An exploration of the theme of Deception, good or bad in ‘MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (William Shakespeare)’ and ‘THE ROVER (Aphra Behn)’

Deception, â€Å"the quality of being fraudulent†1 or†to cause to accept as true or valid what is false and invalid†2 is a major theme in both plays ‘Much Ado about Nothing' and ‘The Rover'. However there is a certain dichotomy for deception here as it is both malign and benign, intentionally good and intentionally bad. Another proof of this is that the two plays are comedies meaning some deceptions have got to be taken lightheartedly and blithely. These are shown in Benedick and Beatrice's gulling and Lucetta's gypping of Blunt aided by Sancho and Philippo. There are two main comic deceptions in Much Ado these are benign and harmless to the people they are directed against. When Claudio professes his love for Hero to Pedro who strangely, immediately offers his help to woo her for him, he at first sounds too eager to help his friend (as if he has something else in mind) but we soon learn his intentions are well meant. â€Å"I will assume thy part in some disguise, and tell fair Hero I am Claudio and in her bosom I'll unclasp my heart and take her hearing prisoner with the force †¦Ã¢â‚¬ 3 This of course acts as an introduction to the theme of deception and shows us, the audience how easy and tolerated deception is in the world of Messina .It shows how easy it is to control a person's life and manipulate anyone's feelings. This is reflected in the second example of the benevolent plans set by the characters; the gulling or tricking of the two, presumably past lovers, Benedick and Beatrice. This deception can be seen as a â€Å"white lie†4 .The two characters are tricked by a larger group of characters including the respectable and estimable Leonato whose involvement is one of the main reasons the gulling was successful: â€Å"I should think this is a gull but that white bearded fellow speaks it†5 This underlines that no character in Shakespeare's world or in Messina is above deception. A better example of this is the Friar's plan to deceive the prince and Claudio â€Å"Your daughter here the princes†¦, let her awhile be secretly kept in, and publish it that she is dead indeed†6 This shows that even a high-ranked holy/spiritual person could turn to deception. This is actually another example of deception with good intent. The Friar deceives the princes to change the nasty accusations for sorrow and make everyone pity her and remember all her civilities and people will see her loveliness as more precious after she has gone. Examples of deception in the rover include: Pedro's deception of his father's orders for Florida to marry don vincentio and instead finds her a better suitor, Antonio who turns out to be an even worse suitor for going behind Pedro's back to court Angelica, this causes them to fight and drives the two into a duel where Antonio yet again deceives Pedro by sending in Bellville to fight in his place. Bellville sees this as an opportunity to get Florinda, deceptively in Antonio's name â€Å"this minute let me make Florinda mine†7 and expectantly, Willmore blows Belville's cover and ruins their plan. The tricking of Beatrice and Benedick is shown in two of the most comic scenes in the whole play, these scenes are also the best examples of deception in the play and this goes to show that a lighthearted or benign deception is very possible in Messina. It underlines the fact that deceit can be useful and can bring two people together even if its â€Å"one of Hercules' labours†8. Beatrice and Benedick's scam can be used as a mirror for the gulling of blunt in ‘The Rover' but not in the sense that it brings two people together or in the sense that it ends happily but in the comic sense, it is the funniest scene in the play and so reflects that deception if taken lightheartedly can be benign or harmless. There are also examples of harmful deceptions which create the dark and ugly side of the world of Messina, the main catalyst for this is of course the Prince's half brother, Don John. One critic9 blames his evilness on jealousy and/or the bitter resentment of a society â€Å"that looks down on those like him who are conceived out of wedlock† I personally believe he is just a typical villain, â€Å"mere, unmixed evil†, an â€Å"ill-conditioned, base and tiresome scoundrel†10 created by Shakespeare for the audience to hate and fear. Don John's intentions are completely and utterly malefic. He tries to talk Claudio into thinking Don Pedro is wooing Hero for himself- â€Å"I heard him swear his affection† in the masked ball. The audience is not so sure whether this is true or not since Don Pedro was very eager to get Hero for Claudio earlier but we soon learn Don John was simply being the scoundrel he is. One thing that can be noted is Don John's deceptive tongue or his ability to persuade many or most of the other characters in the play easily. This is also true for Willmore in ‘The Rover'. He woos Angelica Bianca and gets her to sleep with him even though she was infuriated by him minutes earlier for taking down her picture; he turns it against her and rails at her for seducing him and all the other poor men who cannot afford her. He also leads her to deceive herself and Moretta's soliloquy in this scene illustrates the extent to which Angelica has â€Å"lost† herself and her career which is â€Å"the fate of most whores†11 in her opinion. There is a certain parallel or mirrored idea in the two plays. Balthasar's song12 is of course echoed throughout Much Ado, it is around deception it speaks, or the deceptive nature of men. This is mirrored through Wilmore's defensive comment after being accused of cheating on Angelica he said â€Å"For I never heard of a mortal man, that has not broke a thousand vows†13. In another sense deception can be used to show who is boss, or to show off someone's authority. For example the Prince of Aragon immediately marks his territory in Messina by grabbing the first opportunity he could, and that is through wooing Hero. By wooing Hero for Claudio he showed that he was the dominator or leader figure. Don Pedro also does that with Beatrice and Benedick and he succeeds in creating his â€Å"mountain of affection†14 and proof for this is that the pair are lovesick for one another. It is when Leonato falls under Pedro and Claudio's side against his own daughter' that we see the effects of the dominance Pedro gained from his earlier deceptions. Even though Leonato has seen Pedro's deceptive nature in action he still follows him: â€Å"Would the two princes lie, and Claudio lie, who loved her so, that speaking of her foulness, washed it with tears? Hence from her, let her die†15 The audience here would feel compassionate to Leonato. He is trapped and does not know who to believe but shortly falls on the Prince and Claudio's side since the idea of the Princes lying is inconceivable to him. Lying was considered a much more serious offence in that time than it is nowadays;†it was a diabolical trick because Satan told Eve lies in the Garden of Eden, causing her to sin.†16 This is another type of deception the play talks about, deceptive reputations. The prince, Claudio and Leonato are Shakespeare's idea of the perfect gentlemen but they all seem to make up their decisions and take drastic measures to regain their â€Å"honour† almost immediately without any real tangible proof of Hero's crime â€Å"I stand dishonoured, that have gone about to link my dear friend to a common stale.† 17 Another example of deception we encounter in the plays is deception between friends. Benedick in a sense deceives his friends in breaking the â€Å"patriarchal code of friendship†. This is quite shocking since he has known his friends longer than any of the people in Messina. Beatrice asks the messenger in a pun â€Å"a good soldier to a lady, but what is he to a lord?†18 .A Shakespearean audience would find this repugnant and not the appropriate behavior for a gentleman. Bonds between men, especially ones that were formed in war, were especially valuable and tight-knit in the Elizabethan era. This is also mirrored in ‘The Rover, the cavaliers, almost one by one sell Don Pedro out by marrying his sisters and Valeria(their cousin) .Even though they are old friends, the cavaliers deceive Pedro, their friend for a woman. Some critics have argued that â€Å"distrust of women is the basis of all male bonds†19 this is true in ‘The Rover'; Fredrick warns Bel lville of Florinda's intentions when she gave him the note with the instructions to meet her: â€Å"Have a care, sir, what you promise; this may be a trap laid by her brother to ruin you†20 The cavalier's initial distrust of women is as clear as Benedick's initial misogynistic view of them. When Lucetta is introduced to Blunt all the men knew she was out to trick him, â€Å"cheat him of all, then have him well-favourly banged, and turned out naked at midnight†. They, however do not warn Blunt but instead get a front row seat to watch the humiliation of their friend begin. There are many instances of self-deception in both plays actually. For example Benedick and Beatrice undergo a huge change in perspective after their gulling. Both fall helplessly in love with each other even though they were self-declared heretics of love. Beatrice says she will not love a man until â€Å"man be made from some other metal than earth†21 and Benedick claims he will die a bachelor and will not be â€Å"converted and see with (the) eyes (of love)† only if he met the perfect woman which, as he describes, is quite an impossible scenario. It is important to note Shakespeare's placement of this scene exactly before the one with the deception so we can contrast the two views, before and after the deception. The difference is crystal clear, Beatrice says â€Å"Benedick, love on. I will requite thee†22and that â€Å"(her) kindness shall incite (him) to bind (their) loves up in a holy band†23. Benedick says that he â€Å"will be horribly in love with her†24 and that when he said he would rather die a bachelor than fall in love (the scene before) he didn't think he would live until he was married. We notice the same with Wilmore from The Rover. His whole life got turned around in the last scene with Helena when she convinced him to marry her and putting his past perpetually-amorous life behind him. He forgets his old ways and he is no longer the sexed up â€Å"Father Captain†25 who tries to rape Florinda†¦twice and is continuously rejected by almost every female character in the play! His promise which is â€Å"the bargain is now made†26 is his everlasting goodbye to women and a welcome mat to the woman. He is completely self-deceived. Another similar example is Fredrick: at the beginning of the play we feel he has an unnatural distrust in women. He seems to warn every one of his friends about women, he even tries to get in on the action when Blunt tries to rape Florinda†¦a barbarous revenge. Claudio also deceives himself into believing he is in love with Hero when really he has not even met her. He falls in love with her because of his esteemed first impression of her and mainly because she looks like a pure, good virgin which was considered of great importance in Elizabethan England, a girls honour was entirely based on her chastity, if she loses that she would â€Å"lose all social standing† which is why the second thing he asks about her is â€Å"is she not a modest young lady?†.Don Pedro also deceives himself in thinking his brother, john the bastard has been washed clean and is now a clean and changed man. In reality he is the villain and the person behind ev ery harmful deception in the play. The two plays both exhibit deception in the most ambidextrous of ways. It is both malevolent and benevolent, in the sense that the plays end happily through all the obstacles that have been set throughout it.

