Students Burnout A Critical Review

Burnout, and in particular, teen burnout, has become an issue of fundamental concern as it is positively correlated with negative behavior and emotional outcomes, such as substance abuse, alcoholism, emotional breakdown, depression, fatigue and the proliferation of antisocial behavior.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Students Burnout: A Critical Review specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Perhaps these reasons may have informed the needs of the author of the article â€Å"Teen Burnout can be Hard to Spot† to shed more light on the issue of teen burnout by summarily discussing a research study of 770 Finnish students aimed at analyzing how students entering high school exhibit burnout (Barton para. 2). The topic of teen burnout is of immense importance to educators, parents and other relevant stakeholders, but the author, in my view, has failed to illuminate the topic in a way that could assist all those conce rned, particularly educators, parents and students, to deal with it. Going by the research findings of the Finnish study, the author of this particular article does well to postulate that girls and boys react to school stress in different ways, but he is economical on providing a systematic analysis on these ‘different ways’ he talks about, preferring to use the lame excuse of school pressures as the predominant determinant of teen burnout in school settings. Indeed, the author associates pressures of school life with cynicism and the development of a negative attitude toward society (Barton para 2). While this may be so, the author fails to outline other dynamics that could equally lead male students to develop cynic behavior and a negative attitude toward society. A comprehensive discussion of the recently released Finnish study, in my view, would have included what other research articles have said on the topic of teen burnout. More important, experience demonstrates that teens in high school may experience serious emotional burnout occasioned by minor issues, such as lack of proper time management, lack of interest in the academic discourse, and attitude toward education or instructors.Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The inclusion of such information in the article, in my view, could have added important insights into the effective management of teen burnout. The author, it seems, provides some useful information on teen burnout by illuminating a major research finding, which suggests that â€Å"†¦boys experience a strong crisis concerning a sense of disconnectedness† (Barton para. 3). This, in my view, is a good point, but only for professional psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors who understand the concepts of ‘crisis’ and ‘disconnectedness.’ To the average parent or educator in school settings, th ese concepts may be difficult to understand, not mentioning that the author does not make any attempt to expound on the concepts. Personal experience as well available literature demonstrates that a crisis in life does not necessarily lead to a feeling of loss, confusion or disconnectedness; rather, a crisis may lead to the development of a strong and resilient character and behavior depending on the methodologies that are employed to handle the crisis. Consequently, it can be argued that the author of the article has engaged in providing half-baked truths of the issue of interest without taking the initiative not only to evaluate the dynamics of the problem but also the cause-effect paradigms. It is true that a crisis can lead to teen burnout, but equally it can lead to a strong character and reinforced dedication if it is harnessed using the right channels. As such, the author should have spent more time illuminating the channels that may lead a crisis to turn into a serious emoti onal burnout, such as lack of adequate information and lack of support services.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Students Burnout: A Critical Review specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The author of the article is at it again by citing a good research finding, which suggests that girls internalize stress hence become susceptible to feelings of inadequacy in school settings, leading to depression (Barton para. 4). Despite citing this important finding, the author fails to make an impact due to her version of providing inadequate information that may be of little or no consequence to the average stakeholder. For instance, the author should have taken time to illuminate the fact that stress is not the same as burnout although both oscillate along the same continuum, and that feelings of inadequacy are more likely to lead to stress than to emotional burnout. Sustained stress is what leads to burnout, and there is a bi g difference between burnout and depression. As it stands, the author of the article insinuates that depression is synonymous with burnout, which is a wrong representation of the facts. We are increasingly depressed by every day life experiences, but that does not automatically translate into the fact that we suffer from emotional burnout. Equally, high school students may experience some form of depression arising from the many academic demands set upon them by their instructors, but this does not necessarily translate into burnout. The original research study found that pressure at school is not always negative, a fact that the author elaborates correctly by citing the researchers’ observation that it is imperative to provide teenagers not only with adequate stimulation to prepare them for the demands of life, but also with the right kind of challenges (Barton para. 6). This assertion, in my view, can greatly assist parents and stakeholders to mould responsible teenagers wi th the right kind of stamina and attitude to withstand and conquer the challenges that may eventually lead to emotional burnout.Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, there is inadequacy in argument on the part of the author since she could have mentioned some of the methodologies that could be used to assist teenagers achieve adequate simulation, such as receiving encouragement to think positively, spiritual nourishment, and role-modeling. Additionally, instructors in school settings should be encouraged to provide the students with reasonable assignments and justifiable time-frames. Finally, the author reports findings that â€Å"†¦boys and girls on the more competitive academic track were much more likely to suffer from burnout† (Burton para 7). Equally, it was acknowledged â€Å"†¦that the less demanding vocational track offered a more supportive environment than enhance feeling of competence and relatedness† (Burton para. 7). Although the findings may be correct in their own right, it is generally felt that the author is only engaging in rhetoric since she does not care to provide supporting evidence as well as explain the dynamics behind these associations. The involved stakeholders, in my view, need to be told that competition comes with its consequences, and so does a non-competitive environment. The onus really should be for the stakeholders, particularly students, parents and instructors, to come up with checks and balances that will provide direction to the learning discourses in school settings and ensure that no single approach leads to negative ramifications. For instance, students engaged in competitive class environments may be encouraged to join support groups and the many sports activities available in school so that they have effective channels to vent out their stress and frustrations. This type of information, other than merely describing facts, is what is needed to ensure that students adequately deal with burnout. Works Cited Barton, Adriana. â€Å"Teen Burnout can be Hard to Spot.† Globe and Mail 18 March 2012. Web. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/parentin g/teen-burnout-can-be-hard-to-spot/article554154/ This essay on Students Burnout: A Critical Review was written and submitted by user Artur0 to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Catcher in the Rye- Personal Impact essays

