Monday, January 20, 2020
John Quincy Adams :: essays research papers
à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à Lenora Spahn à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à 10/7/00 Presidential Outline I. John Quincy Adams à à à à à A. Born- July 11, 1767 à à à à à B. Died- February 23, 1828 II. Background à à à à à A. Educational- Attended Harvard (1785-1787); Studied law under Theophilus Parsons à à à à à at Newburyport, Mass. (1787-1790); Admitted to the bar, 1790. à à à à à B. Occupational- à à à à à à à à à à 1. Minister to the Netherlands, 1784-1797 à à à à à à à à à à 2. Minister to Prussia, 1797-1801 à à à à à à à à à à 3. Massachusetts State Senator, 1802 à à à à à à à à à à 4. US Senator (Federalist-Massachusetts), 1803-1808 à à à à à à à à à à 5. Minister to Russia, 1809-1814 à à à à à à à à à à 6. Chief Negotiator of Treaty of Ghent, 1814 à à à à à à à à à à 7. Minister to Great Britain, 1815-1825 à à à à à à à à à à 8. Secretary of State, 1817-1825 (under James Monroe) à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à III. Terms Of Office à à à à à A. First Term (1825-1829) IV. Prominent Issues of the Election à à à à à A. Varied degrees of support for a protective tariff à à à à à B. A federal program of internal improvements V. Opponents à à à à à A. First Term- à à à à à à à à à à 1. Andrew Jackson, Tennessee à à à à à à à à à à 2. William H. Crawford, Georgia à à à à à à à à à à 3. Henry Clay, Kentuckyà à à à à VI. Vice Presidents à à à à à A. First Term- John C. Calhoun, South Carolina VII. Political Party- no party labels used VIII. Domestic Events à à à à à A. John Quincy Adams becomes the 6th President, 1825. à à à à à B. Erie Canal Opens, 1825: links Lake Erie with New York City through the Hudson à à à à à à à à à à River. à à à à à C. South Carolina Exposition and Protest, 1828: after an anti-tariff protest was held in à à à à à Columbia, South Carolina, delegates from 13 states convened to urge a tariff rise, à à à à à following the denial of a bill concerning tariff increases, after a tie-breaking vote from à à à à à Vice-President Calhoun. IX. Major Foreign Policy à à à à à A. Panama Congress, 1826: Adams supported US participation in the Panama à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à Congress; However, southern congressmen who feared the meeting might be used to à à à à à condemn slavery, as well as Adamsââ¬â¢s political opponents delayed the confirmation of à à à à à the US delegates long enough to make it impossible to reach Ranama in time to à à à à à à à à à à attend. à à à à à B. Tariff of Abominations, 1828: A high tariff on imported manufactured goods to à à à à à à à à à à protect domestic industry. Later prompted Vice President Calhoun to draft the SC à à à à à à à à à à Exposition condemning the tariff as ââ¬Å"unconstitutional, oppressive, and unjustâ⬠and à à à à à à à à à à claiming the right of a state to nullify such laws. à à à à à X. Major Conflict à à à à à A. The Tariff of Abominations proved Adams's reluctancy to submit to political
Sunday, January 12, 2020
Dairy: Milk and Clover Essay
Clover S. A. (Proprietary) Limited (ââ¬Å"Cloverâ⬠) is the biggest dairy processor in South Africa with a turnover of R 4. 3 billion and staff in excess of 6 000. Clover collects approximately 30% of South Africaââ¬â¢s milk supply and processes it into well known branded dairy and related products which is then distributed nationally and even exported into certain African countries. In this document, Cloverââ¬â¢s external opportunities and threats, and its internal strengths and weaknesses will be evaluated in order to complete the relevant matrices, whereafter the Grand Strategy Matrix will be used to devise appropriate strategies to deal with the key opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses Mission and Vision Statements: Cloverââ¬â¢s mission (which answers the question ââ¬Å"What is Cloverââ¬â¢s business?â⬠) is as follows: ââ¬Å"Clover is a branded foods and beverages group with a strong emphasis on value-added products. Cloverââ¬â¢s South African dairy business is the perfect enabler to reach the Groupââ¬â¢s widely dispersed customers and consumers. Extraordinary care is taken to develop brands which will occupy the number one or two positions in its chosen segments. It believes in the superior procurement, production, marketing, sales and distribution of these branded consumer goods (BCG) to its loyal consumers. â⬠A review of the mission statement shows that most of the ââ¬Å"9 Cââ¬â¢sâ⬠(i. e. Customers, Products, Markets, Technology, Concern for survival, Growth and Profitability, Philosophy, Self Concept, Concern for Public Image and Concern for Employees) have been utilised in a short statement. It is suggested that the following of the ââ¬Å"absentâ⬠ââ¬Å"9 Cââ¬â¢sâ⬠be included or elaborated upon in the mission statement Concern for employees; Philosophy. Its vision (which answers the question ââ¬Å"What do we want to become?â⬠) is as follows: ââ¬Å"To be a leading and competitive company in South Africa and selected African countries, reaching every consumer on a daily basis with its most admired branded and trusted products, delivering improved and sustainable shareholder value by being a responsible corporate citizen and preferred employer. â⬠A review of the vision statement shows stronger and more reliance by Clover on its brand than on its products. However, Cloverââ¬â¢s vision is most certainly achievable, and in certain aspects one may argue that the vision statement might be outdated. THE EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT Introduction: Broadly, the purpose of an external assessment is to a companyââ¬â¢s (in this case Cloverââ¬â¢s) opportunities which could benefit it on the one hand, and on the other, threats that should be avoided. Generally, these external ââ¬Å"forcesâ⬠can be divided into the following categories: Economic forces; Social, cultural, demographic and environmental forces; Political, governmental and legal forces; Technological forces; and Competitive forces. Each of these categories will be discussed briefly, as well as the opportunities and threats will be listed under each heading. Economic Forces: The current and ongoing recession had a negative impact on the companyââ¬â¢s interim financial results for the 6 months ending December 2008. More particularly and in the words of Cloverââ¬â¢s Chief Executive, Mr JH Vorster, ââ¬Å"a recent international publication on dairy matters stated that the industry faces a perfect storm of destructive economic forces and South Africa and Clover could not escape these forcesâ⬠. The high unemployment numbers (which increases by the day) have an impact on disposable income, which in turn has an impact on buying behaviour, especially towards branded products (which Clover prides itself on), which as a very general rule carries a price margin. This, however, will continue to pose a problem, and as such, Clover must continue to ride the wave of brand recognition to endeavour to brace itself against the prevailing negative economic forces, which is