Description and Criteria for Traumatic Brain Injury

Last Days of Socrates essays

Last Days of Socrates essays Socrates was called The Hero of Western Philosophy. He had an inner conscience. He would hold gatherings in market places and his main aim was to improve the social and political structure of the country. He adopted the method of questioning and he would use the two steps to his method of questioning which was pleading ignorance and cross questioning. These two methods were used by him for the examination of basic moral concepts which were the virtues of piety, wisdom, temperance, courage, and justice. He would say I know that I know nothing. This was also called dialectic or elanchus.He also envisioned a perfect state called Republic where the rulers of the city would be philosophers. He also said that Truth lies beyond the shadows of our everyday experiences and only a philosopher could show how incapable we are and only he could rule a state. He felt that knowledge and life experiences make a person virtuous and just. The trial of Socrates was a major incident in Greek history. Socrates was accused of corrupting the youth of Athens and not worshipping the gods of the state. During his trial, he denied all accusations and attempted to defend himself by proving his innocence using reason. He was judged to be guilty and given a death sentence. He was found guilty and sentenced to death by drinking hemlock (172). Meanwhile, Socrates was also given an option of escaping the death sentence. He was asked to recant his beliefs and by doing this, he could have escaped the death penalty. But, since Socrates choose truth, he didnt prefer the option of escaping the death sentence. Instead he preferred death I am not going to alter my conduct, even if I have to die a hundred deaths (83). Socrates felt that verdicts must be carried out; irrespective of the fact that they we ...

I WILL give the topic later Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

I WILL give the topic later - Essay Example Like the induction of electronic and personal health records (EHRs and PHRs), biometric and telemedicine devices and mobile phone applications are helping people to interact with doctor in a more advance and efficient way. The word e-Health is coined for all the domains under the health care sphere. According to the article, it is very important for health care professionals to understand this e-health support infrastructure in order to reap its fruits. Then the article has explained a model in order to explain the future of e-health. In this model the consumers and physicians are surrounded by the layers of the technological tools that are currently used or in near future will be the part of this sector. At the bottom of the chart, information/communication technology has provided platform to consumers for the interaction with the physicians and at the top is the way the physician will communicate, that is web-portal. Then the article further elaborated the chart and the way EHRs have made working easy for the people in this sector. Then the population/communication centric delivery system need and its integration importance with the home based biometric systems are described in the article. According to writer, this idea will help to address challenges and needs like environment, food and socio-economic ones. The writer then with the help David Blumenthal’s six way framework (provider/consumer information flow and communication) tried to explain how the e-health will affect the communication between patient and doctors. He explained that HIT and its software will allow the physicians to learn about patients. It will also provide 24/7 assess to the providers to the patient’s database. This will completely transform the way doctors and patients will communicate because they will communicate now through IT and much more. The article then elaborated the

Correlation of Crime and Victimization through Race and Ethnicity Research Proposal

Correlation of Crime and Victimization through Race and Ethnicity - Research Proposal Example In turn, a higher number of them have been victimized for the wrong reasons. The purpose of this study is to critically examine the disparity in the rate of victimization among the different races and ethnic communities in the U.S. The study is motivated by the high reports on victimization among the minority groups when compared to the Whites. Previously conducted research indicates that that the rate of crime and victimization among Blacks and Hispanics is higher than that among the Whites. It thus examines the underlying causes of deviant behaviors among the minority groups and what can be done to solve them and reduce the rate of victimization among the members of the minority groups. The quantitative method of data collection will be used in this study to compare the number of Blacks and Hispanics who are victimized against whites. It will be facilitated through the use of questionnaires on a sample of the population within the community and interviews for some of the convicted inmates. The random sampling method will be used to ascertain that the lifestyle exhibited by members of the minority groups within the United States is as a result of the unfavorable conditions that they are exposed to. These result in higher rates of crime and hence victimization, which results from an injury stereotype. In this case, the government must ensure equity and even distribution of resources among these groups to make them more independent, reduce their rate of crime and the ultimate victimization from individuals from the majority groups. In the recent past higher rates of victimization have been reported in the United States, especially among the Blacks and Hispanics who are considered to come from the minority group. This practice is associated with the stereotype that Blacks and Hispanics are criminals and hence should be made victims of their actions. In this sense, research and other records

Stories of Change Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Stories of Change - Research Paper Example Reasons for organizational change may include changes in opportunities, changes in technology; customer needs changes, change as a result of globalization and financial wealth. Organizations need to have an ability of adapting effectively and rapidly to the change process for them to remain competitive in today’s rapidly  changing  world. Therefore, organizational managers need to determine ways of nurturing the change process required as well as determine the different approaches required to make the change process effective to ensure organizational feasibility (Gupta, 2011). It is essential for any organization to accept change process positively if it needs to stay viable in the competitive market. However change process is not an easy process, and there are so many points that can go immoral. Among them is opposition and resistance from employees regarding the change process. Therefore, it is essential to manage the process with an effort of reducing the chance of such confrontation (Hayes & Richardson, 2008). According to the stories of change, there are 3 significant errors presented in the McDonald, Hewlett-Packard, and Kodak organizations. For Hewlett-Packard organization, Carly in 1999 became the company’s new chief executive officer at a period when the company was faced with many business issues and lacked a proper direction. The main aim of Carly was to rearrange the organization to have a good effective flow of ideas. During the year 2002, the company merged with Compaq Computer Corp (CCP) that was a very major but a desperate change p rocess. It is essential for an organization to anticipate a change process for them to react pro-actively rather than reactively for it to be effective (Gupta, 2011). For Kodak change story, the organization biggest recommendation was communicating more effectively with workers on the desired change process. One of the big challenges that organization face is on how to

