Leadership Journal Performance Appraisal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Administration Journal Performance Appraisal - Essay Example In execution the executives, the most significant part incorporates directing execution evaluations of the representatives by their chiefs. The current talk thusly intends to think about execution examinations in one’s work setting, remembering any interest for a 360-degree assessment. Execution Appraisals Received In the limit of an enlisted nurture with a Nursing and Rehabilitation Health Care Facility, one has certainly gotten execution examinations from one’s chief. It was recognized that exhibition examinations are intended to survey and assess the genuine presentation of people against the pre-decided targets. These procedures likewise serve the capacity of adjusting individuals’ objectives with authoritative goals, and in this way give a bearing to individuals’ activities; execution evaluations help in setting the correct desires from people. All things considered, it was affirmed that the evaluation has been associated with the vital arrangement of the human services office; just as to the nursing unit. Association with Strategic Plan The association of the exhibition evaluation to the vital arrangement of the office; just as to the goals of the nursing unit is certainly worthwhile both to the association and to me, as a medical caretaker. Execution examinations gave the required contributions by leaders in the medicinal services office concerning human asset prerequisites, compensation alterations, and the employees’ mentalities and capacities through criticism components incorporated inside the presentation evaluation (PA) framework. Bit of leeway of Connection to Strategic Plan as far as the advantages to medical caretakers, these exhibition examinations plainly show how productive we are in satisfying our duties and in fitting in with norms of human services. For example, we need to guarantee wellbeing of the patients consistently; no drug blunders; center around consumer loyalty through excellent patient considera tion. Through execution results, we are informed on our capacities to accomplish guidelines and targets inside a characterized time span and with least grievances or mistakes. These become the reason for advancements and compensation increments. This PA model is fundamentally the same as numerous other conduct based models that have been very fruitful in the medicinal services associations, as called attention to by Chandra and Frank (2004). Similarly, the current framework is substantiated in an ongoing exact examination in Nigerian association which demonstrated that such vital administration of execution by connecting execution evaluation to vocation movement and representative investment will improve the employee’s responsibility towards the activity and the association (Abdulkadir, Isiaka and Adedoyin, 2012). Investment in 360-Degree Evaluation An effective and celebrated PA technique is the 360-degree input process which supposedly includes getting criticism from differ ent individuals working with the representative legitimately or in a roundabout way. In like manner, the procedure encourages people to comprehend different viewpoints which different partners hold about themselves as for their friends, clients, customers, and investors (Weiss and Kolberg, 2004). As an attendant, one had been a member in the 360-degree process through being educated regarding the consequences of one’s execution evaluation and by transferring individual remarks and contributions on the appraisal. One unequivocally accepts that the sources of info gave are instrumental to pioneers and chiefs to

Another Match Lit essays

Another Match Lit expositions Nowadays the music business is a hard business to go into. Consistently countless cheerful specialists are turned down on the grounds that they just arent adequate. In any case, NY emotional/punk foursome Matchbook Romance are an alternate story. When known as The Getaway this passionate in-your-face band were so damn acceptable that Epitaph Records culled them directly off the web. The web truly had and plays a significant impact of our prosperity as a band, says bassist Ryan Kienle, weeks before the band discharges West for Wishing, their presentation EP. West For Wishing is a sweet taste of their introduction collection booked for discharge in the not so distant future. Lets begin by beginning once again, what did I expect, youre no decent at lying and Im no decent at rebounds. Lovers The band goes back to 1997, with Ryan Kienle (bassist) and Andrew Jordan (vocalist/guitarist) sitting in their desolate rooms, playing their instruments and composing tunes of trust in a superior future. In the wake of belting out a couple of tunes, the two chose beginning a band and collaborated with Ryan Judas DePaolo (guitar) and Aaron Stern (drums) These four immediately wrote down a couple of all the more genuinely sweat screamo tunes and began playing under the name The Getaway. We try a great deal when composing melodies. We as a whole buckle down on making each note and expression of our melodies something to recollect Kienle says. Its the best nature of our band. We overcome any issues, taking the best of pop-punk and emotional and making a big deal about our own. Subsequent to composing their first historically speaking melodies the band, outfitted with instruments and a PC developed a site and started a tireless verbal campaign, framing connections and mailing messages to neighborhood kids about shows. We were advancing every one of our shows over punk locales and mailing records and other groups' visitor books and message ... <!

Is Writing About Being Cool Good For Your College Admissions Essay

Is Writing About Being Cool Good For Your College Admissions Essay Is Being Cool” Good For Your College Admissions Essay? Is Being Cool” Good For Your College Admissions Essay? I know this is going to shock you all, but it turns out most members of the College Essay Advisors teams were not that cool in high school. We know, it’s hard for us to believe looking back, considering our giant brains and dashing good looks (post puberty). Still, we thought this study published this month in the Child Development journal and covered in various news outlets, including the New York Times, was fascinating in its finding that kids who live on the “fast-track” and are considered overwhelmingly popular in middle and high school, are likely to experience a fall in social status by age 23 due to the long term effects of what researchers call “pseudomature” behavior. From the Times:  A constellation of three popularity-seeking behaviors characterized pseudomaturity, Dr. Allen and his colleagues found. These young teenagers sought out friends who were physically attractive; their romances were more numerous, emotionally intense and sexually exploring than those of their peers; and they dabbled in minor delinquency â€" skipping school, sneaking into movies, vandalism. It turns out that, not only can this kind of behavior make it more difficult for students to establish proper boundaries and develop appropriate meaningful relationships long into the future, but it can also prevent them from exploring varied passions and analyzing world beyond the most superficial of concerns. While we are not scientific researchers and can’t extrapolate too much from this study, there is a potential implication here for college essay writing. Playing to what is considered to be “cool” in the high school environment could be disastrous in a college essay. You would probably not be shocked to hear that none of our students, not even the super cool ones, have written successful essays about why skipping class makes them a fabulous candidate for future academic success. Conversely, students who write personally about the things that matter to them, without caring about whether those things are popular or what other people might think of them, are often the ones who have the most interesting things to say. And while a contrived and superficial topic can sometimes be treated with a creative flourish, it very rarely has the compelling honesty needed to win over an admissions board. So be true to yourself, not to what you think is “cool.” Create your own brand of cool. Sincerity and pursuit of your true passions will be valuable and popular, now and forever into the future. Check out more  Tips for Brainstorming Essay Topics. Read more about  The College Essay Advisors Process. Contact us  for more information. About CEA HQView all posts by CEA HQ »

Homosexual Rights The Evolution and Causes - 838 Words

â€Å"...Theres no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation. I think that whats done in private between adults doesnt concern the Criminal Code.†1 These famous words were spoken by Pierre Trudeau in December of 1967, after he proposed that homosexuality be decriminalized. He was one of the first heterosexual persons to suggest such a thing. Those words empowered homosexuals to fight back against the unfair treatment they were enduring, and to fight for their rights as human beings. It was also a wake-up call of sorts to Canadians that there were problems with their justice system. In today’s society, Canadian laws that previously discriminated against homosexuals have now been amended as a result of societal pressure, Jim Egan’s never ending contributions, and the efforts of Brent Hawkes. Gay men were previously considered to be of an unstable mindset because of society’s views of them. In 1948, Canadian parliament mimicked the Americans and made the criminal sexual psychopath legislation, and in 1961, that was changed to the dangerous sexual offenders law. 2 For a man to be found guilty of breaking one of these laws, he only had to admit that he was gay. He would then be charged and have a trial, and if he was found guilty, he would be put in jail for an indeterminate sentence. Discrimination based on sexual orientation was a common occurrence in Canada in the 1900s. Many people were speculative and considered homosexuals to be a threat, therefore in the eyes ofShow MoreRelatedVisual Communication : Homosexuality And Realism1633 Words   |  7 Pagessexuality 15 (DON’T USE FOOTNOTES!). Homosexual males are often referred to as ‘gay’ while homosexual females are referred to as ‘lesbian’ 15 (DON’T USE FOOTNOTES!). Homosexuality is a topic that causes a lot of conflict and discussion, due to opposing views on whether is it ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. This article will discuss the various views surrounding homosexuals, the stereotypes they face and how these views have been constructed and how the representation of homosexuals has changed from the past to theRead MoreEssay on The Bond of Marriage1166 Words   |  5 Pagesof the right gays have to marry in his article â€Å"Let Gays Marry.† Bennett retaliates with his own article opposing gay marriage. His article â€Å"Leave Marriage Alone,† relates his view that same-sex marriage is wrong and unethical. Both authors provide valid information to their opinions. Andrew Sullivan conveys his idea on gay marriage in his article â€Å"Let Gays Marry† published in Newsweek on June 3, 1996, pg 26. Sullivan’s article addresses those who are opposed to homosexual marriageRead MoreHomosexuality Is A Form Of Emotional, Romantic, And Sexual Attraction858 Words   |  4 Pagesprecise way to estimate the exact numbers due to people not openly identifying as such due to homophobia (which, in everyday use, is the fear of homosexuals) and homobigotry (intolerance of different sexual orientations). Even though homosexual relations have been recognized, condemnation has also occurred and recent legislation has restricted much of the homosexual community in the West. To a considerate sum of the overall population, homosexuality is viewed as immoral and law codes rule against recognizingRead MoreGender, Gender And Mating ( Levay 2011 )1676 Words   |  7 Pagesmen, and females as women, heterosexuality is orthodoxy. There had been many the ories concerning the cause of sexual orientation. The psychoanalytic theories, particularly that of Sigmund Freud, supposed that homosexuality in both men and women was due to as unresolved early childhood erotic fixation to the mother (LeVay 2011: 29). Based on the life stories he heard, Freud assumed that homosexual men reversed their internal gender role to satisfy the unrequited attraction to their mothers (LeVayRead MoreGay Marriage Essay1517 Words   |  7 Pageswith other people lifestyles can be difficult. For example, some people cannot agree to homosexual marriages; on the other hand, others can agree to live with homosexual marriages. As published in Procon.org, the article â€Å"Gay Marriage† enlists pros of homosexual marriages. In addition, homosexual marriages bring forth benefits to the economy, and their lives are harmless to society. Therefore, homosexual marriages should be entitled to live happy, legal lives. Rejecting certain groups the alternativeRead MoreHomosexuality Is Not A Choice For Adults963 Words   |  4 PagesBiological Based Homosexuality Over the past few decades, there has been controversy over the topic of homosexuality. Many people believe that there are homosexuals make the choice to be homosexual. On the contrary, several studies show that there are genetic factors that lead individuals toward a homosexual preference. The rights of people who are homosexual are becoming more progressive and are almost equivalent to those who are heterosexual in the United States. Homosexuality is a biological trait, andRead MoreGay Marriage Should Be Legal1169 Words   |  5 PagesGay marriage should be legalized. Our civil rights and the Constitution give us many liberties. One of our civil liberties is the pursuit of happiness, which homosexual people are not allowed to chase. They cannot be married to the person they love and it violates their freedoms. According to professorshouse.com, â€Å"In Alaska, Nevada, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Nebraska, Missouri, Michigan, North Dakota, Ohio, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana, A rkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, and Alabama, notRead MoreEssay on Differences Between Men and Women According To Robert Bly640 Words   |  3 Pagesbe inferior to women. For example, men have a shorter lifespan than women, men are more likely to have a car accident, and women are safer drivers; some studies have gone as far as to prove that women are smarter than men. Since the 1960s womens rights have expanded broadly in the United States and around the world, narrowing the gap of inequality. Since then, men as a gender have undergone many changes putting their manhood in question. Robert Bly, an award winning poet and writer, became a leaderRead MoreHomosexuality : Genetic Or A Choice?1724 Words   |  7 Pagestopic. Some people believe that being homosexual, or â€Å"gay†, is a choice and by being with someone of the same-sex you are committing a sin or doing something that is not viewed as â€Å"normal†. Although, now on television we are starting to see mo re and more homosexual couples and homosexual people on TV programs. Are people finally getting with the program and accepting that homosexuals deserve the same rights as heterosexuals? â€Å"How do adolescents become homosexual, bisexual, or heterosexual? One of theRead MoreHomosexuality Is Not Understanding Its Origins1205 Words   |  5 Pagesquestion and showing the genetic factors surrounding homosexuality would illuminate the phenomena of the homosexual and how and why it is â€Å"natural.† Showing that homosexuality has been a continuous part of our natural history, with genetic factors influencing it would help validate the lives and rights or millions of people around the world who are humiliated, beaten, murdered, and denied rights every day because people do not accept them for who they are. Mechanisms to Maintain Homosexuality