seen as a huge threat. A further threat is the high number of farmers leaving the trade due to what they generally term ââ¬Å"unaffordabilityâ⬠. Social, Cultural, Demographic and Environmental Forces: Clover believes in personal social uplift, thereby not only donating money in general, but being directly involved in the upliftment. Its flagship upliftment programme, Mama Afrika, currently supports in excess of 10 000 people. Appropriately, Clover views this project along the following lines: ââ¬Å"Cloverââ¬â¢s flagship CSI philosophy is underpinned by the principle of sustainability; instead of giving people handouts, it is investing in projects that empower communities and enhance their ability to become self-sufficient in the long term. ââ¬Å"We teach the Mamas how to fish rather than give them the fish. â⬠â⬠According to Clover, it believes that: ââ¬Å"The company is inextricably part of the community and will therefore, in terms of support and development, accept its social responsibility; Profitability and growth are pre-requisites to fulfill its social responsibility within financial means; The community, primarily has to accept responsibility for its own well-being and will only within means, be supported in this; It creates wealth through company taxes, employee taxes and levies which enable government to establish and maintain essential infrastructure like roads, education and health services; Opportunities for work and prosperity are not only created within the business, but that it, indirectly, contributes to job creation and combating poverty. â⬠It furthermore enforces strict environmental disposal techniques in order to protect the environment. It is therefore that Clover views the Social, Cultural and Demographic Forces as an exciting opportunity. The general deterioration of the environment is naturally a concern for Clover, as some of its biggest assets (i. e. cows) rely on a safe environment. This may therefore be seen as a (general) threat. Political, Governmental and Legal Forces: General: First and foremost, Clover must ensure that the relevant agreements are in place with its retailers, service providers and suppliers. These agreements must also be regularly updated. Legislation: The following legislation will be applicable to Clover (or at least cognisance should be taken of these Acts at all times): The Companiesââ¬â¢ Act, 69 of 1973; The Companiesââ¬â¢ Act, 71 of 2008 (which will come into operation during 2010); The Consumer Protection Act, 68 of 2008, which provides for, inter alia, promoting a fair, accessible and sustainable marketplace for consumer products; Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2 of 2000, which provides for access to information by individuals and/or entities. Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, 53 of 2003, which provides for, inter alia, increased broad-based and effective participation of black people in the economy; The Competition Act, 89 of 1998, which provides for, inter alia, the investigation, control and evaluation of certain restrictive practices (the amendments passed during 2010 holds grave consequences in for those who do not adhere to the provisions of the Act). It might well be that a companyââ¬â¢s knowledge of particular Acts as mentioned above will be an opportunity. Similarly, a companyââ¬â¢s ignorance will be a threat to the company. Clover is an established company, has a legal department and therefore its knowledge of the current law and legislation are adequate. Technological Forces: Cloverââ¬â¢s relationship with its customers and clients are entirely computer based (ââ¬Å"IT basedâ⬠). It is therefore of paramount importance that all its IT be updated regularly (and adequately). Although it has an IT department, Clover does not have a manager close enough to the Executive Committee (such as legal and/or Human Resources). This is seen as a weakness. Competitive Forces: As mentioned in the general introduction in 1. 1 above, Clover collects approximately 30% of South Africaââ¬â¢s milk, leaving 70% which is collected by between 200 to 350 other dairies in South Africa. Of these, Parmalat (Pty) Ltd, Woodlands Dairy (Pty) Ltd, Nestle Dairy (Pty) Ltd, Milkwood (Pty) Ltd and Dairybelle (Pty) Ltd are the biggest competitors. It does however depend on the type of products (for instance, Parmalat is the biggest processor of UHT (Ultra High temperature) milk in South Africa) and geographically (for instance, Parmalat is the biggest distributor of milk in the Western Cape). However, the mentioned companies are competitors and competitors are generally a threat. Clover relies on its brand and extensive distribution network to gain the competitive advantage. Some of the smaller competitors are more than likely to fail due to the current economic recession, thereby giving Clover the opportunities in respect of possible acquisitions of growing market share. A further threat is the (sometimes) ease with which competitors may be successful in convincing farmers to change one processor to another. THE EXTERNAL FACTOR EVALUATION (ââ¬Å"EFEâ⬠) MATRIX FOR CLOVER: Key External FactorsWeightRatingWeighted Score Opportunities 1. Recession may cause increase in market share0. 0820. 16 2. Social upliftment programme is extremely successful0. 0540. 20 3. Knowledge of applicable legislation and law0. 1030. 3 4. Possible acquisitions of competitors0. 0810. 08 5. Clover has branded products0. 1130. 33 Threats 6. Economic Recession is a great concern0. 2020. 40 7. Farmers leaving the trade0. 0820. 16 8. Agreements not updated regularly enough0. 0540. 20 9. New and amended legislation places enormous pressure on companies0. 0530. 15 10. Continual Environment Deterioration is of concern0. 0340. 12 11. IT department not close enough to management0. 0320. 06 12. Competitors are generally a threat0. 0730. 21 13. Farmers are convinced to leave Clover for its competitors0. 0720. 14 Total1. 002. 51 CONCLUSION: Clover scores an average of 2. 51 out of a possible 4. There is therefore ample room for improvement. THE INTERNAL ASSESSMENT: Introduction: Broadly, the purpose of an internal assessment is to identify and list a companyââ¬â¢s internal strengths and weaknesses. Generally, these internal forces by Clover can be divided into the following categories: Management Forces; Marketing Forces; Finance / Accounting Forces; Production / Operations Forces; Research and Development Forces; and Management Information Systems Forces. As with the External Assessment, each of these categories will be cryptically analysed and the strengths and weaknesses will be listed under each heading. Management: Management of Clover has 5 basic activities, namely: Planning; Organising; Motivating; Staffing; and Controlling. Management may be seen as actively planning in order to take the company forward in line with its vision. However, the motivational activity may have taken a turn for the worst, as Clover closed down one of its factories, and is in the process of restructuring and retrenchment. It is therefore submitted that management motivation is, at the moment, a weakness. Apart from the above, the activities of management are attended to adequately and the employees are always encouraged to participate and voice concerns, even directly with management. Marketing: There are 7 basic functions of marketing, namely: Customer analysis; Selling products/services; Product and service planning; Pricing; Distribution; Marketing research; and Opportunity analysis. Clover is well positioned in the market and is a very strong branded company. That being said, its market share has remained stagnant for the past year or two. Cloverââ¬â¢s marketing team is very strong, and focuses on the ââ¬Å"newâ⬠products, rather than milk. The main product of Clover is thus difficult to market. The view at this stage, is that Cloverââ¬â¢s prices of its products are sometimes too high, but the fact remains that Clover is marketing an extremely strong and well known brand. Finance / Accounting : Strengths: Can identify early on future shortfalls in the company and react. Had a positive net profit over last 6 year period. Operating profit was 22. 