Thursday, March 12, 2020
Attitude in Workplace
Attitude in Workplace Introduction Organizations are faced with a variety of problems which come from different angles, both internal and external. The most complex ones are however those that are associated with the human resource or workforce. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Attitude in Workplace specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This is because these are the driving force towards the success of an organization, through their manipulation of other resources for instance the assets, to come up with a productive and profitable result. Success in any activity in an organization requires unity and cooperation among all the individuals involved, failure to which malfunction is almost automatic. This piece of work gives an in-depth discussion of attitude, as an issue that affects progress in the workplace with much emphasis being given to how it impacts on individuals and an organization at large and how a solution could be implemented and i ts success evaluated. A review and a brief description of the original problem selected by my Learning Team There are various problems that are linked with workplaces and all the practices and activities undertaken therein. For the sake of this assignment, my team chose attitude in the workplace as the problem of discussion for which a plan to help solve the issue will be identified and implemented. This is because this is a very prevalent problem in workplaces and it has led to fall down of most organizations. Attitude entails the way a given individual thinks or perceives various things or situations. It is a very influential aspect and it plays a great role in determining how things are undertaken. Various employees express different attitudes, some positive and others negative. Under all circumstances, positive attitude among all the individuals involved in an organization should be advocated for and maintained since nothing can be successful where negative attitude prevail. T here is usually a tendency of people to bring their home problems into the workplace thus affecting their ability to perform as expected, which should not be the case. The encouraging thing is the fact that there are ways that have been established in an effort to change peopleââ¬â¢s attitudes through sensitizing them to be positive and optimistic in their undertakings so as to achieve success. This is however possible through effective decision making that entail critical thinking and effective plan and strategies (Shumake, 1992).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A plan to implement the identified solution In every plan especially that involved with implementing a given solution to a problem, it is important to have an effective evaluation of the required resources, the resistance management plan and most importantly timeframe. Decision making and critical thin king was a key aspect in the determination of the plan that we would implement in order to curb the ordeal of negative attitude among members of the workforce. It entails identification of the problem, definition of the aims and objectives, evaluating the impact of the problem, determining the causes of the problem, coming up with alternative solutions, evaluating the impacts of the alternatives, making the decision and implementing it. The process is however not complete before its impact is measured to ascertain its progress and hence make necessary actions(Roth Mullen, 2002). The best plan that we came up with is effective communication aimed at creating awareness on the aspect of attitude and the effects it has on both individual as well as organizational performance. It will also encompass teaching on the importance of critical thinking as opposed to acting under personal feelings and prejudices. This will ensure that employeesââ¬â¢ behavior and attitudes are in line wit h the organizational core values thus ensuring that the goals and objectives are achieved hence increasing productivity and profitability as a result of enhanced efficiency and effectiveness. It will also ensure that attitudes and thoughts are evaluated in an objective manner without any form of biasness. Another aspect that we considered in the implementation plan was to identify and implement appropriate tools that allow for effective thinking and avoid negative attitude. This includes impacting them with critical thinking and problem solving skills (ORourke, 2008). An evaluation of the success of the solution chosen above In order to conclude that a given implemented solution has been successful or not, it is important that the progress is monitored or evaluated. There are various ways through which a decisionââ¬â¢s effectiveness could be evaluated more especially through measuring the success or failure achieved after its implementation. One of the ways is to measure the im pact of the implemented solution against the organizational goals and objectives. A good solution should adequately match with the organizationââ¬â¢s goals and objectives to avoid any form of conflict that would make the situation even worse. Communication is also another very critical concept that can be utilized in gauging the impact of a given decision for instance the actions taken towards eliminating the vice of negative attitude in the workplace. