THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, ex rel. MICHAEL OCONNELL v. ROBERT TURNER, Essay Example for Free

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, ex rel. MICHAEL OCONNELL v. ROBERT TURNER, Essay Opinion: mr. Justice thornton delivered the opinion of the Court: By the order of this court, the writ of habeas corpus was issued, commanding Robert Turner, superintendent of the reform school of the city of Chicago, to show cause for the caption and detention of Daniel OConnell. The petition of Michael OConnell represents, that he is the father of Daniel, a boy between fourteen and fifteen years of age, and that he is restrained of his liberty contrary to the law, without conviction of crime, and under color of the following mittimus: STATE OF ILLINOIS, COOK COUNTY. ss. Superior Court of Cook county. Of the Sept. Term, A. D. 1870. The People of the State of Illinois to the Superintendent of the Reform School of the city of Chicago: Greeting: We do hereby command you, that you take the body of Daniel OConnell, a boy above the age of six and under the age of sixteen years, who, upon due examination by the Hon. Wm. A. Porter, one of the judges of the Superior Court of Cook county, has been found, by competent evidence, to be a proper subject for commitment in the said reform school, and whose moral welfare  and the good of society require that he should be sent to said school for instruction, employment and reformation, and that you confine the said Daniel OConnell within the said reform school, according to the statute in such cases made and provided, and for so doing, this shall be your sufficient warrant. To the sheriff of Cook county to execute. Witness, Augustus Jacobson, clerk of our said Superior Court, and the seal thereof, this ninth day of September, A. D. 1870. A. JACOBSON, Clerk. The return is, that the boy had been detained by authority of the mittimus, which accompanied the petition, the original of which was filed with an endorsement thereon by the sheriff of its due execution, by the delivery of the body of the prisoner to the superintendent of the reform school. It is admitted, that the relator is the father of the boy, alleged to be restrained of his liberty, and that he is of the age stated. The only question for determination, is the power of the legislature to pass the laws, under which this boy was arrested and confined. The first act, in relation to this reform school, is a part of the charter of the city of Chicago, approved February 13, 1863, and the second is entitled, an act in reference to the reform school of the city of Chicago, approved March 5, 1867. The first section establishes a school for the safe keeping, education, employment and reformation of all children between the ages of six and sixteen years, who are destitute of proper parental care, and growing up in mendicancy, ignorance, idleness or vice. Section four, of the act of 1867, provides, that whenever any police magistrate, or justice of the peace, shall have brought before him any boy or girl, within the ages of six or sixteen years, who he has reason to believe is a vagrant, or is destitute of proper parental care, or is growing up in mendicancy, ignorance, idleness or vice, he shall cause such boy or girl to be arrested, and, together with the witnesses, taken before one of the judges of the superior or circuit court of Cook county. The judge is empowered to issue a summons, or order in writing, to the childs father, mother, guardian, or whosoever may have the care of the child, in the order named, and if there be none such, to any person, at his discretion, to appear, at a time and place mentioned, and show cause why the child should not be committed to the reform school, and upon return of due service of the summons, an investigation shall be had. HN2The section then directs, if, upon such examination, such judge shall be of opinion that said boy or girl is a proper subject for commitment to the reform school, and that his or her moral welfare, and the good of society, require that he or she should be sent to said school for employment, instruction and reformation, he shall so decide, and direct the clerk of the court of which he is judge, to make out a warrant of commitment to said reform school; and such child shall thereupon be committed. Section nine, of the act of 1863, directs, that all persons between six and sixteen years of age, convicted of crime punishable by fine or imprisonment, who, in the opinion of the court, would be proper subjects for commitment, shall be committed to said school. Section ten authorizes the confinement of the children, and that they shall be kept, disciplined, instructed, employed and governed, until they shall be reformed and discharged, or shall have arrived at the age of twenty-one years; and that the sole authority to discharge shall be in the board of guardians. The warrant of commitment does not indicate that the arrest was made for a criminal offense. Hence, we conclude that it was issued under the general grant of power, to arrest and confine for misfortune. The contingencies enumerated, upon the happening of either of which the power may be exercised, are vagrancy, destitution of proper parental care, mendicancy, ignorance, idleness or vice. Upon proof of any one, the child is deprived of home, and parents, and friends, and confined for more than half of an ordinary life. It is claimed, that the law is administered for the moral welfare and intellectual improvement of the minor, and the good of society. From the record before us, we know nothing of the management. We are only informed that a father desires the custody of his child; and that he is restrained of his liberty. Therefore, we can only look at the language of the law, and the power granted. What is proper parental care? The best and kindest parents would differ, in the attempt to solve the question. No two scarcely agree; and when we consider the watchful supervision, which is so unremitting over the domestic affairs of others, the conclusion is forced upon us, that there is not a child in the land who could not be proved, by two or more witnesses, to be in this sad condition. Ignorance, idleness, vice, are relative terms. Ignorance is always preferable to error, but, at most, is only venial. It may be general or it may be limited. Though it is sometimes said, that idleness is the parent of vice, yet the former may exist without the latter. It is strictly an abstinence from labor or employment. If the child perform all its duties to parents and to society, the State has no right to compel it to labor. Vice is a very comprehensive term. Acts, wholly innocent in the estimation of many good men, would, according to the code of ethics of others, show fearful depravity. What is the standard to be? What extent of enlightenment, what amount of industry, what degree of virtue, will save from the threatened imprisonment? In our solicitude to form youth for the duties of civil life, we should not forget the rights which inhere both in parents and children. The principle of the absorption of the child in, and its complete subjection to the despotism of, the State, is wholly inadmissible in the modern civilized world. The parent has the right to the care, custody and assistance of his child. The duty to maintain and protect it, is a principle of natural law. He may even justify an assault and battery, in the defense of his children, and  uphold