Jonathan Edwards

In Jonathan Edwards’ personal narrative, he uses language to convey a remorseful attitude towards his own spiritual condition. The imagery of hell as seen by Edwards creates a punishment in â€Å"the lowest place in hell. † He feels like he is the â€Å"very worst of all mankind. † In the simile, â€Å"as bad as the devil himself,† his followers make him feel as though his â€Å"wickedness† and â€Å"vileness† are greater. This portrays his remorseful attitude.By utilizing the simile, â€Å"like an infinite deluge or mountains over my head,† Edwards depicts the severity of his wrongdoing as being of such magnitude that it is â€Å"swallowing up all thought and imagination. † The use of repetition in â€Å"Infinite upon infinite— Infinite upon infinite! † supports Edwards’ view of his wickedness as â€Å"an abyss infinitely deeper than hell. † This expresses his internal pain and anguish. Edwards proce eds to use the phrase, â€Å"nauseous and detestable to me,† to describe his sense of self-loathing.He feels as if he does not morally deserve to be â€Å"exalted and raised up to the infinite height of all the fullness and glory of the great Jehovah. † Throughout the narrative, Edwards is vividly describing his belief that if it were not for the â€Å"sovereign grace† of his Lord, that the earth would simply not bear him or all humanity for a single moment because as far as he is concerned, we are all corrupt individuals- creatures even, that spend our lives in the service of God’s enemies. It is through all the aforementioned that he illustrates his remorseful sentiment in his personal narrative.

Landslide Limo Service Essay

In regards to you request I have created a current employment compliance plan for Bradley Stonefield to ensure the process of starting a new business will be successful. Bradley Stonefield has explained his desire to start a Limousine company within the Austin TX area. Bradley Stonfield has indicated that his goal is to have25 employees within the first year of operation. The memo is to discuss and provide current employment laws and the consequences for non-compliance with said laws. Employment laws are created to protect the employer as well as the employee, failure to comply with any state or federal employee law could have an end result of complete failure, especially for smaller or new organizations. Non-compliance with employment laws can result in large or unaffordable penalties or severe actions. The memo will address 4 employment laws some are specific to Texas and the repercussion for non-compliance with said laws. The motor carrier safety improvement act of 1999, the equal employment act EEOC of 1972, employment at will for Texas, and Texas workers compensation act. The motor carrier safety improvement act of 1999: The Department of Transportation (DOT) established a separate administration with the Federal Motor Safety Administration on January 1 1999. (FMCSA, 2014) A limousine service has a standard set of regulations for smaller vehicles and larger capacity vehicles; the company must register with the FMCSA and have a current motor carrier identification report with the USDOT, must be current every two years. Each service vehicle must be insured with a minimum of the federal regulated minimum coverage in the event of a motor vehicle accident. The service driver must have and keep a current â€Å"C† class state driver’s license that includes a passenger endorsement. All drivers pre-employment must submit to a drug/alcohol test and must be willing to submit to random testing. Any service vehicle with the capacity to carry more than 9 persons and no more than 15 persons, the driver may not exceed a driving time of 10 hours. The driver/s must complete a safety inspection and maintain a vehicle safety and maintenance log before each trip prior to leaving the designated parking areas. All drivers must have a current driver’s license for the state and valid, and must either provide consent to have employer request driving records or provide current copies. Every vehicle that is used for service must be marked with a USDOT registration number and kept current. The company must keep and maintain all driving records/accident reports for drivers and vehicles for the past three years to current. (Federal limousine service and regulations, 2014) Failure to comply with federal regulations could result in a number of fees and penalties; Failure to maintain current DOT and license records can be up to or exceed $100.00 per violation, failure to maintain drug and alcohol records can be a fine up t0 $1000.00 per violation, failure to maintain current driving records can be a fine up to $2500.00 per employee, and any employee that is cited for using a vehicle during work hours for anything other than to transport a paying customer can result in up to a $10,000.00 fine. The equal employment act EEOC of 1972: The EEOC protect any persons from employment discrimination due to sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disabilities, political views, marital or family status, or sexual orientation. Failure to comply with EEOC laws can result in several lawsuits for discrimination, TSU woman’s basketball coach won a lawsuit in the sums of $730,000.00 for sexual  discrimination in 2011. She was originally hired in 2008 and then terminated shortly after, she had been threatened with a demotion and compared to a men’s coach Tony Harvey and this was terms for a lawsuit. Failure to comply with the current EEOC laws can result in a lawsuit as such and when an employee is terminated this example shows that no employee regardless of who they are should not be discriminated against due to personal feelings. Texas at-will employment â€Å"The general rule in Texas, and in most states, is that absent a specific agreement to the contrary, employment may be terminated by the employer or the employee at will, for good cause, bad cause, or no cause at all.† (Employment at will Doctrine in Texas – Appellate case law 2010) Even though is a â€Å"at-will or right to work† state federal laws still apply, if an employee is on a contracted time they are exempt from the at will law. In an organization that embraces the â€Å"at will† employer law, the employer must also agree to that an employee will not be terminated unless it is for â€Å"good reason†, if an employee is performing satisfactory work of higher they are not exempt but they are also not at risk. Again failure to comply can result in a large and/or detrimental lawsuit to the company. â€Å"The supreme court recognized in Montgomery County that the courts must carefully distinguish between carefully developed employer representation upon which an employee may justifiably rely, and general platitudes, vague assurances, praise, and indefinite promises of permanent continued employment† (Employment at will Doctrine in Texas – Appellate case law 2010) Texas workers’ compensation act: The workers compensation act is designed to tentatively and temporarily replace the wages for a worker when employment hours are missed due to an on the job injury/injuries. The law only applies when an employee is able to prove that they were injured on the job/on the clock, they are entitled to a percentage of there regular earnings and medical care for said injuries. Texas is the only state that is able to choose not to offer workers compensation in Texas less than 40% will opt out of the workers compensation coverage. An employer that has chosen to enroll with the workers compensation, the threat of a law suit for not paying medical bills, or  paying a portion of wages is not a possibility, for the remaining 40% of employers who do not use workers’ compensation are suspect to possible lawsuits that could include coverage up to full wages for time missed. Texas employees are also able to decline to pay into workers compensation, and there are limitations to collecting of filing for workers compensation: If the employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, if the employee suffered from a self-induced injury, the injury was caused by a non-employee or was for personal reasons, or the injury was obtained while off duty. References: FMCSA. (January 1, 2014) retrieved from Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission Federal limousine service and regulations. (2014) Retrieved from Limo service & limousine service regulations: http://www.airportcommuter.com/worldwide/federal_limo_regulations.htm Employment at will Doctrine in Texas – Appellate case law (2010) retrieved from Texas opinions: http://www.texas-opinions.com/law-employment-at-will.html

Designing a Syllabus

From the theories given above, we conclude that when designing a syllabus, curriculum, school mission and students' needs should be taken in consideration in order to achieve learning objectives. As stated by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Kosova (MESTK) â€Å"In order to achieve the targeted aims and objectives of particular grade English language curriculum and to cover the topical content of particular grade syllabus, teachers should select and use materials of appropriate level from textbook(s) and other sources (online magazines and newspapers, TV, video, Internet). These materials should be primarily dedicated to teenagers and young adults. It remains in the teacher's domain to select teaching materials that may be type and profile appropriate, which (s)he may use either as alternative or as supplementary material in the English language program.Although it is estimated that within a school year, approximately 8 content areas should be covered, it is the teacher's responsibility to plan the number of topical areas (units) and the composition of it, in accordance with the total amount of hours dedicated to English in different types of vocational schools. In addition, teachers may plan an amount of 20 – 30% of overall teaching materials, which (s)he may use with a particular profile of learners in order to cover specific professional needs and meet the requirements of particular vocational schools. These could be a selection of specific texts/materials suitable for the particular type/profile of vocational schools (e.g. texts in medical field, technical field, business, catering†¦). Apart from this, teachers may use supplementary materials to suit the learners' needs, that is, their background knowledge (or lack of it), their interests and motivation. Supplementary materials (video tapes, documentary films, drama activities, projects, contests and quizzes, and similar), may be used either within regular English classes, or within additional activities planned by the vocational school curriculum (choice subjects, extra-curricular activities, and similar).† The above citation can be found on the website of MESTK under the section of vocational schools curriculum. However, the difference between general schools and vocational schools' curriculum is made only by the part cited in this paper. I.e. English language taught in professional schools despite different study domain, is not treated as ESP program but the burden falls on the teacher who, besides the units that are envisaged to be included in the program, is obliged to select additional materials which are profile appropriate. Scholars as Dudley-Evans and ST John (1998) describe the teacher as the material selector, researcher, and an evaluator as well as syllabus designer. They continue their argument emphasizing that these roles cannot be fulfilled if the learners' needs are not analyzed beforehand. ESP teachers have to complete all the roles mentioned above in order to achieve the harmony between, students' needs, study domain and the curriculum designed by the Ministry of Education. 2.5 Using textbooks in the lesson Textbooks have an essential role in language classrooms in all types of educational situations. It is a kind of media used by both students and teachers. When using a textbook teacher is assured that everyone in the class is getting the same amount of knowledge and that they are equally evaluated and tested. Course books provide a diversity of learning resources since they make a set of workbooks, cassette tapes, or CD-ROMs, and a teacher's guide. Richards (2010) claims that there are also some disadvantages in using textbooks; for example, they may not reflect students' needs. Each textbook aims to occupy the global market and so it is unable to serve everyone's needs. There are innumerous textbooks which are designed for teaching-learning process but not all of them are categorized as good textbooks. As the result, before choosing a textbook, teachers should really understand about needs, interests, abilities, and level of the students. Similarly, Harmer (2007) declares that the most important part of the use of textbook is to adopt the needs of the students. Bertin (2003) proclaims that it is a special skill that teachers should have in order to choose the textbook that suits language level, content, activity and the logical order of the textbook. In English for foreign learners (EFL) classes, a course book is the key to language teaching, language learning as well as it is a window to particular language culture. Nevertheless as Dickins (1994) clarifies, that the resources evaluation literature tends to focus absolutely on the analysis of the product. This means that teachers themselves carry out the evaluation of textbooks in order to conclude which materials best suit their purposes, schools mission and students' needs. Despite its special importance, regarding features mentioned above, a textbook should be selected and evaluated carefully before used in the class. Cunningsworth (1995) proposes four criteria for analyzing textbooks:o â€Å"Coursebooks should correspond to student's needs. o They should match learners' uses (present or future). Selected textbooks should equip learners with the knowledge that will effectively serve them for their purposes.o They should take in consideration students needs and facilitate their learning process.o They should have a key role as a sustention to learning. Their role is similar to teachers. They negotiate between the target language and the student.†

