Kafka on the Shore Analysis Essay

How does Murakami explores the concept of identity in the novel â€Å"Kafka on the shore†? It is challenging to convey what defines someone’s identity, who we are, what we do, but most importantly what we think. It’s inside our heads, in our unconsciousness when we actually allow ourselves to ponder on our true identity. When it comes to literature, authors explore their characters ´ true selves differently depending on the intention they have. In the novel â€Å"Kafka on the shore† Murakami uses several unusual resources in his novel such as themes and intertextuality in order to explore the concept of identity within his writing. The author through the presentation of the relationship between dreams and reality and the concept of destiny linked to the notion of lack of control reveals the true self by inquiring into the inner darkness of the nature of his characters. He explores the unconscious side of an individual, which in his writing has a signific ant impact on the building of their fate implicitly blurring the boundary of importance between thought and action. Also acknowledging dreams as the only moment when our human condition allows people to be completely honest with ourselves. The following commentary in order to explore the concept of identity in Murakami’s work will focus on the passage of Miss Saeki’s and Kafka’s intercourse, chapter 29. The conception of dreams vs. reality in the novel plays a major role due to the fact that what the author wants is to make dreams as important as reality or even more so, given that it is when his characters are their true selves. Therefore this relationship is experienced by his audience very deeply, at first introducing the subject in a way anyone could relate to it but as the novel advances, the theme is developed to a level far beyond everyday life, nevertheless it is possible to get to an understanding of it. The geographical context of Japan in the novel aids this insertion of magical realism to the writing of Murakami. Concerning the cultural and religious aspects, Japanese society has a big flexibility on them, they have a blending of several religions such as Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, boundaries are broken and people are free to live their own interpretation of their spirituality. Moreover, religion defines Japanese identity more than spirituality; it’s a way of living and thinking. Such freedom and individuality of thought is what enables the events in the novel to be conceivable, what allows the author to distort dreams and reality, and what’s real against what’s possible. Furthermore the inception of that liberal Japanese way of thinking empowers the reader to make a free interpretation of what’s going on in the novel, acknowledging that being involved in the postmodernist movement there is never an absolute truth to it. Murakami plays with the readers’ mind as they are certainly expecting to find absolute answers and end up being more confused trying to seek for them. In the specific extract of Miss Saeki’s and Kafka’s intercourse she is fulfilling her unconscious desire of sleeping with him. In fact the scene itself is presented in a way in which as readers we are not sure whether it is actually happening o r not. The author uses a mesmeric tone and changes the narrative voice to third person to create a dream like atmosphere â€Å"Before you know it, her dream has wrapped itself around your mind. Gently, warmly, like amniotic fluid.† In this quote the use of the third person is evidenced and the expression â€Å"wrapped around your mind† is what produces the mesmerizing tone as Kafka is clearly absorbed by this dream that has become a part of reality. It’s a very graphic scene in which the main character experiences the blurring of genuineness against his dreams â€Å"But you can’t locate the borderline separating dream and reality. Or even the boundary between what’s real and what’s possible. All you’re sure of is that you’re in a delicate position†. In this scene Kafka is unable to control himself even when he knows that what he is doing is not right. Moreover, the fact that Miss Saeki accomplished her subconscious wish during h er sleep is reassured when she decides to embrace her desire and repeat the intercourse with Kafka in one of the following chapters. Another significant way, in which this theme is related to the character of Miss Saeki and her identity revealing through her unconsciousness, is the spiritual projection of her fifteen year old self that Kafka sees at night. It is possible to interpret that she projects herself this way during her sleep due to the fact that she is stuck in her distant, happier past. Revealing that what she truly wishes is to be back when she was 15 and reunite with her lover, which could be why she presents herself to Kafka, given that the resemblance between both could be interpreted as if he weren’t only her son, but the reincarnation of her lover. Then again what allows the reader to make these assumptions is the religious context of japan given that reincarnation is a part of some peoples ´ believes. For this particular element of the spiritual projection Murakami uses intertextuality to relate the events in the novel and clarify his perception on the subject. He deliberately makes a re ference to the tale of Genjy. In this tale Lady Rojuko fulfils her dark unconscious desires through her dreams by â€Å"becoming a spirit† without taking notice of it, just like Miss Saeki does. The important link between both events is that both characters could only carry out their desires during their sleep while they are their true selves. Miss Saeki is only able to seek the intercourse with Kafka while she is theoretically sleeping. Another parallel with the tale is when Nakata takes the place of Kafka and stabs his own father, eventually carrying unconsciously the course he was meant to. Perhaps this suggests that there is inner darkness in everyone and that dreams are the perfect moment to explore the darkness within our true selves â€Å"the world of grotesque is the darkness within us† Regarding the conception of destiny and the theme of lack of control in the novel, these are factors that as well enable the exploration of identity in Murakami’s characters. Fate is perhaps one of the most significant elements of the novel developing throughout all of it. It is essentially presented as inevitable, the author foreshadows from the beginning what’s going to happen with his main character. The reason why destiny is a factor beyond the individual’s ´ control is because the author wants to state it isn’t only an uncontrollable force driving them. It’s an actual part of who they are, an inner force, part of their human condition â€Å"Sometimes fate is like a small sandstorm†¦this storm is you. Something inside of you. So all you can do is give into it†. Therefore indeed destiny is identity, Kafka is omened that he will eventually kill his father and sleep with his mother, but this doesn’t happen due to fatality or chance, it happens because it is unconsciously what he wants and therefore what he is. This is proven when further on in the novel he accepts his curse; he embraces it, his love for his own mother and the death of his father. Nevertheless he doesn’t carry out his curse completely aware that he is doing it, but in thought he actually wishes to do so, which is why it happens. This suggests that thought is indeed as important as actions, or even more so, as they are our pure intentions. Therefore this could be interpreted as a factor affecting the characters’ karma as Shinto religion suggests and thus having an impact on their destiny. On the other hand, control is presented as something the characters lack, and when it’s linked to destiny therefore to identity what Murakami expresses is that they are not able to control who they are, what they want. This is shown in several ways for example something as simple as sex, Kafka finds himself unable to control his desire of sleeping with unconscious Miss Saeki although he is well aware that he is acting wrong. â€Å"I figure I’d better wake her up. She’s making a big mistake, and I have to let her know. This isn’t a dream–it’s real life. But everything’s happening so fast, and I don’t have the strength to resist† In this way the reader can relate to the experience of the main character of not being able to resist what he deeply wants. To sum up, Kafka on the shore is a novel that is indeed charged with deep and complicated themes, metaphorically exploring several elements about human life and identity. Nevertheless Murakami manages to introduce such complexity in a way that the reader is able to understand and interpret his writing using resources such as intertextuality to clarify his take on the subject, or at least the reader is able to suggest he does. With the use of destiny, control and dreams vs. reality the author makes an interesting approach towards the exploration of identity stating that our thoughts are as much part of who we are as our actions, and even a more important part of our selves. Additionally he gives a vast importance to dreams, as they are the reflection of our minds, our true fears and desires. Perhaps he is stating that life should be much more like a dream, and in a way criticizing the conception of reality.

How Leeds Was Like Durning the Victorian Times

Life in Leeds was ghastly; many sources tell me this from pictures, to rhymes, reports and drawings Leeds was a well polluted and unhygienic place, Leeds also did not have any proper sewage system causing diseases to spread killing innocent civilians. First pictures of Leeds Steel works which was taken in 1864 show me that factories created poisonous gases that normal everyday public inhaled. My first source also shows that from a distant view the air itself was murky and unclear. Source 1:As I mentioned before there are many sketches by anonymous artists who express their art from what they can see around their environment. This gives me more evidence that Leeds was very dirty and polluted. Source 2: Rhymes and songs were created by the people (most probably the children) who inhabited Leeds at the time one of the most famous rhymes were: â€Å"The Aire below is doubly dyed and damned; The air above with lurid smoke is crammed ; The one flows streaming foul as Charon’s Styx, Its poisonous vapour in the other mix†.What it is really translating is the water below (the river AIre) is coloured in an unnatural state and it is supposedly damned, the air above is crammed with toxic smoke, its poisonous vapours reaching us. Therefore it was commonly known that the Leeds was contaminated and filled with pollution. In 1842 Edwin Chadwick, a politician who was trying to make improvements and reforms to the conditions of towns and cities conducted an investigation into ‘Sanitary conditions of the labouring population.Edwin used local investigators to provide evidence of urban public health conditions. A doctor, Robert Baker, provided information about the hygiene and how it was affecting Leeds. â€Å"Of the 586 streets of Leeds, 68 only are paved by the town, ie, by the local authorities; the remainder are either paved by the owners or are partly paved, or are totally unpaved, with the surfaces broken in every direction, and ashes and filth of every d escription accumulated upon many of them†¦ of the 68 streets†¦ 9 are not sewered at all, and ten only partly so; nay it is only within the three or four years past that a sewer has been completed† . This statement tells me that there were 586 streets in Leeds and only 68 were filled with pavements. Filth and Ash filled every direction; in those 68 pampered streets 19 of them did not have a sewage system at all! Only 10 streets had them; however the sewage system has only been completed 3 or 4 years ago. This source is reliable because as a local doctor Robert Baker had experienced the severe horrific cholera outbreak of 1832.By 1838 as a town councillor, had contributed to a statistical survey of the town and went on to become a factory inspector by 1858. Cholera and other diseases broke out because of the poor sewer system when civilians had to ‘relieve themselves’ half of their waste was absorbed by the ground and was then entered the stream which peop le drank from! While the other half just flowed through the streets waiting to infect civilians with putrid bacteria and filth .Public people also used to wash and bath in the river AIre causing its natural water colour to die out and for it to be swarmed with dirt and bacteria. For my conclusion I still stand by my decision that Leeds during the Victorian times was a filthy, disgusting place. Its water was not safe to drink and was revolting, although the simple workmen who build hundreds of factories hoping that it would not hurt the ozone lair still poisoned the air that the poor Victorian people breathed and lived in.

