost as it got prepared better both military and psychologically, to a large extent The background of the war actually propelled the United States to embark on the policy of revenge, and to take wide public opinion. On February 15, 1898, an explosion occurred in the USS Maine, in the Havana Harbor, which led to the war. Another reason was the idea of freeing Cuba from Spanish domination. However, the USA was able to rapidly gain control, and build an empire effectively. After it had drive Spain from Cuba, the United States was able to gain control of Puerto Rico, and eventually Samoa, Guam, Wake Island, Philippines, and then eventually Hawaii . The war only lasted around 3 months, and resulted in very few casualties, around 400 killed and wounded. In fact, the anti-Spanish press was able to raise the public against Spain, which led to mass support, which is essential in wars. Such anti-Spanish press included the â€Å"Yellow Journalism†. ... It was also because of the misrule by Spanish in Cuba, and the misery that it had caused, which led to huge nationalistic outburst.6 The fact that the United States was so strong militarily also paved the way for the swift and relatively easy victory. The U.S did not have to protect any colonies abroad. Additionally, the strong navy was built, which was encouraged by both business and government leaders. A modernization program had been started back in 1881, which had included innovations, which included new ships having steel hulls, large, rifled guns and steam engines. The strong U.S navy was able to defeat Spain easily, because Spain could not compete with the all-steel and steam navy, which had ranked one of the top five navies in the world at that particular period. The Spanish navy was easily defeated. 7 Additionally, the government policies, as well as the high quality of leadership also made Spanish defeat extremely easy. Theodore Roosevelt had a policy, which was summarized â€Å"Speak softly but carry a big stick† showed that there were masterminds behind the development of this plan. The building up of the navy, and the subsequent annexations that the U.S pursued ensured that Spain no longer stood a chance. 8 The Monroe Doctrine also stated that the New World would not be part of foreign colonization, which is why American leadership did not want Spanish presence in Cuba. The leadership eventually turned against Spain, and America’s policies and strength diverted to driving out Spain. Additionally, as historians have examined, Spain was an old and weak country, while the United States was vigorous, new and energetic. It had new strategies.9 As Barrett wrote: â€Å"When Dewey’s squadron sailed out from Mires

HRM Strategic Interventions Overview

HRM Strategic Interventions Overview Although human resource management is a phrase which has been in use for over 40years, it did not come to the fore as a distinctive approach to managing people until the mid 1980s, when it became generally known as HRM. The vocabulary for managing the employment relationship has undergone a change. Personnel Management has increasingly given way to human resource management (HRM) or, better still to strategic human resource management (SHRM). It was charted/noticed in the writings of US academics and managers (for example, Tichy et al., 1982; Fombrun et al., 1984; Beer et al., 1985; Walton and Lawrence, 1985; Foulkes, 1986). This was, however, taken up by both UK managers (for example, Armstrong, 1987; Fowler, 1987) and UK academic (for example, Hendry and Pettigrew 1986; Guest, 1987; Miller, 1987; Storey, 1987; Torrington and Hall, 1987). By the end of the 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s it became a common term. Strengthening this change was the emergence, in 1990, of two new academic journals Human Resource Management Journal and International Journal of Human Resource Management. It heralded the pushing-aside of personnel-management and the solidification of HRM. Perhaps the most important reason why HRM emerged as the dominant philosophy for managing people in the 1980s is that chief executives, prompted by economic and business trends, and the view of a number of influential writers such as those mentioned abov e and Kanter (1984), at last began to appreciate that competitive advantage is achieved through their employees i.e. the people who implement the corporate plan, and that they must do something about seeing that it happens in their own organisation. Porter (1985), another highly influential writer captured this view when he wrote: HRM is an integral part of the value chain at firm level. The impact of global competition, complexity, technological change and shifts in employee values have affected UK as well as US chief executives, and it has been said by Fowler (1987) that HRM represents the discovery of personnel management by chief executives. For years, chairmen in their annual reports have been paying lip-service to the message people are important. Now, however, competitive pressures from one-culture, high-commitment firms, and changes in employees expectations have indicated the need for action instead of words to obtain fuller use of their human resources. Having said all these I intend to discuss HRM in perspective, its various strategic interventions (SHRM) and analyse/focus more on Performance Management. I will also highlight the challenges and benefits of this strategic intervention using a particular model and how it truly