Business Financing and the Capital Structure Essay

The financial marketplace is the area where companies engaged in financial trading are able to get capital to run. The financial market can also be referred to as capital markets. Stock markets are the place where companies come to trade among themselves; they represent individual investors or corporate investors. Trade in stocks has been deemed among the most lucrative areas a person can trade in; the returns are good. Stocks can simply be defined as shares bought for trading purposes and profits gained are ploughed back into the U.S. economy. (Saccomani and Chambers, 2008) Trade in U.S. financial markets offer various benefits; an organization can get loans to fund their activities through floating of bonds. When organizations are able to run efficiently then everybody gets to benefit, the government benefits through increased tax collection and more people get employed. The stock market offer individuals an avenue to put their money in lucrative stock instruments where the funds are managed by financial experts. Individuals do not have to worry about their limited financial expertise because at the stock markets well informed brokers or their employees will help them. Individuals are offered a variety of trading avenues which involves minimal labor and less capital intensive. (Saccomani and Chambers, 2008) The Federal Reserve is a name that is used to define the Central Bank in America. The bank was a creation of U.S. Congress for purpose of offering a safer and easier trading environment in America. The Fed is tasked with the management of the American monetary policy. They also regulate banks as well as monitoring risks at the stock markets. The Fed is comprised of seven members; who constitute the board of governors. Members of the board also constitute the F.O.M.C. (Federal Open Markets Committee); this committee decides on what interest rates to be charged by banks as well as purchase of treasuries. The Fed`s primary role is that of regulation. (Ltaifa et al, 2009) The Fed chairman`s role is that of a supervisor; he is tasked with the role of bringing the board to consensus of various monetary issues. The chairman is a presidential appointee hence he reports to the president from time to time on the country`s financial matters. The chairman also has the responsibility of steering the committee on interest rates. (Ltaifa et al, 2009) Departments or components of the Fed Reserve need to play their respective roles effectively so as to take the country in to financial success. The chairman should always maintain a steady control of all fiscal policies. The board should not enact self-centered policies that may endanger the banking sector or stock markets. The board and the chairman have to make prudent assessments of U.S. financial performance before taking any steps meant at changing any monetary policy. Interest rates affect the economy; particularly the spending power of individuals. The rates charged on bank loans lays a heavy burden on citizens; the net effect is loans become expensive hence doing business becomes harder. Higher interest rates on returns at the stock markets offer a reversed effect to the citizen; this brings about more disposable income because the return on investment is higher. (Batten and Szilagvi, 2011) The world suffers when markets get affected by whatever elements; this happens because the various economies around the world are interconnected hence any financial downfall of one will weaken the other. The Euro zone crisis is one such example where a problem begins in one country but after sometime affects a number of countries within same geographical location; countries that trade together. In the U.S. such a crisis occurred between 2007-2010, individuals found themselves not being able to finance their loans and other credit obligations. Care and keenness is needed when one wishes to traverse this terrain. References Saccomanni, F., & Chambers, A. (2008).  Managing international financial instability: National tamers versus global tigers. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. Ltaifa, Navil Ben, Kaendera, Stella, & Dixit, S. V. S. (2009).  Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on Exchange Rates and Policies in Sub-saharan Africa. Intl Monetary Fund. Batten, J., & Szilagyi, P. G. (2011).  The impact of the global financial crisis on emerging financial markets. Bingley, U.K: Emerald. Source document

Battle of Gettysburg

The Battle of Gettysburg was fought by the largest number of soldiers, totaling 172,000 young men (â€Å"American Civil War†). During the Civil War, our nation was divided by the North (Union Army) and the South (Confederate Army) for opposing viewpoints on slavery and states’ rights. The Battle of Gettysburg was fought over three long, arduous days. The soldiers struggled under their respected generals in a 25 mile battle zone (â€Å"American Civil War†). This battle was a triumphant victory and a heart-wrenching loss for the troops of the Yankee North and Rebel South. The complexity of the Battle of Gettysburg brought together two fronts whose decisions and commitment would determine its outcome. Many generals commanded forces during this battle. General Robert E. Lee was a confident Confederate commander of the Army of Northern Virginia. He believed one resolute victory would bring an end to the war. To secure this victory, General Lee devised an offensive attack on Northern land. His Rebel troops were split into three divisions (I, II, III Corps) with approximately 25,000 men each and commanded by Generals James Longstreet, Richard Ewell, and A. P. Hill. Under Lee’s order each Corps traveled north discreetly so as to not raise Union Army suspicion (King 8-9). However, Lee’s strategy did not go unnoticed by the Union Army of the Potomac commander, Joseph Hooker. The movement of Confederate troops northward reduced the number of soldiers under Hooker’s watchful eye. He sent word to President Abraham Lincoln who, in response, ordered him to move the Union forces in the same direction to defend Washington, D. C. (King 10). However, Hooker moved to take a different course of action and wanted to attack the Confederacy’s capital of Richmond. Because of this breach of conduct, Hooker was replaced by General George Meade and never allowed to forge an attack on Richmond (Appleby 486). News of Meade’s recruitment and the forward movement of the Union army over the Potomac River were delivered to General Lee by a confederate spy. Information of such importance should have been relayed more quickly by General Jeb Stuart who was Lee’s eyes and ears on the Army of the Potomac’s whereabouts. This infuriated Lee as well as Stuart’s tardy return from his mission. To combat this advancement, Lee quickly sent word to his three Corp commanders to move toward Gettysburg (King 11-13). Soon after, another Union general became significant. His name was John Buford and he led his two cavalry brigades to the outskirts of Gettysburg. It was here that he noticed Confederate troops raiding the town for supplies like shoes, clothing, and food. Buford sent an urgent message for aid, since Union soldiers were outnumbered by approximately 4,000 Rebel soldiers (King 14). However, Buford’s cavalry was detected by a branch of the Confederate Army commanded by General Pettigrew. When these two fronts collided on McPherson Ridge on July 1, 1863, it marked the official beginning of the Battle of Gettysburg (â€Å"American Civil War†). Buford held off the enemy for two hours. General John Reynolds arrived with Union reinforcements known as the Iron Brigade or 6th Wisconsin. Moreover, Confederates were also receiving aid from Ewell’s II Corps. So, the Rebels still outnumbered the Union troops (King 14-15). Late that afternoon and after sustaining 8,000 casualties, the Yankees were on the run. The death of Reynolds further pushes the Union army to the verge of crumbling. Somehow, Union forces are pulled together in a united front when General Winfield Scott arrives on the scene of Cemetery Hill. They manage to take control here as well as Cemetery Ridge and Culp’s Hill by the end of the day. On the other hand, the Confederates retained control of only Seminary Ridge. This setback for the South was likely the result of General Ewell’s failure to follow Lee’s command (King 15- 17). Despite this, the Rebel’s morale remained optimistic as they initiated the fighting on the following morning (King 18). Union forces retaliated and saved their position until one of General Meade’s commanders staged his own offensive battle (Appleby, Joyce 486; King 22). This Union general was Dan Sickles. By moving his position without consulting General Meade, a â€Å"bulge† was created. This foolish mistake allowed 1,600 Confederate soldiers to rush the Union line to overtake Peach Orchard, capturing 1,000 Yankee prisoners (King 22). Another Union Army general, G. K. Warren, secured and protected a hill called Little Round Top before Confederates claimed it which helped combat the loss from Sickle’s blunder (â€Å"American Civil War†). At this point in the Battle of Gettysburg, both North and South sustained large numbers of casualties. The Southern casualties roughly totaled 7,000 of 22,000 troops. The North suffered even more by losing 15,000 soldiers. Both sides needed to re-evaluate their battle strategies. Lee thought victory for the South was possible with better timing and artillery. Conversely, Meade and his other Union generals decided to stay in their current position and continue the battle (King 22). After dawn on July 3, 1863, Union soldiers fired upon the Confederacy’s I Corps led by General Longstreet. The two fronts dueled on Cemetery Ridge. Around 3p. m. , Union fire subsided. The North hoped this tactic would give Confederates the impression that their cannons were being destroyed. The trick was successful and led to the climax of the Battle of Gettysburg (Appleby, Joyce; King 22; â€Å"American Civil War†). This final attack is known as Pickett’s Charge in honor of the general who commanded the attack. Pickett gave three divisions, which included 14,000 troops, the order to cross a treacherous mile-wide open valley. One of the divisions was led by General Lewis Armistead. Many Rebel troops followed him on foot. These soldiers were ambushed by Northern gunfire from 11 cannons and 1,700 rifles as they approached a small stone wall. The Northern commanders yelled, â€Å"Fire! † In response, Armistead yelled, â€Å"Come on boys! Give them cold steel! Who will follow me? † His troops responded with their famous â€Å"rebel yell. † Unfortunately, for the South, Armistead is fatally wounded leaving the Confederacy with no leader. Without direction, Rebel soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured. The lucky living retreated, ending the battle with a Union victory (King 26-27). More men fought and died in this battle than any other on American soil (â€Å"American Civil War†). A total number of roughly 51,000 men were lost (Gettysburg). The North sustained casualties of about 23,000, while the South lost about 28,000 men. The lack of effective communication proved to be a downfall for the Confederacy (â€Å"American Civil War†). Lee was shattered by the loss, but his troops’ spirits were far from broken (King 30; Gettysburg). The Confederates retreated over the Potomac on July 4, 1863, and the war raged on for two more devastating years. The outcome of this complex battle was a direct result of the Union and Confederate commanders’ offensive decisions and relentless commitment of their armies.

