The Darkling Thrush Essay Example

The Darkling Thrush Paper In the poem The Darkling Thrush, nature has a predominantly negative effect on the poet. It makes him feel depressed and isolated. Towards the end of the poem the poets mood lifts when he sees an aged thrush, frail, gaunt, and small, chirping. In the poem Neutral Tones nature is portrayed in a negative way, however, in this poem nature reflects how the poets relationship is failing rather than effects how he is feeling. In The Darkling Thrush the title begins to paint a negative picture. The word Darkling means, shrouded in darkness. Neutral Tones also refers to colour in its title. The word Neutral implies blandness and colourless emotions. There is a link between the two poems as both colours are unappealing and are surrounded by a dull negative aura. Throughout the poem The Darkling Thrush there is a sense of emptiness, desolation and loneliness, this also applies to Neutral Tones. The poet uses lots of effective language to convey this. In stanza one, Hardy talks about how all mankind that haunted nigh / Had sought their household fires. This enhances the contrast between the barren outdoors and the warm and inviting households. This also emphasises his loneliness and isolation compared to the rest of mankind. The land is portrayed as barren when the poet mentions The tangled bine stems scored the sky like strings of broken lyres, The stems of climbing plants remind the poet of strings of an old musical instrument. The fact that the poet mentions that the lyres are broken, implies that there is no sound therefore the land is empty and desolate. We will write a custom essay sample on The Darkling Thrush specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Darkling Thrush specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Darkling Thrush specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer This effective metaphor paints a picture of how the poet is feeling. The poet uses pathetic fallacy to match the barren landscape to how the poet feels. The wind his death lament encourages the reader to picture an empty landscape where only the sound of the wind is to be heard, whistling a funeral song in mourning of the death of nature. The poet uses a lot of language associated with death to convey how his positive emotions and feelings have died. Hardy uses an effective extended metaphor using the theme of death to convey how his hope has died: The ancient pulse of germ and birth Was shrunken hard and dry, And every spirit upon the earth Seemed fervourless as I. This metaphor also adds to the desolation of the area, the word pulse refers to life which in this case is no where to be seen, the land is dead. Hardy uses some examples of religious language. He compares the landscape to religious things to convey his search for faith. He uses the word soul and evensong and carolling to describe different aspects of the surroundings. Towards the end of the poem it becomes apparent that the poets mood has lifted. The religious language enhances the fact that the poets mood has lifted and adds a hopeful note. Words such as joy and ecstatic add a hopeful note. In stanza one frost has a capital F and in stanza five Hope has a capital H this draws the readers attention to the poets change of mood. In the poem Neutral Tones nature reflects how the poet is feeling. The poet describes how the sun was white, as though chidden of God, this portrays the sun to be weak, in the poem The Darkling Thrush we also see a weak sun it is metaphorically called, The weakening eye of day. This shows how Hardys relationship with his partner like the sun, is weak and failing. Like the poem The Darkling Thrush, Neutral Tones also has language associated with death to convey the fact that his relationship is dying. The word ash depicts how his relationship is metaphorically going to burn out. The ominous bird portrays how the relationship was doomed from the start and was surrounded by a bad omen. This is a contrast to The Darkling Thrush as the little bird in it brings joy to the poet. In the poem Neutral Tones there are several colours used throughout the poem, in relation to the landscape, such as ash, gray and white, all of which are dull and bland depicting how the poet feels about his relationship. In Neutral Tones the pond represents how the relationship is still, without ripples and nothing flowing. The starving sod, which is emphasised through alliteration, portrays how the relationship is slowly dying, has no nourishment and is no longer fruitful. To conclude, the bird in both poems is of great significance. The bird in The Darkling Thrush although so old and frail has some underlying blessed Hope, which the poet doesnt have, yet longs for. The poet conveys that a spiritual force is behind the birds carolling: So little cause for carollings Of such ecstatic sound Was written on terrestrial things Afar or nigh around, The birds beautiful singing contrasts with its bleak surroundings. The bird in Neutral Tones is an ominous bird. Therefore, this bird is a contrast to the thrush. Through use of effective language the poet has conveyed in both poems how nature can both reflect and affect someones feelings.

How have shopping patterns changed over time Essays

How have shopping patterns changed over time Essays How have shopping patterns changed over time Essay How have shopping patterns changed over time Essay Essay Topic: The Time Machine The way we have shopped for our necessities and our luxuries have changed over the last 200-300 years. In the last 50 years, however, it has changed more rapidly then ever before in history.It may be useful to divide the last 250 years into smaller periods based on large changes in technology shopping and behaviour of people.Late middle ages : pre 1750 ADBefore about 1750, people used to do very little shopping and so there were very few shops. Most people grew their own food and made there own farming implements. Except for a few blacksmiths, jewellers, medical services etc, there was very little or no formal trade.The reasons for this were because most people lived in an agricultural setting. These were small villages with subsistence farming. There were no large cities and the population was small.The advantages of this were that there was low air pollution, all food was organic, the people had lots of exercise and people would barter for trade more often t han using money. Money, however, was used to buy property and land.There were also some disadvantages in this time. There was hard, physical work involved. There was not a wide variety of foods available and no mass production of food and goods. Mass production makes things cheaper and more widely available. Many types of foods were only available seasonally.There werent good medical facilities and communications were poor.Industrial Revolution : approx 1750-1900 ADThen came what we now call the industrial revolution. This rapid increase in use of technology and machinery was established by 1750 AD and is still on-going.This meant that there were now factories producing goods and many people were no longer farmers. These people who worked at the factories needed to buy their necessities, so corner shops and local shopping areas in town sprung up in the now growing towns. They couldnt farm as well as work at the factories as they had no time for it. There was also less barter and a m ore money based economy had started.All this happened because the towns were growing steadily larger as more industry was concentrated in those areas. Population increased and more and more shops were needed to supply the needs of the people.The advantages were that there was a large variety of food and services available. The corner shop and the local butcher and baker were now established. Customers would have a very personal and social relationship with the shopkeeper because there were fewer customers per shop (in relationship with todays large hypermarkets) and more communication between the customer and shopkeeper.The disadvantages of this type of shopping were that money was most important and so people were getting greedier. Products were getting more and more expensive. There were crowded conditions in the towns and this was unhygienic and unhealthy. There was also a lot of pollution coming from the factories and from concentrated populations. In this period we also see the introduction of child labour in sweat shops. This is the England described in the books of Charles Dickens.Travel becomes easier : approx 1900-1980 ADThis major change happened from approximately 1900 and travel continued to get easier until about 1980. The car had just been invented and people began escaping the congested cities to live in the areas near the city but beyond the CBD: the suburb was born.Satellite towns had developed around large cities and there were now high streets. Supermarkets and then hypermarkets appeared. There was now convenience shopping, and large, out-of-town shopping centres arose in the suburbs.All this happened basically because vehicles allowed people to escape the crowded cities and settle out in the suburbs where it was more peaceful and cleaner. To and from the city became much easier because public transport (buses and trains) began to become common.The advantages of this were that people could work near to where they lived. It was easier to trav el to work in the city by car or public transport. There was a large variety of goods and services available. Food off all types was available in all seasons. There were more houses, and bigger houses available.The disadvantages of this time were that there was an urban sprawl (larger and larger cities). This meant much more pollution and traffic caused by the vehicles. Large demands of food meant that genetically modified (GM) food was developed and organic food became much dearer to buy. Less time, larger stores and many more customers meant there was no personal relationship with customers and shopkeepers. People wouldnt walk much either and so obesity increased.Internet Shopping and Malls : approx 1980 presentThis new trend started in the late 1970s and early 80s and on until today. The computer has been developed and is commonly available. The internet allows shopping to be done without leaving home.The faster growing type of shopping now is internet shopping. Shopping malls w hich offer retailaintment are popping up. Larger and larger hypermarkets are being made. This offers all-under-one-roof shopping.The reasons for this type of shopping are because of the development of small, but powerful computers. The broadband technology was invented and globalisation means that people demand international standards of goods and services as they become more aware of whats available elsewhere in the world.The only advantages for internet shopping are that it is more time saving and is convenient. The advantages for the malls are that people can hang out which means they can have fun with their friends while they shop. They also have a wide range of activities and games they can play. They can have fun.The disadvantages for internet shopping are that there is a more impersonal relationship with the seller. People dont get to see, and touch, and try out their clothes and other products. There is the possibility of fraud when paying on-line. The disadvantages of malls are that there is still an impersonal relationship. Also, malls can become a focus point for rowdy youths. E.g. recently, the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent had to ban youths wearing hooded jackets with caps as these were being used to conceal their identities while behaving anti-socially.Whilst these methods suits younger people, the older generation find it difficult to handle computers and other new electronic gadgets. The older people miss the way of life in their youth and the relationship they enjoyed having with their butcher, baker and candlestick maker.The changes described in the essay above since the early part of the industrial revolution are clearly visible if we look at pictures and descriptions of shopping areas and shopping behaviour from the past 100 or so years.