The Current Evidence of Human Evolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Current Evidence of Human Evolution - Essay Example This study, according to Keim (2011) supported the idea that increasingly younger birth ages are hugely influenced by changes in the genetic makeup caused by natural selection. This means that the ability of a woman to give birth at a younger age is dependent on the inherited genetic traits, according to Keim (2011). This evidence provides a clue as to how Homo sapiens evolved into a species. Another research conducted in Northern Europe and Africa has shown evidence of human evolution. According to this study, it was discovered that people living in these regions have developed the ability to tolerate lactose in their diets. This form of evolution, according to scientists was due to cultural reliance on milk as a product of agriculture (Harrel 2009). Ways in which current understanding of human evolution effect how we may evolve in the future? From the current evidence of modern evolution, it becomes apparent that humans may continue to evolve in the future. This is attributed to th e selective pressures that humans are likely to encounter in the future thereby resulting in continued evolution. For instance, we might make an educated speculation that future human beings might end up lacking the wisdom teeth (Wade 2010). Research indicates that a majority consider their wisdom teeth as things that should be removed surgically before they begin to erupt. The main reasons being that modern humans have small jaws that do not require wisdom teeth. The main belief is that, wisdom teeth are vestigial molars, which evolved in ancestral humans at a time when jaws were bigger, and most diets were hard that required strong jaws. It is no wonder wisdom teeth continue to disappear. For instance, research indicates that about 35% of people are nowadays born without wisdom... Another research conducted in Northern Europe and Africa has shown evidence of human evolution. According to this study, it was discovered that people living in these regions have developed the ability to tolerate lactose in their diets. This form of evolution, according to scientists was due to cultural reliance on milk as a product of agriculture (Harrel 2009).Ways in which current understanding of human evolution effect how we may evolve in the future?From the current evidence of modern evolution, it becomes apparent that humans may continue to evolve in the future. This is attributed to the selective pressures that humans are likely to encounter in the future thereby resulting in continued evolution. For instance, we might make an educated speculation that future human beings might end up lacking the wisdom teeth (Wade 2010).Research indicates that a majority consider their wisdom teeth as things that should be removed surgically before they begin to erupt. The main reasons being that modern humans have small jaws that do not require wisdom teeth. The main belief is that wisdom teeth are vestigial molars, which evolved in ancestral humans at a time when jaws were bigger, and most diets were hard that required strong jaws. It is no wonder wisdom teeth continue to disappear. For instance, research indicates that about 35% of people are nowadays born without wisdom teeth. In addition, evidence also shows that many children are nowadays born with just one, two, or three wisdom teeth.

Discuss the different eras of resistance kinship relationships to Essay

Discuss the different eras of resistance kinship relationships to Aboriginal people - Essay Example Aboriginals are more found in Australia, India, Africa etc. they are different in the patterns of dressing, adoring, intake of food and medicinal practices. They have been different in various eras like primitive society, agricultural society, industrial society and post modern society. Kinship is the main objective of the sociologists since it is the basic factor in the organization of the society. They focus on the history of kinship irrespective of nation, state and geographical area. â€Å"Kinship systems establish relationships between individuals and groups on the model of biological relationships between parents and children, between siblings, and between marital partners.† (Kinship: a dictionary of sociology, 1998). But some theorists are on the view that the relationship between wife and husband through which they are related by marriage do not include in the category of kinship. They tell that this relationship is called as affinal relationship. But some other theorists say that the biological relationship is not necessary to determine kinship because some children have social father who takes the responsibility of them and therefore kinship must be established on account of social fathers. When we think about kinship the entire influential factors must be considered like the way of relationship, cultural and political background, economic status etc. There are two theories which emerged in the second half of the twentieth century and they are alliance theory and descent theory. Descent theory stresses that the role of kinship system is to understand political entities of the lineage group in the history. When descent theory gives more importance on the descent and succession, alliance theory emphasizes on the marriage. â€Å"Ernest L Schusky has given the following types of kinship.† (Joshi 1999, p.109). First type of kinship is consanguineal kinship which means the relation by blood like parent child

In females with recurrent bacterial vaginosis, do prophylactic Essay

In females with recurrent bacterial vaginosis, do prophylactic antibiotics, compared to no treatment, reduce the recurrence rate - Essay Example The infection is prevalent amongst African Americans. A good number of women experience vaginal irritation along with a thin, watery, yellow-green discharge. The infection is also associated with a bad smell. Research shows that although some sexual activities are involved, offering treatment to a sexual partner has never shown to prevent re-infection. In most cases, the treatment is via insertion of Flagyl (metronidazole) into the vaginal canal for a period of five to seven days. Flagyl (metronidazole) is an antibiotic. To date, very few studies have attempted to examine the application of prophylactic antibiotics for recurrent Bacterial vaginosis. The bottom line is that although Flagyl gel or antibiotic placed intravaginally for about twice in a week significantly reduced the recurrence rate, research has shown that women may continue suffering more yeast infections as result of using antibiotics. At the moment, yoghurt or capsule is one of the suggested and alternative treatments which has demonstrated to be less harmful and its efficiency has been proved in laboratory environment (Tafazzoli et al., 2014). An inclusion criterion for this study is a search literature of women with recurrent bacterial vaginosis and whether prophylactic antibiotics, compared to no treatment, reduce the recurrence rate. There are a number of approaches that can be used to develop a search strategy.  The approach that is presented here emphasizes the specificity as well as the sensitivity of the search strategy. The bottom line is that it is important to make the search specific, as it will help avoid things that are not necessary. In order to achieve this, the necessary criteria will be applied to accept the appropriate articles criteria are necessary for you to accept the article. This will help to identify and consider articles that only

Personal Philosophy of Student sucess Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Personal Philosophy of Student sucess - Essay Example order to ensure that I earn more than a sheet of paper with a degree printed on it upon college graduation, I have set up some important guidelines so that my education, career, and life are set on the right track and a solid foundation. If a student sets off to college expecting professors to set his or her life’s course − whether we are talking values, career direction, or other goals − that student is playing a game of Russian roulette. Fortunately, I have been counseled at an early age to be accountable for my actions, and this is consistent with scholarly guidance being offered to college students today, which emphasizes that accepting personal responsibility for one’s actions is critical to achieving college success, (Downing 1). From this core value stem the ability to self-motivate, master self-management of one’s time and obligations, and establish interdependence – where one learns to give and receive essential information from others. Also, the power of choice to make wise decisions must be utilized (Downing 3), as one must use his or her cognitive skills to collect, organize, rehearse, and then evaluate information (Downing 16) before acting out. One barometer that I personally employ to gauge my personal choices is the Bible, which teaches me to â€Å"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil,† (The NIV Study Bible, Prov. 3.5-7). I can always fall back on wise teachings such as this in order to stay grounded on a moral track and rely on the timeless discernment that has shaped this nation for centuries − and the world for millennia. When striving to set more specific and short-term goals, I find it beneficial to focus on positive ways to adapt well to academic demands and campus life. Impeccable attendance in class is always a top priority of mine − there is a direct

Volkswagen Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Volkswagen - Essay Example Additionally, the paper also discusses the company’s SBUs and growth strategies to assist the creation of a clearer stance on the development of Volkswagen’s strategic direction. Appraisal of strategic decisions is also conducted to provide direction for further considerations and research. Recommendations focus on the expansion of Volkswagen in developing markets by application of current strategies and the enhancement of its position in the markets of India, China and Brazil. 1. Introduction As one of the key players in its industry, German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen stands as the 14th largest company in the world according to Forbes (2013). Relying on the foundations of advancing corporate social responsibility and sustainability through its operations, Volkswagen’s mission extends to the provision of customer satisfaction, which is a practice that the company hopes would lead to its attainment of the first position in the global automotive industry by the year 2018. For the purposes of realizing its objectives, the company implements and follows what is known as a group strategy across its departments in order to fulfill its aim of recording 10 million sales of automobiles in a year and generating a pre-tax profit margin of 8% (Volkswagen 2011). This report comprehensively covers the aspects of Volkswagen’s strategic position and strategic direction in addition to a critical evaluation of Volkswagen Group’s strategy to highlight the company’s path in meeting its long term objectives effectively. 2. ANALYSIS OF STRATEGIC POSITION 2.1 External Analysis In examining the external position of Volkswagen Group, this section of the report utilizes the evaluations of tools such as the PESTEL analysis, Porter’s Five Forces analysis and the industry life cycle. 2.1.1 PESTEL ANALYSIS POLITICAL The UNECE agreement introduced in 1958 was initiated by the EU to provide an incentive to automakers operating within th e political region by diminishing compliance costs. While, the UNECE agreement is critical to enhancing Volkswagen’s cost efficiency the Cars 2020 reform proposed by the EU will allow the company to expand its geographical reach (European Commission 2013). ECONOMIC Following the global economic downturn, analysts such as Pearson (2013) are predicting a gradual and steady recovery in Europe’s demand for automobiles which had diminished to a great extent. Both the consistency in demand for cars outside of the EU and a revival in demand within the EU is a positive sign for Volkswagen Group. SOCIAL The market positioning of Volkswagen’s brands has significantly assisted its aim of catering to the unpredictably of social transitions and changes in consumer preferences. By balancing cars that offer great value and automobiles such as the Phaeton that is designed for the high-end customer, Volkswagen Group is greatly equipped with facing any amendments with regards to social factors. TECHNOLOGICAL Volkswagen has increased its investments in R&D and constant innovation owing to the competitiveness of the automobile industry. The relentless efforts of the company’s R&D and innovations department have led to the development of technologies such as BlueMotion, Assistance systems and TDI. ENVIRONMENTAL