6% higher than 2007. Property, plant and equipment increased from 2007. Goodwill increased as a result of acquisition of 70% of Mayo Dairy by Cloverââ¬â¢s joint venture Danone Clover. Weaknesses: There was a 22. 8% increase internally on operating expenses in 2008 and no mention of plans to combat same. Company suffered tax loss. Interest bearing debt increased. Cash utilisation increased by 26% from 2007. Production / Operations: Cloverââ¬â¢s main product (milk) is extremely perishable and as such, Clover succeeds in putting milk, in whatever form, in its packaging within 48 hours after collection thereof from the farmers. This is quite impressive bearing in mind that whilst most of its milk is collected at the coast (KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Caper) most are processed in the Highveld. It is a concern that most of its factories are not close to its source, but Clover is addressing this at the moment. Its quality control is well maintained, and according to Clover, each litre of milk undergoes 55 quality checks before leaving the factory. Research and Development (ââ¬Å"R & Dâ⬠): Clover survives on ââ¬Å"olderâ⬠products, but its R & D department is always busy exploring newer and innovative products. It is however difficult to do with a product such as milk. One of its most innovative products in recent years were no fat milk and vanilla milk. Management Information Systems (ââ¬Å"MISâ⬠): It might be argued that Cloverââ¬â¢s MIS is not up to scratch. It relies on data from the trade and field. There is no information officer in the company. Information is collected as and when requested and/or needed. INTERNAL FACTOR EVALUATION (ââ¬Å"IFEâ⬠) MATRIX FOR CLOVER: Key Internal FactorsWeightRatingWeighted Score Strengths 1. Managementââ¬â¢s Planning, organising staff and controlling is good0. 1040. 40 2. Brand is very strong and thus marketing is fairly easy and successful0. 2040. 80 3. Strong marketing team0. 0530. 15 4. Turnover increases year on year for the past 6 years0. 0930. 27 5. Production and operation very strong0. 1140. 44 Weaknesses 6. Management motivation low due to impending restructuring0. 7010. 2 7. Operating expenses rose by 22. 8%0. 0620. 12 8. High turnover but low profit margin (between 7% and 8%)0. 0510. 05 9. Factories too far away from source, thereby increasing production costs0. 0810. 08 10. Product may be seen as old and stagnant, thereby inhibiting R & D0. 0220. 04 11. MIS not adequate0. 0410. 04 Total1. 000. 002. 59 IFE CONCLUSION: Clover score of 2. 59 is above average, therefore indicating average to slightly strong internal position. There is therefore ample room for improvement, but it is not weak internally, which is positive. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT). SWOT analysis is a tool for auditing an organization and its environment. It is the first stage of planning and helps marketers to focus on key issues. SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Strengths and weaknesses are internal factors. Opportunities and threats are external factors. Strategies to adopt in improving Clovers mission statement Human resources Applies to all actors along the chain from producers to consumers. Producers: continuing education on breeding, feeding, animal health, the role of institutions and groups. Milk collectors and handlers: training in clean milk processes; payment systems. Milk procurement: organization logistics; environmental issues and concerns; aim is to keep cost as low as possible. Knowledge management Marketing: consumer education and awareness (e. g. school trips to dairies); educate the media so they can help promote milk campaigns; educate health professionals so they know about the benefits. Competitiveness Producing high quality milk at lowest cost; quality is linked to other elements; government can provide loans, artificial insemination, knowledge (training programs); Productivity. Private sector can provide knowledge, consultants, equipment; research and development on new products and technology; nutrition; management (keeping costs low, quality high) Value addition There is a phenomenal scope for innovations in product development, packaging and presentation. Steps should be taken to introduce value-added products like ice creams, flavored milk, dairy sweets, etc. This will lead to a greater presence and flexibility in the market place along with opportunities in the field of brand building. Addition of cultured products like yoghurt and cheese lend further strength ââ¬â both in terms of utilization of resources and presence in the market place. Export potential Efforts to exploit export potential are already on. Clover should export to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Middle East. Following the new GATT treaty, opportunities will increase tremendously for the export of agri-products in general and dairy products in particular. Cooperatives Greater awareness of farmersââ¬â¢ needs Clover should not think that they are the only custodians or ââ¬Ëvoiceââ¬â¢ of Farmers or the only ones protecting the interests of Farmers. Clover should be open enough to understand and think ââ¬Ëout of the boxââ¬â¢ and to understand and see what ways and means can help farmers stay loyal and be more productive. Competition With so many newcomers entering this industry, competition is becoming tougher day by day. But then competition has to be faced as a ground reality. It is large enough for many to carve out their niche. Problematic distribution All is not well with distribution. But then if ice creams can be sold virtually at every nook and corner, why canââ¬â¢t Clover sell other dairy products too? Moreover, it is only a matter of time before we see the emergence of a cold chain linking the producer to the refrigerator at the consumerââ¬â¢s home Perishability Pasteurization has overcome this weakness partially. UHT gives milk long life. Surely, many new processes will follow to improve milk quality and extend its shelf life. Clover needs to overhaul its R & D department.