Quotes From The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin

Quotes From 'The Story of an Hour' by Kate Chopin The Story of An Hour is a fascinating read with a surprise ending that takes readers far from Mrs. Mallards initial reaction to tragic news. In her short story, Kate Chopin dramatizes the story of a wife who discovers the truth about her husbands death. News of Death Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble, great care was taken to break to her as gently as possible the news of her husbands death. When the storm of grief had spent itself she went away to her room alone. She would have no one follow her. There was something coming to her and she was waiting for it, fearfully. What was it? She did not know; it was too subtle and elusive to name. But she felt it, creeping out of the sky, reaching toward her through the sounds, the scents, the color that filled the air. Unexpected Joy She said it over and over under her breath: free, free, free! The vacant stare and the look of terror that had followed, it went from her eyes. They stayed keen and bright. Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body. She saw beyond that bitter moment a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely. And she opened and spread her arms out to them in welcome. There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature. And yet she had loved him - sometimes. Often she had not. End of The Story of an Hour Quotes She breathed a quick prayer that life might be long. It was only yesterday she had thought with a shudder that life might be long. When the doctors came they said she had died of heart disease - of joy that kills.

The Importance Of Training Within The Organisation Essay

The Importance Of Training Within The Organisation - Essay Example However, not all organisations are able to establish a competitive edge utilising traditional differentiation tools and must, instead, rely on human resources to establish a tangible human capital advantage. There are some organisations, such as Sainsbury’s, a leading supermarket chain, that must establish a collaborative, culturally-sensitive model of teamwork in order to improve business position in a very mature and saturated marketplace. In order to ensure that employees have the skills and competencies necessary to gain competitive advantage, training becomes a critical imperative for HR professionals. This report describes the dynamics of the workplace that both hinder and support training in HRD, mitigating issues of organisational culture, and the potential conflict that can arise between theory and tangible HR practice when attempting to build human capital. Why training is an imperative Sainsbury’s positions itself on the market as a value leader and as an organisation with a strict compliance to multiple dimensions of corporate social responsibility to maintain a competitive edge (Sainsbury 2011). At the highest levels of governance, with decision-making occurring vertically throughout the organisational hierarchy, Sainsbury leadership establishes an ethical climate built on integrity, transparency and trustworthiness which are then disseminated throughout the organisational culture. Establishment of an ethical climate is quite different from development of an organisational culture, defined as the methodology by which employees perceive the established norms of the business culture (Denison 1996; Bartels et al. 1998). The premise of this ethical climate and supporting ethical culture is to ensure that the values and principles of Sainsbury’s business model are modelled by employees and managers to improve Sainsbury’s market reputation with mu ltiple stakeholders and shareholders. Why is this important in the domain of HRD? Sainsbury, in order to maintain its high market share in this saturated marketplace, must ensure that the ethical and socially-responsible values are transparent and adopted throughout the organisational model. Sainsbury differentiates itself from major competitors such as Tesco and Morrison’s through branding, â€Å"a core marketing practice emphasising the continuity of the firm with important buyer markets†, translating the intangible of market-based assets to a tangible representation of value (Abimbola 2001, p.98). Sainsbury establishes a brand personality in dimensions of sincerity, competence, and sophistication, three dimensions necessary to gain market loyalty and subsequent brand equity (Aaker 1996). However, in order to provide tangible and recognisable value associated with this established brand personality, employees must be properly developed so that job role functions are aligned with core values and the elements of brand that leads to competitive advantages. This cannot be effectively accomplished without establishing a training programme that is homogenous and relevant for issues of ethics and social responsibility. Because the integrity of relationships with many stakeholders along the value network distinguish Sainsbury’s brand reputation from competitors, it is critical that interpersonal relationship development be improved between internal employees and external stakeholders. Without proper training and development in these key areas underpinned by ethical values, Sainsbury cannot maintain a unified culture that willingly and openly role models these vital

Neighbourhood Management & Renewal (Housing Studies) Essay

Neighbourhood Management & Renewal (Housing Studies) - Essay Example This is not merely about deprivation or the worrying proliferation of slums that need to be taken care of by the government, but this is about solving the causes of urban tangling that affect not just the ordinary citizens but all aspects of Liverpool and Manchester in general. The social reforms that took place in Britain will be discussed in depth, especially the extensive, lengthy discussions on deprivation, the chief role of the local governments of Liverpool and Manchester and the housing authorities and organizations in altering and improving the living conditions in the ground. Furthermore, this paper addresses environmental concerns and social conflicts within neighbourhoods as a way to include a more thorough understanding of social marginalization, sustainable development, and the importance of care of urban locations. While analyses and discussions on this paper are focused on Liverpool and Manchester, or the UK in general, a considerable number of issues are consequential to other countries. Liverpool and Manchester are situated in the North-western part of England. They are about 35 miles away from each other. These cities are particularly important for UK in that these are founding and ground-breaking cities, exemplifying the advent of the industrial era. During the early 1900s, particularly in the 1930s, the sum of the population of both cities only accounted to below 900,000 people, and population for each city has significantly reduced by fifty per cent caused by deindustrialization that led to a cascade of unremitting decline. Liverpool and Manchester had to fight and, to a degree, triumphed in getting rid of the image of decline and deterioration. Following an era of urban renewal in the 1990s, Liverpool and Manchester both relish a new perception of confidence and optimism. Notwithstanding these resemblances and comparison, the connection between the

