Museum of Natural History: Holden’s World Essay

â€Å"The best thing, though, in that museum was that everything always stayed right where it was.† –Holden. In the story Catcher in the Rye, author J.D Salinger delivers many reasons that show how strong the symbolism of the Museum of Natural History is. The Museum of Natural History holds sentimental value to Holden. That place is where Holden spent his childhood and held many memories. The symbolism of the Museum of Natural History can be found in many aspects of the story, which is why it happens to be the most important and strongest symbol in the novel. The description of the Museum of Natural History that Holden gives, can symbolize the mindset of Holden. Holden describes the museum as: â€Å"The best thing, though, in that museum was that everything always stayed right where it was. Nobody’d move. . . . Nobody’d be different. The only thing that would be different would be you.† Inferring to the quote shows that Holden does not like change. People that change are â€Å"phonies† to Holden. â€Å"Phonies† are fakes or people that do not stay the same. Holden has many memories of the museum because the many times he had to go there for fieldtrips. In Chapter 16 and 17, Holden goes off about the Eskimos and Indians. The displays are frozen to Holden, they are always there and always stay the same. He could judge the displays, but they could not judge him back. Another way in, which the symbolism is shown through the Museum of Natural History is the comparison of the Museum and the Real World. To Holden the Museum of Natural History is the world he would like to live in, but in reality there in no such world. The world he wants is just like the museum. The museum never changes, always stays The same, and is something that cannot judge him. This also resembles the world of the â€Å"Catcher in the Rye.† The world of the â€Å"Catcher in the Rye† is a place of innocence and no change. The sad thing about this is there is no world like that. In reality, the world, people, and things change. Changing is a part of human life and is something that always occurs. Holden does not like reality because things change and do not stay the same. Holden does not like â€Å"phonies† or people with truculent attitudes. The Museum of the Natural History and the Real World show the world that Holden wants to live and the world he currently lives in But later on, reality and change become things that Holden soon has to realize. The last aspect that shows the symbolism of the Museum of Natural History is when Holden tells his sister Phoebe to meet him at the museum. This even can be identified special in many ways. The whole point of the meeting was for Holden to give back the money to his sister Phoebe. Going back, Phoebe had gave him the money because he asked for it. Holden had cried because his sister came through for him and always seemed to be there when he needed someone. Holden tells to Phoebe meet him at the museum to return the money. He chooses the museum as a meeting place because how important that place is to him. This place never changes until Holden takes a look at the wall in the Mummy Exhibit. It had cuss words that offended him and made him angry. Because of the cuss word written on the wall, Holden faints. He faints because the one place he thought was â€Å"phony free† changed. This becomes the pinnacle of when Holden starts to realize things change. To sum up, the story Catcher in the Rye by J.D Sallinger shows many reasons on why the Museum of Natural History is the most important symbol in the novel. The Museum of Natural History shows much important because the meaning and impact it has on Holden. The three aspects that symbolism is shown through the Museum of Natural History are: the description of the museum, the significance of the museum as a meeting place, and the comparison of the museum and the real world.

Business management Essay

Introduction Organizational cultures refer to the shared norms, values and expectations that govern the way people interact with one another and approach their work. Organizational cultures can be managed by the senior staff by changing the employee’s view towards their work performance. Diverse companies or organizations use different approaches to manage organizational culture. For organizational culture to be managed in successful manner, careful assessment of the changes to make is important. This will ensure support from the workers and other leaders for they will be able to get the purpose for it (Pareek, 2006). Organizational culture is an important aspect in any administration. It has great impacts in the change programmes of the organization. Strong cultures have been known to obstruct performance and most of the organization managers are struggling hard to manage it. Through assessment of models and application of the current public and private sector operations, organizational culture is easy to administer. In addition, organisational cultures can be handled by establishment of an exterior rather than an internal orientation which is associated with less control focus. Organizational managers should strive to administer the cultures with awareness so that success can be achieved and reduce the shortcomings brought about by lack of culture management issues (Pareek, 2006). How important are organisational subcultures? In order to successfully run an organisation, the management need to create subcultures for they have proved to work best resulting to good performances. Subcultures consist of groups of people within a given culture who differentiate themselves from the well-built culture to which they belong. Organisational subcultures give responsiveness and freedom that a certain culture in the administration may be in a position of limiting. The subcultures allows the organisation be able to generate diverse responses to the surrounding without necessarily intruding its internal consistency. It is clear that subcultures have some properties which are in a position of reinforcing the organisation’s culture. For instance, the subcultures differ from the extent they dispute the overarching traditions (Mullins, 2013). Subcultures often appear in response to varying demands and can provide as an outlet for members to articulate arguments and disputes arising during chaotic times. Subcultures also present methods for changing fewer central principles which are important factors in any organisation. With organisational subcultures, free interaction is enhanced particularly to the workers. This motivates the employees for they are able to present their problems or views to their leaders in a confident manner which makes them feel satisfied (Mullins, 2013). What is management? Management is the organisational process that involves calculated planning, locating managing resources, objectives and installing financial and human possessions which are a necessity in achieving the organisation’s goals and measuring the outcomes. Management includes storing particulars and recording facts for later use and those which are important within the organisation.   Management functions are not only limited to the managers but everyone in the organisation is involved in the administrative functions. For instance, the workers in the organisation are involved in the reporting task as their work. Management reaches out the organisational goals by working through and with people and having control of the resources in the administration (Mullins, 2013). Management also involves a function that coordinates people’s efforts to accomplish the organisation’s set goals by use of the resources available in an efficient and effective manner. Management also involves functions of which when applied, administration becomes successful. Some of the most essential functions required during management include organizing, influencing, planning and controlling. This mostly applies to the supervisors and the managers in an administration. Planning involves making of tasks which are required to be accomplished within the given period of time. Influencing involves motivation of the workers. It also involves directing of the organisation members to the direction that makes them be able to fulfil their goals. Controlling involves gathering if information that compares the present performance established to the previous ones (Mullins, 2013). Is bureaucracy a bad thing? Bureaucracy is defined as a form of leadership in which a group of people is given the responsibility of setting rules and regulations especially in an organisation. It may have negative effects particularly when decisions are made when the workers in the organisation are not given a chance to express their views for instance. This form of leadership consists of many departments of which are arranged in a descending order. The decisions made by the most senior department have to be discussed further in the other divisions and therefore leading to time wastage (Pareek, 2006). Bureaucracy also discourages innovations and creativity in the organisation since the selected decision making body is always permanent. Application of this form of leadership makes the employees lose morale during work particularly when they are not comfortable with the rules that govern them. On the other hand bureaucracy is also associated with a few advantages, for example, tactical decision making is easy because a few number of individuals is involved. Standardisation in the place of work is also efficient for the group in leadership is able to effectively ensure that work is perfectly performed (Beetham, 1997). References Beetham, D. (1997). Bureaucracy. Minneapolis, Mn: University of Minnesota Press. Pareek, U. (2006). Organisational culture and climate. Hyderabad, India: ICFAI University   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Press. Mullins, L. J. (2013). Management and organisational behaviour.

A Late Encounter with the Enemy by Flannery OConnor

An analysis of this short story that delves into questions of truth and illusion and how people prefer to live by illusion when the truth is too prosaic. This paper examines this short story and delves into questions of history, the meaning of history, the meaning of time, the way human beings shape their lives from whatever material they can find or assume, the way society at large reacts to certain events and the void that often exists at the center of a family. The story revolves around a grandfather and his granddaughter who both need some glorious past to justify their existence. The paper describes the two characters as well as the other characters that appear in the book. The paper analyzes the themes found in the story. Flannery OConnor develops her story using a comic tone and building on a series of ironies around the distinction between reality and illusion in terms of the glories of the Old South and those in the present who need some glorious past to justify their existence.The story involves two major characters and several peripheral characters, but only the two major characters are developed in any significant degree.

Positive impact of social-emotional development learning program Dissertation

Positive impact of social-emotional development learning program - Dissertation Example The effective growth of children needs many factors to be put into consideration. That is one need to ensure that children are given the best care as well as the surroundings to enable them to grow up in a desirable manner. Moreover, they need to understand their personality, feeling, what they expect to receive from people surrounding them, and social roles. The above connotations are at the center of their social-emotional success in their lives. Having a positive impact regarding social-emotional development will support the children’s self-confidence as well as their ability to develop worthwhile and unending friendships. In addition, it will help to change their feeling of importance of those around them (Wong, 2014). Children's social-emotional development motivates all other development's areas and helps children to understand themselves more and be able to express their ideas as well as emotions. Therefore, Schools must give children intellectual and practical material s to help them to develop their emotional and social intelligence. The program is likely to face negative reaction from the people of Hong Kong. They are likely to doubt this program because they do not believe that it is important to produce socially responsible and happy citizens. As a result, most Chinese children are more likely to be poor in express their ideas as well as managing their feeling and lack of self-confident. Therefore, it would be urgent to take research to applying for the social, emotional learning program in Honk Kong schools to fill this gap.

