Gothic Elements in A Curtain of Green and Death of a Traveling Salesma

Gothic Elements in A Curtain of Green and Death of a Traveling Salesman In fiction, Gothicism is defined as a style that emphasizes the grotesque, mysterious, and desolate. Eudora Welty makes frequent use of the grotesque in her work, often pairing it with elements of mystery, as in "Keela, The Outcast Indian Maiden." However, she usually deals with desolation as a separate element, as in "Death of A Traveling Salesman," in which the focus is placed on the lonely, fruitless existence of R.J. Bowman. One early reviewer of A Curtain of Green, in which "Keela, The Outcast Indian Maiden" appears, wrote that Welty was "preoccupied with the demented, the deformed, the queer, [and] the highly spiced" (Vande Kieft 67). Though the presence of these elements is pronounced, the reviewer has failed to look past these devices to see Welty's purpose. Welty's focus is never centered around the grotesque itself; rather she focuses on her characters' reactions to it and the contrast it creates. "She does not try mystically to transform or anonymously to interpret," she me...

Can Siebel Stop Its Slide Essay -- Recession, Case Study, solution

In the fall of 2001, business software pioneer Thomas M. Siebel was giddy as he looked ahead. Sure, the recession was hurting. But he claimed his company, Siebel Systems Inc. -- the leader in software for managing sales forces and customer-service departments -- would be more resilient than its competitors. ``Everybody is going to be naked,'' Siebel said with relish. ``We're going to find out who are the dilettantes. We're going to find out who are the scumbags, and who are the sleazeballs. Everybody is going to be exposed for who they are. It's going to be a remarkable time.'' Two months later, he confidently predicted that the high-tech downturn was about to end. He could be certain, he said, because of the forecasting capabilities in his own software. Well, both Tom Siebel and his software get failing grades for prognostication. The tech industry is still mired in slow growth, and Siebel Systems, software's highest flier in the go-go '90s, has tumbled farther than its ``dilettante '' rivals. Revenues last year tumbled 22%, to $1.6 billion, compared with a drop of only 2% for the overall corporate-applications-software industry. In the first quarter, Siebel's revenues dropped 30%, to $333 million. Siebel's stock price, at $8.50, is off a staggering 94% from its peak in 2000 of $119. It wasn't just the economy that hobbled Siebel Systems. A 2001 product upgrade was so difficult to install that customers were reluctant to buy it. The company's reputation suffered from bad publicity about its customer-satisfaction record. And it lost ground to corporate-applications leader SAP. In 2002, Siebel Systems' share of the customer-management market it helped pioneer slipped from 29% to 23%, according to Gartner Dataquest. No. 2 SAP gained ... ...ness-software maker Siebel Systems has seen revenues slide 44% over the past two years. Here's a look at why, and at its prospects going forward. COMPLEXITY INCOMPATIBILITY PROBLEM Customers complain Its applications don't work Siebel's software is easily with rival software complex and hard to that handles financials and install. Major projects human resources. can take a year to com- plete. FIX A team of 60 consultants New integration technologies helps customers plan improve things, but rivals that projects, but something make full suites of products must still be done to have an advantage. simplify the products. TARNISHED REPUTATION PROBLEM It has been accused of overstating customer satisfaction and was slammed by the SEC for a financial disclosure violation. FIX It hasn't adequately addressed customer satisfaction issues and is stingy with financial information.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking Essay