William Shakespeares Julius Caesar Essay Example for Free

William Shakespeares Julius Caesar Essay Julius Caesar shows that people respond to power and glory in different ways. Discuss. William Shakespeares Julius Caesar has a strong focus on the response that various characters display to power and glory, and how and why this response may vary between them. Shakespeare shows contrast in response to superiority heavily throughout the text, and explains that peoples retaliation to it will always differ. Where focus for some, lies in the attainment and holding of power, others prefer a view of conserving Romes traditional government system. Contrast is seen strongly in characters views of Caesars death, and also in their opinions of the preceding events and Caesars gain of power. Despite these differing factors, all characters are portrayed to have some kind of lust for power, and intention to gain authority over citizens. These qualities are seen most strongly across the protagonists of the story: Caesar, Brutus, Cassius and Antony. Throughout the text, characters claim to oppose Caesars rule for the pure reason of conserving the traditions of Romes government and heritage, but some developments strongly suggest the ulterior motive of desire for power. The idea of [Romes] wide walk [encompassing] but only one man is daunting to Cassius, and he particularly portrays this throughout the play, joined by Brutus, claiming that the assassination of Caesar brings them peace, freedom and liberty. However, opposing this, Cassius states that he was born as free as Caesar and thus is equally deserving of power, implying envy or resent toward the omnipotence Caesar achieves. Brutus stands by his intention, emphatically signifying his part with the conspirators was not that [he] loved Caesar less, but that [he] loved Rome more. Brutus feels as though Caesars leadership would negatively impact Rome and the good that Roman citizens have achieved. In contrast, Caesar and Antony both claim that Caesars rule would be positive for Rome. Antony, as a strong supporter, stands by Caesar and claims that Caesar does have love for Rome, and would never have put the fate of Rome in danger. Although he states this verbally much later in the play, this is seen through Antony presenting the crown to Caesar upon his return to Rome from defeating Pompey. Caesar himself believes that he is worthy to rule Rome, and wants to gain the trust and support of the Roman citizens. He begins to do this by rejecting the crown when offered it, knowing that many people would be unhappy with the  acceptance of the crown, and the subsequent ending of the Republic, however it is evident that his intentions may change. When told to attend the Senate as the crown is going to be offered to him again, Caesar eagerly takes this opportunity, implying his desire. Although he is for the good of Rome, he still has intention to go against the system of government in place for omnipotence. Upon Caesars assassination, the opinions of many characters is shown to vary strongly, and this becomes increasingly evident as the text continues. Antony instantly ridicules the reasoning of the assassination, saying that he was not ambitious in the sense of gaining supremacy, as he was thrice presenteda kingly crown and he did thrice refuse, posing his said ambition to be questionable. This is a sign of his tranquility toward power and those who have acquired it, contrasting with Cassius, who feels it is unruly for Caesar to bestride the narrow world as the sole leader of Rome, and sees that this is fair reason for Caesars assassination. Cassius here appears to have desire for power, and to use Toward the conclusion of the text, upon taking their own lives, both Cassius and Brutus formally verbalise their views of their intentions in Caesars assassination, but they also have differing responses to what they have done. While Brutus seems to show regret over killing Caesar, Cassius seems bitter about Caesars death, with the claim that Caesar was revenged by Cassius suicide, as if to entitle him with the blame for his death. Brutus seems regretful, as he states that Caesar was killed with half so good a will than himself, saying that he is more deserving of death, and bidding Caesar to be still in his death. The protagonists views on the assassination drive forward the strong ambition they show to attain power themselves, and their feelings toward those who are in power. Opinions of Caesars success are heavily contrasted between the storys protagonists to emphasise how they see glory and fame, particularly comparing Antony and Cassius. Their views oppose each other, with Antony strongly supporting the success and rise of Caesar, where Brutus claims that Romans as underlings should be striving to go against Caesars reign, and change the way Caesar is leading. Antony focuses strongly on Caesars  leadership as a positive part of Romes society, and the love Caesar displays to the people. He signifies this by thrice [presenting Caesar] a kingly crown, and telling the people of Rome of Caesars great feats. Although the main contrast lies here, both Brutus and Caesar himself have their own opinions, both of which somewhat contrast with the views of Antony and Cassius. Brutus responds to Caesars reign by questioning Caesars character, and pondering the idea that Caesars crowning might change his nature, implying that he may become a worse person because of it. Caesar himself has a positive response to his gain of power, but soon it seems as though power soon goes to his head, and he begins to make rash decisions that regard the people of Rome more harshly. Each protagonist has a different approach to Caesars reign, and each character responds to his rise in their own individual manner. The segregation of opinions in regards to power and glory is contrasted in itself by each characters shared desire for power. This element of the text is seen at some times more strongly than others, as characters portray their emotions through private and public thoughts differently, and express more in what they think privately. Cassius, although seemingly for the good of Rome is described by Caesar to [have] a mean and hungry look, implying that he has desire for power, which is also seen through the implication of his bitterness and envy of Caesar when he claims that he was born as free as [him]. Brutus is probably the least power hungry of characters, although he still does desire power and fortune, as he claims he would not have it so with Caesar a ruler, yet he still [loves] him well. Antony seems to want the attention and respect of people in the assembly of Roman citizens more than legitimate power over them, and uses his public speaking and persuasive skills to achieve this, with his repetition of the phrase: Brutus is an honourable man to condescend and degrade him. Caesar is the most power hungry of them all, although does not seem it in his rejection of the crown. He wants men about [him] who are fat in the sense of knowledge, and content with the power they have, as he does not want anyone stealing his power from him. Each protagonist shares this lust for glory and prestige, and each in a sense gains some triumph throughout the text. Although there is a shared desire to obtain and hold power, the characters Shakespeare portrays in Julius Caesar depict the differing responses that many characters can have to the power they have, or the power those around them have emphatically. They may share some aspects of their reactions, or portray it in a similar sense, but overall, the characters views and opinions vary heavily throughout the text. Each aspect of the response characters have is seen in all four, but in each it opposes, as seen through the choices and reflections that characters portray.

The Loneliness Of mice and Men :: essays research papers

The Loneliness Of Mice and Men   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the touching and gripping tale of John Steinbeck’s novel, Of Mice and Men, he explains many themes throughout the books. One of the major themes is loneliness, which is shown throughout many different characters, for example, Curley’s wife, the stable buck (Crooks), and Lennie.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"’I get lonely’ she said ‘You can talk to people, but I can’t talk to nobody but Curley, else he gets mad. How’d you like not to talk to nobody?’† (Page 87) This quote is said by Curley’s wife when all the men went to town, including her husband. It shows that she spends all her time alone, in her house as the men work in the fields. She is also not allowed to talk to anyone but her husband who spends all of this time in the fields, so she feels like she is living alone all her life. This forces her to talk to anybody she finds. This shows her case of loneliness, and Crooks almost has the same situation. â€Å"A guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody. Don’t make no difference who the guy is, long’s he’s with you. ‘I tell ya’ he cried. ‘I tell ya a guy gets too lonely an’ he gets sick.† (Page 72-73) As you can see, Crooks also spends most of his time alone because he is black. He is not allowed to enter the bunk house nor go to town with the guys. He is not allowed to enter the bunk house, he is not allowed to go to town with the guys and nobody likes him because he is black. This shows that he has no friendship and his whole life is filled with loneliness. His case is different from Lennie’s.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"You ain’t gonna leave me, are ya George. I know you ain’t (page 103)†¦ S’pose George don’t come back, s’pose he took a powder and just ain’t comin back.

