Literary Analysis for John Updike’s A&P Essay

In John Updike’s A&P, a story of young man’s wasted effort on heroism is chronicled along with the fact that he has made a wrong decision on the situation. Sammy, a young teenager (assumed in the story), works as a cashier in A&P, a supermarket that caters to the different needs of consumers. One day, in an otherwise ordinary day, in walks three girls clad in skimpy bathing suits which capture the attention of everyone in the market, including the manager who reprimands them for such clothes. As the girls get embarrassed and leave the store, Sammy rushes to their defence and quits on the spot as he thinks that what the manager has done is unjustified. Sammy feels like a hero to the girls and leaves the store to rush after the girls, not knowing that the girls have long left without noticing Sammy’s â€Å"valiant† effort (Updike 596-601). In the story, there are many types of literary techniques which are evident. However, the three that stand out among the rest are the foreshadowing implemented by the author and narrator, the irony in the resolution, and symbolisms in the short story. Firstly, the foreshadowing can be seen in two ways. First, it can be perceived in terms of how the author uses a rather capturing opening of the story which gives a clue to the reader that something is bound to happen in the story and on that day in Sammy’s rather ordinary life. By using Sammy’s voice, there are allusions that something great is about to happen in the moment that the three girls walked in inside A&P and that Sammy’s life will never be the same again. The other aspect of foreshadowing can even be seen as an â€Å"en medias res† technique in the story. This is because in the middle of the story, the narrator reveals that what he is narrating has already happened and is not occurring. Hence, he is not narrating events but actually re-telling them. The other two literary techniques implemented in the short story is the use of irony which can be found in the conclusion of A&P and the symbolisms. Irony of circumstance is seen when Sammy quits his job for the girls when the girls do not even realize that he has done that. Hence, his attempt on being a â€Å"hero† is futile since the girls do not even think that they need one or that someone has rescued or stood up for them. The third and last literary technique is the usage of symbolisms. There are two symbolisms in the story: the supermarket itself and the three girls. The supermarket symbolizes the beginning chapter of Sammy’s life wherein he gets a taste of the different upsetting things that can happen in a person’s life; the three girls can represent the various forms of temptations any person encounters which can lead him to make wrong decisions. In conclusion, the use of literary techniques in any literature is very important since it adds more meaning, depth, and colour. Though any form of literature can do away with literary techniques, such aspects of literature make any written work more poignant, impacting, interesting, and meaningful. Works Cited Updike, John. â€Å"A&P.† The Early Stories: 1953-1975. New York: Ballantine Books, 2003.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   596-601. Print.

“He Is More Than A Hero” written by Sappho Essay

â€Å"He is a god in my eyes- the man who is allowed to sit beside you† â€Å"If I met you suddenly, I can’t speak- my tongue is broken† The following lines were taken from a poem written by Sappho entitled â€Å"He Is More Than A Hero.† For those who are not familiar with Sappho, she was a resident of a city names Lesbos. She lived from 630 B.C. – 570 B.C. In the city of Lesbos, Sappho was a highly respected poet/teacher by many but mainly the females. It is said that she was constantly surrounded by a circle of women who studied poetry with her. I am using this background information and the quotation from one of her many poems â€Å"He Is More Than A Hero† to support my theory that Sappho was a homosexual. Though the evidence is merely circumstantial, I feel that it is enough to convince one that she is a homosexual. The poem which I extracted my thesis statement is obviously being written to a woman, but it is cleverly masked by the title â€Å"He Is More Than A Hero† and a few other lines in the poem. In the beginning of the poem she is briefly describing someone’s male companion who is apparently a good lover possessing a few qualities that Sappho admires. â€Å"He who listens to the sweet murmur of your voice- the enticing laughter that makes my own heart beat fast.† Though the first few lines serve as a clever disguise, a cultured reader notices that the poem suddenly changes subjects, moving from a description of this man who is a god in Sappho’s eyes to a declaration of love for the female companion of this man-god. The 3-4th lines address an unknown you who is apparently the companion of this striking male. The you is also addressed in line 9 . The rest of the poem following that is a love ballad to this you who was first identified as being the companion of the man god. If one is not a skilled reader he/she may have missed the transition of the poem from one person to another. The first few lines serve as a disguise and a way for the author to express her jealousy of him being next to his female companion. She views him as  being a god because him being in the object of Sappho’s affection makes him that. This is based on the thought that if someone possesses something that you do not then they have a higher position of power than you. This thought accounts for her viewing him as being a God. There are also a few other pieces of evidence that suggest that the poet Sappho was a homosexual. She was a resident of an city known as â€Å"Lesbos†. The name of the city had a striking similarity to a word which is given to homosexual women of modern times â€Å"Lesbian†. It is also said that she was often surrounded by women who were her â€Å"students†. Though this evidence can be seen as being only circumstantial, I feel that the combination of her addressing a female in her poem â€Å"He Is More Than A Hero† as having certain homo-erotic effects on her such as making her feel as â€Å"a thin flame runs under my skin† and making her â€Å"drip with sweat† whenever she sees her is enough to label her as being the â€Å"Greatest Lesbian Poet of Rome†