The Role Of Complexity Theory In Organisations Commerce Essay

The Role Of Complexity Theory In Organisations Commerce Essay This review seeks to make an assessment of the value and reliability that complexity theory makes regarding a new approach to future thinking. The assessment is done with regard to organisation and management. The literature is addressed, as firstly the complexity theory and notion related to complexity theory, the application of complexity theory as metaphor, the concept of self organisation and its robustness in the organisations. Secondly, the role of complexity theory in organisation science-as far as strategy, planning, and vision is considered for future. Thirdly, the complexity theory is analysed in the aspect of leadership and finally the conclusion with a proposed model for further research. INTRODUCTION: Complexity theory states about unpredictability, non-linearity, and the advantages from non-linear thinking.,(1996) has asserted the role of both positive and negative feedback in organisations and the importance related to creativity(Innovation). Creativity and innovation, both are generated at the edge of chaos and the some patterns are generated .Chaos theory which is a part of complexity theory has notified the significance of these patterns. It is a creative place far away from equilibrium. Over the last 30 years and more, an aspect of this behavioural pattern has become the focus of attention in a number of scientific disciplines and fields such as astronomy, chemistry, evolutionary biology, geology and metrology. Valle ,(2000) has explained the complex system as the one in which numerous independent elements continuously interact and re-organise themselves into more and more elaborate structures over time. Mathews et .al ,(1999) called it as an emergent dominant force, distinct from the older competing paradigms. According to Holm dahl, (2005) the complexity theory or complexity science is used as a unifying name for a set of patterns found in the most different areas. However Edmonds ,(1999) supported an argument that it compromises of several views and interpretations; it is not a Unitary, monolithic, fully fledged theory on which there is an academic consensus (Sawyer, 2005). Colemann, (1999) also stated that there is no unified field of complexity theory but rather a number of different fields with intriguing points of resemblance , overlap or complementary with each other. Researchers like Morrison ,(2010) and Edmonds ,(1999) has mentioned about complexity theory, as a nascent, emergent science where its still developing and clarifying its central Tenets, paradigmatic principles, applications, derivatives, methodologies, foci and coherence. Mc Elroy ,(2000) has asserted that complexity theory is the system thinking applied to the behaviour of natural systems. Wheatley ,(1994) have shared the idea of organisation being natural living systems, where they emerge and grow in their environment according to simple rules of nature. However Griffin ,(2002) has extensively criticised the same and the way in which the complex and paradoxical phenomenons are drawn into a systematic understanding of organising. Various Organisational theorists such as (Chia, 1998; Tsoukas and Hatch, 2001; Tsoukas, 2006) also disagree with the direct transfer of models and theories from the natural sciences and explores how, if at all, complexity science may be located in the context of established social theory relevant to organisations In relation to patterns and behaviour, Coleman, (1999) has said its the unpredictable behaviour within the system, encouraged through underpinning patterns that can further represent a powerful, albeit unpredictable innovation. Levy, (2000) has also said that the observing patterns can be more useful if we can associate different phases of system with other characteristics, such as relationship between business cycles and other variables such as demand, interest rates, vendor lead times, and labour market conditions. In relation to the unpredictable behaviour and observation of patterns in systems, Rosen head , (1998) has challenged Coleman ,(1999) arguing that under certain conditions the complex systems performs in an regular predictable ways and in other conditions they exhibit behaviour in which regularity and predictability is lost. Some researchers have criticise others work of complexity theory by signifying their lack of experience such as Rosen head (1998) in his papers has criticised the work of Mc Master (1995), Merry (1995), Stacey (1992) and Wheatley (1992), as Rosen head explains that the findings that they report and interpret, is about scientific fields related to management concerns where they have no experience at all. Rosen head has supported researchers such as Stewart (1989) and Kaufmann (1993), who being scientist of high reputation wrote about research fields in which they are themselves active. Both Stewart and Kaufmann have written about chaos and complexity and their works do make some relevance in regard to complexity theory as they belong to the same field. Complexity theory as a metaphor: Complexity theory has been valued in the social sciences as a source of metaphor (Lissack ,1997). Different researchers have different views for complexity theory and for its basis such as Burnes,(2005) who considered it as an metaphorical device. Van Eijnatten and Van Galen, (2002); Fitzgerald and van Eijnatten, (2002) has mentioned complexity theory as a lens (like chaos) or an analogy (Sundarasaradula et al., 2005). Morrison, (2010) regarded complexity theory as a set of constructs. Indeed as a theory also, Lissack ,(1999) has also argued that it is more, a collection of ideas than a theory. Smith and Humphries, (2004); Murray, (2003) has suggested complexity theory to be best regarded as metaphor. Metaphor, being a complete legitimate device is a way to explain certain phenomenon in a novel way. If complexity is utilised as a metaphor, while understanding the organisational behaviour and management, it would lose the prescriptive force (Rosen head, 1998). While advocating complexity theory as a set of constructs (Morrison ,2010) has argued that complexity theory in itself could have been more valuable as a set of constructs however the complexity theory essential practicalities makes its susceptible to the charge of relativism , arguing for it contemporary reasons, context specificity of the values and actions involved in the subject called change. Complexity theory relativism undermines its own status (Siegel, 1987), ( Laudan , 1990). According to Morrison (2010), Complexity theory is only relativistic and ephemerally useful, rather than having absolutist aspirations. According to researcher the issue being raised here is the need to clarify the status of the complexity theory as what: a theory, framework, a metaphor, a set of constructs, lens, principles or collection of ideas. According to the researcher view, its vital to understand the plain status of complexity theory while considering complexity theory as a robust theory to be used in management or organisation studies. There urges a strong need to research on the subject to utilise the full advantage of it. Self-Organisation: Concept of Self organisation in complexity theory and its validity in management and organisation: Complexity theory suggest that, self organised order may supersede command and control in many situations advocated by Andriani et al. (2004), Brown and Eisenhardt (1998), Falconer (2007) , Kelly and Allison (1999), Marion and Uhl-Bien(2001), Majchrzak et al. (2006), and Stacey(2005). However Willis (2004) argued the view, and said that self-organisation as per the complexity theory may result in a useless development and managers should concern themselves with content, not only with process. According to complexity theory, the human beings should be left to organise themselves. Stacey (1996) has mentioned this as a property of dissipative systems and has mentioned human beings as dissipative structures. Some researchers like Smith et al. (2004) have mentioned these ideas to be unreliable, selfish and irrational. According to them, the organisation science is structured to be led, regulate, mange direct or even control the human beings to guide and give them the sense of direction to achieve their common goals. . Macintosh and MacLean (1993) has argued about the concept of self organisation that, it might exhibit a contradiction between naturally occurring self-organisation and contrived or deliberately , managerially forced positioning of organisations at the edge of the chaos (Falconer, 2007). So this contradiction might lead to inefficiency, time wasting, mob rule and people going in so many different directions which would be resulting in the loss of connectivity and alignment between parts of an organisation, its value and directions (Morrison, 2010). The contradiction about the naturally occurring (emergent) or contrived, deliberately forced positioning of organisation while on the edge of chaos, is difficult to identify and the emergent events could also become destructive (Schneider and Somers , 2006) Similarly negativity might result from new forms of organisation so one has to be very clear while identifying the nature of the self-organisation as people might take benefit of the autonomy in other manner. Eoyang , (2004) in his paper has said about exploring the power and ubiquity of self organisations by giving a theory of self organization in human systems. He has designed the difference matrix in aid to understand the degree of difference in an organisation; still not all self-organising is successful (Lichtenstein, 2000) as some can lead to system failures or catastrophes. Researcher also agrees that the concept of self organisation is probably not absolute in the case of management and organisations as the consequences and conditions vary in different situations and particularly from one organisation to other. So the concept needs further analysis within different business environments. Complexity theory -Strategy-Planning-Vision Complexity developed popularity due to uncertainty and turbulence in environment as the environment is now more and more unpredictable and dynamic in nature. Stacey (1996) in his book has said that the long term planning is irrelevant. Stacey has criticised the strategy as visionary thing and has mentioned that the single vision to serve as intended organisation future, motivator of behaviour, and guarantor of corporate cohesion as a thoroughly bad idea. According to Stacey, such an idea generates a culture of dependency, restricting the expression of conflicting views and creates mental models tending toward groupthink. Our vision and planning is both inter-related and according to complexity theory one should not keep long term planning as the world is dynamic in nature, still there is no evidence that explains the actual meaning of word long in the terms of complexity theory. Apart from long term planning, the scenario planning is also criticised by complexity advocates still nobody tells about the term long term (Levy, 2000) and this notion changes from one environment to other such as biologically evolutionary systems , firms and industries. Smith, (2005) argues on the concept that the complexity advocate asserted so much about the complexity theory and the butterfly effect, still if we consider the macro environment, then the place for scenario analyst is very significant. McMaster (1995) implicitly conceded that scenario analysis could be useful in thinking about the future. According to Smith (2005), thinking about different alternatives remain a better approach to encourage innovation than trusting to emergence and quick action, as supposed by complexity advocates like Kelly(1998) and Tatenbaum(1998). Tetenbaum (1998) and Kelly (1998), both the complexity theorist, has advocated that the future is an inherently unpredictable, unstable entity, from which patterns emerge from the bottoms up. According to Smith, (2005) they have completely discarded the planning and scenario analysis. We need both the innovation and creativity when the organisation thrives at chaos; however we also need the analysis to avoid the pitfalls again. According to researcher the compatibility is the actual word which has to be addressed and needed further attention as Rosenhead , (1998) has also argued that if we rely only on the facts of unpredictability and uncertainty then it would be great achievement in itself. Bunker and Alban (1997) has asserted that even plans can be conceived as actions, as actions unfolds making and economising, with the scarce resources easier and therefore planning process can yield the organizational learning, shared mental models, in fact a meta language which will be supporting the knowledge based view of organisation rather than resource based view. As a researcher, I agree that the world is dynamic and non-linear still the world needs a focus and I believe that the scenario planning and long term planning provides a focus to strategise, in both internal and external environment. Future analysis in general and scenario planning in particular might be well served to the value of system thinking including the chaos, complexity and the catastrophic theory. So then the people would be able to conceptualise the alternative scenarios (Smith, 2005) as it would be promoting the innovation factor. The concept can be explained through observation of macro environment, where the oil prices which are non-predictable still crucial from analyst point of view. Certain scenario analyst, who have years of experience in the same field can make an assessment for short term. Researcher agree with the fact that world is changing rapidly, still the years of experience people have with them in respective field is also an valuable asset for the future, the only need is to make the complexity theories compatible with this experience to evolutes a new understanding on the subject. So as a researcher, I have proposed a model in conclusion which need further research. Leadership: The role of leaders is to successfully implement the change within the organisation. According to complexity theory, the leadership emerges through interactions, networking and connectivity, relationship, as these enhance operational effectiveness. (Goldstein and Hazy, 2006; Lichtenstein et al., 2006; Surie and Hazy 2006; Parellada , 2007). Leadership and management, from the perspective of Complexity theory, is adaptive, participative and enabling (Schreiber and Carley, 2006). On the one hand, Complexity theory advocates distributed leadership that operates in an ever-changing, unpredictable environments, Gronn (2003), Lakomski (2000), Gunter (2003), Harris (2003), Falconer, (2007) and on the other hand, it suggests that employee empowerment, voice, creativity and diversity have considerable significance. (Stacey, 2000; Parellada, 2007; Capra et al., 2007). Complexity theory introduces the reality of unknown future, may be through overstating the case for unpredictability or absolving leaders and managers of responsibility. However, it does not argue against the fact that leaders and managers have to operate with the best evidence to date, rather than having perfect knowledge. (Morrison, 2010) Researcher also agrees that there is inconsistency in the definition of leadership by complexity theory and it plays a very vital role in the management of organisations. Indeed Smith and Humphries (2004) write that complexity theorists such as Brown and Eisenhardt,(1998) accept instability and uncertainty with too much certainty. This rehearses the postmodernists dilemma of proscribing fixity and firmness yet holding such proscriptions fixedly and firmly. Conclusions: Complexity theory is a field within which some un-expected and diverse results have been found, further leading on to some further intriguing conjectures. What does not follow here is that any such result necessarily applies to all situations. As a researcher, I have developed an idea that might use the concept of complexity in organisation to achieve improved results. As the researcher has worked in marketing field , so recognises the importance of innovation and creativity. Firstly, I agree with the concept of unpredictability and long term planning, however the urge is to utilise the experience gained by senior people in the companies. I feel the importance of complexity in change management and would like to propose an idea for it. Organisation has a particular culture and learning process shaped from either past or present to achieve the future goals. So it implies that both are inter-related (Culture-Learning).Both of them should be nourished with negative and positive feedback as well as with an awareness to change. So people who has linear thought process and with non-linear thought process should be trained consciously or sub-consciously towards change. Let us give name People with linear thought process=A People with non-linear thought process=B The senior management can identify and differentiate between people A and people B, by observing their responses to their works. (problem-solving methods). For 6 months, without any restriction, A should be allowed to give recommendations through a non-linear point of view in their problem-solving ways for 6 months and Data collection has to be made. For same 6 months, B should be allowed to give recommendation through linear point of view in their problem solving ways. Data collection has to be made. Then relocate them as they were before, now observe the changes and pattern. Involve both nontechnical and technical team to assess the problem solving ways to achieve solutions on complex problems related to organisation. Performance might get improve or might deteriorate; still there might be chances that Organisation can get a dynamic team with dynamic capabilities. I understand the issues related to it, so will suggest a further qualitative deductive research on the model to establish a link from complexity theory to the science of organisation. Overall after the review, researcher highlights the need to further research on the following subjects of complexity theory: Status of Complexity theory-Complexity theory absolutist or relativistic status to understand the organisation science Complexity theory mandate about self-organization that may be directive, manipulative and mechanistic. Still about its source and validity no one has confirmed, yet a so further study has to determine the link between the exact global pattern and its validity. How complexity theory helps leaders and mangers in the enterprise as it does not does not address the problem of how to replace command and control without using command and control. Complexity theory refers to an system without any ordered rules and regulations and then specifies its own regulations to follow the concept of self-organisation, positive feedback, connectivity and the concept of non-linearity in predictable and non-predictable world.