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Attitude in Workplace specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Effective communication entails giving every involved member a chance to give ideas and opinions in regard to certain a particular decision. This allows for taking of the right measures in respect to any aspect as well as allowing for inner satisfaction which is brought about by people knowing they are well represented and their voices incorporated in an organizationââ¬â¢s de cision. Another very significant step in the evaluation of the progress of a decision that was made is the observation of the trends in the organization. There should for example be positive movement of activities following positive change of attitudes among employees. This could be seen in aspects like communication where the employees ought to communicate effectively, increased efficiency and effectiveness in carrying out activities and processes, enhanced customer service and treatment of fellow colleagues as well as the general change of attitude that can be seen in the way people treat each other. In our case the decisions taken was successful since positive changes were experienced, the final results being increased productivity and productivity (Paul Elder, 2006). Conclusion It is evident that organizations are faced with a variety of problems including those that are linked with the employees. Attitude in the workplace is for example very influential in determining how va rious activities and practices are carried out, with negative attitude being a leading factor to individual failure as well as pull down of the performance of an organization as a whole. It is therefore advisable that negative attitude among employees is dealt with in an appropriate manner to avoid any negative performance. Negative attitude among employees could be demonstrated by aspects such as impoliteness, unwillingness to share ideas and opinions, being anti-social, failure to adhere to stipulated rules and regulations, complains to the management and constant conflicts among others. Dealing with negative attitude like any other organizational problem necessitates that effective decision making and critical thinking is done so as to appropriately deal with all the internal and external elements that are associated with workplace attitude. Reference List ORourke, J. (2008). Relationships, Managing Conflicts at Workplace. New York: Cengage Learning.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Paul, R., Elder, L. (2006). Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning and Your Life. Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Roth, M.B., Mullen, D. J. (2002). Decision Making: Its Logic and Practice. Maryland: Rowman Littlefield. Shumake, G. (1992). Increasing Productivity And Profit In The Workplace: A Guide To Office Planning And Design. New York: Wiley-Interscience.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Shaping Ethical Contexts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Shaping Ethical Contexts - Essay Example oped to explain and give insight into how leaders ought to conduct business in a multicultural environment and the perceptions their employees have towards them. One of the theories is the implicit leadership theory which postulates that peopleââ¬â¢s beliefs, assumptions, and stereotypes tend to influence their perception on the qualities of good leadership. The other one is the culturally endorsed implicit leadership theory which advanced some leadership dimensions that include power distance, gender egalitarianism, societal and group collectivism, humane orientation, performance orientation, assertiveness and uncertainty avoidance (Murrell, Crosby & Ely, 1999). Ethical leadership styles across cultures include transformational, transactional, and paternalistic leadership. Paternalistic is a leadership style that incorporates a hierarchical relationship between the leader and the workers. The leader expresses personal interest in the personal and professional lives of employees and in return expects respect and loyalty from them. The three defining elements are moral leadership, benevolence, and authoritarianism. This type of leadership has been found to yield positive organizational commitment and exchange between leaders and the employees in a multicultural environment (Brown, Trevià ±o & Harrison, 2005). Transformational leadership is one that emphasizes on a common goal and therefore, it is a charismatic form of leadership style that mobilizes employees around a common goal. Transactional leadership on the other hand is one that emphasizes on incentives and rewards between leaders and their employees (Brown & Trevià ±o, 2006). This form of leadership styles have been shown to yield trust and performance at the workplace in various populations but not all of them. It has further been noted that collectivists are more responsive and conform to transformational leadership because they unite individuals. On the other hand transactional leadership most welcomed in
Sunday, February 9, 2020
International Search for Distribution Partner Essay
International Search for Distribution Partner - Essay Example As of November 2005 they have 766 stores in the U.S. and 166 in Canada (43 of those Best Buy). On September 22, 2003 they opened their first Global Sourcing Office in Shanghai, China in order to increase their efficiency and improve communication with suppliers. The company, in developing the Asian Market, appointed their Vice-chairman Al Lenzmeier to head up the project. Since 2003 they expanded to include two additional distribution centers in Beijing and Shenzhen. The company recognizes the market potential in China and this spring will open lab stores to rapidly test the Chinese retail market. Store locations will be selected based on area market and competition. They have not yet determined the number of stores to be opened as they employ a "greenfielding strategy, grow by opening stores" ("Our history" 2006). This could be an excellent opportunity for us. The CarreFour Group, established in 1959, is the largest retailer in Europe, the second largest worldwide and the industry leader in nine countries. Their four main store configurations are: 'hypermart', supermarkets, hard discount and convenience stores. They operate a total of 10,378 stores in 29 countries. Their retail sales last year were 88,178 billion euros before tax.