Marketing Plan: Maybelline’s New Perfume

Marketing Plan: Maybelline’s new perfume The University of Sheffield Marketing Management (MTG 2410) Blagoy Savov (BS11124) 21 August 2012 Abstract L'Oreal’s Maybelline, a global, mass market cosmetic manufacturer, has decided to develop and market a new fragrance for women. This report includes research, analysis and evaluation of the market environment for female fragrances. Furthermore, it outlines a marketing strategy for the new product which describes the marketing mix to be used by Maybelline in order to sell its new product addition to the target market.Introduction The fragrance market is a very competitive one with large companies having a global presence and well established images and brands. This market is also very profitable and ever growing with signs of great potential. Maybelline is one of L'Oreal’s brands and is well known worldwide for its value based cosmetics products.Now Maybelline is entering the fragrance market with a new female perfume and this report describes how it will take on this challenge. The first part of the report introduces L'Oreal, which is Maybelline’s mother company, its vision and company profile including its financial success. Maybelline falls under L'Oreal’s Consumer Products Division, which offers mass-market products. The report continues by presenting an environmental analysis of the market as well as a competitive analysis. There are three main players in the industry, which represent 24. 5% of the global market in the face of Coty Inc. Maybelline’s mother company L'Oreal, and Procter & Gamble. The first part of the report concludes with a SWOT analysis of the Maybelline, which indicates that the strengths and opportunities outweigh the weaknesses and threats. Based on the market analysis, the second part of the report proposes a target market for the new female fragrance product and a specific marketing mix in order to successfully reach its customers. The company L'Ore al L’Oreal is one of the largest cosmetics companies in the world, producing and marketing a range of make-up, perfume, hair and skin care products in over 130 countries.The company is headquartered in Clichy, France and employs about 68,900 people worldwide in a total of 41 factories. With 613 registered patents in 2011 the company earned 20. 3 billion EURO of sales in that year and currently has a brand portfolio of 27 international brands (L'Oreal 2011). For more than a 100 years L'Oreal has devoted its efforts in the business of beauty. Its mission is to enable all individuals to express their personalities, gain self-confidence and open up to others by offering the best cosmetics innovation in terms of quality, efficacy and safety.The company pushes the boundaries of innovation by heavily investing in research in order to explore new territories and invent new products (L'Oreal 2012). Wrapping up another year of financial growth, in 2011 Company Responsibility (2005 â₠¬â€œ 2011) – Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 29. 8% – Reduced waste generated by 24. 2% – Reduced water consumption by 22. 6% – 95. 7% of waste is reused, recycled or used for energy production – Reduced total energy consumption by 6. % for 2010/2011 Company Profile – A century of expertise in cosmetics – â‚ ¬20,3 billion sales in 2011 – 27 global brands – 130 countries – 68 900 employees – 613 patents filed in 2011. L'Oreal grew faster than the worldwide cosmetics market and confirmed its position as the world leader in beauty. The company also heavily invests in being socially, ethically and environmentally responsible to ensure a sustainable growth in the long-term. Compared to 2005 the organization significantly reduced its gas emissions, generated waste and water consumption and invested in research in order to foster sustainable innovation.Maybelline As described in the journal by Aaker and Joa chimsthaler (2000) brand architecture is a structure that organizes the company’s brand portfolio and specifies the brand roles and the relationship between them. Coherent brand architecture provides tools to: ? ? ? permit brands to stretch across products and markets, resolve conflicting brand strategy needs, preserve brand-building resources by leveraging existing brand equity, protect brands from being diluted by over-stretching, and signal a new and different offeringAs outlined in the journal by Harish (2008), L'Oreal’s brand architecture is organized around 27 international brands, which are clustered in separate business divisions, each of which focuses on a specific target market. As illustrated in Table 1, L'Oreal’s business is structured under three divisions (Consumer Products Division, Luxury Products Division and Professional Products Division), one department (Active Cosmetics Department) and an ethical cosmetics brand (The Body Shop). L'Oreal†™s brand architecture, showing brands, positioning and sales channels. Consumer Products Luxury Products Profess.Products Active Cosmetics The Body ShopMajor international umbrella brands: L'Oreal Paris Garnier Maybeline New York SoftSheen Carson Le Club des Createurs de Beute (LCCB) Lancome Biotherm Helena Rubinstein Kiehl’s Shu Uemure Perfumes: Giorgio Armani Ralph Lauren Cacharel Victor and Rolf Diesel Positioning: Quality products at affordable prices for the masses Up-market luxury products for discerning consumers Specialist products for use by professional hair stylists and salon professionals Sales Channels: Mass market retail outlets in the case of L'Oreal Paris, Garnier, Maybelline and SoftSheen CarsonDirect marketing for LCCB High-end international department stores, travel retail outlets, brands’ own boutiques and perfumeries Hair stylists and salon professionals Pharmacies and specialist retailers Predominantly through body Shop’s exclusive retail chain Cosmeceuticals with proven safety and effectiveness; backed by pharmacists and dermatologists Ethical cosmetics for socially and environmentally conscious consumers L'Oreal Professionnel Kerastase RedKen 5th Avenue NYC Matrix Mizani Vichy La Roche – Possay Inneov SkinCeuticals Sanoflore The Body Shop Table 1 Within the Consumer Products Division, L'Oreal Paris is the premium brand while Garnier and Maybelline New York are the neighbouring aspirational brands. The company offers these distinct brands in order to satisfy different target groups and avoid losing customers to a competitor (Harish, 2008). L'Oreal’s goal is to make Maybelline a leading global mass-market brand. This brand is sold in about 127 countries and makes up over 45% of the total revenues.Maybelline is positioned to be the leader of massmarket cosmetics targeted at women between the age of 15 and 49 at a reasonable price and it successfully promotes the â€Å"urban American chic† image a cross the globe. Maybelline includes five ranges of products – face, eyes, lips, nails and tools. Each range includes several lines and there are individual products with unique brands under each line. As per Harish (2008) the products of the Maybelline group are mainly promoted through TV advertising and brand ambassadors like the supermodels Christy Turlington and Adriana Lima. Since 1915, the brand has been empowering women everywhere with the impactful slogan â€Å"Maybe she is born with it. Maybe it’s Maybelline. Today Maybelline New York is the leading makeup brand worldwide, which combines technologically advanced cosmetics with trendy expertise to create accessible products with a spirited style that empower women to make a statement by exploring new tools, experimenting without risk, and flaunting their own artistry (L'Oreal, 2012). L'Oreal has a licensing agreement with five different fragrance brands, which complement the firm’s wide spectrum of prod uct offerings. As described in Table 1 these brands fall under the Luxury Products Division, target discerning consumers and are sold in high-end department stores, travel outlets and boutiques. L'Oreal is now developing a completely new perfume under its own Maybelline product line. Environmental Analysis Market AnalysisThe fragrance market experienced a steady growth in sales in the period between 2006 and 2011. Furthermore the overall market growth is expected to accelerate in the next five year period. In 2010 the global fragrance market generated total revenues of $36. 3 billion resulting in a compound annual growth rate of 4. 2% for the period spanning 2006 – 2010 shown in Figure 1 (Datamonitor Global, 2011). Global fragrances market volume: million units 40000 35000 30000 25000 20000 4. 2 3. 1 5. 6 7 6 5 3. 9 4 3 2 $ million % growth 15000 10000 5000 0 2006 2007 2008 Figure 1 1 0 2009 2010 Consumption volume in the fragrance market increased with a compound annual grow th of 4. % between 2006 and 2010 resulting in 1. 3 billion units in 2010. By the end of 2015 the consumption volume is expected to rise to 1. 6 billion units. As shown in Figure 2 female fragrances showed the highest sales numbers generating $23. 1 billion of revenues in 2010, equivalent to 63. 8% of the market’s overall value (Datamonitor Global, 2011). Global fragrances market segmentation by type: % share 5% 64% Female fragrance Male fragrance Unisex fragrance 31% Figure 2 The fragrance market segmentation is distributed between the three major continents.As shown in Figure 3 Europe leads the consumption of fragrances by 45. 1% followed by the Americas with 38. %, Asia-Pacific by 10. 5% and Africa and the Middle East by 6. 4% (Datamonitor Global, 2011). Global fragrance market segmentation by region: % share 6% 11% Europe Americas Asia-Pacific Affrica and Middle East 45% 38% Figure 3 Overall the current fragrance market condition and especially the sub-category of female f ragrances shows to be positive and creates opportunity for new product additions, which is an advantage for Maybelline’s idea to introduce a new perfume (Datamonitor Global, 2011). Market Environment In the book by Perreault et al (2011) it is described that when creating a new product the required marketing strategy planning process includes electing the best opportunities and developing a strategy that will provide superior value to the potential consumer and a competitive advantage to the company itself. In order to find the best opportunity and create a marketing strategy, the company has to analyze and evaluate the important elements of the marketing environment and the occurring trends. Perreault et al (2011) continues by stating that there are different forces that create the market environment. These forces include the direct marketing environment comprised of the customer, the company, and the competitors and the external market environment comprised of the economic, technological, political, legal, cultural and social aspects.In order to create the best marketing mix (product, place, promotion, price and personalization) for the new female fragrance of Maybelline, the marketing environment has to be analyzed. Economic Environment As per Perreault et al (2011) the economic environment refers to macro-economic factors, including economic growth, national income and inflation which affect the way consumers (individual customers? ) and businesses consume. Changes in the economy in general in certain industries or parts of the world could have an impact on the consumption. Technological Environment Technology uses the application of science to convert resources into output.In particular it affects marketing by creating opportunities for new products and new processes. Technological advances allow for better communication and promotion opportunities and it furthers globalization. It also provides for more effective and efficient ways of producing an d delivering products and services (Perreault et al, 2011). Political Environment The political environment of a country is affected by the attitudes and reactions of people, social critics, and the government. The political environment can affect selling opportunities at both local and international levels. In some markets nationalistic feelings can reduce or block marketing activities, which creates a challenge for companies (Perreault et al, 2011).Cultural and Social Environment These two factors have a significant impact on the marketing environment. The cultural and social environment affects the way people live and behave, which in turn affects their consumption behaviour as well as the economic, political, and legal environments. These factors consist of different variables including: language education religion style housing view on work, marriage and family The growth of the fragrance market is different across the various geographic zones depending on the economic conditio ns in that area. The consumption of perfume is largely dependent on demographics and lifestyle trends, in particular the importance of luxury and status.If a particular country is experiencing difficult economic conditions, usually the luxury products suffer the most, as they are not a needed product but rather a nice to have (ReportLinker, 2012). In contrast mass-market, value products are not as impacted by the economy. The US, with the highest market share of 33%,shows steady growth partly due to the fact that the country is coming out of the recession and into better economic conditions. The consumption of perfumes in Asia is relatively low, aside from Hong Kong and Singapore, due to the economic conditions and the perception of perfumes and heavy scents being used as a way to mask body odour.However, the growth potential in these demographics is immense, especially as Asian women are adhering to the Western trends in fashion and personal care, and are receptive to using well-kn own brands for building their self-image (ReportLinker, 2012). The penetration of private fragrance labels in China stands at the low 5%. Brand loyalty and higher levels of disposable income provide popularity for the European fragrance products. Suppliers are targeting the younger population in order to attract new customers, due to the changing age structures in the country. To this day, Chinese consumers favor specialty stores when shopping for fragrances, which is an important consideration for companies wanting to be successful in this market (ReportLinker, 2012). Competitive AnalysisPerreault et al (2011) defines the competitive environment as the number and types of competitors the company is facing and the way these competitors behave in the particular industry. There are four basic kinds of competitive market situations: Pure competition A market state where buyers and sellers trade a uniform commodity such as wheat, copper or financial securities and no single buyer or sel ler has much effect on the market price. In its pure form this market state eliminates the purpose of marketing research, product development, pricing, advertising and promotion. Oligopoly A market state with a few sellers who are highly sensitive and alert to each other’s marketing strategies and pricing.In this market it is difficult for new sellers to enter. Monopolistic competition A market state where many buyers and sellers trade over a range of prices, rather than a single market price. The range of prices occurs due to the fact that the sellers offer a differentiating factor of their product to the buyers. The differentiating factor can be achieved through segmenting, price fluctuations, branding, advertising, personal selling and other marketing tools. Pure Monopoly A market state where a single firm produces a product, for which there are no close substitutes and in which significant barriers to entry prevent other firms from entering the market to compete.The fragr ance market is definitely a monopolistic competition in which many vendors sell to many buyers and there is a range of prices based on differentiating factors created through segmenting, branding, advertising and other marketing tools. The global fragrance market is greatly fragmented with the top three selling companies accounting for 24. 5% of the market value. Most of the leading companies are either large manufacturers of personal care products or large fashion houses and are geographically diversified. As most companies operate large production facilities, fixed costs are high in this market the vast business diversification eases the competitive pressure.In conclusion the rivalry in the fragrance market is moderate. Shown in are the top three leading players in the fragrance market, which are Coty Inc. with 10. 2% share, L'Oreal S. A. with 7. 7% share and Procter & Gamble Company with 6. 6% share. The rest of the market is divided between much smaller fragrance vendors and acc ount for 75. 5% of the market (Datamonitor, 2011). Global Fragrance Market Share: % share, 2010 10% 8% 7% Coty Inc. L'Oreal S. A. Procter & Gamble Company Others 75% Figure 4 Coty Inc. Coty Inc. is a privately held company that manufactures and markets fragrances, color cosmetics, toiletries, skincare, sun care and personal care products.It is headquartered in New York City, employs more than 8,500 people and distributes its products to around 90 countries. The company distributes its products utilizing different channels including department stores, specialty retailers, upscale perfumeries, pharmacies, mass market retailers and duty free shops. The company recorded total revenues of $25. 8 billion in FY2010, an increase of 11. 6% over the previous year. Revenues from the fragrance product category for the company reached $2. 2 billion in FY2009. North America accounted for 32% of total revenues, whereas Europe as its largest ? geographical market accounts for 57% of the total reven ues in FY2010, Asia with 7% in FY2010 and the rest of the world with 4% in FY2010.L'Oreal Even though L'Oreal is the mother company of Maybelline it still needs to be considered as a competitor in a way since it does have five fragrance brands under its umbrella. These brands are placed under the Luxury Product Division and include Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Cacharel, Victor and Rolf, and Diesel. Procter & Gamble Company (P) P manufactures and markets consumer products with over 300 brands in over 180 countries. The company is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio and employs about 129,000 people. The company offers its prestige fragrance products under its beauty division which recorded revenues of $20. 2 billion in FY2011, an increase of 3. 4% over the previous year. P earned 36. 9% of its revenues in the United States and 63. 1% internationally. SWOT Analysis of MaybellinePerrault et al (2011) describes SWOT analysis as a marketing tool used to create a marketing strategy which id entifies screening criteria (and identifies) and outlines the company’s strengths and weaknesses, and its opportunities and threats. The analysis has two categories: internal factors such as strengths and weaknesses, which analyze the company’s resources and abilities; external factors such as opportunities and threats, which are observed by analyzing the external market environment, customers, and competitors. This marketing tool helps the marketing department create a marketing strategy that takes advantage of the company’s strengths and opportunities while avoiding its weaknesses and threats.SWOT analysis is usually illustrated with a diagram consisting of four squares and each one of them summarizes the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Maybelline’s SWOT analysis is illustrated in Figure 5. Helpful Harmful Strengths ? Owned by the biggest cosmetics company in the world Solid financial backing Distributed in 127 countri es Leader in mass-market beauty products ? ? Established image Established production and distribution infrastructureWeaknesses Lack of expertise in manufacturing fragrances Product division completely focused on females Lack of expertise in producing natural and organic products Internal Opportunities Growing presence in emerging markets (Asia, South America) Natural and organic fragrances Men’s fragrances   Threats Counterfeit of fragrances Established strong competition Weak economic conditions worldwide External ? ? Figure 5 Strengths Maybelline enjoys a few significant strengths when it comes to its entry into the female fragrance market. One of them is the fact that Maybelline is owned by the biggest cosmetics company in the world in the name of L'Oreal, which has a solid financial foundation, an established image and existing production facilities and distribution channels. Maybelline itself has strengths in terms of its already established image and worldwide presen ce in the mass-market of beauty products. WeaknessesThe most significant weakness of Maybelline is the fact that it has no realistic expertise in developing and manufacturing fragrances and specifically female perfumes. The brand is well known for making and selling makeup, but the fragrance industry poses its own unique challenges. Maybelline’s complete product set is targeted only towards female’s including their research and marketing departments. This is considered a weakness since the men’s fragrance segment of the market is (still) emerging, which is outlined in the opportunities section of this paper. Another opportunity, which Maybelline is not ready for is the emerging segment of natural and organic products, which makes it a weakness for the company.The production of natural fragrances requires investment in research and development and different know-how and expertise, which Maybelline has not fully developed. Opportunities By the year 2020 countries in Asia and South America (emerging market) may represent more than 50% of the total cosmetics market, which directly affects the fragrance portion of the market. Currently, people living in emerging countries consume fewer cosmetics products than the rest of the world (Western Europe, North America, Japan, etc. ), but as their GDP is increasing, the consumption level should increase accordingly creating a great potential for penetration (Marketline, 2012). This presents a serious opportunity for Maybelline to offer its new fragrance in these demographics. Threats According to Global Insight Inc. 2007) and research performed by the Global AntiCounterfeiting Group, counterfeit perfumes and cosmetics cost the industry 3. 0 billion EURO annually in lost revenue and 555 million EURO in lost profit. The effects of counterfeiting include loss of profit, reduced investment and innovation, and an overall slowing down of the economy as a result of lost jobs and reduced tax revenues. Counterf eiting poses one of the biggest threats to Maybelline and its plans to introduce a new female fragrance on the market. Another threat is the long-time established competition in the female fragrance market including stable companies with an established image. This makes it difficult for Maybelline to penetrate the market with yet another new product.Currently, the global economy in general is struggling and especially in some European countries and the United States. As fragrances and cosmetics in general are not a ‘need’ but rather a ‘want’ product, the effects of lower income and higher unemployment rates are posing a threat to this industry and Maybelline itself. SWOT Conclusion By performing a SWOT analysis for the opportunity for Maybelline to introduce a new female fragrance into the market, it becomes apparent that the strengths and opportunities outweigh the weaknesses and threats. An already established company such as Maybelline is more than halfw ay of creating and marketing a new fragrance regardless of its inexperience with this specific product type.The struggling global economy and counterfeit products are challenges that every fragrance company faces, still this industry is strong and has the potential for growth. Market Strategy Perrault et al (2011) describes that to plan a marketing strategy is to find attractive opportunities and develop a profitable marketing strategyThere are two interrelated parts to a marketing strategy and they are the target market and the marketing mix. As defined in this book, a target market is a fairly similar group of potential customers to whom the company wishes to appeal. A marketing mix is the controllable variables the company puts together to satisfy this target group.These variables include the characteristics of the product, the place where the product will be sold, the price the Figure 6 product will be offered at and the promotion that would be used to market it. As illustrated in Figure 6 at the centre of the marketing mix is of course the target customer. Perrault et al (2011) states that the customer is placed in the center of the diagram to show that the customer is the target of all the marketing efforts. Target Market Currently, Maybelline targets women between the ages of 15 and 49 in more than 127 countries worldwide. Based on this wide market the new fragrance being introduced will be targeted to a narrower target, which is women between the ages of 18 and 34 living in Europe.Although as outlined earlier in this report, the men’s fragrance market is rapidly growing and has great potential, Maybelline offers products only to the female part of the population and has an already Figure 7 established image as such a brand. The new perfume brand will follow that image and target females only. The decision to initially introduce the product in Europe only is based on the fact that this is the strongest market for fragrances. If the product succee ds in this market its reach can be expanded to North America and even Asia. Furthering the definition of the target market, Maybelline will focus its marketing efforts on women between ages of 18 and 34 that are either single or freshly married with little or no children, have an active lifestyle and are young professionals. The target market is summarized in Figure 7. Marketing MixAs described in the book by Perrault et al (2011) the marketing mix specifies the details of the new product being developed and includes four P’s (product, place, price and promotion).1. The first P for Product may involve a physical good (a perfume in our case), a service, or a blend of both as well as its branding, packaging, and warranties. The basic idea is that the product has to satisfy a specific customer need.2. The second P is for Place, which defines how the product will reach its customer when and where it is needed. This includes the distribution channels used for getting the product s old.3. The third P is for Promotion and it describes the way the product will be marketed or sold to the customer, which includes advertising and public relations.4. The fourth P is for Price and specifies the amount of money a customer has to pay to acquire the product. When setting the price, the producer must account for the competition in the target market and the cost of producing and marketing the product. Based on the marketing principles and the research described above in this document a marketing mix for Maybelline’s new female fragrance follows. Product Name Maybelline’s new perfume will be called DENI which is an abbreviation for Desire, Exquisite, Natural and Intimate. The name describes what the perfume stands for. When a woman wears the DENI fragrance, she is desired, the scent is exquisite, the product is natural and the connection with it is intimate.Scent The scent of the perfume will be light and fresh, to be worn by females with an active lifestyle when going to work or being active. It is meant for everyday use and does not intrude, since the individual wearing it will be around people interacting. The perfume will only be available in Eau de Parfum spray since it is the lighter and more affordable version of the original scent. Ingredients An increasing trend in the market is the demand for natural products; therefore the DENI perfume will be made out of natural ingredients. This will possibly raise the production cost but compensate with a differentiating factor and the increasing demand for such products. Packaging DENI will be offered only in a 50ml glass bottle, which is compact and utilizing a screw on cap.The bottle design is meant for being carried in a small purse or a bag without the possibility of the cap coming off and being sprayed inside. To keep with the company’s green ideology, the bottle utilizes an aluminum removable pump, which can be separated from the glass bottle before disposal, so the glass bot tle can be easily recycled. The bottles are packaged in a cardboard box made completely from recycled paper and painted with natural paints. The bottle can also be returned to one of the stores where DENI is offered for a refill. Place DENI perfume will be manufactured at the current Maybelline plant located in North Little Rock, Arkansas.There will be an additional facility built for the manufacturing of the new perfume adjacent to the current massive factory. The administrative and transportation functions of the existing plant will be utilized for the new product as well as the distribution channels. DENI will be sold in Specialist Retailers, Department stores (including Duty-Free Shops), supermarkets and hypermarkets as it is a mass-market product with a low profit-margin. Price DENI will cost 38 EURO for the 50ml bottle to the final customer. The perfume is a mass-market product under L'Oreal’s Consumer Product Division and it is meant for everyday use and hence the pric e must be lower than the more luxurious products that the company itself offers as well as the competition.Table 2 shows a comparison of the prices for 50ml Eau de Parfum spray bottles of some of the bestselling perfumes on the market. For instance Chanel No. 5, as one of the best perfumes on the market costs nearly double compared to the price of an equivalent DENI bottle. The product however cannot be the cheapest since it has to be corresponding to L'Oreal’s image of offering high quality products. Perfume price comparison (EURO per 50 ml) 79 62 43 43 40 38 36 30 Table 2 Promotion Even if Maybelline creates the best product at the best price, no one would buy it if customers do not know about it. A very important part of the marketing strategy is the way the product will be introduced and advertised to the target market. As mentioned above, the target is women