Lifebuoy in the United Arab Emirates Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Lifebuoy in the United Arab Emirates - Essay Example The Unilever started in Saudi Arabia by appointing Binzagar family as official representative. In 1992, the company decided to open its first office in Dubai followed by a joint venture in Egypt. It was operated in three clusters. In 2007 all the three were combined and became Unilever North Africa and Middle East to consolidate its operations, leverage synergies of scale and cost arbitrage. It is considered as the market leader in the region with a market turnover of US$ 1.3 billion (Unilever North Africa and Middle East Bucks the Global Trend, 2009). The brand Lifebuoy has come a long way through the years. It is one of the country’s oldest brands launched in 1894 as Lifebuoy Royal disinfectant soap. Considered as an affordable soap to support people seeking better personal hygiene, it was launched across the world and continued to be a leading brand in India (Lifebuoy Shampoo). Lifebuoy brand has also a shampoo line which includes variants such as hair fall, herbal and anti dandruff. It was launched in 1997 in Pakistan and a leading brand ever since. It provides affordable shampoo for the Pakistanis regardless of lifestyle and class. Every variant should have a detailed description of the product for consumers’ information. ... Since Middle East is a hot region and majority of the people including in the UAE suffers from dandruff due to heat, diet and other external factors, the market for anti-dandruff shampoo has been lucrative. Most citizens suffer from an age range of 15 years to above 40 years old but the majority of them are between 25 to 29 years old according to research. Different brands of shampoo can be found on the market but has different side effects have been noted on the consumers such as makes the hair hard, bad smell and others. UAE’s development of free zones and other industries such as industrial and commercial sites, growing sectors in healthcare, hotel and restaurant, automotive logistics and construction, it provides large number or workers that are prospective consumers of anti-dandruff shampoo and other products and can be considered as lucrative market Different marketing strategies have been adapted by Unilever Company to market their Lifebuoy products. Vikram (2010) state d that Brand Management is the application of marketing techniques to a specific product to a product line that may be a brand too. Using this kind of strategy, brand management will generate more profit because the brand has been established in the consumers’ mind that they will continue to patronize the new product under that brand. They continue to use brand management through the years because it is a more effective way of introducing new products to market. It is also a cheaper mode of advertisement since the brand is already known by consumers and they do not have a hard time remembering the new product because they can always associated the new products with the famous brand. Another strategy that had been using by the company

Outline and discuss the evolution of CSR, including its history, role Assignment

Outline and discuss the evolution of CSR, including its history, role in the financial crisis and prospects for the future - Assignment Example J. Maurice Clark argued in 1916 that â€Å"if men are responsible for the known results of their actions, business responsibilities must include the known results of business dealings, whether these have been recognized by law or not† (Clark, Abramovitz, & Ginzberg, 2009, p. 83). This paper critically examines the concept of CSR, its implications for both business and communities and the drivers for CSR. Analysing and understanding the concept of CSR is crucial because it focuses on the development of a sustainable future. CSR is important because it affects all facets of businesses and, in turn, businesses are vital because they generate much of the welfare and wealth in society. By itself, CSR is ever more critical to firm value and societal stability. Hence, fundamental to the notion of CSR is determining where businesses belong in the society. By dealing with environmental issues, corporate ethics and governance, and other concerns, society builds a progressive framework w herein companies operate (Nakajima, 2011). Framework is progressive because the perfect combination of business objectives and societal demands is continuously changing. Although businesses are mainly in charge of generating wealth and motivating growth in society, they do not operate single-handedly. Governments are important because they develop and establish the policies and limits through which businesses and society function. Furthermore, nongovernmental or non-profit organisations are tasked to generate social goods without satisfying the obligations of a government agency or pursuing profit. However, in the absence of innovation free enterprise demands, economic and social growth deteriorates (Alexander, 2010). In the absence of the powerful wealth-generating mechanisms of business, the resources necessary to activate non-profit organisations and government agencies wither, eventually diminishing people’s quality of life. Businesses generate numerous societal goods. Ye t, they also bring about serious harm, as economic crunches, industrial mishaps, increasing unemployment rate, and environmental problems reveal. The governments then respond with regulatory policies to limit the worst unethical practices of businesses (Pedamon, 2010). Between the severe damage and general good businesses generate, consequently, resides interest in the legitimate role of businesses in society, particularly as technological advancement and globalisation widen the influence and power of major corporations. Economist Milton Friedman claims that â€Å"Few trends could so thoroughly undermine the very foundations of our free society as the acceptance by corporate officials of a social responsibility other than to make as much money for their stockholders as possible† (Aras & Crowther, 2010, p. 327). Yet, in contrast, companies are more and more pressured to operate with a multiple-stakeholder perspective (Alexander, 2010)—recognising the needs and demands o f various stakeholders, such as customers, shareholders, and employees while fulfilling responsibility for communities and the broader environment wherein they conduct their business. Implication of CSR for Business Although there are various ways to view the advantages of CSR because they are interconnected, they mostly involve the following: first, enhanced reputation; second, more positive and stronger ties with communities; third,

Case 6-1 Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Case 6-1 - Coursework Example ce of bank loans by the branch manager, the internal auditor, and perhaps the state regulatory authorities, should make sure that authorization does not extend to recording and documentation or custody of funds. These should be performed by different employees or officers. The auditors will make sure that the branch manager, being the head of the office, does not override the internal control system in order to commit fraud. It will also ensure that the branch manager does not exceed his authorized limit of loans he can extend without head office or committee approval. The branch manager had physical custody of the checks, or had complete, unchallenged access to them, relating to the transactions he had authorized (the release of the loans). He signed the checks (custodial function) in addition to authorizing the loans. The discharge of these two duties by the same person made it possible for the fraud to happen: This was obviously a violation of the principle of segregation of duties within the internal control system. Moreover, the power of the branch manager over hiring and firing, as well as evaluating performance and promoting the employees, also served as a deterrent to the employees to question anything that the branch manager would want to do. In other words, the branch manager, being the top supervisor who was ipso facto not directly accountable to anyone at the bank branch, had absolute control over what took place in his branch relative to any loan or financial transactions. The trust reposed by subordinates on their superior officer is an obstacle to the disciplined application of any management control system, hence there is a need for an independent audit at certain intervals. The internal auditor should make not only regular audits but also surprise audits on the branch and examine all transactions, check and reconcile all records, and interview the employees on the processes and procedures they actually followed in carrying out their

Managing Diversity and Equal Opurtunity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Managing Diversity and Equal Opurtunity - Essay Example According to this theory, discrimination is categorised into realistic, social and consensual discrimination. Realistic competition refers to a type of discrimination is driven by self-interest, which a person or group of people intend to obtain things like food, shelter, customers or territory among others. This form of discrimination is perpetuated when one group, which is often advantaged favours its members to enable them receive or obtain more same resources as compared to the others (Blank and Citro, 2004, p. 57). Social competition on the other hand is a kind of discrimination driven by desire for self esteem. The intention of this discrimination is to achieve positive social status for members of one group or groups as compared to other disadvantaged groups. Finally, consensual discrimination refers to a kind of discrimination based on desire to be excellent or accurate. This type of discrimination reflects legitimate and stable hierarchy status of a specific group of people. Example of this form of discrimination is racism, where certain race feels more superior as compared to the others. It is worth noting that discrimination can be perpetrated anywhere by any person or group of persons. ... evident during hiring and firing, compensation, classification of employees or assignment, recalling, laying off, promotion, transfer, testing and recruitment of employees. It is also evident during utilization of company’s resources, apprenticeships and trainings, pay, fringe benefits, retirement plans or disability leave of employees. Discrimination behaviour or action is evident when bosses become harder on certain employees than others based on irrelevant characteristics such as gender, race, height, weight, sexual orientation, physical disability or age. This is unethical especially if one losses or suffer damage like not getting well deserved promotion or pay hike. Discrimination takes many forms and are based on what Cahn (2002) refer s to as irrelevant characteristics such as age, disability, genetics, religion, race/ colour, sex or nationality. Examples of different forms of discrimination are listed as follows. If a person decides to donate to help disadvantage membe rs of the society like helping the orphans, but decides to donate less to others out of racist attitude, the person acts discriminately even if he benefits the recipients. Excluding students from an educational institution, training program, loan, student group, opportunities or scholarships on the basis of age or colour is some form of discrimination. Excluding people from housing, contracting/leasing or obtaining a loan on the basis of sex or age is also discrimination (Lucas, 2009). Refusal to give (advance) credit or perpetuating unequal loan terms for people because they are people from a different religion or gender is also discrimination. In the past, the government of the day in countries like South Africa and Papua New Guinea develop policies of racial discrimination during the era of

Philosophy of Human Conduct Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Philosophy of Human Conduct - Essay Example I agree with Pojman's thoughts and see the fault with society's focus on only the end result and generalizing merit by not taking into account an individual's struggles and strengths I agree when Pojman points out that "nondeserved merit can be features that the natural lottery has distributed such as ones basic intelligence, personality type, skin color, good looks, and physical endowments" (86). I also think that merit comes more easily to those who are properly equipped to achieve it. For example I look at celebrities or wealthy aristocrats who have been granted merit for their large contributions to charity. These individuals may receive more praise and admiration than an everyday working class citizen who gives their last dollar to a homeless man on the street. I believe that the everyday citizen deserves just as much merit as the celebrity or wealthy aristocrat because the amount of money that one gives is not what warrants merit, but the generosity of the individual depending on their own personal income and what they can afford. Pojman points out that "Dessert then, is closely connected to effort and intention, whereas merit signifies positive qualities that call forth a positive response, including qualities that we do not deserve" (87). I think that Pojman used a great example out of Mickey Mantle discussing that just because he was a famous baseball player does not mean that he earned or deserved a liver transplant more than anyone else. I don't think that any human being can truly give merit to another because we can never know the inner workings of someone other than ourselves. Pojman says, "Whereas God, knowing our inner motivations, rewards purely on the basis of desert, we fallible beings, being far less certain as to how to measure effort and intentionality, tend to reward merit, the actual contribution or positive results produced" (87). The essay goes on to say that, " Another objection that underlines much of the suspicion of merit is the natural lottery, the idea that we do not deserve our genes, or natural talents, our families, our society, or even our determination to make an effort" (99). I agree that it would not be fair to give merit to someone for being successful in something that they were born to do. Just because someone is good at something doesn't mean they deserve any credit, credit should be given to the person who put in the most effort no matter the result of the effort. Someone could train everyday for a triathlon and still lose the race to someone who was born with more athletic ability than they have. Just because that person won the race does not mean that they put in as much effort or deserve to win. This belief that "effort is the decisive criterion of merit" (91), means that just because something comes easily for one person does not mean it is easy for everyone. Pojman says, "We are stewards of our talents and are judged on the basis of what we can do with them. Those who use their talents wisely and industriously deserve to be rewarded, whereas those who neglect their talents deserve reprobation" (90). I also think that if you acknowledge your ability, and push yourself in it, becoming the best that you possibly can, then merit is definitely deserved for your effort. I like the story Pojman told of the carpenter building the chair in the factory of the entrepreneur. The entrepreneur is talented in finding ways to make money