Last Sacrifice Chapter Twenty

â€Å"YOU SHOULD SLEEP.' Sydney's soft voice nearly made me leap out of my skin, proving that even while in Lissa's mind, I could still stay alert. I tuned back to Sonya's dark living room. Aside from Sydney, everything was quiet and at peace. â€Å"You look like the walking dead,' she continued. â€Å"And I don't say that lightly.' â€Å"I've got to stay on watch,' I said. â€Å"I'll watch. You sleep.' â€Å"You're not trained like me,' I pointed out. â€Å"You might miss something.' â€Å"Even I wouldn't miss Strigoi beating down the door,' she replied. â€Å"Look, I know you guys are tough. You don't have to convince me. But I have a feeling things are going to get harder, and I don't want you passing out at some crucial moment. If you sleep now, you can relieve Dimitri later.' Only the mention of Dimitri made me give in. We would need to relieve each other eventually. So, reluctantly, I crawled into Sydney's bed on the floor, giving her all sorts of instructions that I think she rolled her eyes at. I fell asleep almost instantly and then woke up just as quickly when I heard the sound of a door closing. I immediately sat upright, expecting to see Strigoi busting down the door. Instead, I found sunlight creeping in through the windows and Sydney watching me with amusement. In the living room, Robert was sitting up on the couch, rubbing his eyes. Victor was gone. I turned to Sydney in alarm. â€Å"He's in the bathroom,' she said, anticipating my question. That was the sound I'd heard. I exhaled in relief and stood up, surprised at how even a few hours of sleep had energized me. If I only had food, I'd be ready for anything. Sonya didn't have any, of course, but I settled for a glass of water in the kitchen. As I stood there drinking, I noticed that the Dashkov brothers had made themselves at home: coats hanging on hooks, car keys on the counter. I quietly grabbed hold of the keys and called for Sydney. She came in, and I slipped her the keys, trying not to let them rattle. â€Å"Do you still know about cars?' I murmured. In one exquisite look, she told me that was a ridiculous and insulting question. â€Å"Okay. Can you go do a grocery run? We're going to need food. And maybe on your way out, you can, um, make sure their car has engine trouble or something? Anything that keeps it here. But not something obvious, like slashed tires.' She put the keys in her pocket. â€Å"Easy. Got any food requests?' I thought about it. â€Å"Something with sugar. And coffee for Dimitri.' â€Å"Coffee's a given,' she said. Victor stepped into the kitchen, his typically unconcerned expression making me think he hadn't heard me instructing Sydney to sabotage his car. â€Å"Sydney's getting groceries,' I said, hoping to distract him before he might notice the missing keys. â€Å"Need anything?' â€Å"A feeder would be nice, but barring that, Robert has an especial liking for Cheerios. The apple cinnamon kind.' He smiled at Sydney. â€Å"I never thought I'd see the day an Alchemist would be an errand girl. It's charming.' Sydney opened her mouth, no doubt to make some biting comment, and I quickly shook my head. â€Å"Just go,' I said. She went, and Victor soon returned to Robert's side. Convinced the brothers wouldn't be going anywhere in full daylight without a car, I decided it was time to check on Dimitri. To my surprise, Sonya was awake. She sat cross-legged on the bed with him, and the two spoke in hushed tones. Her hair was disheveled from both sleep and fighting, but otherwise, she showed no cuts or bruises from the battle. Dimitri had been the same after his transformation, escaping terrible burns. The power of a Strigoi restoration healed all injuries. Between my skinned legs and pseudo-concussion, I kind of wished someone had transformed me from a Strigoi. Sonya turned from Dimitri as I entered. A sequence of emotions passed across her face. Fear. Astonishment. Recognition. â€Å"Rose?' There was hesitancy in the word, like she wondered if I was a hallucination. I forced a smile. â€Å"It's good to see you again.' I chose not to add, â€Å"Now that you're not trying to suck the life out of me.' She averted her eyes down to her hands, studying her fingers like they were magical and wonderful. Of course, after being a monster, maybe having her â€Å"old hands' back really was wondrous. The day after his change, Dimitri hadn't seemed quite so fragile, but he'd certainly been in shock. That was also when he'd grown depressed. Was she? Or did she want to turn again, as Victor had suggested? I didn't know what to say. It was all so strange and awkward. â€Å"Sydney went for groceries,' I told Dimitri lamely. â€Å"She also stayed up so that I could sleep last night.' â€Å"I know,' he said with a small smile. â€Å"I got up once to check on you.' I felt myself flushing, somehow embarrassed that I'd been caught in weakness. â€Å"You can rest too,' I told him. â€Å"Get some breakfast, and then I'll keep an eye on everything. I have it on good authority that Victor's going to have car trouble. Also that Robert really likes Cheerios, so if you want some, you're out of luck. He doesn't seem like the sharing type.' Dimitri's smile grew. Sonya suddenly lifted her head. â€Å"There's another spirit user here,' she said, voice frantic. â€Å"I can feel it. I remember him.' She looked between Dimitri and me. â€Å"It's not safe. We're not safe. You shouldn't have us around.' â€Å"Everything's fine,' said Dimitri, voice so, so gentle. That tone was rare for him, but I'd heard it before. He'd used it on me in some of my most desperate moments. â€Å"Don't worry.' Sonya shook her head. â€Å"No. You don't understand. We †¦ we're capable of terrible things. To ourselves, to others. It's why I changed, to stop the madness. And it did, except †¦ it was worse. In its way. The things I did †¦' There it was, the same remorse Dimitri had felt. Half-afraid he'd start telling her there was no redemption for her either, I said, â€Å"It wasn't you. You were controlled by something else.' She buried her face in her hands. â€Å"But I chose it. Me. I made it happen.' â€Å"That was spirit,' I said. â€Å"It's hard to fight. Like you said, it can make you do terrible things. You weren't thinking clearly. Lissa battles with the same thing all the time.' â€Å"Vasilisa?' Sonya lifted her eyes and stared off into space. I think she was digging through memories. In fact, despite her ramblings now, I didn't believe she was quite as unstable as she'd been just before becoming Strigoi. We'd heard healings could lessen spirit's madness, and I think Robert's transformation had lightened some of the darkness within her for now. â€Å"Yes, of course. Vasilisa has it too.' She turned to me in a panic. â€Å"Did you help her? Did you get her out of there?' â€Å"I did,' I said, trying to emulate Dimitri's gentleness. Lissa and I fled St. Vladimir's for a while, partly because of warnings from Sonya. â€Å"We left and then came back and, uh, were able to stop what was hunting her.' I didn't think it was a good idea for Sonya to know that the thing–or rather, person–hunting Lissa was now sitting out in the living room. I took a step forward. â€Å"And you can help Lissa too. We need to know if–‘ â€Å"No,' said Dimitri. No gentleness now in the warning look he gave me. â€Å"Not yet.' â€Å"But–‘ â€Å"Not yet.' I shot him a glare in return but said no more. I was all for giving Sonya her recuperation time, but we didn't have forever. The clock was ticking, and we had to find out what Sonya knew. I felt like Dimitri would have been able to give us this information immediately after he'd been changed back. Of course, he hadn't been unstable beforehand, so he'd kind of had an edge. Still. We couldn't play house in Kentucky forever. â€Å"Can I see my flowers?' asked Sonya. â€Å"Can I go outside and see my flowers?' Dimitri and I exchanged glances. â€Å"Of course,' he said. We all moved toward the door, and that's when I had to ask. â€Å"Why did you grow flowers when you were †¦ like you were?' She paused. â€Å"I've always grown flowers.' â€Å"I know. I remember. They were gorgeous. The ones here are gorgeous too. Is that why †¦ I mean, did you just want a pretty garden, even as a Strigoi?' The question was unexpected and seemed to throw her off. I was about to give up on an answer when she finally said, â€Å"No. I never thought about pretty. They were †¦ I don't know. Something to do. I'd always grown flowers. I had to see if I still could. It was like †¦ a test of my skills, I guess.' I met Dimitri's eyes again. So. Beauty hadn't been part of her world. It was just like I'd told him. Strigoi were notoriously arrogant, and it seemed the flowers had simply been a show of prowess. Growing them had also been a familiar habit for her, and I recalled how Dimitri had read Western novels while Strigoi. Being Strigoi might cost someone their sense of goodness and morality, but old behaviors and hobbies remained. We took her out to the living room, interrupting a conversation between Victor and Robert. Sonya and Robert both froze, sizing each other up. Victor gave us one of his knowing smiles. â€Å"Up and around. Have we found out what we need yet?' Dimitri shot him a look similar to what I'd received when asking about interrogation. â€Å"Not yet.' Sonya dragged her gaze from Robert and moved quickly toward the patio door, pausing when she saw our shoddy patch job. â€Å"You broke my door,' she said. â€Å"Collateral damage,' I said. In my periphery, I think Dimitri rolled his eyes. Needing no guidance from us, Sonya opened the door and stepped outside. With a gasp, she came to a halt and stared upward. The sky was a perfect, cloudless blue, and the sun had crossed the horizon now, illuminating everything in gold. I went outside too, feeling the warmth of that light on my skin. Some of the night's coldness lingered, but we were in store for a hot day. Everyone else came out too, but Sonya was oblivious. She lifted her hands upward, as though maybe she could grab hold of the sun and wrap it in her arms. â€Å"It's so beautiful.' She finally looked away and met my eyes. â€Å"Isn't it? Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?' â€Å"Beautiful,' I reiterated. For some reason, I felt both happy and sad. She walked around her yard, examining every plant and flower. She touched the petals and inhaled their fragrance. â€Å"So different †¦' she kept saying to herself. â€Å"So different in the sun †¦' Several especially caught her attention. â€Å"These don't open at night! Do you see it? Do you see the colors? Can you smell that?' The questions didn't seem to be for anyone in particular. We watched, all of us kind of hypnotized. At last, she settled into the patio chair, happily gazing around, lost in sensory overload–in that beauty that had been denied to her as a Strigoi. When it became obvious she wasn't leaving for a while, I turned to Dimitri and repeated Sydney's advice about him taking a turn at sleeping while we waited for Sonya to recover. To my surprise, he actually agreed. â€Å"That's smart. Once Sonya's able to talk, we'll need to move.' He smiled. â€Å"Sydney's turning into a battle mastermind.' â€Å"Hey, she's not in charge here,' I teased. â€Å"She's just a soldier.' â€Å"Right.' He lightly brushed his fingers against my cheek. â€Å"Sorry, Captain.' â€Å"General,' I corrected, catching my breath at that brief touch. He gave Sonya a kind goodbye before disappearing into the house. She nodded, but I don't know if she really heard. Victor and Robert brought out two wooden kitchen chairs and set them in the shade. I chose a spot on the ground. Nobody spoke. It wasn't the weirdest thing I'd ever experienced, but it was certainly strange. Sydney returned later with the groceries, and I briefly abandoned the group to check in with her. Victor's keys were lying back on the counter, which I took as a good sign. Sydney unloaded an assortment of food and handed me a box of a dozen donuts. â€Å"Hope that's enough for you,' she remarked. I made a face at her presumption but took the donuts anyway. â€Å"Come on outside when you're done,' I told her. â€Å"It's like the barbecue of the damned. Except †¦ there's no grill.' She looked puzzled, but when she joined us later, she seemed to get what I'd been saying. Robert brought out a bowl of Cheerios, but neither Sydney nor Victor ate. I gave Sonya a donut, the first thing that took her attention from her yard. She held it in her hands, turning it over and over. â€Å"I don't know if I can. I don't know if I can eat it.' â€Å"Of course you can.' I recalled how Dimitri had regarded food uncertainly too. â€Å"It's chocolate-glazed. Good stuff.' She took a tentative, rabbit-sized bite. She chewed it a billion times and finally swallowed. She closed her eyes briefly and sighed. â€Å"Such