Catcher in the Rye- Personal Impact essays This summer, my AP English reading assignment came, and one of the three books assigned was The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, published in 1951. The letter read a book about a prep-school boy tells of the days preceding his admittance to a mental institution, not what I was expecting to read that summer. Since I had never heard of the book, I saved it for last. When I began to read the book, by the first page I could already tell it was not at all like any other book I had read before, especially as a school assignment. I didnt put that book down until I had finished it a few hours later, in the middle of the night. Then I read it again, and again- a total of six times before going to school the first day. The book wasnt a book that in reading I just read and forgot about. I was actually pulled into Holdens mind, thinking like Holden, for a short time, becoming Holden. And in doing so, I learned a new perspective. When in places my own thoughts went along with Holdens, the book helped me realize how well my way of handling some of those thoughts actually was working out, for I wasnt in a mental ward, failing out of school, or walking mindlessly throughout NYC. Also, the differences between our thoughts gave me more realization in seeing how others may be feeling around me, and I could never really tell, because no one could ever realize what pain and trouble were inside Holdens mind. Holden helped me realize that not everyone does what I do, and that not everyone is truly capable of doing what Im doing. In that, I realized that I need my own way to vent, otherwise I may end up just as Holden did. ...

The Idea of a Traditional Musician in Western Culture Essay

The Idea of a Traditional Musician in Western Culture - Essay Example The idea presents us important information that being a traditional musician means bringing exactly the things from the past at present and initiate them how the ancestors would have done them. The case of Krzysztof is an example of how one might bring the old traditions effectively at play even at present and making them alive just as how the people exactly performed them from the past. This means that Krzysztof is the best example of what a traditional musician is. We can observe from his life how he wants the old tradition that he witnessed from his grandfather to stay at work at present as it was from the past. This probably will bring us another idea that Krzysztof has exactly a great affinity for traditional music that his grandfather introduced to him when he was younger. To become a traditional musician is therefore important because as already stated, it allows the traditions to stay alive at present. 2. Why is Ganga singing important to Bosnia/Herzegovina? Why it is still p racticed? (4 points) There is a strong socio-cultural implication linked to Ganga singing among Bosnia/Herzegovina for it presents the status of friendship in the society and including the associated privilege given to men over women. For example, it is known that boys or men are free to sing Ganga with different groups or singers from other villages, while girls or women will have it exclusive among themselves who have close friendship right from their childhood days and until they get married (Tipton 174). In other words, Ganga singing is a cultural heritage and a significant part of the Bosnian/Herzegovina socialization that eventually defines their actual culture, which is a clear reason why it is still practiced at present. Ganga singing, therefore, depicts the status of men and women in society and potentially illustrates the mark of friendship among individuals. This is another reason why it is still alive at present, as we all know that friendship is a fundamental component of one’s life story or journey from childhood and even at the individual’s coming to maturity of age. 3. Why do you suppose that the communist government banned jazz? What elements of jazz are similar to the music of the Turks and Romani? Why do you suppose the Balkanski Dzhaz was worth the risks that the musicians took to perform it? (8 points) Jazz combines complex and varied thoughts, which people recognize as significant components of technique as a way of forming music (Tipton 117). For this reason, there are many reasons to use jazz simply as a way of conveying varied feelings and emotional appeal. Black Americans have formed jazz as a way of providing an outlet for various issues they are facing in society. For this reason, it is easy for them to express themselves with this form of entertainment, which at the bottom line is not only to entertain but to present a remarkable message that could spark varied feelings and emotional appeal. In the US, jazz could be a form of music that has an underlying message of rebellion, as especially common among young people who definitely have the underlying thoughts that most probably they could effectively express through this music style.  