Parallels between Gilgamesh and Genesis Essay

I. Introduction: Today, we are often bombarded with various inventions and discoveries coming from different parts of the world. But it is with great amazement when we look upon the advancement made by an ancient civilization that has come to be acknowledged as the cradle of civilization, Mesopotamia, at a time when most of its neighboring people-group was pursuing a nomadic life. Not only have they revolutionized human society through its invention of the wheel, writing too, must have originated in this place as shown by the Epic of Gilgamesh. Ancient as it is, being one of the world’s earliest-known epic poetry (â€Å"Epic†) taken from Sumeria and which the Babylonians developed into a long poem, it is undoubtedly beautiful; and ancient as it may be, high respect should be given   to it as one of the literary masterpieces of mankind. Genesis on the other hand, is the first book of the Bible. Genesis is the Greek word for â€Å"beginning† or â€Å"origin†, and is a Greek translation derived from the Hebrew b’reshith meaning â€Å"in the beginning†, the first word in the Old Testament. II. Meaning and Importance A. Epic of Gilgamesh At the outset, as one reads through the poem, it would readily display the glorification of the central figure, the historical warlike king of Uruk —Gilgamesh. All throughout the poem, the reader is led through his many exploits and achievements of Gilgamesh that gives the over-all impression of a constancy of battle-like stance. This I would not find surprising since this people’s land was always subjected to crisis such as the threat of invasion or the flooding of the rivers. As to the story, it relates much on how he has overcome every opponent, obstacles, and almost everything he had set out to do. Such achievements were made possible and justifiable as the narrative describes the super-human nature of the lead figure — being two-thirds divine and one-third human. How Gilgamesh emerges as a conqueror comprises the first part of the story. It would seem that the author wants to establish the fact that all the hopes and aspirations of its people are embodied in Gilgamesh. The first part shows and proves that whatever man could aspire to achieve or be has been done by the superhuman Gilgamesh. The second part directs the story towards the king’s bid for immortality through his quest for the immortalized Uta-Napishtim. Structurally speaking, these two parts (which would almost appear as unrelated) divides the story. Both would seem to take the reader into two different directions, driving down two different points. The death of Enkidu serves as the turning point that separates the two parts. What serves for continuity for the narrative are the inherent traits of Gilgamesh’s character — his fearlessness and obstinacy to be undaunted by obstacles. What is also a unique trait of the account of Gilgamesh is that the reading of the story is through a transcription of an oral story-telling, which the narrator in the story also revealed as a transcribed oral story of ancient times. Just as Gilgamesh was described as half-human and half-divine, so is the overall nature of the story. The narrator convinces its listeners and readers alike of the real existence of the king. However, its way of convincing is ironic since it proves the authenticity of its story through the existence of the very walls of the city of Uruk which we, present-day readers would find nowhere but in the walls of our imagination (â€Å"Assro-Babylonian Mythology: Gilgamesh†). The epic serves not only as a literary feat for early civilization; it also bears the identity of the early settlers of the Tigris-Euphrates area. However, its relevance supersedes its cultural identity. This ancient story connects its people with us and all of humanity as they ponder the same question which afflicts all men — death, the destiny of every man. It also attempts to answer whether any mortal man could possibly escape it and also the mystery of what lies ahead after death. In finding the answer and conclusion to these questions lies the significance of the two parts of the story. As mentioned, the first part is given to prove the semi god-like abilities of Gilgamesh. If he then, who bears such qualities failed in his bid for immortality, as shown on the second part, how much more for ordinary mortals? The narrative convinces its hearers or readers of the inevitability of death and must resign oneself of this fact. The most that man can do is to be fearless in facing it, the way Gilgamesh triumphantly faced death together with Enkidu in the great Cedar Forest. However, its main conclusion is: that man is powerless to escape it. B. Genesis Genesis originated as part of a larger literary unit that was only later broken up into books. That larger unit is the religious history of ancient Israel, usually called the Pentateuch. In it were traced Israel’s origins from its chief formative experiences down to its settlement in the land of Palestine. Also incorporated into the narrative were law codes formulated at various times in Israelite history. The entire complex came to be ascribed to Israel’s founder and first lawgiver, Moses. This position has been modified as a result of modern Biblical scholarship. Genesis is a logical division of the original text of the Pentateuch. It represents a twofold introduction to the story of Israel’s formation as a â€Å"covenant people†Ã¢â‚¬â€God’s chosen people. The patriarchal history comprises cycles of stories relating to three major figures of the pre Israelite past, namely Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, together with supplementary traditions about other ancestors who were of secondary interest. After an introductory genealogy there appears first the story of Abraham and Isaac. Included is a fragmentary history, possibly of Moabite origin, of Lot, the ancestor of the Moabites and Ammonites, who were related to the Israelites. There is also the history of Ishmael, who is regarded as the ancestor of the Arab peoples. The second major cycle is that of Isaac and Jacob. This cycle also contains supplementary material, some of the Edomites origins, relating to Esau, ancestor of the Edomites. Finally, there is the extensive and distinctive story of Joseph, the major intrusions into which are a variant history of Judah in chapter 38 and the â€Å"blessings† of the Israelite tribes in Chapter 49. Chapter 1 tells of God’s act of creation. Chapters 2-11 record human history from Adam to Abraham and describe the Garden of Eden, the Tower of Babel, and the Flood. The connecting link between all these parts of Genesis as well as between it and the other books of the Pentateuch, which it introduces, is a concept of divine intervention in man’s history. This concept has been given the name Heitsgeschichte, â€Å"salvation history†. Israel believed itself to be the product of a history in which it had encountered a God who had made it His Covenant people. The great events of this history are traced—the Exodus from Egypt; the experiences of the Red Sea, of Sinai, and of Kadesh, where Israel waited outside the Promised Land; and the occupation of the Promised Land. All these reveal a God of mercy and kindness, though also of justice and retribution, a God who had chosen Israel out of simple, gratuitous love. This historical perspective was imposed in Genesis both on the patriarchal legends that had been derived from Palestine and on the mixed Mesopotamian- Palestinian myths and sagas from which the book’s first chapters are constructed. Thus in Genesis, Creation is seen no longer as mere myth, that is, as a religious conviction visualized in narrative. It is instead, the first in a series of God’s saving acts, by which he had brought forth an ordered universe out of primordial formlessness. Man was placed in that world as God’s image and likeness, to be its ruler. But men improved unequal to the task. His wilfulness set him in opposition to God and introduced disorder into the world. After this followed murder and the hatred of man for man, for example, Cain and Abel, Lamech and the Cainites, even cosmic disorder, which the story of the sons of God and the daughters of men attempts to, explain. The Flood is understood in Genesis as both divine retribution and mercy: it brought an end to an evil generation, but a faithful remnant was preserved in the person of the righteous Noah and those who were saved for his sake. III. Gilgamesh and the Flood in the Bible The epic makes mention of the Flood in reference with one of the oldest books of the Bible. Similarities of the two accounts were the flood, the gigantic boat, and the fact that animals and living creatures were made to come aboard along with the one human family who entered the boat. There are major disparities though as to the recounting of the event. In the account of the Bible, the coming of the Great Flood in Noah’s days was not held as a secret before men, whereas in the story of Gilgamesh, the gods have intended to have it kept as a secret. Noah was even commanded by God to preach and warn the people of its coming (as a sign of His mercy) while he builds the ark. The people however, did not listen and even taunted Noah. Such reactions may have been likely since many Bible scholars believe that prior to this incident, rain had not yet fallen on the earth. In the Bible account, the door of the ark was supernaturally closed and opened by God alone. Noah had no power or aut hority over it. In Gilgamesh’s, the sealing of the door bears no spiritual meaning. Noah’s God and the gods in Gilgamesh were shown to have deeply regretted the sending of the flood that has wiped out humanity expect for those inside the great boat. One of the gods in the epic was displeased at first with the survivors, while the God of Noah readily blessed them. IV. Conclusion The work unfolds before us the thoughts and intents of the Sumerians and the rest of the Mesopotamians. Like the rest of most societies, they give enormous significance to fame and wealth. Fearlessness is held as a great virtue, born out perhaps of their constant living in fear of antagonizing their gods who they believed caused them all their troubles. Although Mesopotamians have achieved much, they did hold a pessimistic view. Life, it seemed for them, was a constant struggle a struggle against the forces of nature and the caprices of their gods. Towards the end of the story, even the endeavors of men would come to nothing as he comes to the end of his life. â€Å"Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we shall die† would have been the guiding principle of Mesopotamians. Perhaps so, since one historian had noted that over forty percent of their grain production was used to make beer. Although we discuss this epic as an ancient story, the quest for the answers about life and death still continuous to haunt several people even to this present-day. Above all, however, Biblical critics of the 20th century are willing to measure Genesis by historical standards other than those of the 19th century. By those standards Genesis was condemned or defended in the time of the â€Å"Babel and Bible† controversy. That dispute developed when the Sumerian and Akkadian literatures of ancient Mesopotamia were discovered and deciphered in the 19th century. The conclusion was easily drawn that the message of Genesis was of no more relevance to the history of religions than the myths of Babylonia, whatever might be the other values of the book. But the 20th century idea of history is more attuned to that which inspired the authors of Genesis. This view recognizes that recording specific facts and dares is not the, real object of history writing. Rather, the aim is to discover and portray realities that challenge human experience and demand an accounting. By the criteria of historicism Moses can hardly said to have existed; yet Israel itsel f is the historical witness of Moses. Genesis and the Epic of Gilgamesh are two great books that could inspire people when they read it. The facts and information’s are somewhat intertwined in some ways. These two books should be treasured and cherished especially by those who want to know the history of our forefathers, their fall and how they were saved by a mighty Creator.

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Becoming a Gendered Body Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Becoming a Gendered Body - Essay Example While these ideas are evident in adult bodies, there has not been a great deal of study into how these ideas are originally formed as it is commonly assumed to be natural. Martin suggests it is instead something created at about preschool age, at least partly as a result of the hidden school curriculum in which students are taught to behave in specific ways to facilitate the needs of the classroom, teaching and reinforcing specific gendered behavior in the process. The research method for the study was participant observation as the researcher observed five different preschool classes in two different preschools located in the same city. One was located near the city's university and the other was a Catholic school. The study group consisted of 112 children and 14 teachers in which all of the teachers were female. Of the children, 58 percent were boys and 42 percent were girls with very little diversity of ethnicities and little or no difference in economic class as all of the childr en were classified as having come from middle class homes. The researcher and her assistant observed activities within the classroom approximately three times per week for eight months, taking notes and trying to remain as unobtrusive as possible within the classroom setting. Observations were taken during both structured and unstructured activity times. Field notes were then analyzed using Hyper-Research software. Martin determined that gender among young children is created through a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors was dress/body adornment. Surprisingly, she found that most little girls were dressed in pink or pastels almost every day while boys were dressed in primary colors, green, orange and black, but never pink.

