Charles Dickens and the Victorian Era Essay

The writer Charles Dickens created some of the most memorable fictional stories and is generally regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian period. He managed to represent features that were characteristic of this period. A clear example of this is ‘The Signalman† which was written by the author in 1865 and was based on a signalman who worked with the steam trains. There are two aspects of this work that portray the Victorian period. One distinctive aspect is the use of the supernatural device and the other is the use of the prejudices which were typical from this time. One important aspect in the story that gives a picture of the Victorianism is the use of the supernatural device. As the Victorian era progressed, the supernatural interest began to grow; consequently the Gothic genre began to gain in popularity. During this period literature reflected this interest through the prevalence of ghosts, mysterious apparitions, and unexplainable sounds in the literary w orks. (Craig, 2012) Dickens attempts to capture the superstitious beliefs that predominated during the Victorian period, using the supernatural theme in the story. It is shown through the signalman who is convinced that he is haunted or that there is a â€Å"ghost†. Meanwhile the narrator believes that these premonitions are merely coincidences, and that there is not any spectre but the wind. To sum up, Dickens tries to explore altered states of mind by which he was fascinated in the last part of his life and which will lead to the development of the imminent modern psychology afterward. Another important aspect is the use of the â€Å"prejudices† in order to depict an important quality of the Victorian world. The story illustrates how the Victorian society was judged by class. In this case, the narrator is surprised that the signalman is an educated man that has a low rank job which would be suitable for a lower classed person. It is shown when the narrator affirms ‘[†¦]he had been well educated, and (I hoped I might say without offence) perhaps educated above that station†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢.(Dickens,1907, p.14 ). By analyzing this extract it can be inferred that Victorian society had their social classes clearly defined and  that each class had its own standards. Thus, an educated person was expected to belong to middle or upper class consequently that person was supposed to have a job appropriate to that class. All in all, indirectly, it could be said that the author is concerned about the prejudices and standards assumed to each social class. Nothing can detract from the fact that Charles Dickens was an outstanding writer who drew the attention of the reading public exploring social themes that took place during those times. Indirectly, the author illustrated the era he lived in, describing aspects such as the beliefs as well as the attitudes society had during the Victorian Era. On balance, there is not a shadow of doubt that Dickens challenges and is concerned on the popular Victorian beliefs that some people were more prone to vice than others. REFERENCES Craig, S. (2012). Ghosts of the Mind: The Supernatural and Madness in Victorian Gothic Literature. Retrieved from: http://aquila.usm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1098&context=honors_theses Dickens, C. (1907). The Signalman. Pickwick Papers. London. Everyman’s Library.