Catherine the Great Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Catherine the Great - Research Paper Example khail, Peter I, known as Peter the Great, who nearly transformed the backward country into a major power by the early eighteenth century – he succeeded in reforming both the army and administration, created the Russian navy, encouraged trade and secular education, as well as introduced Western technology (Hatt 12). The Church had been deprived of its privileges and was largely subordinated to the state; while the power of the Russian nobles – boyars – was also curbed (Hatt 12; Williams 343-345). Following the victory over Sweden in the Great Northern War, Russia expanded into the northwest, conquering the Neva valley, along with the other Baltic provinces of Sweden, like Ingria, Estonia, Livonia, Vyborg, and part of Karelia; the fort, whose construction had begun in a desolate area of marshland nearby the mouth of the Neva River in 1703, some nine years later became the capital city of the Russian empire under the name St Petersburg (Williams 345; Hatt 12). Peter the Great died before he could name his successor – some six years after the death of his son Peter, by his second marriage – so the son of Tsarevich Alexis, and Peter the Great’s grandson, became the emperor of Russia as Peter II (Williams 346). During his short reign dominated by two powerful magnates’ factions – the Menshikov and Dolgoruky factions – Russia played a rather passive role abroad (Williams 346). Peter II died before he could marry Dolgoruky’s daughter , Catherine, and was succeeded by the niece of Peter the Great, Anna Ivanovna (Williams 346). Under Empress Anna, Russia was ruled by her favorite, Birone; at home, this period was characterized by a decreased Crown control over the nobility, while abroad Russia gained control over Poland in the war of the Polish succession, as well as over Azov in the Russian – Turkish war of 1735-9 (Williams 25). One year after her death, i.e. in 1741, a palace coup carried out by the guards of the Preobrazhenskii regiment overthrew

Discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 9

Discussion - Essay Example The arguments against using these measures to fight unionization are that the organization can take a role which has more empathy and understanding more than anything else. The actions are indeed extreme as they deal with the jobs and relations of the employees on the job. I believe most managers would find a way to deal with their employees in a more honest way and come out in a clean manner. They would not find an excuse to do away with the aspect of unionization that has been a source of bane at the organization. Most managers would discuss these aspects with their employees and find a common ground so that they do not lose out on a number of different organizational counts. In essence, I would do the same things and make myself clear before deciding what course of action to adopt in the long run. I am of the view that being truthful about one’s dealings in the organization is essential. Managers have a duty to avoid unionization especially if the organization does not believe in such a philosophy but it is always good to come out cleanly for the betterment of the business and the relationships that develop between the managers and their subordinates. Employees join unions because they believe unions would raise their voice as a whole and in a collective fashion. Therefore I would agree with the truth of the statement more than disagreeing with it. However I believe that the element of unionization has been blown out of contexts in the recent years and unions are not as strong (negatively) as these used to be in the yesteryears. Now unions are all about bringing in collective good, not only for the sake of the organization but also for their own selves (Edwards 2003). I agree with this statement because it offers the employees a sense of security with regards to the basis of their jobs, and tells them in what stead their

Health investment in relation to other forms of economic investment Essay

Health investment in relation to other forms of economic investment - Essay Example It is a fact that most countries find difficulty in meeting healthcare needs of citizens because of the limited resources. Economic concept emphasises that when resources are limited then they should be prioritized so that it generates maximum economic gain for the society. In one of the estimates of World Bank in relation to developing economies, it was found that a 10 percent increase in public health expenditure will reduce maternal mortality by 7 percent, child mortality by 0.69 percent and a 4.14 percent decrease in low weight for newborns. Such outcomes will certainly result in significant increase in economic productivity in long-term. A healthy child free of any disease and disability will have more opportunity to develop higher skills and education. All these factors will finally catapult into higher economic contributions in the society.The following policy recommendations towards allocation of resources can improve long-term health and economic outcomes.A large portion of healthcare resources including nurses and healthcare workers should be diverted to the prenatal and post natal care including care for mothers. Prenatal screening needs to be enhanced in risk-prone population for some of the deadly genetic diseases that later on becomes a burden on society. More rural quality healthcare centers should be established to take care of children with 100 percent coverage.A large-scale immunization programme should be run covering children of all age group to make them free of major communicable diseases.