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 68

Assignment Example The clock was ticking fast on this particular day and at exactly 9 AM. We left our school and headed for the event. The kick off time for the event was expected to be at exactly 10. AM and was targeted to cover three schools in the neighborhood. It was organized by the peer educators’ group from my school and I requested for an opportunity to offer a speech and this was granted to me. The organizers for the event therefore were my school’s peers educators group and the intended audience was the students from the three targeted high schools. I had not figured out that my speech would be a source of motivation to the students. It then started with prayers, then followed speech from two guest speakers and finally my time came. This was the first day in my whole life that I had to address such a big audience. As I walked to the stage, I broke out in a cold sweat and so I had to take a quick breath as my mother had constantly advised. I then felt at ease and was able to star t telling my story. â€Å"We are all unique and so our strengths, weaknesses and abilities,† I said. I gained composure at this moment when everyone turned their attention to listening to me and I started with explaining how I lost my self worth due to the fact that I could not have artistic abilities as my brothers had and how this led me to performing poorly in my academics. I continued telling of how the decline in academic performance led me to receiving negative comments from my high school teachers and friends and how I started believing in this comments. I explained how everyone thought that I was a disappointment to my family, how I stopped believing my parents when they told me that I was unique and that I had a special ability, other than the artistic ability that my brothers possessed. â€Å"I then resulted to isolating myself from my friends who could at that moment perform better than I could and I ended up in a state of self denial†. I explained how my academic performance

Fluid Mechanics (civil) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Fluid Mechanics (civil) - Essay Example However, it is a proven fact that dams are also responsible for causing low to high degree tremors, soil erosion and they render the site useless for future cultivation. Typical dam location can be represented as: Dam Design and Operation: Effective dam designing requires a clear understanding of destructive potential of uncontrolled water. To ensure that its force is subdued, it must be confined to safe passages. A dam alters natural equilibrium at its site. As water is impounded, a new regime of seepage develops in the barriers that form reservoir. The characteristics of the materials used in the dam construction give different capabilities to the dam structure. Water in rivers is obstructed with the dam walls and guided to an inside chamber for storage. It is then released as and when required by the doors of these chambers. Released water is either mixed with river water and supplied to irrigation land or is used to run turbines for electricity generation. 1. google search engine, google book search, Robert B. Jansen(1988), ‘Advanced dam engineering for design, construction, and rehabilitation’, Springer publication, March 9, 2009, 2-3; retrieved from 2. google search engine, google book search, Imre V. Nagy, D. Kofi Asante-Duah, Istvà ¡n Zsuffa (2002), ‘Hydrological Dimensioning and Operation of Reservoirs: Practical Design Concepts and Principles’, Springer publication, March 9, 2009, retrieved from

Al-Nusrah Front Terrorist Group Profile Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Al-Nusrah Front Terrorist Group Profile - Thesis Example The paper will also analyze the American policies on homeland security, and relate the aspects of the policies to the design and structure of the Al-Nusrah Front. Terrorism is a serious global issue that is attracting great financial, political, war, economic, religious and social strategies. Usually, the groups characterize with competent military structures and strategies that enable them to fight military of sovereign states. Currently, largest terrorist groups have concentrated within the Middle East and Arabic speaking countries. The nature and organization of the groups has led to labeling of some as Islamic-oriented. In fact, the greatest terrorist groups such as the Al-Qaeda, Al-Nusrah, ISIL and the Hamas have Islamism at the core of their ideologies. Most of the terrorist groups have been targeting Western countries, America in particular, and the allies. A case in point was the 9/11 event that made terror threat on Western countries a reality. It is for the escalation of terrorist activities targeted at America that the US government strengthened policies on Homeland security. The Al-Nusrah Front otherwise called Jabhat al-Nusra is among the renowned global terrorist groups after enlistment by Australia, United States, United Nations, Turkey, United Kingdom, and Russia. Analysis of the Al-Nusrah alongside US security policies is important in determining the efficiencies of the homeland security programs in tackling any threats from the group. The Al-Nusrah Front or Jabhat al-Nusra is a terrorist group based in Syria with extended operations to Lebanon. The group started forming late in 2011 and formalized its existence on January 23, 2012 through publication. The group pays allegiance to the Al-Qaeda of Iraq that saw its formation under the leadership of Abu M. al-Julani, who was an operative of Al-Qaeda in Iraq. The purpose for the creation of the group was to

Rails to Trails Program Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Rails to Trails Program - Research Paper Example As a function of this particular level of analysis, the author will discuss five of the sea goals/accomplishments that Rails to Trails has elaborated on within its 2011 annual report. By engaging in a summary and objective analysis of these goals and competence, it is the hoped that the reader can come to a more appreciable understanding of detailed victories and further goals that program necessarily engenders. Secondly, as a means of determining the effectiveness of the entity in question, the analysis will also engage with an analysis and discussion of whether media coverage of the group has been on the whole either positive, negative, or neutral. Likewise, by leveraging an understanding of the internal accomplishments and goals that the group seeks to affect as well as understanding the likely level to which societal shareholders have engaged with the group via the media, it will be able for the analysts to calm to a more clear and definitive understanding of whether or Not the m acro and micro scheme that the group seeks to affect has a likelihood of general success. It can and should be understood that a broad and overarching goal that Rails to Trails has sought to affect is with regards to the level and extent to which the entity and its stakeholders continually seek to engage key members of Congress. This is done so that awareness within the minds of the legislatures can be created and key responses made with regards to proposed legislation and potential cuts (Hannan 44). In this manner, it can be understood by the reader that one of the primary goals with which Rails to Trails seeks to engage is with regards to the current economic environment; the environment in which the clear and present need for economic cuts places the life blood of Rails to Trails at a distinct risk. Accordingly, one of the greatest, judgments that was detailed within the annual report 2011 was with regards to the general success which was achieved at keeping the Federal Transport ation Fund available to both highways and trails. Movements and interest by key legislators to remove trails and walking paths into the general fund of the Federal Transportation Fund; whereas before these programs that always enjoyed a degree of safety from the competition that the general fund would necessarily imply. Secondary item of success and a compliment is with regards to the way in which Rails to Trails engaged with Representative Mica. This was done in something of an expert manner due to the fact that Representative Mica only recently became the head of the Transportation Infrastructure Program; a powerful body that was able to decide what expenditures or cuts would be made to key government programs (Fisher 10). Due to the fact that Representative Mica was a Republican, it would’ve been easy for the organization to merely seeks to combat him rather than co-opt him. However, a resounding success was able to be realized when stakeholders from Representative Micaâ⠂¬â„¢s home district were able to begin passing several resolutions. These resolutions had the impact of encouraging Representative Mica to consider his view upon funding cuts and ultimately support the Rails to Trails Program. Another means by which a level of success was able to be realized was with regards to the partnership with the Campaign for Active Transportation (CAT). As a means of providing a unified voice and engaging with other stakeholders to maximize the combines impact upon legislation and potential cuts looming on the horizon, this particular engagement was extraordinarily helpful to achieving these goals (Hearne 118). Yet another compliment is with regards to the bipartisan support that Rails to Trails was able to

Evidence in the case of Donald who May have Hit Doris Essay

Evidence in the case of Donald who May have Hit Doris - Essay Example Doris provides what is called the ‘master narrative’ as well which is defined as a story that has cultural context through which the specific story is given a deeper meaning.3 The ‘master narrative’ that Doris has created is that of the abused female by a male aggressor. Through this narrative, the context of the rest of the evidence is presented. Ann Ann overheard a statement by Doris at the party. That statement was â€Å"Stop hitting me Donald† and that it was made in a state of duress. Except for the accused, the spouse of an accused, or the children of an accused, there is an assumption made in English law that all witnesses that are brought forth with be competent and compellable.4 The narrative is how the story of the events is constructed, starting with the story of the victim, but then moving to the corroboration of witnesses. Ann’s function is to corroborate the story that Doris has related that led to charges against Donald. Ann†™s testimony is hearsay. Hearsay is defined as a statement that is made outside of the court which is given to prove the matter that is in process.5 Using the example of R v Xhabri, hearsay in the form of overhearing statements made by a victims were admissible through s114(1)(d) even when it was dismissible under s120.6 The reason for this admissibility is that the interests of justice overrode any benefit of dismissing the testimony.7 Ann’s testimony becomes complicated, however, by her former conviction. Under the Criminal Justice Act of 2003, provision 100, the bad character of an individual as it may pertain to guilt in relationship to their participation may be admissible.8 Under this provision, the witness’ character can be at issue when they may have criminally contributed or actually been the perpetrator of the crime. It has been used further to assess the credibility of a witness.9 In this case, Ann has been previously convicted of perverting the course of justice, which means she was part of a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice which is criminal and is a holdover of English Common Law.10 This means that at some point she participated in trying to falsely inform the court as to the truth of an action. It is likely that the evidence she presents will be thrown out or at the least minimized by introduction of her former conviction. Dr. Foot Dr. Foot, which for the purposes of this paper is assumed to be an expert in forensic investigation, has evidence of hair from Donald on the victim, Doris. Evidence must be relevant which was established in the Indian Evidence Act of 1872 which is still in effect and provides that there is a difference between logical evidence and legal evidence, supporting the concept of the best evidence theory. Best evidence theory has been overruled by the relevance of evidence on most trials, however, and in this one while the hair is best evidence, it does nothing more than establish Donald’s pr esence at the party which is not in dispute.11 The use of the Civil Evidence Act of 1972 provides for evidence created outside

Development of ACETO as a Human Health Products Corporation Essay - 15

Development of ACETO as a Human Health Products Corporation - Essay Example The percentage of US consumers is at 68%, most of whom are reliable consumers. This increase in the dollar amounts from assets and sales is due to the quality of products that have stood out amidst a heated competitive ground. Aceto Corporation relies on its underlying entities like long-term assets and this poses a threat to its future financial performance (Aceto Corporation, 2015). The derivatives act as a hedge for any modifications of prices or accessing markets that are not easy to penetrate. In the case of huge price adjustments, over-reliance on the underlying entities may affect the revenue generated and therefore interfere with ACETO’s net profit. Such occurrences can affect the share value including the confidence of potential investors. Some of the operational items recorded in the news release by Aceto Corporation include multiple sales that have increased by over 100%. The statistics released late 2014 reveal that ACETO has a lot of potential in terms of satisfying a growing market and maintaining a quality of products. The performance chemicals were a strategic item in 2014 that led to increased profits. This growth in demand as a result of improvement in product mix which was warmly received by the consumers (Aceto Corporation, 2015). Human health and pharmaceuticals was a great pillar that upheld the rapid increase in sales amounting to over 70% gross profits. This backed up the strategy transforming ACETO into an organization that provides for human health products.  Ã‚  

The Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe and Confessions found In a Prison by Charles Dicken Essay Example for Free

The Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe and Confessions found In a Prison by Charles Dicken Essay My essay will consist of the themes of the two short stories and background information on the authors who were living at the Victorian time, now seen as classical writers. Edgar Allen Poe was born January 19th 1809 in Boston. He was an American short story writer, poet, critic, and editor. He is famous in all of these traits for his cultivation of mystery and macabre writing. The atmosphere is his tales of horror is unrivalled in American fiction. After his mother died in Richmond, in 1811, he was taken into the home of John Allan, a Richmond merchant (presumably his godfather), and his childless wife. He was later taken to Scotland and England (1815-20), where he was given a classical education that was continued in Richmond. His gambling losses at the university incensed his guardian that he refused to let him continue, and Poe returned to Richmond to find his sweetheart, (Sarah) Elmira Royster, engaged. Poe made a name as a critical reviewer and married his young cousin Virginia Clemm, who was only 13. Poe seems to have been an affectionate husband and son-in-law. Poe was dismissed from his job in Richmond, apparently for drinking, and went to New York City. Drinking was in fact to be the bane of his life. To talk well in large company he needed a slight stimulant, but a glass of sherry might start him on a spree; and, although he rarely succumbed to intoxication, he was often seen in public when he did. This gave rise to the conjecture that he was a drug addict, but according to medical testimony he had a brain lesion. His wife Virginia died in 1847. Charles Dickens is generally considered as one of the greatest writers of the Victorian Era. His work is characterised by attacks on the social evils, injustices and hypocrisy. In his early teen years he was forced to end school and work in the factory. Dickens characters such as Scrooge, David Copperfield and Mr Pickwick have fascinated generations of readers. The author was born in Hampshire during the industrial age his father was a well-paid clerk but often ended up in financial problems. Dickens wrote for several newspapers. In 1836 he married Catherine Hogart. They had 10 children. Both short stories contain the theme of GOTHIC LITERATURE. The Goths were said, by history, to be barbarians who destroyed the classical Roman civilisation and plunged the civilised world into the centuries of ignorance called the Dark Ages. Hence the word Goth originally came from the name of the German tribe at odds with the Roman Empire, later a generic term for all German tribes- came to stand for Barbarous; and later, what was said to be barbarous, came to be known as gothic. The term gothic also came to represent the medieval culture of the long years of the Dark Ages. In Edgar Allan Poes story The Tell Tale Heart, the narrator cannot see that she/he is crazy and rather maniacally tries to convince that she/he is not. You fancy me mad. Madmen know nothing. You should have seen me. You should have seen how wisely I proceeded. He gleefully recounts the skilled way he kills an old man and buries him under the floorboards. When two policemen came to the residence to investigate, the narrator believes that he can hear the old mans heart still beating, and it drives the narrator to confess the crime: Villains! (Narrator shrieked), dissemble no more! -Here, here! It is the beating of the hideous heart. Both authors have one obvious thing in common they are both male writers. They were very popular in their short story writing and became very famous. The two stories have the narrator as the insane murderers. Those killers talk in great detail about why, how, when and where they committed their evil actions. In both stories the victims were vulnerable. A young child was atrociously killed in Confessions found In a Prison and a powerless old man was killed fiercely in The Tell Tale Heart. Both victims were vulnerable because of their age. The murder plots were both designed intelligently methodically thought out what was being undertaken in days or weeks before the episode occurred. Both authors added a great twist in the end and left the readers stunned. The police officers in The Tell Tale Heart were shocked by the killers confession while viewing where the body was hidden; he was revealing his madness in a dramatic breakdown. The army officers in Confessions in a Prison found out where the decaying body of the child lay simply by observing the unknown crime scene. Last of all, both murderers confessed to their compulsive, inhumane actions and paid for taking the life of an innocent person. The killers in both stories believably insane in the way they had the most ridiculous reasons to take another human life but they still had killers motives. There are many differences that make the both stories unique, such as the murderers Motives to kill. In The Tell Tale Heart the killer was haunted by the evil eye of vulture, although he still liked the man he had to get rid of the eye. In Confessions Found In a Prison the motives were all about greed because the killers wife loved his nephew as her own child and was haunted by the childs face and eyes, which reminded him of his mother, who he believed didnt like him very much. The two victims who were killed had a major contrast in age, old verses young. I think I felt more sympathy for the child being killed rather than the old man because the young child had his whole life ahead to see and experience the world, compared to the old man who had already lived his life. I also think the killing of a child was more horrific in the Confessions found In a Prison compared to the aged man in The Tell Tale Heart. The helpless young child was innocent, little and fragile who even attempted to escape outside in the garden by himself. The poor child didnt have the best of childhood. Both his parents had died, and he had been put into the care of his uncle. The murder in The Tell Tale Heart was left unidentified as to whether it was a male or a female. There were no clues or hints referring to his or her sex, which gives the story more suspense and more mystery. As a reader I felt the narrator could only have been a man due to the horrific style of the murder. I understand that these extreme actions could have been committed by a woman, but I believe it is more likely to be a man. The assassin in the story Confession found In a Prison had a blood relationship with his victim. The killer was an uncle of the child who was his BLOOD nephew. The murderer in the story of the The Tell Tale Heart was a neighbour to the old man who we didnt really know anything about. The Tell Tale Heart takes place in the region of 7-8 days mainly during the hours of darkness at the residence of the old man. The motives of the two murderers were different and similar in particular ways. In The Tell Tale Heart the assassin was disturbed by the evil eyes of the old man that was an image of a vulture. In Confessions found In a Prison the murderer was greedy and jealous because his wife seemed to love his nephew as her own child, the memory of his brothers wifes eyes lived in the little boys eye in particular, which he inherited. I think there is a lot of evidence as to why the murderer was completely mad in The Tell Tale Heart The narrator was simply trying so hard to convince the reader that he/she was not mad, for example but why will you say that I am mad or the line would a mad man have been so wise as this? this clearly shows that the narrator is trying to convince the reader of his sanity. The repetitiveness and the use of phrases of how a mad man should be keeps relating to themes of madness. The narrator also uses speech, involving the readers by asking questions, e.g. Would a mad man have been so wise as this? The killer says in the first paragraph that he/she loved the old man. The killer didnt have any grudges against him, and he had never wronged the narrator. The only thing that came in the way of all of these opinions was that the narrator was haunted by the old mans eye. Such stupid, mad and negative thoughts took the life of an innocent man. The killer in Confessions Found In a Prison was a blood relative of the victim, the uncle of the child. The killer didnt really think twice about his relationship towards the boy and about the deep, deep consequences. Both murderers had plainly confessed to their repulsive deeds at the end of the short stories. Both confessed dramatically. Both murderers sat on top of their victims lifeless corpses just before they were found out. In The Tell Tale Heart the narrator was sitting on top of the floorboards just above where the body had been placed. In Confessions found in a Prison the murderer sat outside in his own garden with his own officers sitting on the soil that his nephew lay beneath. Both killers ended at the site of the manic crimes. In Confessions Found In A Prison when the narrator did not move his chair or himself, the army officers guessed that he was hiding something. Both narrators have probably flashes in their mind of what they did and what their consequences were going to be if they got caught for murdering an innocent and helpless. For example in Confessions Found In A Prison although the narrator his all the evidence and covered up the crime scene, he lived in fear of being found out that he killed his own nephew. He suffers terrible nightmares and needs to keep a constant watch over his nephews early grave. Both authors are sending significant messages in their short stories, who ever takes a wrong turning life or has done something very wrong against the law will be caught and punished to pay in debt for their crime. If you murder, later your actions turn into regrets and pure nightmares, it drives you insane because you cant simply cope with a guilty conscious. The authors try to convey to their readers that by taking a life of a human, the punishment given to the killer will never be enough to pay for the death of an innocent person who will never get another chance to live in this world. I believe the authors are disapproving of MURDER, in the way they ended their short stories with both killers getting caught and arrested for operating a murder offence. Edgar Allen Poe uses noise to create atmosphere in the short story and to build up suspense, for example, the hinges creaked. The reader instantly wants to discover who is behind the door. This creates more suspense and mystery with the intension of making the readers more engaged, and wanting to read further, and it leaves the reader clinging to the edge of their seats. The Tell Tale Heart is very quiet, calm and peaceful, until the twist at the end of the story, when death was inflicted upon the victim. A silence is always followed by action; again the reader is kept entertained, interested and literally addicted to the suspense and the build up of the tension. Edgar Allan Poe also mentions time in The Tell Tale Heart. It helps many writers in building suspense and creating atmosphere based of the theme of the story. Time makes the story more interesting and gives a sense of repetition if certain words involving time are used atmosphere, suspense and tension are built. For example, For the whole hour I didnt move a muscle this portrays how slowly the time passed. For a minute, the heart went on with a muffled sound. The writer here engages his readers by making TIME a way of creating more atmosphere and tension the short story. Out of the two murderers I really do not think either of them deserved any sympathy, seeing as their reasons for murder were both so meaningless. I feel a tiny bit of pity for the murderer in Confessions found in a Prison because he had had the hatred growing inside him for a long time, waiting to explode. From an early age he seemed to resent his brother and this hatred was later transferred to his innocent nephew. The killer in Confessions found in a Prison wasnt completely mad at the beginning of the story, but became so when the nephew took a role as part of his everyday life, his madness simply stretched from the point when the child was put under his care, the memory of the childs parents was there to remind him everyday of his past hatred and jealousy. The murderer in The Tell Tale Heart didnt appear to have a particular link with the victim, as we know it. The victim did him no wrong. I believe the narrator was mad, and beyond any sense of logical thought. I think he was in need of great medical help from the beginning of the story. I favoured The Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe rather than the short story Confessions found in a Prison by Charles Dickens, even though both stories stunned me completely. The author Edgar Allan Poe writes in such anger and irritation about the evil eye, which was compared to a vultures eye. The account of the heart of the old man drumming in the killers mind, driving him to breakdown, gives the reader a shaky feeling while imagining the event. I think the repetition of words helped build up the suspense and tension, this also guides the reader to read further into the passage. The word mad appears in The Tell Tale Heart many times referring to the narrators insanity, this implies to the reader that the narrator is crazy, as he/she brings up this subject on many occasions and obsessively denying their own accusations, e.g. I am not mad. There are many short sentences, usually a device to build up atmosphere and suspense. Edgar Allan Poe writes in such detail about each topic, for example the Evil Eye, we as readers could feel the hate growing inside the narrator, which became very realistic. The twist at the end of this story fascinated me, and gave effectiveness to the whole story. It was intelligently written. The ending wasnt obvious, and kept you guessing to the very end. I didnt expect the killer in The Tell Tale Heart to rip up the floor boards because of all of the hard work and preparation that the killer went through to cover up the crime scene. I took a great interest In the way the narrator was portrayed at the end, when the police inspectors arrived. The killer put on an innocent and relaxed facial expression, just in-case suspicion occurred with the officers. His or her voice tones were transformed into calm, relaxing tones, and the body language is conveyed greatly by the description from the author. The body language was altered depending on the situation to avoid suspicion. The reaction at the end was unexpected, but I could sense a twist building up in the writing. The coincidental visit from the police, and the dramatic confession of the killer was very amusing for me to read. In conclusion, Although I believe that neither of the murderers deserve sympathy, I feel remote pity for both murderers, in the fact that they were mentally unstable, and the knowledge of their crime tore at them until it drove them to confess all. I believe that this does equate for a slight sympathetic vote to go to the killer who showed the most emotion, and regret. I therefore would say I felt the most sympathy for the killer in The Tell Tale Heart.