Language Learning, Bilingualism and Assimilation Research Paper

Language Learning, Bilingualism and Assimilation - Research Paper Example One of the major factors that has seen the growth of multilingualism, is the ease of access to information as made possible by the establishment and growing use of the Internet. Indeed people are today getting more exposed to a variety of languages which has in essenc also triggered the need to learn new languages. Some quarters have argued that the learning of second languages has is associated with assimilation. This paper will argue that the learning of a second language is not necessarily part of assimilation. In spite of the potential differences in meaning of the terms bilingual and multilingual and their derivatives, this paper will use the two interchangeably. Every human society or culture communicates to a large extent through spoken word. What this means that language has played and continues to play a major role in communication. One may wonder how much backward the world would be without language. Arguably, the world would have developed faster if all humans used the sam e language to communicate. Although this is not the case, it is evident that humans are trying to overcome communication barriers by learning new languages and cultures. Bilingualism has beome a ommon phenomenon with many countries introducing foreign languages in school curricular. The spoken or written word is today more appreciated that ever before especilly considering the effects of successful and unsuccessful negotiations. Indeed, the power of language and word is beyond desription. Multilingualism The definition of the term multilingual is subject to much debate. While some scholars argue that a multilingual person is one who can passively or actively ommunicate in a language different from their first language. Others however argue that a multilingual person must acquire a first language during childhood through formal education (Kaplan 12). There are cases where a person learns two languages simulteneously which essentially makes one a simulteneous bilingual. Yet again, oth er sholars argue that a multilingual speaker is one who can accurately communicate in a second language almost as much as they an speak in their native language or mother tongue. People learn different languages in different ways according to Wolff (11). While some may acquire a new language during childhood by interacting with people who speak the second language, others learn by attending formal education (The Linguistic Society of America 2). A child may learn to speak two languages if both their parents speak different languages or if their signifiant others consistently communicate with them in the second language. In the United States of America, for example, most bilingual people are either immigrants or hildren of immigrants as noted by Richard and Victor (67). It is common to find an American child speaking English while in school and their mother tongue when at home. This also applies to other countries. While people can also learn a new language in old age, it is a fact t hat it becomes more difficult to acquire the new language as much as a native speaker as age progresses. The learning of a new language depends to some extent on the similarity between the two languages. Languages that are cloely related or that have similar syntax are easier to learn compared to their counterparts. Yet again, second language learning depends to a great extent on the urrent knowledge and previous experience of the learner in relation to the new language. Advantages and Disadvantages of Multilingualism Although many people

