The Tragedies Of Shakespeare Essay Example For Students

The Tragedies Of Shakespeare Essay The Tragedies Of Shakespeare Your noble son is mad Mad call I it, for to define true madness,What ist but to be nothing else but mad? (Wells and Taylor, 665)In Act two, scene two of William Shakespeares play Hamlet, Poloniususes these words to inform Hamlets parents of their sons insanity. He thencontinues on, telling Gertrude and Claudius that the cause of this madness islovesickness over his own daughter Ophelia (665). From the privilegedperspective of the audience, we know that Polonius is mistaken and that Hamletis far from insane, but rather, playing mad for a purpose of his own. Madnessin Shakespearean plays, and in tragedies in particular, is rarely what it seemson the surface. Instead, both madness and the characters experiencing it arelayered with meaning; like an onion, layer after layer can be peeled off,eventually allowing a glimpse at the core concealed within. We will write a custom essay on The Tragedies Of Shakespeare specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Shakespeares treatment of the character Hamlet is typically multi-faceted and complexHamlet appears insane, ostensibly over Ophelia, however,his madness is feigneda cover for internal conflicts, rooted not in thwartedaffection, but rather in desire to avenge his fathers murder. Hamlet even goesso far as to say his apparent madness is an act when he says I am but madnorth-north-west; when the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw(667). Shakespeare often used madness, either feigned or actual, as a teachingtool or vehicle to advance his plot. Sometimes this madness was feigned, asevidenced by Hamlet and Edgar (the legitimate son of Gloucester in The Tragedyof King Lear), but other times it was genuine insanity. Ophelia and LadyMacBeth are obvious examples of Shakespearean characters that have slipped intomadnessOphelia due to the loss of all those dear to her, and Lady MacBeth fromguilt over the part she played in King Duncans murder. In Hamlet, Opheliasmadness ultimately leads to her demise, and this, in turn, plays a part inHamlets willingness to engage in what will be his final battle. In this sense,it helps advance the play towards its climax. While Lady MacBeths madness also leads to death, its focus is more onteaching than propelling the story to conclusion. While Lady MacBeth isinitially seen as a cold, conscienceless, calculating woman, intent onadvancing her husband politically (by any means necessary), her characterchanges as the play progresses. Early on in the play, she is full of ambition;indeed, upon reading MacBeths letter, she complains about his nature andinaction:Yet do I fear thy nature,It is too full o th milk of human kindnessTo catch the nearest way. Thou wouldst be great,Art not without ambition, but withoutThe illness should attend it. What thou wouldst highly,That wouldst thou holily; wouldst not play false,And yet wouldst wrongly win. (980)The social and moral lesson here isnt difficult to get: too much ambition leadsto downfall, either through enemies or through ones own conscience. LadyMacBeths descent into guilt and subsequent madness illustrates this well. King Lear, yet another Shakespearean character that goes mad, also diesat the end of his play, however, he differs from Lady MacBeth and Ophelia inthat it is heartbreak that causes his death, rather than suicide. Lear furtherdiffers in that he, unlike Ophelia and Lady MacBeth, regains his sanity in thecourse of the play. Unlike either of them, his madness is a catalyst for selfrealizationemotional growth and personal insight hitherto undeveloped. Thevery privilege of his position as king had sheltered him from the real worldaround him, and stunted any growth that might have normally occurred. In hiscase, madness served a positive function rather than a destructive one. Ibelieve it also served to protect him, psychologically if not physically, fromthe horrors going on around himat least until he was capable of dealing withthem. .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f , .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f .postImageUrl , .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f , .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f:hover , .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f:visited , .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f:active { border:0!important; } .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f:active , .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u0d2498e3f53f0086042455024d5c804f:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Themes of the American Dream, Racism, and White Privilege in Between the World and Me, a Novel by Ta-Nehisi Coates EssayThese instances of actual madness differ markedly from characters suchas Hamlet and Edgar, both of whom use madness as a cover to suit their ownpurposes. Hamlet, mentioned earlier, affects madness as a ploy to distractthose around him from his true intent, namely, avenging his fathers murder bykilling Claudius.Edgars motives, on the other hand, are different; byplaying the part of a bedlam beggar, he hopes to camouflage himself, and thuspreserve his life from the fratricidal impulses of his half brother, Edmond(955). The madness of these characters is presented in different ways: Opheliawanders about, singing bits of bawdy songs and making such irrelevant andnonsensical statements as They say the owl was a bakers daughter. Lord, weknow what we are, but not what we may be. (679), while Hamlet dresses crazilyand plays with Polonius mind, initially greeting him as a fishmonger (665), andlater spouting insane sounding, yet carefully chosen pointed comments. Poloniusindeed, thinks Hamlet mad, yet at the same time, notices the barbs in hisspeech: Yet he knew me not at first, . . . he is far gone, far gone. . . Though this be madness, yet there is method int. . . How pregnant sometimeshis replies are! (666). Lears temporary insanity