Buffalo Wings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Buffalo Wings - Essay Example Buffalo wings are â€Å"chicken wings that have been deep fat fried and coated with a signature spicy hot sauce, served with bleu cheese dressing and celery sticks† (The History of Buffalo Wings, par. 1). Although it had nothing to do with buffalos, this American food got its name from the place where it originated, Buffalo, New York. It was first served in 1964 at Anchor Bar, a restaurant owned by Frank and Teressa Bellissimo (Suddath, par. 3). So, what makes Buffalo wings very popular not only in the United States but also all over the world? What makes this recipe a unique American tradition? Buffalo wings are chicken wings â€Å"deep fried without any coating or breading, after which they are slathered in that zesty bright orange sauce which is a combination of melted butter, hot sauce and red pepper† (Suddath, par. 4). The plump wings are cooked just right to make it crispy, even if it is not breaded. It is very juicy yet not too saucy. The sweet and salty taste of the wings is perfectly combined with the hot and spicy blends in the sauce. Its peppery taste does not over power the other flavors. It simply adds to the zestiness of the wings. This dish is truly mouth-watering and sumptuous. This delicious dish does not only boasts of its splendid taste. While the wings are being cooked, one cannot resist the aroma that it evokes. It has a very savory scent brought about by the mixture of the various spices and flavors infused in the wings.

Practicum Objective Evaluation Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Practicum Objective Evaluation Report - Essay Example The paper "Practicum Objective Evaluation Report" aims to learn the clinical role of a mastered prepared nurse in the obstetrics department of a Level 3 perinatal center. Hemorrhage in obstetrics is considered a high risk, low volume occurrence. Many people die from OB hemorrhage due to poor recognition of the risk and signs and symptoms. As it is it for a fact that hemorrhage remains a greatest cause of obstetric morbidity and mortality, 93% of the morbidity and mortality of OB hemorrhage are preventable. The major aim of this paper is to analyze my practicum objectives in an effort to reduce the high rate of maternal mortality caused by obstetric hemorrhage when I finally get into my nursing practice. The following three objectives came out so evident during my practicum: to acquire practical experience and expertise in the care of a patient experiencing a perinatal hemorrhage. To achieve this objective, I needed to conduct a literature review on the most recent evidences in the ca re of the OB patient experiencing a perinatal hemorrhage including research from IDPH. I had to follow a mastered prepared nurse in the level 3 perinatal center and review information’s on own OB hemorrhage case that had took place on the floor previously. I carried out an OB drill with the nurses on the floor to practically engage in this exercise so that I gain the experience that is highly important in my line of practice. To develop the skills required of an MSN nurse in simulation scenario creation and evaluation.

Mktg Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Mktg - Essay Example The other common restriction is imposition of taxes and tariffs on imports. Lastly, a government may ban trade between it and another country or countries. This is called â€Å"Embargoes†. Logistic Performance Index is an international logistic assessment tool used to determine a countries global trade performance in regard to logistical dimensions. These dimensions incude,quality of trade as facilitated by infrastructure, efficiency in regard to the clearance concept, relative ease in the arrangement and pricing of shipment products, tracking and tracing ability of products being exported and imported. Overall quality and competitiveness of services used in logistics which may include transport oparations.Lastly under Logistic Performance Index is reliability. This refers to if the goods are able to reach their intended destination within expected time. In general outline, logistic performance index can be implored in a number of ways. They guide the assemblance of goods before being exported to another country. They also facilitate import procedures and provide guidelines that are common to parties participating in trade. It gives firms universal outlook and enables all nations be potential markets. In conclusion political restricts uphold the overall trading welfare of a particular country whereas logistic Performance index puts logistic systems in place to enable effective trading environment

The Change of Social Views on Mental Illnesses Essay Example for Free

The Change of Social Views on Mental Illnesses Essay In the past, mental illnesses were not widely accepted in society. Many times, upon the discovery of a mental illness in a child, the parents would send them to a mental institution to take care of them. Because of this, people with mental illnesses were often looked down upon due to the public’s unfamiliarity with them. Society’s ignorance has minimized over the years. The social views over the past 30 years have changed considerably towards people with mental disabilities due to socialization, by being involved in valued roles in society, and the evolution of medicine. The socialization of people with mental illnesses changed society’s way of thinking. The closures of mental institutions have contributed greatly to this. Sending a child with a mental illness to a mental institution to be raised, isolated them from society. By not being exposed to people that are different, it is difficult to widely accept and understand those differences. The more one is exposed to something, the more desensitized they are to it. For example, studies show that the more exposure to violence through the media and video games, the more desensitized the consumers are to the violence in real-life situations (Science Daily). Many times in society, one sees someone with a mental illness working in places that give them seemingly meaningless roles within that workplace (i. e. Jobs that do not contribute to society). By eliminating those meaningless jobs, people with mental illnesses have the opportunity to work among those without a mental illness. It will therefore increase contact, consequently increasing familiarization. The media has contributed greatly towards providing knowledge to the public about mental illnesses such as depression, autism, and bipolar disorder. By educating the public, it will cause less apprehension and misunderstanding of people with mental disorders. Marsha Gray of Community Living Mississauga points out that, â€Å"One of the things I find that is very bothersome is when people treat them like babies, like they can’t handle themselves. † This treatment is often a result of ignorance and often demeans the person whom they are speaking. It implies to them that people with a mental illness is unable to take care of themselves. Participation in meaningful activities that people without mental disabilities participate will increase the social skills that people with certain mental illnesses often lack. To build intimate relationships, for example, provides a chance to develop better self- esteem, and self-awareness that many people without a mental illness often take for granted as it develops naturally earlier on in life. As explained by Marsha Gray, â€Å"A social stigma is that people with mental illnesses cannot have a boyfriend/girlfriend or get married and have kids. It is encouraged to be engaged in those social settings to strengthen the social skills that they may not have had fully developed or may still need to learn. † The teaching of social norms is essential to the changing of society’s views. In the case of Autism, which is a â€Å"disorder that severely impairs development of a person’s ability to communicate, interact with other people, and maintain normal contact with the outside world,† there is the incapability to be aware of the needs and feelings of others. This may result in social deviancy. Social deviance is any behaviour that is different from the societal norm. With the incapability to be aware of the needs and feelings of others, people with autism may act in a way or do something that may offend others without realizing the consequences. This creates a stereotype that all people with a mental illness are never able to act according to social norms. This view can be changed by teaching what is right and wrong according to the social norms to prevent intolerance. There are certain valued roles in society that everybody plays. There is a stigma that people with mental illnesses cannot carry on the role as a parent, or as an employer. The evolution of medicine has played a large part in changing the views of society. The introduction of Lithium as a mood stabilizer for patients with bi-polar disorder was a medical breakthrough (NIMH). Because of this, people who are affected by bi-polar disorder are able to live a better, productive life in society with less extreme mood swings between mania and severe depression. In the past, electric shock treatment was commonly used to treat mental illnesses such as severe depression, and epilepsy. With new advancements in medicine, people with mental disorders are able to function better, and live lives that are more productive and fulfilling. With socialization, which is a result of closing down mental institutions, eliminating meaningless roles, and educating society, the views of the public have changed for the better because the increase of awareness and more exposure to those with mental illnesses. By providing centres that help teach people with mental illnesses basic life skills and how to act in ociety, it is getting easier for them to live their lives without constant scrutiny for the people around them. By creating ways for people with mental illnesses to be integrated and treated fairly has opened societies eyes and help society be more welcoming to those who are different and decreasing discrimination. The change of social views on mental illnesses have changed for the better, and will continue to do so because they see that all people affect by a mental illness want is to be no different than the normal John Doe, and to be treated as such.