HR Dissertation †Iconicity and hubris

Abstract This paper outlines the importance of iconicity and hubris in the context of modern architecture. Significant applications of the phenomenon identified as Starchitects and their contribution to developing a new mode of architecture are presented in this study. The main objective of the study is to explore the failures of iconic buildings created by Starchitects, by focusing on various aspects including economical and political, social and ethical, and environmental and evolutionary. In order to meet these research objectives, the researcher uses non-empirical research method in the sense of collecting relevant information from secondary resources. The most important conclusion presented in the study is that iconic buildings are perceived as egocentric representations of the improperly constructed ambitions of Starchitects. Chapter 1: Introduction In the 21st century, global developers have demonstrated their strong willingness to use the potential of Starchitects in order to create monumental buildings. The boom of Starchitects in modernity can be explained with the rapid process of globalisation as well as economic progress and development (Marshall, 2000). Designs of such architects are usually perceived as iconic dominated by extensive visibility and unique characteristics that contribute to the appeal of these buildings. It has been argued that the use of Starchitects is an innovative way to expand tourism in different sites across the world. The design of prestige buildings around the world has been marked by the simple idea to make a difference in producing specific landmarks for cities (King, 1990). The motives for the establishment of particular landmarks adhere to the specificity of Starchitects who are a product of their sponsors and organisations, which actively seek to present continuous innovation in the architec tural field. Different examples of iconic buildings can be found globally, such as the Imperial War Museum North (2002) based in Greater Manchester, UK, and the Seattle Central Library (2004) based in Washington, US. Similar buildings have been highly criticised since the time of their construction. This implies the existence of controversies surrounding some of the most famous buildings around the world especially at modern times. Perceived as an attitude, modernity can coexist with traditional architectural patterns. Modernity is mainly concerned with transformation of the present and tries to ensure such an aspect in emblematic buildings. Modern architectural patterns as evident in the pieces created by Starchitects implement the latest in composite materials and composite structural technology (Marshall, 2000). Accordingly, the growth of the cities has generated the needs for the incorporation of all the elements that define a developing civilisation, allowing them to seek out identity in the infrastructural resources that are found within them and their capability to communicate with others and represent themselves in international entrepreneurial matters (Reutskaja and Nueno, 2009). While the development of the architectural landmarks creates the possibility of increasing the tourism attraction to the sites, expositions and events are necessary to highlight and showcase these developments thus creating a means of investment for the local authorities and foreign investors. The main aim of the study is to provide a relevant understanding of the aspects of iconicity and hubris as applied to the work of Starchitects. The following objectives have been outlined for the study: To outline the economic and political failures of iconic buildings; To discuss the impact of social and ethical failures of iconic buildings; To present environmental (urban & natural) failures of iconic buildings; To explore the relevance of evolutionary perspectives Chapter 1 is introduction and sets the context for the present study. Chapter 2 is the literature review providing adequate information relating to the explored topic in the thesis. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology used in the study. Chapter 4 consists of research findings, discussion and analysis of findings. Chapter 5 concludes the study and provides specific recommendations pertaining to the main research questions and objectives. Chapter 2: Literature Review Three important subject matter terms identified in this thesis are Starchitects, iconicity and hubris. A Starchitect is referred to as an architect who is quite famous as a result of the high-profile creations being presented by him or her to the public (Reutskaja and Nueno, 2009). Iconicity is a term relating to the specific characteristics of an icon or something emblematic in the context of architecture (Glendinning, 2012). Hubris indicates a high level of self-assurance and thus is identified as extensive pride or self-confidence. In a book by Glendinning (2012), the focus is on the pitfalls of global modernism demonstrated in the creation of various architectural buildings globally. The main argument introduced by the researcher is that architecture has been apparently spectacularised, which has led to alienated architectural pieces and individuals. It has been indicated that the so-called iconic buildings have insignificant social and historical integrity, implying that the aspect of iconicity has been replaced by triviality that shows inappropriate identified architectural objectives (Jacobs, 1961). The type of iconic buildings created by famous Starchitects has expanded criticism in recent years, as outlined by Glendinning (2012). These buildings have been presented as competing for attention on the skyline and in the mass media. Similarly, Sudjic (2005) indicates doubts in the authenticity and properly intended purpose of iconic buildings. Moreover, researchers have considered iconicity as a distinct type of architectural tourism, which reflects in buildings intended for urban travel destinations (Specht, 2014). Kent (2010) implies that architecture’s status has been changed from iconic to extraordinary in the process of exploring architectural buildings’ effect on a sense of place. Such a sense has been explored by Rybczynski (2008) with a focus on the Bilbao effect or the Bilbao anomaly representing a costly iconic failure. The Bilbao effect, as shown in an article by Martin (2013), creates controversies and thus the researcher presents a warning about the perceived negative impact of Starchitects’ iconic buildings on local cities and states. Iconic architecture has been identified as a substantial failure, as argued in an article by Romaniuk (2010). The author of the research has presented convincing arguments relating to the manipulation of the mass media trying to create a desirable vision of iconic architecture. Such manipulation is evident in emotionally charged architectural projects including the Freedom Tower for Ground Zero (Romaniuk, 2010). It has been argued that the decline of belief and the extensive growth of pluralism have led to the emergence of iconic buildings that are unable to fulfil the objectives of authentic iconography (Reutskaja and Nueno, 2009). In addition, the legitimacy of identifying particular buildings as iconic can be judged with time, disregarding the mass media’s projected implications of successful architectural buildings solely based on sociological and financial profitability. Based on the major studies presented in the literature review, it can be concluded that buildings shou ld be constantly assessed in terms of the values with which they are associated. Chapter 3: Research Methodology The type of research methodology used in this study is non-empirical research design, which is suitable to explore the relationship between iconicity and hubris. Arguments are based on evidence and credible opinion provided in secondary resources (Yanow and Schwartz-Shea, 2006). The major aspect relating to non-empirical research is the focus on data previously gathered by researchers in the field of architecture rather than gathering a new set of data. This research framework is often associated with the purposes of humanities and natural philosophy. One of the most important elements of this type of research methodology, as applied in the present study, is review of existing literature as the focus is to provide sufficient arguments in order to accomplish the previously stated research objectives (MacNealy, 1998). The systematic review of existing literature on the subject implies not only prior knowledge and adequate research skills but also ability to use a distinct form of meta- analysis in an attempt to reach conclusions which are important for the study. It has been noted that non-empirical research analysis suggests a significant amount of varying interpretations of the information obtained from secondary resources. A strong sense of intellectual inquiry is essential in this type of research because the process of acquiring knowledge is accomplished through valid critical and analytical interpretations of the research material (MacNealy, 1998). In fact, it is important to emphasise on the reinterpretation of consolidated information on the issues of iconicity and hubris within the new framework presented in this study. Thus, critical reflection is part of non-empirical research analysis, which is demonstrated in the present research. There is a solid focus on propositions for theory relating to the iconic dimensions of modern buildings across the world (Yanow and Schwartz-Shea, 2006). The development of a particular approach to the present study is a well-structured process that starts with the identification of a focal issue, in pa rticular the exploration of iconicity and hubris including their impact on the perception of emblematic buildings created by Starchitects. Once the first step outlined in the research approach is completed, it is important to move into a direction of identifying key forces contributing to a better interpretation of the research problem. The researcher is expected to postulate such driving forces as well as to present the factors that have been considered the most significant for the completion of the research (Deleeuw et al., 2010). In addition, it is anticipated that systemic logic should be used to present critically the major arguments obtained from secondary resources. The final step of the presented research approach is to submit the entire research to critical consideration (Yanow and Schwartz-Shea, 2006). It can be concluded that the acquisition of non-empirical knowledge can facilitate the process of obtaining relevant information, which would further expand the research to a new stage in the sense of providing an adequate answer and explanation to the research question. Chapter 4: Research Findings & Discussion and Analysis of Findings The main research findings obtained from the critical evaluation of secondary resources are grouped in different subsections of this chapter in order to focus on emerging aspects relating to iconicity and hubris in a more direct manner.Economical and Political Instances/ Cases of FailureA significant research finding demonstrated in this study is that of the impact of creating iconic buildings on the economy. Specific cases indicating hubris refer to Calatrava and Valencia, as Valencia has been recognised as a city of arts and sciences. Starchitects’ sense of hubris is evident in these cases and comes to show that architecture has entered a new mode of development. Although praised by some and rejected by others, the emblematic buildings created by Starchitects imply a substantial amount of efforts invested in presenting the philosophy of iconicity in architecture (Glendinning, 2012). According to Martin (2013), the opening of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao serves as a releva nt example of how iconicity has been used as a substantial indicator to measure the direct impact on the economy. It can be suggested that the creation of iconic buildings around the world, such as in locations in Saudi Arabia, Australia, Albania and Brazil, has raised the question of the perceived economic effect of similar activities (Reutskaja and Nueno, 2009). The dimension of commercialisation cannot be disregarded, as the sole motivating factor behind the so-called iconicity and hubris can be found in the idea of generating substantial profits from architectural tourism, which is dominated by emblematic building. Another essential aspect can be also indicated in terms of considering Starchitects’ intention to fill vast spaces, but this tends to create a negative effect among some individuals. According to researchers, the hostage of international mega events is one of the most powerful tools that a city can use for show-casting of resources and development, as well as the development of architectural identities that have come to be defined within the industry as ‘destination images’ (Reutskaja and Nueno, 2009). In this context, specific contemporary events have come to be synonymous with commercial rivalry between cities as well as the transnational environment, as different regions struggle to attract more investors and consumer spending. In light of this, with the increase in pressure for the cities to expand their entrepreneurial stance as they aim at increasing their attraction to mobile capital, the cities have to make considerations on their investments. It would be less economical for them to carry out development if they are not going to realise monetary gain after the renovations. Strong competition is existent within most of today’s cities-th e competition being amongst the city investors themselves as well with other cities that may wish to host different events and expositions that are aimed at increasing the economic wellbeing of the region. For this reason, the completion of iconic buildings by Starchitects has increased from the regional and local scenes, stemming into international and global scales and requiring the integration of the political, social and infrastructural frontiers (Glendinning, 2012). Accordingly, the growth of the cities has generated the needs for the incorporation of all the elements that define a developing civilisation, allowing them to seek out identity in the infrastructural resources that are found within them and their capability to communicate with others and represent themselves in international entrepreneurial matters (Martin, 2013). While the development of the architectural landmarks creates the possibility of increasing the tourism attraction to the sites, expositions and events ar e necessary to highlight and showcase these developments thus creating a means of investment for the local authorities and foreign investors. For the most part, the mere presence of a beautiful square or a religious monument within a city cannot be enough for the modern city. In order to gain recognition as a modern city of the 21st century, a large portfolio of architectural development projects is necessary so increase the output, aesthetics and general appeal of the city to the outside world, as it is illustrated in the case of iconic buildings (Glendinning, 2012). The portfolio includes various strategies that are used by the local development councils in increasing the architectural resources found within the premises as well as the input by multinational organisations within this development in lieu of the rules that are used by Starchitects. As growth is experienced in today’s cities, individuals can witness how similar design implementations are used in different cities, with transformations of the existent architectures aiding in the provision of superiority and identity (Marshall, 2000). The last two decad es have seen the rise of the ‘megacity’ phenomenon, with small scale and often ‘off the grid’ cities being uplifted to city stardom through the regeneration of existent architectures and the inclusion of socio-cultural events around the creation of these resources. As global cities develop, cultural and communal events have been moved to these venues creating a sense of appreciation for their existence and a need for their improvement. Another finding that emerged from the research is that iconic buildings are perceived as a powerful tool to redefine the economical and political image of cities and countries in which they are constructed (Reutskaja and Nueno, 2009). The economic impact of these buildings has been extensively considered in order to present adequate conclusions about the state of regional economies. It cannot be denied that the presence of many iconic buildings in different locations across the world has improved the economic well-being of residents. Based on the results obtained from conducting non-empirical research, it can be argued that there are both cases of economical and political successes and failures associated with the construction of iconic buildings. This finding is confirmed in a research by Reutskaja and Nueno (2009) who provide evidence of the positive impact on employment in the region due to the emergence of iconic buildings and the essential element of hubris attached to them. The construction of such buildings is directly linked with the creation of a substantial number of jobs in different countries as well as greater contribution to the local government budgets in terms of taxes and duties. Another positive economic impact is related to additional employment in manufacturing processes for organisations that are responsible for the construction of iconic buildings. However, the negative economic effects of the erection of emblematic buildings should not be ignored (Rybczynski, 2008). For instance, a significant economic drawback is associated with the higher fees that are usually charged by Starchitects, indicating their egocentric factors of motivation used in the construction of similar buildings. A consideration of the challenges of cost estimations and over-budgeting should be considered in order to determine the precise economical and political impact of iconic buildings.Social & Ethical Instances/ Cases of FailureThe representation of iconic building s has been also linked with specific social and ethical implications. There are extensive examples that indicate hubris of the involved Starchitects. These are Zaha Hadid’s Qatar Stadium and Patrik Schumacher’s rant at 2014 architecture biennale. It appears that the mentioned buildings carry out the ‘pride’ of their creators in terms of involved efforts to make a lasting impression on the public. Moreover, it has been discovered that the aspect of public alienation is among the main factors contributing to the increasing social and ethical instances of failed iconic buildings. Starchitects have been identified as losing their appeal because they have consistently adhered to the philosophy of constructing architectural buildings of excess (Glendinning, 2012). As a result, it frequently appears that architectural design of certain buildings around the world is dominated by excessive elements, which create an irrelevant perception among people. The present st udy also indicated that architecture is in a new era of development in the sense of focussing on the possibilities that technology has to offer. Yet, this raises the question whether such modern architecture succeeds in serving the needs of humanity (Kent, 2010). The answer to this question is complex considering the multiple effects created by the specific line or mode of architecture followed by Starchitects. However, it can be stated that architecture apparently emerges as an art that cannot be avoided by any means. An ethical instance of failed iconic buildings is related to the morality and controversy of such pieces of modern architecture. For example, Patrik Schumacher was accused of being motivated by an aspect identified as ‘misguided political correctness’. It has been argued that architects should try their best not to confuse architecture and art. A relevant finding revealed in this context is that architecture is actually found in charge of the specific form of the built environment (Glendinning, 2012). It is important to emphasise that one of the major duties of architects in contemporary society is to deliver a strong aspect of social justice. However, it should be indicated that Starchitects’ works have raised a series of ethical and moral concerns (Martin, 2013). In Qatar, migrant workers died at a stadium which is currently under construction, as this intensifies social anxiety and fear relating to the purpose and means utilised by Starchitects in their egocent ric representations found in modern buildings. It has been claimed that architects are not responsible for the death of these migrant workers, but the question of the moral and ethical parameters of such iconic buildings still remains persistent in the minds of individuals.Environmental and Evolutionary Instances/ Cases of Failure & Evolutionary PerspectivesThe issue of discussing Starchitects’ hubris reflects in numerous examples, such as Lloyds building and Calatrava & Valencia. The main aspect that was revealed in the study from an environmental perspective is that of the creation of defective masterpieces of architecture. It can be argued that such architectural creations have been resulted of the over-ambition of Starchitects (Glendinning, 2012). The example of Lloyd’s of London as anticipating leaving its iconic headquarters clearly illustrates the assumption of environmental failure. In fact, it has been indicated that the major problem with this building is its exposure to the elements making it an extremely costly structure (Martin, 2013). Cases of failure like this one point out that the technological advances of modern architecture have outpaced the simple ability of Starchitects to adeptly utilise them. The failure of emblematic buildings to meet strict functional requirements is indicative of their inappropriate environmental impact. Another example of a failed iconic building, as seen through the environmental lens, is seen at Calatrava’s City of Arts and Sciences complex in Valencia. Only eight years after the completion of this project, certain parts of the construction started falling off. Such an instance of architectural failure confirms major findings outlined in the literature review section regarding the failures of contemporary iconic buildings (Reutskaja and Nueno, 2009; Romaniuk, 2010). The research findings indicated that both architects and developers are extensively focussed on erecting icons, but the results frequently turn out in a negative direction. The ambitions of Starchitects seemed to have contributed to the emergence of inappropriately maintained pieces of architecture in modernity (Romaniuk, 2010). In this sense, it can be argued that the architectural fabric is completely disregarded by Starchitects. Yet, a main problem created with iconic buildings is that they often produce one-lined response, which has become rather problematic for the entire functioning of the cities where these buildings are situated. Assessing the environmental impact of iconic buildings is a complex process relating to the interrelations of factors such as place, function and history (Rybczynski, 2008). Based on the research findings outlined in this study, it is important to state that iconic buildings have completely changed their status in the sense that people more and more start abandoning the idea of iconicity attached to similar pieces of modern architecture. The negative environmental impact of emblematic buildings cannot be ignored in the discussion of the ambitions of Starchitects and how those ambitions reflect in the buildings constructed by them. Changing the status of Starchitects’ buildings from iconic to extraordinary one is indicative of the way the public has altered its perceptions regarding the contributions of modern-day architects. Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations This paper explored the implications of iconicity and hubris relating to architectural pieces created by Starchitects. Numerous aspects associated with this issue have been thoroughly investigated to include different perspectives and instances of hubris, such as economical and political instances of failure, social and ethical instances as well as environmental instances of how the concept of iconicity in modern architecture has been unsuccessful. It has been concluded that these architectural creations are merely economically and socially disruptive egocentric representations of the irrelevant ambitions manifested by Starchitects. The study illustrated how these emblematic constructions built by Starchitects have presented main failures with long-term social and ethical implications (Glendinning, 2012). As a result, it was demonstrated that the creations of Starchitects cannot be perceived anymore as iconic, as the aspect of iconicity has been simply replaced by so-called extraordi nary dimensions of perceiving similar buildings (Martin, 2013). The research method used in this study referred to the framework of non-empirical research analysis, which has been found suitable to meet the study’s main aim and objectives. This type of method allowed for greater flexibility in exploring specific concepts related to the impact of iconicity and hubris on the development of modern architecture (Sudjic, 2005). Moreover, the study identified that architecture has entered into a new stage of development with both positive and negative aspects that should be discussed thoroughly to understand the specific impact of Starchitects’ ambitions (Glendinning, 2012). However, certain limitations can be identified for the present study. The major limitation refers to the use of non-empirical research method. Instead, the researcher could have utilised empirical research method that could have contributed to achieving greater credibility and reliability of research findings (MacNealy, 1998). Another limitation relates to the specific literature that has been selected for obtaining results. Broader literature could have been used to cover the main arguments illustrated in the study (Yanow and Schwartz-Shea, 2010). In terms of recommendations, it is essential to note that the explored subject is quite complex and thus requires the implementation of multiple perspectives to understanding the wide array of impacts relating to the architectural works of Starchitects. Thus, it is recommended to conduct an in-depth primary research involving modern architects from different countries, as they can provide insightful suggestions regarding the development of a modern era in architecture (Glendinning, 2012). This recommendation also indicates a solid focus on including suggestions for future research in the field in order to bring the topic of iconicity and hubris of architectural buildings to new horizons of research exploration (Martin, 2013). A potential subject that may be investigated in a future research refers to people’s opinion on the impact of iconic buildings for the long-term development of their cities. References Deleeuw, J., Meijer, E. and Goldstein, H., eds. (2010). Handbook of Multilevel Analysis. Santa Monica, CA: Springer. Glendinning, M. (2012). Architecture’s Evil EmpireThe Triumph and Tragedy of Global Modernism. London: Reaktion Books. Jacobs, J. (1961). The Death and Life of Great American Cities. New York: Random House. Kent, F. (2010). Toward an Architecture of Place: Moving beyond Iconic to Extraordinary. Project for Public Spaces [online]. Available at: http://www.pps.org/reference/toward-an-architecture-of-place-moving-beyond-iconic-to-extraordinary/ [Accessed on: 18 Oct. 2014]. King, A. D. (1990). ‘Architecture, Capital and the Globalization of Culture’. Theory, Culture and Society, vol. 7, pp. 397-411. MacNealy, M. S. (1998). Strategies for Empirical Research in Writing. London: Longman. Marshall, R. (2000). Emerging Urbanity: Global Urban Projects in the Asia Pacific Rim. London: Spon Press. Martin, J. (2013). The Bilbao Effect: If You Build It, Will They ComeThe Economist [online]. Available at: http://www.economist.com/node/21591708/comments [Accessed on: 18 Oct. 2014]. Reutskaja, E. and Nueno, J. L. (2009). ‘Starchitects, Emblematic Buildings and Their Effects on Urban Economics’. IESE Business School, University of Navarra, pp. 1-20. Romaniuk, O. (2010). Failure of Iconic Architecture. Living Space [online]. Available at: http://www.livingspace360.com/index.php/failure-of-iconic-architecture-12484/ [Accessed on: 18 Oct. 2014]. Rybczynski, W. (2008). When Buildings Try Too Hard. The Wall Street Journal [online]. Available at: http://online.wsj.com/articles/SB122731149503149341 [Accessed on: 18 Oct. 2014]. Specht, J. (2014). Architectural Tourism: Building for Urban Travel Destinations. Wiesbaden: Gabler. Sudjic, D. (2005). Can We Still Believe in Iconic BuildingsProspect Magazine [online]. Available at: http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ [Accessed on: 18 Oct. 2014]. Yanow, D. and Schwartz-Shea, P., eds. (2006). Interpretation and Method: Empirical Research Methods and the Interpretive Turn. New York: M. E. Sharpe.