Writing a Legal Opinion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Writing a Legal Opinion - Essay Example Learning of this decision, school officials responded by implementing a ban on the wearing of black armbands. Students wearing the armband would be asked to remove them and should they refuse to do so, they would be suspended. Two Tinker siblings and another student (Petitioners) wore black armbands and upon being asked to remove them, refused and were subsequently suspended. The three students filed a complaint against the Des Moines Independent Community School District (Respondent) in a Federal court claiming violation of their First Amendment Right to Free expression. That suit failed and the petitioners eventually appealed to the US Supreme Court. The petitioners invoked the First Amendment to the US Constitution which essentially protects freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of peaceful assembly and the right to â€Å"petition the Government for a redress of grievances† (US Constitution, First Amendment). The main question in the Tinker Case was therefore whet her or not the wearing of an armband constituted speech and if so, whether or not banning the wearing of armbands amounted to a violation of free expression/speech pursuant to the First Amendment of the US Constitution. The petitioners argued that wearing armbands was a protected First Amendment right in that it constituted expression of an opinion.

Death and Dying, Rituals and Afterlife, Beliefs of the Ancient Greeks Dissertation

Death and Dying, Rituals and Afterlife, Beliefs of the Ancient Greeks - Dissertation Example The ancient Greek had several beliefs related to the dead and dying, they had strong beliefs and rites which reflected the role of human soul, location and actions believed to have occurred after death and as a result they formulated strict rituals which were to be performed after a person died and their beliefs: which were interconnected with death played a fundamental role during the death rituals (Taylor 39-51). The funerals of the ancient Greek consisted of three acts which were observed to the minute detail. These acts comprised of the procedures of laying down the deceased’s body, the procession to the grave yard, and the actual burial of the cremated remains of the dead. Similar to most funerals in today’s civilized world; the ancient Greek displayed family wealth and kinship ties. It was both a ceremony and much like a social event to bid farewell to the dead as well as an act of consolation to the family of the deceased. However, this was a function that displa yed the family’s wealth and kinship, it was further a rite of passage from the living soul to the afterlife and the main purpose was to support the soul along its journey to afterlife. (Taylor 83-109). The ancient Greek strongly believed that if the soul was not buried; then its entrance into the Hades would be compromised and thus the fundamental purpose of these rituals was extremely important to the future of the soul after death. Most of the ancient Greeks believe that; if the soul was not allowed to enter into the Hades then it was not be able to gain peace for it was to be disembodied. This created great fear among the Greeks and the denial of proper burial rites was often used as a punishment for those who had committed serious crimes during their lifetime. The most feared type of death was at sea since the body could not be retrieved to be accorded proper burial (Robben 61-75). Death Deities in Greek Legend and Myth Like in most religions, there were deities in Ancien t Greek which were accorded roles and responsibilities during the personification of the deceased. There are various deities, who are either related to or are offered to the personification of the deceased and some of the most common deities that existed are as discussed below: Hades Hades was known as the underworld Greek god, it was the destination of the soul after the death of an individual. This god presided over the punishment of the deceased after he/she died. The name of the god was also the synonym of the underworld and it is similar to the Christian belief of the existence of Hell (Robben 93-117). Thanatos Thanatos was the brother of Hypnos and the son of Nyx; the god of sleep and also the goddess of night. Further, he was also the Greek death personification. When an individual passed away, it would be his responsibility to direct the soul to the underworld (Obayashi 24-33). The Fates Under Greek mythology, the Fates were three sisters which were responsible for the desti ny of the soul. They were also associated with death as they determined for how long an individual was supposed to live before he died. The three sisters were: Clotho who spinned and individuals thread of life, Lachesis who determined the lifespan of a person, and Atropos who after the others had made their decisions, she would eventually cut the thread of life of an individual hence ending his life (Taylor 113-148). Greek Concept of

Growth and Development of Child Abuse Assignment

Growth and Development of Child Abuse - Assignment Example About 1 in 16 children are noted to suffer from sexual abuse and nearly 1 in 10 children are witness to incidences of family violence. A report by the US DOH, points out that the youngest children are found to be most vulnerable to abuse. The report showed that in the period ranging from 2009-2011, children between the ages of 0-5 years experienced the highest rates of maltreatment (DoH, 2013). These findings are supported by those presented by the children’s rights organization Safe Horizon that showed that over 25% of the total number of abused children was essentially under the age of three while an astounding 45% of abused children were under the age of 5 years (Safehorizon, 2014). In 2012, the total number of children who died due to child abuse was recorded at 1,563. Of this number, 70.3% were found to be younger than 3 years and 44% were reported to be younger than one year of age. The report on the 2012 data also showed that children of both genders were similarly likely to be victims of child abuse as indicated by the fact that in 2012, 48.5% of the total number of abused children were boys while 51.2% of the abused children. However at 57.6%, the rate of child fatality was recorded to be much higher for boys. Babies in this age demographic were reported as often being the victims of shaken baby syndrome that causes them to suffer from different forms of trauma such as bone and rib fractures, various degrees of damages to their neck and spinal cord as well as bleeding from the brain or eyes. 1 in 4 shaken baby syndrome victims eventually dies and nearly all victims tend to eventually experience serious health consequences (Safehorizon, 2014). Â  

Seed predation in exotic and native legumes Lab Report

Seed predation in exotic and native legumes - Lab Report Example This way the exotic species reproduce fast and form dense populations thereby eliminating the native species that had initially thrived in the ecosystem freely. These are referred to as invasive exotic species. Exotic species are also referred to as non-indigenous species in many books. According to Keane and Crawley 2012, the most straightforward and appealing explanation for the rapid establishment and proliferation of non-indigenous species is that they are produced from the effects of their common foes and pathogens. The enemy release hypothesis explains that the abundance or impact of some non-indigenous species is related to the scarcity of natural enemies in the introduced range compared with the native range. This experiment is aimed at evaluating the effect of invasive exotic species in the ecosystem. Pods of A. lebbeck and L. latisiquum will be used to show the damage by our predator which in our case is the Bruchid beetles. The frequency of the holes made in the pods of the two different species will help us to generate our hypothesis with the two variables being used to generate the hypothesis being the origin of the species and the damage caused. The Chi-square test which will be done at the end of the practical session will be used to determine whether or not the damage caused on the seed pods was independent of the origin of the species. Our chi-square results will provide evidence of the dependence of damage on the origin of the species that we used. According to Siemann and Rogers 2003, the existence of exotic species could be enhanced by better adaptation methods and faster growth rate in the prevailing conditions. Further with time the native species could have generated many enemies and so its survival is further limited, Blossey & NÃ ¶tzold 1995. If the exotic species has developed a resistance to the Bruchid beetles then it

Social Pedagogy Essay Example for Free

Social Pedagogy Essay What is social pedagogy? Social pedagogy is concerned with well-being, learning and growth. This is underpinned by humanistic values and principles which view people as active and resourceful agents highlight the importance of including them into the wider community, and aim to tackle or prevent social problems and inequality. Social pedagogy uses the holistic approach to education in the broadest sense, the centrality of relationships, and the use of observation and reflection as a tool for continuous development of all that are included in the pedagogic process. It uses various predominant elements that form part of social pedagogy, and each of them is underpinned in its significance by theory and research. This makes it helpful to apply theory to practice. Social pedagogy aims to provide nurturing conditions that support childrens growth in both directions, towards independence and interdependence. In Goethes words children need two things from their parents: roots and wings When did it begin/originate? As an idea ‘sozial pà ¤dagogik’ first started being used around the middle of the nineteenth century in Germany as a way of describing alternatives to the dominant models of schooling. parents have the shared responsibility same as practitioners as they aim to provide a nurturing condition that support natural growth this is for children and young people until they reach adolescence in every setting. The term social pedagogy has been used in countries such as Germany, Holland and Hungary to embrace the activities of youth workers, residential or day care workers work with offenders, and play and occupational therapists. It has also been used to describe aspects of church work and some community development activity. How does it benefit children? Social pedagogy is about the holistic wellbeing and education and this is a shared responsibility between parents and the society as a whole. It also develops children and young people’s knowledge of what is expected of them as an individual. This helps them gain skills that they want to achieve, coping with emotions and also physical skills. This is put in to place to learn children and young people on how to become a valued member of society. How can it support children’s development? Social Pedagogy can support children’s development by helping children and young people to take more risks in life as this is a way of helping them to develop their judgement and also how to test boundaries. Social Pedagogy also helps to remove any barriers in stopping the child’s development to decrease, or not be as developed as other children, helping the child to understand more complex things. Social Pedagogy also helps to increase social interactions and communication, giving the child confidence within themselves.

The Game of Baseball Essay Example for Free

The Game of Baseball Essay Baseball is one of Americas favorite past times, as well as mine. There are many different sports for boys to play, however, baseball was the only one my heart got attached to. It has always given me that adrenaline rush that made me want to continue playing even up to today. Baseball is one of my fondest memories because it was a huge part of my childhood, it introduced me to some of my best friends, and helped mold into the person I am today. The baseball field brings back the best memories. Baseball is in my genes. When I would run onto the baseball field it’s like I just got hit with adrenaline. I played soccer and basketball also, but as I got older I felt that if I focused on one sport I could make myself great. I’ve been playing ever since I was able to throw and catch, and I am still playing in college. When I was younger it started with playing recreation sports. Playing for the recreation department wasn’t the greatest experience, but everyone made the team and everyone was out there to have fun. -16 Once I turned eleven I joined a travel team. On the travel team we traveled to Baton Rouge or Gulfport every weekend. We qualified for a chance to go play a week in Cooperstown, New York. We then got on a plane and flew to South Carolina, which we were supposed to switch planes to go to New York. When we got to South Carolina we found out that the plane we were supposed to get on left early so we had to take a charter bus the rest of the way and it took forever. We didn’t win the tournament; it was a great experience to play teams from all over the United States. After that tournament that team split up, and I joined a different team, which we played for a few years and won many tournaments. When I was fourteen, we qualified to go to the World Series in Liberty, Missouri. We won our first four games in pool play. We ended up getting second seed going into double elimination. Then we lost our first elimination game. If we lost any more games we were finished. When the team got back to the hotel we had a team meeting with all the parents. That meeting had everyone thinking and saying, â€Å"We aren’t losing the World Series. † We came out playing teams that also had one loss that were in the losers bracket, ten run ruling almost every team. We were dominating after our pep talk from the parents. When we made it out the losers bracket, we had to play the first place team that everyone was talking about the whole tournament. We had to beat them twice because they were undefeated and had to lose two games. The first game was a breeze, we won twelve to three. Then the final game we came out hitting and beat them again like it was nothing, twelve to two. We dog piled on the field, and after we stripped down to our sliding shorts then ran and jumped into the pond behind the center field fence. Winning the world series in a different state was the best baseball experience at the age of fourteen. Since I started playing at such a young age it got me prepared for middle school, in which I played both years. Then came high school, in which the fields were much bigger and bigger crowds. My senior year in high school was a year that I will never forget. I played five different positions, contributing my skills everywhere to help the team out in any way. I was First Team All-District Utility Player of the Year and had the second best batting average in district. We had a great season going undefeated in district. We were upset when we ended up losing in the second round of the playoffs to Central Baton Rouge 3-1. I was shocked when they got the last out of the games, I didn’t know what to do. After we went shakes hands the team just walked to the outfield and just sat down. It was a very emotional time because we were expected to win state. I walked to center field and just sat down and started tearing up. Some of the younger players didn’t know what to do but it helped a lot when everyone started giving out hugs. Then after a while we got into a circle and the coaches said a few words, but it was hard for them to talk. That was probably the hardest to ever leave a baseball field. Once we walked back to the dugout the parents were waiting for us to try to cheer us up. The seniors stayed in the dugout for probably an hour just realizing that was the last game we would play together on the same team. The baseball field looks amazing when the grass is freshly cut and the infield dirt is freshly dragged on game day. The night games are the ones that get your heart pumping when the lights come on and the field is lit up. It makes you feel like yopur invincible.