Issues and Controversies Journalists Face

Theres never been a more tumultuous time in the news business. Newspapers are drastically downsizing and facing bankruptcy or the prospect of going out of business entirely. Web journalism is on the rise and taking many forms, but there are real questions about whether it can really replace newspapers. Press freedom, meanwhile, continues to be nonexistent or under threat in many countries around the world. There are also ongoing controversies about issues such as journalistic objectivity and fairness. It seems like a tangled mess at times, but there are many factors involved that well examine in detail. Print Journalism in Peril Newspapers are in trouble. Circulation is dropping, ad revenue is shrinking, and the industry has experienced an unprecedented wave of layoffs and cutbacks. So what does the future hold? While some people will argue that newspapers are dead or dying, many traditional outlets are indeed adapting to the new digital world. Most offer all of their content online, either via paid subscriptions or for free. This is also true for TV and radio media outlets. Though it seemed at first as if modern technology would win out over tradition, the tide seems to be finding a balance. For example, local papers are discovering new ways to localize a story to attract readers interested in a smaller piece of the bigger picture. The Rise of Web Journalism With the decline of newspapers, web journalism seems to be the future of the news business. But what exactly do we mean by web journalism? And can it really replace newspapers? In general terms, web journalism includes bloggers, citizen journalists, hyper-local news sites, and even websites for print papers. The internet certainly opened up the world for more people to write whatever they want, but that doesnt mean all of these sources have the same credibility. Bloggers, for instance, tend to focus on a niche topic, as do citizen journalists. Because some of these writers do not have training in or necessarily care about the ethics of journalism, their personal bias can come across in what they write. This is not what we consider journalism per se. Journalists are concerned with the facts,  getting to the heart of the story, and have their own on-the-job lingo. Digging for answers and telling them in objective ways has long been a goal of professional reporters. Indeed, many of these professionals have found an outlet in the online world, which makes it tricky for news consumers. Some bloggers and citizen journalists are unbiased and produce great news reports. Likewise, some professional journalists are not objective and lean one way or another on political and social issues. This burgeoning online outlet has created all types on either side. This is the larger dilemma because it is now up to readers to decide what is credible and what is not. Press Freedoms and Reporters Rights In the United States, the press enjoys a great deal of freedom to report critically and objectively on the important issues of the day. This freedom of the press is granted by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. In much of the world, press freedom is either limited or virtually nonexistent. Reporters are often thrown in jail, beaten, or even killed just for doing their jobs. Even in the U.S. and other free-press countries, journalists face ethical dilemmas about confidential sources, disclosing information, and cooperating with law enforcement. All of these things are of great concern and debate to professional journalism. However, it  is unlikely to be anything that resolves itself in the near future. Bias, Balance, and an Objective Press Is the press objective? Which news outlet is really fair and balanced, and what does that actually mean? How can reporters set aside their biases and really report the truth? These are some of the biggest questions of modern journalism. Newspapers, cable television news, and radio broadcasts have all come under fire for reporting stories with a bias. This is especially true in political reporting, but even some stories that should not be politicized fall victim to it. A perfect example can be found on cable news. You can watch the same story on two networks and get two completely different perspectives. The political divide has indeed swept into journalism — in print, on air, and online. Thankfully, a number of reporters and outlets have kept their bias in check and continue to tell the story in a fair and balanced manner.

Han and Roman Attitudes toward Technology Free Essays

From the around second century B. C. E. We will write a custom essay sample on Han and Roman Attitudes toward Technology or any similar topic only for you Order Now to the third century C. E. the Han and Roman attitudes toward technology were different in how they took pride in some of their inventions with the Han accepting the role of the craftsmen and their technology they created showed in documents 1-4. However, the Romans did not do as much of this and did not care as much about the technology and how it could be utilized. This was shown in documents 5-8. Both Han China and the Romans did show a similarity in how their technology, even though it was viewed differently, helped to develop their Empires. Throughout these eight documents, everyone one of these had male from the upper class writing the document. I think an additional document that could be useful in answering the question of what the Han and Roman attitudes toward technology were would be a person from the lower class. This document would be useful because that the upper class did not show interest about the technology that a commoner might have used such as hand tools and other common working items. The Han utilized their technology more to the fullest and took pride in what they invented. In Document 1 it shows that technology was not just used as a luxury, but was used a necessary way to help prevent disaster. In this case the Han were trying to prevent flood and had walls canals and pools. There were also people assigned to inspect and repair these technologies to help their people by preventing floods. The Han took pride in ability to keep their people safe from floods and other disasters. Document 2 focuses more on how the government monopolized the making of tools and made them more cheaply and with less quality than the actual workers themselves did. Then the government raised prices on iron and some of the poor had to digress to older technology. Two examples of this is iron became too expensive and wooden plows were now being used instead of iron. Another example is that salt was too expensive and they couldn’t afford to season their food. Huan Guan takes pride in the technology and feels that the government is not utilizing it proper and feels that the technology is going to waste. Document 3 shows pride in their invention of the pestle and the mortar and how it helped to create very useful technology where, â€Å"The efficiency was ncreased ten times† then later on, â€Å"Benefit was increased a hundredfold. † Document four commends the technology and its usefulness directly contrasting with Document three’s point of view. A reason this may be is that it is government-sponsored and the government is trying to make itself look good. The Romans, however, were not as interested and shows little regard with how technology can affect them. Document five shows this where Cicero shows no admiration of craftsmen or any of their inventions. He says, â€Å"All craftsmen spend their time in vulgar occupations. Cicero and the upper class don’t really have interest in craftsmen technology. Document seven suggests craftsmen did something that anybody could have done and does not really respect them. He is implying that if the upper class doesn’t need the technology, it isn’t important. Now, Plutarch, on the other hand, was very satisfied with the technology of the roads and how nice they are in document six. He brags of Mile Markers and how this technology can be used by eve rybody. Frontinus was also very proud of the technology in Rome. He specifically boasted of the aqueducts and said that they were better than the pyramids of Egypt. This opinion may be a little bias though, because he is the water commissioner for the city of Rome. Even though the Hans and Romans had different views on the use of technology, both of these empires benefitted greatly from the technology that was invented in this time. Plutarch was very excited about the roads in document six, and he had very good reason to be. The roads were kept in very good condition that allowed them to travel throughout their entire empire. This was useful for delivering food across the empire in time of famine and also helped them to travel easier and quicker in time of battle. The Han’s technology also helped them to grow as an Empire and keep their people safe as shown in document one. They had walls, canals, and workers specifically designated to prevent floods. What is shown in these documents is that the Han and Romans have different values placed on technology, but also shows how they view the craftsmen and the people that may benefit from the technologies. The Han valued their technology more and therefore placed more respect on the people who invented, whereas the Romans didn’t not value the technology or the craftsmen nearly as much. How to cite Han and Roman Attitudes toward Technology, Papers