sweetness.' Slowly, she continued taking more tiny bites. It took forever for her to get halfway through the donut, and at that point, she finally stopped. I'd polished off three donuts by then, and my impatience to accomplish something was growing. Part of it was still the irritability from spirit, and part of it was just my continual restlessness to help Lissa. â€Å"Sonya,' I said pleasantly, fully aware of how pissed off Dimitri was going to be at me defying his instructions. â€Å"We wanted to talk to you about something.' â€Å"Mm-hmm,' she said, gazing at bees hovering around some honeysuckle. â€Å"Is there a relative of yours †¦ someone who, uh, had a baby a while ago †¦ ?' â€Å"Sure,' she said. One of the bees flew from the honeysuckle to a rose, and she never looked away. â€Å"Lots.' â€Å"Articulate, Rosemarie,' remarked Victor. â€Å"Very articulate.' I bit my lip, knowing an outburst would upset Sonya. And probably Robert too. â€Å"This would be a secret baby,' I told her. â€Å"And you were the beneficiary on a bank account that took care of the baby †¦ an account paid for by Eric Dragomir.' Sonya's head whipped toward me, and there was no dreamy absentmindedness in her blue eyes now. A few seconds passed before she spoke. Her voice was cold and hard–not a Strigoi voice, but definitely a back off voice. â€Å"No. I don't know anything about that.' â€Å"She's lying,' said Robert. â€Å"I didn't need any powers to figure that out,' scoffed Sydney. I ignored both of them. â€Å"Sonya, we know you know, and it's really important we find this baby †¦ er, child. Person.' We'd made guesses on the age but weren't 100 percent sure. â€Å"You said you were worried about Lissa earlier. This will help her. She needs to know. She needs to know she has another family member.' Sonya turned her attention back to the bees, but I knew she was no longer watching them. â€Å"I don't know anything.' There was a trembling in her voice, and something told me that maybe I shouldn't push this after all. I couldn't tell if she was afraid or on the verge of rage. â€Å"Then why were you on the account?' This came from Victor. â€Å"I don't know anything,' she repeated. Her voice could have made icicles form on the ornamental trees. â€Å"Nothing.' â€Å"Stop lying,' snapped Victor. â€Å"You know something, and you're going to tell us.' â€Å"Hey!' I exclaimed. â€Å"Be quiet. You don't have interrogation rights here.' â€Å"You didn't seem to be doing a very good job.' â€Å"Just shut up, okay?' I looked back at Sonya, replacing my glare with a smile. â€Å"Please,' I begged. â€Å"Lissa's in trouble. This will help her. I thought you said before that you wanted to help her?' â€Å"I promised †¦' said Sonya. Her voice was so low, I could barely hear it. â€Å"Promised what?' I asked. Patience, patience. I had to remain calm. I couldn't risk a breakdown. She squeezed her eyes shut and raked her hands through her hair violently, almost like a child about to have a tantrum. â€Å"Promised not to tell. Promised not to tell anyone †¦' I had the urge to run over and shake her. Patience, patience, I repeated to myself. Don't upset her. â€Å"We wouldn't ask you to break your promise if it wasn't important. Maybe †¦ maybe you can get in touch with this person †¦' Who had she promised? Eric's mistress? â€Å"And see if it's okay to tell us?' â€Å"Oh for God's sake,' said Victor irritably. â€Å"This is ridiculous and getting us nowhere.' He glanced at his brother. â€Å"Robert?' Robert hadn't done much so far today, but at Victor's command, Robert leaned forward. â€Å"Sonya?' Still obviously distraught, she turned to look at him †¦ and her face went still. â€Å"Tell us what we need to know,' said Robert. His voice wasn't kind so much as smooth and lulling, with a faintly sinister touch. â€Å"Tell us who and where this child is. Tell us who the mother is.' This time, I did jump to my feet. Robert was using compulsion on her to get the answers. Sonya's eyes stayed locked on him, but her body began to shake. Her lips parted, though no sound came out. A tangle of thoughts swirled in my mind. Compulsion would get us what we needed to know, but something told me, it wasn't right– Sonya stopped me from any more pondering. She shot up almost as quickly as I had. She was still staring at Robert, but no longer in that transfixed, hypnotized way. She'd broken the compulsion, and now †¦ now she was pissed. The features that had been scared and fragile earlier were filled with fury. I had no magical senses, but after being with Lissa, I knew raging spirit when I saw it. Sonya was a bomb, about to explode. â€Å"How dare you †¦' she hissed. â€Å"How dare you try to compel me?' Plants and vines near Robert suddenly sprang to life, growing to impossible heights. They reached out, tangled themselves around his chair's legs, and pulled. The chair toppled over, Robert along with it. Victor moved to help his brother, but Robert was already taking matters into his own hands. Recovering remarkably fast, he narrowed his eyes at Sonya, and she went flying backward, slamming against the wooden fence. Air users could do that trick sometimes, but this wasn't air blowing her back. This was spirit's telekinetic abilities. He apparently possessed them outside of dreams too. Lovely. I'd seen spirit users battle it out before, when Avery Lazar and Lissa had gone one on one. That hadn't been pretty, particularly since more than this exterior psychic phenomena had occurred. Avery had actually dug into Lissa's mind–and mine. I didn't know Robert or Sonya's full skill set, but this couldn't end well. â€Å"Dimitri!' I yelled, springing toward Sonya. I didn't exactly know what I was going to do, but tackling her seemed like a sound plan. From what I'd observed, a lot of spirit involved eye contact with the target. And sure enough, when I managed to wrestle her to the ground, she struggled half- heartedly but mostly fought to keep her gaze on Robert. He screamed in sudden alarm, looking down at his own body in terror. Sonya was planting visions into his head. His expression hardened. He had to know it was an illusion, and a few moments later, he looked up, having broken her spell like she'd broken his earlier compulsion. Dimitri came tearing out the door at that point, just as Robert used his mind to fling one of the chairs toward Sonya. Of course, I was on top of her, so the chair hit me in the back. Dimitri picked up pretty quickly what was going on and ran toward Robert, attempting the same tactic as me. Victor, possibly thinking his brother was in physical danger, tried to pry Dimitri away, which was futile. More vines began to reach toward Robert, and I realized constraining Sonya wasn't all that useful. â€Å"Get him inside!' I yelled to Dimitri. â€Å"Get him away from her!' Dimitri had already guessed that and began dragging Robert toward the door. Even with Victor interfering, Dimitri's strength was enough to get Robert out of there and back into the house. As soon as her target was gone, all the energy seemed to fade out of Sonya. She made no more efforts to fight me and collapsed to the ground. I was relieved, having feared she'd turn on me once Robert was gone. Tentatively, still on guard, I helped Sonya sit up. She leaned against me, weak as a rag doll, and cried into my shoulder. Another breakdown. After that, it was a matter of damage control. In order to keep the spirit users apart, Dimitri had taken Robert to the bedroom and left Victor with him. Robert seemed as worn out as Sonya, and Dimitri deemed the brothers safe enough to leave alone. Sonya collapsed on the couch, and after both Dimitri and I had tried to calm her down, we stepped away while Sydney held the Moroi woman's hand. I briefly recapped what had happened. Dimitri's face grew more and more incredulous as I did. â€Å"I told you it wasn't time!' he exclaimed. â€Å"What were you thinking? She's too weak!' â€Å"You call that weak? And hey, I was doing fine! It wasn't until Victor and Robert got involved that things went to hell.' Dimitri took a step toward me, anger radiating off him. â€Å"They should never have gotten involved. This is you, acting irrational again, jumping in foolishly with no thought of the consequences.' Outrage shot through me in return. â€Å"Hey, I was trying to make progress here. If being rational is sitting around and doing therapy, then I'm happy to jump over the edge. I'm not afraid to get in the game.' â€Å"You have no idea what you're saying,' he growled. We were standing closer now, hardly any space left between us as we engaged in our battle of wills. â€Å"This may have set us back.' â€Å"This set us forward. We found out she knows about Eric Dragomir. The problem is she promised not to tell anyone about this baby.' â€Å"Yes, I promised,' piped up Sonya. Dimitri and I turned as one, realizing our argument was fully visible and audible to Sonya and Sydney. â€Å"I promised.' Her voice was very small and weak, pleading with us. Sydney squeezed her hand. â€Å"We know. It's okay. It's okay to keep promises. I understand.' Sonya looked at her gratefully. â€Å"Thank you. Thank you.' â€Å"But,' said Sydney carefully, â€Å"I heard that you care about Lissa Dragomir.' â€Å"I can't,' interrupted Sonya, turning fearful again. â€Å"I know, I know. But what if there was a way to help her without breaking your promise?' Sonya stared at Sydney. Dimitri glanced at me questioningly. I shrugged and then stared at Sydney too. If someone had asked who could stage the best intervention with a crazy woman who'd formerly been an undead monster, Sydney Sage would have been my last guess. Sonya frowned, all attention on Sydney. â€Å"W-what do you mean?' â€Å"Well †¦ what did you promise exactly? Not to tell anyone that Eric Dragomir had a mistress and baby?' Sonya nodded. â€Å"And not to tell who they were?' Sonya nodded again. Sydney gave Sonya the warmest, friendliest smile I'd ever seen on the Alchemist. â€Å"Did you promise not to tell anyone where they are?' Sonya nodded, and Sydney's smile faltered a little. Then, her eyes lit up. â€Å"Did you promise not to lead anyone to where they are?' Sonya hesitated, no doubt turning every word over in her mind. Slowly, she shook her head. â€Å"No.' â€Å"So †¦ you could lead us to them. But not tell us where they actually are. You wouldn't be breaking the promise that way.' It was the most convoluted, ridiculous piece of logic I'd heard in a while. It was something I would have come up with. â€Å"Maybe †¦' said Sonya, still uncertain. â€Å"You wouldn't break the promise,' Sydney repeated. â€Å"And it would really, really help Lissa.' I stepped forward. â€Å"It would help Mikhail too.' Sonya's mouth dropped open at the mention of her former lover. â€Å"Mikhail? You know him?' â€Å"He's my friend. He's Lissa's friend too.' I almost said that if we found the missing Dragomir, we could then take Sonya to Mikhail. Recalling Dimitri's feelings of unworthiness, I decided to avoid that tactic just now. I didn't know how Sonya would react to a reunion with her beloved. â€Å"And he wants to help Lissa. But he can't. None of us can. We don't have enough information.' â€Å"Mikhail †¦' Sonya looked down at her hands again, small tears running down her cheeks. â€Å"You won't break your promise.' Sydney was so compelling she could have been a spirit user. â€Å"Just lead us. It's what Mikhail and Lissa would want. It's the right thing to do.' I don't know which argument convinced Sonya the most. It could have been the part about Mikhail. Or it could have been the idea of doing â€Å"the right thing.' Maybe, like Dimitri, Sonya wanted redemption for her Strigoi crimes and saw this as a chance. Looking up, she swallowed and met my eyes. â€Å"I'll lead you there,' she whispered. â€Å"We're going on another road trip,' Sydney declared. â€Å"Get ready.' Dimitri and I were still standing right next to each other, the anger between us beginning to diffuse. Sydney looked proud and continued trying her best to soothe Sonya. Dimitri looked down at me with a small smile that shifted slightly when he seemed to become aware of just how close we were. I couldn't say for sure, though. His face gave little away. As for me, I was very aware of our proximity and felt intoxicated by his body and scent. Damn. Why did fighting with him always increase my attraction to him? His smile returned as he tilted his head toward Sydney. â€Å"You were wrong. She really is the new general in town.' I smiled back, hoping he wasn't aware of my body's reaction to us standing so close. â€Å"Maybe. But, it's okay. You can still be colonel.' He arched an eyebrow. â€Å"Oh? Did you demote yourself? Colonel's right below general. What's that make you?' I reached into my pocket and triumphantly flashed the CR-V keys I'd swiped when we'd come back inside. â€Å"The driver,' I said.