Friday, January 3, 2020
In the Castle of My Skin Essay example - 1758 Words
The novel In The Castle Of My Skin by Barbadian novelist George Lamming and Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, a native of Dominica both deal in-depth with the lives of their characters during colonialism. Similarly each author tackles the idea of alienation and loss of identity placed upon their characters, through such literary techniques as point of view, setting and characterization. One can successfully compare and contrast the novels and seek to attain a greater appreciation and understanding of the authors and their works. In The Castle Of My Skin Lamming shows alienation through point of view. In chapter 11 he reverts back to first person in the voice of G. G is the main character of the novel, he is depicted as anâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Antoinette had no motherly guidance, however she did as we later find out inherits her mothers beauty, spurs of madness and anxiety these traits develop throughout the years as she grows. During her years of childhood, adolescence and ad ulthood Antoinette was branded with such derogatory names as white cockroach and white nigger this is first acknowledged early in the novel where Tia a childhood friend and her have a dispute over pennies, Tia then calls her a white nigger due to the fact that Antoinette and her family were poor whites she also claims black niggers were superior. Thats not what she hear, she said. She hear all we poor like beggar. We ate salt fish Ãâ" no money for fresh fish. That old house so leaky, you run with calabash to catch water when it rain. Plenty white people in Jamaica. Real white people, they got gold money. They didnt look at us, nobody see them come near us. Old time white people nothing but white nigger now, and black nigger better than white nigger. (21) This brought much confusion for her; unsure of what she was Antoinette isolated herself from people for now she begrudged their company and if the razor grass cut my legs and arms I would think its better than people. Antoinette began to change she had no explanations why but her identity had been compromised I was somewhere else, something else. Not myself any longer.Show MoreRelatedThe Castle Of My Skin994 Words à |à 4 PagesTitle In the Castle of My Skin is by its very nature a novel which is difficult to label as its episodic nature underlines the diverse nature of the Caribbean experience. The Antilles were, and are to this day, a region defined by its ethnic and cultural diversity. Due to the multiplicity of experiences which define the region, any singular narrative attempting to portray even one village would be overly simplistic as a result of the singular narrative which define most traditional novel. As suchRead MoreThe Castle Of My Skin By George Lamming1758 Words à |à 8 PagesThe story, In the Castle of My Skin by George Lamming, is about a young boyââ¬â¢s life events that take place in a village that has gone through the dramatic changes of colonialism. The changes that the charactersââ¬â¢ experience influences both the village and the society. The setting and time of the novel allow the reader to understand the circumstances and struggles that were present in the Caribbean. There are so m any themes that are present in In the Castle of My Skin such as race, coming of age, andRead MoreGeorge Lammings in the Castle of My Skin1950 Words à |à 8 PagesLamming, author of In the Castle of my Skin. Lamming presents exile as a complex idea. He uses the main character, G., to portray a layered definition of exile. Through G.ââ¬â¢s interactions with his family, friends, and community, there is a constant sense that G. is an outsider. Exile is complex, and cultural and personal exile is likely to lead to inevitable physical exile, as illustrated by the character G. and his consciousness in Lammingââ¬â¢s novel, In the Castle of My Skin. G. lives in a small villageRead MoreUniversal Studios : Hogwarts : A Dream Is A Wish Your Hearts Makes864 Words à |à 4 Pagescomes to mind when I think about the day that I visited Hogwarts in Orlando, Florida. Since the Harry Potter movies first came out, I have been a big fan. I have always wished that the school of Hogwarts actually existed, and I wished I could pack up my bags, run through the portal at the train station, and be a full time student. When I realized that a Hogwarts was being built, I could not have been more excited. I couldn t wait to see, hear, smell, and feel what it was like to actually be at HogwartsRead MoreThemes Of Power, Deceit, Racial Discrimination, Fate, And Gender Norms1408 Words à |à 6 Pagesââ¬ËThe Man in the High Castleââ¬â¢ tells the story of a parallel world, one in which the Japanese and the Germans won the war, and the world now operates in their favor. The story line revolves around a book that is written by a man who only writes what the Ching says to. One book in particular is forbidden to many, and it is because the contents tell the story of ââ¬Ëwhat really happenedââ¬â¢, how we got to the world we live in today. Philip K Dick wraps this intriguing story around themes of power, deceitRead MoreCastle Rackrent Essay1124 Words à |à 5 PagesMaria Edgeworths Castle Rackrent is a satirical novel blaming the Irish people and the English Landlords for the plight of the Irish poor. She illustrates the comical ways of the drunks, and the way they act towards the Landlords. The Landlords on the other hand are careless men and women that control the towns. One example of Edgeworths use of satire in Castle Rackrent involves the landlords and their lack of leadership abilities. Another example of satire in Castle Rackrent is Jasons inherentRead MoreEssay On The Big Man1108 Words à |à 5 PagesOne day this little boy named Nick crawled up a giant tree that went all the way up into the clouds. When Nick got to the top he saw this scary looking castle. A tiny brittle sight, in front of the castle said keep out a giant lives here. The boy paid no attention to the sign. He walked in as the big doors creaked open. All he could see was blackness. Then he heard a loud shriek. Like a woman about to get murdered by her own husband. All it was was a bat shreking, because the giant was comingRead MoreThe Elevated Figure in the Attic Essay712 Words à |à 3 PagesThe door to the attic creaked open in front of me. In the secluded obscurity of the attic I felt something rustle. As I walked deeper into the on-going darkness a malodorous smell invaded my nostrils. After minutes of utter silence-something began to awake. Suddenly everything had become more sinister and colder. As I glanced down I saw the moth-eaten rugs along with spiders crawling all over the floor. This place had perceptibly not been maintained as it had: dust powdering every single surfaceRead MoreA Story Of Good Fortune935 Wo rds à |à 4 Pageson the walls. Everything so pristine and clean, so neat and flawless. Everything never out of place. Thatââ¬â¢s because Athena put a spell over the castle that when something is ever out of place it will automatically fix itself. It actually is a good spell if you like everything clean but donââ¬â¢t want to clean yourself. Alexandria is walking down the castle hall when a servant rushes up to her and says ââ¬Å" Miss Alexandria Athena is not in her throne room she is located in Zeus s palaceâ⬠. ââ¬Å"Thank you Susanneâ⬠Read MoreAnalysis Of The Film The Beauty And The Beast 1296 Words à |à 6 Pagesmay be children; and it may be noisy. b. A lot like the movie. Breathtakingly Beautiful. Amazing Set and advanced technical aspects. It follows the movie very closely, adding a few songs and some extra dialogue. This is one of my favorite Disney movies and is now one of my favorite musicals c. The Special Effects: Whether it be the tale of how the Beast came to be with lighting and thunder or when the Beast turned human again, the special effects used in this play were amazing. I especially liked
Thursday, December 26, 2019
Nothing feels quite like waking up refreshed and ready to...