LAND LAW SUMMATIVE ASSIGNMENT DECEMBER 2012 Essay

LAND LAW SUMMATIVE ASSIGNMENT DECEMBER 2012 - Essay Example However, the privileges of a recipient under a trust exist given that Thirty years ago Susan paid the original deposit on the house from her own savings. The rights of a beneficiary under a trust are created formally or arises informally either by a covenant between the couple or following a financial contribution made by Susan to the cost of improving or buying the farm. A legal interest, which is binding or overriding in the case is the rights of occupation. Susan does not jointly own the farm with Edward, but has a statutory rights of occupation referred to as home rights, which arise in cases of a civil or marriage partnership. The case of Susan actual occupation being overriding in expressed in the case Williams and Glyn’s Bank Ltd v Boland [1981] AC 487.1 (ii) Considering the fact that Edward has granted Jayasuriya a right to exclusive occupation of a cottage on the farm by deed for seven years period, Jayasuriya holds leasehold of the farm by deed. This implies that Jay asuriya has a right in the property that may be enforceable. A lease can be provided for a fixed term such as seven years, which is the case of Jayasuriya, it may be periodic tenancy running from a single period to another until one party ends the lease by providing the other party with a notice of its termination. The possibility of the exclusive occupation right by deed may bind Adams given that he never knew the arrangement between Jayasuriya and Edward. The nature of this right is an equitable right. The equitable right will remain binding if the buyer has notice of the existence or presence of the right, the right has not been overreached, and the buyer is not a bona fide buyer for value of the legal farm without notice. 2 However, it is recommended that the mirror principle be applied, which outlines the interests attached to the land. This could have been very valuable for Adam prior to purchasing of the farm from Edward. (iii) A possibility exists that Gunawansa, Edward Mull et’s neighbor may posses similar right to an easement. The easement need to accommodate the dominant tenement. This implies that it must posses some direct beneficial impact or influence on the dominant land. In order for an easement to contain the overriding land it is not fundamental that the servient and dominant land be near or adjacent to each other, even though they need to be sufficiently near each other for the easement to be of direct benefit to the dominant or principal land. Pugh v Savage [1970]2, a â€Å"right of way† existed over a single field in order to get to the other, but a third field also lay between the dominant and servient fields. The right of way was regarded or held as a valid easement.3 Section 1(2) of the LPA 1925 has a provision, which states that, the only charges or interest in or over land that is capable of subsisting or of being created or conveyed at law is an easement, right, privilege in or over land for an interest that is equivale nt to an estate or farm in fee simple absolute in possessions or a term of absolute years. (iv) In legal terms, the occupation of the attic room in the main farmhouse by Maria appears to be a licensee implying that she is on the property of her father with the license or permission and thus not a trespasser. A family arrangement or plan of this nature

The Cinematic Spectator

The Cinematic Spectator The cinematic spectator Both Hugo Munsterberg and Rudolf Arnheim took particular interest in the cinematic spectator and how the moving pictures on the screen affected them. Through close psychological analysis and the formulation of processes, each had their own take on the spectators engagement in the cinematic experience. Through close analysis we can get an insight and clearer understanding of why people are drawn to motion pictures and what happens to them when they arrive. Munsterberg describes viewing as an aesthetic experience while Arnheim deems it an unreal experience. This aesthetic experience Munsterberg acknowledges is where the film is a detachment or isolation from our daily routine and real time and reality are left behind, an experience that is entirely self contained (Andrew, 26). This experience begins when the picture does as slowly the spectator is disengaged from their reality and engaging with the reality on the screen. They are content in perceiving everything during that moment, isolated from all outer surroundings. This experience, according to Munsterberg, is attained through ones mind and this was the foundation for his conclusions. Based in Gestalt psychology, Munsterberg saw the mind composed as several levels where the higher were dependent on the operation and functionality of the lower. When each level was engaged, the spectator could fully engage with the picture by resolving what Munsterberg referred to as undistinguished stimuli, subconscious renderings that are summoned while viewing the work, creating a world which one could relate emotionally to the events and objects. The spectators mind, according to Munsterberg, then creates an internal object through a phi-phenomenon where emphasis is placed on the active powers of the spectator giving the film fluidity by bringing the mind to a state of full engagement and contentment, mentally held in a state of rapt attention. Munsterberg writes we do not see objective reality but a product of our own mind which binds the pictures together (The Means of the Photoplay, 411-412) which is accomplished through the means of what Munsterberg deemed photoplay. Photopl ay tells the story of the outside world through the manipulation of events to the forms of the world on the screen. This is accomplished by taking the outer space, time, and causality and adjusting the inners attention, memory, imagination and emotion. He sees the spectator as one who undergoes a psychological connection with the moving images presented on the screen and draws rational relations to them through their own personal experiences. Rudolph Arnheim sees the spectator as an active viewer who pays attention to the films form. He feels the meaning is a pattern rather than individual stimuli and shifts the focus away from the psychological side, Munsterbergs main basis, and shifts the focus to the material itself, the happenings of the film. This material Arnheim claims must be all factors which make it a less than perfect illusion of reality (Andrew, 28). This unreality takes on all aspects of the medium by manipulating the film elements such as projection, reduction, lighting, color, framing and editing. The artist controls and manipulates these elements for their own expression in trying to tell the story and to keep the viewer interested in what is presented on the screen. These aspects also make up the fabric of what Arnheim deemed film art. Arnheim says film art is based on the manipulation of the technically visible, not the humanly visual (Andrew, 29) meaning the elements and technical aspects used to create the medium must be manipulated in a way which tap into human emotions, experiences and surroundings. Trying to present these elements, however, did not come without limitations, which challenged the artists and their limits of expression. When all of the elements were presented in cohesion, Arnheim said the viewer underwent a transformation. This is shown clearly in Charlie Chaplins 1936 film Modern Times where the viewer is able to fully engage with the main character as he gracefully fumbles through his work day around the factory. We are transformed from our everyday lives into this comedic wonderland and are left wanting more. During the 1920s and 30s, spectators along with the artists were still adapting to this developing medium. Portraying and projecting posed a challenge for the filmmakers as to how they were going to take a 3D image to 2 dimensional and still be able to express themselves artistically. Arnheims take was art begins where mechanical reproduction leaves off, where the conditions of reproductions serve in some way to mold the object. And the spectator shows himself to be lacking in proper aesthetic appreciation when he is satisfied to see the picture as purely objective (PP, 1933 edition, 68-69). Since the images constantly moving and portraying body language, facial expressions and interacting with other things, the viewer must be active and engaged, not just observing the film for its images. Our eyes work with our other senses which allow us to experience the medium itself while we become lost in the illusion on the screen. These are the means by which Arnheim said the spectator can tr eat the film as such rather than reality. There are many reasons people were and still are drawn to motion pictures. We are mesmerized by the stories, images and meanings. The cinematic experience is of both mind and body. We draw from our life experiences, memories and knowledge and are transcended into another world. The experience heightens the senses; it can make you laugh or cry, leave you happy or sad. The images and thoughts from our own minds are activated and we relate to them passing on the screen. We live vicariously through the character(s) for that moment in time, we are detached from reality, emotionally attached, transcended from our daily routines.