The textbook in chapter one page 4 defines critical thinking as: a collection of skills we use every day that are necessary for our full intellectual and personal development it basically means to be able to have good judgment , make good decisions, and how to think rather than what to think. Another set of terms that are found in the textbook is Affirmative Action which is a political, and social controversy about race and equality when hiring potential employees or admitting students into a college university usually this involves minorities who may or may not have the necessary credentials or are unable to meet certain criteria for acceptance it is based merely on a person’s race, or even sexual gender or both. Sometimes affirmative action can seem unfair to Caucasians who may qualify can feel a sense of discrimination themselves it can create a hostile environment if not dealt with properly Nancy Cantor a woman who is the Chancellor at The University of Syracuse is in favo r of affirmative action and hopes that the process will improve in the future and create more harmony and understanding and that all people will be treated with respect and dignity. Ward Connerly an African-American male and college professor is not in favor of affirmative action because he thinks that it is unfair to white Americans to not to get the opportunities that they have worked hard for in their careers and in educational pursuits I find it difficult to choose one side or the other however for the sake of this assignment I reluctantly agree with Ward Connerly personal drive, responsibility, and character should be the motivation for admission and acceptance not skin color, sexual gender, or nationality. Both sides use excellent critical thinking skills on this subject however both of these individuals are minorities themselves and may have had some negative experiences in their past in career and education which may be the consideration for their points of view they are valid and can be used in the process of critical thinking. Affirmative Action in itself is an opportunity for critical thinking skills in that you have to have an open mind and not be a relativist thinker it involves taking positive steps to correct certain injustices against certain  groups as well as maintaining the standards set by employers and educational institutions. In June 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court found that the admissions policy of the University of Michigan Law School, which awarded points to applicants based on race, was flawed. However, in its final ruling the court permitted race to be considered as one among many factors when considering individual applications for both the law school and undergraduate admissions. The majority of Americans (53%) oppose college affirmative action programs that give the preference in admissions to blacks and other minorities, arguing that it constitutes reverse discrimination and, as such is unjust. Proponents of affirmative action note that it is a positive step in the right direction be needs work.

Genre: Drama Essay

Dramas are serious, plot-driven presentations, portraying realistic characters, settings, life situations, and stories involving intense character development and interaction. Usually, they are not focused on special-effects, comedy, or action, Dramatic films are probably the largest film genre, with many subsets. See also melodramas, epics (historical dramas), or romantic genres. Dramaticbiographical films (or â€Å"biopics†) are a major sub-genre, as are ‘adult’ films (with mature subject content). Drama film is a genre that relies on the emotional and relational development of realistic characters. While Drama film relies heavily on this kind of development, dramatic themes play a large role in the plot as well. Often, these dramatic themes are taken from intense, real life issues. Whether heroes or heroines are facing a conflict from the outside or a conflict within themselves, Drama film aims to tell an honest story of human struggles. Drama Film Examples: The Shawshank Redemption – A former banker convicted of murdering his wife develops a lifelong friendship with a fellow prisoner, and ultimately tries to defy the odds by keeping hope alive inside prison walls. The Godfather – The aging patriarch of an organized crime circle must secure the future of his family’s empire by leaving it in the hands of his reluctant son. Casablanca – A jaded nightclub owner must choose whether or not to help his ex-lover and her husband flee Nazi-occupied Morocco. ________________________________________ DRAMA Sub-genres Biography A Biography drama incorporates dramatic elements into a biographical film. These films differ from Historical and â€Å"based in truth† films because they specifically chronicle the life of a person or a group of people. Biography films attempt to show a comprehensive and accurate picture of the specific subject, thus they tend to be serious and intense. Examples: Ray, Monster, Blow ________________________________________ Courtroom Courtroom drama film uses the justice system as a main component of the plot. The story usually unfolds inside a courtroom with the prosecutor, judge, jury, and the defense. Tension plays a large part in courtroom dramas as the verdict can often mean life or death. Examples: A Few Good Men, To Kill a Mockingbird, 12 Angry Men ________________________________________ Dramedy Dramedy film is a genre that has a dramatic tone yet important elements of comedy. In Dramedy film, the amount of drama and comedy are almost equally balanced. This balance provides comedic relief for the audience, while still addressing serious issues. Examples: Little Miss Sunshine, The Royal Tenenbaums, Lost in Translation ________________________________________ Historical Historical is a sub-genre of Drama film that examines a specific time in history or group of people. Many Historical films aim to portray true events and people. However, most Historical films are only loosely based on these events and people. These films tend to focus on the more glorified societies and people in history such as the Romans, specific Kings and Queens, or important political figures. Examples: 300, Frost/Nixon, Hotel Rwanda ________________________________________ Melodrama Melodrama film is a sub-genre that appeals to the heightened emotions of the audience. The plot and characters often are more unrealistic than those found in the traditional drama film. Melodramas usually cater towards a female audience and tell a story that centers on a great crisis and a heroic protagonist. Examples: The Bridges of Madison County, Steel Magnolias, Sophie’s Choice ________________________________________ Period Piece Period Piece is a sub-genre of Drama film that focuses on a specific time era. The era in which the film is set adds not only to the plot, but to the characters and costumes as well. A Period Piece films are often based on a novel. These films tend to have a longer run time than traditional Dramas. Examples: Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Romeo and Juliet ________________________________________ Political Political drama film contains themes, characters, and a plot specifically about politics and the political scene. The main protagonist is often at odds with the harsh reality of corruption in politics. Many Political Dramas are based in fact but focus on exploring conspiracy theories. Examples: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Wag The Dog, The Manchurian Candidate ________________________________________ Romance Romantic Drama film is a genre that explores the complex side of love. The plot usually centers on an obstacle that is preventing love between two people. The obstacles in Romantic Drama film can range from a family’s disapproval, to forbidden love, to one’s own psychological restraints. Many Romantic Dramas end with the lovers separating because of the enormity of the obstacle, the realization of incompatibility, or simply†¦ fate. Examples: Romantic Drama film include Titanic, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Dr. Zhivago ________________________________________ Tragedy Tragedy Drama is a genre wherein the downfall of the character is caused by a flaw within the character. While Tragedy Dramas sometime put the character in extraordinary circumstances, this genre is really about the self-destructive behavior of the character. The flaws of the character come to a head and ultimately result in death or other form of degradation. Examples: American Beauty, Death of a Salesman, The Great Gatsby