Prime Minister: British System of Government

Prime Minister: British System of Government INTRODUCTION This essay mirrors the roles of the Prime Ministers and their Cabinet members, and discusses how dominant the role of Prime Minister is in the British system of Government, and to what extent can the power be exercised. The essay begins with a vivid explanation of what the core executive arm of the British government is made up of, what position the Prime Minister stands for in the business of coordinating the affairs of the well-meaning British citizens. Moreover, on the other hand, this essay seeks to address the roles Prime Ministers have played in the Civil Service and the changes they have effected in the past decades. The next point will describe, compare and contrast the leadership styles of some dignitaries who have served in the capacity of a Prime Minister to the British government in the twentieth century to the present Leader Gordon Brown. The next important area this essay will address includes historical decisions former Prime Ministers have made in shaping the British polity and policy formulation. We will resume our discussion with a brief consideration of the structure of the British system of government and gladly guide our discussion into the roles and powers of the Prime Minister in the affairs of the government. THE BRITISH SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT The British system of government is known to be Europes oldest parliamentary democracy. The British parliament was established in the eleventh century and, after King John signed the Magna Charta in the year 1215, it came into power and became the main figure in the British system of government. By this singular act, England piloted the idea of democracy in the whole of Europe. The British constitution, unlike that of most of other countries in Europe and the world at large, is not written as a single document. It is partly formed by statute, and partly by common law and conventions respectively. The constitution can be altered by an Act of Parliament, and/or by general agreement to change convention(s) (Coxall et al, 2003:179-181; 2006: 182-189; Kavanagh 2006: 247-250). Britain is a constitutional monarchy and currently has her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state. Practically, she reigns but does not rule. The country is administered, in the queens name, by the Government comprising of a body of ministers, which is referred to as the Cabinet and consists of 22 leading ministers, who are responsible to carrying out Parliamentary functions. The origin, traditions, customs and beliefs of the Great Britain are derived from its four countries (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). Each of these countries is well represented in the British Parliament, which sits at Westminster (at the heart of London) this is the ultimate legislative authority in the kingdom. The Parliament is composed of three arms: the Sovereign, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons (Coxall et al, 2003:182-186; 2006: 185-190; Kavanagh 2006: 247-250). In practice, the Sovereign arm officially summons and dissolves the Parliament and generally begins every new yearly assembly with a speech from the throne. The House of Lords consists of traditionally inherited peers and peeresses, which also includes the law Lords. They are so appointed to undertake the judicial duties of the House, and the Lords Spiritual (made up of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and other 24 bishops). On the other hand, the House of Commons is elected by universal adult suffrage and made up of Members of Parliament (MPs) there are approximately 650 seats for the MPs. The chief responsible officer of the House is the Speaker, who is elected by the MPs to take charge of the affairs of the house and presides over the house meetings. The ultimate authority for lawmaking resides in the House of Commons (Coxall et al. 2006: 185-188; Kavanagh 2006: 250-251). Every five years, a general election must be conducted only citizens who are eighteen (18) years of age and above are allowed to participate in the voting exercise; and candidates for various elective positions must be over 21. There are four major political parties, namely: Social Democratic, Labour, Liberal, and Conservative parties The winning party forms the Government. Ministers are chosen by the Prime Minister (leader of winning party). The second party becomes official Opposition to the ruling party and forms the Shadow-Cabinet. MPs who are members of the Opposition blocs are called back-benchers. THE PRIME MINISTER In modern era, the United Kingdoms Prime Ministers lead a major political party, and command a majority in the House of Commons (the Legislative arm), who is also the leader of the Cabinet (the Executive arm). However, it should be noted that under the British system of government, there is a unity of powers rather than separation. The Premiership was not deliberately created as an official position, but has however, evolved into a much structured official power. The office gradually evolved over three hundred years, and defined by customs in the form of conventions that later became generally accepted by everyone. The Prime Ministers relationship with the Sovereign, Parliament and Cabinet was completely defined by these conventions until the twentieth century. Despite its growing supremacy in the constitutional chain of command, the Premiership was accorded with little formal recognition the legal imaginary tale upheld was that the Sovereign still governed directly. For example, many of the Prime Ministers legislative and powers are largely derived from Royal sanctions and are still formally vested in the Head of State the Sovereign (Coxall et al, 2003:180-182; 2006: 185-190; Kavanagh 2006: 247-250). Under this arrangement, UK appears to possess two independent executives: the Prime Minister and the Sovereign. However, the notion of the crown settles this paradox. The Royal Crown stands as a symbol of the states authority to govern making laws and executing them, imposing taxes and collecting them, declaring war and making peace. Until the Glorious Revolution of 1688, the Sovereign had worn the Crown and exercised the powers it stands for. Thereafter, Parliament gradually took Sovereigns out of the corridor of political powers to a more neutral position. Parliament placed the Crown in commission, thereby entrusting its authority to responsible Ministers including the Prime Minister and the Cabinet crew, who are made accountable for their policies and actions to the Parliament and the people Great Britain. Nevertheless, the Sovereign still wears the Crown and her sanction powers are still legally intact in practice, Parliament has taken everyday governance from her, leaving her with three constitutional rights: to be kept informed, to advise, and to warn (Coxall et al. 2006: 185-188; Kavanagh 2006: 247-250). The Prime Minister is responsible for recommendations of dignitaries for honour in the various annual special honours lists. The Prime Minister has a distinctive role in the area of national security; being the national leader, the PM represents the country at global events, such as, playing host to heads of government of other countries and international conferences, (Coxall et al, 2003:187-189; 2006: 182-202). The PM also appoints top civil servants. Dating back to the late seventies, it is gathered that quite a lot of key reforms of the civil service has evolved. Margaret Thatcher (the then Prime Minister) highly scrutinised the civil service commission; her civil servant reforms meant making the civil servants more efficient. This effectively reduced the numbers of civil servants in office. The Blair government also continued with this reform. This reform was, however, formally initiated by the previous Conservative government, (Martin 2003:69-70). Notwithstanding, the leadership styles of Prime Ministers have varied historically. Thatcher is famous with having a dominant leadership style in which she had a direct approach, however, the political writer Martin J Smith has described her leadership style as being autocratic. Generally, the Prime Minister seeks advice from the Chancellor of the Exchequer and treasury before economic, foreign policy proposal are made, nevertheless, the final decisions are made by the PM who is central in shaping policies. Over the past forty-five years in the UK government, Prime Ministers had to take an important role in various schemes bothering the different quarters of the economy such as challenges facing the industrial trade unions and issues in Northern Ireland. On the other hand, PMs might delve into areas they fervently believe in, which might sometimes risk being displeasing to other ministers. For example while Margaret Thatcher bought in the poll tax, James Callaghan the PM during the late seventies intervened in educational and health matters, however, Tony Blair, on his opinion, put into operation the millennium dome, had an enthusiastic interest in law and order and supported President Bush in the Iraq war. Gordon Brown has made several decisions (such as cl osing the gaps that exits in the tax haven) that he believes will lead his people out of the current financial crisis. The PM has the power to advise the monarch the arrangement of disbandment of parliament within a five-year period. This strengthens the PMs authority against the oppositional parties; however this political weapon can sometimes flop, for instances James Callaghan in failing to call for a general election in 1978, while his predecessor Edward Heath called an election in 1974, can mean defeat. Final decisions on election dates are generally made after proper consultations with chief whips and cabinet have been initiated. Historically, British Prime Ministers possess distinctive responsibilities to discharge healthy governance to the people of Great Britain, notably in world wars and recent crisis like foot and mouth and fuel crisis. Prime Ministers importantly must govern in a democratic way, by getting a consensus if they are to do well in office. The support of the party gives the prime minister the right and influence to carry out their duties, relationships within the party are paramount and are two way. The relationships the PM has between cabinet ministers and close associates do not necessary have to do with personally as generally they are part of a structural relationship which is linked by the rules of the Whitehall circle, which are made up of institutions of governments, past policy decisions and by outside political and economic matters. Cabinet ministers and the prime minister have resources available to them; however, to achieve this they have to go through a process of exchange. This clearly has to do with the particular framework, which the prime minister would have achieved on the election result, if the PM were unpopular in the polls, and then they become more reliant on others for advice (Coxall et al 2003: 187-193; 2006: 182-202). A prime minister has the most authority after an election victory. CONCLUSION The PM achieves little or nothing in office if they do not have the support of their cabinet ministers. Furthermore, the Prime Minister being in office is based on legitimacy; hence, the PM is reliant on the cabinet. Tony Blair, being aware of how support is vital, owed his position, in many ways, to Browns loyalty. In return, Blair has given Gordon Brown the authority and autonomy to administer the governments socio-economic policies/affairs. Although, Blairs leadership style making of executive decisions which he (Blair) feels is best for the country irrespective of what the bulk of the cabinet members think is more superior to Browns. In conclusion, British Prime Ministers are clearly in a powerful position of authority in the British system of government, which has evolved over time. REFERENCES Coxall B., Robins L., and Leach R. (2006): British Politics. Palgrave Macmillan. Coxall B., Robins L., and Leach R. (2003): Contemporary British Politics. Palgrave Macmillan, 4th ed. Kavanagh D. (1996): British Politics: Continuities and Change. Oxford University Press, 3rd ed. Kavanagh D. (2006): British Politics: Continuities and Change. Oxford University Press, 6th ed. Martin J. S. (2003): Governing as New Labour. Palgrave Macmillan

George Orwells Nineteen Eighty-Four 1984 Essay -- essays research pa

Winston Smith is a low-ranking member of the ruling Party in London, in the nation of Oceania. Everywhere Winston goes, even his own home, the Party watches him through telescreens; everywhere he looks he sees the face of the Party's seemingly omniscient leader, a figure known only as Big Brother. The Party controls everything in Oceania, even the people's history and language. Currently, the Party is forcing the implementation of an invented language called Newspeak, which attempts to prevent political rebellion by eliminating all words related to it. Even thinking rebellious thoughts is illegal. Such thoughtcrime is, in fact, the worst of all crimes. As the novel opens, Winston feels frustrated by the oppression and rigid control of the Party, which prohibits free thought, sex, and any expression of individuality. Winston dislikes the party and has illegally purchased a diary in which to write his criminal thoughts. He has also become fixated on a powerful Party member named O'Brien, whom Winston believes is a secret member of the Brotherhood—the mysterious, legendary group that works to overthrow the Party. Winston works in the Ministry of Truth, where he alters historical records to fit the needs of the Party. He notices a coworker, a beautiful dark-haired girl, staring at him, and worries that she is an informant who will turn him in for his thoughtcrime. He is troubled by the Party's control of history: the Party claims that Oceania has always been allied with Eastasia...