Preventing Child Abuse Essay -- Violence Against Children

Child abuse is a phenomenon in today’s society. Many people have been victims and although it has been taken into consideration, more surveillance should be taking place. There are three types of abuse that ruin the life of a child: physical, emotional, and sexual. However, focusing on domestic violence, a child will be affected by physical and emotional abuse. The problem is that some parents may not even consider how it affects their child in public places. When a child has been abused, how long does it affect him or her into adulthood? Though there are different ways to discipline, a parent can choose from a variety of rewards to reinforce good behavior; furthermore, a trusted committee should organize ongoing parenting classes to help parents to control their temper. What are the other consequences of abuse? Parents who abuse their kids were abused and had a poor upbringing. Nowadays with technology and researches found, they could help change and also teach their kids to avoid the same mistakes when they grow up. As the child grows, parents can set limits instead of violence. Fact is that when kids behave out of the normal, it is not to make parents angry but because they are in need of attention. We all know that parents’ the first reaction is to lose it, so instead of punching, parents can try time outs until the child comprehends why he or she is being punished. It is also a matter of good training in junior high. Kids are always trying to act bigger than their shoe size. A method that could help both the parents and the teen is the motivated reward. By doing this, the child makes better decision, because if the parent knows what motivates a child, that could help the child behave differently in order to get what he or sh... ...uld have done about it. Children who have a second shot at a loving upbringing have the capacity to change the world where they will know how to say â€Å"no† to abuse. They will also be able to talk to their own children about abusive moments and what they should do reacting to that moment. They will know that abusers could be anyone and that is important to tell a trusted friend if someone abuses them. Works Cited Barnard-Thompson, Kathleen, and Pierre Leichner. â€Å"Psychiatric Residents’ Views on their Training and Experience Regarding Issues Related to Child Abuse. â€Å" Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 44 (Oct 1999): 6-9 Kliest, George A. â€Å"Research on Long-term Effects of Child Abuse.† Family Journal 7 (Apr 1999): 154-163. Galileo. 11 Nov 2001 http://www.preventchildabuse.org/publications/parents/index.shtml Conversation with Professor McDonald. (Dec 18. 2009)