Organizational Behavior Final Research Paper Assignment

Organizational Behavior Final Research Paper - Assignment Example Decision-making in an individuals life is based on perception. Perception in human beings is a process by which an individual interprets their sensory impressions so as to give meaning to their surrounding. Organizations face problems that need an individual employee or the entire top management to make a decision on what option to undertake. According to Ehrgott (2011), decisions in an organization lies in a situation like what marketing strategy to employ, what suppliers to adopt, who to hire and what new investments to make. Decisions are made all the way from the top management to the general staff of the organization. Decisions can be done as an individual or as a group of people, Ehrgott (2011). Modern technologies are changing how decisions are being made in organizations. Grant (2011) says the despite the involvement of technology in decision making in an organization, and the human being always makes the final decision after considering the options presented by decision support systems. The current decision-making trends in 21st-century organizations are RAPID and rational decision-making. Rational decision-making is widely used in many global organizations since it uses facts and statistics to come up with the next decision to choose, Grant (2011). Grant (2011) continues to say that facts for decision-making are reliable due to the highly sophisticated statistical software they use to generate them. Rational decision-making is an analytical process that makes fact-based decisions. The systematic process of decision making in most organizations nowadays is done through the decision support system. According to Stephen (2005), decision support systems are used for problems that are not well specified or less structured for mostly the upper-level managers. DSS incorporates knowledge-based systems that analyze organizational data to create a best case scenario for

The attempt to manage population change Essay Example for Free

The attempt to manage population change Essay Thailand had a massive population problem where in 1970 it had a large youthful population and an ageing population which can create a lot of problems for the economy and country in the future so Thailand had various schemes in order to fix this, these being split into social, economic and political solution. The main way to decrease population is to increase the amount of contraceptives used and available by the public so socially condoms became available anyway for example the cinema or festivals even traffic jams, this would mean that more people would have access to condoms and ultimately have less children. Although condoms became the main feature of the campaign, the Thai government also supported Mechais efforts by making a wide range of contraceptives available to the public too for example the pill. Thailand was one of the first countries to use intravenous contraceptive DPMA and is one of the largest users. This was a successful as most Thais were open to accepting new ideas so were rooting for this new campaign, these contraceptive methods were spread to rural areas too so all of Thailand benefited from this. This also created free and readily available sterilisation which promoted the use of birth control, PDA offer free vasectomies at festivals on the kings birthday too. This success was due to the large egalitarian relationship between men and women, it is also higher than most developed countries in the world and this promoted family planning because of the contraceptive use which was available for both genders, also the advances and improvements in healthcare for mothers and children had a large role to play in the success of the scheme. Schools and university schemes helped to also teach the younger population about contraceptives and family planning to insure that they use contraceptives in the future, this plan was reinforced by the fact that 90% had a high literacy rate which means that the educational opportunities are the same and they are taught the importance of family planning and contraceptive use. They also use things like condoms and cabbages to break down barriers in conversations regarding this subject. Thailands population is largely made up of  Buddhists, around 95% of the population are Buddhist. Family planning in the Buddhist scriptures are also a reason why this scheme has been successful, for example it says many children make you poor telling the population to increase their use of contraceptives to economically benefit which brings me to my next point. The economy plays a large role in the task to bring down the birth rate and decrease the ageing population. PDA offers loans linked to contraception use and preference was given to applicants who were practising family planning. Loans were based on character, credit worthiness and the type of project. Interest rates were substantially lower than traditional moneylenders in poor rural communities. This encouraged couples to family plan in order to obtain more money and increase their standard of living leading to the use of contraceptives and healthcare and larger loans were given to those who used more successful methods of contraception. PDA provided loans to build rain water catchment jars for drinking water set up rice banks, pig banks and buffalo banks. The PDA provided loans to build rain water catchment jars for drinking water so No money was involved just a loan in the form of the animal which would benefit those who live in rural areas and farm or cant afford to buy meat, this also encourages the use of family planning and contraceptive use. Lastly they recognised the effect that it can have on tourism if HIV/AIDS spreads and becomes a high rate, so the economic schemes were successful due to the growth in urban population and also the high rates of urban and industrial growth. I feel that the political changes created the biggest impact on the attempt on population change and was able to successfully do so, in 1971 family planning was made a national goal so was recognised by the whole of Thailand, Mechai Viravaidya launched the PDA which is an Investment in combatting Aids and poor international reputation for sex tourism which lead to a 20x increase investment which reduced from 2% in 1990 to 1.2% 2015. There is also a backup of 100% government enforcement campaign in sex establishments. These schemes were schemes were successful due to the creative drive, imagination marketing from the genius of Mechai Viravaidya in addition the PDA worked closely with the government. In conclusion I feel that the attempt to manage population change has been a success as in 2010 the birth rate has decreased dramatically and these schemes have been recognised globally which shows that there methods to manage the change in population to be very effective and successful for the reasons I have explained.