Russo-Turkey Relations and the Middle East

Russo-Turkey Relations and the Middle East Abstract The relation which Turkey share with Russia in the recent decades has been an example of truly bonding nature. Over a prolonged friendly relation for more than two decades, Turkey’s relations with Russia exacerbated first when it shot Russian bomber jet over the Syrian border and secondly the unfortunate killing of Russian ambassador which happened in Ankara. These incidents surely put a question mark on the peaceful relations of Turkey with Russia. Whether what the reality be, Turkey is accused for stabbing Russia in the back. These sore tending acts initially resulted in various sanctions posed by Russia against Turkey. In this alarming situation where crises have overtaken most of; Europe, Middle Eastern region and Russia, this rivalry may caution many states in the coming world order. Preface The crisis in the Middle Eastern region has brought in its wake a perceptible shift in Russo-Turkey relations in the contemporary arena. At first, the downing of a Russian Su-24 bomber jet by Turkish F-16 fighter over the Syrian-Turkish border bewailed the President of Russia. The subsequent reaction of that incident provided a great index of the deterioration between both. Secondly, the assassination of the Russian ambassador Andrey Karlov in Turkey put a stamp on Turkey’s goodwill in the sights of Russia. Russia was once considered a bitter enemy of Turks. In the contemporary arena, several ingredients have refreshed the erstwhile tensions as witnessed in the Tsarist and Ottoman eras. With the passage of time, the interaction between them has been fluctuating in keeping with the geographic and leadership transformation. By far, Syrian crisis is the latest point of contradiction between them, representing diverging interests. This is becoming a test case for the two for demon strating their lost-power in the wake of contemporary transformations in the world order from unipolar to multipolar. The policies of both the states towards Syria run counter to each other. Russia has shared a strong economic partnership with Syria, fact being that it (Syria) has remained a major beneficiary of Russian weaponry while Turkish Prime Minister, in 2012 called on Bashar al Assad to step down as the President of Syria. No doubt, there are convergences and divergences between Russia and Turkey to project their policies with each other as well as other stakeholders of the region. This paper is intended to analyse the Russo-Turkey relations in the backdrop of their interests in the Middle East, following the significance, convergences and divergences of their relations which have given rise to their contemporary role in the arena. After the discussion on the matter, this paper has extracted the role of Pakistan and has suggested way forward for Pakistan’s foreign policy concerning the subject matter. Why Middle East matters the most to Russia and Turkey? The critical interests of Russia and Turkey both lies in the Middle East. However they do not tend to be the same. Under the umbrella of NATO, Turkey is exercising its policies as an independent state in the Middle Eastern crisis. Syria, Iraq and Iran being border stitched to Turkey are perceived to be under strong observations of Turkish policy makers. While Russia, not a NATO member has a different framework for the region, particularly its need for the Mediterranean Sea, weaponry market and trading of oil and gas is apparent. Mediterranean Sea links Russia with Eastern Mediterranean Sea, the Middle East and North Africa. So any situation of conflict, war or unease in these regions has impact on Russia’s political position. There are number of factors that are driving the Turkish policy in which Saudi Arab is a part. Turkey has made it clear that it wants the overthrow of Assad. This is the first time in its history that Turkey adopts a regime-change strategy. When the United States decided to counter ISIS with the help of possible regional alliance, Turkey refused to get actively involved unless the coalition were to target both ‘Assad’ and ISIS at the same time. It is clear that Ankara favours a war to the end of weakening all parts: Assad, ISIS, the Kurds and Iran. Yet it always preferred to rely on proxies and calls on NATO and the international community to intervene in Syria. It was because of this very tactic that Ankara allowed the Peshmerga (Iraqi Kurdish forces) to enter the Syrian town of Kobane through Turkey to help the Syrian Kurds in the battle against ISIS and this is again the reason why it decided to support the jihadists in Syria. While, Russia is seen more as to helping its friend Assad in the play as recently it condemned the United States’ air strike on Syria’s chemical launch pads. Syria is the only country in the region which has Russia’s base(s). Continuing its efforts to play a role and get hold of the oil, gas and other economic factors, Russia’s stance on Middle East policy is evident and strong in its intentions. Significance of Russia-Turkey relations Under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Russia and Turkey signed mutual agreements and MoUs for increasing both countries’ relations in terms of trade and cooperation.Turkey has remained one of Russia’s main trading partners. Both share huge amount of business in the sectors of energy, tourism and trade. The statistics show a viable flow of synergy between both. There is a proposed construction of a gas pipeline as well as the Akkuyu power plant, which may be affected after downing of a Russian jet by Turkey as a disputed incident. According to a Turkish academic, any damage to the infrastructure deals could be significant, because Turkey imports 55 percent of its natural gas from Russia and 30 percent of its oil. â€Å"Turkey has close strategic ties with Russia in terms of energy relationship with Russia, so it may be that the Turkish Stream project as well as the nuclear energy project – which is going to be constructed by the Russians could be affected, Professor Gurkan Kumbaroglu from Bogazici Universitys department of engineering, told CNBC. So it is apparent if any sort of clash of ideas occur in Russo-Turkey relations, Russia has its hands on the switch to constrain Turkey politically without involving any armed conflict. Similarly, Russia’s tourism department entertains much of Turkey’s tourism industry as 3.6 million Russians visited Turkey in the first nine months of 2013, according to the latest statistics of Russia’s Federal Tourism Agency. This definitely adds a lot to Turkish economy and proved Russia has the power to restrict its citizens to travel Turkey in the emergence of any dispute between the two countries. On the other hand, trade is the most primary sector which both countries has shared since few decades with tremendous outcomes. Turkish vegetable exports account for some 20 percent of vegetable exports to Russia. In 2014, according to Turkish foreign trade statistics, exports to Russia were worth $5.9 billion while imports from Russia were worth $25.2 billion. This scenario is more prone to absolute gains rather than relative gains because not only Turkey relies on Russian oil, gas and energy but Russia’s dependency on Turkish geostrategic location is a perfect example to say Turkey is also at gains. Convergences of Russia-Turkey relations Contemporary Russia did not take Turkey as an independent state and always restrained to be in connection with it until 2003 when surprisingly The Justice and Development Party of Turkey refused to allow American forces to use Turkish territory to invade Iraq. This proved to be a game changer for Russia’s perception towards Turkey. The relations furthered in a positive way leaving the footprints of Cold War era outside the door when Turkey, as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was considered a frontline state in the divide between the communist bloc and the western bloc. Surprisingly, given the unrest in the North Caucasus and the Balkans on which issue the policies of Ankara and Moscow clashed, these relations changed. The tangible convergences between the duos can be elaborated as under: Turkey’s need of oil and gas is one of the major convergence in the Russo-Turkey relations. The economic interests of both countries meet but there are points of divergence in various strategic plans to extend oil and gas pipelines between countries of the Central Asia, and the Middle East on the one hand and the European market on the other.   So, they need to act rationally towards each other to organize their interests. Russia’s dependency on Turkey is also apparent because Turkey might remain Russia’s necessary gateway to the Mediterranean, just as the Ottoman Empire was in the past. Nonetheless, there has been efforts to institutionalize relations between the two countries which, in the form of Turkish-Russian Cooperation Council in April and May 2010 got established. Since then the two leaders of the country have met annually. It has put a lot of impact on the international image of bilateral relations of Russia and Turkey because leaders from both sides warmly welcomed each other since then. Divergences, clashes and disputes There have been large number of conflicts ever since the Tsarist Russia and Ottoman Empire since 1560s. The Russian side won more battles than Turkey which clearly indicates the significance of geographic disposition of Russia. However, Crimean War led Russia lose due to possible stronger alliance of Ottomans with British, French and Italian forces. While in the contemporary world, Turkey’s neighbourhood has been in a turmoil, mainly Middle Eastern countries, which has directly influenced Turkey’s dealings with Europe and Russia. Today, the changed relationship between Turkey and Russia has been affected by strategic considerations and political interests relating to the current reality in the Middle East. Especially the crisis in Syria has moved both Turkey and Russia oppositely in terms of national interests. The two countries are not on the same pitch regarding the crisis. Turkey has clearly taken steps to remove the regime of Assad whereas Russia regards Assad’s ongoing leadership as a necessary condition to cope with the turmoil in the collapsed state. Preservation of its own strategic interests in the Middle East, Russia is sensitive in providing support to Assad. The conflict of interests between Turkey and Syria includes border issues, questions pertaining to water and riparian rights, religious outlook, political-military orientation, drug-trafficking, smuggling, terrorism (Kurdish insurgency), and espionage etc. Analysis Syrian crisis and all the history of Russo-Turkey relations aside, today, it is thought that Turkey has created a trust deficit in relation to its bilateral relations with Russia. On the other hand Russia is also thought to have taken Turkish early warnings serious. However, there was not a serious threat to Turkey from Russia. Perhaps, Turkey could have considered many points of conflict before downing a Russian jet which was merely on its airspace (according to Russian narrative of the incident) at Turkey-Syria border. Russia in no time retaliated and adopted a political approach launching serious sanctions against Turkey. The trauma was not much concerning the policies of Turkey or Russia towards Syrian crisis but shooting down a Russian jet paved a way of thinking for the Russians to analyse Turkey’s intentions and goals for the coming days. Subsequently Russia accused Turkey of being in business with the Islamic State of Syria. Similar reactions are observed from Turkish side as well. The war of words between the leaders of both countries have definitely evoked state of unease and unrest to their bilateral relations. The conflict however is not seen as beneficial for any side at all. Russia, despite of its potential projects in Turkey, has unilaterally signed sanctions against it. However there are no signs of waging a war by any of them against each other. In recent decades, Russia and Turkey have shared friendly and cooperative relations sharing economic, trade, military and projects related to energy sector. Both have respected each other’s view in the international decision-making process. The issue is not only limited to the interests of both the countries, but then again there are risk factors which are giving shape to their policies. Turkey is not land locked, but still it’s a jigsaw which connects whole Asia with the Europe. This puts a lot of responsibility for any leader of the Turkey to stand head to head against any turmoil which may disrupt country’s repute in the international arena. While Russia, despite being connected with many states, has to depend on the market of Middle East, European countries and specifically Turkey to constitute its trade, military, economic and foreign policy for survival as a state. It is clear that international relations are uncertain and unpredictable, both are crucially unparalleled to each other and the lack of trust between them is now a bone of contention. However, with the passage of time, relations may grip instead of losing its charm because Russia may digest what happened, or Turkey, which is not apparent at all, might apologize for its act of downing a Russian jet. Because, in an emerging world order into multi polarity, the interests of others may urge Russia and Turkey to rethink of their relations in a positive manner. Foreign policy guidelines for Pakistan in case of Russia-Turkey conflict The conflict of ideas between Russian and Turkish relations hasn’t directly influenced Pakistan to take any action of concern. However Pakistan does share points of convergences with both in terms of trade, educational exchange programs and tourist activities. In a nutshell, Pakistan and Turkey define each other as ‘sister countries’, and the friendly relations of both as a Muslim state is the apex of their strong bonds. On the other hand, while not overriding its relations with India, Russia has shown great interest to re-establish its bilateral relations with Pakistan. This can succeed the idea for Pakistan to maintain a balanced foreign policy towards Turkey and Russia in this matter. Yet again the ill-timed row between Russia and Turkey has subjugating power to keep Pakistan a neutral observer. At this point in time, Pakistan as a member of global community, having its national interests in Turkey, Russia and other Middle Eastern countries, has a shared responsibility to play positive role for the betterment of relations between them. In a limited context, Pakistan may adopt a policy of deescalating the tensions between both and suggest measures of cooperation and coordination to tackle the situation. Not to forget, Yemen crisis affected thousands of Pakistani citizens and resulted in their departure from Yemen. This puts Pakistan in a situation to tactfully regulate its obligation to work for the betterment of its own citizens while maintaining sustainable relations with other countries. Pakistan can beget neutralizing role to the hard lined tensions between Turkey and Russia and may need to facilitate both for the emergence of pleasant and reputed ties. Readings http://russiancouncil.ru/en/inner/?id_4=6978#top-content http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/karabakh/1616142.html http://www.huffingtonpost.com/aylin-unver-noi/turkey-and-russia-days-of_b_8695800.html http://tass.ru/en/economy/764152 http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/positionpapers/2013/05/20135795421533494.htm http://www.rubincenter.org/2012/04/russo-turkish-divergence-part-i-the-security-dimension/ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34971902 http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/11/24/world/middleeast/russia-turkey-jet-shoot-down-maps.html http://www.azernews.az/analysis/90476.html http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/Oct-09/318233-turkey-warns-russia-energy-ties-at-stake.ashx http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/The-confrontation-between-Turkey-and-Russia-Lessons-for-Israel-436236 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-turkey-nato-idUSKBN0TJ14F20151130?utm_source=Facebook http://tribune.com.pk/story/1001173/turkey-will-not-apologise-for-downing-russian-fighter-jet-pm/ http://tribune.com.pk/story/1000436/russia-announces-economic-sanctions-against-turkey-over-jet-downing/ https://www.rt.com/op-edge/323430-russian-plane-down-turkey-us-nato/ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/turkey-russia-tensions_5655c9dbe4b08e945fea945b http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/latest-russian-pilot-says-no-warnings-turkey http://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/77659-turkey-would-have-acted-differently-if-it-had-known-jet-was-russian-erdogan https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/10/09/how-the-rivalry-between-russians-and-turks-shaped-the-world/ http://www.sigmalive.com/en/blog/zenonas.tziarras/2015/06/963/turkey-and-saudi-in-syria-aligned-interests-clashing-revisionisms http://tribune.com.pk/story/860335/every-effort-being-made-for-evacuation-of-pakistanis-from-yemen-fo/ http://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2015/05/17/pakistan-and-turkey-are-two-leading-countries-in-the-islamic-world