Nothing feels quite like waking up refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead of you. However, while we all know how important sleep is, many of us still struggle to fall asleep at night. Moreover, I am willing to wager that many of us also always seem to wake up fatigued, no matter how long we have slept. If you have trouble sleeping it is possible that you may have one of several common sleeping disorders. The following guide is here to help you identify why you are struggling to get the satisfactory sleep you need (and deserve). Monkey Brain Syndrome ââ¬â A common disorder that owes its namesake to restless Buddhist monks. The Monkey Brain is that part of your consciousness that just wonââ¬â¢t stay still while you are trying to fallâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦However, there are also several ââ¬Å"over-the-counterâ⬠and home remedies for snoring that are worth looking into. Insomnia ââ¬â Insomnia is a sleeping disorder that is characterized by a general difficulty falling and/or staying asleep. It can range in its effects and severity, though people with insomnia have one or more of the following symptoms: â⬠¢ A difficulty falling asleep. â⬠¢ Waking up multiple times during the night, and struggling to go back to sleep. â⬠¢ Waking up early in the morning for no apparent reason. â⬠¢ Feeling fatigued upon waking. â⬠¢ Irritability. â⬠¢ Problems with concentration or memory. Insomnia can range from being transient or acute (short-term) to chronic condition (long-term). If you suspect you may have Chronic Insomnia, then that is best handled by a health professional as chronic insomnia can be either a symptom of, or an eventual contributor to, severe health problems such as depression, chronic stress, and serious physical health problems. Acute Insomnia is generally related to stress factors, both emotional and physical. Generally short-term insomnia can be handled through simple lifestyle adjustments and successfully recognizing what stress factors are causing poor sleep quality. Such stress factors might include: â⬠¢ Significant life stress (a change in environment brought on by moving, theShow MoreRelatedDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words à |à 1617 Pagesmymanagementlab is an online assessment and preparation solution for courses in Principles of Management, Human Resources, Strategy, and Organizational Behavior that helps you actively study and prepare material for class. Chapter-by-chapter activities, including built-in pretests and posttests, focus on what you need to learn and to review in order to succeed. Visit www.mymanagementlab.com to learn more. DEVELOPING MANAGEMENT SKILLS EIGHTH EDITION David A. Whetten BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY Read MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words à |à 1573 Pagesmechanical, photocopying, recording, or likewise. To obtain permission(s) to use material from this work, please submit a written request to Pearson Education, Inc., Permissions Department, One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458, or you may fax your request to 201-236-3290. Many of the designations by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book, and the publisher was aware of a trademark claim, the
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Things Fall Apart vs. Heart of Darkness Essay - 1617 Words
African Colonization through Literature: Things Fall Apart Vs. Heart of Darkness History is an extraordinary mix of truth and fiction. The dichotomy that is bred from different historic al perspectives opens the eyes of those who study history to the semi-fabricated nature of much of humanities past. For most of recorded history, events have been recorded and retold through the eyes of the victors. Only recently have people had the opportunity to view both sides of issues. The Western practice of free speech has allowed both victors and victims to tell their tal es. A glimmering example of differences in historical opinion pertains to the colonization of Africa by Europeans. For years the commonly accepted notion about Africa wasâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦European explorers found vast amounts of natural resources like ivory, tea and minerals. These discoveries set off the infamous ââ¬Å"Scramble for Africaâ⬠in which European countries rushed to colonize their ââ¬Å"slice of Africa.â⬠Europeans justified their imperialistic ways with the belief that they were doing a service to the indigenous populations and that it was their duty to spread their superior ways. This belief is best exemplified by the poem The White Manââ¬â¢s Burden by Rudyard Kipling. The poem was written as a result of the United States takeover of the Philippines. Therefore it does not directly pertain to the colonization of Africa but the same mindset that lead to the American occupation of the Philippines caused the European rape of Africa. In the poem the term ââ¬Å"white manââ¬â¢s burden is a symbol of imperialism. Kipling is literally describing Western expansion as an onus of necessity that is charged to the ââ¬Å"white man.â⬠The poet continues by urging the white man to ââ¬Å"fill full the mouth of famine and bid the sickness cease.â⬠This passage demonstrates two things. First, the belief that ââ¬Å"famineâ⬠and ââ¬Å"sicknessâ⬠were prevalent in other cultures and, second, that the white man had the c apabilities to solve these afflictions. The previous two extracts from the poem give the impression that Westerners believed that other people in the world were helpless and that they would struggle to survive without the intervention of the Western world. InShow MoreRelatedHeart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad vs. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe1476 Words à |à 6 PagesHeart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad and Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe are two novellas written to make a statement about the struggles of early societies. 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Manââ¬â¢s fallenRead MoreComparing The Novel Lord Of The Flies And Heart Of Darkness2292 Words à |à 10 PagesTopic: Comparing behavior of two main characters from two different books Introduction There are both similarities and differences between the protagonists of the Novels Lord of the Fliesâ⬠(Golding) and ââ¬Å"Heart of Darknessâ⬠(Conrad). In each case we have the supposedly civilized individual(s) degenerating into savagery. As well, other characters are involved and highly influenced by the protagonist(s). This report discusses these two books and what can be observed from comparing works of essentiallyRead More Heart of Darkness versus MacBeth Essay1677 Words à |à 7 Pages Heart of Darkness and MacBethà à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à Joseph Conrad and William Shakespeare are not traditionally paired up for a critical analysis. However, the characters MacBeth and Kurtz in MacBeth and Heart of Darkness, respectively, prove to be worthy of comparison. MacBeth and Kurtz share many common characteristics: both have vaulting ambition that leads both to their success and their demise, a superiority complex, and both make similar sacrifices to achieve their goal. DespiteRead MoreComparing The Novels Lord Of The Flies And Heart Of Darkness4107 Words à |à 17 PagesThere are both similarities and differences between the protagonists of the Novels Lord of the Fliesâ⬠(Golding) and ââ¬Å"Heart of Darknessâ⬠(Conrad). In each case we have the supposedly civilized individual(s) degenerating into savagery. As well, other characters are involved and highly influenced by the protagonist(s). This report discusses these two books and what can be observed from comparing works of essentially dif ferent world perspectives ââ¬â one was published in 1902 and the other in 1954Read MoreWilliam Golding s Lord Of The Flies1513 Words à |à 7 Pagesas conflict begins, things become more disorganized. 