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Food Inc. Reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

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Abstract for the paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

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Summary of College Pressure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

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Gillian Clarke Essay Example for Free

Gillian Clarke Essay Before even reading â€Å"Miracle on St David’s Day†, I knew that something very special was going to happen from the word in the title â€Å"Miracle†. Clarke’s use of this word suggests that an amazing event is going to occur and that the poem is therefore going to be emotional and poignant. Gillian Clarke uses the first verse of the poem to create a pastoral idyll due to the use of personification-â€Å"An afternoon yellow and open mouthed with daffodils†. This conjures a happy and warm image of daffodils with their trumpets open wide, laughing in the sunlight, and it successfully personifies the flowers. Clarke also places people in the description to make it seem even more vivid in our minds-â€Å"the rumps of gardeners between nursery shrubs†. The line, â€Å"country house, guests strolling† pulls together a vivid image of a beautiful, opening scene in the reader’s mind. Clarke also introduces the importance of nature right at the beginning of the poem in this first verse. lAt the start of the second verse, Clarke dramatically dispels the pastoral idyllic that she created in the first verse. â€Å"I am reading poetry to the insane† is a blunt line, completely in contrast to the last verse as it is so insensitive. As readers, we instantly realise the harsh reality of the situation that she is in fact in a mental institution. Clarke’s dispelling of the original image is effective because it catches the reader’s attention immediately as it is a completely unexpected twist. It also makes the poem poignant because it makes the reader’s realise that there is never a perfect place and that there is always suffering around. Clarke goes on in this verse to describe some of the patients around her and the length of their mental disorders-â€Å"An old woman interrupting offers as many buckets of coal as I need. Clarke describes the poignant image of a schizophrenic, beautiful boy absorbed in her poetry making us realise that her poetry may be powerful for these people. After verse two, Clarke introduces verse three by stating â€Å"on a good day, they tell me later† to show how the split between a verse is a like the dramatic split personality of a schizophrenic. In verse three, Clarke goes into more detail about her moving surroundings to build up a vivid idea of the situation in the reader’s mind. She describes ow the sun causes shadows of window bars into the room and how a woman is sitting in these shadows as if she is in a cage. â€Å"In a cage of first March sun a woman sits†. Clarke repeats the word not, â€Å"not listening, not seeing, not feeling† to result in the woman appearing to be trapped inside herself and entirely vacant. Finally in this verse, Clarke writes, â€Å"a big, big mild, man is tenderly led to his chair†. The use of the adverb â€Å"tenderly† makes us understand just how much care and attention these people need. Clarke continues with the poem’s tone of compassion in verse four, by the slow reading caused by several instances of pauses in the line due to commas such as hands on his knees, he rocks . â€Å"I read to the big, dumb, labouring man as he rocks† also brings about the sad sense that although this man seems self-sufficient and big on the exterior he is mild and insecure on the inside and in the mind. Finally Clarke uses an oxymoron, â€Å"I read to their presences, absences† to show how although they are physically in the room, some of their minds aren’t really there at all. In verse five, Clarke’s writing makes everything suddenly change. The slow and thoughtful pace of the poem ends dramatically in a similar way that Clarke destroyed the pastoral idyllic after the first verse. Gillian Clarke’s use of alliteration also strongly suggests that something special is about to happen, â€Å"He is suddenly standing silently, huge and mild but I feel afraid. † Clarke then cleverly uses two similes to portray the moment before the man speaks, â€Å"Like slow movement of spring water or the first bird of the year in the breaking darkness†. These similes are closely linked to new life spring which is convenient because the poem is set on the first day of spring. We also grasp from Clarke’s use of similes that the man is going to do something new. This is a significant and poignant moment in the poem because the man is so well-built and huge yet what he is about to do is something really big and special for everybody in the room and the reader, â€Å"the labourer’s voice recites ‘The Daffodils’† The reaction to this man’s speech is shock and no one is able to speak. The nurses are speechless and prepared for violence from the man but even they freeze. The patients, some of which are seriously mentally ill also suddenly listen, â€Å"the patients seem to listen†. It is effective and poignant, how Gillian Clarke then personifies the daffodils to match the characters and mood of the room. She expresses that even nature outside can react at this incredible moment. The hyperbole that she uses, a thousand, ten thousand is an excerpt from the Wordsworth poem that the man is reciting. Clarke successfully employs this hyperbole to exaggerate the number of daffodils who stop to observe to the man breaking free of speech and his life. I think that the seventh stanza is the most heart-breaking stanza, especially Since the dumbness of misery fell; because that implies that the man was once a happy child and only stopped talking and became miserable when something tore his life apart. This is poignant because it makes us imagine tragic events that could have stopped this man from speaking and that it really shows the power and impact that poetry can have. I think the daffodils are flame is a very effective and clever way of Clarke to finish the poem because it is ending with the daffodils where it first started. The way that nature outside corresponds to the event in the room is truly miraculous. In verse six Clarke personifies the daffodils as â€Å"still as wax† whilst the man is reciting and the daffodils are then â€Å"flame† in the last verse during the man’s applaud (we can see a fiery theme). The poem is so poignant because of the way Clarke creates successful images and personification so that we can feel we are in the room at the time of the miracle. The pathetic fallacy at the end leaves reader’s reflective and astounded by the description in poetry of such an amazing account.

Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility on Consumers

Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility on Consumers 1.1 Research Background and Motivations Throughout the history of cosmetics (Appendice B), substances of all sort were utilised to produce products to enhance beauty and social lives, however with time certain substances were found to be hazardous, dangerous and poisoness. The cosmetic industry of the twenty-first century has evolved to adopt a more structured model of regulations in regards to which substances may and may not be utilised in the manufacturing of products. However, it is an industry that has become accountable to consumers and society in terms of how the products are produced (Eg. No testing on animals, chemical free, etc) and the effects of these products on consumers, society and our environment. Thus, CSR is becoming a vital issue in determining a companys performance and how it manages its economic, social and environmental impacts, as well as its contribution to society. CSR can be best explained as business practices or strategies that has the aim of satisfying the financial interests of organisations while positively impacting society (Foran et al., 2005). Though, CSR may involve certain investments for an organisation, it can also provide a source of opportunity and may; in certain circumstances; lead to building and sustaining competitive advantage. Many research on CSR has focused on the organisational business side and few have focused on the influence of CSR on consumers. However, consumers are essential to the success of CSR and understanding their attitudes towards CSR can enable companies to determine if their CSR business strategies are efficient, and the extent to which consumers are affected by these. Companies have also realised that consumers are making consumption decisions based on their personal ethical values, and according to Tallontire et al. (2001) ethics in consumption choices has become a growing phenomenon that underpins ethical trade activities. Many studies by scholars and practitioners when identifying and assessing the components of CSR, often refer to Archie B. Carrolls CSR pyramid (Ibrahim Parsa, 2005; Schwartz Carroll, 2003). However, there is very limited research in regards to the concept of CSR relating to that of consumer behaviour, and more precisely taking into account factors such as consumers attitudes and ethical beliefs. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide a better understanding of the concept and role of CSR, and explore how it is applied by the main local players within the CCI in France. The study focuses on examining the extent to which CSR affects consumers attitudes, and how their ethical beliefs may influence their attitudes towards CSR. 1.2 Context of the Problem Defining the problem is one of the most important steps in the research process and enables to indentify the specific marketing decision area that will be clarified by answering some research questions (Koerner 2006; Zikmund 1989). Growing pressure from governments, NGOs and consumer movements for companies to account for their impact of business operations on society and the environment; has lead more companies to invest in CSR initiatives and in managing more efficiently their SRI. However the issue arises in understanding whether consumers are actually aware of CSR practices adopted by companies, to which extent do they consider these when making a purchase decision, how are their attitudes affected, and in which manner do their ethical beliefs play a role in their decision making and their perception of CSR. 1.3 Research Aims and Objectives 1.3.1 Aims The aim of this dissertation is to investigate the role of CSR and its affect on consumers attitudes and ethical beliefs, within the CCI in France. The study also aims to determine if an association exists between CSR, consumers attitudes and ethical beliefs, and whether this may have an influence on consumers purchase behaviour. 1.3.2 Objectives Research Objectives provide guidelines in determining which steps must be undertaken in the research and if objectives are achieved the research information is considered sufficient to solve the problem (Hair et al. 2006). The main objectives of this research are the following : (1) To provide facts about the demographic characteristics of consumers who purchase colour cosmetics, as well as insights into their purchase behaviour, (2) To provide a better understanding of the role of CSR and examine the different frameworks, approaches to CSR, (3) To explore to which extent CSR affects consumers attitudes and whether consumers ethical beliefs plays a role, (4) To examine if relationships exists between consumers attitudes, ethical beliefs and Carolls four dimensions of CSR, (5) To determine what are the factors and information sources considered important when judging a company, and; (6) To determine what are the social issues consumers are most concerned about. 1.4 Hypotheses The previous research objectives constitute the basis for establishing the hypotheses of the study in order to measure the effect of CSR on ethical beliefs and consumers attitudes within the Colour Cosmetics industry in France: H1. There exists a positive relationship between Ethical beliefs and Awareness of CSR H2. There exists a positive relationship between Ethical beliefs and Feelings towards companies adopting CSR H3. There exists a positive relationship between Ethical beliefs and Considering CSR in purchase decision H4. There exists a positive relationship between Ethical beliefs and Ethical purchase behaviour H5. There exists a positive relationship between the Affective component of attitudes and Awareness of CSR H6. There exists a positive relationship between the Affective component of attitudes and Considering CSR in purchase decision H7. There exists a positive relationship between the Affective component of attitudes and Ethical purchase behaviour H8. There exists a positive relationship between the Cognitive component of attitudes and Considering CSR in purchase decision H9. There exists a positive relationship between the Cognitive component of attitudes and Ethical purchase behaviour The development of these hypothesis will be reviewed in Chapter 3, Section 3.6 of this dissertation. 1.5 Scope and Limitations This dissertation will cover the concept of CSR and will investigate the relationship between CSR and consumers attitudes and ethical beliefs. The study will also providing a brief overview of the main companies present in the local French market, and the extent to which they adopt CSR policies. The sample unit is limited to that of French consumers, having the following characteristics : female consumers , above the age of 18 years old and residing in France. Consideration must be taken that the author has attempted to present references the most frequently cited in the literature reviewed. The author attempts to make the link between the concept of CSR and consumers attitudes and ethical beliefs, hence for the purpose of this study, the models applied have been limited to that of the CSR Pyramid Model proposed by Carroll (1979) , and the Tricomponent Attitude Model. However, there is very limited research that exists linking these two models, and thus the literature reviewed may be limited in certain areas. 1.6 Organisation of the thesis The dissertation was divided into six chapters: Chapter One, provides the significance of the study, context of the problem, aims and objectives, states the hypotheses, scope and limitations of the study, and the present organisation of the thesis. Chapter Two, presents facts and informations issued from the secondary and exploratory research in regards to the CCI, and CSR practices of the main players within the local French market. Chapter Three, consists of a review of relevant literature and theoretical models in regards to the concept of CSR, implementing and measuring performance of CSR. It will also provide relevant literature reviewed in regards to linking CSR to consumer attitudes, and thus will also address the theory of attitudes, through the Tricomponent Attitude Model. Chapter Four, presents the research philosophy, research methodology and methods adopted for collecting, analysing and discussing the relevant data obtained for the purpose of this study. The design and implementation of the questionnaire survey, and the reliability, validity, limitations and ethics of the research will also be adressed. Chapter Five presents research findings in regards to primary data collection, and presents the results regarding the validity of the stated hypotheses. Chapter Six, provides the final conclusions of the study conducted, limitations and future recommendations. References, bibliograpgy, appendices, s, graphs and tables follow Chapter Six. chapter 2 : colour cosmetics industry review This chapter will define cosmetics in the context of this dissertation and will also present an overview of the CCI in France (section 2.2, and Appendice C), as well as its main players (Section, 2.3 and Appendice D). CSR practices adopted by the main local players and whether these companies provide a CSR policy will also be addressed. 2.1 Defining Cosmetics According to the current EU legislation cited in Morganti Paglialunga (2008), a cosmetic product is ‘any substance or preparation intended to be placed in contact with the various external parts of the human body with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance and/or correcting body odours and/or protecting them or keeping them in good condition. The word ‘cosmetic in greek derives from the word ‘kosmetikos and the meaning allocated is ‘to make for beauty, especially of the complexion, or beautifying. The meaning over time has evolved into that of ‘ masking, concealing, cover up or that of camouflaging . Cosmetics consists of products such as personal care creams, makeup, perfumes, deodorant, shampoos, etc. The term ‘make-up is more often used when speaking of colour cosmetics and according to Oumeish (2001) means ‘to use cosmetics and apply them to color and beautify the face, and to other parts of the body. This dissertation will be focusing on the Category of Colour Cosmetics, which involves: (1) facial make-up, (2) eye make-up, (3) lip products, and (4) nail products. 2.2 Colour Cosmetics Industry in France The French Colour Cosmetic dominates the European market and 15,7% of the European market value. It holds the second largest market value in Europe behind that of the United Kingdom. (Euromonitor International, 2009). The local French market is largely dominted by major players such as LOreal SA that holds 38,80% of total market shares, followed by Chanel S.A with 13,40% and LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vitton S.A with 9,40% of market shares (Datamonitor, 2008). Other players present in the local market include Estee Lauder, Beiersdorf-Nivea Beautà ©, Clarins S.A, Coty, Yves Rocher, and Shiseido. (Appendice C) The colour cosmetic market consists of 4 subsectors, that of (1) facial make-up, (2) eye make-up, (3) lip products and (4) nail products. The facial make-up category dominates the sector with 36,40% of market value, followed by eye make-up with 34,40%, lip make-up with 19,70% and nail make-up with 9,40%. The fastest growing category in 2008 were facial make-up which had a growth of 4% and eye make-up, by 3% (Euromonitor International, 2008 2009). According to Datamonitor report (2008), distribution of products are mainly through Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, with 45,7% and specialised retailers with 39,5% of the markets distribution, and other channels of distribution represent 14.8%. Many French women are now more inclined to mix premium and mass brands (Euromonitor International, 2009). However with increase awareness of consumers attitudes towards toxic chemicals having negative aspects on health, the premium segment is becoming more popular amongst females who are in search of more safe to use products, and environemntally friendly. The legal environment also oversees the French industry by adopting strict regulations towards ingredients which are allowed to be utilised in the cosmetic product, or those that may be considered dangerous in regards to health aspects. Examples such as adoption of Directives 93/35/CEE (1993), Directives CEE (2004), European International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. Since 2009, the European Union has also put legilsatives in place banning animal testing within the E.U and also sale of any product that has been prior tested on animals (Kumar, 2005). 2.3 Colour Cosmetic Companies and CSR Practices The following will provide a brief overview of the 3 major colour cosmetic players in France (LOreal, Chanel and LVMH), and discuss whether these companies have adopted CSR activities within their business strategy, and will state if a formal (written, printable report of their CSR policy) or informal CSR policy (only available on their corporate website) has been adopted. Other players present in the local market such as Estee Lauder, Beiersdorf-Nivea Beautà ©, Clarins S.A, Coty, Yves Rocher, and Shiseido, are also presenetd, in Appendice D of this dissertation. LOreal S.A In France, LOreal S.A accounts for 38,80% of total market shares (Datamonitor 2008). It is the worlds second largest manufacturer of cosmetics and toiletries. LOreal operates through three business divisions: cosmetics, the Body Shop, and dermatology. Its main colour cosmetic brands are : LOreal Paris, Gemey Maybelline Garnier, Lancome and The Body shop. LOreal acquired The Body Shop in March 2006, which enabled to position itself in the ethical cosmetics market, to reinforce this positionment. LOreal also acquired a leading french company Sanoflore, which is specialised in organic cosmetics. This strategy enables LOreal to develop into the organic and natural cosmetics market (Euromonitor International, 2009). LOreal invests largely in CSR practices, and provides a formal CSR policy which enables to support its disclosure and transparency to the public in regards to its business operations. LOreal addresses an extensive lists of social and ethical issues such as contributing to the society and community, addressing issues of sustainability, preserving the environment, labour and human rights, actions against animal testing, donating to charities and natural disasters, developing education, supporting medical research, adopting ethical standards throughout the entire company and subsidaires, its employees and having strict ethical requirements for its suppliers. Chanel S.A was established in 1924 by Coco Chanel, and is owned by the Swiss company Pamerco. It is a privately held company and is not obligated to release any financial results. It is specialised in a wide range of products such as fashion, watches, eye wear, fragrances and beauty products. In France, Chanel S.A accounts for 13,40% of total market shares in the cosmetics market. It operates in Europe, Asia and USA (Datamonitor 2008), with the highest shares of market value in that of Western Europe (Euromonitor International 2009). Its colour cosmetic products are distributed unders the brands Bourjois and that of Chanel. In order to improve financial results due to the economic downturn, community projects such as ‘Mobile Art Tour have been stopped in order to focus investments on other strategies. However, no information in concerns to CSR practices nor that of any formal CSR policy was publicly available on their corporate website. However, it cannot be assumed that they do not invest in CSR, but may have chosen not to make publicly available their CSR policies. LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vitton S.A Is an international group of companies with principal activities focused on the production and sale of luxury goods. Its main divisions are : wines and spirits, fashion and leather goods, fragrances and cosmetics, jewelry and selective retailing sectors. LVMH operates about 1,859 stores worldwide (Datamonitor 2008). In France, LVMH group accounts for 9,40% of total market shares in the colour cosmetics market (Datamonitor 2008). Its main brands in the colour cosmetic segment include : Christian Dior, Guerlain, , Hard Candy, Benefit Cosmetics, Urban Decay, Fresh, Make Up for Ever and Dior Addict. (Datamonitor, 2009, LVMH Group 2009). LVMH adopts an informal CSR policy which is publicly available on their corporate website. The company is largely invested in the french community and believes in promoting french culture, art and heritage. It allocates important investments towards community projects, and is involved in many initiatives to promote french cultural heritage. chapter 3: literature review and theoretical framework 3.1 The Concept of CSR The section 3.1 will provide the literature review in regards to the background of CSR, its purpose, how CSR is defined, implementing CSR and monitor CSP, as well as the criticism of the concept. It will also focus on presenting the different dimensions of CSR through Carrolls CSR Pyramid Model (1979). 