Comparison Essay The Pieces of Silver The Red Ball Example For Students

Comparison Essay The Pieces of Silver The Red Ball The two stories, The Pieces of Silver and The Red Ball can be compared easily. I think that they can be seen as being alike with a lot of common points between them, though many contraries can be found as well. The general theme of both stories is quite touching, though in diverse ways in each story. They are about two young boys, as the main characters, in a very different environment. The Pieces of Silver is about a black boy called Clement, who lives in a pre-colonized country, where racism still exists. On the other hand, The Red Ball is about a naive boy from the countryside, called Bolan, who tries to adapt to a new environment throughout the story. First of all, the most obvious similarity would be that both Clement and Bolans family suffers from poverty. Not only are they unfortunate, what is more pitiful for the boys is that they are poorer than their surroundings. On a school day, ordinary morning procedures take place. However, as the children are called out to donate money and gifts, Clement has to be one of the many shameful children in the centre of attention, as he cannot even afford threepence. What he gains for the asking of money to his parents is his fathers helpless laughter as a reply. This suggests that the father finds it amusing that the boy is asking for an amount of money that means so much to him; even though it is only threepence. Bolan, in the midst of a clique of boys, gives an indefinite gesture of shrugging as a stall holder tries to sell him some food. Although he has no money, he does not want to show that he is poor in front of the other boys, who are nibbling on the food. Secondly, I think that the two boys lack love from their fathers. Clement is simply ignored as he appears in front of his father and opens his mouth to say something. The father utilised the approach of Clement by opening out an arm with an empty plate, for him to take away, this displays an obvious rejection for Clement. Bolan, also, does not seem to be a significant person in his fathers eyes. His father constantly calls him boy and orders him to do anything he wants him to do. I think that Bolans father treats him more like a servant rather than a son. On the other hand, there are some distinctive contraries between the two stories. As Bolan steals money from his parents, Clement earns his own money for himself and also his friends. Although the two boys are both poor, these prove a very different way of avoiding the embarrassment of being poorer than others. Bolan paid for the food that he and also his friends ate. The word, paid, is very surprising as he had no money the day before; and coincidentally the savings of his parents disappeared. I believe that his taking of the money from his parents was not a crime; but the desperation of wanting the ability to buy something, like his friends. However, Clement earns a little sum of money with the help from his sister. Not only does he use it to avoid him being ashamed, he pays more money on behalf of his friends, who cannot afford to pay for themselves. This shows the generosity of him offering to help even though he is not richer than the others. Another significant similarity would be about who the two boys themselves depend on. Clements parents are ignorant and uninterested in him, but the text shows that there is a close bond between Clement and his older sister. I think that this is because of the mal-treatment of his parents. .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6 , .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6 .postImageUrl , .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6 , .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6:hover , .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6:visited , .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6:active { border:0!important; } .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6 { 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; } .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6:active , .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6 .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; } .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6 .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u9069931a346374afa17bd77ac1632fa6:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Antigone EssayThis presumably encouraged Clement to rely on his sister about problems or difficulties. This is evident when he is relieved by the motherly and caring responses she gives him. Nonetheless, Bolan also lacks the attention from his parents; therefore he becomes attracted to some sculptures at someplace where there is some nature to remind him of his original town. Bolan half-expects a reaction when he touches the statues, and he imagines that he is seeing the mermaid smile He feels comforted being with the sculptures as he finds it more pleasant than being alone with no-one to keep his company. I think that this is the most moving part, that a boy tired of loneliness has found it relieving to be with a sculpture, a lifeless and motionless object. Overall, I believe that both of the short stories are very moving, containing emotive vocabulary. I have found that there are many moving events to draw sympathy and pity towards the two main characters. Furthermore, the use of language is very powerful, being the main influence over the audience. To finish, I think I have found it most amazing how the two boys could have so much in common, although they are also very unlike each other.

What Is FTP A Beginners Guide to FTP for WordPress Users

You can perform a lot of tasks within your WordPress dashboard – but you cant do everything. Sometimes, you may need to make a change directly to one of your sites files. This might be to tighten security or add some custom code. A little research will tell you that File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is the way to go, but what is FTP?In short, FTP enables you to connect directly to the files that make up your WordPress site. You can then edit, add, and delete information and code directly, without having to visit your dashboard. The applications of FTP are numerous, and it even simplifies some of your most common tasks.This guide will answer the question: What is FTP? Then, well teach you how to access your WordPress files using the FTP tool FileZilla. Lets get started! There are many reasons you may need to access your site this way. For example, you can use FTP to:Install plugins and themes directly, should you need it.Manually deactivate plugins and themes if you ever get locked out of your WordPress dashboard.Upload media files in bulk, rather than one at a time.Make changes to core WordPress files such as .htaccess, to implement customizations and extra security measures.Diagnose and fix common errors on your site, such as compatibility issues, internal server errors, and so on.Often, when you look for a tutorial on how to do something within WordPress or search for advice on fixing a specific problem, youll be directed to use FTP. So even if you dont have a specific use in mind, learning this now means youll be prepared when you do find yourself facing an FTP-related task.Introducing FileZillaTo actually use FTP, youll need whats known as an FTP client. This is a program that enables you to make a direct connection to the server where your websites files are stored.If youre just getting started, we suggest checking out FileZilla. This is a free, easy-to-use tool thats great for beginners. Its also recommended by WordPress itself, particularly because its open-source. The developers even offer lots of useful documentation to help you get started.How to use FTP to access your WordPress site (in four steps)You now know the answer to the question: What is FTP? Now its time to learn how to access your website. Well be using FileZilla for this tutorial, but the steps will be similar no matter what tool you select.Step 1: Back up your siteBefore you get started, its important to understand the risks inherent in using FTP. Youll be making permanent changes directly to your sites files, which means that if you arent careful you can make irreversible mistakes. Therefore, its crucial to make sure you have a recent backup in place, so you can restore your website if anything goes wrong.Step 2:  Install FileZillaOnce you have a backup of your site, install FileZilla by visiting the website and clicking on the button to download the client:Find and download the correct version for your computer, then run the .exe file to install it. After that , you can simply start up the client – no special configuration is required.Step 3: Connect to your host using FTPWhen you open up FileZilla, you should see a screen similar to this:There should be four empty fields near the top: Host, Username, Password, and Port. The last field will fill itself in automatically. The first three, however, represent your unique FTP credentials:In order to access your site using FTP, youll need your web hosts FTP address, as well as your personal FTP username and password.All this information is available through your hosting provider. How you find it will vary depending on the company. In general, youll need to log into your hosting control panel and find your credentials in your personal account information. Most hosts offer documentation that tells you exactly where to look. If not, your best bet is to contact them directly.Once you have your credentials, simply enter them into FileZilla and click on the Quickconnect button. Give it a few m oments to work. Soon, you should see a message letting you know the connection has been established:Its worth knowing that you dont have to re-enter your credentials every time you want to access your site. Instead, simply navigate to Server Reconnect, and FileZilla will log back into your host. Alternatively, click the drop-down arrow next to the Quickconnect button and select your server from there.Step 4: Manage Your WordPress FilesNow that FileZilla is connected to your web server, you should see files and folders in each of its four main quadrants:The two quadrants on the left display the files on your local computer, while the quadrants on the right show your websites files. To move files between the two locations, all you need to do is drag and drop them.On the right, you should see a folder named after your websites domain (although it could also be called public_html or www) – this is where all your sites data is stored. Opening it will reveal a few more folders:Mos t of the time, what youre looking for will be in the wp-content folder. For example, this folder contains sub-folders for your themes and plugins. This means you can open up your current theme to make changes, delete a theme, or install a new theme by copying and pasting it into your themes folder (or dragging it over from your computers files):You now know how to connect to your site using FTP and locate your websites files. If you spend some time exploring those files now, youll be well prepared whenever youre required to use FTP in the future!ConclusionPart of becoming an experienced WordPress user involves learning how the platform works behind the scenes. Thats where FTP comes in handy, since it enables you to work directly with the files that make up your site. Knowing how to access your site using FTP is a crucial skill for any WordPress site owner to have.In this post, we first answered the question: What is FTP? Then we introduced FileZilla  and showed you how to use it t o access your WordPress sites files. To recap, there are four major steps:Back up your site.Install FileZilla.Connect to your host using FTP.Manage your WordPress files.Do you have any questions about FTP and what you can do with it? Leave us a message in the comments section below! What is #FTP: a beginner's guide for #WordPress users

Poverty Research Proposal

Poverty Research Proposal Introduction For a long time, poverty has been perceived to constitute lack or inadequacy of basic needs, including food, clothing, and shelter. The levels by which different societies achieve these three basic essentials vary, and this explains the differences in poverty levels among different societies. Today, America is described to have the highest level of poverty rate compared to other industrialized countries (Garcia, 2011).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Poverty: Research Proposal specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More To justify this, the recent and most current statistics from the Census Bureau shows that the level and rate of poverty in USA is increasing, with minority ethnic groups being the most disadvantaged (Dye, 2010). In the past, numerous poverty reduction policies have been formulated and implemented, but their overall impact remains below expectations, as the main beneficiaries are the middle class in expense of the poor (Dye, 2010). Therefore, the situation calls for paradigm shift in policy formulation and implementation. Problem statement In the year 2010, poverty rate in USA stood at 15.1% up from 14.3% recorded in the previous year-2009 (USA Census Bureau, 2011). At the same time, it was noted that poverty rate for the last four years has been increasing at an estimated rate of 2.6%. On overall, in 2010, estimates indicated that about 46.2 million Americans are poor and the rate of poverty increased was observed to affect almost all major ethnic groups in America: Whites, African American, Asians, Hispanic (USA Census Bureau, 2011). Furthermore, the 2010 official statistics indicated the highest rate of poverty the country had experienced and recorded since 1993. Therefore, in order to address this issue of increasing poverty, there is need to conduct an action research that investigates public policy initiatives in USA with regard to poverty, and subsequently propo se the most effective public policy that can be pursued successfully. Significance of the study Poverty remains an issue that ought to be addressed in the American society as a way of achieving the American Dream. Social inclusion goals and objectives postulate that, the well-being of humankind is the essence of stability, peace, and societal development.Advertising Looking for research paper on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Therefore, addressing poverty is one way of achieving social inclusion goals. At the same time, there is need for an effective public policy that comprehensively addresses the issues of poverty in the country. Therefore, this study possesses the ability to create a sound body of knowledge that in turn can be used to create an effective public policy framework. Relevant Literature Review Poverty level in USA is increasing at gradual rate, and the overall impact of this to the society is huge (Garcia, 2011). Addressing poverty has assumed and utilized unilateral public policy models that in turn have led to inadequacy in tackling the issue of poverty. For instance, many of the convectional poverty policies address education, employment, social security, health, economic growth, and tax (Anonymous, 2006). This has been done in separatedness and the result has been construction, formulation, and implementation of skewed and weak poverty reduction models. There is need to establish broad-based understanding of poverty and know that it interplays with other factors and elements simultaneously, hence any attempt to address poverty requires addressing the interplay of accompanying factors. According to Corak (2005), in order to fight poverty, social and physical infrastructure and services can be funded and maintained effectively if the target groups are involved in designing, implementing, and monitoring them, as well as in ensuring accountability of the government o fficials responsible for such policies. Methodology Primary and secondary research methods will be utilized, where primary data will be generated through actual field research techniques, while secondary data will be generated from works already done in the field. Furthermore, reliability and validity of information will be enhanced through use of both quantitative and qualitative techniques. This will see the use of questionnaires, field interviews, poverty program surveys, and in-depth discussion. The aim of this will be to ensure that the public policy to be designed captures the aspect and essence of poverty and subsequent reduction strategies in broad perspective.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Poverty: Research Proposal specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Conclusion Poverty remains a social issue that requires clear strategies of addressing it. Efforts in the past have bore fruits, but given recent tren ds of increasing cases of poverty in the society, there is an urgent need to address poverty comprehensively. It is from this fact that it is recommended that addressing poverty in modern America require an action plan originating from an inclusive and integrated social equity policy strategy. References Anonymous. (2006). How can we solve the problem of poverty. Web. Corak, M (2005). Equality of Opportunity and Inequality across the Generations: Challenges Ahead. Policy Options, 26(3), 78–83. Dye, T.R. (2010). Understanding public policy (13th ed.). Longman: Pearson Prentice Hall. Garcia, G. (2011). Mexican American and Immigrant Poverty in the United States. NY: Springer. USA Census Bureau. (2011). ‘Poverty Highlights. USA Federal Press. Web.