Miss Emily and the Invisible Man Essays -- Literary Analysis, Faulkner

William Faulkner and Ralph Ellison com from two different back grounds. William Faulkner was a white man born into a family who was affluent and powerful. (DiYanni 78) Ralph Ellison was a black man born in the south. (DiYanni 341) Through their stories they share their views of the south at that time. Faulkner and Ellison had contrasting views on the south about how people with differences were treated and whether or not the south’s changes were positive, however they both view the changing south as inevitable. In Faulkner’s south people who are different are not punished but they are protected from the public embarrassment of their honor. In â€Å"A Rose for Emily† Colonel Sartoris forgives Miss Emily of the taxes she owes the city of Jefferson. Instead of telling Miss Emily the truth, because of her position in the town she out of honor would have had to turn the offer down, the narrator says â€Å"Not that Miss Emily would have accepted charity. Colonel Sartoris invented an involved tale to the effect that Miss Emily's father had loaned money to the town, which the town, as a matter of business, preferred this way of repaying.† (Faulkner 79) Another example of the townspeople protecting Miss Emily’s honor is when they smell a repulsive odor coming from Miss Emily’s house. The mayor Judge Stevens is hesitant to confront Miss Emily the issue at hand. When one of the Aldermen, from the young generation, suggests addressing her of the situation Judge Steven s says "Dammit, sir, will you accuse a lady to her face of smelling bad?" (Faulkner 80) The townspeople ultimately decide to sneak onto Miss Emily’s property so the can remove the stench from her house without insulting her honor. The most extreme case of the citizens of Jefferson prote... ... fell away and did not send their children to her with boxes of color and tedious brushes and pictures cut from the ladies' magazines.† (Faulkner 83) In Battle Royal there is a sense of the inevitable change in the south. That the Invisible Man will follow his grandfathers words. That he has become privy to the game the white man is playing with him. Both of these authors’ short stories cover the changing south. Both of their short stories give us a profound impact on the thinking of these two men when it comes to their views of the south. Coming from different backgrounds this gives the reader a good view of what the overall picture of the south looked like at the time. Faulkner and Ellis disagreed about how differences were handled in the south and whether the changing south was good or bad, but they both of them agreed that the south changing was unavoidable.

Reflective Diary on “Presentation”

Presentation As I know from my lecturer in class of Enterprises Development, presentation is a â€Å"performance, and like any actor, you must rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. † I don’t find myself as a good in presentation as presenter. Though I rehearse, rehearse, rehearse, my presentation goes wrong during middle of performance. That time I found myself in hell, which makes me and my group disappointment. I have tried to improve my presentation skills lot, achieved some positive act in myself but still with problems. I am so glad and very thankful to my lecturer that providing clear information about how to do presentation?She provided us with lot of information about presentation which can help us in develop personal skills for presentation. During our last class, we all student are surprised to know that she choose three student for presentation. Through their presentation she said us about positive and negative about presentation. And from that presentation, I found that as Presenter it is very important to engage with audience, asking question, keeping eye contact, using hands, making sure the audience to understand and need to enjoy sharing knowledge on clear topic make presentation attractive and better.From my classmate’s presentation in class, I learned that preparation and practice of verbal and non-verbal communication are very importance for performance as speaker in presentation. Presentation is simply a means of communication which can be adapted to various speaking situation, such as talking to group, addressing a meeting or briefing a team. I remembered that when there was a group presentation in class it was always a pressure in my head. But, now knowing all this I would do my best for upcoming group presentation for this year.