them in their law suits. Thus the law recognizes the power of parental affection, and excuses acts which, in the absence of such a relation, would be punished. Another branch of parental duty, strongly inculcated by writers on natural law, is the education of children. To aid in the performance of these duties, and enforce obedience, parents have authority over them. The municipal law should not disturb this relation, except for the strongest reasons. The case with which it may be disrupted under the laws in question; the slight evidence required, and the informal mode of procedure, make them conflict with the natural right of the parent. Before any abridgment of the right, gross misconduct or almost total unfitness on the part of the parent, should be clearly proved. This power is an emanation from God, and every attempt to infringe upon it, except from dire necessity, should be resisted in all well governed States. In this country, the hope of the child, in respect to its education and future advancement, is mainly dependent upon the father; for this he struggles and toils through life; the desire of its accomplishment operating as one of the most powerful incentives to industry and thrift. The violent abruption of this relation would not only tend to wither these motives to action, but necessarily, in time, alienate the fathers natural affections. But even the power of the parent must be exercised with moderation. He may use correction and restraint, but in a reasonable manner. He has the right to enforce only such discipline, as may be necessary to the discharge of his sacred trust; only moderate correction and temporary confinement. We are not governed by the twelve tables, which formed the Roman law. The fourth table gave fathers the power of life and death, and of sale, over their children. In this age and country, such provisions would be atrocious. If a father confined or imprisoned his child for one year, the majesty of the law would frown upon the unnatural act, and every tender mother and kind father would rise up in arms against such monstrous inhumanity. * Can the State, as parens patriae, exceed the power of the natural parent, except in punishing crime? Footnotes * See the case of Fletcher et al. v. The People, holding that the father may be indicted and punished for inhuman treatment of his child. End Footnotes- These laws provide for the safe keeping of the child; they direct his commitment, and only a ticket of leave, or the uncontrolled discretion of a board of guardians, will permit the imprisoned boy to breathe the pure air of heaven outside his prison walls, and to feel the instincts of manhood by contact with the busy world. The mittimus terms him a proper subject for commitment; directs the superintendent to take his body, and the sheriff endorses upon it, executed by delivering the body of the within named prisoner. The confinement may be from one to fifteen years, according to the age of the child. Executive clemency can not open the prison doors, for no offense has been committed. The writ of habeas corpus, a writ for the security of liberty, can afford no relief, for the sovereign power of the State, as parens patriae, has determined the imprisonment beyond recall. Such a restraint upon natural liberty is tyranny and oppression. If, without crime, without the conviction of any offense, the children of the State are to be thus confined for the good of society, then society had better be reduced to its original elements, and free government acknowledged a failure. In cases of writs of habeas corpus to bring up infants, there are other rights beside the rights of the father. If improperly or illegally restrained, it is our duty, ex debito justitiae, to liberate. The welfare and rights of the child are also to be considered. The disability of minors does not make slaves or criminals of them. They are entitled to legal rights, and are under legal liabilities. An implied contract for necessaries is binding on them. The only act which they are under a legal incapacity to perform, is the appointment of an attorney. All their other acts are merely voidable or confirmable. They are liable for torts, and punishable for crime. Lord Kenyon said, If an infant commit an assault, or utter slander, God forbid that he should not be answerable for it, in a court of justice. Every child over ten years of age may be found guilty of crime. For robbery, burglary or arson, any minor may be sent to the penitentiary. Minors are  bound to pay taxes for the support of the government, and constitute a part of the militia, and are compelled to endure the hardship and privation of a soldiers life, in defense of the constitution and the laws; and yet it is assumed, that to them, liberty is a mere chimera. It is something of which they may have dreamed, but have never enjoyed the fruition. Can we hold children responsible for crime; liable for their torts; impose onerous burdens upon them, and yet deprive them of the enjoyment of liberty, without charge or conviction of crime? The bill of rights declares, that all men are, by nature, free and independent, and have certain inherent and inalienable rightsamong these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This language is not restrictive; it is broad and comprehensive, and declares a grand truth, that all men, all people, everywhere, have the inherent and inalienable right to liberty. Shall we say to the children of the State, you shall not enjoy this righta right independent of all human laws and regulations? It is declared in the constitution; is higher than constitution and law, and should be held forever sacred. Even criminals can not be convicted and imprisoned without due process of lawwithout a regular trial, according to the course of the common law. Why should minors be imprisoned for misfortune? Destitution of proper parental care, ignorance, idleness and vice, are misfortunes, not crimes. In all criminal prosecutions against minors, for grave and heinous offenses, they have the right to demand the nature and cause of the accusation, and a speedy public trial by an impartial jury. All this must precede the final commitment to prison. Why should children, only guilty of misfortune, be deprived of liberty without due process of law? It can not be said, that in this case, there is no imprisonment. This boy is deprived of a fathers care; bereft of home influences; has no freedom of action; is committed for an uncertain time; is branded as a prisoner; made subject to the will of others, and thus feels that he is a slave. Nothing could more contribute to paralyze the youthful energies, crush all noble aspirations, and unfit him for the duties of manhood. Other means of a milder character; other influences of a more kindly nature; other laws less  in restraint of liberty, would better accomplish the reformation of the depraved, and infringe less upon inalienable rights. It is a grave responsibility to pronounce upon the acts of the legislative department. It is, however, the solemn duty of the courts to adjudge the law, and guard, when assailed, the liberty of the citizen. The constitution is the highest law; it commands and protects all. Its declaration of rights is an express limitation of legislative power, and as the laws under which the detention is had, are in conflict with its provisions, we must so declare. It is therefore ordered, that Daniel OConnell be discharged from custody. Discharged.