Compare and contrast Essay Example for Free

Compare and contrast Essay The goals equality and quality in education should be of the same importance because education plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of the individual person. While education provides opportunities, it is the quality of education that guarantees the individual’s fitness to these opportunities. Randall Curren, citing the work of Gary Orfield, point out that, â€Å"in the early years of disintegration, it might have been easier to believe that educational opportunity and success translated directly into occupational opportunity† (p. 272). The goal of equality in education insures that everyone have equal opportunity to avail quality education, regardless of race, color, and ethnic origin. The goal of quality in education insures that everyone gets the best learning outcomes that will provide better economic opportunities. Thus, while equality and quality have different goals, yet they have the same importance in education as both is geared towards the improvement of the person. The goals of equality and quality The word equality is easy to understand but the implication of its meaning encompassed not only the social and the economic status but all the spheres where inequality is serving. The goals of equality are may be too costly given the fact that society is plagued with various ills such as greed, hungry for power, consumerism and materialism, selfishness, and so forth. Stein Ringen cited two interpretations of the goals of equality, the weak and the strong interpretation. In these interpretations, the goals of equality are not just guaranteeing â€Å"minimum standards for all members of society in different socio-economic† factors but equality in the entire structure of inequality. In other words, equality has to do with human fairness in relation to social and economic matters. Quality on the other hand deals with the totality of characteristics of the finished product. Sunny Baker and G. Michael Campbell stated, â€Å"Quality is how well the product satisfies the needs of the customer† (p. 68). Thus, the goal of quality is customer satisfaction. Compare and contrast; define; provide one example each. Equality and quality are both important ingredients that are shaping human society. Both were important in its respective domain as key determinant of its kind. A product is determined by its quality while equality determines a fair and humane society. In contrast with quality however, equality talks about people in relation to opportunities around them, Quality on the other hand, talks about products in relation to human standard. Defining equality is an on-going debate in view of acute problems of en-equalities dominating every spheres of human society. However, a general definition of equality states that equality is characterized as the elimination of formal legal barriers of exclusion based on certain immutable characteristics such as race and gender† (Douglas, D. M. 1998 p. 3). Quality on the other hand, is defined as â€Å"features that are decisive as to product performance and as to product satisfaction. Examples of en-equality and quality One example of equality is the gender equality. It has been for quite a long time that feminism had struggled before finally women in many parts of the globe gained recognition of equal gender treatment. Gender equality had finally gained recognition. Another example is the equality in opportunity. Although this may not apply in some countries, yet it is now enshrined in the constitutions of the democratic countries to provide equal opportunities to their constituents. And example of quality on the other hand, is a certain product that is free from defect and has passed the prescribed standard. Sources Reeves, D. (2005) Planning for Diversity New York: Routlege (p. 8). Brown, M. (1996) Keeping Score USA: AMACOM DIV American Magmt (p. 83) Reference Curren, Randall Philosophy of Education UK: Blackwell Publishing Devins, N. Douglas, (1998) D. M. Redfining Equality USA: Oxford University Press Horowitz, I. (1984) Winners and Losers USA: Duke University Press Ringen, S. (2006) The possibility of Politics USA: Transaction Publisher