3.1.1 Background of CSR During the eighteenth century companies took little responsibility for their impact of business operations. According to writings of the Scottish philosopher of the eighteenth century, Adam Smith (1776) many corporations limited their operations according to the rules of pure competition. This gradually evolved and companies started taking full responsibility for their business impact on society, the community and the economy. Many academics believe that the roots of CSR originated from nineteenth century U.S industrialist, Andrew Carnegie, in his writings from the ‘Gospel of wealth, where he was the first to express publicly his beliefs that that the most fortunate members of society should ensure that money was used to aspire the less fortunate members (Carnegie Corporation New York). The early twentieth century, saw businesses adopt more responsibility in regards to society and the community which was mainly represented by CP. According to Carroll (1999), and Hopkins (1999) cited in Leal (2007), the discussion about SR of businesses began to become more prominent from the 1930s, with authors like Chester Barnard, J.M Clark, Theodore Kreps and Merick Dodd. Prior to the 1960s, business ethics was rather left to theologians to discuss issues of fair wages, unfair labor practices, and the morality of capitalism (Lantos, 2001). From the 1960s, companies were more focusing on generating profits that outweighted largely over moral principles. It was during this era that consumers began to manifest their mecontentment against unethical business behaviour. During the 1960s Milton Friedman, Nobel Prize winner in economics in 1976, raised an issue by stating that the ‘only obligation a business had was to generate profits for its sharehlders. It was only during the 1970s, that the concept evolved when CP was supplemented by corporate initiatives and activities, and businesses taking a more responsible attitude towards societal needs. It was considered that companies should not pursue profit without taking into consideration business ethics, acting in a social responsible manner and being a good corporate citizen. In the 1980s, R. Edward Freeman (in contrast to the views by Milton Friedman), argued on the issue that CSR is a question of managing stakeholders, and that values and ethics are necessarily a part of doing business. The last decades, growing interest has been more towards environmental issues (Eg. Global warming, climate change, pollution index, etc), and how companies are addressing such issues through adoption of sustainable development. 3.1.2 CSR in France In France, the concept of CSR surfaced during the late nineteenth century. Early twentieth century, professional organisations as well as commercial undertakings have been adopting texts containing social standards that employers must observe (Segal et al., 2003). During the 1980s, the concept was mainly issued from the idea to combine economic and social policy, and on the basis of promoting the concept of the ‘corporate citizen. There was great involvement on the part of undertakings in civic life, such as lobbying to exert an influence on the decisions made by the public authorities or providing sponsorship to support social, cultural and sporting activities (Segal et al. , 2003). According to Segal et al. (2003), the CSR movement from the United States did not reach France until the early 1990s, however, companies in France referred more to the term ‘corporate citizenship (in french ‘citoyennetà © dentreprise), which was more familiar to them, than CSR. Due to cultural differences, some aspects of the CSR concept as it was constructed by Anglo-American background, did not adapt well into the French cultural landscape, such as the idea that all stakeholders should be taken into account, or the fact of a responsibility that merely complements that of companies. This is explained by the fact that the State and the Law are regarded as the only guarantors of a principle of SR that applies to all, whereas initiatives emanating from civil society are perceived as campaigns and suspected of concealing vested interests (Segal et al. ,2003). CSR, in France is exercised within an increasingly precise legal framework, particularly because the law encourages undertakings to adopt standards of SR. It is a frequent custom for the people in France, to turn to the public authorities demanding that they ‘face up to their responsibilities and lay down the laws recognising a new social problem and addressing it, rather than provide laws that define minimal thresholds for companies (Segal et al., 2003). 3.1.3 The Purpose of CSR With the increasingly pressure received from Governments, NGOs, consumer movements, activists, shareholders, the public and the media has lead companies to account for their social and environmental impacts of their activities. As a result the twenty-first century is seeing CSR emerging as an important area in business strategies. Advocates of CSR have used four main arguments to justify the reason for CSR : (1) moral obligation of companies in adopting an ethical and responsible behaviour; (2) sustainability in terms of the TBL, (3) license to operate in terms of companies identifying social issues important to stakeholders and taking approrpiate related decisions, and (4) reputation by investing in cause-related marketing campaigns (Porter Kramer, 2006). Porter Kramer (2002), also suggest that CSR practices can provide economic benefits if the social improvement has been related to the companys business. Companies often willingly engage in socially responsible behaviour because it enhances shareholder value by keeping a business on the right side of the law (Martin, 2002). Companies can serve shareholder interests while also serving those of a larger community. Most CSR practices implemented by firms are largely based on Philanthropy activities, and used as a purpose to promote the the corporate image. It can also contribute to improving the community by developing education, health, provide safe products, preserve the environment, improve employment, and on the long-term can aid in building strong ties with governments, official organisations, partnerships, and build trust within the community. According to Burke and Logsdon (1996, p. 496), ‘CSR (policy, program or process) is strategic when it yields substantial business-related benefits to the firm, in particular by supporting core business activities and thus contributing to the firms effectiveness in accomplishing its mission. 3.1.4 Defining CSR There is no formal universal definition of the concept of CSR. Many believe it concerns what corporations give back to society in return from the benefits they have gained, others tend to believe it is based on how ethically corporations behave, towards society and the environment, and in regards to its stakeholders. Often, CSR is also referred to as the ‘triple bottom line in which it refers to the corporations financial, social, and environmental performance in conducting its business. There have been numerous attempts by organisations, institutions, corporate executives and academics to clarify the constructs and concept of CSR (Dahlsrud, 2008, Lantos 2001, Tywoniak Bartlett, 2008, Van Marrewijk 2003, 2005), resulting in many definitions towards a more humane, more ethical and transparent way of doing business (Van Marrewijk 2003, 2005). Prior research by Dahlsrud (2008), reveal that there is not ‘one standard definition of CSR but that a variety of definitions exist. In his research he anyalysed 37 definitions of CSR, and results showed that, even though most definitions are different from one another textually, they are nevertheless constantly referring to the the same five dimensions: (1) environmental, (2) social, (3) economic, (4) stakeholder and (5) voluntariness. Davis (1975) describes that SR implies that companies should not only make a decision based on their own interest but are also obliged to take actions that protect and enhance societys interests. According to Sethi (1975) the concept of CSR has different meanings according to time and the cultural context and is more based on the corporate actions that enable to determine whether corporations are meeting societal expectations. According to Carroll Schwartz (2003), definitions of CSR fall into two general schools of thought, those that argue that business is obligated only to maximise profits while respecting the legal requirements and minimal ethical constraints (Friedman 1970, Levitt, 1958), and those that believe corporations are accountable on how they conduct their business toward society. CSR is concerned with businesses being morally accountable to its stakeholders, and thus that values are necessarily and explicitly a part of doing business (Freeman, et al. ,2004), and that it is a voluntary commitment by companies to exceed the explicit and implicit obligations imposed on them by societys expectations of conventional corporate behavior (Falck Heblich (2007) Others such as Davies (1960), Andrews (1973), McWilliams and Siegel (2001), Kotler and Lee (2005) refer to CSR as being an obligation to improve community well-being through transparent business practices, contribution of corporate resources, corporate decision making and actions extending beyond the firms direct economic or technical interest, and that which is required by law. In this context, CSR can therefore be seen as the voluntary assumption of responsabilities beyond that of just economic or legal (McGuire, 1963). Authoritive institutions have also attempted to define CSR. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (2000, p.3) defined CSR as : ‘ the continuing commitment by business to contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the community and society at large. The European Trade Union (2004, p.1), on the other hand, defines CSR as ‘companies integrating social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis. And on its part, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Develpment (OECD) on their website, describe CSR as : ‘The most important contribution of business is the conduct of business itself, and its core responsibility is to yield competitive returns to shareholders by identifying and developing promising investment opportunities and must comply with legal requirements and, respond to societal expectations not written down in law books. 3.1.4.1 Carrolls CSR Pyramid Model For the purpose of this dissertation, the author has chosen to focus on Carrolls Pyramid Model ( 3.1) in order to identify the main dimensions of CSR. Carrolls Pyramid Model was selected on the basis that it seems to be the framework the most frequently referred to in the literature reviewed, in terms of managing social issues. In Carroll (1979, 1991 2000), Carroll Schwartz (2003) CSR, is defined as: ‘The social responsibility of business encompasses the economic, legal, ethical, and discretionary (philanthropic) expectations that society has of organisations at a given point in time. The following sections will provide an overview of each individual dimensions of Carrolls CSR Pyramid Model. 3.1.4.1.1 Economic Responsibilities The environment of global trade is becoming a more competitive arena and faces economic challenges (Kehoe (1998), cited in Carroll, 2000, p.35), and thus, the economic responsibility of business remains very important (Carroll, 2000). Companies business operations contribute largely to the economic unit in society. It has the responsibility to produce goods and services that society wants and to sell them at a profit, and all other business roles are predicated on this major assumption (Carroll, 1979). Economic responsibilities is characterised by companies willingness to perform in a manner consistent with maximising earnings per share, must be committed to being as profitable as possible, must maintain a high level of operating efficiency and competitive positioning and that the success of the company be defined as being consistently profitable (Carroll, 1991). 3.1.4.1.2 Legal Responsibilities Society expects business to achieve its economic operations within the framework of legal requirements. It goes on the assumption that economic responsibilities and legal responsibilities coexist and must be met simultaneously, as they represent fundamental precepts of the free enterprise system (Carroll, 1979, 1991). According to Carroll (1991), legal responsibilities can be viewed as codified ethics in the sense that they integrate the basic notions of fair operations as established by lawmakers, and are characterised by companies performing in a manner that is expected of them by government and law, and thus, that the success of the company is defined as one that fulfills its legal obligations, and to provide goods and services that meet legal requirements (Carroll, 1991). Accordoing to Carroll (1991), the Economic and the legal responsibilities are the most important components in the Pyramid Model. However, this may cause confusion when applying the framework as both components are located at the very bottom of the Pyramid. (Carroll Schwartz, 2003) 3.1.4.1.3 Ethical Responsibilities In addition to fulfilling their economic and legal responsibilities, businesses are expected to fulfill ethical responsibilities as well (Carroll 1979). ‘Ethics, are the driving forces behind every creation of laws or regulation, there are not necessarily codified into laws but are expected by society (Carroll, 1970), and concerns standards, norms, or expectations that reflect a concern for what consumers, employees, shareholders, and the community regard as fair, just, or in keeping with the respect or protection of stakeholders moral rights (Carroll, 1991). Carroll (1991), describes that the main components of ethical responsibilities of companies are to perform in a manner consistent with expectations of societal norms mores and ethical norms; to recognise and respect new or evolving ethical/moral norms adopted by society; to prevent ethical norms from being compromise