Risk management Literature review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6500 words

Risk management - Literature review Example A probabilistic incident like oil spill event or oil spill contact to an environmentally responsive area cannot be forecasted; only an approximation of its likelihood can be quantified (Scarlett, Linkov and Kousky, 2011, p.20). Before applying the risk management practices; risk assessment should be done in order to know that what can go wrong at a definite time period and what the outcome will be if it does. Therefore, it is necessary to find out the probable occurrences that could lead to an oil spill, together with the feasible resulting impacts. (Imo, 2010, p.3). This paper will focus on the methodology and structure, purposes of risk management, application of risk management in oil exploration programs, identification of spillage risks, risk assessment of oil spillage risks, risk response planning for oil spillage risks and risk monitoring and control for oil spillage risks. 1.1. Aims and Objectives Aims: The aim of this paper is to develop a framework that will help the compan ies in order to control their oil spillage risks in oil exploration programs. Objectives: The objectives will be to investigate the nature of oil spillage risks; identify and summarize the existing understanding about oil spillage risk management; discover good practices in managing oil spillage risks and to provide a new framework that summarizes the findings and can be used further for managing oil spillage risks. Besides this, the paper has also focused on different methods used to manage the risk of oil spillage. 1.2. Background 1.2.1. The nature of oil spillage risk in oil exploration program The oil industry is concerned with a long history of spills on the North Slope and the probability of future spills is high. Indeed, there has been an oil spillage once a day, on... From this research it is clear that the oil industry is concerned with a long history of spills on the North Slope and the probability of future spills is high. Indeed, there has been an oil spillage once a day, on average, from the time when gas and oil development began on the North Slope. In order to make the subject worse, ocean currents move the chemicals and oil hundreds of miles. Further, in the Arctic Ocean, cleaning up oil spills would lead to enormous challenges. Suppression and recovery at sea hardly ever leads to the removal of more than a comparatively small fraction of a large oil spill, i.e. only 10-15% and often significantly less. Till date, no technology subsists in order to clean up oil in the sea ice circumstances and late-season spills would stay behind until the following year. Furthermore, cold water splits down oil much more slowly than the warm water. Climate change has considerably weakened the basis on which Arctic ecosystems function. Species mainly at ris k include polar bear, walruses, ringed seals, beluga and bowhead whales and coastal birds. So, it is found that the environmental risk is associated with the oil exploration programs. Oil spillage refers to an unintentional release of oil in a water body due to human activity and is regarded as form of pollution. Oil spillage occurs due to release of crude oil from underwater wells and pipeline, or offshore drilling rig, or a tanker, frequently presenting a danger to marine life and environment.

Topic in Cultural Studies Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Topic in Cultural Studies - Assignment Example Greek philosophy had many school of thoughts, which were advanced by philosophers such as Socrates and Plato. Greek philosophy was influenced by old literature and myths (Hanson-Harding, 2000). The roman government was made up of three branches, the senate, the consul, and the assembly. It was characterized by monarchy, democracy and aristocracy. Greece had a parliamentary republic headed by a president and a prime minister. It was dominated by socialists and conservatives. Greece was mountainous and a number of islands. Rome was established on a flat plains made up of fertile soils. On the other hand, Romans were farmers. According to Hanson-Harding (2000), the Greeks were mainly sailors. The Greeks mainly imported goods due to poor soils. They used retail markets to sell their own wares. The Greeks had merchants organized in groups called the guilds. They practiced pottery and metalworking. Romans cultivated grapes and olive trees. Rome was endowed with natural and human resources. They imported grains and exported olive oil and grapes (Thomas,