An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore

Al Gores documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, Last winter, it was so warm. It was the time when I could feel that global warming is coming to the world. My friends and other people had a big curiosity that winter was not so cold as usual temperature because the rivers in Korea were not freezing well last year and there were lack of days when we could see the snowy weather. I started to feel that the earth is getting warmer and warmer and have a concern about our earth’s problem as a student who is majoring sustainability studies. With this existing condition, much news about global warming came out let people know about why the earth is getting warm and how to prevent this situation. However, both scholars and people have a different view of whether global warming is still exist or not. The biggest reason why global warming became hot issue is because of the documentary movie, namely an Inconvenient Truth, 2006. It ranks top3 documentary; I have watched it 3 times including our class time, also it was released to Korean theater for a short time because those who care of environmental issue are not so many. An inconvenient truth is the movie having the lecture from Albert Arnold Gore Jr. who was the vice president of America. He referred his teacher, child and sister while making a progress of his lecture. He has given a similar presentation over 100 times, it deserves to catch audiences’ eyes. He didn’t miss to give a humor like he introduced himself as Al Gore who might almost become a president with a bitter laugh,. He was becoming serious by showing the graph of air temperature and density of CO2 gas which was measured by his teacher; it seemed they have a big relationship between them. Every graph which he shows was amazing and enough to give a shock to audiences. The density of CO2 gas in the air had been stable over thousands years, of course there were a few fluctuations, but recently the status of the CO2 density is climbing steeply; it hasn’t had the same status before. It is enough for audiences to be eye-catching. The thing making us more surprised was the evidences of global warming. The pictures comparing the same place by having a time gap gave me astonishment such as Mt. Kilimanjaro, Patagonia highland and Mt. Everest. The areas where usually get snow have diminished, a lot of icebergs has been melting. It means the length and quantity of the icebergs get smaller than before. Then, he put more words after the pictures like some parts in the earth will be enunciated because of the water from melted icebergs and showed us the simulation of the tragic future. He gave a story of his sister who was died as a lung cancer due to cigarette. By doing so, it made him remind of that the company of cigarette had denied that cigarette has nothing to do with the cause of lung cancer but it is proved that it is not true. Now everyone knows that cigarette is big cause of the cancer. Then, he showed many pictures of the sudden changes of the earth like north pole, Alaska, Greenland and Amazon. The image of a polar bears searching for the ice flakes looks like out tragic life; they cannot find an ice where makes stable life to them by giving the spaces stepping on an ice. It means they are losing their spaces they live as the same with our spaces where will sink soon. If we can be sure global warming one hundred percent, do you think it is the human’s responsibility? Al Gore showed the persuasive graph of relationship between CO2 gas and temperature through the result of analyzing north pole’s sample in iceberg. It had never gone up over 300ppm for CO2 gas before, now it breaks a new record and would go over 400 or 500pppm in several years. It will bring about hot temperature because these green house gases will keep the heat energy which is supposed to go out of the earth. Someone says that the reason why the earth’s temperature is getting higher is due to the active activity of sunspot; many sunspots show that it is the time for sun to act very actively so it gives more radiation out of sun. Of course, it could make the earth get hotter. However, in the trustworthy journal, the activity of sun improves 0. 2 ~ 0. 4 percent, this could make an impact to get the temperature hot during centuries. However, it cannot explain the sudden improving rate, 0. 8 percent, in 20 century. Also, it doesn’t explain this situation that this situation is getting accelerated. There is an inconvenient point in the movie â€Å"an inconvenient truth†. First of all, the cause of the rise of sea level is not explained properly. It usually occurs because of temperature rising of sea making water swell. Originally the bond in ice is so strong making it compact each other, by getting heated the molecules in water become free to move, they have more space and mobility. However, this documentary movie shows the reality to us. The temperature change due to global has already become an inconvenient reality. Inland starts to make lots of dust as higher temperature makes it drier. It’s the reality for us to close up our mouth with a mast while roaming around. Many medias have still informed that both global warming and climate change are the scientific point of view but there is so specific answer of this. However, most scientists agree that there is global warming and it has a lot of things to do with human beings’ responsibility. Now it is not a stage where we have to debate whether this is global warming or not. We should adjust to the changing climate, put effort to give a solution to reduce green house gases. This has already become big social, political and economical problem getting out of scientific issue. This An Inconvenient Truth would be not knowable truth to someone but for the others they should know about that. It is the fact for us to realize that we should change something right now; we need to start to change our way of living by looking back ourselves’ life. Like Al gore’s argument, it could not disappear as it is not easily seen for us. Much bigger the importance of our environment is as we ignore more. The main convict and victim are us, so we need to know how much products we should buy, how much electricity we use, what kind of car we drive and how we deal with this situation then we can live well off in this earth

NURSE PRACTICE ACT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

NURSE PRACTICE ACT - Essay Example In order to be aware about the legal obligations, a nurse must be familiar with both the Act and also with the regulations associated with it, which will in turn help the nurse practice nursing safely at any location. It is also a fact that despite changes in the Nurse Practice Acts in many states, barriers to nursing practice remain. In the future, clearly stated and uniform standards, scopes of practice, educational requirements, and evaluation of competencies are required The state nursing practice act is an important legislation affecting nursing practice. The nursing practice acts defines nursing, gives guidance on the scope of practice, and sets standards for the nursing profession. The main purpose of nurse practice acts is to protect the public from unsafe practitioners. The ultimate goal of this act is to provide competent, quality nursing care by qualified nurse practitioners. The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) was organized in 1901 with the intention of obtaining a legal credentialing mechanism for nursing practice, and thus protects graduate nurses. The title Registered Nurse, â€Å"R.N† was derived from the nurse registration act or the â€Å"Armstrong Bill† in 1903. The first license was issued in 1904, to the class of 1902 from the Rochester Homeopathic Hospital (The Nursing Practice Act, n.d.) Since the public does not have adequate information or experience to identify such a health care provider, they are particularly vulnerable. Thus it is vital that by means of proper regulatory processes, the government permits only those with proper credentials to practice nursing (NCSBN, n.d.) The Nurse Practice Act is a set of state laws, and the statutes are grouped with a chapter of state laws. By ensuring basic requirements for nursing practice, the Act aims to protect the public from an unsafe nurse. Since the legislature of each state determines the Acts content, each states Act may