An Analysis of H.G. Wells The Invisible Man Invisible Man Essays

"The stranger came early in February, one wintry day, through a biting wind and a driving snow. He was wrapped from head to foot, and the brim of his soft felt hat hid every inch of his face but the shiny tip of his nose. He staggered into the Coach and Horses (an Inn in Ipling), more dead than alive"(p.11) The stranger was the invisible man. The Invisible Man was written by H.G. Wells, and published in 1964. The invisible man is a dynamic character who was changed by society. He seemed to start out as a quiet man who didn't like to be disturbed. Things that some of the people did made him angry to the point that at the end he was killing people for no apparent reason. In the beginning I wanted the people to leave the Invisible Man alone, but by the end he needed to be killed. Before he made himself invisible, he was an albino. His name was Griffen, and he was living in a rented place, where he would conduct his experiments. He kept getting pissed off at his landlord, who was constantly bothering Griffen. With the landlord always around, Griffen was always afraid that someone would figure out how he was making things transparent. He thought that becoming invisible was a utopian idea, and he didn't want someone stealing his idea. Griffen was so stuck on his invention that he didn't take the time to think the whole thing out. He comes across as a nervous character at this point in the story. The landlord made him very angry and he decided to run the experiment on himself. Once he was invisible, he destroyed his machine, and because he was so angry he burned the house down. As he walked the streets he was leaving muddy footprints. Some boys saw the footprints and the ghostly feet that made them. Immediately, the boys drew a crowd and started chasing the feet. This made him cautious, and he realized that it wasn't going to be easy to stay invisible. He needed clothes and shelter, so he went to a department store where he thought he could steal clothes after they closed. He needed to be visible to get his money and his books. His plan didn't work so well and he had to leave with nothing. He finally got some clothes by knocking out the owner of a costume shop and stealing what he needed.

Ethics Panel for Post-Graduates Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ethics Panel for Post-Graduates - Essay Example ict between the patients experience and nurses assessment of the pain will be used to help formulate a better framework for pain assessment in patients. (For example, outline of research methodology, what information/data collection strategies will you use, where will you recruit participants and what approach you intend to take to the analysis of information / data generated) Due to the subjectivity of pain experience a qualitative method will be used for this study, which seeks to provide a perception of how or why things are as they are. It means that the gathered primary research information will have come from different sources of personal and professional experiences. Data will be collected through a one on one semi-structured interview of nurses and patients. This is only fitting considering that Hancock (1998) relates that data collection in a qualitative research involves direct encounters with individuals through one to one interviews. In-depth interview allows intensive exploration of a topic with someone who has had related experiences. Open-ended questions will be used during the interview. This is in contrast with close-ended questions which may limit further exploration of the participants’ experiences. Typically the recommended sample for grounded theory is about 20 to 30 participants (Polit & Beck, 2006). Determining the sample size depends on the quality and richness of the data. This research will aim to involve 20 nurses and 20 patients. Once ethical approval is gained, the researcher will send a formal letter to the hospital administration in Kuwait and to the surgical unit supervisor or manager requesting permission to recruit patients and staff from the hospital. Once the approval is attained, the researcher will then proceed to place a notice in the surgical ward which will invite volunteers from among surgical nurses and patients who are willing to take part in the research or those who are readily available to become participants of

Critically discuss the importance, applicability and effectiveness of Essay

Critically discuss the importance, applicability and effectiveness of nurse leaders' use of the five major conflict resolution - Essay Example In contemporary healthcare settings, nurse leaders refer to every registered nurse including normal registered nurse, nurse supervisor, nurse unit manager, clinical nurse specialist, clinical nurse educator and director of nursing (Stanley, 2006). Nursing leadership involves the ability to build a vision that guides health career workers toward attaining the vision while maintaining collaboration, commitment and effectiveness in delivering excellent patient care (Bally, 2007). Once leaders understand the several approaches and reactions to conflict, helps them in being able to handle and deal with conflict better as it arises. Several experts identified ways in which people respond to conflict one of which is tool that identifies 5 ways people respond to conflict determined the need to maintain or improve relationship with others. Nursing profession bases on collaborative relations with colleagues and patients, which necessitates working closely with other people with various backgro unds and cultures. Diversity in individuals within the profession can potentially affect their relations resulting in conflict; however, good communication from nurse managers with conflict resolution skills significantly reduces risks of conflict. Management of conflict is essential for effective functioning of organizations; however, constructive and creative conflict management is a challenge and goal for professionals interested in assisting others and organizations. There is no single way to manage conflict; hence, it remains the responsibility of the individual and the group to be conscious of the problem in order to select the most appropriate strategies depending on the context within which the conflict emerged in managing it. Compromise is one of the main options described by various experts as a viable alternative to conflict situations, which means that everyone gets something out of a situation; hence, everyone gives up something and loses something. Compromise results f rom moderate concern for an individual as well as others and involves intermediate levels of assertion and cooperation (Al-Hamdan, 2009; Pavlakis et al, 2011). The approach aims at quick and mutually agreeable decisions that partially satisfy the concerned parties; therefore, compromise emerges when negotiation and interchange occurs, with each individual gaining something and giving up something in the process (Al?Hamdan, Shukri& Anthony, 2011). For example, this approach can be used when a nurse within a unit decides to leave early one day as a result of a personal matter. Therefore, the nurse manager can schedule for another nurse working night shift to arrive early and relieve the daytime nurse, this would result from a consideration that the daytime nurse would arrive early the following day and relieve the night shift nurse. Although compromise involves bargaining that often results in less-than-ideal solutions, the tactic remains useful in attaining temporary settlement for c omplex issue and also offers a quick fix when time is crucial. As well, the approach is useful in issues that are mild or of moderate importance; for instance, it is not necessary to compromise the issue of patient safety. Compromising is crucial in instances where goals are important and not worth major disruption and as a backup in case collaboration and

The Ways in Which Strategy Implementation Can Be Achieved Assignment - 2

The Ways in Which Strategy Implementation Can Be Achieved - Assignment Example This research will begin with the statement that strategic planning for the medium and long-term objectives of a company is a key way to achieve the overall goals of an organization. Medium term strategies aim to provide long-term solutions to the problems of an organization, while long-term strategies aim to provide permanent solutions to the problems. There are five types of market entry strategies that can be used by organizations namely organic growth, mergers or acquisitions, franchising, licensing and strategic alliances. Acquisitions are likely to occur when an organization wants to increase its market share in any new market. Mergers are more likely to occur when companies have comparable financial capital and resources. Franchising is more likely to occur when a particular organization wants to create a positive brand image in the minds of the consumers by providing them with the products and services of the company. Licensing is more likely to occur when an organization wan ts to enter a country in a quick manner to deal with legal issues relating to trade barriers. Organic entry is a form of entry where the profits from the existing business are used to channel growth into new activities. Substantive growth strategies are related to vertical and horizontal integration. Vertical integration is related to increasing the ownership of the value chain to take better control over marketing operations. Horizontal integration is, on the other hand, related to the collaboration between two similar companies which belongs to the same stage of production. This type of an arrangement helps in closing down of less efficient units by taking advantage of economies of scale.The limited growth strategy has four major components namely market penetration, product development, market development, and innovation.

Allegories as intented in the morality plays Essay

Allegories as intented in the morality plays - Essay Example For others, the term goes much deeper, to include characters, props, space and even time. Confronted with many perspectives, it is important, as a starting point, to pose one guiding definition of what this paper means by the notion of allegory. According to the Columbia Encyclopedia, an allegory serves as a â€Å"disguised representation for meanings other than those indicated on the surface.† The allegory is indeed a figure of speech by which meaning can be produced and, as it has to be sought beyond the actual appearance of things, it requires, according to its level of subtleties, an active mental involvement on the part of its pursuer. On a first surface level, the allegory is concerned with a narrative and the forms assumed by this latter. Independently of the type of narrative involved in the story, may it be prose, verse, drama or simply oral speech, the commonest type of allegory pertains to the storyline. The author narrates his/her events in a certain fashion and he/she orders them according to his/her inclinations. The careful selection of words or a deliberate misuse of them taints the story with a certain atmosphere. Identifiable themes emerge according to sections or passages, and these emerging themes are often played out and interwoven among themselves. They offer a plus-value to a narrative plot for they grant it with alternative meanings and interpretations. Not only is the narrative embellished by this process, but most importantly it acquires new significance and depth. By this rhetorical means, a drama may well contain traits belonging to a slapstick comedy or vice-versa a jolly light-hearted come dy may indeed reveal itself to be tragic and dreadful. As mentioned above, the delimitations of themes as well as their intrinsic refinements are seldom made explicit and often call for the reader’s own expertise and undeniably his/her willingness in finding