Thursday, January 30, 2020
Victoriaââ¬â¢s Dirty Little Secret by Adam Lenhart Essay Example for Free
Victoriaââ¬â¢s Dirty Little Secret by Adam Lenhart Essay Audienceââ¬âwhom are you telling about the ad? The audience to whom this position paper is directed would be to marketing students who are interested in what makes an ad successful and impactful. Purposeââ¬âwhy are you telling them about how the ad works? The purpose for informing people about the advertisement, as stated previously, is to use it as an example of successful advertisement for an audience of marketing students who are studying what marketing is and how to use it. I want to explain what is good about the ad and what successful methods and characteristics are utilized. Contextââ¬âwhere, when, and how are you addressing them? (Imagine them reading this paper) If there was a manner in which to address individuals it would be by presenting the essay within the context of an academic textbook or journal, so that the students can use it in their own studies. Thesisââ¬âwhat overall point are you trying to make? (Use it as an example for great marketing. ) Please list the adââ¬â¢s own audience, purpose, and appeals here. Advertising is an important aspect of any business, and in the case of this Victoriaââ¬â¢s Secret advertisement it is obvious that the only way to inform the public about the companyââ¬â¢s environmental obligations is to bring to light this aspect of their business practices to the public, the bad and the worse. By understanding what makes this an effective advertisement, those in the business of marketing can learn what makes an ad successful and influential. Organizationââ¬âwhat points are you going to make and in what order? Why did you choose that order? (i. e. , why do you think this order will be most successful with your readers? ) 1. ) To introduce the ad 2. ) Explain what the ad means. 3. ) Explain what makes the ad effective in conveying its message. 4. ) Urge marketing students to understand what these types of ads are good for. I feel that this order will be most successful with my audience because it will lead them through the good points of the ad and show that what makes it successful and admirable as a form of this type of ad campaign. ROUGH DRAFT ââ¬â VICTORIAââ¬â¢S DIRTY LITTLE SECRET by Adam Lenhart In marketing there are a number of ways that a message can be delivered to the public. In many advertisements, the goal of the marketing department is to sell a product, but in the case of some advertising campaigns the goal is to inform the public about the business practices of a particular corporation or company. In this form of advertising, a more over the top and bombastic approach is utilized to grab peopleââ¬â¢s attention. While some people will perform such lofty messages with little tact, there are those out there who are creative enough to present a clear message in an over the top manner that will shock people into confronting the truth of the message, and this is the key to the advertisementââ¬â¢s success. Such is the case with Forest Ethicsââ¬â¢ campaign to awaken the public in regards to ââ¬Å"Victoriaââ¬â¢s Dirty Little Secret. â⬠So what is ââ¬Å"Victoriaââ¬â¢s Dirty Little Secret? â⬠Basically, the lingerie company Victoriaââ¬â¢s Secrets publicizes its stock by way of a large catalogue that chronicles the multitude of clothing items that they offer for sale. Of course, the catalogue is printed on paper, a great deal of paper, as there are literally tens of thousands of catalogues printed every year. Since the production of paper requires the deforestation of rain forests, the purpose of Forest Ethicsââ¬â¢ ad campaign is to raise public awareness by shocking the public with the true facts as to the devastation that the catalogue printing business is causing. The goal of the marketing campaign is therefore to cause the public to think logically and carefully about the business practices of Victoriaââ¬â¢s Secret, not about their products. Ultimately, there needs to be a question asked in regards to whether or not this is a ââ¬Å"greatâ⬠ad. To answer that question, one must provide a twofold answer. First, is the ad great on an aesthetic level? Second, is the advertisement effective in bringing about the proper response that the ad is supposed to bring. Onto the first part: the ad is successful because it is creative, shocking and effectively delivers an expository message. In other words, it is very clear in what it seeks to present. If there was a negative to the ad, it would be that the ad is a bit too expository in its design, but similar ads targeting the cigarette makers were quite effective in terms of changing public opinion about smoking, so perhaps an overly expository message is not as bad as it would seem. As for the second part, the effectiveness of the ad is contingent on the personal feelings of those who see the ad. In other words, there will be certain people who just donââ¬â¢t care about deforestation. Oh well. There will be some people who will take the ad to heart and follow its directives, so to that degree, it can be a successful ad. In terms of what this means to marketing, this type of ad is an example of how strong advertising and shocking images can meld together. To a certain degree, the effectiveness of the manner in which the ad advocates change rests on the ability of the ad to force those who see it to confront their hypocrisy. That is to say, if a customer who has purchased a great deal of inventory from Victoriaââ¬â¢s Secrets is an individual who espouses a platform of environmental advocacy, then the individual must make a decision as to whether or not actually commit to making a change in terms of supporting a business that is an ââ¬Å"enemy of the stateâ⬠as far as environmental disasters go, or to reverse oneââ¬â¢s purchasing decisions as a means of convincing the power to be at Victoriaââ¬â¢s Secret to reverse their policies and, perhaps, expand online catalogue distribution as opposed to the traditional paper method. This is the ad campaignââ¬â¢s goal and through their use of an informative ad with a