manifests itself in odd behaviorspeaking todogs not present in the room (Tray, Blanche, and Sweetheartsee, they bark atme. (962)), wandering about in the woods fending for himself, and makingflower garlands. While this behavior is utterly uncharacteristic of a dignifiedelderly king, it is this release, the freedom to fend for himself, that allowsLear to finally attain self knowledge. Edgar, having narrowly escaped the hunting parties sent out after him,realizes that as long as he is himself, he will never be safe. To that end, he decides to affect the costume and demeanor of a bedlambeggar (thus escaping detection and almost certain death), saying: I will preserve myself, and . . . will take the basest and poorest shape that ever penury in contempt of man Brought near to beast. My face Ill grime with filth, Blanket my loins, elf all my hairs in knots, And with presented nakedness outface the winds and persecutions of the sky. (955)He noted that bedlam beggars throughout the country have provided him precedent,being generally left alone by townspeople, though sometime pelted and driven outof town by those same people. All in all, it was a small price to pay for thepreservation of his life. Lady Macbeths madness, almost not a true madness, like those of Opheliaand Lear, but rather a nervous breakdown caused by guilt, manifests mainly insleepwalking before ultimately ending with her suicide. She wanders thehallways at night, muttering Out, damnd spot; out, I say. . . . The Thaneof Fife had a wife. Where is she now? What, will these hands neer be clean?(996). She further sees visions during the day, never at peace, starting at theleast little thing. Eventually, she succumbs to the internal torments andcommits suicide by leaping from a building. Whether real or feigned, irrespective of the manifestation, all of theseinstances of madness serve a purpose greater than merely being madness for thesake of madness. Each of these characters teaches us something, or, throughtheir own actions, causes us to look inside ourselves for some insight. Victorian audiences expected as much, and the lessons and insights are, for themost part, as valid today as they were when Shakespeare first put pen to paper. Of the various devices Shakespeare used to convey these messages,madness is one of the more effective. All these years later, Ophelias deathstill wrings a tear, causing us to fume at its futility. Lady MacBethssuicide still seems a fitting punishment for her actions, while Learsderangement, though temporary, poignantly draws our attention to thepointlessness and heartbreak of family feuds. Somehow, the great speeches madeby other characters to rally troops (e.g., the St. Crispin day speech by HenryV) just dont have the same visceral impact as seeing a once strong characterin the grips of insanity. .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e , .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e .postImageUrl , .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e , .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e:hover , .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e:visited , .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e:active { border:0!important; } .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e:active , .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ua8844afc1a21bc2ec791fbe41518d66e:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Diabetes EssayOften, Shakespeare uses the psychological aspect of this to advantagenot only on the audience, but on other characters within the play itself. Gertrude, for example, perhaps more open to Hamlets words out of pity for hismadness, shows remorse for her actions: Thou turnst mine eyes into my verysoul, And there I see such black and grained spots As will not leave theirtinct (676). Shakespeare was masterful when it came to tying strands of the plottogether using insanity. Edgars Poor Tom act not only preserved his life,but in doing so, it allowed him to right some of the wrongs caused by Edmond. Gloucester would not have been open to Edgars care after being blinded, but hewas grateful to accept the company and guidance of Tom. As Tom, Edgar wasable to not only prevent his fathers attempted suicide, but to snap him out ofthe despair and self pity he was trapped in (966). Furthermore, the persona ofPoor Tom allowed Edgar to be alive to duel with Edmond at the very end of theplay. Edmond admits his wrongs (What you have charged me with, that have Idone, And more much more. (972)), and attempts to stop Cordelias hangingbefore he dies. Ophelias drowning, a tragedy that would likely not have occurred hadshe not gone mad, deeply affected both Hamlet and Laertes, causing them both tobe eager to duel when a duel was proposed. This very duel was to conclude withHamlet finally taking action and avenging his fathers murder. In turn, Claudius would likely have been more suspicious of Hamlet andhave attempted to murder him more quickly than he did had he not felt pity forHamlets evident madness. Thus, several strands of the story are interwoven,all leading to the climactic death scene that ends the tragedy. In short, madness in Shakespeare, particularly in Shakespearean tragedy,is never what it appeared to be on the surface. It is always a vital aspect ofthe plot, interwoven throughout, having layer upon layer of meaning. Poloniuswas uncannily accurate when he stated of Hamlet Though this be madness, . . . there is method int; on a broader scope, that very sentiment can be applied toall of Shakespeares applications of madness, and not just to the characterHamlet. There is a method and a meaning for every incidence of insanity, andindeed, often more than one. Insights we might glean from an examination ofthese meanings are among Shakespeares lasting gifts to us, even many hundredsof years later. This is a profound gift, and one to be treasured. Work CitedWells and Taylor. William Shakespeare The Complete Works. New York: Oxford University Press, 1988. English