Complex Narrative Structure Of Memento

Complex Narrative Structure Of Memento Due to the nature and complex narrative structure of Memento (Nolan 2000), one has to closely evaluate the succession of events before one could make the assumption that this film is a typical Hollywood mainstream motion picture. It is easy to assume that this film would in fact fit the criteria of the Hollywood mainstream motion picture, only upon looking at the cast and A-List director- Christopher Nolan- who one could assume would use his usual cinematic style to ensure the success of this film. The complex introduction to the film already creates the anxiety-driven need to finish watching the film, due to the unusualness of the opening scene that distinguishes Memento (Nolan 2000) from other classical Hollywood films. Jean Baudrillard: brief biography Jean Baudrillard, the French sociologist, cultural critic, and theorist of post modernity were born in Reims on the 27th of July, 1929. Even though his parents were civil servants and his grandparents were peasant farmers, Jean Baudrillard was the first University graduate from his family. He later went on to teach sociology at University and was named one of the most intellectual figures of his time. Throughout his childhood, he was exposed to the Algerian war of the 1950s and 60s, which had a significant influence on the way he thinks and perceives society (Jean Baudrillard-Biography [sa]). After becoming an assistant at Nanterre University of Paris in 1966, he was quickly connected with Roland Barthes and used Bartheses analysis of culture in his first book, namely The Object System (1968). When the students of Nanterre University revolted in 1968, Baudrillard joined in the action, and through inspiration, assisted with a distinctive journal of the time, Utopie. This journal was clearly influenced by situationism, structural Marxism and various media theories wherein he issued numerous theoretical articles about/on the environment of capitalist prosperity (affluence) and the evaluation of technology. Baudrillard then went on to teach at the European Graduate School (EGS) from the day that the school opened to the day of his death on the 6th of March, 2007 (Jean Baudrillard-Biography [sa]). Marxism and (post-) Marxism: Marxist film theory The Marxist approach to the study of films centres (focuses) on the continuous ways that cinema ideologically allow and even betrays the devises that diminishes the middle-class (bourgeois) view of society and the world. These devises (mechanisms) of ideology comprise both the social organisations (institutions), as well as the industrial knowledge that vigorously function to create (produce) the middle-class culture which society consume daily. Several precise illustrations of such social and industrial organisations are: (1) the way labour is divided to ensure revenue (capital); (2) hierarchy (social order and class-structure); (3) industrial transformation of revenue of production; and (4) replacing services (commodities). Each (and all) of the mentioned devices (mechanisms) have been incorporated into (and informed) the film trade since it originated. In the sphere of cinema and film, these mechanisms shape the influential culture-producing section of societal apparatuses that Ma rxist film theorists calls the cinematic apparatus (Netto 2000:[sp]). Jean Baudrillards opinion of Marxism In his book, The consumer society (Baudrillard 1998:183), Baudrillard makes the conclusion and commends multiple forms of refusal of common ruling (convention), obvious notable and eye-catching utilisation (consumption), and conventional thinking and behaving, which can ultimately be merged (combined) into a practice of radical change (Baudrillard 1998:183). Baudrillard then goes on to describe a state (situation) where isolation (alienation) in its entirety cannot be improved on since it is the very structure of market society (Baudrillard 1998:190). Baudrillard argues that in a social order (culture), in which everything is seen as a product or service that can be purchased and put up for sale, that isolation (alienation) is total. Thus, isolation (alienation) is ever present in the social order where everything (from products to services) can be bought (Kellner 2007:[sp]). In the early 1970s, Baudrillard had an unsure (ambivalent) relationship with the theory of conventional Marxism in the since that he agreed with the Marxian analysis of the production of social commodities, which ultimately defined and critiqued the various notions of estrangement (alienation), dominant power, and exploitation that was shaped by capitalism. One could say that Baudrillards evaluation of these notions corresponds with the traditional (standard) neo- Marxian viewpoint which puts emphasis on the culpability of Capitalism and makes the assumption that Capitalism is homogenizing, domineering and ruled social class systems whilst depriving individuals of their liberty, originality and imagination, time, and potential (Kellner 2007:[sp]). In contradiction, Baudrillard could never emphasise any revolutionary forces and above all, didnt argue the circumstances and prospectives of the working class as a driving force for an altered (changed) social order of consumption. Thus, with no suggestion of the subject as a participating driving force of societal modification, Baudrillard pursued the structuralist and poststructuralist assessment of the truth-seeking (philosophical) and practical subject matter which was extensively governed in French deliberation. Practitioners of structuralism and post structuralism argued that bias (subjectivity) was shaped by verbal communication (language), societal establishments, and cultural appearances and wasnt sovereign of its creation in these establishments and preparations (Kellner 2007:[sp]). Classical film noir: Definition, Primary characteristics, conventions and historical surroundings The role of the male protagonist In (post-) Marxist noir films, the protagonist is frequently depicted as a single white male, who is usually psychologically troubled due to disloyalty or some form of loss of something in particular. The male protagonist is also usually emotionally crippled or psychologically injured. This summary of the post Marxist noir leading male is applicable to the post Marxist neo-noir picture Memento (Nolan 2000) (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). In Memento (Nolan 2000), Nolan presents the character of Leonard Shelby (Guy Pierce) who could be seen as a combination of the typical private investigator that thrives in noir and neo-noir films and the defective (flawed) insurance salesman of the noir crime picture. The result is a brain damaged insurance investigator. This character in itself is already a complex and interesting one, but Nolen makes Leonard even more complex by turning Leonard into a serial killer who is unaware of the driving forces that influences him to commit these crimes (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). Further characteristics of classical film noir: mood, tone, visual and cinematic elements According to the British Medical Journal (BMJ), that did a study on films dealing with memory, and made the conclusion that in Memento (Nolan 2000)- different from other films dealing with the memory genre- Leonards character (with some form of amnesia) maintains/retains his identity and puts emphasis on a number of strenuous daily problems regarding recollection related to mental disorders (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). After watching this film one could argue that the disjointed, mosaic-like quality of the succession of edited scenes in Memento (Nolan 2000) ingeniously simulates the perpetual present characteristics of memory loss related conditions. The film does not however merely represent mental/neurological illness, but furthermore supports the (post-) Marxian notion of the leading white male point of view. This notion is supported by purposely bringing in a cruel femme fatale character named Natalie (Carrie-Anne Moss). Natalie makes use of Leonard by lying to him, whilst telling him that she is using him, since she is fully aware of Leonards condition and knows that his memory will fade. Yet again, Nolan does so to make a victim of the protagonist in order to distract the viewers from the plot by making use of empathetic relation to the character (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). Neo noir films In the 1990s, spectators all through the world were presented with a newer and darker adaptation of noir, which was concealed within old methods, yet they were presented as fresh and sleek narratives in magnificent colour. One of the things that make 90s neo-noir different from previous recreations of film noir is the reoccurring focal point on mental illness and the dilemmas caused by psychological struggles. Within this new neo-noir, a white male middle-class outlook was reflected, articulating the fear of becoming the solitary objective in an innovative bold politically correct society. neo-noir also emphasised the increasing statistics of mental illness of the 90s in America (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). Neo-noir films were made to retaliate against a variety of minorities occupied with complicated interior clashes that inhabits not only the minds of the characters, but also the mind of the filmmakers. Whereas this is a presumption as to why noir returned (resurfaced), it is evidently apparent that noir- exclusively composed of method (style) over matter (substance) was a new way of thinking in (post-) Marxist filmmaking. By entering the unknown territory of the inner workings of the mind (psyche), as supposed to the usual physical plane of existence that regularly surfaces in the narrative cinema, the matter (substance) was produced (formed) (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). In these types of films, making use of the psychological (mental) state whilst attacking unfit elements disrupting the social order, a new innovative way of filmmaking ensured an interesting and attention-grabbing combination (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). In 90s American cinema, audiences were extremely wrapped-up in paranoia. It was a time of confusion and society was faced with a civic (public) crisis when the need for truth, the status of information, and the determination of truth surfaced (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). It is ordinarily noticeable that postmodern, post-industrial, post- Marxist, and post- cold war social orders (society) shaped and produced an ongoing concern to what is real and how reality could be established and the authorization thereof. The continuing psychological (mental) focal point in/of 90s contemporary American cinema- mainly of neo-noir- revolves around the postmodern panic (fear) and uncertainty over truth and reality. The internet (made available to the public in the 1990s) not only brought an increasing stream of information, but made it more difficult for society to know what to trust and what not to trust. The 90s is known as the era where it was the fastest and easiest way of distribution of propaganda and misinformation, which added a spiralling effect of cynicism and disillusionment of a nation (Szyszka 2007:[sp] ). Strategy of the real The way in which text positions and/or fixes the viewer (consumer) is revealed first and foremost through a significant assessment surrounding the dominant (governing) structures of cinema, demonstrated by the Hollywood system (structure), and its utilization of narrative and realist forms (BaraÅ„ski and Short 1985:276). One could argue that the dominating shape of narrative used in mainstream cinema and Television creates a meticulous mode (way) of interpreting the world (dominant society): rather than focussing on the subject matter of the motion picture it is concerned with mysteries and anxiety that focuses on the attention of the audience to the method of narrative resolution, it demands and supplies endings which appear to present straightforward resolutions and conclusions to the struggles it has symbolized (represented), so that it gives a closed view of the world (modern society); attention (interest) is frequently concerned on a single protagonist rather than grou ps, and driving forces is understood in the psychosomatic rather than societal conditions (BaraÅ„ski and Short 1985:276). In the same way that it is impossible to rediscover a total (absolute) level of reality it is also impossible to stage a false impression (illusion) of what is real. The possibility of illusion is not possible anymore because the possibility of the real does no longer exist. for instance, should one fabricate (simulate) a break in at a local department store, it would be an interesting observation as to how one would be treated by the repressive state apparatus, as sopposed to what would happen to a person who organised a real brake in. A real brake in would ultimately disturb the natural order of things- individual property rights- whereas the simulation of a robbery ultimately obstructs the code of reality. Misbehaviour and aggression (committing a crime) are not as serious, because it simply challenges the natural (real) order and will be delt with. Simulation of the real is considerably more hazardous given that it constantly implies (suggests), in addition to its object, that re gulation (law) and instruct (order) in itself are merely simulations (Simulacra and Simulations 1988:[sp]). Nevertheless, after simulating a fake robbery, how would one convince the repressive state apparatus that it was merely a simulation of theft? One couldnt, for the reason that there is no objective distinction. Identical motions (gestures) and identical signs are apparent in a simulated robbery as it would in a real theft. As far as the dominant power (Ideological state apparatus and repressive state apparatus) is concerned, they (the gestures and signs) resemble those of a real robbery. After the fake robbery, one would- without knowing- find oneself instantly in the real (one of whose purpose is specifically and ideologically produced to consume all efforts of simulation) reducing everything to reality (Simulacra and Simulations 1988:[sp]). Socialist and radical practitioner have been using realism as a narrative structure, and although they have been criticised since they are significant to the realities they depict, have been presenting information of reality as trouble-free and doesnt properly give possible methods of altering (changing) the world. in addition, they present an uncomplicated truth regarding society. This is the innermost