photograph that immediately grabs the audienceââ¬â¢s attention, they are successful in their goal. While the advertisement is a bit excessive in the manner in which it presents its subject matter and thematic concerns, it is a creative ad that can help sway opinion and drive people to action simply by presented a very bombastic message that is virtually impossible to ignore. In this type of informative advertising campaign, this is what is needed to make the campaign a success. FINAL DRAFT ââ¬â VICTORIAââ¬â¢S DIRTY LITTLE SECRET by Adam Lenhart In marketing there are a number of ways that a message can be delivered to the public. In many advertisements, the goal of the marketing department is to sell a product, but in the case of some advertising campaigns the goal is to inform the public about the business practices of a particular corporation or company. There are a number of different methods in which a specific ideological message can be delivered. A manner of delivery that falls into the category of polite speech is, sadly often ignored. Because of this, bombastic, over the top approach is utilized to deliver the message. While certain individuals will present bombastic messages with no regard to tact, there are those who possess a faculty of creativity that allows them to present a clear message in an over the top manner that will shock people into confronting the truth of the message. Such is the case with Forest Ethicsââ¬â¢ campaign to awaken the public in regards to ââ¬Å"Victoriaââ¬â¢s Dirty Little Secret. â⬠So what is ââ¬Å"Victoriaââ¬â¢s Dirty Little Secret? â⬠Basically, the lingerie company Victoriaââ¬â¢s Secrets publicized its inventory by way of a large print catalogue that itemizes the multitude of clothing items that they offer for sale. Of course, the catalogue is printed on paper and there are literally tens of thousands of catalogues printed every year. Since the production of paper requires the deforestation of rain forests, the purpose of Forest Ethicsââ¬â¢ ad campaign is to raise public awareness by shocking the public with the true facts as to the devastation that the catalogue printing business is causing. In this form of advertising, the goal is not to sell a product to the public but instead to make them aware about a certain aspect of the companyââ¬â¢s business practices and ââ¬Å"sellâ⬠them on the idea of protesting against it. The goal of the marketing campaign is therefore to cause the public to think logically and carefully about the business practices of Victoriaââ¬â¢s Secret, not about their products Ultimately, there needs to be a clear examination as to whether or not this is an effective ad campaign. In short, is the ad a ââ¬Å"greatâ⬠ad? To answer that question, one must provide a twofold answer. First, is the ad great on an aesthetic level and secondly, is the advertisement effective in bringing about the proper response that the ad is supposed to bring. Much of the ad is effective in the way it parodies the classic 1970ââ¬â¢s style sexist ads. It is effective in the way it throws those conventions out and takes what is supposed to be visually stimulating and turns it into a visual nightmare. Granted, it is a bit over the top, but it still manages to be effective. The ad is creative, shocking and effectively delivers an expository message. In other words, it is very clear in what it seeks to present. If there was a negative to the ad, it would be that the ad is a bit too expository in its design, but similar ads targeting the cigarette makers were quite effective in terms of changing public opinion about smoking, so perhaps an overly expository message is not as bad as it would seem. In terms of what this means to marketing, this type of ad is an example of how strong advertising and shocking images can meld together. As for the second part, the effectiveness of the ad is contingent on the personal feelings of those who see the ad. In other words, there will be certain people who put their personal purchasing freedoms above any political or environmental advocacy and have no real interest in the problems of deforestation. However, the ad will be successful if it reaches a decent segment of the population and is able to convert a portion or percentage of said demographic. To that degree, the ad can be extremely successful and therefore it becomes an example of good marketing of a concept or idea, as opposed to marketing a product. To a certain degree, the effectiveness of the manner in which the ad advocates change rests on the ability of the ad to force those who see it to confront their hypocrisy. That is to say, if a customer who has purchased a great deal of inventory from Victoriaââ¬â¢s Secrets is an individual who is sympathetic to a platform that endorses environmental advocacy, then the individual must make a decision as to whether or not actually commit to revoke support for a business that is an ââ¬Å"enemy of the stateâ⬠as far as environmental disasters go, or to reverse oneââ¬â¢s purchasing decisions as a means of convincing the power to be at Victoriaââ¬â¢s Secret to reverse their policies and, perhaps, expand online catalogue distribution as opposed to the traditional paper method. Also, by publicly exposing the Victoriaââ¬â¢s Secrets company the ability for consumers to claim plausible denial about the deforestations the company has been responsible for is greatly reduced if not outright eliminated. This is the ad campaignââ¬â¢s goal and through their use of an informative ad with a photograph that immediately grabs the audienceââ¬â¢s attention, they are successful in their goal. While the advertisement is a bit excessive in the manner in which it presents its subject matter and thematic concerns, it is a creative ad that can help sway opinion and drive people to action simply by presented a very bombastic message that is virtually impossible to ignore. In this type of informative advertising campaign, this is what is needed to make the campaign a success. If the actions of the public are changed by the message that the ad conveys then the advertisting campaign has accomplished its goal.