Describe and evaluate theories of aggression

Describe and evaluate theories of aggression There are many forms of aggression used in society today, from name calling in the playground to domestic violence, a man or women being beaten by his or her spouse. There are several on-going debates regarding aggression development, one of the main debates is nature versus nurture with Konrad Lorenz supporting the nature theory by suggesting that aggression is an instinct that we are all born with and Albert Bandura supporting the nurture theory, believing that a child is influenced by their surroundings and by their upbringing. This leads to the question could aggression be genetically transferred to us like the colour of our hair or eyes or does it develop as we grow and mature and interact with the world around us. Frustration and anger are common precursors to aggression but anger doesnt always turn into aggression; frustration arising from inability to control a situation leads to anger which may or may not escalate to full blown aggression. Anger can lead to irritation; when we get ready in the morning to go to work and the car does not start we may feel frustrated and sense the anger warming up our face, however, it may not escalate to aggression because the object did not choose to act that way. In other words, we feel angry or aggressive when we know that the source of frustration could have chosen to behave in a better or more desirable manner. A study by Averill and Weiner showed that anger arises when someone who frustrates us could have chosen to act otherwise. (Myers 2005, p.387) The evolutionary explanation of human aggression suggests that aggression serves as an important function in terms of the individuals survival as well as its potential to procreate. Newman et al discovered genes that are linked to aggression in Macaque monkeys and this gene has been present in them for at least 25 million years and so for that gene to have survived it must have provided some advantages. One explanation for aggression in people is that humans are somehow programmed to be aggressive and violent and that it part of a persons basic nature. Another view suggests that aggression is an inherited fighting instinct that we share with other species. In the past males had to act aggressively to get rid of competition and get the mate they desire. They eliminated their competition either by driving them away or by killing them. Aggression can thus be seen to serve adaptive purposes. Because the males who were fittest survived and got the most access to females it may have lead to the aggressive gene to be passed on and so creates a more aggressive generation which is stronger and fitter than the last. Spriggs (1999) argued that our hunter-gatherer ancestors would have formed a social structure based on stamina, physical strength and stature. So our ancestors survived on their abilities and an adaptive aggressive tendency. Males might also have become the aggressors was in order to win favour of the females and then pass on his genes. Since evolutionary success was built on the foundation of the aggressive male and responsive female, evolution continues to favour the social groups dominated by natural selection. There is however various factors that help prove the theory that genetics is a large component in aggression. Some hunters in groups were better than other; some groups produced more males, males that were better at gathering sources, which is why in some cultures it is seen more desirable to have males. Those men who have the combined traits of strength, stamina and cunning begin to outperform and bring back more than the others. As a result their stature grew and so did their chances of reproduction. The disadvantage with this theory is that the evidence given is based on thousands of years ago when humanity first began, so it is difficult to empirically test. Some scientists argue that this theory is defenseless and has no real evidence. Austrian psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud agreed with the nature theory to aggression development, he believed in the instinct theory. He stated that everyone is born with an instinct to live, Eros, and an instinct to die, Thanatos, and that as our aggression builds up and builds up, we can turn our death instinct towards others in a movement of self preservation to stop us from destroying ourselves. This process is known as the hydraulic theory; Freud suggested that the only way around this was to find another way to vent our aggression build up possibly through some form of therapeutic release such as sport. Lorenz studied animals as he believed, like Darwin, that we evolved from animals and he found that we have inherited a fighting instinct from them. He supports the nature theory but his beliefs differ from Freuds as he finds aggression a beneficial instinct that doesnt come from an internal struggle between our life and death instincts but from an instinct to protect territory, part ners and young from rivals of the same species. Megargee and Mendelsohn agreed with Freuds theories and completed a study on people who had committed brutally aggressive crimes, they found that their aggression had been repressed for so long until it built up so much that something trivial caused an aggressive outburst, and, as Freuds theory predicts, after the outburst the attacker returned to a normal calm state with no signs of an aggressive nature. There are a lot of problems with the instinct theory one being that it is difficult to test and another being that not everyone displays the same levels of aggression in the same circumstances which suggests biological factors alone cannot be responsible. Also there are some societies that show almost no acts of aggression at all such as the Amish located in both America and Canada and the Nubians situated in Egypt. There is also the view that aggression is something we learn or imitate from people around us this is known as the social learning theory. The Social Learning theory proposes that the cause of all aggressive behaviour is due to interactions with others in our social world. According to social learning theorists such as Bandura, aggressive behaviour is learned in either one of 2 ways, by direct experience which is based on operant conditioning or by vicarious (indirect) experience which is based on observational learning. Operant conditioning is for example, when a child pushes another child and, as a result, gets something they want; the action is then reinforced and is likely to occur in similar situations in the future. However observational learning is when a child sees a role model behaving in a particular way and imitates the behaviour of the model. It is thought that most aggression is learnt by observational learning, usually from those who are of a big significance to us. From these models we learn about the nature of aggressive behaviour and to which situations this behaviour is appropriate and also its likely consequences. According to behaviourists, behaviour that is reinforced (rewarded) will be repeated and learned and aggression that is associated with a reward (e.g. Praise) is likely to be learned. However there are various factors that can determine whether a person will be aggressive in a certain situation, one of these is whether a persons previous experiences of aggression (either their own or aggression of another person) were good or bad experiences. Another factor is whether these previous experiences were successful or not, this then allows them to assess how likely their aggressive behaviour will get them rewarded or punished in this certain situation. Finally, the cognitive, social and environmental factors that are operating at the same time, for example a person isnt likely to act aggressive if they fear that the victim may retaliate. On the other hand, aggression is likely to increase if person is in a hostile situation. Bandura combines the logic of both social psychology and cognitive psychology in his social cognitive perspective of human behaviour. Bandura thought that behaviour may be motivated not only by inherent psychological factors but also by more socio-environmental factors. He argued that the individual and the social environment were linked, something he called reciprocal determinism. Bandura social learning theory had four basic processes which are Attention, Retention, Reproduction and Motivation (Reinforcements). Attention only occurs if a person attends to the models behaviour. Retention happens as we code and remember the behaviour by placing it into long-term memory. Reproduction happens if an individual is capable of reproducing the models behaviour. If an individual expects to receive positive reinforcements this will then motivate an individuals behaviour, which is the motivation process. The Social Learning theorys view on aggression is supported by various experiments. Banduras most well-known study is the Bobo Doll Study whch involved child male and female participants from 3 to 5 years old with half the participants exposed to aggressive models interacting with a life-sized inflatable Bobo doll whilst the other half were exposed to models with no aggression. Children in the aggressive condition reproduced most of the physical and verbal aggressive behaviour whereas children in the non aggressive showed virtually no aggression. The findings support the Social Learning theory as the aggressive behaviour displayed came diectly from watching an aggressive model. Bandura also carried out variations of his study, one showing the model being rewarded or punished in a variety of ways, the kids were rewarded for their imitations, and the model was changed to be less attractive or less prestigious, and so on. Â   Responding to criticism that Bobo dolls were supposed to be hit, he even did a film of the young woman beating up a live clown. Â   When the children went into the other room, what should they find there but the live clown! Â   They proceeded to punch him, kick him, hit him with little hammers, and so on. The variations support the Social Learning Theory even more because of its 4 processes with the last being motivation/reinforcements. One variation showed that from 3 different groups the group that had seen the model being rewarded for aggressive behaviour showed high levels of aggression, however those who seen the model punished performed a lower level of aggression and the ones that saw the model neither punished nor rewarded fell between the other two levels. This supports Social Learning Theorys about reinforcements. However, the studies lack ecological validity because they were carried out in Laboratory conditions which means the results may not be able to be applied to real world situations. On the other hand Social Learning Theory can explain inconsistencies in aggressive behaviour. For example, if someone is aggressive and overpowering at home, yet meek and passive at work then it means they have learned to behave differently in the two situations as aggression brings reward in one place but not the other. Therefore the theory makes logical sense that we have learned this. SLT can also explain cultural differences in aggressive behaviour. The culture of violence theory proposes that some cultures emphasize and model aggressive behaviour whilst others do the opposite and so are more likely to produce individuals with low levels of aggression. This means that there isnt cultural bias in the studies as they have studied various different cultures and explained the differences between them. Also, the studies have lead to other developments in the real world so have importance in the fact the studies have practical applications. The studies have lead to changes such as focus on the effects of the visual media on both children and Adults. It has also led to implications on other different places such as classroom use. This is because now they can see certain reinforcements could be put into use, for example rewarded for answering a very hard question in class or being punished for maybe hitting another pupil in the class. It is effective for increasing appropriate behaviour and also good for decreasing inappropriate behaviours. However, although the theory has many strong points it also has its weaknesses such as the fact that the Social Learning Theory is also reductionist in the sense that is ignores biological factors. Biological theorists argue that Social Learning Theory ignores biological factors completely. It doesnt look at brain structures or possible learning difficulties and therefore the results collected could lack validity. It also means that SLT takes the nurture side of the nature/nurture debate. Finally, one of the main issues with the Social Learning Theorys research studies; in particular Bandura is the fact that it seen as very unethical and also morally wrong to encourage the children to be aggressive. David Skuse from the Institute of Child Health also conducted his own study on 224 former male child abuse victims he disagrees with Zeanah and Zeanah and found that only 12% of these abused children went on in later life to copy or imitate this abuse. Myers (2005 p. 386), explains, Displacement is the redirection of aggression to a target other than the source of frustration. Generally, the new target is a safer or more socially acceptable target. It is difficult to understand why people intentionally cause harm to others; however, it is even more complex to comprehend why an innocent third person would be targeted to express frustration. Several theories have emerged on the subject and they give us better insight into the psychology of displaced aggression. Conventional psychology suggested that displaced aggression was closely connected with low-self esteem. However since the breakthrough study by Baumeister (1996), conventional wisdom has given way to a startling revelation, i.e. people with high ego are more likely to engage in aggressive behaviour than people with lower self esteem. Baumeister and Bushman (1998) studied aggression in more detail and in greater depth than many other researchers. They were the first to suggest that low self-esteem may have not any link to aggression rather it is inflated ego that appears to lead to aggression. In their study they tested young adults for narcissism and found that those who scored higher on narcissist scale would react with significantly more aggression than those who scored low on this scale. Self-love, as they had put it, was thus found to be closely linked to aggression. It would be important to understand here that self-esteem is not the same thing as ego. Some very egoistical people may not have high self-esteem. Even though these terms have been used interchangeably, it is wrong to assume that they are the same. The reason Baumeister and Bushman (1998) used them this way is because a person with low self-esteem doesnt really love himself and self-love was the main subject of this research. Temperature can play an important role with aggression, (Baron/ Bell) did research involving the effects of heat on aggression by seeing how willing a participant would be to give electric shocks to another,they found that temperatures within the range of 92-95F generally increased the level of aggression. However when the temperatures became too extreme they found the lvels of aggression decreased, in these conditions the participants were stressed and did not want to handle the persons angry reactions, because they didnt want the hassle of the added stress. Baron and Bells study showed a curvilinear effect (where the relationship between heat and aggression both increase together but as it gets to a certain point the aggression decreases) between temperature and aggression which was predicted by the NAE theory saying that when temperature becomes very high an individual seeks to escape lowering aggression, but at lower temperatures the negative affect leads to aggression. There have been many scientists that feel that outside factors are the cause of aggression, Berkowitz studied the effects of coldness on aggressive tendencies and found that students that held their hands in very cold water showed an increase in the likeliness of aggression towards fellow students. Whereas Carlsmith and Anderson studied 79 cities between 1967 and 1971 and they found that aggression was more likely to occur when it was particularly hot days. With so many studies showing different triggers and responses to aggression it is unlikely that we will ever find a definite cause. It could be a combination of all theories or just depend on the subject concerned however as long as there is aggression and violence in society it will continue to be researched and studied. Bibliography Davenport G.C (1994) An Introduction to Child Development Collins Educational London Gross R. And McIlveen R. (1998) Psychology A New Introduction Greengate Publishing Services Kent www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A1093439 Accessed 21/03/09 www.beyondintractability.org/essay/aggression Accessed 21/03/09 www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/CliffsReviewTopic/Aggression.topicArticleId-25438,articleId-25408.html Date accessed 21/03/09 www.criminology.fsu.edu/crimtheory/bandura.htm Date accessed 21/03/09 http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1809 Date accessed 21/03/09 http://209.85.229.132/search?q=cache:xd_v53tfKawJ:learn.hackney.ac.uk/file.php/32/Psychology_-_Dean/Social_Psychology/Handout_06_-_Theories_of_Aggression.doc+theories+of+aggressioncd=12hl=enct=clnkgl=uk Date accessed 21/03/09 Displaced aggression is an abnormal behavior even if found commonly in some people. It is continued as an easier form of aggression release if the aggressor has been successful the first time. If the aggression directed to the innocent target results in a positive outcome for the aggressor, the aggression is rewarded. The individual will recur to the same method of release of frustration the next time he faces similar situation if he feels that there are not consequences connected to the harm-doing. When punishment to this behavior is applied, it can teach the aggressor self-control. Displaced Aggression in children and young adults Unfortunately, when a parent has no control over the emotions caused by frustration and had tasted the reward of aggression, he/she is more likely to continue displacing the aggression toward his family; therefore, his children will learn aggression as a normal behavior. Displacement effects are, certainly, attached to ethnic and racial conflicts as well as many other social behaviors. Discrimination and prejudice are forms of aggression displacement. Motivation to restore equity may also produce displacement-like behavior. Displacement of aggression can also be observed in children at schools when they decide to transfer the frustration caused by a teachers negative attitude against them, toward others students. They cannot attack physically or verbally the teacher so displacement of the aggression is redirected to a target other than the source of frustration. Generally, the new target is a safer or more socially acceptable target. (Myers, 2005, p. 386). In this case, the targets are those kids to whom the teacher pays more attention. The teacher represents the authority, problem-solver person in charge and, in many cases, the children cannot approach them to talk about their feelings and even the needs they have about a subject. Then, the frustration turns into anger and without self control, in aggressive behavior. The student will feel rewarded by the displacement aggressive act even if the release of frustration is temporary. Displaced Aggression and Self-esteem Choice of Target It has also been found that aggressors choice of the innocent target is dependent on some important factors such as similarity of the target to the actual source or similarity of the situation in which the target was found. In other words, a person who behaves violently towards his wife when she asks him why he never mowed the lawn chose his wife as the target because her request bore some resemblance to the aggressive requests made by his boss. Miller (1948) suggested that choice of target is not a random act. It is based on three factors: a. the strength of the instigation to aggression b. the strength of inhibitions against such behavior c. The stimulus similarity of each potential victim to the frustrating agent. (Baron, 1977,p.24) The third factor explains that a target is chosen because it resembled the frustrating agent. The person may have used the same tone, asked for something similar, or made a demand in similar manner. It can be anything but as long as in the aggressors mind, it resembled the source, this target would be chosen. But this is not the only factor. It has also been found that the resembling target must also exhibit certain weakness. He/she must appear weaker than the original source and also weaker than the aggressor himself. A strong target no matter how much it resembles the source is most often not selected because the aggressor cannot hope to be successful against him. Triggers and Displaced Aggression In this regard, triggered displaced aggression studies have offered some interesting insights. Triggered displaced aggression suggests that strength of the trigger is closely connected with level of displaced aggression. Mild triggers were most often responded to with very high levels of displaced aggression compared to moderate or strong trigger. Vasquez et al. (2004) used triggers to examine the situations in which a person may choose to display displaced aggression. He found that mild triggers were more likely to result in serious displaced aggression compared to moderate or strong triggers. For example, episodes of road rage or spousal abuse are frequently elicited by minor events. Thus, in many of these episodes, a prior provocation or frustration may have contributed to the aggression observed in response to a minor impoliteness on the highway or a wifes reminder about the uncut lawn. Moreover, aggressive individuals may not even be explicitly aware that their response to the person who provided the minor triggering event may be inordinately disproportionate. Although the process details presented here are incomplete, future research conducted within the TDA paradigm may eventually lead to a complete understanding of situational and individual moderators of aggressive responding among previously provoked participants in response to a mild triggering provocation. It is hoped that through understanding these moderators and process variables, efforts to limit aggressive responding may be developed. Vasquez (2004) and others who have studied triggered displaced aggression used terms that might confuse a person regarding the connection between strength of triggers and displaced aggression. In simple terms, the reason a mild trigger elicits highest level of displaced aggression is because of the inherent weakness of the trigger. The target chose to use a mild trigger because he/she apparently lacked the strength to make a stronger provocation. The aggressor takes it as a sign of weakness that gives him the confidence to lash out and choose the person as a target. Conclusion We have often come across cases of displaced aggression. We may have also been guilty of engaging in it ourselves too without realizing that our aggression was displaced. Displaced aggression is not only found in adults but is also exhibited by children. It is a common not highly undesirable way to react to a provocative situation. The behavior is considered abnormal and is closely linked to inflated ego instead of self esteem. Children can learn displaced aggression as a normal way of reacting to frustration because that is how their parents behaved. Aggressors choose their targets based on some important characteristics. Most importantly this target should resemble the actual source in some manner and must also exhibit certain degree of weakness. It is important to understand that our research revealed no direct link between self esteem but was linked to narcissist behavior. A person who loves himself in an abnormal manner fails to take insults in its proper perspective and decides that he would react strongly even if the actual source remains unmoved. This is when an innocent third person is chosen. Displaced aggression can be treated through carefully administered punishment that sends a message that this kind of behavior is undesired and must be discontinued.