Comparisons between America and South Africa essays

Comparisons between America and South Africa essays Although America might not like to admit it, there are definite parallels between their history prior to the civil war, and ours in South Africa. Almost certainly, for many years human beings have overlooked the major possibility of America being similar to Africa. Comparisons were ignored etc. But are these notions really as impossible as we were brought up to think? How could we possibly have had the same beginnings/history as one of the worlds superpowers? During this essay I am going to concentrate more on the development of the Americas as opposed to the development of South Africa as we have spent countless time and effort studying it in the previous years. Both were discovered by colonists trying to find a sea-route to India. The first known inhabitants of South Africa were the San and Khoikhoi hunters and gatherers who were followed southward by Bantu-speaking peoples between AD 1000 and 1500. The san, were hunter-gatherers, did not grow crops. They were migratory and moved in small groups. They were a very peaceful group of people. However, the medicine man, who was responsible for divination and curing the sick, played a pivotal role in these small communities. Diet consisted of variety of animals including shellfish and rhinos. They did not use metal; their weapons were made from wood, bones and stone. The women collected berries, leaves, bulbs and the roots of various plants. However, about 2000 years ago the discovery of livestock from the North and its impact on the hunter-gatherers lifestyle created friction between them and the pastoralists, mainly because the San saw the pastoralists as being invasive to their territory, and their animals as being invasive of their territorys natural resources . This was mainly because the idea of individualism was introduced; a contrast to the tradition of the San that all the resources of their territory- water, animals and plants- were the com...

How Does Shakespeare Influence Audience Opinion Of Shylock in The Merchant Of Venice Essays