Compare And Contrast Different Organisational Structures Commerce Essay

Compare And Contrast Different Organisational Structures Commerce Essay Organisation can be identified through their responsibilities, authorities and relationships in the market. There are ways to organise companies to get effectiveness in market. The structures of organisation play important role in development of company. These structures are based on cultural identity of organisation the way its structures behave. (Botha, 2008)These structures are to keep work flow and bring profits and the way they work they create culture. The degree of influence within organisation and the systematic approach to organise the activities forms culture. There are following types of structures in companies depending on their composition. Bureaucratic and Administrative structure Functional Structure Divisional structure Structure Matrix These structures form a way of functioning and behaviour of the company. These can be divided into following groups based on company culture. Circle organization Team Network Virtual This depends on the facilities, policies and aims of the organisation how they use structure and culture in their favour. (Brooks, 2010) Companies in past remain under bureaucratic structure but with passage of time and learning now they have adopted a liberal form of structure which created liberal and devolvement culture with in origination where team work is more important that control from top to bottom. Explain how relationship between an organisations structure and culture can impact on the performance of the business The performance of business can be affected by the relationship of structure and culture if the structures are not leading to a healthy sympathetic culture of work then company cannot meet its targets and cannot survive in the market. Company structure should be accommodative to espouse new good culture and cultural outlook should be in way to strengthen the structure and support the outcome of the activities in positive and profit oriented way. If we see the corporate culture is kind of approach that companys top management tries to project for their company as it portrays the systematic and organised business culture. Companies with better and organised culture try to keep the distance between the top management and junior ranks though in 21st century its all about the team work. (Harrison, 2002) Companies should promote harmonic and team work based culture. This systematic organisation of company culture and the structures to support the culture have visible impact on the performa nce of company business and it also presents the picture which helps investor and customers to decide the purchase activity related to company. This is factor behind the company management organising such events where they can introduce the structures and culture in their company through different mediums. Sometime they are using commercial media and some time the main stream media to give the introduction of their structures and culture. On business media companies tries to occupy more time in discussions that gives them advantage in marketing. (Ries, 2005) Similarly the workers and employees also get inspiration from structures and culture of company and they feel proud and loyal to a good organised structure and developmental culture in their company while they are with friends and family or in general public and they also try to promote the values of company. Discus the factors which influence individual behaviour at work There are many factors which influence the staff while they are at work. These factors are included company structures, hierarchy, culture, values, aims, objectives, benefits and punishment system. The staffs try to get support from existing company system. If there is not well established structure staff can not feel good and supportive attitude from top management towards their work so they loos the work interest after time. Similarly if there is not well define and developmental culture in company staff try to escape the work and lazy attitude is developed over time. If there is no well defined hierarchy in company there can be time and resources loss due to delays confusions and overlapping of work. (Cardy, 2003) If company holds good corporate values staff also feels secure and proud about company and they try to fulfil company goals and aims. The benefit are key to individuals at work as every human have basic life necessities and major motive behind any job or work is to fulfi l those needs if company is not providing enough financial and other supportive benefits to staff they will try to slip from company as soon as they will find better opportunity so it is necessary to keep staff loyal to company through providing them better financial and other benefits like health benefits and pensions. (Forster, 2005) Last but not least thing is punishment and reward system in absence of such punishment and reward system company management cannot get maximum effort from staff. It is necessary to use stick and carrot strategy with in company to get individuals work properly according to set targets of growth and development in business. Task Two Compare the effectiveness of different leadership styles in different organisations There are many leadership theories which define different leadership styles in business. Mostly the leadership style in companies is based on the approach of top management or owners of the company. Here is analysis about some of leadership styles and strategies along with their effectiveness for organisations. 1. Autocratic leadership This form of leadership is example of extreme transactional leadership, in which leader of company or top managers use power tool to deal the work and workers. Staff members have little chance to give suggestions and decide according to their. (Forster, 2005) This type of leadership cannot work with large organisations but it is good for small organisation especially where there is untrained labour or staff and unskilled jobs. But in large organisation it can lead to lazy attitudes, higher level of absenteeism and turnover 2. Bureaucratic leadership Bureaucratic leadership is way in which rules are followed strictly and work is done in the bases of book. It is very popular leadership style even with modification and modern approach in all companies this type of leadership is found at any level. This is good for work where there is serious work involve human life risk and handling of machinery, but in service sector it can lead to disaster where staff will try to implement and follow book and situation will required the diversity of action and response. 3. Charismatic leadership It is form of leadership which emerges with strength of personality and it creates higher level of acceptance among staff. It carries enthusiasm, charm and quality and creates an energetic atmosphere. The drawback of this leadership style is leader can turn authoritative and can make blenders for business without any one there to challenge him or her. Similarly the dependence on the leader can crate collapse after they leave. 4. Democratic leadership It is also called participative leadership in which there is room for every worker and manger to give their feedback and make contribution in the work development. It supports with decision which have full backing and involvement from staff. (Laeven, 2004) But sometimes it can lead to lake of responsibility and a competition based on contribution instead of quality. 