recruit, select and induct staff Essay Example

recruit, select and induct staff Essay Example recruit, select and induct staff Paper recruit, select and induct staff Paper 1 . What is a selection report, how is compiled, what is included in a selection report and why is it an important piece of documentation in the recruitment and selection process? The selection report is the official record of the selection process. The main purpose of the selection report is to convey the panels recommendation, and provide enough information for the delegate to make an informed and fair recruitment decision. The final decision to select an applicant or take other action rests with the delegate. The selection report should also be used when providing eedback to individual candidates who request post-selection feedback. The selection report must demonstrate with rigour how the selection panel used an evidenced base selection process to arrive at its conclusion, and will be used in the case of a review. Documents to be attached to the selection report include: 0 referee checks 0 a copy of the interview questions (interview guide and selection options matrix) 0 the short-listing grid 0 any other evidence gathered which supports the recommendation 2.. Recruitment is one of the functions that HR practitioners are responsible for. What is recruitment nd what does it involve? How does recruitment fit into the HR life cycle? Recruitment refers to the process of attracting, screening, selecting, and onboarding a qualified person for a Job. At the strategic level it may involve the development of an employer brand which includes an employee offering. Human resource management (HRM), also called personnel management, consists of all the activities undertaken by an enterprise to ensure the effective utilization of employees toward the attainment of individual, group, and organizational goals. An organizations HRM function focuses on the people side of management. It consists of practices that help the organization to deal effectively with its people during the various phases of the employment cycle, including pre-hire, staffing, and post-hire. The pre-hire phase involves planning practices. The organization must decide what types of Job openings will exist in the upcoming period and determine the necessary qualifications for performing these Jobs. During the hire phase, the organization selects its employees. Selection practices include recruiting applicants, assessing their qualifications, and ultimately selecting those who are deemed to be the most qualified. How does an interview panel will assess each applicant and select the preferred candidate? After the final interview, panel members should compare their ratings and judgements amongst themselves. It is preferable to review candidates and their performances immediately after the interview process whilst the information is still fresh in the minds of the panel. All discussion should be s upported by assessment evidence not Just personal impression. Candidates should be rated against the agreed and specified criteria and not against each other. Further information from ny additional sources should be included in these discussions. Time to review and discuss should be timetabled into the interview/selection planning. However, it is not essential that recommendation for appointment has to be made on the same day as the interviews. Every appointment is a serious investment and the selection decision considered an option and is preferable to making what could prove to be a poor appointment due to a hasty decision. 4. What is discrimination? What can organisations do to ensure that they comply with anti discrimination and equal opportunity legislation in the recruitment process? Direct or overt discrimination is any action that specifically excludes a person or a group of people from a benefit or opportunity, or significantly reduces chances of obtaining it because a personal characteristics, irrelevant to a situation, is applied as a barrier. National and state laws cover equal employment opportunity and anti- discrimination in the workplace. Youre required by these laws to create a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Its important that as an employer, you understand your rights and responsibilities under human rights and anti- discrimination law.