How does the case of the 'Guildford Four' Illustrate the weaknesses of Coursework

How does the case of the 'Guildford Four' Illustrate the weaknesses of utilitarianism when used as the moral guide of the State - Coursework Example Based on how the consequences of a human action could create happiness for human beings is merely a pure achievement of pleasure and prevention of pain (Kemerling 2002; Bentham 1789, p. 1). When estimating the moral status of human actions1, Bentham argued that the measurement of hedonistic value of human actions should be based on certainty and uncertainty, purity and extent of human actions, the intensity of pleasure and the duration wherein the sense of pleasure could last including the collateral benefits of the human action in order to prevent collateral harm (Timmons 2002, pp. 106 – 108; Dibie 1988, p. 315). It means that the experiencing pleasure and pain are classified as intrinsically good and bad respectively. With regards to political philosophy, Bentham’s proposed utilitarianism considers the happiness based on pleasure such that the happiness of the entire community and/or society as a whole is more important as compared to the happiness or self-interest of a single person. With this in mind, the principle of utility as suggested by Bentham means that the moral obligation of each individual should be based on â€Å"the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people affected by human actions† (Kenny 1998, pp. 283 – 284). In other words, Bentham’s strongly believe that the human actions and social institutions should aim at promoting the greatest utility – happiness and pleasure (Crisp 1997, p. 2). Since the greatest happiness should be for the greatest number of people, government corruption is considered as intrinsically bad since only few minorities among the government officials could enjoy the pleasure of having substantial amount of money due to misuse of political power and legal rights. At the... The act of judging whether or not a given action is morally right or wrong is considered a very complex situation. Specifically the case of the 'Guildford Four' illustrates the weaknesses of utilitarianism when used as the moral guide of the state. In judging whether or not human action is intrinsically right (good) or wrong (evil), the role of the public policymakers comes in. As stated by Sir William Blackstone, â€Å"It is better to let ten guilty men go free than to wrongly incarcerate one innocent man†. Because of the increasing number of wrongful conviction in UK, developing a set of political rules in the form of law will not always lead to actions that are morally good. One way or the other, developing a set of political rules the the form of creating a legal system may only serve as a scapegoating tactics in the case of the true criminals. As compared to the theory of utilitarianism, the concept of deontology is totally different in the sense that deontology remains f ocus on judging an action by observing the righteousness or wrongness of an action regardless of whether the end result of the action is good or evil (Nishukan 2007). Instead of taking into consideration the end-result of an action, Immanuel Kant suggest the use of deontology more than the classical utilitarianism since deontology judges moral issues by carefully examining the type of actions being committed by a person