Electrical Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Electrical Science - Essay Example From the current divider rule, the current flowing in a circuit divides itself according to the ratio of the resistance. For a two resistor circuit comprised of resistors R1 and R2 the current through R2 is given by; .. 16V-9I1+9I3-12I3=0 16-9I1-3I3=0 Loop 2 I312- {(I3- I2)5}-(I2 8)=0 12I3-5I3+5I2-8I2= 0 7I3-3I2= 0 Loop 3 {(I1-I3) 9}+ {(I3- I2) 5}-{(I1-I2) 6}=0 9I1-9I3+5I3-5I2-6I1+6I2=0 3I1- 4I3 + I2=0 Solving the three equations 16-9I1-3I3=0 (i) 7I3-3I2= 0 (ii) 3I1- 4I3 + I2=0 (iii) Solving the simultaneous equations From equation (ii) 7I3=3I2 (iv) Substituting equation (iv) to equation (iii) we get; 3I1- 4I3 + =0 3I1-1.67I3=0 (v) Solving equation 1 and (v) 16-9I1-3I3=0 3I3+9I1= 16 (vi) 3I1-1.67I3=0 (vii) Multiplying equation (Vii) by 3 we get 9I1-5I3=0 9I1+3I3=16 Subtracting the two equations to eliminate I1 we get -8I3=-16 I3= 2 Solving for I1 we get 9I1 +6=16 I1= Solving for I2 we get = Therefore the current through the 5 ohm resistor is given by IR2= I3- I2 IR2= 2-4.67 = -2.67 Meaning that the current flows in the opposite direction as shown in the figure below IR2= 2-4.67 = -2.67 QUESTION 3 Question 3.1 Theory For an AC circuit connected in series as shown below The impendence Z is given by: Z= R+ j X Z is the impedance R is the resistance X is the reactance The reactance of a circuit comprises of the capacitive reactance and the inductive reactance and is given by X=XL-XC Where X is the reactance XL is the inductive reactance given by XC is the capacitive reactance CalculationsCapacitive reactance= = = 15.92 Inductive reactance = = 47.1 H The magnitude of impedance = Z= 31.75 Question 3.1 b Theory For a RLC ac circuit with the XL being greater than XC , the current leads the voltage and the phasor diagram is as shown below; The phase angle is given by; The power factor for an ac circuit is given by Power factor = The power of a single phase circuit is given by

Critique of Outside Speaker ( Various speeches 4 pages each) Essay

Critique of Outside Speaker ( Various speeches 4 pages each) - Essay Example He did not make any overwhelming gesture or aggressive style to draw the attention of listeners. In order to draw interest of listeners the content of his speech was very aggressive, full of hope and courage. He delivered each sentence very carefully and gave pauses to receive the applause. He never consulted written material and always looked into the crowd. 2. How were the main points organized? How were they supported (facts?, examples? Testimony, narratives?) What types of reasoning did the speaker employ? The main points were organized skillfully. Each point was linked with previous point maintaining a rhythm throughout the speech. The speech started with thanks to previous President. Speaker showed humbleness and acknowledged sacrifices of older generations. He did not mention exact events but made a reference to difficult times and admired resolve of American nation in overcoming every difficulty. He mentioned about war against terrorism and difficulties being faced and showed resolve to win this war. Without giving specific details he mentioned issues of poor economy, joblessness, deteriorating education and healthcare issues. He highlighted all major issues that confront American nation however did not mention details or their solution. He just stressed his resolve and hope to overcome all the problems. The audience liked his hopeful language and courageous style with occasional applause. He took this opportunity to reaffirm enduring spirit. He did not mention any facts or figures and only made two references to events of history. These events were migration of people to America and hardships borne by them to develop this land in peace and war. He made a second historic reference towards the words uttered by founding father during civil war ( Obama Inauguration Address ). He touched upon common heritage despite diversity and gave a message of hope to poor nations. He also gave a tough message to enemies without naming them. 3. Comment on the speakerâ⠂¬â„¢s delivery, noting both positive and negative aspects. The delivery of speaker was consistent, confident, extempore and fluent. Throughout his speech he never fumbled or forgot. He kept in mind the audience which was beyond doubt the whole world. Pitch and tone of his voice followed the words and suited the occasion. Delivery of speech was classic and memorable. The speaker knew his topic very well. There was no pressure of audience on speaker and he did not fumble even once. The speaker was loud, clear, maintained eye contact with the crowd through out the speech, remained calm and composed. His words were emotional at some places but he did not get carried away with emotions. He used spaces between topics very well. His standing on stage was perfect and calm. President Obama displayed presence of mind and command over his subject. His gestures were few but these were well received by the audience. He maintained a serious tone and never used humor or loose words. His body lang uage showed that he meant what he said. His delivery was spontaneous, natural and impressive. On the down side, at few places The President did not give enough pauses for the applause of audience. Had he not committed this mistake his speech would have appeared much popular. At very few places he switched topics rather abruptly which affected continuity of the speech. 4. What was the audience’

Environmental Analysis of Disney Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Environmental Analysis of Disney - Case Study Example The main challenges faced by Disney will be changing technology and constant need for technological innovations, strict environmental laws and regulation demanding safe and clean production. Demographical factors will change traditional target audiences and require new planning and market segmentation. Industry environment will be affected by (1) fierce competition, (2) new industry structure and (3) globalization of the entertainment industry. The view of competition as market power no longer suffices in the long run. This is due to the fact the survivors of decades of fierce global competition all seem to be converging on similar and formidable standards for product cost, quality, and timeliness. In this case, Disney managers need to look at the internal competencies of their corporations to secure long-term survival. Operating environment will be affected by (1) 'know-how' business solutions and (2) rapid growth of the Internet and e-commerce. The main changes will affect operatin g environment and will help the company to create competitive advantage, improve sales and performance management. For the innovation of new ideas to be successful a high degree of integration is needed between all concerned (e.g. engineering, production management and marketing). Change process is closely connected with the integrity perception which is built into their way of doing things, a 'passion for integrity' which applies to employees, customers, suppliers and other audiences such as the community (Vogel 2007; Walt Disney 2007). In order to compete during the next 10 years, Disney should take into account global business environment and technological innovations which have a crucial impact on this sector. The most important factors for long-term plans include changing life style of consumers and demand patterns (Walt Disney 2007). The main long-term objectives will be the following: (a) Disney should create and support multicultural environment for its entertainment programs in order to meet changing consumer demands and resist competition. Such phenomenon as cultural globalization receives the development from technological revolution and economic globalization which together create a stream of the cultural blessings. Modern consumers are driven by world entertainment trends rather then national ideals (McDonald and Christopher 2003). (b) Disney should respond to demographical changes and segment its consumers according to their life style and a country of origin. Changing patterns of demand and more sophisticated tastes are expected over time and Disney should be in the marketplace ready to supply them. One of the means by which Disney can create market penetration is through the creation of its own distribution facilities around the world. (c) The next objective is global penetration and expansion. The Internet and increasing number of users in Asian and African countries will represent unlimited opportunities for this sector. For its product line, Disney should buy up retail outlets and making strenuous efforts to build a retailing network, which, apart from the immediate financial advantages, facilitates the marketing of their products. Disney should internationalize through cross-border mergers and takeovers. Disney will gain from reduced

Online Start-Up Plan (MAKING MONEY ONLINE) Essay

Online Start-Up Plan (MAKING MONEY ONLINE) - Essay Example Committed to customer service, the ABC Company will offer its clients the type of service that is courteous as well as punctual. Employees of the company will as well be treated in a proficient behaviour with a satisfying working atmosphere along with fair compensation. The ABC Company wants every customer to feel as though he or she has gotten a first class service at a bargain price. Objectives 1. To offer a extensive variety of commodities at affordable prices 2. To attain a good profit margin during the first year 3. To attain a modest net profit by the end of second year 4. To be a dynamic as well as vocal member of the society, and offer constant re-investment by means of contribution in community actions as well as monetary involvements Keys to Success In order to achieve something and to attract more customers in this business the ABC Company must: 1. Sell an extensive collection of products 2. Offer products and service in a manner that give 100% satisfaction to the customer s 3. Be an dynamic part of the society 4. Promote input from customers The E-Business Model The business model used by the company is affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing (Lindahl & Rozek, p. 76, 2010) has been a very successful business model and there are many reasons for this. One does not have to have the personal product; there are little funds needed for getting started, and the vendor takes care of all the issues. Another positive part of affiliate marketing is that there are a lot of products and services you can pick from market.  For any interest, passion, or area in which someone has knowledge, there are products and services he can advertise, which makes it more appealing (Lindahl & Rozek, p. 109, 2010).  The first step company should take is to choose a suitable niche. By choosing a niche, it will be much convenient to write articles, web pages, blog posts, as well as other content essential to endorse the product. Therefore, in general it makes a great internet business model. The difficulty is that, like some other online business, it does need a large amount of time as well as dedication to make a start. However, once up and running the attempt is worth it. Nonetheless, as with any business, there is no such option of ‘getting rich quickly’. You are required to put in the time as well as effort in order to start getting benefits (Lindahl & Rozek, p. 76, 2010). Operational Issues Two significant chores facing risk managers are decisions regarding the assessment of loss and risk financing. In the quantification of risk or financial impact, sophisticated risk models can support if the correct efforts, as well as indicators are provided. Loss as well as denial of service will call for a business impact analysis in addition to the development of a network stability plan to correctly measure the potential for financial loss and lessen the severity of such a loss. Other risks will need significant evaluation if public records asso ciated to cybercrime and cyber attacks has been mainly subjective or based on unknown surveys. In addition, estimations of possible losses associated to Internet-based technologies must take into consideration the developing and indecisive universal legal and regulatory setting. Risk evaluations based only on direct revenues from