Project Management 4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Project Management 4 - Essay Example The seventh element involves determining those people who will be used to deliver the message to the intended audience. The eighth element focuses at computation of funds that might be needed to ensure that there is proper implementation of the project plan. The final element involves evaluation of the communication plan to see if the goals and objectives have been realized (United Nations, 2007). The major audience to be involved in the communication plan includes evaluators who may help to assess the effectiveness of communication plan. Some of the information shared with this audience are message to be channeled, communication channels to be used and as amount of financial required to channel the message. The mechanism to be used in pussing urgent information includes online channels. For example emails’ and phone calls while less urgent and useful information may be passed via letters (Mobley, 2005). In addition, the information between employees and organization will be shared on daily basis to ensure smooth learning of the organization. In case the communication turns not to be ineffective the message may be adjusted. In addition, a different channel may be utilized. Some of the technologies that may be used include utilization of organization website, smart phones to mention just but a few. Finally, communication becomes an ethical/legal issue at a point where s ecurity and privacy of the information passed must be observed (Taylor & Dow,

CVP analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

CVP analysis - Essay Example Cost–volume–profit (CVP) is an administrative management tool used in economics (Weygandt, 2009). It is a basic model designed to assist in making short-time decisions in economics based on costs incurred in the business The information on CVP influences determination of break-even analysis. Break-even spot shows the point at which the net income is zero. Analysis of CVP makes use of variable and fixed costs. CVP examines the dynamics experienced in profits accrued by businesses due to changes in the volumes of costs of various products and their sales. It is through CVP that a venture identifies the progress of his or her business and makes sound decisions. CVP analysis has a number of assumptions, which also are the same as those for break-even analysis. The analyst assumes that costs behave in a linear manner throughout the activities. The classification of costs is possible and accurately stated depending on whether fixed or variable. The other assumption is that ch anges in costs are due to change of activity. All products from the invested capital have a market value and that there is no product inventory required once the product is ready for sale (Balakrishnan et al, 2009). The analysts using CVP technique provides information about the products. The analyst also needs to know the levels of sales and volumes and the amount they need to protect the investment from making loses. The other information required by the analysts is the capacity for the analyst to determine the effects of increasing or decreasing the fixed costs. Successful analysts must have the capability of approximating the amount of funds required for expenditures and the magnitude of risks required (Balakrishnan et al, 2009). Profit equation using CVP analysis Analysts using CVP starts by determining the business profit using the profit equation as shown (Weygandt, 2009). Profit = Total revenue -Total costs Since the costs are in two divisions, i.e. fixed costs and variable costs, the equation becomes Profit =Total revenue -Total variable costs -Total fixed costs Profit is a function of the contribution margin. This refers to the amount of invested capital in this discussion (Balakrishnan et al, 2009). The total contribution margin is the difference between the total revenue and total variable costs. The calculation of contribution margin may also occur per unit production. This margin is necessary in consideration of the effects that volume has on a business profit. Realization of profits in a business takes place upon covering of sales equivalent to the fixed costs. This means that any unit sales above the fixed costs become profit. The overall profit equation in CVP analysis, therefore, becomes (Weygandt, 2009). Profit =P * Q - V * Q - F = (P - V) * Q – F Where; P _ Selling price per unit V _ Variable cost per unit (P _ V) _ Contribution margin per unit Q _ Quantity of product sold (units of goods or services) F _ Total fixed costs Cost-Volum e-Profit Graph (Weygandt, 2009) This is a graph that shows the bond amid the total income and total costs in a business. This graph also shows how profits change with time depending on different activity volumes. In the above graph, the loss decreases with increasing volume of sales. At the same time, there is an increase in the contribution margin. At the point, where the cost intersect with the revenue line, this point known as break-even point above which profits are evident. In the case, where there is income tax, the business after tax calculation makes use of the formula; After-tax profit = Pretax profit –Taxes. Pretax profit = (Tax rate -Pretax profit). Pretax profit = (1 - Tax rate). Snap Fitness business The principles of CVP are applicable in a number of business organizations, for example, in starting a snap fitness business. This small venture requires a small amount of capital to start. In addition, it takes a short time for the investor to reach a break-even