Primary education- reflective practioner Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Primary education- reflective practioner - Essay Example First of all the identification of the problem or of the bottle neck at work is one step towards solving it. When a teacher cannot see the problem he must ask the senior colleague for an advice. There are several ways to identify the problems: to analyze the situation and come to the conclusion by yourself, to have some work with literature and get from there the problem identification or to ask a more experienced colleague. I believe that Action Research involves people who want to improve their skills and strategies. Every problem contributes greatly to the personal and professional development of a teacher. It brings not only additional experience but also the feeling of satisfaction when the problem is successfully resolved. According to your report researches place great importance to the literature analysis on the early stages of Action Research. Teachers do benefit from the theoretical preparation for the problem solving. It is always useful to see the thoughts of other specialist, to read scientific material or to find the same situations as you face. Action research is not the process of how to solve a concrete problem but how to make things better in your professional sphere. That is why it is important to interpret the data properly – to make some conclusions out of it. For example, a teacher faces the problem of poor parents’ interest in the studying process of their children. A teacher realizes that motivation at home plays the leading role for pupils. In order to encourage parents to be more attentive it is possible to have the parent’s meeting every week or to visit them at home reminding not to forget to check the home task of their children. Action research really brings the positive changes to the educational process. The main thing, as for me, is to feel that teaching is your cup of tea and

Kudler Fine Foods Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Kudler Fine Foods - Research Paper Example This provides opportunity for the company to concentrate on the segments and provide the products and services which were not adequately provided. Marketing research will also give the company a vision to identify the groups in need of their products and services. These demographic groups can be recognized by age, gender and locations, which will have made it easy for the serving company to provide their services and products (Pride and Ferrell 2012). Another important factor, which is the main reason of running a business, is the increase in profits from the sales of products and services. Marketing research will increase the profits of the company since the company will find a way of increasing profit margins by either producing certain products or selling the products to different demographic segmentations. Furthermore, it will provide the company with a vision on what are the impacts of increase in the prices of the different products and services. Marketing research will make a company sell more of its products and services, since the company will identify which place needs certain products and services, the likes and the dislike of the customers and the change in consumer patterns (Pride and Ferrell 2012). ... Question 2 From an analysis on the current research conducted, it is evident that Kudler Fine Foods should also conduct research on the packaging of their products, which will be done by the organization to make the products more presentable to the consumers. An organization can do this by looking for the best and low cost ways of packaging the produce (Kotler et al, 2008). The store can also conduct a motivational research, which can be done by knowing or finding the reasons behind the buying of certain products by the consumers and what prompts them to buy or ignore other products. Kudler Fine Foods should also conduct research on the foreign markets if it is to provide some of its products to international markets (Kerin, Hartley and Rudelius, 2012). They can do so by knowing what the needs in the internationals are, and markets in which competition is already operating in order for it not find a way of venturing into the international market. The company could also conduct an ext ensive research on product brand names and the ways it could affect the consumers and the competitors. Additionally, the company can conduct research on related products for them to ascertain the relationships between these products and the products currently offered (Kotler et al, 2008). This should be supplemented by conducting market research on competing companies, which will provide them with decisions on what to use on their marketing plans. Kudler Fine Foods can also conduct market research about the distribution channels of different products, which will give them a greater chance to discover the best distribution channel for the products and in turns beat the competitors’ ways of distributing its

CRIME PREVENTION IN AMERICA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

CRIME PREVENTION IN AMERICA - Essay Example The rate of daily crimes shows that a person living in America cannot sure if he will live the next moment. â€Å"In America, the crime clock continues to click: one murder every 22 minutes, one rape every 5 minutes, one robbery every 49 seconds, and one burglary every 10 seconds.† (Anderson, 2009). The gravity of the situation has forced the government to make maximum efforts in the direction of controlling crimes of all kinds in the country. Various crime prevention programs are undertaken at federal, state and local levels. There are programs aiming every section of the people, implemented at each of these levels depending upon their importance and seriousness. It is found that many of these crimes involve teenagers or generally the youth. Juvenile crimes are a nightmare to the Americans. School violence and under-age drinking lead to fights and murders, suicides, rapes, gun violence and so on. It is found that under-age binge drinking is more among teenagers below the age of 21 than adults. Drug abuse is another major issue regarding the youth in America. Students are frequently seen carrying guns to schools. A major reason for this situation is the extreme exposure to television, computer games and internet. It was found that girls did more crimes than boys. To add on to i t, juvenile justice system showed no mercy to these children. In 1970s the statistics of juvenile crimes rose terribly, making it very important for the government to control juvenile crimes and giving better juvenile justice to them, in order to reduce the crimes in America. For this purpose, the federal government introduced a new act, called the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act in the year 1974. The major aims were to prevent juvenile wrongdoings, improve the juvenile justice system in order to protect them. This act was reauthorized in 2008, to be called the ‘Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization

Role of modern technology Essay Example for Free

Role of modern technology Essay Modern technology plays an important role in our daily lives, it is the means of communication and entertainment. Computers, televisions and smartphones has influenced our lives in different ways, nowadays everyone carries a smartphone with access to the Internet. Imagine going a whole day without your cell phone. Would you be able to function right? The advancement of many new sciences has made our lives easier and more convenient. As our technology improves, so does our quality of life. For instance new health machines have significantly increased the average life span for humans as well as household pets. There are apps and machines that people can use at home: small devices that you can plug into your computer and it will give you an overview of your body; heart rate, blood pressure, Now people can just stay at home and not visit the doctor. Today, technology influences our every move. We have Facebook, twitter, E-mail, whatsapp, line and many other social apps that enable us to stay connected with our distanced friends and families in affordable costs. It has cut down costs of travelling, online shopping is now high on rage there is huge variety of products; it saves time, and products tend to be less expensive online. Moreover this is good for the people having no time to shop for themselves. Also now people use computers for the advancement of their knowledge, books are no longer the main way to improve the understanding of a specific matter. Even though it is said that modern machines causes a lot of pollution that is abusing the environment, mechanics have invented machines that has benefited the environment in various ways, for instance the technologies like oil skimmers help make environment cleanup more effectively, also the hybrid technology, it is fuel efficient and creates fewer carbon dioxide emissions than many petrol powered cars. The hybrid technology is renowned for reliability and durability, which can result in low maintenance costs. In conclusion I think rapid advancement of technology has made a great impact on peoples life-styles, the way people communicate now has significantly  changed, the modern health machines have saved many lives and the environmental issues have been considered and so now machines are being invented which helps reduce the co2 emissions. Looking at the positive side, overall it has made society even better and there is no limit to the development of the technology.

Macbeth English CW Essay Example for Free

Macbeth English CW Essay Malcolm calls Macbeth and Lady Macbeth this dead butcher and his fiend like queen, (Act 5, Scene 9, Line 36). Do you think that Lady Macbeth has any redeeming qualities? In this essay I will try to show that Lady Macbeth, although she is evil, does have some redeeming qualities. I think that Lady Macbeth does have redeeming qualities and that she shows these at different points throughout the play. I think that we can see Lady Macbeth as a different person because we see what happens at points when Malcolm doesnt. We know that Lady Macbeth was not responsible for the killing of Banquo and The thane of Fifes wife and children. However, there is ambiguity over the question of whether Lady Macbeth is a witch or not. In these times a witch could have been identified by her ability to predict the future, fly, sail in sieves, bring on night in daytime and their damned spot. This is a supposed red mark on a witchs body from where the devil has supposedly sucked blood. In act 1, scene 5 she says: Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here And fill me from the crown to the toe topfull Of direst cruelty This suggests that she wants evil spirits to take over to allow her to do what needs to happen. This makes us think that she may be a witch. In Elizabethan times people were quite scared of witches and King James, the king at the time, was especially fascinated by witches. In act 1, scene 5 Lady Macbeth seems very pleased to receive Macbeths letter but we see her say that she doesnt think that Macbeth will be brave enough to murder Duncan for the crown. We also see that she is ambitious and ruthless when she says: And chastise with the valour of my tongue All that impedes thee from the golden round, But she appears to be ambitious for her husband and not for herself. I think that this is a redeeming quality as she just wants to help her husband, as she doesnt think he will go through with it because he is not tough enough. This seems fiend like as to suggest to kill a king is awful, made even worse by the fact that he will be sleeping and unarmed. A soldier would only consider killing and armed man, in battle morally right but to kill a guest is morally wrong. This is also regicide, and Shakespeare was taking a big risk putting such a controversial thing into one of his plays. I think that Lady Macbeth might horrify the audience with her language here especially when she says: Which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem To have thee crowned withal. I think that the audience would have been particularly shocked with the words metaphysical aid as these are supernatural forces. I think that the audience would have been shocked further when Lady Macbeth says: Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here And fill me from the crown to the toe topfull Of direst cruelty Here Lady Macbeth calls to the evil spirits and asks them to full her with cruelty. This would have suggested that she either was a witch or wanted to become a witch. For the audience at this time this would have been horrifying. The words that Shakespeare uses suggest that Lady Macbeths head is full of thoughts of becoming queen, especially when she says, crown. Also the alliteration in the phrase, to the toe topfull, stresses the t sounds and stresses the syllables of topfull. Then Shakespeare uses soft s sounds, which sound like hissing, suggest Lady Macbeths association with evil. The association with evil comes from the story of Adam and Eve. In the Bible Adam and Eve are tempted by a snake to take an apple from the tree. This snake was in fact the devil and this therefore associates a snake (or hissing sounds) with the devil and evil. I dont think that Macbeths and Lady Macbeths relationship is conventional for the time as she seems to have a more male role. She seems stronger than Macbeth and in a way seems to have a power over him. She hasnt even spoken to him yet and she has already decided what the plan of action is going to be in order for him to become king. In Act 1, Scene 6, we see Lady Macbeth welcoming Duncan to her house. In this scene she plays the role of the hostess and seems to be extremely evil in this scene. We have just seen her telling Macbeth about the plan to kill Duncan and now she is being really nice to Duncan. This will cause the audience to dislike her as we can see that she is obviously not a very nice person. This shows her as being really two faced and insincere towards Duncan. She is being, as she tells Macbeth to be later on, the innocent flower but the serpent underneath. In Act 1, Scene 7, we see Macbeth talking to himself and saying that he has no motives or good reasons to kill Duncan. But then Lady Macbeth comes in and uses blackmail and she taunts him to get him to go through with this, and to get her own way. When you durst do it, then you were a man. And to be more than what you were, you would Be so much more the man. This suggest that Lady Macbeth thinks that Macbeth is a coward and therefore not a man. This is fiend like as she is blackmailing Macbeth into doing it. She is telling him he is not a man, and to be unmanned was a bad thing in Elizabethan times. Lady Macbeth, therefore, looks like she is very responsible for Duncans death as it wouldnt have even happened if Lady Macbeth hadnt persuaded Macbeth to do it. In this scene Macbeth appears to be weak and not the dominant person in this relationship. Also she doesnt appear to show any recognition that what she is doing is so wrong. I think that Lady Macbeth would shock the audience when she says that she would rather kill her own child than break such a promise as this one. I have given suck and know How tender tis to love the babe that milks me: I would, while it was smiling in my face, Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums And dashed the brains out, had I so sworn This also shoes Lady Macbeths fiend like qualities. This statement would have shocked the audience greatly. She says that she would kill her own baby while it was smiling at her while she was breast feeding it if she had sworn to do so. This is a shocking statement and I think it would have shocked anyone. This truly shows how evil she is. This statement also raises another point of ambiguity. Lady Macbeth says, I have given suck This suggests that she has had a baby but there appears to be no child now. This raises the question of where the child is or if it is even alive. In Act 2, Scene 2 Lady Macbeth appears to have a few redeeming qualities. The fact that she has had to have a drink because she isnt feeling brave is a redeeming quality. Also the fact that her thought are flicking around shows her tension and suggests that she is not as impenetrably ruthless as she seems. He is about it. The doors are open, and the surfeited grooms Do mock their charge with snores. This is another redeeming quality as it may shows her feeling guilty. Also when she says: Had he not resembled My father as he slept, I had donet. This shows that she does have compassion as she couldnt kill someone who looked like her father. Also in this scene when Macbeth comes back from killing Duncan, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have a frantic, disjointed conversation while Macbeth is holding the daggers. This conversation last for thirty seven lines and it is only on the last line that Lady Macbeth realises that Macbeth is still holding the daggers. This shows how panic stricken they are and how neither is thinking clearly. This is a redeeming quality as this suggests that Lady Macbeth feels guilty and worried. In Act 2, Scene 3, Lady Macbeth faints when she hears that Duncan has been murdered. This is ambiguous as we dont know if she is actually fainting or whether she is trying to cover up the situation. However this point is ambiguous as there are a number of reasons for why she might have fainted. She could be surprised (or even dismayed) that Macbeth is acting on his own or she might be shocked at Macbeths rashness when he kills the guards. Another point is that she might genuinely be upset at Macbeths gory description, as she said that Duncan reminded her of her father. The story which is probably more likely is that she is trying to draw attention away from the fact that Macbeth killed the guards to stop him from looking so guilty. This shows how evil she is. She doesnt want people to focus on it too much and she also doesnt want to be blamed. In Act 3, Scene 2, we see that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have drifted apart ad become more distant. Macbeth has become more independent as well. We see this when we see that Macbeth has made plans to kill Banquo, but Lady Macbeth is not involved. This is a redeeming quality as we see that Lady Macbeth has nothing to do with this murder, only they murder of Duncan which was to help her husband anyway. She seems to be affected by this as she asks him what will happen, Whats to be done?, but Macbeth wont tell her. In Act 3, Scene 4, we see the banquet held by Macbeth. Lady Macbeth seems to be different at the start of this scene as Macbeth says, our hostess keeps her state. These suggest that Lady Macbeth is sitting quietly, away from everyone else. This shows that she is not acting like the conventional hostess. This also ambiguous and suggests that Lady Macbeth may have begun to lose her mind already or she may be feeling isolated as she and Macbeth have drift apart. This could also shows that she is feeling guilty which is a redeeming quality. However, as soon as Macbeth leaves the feast Lady Macbeth goes after him to remind him that he mustnt leave and that he needs to go and be the host. When Macbeth starts to see Banquo and behave weirdly, Lady Macbeth covers up for him but tells him to stop being stupid and entertain the guests. You have displaced the mirth, broke the good meeting With most admired disorder. Here she is scorning Macbeth for ruining the banquet and drawing attention to himself. Lady Macbeth does not seem to feel guilty in this scene but she does seem afraid. I dont think that she shows signs of feeling in this scene as she still blackmails and taunts Macbeth to get him to sit down and act as though everything is normal. Act 5, Scene 1 is the last scene that we see with Lady Macbeth in it. I think that Shakespeare uses the sleepwalking in this scene so that all can be revealed by Lady Macbeth to another character. I think that in this scene we begin to feel sorry for Lady Macbeth and I think that she has some redeeming qualities in this scene. One is that she acknowledges that she has done something wrong. What will these hands neer be clean? This shows that she thinks she has blood on her hands and she wants then to be clean. She obviously feels guilty as she is having nightmares about it all. Also in this scene Lady Macbeth begins to speak in prose. Shakespeare always makes his main characters speak in verse but Lady Macbeth no longer speaks in verse. This shows that she is mad and is no longer important to the play. Also I think another redeeming quality is that she seems to feel responsible for all the deaths throughout the play, even tough she was only really responsible for one of the deaths, Duncans. I think that in this scene we begin to feel sorry for Lady Macbeth and like her a bit more. This scene shows that she does have redeeming qualities and that she isnt completely evil. I dont think that lady Macbeth is a fiend like queen. I think she is evil but has many redeeming qualities which make her seem a lot better as you go through the play. I also think that the fact that we see more of Lady Macbeth than Malcolm does mean we have the opportunity to see these redeeming qualities whereas Malcolm might not. I think that the moral of this play is dont kill the king. It is not honourable or good and it will come back to haunt you.