5. Laissez-faire leadership The French word which means leave it be, it is way in which team member are given chance to work their own and take charge of decision making and responsibility as it is focused on productivity instead ways and means. It is effective in well groomed professional environment but can lead to collapse where staff is not fully trained and skilful. 6. Relations-oriented leadership This is also called as people oriented leadership in business which tries to accommodate the version of other people rather than top management. This type of leadership is aiming at the results for general welfare and benefits for maximum people. It tries to accommodate interests of as many as it can. But it have drawback of expansion of work to unnecessary boundaries and unnecessary participation and involvement level. Explain how organizational theory underpins the practice of management This theory tries to explain the understanding and appreciation for criticize or postmodernist segment of business world. This theory helps to develop a purpose oriented approach in which it serves depends on the advancement by the business. Theory focuses on the business environment and its effects on the working capacity of the business. Company have major aim of settling its interests and achieve its growth. It derives the relationship between different phenomenons which affect the business activities. The use of theory helps businesses in developing understating about modernity of technology, knowledge, skill development, diversity, development of structures and positive approach for profit seeking strategy. Through a good analysis of the situation company tries to look for success opportunities under this theory. The modernist view of theory helps in adaptation of new technology with better approach and understanding. (Lall, 2005)It helps the organisations to find way for increase efficiency and effectiveness to control performance indicators. Evaluate the different approaches to management used in different organisations There are many fundamental approaches in business management which are used and followed by the management in different sectors according to their needs. Based on different approaches we can categorize these managerial approaches based on implementation and management in three groups. These are used on the bases of following qualities:- The diversity of technology degree of complexity in delivery objectives of the business and Process used within a timeframe. These approaches are characterised as following:- Active Listening It states that some organisations need their management to used active listening approach to accommodate the needs of customers and workers in effective way for improvement in acceptance level and growth. This helps companies to win confidence from their customers and brings loyalty to brand names. Cultivating It is like listening approach it is a facilitative management approach which is supported by utilisation of existing skills in the environment to get advantage. It is based on active participation and involvement of staff and customers to bring fundamental results in favour of business. Steering This is different management approach which is based on instrumental project management to fulfil the delivery needs. It is mostly sued in developing projects where there is need for controlled activities to bring certain level of success. It is mostly short term strategy and approach of management as with development in business it cannot be used for long. Task Three Discus the impact that different leadership styles may have on motivations in organisations in period of change Leadership is way to give direction, implementation, planning and motivation to people in business for achievement of better results. There are certain leadership styles like authoritarian or autocratic, participative or democratic and delegative or free reign these styles are followed widely in business world to achieve set business targets. Here is summery of effects of different leadership styles on the motivations in organisation. Authoritarian or autocratic This is way in which leader shares the team that what company want and how it wants to be done without getting any feedback from juniors and team. Sometime leaders get all information from bottom level of management but they decide their own about actions. (Cardy, 2003) This style need lot of involvement from top management in company to be present physically to control things once manager is away staff tries to get escape from work and absenteeism is common in this type of leadership style. It also creates lake of responsibility and secrecy of information from one channel to other as everyone tries to avoid any bad situation. It also called bossing people this style is on decline in major organisations and is being replace by other leadership styles. Participative or democratic The slogan of this type of leadership is lets work together, it is way in which leader involves everyone to give their feedback and take responsibility for doing things on business. Though leader maintains the final decision yet still its room for more participation and every opinion is welcomes. This style have drawback for waste of time and unnecessary and unskilled involvement in business decisions which can lead to losses and weakness. Delegative or free reign In this leadership style responsibility is shifted to lower ranks of management, thus employees are allowed to make decision about work with freedom. Yet this required highly skilled and trained professionals at all levels which is expensive for human resource management and required lots of revenue and without grooming all staff to that level it can bring disaster to company business. This is also known as laissez faire. It is observed by the business exerts that a good leader tries to hold combination of all three leadership styles according to needs of time and management activity. Compare application of different motivational theories with in workplace There are different motivational theories for workplace performance management which are discussed in coming discussion. Incentive Theory of Motivation This theory states that staff and employee can be motivated to perform well through external rewards. For example, if there are some financial gains for staff for doing a certain level of work or keeping time management effectively they will try their best to achieve the land mark to gain that financial benefit. Drive Theory of Motivation This theory states that people are getting motivation from certain actions that are taken by management to get maximum outcome in performance. For example, someone can be motivated for drinking water to reduce internal thirst. This theory tries to base performance control on biological and physical needs of humans. Arousal Theory of Motivation These theory states that human are motivated to act to satisfy or decrease their stimulation or arousal level. For example, one person can like to go to movie while other can like to read book to satisfy certain arousal level. Humanistic Theory of Motivation Humanistic theory of motivation is a set of motivational theories which are based on fact that human have immense cognitive reason to act in certain way and do certain things. Abraham Maslows put this in his hierarchy of needs that is based on different motivations behind human actions and those motivations are biological, social and spiritual. Like hunger and self actualisation. Evaluate the usefulness of motivation theory for managers Motivation can be a very important factor for an organizational success and achievements of set targets by the organisation. Here are facts that help managers to get benefit from these motivational theories, these are following:- Motivation makes human resources available for action