How Does Shakespeare Influence Audience Opinion Of Shylock in The Merchant Of Venice Essays How Does Shakespeare Influence Audience Opinion Of Shylock in The Merchant Of Venice Paper How Does Shakespeare Influence Audience Opinion Of Shylock in The Merchant Of Venice Paper Essay Topic: Merchant Of Venice Opinion Play Shakespeare influences audience opinion in many different ways in The Merchant Of Venice. However, some of the devices he uses may have differing effects on Elizabethan and modern audiences. Elizabethans had many prejudiced stereotypes that Shakespeare includes in his play. There was less diversity of cultures when Shakespeare wrote the play, and therefore there was a lot more bad feeling towards different races and religions. Elizabethans were also more religious than people are nowadays, so there feelings towards religion and religious beliefs were much stronger than they would be today. The Elizabethans did not like the Jews, mainly because of the stereotypes that were portrayed of them. Jews were seen to be money grabbing and the Elizabethans disagreed with their ideas and values about life. The play was set in Venice, Italy where there was a law of equality which allowed trade to run smoothly as much of the Venetian way of life was based on trading. This would have an effect on the Elizabethan audience because Elizabethans believed that generosity was a great virtue to have, and they believed that Jews were not at all generous, something which is definite of Shylocks character. They also disliked usurers and merchants because they went against the Christian values. The play is a comedy and a lot of the humour was based on the Elizabethan reaction to Shylocks character and onstage appearance. However, in modern times society is a lot less prejudiced, thus creating more sympathy for Shylock. The Elizabethan audience would also be much more religious than a modern audience, and Shylock was a character that went against everything they believed in as Christians. Most of the Christian values are opposed to the stereotypical portrayal of Jews, especially as they are portrayed in Merchant Of Venice. Therefore, especially with an Elizabethan audience, the main feeling towards Shylock would not be sympathy, but hostility and loathing. The Elizabethan audience would immediately recognise Shylock as Jewish because he would we be dressed in stereotypical Jewish clothes and he would be wearing a red wig which was another stereotypical image of Jews. Everything about him would be stereotypical of a Jewish person, most of it in a degrading way as Shakespeare himself would have been a Christian. A lot of Shylocks speech reflects his character, for instance, he is a miser with words, similar to the way he is a miser with his money. He does not live in the world of aristocrats, but instead the world of merchants, which is why his money is so important to him. In Act One, Scene Three Shylock speaks first and his words are Three thousand ducats; well. This gives us an immediate first impression that his main concern in life is his money and wealth. He also repeats a lot of his words and phrases which shows he has a materialistic mind and a lack of imagination. He is very narrow and literal minded as we see in the way that he speaks. Ho, no, no, no, no and there be land-rats and water-rats, land-thieves and water-thieves It is significant that he used the term rats, because the Elizabethans had strong views on the sense of order of being. They thought that the order of society reflected the universe. Animals were at the bottom of this chain and therefore the least important. Elizabethan philosophers thought that man would lapse into beastliness if he allowed himself to become selfish. Therefore, the fact that Shylock uses animals as metaphors shows that he is preoccupied with the animal world. This tells us that Shylock is at about the same level as animals in the order of being, giving the audience little respect for him. However, a modern audience may not see this link as they do not have the same ideas as the Elizabethans on the order of being. Other characters in the play also refer to Shylock as a bird of prey which shows us that they perceive him as being the least important person around, and that he is selfish. The audience may react to this differently because it might, for some people, increase their sympathies towards Shylock as he is being mistreated and mocked by the other characters, but other people may see it as a reinforcement to the idea that Shylock is a selfish, unlikeable character. However, I dont think it would influence a modern audiences opinion towards Shylock because they would not associate the animal references with the chain of being. Therefore, it would only affect the Elizabethan audiences who would understand the references. He also repeats short, blunt phrases, showing his stubborn personality and his repetition of the adjectives rats and thieves show, again, that he lacks imagination and it is a great contrast to the metaphorical way of speaking of Antonio and the other Christians. [Antonio]The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. An evil soul, producing holy witness, is like a villain with a smiling cheek, A goodly rotten apple at the heart. This is an example of the poetic speech of Antonio and his fellow Christians. This gives the audience a negative opinion about Shylock compared to Antonio already, as Shakespeare wanted his audience to think that Christians were much more sensitive and open hearted then the Jews. It also means that the a udience will subconsciously prefer Antonio to Shylock as his words are much more poetical and less blunt. It also gives us a bad impression of Shylock because we see that Antonio is speaking harsh words about him and we know that there must be a reason for this because Antonio is Christian and is therefore good and speaks the truth. The contrasts between Shylock and Antonio influence audience opinion greatly. The main reason for disliking Shylock is the fact that he is a Jew and most of the Elizabethan audience, as well as the majority of the characters in the play, are Christians. Therefore, a lot of the influences on the audience for disliking Shylock, come from the constant comparisons to Antonio who is seen to be automatically a good character, simply because he is a Christian. This is hypocritical because, although Antonio is not an obvious merchant like Shylock, he still makes money in the same way that Shylock does, but through his ships. However, there are some similarities between the two characters. Although it is more obvious with Shylock, both of the characters are outsiders. Shylock, because he is a Jew and Antonio because he is unmarried. Also, neither of them accept the others religion and they both hate each other because of it. Both of them are lonely, isolated figures amongst the happy youth of Venice. They also both equate their property with their life and they both have a power over the others life at some time in the play. This means that although the audience may dislike Shylock and like Antonio, there are still similarities between them, which might make their opinions change or differ throughout the play. There is a irony in the way that one of the reasons the Christians (and Antonio) despise Shylock is because of what he does with his money (lend it out for profit) but Antonio does the same thing with his trading, but in a different way. This irony is highlighted in Act Four, Scene One, by Portia [Portia]Which is the merchant here? And which is the Jew? This would show the audience that some of the reasons for disliking Shylock are unfair, as they apply to themselves and the other Christian characters in the play. There are, however, a lot of differences and contrasts between Antonio and Shylock apart from the obvious different religions. Shylock lends his money to his enemies for a profit, whereas Antonio lends his money to his friends for free. Antonio risks his life for Bassanio because he is his friend, but Shylock tries to take the life of Antonio because he is his enemy. They also have very different characters. Antonio is mainly optimistic and merciful, whereas Shylock is pessimistic and vengeful. This influences the audience opinion because they think of Antonio as a good character because he shows better characteristics. The audience will also have a negative opinion of Shylock because he is surrounded by enemies while Antonio is surrounded by friends. This is part of the way the scene is structured which affects the audience opinion of Shylock. The way the scenes are structured has a lot to do with our opinion of Shylock. For example, in most of the scenes we either see Shylock in the middle of a conversation, or entering in the middle of a scene with other characters. This means that we never see whether Shylock stops talking about money when he is not talking about the deal, because we never see him start a conversation. This means that we have a negative view of him, because we always see the same business side of him. We also never see Shylock on his own, he always enters the stage to join a social grouping, which automatically makes him seem like an outsider. This also means that we rarely see Shylock as he sees himself, just as other people see him. Because most of the other characters in the play are Christians, and therefore dislike Shylock, we see their image of him, which is obviously going to be negative. However, through the use of asides, Shylock reveals some of his inner thoughts to the audience, which is the only time we get to see what Shylock is really feeling. [Shylock talking about Antonio]How like a fawning publican he is: I hate him for he is Christian This shows us that Shylock is capable of human emotion and he does have feelings, which is a contrast to the narrow minded image we have of him, due to his cold, monosyllabic talk. However, these emotions are negative so they do not necessarily create a good image of his personality, but they still show that he has emotions. This creates a better image for Shylock and we feel more sympathy towards him because as we realise that he does have feelings, we realise that he does get hurt by the way he is treated and we see that it is unfair. However, Shylock is being hypocritical because he is being prejudiced against Antonio which is one of the reasons that he (Shylock) is treated unfairly himself. In a modern audience, however, where religion is less important they may see that Shylocks prejudices are justified because of the way that he is treated. In Act three, Scene one the language that Shylock uses influences our opinion a lot. Shylock learns of the disappearance of his daughter, Jessica and he does not seem to be very concerned. She is damned for it This suggests that Shylock does not care about what has happened to her and he blames her, saying she is damned. A lot of the reactions he has towards his daughter would influence audience opinion greatly. A lot of Act Three, Scene One is about the disappearance of Shylocks daughter Jessica. Shylock fears that she has run away with a Christian, his greatest enemies. At first we think that he is genuinely interested in his daughters well-being. [Shylock]Hast thou found my daughter? The first thing he thinks about is his daughter, which shows us that he does have some good sides to him and he wants to know what has happened to his daughter. This will make the audience see him in a good light as he has shown us that he cares about someone. However, Shylock then proves that he is a slave to his money [Shylock]a diamond gone! Cost me two thousand ducats in Frankfurt I would my daughter were dead at my foot, and the jewels in her ear Shylock has openly admitted that he would rather have his jewels and his daughter dead, than the other way around. This is a shocking thing to admit and it will influence the audience greatly into having a negative opinion about him, because the fact that he cares more about his money than his daughter gives the impression that he is extremely cold hearted and money is his life. Although Shylock repeatedly talks about his loyalty to the Jewish faith, it is shown to be less important to him than his wealth [Shylock]a diamond gone, cost me two thousand ducats in Frankfurt! The curse never fell upon our nation until now; I never felt it till now This shows that his priorities lie not with his faith which he talks about so much, but with his money because he admits that the supposed curse on his race has not affected him until now, when his money has been taken away. By saying this the audience gets an impression of him that until things affect him personally they do not bother him, which emphasises his selfish personality. It also shows that he is feeling bitter about being a Jew. He then calls his daughter a thief, which shows