Reflection on Engineering Work

Reflection on Engineering Work PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER Summary Statement These are the competency Units and Elements. These elements must be addressed in the Summary Statement (see Section C). If you are applying for assessment as a Professional Engineer, you will need to download this page, complete it and lodge it with your application. Competency Element A brief summary of how you have applied the element Paragraph number in the career episode(s) where the element is addressed PE1 KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL BASE PE1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline Theoretical knowledge gained from studying Renewable Energy Resources , Mechanics of Materials and Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning was used in the projects. CE 1.2, 2.1, 2.2 PE1.2 Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline I used different mathematical equations for the designing of Parabolic Trough. Heating and Cooling load for the Air Conditioning were calculated using load calculation equations. CAMEL software was used to optimize the load and analyze and compare it with manual calculations. CE 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19, 3.8, 3.11, 3.12, 3.21 PE1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline Knowledge gained in Finite Element Methods and analysis software ANSYS helped to analyze the drop table. CE 2.1, 2.2, 2.10 PE1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline Sequential switching of energy resources from traditional fossil fuels to renewable energy resources is seeming eminent. Parabolic Trough is the future of energy sector in energy deficient countries, like Pakistan. CE 1.1, 1.2,1.21 PE1.5 Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline Being aware of the side effects some of fossil fuels have on the environment, helped us to use the environmental friendly Solar power to generate electricity. It reduces the carbon foot print and hence, guarantees a greener and healthier future. CE 1.2, 1.21 PE1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline Being project leader the responsibility laid on my shoulders to ensure successful timely completion of the project. For this I employed Primavera and Microsoft Project software to finish the project within given timeline. CE 1.8, 2.7, 3.5, 3.7 PE2 ENGINEERING APPLICATION ABILITY PE2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving Working on renewable energy project incited students and industrialists to use this energy source to power their needs. And I visited them to help them design the projects. CE 1.21 PE2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources I used the VRV system instead of the Central Air Conditioning as it is more energy efficient and gives more control. I used CAMEL to analyze the manual load calculations and suggest changings in the structure of building. ANSYS was used to analyze the drop table for the drop test. CE 2.2, 2.10, 3.4, 3.21, 3.22 PE2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes In each project I followed the engineering design process i.e. Defined the problem, searched for solution and picked a solution and developed it (Solar Power Plant). At the end, I prepared the report for each project including all experiments in systematic order. CE 1.21 PE2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects I used my management skills and software i.e. Primavera and Microsoft Project to keep track of the progress and finish it within given time. CE 1.7, 1.8, 2.7, 3.5, 3.7 PE3 PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES PE3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability Before the start of each project I made sure that my team follows the predefined guide lines to ensure professional and ethical conduct. Safety talks before every critical activity helped to achieve this goal. CE 1.8, 1.9, 1.20, 2.14 PE3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains I presented my Final Year Project (Solar Trough) in front of project supervisor, Chairman of Mechanical Engineering department and an external examiner. CE 1.21 PE3.3 Creative innovative and proactive demeanour Used economical techniques to select the Concentrated Solar Power technology, which need small absorbing surfaces and large reflective surfaces. Absorbing materials are more expensive than the reflective surfaces. CE 1.10 PE3.4 Professional use and management of information I kept record of all the meetings by writing minutes of meetings at the end of each meeting. Prepared the project reports using all the experimental and theoretical knowledge. CE 1.5,1.8,1.9,2.7,3.5,3.7 PE3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct My leadership skills and professional attitude during my final year project helped me to be leader in next two projects as well. Leading project teams more than once groomed my leadership skills and helped to enhance my professional conduct. CE 1.7, 2.1, 3.5 PE3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership My leadership in the projects was effective enough to finish the projects well in time and in good team spirit. I inspired my team members to work through difficult situations and solve issues without being stressed out. CE 3.5, 2.11,

Personal Response to Marge Piercys A Work of Artifice :: Work of Artifice Essays

Personal Response to Marge Piercy's A Work of Artifice My initial response to "A Work of Artifice" by Marge Piercy, was one of profound sadness. In defining myself as the actual reader of this poem, my background becomes significant in my emotional response. "It is this reader who comes to the text shaped by cultural and personal norms and prejudices." (Bressler, p. 72) I come from a family of poets and published writers and have been reading and composing poetry since the age of 4. My first poem was published in the local newspaper, in which I won first prize, at age 5. I have experienced all kinds of texts, as well as many different forms of art. Being exposed to art and literature at such a young age has given me a wide variety of experiences and a huge cultural repertoire. I have even been to Pablo Picasso's home studio in France a number of years ago. What strikes the familiar chord in me through this poem, however, lies not in my cultural repertoire nor my literary background, but my own recent personal background. Having spent many years in an abusive relationship, I can identify with this poem on a very sensitive level. "It is your nature/ to be small and cozy,/ domestic and weak" (12-14). Throughout history, women have been subjected to prejudice and discrimination as the "weaker" sex, oft times becoming subservient to their husbands, bosses, etc. Men have been dominant for years, and in such, have squeezed the role of woman into the domestic realm, that which they believed to be "woman's work." Experiencing this first hand, although I did work two jobs to support a non-working husband and three children, I have felt a sense of weakness and being oppressed or kept down, kept small, which is the essence of this poem. The idea here represents the cultural norm (although this has changed in our culture today) of keeping women from speaking their mind by relegating them to purely domestic chores of little importance. I found no key gaps within this poem on a personal level, although I can define some that would occur should a reader not be familiar with the concept of bonsai trees. My father has grown bonsai trees for many many years, thus the concept of pruning back and stunting the growth of such trees has been in my cultural and personal repertoire since childhood.