Preparing for the Olympics :: Olympics Sports Athletics Essays

Preparing for the Olympics Every two years, countries around the world join together in excitement for the Olympic Games. Either winter or summer, the Olympics are something everyone seems to look forward to in one way or another. Olympic preparation is no easy task, for the athletes, nor for the event staff. When the idea of Olympic preparation is brought up, two main ideas come to mind. How is the site for the Olympics picked? And how is it decided who carries the Olympic torch? After careful research, the answers to these questions have been found. First, the topic of how an â€Å"Olympic City† comes to be. All cities applying to become candidate cities to host the Olympic Games are subject to a candidature acceptance procedure, conducted by the IOC Executive Board. IOC stands for International Olympic Committee. In the end the IOC Executive Board will determine which cities are accepted as candidate cities. There are several criteria that a host city must meet in order to be considered a candidate for the job. Two of these are: ability to host, organize and stage high level international multi-sports events and compliance with the Olympic Charter and the IOC Code of Ethics. Once the candidates are chosen based on more general elements, the process of choosing an Olympic host can begin. There are usually five cities chosen as possible candidates for the prestige honor of hosting the Olympic Games. From here each city must fill out a lengthy questionnaire about their plans for the Olympic Games. The main topics on the questionnaire concern Motivation and Support, Political and Public Support, General Infrastructure, Sports Infrastructure, Logistics and Experience, and the Financing of the games. After this long and in depth form, the IOC has a better knowledge of each city’s plans for all the events and coordination for the Games. After the questionnaire is received the IOC can send experts to the city to further investigate certain matters pertaining to the questions answered. This is usually done to ensure that the correct choice is made to further the â€Å"Olympic Movement.† Each of the five candidate cities receives a visit by not only the experts, but by the IOC to discuss matters more in depth to get a better feel for the city and it’s ideas for the Games. Preparing for the Olympics :: Olympics Sports Athletics Essays Preparing for the Olympics Every two years, countries around the world join together in excitement for the Olympic Games. Either winter or summer, the Olympics are something everyone seems to look forward to in one way or another. Olympic preparation is no easy task, for the athletes, nor for the event staff. When the idea of Olympic preparation is brought up, two main ideas come to mind. How is the site for the Olympics picked? And how is it decided who carries the Olympic torch? After careful research, the answers to these questions have been found. First, the topic of how an â€Å"Olympic City† comes to be. All cities applying to become candidate cities to host the Olympic Games are subject to a candidature acceptance procedure, conducted by the IOC Executive Board. IOC stands for International Olympic Committee. In the end the IOC Executive Board will determine which cities are accepted as candidate cities. There are several criteria that a host city must meet in order to be considered a candidate for the job. Two of these are: ability to host, organize and stage high level international multi-sports events and compliance with the Olympic Charter and the IOC Code of Ethics. Once the candidates are chosen based on more general elements, the process of choosing an Olympic host can begin. There are usually five cities chosen as possible candidates for the prestige honor of hosting the Olympic Games. From here each city must fill out a lengthy questionnaire about their plans for the Olympic Games. The main topics on the questionnaire concern Motivation and Support, Political and Public Support, General Infrastructure, Sports Infrastructure, Logistics and Experience, and the Financing of the games. After this long and in depth form, the IOC has a better knowledge of each city’s plans for all the events and coordination for the Games. After the questionnaire is received the IOC can send experts to the city to further investigate certain matters pertaining to the questions answered. This is usually done to ensure that the correct choice is made to further the â€Å"Olympic Movement.† Each of the five candidate cities receives a visit by not only the experts, but by the IOC to discuss matters more in depth to get a better feel for the city and it’s ideas for the Games.

X2: X-Men United Essay -- Movie Movies Film Essays

X2: X-Men United The ultimate test of a good sequel is its ability to stand alone. X2: X-Men United passes this test with flying colors. Though the story line follows the classic good versus evil paradigm, it is not dependent on the original X-Men movie to tell its story. X2’s plotline twists keep the viewer wondering about the loyalties of characters that appear at one moment to switch to the good side, and then just as easily revert to their roles as bad guys. Requiring the viewer to ask, â€Å"How do we know who we can trust?† Equally, the film’s visual effects are stunning without being overwhelming or redundant. We do not see action sequences repeated from the first movie but fresh new twists that appear as visual candy. Many sequels simply mirror their predecessor in hopes of striking gold twice, only to fall short. Not so with X2. The filmmakers have taken what was essentially a good movie and built on its foundation to create a second movie, which is not just a flat reflection of the first, but a movie which can stand on its own. In addition to plotline twist, X2 is chock full of action and adventure. In the first minute of X2 there is more action, suspense, and mystery then several other films of this superhero genre combined. Immediately we are thrust into a world so seemingly real it is almost palpable. An evil looking teleporter named Nightcrawler (Alan Cumming) keeps the White House staff and the FBI on their toes as he appears and disappears through White House walls in an attempt to get to the president. Yet, all is not as it seems and the audience is drawn into a storyline where fear and prejudice play major roles. Though the storyline often takes back seat to the special effects and fight sequences, it... ... and tension again pulling the audience member into the world of the movie. There is plenty of action which propels the story forward at breakneck speed. Fight sequences such as the one between Wolverine (Jackman) and Lady Death Strike (Kelly Hu) pit strength against strength, steel against steel (or in this case adamantium against adamantium), and though it struggles to get there, good usually triumphs over evil. Other stunning visual effects include the scene where Storm (Halle Berry) whips up several tornadoes to keep the â€Å"bad guys† at bay, and the scene in which Jean Grey (Janssen) holds back the raging waters of the broken dam with her powers of telekinesis. Though not a film to be taken too seriously, this movie has the power to whisk audience members away for 2 hours, into a world in which the bad guys finish last and the power of good conquers evil.

