Emotional and social development in adulthood Essays

Emotional and social development in adulthood Essays Emotional and social development in adulthood Paper Emotional and social development in adulthood Paper Inherent in the study of human behavior is the basic comprehension towards the life cycle. This life cycle appreciates the stages which every human being shall pass beginning at birth and ending in death. With these views, theories are made with the three major assumptions in mind: First the essential premise to the varieties of life cycle theories proposes that there is a sequential order of development that is successive and clearly defined. Second is the assumption that each individual stage or period comprises of events or crises that need to be resolved for the development to progress in a smooth manner. This is termed as the epigenetic principle (Kaplan et al. , 1991). Whenever an individual fails to attain a resolution to a particular crisis or event, the subsequent periods will manifest that failure in such modes as the individual’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional maladaptive behavior. Thirdly, while these stages occur in sequence and contain events or crises that the individual needs to resolve, each stage however, reflects a â€Å"crisis point’ that makes each phase distinct from either of its preceding and succeeding stages (Kaplan et al. 1991). Nature and significance of the study Erikson is a key figure in the study of developmental psychology. He is instrumental with the current understanding of the different stages of a human life span. This research work is a product of the attempt to expand on the understanding of Erikson’s major work with the integration of several others who are instrumental to a more updated and comprehensive appreciation of the changes and growth that proceed to the development of an adult personality specifically focusing on his emotional and social maturity. The paper is developed towards a greater understanding of the characteristics of a person in this developmental stage called adulthood. Grand theories are explored alongside more recent models to present an updated portrayal of typical adulthood across cultures, race or persuasions. The paper is brought to a narrower focus by employing objective inquiry based on two statements of problem which the author attempts to satisfy for the remainder of this short study. ~Statement of the Problem 1. ) What is adulthood and its characteristic features? 2. ) What factors contribute to the social and emotional development of adulthood? It is indeed interesting to note the depth of the understanding of man’s multidimensional nature revealed by decades of research with each of the distinct aspects of his personhood. Perhaps considered the most â€Å"important† years simply because everything seems to have reached its peak during these times, and perceived as the longest portion among the different stages in the lifespan with all its promise of achievement, productivity and procreation. Discussion Perspectives in psychology and philosophy in general, are developed to help explain and shed light on various human behaviors that not only boggle and are difficult to understand. There are controversies that ensue and these also make interventions difficult at the same time. Development does not end once a person reaches maturity, but continues throughout life. Developmental psychologists seek to describe ad analyze the regularities of human development across the entire life span. It focuses primarily on these aspects of development that make us similar to one another (Berk, 2007). In order to thoroughly appreciate the changes that are happening to a young person specifically pertaining to the social and emotional aspects, the following discussion of the theoretical perspectives are undertaken. Theoretical Underpinnings of the Social and Emotional Development in Adulthood There is a necessity to introduce the observations made by social scientists through the decades after Erikson introduced his theoretical viewpoint on the eight psychosocial stages. It is essential to explain how Erikson elaborates on the two stages of adolescence and early adulthood in order to help accommodate on the theory proposed by Levinson and Arnett and others in their league. Erikson’s psychosocial stages: Adolescence Early Adulthood  Erikson identified the period of adolescence with a corresponding challenge to achieve a sense of identity. Adolescents need to leave behind the carefree, irresponsible, and impulsive behaviors of childhood and to develop the more purposeful, responsible, planned behaviors of adults. If the individual is successful in making this change, he will develop a sense of confidence and a positive identity. If he is unsuccessful, he will experience role confusion, which will result in low self-esteem and become socially withdrawn (Berk, 2007, ch. 12). This concept assumes that in general, children will progress towards adolescence with the all-important development of establishing his identity and those problems that normally are encountered around this stage basically are related around the individual’s search for identity. The period of early adulthood is a time for finding intimacy by