that he doesnt seem to have any compassion towards her because she has taken the most important thing in his life from him: money. This reinforces our opinions and ideas about his character, and the audience will continue to see him in a bad light. We then see more of Shylocks bad side when he learns about Antonios ships. [Shylock]What, what, what? ill luck? ill luck? From this we see that he is keen for someone else to suffer bad luck as well as him. It also shows us that he is happy again now he knows that he will get his money. Again we see that money is extremely important to him because he has become happier when he realises that he Antonio will not be able to pay him back and therefore broken the bond. This shows us again the bitterness and selfishness of his character. However, he does show us that he has some feelings because he mentions his ex-wife Leah. I had it of Leah when I was a bachelor: I would not have given it for a wilderness of monkeys. This shows us that he does in fact care for some people, and he does have feelings and emotions as he would not have given the ring away because of its sentimental value. This shows the audience that he cared for his wife and it creates audience sympathy towards him because he obviously cares/cared for her, proving he does have emotions and he is not completely bitter. Another of the main devices in the play which influence our opinion of Shylock occurs with the main twist in the plot: the ending where the tables are turned on Shylock. In the court he is insisting on carrying out the bond he had with Antonio, even though both the judge and Portia are against him and have offered him three times the money Antonio owed him instead of the pound of flesh. However, Portia points out that Shylock cannot have his pound of flesh because the bond would not allow him to spill any of Antonios blood, and Shylock would not be able to take a pound of flesh from Antonio without taking any of his blood. [Portia]Take then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh; But, in cutting it, if thou dost shed One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods Are, by the laws of Venice, confiscate Unto the state of Venice This comes as a shock to both the audience and Shylock because neither of them would foresee this. It is also an example of irony because Portia is being as p edantic about the law as Shylock was earlier in the scene. There is even more dramatic irony when Shylock is forced to be a Christian. [Antonio] He presently become a Christian This is ironic because Christians are supposed to believe in mercy and forgiveness, so this is going against their religious beliefs. It also makes the audience feel sympathy towards Shylock because he is facing having to lose everything or to change his beliefs. It is also ironic that Antonio and the other Christians despise Shylock because he lends money for profit, because they do exactly the same thing, just in a different way. Antonio sends his ships out to buy goods cheaply from other places, and then he will sell them on for more money, which is effectively the same as what Shylock is doing. Christians also believe that everyone is equal but they do not show these qualities in their inhuman treatment of their slaves. This hypocrisy increases audience sympathy for Shylock because we see, again, that he is being mistreated, even more clearly than before. Because Shylocks religion was one of the main reasons that he was mistreated, the audience will see it as unfair that it is now being taken away from him, when it has been the reason for years of suffering on his part. The trial scene in the play is very important because it is where the two main plots come together. The scene starts without Shylock (which is the case for much of the play) and when he enters he knows that everyone in the court is Christian so he does not expect much sympathy from them. At the beginning Shylock tells the Court that he wants Antonios flesh because it is his whim although he does not give reasons for this, except that he is only insisting on the bond because he bears a grudge. He points out that other men would do the same thing, only in different situations. This influences the audience opinion as they think he is just being stubborn and difficult, an unlikeable trait. Shylock also refuses to listen to the Dukes pleas of humanity, but the Dukes views are from a Christian point of view so Shylock may not agree with them. We can also see the extremity of Shylocks hatred towards Antonio when Bassanio asks a reasonable question [Bassanio]Do all men kill the things they do not love? Shylock response has extreme implications [Shylock]Hates any man the thing he would not kill? Shylock is saying that Antonio symbolises everything he hates, and that is why he is so insistent on the bond being carried out. The characters in this scene are all human, but they also stand for concepts. Shylock is inflexible and inhuman and he stands for law, an end in itself. Portia represents law in the service of man and we can see this when Bassanio tries to convince Portia to stop Shylock taking his pound of flesh by telling her that to do a great right, do a little wrong. However, she refuses, saying that it must not be. By refusing to stop Shylock she is proving that she represents law in the service of man because she is carrying out the law completely. She is also, by contrast to Shylock, flexible and merciful. However, this emphasises the hypocrisy that Portia shows when she does not show any mercy to Shylock in the end. Portia continuously offers Shylock three times the money that Antonio owed him to let the bond drop, but Shylock refuses. In doing this we see his stubborn nature and his strict adherence to the law. It also shows us that he is hard-hearted and sadistic, certainly not merciful. We see more of a reason to dislike Shylock when he refuses to let a doctor stand by while he takes his pound of flesh because it is not in the bond. This reinforces our opinion that Shylock is dark, sinister and dislikable. Portias pleas for Shylock to accept the money are impassioned and lyrical, but Shylock is unmoved. His lack of emotion makes the audience automatically opposed to him, in that they do not want him to be successful in his fight to take his pound of flesh. Then Antonio makes a speech which greatly influences the audience opinion for both himself and Shylock. He talks about his loyalty to Bassanio and says that he is prepared to die for him, making us see him as a brave, loyal friend. He does not appear to be scared of death and says he will be at least remembered as old and strong rather than old and feeble. He is also keen for Bassanio to tell Portia how he (Antonio) cared for him (Bassanio). This is because he feels an outcast because of the lack of love in his life (another similarity between him and Shylock) and he wants to prove that he does have the capability of loving someone so much he would die for them. This is also ironic because Portia is there and she hears what he says without him realising. When he makes this speech the contrast between him and Shylock is huge because they both have such different values and views on life. The audience will think that Antonio is brave and loyal, and that will lower their opinion of Shylock because Shylock still wants to take his pound of flesh. We see how un-noble Shylock is when he is compared to Antonios loyal outlook. One of the main differences in the two characters opinions of what should happen is caused by their religion. Shylock thinks that he has done nothing wrong and that he is only following the law, therefore he seeks only justice. On the other hand, the Christian outlook is that all men are sinful and depend on Gods mercy. Shylock justifies his opinion by quoting from the bible (3:1). In doing this he is pointing out that the law of the Jews is that of an eye for an eye and the law of Christ is mercy and forgiveness. He is showing how different the two religions views are, and therefore allowing him to contravene the spirit of the law. However the trial scene highlights the fact that Shylocks mind is so twisted that he cannot even admit the bitterness and evil in his own soul. However, in the end, Portia points out that Shylock is unable to get his pound of flesh without letting any blood be shed, which is not allowed in the bond. This is ironic because Portia is being as pedantic about the law as Shylock was being earlier. Then Shylock decides that he would like to just take the money but Portia says that he has already turned them down so he should have nothing but a penalty. Compared to his behaviour and attitude at the beginning of the scene Shylock now becomes more apologetic and begging. Then we see how the way the other characters treat and refer to Shylock will affect the audience opinion. Shylock is treated very badly in this scene. He is not referred to by his name, but by Jew which is made to sound like an insult and it takes away his equality and individuality. They also suggest that Shylock is an outsider of Venice and therefore does not have equal rights. It is enacted in the laws of Venice If it be provd against an alien This is not fair to Shylock as he is as much as a part of Venice as Antonio, Portia and all the other Christians. Here we see a lot of hypocrisy as one of the reasons that they condone Shylock is that he makes money for nothing. However they either dont realise or choose to ignore the fact that they all do the same thing to make a living: buy things and sell them off at a higher price. The audience may be slightly more sympathetic towards Shylock because of the lack of respect and hypocrisy shown to him. It also shows that all the people in the court view Shylock as an outside, although he is as much of a citizen of Venice as they are. The only reason that they dont accept him is that he is a Jew whilst they are Christians. To a modern audience this would seem like a minor difference because there is a much larger diversity amongst the people in Britain then there would have been in Elizabethan times. Therefore, modern audience would not totally understand the seemingly irrational hatred of Shylock, simply for the fact that he is a Jew. Then the Duke decides that Shylock must become Christian and he must leave his money to Jessica and Lorenzo when he dies. This is another example of hypocrisy because Christians should so mercy and forgiveness and they are not showing that at all in the way that they are treating Shylock because they presume that they have the right to change his faith when it is nothing to do with them and it just highlights their prejudices. Shylock is often judged externally which means that the audience do not get to see him as he sees himself. It also means that we only get to see other peoples views on Shylock so the audience only ever gets a secondary view of Shylocks character, which will obviously affect their own opinion of him. For example, a lot of the adjectives used to describe Shylock in Act Four, Scene One vary greatly from those used to describe Antonio. Shylock is described by adjectives such as an inhuman wretch, unfeeling man, harsh, inexecrable dog and the offender. None of these are very complimentary and they would influence the audience opinion. However, Antonio is described as a poor merchant, touchd with human gentleness and love and royal merchant. These words are very complimentary and they would affect the audience view of Shylock because they would compare the adjectives used to describe both characters. Another example of external judging of Shylock comes after his reaction to the abduction of his daughter. Salerio mocks Shylock because of the reaction that he was more concerned about the loss of his money than the loss of his daughter. This, again, will influence audience opinion. Also, the audience would judge Shylock as a Jew through the references of others and through the costume he wears. All of this external judging will influence audience opinion because much of it is negative and if the other characters are constantly mocking or saying negative things about Shylock then the audience will be affected by these views, especially if they do not get to see how Shylock views himself. There would also be differing opinions between modern and Elizabethan audiences because nowadays different cultures, races and religions are much more common around Britain and so any prejudices against someone because of their religion would be seen as racist, and an undesirable characteristic. Elizabethan audiences, however, would see Shylock as inferior to Antonio simply because he is a Jew and Jews were disliked in their times. Therefore, a modern audience may feel sympathy towards Shylock in a lot of the situations, whereas an Elizabethan audience would feel that Shylock deserved what he got.