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
The Persimmon Tree by Marjorie Barnard Essay -- English Literature
How does the extract affect the whole story? (The Persimmon Tree by Marjorie Barnard) Extract: ââ¬Å"I liked the room from the firstâ⬠¦ anyone who appeared to have her life so perfectly under control.â⬠Question: How does the extract affect the whole story? The writer of the story ââ¬Å"The Persimmon Treeâ⬠, Marjorie Barnard, was born in Sydney. She was a novelist, historian, biographer as well as librarian in her lifetime. She wrote many books, and among them, A House is Built (1928) and Tomorrow and Tomorrow (1947) are the best known (124 tutorial 30-10-01). Although ââ¬Å"The Persimmon Treeâ⬠is generally thought to be a piece of subtle work, and we may find it difficult to get the hidden meanings of the words, Barnard has made it charming by associating different things. She entitles the story ââ¬Å"The Persimmon Treeâ⬠partly because persimmons represent the narrator ââ¬â a weak and lonely individual whose life is in sharp contrast with what Barnard describes, the ââ¬Å"shadow of the treeâ⬠, which represents the outside world. Barnard has delicately presented the narratorââ¬â¢s complex feeling living between her ââ¬Å"shellâ⬠and the outside world, and how the outside forces contribute to her reform in the end of the story. Obviously in the beginning of the extract, Barnard suggests that ââ¬Å"shadowâ⬠does not merely mean ââ¬Å"shade that is caused by an object [it is the trees in the story] blocking direct rays of lightâ⬠(Oxford Advanced Learnerââ¬â¢s English-Chinese Dictionary: 1380). Barnard, in fact, associates ââ¬Å"shadowâ⬠connotatively with two things: changing matters in the outside world and new life. Although it is not presented clearly in the story, Barnard reflects her idea through the descriptions of the narrator about the ââ¬Å"shadowâ⬠: ââ¬Å"the mov... ... her current help. The story has an open ending, as there is not enough space for further development. We are not sure about what happens next, although the narrator ââ¬Å"[thinks] [her] heart would break [that represents changes to a better self]â⬠(par.14). However, in my opinion, Barnard succeeds in portraying the struggle of the narrator when she is put to different tests (the ââ¬Å"shadowâ⬠, the ââ¬Å"womanâ⬠and herself). As we read the story, we can see how delicately Barnard sets each character and expresses their feelings under different settings. In conclusion, ââ¬Å"The Persimmon Treeâ⬠is a piece subtle and delicate work. Bibliography Barnard, M. (1976) in Heseltine, H. The Penguin Book of Australian Short Stories UK: Penguin pp126 ââ¬â 129 Hornby, AS. (1994) in Lee, Peita Oxford Advanced Learners English-Chinese Dictionary UK: Oxford University Press page 1380
Monday, January 13, 2020
Pips visit to Satis House Essay
Discuss how the theme of class is developed through Pipââ¬â¢s visit to Satis House ââ¬ËGreat Expectationsââ¬â¢ is a novel was written in the early 1860ââ¬â¢s. The novel was written in the early 1860ââ¬â¢s. The genre of ââ¬ËGreat Expectationââ¬â¢ is a bildungsroman. This essay will be discussing how the theme of social class is developed through Pipââ¬â¢s visit to Satis House. Dickensââ¬â¢ aim was to show the corruption in English society at the time and he displays it through Pipââ¬â¢s, the main character, visits to Satis house, a house owned by a mysterious, middle classed woman with a beautiful daughter that is bemused by Pipââ¬â¢s appearance and lower class and therefore abuses him for it. Dickens portraits the upper class as evil, selfish villains in the novel and is on the lower class peoples side, always revealing the disgraceful riches the upper class owned while the poor got poorer. ââ¬Å"Great Expectationsâ⬠portrays the great escalation in the social hierarchy of a young lad named Pip as he progresses in his life, Starting as an orphan and apprentice blacksmith, his horizons are widened through contact with the upper classes. He strives to better himself and make that most difficult of journeys across the boundaries of class. Great Expectations is a social commentary that gives a strong opinion on society. It will also discuss Charles Dickensââ¬â¢ message of how he views the upper, middle and working classes. Dickens was brought up in a working class background. There was a noticeable division between classes in the early 19th century. Upper class people were able to stay at home without having to go to work. The middle class were able to stand over the working class (who did all the work) and live off the money they earned for them working in their mines, factories or farms. Working class citizens lived in small houses with only one or two