Multi-Disciplinary

Effects of Multi-Disciplinary Approaches There are various ways to approach and solve problems. Such approaches include multi-disciplinary perspectives and strictly disciplinary perspectives. To effectively solve a problem a person should gather an array of information from a series of different sources. When a person takes this approach towards a certain problem or situation, they are taking a multi-disciplinary approach. As defined in the Webster’s American Dictionary: College Edition, multidisciplinary is the â€Å"combining of several specialized branches of learning or fields of expertise† (Multidisciplinary 526).However, if one choses to â€Å"relate to a specific field of study† versus a variety of fields, they are taking a strictly disciplinary approach when resolving a certain situation or issue (Disciplinary 228). There are advantages and disadvantages to both a multidisciplinary approach and a disciplinary approach however one may find a multidisciplin ary approach to be more efficient. Advantages to a multi-disciplinary approach include being able to apply different aspects to a certain situation as well as weighing the pros and cons.When a person has a decision to make, they have a solution that they think is best for that decision. If multiple people add their insights to help make the decision, a better solution is made. By adding different aspects to a certain problem or issue, a better solution is resulted. Also, through a multi-disciplinary approach, a person is able to obtain ideas that have worked for people in the past and ideas that have not been successful to evaluate the best solution to a problem.A disadvantage to multi-disciplinary approaches is that with more aspects presented, it could take more time to reach a conclusion due to some people disagreeing with others. Nonetheless, a solution is usually eventually reached where most parties are satisfied. With certain societal problems, multi-disciplinary approaches o ften lead to better solutions. When there is a problem in society, society has to come up with a solution that will benefit everybody, not just a select few.If society used a strictly disciplinary approach to these problems, not everyone would be satisfied leading to other problems within society. By taking a multi-disciplinary approach to these societal problems, society has the chance to cater and please a greater amount of people. Taking a multi-disciplinary approach can lead to better solutions with a greater amount of people pleased but society cannot please everyone. Although a multi-disciplinary approach to societal problems is not the ultimate solution, it still has a better effect than a strictly disciplinary approach.When a person takes a multi-disciplinary approach, they are getting feedback and information from a variety of different sources. If many different aspects are presented in a situation, it allows someone to gather information and then decide what points they w ill use in their situation. For example when deciding what was important to make New Orleans an excellent city, our First Year Experience class researched different fields of study and components of a city to answer the question of what was necessary for New Orleans to strive.By taking parts of all the different fields of study including the arts, government, education and sports, and applying them to New Orleans, an excellent city with variation could be made. However, if New Orleans only focused on one field of study, the city would not have any variation. Although multi-disciplinary approaches usually result in better solutions than strictly disciplinary approaches, difficulties still arise with multi-disciplinary approaches. For example with more than one source being contributed to a situation, little problems could arise with not everyone agreeing with a conclusion.Also, when making a multi-disciplinary decision, one has to decide what aspects to use from others, making it lon ger to obtain a solution. Not all aspects presented in a multi-disciplinary approach are applicable to the solution that is being made as well. In a disciplinary approach, a person can make a decision quickly and easily but they lack the insight from others. For instance if a doctor needed help making a decision about what medicine to prescribe for their patient, he would not consult someone who is not educated to do so, but instead make the decision on his own because he is trained to.In this situation, a disciplinary approach may be the better option. Overall the advantages of a multi-disciplinary approach outweigh the disadvantages. Being able to obtain outside sources to solve a problem presents more information to make a better and more adequate solution to problems. A strictly disciplinary approach is still a good approach to certain issues but it does not always provide the best answer to the issue.Even though there are obstacles when making a multi-disciplinary decision such as time and not all parties agreeing, a solution is eventually made to benefit all parties and to resolve a problem. Without multi-disciplinary approaches in society and everyday life, we would not be able to get outside information to make better life choices and decisions.Works Cited â€Å"Disciplinary. † Def. Webster’s American Dictionary. College Edition. 1997. Print. â€Å"Multidisciplinary. † Def. Webster’s American Dictionary. College Edition. 1997. Print.