as every action required physical, financial and individual involvement. Through use of motivation managers can turn resources into action thus they can utilise those resources for development and growth. Motivation improves the level of efficiency in company as staffs puts full efforts neglecting their qualifications and learning they are involved to gain the benefits of motivational factor. Thus motivation in organisation improves performance level for managers. It helps in increase in productivity, improves the efficiency of staff and reduces the cost for operations. It leads organisations and managers to achieve the set organizational goals by the utilisation of available resources effectively and in better way. Increases cooperation at work, creates better work environment and works as stimulate for higher performance level. Motivation builds very friendly relationship among managers and staff as staff meets some benefits for their performance. It increases the staff satisfaction level at work and develops trust and confidence at workplace due to monetary and non-monetary incentives. Similarly, motivation becomes very important for business because it motivated staff, empowers manager and teams, creates team work environment, creates sense of belonging and responsibility among staff, decreases operational costs and makes work time effective activity. Task Four Explain the nature of groups and group behaviour within organisations Groups or teams are important and major feature of business organizations. Work At organizations is divided into sub-units that are consists of departments of groups. These groups shape the behaviour of organisations and are responsible for activities at organisation. It is very important for managers to develop understanding about the nature of groups inside organisations. (Forster, 2005) The cooperation level among groups and within teams is vital for company activities. This way people with different skills and behaviour patterns with in groups affect the level of group performance. The leadership style of managers is having important effect over these groups and leads to success or failure of group efforts. The composition of groups promotes team work, coordination, cooperation, experience sharing, guidance availability for new staff and collective outcome of business activity. These groups have following features:- They interact with each other They build teamwork They can involve into a psychological warfare They are define unit They share common skills and interests There are ways through groups are formed one of such explanation is given by the Tuckman in 1965 as he define the process of group formation which is based on Stage 1 Forming Stage 2 Storming Stage 3 Norming Stage 4 Performing Stage 5 Adjourning There are many formal and informal groups within organisation which work according to their set purposes and try to achieve those purposes. Discuss factors that may promote or inhibit the development of effective teamwork in organisations There are many factors which affect the development of teams at business organisations. These factors are internal and external it nature. These factors include, high standard of performance, creating quality work, experience sharing, collective efforts, minimising cost, minimising work effort and to promote collective benefits as team. These factors affect the composition and working ability of groups and teams in absence of some important factors team cannot be building and there can be no increase in performance level which is brought by the team work. In 21st century the new business dimensions insist on the development of team under the affect of these factors to get maximum output from staff performance. Evaluate the impact of technology on team functioning within a given organisation In 21st century media and communication are very important tools for business performance and business development. There is continuous increase in technological advancement in creation and working of teams with in business. Here are some technological tools and their impacts on performance of team in business environment:- e-mail is based on internet which is most rapidly spreading form of communication which businesses are adopting rapidly to support their teams. The use of email helps teams to share and retain information for best performance. Mobile phones also have their huge impact on business and teams within businesses as it is quickest and reliable way to communicate between teams and get support on time. Groupware are new technological tool help teams in planning meetings, increase collaboration and work in a virtual environment with better results than emails and phones. Personal computers are popular in business as tool for management, communication and record keeping. The use of laptop is very popular in business community and helps the continuous connection among team members through use of internet and its capacity is bigger and better than previously mentioned tools.

Unsettling Language in Elizabeth Bowen’s The Demon Lover Essay

Unsettling Language in Elizabeth Bowen’s The Demon Lover Elizabeth Bowen retells a popular folk tale in her short story, "The Demon Lover." The title suggests that the plot consists of a woman being confronted by a demon lover from her past. Bowen does not stray far from this original tale. Instead of originality, Bowen's prose relies on the use of subtleties to keep the story interesting. The story's subtleties feed us questions that continually grab our interest. Bowen immediately begins to create a sense of uneasiness in the first paragraph. As Mrs. Drover, the protagonist, walks toward her London house, "an unfamiliar queerness had silted up; a cat wove itself in and out of railings, but no human eye watched Mrs. Drover's return" (36). The author's use of the word "queerness" puts the reader on guard for something out of the ordinary. She then follows it by the description of a cat-a mysterious creature-wondering down the street with no regard to any passersby. The phrase "no human eye watched" seems to be overstating the situation. Instead of just saying that nothing was watching Mrs. Drover, the author chose to say that no human was watching her. We are led to question whether the cat was the only non-human watching her or not. And, if not, what else was watching her? The feeling of uncanny continues throughout the next paragraphs. The house Mrs. Drover enters is given characteristics that suggest that it is living. There is a "bruise in the wallpaper" and a piano "had left what looked like claw-marks" (36). On their own, these descriptions would not have created uneasiness. But, the house that bruises and furniture that leaves claw-marks contribute to the sense of uneasiness that had already begun to develop. W... ... no resulting rescue (40). Her screaming leads us to believe that she had in fact gotten into the demon lover's taxi. As the driver "made off with her into the hinterland of deserted streets," we are still left questioning who exactly the driver was, how he had come back from the dead, what Kathleen had promised him, and whether she had actually remembered her promise and had used it as an escape to her monotonous life (40). All of the unanswered questions, along with subtle uses of unsettling language, create an unsettling effect throughout the story. The title, "The Demon Lover," gave a good general idea of what Elizabeth Bowen was writing about, but her clever writing left interesting questions lingering throughout the story and even after its end. Works Cited Bowen, Elizabeth. "The Demon Lover." Collected Stories of Elizabeth Bowen. New York: Knopf, 1981.