Retrieval Medicine in Paramedics area( Case study 2) Essay

Retrieval Medicine in Paramedics area( Case study 2) - Essay Example A thorough and more subsequent examination presents and ensures that enough information is acquired prior to prescribing a particular treatment for the patient’s condition. The initial step is to ascertain the cause and identify management options and goals for pre-hospital treatment. Conferring to the prior description of the findings, it is evident that the patient is under stark pain from the kick sustained from the bull. This is explained by the tightening of the abdominal muscles. The abdominal rigidity is obviously caused by the prior injury sustained for kick. This spontaneous body reaction automatically happens to aid in averting the discomfort that might be instigated by pressure on the abdomen. The flail segment on right lateral chest wall with dyspnea indicates that the patient has difficulty in breathing patients, thus, the preliminary method to assessment starts by the evaluation of breathing, the airway, and circulation. The patient’s Glasgow Coma Scale or GCS shows a score of 15, which is pretty much normal and the SpO2 level, is regular as well depicting the patient’s high level of consciousness. The patient’s state of dyspnea can be attributed to panicking due to the accidental incident. The cold and clammy state of the patient explains there might be a possible anxiety attack, internal bleeding or majorly low blood oxygen levels brought about by the shock on the patient. The notable and most advisable approach to resolving the medical status of the patient would require assessment and stabilization of patient’s airway, breathing and circulation. This is the first priority before a physical and medical history examination would ensue to identify further information regarding the patient’s status. Subsequently to the effective controlling of the victim’s air circulation and breathing, the essential preference for the paramedic team would be mandatory to transport the patient to the nearest

Proposal to develop biosensor system for rapid diagnosis of infection Essay

Proposal to develop biosensor system for rapid diagnosis of infection with drug-resistant mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) in accident and ER in hospital - Essay Example It potentially kills more adults than any other infectious agent. Detection of infectious pulmonary cases at early stages of infection is imperative to gain control over the bacilli and also its spread. The most prevalent method of screening Mycobacterium tuberculosis is Mantoux TB test, where an injection is given under the patient’s skin and localised reaction is observed for up to 72 hrs. The test is slow, clumsy, requires specialist laboratory facilities and is only effective for detecting advanced disease, it is influenced by multiple factors and delivers false positive or false negative results and requires further testing and interpretations (News release). Research is going on constantly to develop rapid and accurate methodologies and techniques to detect the causal organism associated with tuberculosis. In the past two decades research is being carried out for the development of biosensors and biochips to understand the biological and medical fields and to quantify biomolecules (Vo-Dinh, 2000). It is manifested that organisms have some kind of bioreceptors; biosensors are developed as a means of chemical analysis with high selectivity (Vo-Dinh, 2000). Biosensors are chemical sensors that exploit the high selectivity and sensitivity of a biologically active material (Kumar, 2000). A biosensor can be defined as a device that consists of a biological recognition system called a bioreceptors and a transducer. When the analyte interacts with the bioreceptor (a molecular species e.g. an antibody, an enzyme, a protein, or a nucleic acid or cell, tissue or whole organism), it is measured by transducer as it converts information into an elect rical signal (Vo-Dinh, 2000). Biosensors have the advantage of being simple and low-cost instruments, fast response time, require less sample pre-treatment and display high sample throughput. With the advances in research in this area, novel treatments are required to provide

Case Study of Personality Theories Essay Example for Free

Case Study of Personality Theories Essay Abdul Hnnan a 12 year old boy, who has been presented with language, academic and behavior difficulties. Hnnan had a traumatic delivery and suffered from hypoxia. Hnnan’s early motor and language milestones were grossly delayed. He sat and crawled at 2.6 years of age and walked after 3 years. His language was delayed and he spoke his first words at 4.6 years to 5 years and in sentences after 5 years. His speech was unclear and could be understood by his parents at age 6 years. However, even now outsiders understood 75% of what he said. His gross motor skills and fine motor skills were poor. He started climbing stairs at 4 to 5 years and started pedaling at 5 years. He still could not pedal a bicycle, tie his shoelaces and button his shirt. Hnnan was a placid baby who did not respond, had no eye contact and had a squint. He slept for long hours and had to be force-fed. He was hyperactive, destructive and aggressive after 3 years. He banged his head. He disliked visitors and could get very distressed. He hated any object in the house being displaced and insisted on having everything in order. He was very difficult to manage. He liked to spin around and jump. At the age of 4 to 5 years, he started noticing other children and started taking interest in them. He became less hyperactive, less aggressive and was more amenable to instructions. However, presently he was still restless and jumped a lot. He could still spin around for hours. He liked being on his own but also could be talkative, over friendly and odd. He repeatedly asked the same questions and was naive. For example, during the interview he repeatedly asked â€Å"Can a cow hurt or not? What if I play with it, will it hurt me or not?† He had writing problems because of his hand tremors. He was always restless and distractible and could not sit for more than a few minutes. His memory was very good but his understanding was weak. His mother has to sit with him for hours to teach him language and concepts. He has difficulty with understanding complex or abstract concepts. He did not have problems in social interaction but had difficulties in social communication and imaginative and flexible thinking. Difficulties with self control is presenting as restlessness, inability to follow adult agenda and paying attention to other people, to what they might be saying, thinking or feeling. SOCIAL HISTORY Abdul Hnnan was born in Lahore, Pakistan by Pakistani parents. He was the first child in the family. His mother, Wajiha, had a positive family history. One of her cousins was mentally retarded. Hnnan was born at term. His mother had high blood pressure. The labour was prolonged, 11 hours and a caesarean was suggested but refused. He was born limp and blue. He had hypoxia. He was in NICU for 5 days. His birth weight was 2.54 kilos. He cried well after 15 days of life. Hnnan’s early motor and language milestones were grossly delayed. He started noticing children at 4 or 5 years and started taking interest in them. Hnnan’s younger sister, Amen, 3 years of age was very sociable and talkative. Hnnan’s father was more patient and his mother more irritable. Hnnan was very difficult till age 6 years and was aggressive, non-compliant and unreasonably demanding. As he grew older he became more co-operative and could be rationalized with. Whenever his mother asked him to do something he ignored 5 to 6 times. After that he started to argue. His mother used reprimands, bribes, threats and force to make him do things. Hnnan did not go to school. The family moved to Saudi Arabia when he was 7 years old. His parents took him to a Neuro-Developmental Pediatrician when he was 9 years old. His mother reported that he did not like to play with toys. All he did was jump on a bed or spin around. He was very restless and distracted and had a short attention span. He could be very stubborn and insisted on doing things his way. He was generally cheerful and friendly. He repeatedly asked the same questions and insisted that his parents answer them in the same way or he answered them himself. He watched the same cartoons repeatedly. He constantly jumped or spun around. He used to grab things from strangers. He ignored a child crying till age 5 years but after that he gradually became more empathetic. Hnnan avoided staying in crowds as he knew that he was different from others and that’s why people were laughing at him. After that his condition got better. Following difficulties may become apparent in early childhood: Problems performing subtle movements, such as tying shoelaces, doing up buttons and zip, using cutlery, handwriting. Many will have difficulties getting dressed. They have problems carrying out playground movements, such as jumping, playing hopscotch, catching a ball, kicking a ball, hopping and skipping. They have a higher tendency to bump into things, to fall over and to drop things. Some find it hard to go up and down stairs. Some have problems with using scissors, coloring, drawing, playing jigsaw games.

Environmental issues Essay Example for Free

Environmental issues Essay Nowadays, environmental issues are rapidly raising concerns and awareness to the society. It is good to know that problems involving environmental neglect and degradation are a problem of environmentalists no more, but also of politicians and ordinary citizens as well. Say, we should analyze a hypothetical problem regarding the issuance of business license in a local western coast, where two pre-dominant businesses already exist, a bait fish fishery of pilchards and an oyster lease. There are two promising businesses vying for the license, a Tuna Cage Farm and a Dolphin Swim Tourism Project. Both of the new establishments would create added benefits and disadvantages to the area and the pre-existing businesses, so the choice should be carefully examined. Primarily, the bait fishery in the western coast consists of pilchards. Pilchards are any of various small marine fishes especially the commercially important edible species. These pilchards are caught throughout the year, mostly during the night, using purse seine nets. The nets are pursed and drawn to an area adjacent to the vessel, and fish are removed from the net with pumps and placed in the hold of the boat. In layman’s term, pilchards have a wild capture. Unlike the wild pilchard capture, the tuna harvest is spawned in floating cages. Since it is a controlled environment, the unutilized feed components in the cages usually accumulate in the ambient water columns and substantially alter the benthic environment for the fishes. The toxic wastes from tuna cages caused massive pilchard mortalities, as shown in 1995 and 1998 incidents. Furthermore, the toxic wastes spread far at a rapid pace, about 500 km in 20 days, as shown in graph. The Dolphin Swim project, on the other hand, would introduce more boats that might disrupt the spawning season of the pilchards. There is also a probability that dolphins would consider the pilchards as prey. But aside from that, the dolphins can co-exist peacefully with the pilchards. The benthic area is preserved and the probable food cycle is just a natural process. Moreover, the industry in the coast will be promoted. Comparatively, it is evidently more harmful to facilitate a tuna cage farm with a co-existing pilchard industry; thus, the Dolphin Swim project should be favored. The decision was based on two significant aspects; which business is economically efficient while remaining ecologically sustainable. The Dolphin Swim Industry fulfilled these criteria.