Ken Sandes The Peace Maker Essay -- Ken Sande Peace Maker Essays

Ken Sande's â€Å"The Peace Maker† A â€Å"biblical guide to resolving personal conflict†, this, in a nutshell is what â€Å"The Peace Maker† is all about. In this critical book review I will be taking topics from the book and giving the reader my personal views on how I either reacted or related to the topics covered. My goal for this paper is to give the reader a non-biased opinion of â€Å"The Peace Maker†, which was published by Baker Books in June of 2004.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To first critique a book you must have some background information on the author himself and why he is qualified to write a book on conflict management through a biblical perspective. Ken Sande is the author of the book as well as being the president of Peacemaker Ministries, which is a company designed to offer Christians conflict training by using the bible and its scriptures. Mr. Sande who is an engineer and lawyer by trade has been using his peacemaking skills since 1982 to solve conflicts in business, in the church and in family disputes. Ken is a Certified Christian Conciliatorâ„ ¢ and has served on such committees as the Christian Legal Society and the Dispute Resolution Committee of the State Bar of Montana, which is where he earned his qualifications to write this book.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The Peace Maker†, is what I would describe as a self-help book that can be read by anyone that wants to have a solid understanding of conflict resolution and it does not matter if you are a Christian or not this book makes good points on how to solve conflict. If you are a non-Christian this is a bit harder of a read because of the constant reference to the bible and its scriptures but there are a lot of valid points that are made even without the references to the bible.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The purpose of this book is to inform the reader of the best course of action to take when trying to resolve conflict while at the same time preserving God’s good grace, which can be difficult even at the best of times. In order to do this the reader must stick to the four G’s of biblical conflict management which are to Glorify God, Get the log out of your own eye, Gently restore and Go and be reconciled. By following these four G’s you will bring praise to God and hopefully open up others to his glorious ways. At times in the book the author’s point of view goes from being an informer of ways to deal with conflict into being more of a preacher of the... ...this is in chapter 9 where he states that you can read one of his other books to get more information on being a reconciler but a reconciler does the same thing a mediator does but not to the same extent.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In conclusion, this book has showed me some good techniques to solving conflict and has showed me that the bible can have an influence on people even if you are not a Christian, like myself. I do admit that this book is not for everyone but if you can look past the downfalls that I have pointed out and find the relevant information this book can be an essential tool to any mediator or negotiator. I think this would be an excellent book for any person who is involved with the church who plans on taking on mediator roles because â€Å"The Peace Maker† offers great tips on how to bring estranged siblings back together as well as reuniting failed marriages. I would suggest this book to anyone that is taking a conflict management course that has not had the opportunity to see how to solve conflict from a biblical perspective because to be an effective mediator or negotiator you should be able to use all the resources available to solve any conflict that might be presented to you.

Christianity and Liberalism by Gresham Machen-Machen Essay -- biography

Biography of Gresham Machen Machen was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1881. In 1898, Machen enrolled at Johns Hopkins University and became a brilliant scholar. In addition, Machen obtained theological studies in Germany in 1905 where he being thrown into confusion of his own faith because of the influence of the liberalism. After returning from Europe, In 1906, Machen join as an instructor in New Testament at Princeton Seminary. Machen’s work in the 1920s was divided between his time at Princeton Seminary and his political work with Presbyterians. In addition to Christianity and Liberalism, Machen works are such as The Origin of Paul’s Religion, What is Faith, New testament Greek for Beginners, The Virgin Birth of Christ, The Christian Faith in the Modern World, and The Christian View of Man. In 1923, Christianity and Liberalism was first published in a middle of major controversy in a Presbyterian church over the issue of theological liberalism. Throughout Machen’s entire carrier and all of his writings, he asked the same question: why does the liberal stay in church, when they don’t believe the history of Christianity. At the end result, Machen was kicked out from church by the liberals. He ended up leaving a seminary which was captured by the liberals and left a Presbyterian church which was also captured by the liberals. And he formed the Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary and as well as the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Machen died in 1937 at the age of 55. Purpose of Christianity and Liberalism The purpose of Christianity and Liberalism was to defend that orthodox Christianity and Liberalism are two distinct religions. Machen was conservatism, and in the book he compared the teaching of historic biblical Chr... ...spel. Machen argues the church should be open for individuals so that they can hear the Gospel and not establish a closed door policy to church service. However, Machen is critical and sensitive of the individuals who serve in the church. The church leaders should be ordained and must maintain the integrity of the church. Machen strongly encourages the church to carefully screen candidates for ordination to critically examine beliefs. As Machen discusses if one disagrees with the integrity of the church, the church should not accommodate the disagreement to keep the purity of the church. In conclusion, the church is appointed and maintained divinely body of regenerated believers who sustain the true doctrine of God, humanity, Scripture, Jesus Christ, and salvation which are absolutely non-negotiable. Works Cited Machen, J.G. (2011). Christianity and liberalism.

Dreamweavers Essay

Hinabing Panaginip/ Dream Weavers Reaction Paper Hinabing Panaginip or Dream Weavers, a documentary video directed by Fruto Corre is about the life of the people from Northern Cotobato; the T’bolis. The whole process of making the old T’nalak; one of the most remarkable creations of the T’bolis, was presented in the video. The T’nalak fabric holds a very special place in T’boli culture. It is always present in really important turning points in a T’boli‘s life such as birth, marriage, and death. It has also often been referred to as â€Å"woven dreams†. T’nalak is made of Abaca fibers which traditionally has three primary colors, red, black and the original color of the Abaca leaves. The colorant of the things used in making this traditional cloth are naturally dyed boiled in with bark, roots and leaves of plants. It is said that the T’bolis create T’nalak because they believe that following their dreams is a must. They had to do what is indicated in their memories. The designs that they clearly see in their dreams have certain meanings and requirements. With this, T’nalak has become their sacred treasure. The T’bolis expressed everything in the T’nalak: their dreams, beliefs, myths and even their religion. T’bolis consider it taboo to cut the cloth because they strongly believe that doing so will make them severely ill. They respect T’nalak weavers a lot like how they do to their warriors. The undenaiable quality of the fabric is a rich legacy of creative art handed down from generation to generation for thousands of years. Perhaps, the artistic and spiritual dedication of the T’boli women of Lake Sebu made the existence of T’nalak last for centuries. But as time goes by, urbanization has forced most tribe members into poverty. Mo dernization became a threat to their culture. Watching the documentary video made me feel proud and sad at the same time. As a Filipino, I am very proud to have the same nationality as these  very talented, hardworking and passionate people. They really made me want to salute them for they deserve a â€Å"You’re the best† award. I was amazed on how people can be that artistic. I have never imagined that a used ballpen could become a bead to produce necklaces! But I was disappointed because I realized that these days, people would not want to buy our own products. In fact, people would buy imported ones instead. Before, one T’nalak is equivalent to a horse or a house. But now, one T’nalak only costs about two to three hundred pesos. See how things change in a matter of time? I still believe that no matter how hard it is to survive in this era, the T’bolis will still keep their culture intact. I pray that their artistic spirit will not only last for another century but for eternity.