Plastic Theatre in A Streetcar Named Desire

Plastic Theatre in A Streetcar Named Desire 1. Introduction â€Å"I don’t want realism. [] I want [] magic!† (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 130) It is Blanche DuBois who states this quotation in Tennessee Williams A Streetcar Named Desire. In this drama from 1947, two worlds, embodied by the two characters of Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski, clash. That conflict between realism and a romantic view of things is visible through the whole play, increasing from scene to scene, and reaches its peak in Stanleys rape of Blanche in Scene Ten. After that suppression of the romanticism and with Blanche going to an asylum, one might think that the realistic point of view triumphs, but in my opinion her leaving and her acting, still relying on the kindness of strangers (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 159), leads to the impression of a survival of her fantasy world. She just escapes from the demonic night world and completes the cycle of romance (Thompson 28). But I dont think that her illusions win over Stanleys realism, as she is a Romantic protagonist committed to the ideal but living in the modern age, a broken world (Holditch 1 47). In Williams play A Streetcar Named Desire, things are not always called by their names, but he creates a sense of indirectness. With the aid of telling names and special attitudes of the characters, he caricatures a truth behind things. However, this is not restricted to the protagonists and their quotations, but also concerns the play itself, including the stage directions. The feeling of hidden truths is supported by effects and motifs, for example the adoption of light and music or the gestures of the actors. This realization of a play on a stage is called the Plastic Theatre, as the audience gets more involved through the use of different senses. This leads to a vivid impression of the feelings and thoughts of the protagonists. Williams himself created the term of the Plastic Theatre in his production notes to The Glass Menagerie. There he writes about a conception of a new, plastic theatre which must take the place of the exhausted theatre of realistic conventions if the theatre is to resume vitality as a part of our culture (Williams, Glass Menagerie 4). 2. Definitions To provide a solid basis for the following thoughts concerning the different characters of A Streetcar Named Desire and their points of view, I want to introduce and explain the two terms of realism and romanticism briefly. Both of them can also been seen as epochs in American Literature, but I just want to focus on the general statement. In addition, I want to expose further information about the idea of the Plastic Theatre. 2.1. Realism In the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, realism is described as accepting and dealing with life and its problems in a practical way, without being influenced by feelings or false ideas. This means that one takes things as they are, evaluating situations only with the aid of the visible facts, not relying on false hopes or following non-realistic ideals. The human reason has, from a realistic viewpoint, a higher value and is more important than emotions or spontaneous impressions. 2.2. Romanticism The romantic perspective is in contrast to the realistic one. Romanticism is related to highly imaginative or impractical (Longman Dictionary, Romantic.) attitudes, admiring ideals which are not realistic or even unachievable. In romanticism, feelings and emotions are stated higher than rational thinking and human reason, not only in the context of love issues, but also in the way of dealing with situations and problems. Impressions are not based on visible facts, but on ideal conceptions, and these conceptions might be sometimes quite fictional or utopian. 2.3. The Plastic Theatre To express his universal truths Williams created what he termed plastic theater, a distinctive new style of drama. He insisted that setting, properties, music, sound, and visual effects all the elements of staging must combine to reflect and enhance the action, theme, characters, and language (Griffin 22). Like Griffin, many authors, including Tennessee Williams himself, tried to explain the Plastic Theatre, but it was barely discussed in public. After he established the idea of the Plastic Theatre in the production notes to The Glass Menagerie, Williams never publicly discussed it again. But from that moment on, his plays were very theatrical, with lyrical and poetic language, his scenic descriptions draw on metaphors from the world of art and painting and with quite symbolic use of sound and light (Kramer). 3. A Streetcar Named Desire: The Truth Behind Things In Williams play A Streetcar Named Desire, the audience gets the impression that facts are not just stated within the text, but between the lines. The characters are often described better through their behavior and gestures than through their actual quotations. From scene to scene it gets clearer that Blanche and Stanley are embodiments of two very contrasting viewpoints of life: extreme romanticism and down-to-earth realism. This is also visible through different symbolic motifs, which emerge various times in the play. Connected with a very evocative use of music and light and many telling names from the beginning on, the whole play seems conspicuously allusive. 3.1. Romanticism and Realism in A Streetcar Named Desire We are presented in A Streetcar Named Desire with two polar ways of looking at experience: the realistic view of Stanley Kowalski and the non-realistic view of his sister-in-law, Blanche DuBois (Kernan 17). Williams brings the two views into conflict immediately. 3.1.1. Blanche DuBois as the Romantic Protagonist When the audience meets Blanche, her appearance is described as incongruous to this setting (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 8). In Scene One she arrives at the Elysian Fields, where her sister Stella and her brother-in-law Stanley Kowalski live. Her clothes are white and fluffy, looking very delicate and as if she were arriving at a summer tea or cocktail party in the garden district (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 9). She is very shocked about the habitation of her sister and calls it a horrible place (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 13). The reader is confronted instantly with her deranged self-awareness, as she asks Stella to turn the merciless (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 13) light off, because she does not want to be looked at in the bright light. This behavior is visible through the whole play. Blanche always tries to avoid over-light and glare. Her vanity about her looks is also remarkable in the way Blanche presents her figure to her sister, fishing for compliments and stating that she has the same figure as she had ten years ago. (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 18). She often states very romantic quotations through the whole play, e.g. concerning the pretty sky where she ought to go [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] on a rocket that never comes down (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 44). When the relationship between Blanche and Mitch, a friend of Stanley, becomes more intimate, the audience gets an impression of Blanches romantic conception. She calls him her Rosenkavalier and wants him to bow, just like the gentlemen in the Old South would do (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 90). Although she was married once, she tries to behave like she would be untouched and a virgin, which she is obviously not. When Mitch says that he cannot understand French, she asks Voulez-vous couchez avec moi ce soir? (Would you like to have sex with me tonight?) (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 95). The information about her past, that she had many men in a hotel called the Flamingo, and the way she speaks about her relationship with Mitch, that she does not love him, but just want a man with whom she can rest, brings certainty for the audience. So Blanches character can be described as a very romantic one. For her, outwardness is very important, and to appear very delicate and pure she is not afraid of telling lies. She is a fake, a person who likes to be better than she actually is, living in a fantasy world which has nothing to do with the real life. Already damaged by [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] the harsh realities of disease and death, Blanches Romanticism is reduced in some moments to nothing more than sentimentality (Holditch 155). 3.1.2. Stanley Kowalski as the Realistic Protagonist Stanley Kowalski seems as the embodiment of a real man, opposed to or ignorant of the transcendent, very sexual and physical. When the audience gets in contact with him for the first time, he carries a package of meat and throws it to his wife Stella. He is described as strongly, compactly built. Animal joy in his being is implicit in all his movements and attitudes (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 24). His relationship to his wife is a very sexual one, as Stanley treats his wife in a very physical way and Stella states that she is very attracted to him. When Blanche leaves to the asylum and Stella cries, he consoles her by touching in a sexual way (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 160), which is characteristic of their relationship. His view of things is a very realistic one. When Blanche informs Stanley and Stella that she had lost the plantation of their parents, Belle Reve, Stanley thinks that in fact she did not lose it, but perhaps sold it and did not give them their part of the money. For him, this would be an affront against himself, as the property of his wife Stella is his own, too. He thinks Blanche bought jewelry, clothes like a solid-gold dress and Fox-pieces (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 32) from the returns of the plantation. In reality, the furs are inexpensive summer furs (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 33) and the jewelry is glass. This mistake is the mistake of the realist who trusts to literal appearance, to his senses alone (Kernan 18). Stanleys view of things, the realistic one, is the one which works in the modern, broken world. He embodies this harsh world with all its physical, material and sexual aspects. His strong appearance and his human reason is all he needs to get along in the real world. 