Healthcare Service Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Healthcare Service - Assignment Example The vast services provided by the company consist of: brain injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, tracheotomy, long-term ventilator support, genetic neurological condition, Parkinson's disease, motor neuron disease, and palliative care needs. The centres primarily function to provide top notch assistance in the recovery of patients. Capio emphasises on the provision of comfort and maximisation of individual capabilities. To further improve its services, the company promotes unlimited duration regarding the recovery period necessitated by the patients. As a private healthcare provider, Capio is operated through investments. It is, therefore, logical for the administration to seek for higher profits. Basically, survival in the industry requires sufficient profits to ensure that operations are maintained. Meanwhile, the nature of the company suggests that managers have to provide their share. In fact, the efforts of managers in determining the problems and providing efficient solutions will determine the success of Capio. Although the company appears to have robust operations, there are several aspects that have to be analysed in the efforts to improve profitability. Indeed, strategies are required and plans are needed to set the firms in the right direction. Regularly, the clinical managers and finance executives gather to discuss profit enhancement schemes. Part of the meeting tackles the major concerns of the company specifically the detriment to high income. The highlights of the meeting detailed several alarming circumstances. Part of these is the rising cost in operating the centres. In this circumstance, the role of the manager is to appraise the situation and create possible measures to prevent and mitigate adverse effects. The manager has to constantly communicate with the different entities involved with the firm. Most instances suggest that problems have to be viewed holistically. This approach, however, appears to be limited as some concerns are better comprehended specifically. Overall, the manager has to ensure that the functions of the centre remain within the context of its existence while evolving to a profit driven section of the company (Davidmann, 1998). The manager is provided with several approaches to resolve the current demise. In particular, traditional methods appear to be effective boosting the revenues of the centre. Also, modern strategies are useful in increasing the profit of the centre (Blanchard, 1994). It has to be noted that the manager has to follow processes and procedures. In addition, cooperation derived from other entities of the company is a major boost in the profit maximisation initiatives. Primarily, the centre is concerned with the exceeding cost incurred because of the operations. The two major contributors to the increase are the staff cost and the medical consumable. Accordingly, the use of agency staff has increased the burden of the centre. In addition, medical consumables have increased by 64% compared with the figures registered during the previous year. Basically, these are problems that will adversely affect the outcome of the net profit. Increased costs both in materials and in labour are valuable reductions to the revenues obtained for the year. Other important aspects that were revealed as a result of an investigation involved procurement and stock management. Based on the results of the investigation, the procurement process is independent from the

Free Essays - Jefferson’s Character in A Lesson Before Dying :: Lesson Before Dying Essays