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You should always read the book first because itRead MoreJoseph Conrad s Heart Of Darkness And Francis Ford Coppola s Film Apocalypse1785 Words à |à 8 Pagessupernatural. Today s culture has popularized the idea of good vs evil but the concept is far more complex than simply drawing a battle line between two individuals or groups looking to overcome the other in the name of good or evil. Man in general is quite capable of carrying out every kind of evil, no matter how righteous or pure, without any influence from supernatural forces. Works such as Joseph Conrad s novel Heart of Darkness and Francis Ford Coppolaââ¬â¢s film Apocalypse Now illustrate the journeyRead MoreASAM 5 Notes Essay6590 Words à |à 27 Pageshave pain. Narrator sees limits abound him; the death of his daughter--the fall of Face. Sonny tries to explain similarities: But nobody just takes it, thats what Im telling you! Everybody tries not to. Youre just hung up on the way some people try-- its not your way! (123-33) Three Generations and Women Sonnys father, mother, uncle Sonny, narrator, Isabel The school boys and the narrators children We assume things from one generation to the next get better. The narrator questions thisRead MoreHow I Read Literature Like A Professor Notes3177 Words à |à 13 PagesThe vampire leaves his mark on the victim/ steals innocence â⬠¢ The vampire is corrupted with older values â⬠¢ Victim gets stripped away of youth, energy and virtue â⬠¢ Death/destruction of victim â⬠¢ Vampirism symbols- selfishness and exploitation â⬠¢ Scary things (ghosts, vampires, etc.) symbolize various aspects of our more common reality â⬠¢ Ghosts and vampires are always about something other than their selves â⬠¢ Vampires and ghosts gain strength by weakening someone else (denial of someone elseââ¬â¢s right to
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Chekhovs dramatic texts analysis Essay Example For Students
Chekhovs dramatic texts analysis Essay In Chekhovs dramatic texts, he buries many hidden meanings beneath the surface to give the play a deeper and more meaningful dimension. In this play, The Three Sisters, we strongly encounter the theme of isolation and separation various times, and uncover, with this theme, the possible importance of the first line. Father died a year ago. This day exactly. Your saints day, Irina. We first get a sense of loneliness and solitude when we hear of the death of the father, at which point the audience automatically feels a little bit of grief towards the family. This is important. Chekhov, from the first line, already outlines one of the plays themes, and delivers it to the audience, hoping for a response and understanding. Throughout the play, Chekhov continuously pushes and expands the theme, even though discretely. The whole set is quite isolated. The Prozorov household is now in a more desolate location, which re-enforces Chekhovs idea about solitude. The family no longer lives in Moscow, the enormous Moscow, which they consider home. The sisters themselves could say that they are isolated from the local community- Only three surrounded by a flood of ignorance. This is a clear distinction between the intellectual level of the three sisters, and the rest of the society. The education that they received, being the generals daughters, would certainly be better and much more advanced than any common man or woman on the street at that time. The dramatist here relates back to the first line in two ways: firstly he re-enforces the fact that they are not accompanied by anyone, and secondly by introducing the importance of the father in the development of the story. There are however some which could accompany the sisters intellectually. The military. They receive basic school instruction, and so could be seen as educated as well. The problem her is that the army is always on the move, and never stays long in the same place, and cannot, therefore be depended on by the sisters. The army would be the only possible group that the Prozorov family could relate to on an educational level, and seeing that they are constantly away, again leaves the sisters to be isolated. The mention of the father in the first line is of great importance. This because, as we read on in the play, we hear of the father many times, and can also link most of the characters to the three sisters by General Prozorov. Any one in the military knew the late General, and can therefore connect and is a link between family members and the army. Father Prozorov is also the essential link to the city of Moscow. It was he who lived there with them there and it was he who taught them there. This is also why they feel so connected to Moscow, and why they feel so at home there. In Moscowà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¦nobody knows youà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¦but yet you belong. The sisters believe that they are more like Moscow civilians, and in the first line, by mentioning the General, the playwright wishes to enforce the necessity of the father in their lives. Another theme which is recognized in the play is perhaps insecurity. The first line can also transmit this to the audience. Father died a year ago. When this line is delivered, the audience right away senses fragility amongst the characters. During speeches in the play, Chekhov frequently uses stage directions, namely tears to show how insecure the sisters are, and the how much they need the support that they no longer have. .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65 , .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65 .postImageUrl , .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65 , .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65:hover , .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65:visited , .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65:active { border:0!important; } .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65 { 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; } .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65:active , .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65 .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; } .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65 .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u007803787323e309e0e7659a8ecb3b65:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: ompare and contrast the role of two minor characters from two different plays EssayEssentially the first line explains, uncovers, and connects points in the story. Chekhov ingeniously disguises it as a less meaningful, but still powerful line, and then continues to develop the hidden meanings during the play. The mention of the father perhaps also has a symbolic value, as he would be the mentor of the family, and someone that the sisters could possibly feel secure about. Without him though, the three sisters would perhaps go astray, and find themselves lonely, isolated from anyone else.
Monday, December 2, 2019
The Kite Runner Essay Example
The Kite Runner Essay The Kite Runner teaches friendship, atonement Review Royal Hamel Hassan! â⬠I called. ââ¬Å"Come back with it! â⬠He was already turning the street corner, his rubber boots kicking up snow. He stopped, turned. He cupped his hands around his mouth. ââ¬Å"For you, a thousand times over! â⬠he said. So opens the pivotal event in The Kite Runner, a novel by Khaled Hosseini. The movie version, which is now in theatres, was nominated for a Golden Globe as best foreign-language film of 2007. Amir and Hassan, inseparable, fiercely loyal friends, have just won the annual kite-flying tournament in Kabul, Afghanistan in the winter of 1975 by cutting down all other kites in the air. Amir has just dispatched Hassan to retrieve as a trophy the last kite cut down. Hassanââ¬â¢s devotion will shortly be tested to its very limits. He is the best kite runner in the city. He finds the kite, but can he keep it for his friend? This remarkable story is played out against the backdrop of events occurring in Afghanistan from shortly before the Russian invasion of 1979 up to and including the Taliban takeover. We will write a custom essay sample on The Kite Runner specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Kite Runner specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Kite Runner specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer It is a poignant, bittersweet movie that, in the context of Islamic life, portrays undying friendship, love between father