Influences of Language on Society Research Paper

Influences of Language on Society - Research Paper Example However, for a term to qualify as slang for a particular group of people it has to be accepted by everyone. The people for whom it is meant for must feel comfortable enough using it as part of who they are. This is because slang is usually an embodiment of a people’s attitudes, practices, and beliefs. It should make people feel close to each other because of what they have in common. Slang can grow big and even spread to other subcultures and clans based on how popular it has become in the region of its use. It has no limits whatsoever. The requirement for one slang term to survive is that it must be adopted and taken in by as many people as possible. When slang becomes extensive, it is even adopted into society as part of the formal and standard language. Now, slang is so much a distinguishing factor of many groups of people that the effect it has in today’s society is immense and impossible to ignore. Sadly enough, the impact is greatly marked by class separation amon g people who use different types of slang according to their clans of origin. History of slang Slang was invented to reduce the fast-changing rate of both written and spoken language altogether. In the Middle Ages several writers came up with varied pronunciations and dialects which were branded the name ‘slang’. ... After all, criminals need to speak in their own coded language which no one, but themselves can understand. However, when its usage began to spread the society as a whole became alarmed. As more and more people adopted the English Criminal Cant, the intellectuals became concerned for the education of their children. Teachers advised their pupils not to indulge in the English Criminal Cant (then, already slang), claiming that it was misuse of English Slang started to be used in well-known plays by scriptwriters. Due to British colonialists many people knew most slang words all over America and Britain. Events such as the civil war enhanced the spread of slang as well, Scholars were embracing the new language with a positive attitude. â€Å"Slang as a wholesomeof common humanity to escape the form of bald literalism and express it illimitably (Thorne, 26). Slang was developing a new status during that time. People no longer associated it as a language of criminals and foreigners. Afte r the World War 1, society craved entertainment and what better what to entertain that to use slang. Now slang has been diversified in America to suit the needs of different cultures. One of the most common types of slang is the African-American slang. The root of all forms of slang is embedded in other languages. Slang shamelessly borrows words from other languages and twists, others would say corrupts, those into words much simpler, perhaps shorter, and much more easily understood. In short, slang borrows other languages’ words and changes them into something more comfortable for a set group of people. Majority users of slang in society today Slang is highly widespread in the society today. As mentioned earlier,

Type of Federalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Type of Federalism - Essay Example Each of these has many departments, and each of these departments uses a suitable type of federalism when solving its issues (Dye, 2010). The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the US government is concerned with preventing and disrupting terrorist attacks, protecting American citizens from any aggression, protecting infrastructural facilities and resources in the US, and enforcing immigration laws. In order to do this, the department patrols borders regularly, protects travelers, responds to emergencies and disasters, and also ensures that citizens are prepared for any form of emergency situations (Zimmerman, 2010). Cooperative federalism should be applied in homeland security issues since it would produce better results than the other types of federalism. Cooperative federalism requires that the federal government, local governments and state governments share responsibilities in governing the people. Therefore, applying cooperative federalism in the Department of Homeland security would ensure that all units of the federal government cooperate in ensuring that security of citizens is promoted and terrorism is combated from the grassroots. Cooperative Federalism would also ensure that illegal immigrations are prevented from local borders of all states. This form of federalism would also ensure that the state’s resources and infrastructural facilities are protected from destruction from the lowest government unit to the highest. If such measures were only directed at the level of the federal government, the mission of the department would not be realized at the level of the local government and the state government. New Federalism is analogous to Cooperative Federalism since it entails devolution of power from the Federal government to the state government. This type should also be applied by the DHS in solving issues as it would ensure that grass-root issues are solved. Permissive federalism should not be used by the DHS since it