rooms within the whole house, In ââ¬ËGreat Expectationsââ¬â¢, Charles Dickens portrays the upper classes through the characters of Miss. Havisham and Estella. Estella, like Pip is an orphan, however, unlike him, she has had a background of privilege typical for a Victorian upper class child. Pip is a classic example of the lowest level of a working class child; heââ¬â¢s an orphan, lives a miserable life with his obnoxious and beastly sister, and gets abused by everyone that sees him. ââ¬ËUniversal struggle,ââ¬â¢ this is how Pip describes life as a desolate young boy. Pip strives to become his dream fantasy; a gleaming, bright gentleman and to do that he must overcome many things. Firstly, Pip can barely read or write, ââ¬Å"I struggled through the alphabet as if it had been a bramble bush,â⬠this just adds emphasis on the true lowness of Pipââ¬â¢s class as only the rich got educated while the poor got overlooked. The children of the aristocracy had a privileged life; they had rich clothes and many toys. Typically, their father had to be obeyed and feared. Manners were considered very important: the children had to be well spoken and only speak when spoken to. They had to be looked after by a nanny not their mother. The children were taught by a private tutor until they were old enough to go to school, however only boys were allowed to go. Many working class children like Pip, lived in the country, in cottages with their families. They had no school at the beginning of the Victorian era as children had to work to help their parents. A number of families then considered moving to towns to get jobs. Town children lived in overcrowded streets which quickly became slums; children had to share one bed or sleep on the floor; they had a bad diet and dressed badly. They were prone to diseases such as, smallpox, measles, diphtheria and tuberculosis. These children worked in local mines, factories or as chimney sweepers. This shows us the different lifestyles of the rich and the poor and how unfairly the poor were treated. In the opening scene of the novel, Pip is discovered sitting by his parentsââ¬â¢ grave from which we learn that he is an orphan. From this perspective the reader can see just how far Pip will have to climb to achieve the status of a ââ¬Ëgentlemanââ¬â¢. In typical Bildungsroman style, our sympathies for the main character are aroused by the pathos of the scene. However, it is not all tears. There is also humour, for example, where Pip recalls his belief that his five brothers, ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ had all been born on their backs with their hands in their trousers-pockets, and had never taken them out in this state of existence. â⬠The reader is lulled into a state of contemplative pity at the plight of the ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ bundle of shivers growing afraid of it all. â⬠This atmosphere is brutally shattered by the appearance of the escaped convict, a figure nevertheless more comic than truly terrifying, and one who will later help Pip achieve his dreams of social improvement. Thus, Dickens exploits the comedic as well as the tragic potential of the characters and settings in his writing to develop the theme of class. This is also evident in the visits to Satis House. At the beginning of the novel we find out that Pip is illiterate, for example he says: ââ¬Å"I fell among those thieves, the nine figures, who seems every evening to do something now to disguise themselves and baffle recognition. â⬠This shows that Pip can barely read or write. He does not have a formal education or go to a normal school, but an evening school in the village ran by Mr. Wopsleââ¬â¢s great-aunt; ââ¬Å"much of my unassisted, and more by the help of Biddy. â⬠This shows the readers that Pip has learnt more from Biddy then the school. Pipââ¬â¢s desire for self-improvement is the main reason as to why the novelââ¬â¢s title is ââ¬ËGreat Expectationsââ¬â¢; because he believes that he has the ââ¬Ëpossibility of advancementââ¬â¢ in life, that he has ââ¬ËGreat Expectationsââ¬â¢ about his future. We find out later on in the novel that Pip longs to become a gentleman; in order to do this, he needs an education. From Pipââ¬â¢s first visit to Satis House, we realize the staggering difference between Pip and Miss Havishamââ¬â¢s child, Estella, and how their class and background affect their attitudes towards each other and their views on society and life overall. The setting of Satis House flabbergasts Pip so much, he can barely explain everything around him, ââ¬Å"satins, and lace, and silks all of whiteâ⬠¦ â⬠The description brings to mind a very rich, selfish and stagnant person which is how Dickens represents