3.1.3. Conflict between Romanticism and Realism The two points of view clash from the beginning of the play on until the end. Blanche embodies the romantic one, whereas Stanley stands for the realism. In the course of the play Williams manages to identify this realism with the harsh light of the naked electric bulb which Blanche covers with a Japanese lantern. It reveals pitilessly every line in Blanches face, every tawdry aspect of the set. And in just this way Stanleys pitiless and probing realism manages to reveal every line in Blanches soul by cutting through all the soft illusions with which she has covered herself (Kernan 18). Kernan explains very descriptive the relationship between the two protagonists. Stanley does not treat Blanche with much respect, which is visible through the way he talks about her bathing and her way of dressing. But also Blanche has an aversion to him, calling him sub-human something not quite to the stage of humanity yet (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 74). For her, Stanley is a threat, because he is able to destroy her fantasy world and to uncover her past and her real face. The conflict increases from scene to scene and reaches its peak in the rape of Blanche. Stanley has to prove his dominance and therefore rapes her to force his reality on her. But she is not broken after the rape, she is just even deeper in her fantasy world, which is shown by the way she trusts the doctor, holding tight to his arm, still depending on the kindness of strangers (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 159). Finally the audience gets the impression that the realistic point of view has the advantage of being workable. Blanches romantic way of looking at things, sensitive as it may be, has a fatal weakness: it exists only by ignoring certain positions of reality (Kernan 18). 3.2. The Plastic Theatre in A Streetcar Named Desire Williams tried to communicate circumstances not only by the acting of the protagonists, but also through symbols and various effects. The setting, lighting, props, costumes, sound effects, and music, along with the plays dominant symbols, the bath and the light bulb, provide direct access to the private lives of the characters (Corrigan 50). The many telling names in the play give additional information and enforce the impression of a truth behind things. In the following subchapters I want to discuss exemplary Blanches bathing, the adoption of music and sounds and the use of telling names. 3.2.1. Blanches Bathing Blanche bathes very often in this play. She obviously wants to clean herself from her past. After the bathing, she feels all freshly [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] and [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] like a brand new human being (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 35). Every time she is confronted with the real, brutal world, she wants to escape in her dream world, which is strongly connected with bathing. In Scene Three when the men have a Poker Night and Stanley gives a loud whack of his hand on Stellas thigh, she instantly says I think I will bathe (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 49). In Scene Seven, she bathes again, little breathless cries and peals of laughter are heard as if a child were frolicking in the tub (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 110), while Stanley tells Stella about Blanches past and her affairs with a seventeen-year-old boy and many other men. The title of the song Blanche sings while bathing is It Only a Paper Moon and it is described as a saccharine popular ballad which is used contrap unctually with Stanleys speech (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 106). Especially the verse - But it wouldnt be make-believe If you believed in me! (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 107) is very ironic, because Blanche does not seem very trustworthy at all, and so the song even accentuates her disreputable past. After the rape, she bathes again in Scene Eleven and is very worried about her hair, as if the soap would not be completely washed out. The many baths in the play show that Blanche will never be done with bathing, because she is always confronted with the real world and could not clean herself from her past. It gives her a brand new outlook on life (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 115), but cannot change her life really. 3.2.2. Music and Sounds The use of music and sounds is also very theatrical in the play. The Blue Piano expresses the spirit of the life which goes on (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 6) and is always heard when the conflict between real world and Blanches fantasy world seems to increase. It is heard, for example, when Blanche arrives at Elysian Fields and grows louder when she informs Stella about the loss of Belle Reve as well as when Stanley tells her that Stella is going to have a baby. It also suggests the fall of Blanche as it is swelling when Stanley rapes Blanche and afterwards when he consoles Stella, who cries because of Blanches leaving. Another music, which is strongly connected with Blanches past, is the polka music. It is always heard when Blanche talks about her dead husband. It emerges for the first time when Stanley mentions that Blanche was married once (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 28). She tells Mitch the story about her husbands death, he shot himself after dancing with Blanche in a casino. He was homosexual and she discovered him with another man and said while dancing he disgusted her (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 103) and therefore he shot himself. It also appears when Stanley gives Blanche a ticket back to Laurel where she lived and when he takes Stella to the hospital and Blanche remains in the flat. So the song predicts Blanches downfall, as it is always heard when she is haunted by her past. 3.2.3. Telling Names There are various telling names in Williams play. Blanches name itself is quite telling, as blanche is French and means white, which is very fitting when looking at her character. The name of her plantation, Belle Reve is also French, meaning beautiful dream. Blanche behaves like she would still live in this dream, refusing to face the truth and the real world. There are many more telling names, but I want to concentrate now on the perhaps most important one, the Streetcar Named Desire as it is the title of the play. Blanche takes the streetcar named Desire (Williams, Streetcar Named Desire 9) to get to the apartment of the Kowalskis. This is very telling itself, as the audience finds out more and more about her past and that she leaved Laurel as a broken woman somehow, but her desire to live her life as an elegant, trustworthy and honest woman is still present. So she tries to live a, for her, desirable life, and she hopes to find that in New Orleans. By the aid of the telling names, which are visible from the beginning of the play on, the use of music and the different symbols which appear often, it seems very theatrical and plastic. The audience gets an impression of the characters and the circumstances in various ways. 4. Conclusion In Tennessee Williams A Streetcar Named Desire, the conflict between Romanticism and Realism, embodied by the two protagonists Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski, is the major theme of the play. With the aid of the characterization of these protagonists and the explanation of the conflict between them I was able to verify this thesis. These two persons are very polarized, visible through their points of view, their behavior and gestures. But in the end, only one point of view is workable, namely the realistic one of Stanley. Blanche lives in her dream world, even in the end after her rape. Stanley is not able to crush her, but she can only survive in her romantic fantasy world, which leads to the impression that she cannot exist in the modern age. The Truth behind things in this play is also visible through the Plastic Theatre. Williams caricatured this hidden truth by the use of music and sounds, symbols and motifs, and telling names. My notions about Blanches bathing, the Blue Piano and the Polka in the play, and the telling names were exemplary for this plastic and sculptural theatre, and therefore I showed the existence of a truth behind things and that the term of the Plastic Theatre fits for A Streetcar Named Desire.

Forest Fires :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the year 2000, fire fighters battled raging infernos as some of the worst wildfires in 50 years rampaged across a dozen states. Not only were these fires the worst in half a century, but they may be the worst ever recorded.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In a single week in mid August, 86 major wildfires were raging in a dozen states from Arizona and California up to Colorado and Wyoming to Montana, Oregon and South Dakota. Five million acres of land burned, more then double the annual average for the past decade. A controlled fire six miles southwest of Los Alamos that was implemented as a fire prevention measure would not stop. First consuming dry grass, then ponderosa pines, then gobbling up hundreds of homes and buildings, the fire spread through Los Alamos, the home of the atom bomb. Some 20,000 people had to be evacuated and luckily the fires never came close to a building that held drums of transuranium mixed waste and a metric ton of plutonium. Noxious fumes wafted from the lead paint, rubber and plastics in burning cars and buildings.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Due to the destructive wildfires, interest in fuel management to reduce fire control costs and damages has been renewed. Although several tools, such as prescribed burning and salvage timber sales can address these problems, the extent of the problem and the cost of needed treatments are generally unknown. There are few documented estimates of the decline in control costs or damages associated with fuel treatments.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The roles and responsibilities of the Federal and State governments in fire protection may be subject to further debate. Laws state that a permit must be required to start a fire outside.