developing loving and meaningful relationships. On the positive side, a person can find intimacy in caring relationships. On the negative side, without intimacy, the individual will have a painful feeling of isolation and his relationships will become impersonal (Berk, 2007). James Marcia’s four stages of identity formation The reason that the following concepts are importantly cited stems from the fact that these characteristics are investigated whether they form and are retained when young adult stage comes around. James Marcia posited these concepts and identifies what the researches tried to establish when commitment happens and at what particular stage it crystallizes. Commitment (Luyckx et al. , 2006) accordingly reinforces other characteristics which defines the young adult as no longer â€Å"aimless† and more satisfied with staying at home tending to the needs of his family members. Identity Achievement This stage of identity formation refers to what Marcia calls as â€Å"crisis leading to commitment† which is typified as commitment to alternatives that are before the individual and made by that individual in accordance to the experiencing of a crisis, definitely a time used to search, delve into and discover life’s choices. Foreclosure This is described by Marcia as that of when a person does not undergo crisis and is committed to plans made for his/her life. Moratorium This is a stage is on the actual experience of a crisis and considers the options that are before him/her. Identity Diffusion This is the stage which, according to Marcia is described as the absence of commitment, or the sense of obligation hence the resulting less necessity to seriously act on any alternatives. ~Results and findings The following discussion corresponds to the statement of inquiry posted at the beginning of the paper â€Å"What is adulthood and its characteristic features? † To this end, Arnett proposes his theoretical perspective which he deems as apt to the transitional gap between the two stages proposed by Erikson and described by Marcia. Arnett’s Emerging Adulthood The theory proposed by Jeffrey Arnett is labeled as emerging adulthood which is distinctly different from is more widely known as early or young adulthood. According to Arnett, there are characteristics that are prevalent in this stage. Identity formation is essentially known to be identified with the period of adolescence. However, even Erikson admitted that adolescence sometimes is prolonged or takes longer years of the â€Å"extended identity exploration,† Arnett noted (Arnett, 2000 in Erikson, 1958). In Arnett’s observation, if his theory becomes a valid stage in the life span developmental stages, the extended identity formation that Erikson describes may well fit this proposed stage (Arnett, 2000). Arnett identifies in his findings the areas of demographics, subjective perceptions, and identity exploration where many of the goals and activities of the individual in â€Å"emerging adulthood† happen (Arnett, 2000). The adult with a capacity for true maturity is one who has grown out of childhood without losing childhood’s best traits. As with one who has retained the basic emotional strength of infancy, the stubborn autonomy of toddle hood, the capacity for wonder and pleasure and playfulness of the preschool years, the capacity for affiliation and the intellectual curiosity of the school years, and the idealism and passion of adolescence, the mature adult incorporates these into a new pattern of development dominated by adult stability, wisdom, knowledge, and sensitivity to other people, responsibility, strength and purposiveness. People who have approached maturity can feel that they have loved and been loved, have done their work, have made their mark on people, and have made the most of what there was. Arnett’s extensive studies identify a gap becoming apparent with distinct characteristics separate from the adolescent and that of formal adulthood. In Arnett’s observation, this transition in between the stages is non-existent in most cultures other than the western (Arnett, 2000). Understanding the concept of Social Clock Studies affirm previous cultural and traditional observations concerning many aspects of adulthood. However, some glaring realities point to changing patterns due to many factors. The premise is based on the hypothesis that the maturation of an individual into adulthood is manifest when people conduct themselves in adult behavior and consider themselves to be adults. Then they should be dealt with as adults. By adulthood people are self-directing (Morris and Maisto, 1999). The belief that there are descriptive and prescriptive age norms concerning adults during their developmental shift involves the concept of the social clock. The social clock hinges on its description of society’s expectations where time to get married and have children at the same time attaining more of life’s burdens. For example, the traditional or what has been considered as the perception of women who have not yet entered into matrimony as individuals who are negatively appraised during their middle adulthood stage in contrast to the young adults. Social clock has something to do with an expectation that a person must somehow behave or conduct him/herself