predicament of realism: that it presumes a representation which it considers as the truth, neither inquiring the course of representation nor inserting audiences into position from which they have to work to create an understanding of the text. The significance to the workings of Marxism and (post-) Marxism is that dominant cinema and TV are viewed as two of the positions through which dominant ideology is symbolized (represented) and accomplishes its effects. Narrative forms and realist forms are ideological, and their naturalness and obvious impartialities are conducts of disguising the fact that they create a meticulous vision of the world (BaraÅ„ski, Z.G Short, J.R 1985: 277). The revenge film By convincing the viewer that Leonards murderous ways are driven by vengeance (Leonard wants to avenge the rape and murder of his wife by hunting down the alleged murderer, John G) one could say that Nolan relies on the aspect of sympathy .i.e. to sympathise with a character to justify his/her actions (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). Common characteristics Although the film humorously simulates the authorative power of the case-hardened private detective (private- eye) by giving Leonard a voice-over narration, his weakening state-of-mind (short-term memory loss) undermines/and challenges any assertion that Leonard is creating a continuous, consistent narrative- either about himself or about other characters. One could say that one of the main purposes of the confusing voice-over narrative is to include comical relief throughout the picture. This is applicable in the scene where Leonard is apparently chasing a man: Okay, what am I doing? Im chasing this guy. Nope. Hes chasing me. (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). Memento (Nolan 2000), in addition to coming across as a series of fragmented scenes, is also edited so that the narrative plays out backwards. This becomes evidently clear as the protagonist (Leonard Shelby) vigorously lies to himself. One could make the assumption that Leonards condition not only makes the creation of self- trickery (dece ption) achievable but also possibly fatal (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). Analysis of the narrative structure of Christopher Nolans Memento Memento (2000)is a film written and directed by Christopher Nolan (and adapted from the short story of his brother, Jonathan Nolan), revolves around memory. In the film, Leonard Shelby (Guy Pierce), is the protagonist who has lost the ability to/of forming new memories when he was violently assaulted during the rape and murder of his wife in their own home. Now suffering from short-term-memory-loss, Leonard is not able to remember, nor recognise people even after just having interaction with them (people such as the clerk of the hotel where Leonard is staying). Leonard does, however, recall everything that happened in the past preceding his accident. The plot revolves around Leonards condition (as he calls it) and the determination of avenging his wifes death(He has a clear recollection of the actual murder of his wife) (Clarke 2002:167). The combination of his condition and the yearning to avenge the death of his wife requires him to constantly refresh his memory, which he does by making and keeping loads of mysterious/ puzzling (cryptic) notes, by taking Polaroid pictures of everyone he meets (to remember them) and even going so far as to tattoo the facts that leads his investigative search, on his body. Even though Leonard has all these clues, his memory is constantly fading and he has to function in perpetual confusion when he meets people for the first time or when he finds himself at a different location. Thus, one could say that Leonard is constantly exposed to submission (he is easily persuaded or convinced). Leonards condition is so severe that he can instantly forget what he was doing or talking/thinking about. One could argue the hilarity (comical aspect) of this situation of memory loss throughout the film (Clarke 2002:167-168). One such an example is when Leonard is running but doesnt recall why he is running. As he looks around, he quickly becomes aware that someone is running parallel/next to him, when suddenly, one can hear Leonards thoughts. He is thinking: Okay, now, what am I doing? Oh, I must be chasing that guy (Clarke 2002:168). The comical aspect arises when Leonard changes his course and starts to run after the unknown male, when suddenly, the unknown male points his gun at Leonard and starts chasing him (forcing Leonard to change his direction again when the gun is fired) after almost shooting Leonard (Clarke 2002:168). Leonard is also constantly manipulated throughout the film, not only by his own mind, but also by the characters. Various characters (will be made clear later on) misleads Leonard due to his condition and manipulates him into doing their dirty work (Clarke 2002:168). Spectacle has always been the major field of entertainment, but in todays society that is mainly concerned with infotainment, spectacle and entertainment have come into the area of society, economy, politics, and existence in significant original customs. Building on the convention of manifestation, modern figures of entertainment stretching from Television to stage include spectacle society into their schemes, changing film, television, music, Drama and other areas of society, as well as creating original structures of society, such as cyberspace, multimedia, virtual reality and psycho-crime Drama (Kelner, D 2003:4). A plot summery Leonard Shelby had been struck in the back of the head by the rapist/murderer when trying to save his wife, which resulted Leonard to sustain severe mental and physical trauma and nearly destroyed the function of memory making entirely. After recovery, Leonard is now faced with the difficult role of functioning in society without any short-term memory reconciliation. Leonard is, however, able to function in society after learning to retain information through impulse (instinct) and repetition (replication) .i.e. conditioning. He does so by taking Polaroid pictures and writing short notes (information) on them, thus, using the pictures to simulate short-term memory. This simulation evolves further, one could say, due to the fact that Leonard tattoos the fact of his investigation onto his person (like a bodily map of facts and clues). In a classical (post-)Marxist noir-ish style of filmmaking, Leonard is surrounded by characters who exploit his misfortune by helping (assisting) him, mi sleading him, and/or achieving a little of both (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). The narrative structure In the film Memento (Nolan 2000) which could be perceived as a (post-) Marxist film- it is evidently clear that the film relies on gimmick ( a devise used to grab attention). The fact that one has been hailed (interpolated) into a chain of lies can be terrifying upon watching this film, however, what is more terrifying is that the lies were created by ones own need to fabricate a real narrative (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). Just before the ending of Memento (Nolan 2000), Nolan actively places the viewer into Leonard shoes in the scene where Teddy tells Leonard the truth about the death of his wife, creating final confusion to ensure that the viewer partakes in the movie. Nolan does so by actively ensuring that the viewer takes on the role of detective (just like the role of Leonard Shelby) by trying to make sense of (decipher) the narrative truth. This however posts the question: Does one believe the character of Leonard Shelby who constantly confesses to his unreliability? Or does one believe the character of Teddy who discloses that he had been lying to Leonard and that he, himself, is also named John G Gammell? (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). In order to answer this question one has to closely evaluate various scenes from the film. One of the scenes that stands out meticulously (by using flashbacks) is the scene just before the climax of the movie where Teddy informs Leonard that Sammy Jenkins (a man described by Leonard when he talks about his job where he had to investigate an insurance claim made by the wife of Sammy Jenkins) did in actuality, not exist. The viewer is presented with a sequence of flashbacks that changes momentarily which furthermore contributes to the constant confusion of who and what to believe. One thing is certain though, given that the viewer is restricted to Leonards point of view (perspective), that when Leonard makes the subtle realisation (the flashback where he injects his wife with insulin) and squats down to the floor while convincing himself that his wife didnt have diabetes that Sammy Jenkins is in fact just a fabrication in Leonards mind, thus, showing that Teddy tells a version of the t ruth (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). Another scene that convinces one that Leonard is the one lying to himself, is the scene where Leonard tells the story of Sammys wife not believing that Sammys condition is real. She then goes on testing Sammy- according to Leonard- by telling him (Sammy) that it was time for her to be injected with insulin. After Sammy had injected his wife with the medicine she is still convinced that her husband is lying, so she turn back her wristwatch by 15 minutes and tells him that it was time for her to be injected with insulin (she was diabetic and relied on him to inject her even though he suffered from short-term memory loss). After repeating this process yet again Sammys wife overdoses on insulin and dies. Sammy was then placed into a mental asylum and in the final seconds of the black-and-white scene, just before it ends as the camera is closing up on Sammy a nurse walks past the camera-obstructing the view of Sammy- and for a brief second the shot is edited so that one sees Leonard sitti ng in the same chair as where Sammy sat, thus, emphasising that Leonard was in fact the one who was lying to himself through conditioning his mind and ultimately fabricated the story of Sammy Jenkins (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). One could say that in this particular scene, that Leonards memory of Sammy Jenkins is a simulation of himself in order to detach from the traumatic loss of his wife whom was raped and murdered before his very eyes. Here, the (post-) Marxist notion of neo-realism hits the most confusing plane of paranoia by making use of a protagonist who will never be able to believe himself and must constantly remind himself of where he is by leaving himself a postmodern network of clues to function in society (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). unified social reality In cinema, spectacle is presented as all of society, forming a part of the social order and as an instrument of unifying the general public, all at the same time (simultaneously). The spectacle is not a compilation of imagery, but rather a way for people to relate to one another socially, by mediation of imagery. An immense variety of obvious phenomena is explained and unified by the notion of spectacle. Measured in its own conditions, the spectacle confirms how everything should look (appearance) and confirms the nature of humanity (how humans should live), i.e. social life, as mere appearance. However, further analysis of the truth of the spectacle depicts it as noticeable contradictions of life, since spectacle is no longer about visual aesthetic and enriched text, but rather about mainstream cinematic ideology and revenue (Debord 1967:[sp]). Conclusion The master/slave dialectic is the story of the actualisation of a unified social reality. It is also an extension of the story of how the identity of the self is constituted in and through another. It is the story of desire (Diprose 1994:46). Even though the above mentioned excerpt speaks of the female form in modern day society, one could argue that just like the master/slave dialectic, that Leonard represents the slave and everyone else that is using and deceiving him- even his mental condition- are the masters. One could make this conclusion since Leonard is the one being used and mislead (just like the typical female character is usually exploited) without his knowledge. He thus creates, within himself, the longing (desire) to avenge his wifes death. One could thus conclude, that due to the fact that one is presented with a male protagonist, driven by loss and vengeance, in order to find closure and move on with his life, that Memento (Nolan 2000) does represent some form of unified social reality .i.e. the need to move forward. The fact that he never does move on with his life, almost contradicts the previous statement, except, the fact that Leonard is unable to realise this tragedy due to his mental trauma-paired wi th the fact that he is in actuality a serial killer- ensures the unified social reality (in accordance to the dominant power) that he gets what he deserves, an ongoing struggle of redemption. Sources consulted BaraÅ„ski, Z.G Short, J.R. 1985. Developing Contemporary Marxism. London: The Macmillan Press LTD. Baudrillard, J. 1998. The Consumer Society: Myths and Structures. Gateshead: Athenà ¦um Press Limited. Clarke, M. 2002. The Space-Time Image: the Case of Bergson, Deleuze, and Memento. The Journal of Speculative Philosophy 16(3): 167-168. Debord, G. 1967. Society of the Spectacle. [O]. Available: http://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/debord/society.htm Accessed 5 October 2010 Diprose, R. 1994. The bodies of woman: ethics, embodiment, and sexual difference. London: Routledge. Hurd, R. 2003. Christopher Nolans Memento Analysis of the narrative structure of a noirish revenge film. Paper presented at the Seminar: Decadence and Modernism in Late 20th Century American Cinema, 23 February 2003, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Jean Baudrillard-Biography. [Sa]. [O]. Available: http://www.egs.edu/faculty/jean-baudrillard/biography/ Accessed 2 October 2010 Kelner, D. 2003. Media Spectacle. New York: Routledge Kellner, D. 2007. Jean Baudrillard. [O]. Available: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/baudrillard/ Accessed 1 October 2010 Netto, J.A. 2000. Marxist film theory. [O]. Available: http://www.nettonet.org/Nettonet/Film%20Program/theory/marx-theory.htm Accesed 2 October 2010 Simulacra and Simulations. 1988. [O]. Available: http://www.stanford.edu/dept/HPS/Baudrillard/Baudrillard_Simulacra.html Accessed 30 September 2010 Szyszka, E. 2007. Brain Damage: Neo Noir in the Nineties. [O]. Available: http://thecinephilenewyork.blogspot.com/2007/08/brain-damage-neo-noir-in nineties.html Accessed 3 October 2010