Assignment #2 †Zale Jewelers Flop at the High End Essay

1.What do you think will be the effectiveness of Burton returning Zales Jewelers to its regular business strategy? In your answer, define or categorize that strategy. I think that Burton returning the Zales Jewelers to its regular business strategy will bring back the company from the decline it was facing with Forte as CEO. The business strategy Forte had in mind was cutting the customers Zales had tremendously. For years Zales has always been seen a specific brand with focus on diamond rings and jewelry and their customers go to them because of that. Bringing back Zales to its regular business strategy will help in terms of the operational effectiveness. They will be able to sell their products value. Burton will use a business-level strategy which will focus on product differentiation, focus and cost leadership. This strategy will help the company get back from the Forte’s disaster of a strategy. The product differentiation will offer products to customers that cannot be found in any of their competitor’s stores. Having unique diamond jewelry and being able to afford it will attract new and old Zales customers. Focus strategy focuses on a specific buyer market. Knowing your brand and who your intended focus will be on is important for a company. When I hear Zales I get images of diamonds, engagement rings, and jewelry. Focusing on these points will help the business strategy. Lastly, cost leadership is providing a product at a low cost which will give the company a gain in market share. Zales cuts prices on holidays which bring in more business and helps in terms of their suppliers. I think that bringing back Zales to how it use to be, to the diamond store everyone knows it to be will drive sales up. Once the business strategy is properly thought out where they know what key areas to focus on they will have no problems in terms of appeal to customers. 2.What should Burton do about the ethical and legal problems facing Zales? Burton should take care of the ethical and legal problems facingI think that Burton should use the functional-level strategy where you find and   retain the best people. Legal problems can lead a company down the wrong road and potentially injure them financially. Ethical behavior within a company is very important. It could be the difference between a company being successful and getting sued. As for Burton I think that she should first focus on finding a highly competent person that will behave ethically. Also she should implement new and stricter policies, procedures and rules everyone (even high level executives) should follow. The policies will

A Thousand Splendid Suns Journey

Preliminary Advanced English 2012 A Thousand Splendid Suns Khaled Hosseini God,  grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. A Thousand Splendid Sons by Khaled Hosseini portrays the courage within people to overcome change and accept the differences that life itself ultimately shows. Hosseini has written a strong climatic novel from the beginning of an accomplished civilized nation through to a war-torn country separated into pieces with no bounds of destruction.This intriguing story is set on the outskirts of the city Herat situated in Afghanistan where a young girl Mariam is born. The story is later moved on to the capital city, Kabul where another young girl Laila is given birth to. Hosseini depicts an image of women’s suffrage that is truly heart filled and effectively shows the inner strength, courage and bravery women had in order to survive and live to fulfill their many hop es and dreams. The author does this through the effective use of characterization, narrative style, the themes and issues portrayed within the text, relationships and emotions.Khaled Hosseini has used strong characterization and use of the technique narrative style in order to depict Mariam and Laila who are the two main characters in Hosseini’s inspiring yet heartbreaking story a thousand Splendid Suns. Hosseini has written this story through the technique of third person in order to effectively show the true feelings of the characters Mariam and Laila. The strong use of third person as the narrative style is a very important part of this text as it clearly emphasizes the emotions and feelings that Mariam and Laila experience whilst they face the many hardships placed upon them. She lived in fear of his shifting moods, his volatile temperament, his insistence on steering even mundane exchanges down a confrontational path that, on occasion, he would resolve with punches, slap s, kicks, and sometimes try to make amends for with polluted apologies, and sometimes not. †Mariam’s thoughts are so clearly depicted in the above lines that it gives the reader a full insight on how she fears each and every day as to how and what her husband’s mood will be when he arrives home and according to that how she will be treated. This illustrates the unjust behaviour she faces in her married life.The narrative style also is an excellent feature that engages the reader as it is a truly inspiring experience to be able to understand and comprehend what a woman is going through and how many things endlessly roam a mind when overcoming issues in life that we would never even think of let alone need to face in our lifetimes. A Thousand Splendid Suns also incorporates many themes and issues in Afghan society that effect women up until the present day. Hosseini shows the harsh reality of many women whose lives are filled with injustice and cruelty. He illustra tes the cultural distinction between marriage and true love.The marriages in the novel are forced arranged marriages that have no likelihood to love. Mariam’s mother, tells her child that marriage cannot hold love, that men are cold heartless creatures, yet later after Nana’s unexpected death Mariam’s first instinct when she was being forcefully married to an elderly man Rasheed, thirty years her senior was of despise but later she thought with an open mind and knew she wouldn’t want to be a burden on anyone as a young unmarried women. Mariam therefore had hope that her marriage would lead to contentment and possible love, but unfortunately the marriage delves into abuse and oppression.At this time she remembers her mother’s words â€Å"A man’s heart is a wreched, wreched thing. It is not like a mother’s womb, it will not bleed for you, it will not stretch to make room for you† these words fill her mind with truth as she looks upon her one sided, disastrous marriage filled with hate and inequity. Another aspect that is shown quite clearly in Hosseini’s text is that of multiple marriages. In this novel Mariam’s husband finds young Laila buried under rubble after a torpedo strikes her street and instantly kills her family. He takes her home and says to his wife to care for her.Once she is recovered he gives her an ultimatum that in order for him to take care of her and live with them she must marry him as she has no other way to live in such a war torn city. She agrees and later in time joins the oppression, abuse and injustice placed on Mariam. Hosseini illustrates the true colors of what these women go through and how life itself becomes a nightmare for them. There are many relationships displayed in Hosseini’s novel, relationships of hate, love, youth, friendships, siblings, marriages and family, but there is one very unique bond formed in this text.Hosseini at first portrays the obv ious jealousy Mariam has towards the young girl Laila, as she must share her husband with such competition. Rasheed, husband to two, purposely points all of Mariam’s flaws out to his new wife. He tells her all of Mariam’s deep secrets, and most importantly that she is a harami (illegitimate child) and that she is of no respect in society. Hosseini illustrates the hurt and pain Mariam endures when she realizes all those years of slaving endlessly to please her husband were of no use as he disrespects her in such a demeaning manner.Although Mariam tries her hardest to despise Laila, she realizes that Laila endures the same pain, oppression and hardships she does. Therefore Laila and Mariam begin to bond, share the work load of cleaning and cooking, have an occasional tea together which thus makes them realize that with such a bond anything is possible. Hosseini therefore suggests that women have an extremely strong ability to find strength and support within one another in order to help them overcome the impossible.This bond becomes more than just friendship; to them it seems like an inseparable tie of hope that god created for them through such hardships in life. This relationship effectively gives a positive view on the upcoming events in the novel and illustrates Hosseini’s positive depiction of support in relationships. This novel also shows the emotions used in order to create hope and the reality of which destiny unfolds. The people in this novel strive to believe in hope when going through the harsh realities forced upon them by political and personal oppression.Both Laila and Mariam depend upon somebody in their lives to overcome their problems and give them hope. For Mariam she looks upon the wise and elderly- Mullah Faizullah who taught her every aspect of knowledge of her religion. He never looked down upon her as a harami (illegitimate child) but as a child who was not even in a single way at fault and said to her â€Å"Behind e very trial and sorrow that He makes us shoulder, God has a reason. †Ã‚  These simple words gave Mariam the courage to believe and follow her faith as she knew no matter what life threw at her she’d always have her faith.Laila also has her childhood best friend Tariq as her savior, who treats her as his equal. Laila feels that no oppression is laid upon her when she is with Tariq and that he only urges her to follow her hopes and dreams through the roughest of times. When these rough times finally arrive Hosseini shows a cycle where dreams that once were fulfilled are crushed and where hope and success in the near future, which were once visible- began to crumble instantly. In this point of the novel â€Å"Laila has moved on. Because in the end she knows that’s all she can do. That and hope.   This creates suspense and emotional attachment with the characters as those hopes and dreams are flattened in moments just like the Afghan women’s suffrage portray ed through Mariam and Laila’s life, time and time again. As they both raise their hopes and see happiness through all the grim darkness in the war filled Afghanistan, they are only lead to disappointment. Hosseini truly illustrates the moments of hope and faith in these women’s lives but also gives the reader a thorough depiction on destiny, and how anything can change no matter what hopes and dreams you have.Khaled Hosseini has written a truly heartbreaking yet inspirational novel that any women would be empathetic towards. A thousand Splendid Suns is a story filled with multiple issues that will be present in society forever, it illustrates oppressions placed on women, hardships war-torn countries such as Afghanistan face and the relationships that are torn apart and can never be fixed and are therefore forever estranged. Hosseini truly inspires people to never lose hope even through the worst of times and to hold on to your faith, be true to yourself, think with an open mind and take one step at a time.