The Count of Monte Cristo

Bonaparte plot has been discovered,† Violator continued. PEG. 29 Edmond has been accused of a planning a Bonaparte plot. Since that is the case he will not be going home at all because this was a serious matter. Chi. 6: Violator went to the fire, threw the letter into the fire, threw the letter into the flames, and remained watching it until it was reduced to ashes. PEG. 36 This is foreshadowing Edmonds other enemy because instead of setting him free he is getting rid of the evidence that might be able to set him free. Chi. 7: Dante got up and quite naturally looked in the direction he boat was moving.Before him, at a distance of a hundred fathoms, rose the black, steep rock on which stood the frowning Chateau dif. PEG. 40 Edmond is realizing that he is heading to the most feared prison and that what he has been accused of is far beyond anything he has ever been apart of. Chi. 8: He was astonished at her beauty and dignity, and when she asked him what had become of him whom she loved he felt as though he were the culprit and she his Judge. PEG 45 Mercedes has such great beauty that it is making Violator regret sending Edmond away to his doom. Chi. : â€Å"Sire,† Violator answered, â€Å"l will give your majesty a faithful report.I have come to Paris with all speed to inform Your Majesty that, in the exercise of my duties, I have discovered a conspiracy; not one of those every day, meaningless, vulgar plots of the lower classes of our people, but a veritable tempest which threatens Your Majesty very throne. PEG. 50 What Violator is reporting to the King is foreshadowing the fall of the Kings throne because he is reporting to him false accusations. Also those of which he is accusing are innocent. Chi. 10: The King detached the cross of the Legion f Honor which he usually wore on his blue coat and giving it to Violator said: â€Å"In the meantime take this cross. PEG. 54-55 This shows that Violator has won over the trust of the King. The King is als o realizing that he is going to be taken over. Chi. 11: As for Dante, he remained a prisoner; hidden away in the depths of his dungeon he was ignorant of the downfall of Louis Xviii throne and the re-establishment of Napoleon. PEG. 56 This quote has is showing how Edmond is so lost into the depths of prison that he has little hope of knowing what is going on and that if he ever get out he will Have o idea of anything that has taken place.Chi. 12: Nearly four years had passed since he had taken this resolution; at the end of the second year he ceased to count the days. PEG. 60 Edmond had taken a resolution to kill himself of starvation but he could not do it. This is foreshadowing that he will live through prison and escape or be let out. Chi. 13: Dante threw himself into the arms of his new friend, for whom he had waited so impatiently and so long, and drew him toward the window that the little light that penetrated into his cell might reveal his features. PEG. 7 Edmond has not en a nyone except the gallery and to meet someone who has the same objective as him which is to escape from their wretched prison cells excites him and it gives him hope. Chi. 14:† Now, my dear friend,† Farina continued, looking at Dante with an almost paternal expression, â€Å"you know as much as I do; if we ever escape together half of my treasure is yours; if I die here and you escape alone the whole of it belongs to you. † PEG. 90 Farina now trusts Edmond and has told him about the treasure he wishes to obtain when he gets out of prison which he needs Edmonds help.Chi. 1 5: There is no hope,† Farina replied, shaking his head. â€Å"Oh, yes, yes! † exclaimed Dante, â€Å"l tell you I shall save you! † PEG. 93 Farina knows his death is coming by the fatal third attack and he is accepting it. Edmond does not want the death of his friend who is to help him escape so he does not want to except that fact that there is nothing he can do. Chi. 16: He h ad eaten nothing since the previous evening, but he had not thought of his hunger in the mourning, neither did he think of it now.This quote shows that Edmond is very determined to carry out his escape plot that nothing is phasing him to even hunger. Chi. 17: They would have to find some neutral ground where an exchange could be made, and then endeavor to land the goods on the coast of France. PEG. 108 This is foreshadowing that Edmond is going to finally be able to step foot in the Isle of Monte Crisis and that he will be able to find hid treasure. Chi. 18: Edmond opened his eyes, complained of a sharp pain in his knee, a feeling of heaviness in his head, and unbearable pain in his back.PEG. III Edmond has hurt himself in order to be able to be alone on the island to retrieve his treasure. Chi. 19: After he had touched, fingered, ride his trembling hands in the gold and precious stones, Edmond rose and rushed through the caves like a man seized with a frenzy. PEG. 116 Edmond has fo und the treasure he has been longing for and he is now very exciting and can't wait for the ship to come back and get him. Chi. 20: He had quite expected to hear of his farthest death, but what had become of Mercedes? PEG. 19 This quote shows that Edmond has not completely lost his mind and that he is being rational about what has happened to his father and the women he wished to marry. Chi. 21 : â€Å"It is how I have said,† replied Cadaverous. But,† continued the priest, â€Å"was the unhappy old man so completely forsaken by everyone that he died such a death? † PEG. 122 This quote is questioning whether Edmonds father deserved such a death as starvation because the worst and vilest animals don't even get such a death. Chi. 22: The babe rose, and twice paced around the room, pressing his trembling hand to his parched throat. And you believe he that he died of .. .† â€Å"Of hunger, monsieur, pure starvation,† said Cadaverous. PEG. 126 This quote i s implying that Edmonds father was so grief stricken that he didn't want to eat and that he was sad that his son was gone. Chi. 23: â€Å"The passage was doubtless made with a view to escape? † â€Å"Exactly, but unfortunately for the prisoners, the babe was seized with an attack of epilepsy and died. † PEG. 136 This is foreshadowing that Edmonds new ID might be compromised because it is known that he has escaped. Chi. 4: â€Å"The Pharaoh is your last hope, then? † â€Å"Absolutely the last. † PEG. 142 This quote is showing how Morel life and honor is at stake because he is in a lot of debt and if the Pharaoh doesn't come back with the money he needs he is going to kill himself. Chi. 25: muff are saved! You are saved! She threw herself into his arms, at the same time holding out to him a red silk purse. PEG. 153 Morel has been saved by Sinbad the Sailor by giving Morel's daughter enough money to pay her dad's debt in a purse. This also has saved him from killing himself.Chi. 26: mirror itinerary is impossible, or to say the least very dangerous. † â€Å"Dangerous! Why? † â€Å"Because of the bandit, Lugging Vamp. † PEG. 158 This is foreshadowing that they are going to meet up with the vile bandit Lugging Vamp. Chi. 27: â€Å"Upon my word, I think our neighbor must be some stockbroker who has speculated on the falloff Spanish funds; or else some rinse traveling incognito. † PEG. 167 Albert and Franz are excited upon meeting the Count and they know nothing about him so they are trying to figure out what he does and who he is. Chi. 8: â€Å"If my unknown be as amiable as she is beautiful,† said Albert, â€Å"l shall stay at Rome for tallest six weeks. † PEG. 176 Albert has an admirer and she has sent him a letter for which he is to meet her and if she has beauty he will stay in Rome for however long it takes. Chi. 29: â€Å"What conditions have I forgotten, Count? † inquired the bandit w ith the air of a man who, having committed an error, is noxious to repair it. PEG. 187 The Count has befriended Lugging Vamp by capturing him while Lugging was trying to capture him and he let him go in return that Lugging doesn't capture any of the Counts friends.Chi. 30: Monte Crisis passed Albert a piece of paper. â€Å"Number thirty, Champs Ulysses,† read Mercers. The young men stared at one another. PEG. 206 They are amazed at the Count because where he lives is one of the most beautiful places throughout Paris. Chi. 31 : Monte Crisis was a worthy appreciator of all things Albert had collected here: old cabinets, Japanese porcelain, Oriental tuffs, Venetian glass, weapons of all countries of the world; everything was familiar to him, and he recognized at a glance their date and country of origin.PEG. 207 The Monte Crisis is amazing Albert by knowing about every piece that Albert has collect and the Count impresses him by his knowledge. Chi. 32: â€Å"In that case, here is the card of my master, Baron Danglers,† PEG. 214 This is foreshadowing how the Count is going to start his plot for revenge against Danglers. Chi. 33: â€Å"My dappled grey? † cried out Madame Danglers, rushing to the window. Miss those are mine indeed! Danglers was astounded. PEG. 222 The Count has bought Mme Dandlers' horses and he returns them to her to gain her trust.Chi. 34: Monte Crisis replied: â€Å"Hayden, we are in France, you know, so you are free! † PEG. 228 Now that the Count is in France his slave Hayden is free but she doesn't want to leave him because she loves him this is foreshadowing a love between them. Chi. 35: â€Å"The last words he spoke were: ‘Macmillan, it was Edmond Dante! PEG. 235 This is foreshadowing that Macmillan is going to find out the Counts true identity because he knows it was Edmond who saved his father. The Count of Monte Cristo Bonaparte plot has been discovered,† Violator continued. PEG. 29 Edmond has been accused of a planning a Bonaparte plot. Since that is the case he will not be going home at all because this was a serious matter. Chi. 6: Violator went to the fire, threw the letter into the fire, threw the letter into the flames, and remained watching it until it was reduced to ashes. PEG. 36 This is foreshadowing Edmonds other enemy because instead of setting him free he is getting rid of the evidence that might be able to set him free. Chi. 7: Dante got up and quite naturally looked in the direction he boat was moving.Before him, at a distance of a hundred fathoms, rose the black, steep rock on which stood the frowning Chateau dif. PEG. 40 Edmond is realizing that he is heading to the most feared prison and that what he has been accused of is far beyond anything he has ever been apart of. Chi. 8: He was astonished at her beauty and dignity, and when she asked him what had become of him whom she loved he felt as though he were the culprit and she his Judge. PEG 45 Mercedes has such great beauty that it is making Violator regret sending Edmond away to his doom. Chi. : â€Å"Sire,† Violator answered, â€Å"l will give your majesty a faithful report.I have come to Paris with all speed to inform Your Majesty that, in the exercise of my duties, I have discovered a conspiracy; not one of those every day, meaningless, vulgar plots of the lower classes of our people, but a veritable tempest which threatens Your Majesty very throne. PEG. 50 What Violator is reporting to the King is foreshadowing the fall of the Kings throne because he is reporting to him false accusations. Also those of which he is accusing are innocent. Chi. 10: The King detached the cross of the Legion f Honor which he usually wore on his blue coat and giving it to Violator said: â€Å"In the meantime take this cross. PEG. 54-55 This shows that Violator has won over the trust of the King. The King is als o realizing that he is going to be taken over. Chi. 11: As for Dante, he remained a prisoner; hidden away in the depths of his dungeon he was ignorant of the downfall of Louis Xviii throne and the re-establishment of Napoleon. PEG. 56 This quote has is showing how Edmond is so lost into the depths of prison that he has little hope of knowing what is going on and that if he ever get out he will Have o idea of anything that has taken place.Chi. 12: Nearly four years had passed since he had taken this resolution; at the end of the second year he ceased to count the days. PEG. 60 Edmond had taken a resolution to kill himself of starvation but he could not do it. This is foreshadowing that he will live through prison and escape or be let out. Chi. 13: Dante threw himself into the arms of his new friend, for whom he had waited so impatiently and so long, and drew him toward the window that the little light that penetrated into his cell might reveal his features. PEG. 7 Edmond has not en a nyone except the gallery and to meet someone who has the same objective as him which is to escape from their wretched prison cells excites him and it gives him hope. Chi. 14:† Now, my dear friend,† Farina continued, looking at Dante with an almost paternal expression, â€Å"you know as much as I do; if we ever escape together half of my treasure is yours; if I die here and you escape alone the whole of it belongs to you. † PEG. 90 Farina now trusts Edmond and has told him about the treasure he wishes to obtain when he gets out of prison which he needs Edmonds help.Chi. 1 5: There is no hope,† Farina replied, shaking his head. â€Å"Oh, yes, yes! † exclaimed Dante, â€Å"l tell you I shall save you! † PEG. 93 Farina knows his death is coming by the fatal third attack and he is accepting it. Edmond does not want the death of his friend who is to help him escape so he does not want to except that fact that there is nothing he can do. Chi. 16: He h ad eaten nothing since the previous evening, but he had not thought of his hunger in the mourning, neither did he think of it now.This quote shows that Edmond is very determined to carry out his escape plot that nothing is phasing him to even hunger. Chi. 17: They would have to find some neutral ground where an exchange could be made, and then endeavor to land the goods on the coast of France. PEG. 108 This is foreshadowing that Edmond is going to finally be able to step foot in the Isle of Monte Crisis and that he will be able to find hid treasure. Chi. 18: Edmond opened his eyes, complained of a sharp pain in his knee, a feeling of heaviness in his head, and unbearable pain in his back.PEG. III Edmond has hurt himself in order to be able to be alone on the island to retrieve his treasure. Chi. 19: After he had touched, fingered, ride his trembling hands in the gold and precious stones, Edmond rose and rushed through the caves like a man seized with a frenzy. PEG. 116 Edmond has fo und the treasure he has been longing for and he is now very exciting and can't wait for the ship to come back and get him. Chi. 20: He had quite expected to hear of his farthest death, but what had become of Mercedes? PEG. 19 This quote shows that Edmond has not completely lost his mind and that he is being rational about what has happened to his father and the women he wished to marry. Chi. 21 : â€Å"It is how I have said,† replied Cadaverous. But,† continued the priest, â€Å"was the unhappy old man so completely forsaken by everyone that he died such a death? † PEG. 122 This quote is questioning whether Edmonds father deserved such a death as starvation because the worst and vilest animals don't even get such a death. Chi. 22: The babe rose, and twice paced around the room, pressing his trembling hand to his parched throat. And you believe he that he died of .. .