Quest for Purpose in the Novels of Kurt Vonnegut Essay -- Works of Kurt

Quest for Purpose in the Novels of Kurt Vonnegut      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Kurt Vonnegut's personal experiences force him to question the meaningless cruelties and conflicting paradigms in life.   As a second generation German-American and a witness of Dresden's bombing during World War II,   he observes firsthand the pointless destruction of which humans are capable (Dictionary 494).   He devotes his works to understanding the chaotic, cruel world he encounters.   According to   Peter Reed, Vonnegut's works feature a "...protagonist in quest of meaning in an absurd world" (500).   While struggling to understand the disordered universe around them, Vonnegut's protagonists attempt to become satisfied individuals by understanding the purpose of human life.    As he probes the chaotic nature of the universe, Vonnegut, according to Ernest Ranly, "...seems preoccupied with genuine human questions, about war, peace, technology, human happiness" (454).   Vonnegut's works show an obsessive desire to answer these questions, and he explores them by narrating quests for order and purpose in human life.   According to Stanley Schatt, Vonnegut "...believes passionately in both the importance of the individual and the need for human love and compassion" (348).   Vonnegut's beliefs become apparent as the searchers invariably realize Vonnegut's truth: the universe is too chaotic to understand, so the secret to order in their lives is simply kindness. In Vonnegut's novel, Galapagos, the narrator, Leon Trout, attempts to understand humanity's cruelty after witnessing the Vietnam War's brutality and lack of purpose.   As a marine in "...a nearly endless, thankless, horrifying, and, finally, pointless war..." (Galapagos 254), Trout struggles to come to terms w... ...nd: A Study of the American Novel in the Nineteen-Sixties.   Yale, 1973.   Rpt. in Contemporary Literary Criticism,   Vol. 3.   Detroit: Gale,1975. Ranly, Ernest W.   "What Are People For?" Commonweal.   7 May 1971, 207-211.   Rpt. in Contemporary Literary Criticism,   Vol. 2.   Detroit: Gale,1974. Reed, Peter J.   "Kurt Vonnegut, Jr."   Dictionary of Literary Biography.   Vol.2: American Novelists Since World War II.   Detroit: Gale, 1978. _____.   "Kurt Vonnegut."   American Writers.   1981.   Scribner's Writers Series. Schatt, Stanley.   "The World of Kurt Vonnegut, Jr." in Critique: Studies in Modern Fiction. Vol. XII, No. 3, 1971.   Rpt. in Contemporary Literary Criticism,   Vol. 1. Detroit: Gale,1973. Vonnegut, Kurt.   Galapagos.   New York: Dell, 1985. _____.   Mother Night.   New York: Dell, 1961. _____.   The Sirens of Titan.   New York: Dell, 1959.

The Reality of Instant Messaging :: Internet Communication IM Chat Essays

The Reality of Instant Messaging â€Å"Instant messaging, also referred to as IM or Buddy Lists, is a program or communication service that lets you communicate with someone else using the same program at the same time† (YouCanWorkFromAnywhere.com). It is a means of chatting where people send each other short messages electronically. It can be looked at as something between e-mail or a phone call; an e-mail allows you the time to think things out before you type, and a phone call which is an immediate conversation that is going on â€Å"right now,† which are both characteristics of IM. As great as this concept does sound, there is much more to instant messaging, which can be looked at as harmful or beneficial to those using it. What are some of the good things about instant messaging? It is an easy, fast and direct way of communicating. It operates at a much quicker pace than that of e-mail, which has to wait on endless writing and replying. It is also a good way for people to communicate with their friends, family and teachers, or for college students to catch up with people from back home or at other schools. It is free, and free is much cheaper than paying long distance bills. A more specific beneficial matter related to instant messaging is how people, especially teenagers, use this program to express feelings that they would not express otherwise, mainly because there is a comfort and distance associated with this form of communication. According to a study conducted by a professor at Cornell University, Jeffrey Hancock, â€Å"we fib less frequently when we’re online than when we’re talking in person† (The Honesty Virus, The New York Times, March 21, 2004). Hancock asked 30 of his undergraduates to record all of their communications of any form for one week, including all of the lies that they told. When he tallied the results, he found that students had mishandled the truth in about one-quarter of all face-to-face conversations, and in a whopping 37 percent of phone calls. But when they went into cyberspace, they turned into Boy Scouts: only 1 in 5 instant-messaging chats contained a lie, and barely 14 percent of e-mail messages were dishonest.