according to established developmental milestones or else, risk the consequences that may happen because the individual has allowed it to slip through (Morris and Maisto, 1999). The concept is not unknown to anyone today, this despite the fact that many among Americans have grown to know in informal set-ups that the social clock exists and must be followed. Social and physical development affecting the expansion and constriction of their world from infancy through older adulthood Social and physical development during the stage of infancy constricts the infant’s life because of the child’s inability to walk yet as well as their inability to associate well because of immature brain development which lasts until the person reaches the age at approximately 20 years old. Understandably social and physical developments start to increase during childhood, adolescence and middle adulthood in contrast to the infant. However, starting when the child reaches childhood, his/her world starts to increasingly expand as his motor skills develop and physical capability enhances. This goes on in largely intensified and greater results when the child enters the adolescent period until the person reaches the senior years and pace is affected considerably. The person’s social world constricts primarily because the physical limitations understandably inhibit the person and consequently isolates the person. Older adulthood similarly possesses the same characteristics of that of an infant and toddler because the genes dictate when these traits start to emerge (Shiner et al, 2002). The concept of Growth goals In the study by Bauer and McAdams (2004), these activities and behavior reflect the growth goals, both intrinsic and exploratory, that are necessary for them to develop eventually. This is called peer pressure and although many children pretend to keep their cool, almost all of those who are at this developmental level have their share of frustrations from the influence of other individuals that surround them. Peer pressure is inevitably tied up with the differences of culture and beliefs and when a particular child or young person emerges with the understanding that these experiences are necessary for them to ultimately be enabled to face many more troubles to come. It cannot be underestimated. Because of the major biological changes that their bodies go through, they tend to be flooded with overwhelming emotions that at most times make them confused. These biological changes include the normal maturation or unfolding of genetic characteristics marking the start of puberty. Because of the hormonal changes accompanying puberty, the child’s moods and behavior are often affected (Bauer and McAdams, 2004). ~ Synthesis of data Behavioral scientists describe the following changes expected to occur during this stage: accepting one’s physique and a masculine/feminine role; New relations with age mates of both sexes; Emotional independence from parents; achieving awareness of economic independence from parents; selecting and preparing for an occupation; developing intellectual skills and Concepts necessary for civic competence; Desiring and achieving socially responsible behavior. Preparing for marriage and family life. Building values in harmony with adequate scientific world-picture. These may not necessarily fall as exactly as they should but the pattern is there for many especially in the west (Arnett et al, 2001). The issues that surround emerging young adult include the individual’s adaptation to his body’s biological changes, struggle for autonomy, and peer influence. These are some of the important concerns that an adolescent individual faces. Biological changes entail awareness of the transformation that is occurring in the person’s body. Since an adolescent is passing through a physiological transition, and because the transformation involves the appearance, this is a major concern for any adolescent. In the teen’s struggle for autonomy, there is a mounting tension between parents and children of adolescent age because the latter prefers to think that he/she is capable of a lot of things and are allowed a greater amount of liberties. However, this becomes a source of frustration and conflict by both parents and children due to the latter’s inconsistencies. Furthermore, the shift from parental influence to peer influence is one of the major changes both the parents and teenagers have difficulty facing. Implications According to Piaget, individuals at this stage have developed the ability to form â€Å"hypothetical-deductive reasoning. † Children think that they already have knowledge and some experience, and believe capable to think logically; able to judge certain matters well. Though this may be true, recent findings in brain research show that adolescent emotions overcome rationality or despite some existing facts that should also be weighed, their feelings override reasoning. Teenagers make rash decisions which may or may not harm him/herself (Luyckx et al. , 2006). According to an explanation on Piaget’s formal operations stage, an individual may consider many possibilities in life, may be able to successfully handle crisis at most times, as well as analyze existing assumptions (Eisenberg et al. , 2001).