Jefferson’s Character A Lesson Before Dying takes place in a small Louisiana Cajun community in the late 1940’s. In the novel, Jefferson, a young black man, is an unwitting party to a liquor store shoot out in which three men are killed; being the only survivor, he is convicted of a murder and sentenced to death. Jefferson’s personality and physical appearance in the novel provides not only a relationship to the courtroom and his cell, but also connected to the geographical setting of the book.   In the initial setting of the novel, Jefferson sits in a courtroom located in rural Louisiana, which is filled with anger , tension, isolation, and quietness from the people in the room. This setting of the book supports Jefferson’s personality in chapter 9 when Jefferson’s character is introduced. Jefferson’s cell could be considered the second setting or Jefferson’s setting in the book. Jefferson’s relationship to the courtroom (initial setting) supports Jefferson’s personality in the prison. He is isolated just like in the courtroom. â€Å" There was an empty cell between Jefferson and the rest of the prisoners† (Gaines 71). Jefferson’s cell was not only isolated like a courtroom in rural Louisiana, but quiet. â€Å"Jefferson’s been quiet . . . He didn’t answer† (71). Due to Jefferson’s isolation and quietness, he has built anger inside. An anger which had been building up since the courtroom conviction. â€Å"Nothing don’t matter,†he said, looking up at the ceiling.† (73) The first setting of the novel is similar to Jefferson’s cell setting. The three settings: the courtroom , location of the town, and prison all have similarities to Jefferson’s character traits. Theme: Jefferson’s character represents race the best. The opportunity for equal representation for the African Americans in the book is shown through Jefferson. There is a constant comparison and view of blacks vs. whites in the novel. â€Å" To show too much intelligence would have been an insult to them.† (47) The respect of race varied in the book, but at the end Jefferson’s character prevailed. The author summons the reader to confront the entire bitter history of black people in the South and America as a whole. The theme of race ties into the novel when the characters begin to declare the value of their lives in a time and place in which those lives seemingly count for nothing. Jefferson’s relationship to the theme in the novel only occurs

Money or Happiness Essay

The general belief is that the rich tend to pamper their children by buying them all sorts of â€Å"toys†, while the poorer children do not do this because they cannot afford to. It is usually presented in stories- especially in movies – that rich children are bad while those from poorer families struggle all their lives. Consequently it may be believed that children from rich families are happier than those from poorer ones. This may be the case in some instances, but is definitely not always true. Children can be happy whether they are from rich or poor families. We hear of cases where poor families make all sorts of sacrifices so that their children – or one of them – can have a certain comfort. Fathers are known to work at extra jobs so that their children can have expensive toys for Christmas or for their birthdays. On the other hand, the children of the rich are not always given everything they want. Rich fathers are known to make their children work for a living and earn their pocket money. Other fathers have refused to give their children expensive toys so that they will learn the value of hard work. Hence it is not the riches of the parents that can make the children happy but what the parents do to the child. Happiness can never be equated with having money or having rich parents for that matter. It is possible that poor parents have a close relationship with their child. In this way the child has something far better; it has love. Having enough love, the child will be happy – at least much happier than if it did not receive love. On the other hand it is possible that the child of rich parents have everything she wants but does not get the love and concern that she needs. The parents of rich children are sometimes too busy spending their money and earning more. Often we hear stories of â€Å"poor little rich children†. Though many of the stories we hear are fiction, some of them are real indeed. Sometimes the parents of rich children believe that their child will be happy if he is provided with everything he needs. They try to substitute money for love and care. In such instances, the rich child can be very happy indeed. In addition, children brought up in this way tend to be very poor in relationships. They do not know how to value things like friendships. Such a child is poor indeed, in spite of being financially rich. Using money and surrounding himself with all sorts of toys the child is apt to grow up with the wrong sense of what is true happiness. Then one day when he realizes that money does not always buy happiness, he will not know which way to turn. Hence children from rich families may not always be happier than those from poorer families. In fact both are capable of being happy, with or without money.