The World of the Shining Prince: Court Life in Japan

Ivan Morris’ The World of the Shining Prince: Court Life in Japan is an appraisal and an attempt to restore the imaginary life of Prince Genji in the highly illustrious Lady Murasaki’s Genji Monogatari and, for the most part, to portray Japan’s regal, entrenched, strange yet vibrant world. The manuscript was both a source of pleasure to those who would want to enjoy the splendor of literature and a good source of knowledge regarding the Land of the Rising Sun – its history and culture – details that even history failed to recount. This book has, beyond a doubt, disclosed the most intriguing and accomplished culture in our world, mulled over Japan’s classical age of marriage politics and the turbulent political currents of court life, the rise of aristocracy, Buddhists’ and Confucians’ doctrines of salvation and impermanence, the pursuit for elegance and refinement, the roles men and women play, over and above women’s role in the patriarchal society during their time. Physically, little was known about the odd yet amusing country which was â€Å"divided into large estates ruled by feudal baronies, dominated by military men who for over a century had kept the islands in a state of almost perpetual warfare,† (p. xxiii). There was already a well-established religion, rooted in Buddhism and Confucianism. Religious leaders are, in general, wealthy, powerful, and often wielded political influence that they, at times, oppose with secular authorities in supervising the territories. Provincial warriors also rose during the Heian period. Although, the West might have thought of their supreme power since they are physically trained, samurai warriors enjoyed no prestige among the nobles. It was only later that they ascended, which eventually lead to taking power. The Heian epoch is indubitably considered the peak of the Japanese imperial court where sovereignty lays upon the emperor. Nonetheless, power was wielded by aristocratic families, particularly the Fujiwara clan. The emperor upholds dominion over most of the territory. But, he did not have much supremacy to rule with equal firmness over all of this vast territory compared to the aristocrats. The latter filtered out into various ranks. And it had been palpable that the imperative factor in determining an individual’s rank that time was the overall status of one’s extended family. In other words, hereditary privilege is an overwhelming factor in one’s general status. This is why landed gentry would most likely choose to marry those belonging in the upper crust for their personal gain and sustained stature. Aptitude and knowledge might enable someone to advance to some extent, but there was little room for social mobility. The members of the Japanese court have, indeed, lived opulent lives, concerning themselves with works of art aside from their primary occupation of managing lands and came to depend on a system of private estates (shoen) for revenues. A paradoxical fact of the condition of the lower class was also shown in the masterpiece and was noticed by Morris. Ignorant peasants in their society produce nearly all of the country’s wealth but for the most part are experiencing a filthy and wobbly life. The members of the imperial families put land tillers to work to enrich themselves rather than for the benefit of the whole country. Indeed, in the political sense, the period is known for the height of control of the noble families. On the other hand, Heian Japan is also noted for its cult of beauty. In other words, it is a culture that has put emphasis on â€Å"beautiful things† or the â€Å"splendid things. † History would tell us that the aristocrats, particularly the Fujiwara clan, fostered a court culture which devote much of their time on refined tastes and elegant aesthetic pursuits. Since the upper-class Heian life were believed to be confined in their palaces, men and women rarely venture the world outside their homes, â€Å"almost claustrophobic in nature, and living an indoor life to a large extent,† (p. 167), most of them had sufficient leisure time, giving them enough time to develop artistry. Consequently, they became great patrons of poetry, painting, calligraphy, music, dancing, and landscape gardening. Poetry, in fact, became one of the most important skills to develop. The mastery of its technique was necessary in both social exchanges and formal poetic gatherings. The central figure in the Tale of Genji, to whom this book was attributed, dwelt remotely from his relatives and would exchange notes, messages, or poems once they get to see each other, especially during family gatherings. Other spare time activities include sketching and painting depicted in Morris’ account of Genji’s sketches of the sea and the hills, during the Prince’s banishment in Suma, and arrived at a conclusion that â€Å"they were almost all amateur artists,† (p. 186). A popular form of drawing consisted of sketches of men and women. It appears that these sketches were erotic (p. 86), however, there were no other details provided that will substantiate the truth of this claim. But what is apparent is the influence of the Chinese even in the arts. These portrayals reveal to us a particular age and civilization of the extraordinarily sophisticated Japan – a part of the world away from the cultivation of the West, a country so outlandish yet very rich when it comes to art, literature, and culture. The remarkable sense of aesthetics, as Morris noted, and the extent to which aesthetic beauty substituted for moral goodness both defined the characteristic of this ancient society. The other element that should be taken into consideration during the Heian Period is the position of women in the society. The world before is, undeniably, patriarchal. Women are considered inferior to male; a mere shadow to male’s existence; living without freedom; living without name. However, Morris was able to point out women’s position in the society that time. To know that women in Heian Japan were economically independent, or at least semi-dependent, surprised him. He added that they also benefit from total subordination from the domineering sex. This would suggest that Heian women, so long as they are financially stable, can do whatever it is that pleases them, without men dictating it. It is true that women are not quite affiliated politically, yet they were able to do well out of the freedoms that the Western women were not able to enjoy. Although, women were by and large branded as inferior, they could legally inherit and even own properties, as well as engage themselves in all sorts of leisurely activities. In fact, most of Heian prose writers were women. Lady Murasaki, who wrote the Genji Monogatari, along with other world-renowned writers flourished during this period. According to Morris, many of the women then had their own houses and being economically independent, were free to have such relations as they wished and also to terminate them. Part of their freedom is that they could refuse their favor to a man,; they could keep him waiting; they could send him away at any time; or replace him by another lover. This freedom was perceived by Morris as promiscuous, freedom that he himself was not able to characterize during his time. The society that surrounds them is filled with male supremacy but women in this period had a niche of their own – a nook that they know can satisfy them in some ways, in spite of the fierce standards of conduct during that time. Morris also stressed out the intricate relation between men and women of this milieu. Men can only converse with women if the latter were behind curtains. And there were even characters who lived apart from their female relatives and would see them rarely. Morris (p. 167) viewed this as an exaggerated case of formality with regard to the relation of men and women. Incongruously, though, there were some characters like Prince Niou who go to bed with Naka no Kimi on their first meeting and for Kashiwagi to do the same with Prince Nyosan before they have spoken to each other (p. 167). This gives us the impression that women are again classed according to their economic potential. Women can have freedom only if they can keep up with the challenges freedom entails. Women can have their choices granted so long as they can cope with the consequences of their decisions. In Morris’ account of the Shining Prince’s world, we were able to have a glimpse of a paradise located at one part of the globe. Their exquisite traditions, highly majestic politics, the rise and fall of aristocracy, exceptional artistic expression, the pursuit of elegance, and fascinating literature have been one of the world’s wonderful crafts ever hewn in the history of mankind. Overall, Morris’ attempt to discuss the narrative of an Eastern country was a brave endeavor to overcome Western ignorance. He was able to bridge distinct cultures, bringing forth understanding and high regard of unique civilizations, and in turn, minimizing indifference. There may have been lapses in the judgment of Morris regarding Japan’s mysteries, however, somehow his work was able to give a picture of Heian society of aristocratic reign, astonishing veneration for beauty and sophistication, and finally for the depiction of the interesting roles men and women played during that period of classical Japan. Indeed, Morris has produced a work of art that will not only entertain you about Japan’s lovely mysteries but enfold an interesting tale of the efflorescence of an ancient civilization.