My Antonia Essay: Antonia and Jim -- My Antonia Essays

Antonia and Jim of My Antonia  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚         In Willa Cather's My Antonia a special bond is formed, shattered, mended, and eventually secured between the main characters, Antonia Shimerda and Jim Burden. Jim and Antonia seem to be destined to affect each other's lives dramatically, from the beginning of the novel.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Starting at a young age, the main characters lives are intertwined. They form a special bond, which have both positive and negative affects on their relationship. At the time when Jim and Antonia are growing up, a rigid social structure exists in Nebraska. This social difference contributed to the creation and alteration of their friendship; in part, it is responsible for their behavior toward one another.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  The reader may discover a social distinction in the way the Shimerdas and the Burdens live. The Shimerdas are a family of immigrants who come to Nebraska with nothing but the hope of building a better life. They have no knowledge of this new world that they are about to enter, except the image of their neighbor's lives. In Black Hawk the Shimerdas are not even on the social scale. The Burdens, on the other hand, are clearly part of a higher social order. They have impressive possesions and are even considered very wealthy by their new Bohemian neighbors.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   However, despite the social order, Jim and Antonia, immediately become friends. Their friendship is sparked when Jim teaches Antonia how to read and speak English. This is one of the first times the reader sees a division in their educational and social status. It affects them positively by bringing them closer together.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As the novel progresses, the two young people remain fair... ... Randolph. "Review of My Antonia." Murphy's Critical Essays 145-147. Cather, Willa. The Norton Anthology of American Literature, 5th edition, Vol 2. New York:W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. 1998, Pgs 937-1070. Dyck, Reginald. "The Feminist Critique of Willa Cather's Fiction: A Review Essay." Women's Studies 22 (1993): 263-279. Ferguson, Mary Anne. "My Antonia in Women's Studies: Pioneer Women and Men-- The Myth and the Reality." Rosowski's Approaches to Teaching 95-100. Helmick, Evelyn. "The Mysteries of Antonia." Bloom's Willa Cather's . . . , 109-119. Rosowski, Susan J., ed. Approaches to Teaching Cather's My Antonia. New York: The Modern Language Association of America. 1989. Trilling, Lionel. "Willa Cather." Bloom's Modern Critical Views 7-15. Woodress, James. Willa Cather: Her Life and Art. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press. 1970. My Antonia Essay: Antonia and Jim -- My Antonia Essays Antonia and Jim of My Antonia  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚         In Willa Cather's My Antonia a special bond is formed, shattered, mended, and eventually secured between the main characters, Antonia Shimerda and Jim Burden. Jim and Antonia seem to be destined to affect each other's lives dramatically, from the beginning of the novel.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Starting at a young age, the main characters lives are intertwined. They form a special bond, which have both positive and negative affects on their relationship. At the time when Jim and Antonia are growing up, a rigid social structure exists in Nebraska. This social difference contributed to the creation and alteration of their friendship; in part, it is responsible for their behavior toward one another.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  The reader may discover a social distinction in the way the Shimerdas and the Burdens live. The Shimerdas are a family of immigrants who come to Nebraska with nothing but the hope of building a better life. They have no knowledge of this new world that they are about to enter, except the image of their neighbor's lives. In Black Hawk the Shimerdas are not even on the social scale. The Burdens, on the other hand, are clearly part of a higher social order. They have impressive possesions and are even considered very wealthy by their new Bohemian neighbors.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   However, despite the social order, Jim and Antonia, immediately become friends. Their friendship is sparked when Jim teaches Antonia how to read and speak English. This is one of the first times the reader sees a division in their educational and social status. It affects them positively by bringing them closer together.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As the novel progresses, the two young people remain fair... ... Randolph. "Review of My Antonia." Murphy's Critical Essays 145-147. Cather, Willa. The Norton Anthology of American Literature, 5th edition, Vol 2. New York:W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. 1998, Pgs 937-1070. Dyck, Reginald. "The Feminist Critique of Willa Cather's Fiction: A Review Essay." Women's Studies 22 (1993): 263-279. Ferguson, Mary Anne. "My Antonia in Women's Studies: Pioneer Women and Men-- The Myth and the Reality." Rosowski's Approaches to Teaching 95-100. Helmick, Evelyn. "The Mysteries of Antonia." Bloom's Willa Cather's . . . , 109-119. Rosowski, Susan J., ed. Approaches to Teaching Cather's My Antonia. New York: The Modern Language Association of America. 1989. Trilling, Lionel. "Willa Cather." Bloom's Modern Critical Views 7-15. Woodress, James. Willa Cather: Her Life and Art. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press. 1970.

Boys of Blood and Bone Essay

David Metzenthen’s Boys of Blood and Bone is an ambitious novel linking the stories of Henry Lyon, in the summer before he starts his first year of Law at university, and Andy Lansell, Australian digger killed in the Somme in 1918. Andy and Henry’s stories meet when Henry’s car breaks down in the small country town of Strattford on his way to a sailboarding weekend with his mates — and his disgruntled girlfriend Marcelle. While stuck in Strattford, Andy gets to know Trot and his girlfriend Janine and centenarian Cecelia Hainsworth, never-married fiancee of the long-dead Andy. Henry is given Andy’s diary to read, and finds himself fascinated bythe tragic story of this young man of his own age from another time, another world. The narrative of Boys of Blood and Bone alternates between Henry’s contemporary story and the war time experiences of Andy and his mates. The point is not so much that the two young men’s lives are directly paralled — it’s rather that the comparison of their stories points up the extreme difference between the experiences of the generations in question, and their attitudes to life and death. Henry’s moment of physical courage when he board sails into a wild and dangerous sea points up his reckless sense of immortality, as contrasted with the young soldiers’ rueful, resigned courage under the most extreme, nightmarish and unbelievable circumstances. Similarly, Henry’s one passionless sexual encounter contrasts powerfully against the diggers’ frank embracing of (as they know, possibly first and last) sexual opportunities with, it must be stressed, entirely willing young women. This is not to infer that the novel romanticises the past, or past generations at the expense of the current generation. Yet there is a sense of frustration with Henry’s somewhat aimless, even unambitious wandering through life, compared to Andy’s clear-sighted, focused recognition of what is required of him in his here and now. And don’t forget — we’re talking about 18 year olds here. Boys of Blood and Bone is on its surest ground in the chapters dedicated to Andy and the desperate, bloody battlefield of the Somme. Metzenthen’s year spent researching the war is evident, and the physical and emotional ordeal these young men is vividly realised (although Andy’s last day is dragged out a little too much in classic horror movie â€Å"I’m not dead yet! † style). Less well depicted is the romantic tribulations that form the core of Henry’s story. His conflict with Marcelle is presented, but not adequately explored; his subsequent romance is more fleshed-out and recognisable, yet this narrative thread still seems somewhat pale in comparison to the life and death circumstances of Andy and his mates. In the past decade or so, young Australians have demonstrated a genuine interest in the war-time experiences of their counterparts from decades ago. Attendances at ANZAC Day ceremonies and visits to Gallipoli have increased enormously, and there is a new-found respect for the war-time experiences of Australian service men and women in times gone by. In this context, Boys of Blood and Bone is bound to find an enthralled and open audience.