all the rich and upper-class people. Pip is confused of how to prepare himself for his first visit to Satis House, ââ¬Å"I was not at ease regarding the manner in which I should acquaint myself under that ladyââ¬â¢s roof. â⬠This shows that the poor scarcely get in contact with the rich and are bewildered with how to present them. On the other hand, Estella proudly calls Pip by the name ââ¬Å"boyâ⬠and mocks his clothes which in turn makes Pip realise his ââ¬Å"lower classâ⬠so he therefore begins to clean and pamper himself after the suffering. Dickens builds up tension by describing Satis House as decayed which is a reflection of Miss Havishamââ¬â¢s odd personality and itââ¬â¢s a bit bias to be honest, because all Dickensââ¬â¢ fantasies about the rich being evil, rude and a bit crazy are fitted into one character especially and her house. One time, Miss Havisham questions Pip in such a way at one point, that he gets scared out of his wits and his answers to her spiteful questions are all monosyllabic, ââ¬Å"who is it? â⬠ââ¬Å"Pipâ⬠¦ â⬠In essence, Dickensââ¬â¢ disrespect to the upper-class is such, that he represents them all in one lady that is so low, she bullyââ¬â¢s innocent little boys and makes them feel ashamed for who they are and even makes Pip accept heââ¬â¢s lower then her which one may argue is a good thing as it inspires Pip to greatness later on but is atrocious, giving that status is not all there is to life. Pip only fully realises his lower classed lifestyle when he encounters the prominent Estella. Estella is the elegant, youthful, proud girl raised by Ms Havisham. Dickens juxtaposes the characters of Pip and Estella, by showing the two different worlds they coexist in and the different classes that occupy their worlds, Dickens also tries to symbolise their characters as the higher and lower class of society. Estella symbolises the superior class; this is shown through her beauty, wealth and the confidence that resolves inside her. Pip meets Estella who has contempt for him and his working class background. Estella makes fun out of Pipââ¬â¢s hands and boots by saying: ââ¬Å"what coarse hands he has! And what thick boots! â⬠This proves that there is a big difference between classes. Estella enjoys making Pip fell bad about himself and his social background. The tone Estella uses to speak to Pip is very rude: â⬠ââ¬ËAh! ââ¬Ë said the girl, ââ¬Ë but you see, she donââ¬â¢t. ââ¬Ë â⬠This shows the readers that Estella feels superior to Mr. Pumblechook. Furthermore, it has connotations that state Estella is not afraid to speak to her elders, she thinks she knows what Miss. Havisham is thinking; this depicts how Miss. Havisham has brought her up ââ¬â to be confident, mean and rude to men. By saying, ââ¬Å"Ahâ⬠, she is shown to believe that is better than Pumblechook. However, saying, ââ¬Å"but you see, she donââ¬â¢tâ⬠, shows that she is not really upper class because she uses slang unlike an upper class person usually would not do. Estella tries to be upper class but she is betrayed by her lower class language. Readers are invited to believe that she wants to be upper class because she likes looking down on others. Pip reacts in an odd manner. Estella continually uses ââ¬Å"boyâ⬠to address Pip but he addresses her by ââ¬Å"missâ⬠. This juxtaposition shows us that Estella thinks it is appropriate to be disrespectful to Pip as he is unimportant because of his class, whereas Pip is shown to have respect for her. This could be because he thinks that Estella is more important because of her upper class background or whether it is because of his upbringing ââ¬â Mrs Joe and Joe taught him to respect everyone no matter what class they are. Pip is shown to have desire towards Estella; ââ¬Å"returned the young lady, who was pretty and seemed very proud. â⬠This shows that Pip already has affection towards her. Furthermore, he already shows that he s interested in her. Later on in the novel, Pip is asked by Miss. Havisham, what he thinks of Estella; to which Pip replies, ââ¬Å"I think she is very pretty. â⬠This again shows that Pip has feelings of desire for Estella, though they have only just met. After Pips visit to Satis House Pip notices the difference between upper class and working class, between him and Estella. He hates the difference and he wants to be a gentleman not a blacksmith. Pip thinks that if he has any chance with Estella he has to become a stereotypical upper class man. Pipââ¬â¢s mind has no become poisoned with Estellaââ¬â¢s words and even though he is not yet an upper class person he is beginning to think like one. His attitudes towards Joe have changed. This is where Pipââ¬â¢s transformation begins to take place and from here the title of the