Greenland Shark Facts (Somniosus microcephalus)

Greenland Shark Facts (Somniosus microcephalus) The cold waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean are home to the worlds longest-lived vertebrate: the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus). The large shark goes by several other names, including gurry shark, grey shark, and eqalussuaq, its Kalaallisut name. The Greenland shark is best known for its impressive 300 to 500 year life span, as well as its use for its use in the Icelandic national dish: kà ¦stur hkarl. Fast Facts: Greenland Shark Scientific Name: Somniosus microcephalusOther Names: Gurry shark, grey shark, eqalussuaqDistinguishing Features: Large gray or brown shark with small eyes, rounded snout, and small dorsal and pectoral finsAverage Size: 6.4 m (21 ft)Diet: CarnivorousLifespan: 300 to 500 yearsHabitat: North Atlantic and Arctic OceanConservation Status: Near ThreatenedKingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ChondrichthyesOrder: SqualiformesFamily: SomniosidaeFun Fact: Chef Anthony Bourdain said kà ¦stur hkarl was the single worst, most disgusting and terrible tasting thing he ever ate. Description Greenland sharks are large fish, comparable in size to great whites and in appearance to sleeper sharks. On average, adult Greenland sharks are 6.4 m (21 ft) long and weigh 1000 kg (2200 lb), but some specimens reach 7.3 m (24 ft) and 1400 kg (3100 lb). The fish are gray to brown in color, sometimes with dark streaks or white spots. Males are smaller than females. The shark has a thick body, with a short, round snout, small gill openings and fins, and small eyes. Its upper teeth are thin and pointed, while its lower teeth are broad with cusps. The shark rolls its jaw to cut away pieces of its prey. Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus). NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program Distribution and Habitat The Greenland shark is usually found in the North Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Ocean between sea level and a depth of 1200 m (3900 ft). However, the fish migrate to deeper water further south during the summer. One specimen was observed off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina at 2200 m (7200 ft), while another was documented at 1749 m (5738 ft) in the Gulf of Mexico. Greenland shark distribution. Chris_huh Diet The Greenland shark is an apex predator that feeds mainly on fish. However, it has never actually been observed hunting. Reports of scavenging are common. The shark supplements its diet with reindeer, moose, horse, polar bears, and seals. Adaptations While the shark feeds on seals, researchers are unclear how it hunts them. Because it lives in frigid water, a Greenland shark has an extremely low metabolic rate. In fact, its metabolic rate is so low that the species has the lowest swimming speed for its size of any fish, so it cannot swim fast enough to catch seals. Scientists hypothesize sharks may catch seals while they are sleeping. The low metabolic rate also leads to the animals slow growth rate and incredible longevity. Because sharks have cartilaginous skeletons rather than bones, dating their age requires a special technique. In a 2016 study, scientists performed radiocarbon dating on the crystals in the lenses of eyes of sharks caught as bycatch. The oldest animal in that study was estimated to be 392 years of age, plus or minus 120 years. From this data, it appears Greenland sharks live at least 300 to 500 years, making them the worlds longest-lived vertebrate. The biochemistry of the Greenland shark is adapted to allow the fish to survive extremely cold temperatures and high pressures. The sharks blood contains three types of hemoglobin, allowing the fish to obtain oxygen over a range of pressures. The shark is said to smell like urine, due to the high levels of urea and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in their tissue. These nitrogenous compounds are waste products, but the shark uses them to increase buoyancy and maintain homeostasis. Most Greenland sharks are blind, but not because their eyes are small. Rather, the eyes are colonized by copepods, occluding the fishs vision. Its possible the shark and copepods may have a mutualistic relationship, with the crustaceans displaying bioluminescence that attracts prey for the shark to eat. Reproduction Very little is known about Greenland shark reproduction. The female is ovoviviparous, giving birth to about 10 pups per litter. The newborn pups measure 38 to 42 cm (15 to 17 in) in length. Based on the animals slow growth rate, scientists estimate it takes about 150 years for a shark to reach sexual maturity. Greenland Sharks and Humans The high concentration of TMAO in Greenland shark flesh makes its meat toxic. The TMAO is metabolized into trimethylamine, causing potentially dangerous intoxication. However, the sharks meat is considered a delicacy in Iceland. The meat is detoxified by drying, repeated boiling, or fermenting. Hkarl hanging to dry in Iceland. Chris 73 Although a Greenland shark could easily kill and eat a human, there are no verified cases of predation. Presumably, this is because the shark lives in extremely cold water, so the chance of interaction with humans is very low. Conservation Status The Greenland shark is listed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List. Its population trend and the number of surviving adults is unknown. Presently, the species is caught as bycatch and intentionally for Arctic specialty food. In the past, Greenland sharks were heavily fished for their liver oil and were killed because fisheries thought they posed a threat to other fish. Because the animals grow and reproduce so slowly, they have not had time to recover. The shark is also threatened by overfishing and climate change. Sources Anthoni, Uffe; Christophersen, Carsten; Gram, Lone; Nielsen, Niels H.; Nielsen, Per (1991). Poisonings from flesh of the Greenland shark Somniosus microcephalus may be due to trimethylamine. Toxicon. 29 (10): 1205–12. doi:10.1016/0041-0101(91)90193-UDurst, Sidra (2012). Hkarl. In Deutsch, Jonathan; Murakhver, Natalya. They Eat That? A Cultural Encyclopedia of Weird and Exotic Food from around the World. pp. 91–2. ISBN 978-0-313-38059-4.Kyne, P.M.; Sherrill-Mix, S.A. Burgess, G.H. (2006). Somniosus microcephalus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 2006: e.T60213A12321694. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2006.RLTS.T60213A12321694.enMacNeil, M. A.; McMeans, B. C.; Hussey, N. E.; Vecsei, P.; Svavarsson, J.; Kovacs, K. M.; Lydersen, C.; Treble, M. A.; et al. (2012). Biology of the Greenland shark Somniosus microcephalus. Journal of Fish Biology. 80 (5): 991–1018. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.2012.03257.xWatanabe, Yuuki Y.; Lydersen, Christian; Fisk, Aaron T.; Kovacs, Kit M. (2012). The slowest fish: Swim speed and tail-beat frequency of Greenland sharks. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. 426–427: 5–11. doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2012.04.021