improves an organisations effectiveness. Understanding HRM A common theme within the human resource management (HRM) literature in recent years has been the adoption of HRM practices designed to achieve high levels of employee performance, flexibility and commitment. Here, human resource (HR) practices are placed in a much more direct relationship with organisational policy making and performance issues than traditional approaches to personnel management (Bach and Sisson, 2000). In the 1980s, original writers in the area of human resource management (HRM), Beer et al. (1984), stressed that in the face of increasing international competition, organisations had to focus on the value of investments in human resources as a major source of competitive advantage. The transition from personnel management to HRM reflects this emerging organisation-wide commitment to human capital development. The change, however, has activated considerable discussion within the academic literature about the successful strategic positioning of, and responsibility for , HRM (Beer, 1997; Dyer and Holder, 1988; Guest 1987; 1989). The effective use of diverse/different people seems to be the primary assets of any organisation aside from its financial, technological and physical resources therefore it has to be managed effectively and strategically. What then is HRM? There are quite a few descriptions : Beer et al (1984) Human resource management involves all management decisions and actions that affect the relationship between the organisation and employees its human resources. Pettigrew and Whipp (1991) Human resource management relates to the total set of knowledge, skill and attitudes that firms need to compete. It involves concern for and action in the management of people. Bratton and Gold (2003) Human resource management is a strategic approach to managing employment relations which emphasizes that leveraging peoples capabilities is critical to achieving sustainable competitive advantage, this being achieved through a distinctive set of integrated employment policies, programmes and practises. As you can see, the emphasis is, first, on the interests of management, secondly, on adopting a strategic approach, thirdly, on obtaining added value from people by the processes of human resource development and performance management and, finally, on gaining their commitment to the objectives and values of the organisation. We can therefore identify the following as basic characteristic features of HRM: It is a top-management driven activity; The performance and delivery of HRM is a line management responsibility; It emphasizes the need for the integration of business and personnel strategies; It involves the adoption of a comprehensive and coherent approach to employment policies  and practises; Importance is attached to strong cultures and values; It places emphasis on the attitudinal and behavioural characteristics of employees; Employee relations are unitarist rather than pluralist, individual rather than collective, high trust  rather than low trust; Organizing principles are organic and decentralised with flexible roles and more emphasis on  teamwork; Rewards are differentiated according to performance, competence or skill. It is however important to note that these characteristics will be applied in many distinctive ways in different organisations. HRM as practised in America, UK, India, Nigeria or anywhere else will have features which will be affected by economic and political environment, and the industrial relation climates and practices of the country. HRM as practised in any country will depend on the culture and tradition, structure, technologies, products and markets of these countries. Drawing on Squires (2001) work, these practises suggest three basic questions: (1) what do HRM professionals do? (2) what affects what they do? and (3) how do HR professionals do what they do? Firstly, to understand what HRM professionals do we can identify 8 key HRM functions, policies, programmes and practises designed in response to organisational goals and contingencies, and managed to achieve those goals. These functions contain alternatives from which managers can choose. The functions are: (1) Planning; (2) Staffing; (3) Developing; (4) Motivation; (5) Maintaining; (6) Managing relationships; (7) Managing change and (8) Evaluating. Secondly, to identify what affects what they do, we must understand that HR activities that managers undertake vary from one workplace to another. These variations may be due to the following: (a) external effects (economic, political, legal regulations, social aspects,etc) (b) strategy and (c) organisation (size, work and structure, technology,etc). Lastly, how do HR professionals do what they do? This points to the means or skills by which they accomplish their managerial work. These could include technical, cognitive, and interpersonal skills and processes according to Squires (2000) work. Thus far, I have tried to analyse the origin of HRM and its meaning. I have also shown how it contributes to the functioning of work organisation. Now, this is the important part of my discourse the defining features of HRM the theoretical perspectives. Practice without theory, they say, is blind, Hyman (1989). Models of HRM Like I pointed out before, the extent to which HRM is applied, and how it is applied, will vary considerably according to the type of organisation and the environment in which it