Exploring the psychological explanations for Crime and Deviance

Exploring the psychological explanations for Crime and Deviance Crime and Deviance, is a major topic which affects mostly every society in todays world. When defining crime and deviance, it will depend of the norms and values of a society. Many societies have many different values and norms. Norms of society, is where all society members are expected to conform to certain behaviours. Values of a society, is where a society values something which all society members conform to. For example, many societies value certain types of religion such as Christianity or Buddhism and many other types of religion. Crime in society, is usually very specific, that it goes against the laws of society. People who commit crimes, are breaking the law and if caught, must be punished. People can be punished for committing crimes such as burglary, damage to peoples property, murder and assault. People who are found guilty of committing crimes, must be punished by the courts of law. Crime is a relative concept. This means that how a society views criminal acts, can differ. Criminal acts in one society, may not be seen as a criminal act in another society. Society may also differ in how to punish people for committing specific criminal acts. (Broom and Selznick, 1963 p 540,541). When looking at crime in society, it is important to look at the physiological and psychological approaches in relation to crime. These approaches have been criticised. Looking at the physiological approach, a biological theory was carried out by Cesare Lombroso. Cesare Lombroso, tried to find out if there was a connection between crime and biological causes. In 1876, Cesare Lombroso carried out research called LUomo Delinquente. Cesare Lombroso (1835 1909), came up with the suggestion that criminals could be identified using certain physical characterisitics such as large jaws, low foreheads and excessive body hair. Cesare Lombrosos work was dismissed, because the theory was only focused on the criminals, in prison. This theory failed to take into account, why some people who have similar human attributes, are found throughout the world. The theory, failed to explain how certain physical human attributes distinguish criminals from people who do not commit criminal activities. (Macionis and Plummer,1998. P207) The psychological approach suggests that criminal behaviour, could be explained due to the individuals mental make up and processes such as personality, rather than the persons physical characteristics. Hans Eysenck, carried out research in Crime and personality in 1964. Hans Eysenck, suggested that it was possible that certain personality traits that people have can make certain people resistant to discipline than others.(Stephenson,1992. Page 7). Hans Eysenck also suggested that people with certain personality characteristics would be more likely to commit criminal behaviours.(Stephenson,1992. Page 7). Overall, using the physiological and psychological approach has been criticised as it does not take into account some factors such as exploring how conceptions of right and wrong initially rise,.(Macionis and Plummer,1998. P208). Deviance can be defined as behaviour which does not conform to certain norms of a specific society.(Haralambos Holborn,2008). Deviance can be explained as a more broader term than crime. It is not specific and deviant behaviour may not be criminal. Deviant behaviour can be positive and the behaviour can be rewarded. An example of positive deviant behaviour can be soldiers fighting for their country. They may be rewarded for their bravery and courage. Deviant behaviour can also be negative. An example of negative deviant behaviour may include people who commit murder. This may go against the societys value of the worth of every individual and norms, resulting in severe punishment. Some deviant behaviour may be tolerated in todays society. The behaviour is not punished or rewarded, by society members. (Haralambos Holborn,2008 P.321). Many societies have accepted same sex relationships and families, which would not have been accepted many years ago. They are not rewarded or punished, they are tolerated in the society. Laws of society can change, which does depend on the norms and values of society members. As change can happen, crime and deviance can change as well. It is very difficult to give full definition of deviance, as there is no complete way. It is a broad area of research. Behaviour which was viewed as unacceptable and deviant, may be accepted in todays society or in the future. For example, in some cultures in the past it was considered deviant for women to smoke and to wear make up in public places. Nowadays, women have more freedom to wear make up or to smoke in public places. Another example is homosexuality. Before 1969, it was illegal for men to have homosexual relations. As the laws changed in 1969, it was made legal that men over the age of twenty one could have homosexual relations.(Haralambos Holborn, 2008. P322). The famous writer, Oscar Wilde was imprisoned for having an illegal relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas before the 1967 Sexual Offenses Act was passed. (Johnston,2002.) Deviance is culturally determined(Haralambos Holborn,2008. P322). This means that deviant behaviour can change due to different cultures or some societies may accept certain types of behaviours, whereas other societies may find the behaviour unacceptable. (Haralambos Holborn, 2008 p 322). The functionalist theory in relation to the topic crime and deviance is functionalists see society as a whole, using a macro level approach. Functionalists focus on more on the sources of deviance in society, not how people commit deviant behaviour in a society. Functionalists suggest that crime and deviance can provide a a positive function in society. People may feel as part of a community and more part of a society. An example of this is when the Dunblane Tragedy occurred. This affected many people, which formed more of a closeness in society. Emile Durkheim suggested that a certain level of crime and deviance is necessary, in order for a society to function. The crime and deviance levels may become dysfunctional if crime rates increase. This can create a society whose social order is disrupted, which can create social chaos. If crime rates decrease, stagnation may occur where the society may not function properly. Robert Merton (1968) suggests that anomie, where people feel norml essness in a society, could happen if a society does not function properly. Emile Durkheim also suggested that some members of society, may rebel against societys norms and values. Some people may have different views on the norms and values of society. Functionalists also suggest the crime can produce employment for people in society. Functionalists suggest that without criminals, many people in the police force, prison workers, court workers would not have employment. An example of a Functionalist theory on Crime and Deviance is Emile Durkheims study of suicide(1897). Durkheim mainly focused on suicide rates to see if there was any social conditions which could influence or discourage people from committing suicide. Emile Durkheim noticed that suicide rates seemed to rise more during periods of political hardship during 1848, around different European countries. Emile Durkheim recognised that suicide rates might be related to social stability and integration of society. Using this theory, Emile Durkheim used a different set of data, mainly from European countries. Observing the suicide rates in different European countries he noticed that they were comparably differences but began to notice a pattern. Most countries who practiced Protestant as their religion had the highest suicide rates than countries who mainly practiced Catholic as their religion. Main protestant countries had one hundred and ninety suicides per million people. These figures were compared to mixed protestant and catholic faith countries who had ninety six suicides per million people. Main catholic countries had fifty eight suicides per million people. Emile Durkheim began to wonder if there was a link between suicide and reli gion. Durkheim tried to look at other factors such as economic and cultural differences. After looking at the suicide rates of Bavaria in Germany where mainly catholic people stayed there was a low number of suicides. Emile Durkheim then looked at the suicide rates of Prussia where mainly people had a protestant faith. He noted that Prussia had a higher suicide rate than Bavaria. Emile Durkheim then concluded that religion is related to suicide. Using this theory and the information he collected before, he concluded that suicide can be due to Anomie. This means when a society is normlessness, where there is lack of social stability and integration. During political hardship, people may feel not a part of society and feel suicide is the only way out. Durkheim concluded that there is low suicide rates in Catholic countries because there was more social control and stability that the religion brings than the protestant countries. Durkheim concludes that social stability and integration acts as a protection for people in society from insecurity and suicide. To evaluate the Functionalist perspective on crime and deviance, is that the functionalist theory provides a macro level approach. It looks at the bigger picture, giving more insight into how a society structures relating to crime and deviance. It gives a better debate, regarding how the biological theory relates to crime. Anomie, described in Robert Mertons theory (1968) gives more in depth sociological thinking, into todays society. However, Emile Durkheim was criticised for using statistics that was unreliable in his study of suicide(1897). Durkheims statistics, were only used in Europe. No other countrys statistics was used, so the theory can not be related to other countries. The statistics did not disclose the circumstances of how the people committed suicide. Many deaths, were not ruled out as accidents or murder. As the functionalist perspective only looks at the macro level approach, it does not include how people are affected by crime, individually. Functionalists assume that crime, can bond communities together in society. Victims of crime, may withdraw from society or move away from society. The functionalist approach, does not take into account individual differences in society. Functionalists also suggests that crime and deviance to a certain extent, positively benefits everyone in society. Marxists focuses on the capitalist system, but Marxists criticize that only some people in a certain group have only advantage. Other groups can be disadvantaged. The functionalist approach does not take into consideration, that society may have different groups. The functionalist theory mainly focuses on that society, as one big group. Feminists suggest that some theories, conducted with malestream views will not be able to distinguish the connection between crime and gender. Feminists can start to identify a number of issues between women and crime. Feminists such as Otto Pollak, the masked female offender, suggests that official statistics in relation to gender and crime, can be misleading. This is because the majority of police officers, court judges are male orientated. Women tend to be more leniently charged with crimes, compared to men due to their role in society. Some feminists suggest the court laws can be biased against women. Many men may be more bias, because of how a women can break traditional roles in society. Feminists such as Freda Adler(1975) suggests that because women have more freedom in society, this can cause an increase in how women can commit crimes. She suggests that this does not include the biological theory, that changes in society can change the way women behave. Pat Carlen(1988) suggests that because women have more freedom in society, that they do not have the opportunity to commit crimes. Carlen suggests that women can be more supervised by males, throughout their lives. Women, who usually have the traditional role of cleaning, house making, childcare duties will have less opportunity to commit crimes than males. An example of a Feminist theory, relating to crime and deviance is the study of Delinquent Girls(1981) by Anne Campbell. Anne Campbell carried out a study called delinquent girls in 1981. Anne Campbell suggested that more womans behaviour was becoming increasingly delinquent and in some cases, violent. Although, she argued that the changes in womens role in society, the womens movement was not a direct cause. Using primary research, Anne Campbell suggested that more young women were less prone to expressing their anger and aggression. They would more likely to keep it to themselves. Anne Campbell then suggested that a number of social and economic reasons was the reason why so many women have equal rights in society. More womens freedom in contraception and employment did give women more freedom in society. Anne Campbell suggested that this leads to a reduction in sex-role disparity and a more active roles for girls in all activities-some of which many be delinquent. Anne Campbell, 1981 Anne Campbell noticed that most of the female offenders, did not think that they had any freedom in their society. They opposed to being independent and career orientated, so they had no womens freedom in society( liberation). Anne Campbell then suggested that the rise in female delinquency, was due to the police attitudes towards young women and how the judicial systems perceives women in a society. She also looked at how women can be easily viewed by members of the public, fighting in public areas which showed an increase. As a conclusion, Anne Campbell concluded that the impact of freedom of women in society could not be directly related to crimes which women commit. To evaluate, that the feminist theory has raised more awareness of women in society. Changes in the law, where women have more equal rights. Crimes which mainly are affected by women such as rape or domestic abuse is dealt with more seriously with the police authorities. In society, women have more of a say in todays society. New laws such as the Equal Pay Act and the Sex Discrimination Act gives women more of a voice in todays society. It identifies more of an gender inequality, in crime and deviance. The feminist theory can focus too much on gender. Factors such as class and ethnicity are not included. Feminist studies such as Delinquent Girls(1981) by Anne Campbell more emphasizes on gender, Anne Campbell did not include class or ethnicity into the studies. Anne Campbell also used a small number of people which was suggested, did not represent other women in society. The feminist theory, also does not include the differences of women. They assume that all women have the same circumstances or characteristics in society, they do not look at individual differences. An example is the study of Delinquent Girls, where Anne Campbell did not individualize the people in the study. The Marxist approach is a conflict approach, which does not agree with the functionalist approach. Sociologists suggest that people who own production, have more power than the people in the ruling class(the working class). Marxists suggest there is a conflict in the capitalist system between the capitalists and the ruling class. Marxists also suggest that the laws made in society, protect the capitalists which gives them more social control in society. William Chambliss (1976) suggests that some laws are not needed in society. He suggested that property, made the most income and the people who owns the property, would become resources of economy. He suggests that laws are made, to protect the interest of the capitalists. Marxists also suggest that crime is mostly seen as a problem, mostly in the working class. The ruling class(capitalists), are more likely to get away with crime, than the working class. The Capitalists have more influence in society, so they are most unlikely to get in trouble for crime. A Marxist perspective study was carried out by Laureen Snider in The Politics of Corporate Crime(1993) suggests areas which have capitalism are most unlikely to introduce laws, which might not attract businesses. Capitalist states, use a lot of money to invest in business. They are unlikely, to introduce laws which may discourage business. Laureen Snider also suggests that most of the serious crimes are corporate crimes, committed in modern industrial countries. Laureen Snider, suggests that Corporate crime is much more serious than street crime such as drugs. This is because more money is spent and more people are killed in corporate crime than street crime. For example, Laureen Snider suggests that an estimation of 20,000 people are killed because they were murdered. Laureen Snider then suggests that 14,000 people lost their lives due to industrial accidents, 30,000 people died from using consumer products which are usually illegal and unsafe to use. 100,000 people have died due to working conditions causing disease. Snider, suggests that corporate crime costs more peoples lives than street crime. Snider also suggests that, people who commit corporate crime usually have lenient penalties or charges. There are very few corporate crime cases, which proceed to legal court. To evaluate, the Marxist perspective identifies that the Capitalists can be involved in crime, not just the ruling class using sociological studies such as The Politics of Corporate Crime(1993). Corporate crimes can affect people in society, not just street crimes. This is due to the statistics researched by Laureen Snider(1993). Highlights the inequality, that the ruling class faces towards crime and deviance in society, because they do not have as much power, influence as the Capitalists. Laureen Snider, suggests the idea that Capitalists are less likely to enter court proceedings for corporate crime shows how powerful Capitalists can be in society. The Marxist approach has been criticised for having a simple view on how power is divided between the capitalist societies. Some people suggest that capitalist societies does not always have increased levels of crime. Stephen Jones(2001) suggests that Switzerland, is a capitalist society which crime rates remain low. Whereas the Marxist approach mainly focuses on crime and deviance, it relates to the conflict theory of the Capitalists and the ruling class.