Julius Caesar - Analyses Of Characters :: essays research papers

Julius Caesar is very much a warrior and he thinks that he is above every one else and that he is more than an ordinary man. As a result he is very arrogant and takes very little notice of the people around him. As far as he is concerned, they are meaningless and not worth his time. He believes he is honourable but really is not. In a way he wants to be trusted and to be a trusted leader of the Roman people but he is very unwilling to do anything to gain trust. Ordinary people have a great deal of respect for Caesar and probably believe that he would be a good, powerful leader who has Roman’s troubles at heart. Caesar probably believes those things as well but he is ruthless and he craves power. He also believes that everybody likes him and that is why he’s surprised when the conspirators approach him. Then he realises that they have seen through his façade and see that he is really an arrogant power-crazy man. Mark Antony is a very honourable soldier who is loyal to anyone in power. He was a great friend to Caesar and thought very highly of him. He is extremely angry at Caesar’s death. He is a very cunning man as can be seen in the second part of the scene and he is able to manipulate people. He cared a lot for Caesar and as a result he grieved a lot when Caesar was killed. Because he was very close to Caesar he wants revenge and, although he can hide it, has a lot of hatred for the conspirators who killed Caesar. At first it seemed that he was so upset that Caesar had died that he would wish to die also. However, later he seems to decide that revenging his death would be a better way. He knows the conspirators only as other Romans, he does not know them as friends and knows very little about them. As a result he may not know about Cassius’ cunning mind that has already discovered Mark Antony’s plan for revenge. Cassius is very crafty and tactful. He sees through most people to what they are truly like. He is also very good at manipulating people, much like Mark Antony. He is a friend to Brutus but he took advantage of that friendship to make sure he killed Caesar. Julius Caesar - Analyses Of Characters :: essays research papers Julius Caesar is very much a warrior and he thinks that he is above every one else and that he is more than an ordinary man. As a result he is very arrogant and takes very little notice of the people around him. As far as he is concerned, they are meaningless and not worth his time. He believes he is honourable but really is not. In a way he wants to be trusted and to be a trusted leader of the Roman people but he is very unwilling to do anything to gain trust. Ordinary people have a great deal of respect for Caesar and probably believe that he would be a good, powerful leader who has Roman’s troubles at heart. Caesar probably believes those things as well but he is ruthless and he craves power. He also believes that everybody likes him and that is why he’s surprised when the conspirators approach him. Then he realises that they have seen through his façade and see that he is really an arrogant power-crazy man. Mark Antony is a very honourable soldier who is loyal to anyone in power. He was a great friend to Caesar and thought very highly of him. He is extremely angry at Caesar’s death. He is a very cunning man as can be seen in the second part of the scene and he is able to manipulate people. He cared a lot for Caesar and as a result he grieved a lot when Caesar was killed. Because he was very close to Caesar he wants revenge and, although he can hide it, has a lot of hatred for the conspirators who killed Caesar. At first it seemed that he was so upset that Caesar had died that he would wish to die also. However, later he seems to decide that revenging his death would be a better way. He knows the conspirators only as other Romans, he does not know them as friends and knows very little about them. As a result he may not know about Cassius’ cunning mind that has already discovered Mark Antony’s plan for revenge. Cassius is very crafty and tactful. He sees through most people to what they are truly like. He is also very good at manipulating people, much like Mark Antony. He is a friend to Brutus but he took advantage of that friendship to make sure he killed Caesar.

Animal Farm

Animal Farm Essay â€Å"Without Squealer the pigs would never have been in such a powerful position. † To what extent do you agree? George Orwell’s â€Å"Animal Farm† is a complex novel, which explores in depth the motions of leaders and the leaded, and how the human condition affects our own moral thinking. On Animal Farm the pigs are stated as the higher, wiser animals on Animal Farm and the major decisions on the farm were made by them and then justified by squealer the persuasive politician-like pig. Natural authority creates the position the pigs are in, which is against the original ideas of Old Major and his ideology of â€Å"All animals are equal†. But is the position the pigs are in maintained by Squealers persuasive ways? I believe that the pigs are originally created higher than the other pigs as their knowledge is greater than any other animal, which results in natural leadership over Animal Farm. Squealer â€Å"Who could turn black into white† is Napoleons greatest asset in his plot to control animal farm. He convinces every animal on the farm that Napoleons actions are always right. As the rules change on Animal Farm Squealer is sent to the other animals to justify the changes or reminds them that those rules were always there. Squealer is thought of as a politician trying to convince another party that there parties ideals are right although on Animal Farm the other animals aren’t smart enough to debate the witty arguments Squealer presents. Limiting the terms of debate and creating a â€Å"right or wrong† argument creates greater control over the animals and less rebuttal. Squealers complicated language makes the Animals uneasy and they agree in doubt. Squealers name also suits him as to squeal depicts his vocal manor in his job for Napoleon. Orwell starts the book of as a dream for a better future for the animals on the farm where all animals are equal. Animal Farm Those in power will inevitably become corrupt. To what extent do you agree? George Rowel's novel, Animal Farm shows the overlaying theme of the corruption of power. Power, more often than not, causes the bearer to become corrupt, which causes them to lose most sense, besides that, which will get them more power. In the beginning of the novel we are introduced to Old Major. He holds power on Manor Farm. Old Major uses his power to introduce Minimalism and the Seven Commandments. He dies before we can see if his power corrupts would him.Napoleon who takes control of the farm next lives throughout the book therefore we see the corruption of his high status of power. One other animal that we see have the status of power is Boxer. He doesn't have the same type of power as the other two animals nor would he use it in the same way if he had. Boxer is one example of someone who has power but doesn't let it corrupt him. Power can only corrupt you If you let It. Power contains many factors In the lead up to corruption. Animal Farm shows the how depending on your nature and what you do and treat your power; It will change whether for the good or the bad.Old Major is the power head at the beginning of the novel. He is well respected among the other animals to which they are â€Å"happy to lose an hour's sleep in order to hear what he had to say†. At the time Old Major is one of the smartest if not the smartest animal on the farm therefore he is able to use his power to easily convince the other animals of the idea of minimalism and starting a rebellion. He thought that all animals needed to unite under one ruler ship – Minimalism – and that they needed to usurp the humans because man is the problem for all animals. In his speech he sees the propaganda In order to persuade them.He outlines that their lives are â€Å"miserable, laborious and short†. Propaganda would only work if there was a level of power. Old Major uses his level of power and Int ellect to get the animals to do what he says and to follow his Ideas whether they are right or wrong. Old Major's power didn't live long enough for his power to corrupt him, however he did use his power to get rid of those whose power had corrupted them – Mr. Jones. For a short period after his death – until Napoleon, the next power head, steps up – his power is still ensured which leads the rebellion and the first strands of life on the newly named Animal Farm.Not long after the death of Old Major, Napoleon steps up as the unofficial leader because at that stage It Is thought to have equality with all animals. The idea that ‘all animals are equal but some are more equal than others', Isn't about Just yet. Napoleon was always a respected person. He has a â€Å"reputation for getting his own way', which provided him with a small level of power. There Is a saying that reads, ‘knowledge Is power and power Is knowledge'. We see It many times In Animal F arm, miming from Napoleon's character.One example of this is when, after the dogs give this because they don't feel that anything is wrong because the face that they are being shown isn't the honest one. When it is too late, it is discovered that the puppies were taught about the ways of Napoleon and therefore grew up and turned corrupt, which happened to Napoleon after his status of power had gotten to be too much that it turned him corrupt. â€Å"Napoleon is always right†, is a saying that is continuous after animal equality is broken. This is built on fear, lies and injustice. On the outsideNapoleon cares about the revolution and keeping Mr. Jones off the farm. However, looks can be deceiving. He cares more about maintaining his power and making sure his power is rising higher and higher that he doesn't care what he uses and says to get there. Napoleon uses the other animals' fear of Jones to get them to do what he wants. Napoleon lets his power corrupt him and doesn't see m to notice or care about the consequences of his actions which is an attribute of a terrible leader and person that holds power. Napoleon was a harsh, unjust and corrupt holder of power.But not all people who old power are corrupt or are even that obvious that they hold power. An example of this is Boxer. He holds a level of power not to the extent of Napoleon or even Old Major however it is still there. Power isn't Just about having control over people it is, power can also be having an influence on a group of people – or in this case animals – or having people look up to you as an inspiration. Boxer has this type of power. He has a big influence on the other animals especially the smaller ones that feel they are looked down upon.Where Napoleon sends other animals to kill a fellow, Boxer is overwhelmed with distress at the prospect of killing someone even if that someone is a human. â€Å"Nothing could have been achieved without Boxer. † Boxer isn't one of tho se people who crave power, in fact shied away from it at most. He sat quietly and did his work no matter the conditions or complications he worked until he literally couldn't stand anymore. Boxer is one to prove that not everyone in power will become corrupt. It Just depends on your morals and what type of person you are and the things you believe in. Not everyone in power will inevitably become corrupt.