operates. This will be governed by the policy goals of the enterprise and may be hard or soft depending on the philosophy of top management. But we can identify five major HRM models ( The Fombrun, Tichy and Devana model: developed by the Michigan school ( Fombrun et al, 1984); The Harvard model: the analytical framework of the Harvard model offered by Beer et al. (1984); The Guest Model (David Guest , 1989,1997), The Warwick Model (Hendry and Pettigrew, 1990) and the Storey Model (Storey, 1992) that seek to demonstrate analytically the qualitative differences between traditional personnel management and HRM. These models fulfil at least 4 important intellectual functions for those studying HRM: (1) they provide an analytical framework for studying HRM ( like stakeholders, situational  factors, strategic choice levels and notions of competence and commitment) (2) they legitimate certain HRM practises/interventions (3) they provide a characterisation of HRM that establishes variables and relationships to be  researched and (4) they serve as a heuristic device something to help us discover and understand the nature  and significance of key HR practices/interventions. The Fombrun, Tichy and Devana model For my discourse here, I shall be applying the above model, (Fig 1), which emphasizes the interrelatedness and coherence of HRM activities/practises or interventions. They introduced the concept of strategic human resource management by which HRM policies are inextricably linked to the formulation and implementation of strategic corporate and/or business objectives (hence the name matching model). This HRM cycle in their model consists of four key constituent components: selection, appraisal ( performance management), rewards and development, these four human resource activities aiming to increase organisational performance. The strength of the model is that it expresses the coherence of internal HR policies and the importance of matching internal HR policies into the organizations external business strategy. What makes the model particularly attractive for many personnel practitioners is the fact that HRM assumes a more important position in the formulation of organisational policie s. This model ultimately introduced the concept of strategic human resource management (SHRM) (Fig 2). A strategic orientation provides the framework within which a coherent approach can be developed to the creation and installation of HRM policies, system and practises or interventions. SHRM is concerned with those decisions which have a major and long-term effect on the employment and development of people in the organization and on the relationships which exist between its management and staff. It will highlight how the organization intends to manage its human resources. These intentions provide the basis for plans, developments and programmes for managing change Hendry and Pettigrew (1986) amplify this with the following: use of planning; a coherent approach to the design and management of personnel systems based on an employment policy and manpower strategy, and often underpinned by a philosophy; matching HRM activities and policies to some explicit strategy; seeing the people of the organisation as a strategic resource for achieving competitive advantage. Guest (1992) argues that such a coherent approach to human resource management policies can also lead, via the generic HRM outcomes of strategic integration, commitment, flexibility/adaptability of the workforce and quality (all necessary ingredients when developing a competitive edge), to the following benefits to the organisation which has adopted SHRM: High job performance; High problem solving, change and innovation; High cost-effectiveness; and Low turnover, absence, grievances. Storey (1992) adds to this list attitude and behaviour changes amongst the workforce, resulting in highly desirable increases in competitive performance. Grant (1991) sums up a now-widely-held view that capabilities are the main source of a firms competitive advantage. SHRM aims to provide the framework within which these key characteristics can be fostered. In essence, SHRM requires a holistic approach, with not only an internal integration between HR practices/interventions(recruitment, selection, rewards mechanisms, appraisal performance management), but also an integration between those practices/interventions summarised in an HR strategy and the organisations strategy overall. Thinking holistically about HRM may lead to a greater degree of success simply because changes envisaged in one area of an organisation (e.g. structures) are more likely to work because all the knock-on effects of such a change have been considered (e.g. recruitment, selection and induction policies). Summarily, SHRM ensures that the culture, style and structure of the organisation, the quality, commitment and motivation of its employees, contribute fully to the achievement of business objectives. HR Strategic Interventions Based on the model I am discussing on I shall look briefly at the practises/interventions: recruitment/selection, rewards, human resource development but focus more on performance management. Selection: This is one of the major practices carried out by any organization in ensuring the selection of the right people to join its workforce (IRS, 1999a). The selection(recruitment) process is concerned with identifying, attracting and choosing suitable people to meet an organisations