On Morality Essay

What is Morality? The inevitable fore comings of being a child literally flash right before your eyes. One minute you are learning how to walk and talk and in the next you are graduating high school. We find ourselves constantly wondering where the hell all that time went. And in between all this growing up it seems we acquire a set of â€Å"morals† and â€Å"values†; merely things we tend to blame our actions and thoughts on. It’s like this illusory line comes into play where we place the good and the bad. Perhaps once you have a belief about something it becomes permanent and forever engraved in your head but I don’t think I have the particular values or perspectives on life as I once did. To think that one of a parent’s main ambitions is to produce a child and raise it to have said good morals and values. It is only slightly disturbing to think of Hitler or Stalin’s parents and wonder what happened? As an adolescent we are taught an abundance of things, but if asked to come up with pertinent examples, I think a lot of us would stutter to come up with a few. The problem is that these lessons and ideals become instilled in us therefore becoming second nature – no thought process needed. A moral is something so excruciating and hard to be defined. Everyone seems to have their own set, but how is it that the majority sees the differences between okay and not in agreement? The absence of an explanation leads me to conclude that your own values and morals are dependent upon the circumstances you are subjected to. The point that I am so desperately trying to convey is that certain situations I had to deal with as a child and a young adult have led to my morals and values consequently changing. Joan Didion once said, â€Å"I followed my own conscience. I did what I thought was right. How many mad men have said and meant it? † (On morality, 1965) A statement that is so relevant to my own thinking due to the fact that I have felt myself questioning where and how the â€Å"good and bad† contour was formed. If a mad man truly felt that a mass murder was right, and cohesive with his conscience, then who are any of us to circumscribe his well -being? When you think of this mad man in a different context, you resolve that maybe rather than being â€Å"mad† possibly, he has converted his pragmatic necessities into moral imperatives without second thought. â€Å"You see I want to be quite obstinate about insisting that we have no way of knowing – beyond that fundamental loyalty to the social code- what is â€Å"right† what is â€Å"wrong† what is â€Å"good† what is â€Å"evil†. I dwell upon this because the most disturbing aspect of morality seem to me to be the frequency with which the word now appears; in the press, on television, in the most perfunctionary kinds of conversation. † (Joan Didion, on morality) What Joan Didion and presumably I keep diverging back to is the improper use of the word. What truly matters is exactly that- the way in which you toss these words around. Words like morals and values are merely titles. The manuscript of my childhood may or may not have stayed but there are still reminiscent little bits that remind me of who I am and where I came from. So what is morality? I have no idea.