A comparison between the American Psycho and A Clockwork Orange

A comparison between the American Psycho and A Clockwork Orange The controversy surrounding Brett Easton Elliss American Psycho and Anthony Burgesss A Clockwork Orange relates primarily to the central themes that are explored in both books. Nevertheless, the brutality and explicit expression that drench these novels is imperative in shocking the readers. Although it is not solely the violent content of the books that shocks, it is a matter of form and style and the methods used by both authors in their portrayals of monstrosity. Both Burgess and Ellis employ literary techniques in their novels that are significantly directed toward provoking a controversial response from readers upon publication. However, this is not to say that the principal purpose of these novels is to shock; arguably, this is merely an effect generated by the form in which these books are presented. It can be said that Elliss presentation of a consumer society is fundamental in driving Bateman, Elliss protaganist, to act in the way he does. Likewise, Burgesss depiction of an oppressive, totalitarian society is also crucial in understanding Alexs desire for sadomasochism. American Psychos bizarre mixture of yuppie satire and splatter horror caused reactions of scathing criticism, indignation, yes, even murder threat. The shocking nature of the novel is engineered by Ellis’s use of graphic content, imagery, and detailed description; in conjunction with the other themes that are invoked, it is clear why American Psycho received such a controversial reception. Ellis refers to Dantes Inferno in the opening line of the novel: ABANDON ALL HOPE YE WHO ENTER HERE; this caption, inscribed on the doorway to hell, is proleptic of the content of the book, acting as a caution to the reader, who will be subjected to The hell of endless presentations of consumer goods combined with scenes of gut-wrenching violence. The graphic content alone in American Psycho is shocking; however, Ellis carefully contrasts nauseating detail of brutal acts performed by the egotistical narrator, Patrick Bateman, with some of the emptiest dialogue ever committed to print. Endles s description of male grooming products (such as the Greune Natural Revitalizing Shampoo), home electronics, and designer fashion brands not only emphasizes the significance of consumer society in ’90s America, but appears in such stark contrast to the horrific scenes of mutilation that the sadistic behavior of Bateman appears all the more appalling to readers. In conjunction with this, scenes of brutality take up only a small proportion of the novel: Batemans first act of violence does not take place until a third of the way through the book. Furthermore, the monotonous uniformity of Batemans incessant descriptions of brand names and consumer products leaves the reader simply unprepared for the bloodshed that follows. For example, Ellis dedicates entire chapters of the novel to the history of bands such as Genesis and Huey Lewis and the News. These tedious, droning descriptions of Genesis albums such as the concept-laden And Then There Were Three are of almost no relevance t o the rest of the novel; however, they are significant in provoking the effect Ellis is intending to pursue. The tiresome depth of detail that Ellis uses generates a false sense of security for the reader, therefore accentuating the more ghastly content of the novel. Correspondingly, a similar motif is employed in A Clockwork Orange. Alex’s ardor for classical music most significantly, Beethoven’s famous Ninth Symphony generates a comparable impression to that produced by Ellis in his use of language; moreover, it is mimetic of Burgess’s approach to structuring the novel. Beethoven begins his Ninth Symphony with a mellow, placid tone that slowly develops to create maximum tension before erupting into a much sharper, more dominant sound that, like the juxtaposition of language in American Psycho, is responsible for creating such a dramatic effect. Similar techniques are put to effect in J.G. Ballards Crash, which was castigated by various critics for the violent behaviour and perverse desires of some of its characters. Ballard, like Ellis, exercises an extensive and unnecessary quantity of detail; however, unlike American Psycho, there is no contrast between the violence and the rest of the book. Ballard blends endless descriptions of mechanical structure, listed exhaustively in precise technical prose for example, the jutting carapace of the instrument panel and stylized sculpture of the steering column shroud with the perverse behavior of characters such as Ballard and Vaughn. In the case of Crash, the relentless use of mechanical jargon amplifies the erotic and violent nature of the book itself and, when used in conjunction with descriptions of every pornographic and erotic possibility and every conceivable sex-death and mutilation, is very effective in generating a controversial effect. Ballard portrays his distinctive i nterpretation of the culture of modernity through the means in which he unifies sex, death, and metallic structure in his language. Ballards view on society is similar to that taken by Ellis, who drenches American Psycho with contemporaneous detail; the reflection of a semi-realistic society in both Crash and American Psycho leads them to appear more shocking to readers. In contrast, the dystopian world of imagination created by Burgess in A Clockwork Orange contains elements of a futuristic culture, which can be seen to appear less offensive to the public. Ballards title, Crash, is relevant to the content of the novel; it is also metaphoric of his view of society as sordid and headed for disaster, a point argued by Virginia Brackett. The language of A Clockwork Orange, a neo-Slavic Nadsat, is hugely significant in addressing the violence of the novel, and is described by Esther Petix as the jargon of rape, plunder and murder veiled in unfamiliarity. The typical tongue spoken between the narrator, Alex, and his â€Å"droogs† is important in considering how Burgess intends to depict violence as both a theme and a way of life for the gang. It is imperative to take into account, when interpreting the Nadsat lexis, the distinct lack of connotations for love, emotion, and compassion that are typically applied in a natural domestic environment. In contrast, Alexs dialogue contains a huge variation of words implicating brutality, violence, and misogyny: for example, Krovvy for blood and Groody for breast. This in itself represents the extent to which bloodshed and brutality are normal to Alex; A bit of dirty twenty-to-one or Ultra-violence is routine for Alex and his Droogs. Similar to American Psycho, A Clockwork Orange also uses a contrast in language to amplify the violence recorded in the book, thus provoking a more deplorable effect. The Nadsat lexis, in offering a variety of misogynistic and violent terms, also includes a number of conflicting phrases. Burgess flecks his dialogues of evil with endearing traces of childhood in words such as appy polly loggies and skolliwoll; this juxtaposition of infantilisms and violent terms aids in repeatedly shocking the reader. In conjunction with this, the Nadsat dialogue is also significant in personalizing the reader with the narrator, implicating us in the sadistic violence he commits. The narrative stream of consciousness we see from Alex constantly incorporates us in his violent behavior. On the other hand, the personalization and interaction between the reader and Alex leads us to empathize with him, raising the argument that the principle of A Clockwork Orange is not purely to shock, but also to pursue other themes. All three books A Clock work Orange, American Psycho, and Crash have been produced into relatively recent films, all of which provoked controversial receptions; the most shocking, A Clockwork Orange, was banned upon release. This illustrates the contextual significance of the novels and represents how the shock of language has dissipated in modern society after exposure to media and film culture. Furthermore, this signifies why the explicit nature of American Psycho generated less of a response than the more subtle motifs of A Clockwork Orange that upset many when it was released. Ellis’s use of language in American Psycho is clearly of great significance in provoking shock; however, it is the illustration of violence that is the substance of the novel. The gut-wrenching depth of detail and graphic imagery thrown at the reader is almost difficult to comprehend. The first act of violence performed by Bateman is a representation of class hatred perpetrated on a black homeless man named Al, which suggests that the encounter is merely an embellishment of the racial prejudice that underlies the novel. However, Ellis images the victims body with tremendous specificity, and the gruesome imagery of Als mutilation traumatizes the reader. The illustration of Als eye as a red, veiny egg yolk oozing over his screaming lips in thick, webby strands paints such a repugnant image that it becomes almost nauseating for the reader. Ellis continues to express such explicit detail regarding almost every act of brutality that Bateman performs. In the second half of American Psycho, the disturbing nature of the novel heightens, as readers are introduced to the first of Batemans sexual attacks. Unlike Burgess, Ellis produces a narrator that readers are unable to empathize with due to the barbarous and sadistic acts that he commits. The perverse scenes of erotic vulgarity involving various prostitutes and hardbodies that Bateman lures back to his apartment are critical in generating the level of controversy that arose upon publication. In particular, Ellis describes a scene where Bateman forces a Habitrail tube up into this bitches cunt before inserting and trapping a starved rat inside her for personal satisfaction. Ellis continues to describe Batemans animalistic brutality, using sickeningly graphic imagery of skin and muscle and sinew and bone before he hack[s] the bone off her chin. Although it is clear from the fierce descriptions of various mutilations and murders that Ellis wanted to disturb his readers, there is a definite correspondence between Batemans victims that represents a portrayal of ’90s American society. This is reflected in Batemans choice of targets, which progresses from Al (The bum, a black man) to an old queer and his Shar-Pei and then onto various escort bimbo[s]. Julian Murphet argues that what Ellis presents as acts of brutality should actually be considered as, â€Å"The cinematically projected fantasization of general class violence toward everything that is not white, male and upper middle class.† To a certain extent, Murphet’s statement is accurate: both misogyny and racial prejudice are expressed explicitly in the lives of Bateman and almost all of those embedded in â€Å"yuppie† culture. The uniformity of such a mundane routine pursued by Bateman drives him toward exorbitant methods of gratification. Carl Tighe supports Murphet’s argument, stating that Ellis’s portrayal of women in American Psycho is that â€Å"they are not intellectuals, they are barely even people.