Culture Conflict In Canada

Culture Conflict In Canada Culture is defined as, a particular society at a particular time and place. This definition describes that cultures in various locations and during different time periods are unique, and cannot be duplicated. In a multicultural nation, such as Canada, there are various cultures with different views, beliefs and opinions that have been brought by the new immigrants and shared within their ethnic communities, as well as their families. At times these cultures and views can clash, and result in one interpretation of what is believed to be right to override the other. This is when the relation of the concept of culture relating to crime can be made. At times what may seem to be viewed as normal or non deviant within one culture can be deemed illegal and unlawful by another culture. This however becomes a culture shock when people of various subcultures are forced to abide to the culture of the metro poles they live in. This concept of culture relating to multiculturalism can relate to cu lture of conflict theory, the subculture theory and the differential association theory. It is not only within ethnic groups that cultural conflicts exist, but also within subcultural groups that are within a larger context of society. The concept of culture invoking crimes is substantially based upon the fact that subcultures clash because their culture is under the interpretation that their values, beliefs and judgements are opposite to what they believed should be deemed criminal. The result of crime within various cultures, are caused by the differential values of various cultures, the lack of education and adaptation of Canadian culture in the multicultural metro poles, and the opportunities that exist in order to prevent crime. Culture conflict theory states that the root cause of criminality can be found in a clash of values between differently socialized groups over what is acceptable of proper behaviour. For example, for some, protesting for ones rights and freedoms by blocking a road is deemed illegal from the place of origin they immigrated from, therefore when viewing Canadian citizens continually protesting on the roads may cause them to believe that the individuals committing these acts are criminals. Canada being a multicultural nation, harbours many different cultures that may in fact not be used to the behaviour and cultural views of the greater Canadian society in which they belong in. This often is due to the conduct norm defined by Sellin as, the shared expectation of a social group relative to conduct. This expectation of what is considered to be normal and deviant are socially created by the broader society and forced upon individuals to follow. Canada for example has progressed greatly from a conservative society, to a very liberal and free democratic society. Many things have changed with regards to conventions and law in Canadian society; such changes arent so readily accepted by older generations or various cultures, nor are they easily adapted to. This results in crimes being committed by people that arent actually aware of committing an illegal action. This explains Sellins point that crime is nothing more than that an argument is that of what is deemed to be right or wrong. Selling also pointed out that there were two types of cultures in conflict, they were primary and secondary conflict which also led to the clash of cultures and the result of crime. Primary conflict is described as that in which there is, a fundamental clash of cultures that occurs.An example that is very common in contemporary society is the idea of honour killings by parents. Honour killings are committed usually to daughters by parents or older siblings because the behaviour of the child is believed to have brought shame to the family. On June 16th 2010, a father and son were sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty for the murder of Aqsa Parvez, a 16-year-old girl of Pakistani descent who wanted to wear western clothes and get a part-time job like her Canadian peers. Although this example seems to be drastic, it is believed by the individuals that commit these crimes that this is completely normal behaviour that has been practiced in their native lands. This example shows that what may have been deemed illegal and murder by Canadian culture was not the case from where these two individuals came from. The individuals in this case were not aware that they had committed something wrong, because based on their culture it is their responsibility to uphold the family name and do whatever it takes to protect it. The question then remains if this should actually be considered a crime because the person who committed it came from a different culture which did not hold the same views. Or would it be the responsibility of each individual residing in Canada to adapt and learn the conduct norms and completely forget about their values and beliefs. In this primary example, it can be made clear that since Canada is home to many immigrants, a crime like this may occur again because of the lack of knowledge of what is considered to be right and wrong in a new culture. Although this act may be considered to be unexplainable to many parents as well as citizens it is clear that many citizens still carry on their culture of their homelands, crimes such as these are bound to continue to flourish in a multicultural society. Secondary conflict is described by Sellin to be that of which when smaller cultures within the primary cultures clash. An example of secondary conflict is the smaller cultures of drug dealers, prostitutes and gamblers that are regarded as clashing with the middle class and upper class values of society. For example for the middle class, making a decent wage through legal means is a way of life and what is considered to be what is considered right, however for those individuals that participate in drug dealing and prostitution it is also seen as their way of life. Therefore when laws are created by the middle class and upper class citizens they are created in a way in which clashes with the way of life of the low class citizens who commit these crimes as a way of earning money and living. Therefore, this crime that is socially constructed by the higher class results in the only way of life the lower class citizens have being deemed as criminalized activity. These crimes rates continue to flourish because these individuals way of life has been criminalized by the upper class. Until a new form of opportunity is granted for these individuals they will continue to maintain their deviant ways of life. Thus, this secondary conflict will only disappear when the economically marginalized are able to adapt to the cultural norms of the middle and upper class. Subcultures are defined as a collection of values and preferences that is communicated to sub cultural participants through a process of socialization. Therefore, this statement is reiterating that it is through interacting with a subculture that one learns how he or she is to act and what he or she is to believe in. This interconnects with subculture theory which is, a sociological perspective that emphasizes the contribution made by various socialized cultural groups to the phenomenon of crime For example, street gangs continually function in a sub cultural level where they have their own set of values, beliefs and roles that may not necessarily adapt to the Canadian laws of society, however due to socializations that have made them a member of the group they do not see themselves committing crimes. For example, there are violent subcultures that Ferracuti and Wolfgang describe as individuals learning from being constantly exposed to violent practices as a means of problem solving. This is done by these individuals because violence is seen as a better precaution than other forms of adaptation. Therefore when charging a gang member for brutally attacking another gang member, one has to realize that within the subcultures of these individuals and their gangs what they are doing is only what they have learned to do in response to what has been taught to them. Therefore the question then comes into question of whether the subcultures of these gangs are the reasons why the crime rate is considered so high, and if so what can be done to change the mentalities of these subcultures to adapt to a more acceptable approach. Many of these subcultures committing crime has been a direct result of the differential opportunity provided to each of these individuals. For example, there are two different opportunity for those individuals that fall into the lower class for a pathway to success, one is measured through legitimate means and the other illegitimate means. Examples of legitimate means are obtaining a job and making an honest living, while illegitimate means are selling drugs, prostituting etc. The reason why most lower class individuals chose illegitimate means over legitimate opportunity is because these measures are readily available. These jobs and opportunities that the lower class have to do in order to survive are always disapproved by society, which results in these individuals committing crimes. These so called delinquents are defined as individuals whose behaviours violate basic norms of society and those whose crimes once known by the police get them involved in the criminal justice system. It is described that deviance is just as much an adjustment to conform as is deviance to conform to expectations. What this statement means is that each of these individuals are trying their best to adapt to a society in which everything they do is being considered a crime, therefore at the most they are trying to adapt as much as they can to the expectations and norms of the middle class which do not include the lower class. There are three delinquent subcultures that are pointed out which are criminal subcultures, conflict subcultures and retreatist subcultures. Criminal subcultures are ones in which criminal role models are available for imitation by those just entering the subculture. For example, gang leaders that own a gun and have been inside jail are mentoring these new recruit into their subculture and teaching them all that they may know. Conflict subcultures are when participants try to seek status through violence. This could be a scenario where a gang member is trying to earn the trust of his elder gang member, therefore he commits a few crimes to prove that he is worthy of their trust, somewhat like an initiation process. Another subculture is the retreatist subculture where drug use and withdrawal from society dominate. This for example is one of those high drug trafficking cases where the individual is always under the influence of an illegal substance, and prefers to not be in the public eye so he or she will not get caught. Through these various subcultures, one can see that these are still common in our contemporary society, and are continuing to add crime to our statistics. Conflict culture, subcultures and differential association theory all underlie the reasons why there is a constant issue with crime in the multicultural metro poles. Individuals are unable to break free of their own cultural barriers, and adapt to Canadian cultural barriers that are frankly different and built upon social norms. What one would consider normal in his birthplace may be deemed a crime in Canadian society which is why the cultural conflicts continue to create more crime within Canada. It is not only the cultural conflict, but the processes and structure of subcultures that also deviate in exceptional amounts of crime being committed that is not deemed by the wrong doers to be criminal. One can uncover the fact that aside from the cultural conflicts, these individuals are put in this pathway because only illegitimate means of survival are provided toward for them. This society is built upon socialization of upper class views, morals and beliefs which results in the middle class and lower class being swept under a rug and continuously charged with crimes that they may consider a way of living. The only way in which we are to break free of this cultural crime being committed is by educating the general public about the importance of adaptation of Canadian laws, creating programs for those individuals in dangerous subcultures and allowing all classes to create the conduct of the norms. .