Company G Marketing Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Company G Marketing Plan - Essay Example The product is primarily a portable Global Positioning System (GPS) device, which provides the information in "real-life" three dimensional graphics providing enhanced user experience, and is much easier to use than similar conventional devices. The interactive touch screen provides a video game arcade feel, which is closer to real-life than any other similar product. The device can be mounted on the driver dashboard of a car. Unlike conventional GPS devices, this appliance will be able to retrieve map information even when surrounded by tall buildings during city driving. There will be several add-on optional features to make it a convergence device. It can be detached easily from the car, and can be synchronized with the user's home/ office computer. As a safety measure, the device can be used as an internet browser only when it is removed from its dock on the car dashboard. It uses a revolutionary wireless technology to download internet content at a speed three times higher than other conventional devices, and can be used for playing songs in the car as well. It can communicate with other devices using Bluetooth and infrared technologies to transfer content. Users can subscribe to online services, which will enable them to search and find any geographic location online (e.g., restaurant). The product line has bee... It can communicate with other devices using Bluetooth and infrared technologies to transfer content. Users can subscribe to online services, which will enable them to search and find any geographic location online (e.g., restaurant). The product line has been developed by the product designers as a sleek elegant device in twin-tone colors available in black-red, blue-white, and black-yellow combinations. The product line has been christened by the marketing team as "Rubicon". The product features and benefits are given in the table below. Table 2-1 Features & Benefits Features Benefits 3-D visuals with "real-life" feel Easier navigability Twin tone metallic color Elegant look enhancing buyer satisfaction Three color choices Will match most car interiors Faster wireless No "breaking" of images and songs during travel Online song availability Latest song downloads Internet availability Information on the move Interactive touch screen Easier usage during driving Better signal Can navigate even when surrounded by tall buildings inside the city Distribution The company currently has a wide dealer network. Its existing products are distributed through small retail shops as well as large chains of retail shops. Its distribution network also includes specialty retail shops (electronics shops). The products are also available online through various dealer websites. The existing distribution will be through company's existing distribution network. Additional specialty retails shops (automobile accessories) shall be added to the network for this product. Direct sales efforts shall be undertaken to achieve penetration in the car rental industry, and in the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) industry. Price Rubicon shall be priced at a premium to the existing