human resource requirements. While recruitment is searching for and obtaining potential job candidates in sufficient numbers and quality so that the organisation can select the most appropriate people to fill its job need (Dowling and Schuler, 1990); selection is concerned more with predicting which candidates will make the most appropriate contribution to the organisation now and in the future (Hackett, 1991). There has been correlational data, Terpstra and Rozell (1993) supporting the conclusion that organisations using a wide variety of selection procedures (such as interviews, cognitive ability test, bio data and the evaluation of recruiting sources, etc) had higher levels of overall performan ce, annual profit, and growth in profit. Rewards: Reward management is the process of developing and implementing strategies, policies and systems which help the organisation to achieve its objectives by obtaining and keeping the people it needs and by increasing their motivation and commitment, Armstrong and Murlis (1991). It is also central to the effective management of the employment relationship. It is not just about money but also concerned with intrinsic as well as extrinsic motivation; with non-financial, as well as financial rewards. This motivates and leads directly or indirectly to the satisfaction of many needs. It can act as an incentive to improve performance and as a way to recognise success in a highly tangible way. Human Resource Development: Human resource development comprises the procedures and processes that purposely seek to provide learning activities to enhance the skills, knowledge and capabilities of people, teams and the organisation so that there is a change in action to achieve the desired outcome. It incorporates traditional views of training and development but seeks to extend attention to learning throughout an organisation as a strategy to cope with change. The idea of learning at work has become an obvious good thing, and this has led to growing interest in HRD as a profession and its theoretical development, although there are continuing debates about the meaning of HRD. There is evidence to suggest that learning has an impact on an individuals earning power and employment prospects. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT Performance management can be defined as a strategic and integrated approach to increasing the effectiveness of organisations by improving the performance of the people who work in them and by developing the capabilities of teams and individual contributors, and also can be seen as a continuous process involving reviews that focus on the future rather than the past . (Baron and Armstrong, 1998: 38-39). Performance management, unlike the performance appraisal or annual evaluation process, is an ongoing assessment of employees in a manner geared to match their goals to the organizational goals. It also makes strong use of goal-setting and metrics to identify progress and areas of individual strengths. It is important to point out here that employees, as well as supervisors, are often confused by the differences between performance management systems and performance appraisals. Performance appraisals, also called Performance evaluations are tools used to measure the effectiveness of an employee; most organizations conduct performance appraisals once a year during an annual evaluation process. A performance management system, however, is much more dynamic. It can use the performance evaluation tool but also incorporates other elements into the performance management cycle. The overall aim of PM is to establish a high performance culture in which individuals and teams take responsibility for the continuous improvement of business processes and for their own skills and contributions within a framework provided by effective leadership. History and Evolution of Performance Management and Appraisal Performance management systems, in various forms, have been employed for nearly two millennia. In the third century AD, the Chinese were not only using performance appraisal systems but were critiquing each others biases in their evaluations of their employees (Murphy and Cleveland, 1995; Evans, 2004). During the Industrial Revolution of the 18th century, factory managers became aware of the importance of their employees performance on their production outputs (Grote and Grote, 1996; Murphy and Cleveland, 1995). The development of the philosophy of performance evaluation systems in America has been attributed to such researchers and philosophers as Peter Drucker and Douglas McGregor, who developed ideas of management by objectives (MBOs) and employee motivation (Evans, 2004; Murphy and Cleveland, 1995). Spreigel reported in 1962 that by the early 1960s more than 60% of American organizations had a performance appraisal system. The systems popularity stemmed from the Armys implementation of a performance management system for its officers (Murphy and Cleveland, 1995). Since then, researchers have continued to develop theories of how different performance evaluation methods can contribute to the success of the organization. Elements of Performance Management Armstrong (2006) identifies the five elements of performance management as agreement (of employee, unit, and organizational goals), measurement, feedback, positive reinforcement and dialogue (contingency management). These ensure that the performance management process is positive, successful