and son and above all, the themes of atonement and redemption. The foundation of the story is the friendship between Amir jan (the ââ¬Å"janâ⬠is always added when expressing affection) and his servant, Hassan. Amir is a rich boy of privilege and prestige, while Hassan is poor and a descendant of the Hazerah people who are despised by the ruling classes in Afghanistan. Yet the boys, both motherless and raised in the same household, share a deep bond of friendship. Three older toughs trail Hassan and demand the blue trophy kite. But Hassan refuses to surrender his friendââ¬â¢s prize, for he loves Amir. Assef, their sociopathic leader, agrees to let Hassan keep the kite, but he will exact a steep price. Brandishing brass knuckles, Assef then attacks and rapes Hassan, as the boy is restrained by Assefââ¬â¢s accomplices. Meanwhile, Amir has come looking for Hassan. From behind a wall, he witnesses the grave unfolding events. He has arrived in time; Assef has not yet thrown Hassan to the ground. Amir can intervene. But he makes no cry to save his friend. The reasons are complex and deep, but not as deep as his traitorous silence. The Kite Runner has two recurring themes. First, there is the deep devotion that Hassan over and over again expresses to his friend Amir, captured in his memorable words as he runs off to bring home the trophy kite. In the face of such ardent devotion, Amirââ¬â¢s betrayal is of the worst kind and, even in his new life in America, he suffers remorse and inescapable guilt over the next two decades. The second theme in the story surfaces in an old friendââ¬â¢s cryptic challenge, ââ¬Å"There is a way to be good again. â⬠And the author, in magnificent storytelling fashion, weaves a tale of adventurous hope in which Amir seeks forgiveness, redemption and freedom from guilt by doing a good deed that he hopes will erase his evil past. Psychology has taught us to disregard categories like sin and guilt. Given this framework of thinking, it is surprising that this story of betrayal, consequent guilt and the quest ââ¬Å"to be good againâ⬠should resonate with so many. Nevertheless the book is flying off the shelves. Perhaps the intellectual ââ¬Å"faithâ⬠offered by psychology is not able to meet the real needs of people when they experience their dark moments of life. Indeed, any intellectual ââ¬Å"faithâ⬠that rejects moral categories will always fail in the nitty-gritty of real life. It fails us utterly when we sting ourselves and others by stealing, lying, lusting, betraying and on and on and on. And so the question of how to find ââ¬Å"goodnessâ⬠again is perennial among us. We do wrong, we commit evil, we find ourselves consumed with guilt and remorse ââ¬â we ask over and over, ââ¬Å"How can I be good again? â⬠The Kite Runner portrays one way of attempting atonement, a way as old as the hills ââ¬â that of doing good deeds that will cover our past wrongs. But there is a totally different way to understand atonement. Yet another ancient way reveals that we receive forgiveness and ââ¬Å"goodnessâ⬠from another as a gift. Ironically this second way might be portrayed in Hassanââ¬â¢s magnificent words of devotion to his friend. What if Amir had been able to hear in his native language these words from the One once nailed to a cross: ââ¬Å"Amir jan, for you â⬠¦ covering your betrayals, blotting out your lies, washing away your shame â⬠¦ for you, Amir jan a thousand times over â⬠¦ there IS a way to be good again. â⬠This article originally appeared in the Jan. 21 Guelph Mercury, for which Royal Hamel is a member of the community editorial board. Atonement would be a great theme to discuss in the essay topic above. The Kite Runner suggests that individuals can atone for the the bad things they have done in their past. Hosseini suggests that atonement is possible if the person who seeks redemption first admits their guilt. Hosseini explores the ideas of guilt and atonement through Amir and to a lesser extent through Baba. Rahim Khan explains the positive value of the guilt that has haunted Amir for years by showing him that it can lead to true redemption. In the novel by exploring the ideas of guilt and atonement through Amir, Hosseini is able to show the debilitating effects on his life. Amir is so haunted by his past that he fears that he and Soraya canââ¬â¢t have a child because he is being punished for his childhood sins. Even though Amir believes this he finds it hard to confess his sins to Rahim Khan and his secret can be compared to Sorayaââ¬â¢s openness. Soraya has been able to move on because she has accepted her past and confessed her secrets. When discussing atonement show how Hosseini develops this idea through the development of Amirââ¬â¢s character. We see Amir grow in maturity, partly due to his separation from Baba as he now can accept the opportunity to atone. Rahim Khan as Amirââ¬â¢s mentor and friend helps to support the ideas about redemption and why it is still possible. Through Rahim Khan we see that Amir must complete his journey to achieve redemption. When Amir confronts Assef he also confronts his past cowardice and at last feels healed. By rescuing Sohrab he is not only reliving a past wrong doing he is also correcting it. The novelist Khaled Hosseini uses many stylistic devices such as foreshadowing, fragmented narrative and interior monologue to highlight the theme of atonement. In The Kite Runner, the novelist Khaled Hosseini implores that one can only atone their sins once they have admitted to their guilt and chose to seek redemption. In chapter 12 the theme of guilt reappears as Soraya, Amirââ¬â¢s wife, admits her past of running away to Virginia with another Afghan man. Even though Amir is stung by the thought of Soraya losing her virginity to another man, Amir still ââ¬Å"envies herâ⬠because he is a coward and cannot pluck up the courage to confess his sins. However, it is only till chapter 24 where he reveals his past to Soraya. Amir finally admits his guilt and is on the path of redemption. He knows he must take on a new found maturity to look after Sohrab and rescue him from the taliban-Assef. The is evident in chapter 22,which takes the form of an adventure novel, as Amir sacrifices his well-being for Sohrab. In the ultimate lines of the novel Amir has redeemed himself to some extent as he repeats the lines of Hassan, ââ¬Å"For you a thousand times overâ⬠. This is one of the most pivotal moments of the novel and Amirââ¬â¢s journey as he has now relieved his sins. Amir has now become the kite runner, hence the title of the novel. We know that Amir has developed and grown as a character from childhood into manhood as he helps ease his nephewââ¬â¢s transition from Afghanistan to America after facing turmoil. The Kite Runner: Is Redemption Truly Free? What is the worst thing you have done to a friend or family member? Lied to them? Stolen from them? After the dreadful deed, did they forgive you? And, more importantly, did you forgive yourself? While I am sometimes nostalgic for lost friendships, I know that for various reasons, history, distance, and self-preservation, there are some friendships better left in the past. But with exceptional friendships, when two souls collide and recognize and accept the humanity in each other, I believe we should all make the effort to sustain that growth. In the new movie, The Kite Runner, director Marc Forster poignantly portrays the main characterââ¬â¢s release from guilt as he negotiates memories of his betrayal of his childhood friend. The scenes of innocent, yet precarious, friendship between two boys, Amir and Hassan (the son of Amirââ¬â¢s fatherââ¬â¢s servant), focus on what it means to be a true friend while mirroring the gritty conflict of Afghanistanââ¬â¢s volatile political and cultural history. The opening credits of Arabic-inspired calligraphy seem to represent the connection of all the characters in the story. This is a story of two boys in 1975, but also one that stretches the limits of culture and time to represent the most important of redemption stories. Spoiler Alert The movie begins with a phone call to the now-adult main character, Amir, played by British/Egyptian actor Khalid Abdalla, who has been hiding a shameful secret for over 25 years. The voice over the phone lines urges him that