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Blog - Essay Example IBM invented the Personal Computer and ruled the market by adopting open licensing. Clones proliferated worldwide. The creative genius of the two Steves at Apple – Wozniak and Jobs – lay in driving the concept of consumer-friendly machines. The Apple I was a pre-assembled hobbyist’s kit but a true microcomputer nonetheless. Beginning with the Apple II and even more famously with the enduring Macintosh line, Apple reduced the complexity of computing to a manageable level. The world became computer-literate learning word processing, spreadsheet â€Å"what if† analysis and â€Å"point and click† at the altar of the folks from Cupertino. Ease of use combined with monumentally breakthrough advertising executions to create a cult following that now spans two generations of students, teachers, art directors and graphic artists. Apple never dominated the PC industry owing to its premium-pricing strategy. But the heritage of iconoclastic advertising first created by Chiat/Day three decades ago continues with such campaigns as â€Å"Think Different†. Apple then continues to position on eye-opening consumer-driven innovation. The result is an amazing 70% market share for the iPod, 90% for iTunes music downloads, leadership in smartphones and a commanding lead in tablet PCs. The spring and summer of 2011 has been a seriously bad time for the economic managers of the land. From the White House down to state governments, there is a surfeit of joblessness, deficits and other harbingers of doom and gloom. Is nothing going right at all? Are consumers condemned to a kind of perpetual manic-depressive state, oscillating between drooping stock markets one day and the drumbeating of the Obama media chorus that things are looking up? As always in consumer marketing, crises should be viewed as opportunities. The very first take-out is that the country has been in recession more or less continuously since the