† â€Å"Of hunger, monsieur, pure starvation,† said Cadaverous. PEG. 126 This quote i s implying that Edmonds father was so grief stricken that he didn't want to eat and that he was sad that his son was gone. Chi. 23: â€Å"The passage was doubtless made with a view to escape? † â€Å"Exactly, but unfortunately for the prisoners, the babe was seized with an attack of epilepsy and died. † PEG. 136 This is foreshadowing that Edmonds new ID might be compromised because it is known that he has escaped. Chi. 4: â€Å"The Pharaoh is your last hope, then? † â€Å"Absolutely the last. † PEG. 142 This quote is showing how Morel life and honor is at stake because he is in a lot of debt and if the Pharaoh doesn't come back with the money he needs he is going to kill himself. Chi. 25: muff are saved! You are saved! She threw herself into his arms, at the same time holding out to him a red silk purse. PEG. 153 Morel has been saved by Sinbad the Sailor by giving Morel's daughter enough money to pay her dad's debt in a purse. This also has saved him from killing himself.Chi. 26: mirror itinerary is impossible, or to say the least very dangerous. † â€Å"Dangerous! Why? † â€Å"Because of the bandit, Lugging Vamp. † PEG. 158 This is foreshadowing that they are going to meet up with the vile bandit Lugging Vamp. Chi. 27: â€Å"Upon my word, I think our neighbor must be some stockbroker who has speculated on the falloff Spanish funds; or else some rinse traveling incognito. † PEG. 167 Albert and Franz are excited upon meeting the Count and they know nothing about him so they are trying to figure out what he does and who he is. Chi. 8: â€Å"If my unknown be as amiable as she is beautiful,† said Albert, â€Å"l shall stay at Rome for tallest six weeks. † PEG. 176 Albert has an admirer and she has sent him a letter for which he is to meet her and if she has beauty he will stay in Rome for however long it takes. Chi. 29: â€Å"What conditions have I forgotten, Count? † inquired the bandit w ith the air of a man who, having committed an error, is noxious to repair it. PEG. 187 The Count has befriended Lugging Vamp by capturing him while Lugging was trying to capture him and he let him go in return that Lugging doesn't capture any of the Counts friends.Chi. 30: Monte Crisis passed Albert a piece of paper. â€Å"Number thirty, Champs Ulysses,† read Mercers. The young men stared at one another. PEG. 206 They are amazed at the Count because where he lives is one of the most beautiful places throughout Paris. Chi. 31 : Monte Crisis was a worthy appreciator of all things Albert had collected here: old cabinets, Japanese porcelain, Oriental tuffs, Venetian glass, weapons of all countries of the world; everything was familiar to him, and he recognized at a glance their date and country of origin.PEG. 207 The Monte Crisis is amazing Albert by knowing about every piece that Albert has collect and the Count impresses him by his knowledge. Chi. 32: â€Å"In that case, here is the card of my master, Baron Danglers,† PEG. 214 This is foreshadowing how the Count is going to start his plot for revenge against Danglers. Chi. 33: â€Å"My dappled grey? † cried out Madame Danglers, rushing to the window. Miss those are mine indeed! Danglers was astounded. PEG. 222 The Count has bought Mme Dandlers' horses and he returns them to her to gain her trust.Chi. 34: Monte Crisis replied: â€Å"Hayden, we are in France, you know, so you are free! † PEG. 228 Now that the Count is in France his slave Hayden is free but she doesn't want to leave him because she loves him this is foreshadowing a love between them. Chi. 35: â€Å"The last words he spoke were: ‘Macmillan, it was Edmond Dante! PEG. 235 This is foreshadowing that Macmillan is going to find out the Counts true identity because he knows it was Edmond who saved his father. The Count of Monte Cristo To seek vengeance is to inflict injury, harm, and humiliation, on a person by another who has been harmed by that person. In the movie The Count of Monte Cristo, Edmond seeks revenge on Fernand Mondego for many reasons. All of which were justified because of the horrible treatment Edmond received while he was in prison. Not only did that make Edmond angry, but also when he found out the Fernand Mondego had married his wife to be only 1 month after being locked away. Being that they were friends once before made it that much harder for Edmond to believe everything that Fernand had done to him behind his back. There were lots of lies, betrayal, and false hoods as to why Edmond was even sent to prison. Throughout the whole movie everyone was told that he was dead. Edmonds approach to become revengeful toward Fernand might be criticized because many believe that vengeance has no justification no matter how the other person has harmed you. If society is not going to retaliate against a crime on your behalf it is not okay to take matters into your own hands. Most people would say that it would all depend on the situation, but I think that there is no situation that is so severe to where there would be justification for those actions. The Golden Rule states to do unto others as you would have them do to you. If you are treated wrongfully it does not give you the right to turn around and do the same or worse back to them. Otherwise the cycle will keep going in a circle and people will get hurt and they will get nowhere in life with that thought process. Before someone seeks vengeance they need to think about the utilitarianism theory which states that everyone should perform that act or follow that moral rule which will bring about the greatest good for everybody. Paying someone back for a wrong doing that they did to you is not moral or ethical at all under any circumstances. Stating that revenge and retributive have similarities would be a true statement. Revenge is the exact punishment or amends for a wrong on behalf of, especially in a resentful or vindictive spirit. Whereas retributive theory states that punishment should be given only when it is deserved and only to the extent that it is deserved, is concerned with the past rather than the future. It is also stated that punishment should be imposed by some person or group that has â€Å"duty constituted† moral or legal authority. Both are a form of punishment, but retributive is a type of punishment that has to be imposed by a legal authority. Revenge is an act of punishment but not by a legal authority. It is imposed on a person who has wrong someone else whether it was intentional or not. Overall revenge is a highly debated topic that everyone has their own opinions on. It is something that is frowned upon in many circumstances. Hurting someone because they have mistreated you is not the answer. The statement an eye for an eye and tooth for and a tooth for a tooth could be an extreme when murder is the circumstance. To each his own opinion, but I think that no matter the circumstance there is never justification for revenge. The Count of Monte Cristo The movie The Count of Monte Cristo took place in France in the nineteenth century around 1814 on the islands of Elba, Chateau d’If and Monte Cristo. This was during the time after the fall of Napoleon’s empire. The Count of Monte Cristo tells a story of betrayal, ultimate revenge, and undying love. Edmond Dantes, a sailor who was falsely accused of treason by his best friend was sentenced to prison where he plots his revenge against those who betrayed him. Armond Mondego the friend who out of jealousy plotted against Edmond to win the beautiful Mercedes and fortune was later destroyed by the revenge and hate of Edmond who became known as The Count of Monte Cristo. The string that Mercedes ties around her finger represents that she is bound to Edmond by undying love forever. The transformation that Edmond made in becoming The Count of Monte Cristo was the beginning to Edmond taking his life back; He became bold, dark and vengeful. Throughout the movie chess pieces are referred to as places of stature. Napoleon refers to kings and pawns as emperors and fools. When Edmond gains the position of captain of the Pharron ship Armond tells Edmond â€Å"victories are kings of the moment. † Armond hands Edmond a King as he is being arrested as a symbol to remind him of better days. In prison this chess piece is used as a reminder to Edmond of how he was betrayed and his life stripped from him. This later is returned to Mondago as his life falls apart because of the revenge from Edmond. The Count of Monte Cristo Bonaparte plot has been discovered,† Violator continued. PEG. 29 Edmond has been accused of a planning a Bonaparte plot. Since that is the case he will not be going home at all because this was a serious matter. Chi. 6: Violator went to the fire, threw the letter into the fire, threw the letter into the flames, and remained watching it until it was reduced to ashes. PEG. 36 This is foreshadowing Edmonds other enemy because instead of setting him free he is getting rid of the evidence that might be able to set him free. Chi. 7: Dante got up and quite naturally looked in the direction he boat was moving.Before him, at a distance of a hundred fathoms, rose the black, steep rock on which stood the frowning Chateau dif. PEG. 40 Edmond is realizing that he is heading to the most feared prison and that what he has been accused of is far beyond anything he has ever been apart of. Chi. 8: He was astonished at her beauty and dignity, and when she asked him what had become of him whom she loved he felt as though he were the culprit and she his Judge. PEG 45 Mercedes has such great beauty that it is making Violator regret sending Edmond away to his doom. Chi. : â€Å"Sire,† Violator answered, â€Å"l will give your majesty a faithful report.I have come to Paris with all speed to inform Your Majesty that, in the exercise of my duties, I have discovered a conspiracy; not one of those every day, meaningless, vulgar plots of the lower classes of our people, but a veritable tempest which threatens Your Majesty very throne. PEG. 50 What Violator is reporting to the King is foreshadowing the fall of the Kings throne because he is reporting to him false accusations. Also those of which he is accusing are innocent. Chi. 10: The King detached the cross of the Legion f Honor which he usually wore on his blue coat and giving it to Violator said: â€Å"In the meantime take this cross. PEG. 54-55 This shows that Violator has won over the trust of the King. The King is als o realizing that he is going to be taken over. Chi. 11: As for Dante, he remained a prisoner; hidden away in the depths of his dungeon he was ignorant of the downfall of Louis Xviii throne and the re-establishment of Napoleon. PEG. 56 This quote has is showing how Edmond is so lost into the depths of prison that he has little hope of knowing what is going on and that if he ever get out he will Have o idea of anything that has taken place.Chi. 12: Nearly four years had passed since he had taken this resolution; at the end of the second year he ceased to count the days. PEG. 60 Edmond had taken a resolution to kill himself of starvation but he could not do it. This is foreshadowing that he will live through prison and escape or be let out. Chi. 13: Dante threw himself into the arms of his new friend, for whom he had waited so impatiently and so long, and drew him toward the window that the little light that penetrated into his cell might reveal his features. PEG. 7 Edmond has not en a nyone except the gallery and to meet someone who has the same objective as him which is to escape from their wretched prison cells excites him and it gives him hope. Chi. 14:† Now, my dear friend,† Farina continued, looking at Dante with an almost paternal expression, â€Å"you know as much as I do; if we ever escape together half of my treasure is yours; if I die here and you escape alone the whole of it belongs to you. † PEG. 90 Farina now trusts Edmond and has told him about the treasure he wishes to obtain when he gets out of prison which he needs Edmonds help.Chi. 1 5: There is no hope,† Farina replied, shaking his head. â€Å"Oh, yes, yes! † exclaimed Dante, â€Å"l tell you I shall save you! † PEG. 93 Farina knows his death is coming by the fatal third attack and he is accepting it. Edmond does not want the death of his friend who is to help him escape so he does not want to except that fact that there is nothing he can do. Chi. 16: He h ad eaten nothing since the previous evening, but he had not thought of his hunger in the mourning, neither did he think of it now.This quote shows that Edmond is very determined to carry out his escape plot that nothing is phasing him to even hunger. Chi. 17: They would have to find some neutral ground where an exchange could be made, and then endeavor to land the goods on the coast of France. PEG. 108 This is foreshadowing that Edmond is going to finally be able to step foot in the Isle of Monte Crisis and that he will be able to find hid treasure. Chi. 18: Edmond opened his eyes, complained of a sharp pain in his knee, a feeling of heaviness in his head, and unbearable pain in his back.PEG. III Edmond has hurt himself in order to be able to be alone on the island to retrieve his treasure. Chi. 19: After he had touched, fingered, ride his trembling hands in the gold and precious stones, Edmond rose and rushed through the caves like a man seized with a frenzy. PEG. 116 Edmond has fo und the treasure he has been longing for and he is now very exciting and can't wait for the ship to come back and get him. Chi. 20: He had quite expected to hear of his farthest death, but what had become of Mercedes? PEG. 19 This quote shows that Edmond has not completely lost his mind and that he is being rational about what has happened to his father and the women he wished to marry. Chi. 21 : â€Å"It is how I have said,† replied Cadaverous. But,† continued the priest, â€Å"was the unhappy old man so completely forsaken by everyone that he died such a death? † PEG. 122 This quote is questioning whether Edmonds father deserved such a death as starvation because the worst and vilest animals don't even get such a death. Chi. 22: The babe rose, and twice paced around the room, pressing his trembling hand to his parched throat. And you believe he that he died of .. .† â€Å"Of hunger, monsieur, pure starvation,† said Cadaverous. PEG. 126 This quote i s implying that Edmonds father was so grief stricken that he didn't want to eat and that he was sad that his son was gone. Chi. 23: â€Å"The passage was doubtless made with a view to escape? † â€Å"Exactly, but unfortunately for the prisoners, the babe was seized with an attack of epilepsy and died. † PEG. 136 This is foreshadowing that Edmonds new ID might be compromised because it is known that he has escaped. Chi. 4: â€Å"The Pharaoh is your last hope, then? † â€Å"Absolutely the last. † PEG. 142 This quote is showing how Morel life and honor is at stake because he is in a lot of debt and if the Pharaoh doesn't come back with the money he needs he is going to kill himself. Chi. 25: muff are saved! You are saved! She threw herself into his arms, at the same time holding out to him a red silk purse. PEG. 153 Morel has been saved by Sinbad the Sailor by giving Morel's daughter enough money to pay her dad's debt in a purse. This also has saved him from killing himself.Chi. 26: mirror itinerary is impossible, or to say the least very dangerous. † â€Å"Dangerous! Why? † â€Å"Because of the bandit, Lugging Vamp. † PEG. 158 This is foreshadowing that they are going to meet up with the vile bandit Lugging Vamp. Chi. 27: â€Å"Upon my word, I think our neighbor must be some stockbroker who has speculated on the falloff Spanish funds; or else some rinse traveling incognito. † PEG. 167 Albert and Franz are excited upon meeting the Count and they know nothing about him so they are trying to figure out what he does and who he is. Chi. 8: â€Å"If my unknown be as amiable as she is beautiful,† said Albert, â€Å"l shall stay at Rome for tallest six weeks. † PEG. 176 Albert has an admirer and she has sent him a letter for which he is to meet her and if she has beauty he will stay in Rome for however long it takes. Chi. 29: â€Å"What conditions have I forgotten, Count? † inquired the bandit w ith the air of a man who, having committed an error, is noxious to repair it. PEG. 187 The Count has befriended Lugging Vamp by capturing him while Lugging was trying to capture him and he let him go in return that Lugging doesn't capture any of the Counts friends.Chi. 30: Monte Crisis passed Albert a piece of paper. â€Å"Number thirty, Champs Ulysses,† read Mercers. The young men stared at one another. PEG. 206 They are amazed at the Count because where he lives is one of the most beautiful places throughout Paris. Chi. 31 : Monte Crisis was a worthy appreciator of all things Albert had collected here: old cabinets, Japanese porcelain, Oriental tuffs, Venetian glass, weapons of all countries of the world; everything was familiar to him, and he recognized at a glance their date and country of origin.PEG. 207 The Monte Crisis is amazing Albert by knowing about every piece that Albert has collect and the Count impresses him by his knowledge. Chi. 32: â€Å"In that case, here is the card of my master, Baron Danglers,† PEG. 214 This is foreshadowing how the Count is going to start his plot for revenge against Danglers. Chi. 33: â€Å"My dappled grey? † cried out Madame Danglers, rushing to the window. Miss those are mine indeed! Danglers was astounded. PEG. 222 The Count has bought Mme Dandlers' horses and he returns them to her to gain her trust.Chi. 34: Monte Crisis replied: â€Å"Hayden, we are in France, you know, so you are free! † PEG. 228 Now that the Count is in France his slave Hayden is free but she doesn't want to leave him because she loves him this is foreshadowing a love between them. Chi. 35: â€Å"The last words he spoke were: ‘Macmillan, it was Edmond Dante! PEG. 235 This is foreshadowing that Macmillan is going to find out the Counts true identity because he knows it was Edmond who saved his father.