Changes in Frank and Ritas Relationship :: Educating Rita Relationships Plays Essays

Changes in Frank and Rita's Relationship Referring closely to Scenes 6 & 7 in Act 2, discuss the changes seen in Frank and Rita's relationship. In this essay I will be referring closely to Scenes 6 & 7 in Act 2. I will be discussing the changes in Frank’s and Rita’s relationship, and comparing their relationship â€Å"now† as to what it used to be in the beginning of the play. Rita & Frank are the two main or, only characters in the play. This is a powerful and smart way to let the audience or reader to get to know our two characters, their feelings, emotions and thoughts. The audience can see and tell the difference in the characters social status straight away. Frank is a professor in a university, teaching English literature – in his late forties. He is an alcoholic – loves to drink, he has a girlfriend, but this relationship that he’s in is going like all others; failure. He is the type of person that drinks in order to forget his troubles and worries – drink makes him happy, even though it is killing him and his relationship just as well as his career: â€Å"Yes, I probably shall go to the pub afterwards. I shall need to go to the pub afterwards. I shall need to wash away the memory of some silly woman’s attempts to get into the mind of Henry James or whoever it is we’re supposed to study on this course†¦Oh God, why did I take this on? †¦Yes I suppose I did take it on to pay for the drink† This is a conversation that Frank has with his girlfriend over the phone, it immediately goes to prove that he doesn’t really care about his career and the only thing that is on his mind is alcohol. Rita on the other hand is a twenty-six year old, working class woman who wants to get an education, and by doing that she believes that she is going to â€Å"discover† herself. She is in a relationship; she’s been living with her partner for six years. She also wants to learn how to speak â€Å"proper† English. In the beginning of the play Rita and Frank are getting to know each other, and they have nothing more than a â€Å"teacher-student† relationship, although throughout the play we can see that they get to know each other better, and they gain more respect for each other. Everything starts to change when Rita goes off to summer school. When she comes back from summer school Frank is surprised by her appearance

What Would it Be Like To Be A Rain Drop :: Essays Papers

If I were a raindrop, I would feel happy, sad and confused. There are many reasons to these feelings.Imagine that it’s a rainy day today! Coming down from the clouds, people sitting at their window, watching the beauty of nature is what I see. Sounds like a great sight, huh?! Most people love the scenes the nature has created today, others don't. Let me share it with you! Let's start off with why I would be happy! There are countless reasons to be happy. One is because i give life to a tree, a flower, whatever. To me, that's beautiful. I mean, who wouldn't enjoy being the reason something amazing and extremely helpful in nature was created? Besides creating something, i also have the fact that i make some people feel good, though not always.Millions of falling water droplets make the air cool and environment calm. When we start to fall, slowly, everyone rushes to find safe place to save them. Women rush to the roof tops to take their clothes down, to save from getting wet. Small children get excited. You can easily see them jumping and trying to come out to take a feel of rain, to take a feel of me. To some people, we're a form of relaxation. They enjoy laying in their beds to listen to the sound of us on their roof. Others enjoy sitting by their windows, taking time to reminisce, back when they were younger or to think about a loved one. The old ponders the rain scene and remembers their childhood and young days, reminiscing when he'd jump in puddles and spin round and round like a record. Yet he never forgets to guard his grandchildren waiting to jump in rain. Still, you see the eagerness of children if they could have been permitted to take a bath. Therefore, he lets them and we fall down around them, knowing that in their eyes we glow and sparkle and make them feel different and better and filled up and clean. We have that type of magic that one dreams of gaining and having. Have you watched the scene on roads when it starts raining?...ha ha it's a funny scene isn't it? Some people try to escape by running, some try to take shelter under other’s home. Some take bags or books or even magazines to put on their heads, just to try and escape me, a simple

Essay --

Terraforming Mars Project Terraform Mars is a difficult task that us as humans are trying to accomplish to fulfill the entirety of our speeches . There is a number of ways to achieve this task , but there are many questions that we do not have answers for. This paper will present my idea for how we could terraform Mars to successfully elongate the human speeches . According to Thefreedictionary. com terraforming is defined as transforming another planet into one having the same characteristics of landscape as earth. The terraforming process could take anywhere from 100 years to 20,000 thousand years to complete entirely, due to the tedious process of making Mars suitable for human life. I believe that it will take nearly 1,000 years to complete entirely my process of terraforming mars. What makes it so difficult to get to Mars is one the launch window time, which mean when Earth and Mars are nearest to each other. The time that we know of so far for the next launch windows is 2013 November -2014 January,2016 January- April , and 2018 April -May,2020 July - September according to wikipedia. This is why it is so difficult to get to Mars, there are only certain times that you can launch and it be such a short flight. This is one of the many reason that I believe that it will take 1,000 years to terraform Mars. As we arrive to Mars there are some resources already there, such as water and atmospheric 02. But the difficult part about these resources is that we have to transform them in a certain way so it can be used for humans. We would have to extract the water from the rich soil using a tool, therefore this would be our water source. We would also have to bring some sort of greenhouse so we could grow plants and give off mor... ... Viking 2 was also a orbiter and a lander that reached Mars August 1976, both were very successful and sent back many of images.The Pathfinder orbiter reached Mars July 1997 and lasted for total of 3 months, its major discoveries were measuring the atmosphere of Mars.The Sojourner was the brother of the Pathfinder but it was a rover. It reached Mars July 1997 , and had many discoveries of investigating of Mars soil and rocks. The Spirit lander landed on Mars in January 2004 using its air bag system. It was the longest successful rover as of yet lasting about 6 years . Opportunity rover is the sister to Spirit, which landed January 2004 and lasted for around 4 years, its main mission was to explore the Martian environment. Phoenix reached Mars on May 2008 near the north pole, and analyzed the soil receiving images and data, and with the major discovery of water ice.