ââ¬Å"There is a way to be good again. â⬠This leads me to question what it takes to be good again. When we sin, do we essentially become bad? Christians are taught that redemption is solely brought about through Christââ¬â¢s sacrifice? Can it possibly be this simple? Is it possible that a symbolic act on Christââ¬â¢s part can, in fact, save all of us from all our sins? If this is the case, why are we often unable to forgive ourselves? Why do we feel compelled to perform penance when we are told that our debt has been paid? Is there some actionââ¬âwork, not faithââ¬ârequired of us beyond believing in Christââ¬â¢s gift of salvation? Do we, as human beings, have a debt to pay to fellow human beings (and animals) when we have wronged them? Can salvation truly be free, or, in order to believe that we deserve it, do we need to make retribution before being able to open ourselves to salvation? Is the act of salvation tied to the act of self-forgiveness? For Amir, achieving redemption requires more than faith in a Savior. In The Kite Runner, despite the two main characters being from different cultural backgrounds (Pashtun and Hazara) that traditionally clash, the boys are raised together from birth, their fathersââ¬â¢ close relationship setting the stage for the boysââ¬â¢ relationship. Hassan (played by newcomer Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada) serves Amir (played by newcomer Zekeria Ebrahimi) cheerfully. He is the all-sacrificing Christ-figure, the one who, even in death, calls Amir to redemption. His character is an uncanny mix of innocence and strength. As a child, he is not petulant or resentful. As an adult, he reaches out to Amir even when one would expect the opposite. Amirââ¬â¢s personal conflict stems from his perceived inability to please his father, Baba (played by Homayoun Ershadi). Amir tries to win approval by writing stories that his father never reads. To his fatherââ¬â¢s disappointment, Amir is a coward; he relies on Hassan to defend them from their bully, Assef. Amirââ¬â¢s only adult supporter is his fatherââ¬â¢s friend Rahim Khan, played by Shaun Toub, to whom Baba despairs that Amir will ever amount to much by saying, ââ¬Å"A boy who wonââ¬â¢t stand up for himself becomes a man who wonââ¬â¢t stand up for anything. â⬠Rahim Khan, however, sides with Amir and encourages him in his writing. He willingly plays the role of a mother figure in the young manââ¬â¢s life, encouraging, comforting, and balancing Babaââ¬â¢s harshness. He also acts as Amirââ¬â¢s conscience throughout the movie, urging him to confess, to make things right. As a child, Amir finds that the only way to gain his fatherââ¬â¢s limited approval is to win the traditional kite-flying contest. Hassan always knows exactly where a kite will drop once its string has been cut. He becomes Amirââ¬â¢s kite runner (hence the book and movie title), chasing down fallen kites as Amir works his way to winning the competition. As Amir cuts down the last opponentââ¬â¢s kite, Hassan, eyes shining, shouts a farewell, ââ¬Å"For you, a thousand times over,â⬠and triumphantly runs to collect the trophy that Hassan will carry home to gain his fatherââ¬â¢s approval. This is the last time we see Hassan smile. Amir then commits the shocking act that requires redemption. He encounters his best friend being bullied, and ultimately raped by Assef, but does nothing to stop or even acknowledge this act. He simply hides, watching his friendââ¬â¢s assault, and then acts ignorant when Hassan limps to him with the kite. This act of cowardice so haunts Amir that just when we think that it cannot get worse and that Amir will confess or at least make up with Hassan, he further betrays his friend by forcing Hassan and his father out of their home. As Hassan and his father leave, Babaââ¬â¢s confusion and pain at the loss of the servant he grew up with do not prompt a last-minute confession from Amir. It seems as if he will truly have to live with his guilt as all chances of redemption pass by. Amir and his father flee to the United States when the Russians invade Afghanistan. Amir graduates from community college and establishes a relationship with his father only when Baba is no longer a successful businessman and philanthropist. There is another opportunity for Amir to come clean when he asks a woman to marry him and she tells him of her less-than-exemplary reputation. This is the perfect time for Amir to also confess, but he simply clams up. The moment passes. As Baba grows weak and dies, Amir still does not confess. And then he receives the phone call from Rahim Khan. The way for Amir ââ¬Å"to be good againâ⬠is to return to Afghanistan. He learns that the Taliban have Hassan and his wife and Amir can redeem himself by rescuing Hassanââ¬â¢s son, Sohrab, from the Taliban leader Assefââ¬âthe same man who bullied Hassan. Even Amirââ¬â¢s rescue seems to go wrong as Assef realizes who Amir is and refuses to allow Sohrab to leave. It is Sohrab who takes on the role of his father when he uses his fatherââ¬â¢s slingshot to shoot Assef in the eye, an act of vindication, although he does not know its significance. Upon returning to the United States with Sohrab, Amir is unsure how to relate to this traumatized boy with silent eyes. While walking through the park several months later, he buys a kite and, while flying the kite for Sohrab, shouts, ââ¬Å"For you, a thousand times over,â⬠echoing Hassanââ¬â¢s greeting to Amir 25 years earlier. As Amir flies the kite, we are left with a view of Sohrabââ¬â¢s hesitant smile. Things are going to be right. Amir is good again. And with this release of guilt, Amirââ¬â¢s conscience is light enough to soar with the kites. As a side note, the behind-the-scenes drama of The Kite Runner movie garnered attention with a story of its own. Amid possible reprisals and reaction in response to the rape scene, the movieââ¬â¢s release date was postponed so Paramount could secure the safety of the child stars. They were moved from Kabul to the United Arab Emirates, where the movie studio will continue to support them until they wish to return to their home country. Betrayal Redemption Betrayal, which can be considered a form of sin, is enduring and ends up being cyclical in The Kite Runner. For most of the novel, Amir attempts to deal with his guilt by avoiding it. But doing this clearly does nothing toward redeeming himself, and thus his guilt endures. That is why he still cringes every time Hassanââ¬â¢s name is mentioned. When Amir finds out about Babaââ¬â¢s betrayal of Ali (and subsequent betrayal of Hassan), he realizes that everything he thought he knew and understood about his father was false. And Amir himself feels betrayed. But Baba has been dead for fifteen years, and there is nothing he can do about the situation. Neither feelings of betrayal nor punishment are enough to redeem Amir. Rescuing Sohrab from Assef is not enough either. Only when Amir decides to take Sohrab to the United States and provide his nephew a chance at happiness and prosperity that was denied to his half-brother does Amir take the necessary steps toward atonement and redemption. Forgiveness Ideas about forgiveness permeate The Kite Runner. Hassanââ¬â¢s actions demonstrate that he forgives Amirââ¬â¢s betrayal, although Amir needs to spend practically the entire novel to learn about the nature of forgiveness. Babaââ¬â¢s treatment of Hassan is his attempt at gaining public forgiveness for what he has not even publicly admitted to have done. Yet the person who speaks most poignantly about the nature of forgiveness is Rahim Khan. In his letter, he asks Amir to forgive him for keeping Babaââ¬â¢s secret but also writes explicitly ââ¬Å"God will forgive. Rahim Khan is confident that God will forgive all transgressions, and he encourages Amir to do so, too. Rahim Khan understands that it is God who readily forgives those who ask for forgiveness, but it is people who have a hard time forgiving. Thus, the only way complete forgiveness can occur is when one forgives oneself, and that will only occur when one has truly attempted to atone for the mistakes that one has made. http://flashcarddb. com/cardset/40798-quotes-k ite-runner-flashcards Flashcards with quotes for the UNSEEN SAC
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