† Furthermore, the dialogue exchanged between Bateman and his associates Van Patten, McDermott, and Price in pretentious restaurants and bars such as â€Å"Nells† and the â€Å"Yale Club† clearly illustrates their materialistic and misogynistic views of women in society. Any females are merely referred to as â€Å"hardbodies† or â€Å"bimbos†; Bateman fails to gauge anything behind the faà §ade or initial impression of a woman. Ellis exaggerates the significance of appearance in American Psycho to such a degree that a waitress becomes intolerable to our protagonist when he perceives that her left kneecap is â€Å"almost imperceptibly thicker† than the right. At â€Å"Harry’s,† Bateman and two â€Å"friends† concur that a good personality in a woman consists of someone who will â€Å"satisfy all sexual demands† and â€Å"essentially keep her dumb fucking mouth shut†; the consistent and deliberate level of yuppie satire and offensive dialogue is a reflection of Ellis’s outlook on the consumer society of ’90s America. Therefore, in Bateman’s egotistical routine of habitual violence, monotonous monologues, and cocaine, it can be seen that Ellis is raising fundamental social and racial problems, which were rife in America during the era of Reagan’s presidency. However, the extent to which racial prejudice and misogyny are adopted by Bateman and his acquaintances enhances the shocking nature of the book, leading numerous feminist groups to berate Ellis with scathing criticism. Similarly, A Clockwork Orange contains indications of misogyny that are apparent throughout the novel, with our narrator regularly partaking in â€Å"a bit of the ultra-violence,† raping and beating young women for his own amusement. The numerous derogatory terms encompassed in the Nadsat dialect regarding females also reinforce such indications, suggesting that A Clockwork Orange was not published solely to shock. The violence of A Clockwork Orange is presented in a very different manner. Despite the lack of specificity regarding every detail of the victim’s injuries, the violence committed by Alex and his gang of â€Å"droogs† is â€Å"both appalling and appealing.† We are able to empathize with the 15-year-old narrator through Nadsat and through his presentation as a typically mischievous teenager in a way that we could not connect with Bateman. Therefore, when Alex and his gang assault, strip, and rob an â€Å"old veck† and â€Å"viddy† him swim in his own blood in the opening chapter, we are shocked to discover Alex finds it â€Å"real beautiful.† Our 15-year-old protagonist takes aesthetic pleasure in the merciless beating of an old man and finds it â€Å"a source of comedy†; this is consistent in Burgess’s attempts to create distress in the readers. A Clockwork Orange does not contain the same level of specificity as American Psycho . However, Alex is presented as an artist in his violence, and Burgess describes his behavior with a surreal and almost facetious detachment. Midway through a brutal gang fight, Alex begins to â€Å"waltz left two three, right two three† before slicing the face of his nemesis, â€Å"Billyboy,† whose â€Å"blood poured in like red curtains.† This illustrates the pleasure that Alex takes in violence and brutality. Similarly, in American Psycho, while torturing a young woman, Bateman is â€Å"grimly lip-synching† to â€Å"The Worst That Could Happen† while it plays on the jukebox. Both Alex and Patrick Bateman are embedded in their own routines of cursory periodic violence, which they perform for no other reason than their individual enjoyment. Arguably, there is a distinct political motive behind A Clockwork Orange: Burgess’s observations during his visit to Leningrad in 1961 inspired the dystopian elements drawn on by the novel. The oppressive, state-regulated nation that Burgess witnessed is arguably what prompted the Ludovico technique, a government program consisting of a variety of ultra-violent films engineered to revert the malicious desires of a young criminal such as Alex. The technique is a clear reflection of the totalitarian society of A Clockwork Orange and that observed in Leningrad. Burgess opposed the infamy and repressive nature of the prevailing Communist governments, and it is evident that his political ideology was influential in the writing of his novel. Critic Esther Petix offers a supporting argument involving the contrast of the government advocates representing the Communist regimes witnessed by Burgess in Eastern Europe subsequent to the Second World War. The Ludovico technique itself is a paradox, supposedly a method of rehabilitation; it instead manipulates our protagonist into a piece of pulpless, juiceless flesh that acts upon command and not out of will. The Ludovico technique is a clear example of the political message that underlies A Clockwork Orange and is critical in presenting the idea of the intrinsic evil of government and the purity of free will, both of which are key themes throughout the novel. However, the inhumane procedure that Alex is subjected to is also fundamental in generating shock, in conjunction with the portrayal of a totalitarian society. Ellis, in his representation of ’90s America, takes us into a decadent cocaine-addicted world that basically revolves around the hunger for parties and sex. This is illustrated in the temporal depiction of a consumer society where clothing possesses more significance than those wearing it. The extent to which Bateman is preoccupied by commodities leads him to become subservient, a commodity himself. It is critical to consider the importance of physical demeanor and possession in American Psycho, for it is imperative in exposing the â€Å"Psycho† of the title. Bateman identifies that physical brutality, torture, and rape have become his only way of escaping his hollow life in consumer society; arguably, the drug-fueled, materialistic world that surrounds our protagonist is the basis for the shock that is that is implicated in Ellis’s writing. Similarly, A Clockwork Orange sees Alex and his â€Å"droogs† habitually drinking from the Korova Milkbar, which ser ves milk plus something else. The drug-laced milk cocktails that are consumed by our humble narrator prior to an evening of physical brutality and sexual animosity would sharpen you up and remove any resemblance to human compassion. Once Alex and his â€Å"droogs† â€Å"feel the knives in the old moloko starting to prick,† they are â€Å"ready for a bit of twenty-to-one† and are able to commit senseless violence with no feelings of remorse. Hence, the drugs consumed by Alex and his gang, as in American Psycho, form the foundation of the gang culture and â€Å"ultra-violence,† two key implications of shock incorporated into the novel. Comparatively, a further representation of drug use in literature as a basis for shock is Hunter S. Thompsons postmodern novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, which generated a contemptuous response when it was published in 1971. Thompsons exertion of surrealist imagery is significant in emphasizing the savage nature of drug use and the pursuit of the â€Å"American Dream† reflected in high-powered blotter acid and a whole galaxy of multi-coloured uppers, downers, screamers, laughers. The absurd excursions of Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo, the language compounded with a blend of political satire, and the plentiful hoard of drugs all reflect Thompsons perspective on American society and the American Dream. Thompsons use of language and imagery twists a pretentious Las Vegas cocktail lounge into a fucking reptile zoo! Furthermore, our protagonists correspondence to readers from the midst of a drug coma led Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas to be excoriated by various critics for its unfettered plot and adjudicated by readers for its drug use. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas has been named a classic in the literature of depravity as a result of its sardonic depiction of ’70s America; allusions to The San Francisco Acid wave illustrated an endorsement of a drug-charged nation and triggered controversy when it was released to the public. Implications of drug use are included in all of these postmodern novels and form a fundamental basis for the society that the authors are presenting, which consistently creates controversy. Whilst A Clockwork Orange may appear shocking in content, there is arguably an overt philosophical and political purpose behind it. Hence, it was not published purely to generate controversy; that controversy is merely a tool in conveying a greater message. It can be argued that American Psychos â€Å"disturbing thematics are the product of an apocalypse culture, a culture that Ellis depicts as corrupted by consequence of its lust for cocaine, its impulsive drive for glamour, and its prejudice regarding those who do not tailor to its idealistic optimum. However, it is difficult to justify the books provocative and offensive nature without the development of a prevailing theme, other than implications of consumerism and misogyny. In the explicit portrayal of the life of Patrick Bateman, Ellis is fundamentally endeavoring to evoke shock among readers, and it is evident that this is the principal purpose of the novel. Bibliography 1. Alighieri, Dante. Inferno. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, 2009. 978-0-87220-918-3. 2. Bloom, Harold. Dark Humor. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2010. 978-1-60413-440-7. 3. Brackett, Virginia. Beginnings through the 19th Century. New York: Facts on File, 2006. 978-0-8160-7497-6. 4. Buchholz, Sabine. â€Å"At the Edge of Art and Insanity: Postmodern Elements in Brett Easton Ellis’s American Psycho. Norderstedt, Germany: Druck und Bindung, 2006. 978-3-638-90456-8. 5. Frank, Michael. â€Å"Violence and Consumerism in Brett Easton Ellis’s American Psycho and Chuck Palahniuks Fight Club.† Norderstedt, Germany: Druck und Bindung, 2009. 978-3-640-46678-8. 6. Gerhmann, Tim. â€Å"Parallelism of Character and Concept in American Psycho and Cosmopolis.† Norderstedt, Germany: Druck und Bindung, 2006. 978-3-638-76862-7. 7. Murphet, Julian. â€Å"Brett Easton Elliss American Psycho.† New York: The Continuum international Publishing Group Ltd, 2002. 0-8264-5245-0. 8. Petix, Esther. â€Å"Linguistics, Mechanics, and Metaphysics: A Clockwork Orange.† New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987. 0-87754-676-2. 9. Schiel, Anja. Abandon All Hope: Consumerism and Loss of Identity in Brett Easton Ellis’s American Psycho.† Norderstedt, Germany: Druck und Bindung, 2005. 978-3-638-93642-2 10. Tanner, Laura. â€Å"Intimate Violence: Reading Rape and Torture in 20th-Century Fiction.† USA: The Association of American University Presses Resolution, 1994. 0-253-35648-2. 11. Tighe, Carl. Writing and Responsibility. London. Routledge, 2005. 9780415345637 12. Torrey, Beef and Simonson, Kevin. Conversations with Hunter S. Thompson. Mississippi: University Press of Mississippi, 2008. 978-1-934110-76-8 13. Trawers, Martin. European Literature from Romanticism to Postmodernism: A Reader in Aesthetic Practice. New York: Continuum, 2001. 0-8264-9098-0.