Night World : Black Dawn Chapter 3

It was raining, of course. Not a terrible storm, justa steady spitting patter that Maggie hardly noticed.It plastered her hair down but it also concealed thenoise of her steps. And the lowlying clouds blocked out MountRainier. In clear weather the mountain loomed over the city like an avenging white angel. I'mactuallyfollowingsomebody,Maggiethought. She could hardly believe it, but she wasreally moving down her own home street like a spy,skirting cars and ducking behind rhododendron bushes. While all the time keeping her eyes on the slender figure in front of her. That was what kept her going. She might havefelt silly and almost embarrassed to be doing thisbut not tonight. What had happened put her farbeyond embarrassment, and if she ‘started to relax inside and feel the faint pricklings of uncertainty,memory surged up again and swept everythingelse away. The memory of Sylvia's voice. The buckle might not have been fastenedright.And the memory ofher mother's hand going limp as her body sagged. I'll follow you no matter where you go, Maggie thought. And then†¦ She didn't know what then. She was trusting to instinct, letting it guide her. It was stronger andsmarter than she was at the moment. Sylvia's apartment was in the U district, the college area around the University of Washington. Itwas a long walk, and by the time they reached it,the rain was coming down harder. Maggie was gladto get out of it and follow Sylvia into the under ground garage. This is a dangerous place, she thought as shewalked into the echoing darkness. But it was simply a note made by her mind, with no emotionattached. At the moment she felt as if she couldpunch a mugger hard enough to splatter himagainst the wall. She kept a safe distance as Sylvia waited for the elevator, then headed for the stairs. Third floor. Maggie trotted up faster than the elevator could make it and arrived not even breathing hard. Thedoor of the stairwell was half open and she watched from behind it as Sylvia walked to anapartment door and raised a hand to knock. Before she could, the door opened. A boy wholooked a little older than Maggie was holding it,letting a couple of laughing girls out. Music driftedto Maggie, and the smell of incense. They're having a party in there. That shouldn't be so shocking-it was Saturdaynight. Sylvia lived with three roommates; they were undoubtedly the ones having the party. But as the girls walked past Sylvia they smiled and noddedand Sylvia smiled and nodded back before walkingcalmly through the door. Hardly the sort of thing you do when your boyfriend's just been killed, Maggie thought fiercely.And it doesn't exactly fit the â€Å"tragic heroine† act,either. Then she noticed something. When the boy holding the door let go, it had swung almost shut – but not quite. Can I do it? Maybe. If I look confident. I'd haveto walk right in as if I belonged, not hesitate. And hope she doesn't notice. Then get behindher. See if shetalksto anybody, what she says†¦ The laughing girls had caught the elevator. Maggie walked straight up to the door and, withoutpausing, she pushed it open and went inside. Look confident, she thought, and she kept ongoing, instinctively moving toward a side wall. Herentry didn't seem to have caused a stir, and it waseasier than she'd thought to walk in among these strangers. The apartment was very dark, for onething. And the music was medium loud, and everybody seemed to be talking. The only problem was that she couldn't see Sylvia. She put her back to the wall and waited forher eyes to adjust. Not over there-not by the stereo. Probably inone of the bedrooms in back,changing. It was as she moved toward the little hallwaythat led to the bedrooms that Maggie really noticedthe strangeness. Something about this apartment,about this party†¦ was off. Weird. It gave her thesame feeling that Sylvia did. Danger. This place is dangerous. Everybody there was so good-looking – or elseugly in a really fashionable way, as if they'd juststepped off MTV. But there was an air about themthat reminded Maggie of the sharks at the SeattleAquarium. A coldness that couldn't be seen, onlysensed. There is something so wrong here. Are they alldrug dealers or something?Satanists?Some kindof junior mafia? They just feel so evil†¦. Maggie herself felt like a cat with all its fur standing on end. When she heard a girl's voice coming from thefirst bedroom, she froze, hoping it was Sylvia. â€Å"Really, the most secret place you've ever imagined.† It wasn't Sylvia. Maggie could just see thespeaker through the crack in the door. She waspale and beautiful, with one long black braid, andshe was leaning forward and lightly touching theback of a boy's hand. â€Å"So exotic, so mysterious-it's a place from thepast, you see. It's ancient, and everybody's forgotten about it, but it's still there. Of course, it's terribly dangerous-but not forus†¦.† Not relevant, Maggie's mind decided, and shestopped listening. Somebody's weird vacationplans; nothing to do with Sylvia or Miles. She kept on edging down the hall. The door atthe end was shut. Sylvia's bedroom. Well, she has to be in there; she isn't anywhereelse. With a surreptitious glance behind her, Maggie crept closer to the door. She leaned toward it untilher cheek touched the cool white paint on the wood, all the while straining her eyes toward theliving room in case somebody should turn her way. She held her breath and tried to look casual, buther heart was beating so loudly that she could only hear it and the music. Certainly there was nobody talking behind thedoor. Maggie's hopes of eavesdropping faded. All right, then, I'll go in. And there's no point intrying to be stealthy; she's going to notice. So I'll just do it. It helpedthat she was so keyed up. She didn't even need to brace herself; her body was at maximum tension already. Despite her sense that therewas something menacing about this whole place, she wasn't frightened, or at least not in a way that felt like fear. It felt like rage instead, like being desperately ready for battle. She wanted to grab some thing and shake it to pieces. She took hold of the knob and pushed the dooropen. A new smell of incense hit her as the air rushedout. It was stronger than the living room smell,more earthy and musky, with an overlying sweetness that Maggie didn't like. The bedroom was even darker than the hall, but Maggie stepped inside.There was tension on the door somehow; as soon as she let go of it, it whispered shut behind her. Sylvia was standing beside the desk. She was alone, and she was still wearing theGore-Tex climbing outfit she'd had on at Maggie'shouse. Her shimmering fine hair was starting todry and lifting up like little angel feathers awayfrom her forehead. She was doing something with a brass incenseburner, adding pinches of powder and what looked like herbs to it. That was where thesickeninglysweet smell was coming from. Maggie had plannedas far as she'd plannedanything at all – to,rush right up and get in Sylvia'sface. To startle her into some kind of confession. She was going to say, â€Å"I need to talk to you.† Butbefore she could get the first word out, Sylvia spokewithout looking up. â€Å"What a shame. You really -should have stayedhome with your .parents, you know.† Her voice wascool and languorous, not hasty and certainly notregretful. Maggie stopped in her tracks. Now, what's thatsupposed to mean? Is it athreat? Fine. Whatever. I can threaten, too. But she was taken by surprise, and she had toswallow hard before speaking roughly. â€Å"I don'tknow what you're talking about, but at least you'vedropped the weepy-weepy act. You were really badat it.† â€Å"I thought I was very good,† Sylvia said andadded a pinch of something to the incense burner.†I'm sure the officers thought so, too.† Once again, Maggie was startled. This wasn'tgoing at all as she expected. Sylvia was so calm, somuch at ease.' So much in control of the situation. Not anymore, Maggie thought. She just admittedit was an act. All that chokey stuff while she was talking about Miles†¦ Fury uncoiled in Maggie's stomach like a snake. She took three fast steps forward. â€Å"You knowwhy I'm here. I want to know what really happenedto my brother.† â€Å"I told you† â€Å"You told a bunch of lies! I don't know what the truth is. The only thing I do know is that Miles would never make a stupid mistake like not buckling his harness. Look, if you did somethingdumb-if he's lying out there hurt or something,and you were too scared to admit ityou'd bettertell me right now.† It was the first time she'd putinto words a reason for Sylvia to be lying. Sylvia looked up. Maggie was startled. In the light of the singlecandle by the incense burner, Sylvia's eyes werenot violet but a more reddish color, like amethyst. They were large and clear and the light seemed to play in them, quivering. â€Å"Is that what you think happened?†Sylviaasked softly. â€Å"I said, I don't knowwhat happened!† Maggie feltdizzy suddenly, and fought it, glaring into Sylvia's strange eyes. â€Å"Maybe you had a fight or something.Maybe you've got some other boyfriend. Maybe you weren't even out climbing on Halloween in the first place. All I know is that you lied and that there's no body to find. And I want to know the truth!† Sylvia looked back steadily, the candlelight dancing in her purple eyes. â€Å"You know what yourbrother told me aboutyou?† she asked musingly.†Two things. The first was that you never gave up. He said, `Maggie's no rocket scientist, but once shegets hold of something she's just like a little bull terrier.' And the second was that you were a complete sucker for anybody in trouble. A real bleeding heart.† She added a few fingernail-sized chips of smoothbark to the mixture that was smoking in the incense burner. â€Å"Which is too bad,† she went on thoughtfully.†Strong-willed and compassionate: that's a real recipe for disaster.† Maggie had had it. â€Å"What happened to Miles? What did you dotohim?† Sylvia laughed, a little secret laugh. â€Å"I'm afraidyou couldn't guess if you spent the rest of yourshort life trying.† She shook her head. â€Å"It was toobad, actually. I liked him. We could have beengood together.† Maggie wanted to know one thing. â€Å"Is he dead?†Ã¢â‚¬ I told you, you'll never find out. Not even whenyou go where you're going.† Maggie stared at her, trying to make sense ofthis. She couldn't. When she spoke it was in a levelvoice, staring into Sylvia's eyes. â€Å"I don't know what your problem is-maybeyou're crazy or something. But I'mtellingyou rightnow, if you've done anything to my brother, I am going to killyou.† She'd never said anything like this before, butnow it came out quite naturally, with force andconviction. She was so angry that all she could seewas Sylvia's face. Her stomach was knotted and sheactually felt a burning in her middle, as if therewere a glowing fire there. â€Å"Now,† she said, â€Å"areyou going to tell me what happened to him?† Sylvia sighed, spoke quietly.†No.† Before Maggie quite knew she was doing it, shehad reached out and grabbed the front of Sylvia's green Gore-Tex jacket with both hands. Something sparked in Sylvia's eyes. For a moment, she looked startled and interested and grudgingly respectful. Then she sighed again, smilingfaintly. â€Å"And now you're going to kill me?† â€Å"Listen, you†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Maggie leaned in. She stopped.†Listen to what?† Maggie blinked. Her eyes were stinging suddenly.The smoke from the incense burner was rising directly into her face. â€Å"You†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I feel strange, Maggie thought. Very strange. Dizzy. It seemed to come over herall at once. There was a pattern of flashing gray spreading across her vision. Her stomach heavedand she felt a wave of queasiness. â€Å"Having a problem?† Sylvia's voice seemed tocome from far away. The incense. It was rising right in her face. And now†¦ â€Å"What did you do to me?† Maggie gasped. Shereeled backward, away from the smoke, but it wastoo late. Her knees were horribly rubbery. Herbody seemed to be far away somehow, and the sparkling pattern blinded her completely. She felt the back of her legs come up against abed. Then they simply weren't supporting her anymore; she was slithering down, unable to catch herself with her useless arms. Her lips were numb. â€Å"You know, for a moment there, I thought Imight be in trouble,† Sylvia's voice was sayingcalmly. `But I was wrong. The truth is that you'rejust an ordinary girl, after all. Weak and powerlessand ordinary. How could you even thinkabout going up against me? Against my people?† Am I dying? Maggie wondered. I'm losing myself.I can't see and I can't move†¦. â€Å"How could you come here and attack me? How could you thinkyouhad a chance at winning?† Even Sylvia's voice seemed to be getting more and more distant. â€Å"You're pathetic. But now you'll find out what happens when you mess with real power.You'll learn†¦.† The voice was gone. There was only arushingnoise in anendless blackness. Miles, Maggie thought. I'm sorry†¦.Then she stopped thinking at all.