Marketing Trend Essay -- GCSE Business Marketing BTEC Coursework

Marketing Trend Introduction Companies of today must respond to change to survive the future. Change is inevitable-growth is optional. Change forces all business owners to adapt, adjust and be energetic in building their businesses. After all, there are only three things a company can do with change: ignore it, adapt to it or embrace it. By focusing on new ways of doing things, a company can revitalize their business. In particular, marketing in new ways and with different strategies not only simulates new business, but also gives a company a new vision on productivity. Advertising Companies will need to use their resources wisely as technologies and quick markets will leave companies trying to find their way to the door. Spending millions of dollars to make a product unique is a thing of the past with technology and the ever changing buying patterns and competition companies will have to use those dollars to emphasize their company values not specifically their product. Additionally education will play an important role as markets and technology is rapidly changing. Companies should develop a culture that encourages and fosters new ways of looking at things. They constantly should strive to create, develop, test and refine ideas. Organizations and associations are resources and committed to offering ideas, information, data, conferences, publications and more. In addition, local college continuing education classes, public workshops and even the libr...

Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath vs. Sinclair’s The Jungle Essay

Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath vs. Sinclair’s The Jungle The global appeal of the so-called American dream of happiness and success has drawn many people to the â€Å"promised land† for hundreds of years. Although the American government preached equality for all on paper, it was driven primarily by money. Both Upton Sinclair and John Steinbeck recognized this and used literature to convey the flaws of capitalism. Sinclair’s The Jungle satirized America’s wage slavery at the turn of the century and forty years later, Steinbeck’s novel The Grapes of Wrath criticized the commercialism of American farming. These two books, often viewed as propagandistic, employ similar persuasive strategies: strong imagery, heavy symbolism, biting irony, and a proposal to correct the situation. Despite these parallels, however, the authentic diction and syntax of Steinbeck’s writing deviates from the inconsistent style of Sinclair. After considering how each author manipulates various stylistic elements, The Grapes of Wrath proves to be a more cogent tract. The most obvious rhetorical device in The Jungle is its powerful imagery. Sinclair offers repulsive anecdotes of work in the packinghouses. His description of the killing beds in winter vividly lingers in the mind of the reader. During winter, Sinclair says, the vicious cold of the beds caused the men to â€Å"tie up their feet in newspapers and old sacks.† By the end of the day, the frozen blood of slaughtered cattle soaked through their improvised boots so that â€Å"a man would be walking on great lumps the size of the feet of an elephant.† Sinclair also claims that when workers fell into the open vats on the floor in â€Å"tank rooms full of steam,† their absence passed unnoticed, often â€Å"over... ...beck describes them. Because the family concentrated on farming instead of schooling, their country phrases are fitting. Steinbeck’s convincing portrayal of Dust Bowl migrants grabs the reader’s emotions, producing a compelling argument. Overall, The Grapes of Wrath proves to be a more effective novel that The Jungle. Although The Jungle shares some of the same rhetorical devices, its unrealistic dialogue and long-winded sentences detract from its potency. Steinbeck and Sinclair both successfully use imagery, symbolism, and irony to persuade their audience. In both books, various symbols emphasize the deceptive nature of the American dream, and irony mercilessly illuminates the unjust aspects of capitalism. Ultimately, however, because The Grapes of Wrath is so genuine, Steinbeck proposes a solution for crooked capitalism more successfully than Sinclair.

Our Economic Future :: essays papers

Our Economic Future When I first decided to take this class I felt there was not much that when into the predictions of stock prices and the future of your economy. It is clear now that there are at least six different factors that contribute to the movement of our capital markets. At the present time our market is in what the experts call a correction period which means that it has fallen at least ten percent from a record setting date. Our economy is mist of a record boom of a one hundred and seven months. Experts a predicting the worst like they have the last twenty-four months or so. So I am going to make a prediction that the economy will continue to grow at a rate of 3.5% maybe not at the same rate as last year. The Federal Reserve is trying to slow the growth by raising rates by a quarter of a point. The rational for this is that the economy is growing at a rate that can spark inflation soon. So far the prior four times the Federal Reserve has raised rates not much has happened. I am predicting that if the current rate hike does not effect the market, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan will raise rates again in March and May to slow our prosperous economy. The reason why a rate hike will slow down the economy is by raising the overnight rate to 5.75, the highest since 1995, it has made borrowing less attractive. In turn, corporation will have less money to invest then productivity will go down, hence supply will go down and demand will soon follow. Right now though productivity numbers released in January showed that it is on the rise, which has keep inflation in check. As productivity is on the rise, corporations are going to require more labors. Unemployment is at an all time low of 4% and is not expected to increase much this year, levels are predicted to be between 4.0-4.25%. The rise in labor productivity will lead to less unemployment, which leads to a higher economic capacity and more money circulating in the market. With a rise in capacity there will be a rise in supply. Corresponding with this rise in supply there will be more money circulating there will be a rise in private domestic demand.