and a boost to employee improvement. Continued feedback and assessment is key to the performance management process as shown in the performance management cycle (Fig 3). There are four main elements of the planning portion of the performance management cycle: role creation and development, objective planning, assessment and development planning. The first step, role creation and development, is important because an employee must understand his or her role in the organization before the performance of that role can be fairly assessed. By first defining the employees goal, a supervisor can then align the employees objectives with the organizational goals. In performance management, employers provi de continuous appraisal through feedback and re-alignment of goals based on performance. Unlike the annual evaluation process, most performance management systems are designed to meet the changing needs of both the organization and the employee. The following are the aims of PM as expressed by a variety of organisations (source IRS, 2003): Empowering, motivating and rewarding employees to do their best. Armstrong World Industries Focusing employees task on the right things and doing them right. Aligning everyones individual goals to the goals of the organisation. Eli Lilly Co Proactively managing and resourcing performance against agreed accountabilities and objectives. ICI Paints The process and behaviours by which managers manage the performance of their people to deliver a high-achieving organisation. Standard Chartered Bank Maximising the potential of individuals and teams to benefit themselves and the organisation, focusing on achievement of their objectives. West Bromwich Building Society The organizations that have chosen to use a performance management process have often done so because the annual evaluation process has failed to meet their appraisal needs. The constant communication loop of performance management enables organizations to meet both the goals of their organization and the development and feedback needs of their employees. In contrast, the  annual evaluation process, which is retrospective in nature, provides no formal opportunity for employees to receive feedback about their performance, request development to increase their efficiency or ask for new goals during the year. Role Creation and Development In order for performance management to be effective, an employee must have a clear understanding of his or her organizational role and responsibilities. Armstrong says that the role profile defines the role in terms of the key results expected, what role holders are expected to know and be able to do and how they are expected to behave in terms of behavioural competencies and upholding the organizations core values. Defining the core competencies for each employee is one step in effective goal creation because it allows the supervisor to communicate personalized feedback. Effective and SMART Objectives Creation There are many different kinds of objectives in an organization. Armstrong identifies that effective objective-setting results in an agreement on what the role holder (employee) has to achieve and is an important part of the performance management processes of defining and managing expectations and forms the point of reference for performance reviews. He also identifies the following types of objectives: 1. ongoing role or work objectives: based on the job description 2. targets: quantifiable goals that should be met 3. tasks/projects: specified results or product 4. behavioural expectations: outlines desirable and undesirable behaviours 5. values: outlines the values of the organization 6. performance improvement: areas that need improvement 7. developmental/learning: provide specific areas to meet improvement needs Luecke (2006) notes that effective objectives are recognized as important, clearly written in specific terms, measurable and framed in time, aligned with organizational strategy, achievable but challenging and supported by appropriate rewards. Armstrong provides the SMART mnemonic, to help set effective objectives S = specific/stretching M = measurable A = achievable/achievable R = relevant T = time framed The creation of appropriate, measurable objectives is key to the performance management process; they provide a framework for assessment and, without them, the performance management system would fail. Assessment of Goal Achievement After defining roles and setting goals, the manager and the employee must determine whether the employee had been successful during the assessment period. If the goals are SMART, then assessing the employees performance will be simple: if the employee met the specific goal within the time frame designated, then the assessment would be a positive one. The most important aspect of the assessment is the performance review. There are many ways to conduct performance reviews. Some organizations conduct reviews at certain intervals throughout the  year; others create a timeline based on the goals developed. Many organizations have employees conduct a self-evaluation prior to the evaluation meeting; Aguinis (2007) identifies that self-appraisals can reduce employees defensiveness during an appraisal meeting and increase employee satisfaction with the performance management system, as well as enhance perceptions of accuracy and fairness and therefore acceptance of the system. Both employees and employers have historically disliked the performance review process. Armstrong reports that most appraisals have existed in a vacuum, with little or no relation to the workplace: employees have resented the superficial nature with which appraisals have been conducted by managers who lack the skills required, tend to be biased and are simply going through the motions. In order to have a productive, positive performance review, Aguinis identifies six recommended steps: 1. Identify what the employee has done well and poorly by citing specific positive and negative behaviours. 