Government borrowing, government budgets and fiscal policy impact Assignment

Government borrowing, government budgets and fiscal policy impact - Assignment Example 2. The government often increases its spending to expand an economy. In this situation, the actual deficit for the year is less than the forecasted amount. This shows that the government spending was less than expected; however, the revenue was more than the forecasted value. This indicates a surplus in the budget, and this implies faster economic growth. Yes, this is a problem in trying to balance the budget as the forecasted amounts vary widely with the actual expenditure and revenues. 3. Poor economic growth resulting in things such as unemployment could be caused by contraction of the country’s economy this can be corrected by the putting an expansionary fiscal policy in place. This system enables the government to increase the amount of money being transmitted in the country by cutting on state taxes, increasing the amount of government expenditure while the central bank is regulating by increasing the amount of money being supplied in the country. This helps in increasing production while creating more jobs. Expansion of a business cycle creates inflation in the country. A contractionary fiscal policy seeks to attend to this problem by trying to decrease the amount of money spent by the government while increasing the amount of interest rates on loans offered as to discourage people from borrowing hence reducing the amount of money in supply in the country. 4. Crowding out effect is whereby there is shrinkage in the private sector economy due to an apparent increase in government interest rates. There will be a less crowding out effect if the government spending is reduced as this will see a decrease in interest rates and higher investments in the private sector. 5. When Marginal taxes are cut off by the government, people tend to spend more on buying of products as they seem to have more money to spend. While they spend more on marketing, the government tends to collect more money from