Explaining Crime

Causes of crime are arguably criminology’s most important and largest research topic. In this process of research, criminologists and academics have used numerous theories in attempts to explain how and why people resort to crime (Ellis, Beaver, Wright, 2009). The purpose of this paper is to examine a case study first with the use of strain theories (ST), followed by social learning theory (SLT). The first section will involve a summary of the case of R v Mark Andrew HUGHES (2009) NSWDC 404 involving an outline of the offender’s personal life, of his crimes, and his punishment handed down by the New South Wales District Court. It is important to outline these facts in order to refer to them and appropriately analyse them. The following section will use strain theories to analyse factors and causes that lead the offender to commit his crimes. Anomie and strain theory will be used here with respect to Merton’s concept of â€Å"retreatism† (Merton, in Alder, Laufer, 1995), as well as Agnew’s general strain theory (GST) as it accounts for individual and emotional strain derived from negative relationships (Agnew, 1992). These will be the primary theories used for analysis in this paper as they are most relevant. The final section will involve the application of SLT. Drawing from the case of R v Mark Andrew HUGHES (2009) NSWDC 404, the offender is a forty seven year old man named Mark Andrew Hughes and will be referred to as Mr Hughes for the duration of this paper. Mr Hughes childhood involved a significant degree of negative stimuli. For example, Mr Hughes experienced rejection through the failed relationship of his mother and father at a very young age, resulting in the complete absence of his biological father. Mr Hughes was then subjected to his mother’s new marriage and relationship with a man who was to become his stepfather. This relationship became volatile and involved alcohol abuse and violence, resulting also in separation and divorce. In addition, Mr Hughes was subjected to his mother’s battled with some mental health issues, and problems with the abuse of prescription medicine. Mr Hughes adult relationships somewhat reflect his mothers. He married two times of which both resulted in divorce. Importantly, the first marriage was in 1991 and created three children, of which one tragically died at seven months of age. He is currently is having virtually no contact with the other two who are now teenagers. Mr Hughes notes his second marriage (1996-2005) was extremely important to him, however collapsed due to his relationship with drugs. This marriage created two children whom he has contact with every Sunday, however his current circumstances (in custody) means this is via telephone. Apart from the minimal contact Mr Hughes has with his two sons, he has been cut off from his family. It is also acknowledged that Mr Hughes had been seeing a counsellor however stopped just prior to his crimes due to the effects of his drug addiction at the time. Drugs have been a big part of Mr Hughes life from a young age. He began using cannabis at age twelve, and his first experience with heroin was age fifteen, which resulted in addictions and long periods of residential treatment. It has been reported that in times of personal upheaval, Mr Hughes is incapable of controlling his desire to resort to drugs (substance abuse) in order to escape. In fact, in recent years Mr Hughes drug addiction has involved speed and ice to such an extent that he needed to remain high (drug-affected) in order to avoid the pain of â€Å"coming down†, which was a daily habit that cost over $400 a day. It could be said that as a result of Mr Hughes early life experiences, gaining an education was a struggle, and has been limited. For instance he finished his schooling half way through secondary education, resulting in several unskilled jobs however, shortly prior to a breakdown in his second marriage, and his criminal conduct, he held a job in a recycling factory for almost fourteen years. It should be noted that the court points out the findings from a well-known clinical forensic psychologist called W John Taylor, who states that based on Mr Hughes history, he felt he had a conduct disorder in his early teenage years, confirms he is clearly battling with drug abuse disorders, and is currently suffering with depression. However he feels that Mr Hughes is genuine in his desire to overcome his addiction with drugs, and with the right support, he has a chance at reforming his behaviour and addictions. This brings us to the second issue to be outlined, that is Mr Hughes crimes. Aside from a charge of break and enter as a child, another charge regarding sexual relations with a juvenile when he himself was a juvenile, and at the age of twenty-two, convictions for false pretences, theft and drug use, Mr Hughes has managed to remain crime free regardless of his drug addictions. Also, until the most recent crimes, Mr Hughes has never served a prison term. Thus in view of these facts, the court regards this as an insignificant criminal record considering Mr Hughes current age. During the months of September to the end of November 2008 Mr Hughes resurfaces with six serious criminal offences, mostly involving break enter and steal of which was from a business, a warehouse, a workshop and two homes. Two of these offences involved criminal acts that incurred separate charges, which were stealing a car from one of the homes he entered, and also damaging property. Importantly one of the six offences was an aggravated break enter and steal from a home as one of the owners (husband) came home and surprised Mr Hughes while he was inside stealing. Mr Hughes responded with aggressive behaviour threatening him with what has been described as wire cutter, eventually forcing the man on a bed and telling him to stay there and he would not harm him. The man warned Mr Hughes that his wife was due home and hoped this would scare Mr Hughes off, however it resulted in Mr Hughes tying up the victim’s hands, and gagging his mouth for a short period of time while he continued to steal and ransack the home. It was mentioned that Mr Hughes did not cause any physical harm, however the crime is regarded as very serious. Finally, the court came to the overall sentence for his crimes of eight years and five months, with a non-parole period of five years and five months. The sentencing process considers a range of factors which will be discussed later. Agnew’s (1992) GST proposes that crime is committed as a result of pressure or strain that is derived from negative relationships and subsequent life experiences or events through those relationships. These relationships include three types of strain that involve situations where a person has taken away something valuable from another, ruined another’s opportunities to achieve a valued goal/s, or the infliction of offensive and unwanted stimuli (Bernard, Snipes, Gerould, 2010). The consequences of being subjected to strains of this nature, is the generation of various negative emotions within the person like depression, fear, anger, frustration, disappointment, and anxiety. Thus, depending on an individual’s characteristics and environment, these negative emotions can lead them to commit crime (Agnew, 2006). The way in which a person responds to this strain and subsequent negative emotion, is to either accept their current situation with a positive outlook, which usually involves the individual having a good support network; or turning to delinquent behaviour and the use of drugs to avoid negative emotions (Agnew, 2006; Bernard, Snipes, Gerould, 2010). From this we can already begin to see some of the aspects of GST in the case of Mr Hughes. For example, referring back to Mr Hughes personal details, Agnew would argue that because this man’s troubles started as a child through the loss of a relationship with his biological father, the introduction of a new father who presented negative stimuli and was â€Å"imposed/not wanted†, and he was unable to remove himself from this situation or relationship due to his age, he was therefore subjected to the effects of emotional strain. In addition to this, the most significant person in his life (mother) was also presenting negative stimuli by self-medicating and engaging in volatile arguments with the stepfather. According to GST, as a child/adolescent, Mr Hughes would have been suffering with feelings like fear, anger, and disappointment, and so taking drugs was his way to directly cope/manage these emotions and interpersonal problems (Agnew, 2006). The fact that Mr Hughes was very young when he began to take drugs, as well as dropping out of school early, and committing some forms of crime, is evidence of the explained process of Agnew’s concepts in GST, and in fact were primarily used to explain delinquency and drug use in adolescents (Bernard, Snipes, Gerould, 2010, p. 64). Additionally, before Mr Hughes committed these most recent crimes, he has in many ways re-experienced these issues in his adult relationships. For example, the tragic loss of his first born son, the loss of his contact with his daughters and wife from the first marriage, are all examples of something valuable being removed from his life. This then occurred again in the next marriage, which Mr Hughes had stated w as very important to him, and a very big loss. Social Learning theory can also help to explain this repeated experience of Mr Hughes and will be discussed later. There are two other explanations through the use of strain theory that can help to explain why Mr Hughes lived most of his life crime free, in spite of his drug habit, before committing his most recent crimes. Firstly Agnew developed another concept within GST in the form of â€Å"storylines† which operate at a time-based level and can help to draw connections from past events to explain current issues or ‘situation cues’ (see Agnew, 2006b). Using this concept it could be said that Mr Hughes most recent crimes are a result of his desperate need for money to support his sever drug habit that is primarily a result of coping with his emotions that stem back to childhood. The second concept is derived from Merton’s (1968) idea of anomie, where by society’s expectations and emphasis is strongly attached to the idea of always striving to achieve monetary success, which is generally proven through the accumulation of things like houses, cars, private schooling and general wealth. However Merton argues that opportunities to achieve this success are not evenly distributed, and it is usually the lower class citizens that struggle to achieve the final goal (Merton, 1968). Never the less, each individual is expected to continue to try for their own self-respect and value (Merton, in Alder, Laufer, 1995). Merton offers four ways in which people may respond to their ability to achieve wealth, or not, through institutionalized means (see Bernard, Snipes, Gerould, 2010, p157). The most relevant of these responses with regard to Mr Hughes would be ‘retreatism’. Rendering this concept, aside from long term drug use, the fact that Mr Hughes lead most of his adult life up until this point, as a law abiding citizen, and held his job for fourteen years, attempted to have a family on two occasions, and attended counselling in an attempt to rectify his personal issues and better himself, are all signs that he strived to achieve the expected societal goals and aspirations to the best of his ability within his available means. That is with limited education, no acquired skills, and limited social skills. From this, it would be argued that Mr Hughes has come to the realisation that he has once again lost his battle with drugs, and as a result failed another marriage, losing contact with his children a second time, then losing his long term job, finding himself without any family support of any kind, and thus believing, then accepting that he will never actually achieve anything. In his response to his battle to achieve, he has become a classic â€Å"retreatist†, as the strain became too much to bear, thus becoming deeply engrossed in his addiction with ice to such an extent that he had to steel to fund his addiction (Merton, 1968). The underlying societal values and importance of accumulating wealth are heard in the various comments of Judge Cogswell in response to Mr Hughes crimes, and in determining sentencing (see R v Mark Andrew HUGHES [2009] NSWDC 404). One example can be seen in this comment: â€Å"Once again, one can imagine the inconvenience and distress which the theft of computer and mobile phones must have had on the managers of that business†. These comments are not just due to the loss of the physicality of the objects themselves, but also their use in the business, as they would be an important aspect in facilitating the institutional means of achieving further success. Also in Mr Hughes most serious crime, the comments again refer to the victim’s home being used to commit crime. For instance it was stated â€Å"This must have been an extraordinarily terrifying experience for the clergyman, whose home was used to commit this crime by Mr Hughes†. This again clearly shows the importance, respect and value placed on achieved goods. These concepts of anomie and strain theory with regard to good societal goals and values are also considered and noted by the court with regard to Mr Hughes himself. For example a considerable amount of time was taken from Mr Hughes time to be served in prison to acknowledge the good in his values that was observed in the way of his remorse for his crimes, and quick pleas of guilt to all of his charges. It was stated â€Å"this has a significant impact on the administration of justice in this State†. And because he had never served time in prison before this could be regarded as special circumstances that enabled the adjustment of the ratio between the non-parole and parole period. However it was surprising that considering how in line a lot of the court responses were with the concepts found in strain theories, that one method in which could be used to help people like Mr Hughes, and that was recommended by the court appointed psychologist mentioned earlier, was later considered as un-important by Judge Cogswell. Mr Taylor had stated that in order for Mr Hughes to have a chance at rebuilding his life, his lack of social and emotional support must be considered, and believed that his program called â€Å"Ex-Inmate Program† could help with many of his issues. Mr Taylor’s ideas and concerns are in line with methods found in strain theories that would help to reduce the burden of strain (Bournard, Snipes, Gerould, 2010, p169) in the lives of people like Mr Hughes. Social learning Theory (SLT) compliments strain theory but most importantly can help to explain some aspects in this case that strain theory cannot. Firstly it can be argued through SLT that much of Mr Hughes negative behaviour has been learned through observing his mother and stepfather’s abusive relationship, nd his mother’s negative coping strategies as a result of them (Bandura, 1977). Refer back to the life history and crimes of Mr Hughes, the concept of learned behaviour may explain some of the vandalism and aggressive behaviour to the victim in Mr Hughes crimes that strain theories has not. Specifically, the concept of ‘differential associations’ in SLT would suggest that Mr Hughes has gone through an observational process over the course o f his young life that has equipped him with the skills to behave in the way he has (Akers, 1994). That he has been isolated from more pro-social behaviour, and therefore acquired various negative attitudes motives and rationalisations for his actions (Bernard, Snipes, Gerould, 2010). This can also help to explain the similar relationship behaviour and coping strategies that Mr Hughes had to his mother. Furthermore, Burgess and Akers (1966) developed the concept of differential reinforcement, which argue that individuals engage in behaviour in ways that will positively reward them and that they can identify with from observing others. Thus it can also be argued that Mr Hughes engaged in the type of criminal behaviour that he did to reward himself with goods and money that will fund/ reward him again with drugs, which then rewards him by removing not just his emotional pain, but the painful withdrawal symptoms he acknowledged he suffered at the time of these crimes. To combine both SLT and strain theories, Mr Hughes has in a sense experienced twofold the conditions to lead him to crime and negative coping strategies. For example SLT would argues Mr Hughes observed how to manage negative emotions long before he could fully experience or understand his own, through the observation of his mother’s benefits from self-medicating. Thus when he became overwhelmed with strain from his negative life experiences that are explained in the prior section through strain theories, he already had in place the learned methods/behaviour of relieving his emotional strain, which would be explained by Akers (1985) concept of ‘differential associations’. Thus the process of ‘retreating’ discussed previously in ST, became an easier process as he has mimicked or put into action his own interpreted version of coping with the use of drugs. However, unfortunately neither of these theories account for mental health or conduct disorder, both of which Mr Hughes was diagnosed with, and are significantly related to negative home environments, delinquency and substance abuse in adolescent (Linskey, Fergusson, 1995; Hinshaw, Lee, 2003). In conclusion, SLT and ST can help to understand most of the complex issues that lead to the criminal actions of MR Hughes. It is clear that both observing and experiencing negative stimuli has consumed Mr Hughes with various negative emotions that resulted in strain. It is not hard to understand from these theories how and why Mr Hughes became so addicted to drugs and struggled to manage his relationships effectively as a result of these factors. However what is not accounted for in these theories with regard to his behaviour and crimes, are the influences of his diagnosed conduct disorder he had as an adolescent or his current state of depression.