2. Solicit feedback from your employee about these behaviours. Listen for reactions and explanations. 3. Discuss the implications of changing, or not changing, the behaviours. Positive feedback is best, but an employee must be made aware of what will happen if any poor performance continues. 4. Explain to the employee how skills used in past achievements can help him overcome any current performance problems. 5. Agree on an action plan. Encourage the employee to invest in improving his performance 6. Set up a meeting to follow up and agree on the behaviours, actions, and attitudes to be evaluated. After creating goals and assessing progress, the employee and employer have identified areas that can be improved; the action plan for this improvement is called development planning. This development plan ensures that employees will continue to meet the needs of the organization through the identification of their weaknesses and the opportunity to address them through workshops, classes, and other educational channels. Quantitative and qualitative advantages The literature findings suggest that the introduction of SPM has a positive impact in terms of revenues, sales and net profit. Various studies (Malina and Selto, 2001; Sim and Koh, 2001; Braam and Nijssen, 2004; Neely HYPERLINK #idb49et al.HYPERLINK #idb49, 2004;) identified that organizations implementing and using SPM systems were able to achieve an increase in revenue, an increase in profit, a reduction in costs, and a higher ROA. These studies also indicate that organizations that initially used an SPM system suffered decreased results when they reverted, for whatever reason, to traditional measurement systems. Other studies (Kald and Nilsson, 2000; Sim and Koh, 2001; Neely HYPERLINK #idb49et al.HYPERLINK #idb49, 2004;) showed that organizations using an SPM system experienced a myriad of qualitative benefits, such as improvement in internal communication of the strategy, closer collaboration and better knowledge sharing and information exchange between organizational units, stre ngthened focus on what is important for the business, more focus on the achievement of results, higher quality of performance information, better strategic alignment of organizational units, higher operational efficiency, improvement of management quality, better understanding by people of the organizational strategy, higher commitment of personnel to the organization, more clarity of people of their contribution towards achievement of the strategy and organizational goals, higher innovativeness, better achievement of organizational goals, more pro-activity, more clarity for people about their roles and goals, more effective management control, higher employee satisfaction, stronger process orientation, strengthened reputation of the organization as a quality firm, and a better strategic planning process. Quantitative and qualitative disadvantages Literature findings also show that PM systems are not without disadvantages. Various studies (Kald and Nilsson, 2000; Sim and Koh, 2001; IOMA, Business Intelligence at Work, 2005; Neely HYPERLINK #idb49et al.HYPERLINK #idb49, 2004;) stated that organizations experienced disadvantages after the implementation and subsequent use of SPM but only in non-financial performance terms, no quantitative disadvantages were found in the literature. Disadvantages reported are: too many performance indicators; not enough strategic information in the system; too much internal competition; too expensive and too bureaucratic; performance indicators too subjective and therefore unreliable; performance information too aggregated; too much financial information; and too much historical information. Because of these incredibly negative effects that an improperly conducted performance management system can have on an organization, the system must be implemented thoughtfully and executed consistently. Conclusion Performance management, unlike traditional annual evaluation, provides employees with feedback throughout the year. The system allows constant re-evaluation of goals, progress and performance. This process requires more interaction between the supervisor and supervisee and encourages the professional development of the employee to meet the organizations changing needs. While this more dynamic evaluation process is time-consuming, the increased  productivity levels resulting from performance management have proven to be valuable to many organizations. Lord Kelvin once said: When you can measure what you are speaking about, and express it in numbers, you will know something about it [otherwise] your knowledge is of a meagre and unsatisfactory kind; it may be the beginning of knowledge, but you have scarcely in thought advanced to the stage of science (cited in Fisher, 1990). So I believe that performance management (which also details performance measurement) is a very vital HRM strategic intervention.