novel comes into the picture. The expectations he wishes to achieve are great. From this chapter we can see the separation between the rich and poor. I think the message Dickens was trying to pass on to the readers of this novel was that, much poverty existed in the world, and even though the rich and the poor lived so close together in the world, they lives were worlds apart. I think Dickens own life experiences informed this viewpoint. Just as Pip, Dickens lived both lower and higher class lifestyle. As a child he was poor and had to work for a living so he was able to experience how it was to live the life of struggle and poverty, however when he grew up he became a writer and had a higher class lifestyle being able to observe how close rich and poor lived, but with such different lives. I think that Dickens had sympathy for the both the higher and lower class people. He had sympathy for the poor because they had to struggle to survive and had to work very hard for such things as money and food to feed the mouths of their families. Conversely I think he felt sympathy for the higher class also, he showed this through Ms Havisham and Satis House. We can see that he has sympathy for the rich as Dickens makes Satis House like a prison and Ms Havisham like a sad old hag that exists inside the walls of the prison, he is also showing the reader that even though she is rich and has money she is sad and imprisoned within her home and her sorrows, I think this is how many higher class people and families lives feel, so this is why he feels sympathy towards them. The bildungsroman genre is a story in where a character grows up and has higher understanding of the world. Pipââ¬â¢s visit to Satis House fits perfectly into the bildungsroman genre, this is due to the fact that after Pips visit to Satis House he grows up, not necessarily in age but he grows up inside; he becomes more mature and also gets a higher understanding of his class and place in society. The Visit to Satis House also reveals that in this world, materialism is a very common trait that presides in the hearts of all individuals, hearts which can forget their closest friends and even family for a chance at an elevated class in life. Finally Dickens is also leaving his final message that you donââ¬â¢t need all the riches to become an ethical person leading a prosperous life. This is the thought that Dickens wishes is engraved in the minds of all who read the novel.
Sunday, January 5, 2020
Romeo Juliet A Dramedy to Remember - 1358 Words
During the English Renaissance, William Shakespeare, wrote plays within three distinct genres: tragedy, comedy, and history. While his historical plays occasionally borrow dramatic elements from his tragedies, Shakespeare set a clear division between the lighthearted ambiance found in A Midsummer Nights Dream and the heart wrenching despair that pervades Hamlet. However, Folger Theatre has cleared this divide with fervor. Romeo Juliet, a play that was once the epitome of tragic theatre, is no longer pigeonholed to the tight confines of tragedy in regards to mood and tone. While the original dialogue and themes are unchanged, and the show is still classically categorized as a tragedy, the first act of Folgerââ¬â¢s adaptation plays out like aâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦And yet, by presenting the youthful side of Juliet, the play stylizes her love for Romeo as mature by comparison and emotionally charged. In the second act, when the play descends into tragedy, Romeo descends into madness; Juliet then fights for her independence and attempts to defy her father. Both characters exhibit a range of emotions throughout the play, reflecting the lighthearted tone of the first act and the emotional unraveling that darkens the tone of the second. Furthermore, because Romeo and Juliet are introduced as emotionally unstable teenagers, their story and inevitable demise seems almost natural; teenagers are often stereotyped as headstrong and impulsive, and suicide can oftentimes be an impulsive act. Despite the immature portrayal of its lead characters, Romeo Juliet still retains the themes of true love and bitter conflict. These themes are inherent in the text and exemplified by the contrasting tones of the two Acts. The theme of romance appears in the private interactions between Romeo and Juliet. The tenderness of these scenes, which primarily occur in Act I, support the notion of true love and the auspicious tone of the first act. Conversely, the theme of conflict and violence reside in the fights scenes, particularly the fight between Tybalt and Mercutio. This scene prepares audiences for
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