HuckleBerry Finn Essay

â€Å"‘Ransomed? What’s that? ’ ‘†¦ it means that we keep them till they’re dead’† (10). This dialogue reflects Twain’s witty personality. Mark Twain, a great American novelist, exploits his humor, realism, and satire in his unique writing style in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Mark Twain, born in 1835, wrote numerous books throughout his lifetime. Many of his books include humor; they also contain deep cynicism and satire on society. Mark Twain, the author of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, exemplifies his aspects of writing humor, realism, and satire throughout the characters and situations in his great American novel. Mark Twain applies humor in the various episodes throughout the book to keep the reader laughing and make the story interesting. The first humorous episode occurs when Huck Finn astonishes Jim with stories of kings. Jim had only heard of King Solomon, whom he considers a fool for wanting to chop a baby in half and adds, â€Å"‘Yit dey say Sollermun de wises’ man dat ever live’. I doan’ take no stock in dat’† (75). Next, the author introduces the Grangerfords as Huck goes ashore and unexpectedly encounters this family. Huck learns about a feud occurring between the two biggest families in town: the Grangerfords and the Sheperdsons. When Huck asks Buck about the feud, Buck replies, â€Å"’†¦ a feud is this way: A man has a quarrel with another man, and kills him; then that other man’s brother kills him; then the other brothers, on both sides, goes for one another; then the cousins chip in – and by and by everybody’s killed off, and there ain’t no more feud’† (105). A duel breaks out one day between the families and Huck leaves town, heading for the river where he rejoins Jim, and they continue down the Mississippi. Another humorous episode appears n the novel on the Phelps plantation. Huck learns that the king has sold Jim to the Phelps family, relatives of Tom Sawyer. The Phelps family mistakes Huck for Tom Sawyer. When Tom meets with Aunt Sally, he â€Å"†¦ [reaches] over and [kisses] Aunt Sally on the mouth† (219) This comes as a surprises to her and Tom explains that he â€Å"[thinks] [she] [likes] it† (219) Later, Huck runs into Tom on the way into town and the two make up another story about their identities. The two then devise a plan to rescue Jim. They use Jim as a prisoner and make him go through jail escaping cliches. While going through these rituals he replies â€Å"‘I never knowed b’ fo’ ‘twas so much bother and trouble to be a prisoner’† (252). In the end, though, Tom reveals that Jim owns himself. Twain uses humor as a way to add realism to multiple situations. Mark Twain employs several examples of realism in the way he wrote The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Twain explores the gullibility of society when the duke and king go to the camp meeting and collect money from the poor, unsuspecting, church-going people. The king makes up a story about his profession as a pirate who lost his crew at sea, to which the people respond saying, â€Å"‘Take up a collection for him, take up a collection! ’† (128). Twain uses deceit, lying, and hypocrisy throughout the novel, which appear in various chapters. Twain also reveals examples of realism through the dialect the characters use in the novel. In his book, Twain utilizes the real dialect used at the time, which further demonstrates the realist qualities which he possesses. Throughout the book, Twain includes many different dialects including â€Å"the Missouri Negro dialect; the extremest form of the backwoods Southwestern dialect; the ordinary ‘Pike County’ dialect, and four modified varieties of the last† (2). Other examples of realism occur throughout the setting. The story takes place in St. Petersburg and on the Mississippi, near Twain’s place of birth. In particular, Mark Twain makes use of the episodes of realism as a way to satirize society. Satire, another element in Twains writing, occurs many times throughout his novel as well. A convincing example of satire occurs in the first chapter when Huck says, â€Å"[b]y and by they fetched the niggers in and had prayers, and then everybody was off to bed† (5). This pokes fun at the fact that Miss Watson tries to become a better Christian and a better person but still owns slaves and considers them property. Another satisfactory example of satire occurs when Pap becomes outraged at the thought of a black man having the opportunity to vote. However, the black man actually has more education than Pap (27). Twain uses the Boggs-Sherburn event to include more satire. When Boggs enters the story he says he has come to murder Colonel Sherburn. Sherburn then proceeds to shoot Boggs and the townspeople plan to lynch him. Sherburn laughs in their faces and says to them, â€Å"‘you are – cowards’† (142). Finally the crowd breaks up and moves on (142). Huck reflects on this incident and says â€Å"†¦ the pitifulest thing out is a mob† (142). Another prime example of satire occurs when Huck goes to the Phelps plantation and sees the two frauds, the king and the duke, tarred and feathered. He points out that â€Å"[h]uman beings can be awful cruel to one another† (222). Mark Twain includes numerous examples of satire throughout the novel. Through the use of humor, realism, and satire, Twain illustrates these aspects of his writing style. His style portrays the flaws in society and how pre-Civil War people treat each other. Mark Twain, one of the great American novelists of the nineteenth century, uses his books to teach others about life in the 1840s. Huckleberry Finn Analysis Although there are several themes that are apparent in Mark Twain’s The Adventures Huckleberry Finn, there is one theme that is more distinguished throughout the course of the novel than any other. This satirical view of Twain’s is apparent through his story of Huckleberry Finn. Mark Twain uses satire to convey his views on the failings and evils of society by poking fun at the institutions of religion, education, and slavery. This satirical view of Twain’s is apparent through his story of Huckleberry Finn. Religion is one of the key recipients of Twain’s satire throughout the novel. Huck is forced by Ms. Watson to read and learn about the important people in The Bible, and within the first pages of the book we discover Huck is not fond of the widow or her lectures. Twain uses Huck to reveal his idea that people put so much devotion into the works of long-gone ancestors of The Bible that they ignore other moral accomplishments of the present day. It is shown that religious people seem to be blind to the realities of modern civilization, and are living their lives according to old morals. This is why Huck mentions that the widow does not see any good in his works, and regardless of what Huck feels, his good deeds are not a . . . The youngest Grangerford grows up in a world of feuds, family picnics, and Sunday sermons that are appreciated but rarely followed and never questions the ways of his family. This family lives their lives by tradition, and the fact that the feud is a tradition justifies its needless, pointless violence for them. As Mark Twain once said, â€Å"I believe I have no prejudices whatsoever. Another time, Pap is ranting about an educated black and insists that he is superior to the colored man, even though he himself has no education and, is a drunk. This novel also shows that recognition of a human being is sometimes unintentionally ignored, as seen through religion and education, yet very deliberate through the torment of slavery. After this, Huck begins to truly consider the fact that Jim is smart, â€Å"I never see such a nigger†¦. nything honorable, like biblical events, in the eyes of his elders. By using this feud as an example, Twain shows that people will blindly follow what they have been raised on without stopping to think about the consequences. Huck admires the Grangerfords’ principles, and the interest they placed in good manners, delicious food, and attractive possessions. The reasons for the rivalries between the two families have been forgotten. This idea is brought to the reader’s attention when Col. All I need to know is that a man is a member of the human race. The Shepherdsons done the same† (110). Common topics in this essay: Huck Jim, Mark Twain, Bible Huck, Twain Huck, Grangerfords Huck, Mark Twains, Deacon Winn, Grangerford Shepherdsons, Huckleberry Finn, Ms Watson, huckleberry finn, apparent story, finn mark, mark twain, adventures huckleberry, adventures huckleberry finn, huckleberry finn mark, view twains apparent, view twains, twains apparent, satire throughout, story huckleberry, apparent story huckleberry, beliefs towards, story huckleberry finn, Huckleberry Finn In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain created a character who exemplifies freedom within, and from, American society. Huck lives on the margins of society because, as the son of the town drunk, he is pretty much an orphan. He sleeps where he pleases, provided nobody chases him off, and he eats when he pleases, provided he can find a morsel. No one requires him to attend school or church, bathe, or dress respectably. It is understandable, if not expected, that Huck smokes and swears. Years of having to fend for himself have invested Huck with a solid common sense and a practical competence that complement Tom’s dreamy idealism and fantastical approach to reality (Tom creates worlds for himself that are based on those in stories he has read). But Huck does have two things in common with Tom: a zest for adventure and a belief in superstition. Through Huck, Twain weighs the costs and benefits of living in a society against those of living independently of society. For most of the novel, adult society disapproves of Huck, but because Twain renders Huck such a likable boy, the adults’ disapproval of Huck generally alienates us from them and not from Huck himself. After Huck saves the Widow Douglas and gets rich, the scale tips in the direction of living in society. But Huck, unlike Tom, isn’t convinced that the exchange of freedom for stability is worth it. He has little use for the money he has found and is quite devoted to his rough, independent lifestyle. When the novel ends, Huck, like Tom, is still a work in progress, and we aren’t sure whether the Widow Douglas’s attempts to civilize him will succeed (Twain reserves the conclusion of Huck’s story for his later novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn). Mark Twain: Realism and Huckleberry Finn Mark Twain: Realism and Huckleberry Finn Wednesday, August 29th, 2007. Is Mark Twain a Realist, nothing more and nothing less? As well as considering the meaning of Realism in a literary context this essay will critically examine the issues raised by the question with an analysis of Chapter XXXI, in which Jim is â€Å"stolen† and Huck decides that he will help Jim though he believes he will go to hell for doing so. In so doing it will be seen that the assertion is too narrow. One view is that Realism is not attainable: it is simply impossible to represent reality within a literary framework, K. Dauber (1999, p.386), considering Realism, argues that we can only get near to it in the imagination of the reader. The use of metaphors and similes assists us to create, within our own imagination, a landscape within which plausible events occur as part of an understandable and plausible plot. Dauber, strictly speaking, is correct, however Realist texts do exist, in considering them we need a guide as to what it is that makes them Realist. A descriptive term like Realism is useful to the reader. D. Pizer considers that â€Å"descriptive terms† such as â€Å"romanticism, realism and classicism are valuable and necessary† (1961, pp.263 – 269). His starting point is George Becker’s definition. Becker based his definition upon readings of European and American fiction since 1870; dividing realism into three categories: the realistic mode, realism of subject matter, and philosophical realism, Pizer considers â€Å"the realistic mode† based on three criteria: â€Å"Verisimilitude of detail derived from observation and documentation† (1949, pp. 184 – 197). The use of various dialects (discussed in the preface), detailed descriptions of the river and nature are Realist observations. The style fits the first part of this definition. Secondly is â€Å"reliance upon the representative rather than the exceptional in the plot, setting, and character† (1949, pp. 184 – 197). A slave’s escape from captivity and recapture is plausible and thus Realist. Thirdly is â€Å"an objective†¦. rather than a subjective or idealistic view of human nature and experience† (1949, pp. 184 – 197). Observations and descriptions of slavery, life in the South and on the river are objective. In chapter XXXI, Huck must decide between a moral obligation to contact Miss Watson and his debt to Jim for his help on their journey down river. The text of Huckleberry Finn up to, and including, chapter XXXI conforms to Becker’s â€Å"realist mode† definition. On this basis, Twain is a Realist. However, categorisations are just guides as to what we may expect from a text or writer when categorised as Realist, Romanticist or Classicist. Twain explains his style in the preface. From this preface, Twain clearly considered it a Realist book. It is clear and generally agreed amongst critics, that up to and including chapter XXXI, Huckleberry Finn is a realist text. Given the difficulties facing a slave on the run, within the contemporary context of its setting, it is plausible that Jim would face capture and be either lynched, mutilated or at least beaten if caught. However, one cannot consider Twain was â€Å"nothing more and nothing less than a Realist† in the context of this chapter alone. Critics, in the first half of the twentieth century, focused on the ending or â€Å"evasion† for analysis. Since the mid Twentieth Century, attention has focused on issues of race, gender and sexuality. Many view the ending as disappointing: described it as an anti climax, even â€Å"burlesque† (De Voto, 1932). Tom Sawyer’s scheming to set free an already free slave is a betrayal and even â€Å"whimsicality† (T. S. Eliot (although he also argues that this is the only correct ending)). The style of the ending is different from the preceding text, it is more slapstick and humorous. Ernest Hemingway (1935) claimed, â€Å"All modern American literature comes from Huckleberry Finn†, but continued: â€Å"if you read it you must stop where the nigger Jim is stolen from the boys. This is the real end. The rest is cheating†. De Voto (1932) considered the last eleven chapters fell â€Å"far below the accomplishment of what had gone before†¦this extemporized burlesque was a defacement of his purer work† (Cited by Hill, 1991, p 314). Tom Sawyer describes it, an â€Å"evasion†. It certainly detracts from the power of chapter XXXI: Huck’s rejection of Southern values, its belief in slavery and the superiority of whites. The â€Å"evasion† is the missed opportunity to emphasise this rejection by descending in to whimsicality and burlesque. The problem with Hemingway’s advice is that the book does not end at Chapter XXXI. Full analysis requires a complete reading. The whole thrust of the ending, from when Tom returns to centre stage is that of comedy and farce, it is as though Huck is acquiescing in Tom Sawyers pranks and wild schemes. L. Trilling (1948) argues that Huck is simply deferring to Tom by giving him â€Å"centre stage†. Eliot agrees, but then argues that it is right Huck does give way to Tom. The style of the book comes from Huck and the river provides form: we understand the river by seeing it through Huck, who is himself also the spirit of the river and like a river, Huckleberry Finn has no beginning or end (cited by Graff and Phelan, 1995, pp 286 – 290). Therefore, Huck, logically, has no beginning or end: as such he â€Å"can only disappear† in a â€Å"cloud of whimsicalities†. For Eliot this is the only way that the book can end. However, Eliot and Trilling rely on the fact that the River, Huck and Jim are symbolic, that they are allegorical. This suggests that the later chapters of the book are Romantic in style. The entire book must be considered in the context of the ending (however much it may disappoint), it is more a Romance; and to say that Twain is â€Å"nothing more and nothing less than a Realist† is thus incorrect. However, what is Romanticism? In the United States Romanticism enjoyed philosophic expression within