Good to a Fault by Marina Endicott Essay

Take a moment and imagine a family of six traveling from city to city in order to survive, their only home, a car. Suddenly as their driving along a women speeds into them crashing, and wrecking their home. They are all then taken to a hospital, where the family discovers that the mother has progressive cancer in her lymph nodes. After this discovery, the father decides to skip town leaving his wife, three young children and elderly mother homeless. Good to a Fault by Marina Endicott is an exceptional novel. Endicott won the Commonwealth Writer’s Prize for Best book in Canada and the Caribbean for Good to a Fault. Why might you ask? Each character is so extraordinarily developed and so well described it feels as if you know them yourself. Their emotions, thoughts and actions are so personal that at the end of the novel Endicott has created a wonderful and realistic person. Their conflicts are so profound, that they are crippling to the characters that suffer under them. And a theme that so important that the book is named after it. Like most novels Good To A Fault has a variety characters with an array of personalities, thoughts and behaviors. What sets it aside from others, is the vivid characterization of not only the fundamental characters of the story, but even the characters that are only introduced once. The rotation of perspectives gives the novel a whole new view on each character’s true personality and on the conflicts they face. As Mary Jo Murphy from the New York Times said, â€Å"it’s the quieter introspective dramas, provided by Endicott’s skillful rotation among the characters’ points of view, that hold your attention.† Each character’s thoughts are described by the author in exact correspondence with their personalities. For example; Paul, who is a pastor, often indirectly makes allusions to faith. Like when he and Darwin are fixing up Clara’s basement Paul says, â€Å"Today is a time for rejuvenation â€Å"pg.153 or when he is speaking to Clara about her generosity towards the Gage’s he says â€Å"You sacrificed yourself for others† pg.329 Through this, Endicott solidifies Paul’s personality, tying him to his religion. Making Paul a symbol of Christianity which brings into question the faith of many characters. Allowing the reader to experience the many sides of faith. Apart from that , appearance and reputation help to build complete characters. Take the protagonist Clara , Paul describes her as â€Å"†¦single, childless of course, took care with her appearance, fortyish, Christian, and not in good spirits for some time since her mothers death.† pg.26. This information helps develop a rounded character. It isn’t enough just to say that Clara is a nice person, so that is why she takes care of the Gage family. The author uses her faith, age and relationship status to give reason for her generous actions. It helps the reader gain a better understanding of Clara’s personality, and accordingly builds a relationship between the reader and the protagonist. Above all things what sets this book aside from any other is the conflicts. Unlike most books the conflict of this story introduces itself in the very first paragraph, â€Å"The other car came from nowhere, speeding through on the yellow, going so fast it was almost safely past when Clara’s car caught it.†pg. 7. Because of this you would think that there would be no rising action, no excitement and no great lesson for the protagonist to learn, but you would be wrong. This conflict originally appears as if it will have the most impact, but it does not. In fact it stems off into several other conflicts that characters struggle with individually, and as a group. For instance, Lorraine’s diagnosis with cancer. This leads to her husband, Clayton, struggling to find his family a safe home, which he fails to do on his own. This leaves him bitter because instead of him finding a solution through hard work, he is left to stay with the very women who put them in the situation, Clara. As he says when confronting Clara at the hospital, â€Å"Hard on you? Hard to sit and watch the results of what you did?†pg23. He decides to deal with this by leaving the family. His actions burden Clara with the care of the family he left behind. Leading to Clara’s guilt of driving the children’s father away and leaving the mother all alone. Ultimately she struggles with the idea that she cares for the Gage family either out of guilt or to fill the empty spaces not only in her spare rooms, but in her life. It only took Endicott one simple incident to create a million other problems throughout the novel. Each conflict faced, allows the reader to understand more about each character’s role in the story. Finally molding the novel into the theme. The theme I took from this novel was ; personal satisfaction of goodwill is the only payment for charity,for if it’s not, the deeds bring no true meaning. However when I contacted Marina Endicott on twitter she described the theme as follows; â€Å"How the debt of charity is redeemed; Love your neighbour as yourself.† After Clara divorces her husband, she is left wounded by their short, detached marriage. Her parents then become ill and she must care for them. But soon they both die leaving Clara alone with all their possessions and burdens. When Clara opens up her home to the Gage family and a friend’s daughter, she must decide whether her actions are truly pure and for others benefit, or greedy and only being used to fill the void left by her parents and husband. So she questions herself, â€Å"I see what they need, but I am unwilling to help.†pg 25 When Clara takes in the Gage family she originally believes she is doing it to make up for the car accident she caused. As the visit becomes longer Clara grows more and more attached to the family as she brings them into her life. Caring for them soon becomes less of an obligation, and more of a desire as she grows to truly love the Gage’s like they were her own. She becomes so attached that she does not wish that they leave her home, and when they do she is deeply angered. â€Å"She did not want anything, except Pearce back, and Dolly, and Trevor; except the life she had left this afternoon, to run over and help Lorraine- to help her again!†pg.327 .This theme is a great topic that adds depth the novel. The whole story Clara is faced with deciding whether what she does is out of loneliness or out of good will. It is a topic that we should all consider when we decide to do something charitable. And yet another reason why I believe this is a wonderful piece of litterature. Ultimately this book incorporates everything that makes a good, memorable novel . It’s realistic, likeable and relatable characters keep the reader the attached to the story. These characters face conflicts that challenge them physically and emotional but lead them to fulfilling rewards. Finally these elements are all summed up to create a concrete theme of charity versus selfishness, a topic rarely touched on in our society. These elements of the novel piece the story together as a whole and make it strong enough to last the test of time. This is a great novel.

Entitled The Effects of the Gilded Age.