Comparative Essay on Mid Term Break and Death of a Naturalist Essay

Read the poem Mid Term Break in which Heaney writes about life and loss. Choose one other poem written by Heaney which also deals with these themes. Compare how the two poems deal with Heaney’s thoughts and feelings. In the poem â€Å"Mid Term Break† Heaney deals with his thoughts and feelings on life and loss. These ideas are also addressed in â€Å"Death of a Naturalist†. The poet utilises a range of poetic techniques to convey the demise of his childhood and the disruption of natural order. The portrayal of death in the poems connote the poet’s feeling that life is futile; these themes combine to present Heaney’s feelings on life and loss. Primarily, Heaney portrays the demise of his childhood in â€Å"Mid Term Break†, clearly presenting his dejected, sullen and resigned feelings towards life in the event of loss. The image of time and death in stanza one, â€Å"I sat all morning†¦counting bells knelling†¦at two o’clock† clearly show his sense of logical reminiscence during a particularly morbid time in his life. The juxtaposition of the morning and the symbolic death bells represent the premature end to his brother’s life and the destruction of his own childhood. This shows sullen resignation towards the event of loss in his life. This childhood demise is also presented in DOAN. However, Heaney presents this in a more dramatic manner. Stanza one is longer than the second stanza, presenting how the poet revelled in his days of innocence. It also contains a tone of mystery and natural wealth, â€Å"bubbles gargled delicately, bluebottles/wove a strong gauze of sound†¦Ã¢â‚¬  through the use of synesthetic verbs to personify nature, Heaney portrays his nostalgic feelings towards this period of childhood innocence. This is emphasised through enjambment, which creates a sense of freedom. The demise of this is seen through the tonal shift, â€Å"then one hot day† in stanza two, moving the reader into the harshness of his adulthood. The contrast in language is also evidence of this, it becoming grotesque and fearful, â€Å"gross bellied†¦ obscene threats†¦farting heads†¦mud grenades.† Connotations of war, vengeance and threat are apparent, depicting his childhood demise through his negative perceptions of nature. Thus, it is clear from both pieces that Heaney has varied views on life and loss. In MTB the reader learns of his confusion and resignation as a result of his experience of death. However, DOAN presents a metaphorical depiction of how childhood is lost as a result of the harsh and oppressive adult world.

The Roman Government

The Roman Government Latin Investigation By Abhishek Gambhir January 2013 The High School of Glagow [email  protected] com 1. Table of Contents 3. 4 5. 6. 7. 8. Introduction The Leaders Political Groups Monarchy to Republic Conclusion Bibliography Curia Julia The High School of Glagow [email  protected] com 2. Introduction I have chosen the government for my latin investigation for many reasons. The first and formost reason is that I am very interested in modern politics and how the government works and I thought it would be interesting if I resarched how the romans ruled and governed their country.On the front cover you will see an ancient coin with the letters SPQR on it. This would have stood for â€Å"Senatus Populusque Romanus† Which literarly translated as â€Å"The Senate and People of Rome. † These four letters were one of the most important symbols in roman life it was used as an official emblem of the modern day town of Rome. It appears on coins, at the en d of important documents ,gravestones and was branded on the arms of the men in the Roman legions. SPQR on a Gravestone SPQR on a the base of a statue of Julius CaeserIn the Table of Contents I hve incuded remains of the Roman senate houses. The one on the left is Curia Julia which was the third senate house to be named. It’s construction began in 44 BC by order of Julius Caeser but was interupted by his unfortunate assassination and was completed by Caesar’s successor Augustus in 29 BC. The Curia Julia is one of the only Roman structures to still be standing today. Throughout the Investigation I will look at different points abot what made the Roman government tick, compare it with modern times and give a personal response.So lets begin with†¦. The High School of Glagow [email  protected] com 3. The Emperor The Leaders The emperor was the general learder of Rome and was responsible for the city. I will be using Emperor Augustus as an example. The reign of augus tus started on 16th January 27 BC. This marked the start of a new era known as the Pax Romana (The Roman Peace). By conquering Egypt, Dalmatia, Pannonia, Noricum, and Raetia, Augustus dramatically expanded the Roman emprie. Beyond the frontiers, he made peace with the Parthian Empire.He reformed the Roman system of taxing, developed networks of roads with an official courier system, established a standing army, established the Praetorian Guard(a force of bodyguards for the emperor), created official police and fire-fighting services for Rome, and rebuilt much of the city during his reign. Augustus died in 14 AD at the age of 75. He may have died from natural causes, although there were rumors that his wife Livia poisoned him. He was succeeded as Emperor by his adopted son Tiberius who can be seen at his feet in the statue.The Prime Minister Statue of Emperor Augustus As a comparison I will be talking about the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister, unlike the Roman emperor is bound to â€Å"cabinet responsibility† (making joint decisions). In Latin Prime Minister is â€Å"Primus inter pares† which means â€Å"first among equals. But something the Prime minister and the emperor do have in common is the secutrity. Only other politicians and close friends and family are allowed on downing street. Response The way the Leader operates in there two civilisations is very different.Personally I think that our way of handling things is a bit better because in todays day and age, without the proper security assassination would be common and countries would be thrown into chaos. The High School of Glagow [email  protected] com 4. Political Groups The Roman Senate The Roman Senate was a political organisation in ancient Rome. The word senate derives from the Latin word senex, which means â€Å"old man†. Therefore the word means â€Å"assembly of elders†. The senate was one of the most enduring establishments in Roman history.The Senate was foun ded 500 BC. The senate was mainly composed of very wealthy people who were called the aristocrates. Only a small number of roman people could become a senetor but once someone had become a senetor the could attend the senate until death. By the middle Republic, the Senate reached the pinnacle of its power. As you can see in the ancient painting everyone is wearing a white robe which symbolises power. The late Republic saw a rise in the Senate's power, being led by Tiberius and Gaius Gracchi.British Political Parties As a comparison I will be looking at British political parties. A general election in Britian takes place every 4-5 years but in the Senate, senetors could stay until death once they were appointed. Also in Britian there are multiple political parties to give different viewpoints but in ancient Rome there was only the Senate. Response The way these political groups operate in thier respective civilisation is very different. Our system is democratic whereas the roman syst em is based on wealth and tradition.The Romans have a single party system and whilst this avoids some time being wasted it can make decisions very one sided. The British have a multi party sysetm and this gives more than one opinion on issues and lets the people side with who they want. I think Our system is better because It is less biased than the Romans way. The High School of Glagow [email  protected] com 5. Monarchy to Republic The Roman Republic The Roman Republic (Res-publica Romanorum) was the period of the ancient Roman civilization when the government operated as a republic.It started with the overthrow of the Roman monarchy which happened around 509 BC, and its replacement was government headed by two consuls, elected every year by the citizens and advised by the senate. A regular system, gradually developed over time. The leaders of the Republic developed a strong tradition and morality requiring public service and support in peace and war, making military and politica l success linked. despite the Republic's struggle against any persons gain of permanent political powers, Roman politics was dominated by a small number of Roman leaders, their uneasy alliances punctuated by a series of civil wars.This eventually led to the republics demise. The Roman Republic was never restored, but neither was it abolished, so the exact date of the transition to the Roman Empire is unknown. Historians have proposed the appointment of Julius Caesar as perpetual dictator in 44 BC, the defeat of Mark Antony at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC and the Roman Senate's grant of extraordinary powers to under the first settlement as the defining event ending the Republic. Britains SwitchAs a comparison I will talk about when Britain moved from Monarchy to the system we are all familiar with today. In 1689,William III (and his wife Mary II) finally brought stability and the Bill of Rights was passed. This required all laws to be approved by Parliament, and for Parliament to be independant of the monarchy. By the time of Queen Victoria, the monarchy was no longer involved in politics, which became dominated by the Prime Minister. A series of Reform Acts from 1832 to 1928 would change the voting age to18. ResponseI think that the Republic system is alot bertter thant the moncrchy and that both civilisations were right in switching. It was just the bad times that the Roman republic did not last but in the modern day we all have a system that we are happy with. The High School of Glagow [email  protected] com 6. Conclusion In conclusion the Roman government was a very well working and very well organised system for the time when it existed. There are alot of ideas that we could take from the Roman system that could help make our one better.The High School of Glagow [email  protected] com Bibliography The Government of the Roman Empire Barbara Levick (Author) The Digest of Roman Law: Theft, Rapine, Damage and Insult Justinian (Author), C. Kolbert (Transla tor) Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire Simon Baker (Author) The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Edward Gibbon (Author) The Roman Government of Britain Anthony R. Birley http://jaysromanhistory. com/rome web/govt/early_govt. htm (Website) The High School of Glagow [email  protected] com 6.