United Health Group Ingenix Subrogation Services

United Health Group Ingenix Subrogation Services The company that I am most familiar with and will be discussing is Ingenix a wholly subsidiary of United Health Group. United Health Group is the parent company of Ingenix, therefore a lot of the financial information and applicable laws, regulations budgetary information will be Ingenix and United Health Group. Other information that I will providing, will included United Health Group, because it fall under the parent companys financial and budgeting background in regards how they filed Form 10-K with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The financial reporting statement sheet that is filed on form 10-K are separated among the different business entities that is under the umbrella of United Health Group Incorporated. United Health Group Incorporated (2010) a diversified health and well being company, United Health Group offers a spectrum of products and services through seven was operating business: United Health Care, Ovations, Americhoice, Uniprise, Optum Health, Ingenix and Prescription Solution. In 1977, United Health Care Corporation was created and is now one of the largest health insurer in the United States. (http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/main/Businesses.aspx, 2011) The organization that I am employed is Ingenix, in the subrogation department. founded by United Health Group in 1996 to develop, acquire, and integrate the worlds best in class health care information technology capabilities. Ingenix (2010) serve market needs for data and analysis, to build core data assets and expertise, built the largest health care expertise work and developed core intellectual property. Headquarter in Eden Prairie Minnesota, with annual revenue of more than $1.8 billion as of 2009. (http://www.ingenix.com/about/history/) In 2006, Ingenix emergence of market focused and launched and developed Ingenix Consulting, developed leading information based business solutions, health reform, payment, revenue cycle management, health IT. Between 2011 and 2014 Ingenix will enhance connectivity and workflow competencies, provide ubiquitous infrastructure to connect all parties, have close partnership with Optum Health in care setting and expand globally. (http://www.ingenix.com/about/businesses/2010) At Ingenix getting valuable information to the right place at the right time requires a unique set of strengths (http://www.ingenix.com/about/businesses/), Ingenix have built to stride to deliver the information and technology needs that are unique to health care, gathering information and analytics to make it useful. To create secure, interoperable networks that enable the exchange of information among communities, understand how those in health care actually can do their work; so that information can be seamlessly introduce the flow of their everyday activities. Critical to our success, Ingenix includes several best in class businesses with specific, leadership roles in healthcare. The market service by Ingenix is physicians, government agencies, hospitals, employers, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology. (http://www.ingenix.com/markets/2010) Ingenix ethics and integrity believes that no other industry deals with an individuals privacy and personal well being more intimately than healthcare. (http://www.ingenix.com/about/ethics-integrity/). As the leading health information company Ingenix maintains clear, firm policies on privacy and transparency, and promote an atmosphere of culture based on integrity, compassion, relationships, innovation and performance. Ingenix, (2010) has implemented policies, procedures and training ((http://www.ingenix.com/about/ethics-integrity/, 2010) in order to comply with the standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule and Security Rule. (Understanding Health Information Privacy, 2011) Information is the lifeblood of health care, applied at the right time and in the right place, when decisions need to be made, information can enhance the affordability, quality, usability, and accessibility of care integrity (http://www.ingenix.com/about/ethics-integrity/). As with any organization a cost analysis will determines the benefits and savings that are to be expected from the organization systems and compare with the expected costs. The cost benefit analysis for Ingenix is used to determine the degree of access to or the benefit of health care services to be provided to their members. Since Ingenix is a wholly subsidiary of United Health Group it is a complex system complied of many other subsidiary that falls under the umbrella of United Health Group. The ethical consideration as it relates to Ingenixs finance and budgeting came under fire, when United Health Care-Ingenix was sued by the former State Attorney General Perry Cumo. Ingenix settled out of court in the amount of $350 million dollars that they agreed based upon the determination of reimbursement that were used by insurance company nationwide. It argues that United Health -Ingenix rate setting practices violated several federal laws, including ERISA, RICO and antitrust law. Since that time United Health -Ingneix ethical consideration regarding to their finance and budgeting has put in place, a system that will attained independent certification of security procedures, Ingenix will demonstrate that the company will recognized and accepted measures to safe guard its assets. Providing health services, Ingenixs revenue has increased, $271 million or 17% during 2009 to 1.8 billion primarily due to the growth in new prayer business and new internal offerings. The contract of Ingenix backlog revenue grew $80 million or 21% percent during 2009 to $2.2 billion, which was led by growth in the government and payer sectors (UHC 2009 Annual Summary Report, Financial Results, pg. 36) While reviewing United Health Care 2009 Summary Annual Report of the Financial Results, the information that is excluded is the cash flow for each operating services, it only included as a whole the cash flow of United Health Group from operations revenue, reached $5.6 billion, which represent 147% percent of 2009 net earnings. (UHC 2009 Annual Summary Report, p.33) In reviewing the financial report for 2010 for United Health Group, according to the report for the full year of 2010 the net earnings were $94.2 billion an increased if 8% year over and it includes a 10% percent increase, which is $24 billion. Ingenix increase sequential revenue by 21%, buy 2010 year end. (United Health Group 2009, Annual Report, p.33) Table1: United Health Group 2010: Earning Release-Financial Content Three Months Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, September 30, December 31, December 31, 2010 2009 2010 2010 2009 Ingenix Revenues $715 million $536 million $592 million $2.34 billion $1.82 billion Earnings From Operations $101 million $74 million $70 million $284 million $246 million Operating Margin 14.1% 13.8% 11.8% 12.1% 13.5% Note: Financial Statement. Three Months Ending to Year Ending 2009-2010 Because Ingenix (2010) is a wholly subsidiary of United Health Care, applicable laws and any regulation with the new health care reform bill or better known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) could potential effected the ability of price, managing medical costs, the enforcement that could have an affected on the companys financial position. These changes would have an overall effect, which will touch upon Ingenix that could including limited or reduced revenue, increase costs, and loss of businesses. These increase in costs and other liabilities associated with auditing and/or reviews cost, will impact future cash and capital requirements on the ability to maintain the quarterly divide payment cycle. Also this will affect the abilities to maintain the misappropriation of proprietary technology, and the ability to obtain sufficient funds from the other regulated subsidiaries (i.e., Ingenix) to fund United Health Group obligations. Ingenixs revenue cycle solution is part of a technology to improve the company financial and budgetary operations. The system will support the full spectrum of revenue cycle performance. The technology solution will included several systems from Patient Access Management, Billing Management, Payment Management and Audit Management technology to engage and conducted the finding of gaps in the ability to analyze the system for solutions. Ingenixs Management and Administrative Reporting Systems (MARS) have the capability of reporting expenditures, budget information, recoupment and collection according to federal and states criteria. MARS meets federal reporting and CMS system certification requirements with fiscal oversight and management. This reporting of various criteria will include funding sources, categories of the services and eligibility, the provider types. When processing and reviewing claims activity and the statistical analyst such how long it take to process claims, the remittance and payment summaries will be done for the financial analysis. (http://www.ingenix.com/government/solutions/business-intelligence-govt/solution/mars/features/, 2010) The MARS systems will provide specific provider either as individual or they will be categorize, in reporting which will include any error codes analysis, participation analysis, ranking and the status of filing of claims. With the MARS systems more than 80 core reports that will divided in six separated reporting modules and there will be one balancing module, that will provide the cost settlement and adjustment and financial transactions. (http://www.ingenix.com/government/solutions/business-intelligence-govt/solution/mars/features/, 2010) Ingenix-United Health group has to content with complex state and federal and local rules, laws and regulation in regards to their financial and budgetary operations, but it is bound by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission to file a Form 10-K at the end of each year on December 31, 2010, which is part of the annual report for financial reporting to shareholder, and company executives. (United Health Group, Financial Annual Report, 2010). United Health Care Group is highly regulated at the federal, state, local and also international. Therefore, since the signing of the new health care laws or new regulations, and/or changes in the existing laws including and the enforcement of them could have an adversely affect on the company (i.e., United and their subsidiary) financial position and cash flow. (SEC Form 10-K, pg 19) Each state that United Health Groups wholly subsidiary businesses ( i.e. Ingenix) operates in, is require to keep a minimum level of statutory capital. This could place restriction on the dividend and distribution that is paid by regulated subsidiaries, this would limit the base entitys level of those statutory income, capital and surplus United Health Group Inc.(United Health Group Consolidated Balance Sheet, pg. 59), conducted an audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight (United States), the short term investments (in millions) for the end of the year of 2010 was $2,072 and for the year $1239.00 a gain of $833, the long term investments (in millions) for the year ending of 2010 $14,707 and for year ending of 2009, $13,311 a gain of $3396. (http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/invest/2010/UNH-2010-10-K.pdf) Stated in the (United Health Group 2009, Annual Report) is that, Ingenix has increased their revenue by 17% or $271 million dollars in 2009, from the organic growth of the new payer business and new internal services offering a total of 1.8 billions. As Ingenix revenues backlog increased by 21% or 300 million dollars, during the same period during 2009, the growth in government and payer sector totaling in the amount of $2.2 billion dollars. The backlog for Ingenixs revenue as of December 31, 2010 was $3.3 billion that was up 47%. Therefore, Ingenix full and fourth quarter for 2010 operation is $284 million against $246 million for the same period a year ago. Earning from their operations was very strong, exceeding management expectation for the full year. Looking forward to the first quarter of 2011, it is on the fast track of having a positive revenue and cash flow.

Nafta :: essays research papers

If NAFTA made this agreement, people would be able to move about Canada, the United States, and Mexico with ease. The unskilled workers in Mexico would migrate to "El Norte," looking for higher paying jobs. The supply of workers in Mexico will drastically decrease. Only the terminally ignorant, or those with families in Mexico, would stay in a poor country and earn low wages. On the other hand, the United States' supply of workers will increase drastically. Canada's supply of workers would not be changed dramatically, because it is so similar to the United States, only further away. The amount of workers moving from Canada to the United States and vice versa would not be severely affected, however, if the United States' supply of workers becomes too great then workers might migrate north to Canada to find jobs. High school economics teachers would be able to work in any of the three countries, as the same basic knowledge of economics is required. I think teachers in Mexico would choose to move to the United States or Canada, if they were proficient in the native language, because the wages would be much more gratifying. The supply of economics teachers in the US and Canada would increase, thereby slightly decreasing the wages. Mexico's supply of economics teachers would drop, so the wages for economics teachers would slightly increase. Equilibrium wages for economics teachers will remain about the same, and employment will be high. For carpenters, again, I think the wages in the north would be higher. Because carpentry does not involve extensive education and focuses on the talent and skill of carpenters, workers would be able to easily move to another country. If all of the carpenters in Mexico decide to "run for the border," the supply of carpenters in the US and Canada will drastically increase. Wages will increase for skilled carpenters in Mexico, and wages in the US and Canada will fall slightly. If too many Mexicans move to the north there will be high unemployment, because we will have a ton of skilled workers and not enough jobs to fulfill their needs. People will eventually want to return to Mexico, because with the supply of skilled workers being so low, the wages will be slightly higher. For ob/gyns, I would think the United States or Canada would be the destination of choice, simply because our health care is much more advanced.