Iron Crowned Chapter 15

I had two immediate reactions to this. One was that Dorian could wait around forever; he had no right to demand anything of me. My other reaction was outrage that he could come traipsing into my home when I was banned from his. Admittedly, that was my own fault. I hadn't put down any hospitality rules to keep him out. As such, he'd be welcomed like any other non-enemy monarch – particularly by my people. I considered simply sending Volusian to revoke hospitality but then tossed that idea aside. I'd take care of this myself. I drove out to the gateway by my home as fast as I could without getting a ticket and then crossed over to the anchor inside my castle. Once there, I hurried through the halls, oblivious to servants' startled stares. I knew where Dorian would be. My people would have received him in the nicest chamber, the one befitting any visiting monarch. Sure enough. Dorian sat inside the parlor, lounging in a central chair with Shaya, Rurik, and others sitting around him. He looked like he was holding court in his own castle. My anger doubled. Everyone except him jumped up at my sudden approach, giving hasty bows. â€Å"Out,† I snapped. â€Å"All of you. And shut the door.† My words left no question about who exactly I wanted out. Dorian didn't move, but the rest scurried to obey my orders. I saw Shaya and Rurik exchange looks with each other, no doubt worried what was going to happen with the two monarchs they loved. Once we were alone, I turned on Dorian. â€Å"What the hell are you doing here?† He regarded me coolly, face perfectly at ease. â€Å"Visiting, as is my right. There's nothing that says I can't. Unless you're revoking my hospitality?† â€Å"I should,† I said, stepping forward with fists clenched. â€Å"I should have my guards throw you out on your ass.† He snorted and absentmindedly smoothed a piece of his long hair. â€Å"Good luck with that. They'd throw you out first, if I gave the order.† â€Å"So that's why you're here? To start a rebellion in my own kingdom?† â€Å"No. I'm here to remind you of your responsibilities to your kingdom – since you've clearly forgotten.† â€Å"Really?† I crossed my arms across my chest in an effort to stop myself from doing something stupid. â€Å"I think you've forgotten what I've done for my kingdom. Say, like, saving it from disaster. And risking my life for that fucking crown so that we could finally have peace.† â€Å"If memory serves, you caused that disaster when you created an inhospitable desert.† His voice was still damnably calm. â€Å"And that crown is doing you no good.† â€Å"Didn't you hear me? We have peace. The fighting's stopped.† â€Å"The fighting's temporarily stopped. Katrice is playing you, and you're letting her. She's dragging her feet, using this negotiation delay to figure out a way out of this. If you really want to end the war once and for all, you need to get involved and let her know you're serious. Wave the crown around. Dare her to call your bluff. Show her you're in control and stop all of this for real.† I gave a harsh laugh. â€Å"That's so typical of you. Attempting to pull the strings, as usual. You don't even have the crown, but you're telling me what to do with it.† Dorian shot up from the chair, smooth features breaking into annoyance. â€Å"I am remembering what it means to be a king. I'm not running away and letting others deal with things that seem too hard.† â€Å"Right,† I said, keeping an eye on the distance between us. â€Å"Getting the crown was easy. Which is why, of course, you were right out there with me.† He narrowed his eyes. â€Å"You know I would have if I could. So I did the only thing I could: I got you out there after it.† â€Å"By lying!† I exclaimed. I tried to keep my voice strong, letting anger be the only emotion to slip, but grief cracked me a little. â€Å"By creating an elaborate set-up with Masthera in the hope I'd seize more land for us. Why do you not see how wrong that was?† â€Å"Was it?† His volume was starting to match my own. I'd so rarely seen emotion seize him, and it was both terrible and beautiful. â€Å"Do you think our people think it's wrong? The ones whose homes are no longer in danger? The ones who are alive because of this? The crown bought that, and you're going to ruin it all if you don't force her into talks! Not only that, by not acting, you're letting what Leith did to you go unpunished.† â€Å"Oh, he got punished,† I said. â€Å"Yes,† agreed Dorian coldly. â€Å"By me. Something you seem to have forgotten, now that you've jumped back into bed with that animal.† â€Å"Kiyo isn't part of this. And what you did isn't enough to obligate me to stay in a relationship with someone who constantly deceives me.† Dorian turned away, putting his back to me. Somehow, this was more insulting than all the glares in the world. â€Å"I can only assume this is human logic. Achieving peace by bending the truth is deceitful. The greatest sin in the world. But infidelity is moral and just.† â€Å"It's not! And I wasn't – I didn't cheat on you. As far as I was concerned, we were through. I was free to do whatever I wanted.† â€Å"Obviously.† I didn't want to show any weakness in front of him, but the thing was, part of me still questioned if having sex with Kiyo back in the forest had been right or not. I'd even felt conflicted at the time. I'd let my impulses win out, using muddled logic to satisfy both my lust and need for revenge. â€Å"Look,† I said, trying to calm myself down. â€Å"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings – â€Å" He spun around so sharply that my words dropped. I didn't fear Dorian, not with my power and in my home, but something in his eyes made me step back. â€Å"Queen Eugenie,† he said formally. â€Å"Don't trouble yourself over my ‘feelings.' Replacing you in my bed isn't that difficult. You have too high an opinion of yourself in that regard.† Those words slapped me in the face, despite all the reasonable parts of my brain screaming at me that it didn't matter. I had no reason to care what he did. No reason to care about him. â€Å"So,† I said, matching his tone. â€Å"Ysabel has a place to sell her skills again.† â€Å"Very good ones,† he agreed. â€Å"The question now is if you're going to use yours. Put Katrice in her place. Get her to negotiate so that we can get the concessions we deserve. Stop acting like a human.† â€Å"I am human. You keep forgetting that.† He studied me up and down, giving me the opportunity to do the same to him. You don't care, you don't care, I told myself, trying to push aside how much I'd loved that gorgeous face. â€Å"No,† he said at last, contempt in his voice. â€Å"It's impossible to forget. You're acting like one now, refusing to do the right thing just because I've asked you to. You're being contrary out of spite.† He strode toward the door. â€Å"If you don't act soon, you'll regret it.† I didn't like him being the one to end this conversation. It was more of him always having the power. â€Å"Are you threatening me?† Dorian put his hand on the door's handle and glanced at me over his shoulder. â€Å"No. I'm not the threat. Katrice is. And while you keep going on and on about how much I've wronged you and lied to you, I can say with absolute certainty that what I've just told you is the truth.† â€Å"Noted.† Hastily, I made an attempt at acting like the queen around here. â€Å"You can go now. And don't come back.† That earned me a half smile, though there wasn't much humor in it. â€Å"Are you revoking my hospitality?† I hesitated. â€Å"No. I'm above that. I'll just assume you'll do the right thing and stay the hell away from me.† â€Å"Noted,† he replied, imitating my earlier tone. He opened the door and walked away without another look. I stared at the empty space where he'd been, wondering who'd come out on top of that argument. By the time I emerged and found Shaya, Dorian had already left my castle for his own lands. She asked nothing about what had transpired with him, but worry was written all over her face. â€Å"How close are we?† I demanded. â€Å"How close are we to sitting down with Katrice and writing up a treaty?† Shaya paled, and I realized I had turned my anger at Dorian on her. â€Å"Not as close as I'd like. She agreed †¦ she agreed she'd come in person, but only if the talks were held in the Willow Land. Queen Maiwenn has agreed, but Dor – King Dorian says that's unacceptable. He suggests the Linden Land or the Maple Land. Katrice refuses.† Linden and Maple. Kingdoms both staunchly neutral. Maiwenn theoretically was too. She'd always put on the pretense of friendship, and I was certain Kiyo would endorse her hospitality. But something about it made me uneasy. I didn't want to support Dorian †¦ but then I realized that instinct came from exactly what he'd warned me of: wanting to oppose him just out of spite. Our personal mess aside, he was my ally. Neutral ground was best for us. â€Å"Reiterate Dorian's stance,† I said. â€Å"Linden or Maple. I'm going back to Tucson. Let me know what happens.† Shaya opened her mouth, to protest or beg for help, I couldn't say. Dorian's words came back to me. Get actively involved. â€Å"Wave the crown† and make Katrice agree to our terms. No. On that, I wouldn't agree with him. I wouldn't use that crown like he wanted me too, even as a threat. â€Å"That'll be all,† I told Shaya. She nodded, obedient as always. The look on her face as I left made me feel a little guilty. Maybe I could make things easier for her. Maybe I could expedite all this. But for now, there was literally no harm being done. What could Katrice's stalling achieve? If she began hostilities again, she ran the risk of facing the crown she obviously feared. My people were safe. The waiting was frustrating, but it had to end soon. I'd told Dorian I was human, and that's what I intended to be. I would go home, start following up on jobs, and let the gentry deal with this red tape until I was absolutely needed. And that was exactly what I did. I returned to my old life. Kiyo and I continued dating, and being with him, reestablishing our old connection and sex life, went a long way toward blocking out images of beautiful, voluptuous Ysabel in Dorian's bed. My workload increased – as did my income – though my jobs tired me out more than I was used to. That scared me. It made me think about what it meant to be human and gentry. I'd fought to keep my human side dominant. Was the gentry part taking over? Stunting my shamanic abilities? No, I firmly decided. This was stress, pure and simple. In the two weeks that followed, though, I had to concede to my gentry side occasionally. The Thorn Land called to me, so I continued my quick visits, keeping the land strong and – no matter how much I hated to admit it – strengthening myself. Unfortunately, I took little joy from that because no good news ever came from the Otherworld. Katrice kept switching back and forth. Yes, she'd agree to the Maple Land – no, she'd changed her mind. Linden. But only if ambassadors went first, then the monarchs. No – she'd go. But it was back to the Willow Land. Or maybe some place altogether different? What about the Palm Land? Dorian made no attempts at direct contact with me, but there was no need. When I went to bed each night, I could see his face. Wave the crown, wave the crown. Fortunately, my aggressive workload tired me out enough to fall asleep quickly. Good news of sorts finally came one day when Kiyo and I were out hiking. The temperature had shot up, heralding spring, and I'd welcomed the break from work. Traipsing through the wilderness was something Dorian would certainly never do – especially in the desert. But like me, Kiyo appreciated the rugged beauty and heat of the land. I'd missed these excursions with him. His eyebrows rose when my cell phone rang. â€Å"You can get a signal out here?† â€Å"Apparently.† I was as surprised as him. Looking at the ID, I saw Enrique's name pop up. His recent reports, after that brief surge of promising news, had been clipped and vague: simple reminders that he was still working on things. I answered eagerly. â€Å"Please tell me you've found something.† â€Å"I have,† he said. Enrique had that smug tone from when we'd met. It had been annoying then, but now, I found it encouraging. â€Å"I finally tracked down the gun dealer and – â€Å" I didn't hear the rest because a sudden drop in the temperature and tingling in the air heralded Volusian's arrival. Apparently, I could get an Otherworldly signal out here too. My minion's orders to report all urgent news trumped whatever Enrique had to say. â€Å"Hey,† I interrupted. â€Å"I'll call you back.† â€Å"What the – â€Å" I disconnected, not giving him a chance to finish his outrage. He probably wasn't used to being hung up on. I turned to Volusian, who waited patiently and silently for me. He was a spot of darkness on the sunny day; he seemed to suck away the light of the world. â€Å"Please,† I begged. â€Å"Please tell me Katrice has finally given in, so that we can talk.† Volusian stayed silent a few moments. I swear, it was for drama's sake, and I felt like choking him. â€Å"No,† he said. â€Å"The Rowan Queen has not agreed to negotiations yet, although †¦ she has acted.† Kiyo and I exchanged looks. There was no way this could be good. I was also pretty sure Volusian liked delivering this news. â€Å"She's kidnapped your sister,† he said. â€Å"And has a list of demands to be met, if you want to see Jasmine alive again.†