A Comparison of the Divided Self in Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein :: comparison compare contrast essays

Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein - Theme of the divided self Theme of the divided self within Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Thematically, the divided self is one of the most interesting themes within both novels and is of great importance to the development or ruin of the characters in both 'Wuthering Heights' and 'Frankenstein.' Both authors when primarily exploring this theme focus upon the physical, mental or spiritual division within certain characters. In Emily Bronte's novel 'Wuthering Heights,' the principal characters Cathy and Heathcliff are presented as needing this division within themselves to recognise their need for each other. This endurance of physical, mental and spiritual division whilst alive, allows them only tragically to experience when in death, complete entity within themselves. Primarily Cathy is not depicted as divided; instead, she is presented as belonging to a family unit, which seems to stay intact until the arrival of a 'gypsy brat.' Although Heathcliff creates a divide within the family due to his arrival, Cathy is seen to gain a friend with whom she feels she has an affinity both physically, spiritually and mentally, which will become increasingly evident as the novel progresses. However, this alliance throughout the novel is frequently thrown into turmoil by outside influences or factors. As we are informed from the onset, the "greatest punishment" that could be bestowed upon Cathy was separation from Heathcliff. Cathy and Heathcliff's separation only therefore ensues as a result of their initial outing to Thrushcross Grange. Their promise to grow up together as 'rude as savages,' is destroyed when Cathy and Heathcliff are separated physically by many factors resulting from this visitation. Just as the Linton's dog 'holds' Cathy, so too is the Linton's house symbolically presented as separating her from Heathcliff, when Heathcliff resorts to peering in through their 'great glass panes' to see Cathy, after being physically 'dragged' out of Thrushcross Grange. Cathy is also depicted as physically separated from Heathcliff even when she returns to Wuthering Heights. Instead of a 'wild, hatless little savage' with whom Heathcliff has an affinity with, she returns as a 'very dignified person.' Heathcliff is now therefore separated physically from Cathy, not only by appearance but as he said in the previous chapter, her superiority "to everybody," including him. The presentation of Cathy and Heathcliff as physically divided is not only literally seen through the differing households but also through Cathy's own actions and attire.

Cash Advance Loan Companies Essay -- Financial Debts, Capital Advances

Having hundreds of online loan companies giving short term capital advances, finding a capital advance mortgage company is straightforward and straightforward after you are usually tight having online and computers. Ever since economic become softer down, your pay day loan trade may be raising at a immediate pace substantially in the united states. With plenty of and a great deal of Americans looking at short-run funds in order to tide about capital emergencies, your financial area provides identified the following being an excellent chance to make a effective buck at your price of your borrowers. Interpersonal activists, Senators and sometimes your fundamental may be arrested of your immediate increase on the short term mortgage buy and sell and some practices adopted by your buy and sell. Your interpersonal activists are usually speedy in order to indicates the financial community is definitely exploiting your unfortunate borrowers by substantial price financial furthermore stipulations of which alone make things even worse for all of them. For a consequence, many countries through the condition have got developed crucial adjustments to your laws governing short term financial. and so individuals craving to get a respectable capital advance mortgage company could be for a furthermore updating independantly on your suitable provisions of which govern your performance of a capital improve mortgage company in his or her condition. It can be necessary but, that you only notice a respectable capital improve lender in order to stimulate competitive premiums and practical terms of which line up with your condition laws. a method you are going to simplify your workout is definitely by craving for web sites of which bring an indivi... ...proved within minutes and your checking account is credited often on the same day or at best the very next day. Most lenders do not insist on a credit check since the loan is secured through your next pay check and repayable in a maximum of 14 days or the next pay check whichever is earlier. Borrowers with stellar credit do have more affordable options and that is another reason why the credit is waived for sub prime borrowers. A cash advance loan company is the best option for borrowers who are looking for small sums of money ranging between $100 and $1500 and have strong reasons to opt for this expensive form of borrowing. One way borrowers can minimize the impact of interest and finance charges levied by a cash advance loan company is by using the loan amount to pay off another debt or a bill that would anyway attract penal charges if the payment is delayed.

Arctic Survival Simulation

Arctic Survival – From Success to Failure Contrary to the outcome exhibited by most other groups during the Arctic Survival exercise, our team score (34) was lower than my individual score (64). This is not to suggest that group collaboration is detrimental; in fact, our outcome was unique among the class and of great surprise to uk/the-professor-is-a-dropout/">the professor and entire class section. To be sure, pooling resources, elaboration of material, and support and motivation, while perhaps more time consuming, typically offer improved results.In theory, this model implies that a team’s collective knowledge can maximize utility and ensure the best outcome given the available information and perspectives. In our case, our group dynamics were such that we did not effectively utilize the resources we had, and consequently pooled a very limited amount of information. Rather than minimizing our risk, we increased it. I attribute much of our group’s failure at th is simulation to process loss, which is defined as the problems that arise from lack of effective coordination among group members.A number of factors at play could explain the process loss which led to our counterintuitive results. First and foremost, one must consider the way in which group dynamics impact the overall productivity of group collaboration. Our team consisted of K, R, W, J and myself. K and W were quite opinionated, and in contrast, both R and J were quiet – I did not have a sense of what their true opinions were. K dominated the group by putting forth an idea and adhering to that idea in spite of other opinions. Both K and W were vocal in reiterating what they thought were the most important elements of survival.In our case, we took no measures to counteract the impact of clashing personalities. Subsequently, a lack of civil discussion led to uncoordinated efforts with regards to how we should begin to approach a systematic analysis of the situation. An effec tive manager, however, should be skilled at identifying employee team dynamics and personalities; in order to maximize potential, the manager must have the emotional intelligence (that is, the ability to perceive, decipher, use, and pinpoint emotions accurately) to understand how team members differ with respect to emotions, motivation, perspectives, experience, and intentions.For example, though J was quiet and rarely spoke up or defended her ratings, I knew of J’s work ethic from class and understood that it was not as though she avoided work or pulling her weight. In other words, I recognized that her behavior was not attributed to social loafing, but to some other phenomenon. In this case, our group members seemed to exhibit varying levels of psychological safety, which is the belief that little to no risk exists in a particular group environment, and consequently each member feels free to contribute their true thoughts. I presumed that J and R did not feel psychologicall y safe.Anytime a group member disagreed and pressed them to argue for their position, they wavered and complied, indicating that they felt uncomfortable in taking a risk and voicing dissenting views. Their low psychological safety led to an apparent mode of groupthink, in which R and J preferred unanimity in the group over their perceived accurate valuations of arctic survival tools. Similar to the Asch experiment in which a dissenter purposely responded with the wrong answer regarding which stick length was equal, R and J were often silent even though their scores later revealed that their ranking of the rope was more in line with the ideal.Indeed, both R and J, but particularly J, demonstrated a primary symptom of groupthink by censoring herself and failing to communicate her unique viewpoints. Managing a group of people requires careful consideration of the group dynamics in play, paying close attention to symptoms of groupthink and low psychological safety which might lead to pr ocess loss. A manager must use his or her emotional intelligence and leverage group members’ differing perspectives.In doing so, team members will not fall victim to process loss, but will instead pool resources and elaborate on them, thereby facilitating healthy debate and a better end result than one could achieve on his or her own. In addition to identifying how team members differ with respect to emotions, motivation, perspectives, experience, and intentions, a manager must be cautious about his or her own actions and biases. While being confident and resolute is often positive, it can also blind a manager or group member to other valid viewpoints.Many fall victim to commitment and consistency, which is the tendency for individuals to adhere very strongly to a course of action because they feel pressure to act in line with their original declared commitments. Indeed, K exhibited strong commitment and consistency to certain declarations and did not back down. In particular , he was quite stubborn in his opinion that rope was the second most important asset for survival behind matches. When pressed to explain his case, his justifications were vague; yet, he was very insistent.I mentioned, for example, that rope was not necessary in killing prey for food (in comparison to the hand ax), and challenged him to elaborate on his view. He tried to reason by convincing me that rope was the better choice, but ultimately did a poor job at elaborating. The more we debated, the more steadfast he became – he had committed to a course of action, ranking the rope highly, and felt the pressure to follow through. He couldn’t back down now. Rather than counteracting my challenge that a hand ax was more important, he simply offered that he did not agree without any explanation as to why.What’s more, he did not listen to the ways in which an alternative solution might be better (in this case, the hand ax), but instead disregarded my perspective and st ood firm that the rope was more crucial to survival, thus confirming his previous beliefs. He defended his position and avoided information that potentially proved his theory wrong. Not only does this exemplify commitment and consistency, but also confirmation bias, which is an individual’s tendency to disregard information that would contradict his or her views and instead only focus on those explanations that confirm them.K’s adherence was convincing to W, who soon after agreed with his valuation of the rope. W’s support coupled with the others group members’ lack of any objections whatsoever throughout the simulation led to my almost immediate compliance on the subject matter. I let them have the rope, and they let me have the hand ax to follow. The next point of contention was the canvas. Though they all agreed that the hand ax was important, they did not believe the canvas to be significant. I was the only obstacle who expressed a different opinion.K and W’s mutual agreement coupled with R and J’s silence, seemed to bolster their insistence that the canvas was unnecessary. Eventually, J broke the silence and agreed with K and W. J was more likely to feel as though the canvas was insignificant given K and W’s dominant opinion regarding the matter. Once again, I succumbed and agreed to rank the canvas lower down. Though I certainly did not consider myself a manager in this simulation, it allowed me to reflect on my own dealings within a group context and as a potential manager.I was aware of the group dynamics and recognized the limitations that commitment and consistency, social proofing, confirmation bias, and groupthink provided, but also knew that likeability was a key strategy for influencing others. I prodded R and J to offer more insight, but my efforts often fell short. Rather than taking any methodical approach, K and W would dominate conversation, and I assumed the role of mediator, trying to compro mise between all perspectives. I could not claim to have expert power, but perhaps I could convince the group that we should take a more systematic and methodical approach to analyzing this situation.Unfortunately, my efforts probably provided more harm than good. I used reciprocity by telling K and W that he could have rope, if I could have the hand ax next. We continued to negotiate – W could have navigation guide next if the canvas could follow shortly after. The simulation consisted of many exchanges such as these. Reciprocity, which is the tendency for members to agree to a course of action of an individual who has done them a favor, miserably backfired in our case.Not only did group members (myself included) interrupt each other and fail to exert any sort of coordination, but my attempt to give everyone what they wanted eventually led to a higher valuation of the navigation guide. I should have known that R and J were easily persuaded and would not speak up about this u nwise decision, and yet I went through with it. In an effort to gain support through likeability and reciprocity, I sacrificed an effective decision-making process that would have led to a higher probability of success.Group collaboration is typically expected to prevail in this simulation due to pooling of resources and elaboration of material, and in retrospect, our group did a poor job of doing so; framed this way, it is not surprising that our outcome was the exact opposite of the simulation’s intended effect. Though only a simulation, the Arctic Survival exercise certainly illuminated the various ways in which I could be susceptible to ineffective managing. These models and concepts are not simply applicable to this and other simulations, but also provide insight into my potential downfalls.Perhaps it is necessary to assign a devil’s advocate to the group so that teams are not victimized by groupthink; instead a concerted effort to have varying opinions would insp ire thoughtful debate and ultimately more effective outcomes. Likeability is an important weapon of influence, but should not come at the expense of sound decisions – a manager must always exhibit a healthy balance of likeability and firm consideration of all the options. I must be cognizant of my team members and make sure to harness each individual’s strengths, going to great lengths to avoid the common pitfalls exhibited in this simulation.