Credit Rating of Uttara Bank Limited Essay

1.1. Rationale of the Report In today’s world, banking sector has become an integral part of overall economy around the world. Millions of people are involved in banking sector. In Bangladesh, banking sector has experienced enormous growth over the past few decades. Millions of depositors, borrowers and other related parties have interest in this sector. Creditworthiness of banks is rated by CRAB and CRISL in Bangladesh. The idea behind our report on â€Å"Credit Rating Report on Uttara Bank Limited (UBL)† is to give credit rating of UBL by considering both qualitative and quantitative factors with judgement. 1.2 Origin of the Report This report has been prepared as a requirement for completion of MBA program under University of Dhaka. We have prepared the report under course F-504(Fixed Income Securities) with directions and valuable guidelines from our honorable course teacher Muhammad Mujibul Kabir, Associate Professor, Department Of Finance, University Of Dhaka. 3. Objectives of the Report Broad Objective: To do credit rating of Uttara Bank Limited (UBL) by considering important qualitative and quantitative information along with application of proper judgment. Specific Objectives: The objectives of the report are- âž ¢ To have an overall picture regarding the credit rating procedure of banking sector. âž ¢ To be informed with the trend and performance of the bank. âž ¢ To get an idea of factors affecting credit rating score of UBL. 4. Scope of the Report This report has been prepared to do credit rating of a particular bank (UBL) as assigned by our course teacher. 5. Methodology 1.5.1 Data Collection: The report is primarily based on secondary and published information. The major sources of information are published research reports and papers, DSE library, newspapers, data from annual report of UBL and peer banks, rating methodology of S&P etc. 1.5.2 Techniques of Data Analysis Both qualitative and quantitative statistical techniques were used for this research. †¢ Qualitative tools: bar graphs and trend line were used to present the collected data. †¢ Software used: Microsoft Excel 2007, Microsoft word 2007, stata software version 10. 6. Limitations In preparing the report, the main limitations that we faced were- †¢ Reliance on secondary data, mainly annual reports of banks. Sometimes, published data suffer from accounting manipulation. †¢ We had to prepare the credit rating report within a short time frame. Taking more time would have made the report more comprehensive. SECTION-II: THEORETICAL DISCUSSION ON CREDIT RATING 2.1. Why Credit Rating Is Necessary A credit rating evaluates the credit worthiness of a debtor, especially a business (company) or a government. It is an evaluation made by a credit rating agency of the debtor’s ability to pay back the debt and the likelihood of default. Credit ratings are determined by credit ratings agencies. The credit rating represents the credit rating agency’s evaluation of qualitative and quantitative information for a company. The credit rating is used by individuals and entities that purchase the bonds issued by companies and governments to determine the likelihood that the government will pay its bond obligations. A poor credit rating indicates a credit rating agency’s opinion that the company or government has a high risk of defaulting, based on the agency’s analysis of the entity’s history and analysis of long term economic prospects. 2.1. Corporate Credit Ratings The credit rating of a corporation is a financial indicator to potential investors of debt securities such as bonds. Credit rating is usually of a financial instrument such as a bond, rather than the whole corporation. There are two types of corporate credit rating: 1. entity rating 2. issue rating In Bangladesh, credit rating agencies conduct entity rating. However, issue rating may be different from or similar to or better than entity rating. Issue rating may be higher than entity rating if a particular issue is backed by sufficient collateral, third party guarantee. 2.3. Rating Methodology For the credit rating of the selected companies we have considered the guidelines provided by our course teacher. Credit rating is â€Å"an objective and impartial opinion on the ability and willingness of an issuer to make full and timely payments of financial obligations.† This opinion is conveyed in a simple alphanumerical scale, for easy reference and comparability. We have analyzed both the qualitative and the quantitative factors of the banking industry as a whole and also various factors of the companies itself. In the part of qualitative analysis we have analyze the industry risk, keys to success, diversification factors, firm size, management quality, quality of the financial reporting, performance in the industry. In the quantitative analysis we consider the profitability, cash flow adequacy, capital structure and financial flexibility. We have assigned some points on both the qualitative and quantitative information to get the exact rating. As for the sustainability of an organization both the quality of the management and quantitative figure that means company’s financial performances are equally important. We have assigned more weight for qualitative part than quantitative part. 2.4. Company Background Uttara Bank is one of the largest and oldest private-sector commercial banks in Bangladesh, with years of experience. Adaptation of modern technology both in terms of equipment and banking practice ensures efficient service to clients. 215 branches at home and 600 affiliates worldwide create efficient networking and reach capability. Uttara is a bank that serves both clients and country. The Bank had been a nationalized bank in the name of Uttara Bank under the Bangladesh Bank (Nationalization) order 1972, formerly known as the Eastern Banking Corporation Limited which started functioning on and from 28.01.1965. Consequent upon the amendment of Bangladesh Bank (Nationalization) order 1972, the Uttara Bank was converted into Uttara Bank Limited as a public limited company in the year 1983. The Uttara Bank Limited was incorporated as a banking company on 29.06.1983 and obtained business commencement certificate on 21.08.1983. The Bank floated its shares in the year 1984. It has 215 branches all over Bangladesh through which it carries out all its banking activities. The Bank is listed in the Dhaka Stock Exchange and Chittagong Stock Exchange Ltd. as a listed company for trading of its shares. At present, the authorized capital of the bank was Tk 5000 million divided into 500 million shares of Tk 10 each. The issued and paid up capital is Tk 3306 million. Since beginning, the bank acquired confidence and trust of the public and business houses by rendering high quality services in different areas of banking operations, professional competence and employment of the state of art technology. During the last 47 years, UTTARA Bank Limited has opened 215 Branches in different Business Centers of the country SECTION-III: QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS Qualitative analysis A. Industry Risk In preparing credit rating report, industry analysis is a subject of great importance. Level of competition in the industry affect the profitability of a company. Different industries react differently to economic changes. Cyclical industries do much better than the aggregate economy during the expansion whereas they suffer more during contraction. In contrast, non-cyclical industries such as banking industry would experience a significant decline during a recession and also would do better during an economic expansion. Competitive advantage and disadvantage of banking industry can be examined by Michel Porter’s 5 factors model. The potential threat of new entrants is moderate for banking industry due to following reasons – †¢ Growth of the industry is very high which is creating field for the new company that is observed during the past several years. †¢ Huge population of the country provides a large customer base. †¢ Entry into the banking sector requires huge equity capital investment for establishing branches and related infrastructures. †¢ Established companies have absolute cost advantage relative to potential entrants. †¢ There exists Government regulation to enter into the industry. The level of profitability is primarily influenced by the nature of rivalry among firms within the industry. Several factors determine the intensity of competition among existing players in an industry. The rivalry among existing competitors is high for banking industry due to following reasons – †¢ Price and non-price Competition among banks has increased recent years. †¢ High fixed costs. †¢ Exit barriers are high as the firm can’t exit as they wish and there is regulatory burden. †¢ Banks are trying to grab market share by offering various price and non-price products †¢ Banking products are not differentiated and easy to copy by other banks. The third dimension of competition in an industry is the threat of substitute products or services. The threat of substitute product in banking industry is high for the following reasons: †¢ New Products are easily and quickly adopted by other competing banks. †¢ Non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) offer many of products and services offered by banks. There are two factors which determine the bargaining power of buyers; price sensitivity and relative bargaining power of buyers. By focusing these two issues, the bargaining power of buyers in banking industry is discussed below – †¢ There are large numbers of banks. †¢ Banks depend on the buyers for a large percentage of its total revenue. †¢ Customer switching cost is low. †¢ Inability to backward integration. †¢ Buyers are highly price sensitive. The bargaining power of suppliers is high for banking industry due to following reasons †¢ Banks depend on loan and deposits as their primary products. †¢ There are a large number of banks already operating in the country. Assigned Rating: |Rating |Rating Score | |Industry Risk |7.5 | B. Key to success Factors ⠝â€" Strategic focus Uttara Bank has prioritized the areas depending upon the business need and regulatory requirements with the change in technologies and delivery process. The Bank rendered special focus on growth and expansion to comply with the changing characteristics of capital market. As a result of this, â€Å"UB Capital and Investment Limited† a fully owned subsidiary company has been formed in 2010 to carry out merchant banking operation in compliance with the regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the meanwhile the company is operating its activities in related field. Resource mobilization was centered round delivery channels, technology, people and brand. Bank’s operation has achieved the confidence of its customers with sound fundamentals in respect of deposit accumulation, loans and advances, export-import business, remittance collecting from abroad and profitability. The Bank has also put special emphasized on SME financing considering the sector as a tool of diversifying portfolio to minimize risk. Again the bank has also rendering its services in Women Empowerment Development Scheme, Agricultural sector and Rural Financing sector. ⠝â€" Corporate Credit Uttara Bank’s business is focused to a considerable extent on the corporate clients by maintaining a relationship and extending financial assistance based on a deep understanding of the clients’ business environments, financial needs and internal strategies for growth. The bank extends its financial support to the corporate clients either from own finance or by arranging syndicated/club finance. The investment in corporate sector is the combination of a mixed and balanced allocation in various natures of business based on the socio-economic perspectives and long term planning. The bank distributed Tk. 2774.1 million as funded and non-funded facilities in Syndication Finance. The outstanding balance of same was as on 31.12.2011 was Tk. 1596.2 million. The Bank participated in syndication finance with 21 companies. Some of them were BSRM Steels Ltd., Pacific Telecom Bangladesh Tel Ltd.(Citicell), Ranks Tel Ltd., Samuda Chemical Complex Ltd., Banga Building Materials Ltd., Pran Foods Ltd., Capital Board Mills Ltd., Creative Paper Mills Ltd., Everest Power Generation Company Ltd., Appolo Ispat Complex Ltd., PHP Float Glass Ind. Ltd., Dhaka Telephone Co. Ltd. (DTCL), Tele Barta Ltd.(TBL), Orascom Telecom Bangladesh Ltd. (Banglalink), Venture Capital Energy Ltd and many other reputed organization. The Bank worked as a participating financial institution in syndication finance. ⠝â€" Branch Network As on 31 December 2011, Uttara Bank Ltd had 211 branches in different geographical locations of the country. Branches are classified under different zonal office. Out of these 211 branches, 23 branches are under Dhaka Central Zone, 23 branches are under Dhaka North Zone, 20 branches are under Dhaka South Zone, 13 branches are under Narayangonj Zone, 08 branches are under Mymensingh Zone, 17 branches are under Camilla Zone, 19 branches are under Chittagong Zone, 21 branches are under Sylhet Zone, 16 branches are under Khulna Zone, 18 branches are under Barisal Zone, 12 branches are under Rajshahi Zone and 19 branches are under Bogra Zone. ⠝â€" Technology As one of the oldest commercial banks in the country, Uttara Bank uses latest information and communication technology. The extensive use of ICT in banking operations is increasingly a matter of concern about the risk associated with information technology. The bank has formulated well defined ICT policy in line with the international best practices and prudential guidelines of Bangladesh Bank on ICT Security. In all branches of the bank, banking operations are conducted through computerized system to minimize cost and to optimize benefits and increase overall efficiency for improved services. The branches have ability to prepare the financial statements at the end of the day. Bank has a guideline named â€Å"Guideline on information and Communication Technology (ICT)† as per Bangladesh Bank BRPD circular 14 dated 23.10.05. The bank has signed an agreement with LEADS Corporation limited, Software Company, for implementation of Core Banking Solution â€Å"Bank Ultimas† in the Bank. The Bank continues maintenance of the latest financial service products REUTERS-3000 Xtra and REUTERS Dealing System (RDS) for collecting accurate information of rapid changing position of international money market with Bank’s own independent Dealing Room. As a result the Bank has been able to render Treasury service up to the international standard through its Treasury Division which is equipped with most modern technology and expertise manpower. At present International Division of Head Office and 38 branches are under SWIFT operation. As a result the bank has been able to conduct international trade including transmission of letter of credit, fund and message instantly throughout the world at low cost. ⠝â€" Human Resource The Bank has always recognizes the contributions of its human resources as they individually and collectively render their force to the achievement of the objectives of the organization. Human Resources Division of UBL worked with the business as the core strategic partner through performing the job of recruitment, training, placement, and through introduction of the performance management tools. UBL is an employer of equal opportunity irrespective of gender equality. The total manpower of the Bank as on 31 December, 2011 is 3,780 out of which 2,687 are officers and 1,093 are the supporting staffs. Efforts have been made to rationalize the use of manpower by improving their efficiency and productivity. The Bank’s own Training Institute is nicely decorated and equipped with the sophisticated instruments has been striving to bring about a qualitative change and improvement in human resources of the Bank by imparting continuous different raining throughout the whole year. Guest speakers specialized in Banking participate in each of the training program excluding highly educated faculty members of the bank. Besides, a number of executives and officers were sent to various Training Institutions including BIBM and abroad for higher training. In 2011, the training institute of the bank arranged 17 different training courses and 13 workshops for the officers and members of the staff of the Bank in which as many as 628 and 845 officers and members of the staff of the bank participated respectively. At the same time, 92 officers and members of the staff of the bank attended training courses arranged by BIBM, 44 officers received training from Bangladesh Bank, 22 officers received others and 2 executive received training from abroad.