The role of expectation, performance, and other elements Essay

The role of expectation, performance, and other elements - Essay Example As the primary research is to be conducted in two parts, the objectives for the different parts will differ from each other. At the first stage, a preliminary research is to be conducted that will endeavor to present a list of factors that go into making of customer expectations as quoted by the surveyed marketing managers. In the second stage, the survey is undertaken to collect the data on how the different people develop their expectations, and satisfaction. Customer satisfaction has gained prominence in the marketing literature as well as in marketing practice due to its impact on customer retention and long term revenue streams. Owing to the importance of customer satisfaction, there has been considerable effort made in researching the antecedent conditions of the same. Since very early times of developing the marketing literature, customer expectations have been considered as an important aspect of customer satisfaction

Internet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Internet - Essay Example The living standards of the public increased a lot as a result of the introduction of internet. Nobody has any doubt about the contributions of internet in enhancing communication. No other medium is capable of communicating with people as quickly as internet does. Social networking services like facebook, myspace, orkut etc are helping the people to share information instantly and effectively in a virtual world. When it comes to instant communication, internet always gets priority over other channels of communication. Communication is an area in which internet brought revolutionary changes in the society. Earlier, print sources, television, radio etc were the prominent media of communication in the society. However, these media are incapable of delivering instant information to the public as internet does. Newspapers and televisions require enough time to collect news, edit it, and print/transmit it to the readers/viewers. On the other hand, internet is capable of delivering the new s instantly to the public. ... The difficulties and problems associated in locating specific information in newspapers or printed sources have been eliminated with the introduction of electronic media like internet. It is easy for the readers to eliminate unwanted information quickly so that they can concentrate more only on the specific information they were searching for while using internet. It is a fact that most of the newspapers contain large number of advertisements and the retrieval of specific information from newspaper is difficult. Internet provides answer to such messed up reading styles; it helps the readers to avoid unwanted things instantly and to locate the required information instantly. The enhancement of communication using internet resulted in the development of new life styles in the society. Earlier, people visit the houses of their friends and relatives to exchange their regards and greetings. Now all such things are happening in the virtual world. For sending, birth day greetings, wedding i nvitations and greetings etc people are making use of internet. It is a fact that virtual socializing gives enough flexibility in sending greetings and conveying ideas. The introduction of internet and the subsequent development of social networking services helped the people to increase their virtual socializing activities more than their real face to face socializing activities. It is possible to communicate with anybody through internet even when a person travels from one place to another. Audio and video conferencing facilities provided by internet help people to communicate with others just like a face to face meeting. â€Å"The mobile workforce requires people to travel more frequently for work, leaving friends and family behind, and

Japan Approach To New Product Development Information Technology Essay

Japan Approach To New Product Development Information Technology Essay Japans manufacturing industry can be the largest industry that contributes in the Japanese economy. It is admired by the various researchers that the Japanese companies enable to target the aspects of corporate and research strengths. Through the use of the various technologies, which half maybe came from their land, the Japanese companies laid broader approach regarding the idea of product development. In general, Japanese approach to the product development has a large numbers of changes. For example, the automobile industry in Japan had radical steps such as the application of the concept of the fuel cells (Masaru and Kazuhiko, 2009). The organization has an aim to provide the quality solution by answering two of the biggest issues in the era of modernization the environmental destruction and the problem in the oil, gas, and other petroleum products. From this example the organization can have the full opportunity to be the first company that enables to incorporate the use of technology. But the drawback is the cost of the product that might be too expensive for the customers (Masaru and Kazuhiko, 2009). Japan has strength to set the flow of trend in the market and the high level of technology delivers the variety of strategies that can, however, minimize the appearance of the present problems. Japanese culture views technology as a tool for making marketable products (Takahiro and Joe, 1995). Production technology is central to such a view and has become a clear force in developing competitive advantage for Japans industrial giants. An effective vision of next-generation products combined with continuous product improvements provides the vision for upstream developments (Takahiro and Joe, 1995). Japans focus on production equipment and process improvements is directed towards designing for cost and manufacturability: that is, Japans focus is on designing processes to improve productivity, increase quality, and decrease cost; designing concurrent engineering methods to speed product introductions; developing software to implement and improve factory automation; and devising effective management methods related to all of the above (Takahiro and Joe, 1995). On the other hand, the UK has a responsibility in meeting their own set of standards based on the participating companies, research, and government organizations and then, latter develop their product (Sven Haake, et al., 2000). Again, the automobile manufacturing is the example that can be use. The approach of the UK in the product development was prioritized on various concerns such as addressing the organizations participation in terms of security. If the manufacturers followed the innovation of fuel cell, the