Entitled The Effects of the Gilded Age. The term "Gilded Age" refers to the post-Reconstruction era in the late 1800's. The phrase originally began with Mark Twain. Gilded means "covered with a thin layer of gold," and so the Gilded Age implied that while this time period seemed to be a prosperous one for America, only a thin layer of prosperity covered the poverty and corruption of the time period. While many labels have been used to describe the time period, the "Gilded Age" is the most accurate when describing the time period.The largest economic issue concerning in the Gilded Age was determining the Federal government's role in the business sector of America. In the late 1800's, businesses operated for the most part without government regulation. This hands-off approach to economic matters is known as "Laissez-fare," and holds that government should play a very limited role in business. This was the predominant economic theory in the late 1800's, but it quickly acquired opposing factions.English: Political cartoon crea ted for the cover o...Supporters of this strategy maintained that if government does not interfere, the strongest businesses would succeed and bring wealth to the nation as a whole. Opponents of this theory proclaimed that if government did not regulate the business sector, it would become corrupt.The strongest political issue of this time involved the spoils system, in which elected officials appointed friends and supporters to government jobs, regardless of their qualifications. Politicians liked the spoils system because it ensured them a loyal group of supporters in future elections. However, government as a result was filled with unqualified, dishonest employees. This issue was made pertinent during the brief Garfield administration. Garfield was elected primarily through Stalwart Republicans, the faction of the Republican Party that was a strong advocate for the spoils system. A man named Charles Guiteau, who was a strong supporter of the...

Pros and cons of fast food Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Pros and cons of fast food - Thesis Example Some of them think fast food is a new tobacco, almost a plague for it brings the decline of public health and has harmful effect on new generation. On the other hand, there are also points of view that fast food is in some way a cure-all for the economic problems, such as poverty and high level of unemployment. In other words, the society has not reached a compromise yet due to the fact that the parts consider the matter from the different angles, such as public health and economic well-being. One of the advantages of fast food is that it is rather cheap, especially ifto compare it with other facilities, which perform that sort of function. It is not a secret that fast food chains try to reach as bigger audience as possible and, consequently, increase the profits by means of competing in prices with their business rivals (Spurlock). As a result, all of the existing food chains set up prices that appear to be more accessible than the cost of healthy food at markets or prices at restaurants. For a great number of people, who sometimes live on the brink of survival (as it goes from the money they earn), fast food is a great way to have meals regularly. In other words, people do not choose between eating healthy food and junk food. They rather choose between the prices for these types of food. Overall, it is a question of money and being limited to products one can buy. In this regard, fast food is an alternative to far more expensive fresh meat, fish, vegetables and the way to save money. In addition to this, fast food industry has a positive influence on the employment trends and the state of economy as a whole. As the example of the father of fast food industry, J. R. Simplot, shows, fast food can actually invade the whole world. At the very first stages, Simplot’s company had about a hundred of workers and only in two years of operation the number of people increased to twelve hundred (Schlosser). The same works for McDonald’s. In

Lswee9 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Lswee9 - Essay Example Nothing speaks for itself’ (Thorpe and Holt, 2008: p. 184). It can be anticipated that any researcher will have preconceived ideas about the area of study. This preconception will be founded upon the knowledge gained before actually commencing the research when interacting with others concerned. In my case, I am part of the company. The preconceptions held are going, in some way, going to have an influence both upon the way the research is conducted and could perhaps influence the results obtained. This occurs because it is the researcher who interprets the data, whether this be from his observations, the text of interviews, or from documents obtained from participants. When the researcher reflects upon the preconceptions he might have towards the subject of study and the participants involved, he must also reflect upon how his own characteristics will have an effect upon the data he collected. Hertz (1997: p. 8) stated that reflexivity allows the researcher to realise where he is in relation to the research undertaken , and so is able to minimise the effect he, and his personal ideas and knowledge has upon the research undertaken. When undertaking qualitative research it can be difficult for the researcher to operate in a detached way as they are required to interact personally with the respondents. Reflexive research is able to take this involvement of the researcher into account (Thorpe and Holt, 2008: p. 184). The writers are able to discuss this topic within reflexivity which is where methodological, discussing the proximity of the researchers to the matter under discussion. It is shown that the researcher need to be aware of this closeness and so be aware of the need to be professional and keep their distance so that the process of data collection and its outcomes is influenced in the most minimal way possible and not compromised. Johnson and Duberly (2000: p. 191) discuss