the movement known as Transcendentalism, in the texts of Emerson and Thoreau. Symbolic novels of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville emphasized concern with Transcendent reality. Nathaniel Hawthorne in the preface to The Scarlet Letter, The Custom House, writes, â€Å"If a man, sitting all alone, cannot dream strange things, and make them look like truth, he need never try to write romances. † Romance offers a symbolic view of the world and, in that context, a historical representation of current issues is crucial (M. Kinkead-Weekes, 1982, p. 74). Symbolism and allegory are fundamental to a Romanticist text: â€Å"astonishing events may occur, and these are likely to have a symbolic or ideological, rather than a realistic, plausibility† R. Chase (1962, p13). Eliot’s interpretation, when considered in this context, asserts that Twain was not in fact writing as a Realist exclusively or, arguably, at all. Hemingway does receive support in his argument that the ending â€Å"is cheating†. From Leo Marx, in his 1953 article: â€Å"Mr. Eliot, Mr. Trilling, and Huckleberry Finn†. He agrees that the ending does not fall within the realist tradition and offends plausibility in several ways: Miss Watson would not free Jim, the interjection of humour is â€Å"out of keeping† with the rest of the book: Huck’s easy transformation from bravely assisting an escaped slave and agonising over this moral position maturely, to clown; is not plausible. To assist in humiliating Jim, a slave transformed to â€Å"freedom fighter†, when known, by Tom at least, that he is free already (however implausible that may be) is at odds with chapter XXXI and all preceding chapters. The ending reflects a conflict within Twain represented by Huck and Tom, he wanted to criticise Southern society but also to gain its approval. He does this by â€Å"freeing† an already free slave, so of the two white heroes, neither transgresses the law, nor break any moral codes of the South, and Huck is saved from going to Hell. This marks a massive retreat from the powerful, and arguably most dramatic, scene in the text: the decision of Huck to reject that society’s values and go to Hell, rather than betray his friend Jim. Marx may have been critical of the ending of the book in terms of content, but, in his 1956 article, which examines the literary style of Twain in Huckleberry Finn, he considers use of language and the â€Å"book’s excellence†. He concludes the article by eulogising the text as one â€Å"which manages to suggest the lovely possibilities of life in America without neglecting its terrors†. The two articles when read together are a powerful argument in favour of categorizing Huckleberry Finn as a Romance Twain a Romanticist rather than â€Å"Nothing more and nothing less than a Realist. † J. M. Cox (1966) challenges Marx’s assessment: postulating that it is a story about a boy who has found himself, through force of circumstance in a difficult position. The reappearance of Tom in the story is a relief to Huck. By deferring to Tom at this stage, Huck is acting within character as developed earlier in the text: happy to be free of the responsibilities thrust upon him. However, this analysis disregards the moral development of Huck in the text up to and including Chapter XXXI and the maturity of his moral deliberations. Marx, and others, are attempting to impose a political agenda that is not evident from the text; succumbing to the fashion that it is necessary for a hero to have an agenda. Huckleberry Finn is a child’s book. To impose sub texts involving subtle critiques of racial, gender, sexual and political issues misses the point entirely and is an over intellectualisation: blatantly ignoring Twain’s instructions at the beginning of the book (R.Hill, 1991). If following Hemingway’s advice then Twain is no more and no less than a realist, but is not to read the book in its entirety: Chapter XXXI is not the end of the text. Twain has succeeded in creating a work of fiction that engenders precisely the kind of debate that he ironically dissuades the reader from indulging in: a literary masterpiece that stubbornly refuses to fit neatly into any categorization at all. To say, â€Å"Twain is a Realist nothing more and nothing less† is thus inaccurate. Word Count: 1609 Bibliography George Becker, (June 1949), pp. 184 – 197, â€Å"Realism: An Essay in Definition†, in Modern Language Quarterly Richard Chase, (1957), The American Novel and Its Tradition, Anchor Books p. 13 James Cox, â€Å"Attacks on the Ending and Twain’s Attack on Conscience†, in Mark Twain: The fate of Humor, University of Missouri Press (1966); excerpted in Mark Twain, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a Case Study in Critical Controversy, Edited by Gerald Graff and James Phelan (1995) St. Martins Press pp. 305 – 312 Kenneth Dauber, (Summer 1999), â€Å"Realistically Speaking: Authorship, in late 19th Century and Beyond†, in American Literary History, Vol. 11, No. 2, pp 378-390 T. S. Eliot, â€Å"The Boy and the River: Without Beginning or End† reproduced in Mark Twain, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a Case Study in Critical Controversy, Edited by Gerald Graff and James Phelan (1995) St. Martins Press pp. 296 – 290 Ernest Hemingway, 1935, Green Hills of Africa Gerald Graff and James Phelan Mark Twain, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a Case Study in Critical Controversy, (1995) St. Martins Press Richard Hill, (1991), â€Å"Overreaching: Critical Agenda and the Ending of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn†, Texas Studies in Literature and Language (Winter 1991): reproduced in Mark Twain, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a Case Study in Critical Controversy, Edited by Gerald Graff and James Phelan (1995) St. Martins Press pp. 312 – 334 Mark Kinkead-Weekes, (1982), â€Å"The Letter, the Picture, and the Mirror: Hawthorne’s Framing of The Scarlet Letter† Nathaniel Hawthorne New Critical Essays, Vision Press Limited, p. 74 Leo Marx, (1953), â€Å"Mr. Eliot, Mr. Trilling, and Huckleberry Finn† The American Scholar reproduced in Mark Twain, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a Case Study in Critical Controversy, Edited by Gerald Graff and James Phelan (1995) St. Martins Press pp. 290 – 305 Leo Marx, (1956), â€Å"The Pilot and the Passenger: Landscape Conventions and the Style of Huckleberry Finn†, in American Literature, Vol. 28, No. 2, (May, 1956) pp. 129 -146 Robert Ornstein, (1959), â€Å"The Ending of Huckleberry Finn†, in Modern Language Notes, Vol. 74, No. 8 (Dec. , 1959), pp. 698 – 702 Donald Pizer, (1961), â€Å"Late Nineteenth Century American Realism: An Essay in Definition†, in Nineteenth Century American Fiction, Vol. 16, No. 3 (Dec 1961), pp 263-69 E. Arthur Robinson, (1960), â€Å"The Two â€Å"Voices† in Huckleberry Finn†, in Modern Language Notes, Vol. 75, No. 3. (Mar. 1960), pp. 204 – 208 Lionel Trilling, (1948), in Introduction to Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, 1948 Rinehart edition, excerpted in Mark Twain, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a Case Study in Critical Controversy, Edited by Gerald Graff and James Phelan (1995) St. Martins Press pp. 284 – 290 Posted in Mark Twain: Realism and Huckleberry Finn, American Fiction | No Comments  » Huckleberry Finn Sponsored Links Huckleberry Finn Youth Find Deals, Read Reviews from Real People. Get the Truth. Then Go. www. TripAdvisor. com Ernest Hemingway wrote that â€Å"all modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn. †¦All American writing comes from that. There was nothing before. There has been nothing as good since. â€Å"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was published in 1885, and in that year the public library in Concord, Massachusetts, became the first institution to ban the novel. Twain’s use of the word â€Å"nigger† later led some schools and libraries to ban the book. Huckleberry Finn was first attacked during Twain’s day because of what some described as its indecency; later, it would be attacked as racist. But by the end of the twentieth century, its status as one of the greatest of American novels was almost universally recognized. Huck Finn, the protagonist and narrator of the novel, is around thirteen or fourteen years of age. He is being raised by Miss Watson and the Widow Douglas, both of whom blindly accept the hypocritical religious and moral nature of their society and try to help Huck understand its codes and customs. They represent an artificial life that Huck wishes to escape. Huck’s attempt to help Jim, a runaway slave, reunite with his family makes it difficult for him to understand what is right and wrong. The book follows Huck’s and Jim’s adventures rafting down the Mississippi River, where Huck gradually rejects the values of the dominant society, especially its views on slavery. Bibliography Blair, Walter. Mark Twain and Huck Finn. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1960. Smith, Henry Nash. Mark Twain: The Development of a Writer. Cambridge, Mass. : Belknap Press, 1962. Any new collection of essays on Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is quite welcome. With the continuing debates over the novel and its relevance in the classroom, easy access to a variety of viewpoints can only help readers arrive at their own decisions. Katie de Koster’s anthology serves this purpose, offering a range of perspectives from the date of Huckleberry Finn’s publication to the present. In the Series Foreword, the general editors state that the essays for each volume are chosen specifically for â€Å"a young adult audience. † With this audience in mind, de Koster includes brief summaries of each article in the table of contents, and she groups the essays themselves into thematic sections with descriptive headers. Both arrangements will likely help students locate information and ideas relevant to their interests. On the other hand, many of the essays’ original titles have been changed (and this may prove confusing to some scholars), but original publication information is footnoted on the first page of each essay. De Koster has arranged the notably diverse essays into four sections: â€Å"The Storyteller’s Art,† â€Å"Images of America,† â€Å"Issues of Race,† and â€Å"The Problematic Ending. † Each section includes four or five essays. The first section includes opinions by Brander Matthews, Victor Doyno, James M. Cox, Alfred Kazin, and Ralph Cohen. Matthews’ 1885 review provides a practical starting point for understanding the novel as well as its shifting literary and historical significance. Matthews not only praises its realism, the vernacular dialect of Huck, and its humor, but he also admires Twain’s depiction of Southern blacks and Tom Sawyer’s treatment of Jim in the final chapters. Doyno’s selection–excerpted from Writing Huck Finn: Mark Twain’s Creative Process (1991)–focuses on how Twain painstakingly revised the manuscript to shape the individual personalities of each character. Doyno’s excellent and detailed analysis, however, might have served better after Cox’s and Kazin’s more general discussions of Huck’s personality and choices and of Twain’s artistic discoveries and social purposes. In the final essay of this section, Cohen highlights a topic of probable interest to many college-age readers: the games, tricks, and superstitions of Huckleberry Finn. In the second section, â€Å"Images of America,† de Koster chooses essays/excerpts by Horace Fiske, Andrew Hoffman, Gladys Bellamy, and Jay Martin. Fiske’s 1903 appreciation of Huckleberry Finn tends toward summary, paraphrase, and long quotation rather than interpretation, and it seems somewhat out of place in the collection. On the other hand, Hoffman examines Huck as a representative of the nineteenth-century social and political ideals associated with Andrew Jackson. The excerpt by Bellamy purports to discuss Huckleberry Finn as a satire on American institutions, but the section on the institution of slavery has been removed, and the expressed opinions about race often come across as dated. For example, Bellamy writes that Twain â€Å"shows us the African in Jim, imbuing him with a dark knowledge that lies in his blood† (97). Such pronouncements are not well calculated to illuminate young readers’ understanding of Twain’s novel. In the last essay of this section, however, Martin provides a useful and nuanced explanation of Huck’s vacillating position between Nature and Civilization. The third section, â€Å"Issues of Race†, contains essays by John Wallace, Richard Barksdale, Shelley Fisher Fishkin, Eric Lott, and Jane Smiley. Wallace’s oft-quoted essay, in which he describes Huckleberry Finn as â€Å"racist trash,† raises several valid concerns regarding the use of the novel in American high schools, but lacks strength in its textual analysis. Nevertheless, his major concern is taken up effectively by Barksdale, who places the novel within its historical context to show both the ironic intentions of Twain and the difficulty of learning and teaching those ironies in the classroom. Fishkin then explains not only the indebtedness that Twain had toward African American sources, including â€Å"Sociable Jimmy,† black spirituals, and personal acquaintances, but also the impact Twain had on subsequent American writers. Exploring this further, Lott discusses how Twain’s reliance upon blackface minstrelsy both allowed the complex achievement of Huckleberry Finn while simultaneously making it â€Å"perhaps unteachable to our own time. † In the final essay of this chapter, Smiley compares â€Å"Twain’s moral failure† in his characterization of Jim to Harriet Beecher Stowe’s unequivocal anti-racism in Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Overall, this section is the strongest. That these complex understandings of Mark Twain and Huckleberry Finn often tend toward the negative comes as something of a surprise after de Koster’s preface. De Koster introduces this collection within the context of the current racial controversy, but then offers a rather emphatic but largely unsupported series of statements. For example, after recounting Huck’s famous decision to â€Å"go to hell† and free Jim, she writes, â€Å"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is clearly antislavery. The reader is supposed to believe Huck made the right choice when he helped an escaped slave† (13). Instead of telling the reader what s/he is supposed to believe, de Koster would do better to explain her reasoning within the complicated matrix of ideas in her collection. On a more positive note, her preface also includes a 20-page biography of Samuel Clemens that provides a useful introduction for students unfamiliar with his life. In the final section of the collection, â€Å"The Problematic Ending,† de Koster includes opinions by Joyce Rowe, Jose Barchilon and Joel Kovel, Carson Gibb, and Richard Hill. Rowe argues that Twain intentionally destroys the â€Å"fictional comforts of verisimilitude† in the final chapters to expose the â€Å"grotesque† values of society, including those of the readers. Barchilon and Kovel offer a psychoanalytic interpretation of the escape, interpreting Jim’s prison as a womb, his chains as an umbilical cord, and the Mississippi River as Huck’s loving mother. Gibb justifies the ending as an intentionally bad joke that reflects the culture that Huck seeks to escape, yet the 1960 essay is most noticeable for the repeated use of the word â€Å"nigger† without quotation marks. Gibb seems to feels justified in this usage because he has explained that Huck and Tom â€Å"believe niggers and people are two different things† (177). However, its use is unnecessary to his argument and also insensitive to the extreme. Because of this, the essay itself seems inappropriate for a collection aimed at young readers. Finally, Hill presents the most formidable vindication of the final chapters to date, arguing that Huck’s response to Tom is plausible for a boy, and that Jim’s response shows an intelligent manipulation of contemporary stereotypes to exert at least some control over a delicate and dangerous situation. All in all, de Koster’s collection offers a useful variety of opinions. It will doubtless contribute to current debates of Twain’s Huckleberry Finn and its place in our classrooms. About the reviewer: Joe Coulombe grew up in the Mississippi River town of LaCrosse, Wisconsin (mentioned briefly in Life on the Mississippi, ch. 30). After earning his PhD at the University of Delaware in 1998, he began a tenure-track position at the