Still I Rise, by Maya Angelou :: Poem Poetry Poems

With the poem, Still I Rise, by Maya Angelou, she describes the basic feelings and descriptions of a person that does not need loathing or people to try and lift her up. She shows us that she and all those oppressed in general are strong. We are shown some of the thoughts and feelings people have displayed against her, but the reality is she won't let them get her down. Her moral opulence allows her to rise above where her ancestors fell to slavery, carrying herself as a strong woman. Her ancestors' dream was to have a life in society without fear of what might happen (to them). The author is portrayed as this dream - this gift - her ancestors imagined. Still I Rise is a sublime, straightforward poem that acknowledges that we need not depend upon anyone else's opinion but our own. Maya expresses not only her good qualities, but also her unfavourable ones, yet even these are turned into positive ideas. This poem can only be read by us now because she has confidence in herself, her writing, and can express it so freely. I believe this poem can be interpreted as a call to assertiveness and pride for coloured people. It is an outcry to the humiliation, prejudice, and constant drubbing this group was subjected to. Parallels can be seen between (black) slavery, drug addicts, racism and other groups that face constant thrashing by oppressors. Still I Rise has the uncanny ability to incite these groups to rise, and stop pining in sorrow while another tries to burry their soul. Literary devices such as similes frequent this poem, such as Maya rising like dust or " Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high " we are confirmed of the beauty and assurance of hope she has. Especially imaginative was the comparison of " shoulders falling down like teardrops",

Free College Admissions Essays: What Motivates You? :: College Admissions Essays

College Admissions: What motivates you to seek a college education Why is Berea College a good choice for you What motivates me to seek a college education? In addition, why Berea College is a good choice for me. December 16, 2000 The last couple of years have been a long bumpy ride for me, as they have for everyone my age. No matter what, everyone has experienced many of the same "teenage" circumstances as I have and has dealt with them in their own way. As a personal participant in this "game", we call life, I would say I worked hard for and earned first place. That is just my creative view on things. Too bad, not everyone sees it in the same light as I do. As a student, I am an active participant in my academic and extracurricular activities. My first priority has always been to make good grades and learn in school. Although this is important to me, I also know that by participating in clubs, sports, and after school activities, I will become a well-rounded student. During the past years of my high school career I have participated and received awards in the following: Cheerleading (eight years), twice as captain, '97 -'98 Varsity Letter in Cheerleading, '98 AIM scholar, Who's Who Among American Cheerleaders, and '98 Academic Excellence Award while participating in Virginia High School League Interscholastic Activities. I also belonged to the following clubs: S.A.D.D. club (two years), second year as secretary, Pep Club, Varsity Club, Choir Club, and Computer Club. In the year '99 -'00 I received awards in the following classes: Computer Applications, Spanish I, World Geography, and Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry. I also received an awa rd for Most Encouraging Student. I currently belong to the Hiking and Outdoor Club, Ski Club, Pep Club, and Environmental Awareness Club. In addition, this year I participate in a program called Read With A Friend. In this program I, along with a group of other students, go to the near by elementary school to read to a class of students from kindergarten to fifth grade. In order to gain an understanding of independence and responsibility, I have held summer jobs in the preceding three years. I also worked to help myself financially in boarding school, insurance, a car, everyday necessities, and soon in college. My first summer job was at the Moonlite Drive In Theater. Free College Admissions Essays: What Motivates You? :: College Admissions Essays College Admissions: What motivates you to seek a college education Why is Berea College a good choice for you What motivates me to seek a college education? In addition, why Berea College is a good choice for me. December 16, 2000 The last couple of years have been a long bumpy ride for me, as they have for everyone my age. No matter what, everyone has experienced many of the same "teenage" circumstances as I have and has dealt with them in their own way. As a personal participant in this "game", we call life, I would say I worked hard for and earned first place. That is just my creative view on things. Too bad, not everyone sees it in the same light as I do. As a student, I am an active participant in my academic and extracurricular activities. My first priority has always been to make good grades and learn in school. Although this is important to me, I also know that by participating in clubs, sports, and after school activities, I will become a well-rounded student. During the past years of my high school career I have participated and received awards in the following: Cheerleading (eight years), twice as captain, '97 -'98 Varsity Letter in Cheerleading, '98 AIM scholar, Who's Who Among American Cheerleaders, and '98 Academic Excellence Award while participating in Virginia High School League Interscholastic Activities. I also belonged to the following clubs: S.A.D.D. club (two years), second year as secretary, Pep Club, Varsity Club, Choir Club, and Computer Club. In the year '99 -'00 I received awards in the following classes: Computer Applications, Spanish I, World Geography, and Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry. I also received an awa rd for Most Encouraging Student. I currently belong to the Hiking and Outdoor Club, Ski Club, Pep Club, and Environmental Awareness Club. In addition, this year I participate in a program called Read With A Friend. In this program I, along with a group of other students, go to the near by elementary school to read to a class of students from kindergarten to fifth grade. In order to gain an understanding of independence and responsibility, I have held summer jobs in the preceding three years. I also worked to help myself financially in boarding school, insurance, a car, everyday necessities, and soon in college. My first summer job was at the Moonlite Drive In Theater.

How Childhood Has Changed over the Centuries

In relation to the changing ideas about childhood over the centuries, there are several points of discussion that arise. Many ideas surrounding the change and evolved over the centuries, ideas such as the views towards education and the impact of the industrial revolution on westerns societies views towards childhood, due to the limited space, this essay will focus on two underlying issues which have contributed greatly to the changing ideas about childhood over the centuries, which are; the recognition of childhood and innocence in western society and the extent to which childhood throughout history has been socially constructed.This essay will argue how the concept of childhood has changed over the centuries. Furthermore, this essay will outline that the concept of childhood throughout the centuries has been constructed from a state of adulthood. This essay will begin by exploring the innocence of children and outlining the change in the recognition of childhood by western society. Following this, it will explore the great extent as to which childhood has been socially constructed and how it has shaped the concept of childhood in different eras.The idea of recognising and separating childhood from the adult world has had a complex history over the centuries. Depending on where you look for evidence and whichever approach to the history of childhood you adopt, the same conclusion is reached: children today occupy a different status from that of the young in earlier centuries and different cultures. Modern childhood as we know it is historically specific. According to Aries (1960), the major difference between contemporary childhood and childhood in earlier periods is the lack of recognition of the concept of childhood.He goes on to say that as far back as the medieval period, ‘the idea of childhood was non-existent’. This concept is prevalent throughout the artworks Aries uses as evidence for his findings. From these artworks, Aries (1960) argued that there was no concept of childhood; rather, children were regarded as small adults. Based on this evidence, this conclusion about childhood cannot be fully drawn as artwork was often composed from a conceptual perspective and it cannot be used as fact.It can however be argued that childhood was recognised as being non-existent due to the attitudes towards children of this era. In direct contrast, the innocence of a child was not socially recognised during medieval times, childhood was thought to be a stage of life which we as humans pass through. Austin (2003) states that during the 18th and 19th century, the concept of childhood innocence was not so much recognised, but something that was looked back upon and was something that was lost.It was apparent that it was preserved, but due to corruption from the adult world, childhood nostalgia was now more prominent. This is evident in two literary works, Rousseau (1762) took a view, as did Wordsworth (1802) that from a Neo-Platonist interpretation, it was possible to look back to childhood as a period of innocence during which children are born pure but corrupted through the guidance of the adult world. They further emphasised the need for freedom of children and for their protection by adults.As a result, this concept of childhood innocence and the preservation of it led to the development of the recognition of childhood and the role it plays within society. It is further led to development of compulsory schooling and the move away from child labour as a result of the industrial revolution. A second key and underlying issue is the question of the extent to which childhood has been socially constructed throughout history or whether it is simply a stage of development that we as humans pass through.Aries (1960) central argument is that ‘post 17th century that childhood has been shaped by social construction’. It is argued that the understanding of childhood is that it is not the same throughout the world and throughout history and how children differ from adults and how the social environment alters the way in which they are constructed. In western society, childhood is considered a time period of innocence and purity and it is something to be protected. It is characterised as a time of protection from the adult world and the concepts associated with adulthood, such as sexualisation, work and injury.With reference to (Anti Essay 2012) as a result of these ideologies, children are expected to be educated and to be provided with care, nurturing and protection by their parents. However, in developing societies the idea of childhood is wholly opposed to that of the childhood of developed societies. The economic state within these developing societies controls the type of childhood these children experience. Children in developing societies are required to work to help maintain their household’s economic tatus. This is also evident during the time of the industrial revoluti on, where children were seen to have to contribute to the economy of the household and to contribute to the income of society. Furthermore, the time frame in which a child lived altered the way in which they experienced childhood. As pointed out earlier, Aries (1960) stated that there was no concept of childhood until the 17th century, and as western society developed so did the way childhood was socially constructed.This can be seen throughout modern society, where now the protection of children and their innocence is taking over the place of child labour. Children and their innocence are now shielded from the adult world with laws and rules set in to place to help maintain their innocence and purity. For example, laws are now set in place to restrict what children watch and observe this was non-existent during earlier times. It can then be argued that childhood is a social construction.In conclusion, this essay has argued that the ideas about childhood have changed over the centur ies due to development of the understanding of it. Childhood was previously not regarded as something to be recognised and that the innocence in which children possess was not socially realised as to be something to be nurtured. Rather, it not seen as something separate from the adult world. As western society developed, so too did the ideas surrounding childhood. The way in which the concept of childhood has been recognised and accepted has been heavily influenced by the society in which the child lived.The social construction of that particular view towards childhood has led to the largest amount of change in relation to the ideas of childhood over the centuries. Therefore, it can be said that the ideas about childhood have changed significantly over the centuries and that with the change in the understanding in the importance of childhood, the concept will continually grow. References – Aries, P 1960, Centuries of Childhood, trans. R Baldick, Jonathon Cape, LondonAustin, L M 2003, Children of Childhood: Nostalgia and the Romantic Legacy’, Studies in Romanticism, vol. 42, no. 1 (spring, 2003) CambridgeA November 26, 2008, Anti Essays, Childhood is a Social Construct, accessed 17 October 2012 Google Books, 2012, Emile, or on education – John Jacques Rousseau, lucy141, January 26, 2011, Anti Essays, To What Extend Is Childhood A Social Construction, accessed 17 October 2012, Poets. org – Poetry, Poems, Bios & More 2012, Ode on Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood 1804, accessed 15 October 2012