Cirque Du Soleil Essay

1. Cirque du Soleil does not have a product, they have a diverse, creative, critical thinking, artist works company; a circus without animals. Within this company, this show allows their featured unique artists, to tap into their creative side and create magic for an audience. Cirque du Soleil aims to create the greatest shows onstage all around the world. The core for a functioning Cirque du Soleil is behind the scenes, with artists and staff. Recruiting these people seems to be a challenge for this ever diverse world we live in. Recruiting and hiring these staff members for Cirque du Soleil is difficult because not many people will just run away to the circus. This lifestyle is an ever changing one, with artists of different cultures and diverse backgrounds. It cannot always be an easy mix for everyone to get along. It takes a special kind of person with that magic in their eyes, that will keep evolving and keep being an asset to the ever changing show. Although it is the same lifestyle these employees will be part of, they service two completely different jobs. Artists perform for the audience, whereas staff is simply there to serve the artists needs. Recruiting for this job takes time, the director Cantin has even traveled to twenty countries in search of local talent. In terms of recruiting and hiring staff, again asking someone to uproot themselves, for little pay, to cater to extremely unique artists demands can be a challenging proposition. Creating extensive rewards for these employees is key. The owners of this company have taken time to understand what the needs are of their staff and artists. Compensation such as free meals and board, as well as the opportunities to improve a talent or passion are aspects of this company where they continue to grow positively. From this article I would say that this company takes extensive time to evaluate and understand the needs of everyone they have on board. In the small market Cirque du Soleil services, it is essential every performer or staff member is â€Å"fit† for the company. This market seeks out individuals who are qualified mentally, and physically for the strenuous changing show and lifestyle. They search for people who are ready to hit the ground running and jump into shows. Here employees are encouraged to discover their magic and embrace their talents, in fact Cirque provides outlets to bring your talents to the next level. They want employees to be able to continuously develop as well as have clear heads of stereotypes. % quit: %15 %quit x current population : 15% x 475 = 71.25 = 72 Artists left: 475-72=403†¨Future demand: 500†¨Needed (500-403= 97) Keeping employees happy enough to stay is and will continue to be a problem for Cirque du Soleil. This problem will affect retention because, if employees are not happy, they will leave. If employees leave, there may not be enough staff to sustain the upcoming show, but the show must go on. This problem could potentially lead to a default product, a poor performance. Cirque provides an environment with different experiences constantly with no fixed structure but to allow artists to tap fully into who they are. By designating a heavy amount of time for managing the artists needs and analyzing what what would make there experience even better. Cirque du Soleil aims to create an environment with the best possible conditions that you don’t want to leave. By retaining employees core artists to the Cirque shows have and can obtain more hands on experience out in the world. Recruiting employees cost money and time. When artists are better at their job they provide stability within the company for a better transitional environment for new employees. Employees will effectively be able to teach each other the ropes, or provide support for one another. The concept is for artists to learn together. With the wide diversity of ethnicity, or gender it can be problematic to find employee who are non stereotype. Those who are open to all cultures. Compensation and benefits however is variable because income becomes an issue. Cirque has a variety of shows and venues that do not always provide steady pay. With that being said its hard to keep up with the rewarding benefits Cirque boasts about, such as providing new experiences. By giving the artists more say, a greater employee output is achieved, with higher job satisfaction, keeps employees. To solve its retention problems Cirque’s benefits heavily outweigh their drawbacks. Ultimately providing the best work environment than anyone in their competing market. Finding talent i is the second current problem Cirque is facing. Cirque du Soleil has created a name for themselves serving as a business that lets you play to your full potential as an artist. In doing so they created an even more diverse product that makes it hard to find that diamond in the rough in cities and continents. This problems affects staffing mostly because they have created a name for themselves that their brand is a luxury good, possibly making artists perceive their company as unachievable. Perspective employees want to work with the best performers around. Now that the company has made a name for themselves, they are hiring staff with more direct experience instead of performers with potential. With a changing and diverse work force this poses a problem within staffing. In creating diversity, gaps in language and background quickly becomes an issue. Training and development problems are solved by having current employees that have open mindsets about other cultures, providing a more welcoming environment. People coming from different socioeconomic backgrounds I would imagine feel secure in knowing they at least have paid meal and board. The shows performances cannot continue to increase levels of diversity without new talent. The current employees care about quality of their product. By having varying levels of skill and ability this could be exciting for new artist morale. Also by having a good training system to develop and articulate performances would provide a great benefit to perspective employees. The movement to keep the excitement alive is on!