Modern: Technology and Social Networking Essay

â€Å"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.† – Albert Einstein  © 3.1. INTRODUCTION How are we to obtain the measure of the distance between basic research and the essential technologies of the modern age? Are we in the process of building the bridge that will unite the two domains or is the gulf between them growing wider by the day? Reconciling the interested parties in any definitive way remains difficult as each side can furnish multiple examples to support their perspective on the matter. Perhaps the best illumination can be provided through a retrospective approach that highlights numerous pertinent discoveries and in doing so clear up some of the fog that surrounds the debate. 3.2. BACKGROUND CONDITIONS Modern Technologies have made us complete slaves to machines. There is no work which cannot be done without the assistance of machines and there is not a single area of human activity where machines don’t have to be used. No one can deny the fact that gadgets have not only simplified our lives but also made them more comfortable and luxurious. But on the contrary man’s dependence on them has increased so much that we just cannot do without them at all. If cabs go off the road we cannot reach our destinations. No cooking without LPG cylinder or cooking flame. No, we can’t do even simple calculations, what to talk of washing without washing machine or electricity. If electricity fails, life for each one of us comes to a standstill as all gadgets are operated with it be it AC, TV, computer, a telephone, or any other modern appliance. Perhaps there were times when every work was done with hands be it grinding or travelling far off places. People were tough who could walk for miles and work ceaselessly. In modern times we can’t ascend the stairs without feeling a burden over our stamina. Modern gadgets have completely transformed the human life and health to a great extent. It a fact that machines have become like servants without which life comes to a standstill. Thus we can say that our dependence on modern gadgets has made us complete slaves to machines and that we have lost our spirit to work and vitality, vigor and stamina and therefore no more good health and cheerfulness and endurance prevails. This dependence on machines has transformed the very human psychology. â€Å"All the biggest technological inventions created by man-the airplane, the automobile, the computer- says little with his intelligence, but speaks volume about his laziness† A warm greetings of peace and love ladies and gentlemen We have come to an era where everything inconceivable for the past 50 years has been made possible and actual. Once a dream, now a commodity. Once a prospect, now outdated. Once a thing of imagination, now an item of sensation. We can say that everything, I mean, everything, is now made available and accessible. Modernization takes a great part in the life of people. Effects that these products brought affects every aspect of human life. The effects of these technologies can be bothh positive and negative. Technologies are designed to make man’s life more easier. Technology makes communication more faster and easier. With the modern and improved equipments in our hospitals and other medical facilities, it saves more innocent lives. Transportation is also improved and more faster. Modern technologies are also used for security purposes. Crimes and other cases are easily solved with the help of these gadgets. But did we ever think that it could also destroy and degrades our very own life? Benfits also has its price, while it makes our lives and works easier to deal with, it can also have disturbing impacts to our lives. While some technologies are used in security purposes, some are also used to destroy security and peacefulness in the society. Let’s talk about social networking now. Social networking is rampant these days. I am too have my own facebook account. Social networking helps communication more fasters, but are we aware of news regarding social networking? Man use social networkings to find prospective victims of their selfish desires. I had read news about these in the web. Security of users are not assured and privacy is being invaded. Women are more prone to this kind of schemes. Man is the only living specie with boundless needs, but thankfully, with immeasurable capacity to invent things and satisfy his insatiability. Technology accommodates every human and inhuman want – pampers every fancy of human fiber. Look around. People manipulate the environment to achieve practical goals – goals that respond to their physiological drive. Technology is always about satisfaction, gratification and indulgence; technology is about excess, as in excessive entertainment of human needs. While new technology can provide advances for humanity, it can also have disturbing impacts. Our youth is the most vulnerable to any unfavorable bearing technology may bring. With the flood of modern equipment, gadgets and devices, we are deprived of the basics and fundamentals and essentials of things; we are estranged by sound judgment to determine what is right or wrong, what is appropriate or not, what is effective and not so. With the advent of PlayStation and the likes, who would prefer to gather around grandmother’s cradle and listen to her old-age stories? Who would have the thought of grabbing a book and have the religious habit of reading when internet is inviting? Who would flip pages of encyclopedia if they can just surf at Wikipedia and other educational portals? Gone are the days for serenades – cellular phones radically take over the courtship activity; say goodbye to airmail – electronic mails revolutionize the mailing system.

Motifs and Characterization in Macbeth Essay

The Tragedy of Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, uses various literary elements; among the strongest are motifs and characterizations used to express and symbolize important changes and events throughout the play. Macbeth is a brave and ambitious man full of self-doubt who is driven by evil forces into bad situations. The motif of light and darkness symbolizes the conflict between good and evil. A motif is a significant word, phrase, image, description, idea, or other element repeated throughout a literary work and related to the theme. Manhood is a motif used throughout the play to symbolize the manly and weak sides of people and what qualities people expect a man to have. Blood comes to symbolize guilt and violence. The clothes as titles motif symbolizes the title a person holds in the Kingdom. Characterization is used to explain how each character changes throughout the play and the reasoning behind their actions. Shakespeare also uses characterization to develop his plot. Shakespeare shows that Lady Macbeth is a very ambitious, dominating, and controlling character throughout the play. She is the reason Macbeth decides to kill Duncan. King Duncan is loved by everyone in the Kingdom. He is characterized as praiseworthy, caring, naà ¯ve, and trusting. Banquo is characterized as brave, innocent, logical, and full of reason. He is the mastermind behind the murder of King Duncan. Shakespeare uses many motifs throughout the story but he uses a lot of imagery of darkness and light. This is one of the strongest motifs used in the play. The motif of light and darkness symbolizes the conflict between good and evil. This motif is used to foreshadow when something good or bad is going to happen. It also shows the readers which characters are good and which characters are bad. In this play, darkness stands for evil, bad deeds, and hell. It is always dark when something bad is going to happen like when Lady Macbeth decides to kill Duncan. When she makes her decision she says, â€Å"Come, thick night, / And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, / That my keen knife see not the wound it makes† (Act 1. Scene 5. Lines 49-51). The darkness she calls on shows the evil or darkness in the act she plans to commit. The witches are also associated with darkness. They always meet in dark, stormy scenes and talk about wandering in foggy and filthy air. They symbolize evil. Light is associated with Heaven, God, and goodness. When Lady Macbeth calls on the murderous spirits saying, â€Å"Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark† (Act 1. Scene 5. Line 52), she is implying that light is the only thing that could stop her from murdering Duncan. Also, when Macbeth is fighting his ambition to kill Duncan and become King, he says, â€Å"Stars, hide your fires; / Let not light see my black and deep desires† (Act 4. Scene 4. Lines 50-51). This statement is implying that he is thinking evil thoughts and he does not want God to know his evil desires. Light and darkness are very prominent in all the characters’ actions and thoughts. Macbeth is a man that at first seems content to defend his King and country against treason and rebellion, and yet, his desire for power plays a major role in the way he commits the most heinous acts. Macbeth is characterized as brave, valiant, and loyal. The witches also awaken Macbeth’s ambition in the first act. The act gives the initial impression of Macbeth as a brave hero and then shows us how he changes. It reveals his fixation on the witches’ prophecy. Macbeth is characterized as a brave and noble warrior when King Duncan says, â€Å"For Brave Macbeth-well he deserves that name† (Act 1. Scene 2. Line 16). But, Macbeth’s reaction to the witches’ predictions emphasizes his great desire for power and prestige. Macbeth realizes that murder might be required to achieve this. He thinks about it but has no means of acting on it. He begins to be confused and he is conflicted. He is caught between his loyalty to the King and his desire for power. He yearns for a simple way out, free of guilt and consequence. He implies this when he says, â€Å"If it were done when ‘tis done, then ‘twere well/ It were done quickly† (Act 1. Scene 7. Lines 1-2). Lady Macbeth finally emerges and drives the hesitant Macbeth to act; she is the will propelling his achievements. Macbeth knows what he does is wrong, and recognizes there will be consequences. He is tempted but tries to resist it. He is not strong enough to stand up to his wife. Literary elements like motifs and characterization help develop the entire plot. By using characterization, Shakespeare is able to reveal the characters’ thoughts and feelings in order for readers to analyze the characters’ motives for their actions. Characterization gives the reader a better understanding of each character. The use of motifs in â€Å"Macbeth† help define the setting and mood of the Act, as well as the good or bad intentions of the characters. For example, darkness or night in Macbeth is associated with evil, murder, murderous intent, and mischief, and death. Light is feared by those who wish murder on the King, because they do not want their evil thoughts/deeds revealed. Characters who are innocent were always shown in bright, lighted scenes to stress their goodness. Darkness was the background for evil, as exhibited by the scenes where murder occurs, or where the mischievous, evil witches appear. Blood is a recurring symbol or motif that symbolizes death, and later, Macbeth’s guilt. These are just a few of the many motifs and symbols found in Macbeth. Motifs are used to add depth and richness to characters and settings, and bring out the major themes and ideas of the play.