The Food Wars by Walden Bello

Food insecurity is linked to various issues such as poverty, low income, poor infrastructure, inequitable access to land, water, credit and markets. Food security is also threatened due to natural disasters such as floods, droughts and further exacerbated by internal conflicts which can dislocate rural and farming communities. These issues and challenges are the normal and repetitive debates among the global community of practice regarding food security while the needs and necessities of the peasant farmers, who are responsible for the majority of food production around the globe, are not addressed. In The Food Wars, Walden Bello presents the important and burning issues of the North-South power gap and hierarchy regarding food security. Bello depicts and argues the role of the Bretton Woods institutions influencing agricultural policies in developing countries, organizations such as the WTO designing rules and regulations that exclude developing nations and their smallholder farmers, while donor organizations such as USAID heavily persuade developing nations to adopt unfriendly domestic policies. Most importantly, Bello closes the gap between the policies made by multilateral institutions, developing government ministries and their implication on the peasant farmer. The structural adjustment had massive implication and consequences in Mexico and the Philippines. According to Bello, the structural adjustment tore apart the traditional corn farmers of Mexico and turned a nation that was once the original place of corn domestication to a major corn importer. Furthermore, the creation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in an attempt to create liberalization of agricultural trade further displaced smallholder farmers. Policies imposed by the North have diverted the traditional farming practices of the peasant farmer that has existed for decades to commercial agricultural practices in an attempt to increase agricultural efficiency and strengthen food security. Following the structural adjustment and NAFTA Mexico experienced severe food insecurity while the young labor force from rural farms stated migrating to the US. Bello also discusses the Philippines experience regarding the rice shortage. The Philippines once a major rice exporter nation owing to the government echnical services geared towards peasant farmers became a major food importer due to the effects of structural adjustments. Philippines entry to the WTO increased the country’s payment to its debts, extracting funds from various government services including towards peasant farmers while the nation’s food insecurity increased. Bello states: â€Å"Today, the status of the Philippines as a permanent importer of rice and, mo re generally, a net food importer is implicitly accepted by a government that does not view the countryside as an essential element in the nation’s economic development†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Bello, 67). Bello also discusses the impact of the structural adjustment in the African agriculture. In what Bello labeled â€Å"Destroying African Agriculture†, he discusses the transformation of the African continent as a major exporter of food to a major importer. The aim of the structure adjustment in Africa was to loosen governments’ involvement in rural agriculture such as subsidized fertilizers. The ultimate goal was to attract the private sector into the agriculture economy so that ultimately agriculture productivity increases through industrialized mode of agriculture instead of the peasant agriculture. However, according to Bello, the private sector failed to step in to fill in the gaps. In the case of Malawi, the extreme influence over the government to adopt structural adjustment led the extreme food insecurity of the country and eventually led to famine. Prior to giving into the World Bank’s and IMF’s pressure to adopt to these adjustments, Malawi had a fertilizer subsidy program that provided peasants farmers with affordable fertilizers. After surrendering to the structural adjustment, the government of Malawi withdrew its support to peasant farmers with the hope of the private sector stepping in. However, food production declined tremendously while the nation turned to aid. Malawi finally refused to abide by these adjustments and continued to provide subsidized fertilizer which was followed by three years of crop surplus. Furthermore, Bello emphasizes the contradicting approaches between the WTO and the structural adjustment of the Bretton Wood Institutions. While the World Bank and the IMF were forcing governments to abandon the various subsidies they have set up in place for the peasant farmer, the WTO failed to eliminate subsidies by the US and European governments. Bello states: â€Å"Subsidies now account for 40 percent of the value of agricultural production in the European Union and 25 percent in the United States† (Bello, 76-77). Smallholder farmers were in no position to compete in such unfair market environment and thus the rise in food insecurity around the globe. Agrofuels were once considered the remedy to the massive consumption of fossil fuels and the green alternative. However, as Bello mentions and debates: â€Å"†¦that US and EU agrofuels policies were responsible for three quarters of the 140 percent increase in food prices between 2002 and February 2008† (Bello, 123). Agrofuels become an opportunity of major profit making for multiple multinational corporations. Government officials and development workers indorsed this magical solution with the hope of aiding their beneficiaries. However, the serious demand of agrofuel consumption and production led to extensive environmental damage, pollution and threats to biodiversity. Furthermore, the production of agrofuels failed to be sustainable for it exploits more energy than it produces. However, corporate agriculture and various privileged politicians are the primary beneficiaries to agrofuels and the main drivers to projects and policies that are favorable to it. According to Shepard Daniel and Anuradha Mittal’s article â€Å"The Great Land Grab: Rush for World’s Farmland Threatens Food security of the Poor,† the demand for land has driven investors from around the globe to the current land grab: â€Å"Attracted by this big demand and market, investors- mainly from the private sector and OECD member countries- are targeting vast tracts of land to produce crops for agrofuels in developing countries,†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Daniel and Mittal, 4). The land grab in various developing nations is not only coming from the usual â€Å"Northern† countries but rather from emerging economies of China, India, Saudi Arabia and UAE. Furthermore, pressured by the international institutions and foreign investors, developing countries governments fail to make the appropriate decisions that favors smallholder farmers. More and more evidence is indicating that there is not much room for smallholder farmers in this global rush to massive land grabs. Peasant farmers are being forced out of their lands, forced to work on industrialized agriculture while losing their family/ traditional values. The global land grab is not only eliminating traditional farming heritages but is also creating a severe food shortage and insecurity in the most vulnerable areas of the world. Walden Bello presents a holistic argument regarding international food insecurity as influenced by various global players of the North. It offers an extensive analysis of the power hierarchy that exists between the North- South divide and its contribution to the various failed endeavors and attempts to achieving global food security. Bello also emphasizes on food sovereignty as the right of each nation and its citizens to sustain and advance its own capacity to produce basic food, while respecting environmental, productive and cultural diversity. Most importantly, the book emphasizes on the importance of the participation of peasant farmers in decision and policy making being key to achieving food security and healthy economic growth as a whole.

World Literature Essay

World Literature Essay In The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea, Yukio Mishima portrays the intense and progressive development of his central character, Noboru, with the onset of adolescence. While the story takes place, particularly revolving around the interactions between Fusako and Ryuji as a couple, Noboru begins to embrace his adolescent nature and finds his own path in life. Adopting a lifestyle of â€Å"objectivity†, (49) the personal and external conflicts of Noboru’s life often question whether his indifference towards the world is reasonable (57).In his text, the author’s treatment of Noboru’s transformation can be examined on the basis of maturation, social conventions, and psychological factors in the deficiency of family dynamics. Maturity in life as well as in this novel plays a huge part in the development of character. As humans encounter the changes from a child to an adult, the period of adolescence is always one that cannot be fo rgotten. Rebellious nature and â€Å"phases† of lifestyle often occur which drives the youth to commit irrational actions.Thirteen-year-old boy Noboru has reached a milestone in his life where he faces challenges and additions to his life. Growing up under his mother’s wing due to his father passing away years ago, he has grown indifferent towards the world and is convinced of his own genius which firmly mounts his principles (Mishima 8). Building onto his development as a young adult, curiosity begins to implore Noboru to do the unthinkable in instances such as peeping through a hole that reveals his mother’s room (Mishima 10).Witnessing affairs such as sexual intercourse between his mother and Ryuji, the once idealized sailor becomes a traitor to Noboru thus disregarding everything he made the sailor out to be. As described by the chief, maturity is defined as perversion. This constant â€Å"betrayal† affects Noboru negatively and gives him no other opt ion but to continue believing in objectivity as his prime source of logic that won’t let him down. With a shift in mentality such as this, it’s not hard to accept the fact that his step towards maturity is one that’s corrupted (Mishima 181).Besides natural phases and instinctive processes taking effective positions in Noboru’s development, his frequent gatherings with his â€Å"cult† are responsible for his quiet but violent nature. Social conventions with the gang and him alter his personality throughout the novel. In the beginning of the novel, Noboru begins to describe the life of an â€Å"objectionist†, one who denies subjective reality, especially in perspective of adults, simply dismissing them as spurious and elusive (Mishima 8). With his belief in objectivity, he begins to experience life in a different hue.For example, the slaughtering of the innocent cat as a test of willpower (Mishima 61) serves as a crucial point in that novel th at offers a revelation to Noboru: â€Å"I can do anything, no matter how awful. † A realization such as this leads into bigger events in the novel such as the luring of Ryuji into his doom (Mishima 169). In doing so Noboru grows heartless, savage, and reconfirms his indifference towards the world. Psychology in this novel is possibly the biggest factor revolving around character development in The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea.From Ryuji’s transformation from a sailor to a father in the Summer and Winter parts of the novel to Fusako being a single mother turned married wife, it’s no doubt that Noboru changed as well. In the premise of the novel, Noboru is introduced as a thirteen-year-old boy living under a roof supported by his mother who owns a luxury boutique store. With his father passing away five years ago, Noboru has grown up only under his mother’s influence (Mishima 8). Lacking the male figure that usually guides the boy, the struggle f or â€Å"happiness† in Noboru has led to his acceptance of objectivity in place of it.With no father figure present during his childhood, Mishima presents this as the foundation for Noboru’s ulterior motives later on in the plot. The deficiency of family dynamics is stark within this novel. With no authority being put upon Noboru, it allows him to be irrational and wild. However, since he is a self-proclaimed genius, his freedom is spent in silence that later transitions into his ulterior motives. With the introduction of Second Mate Ryuji Tsukazaki into the life of the Kuroda family, it catalyzes character development.Fusako, Noboru’s mother, begins to rekindle her love life and later on marries Ryuji. Noboru on the other hand, idealizes Tsukazaki as liberal, masculine, disciplined, and without weak effeminate characteristics. With praise to Ryuji as his new â€Å"male figure†, it psychologically develops a sense of attachment and appreciation for him. S uch instances occurred when Ryuji came back from his duties at sea and brought back a present for Noboru. Typically, the boy would be indifferent towards such a generous act given his nature but he responded in a sense of excitement (Mishima 102).With emotions conflicting inside Noboru, it develops a feeling of acceptance and reformats the family dynamics within the Kuroda household (Mishima 144). Ryuji, however, begins to grow soft due to newly being a father. This course of action labels him as a â€Å"fallen hero† among Noboru and his gang. With a brutal discussion about fathers such as â€Å"fathers are evil itself, laden with everything ugly in Man†, it presents the idea of â€Å"making Ryuji a hero again (Mishima 136). † A meeting like this with the cult of objectionists alters Noboru’s mentality further on into the novel.With a final betrayal from Ryuji due to the sailor acting in a fatherly manner, Noboru confirms that his once praised hero is hop eless (Mishima 158). This last test of redemption that fails leads to the disappointment in Noboru, following up with the chief’s plan to make Ryuji a hero again. The psychological factors at play constantly reshape within Noboru. With each â€Å"betrayal† from Ryuji, Noboru mentally notes them and his anger builds up within. When it finally reaches a maximum limit, Noboru’s objectionist philosophy is put into full initiative.The life of the once heroic sailor is ended with an ironic finale (Mishima 181). In a gist, Noboru Kuroda’s transformation throughout the novel has simply been abominable. From the premise of innocence to the macabre product of what he has become, the thirteen-year-old boy could not be blamed for his actions. Through being put in the onset of maturity while struggling with his social conventions as well as the ongoing psychological factors regarding his deficiency in family dynamics; the corruption of Noboru in his coming of age is w ell described by Mishima in his novel.Yukio’s usage of death as being â€Å"perfect† (Mishima 61) provides an eerie atmosphere for the reader as his central character deals with the ire provided by his life. Brilliantly composed, Mishima’s psychological analysis in The Sailor who fell from Grace with The Sea is one that is terrifically splendid. Works Cited Mishima, Yukio. The Sailor who fell from Grace with the Sea. New York City: Vintage Books, 1965. Print.