assurance of the UKs framework should be also developed for the proper deployment. Such policies like the use of technologies, standards, codes, and infrastructures are the UKs gateway toward the evolution (Sven Haake, et al., 2000). Comparison of Product Improvement Techniques: The Japanese plants have continued to make improvements in terms of labour efficiency and still lead their UK counterparts, by a significant margin. Labour productivity in the UK plants has been more or less static (and actually shows a decline). Although on average production volumes in the plants in the two countries have risen, Japan has managed this with a much smaller increase in headcount than the UK plants, and without a major rationalization of product ranges (Masaru and Kazuhiko, 2009). Plants in the two countries have made significant progress in reducing the proportion of defective products that reach their customers (that is, the car makers, in the case of this study). Japan continues to lead the UK in quality performance by a margin of around 35 per cen. Given the sustained, and in some areas increasing, performance advantage of the Japanese plants, it is precisely in areas such as these that renewed interest should be taken (Masaru and Kazuhiko, 2009). The measures rele vant to the closeness of buyer supplier relations largely present a picture of continuity, rather than change, in Japan. The tight logistics symptomatic of close social relations between buyers and suppliers have if anything becomes tighter over the last seven years. Of course it may be that changes in the commercial relations between firms do not affect such operational details, though this would run counter to what has been the accepted wisdom through much of the 1980s and 1990s, namely that it is the very existence of tight social relations that permits and facilitates operational excellence (Takahiro and Joe, 1995). An alternative explanation is that changes in social relations are occurring, but that the lag inherent in any such changes is obscuring this. The economic problems experienced by Japan at a macroeconomic level should not distract from the continuing lessons that may be gleaned from operational assessments of Japanese manufacturers. In difficult circumstances, Japane se plants have continued to improve their operational performance. The concept of continuous improvement is one of the most significant components of the Japanese model of manufacturing; the evidence reported here suggests that this concept remains an enduring feature of Japanese manufacturers and it remains an area where Western manufacturers, especially UK, may have much to learn (Takahiro and Joe, 1995). Methods of Product Development: Below are two important methods that are used by Japanese companies: Prototyping: is the process of building a model of a system. In terms of an information system, prototypes are employed to help system designers build an information system that intuitive and easy to manipulate for end users. Prototyping is an iterative process that is part of the analysis phase of the systems development life cycle (Glenn, et al., 2008). During the requirements determination portion of the systems analysis phase, system analysts gather information about the organizations current procedures and business processes related the proposed information system. In addition, they study the current information system, if there is one, and conduct user interviews and collect documentation. This helps the analysts develop an initial set of system requirements (Glenn, et al., 2008). Prototyping can augment this process because it converts these basic, yet sometimes intangible, specifications into a tangible but limited working model of the desired information system. The user feedback gained from developing a physical system that the users can touch and see facilitates an evaluative response that the analyst can employ to modify existing requirements as well as developing new ones (Michael and Mitzi, 2000). Prototyping comes in many forms from low tech sketches or paper screens (Pictive) from which users and developers can paste controls and objects, to high tech operational systems using CASE (computer-aided software engineering) or fourth generation languages and everywhere in between. Many organizations use multiple prototyping tools. For example, some will use paper in the initial analysis to facilitate concrete user feedback and then later develop an operational prototype using fourth generation languages, such as Visual Basic, during the design stage (Mic hael and Mitzi, 2000). Some Advantages of Prototyping: Reduces development time. Reduces development costs. Requires user involvement. Developers receive quantifiable user feedback. Facilitates system implementation since users know what to expect. Results in higher user satisfaction. Exposes developers to potential future system enhancements (Gerri, 1999). Some Disadvantages of Prototyping Can lead to insufficient analysis. Users expect the performance of the ultimate system to be the same as the prototype. Developers can become too attached to their prototypes. Can cause systems to be left unfinished and/or implemented before they are ready. Sometimes leads to incomplete documentation. If sophisticated software prototypes (4th Generation Language or CASE (computer-aided software engineering) Tools) are employed, the time saving benefit of prototyping can be lost (Gerri, 1999). Because prototypes inherently increase the quality and amount of communication between the developer/analyst and the end user, its use has become widespread. In the early 1980s, organizations used prototyping approximately thirty percent (30%) of the time in development projects. By the early 1990s, its use had doubled to sixty percent (60%) (Juha, 2005). Although there are guidelines on when to use software prototyping. Prototyping will grow even bigger in the future especially in the UK as it will reduce time and cost and will help by pushing the economy as the new products will be available to consumers in lesser time. Time-Based Concurrent Engineering: Despite the fact that Japanese manufacturers have led the way in compressing time by speeding up product development, Toyotas unique adaptation of concurrent engineering appears a contradiction of universal thinking. Instead of pursuing design decisions as early as possible by marshalling the energies of all team members, Toyota uses a method best described as set-based concurrent engineering (Sotiris, 2005). Designers at Toyota work with sets of design alternatives instead of systematically carrying one basic idea through progressive iterations. The sets are gradually narrowed until a final solution is agreed upon. Toyota uses a relatively unstructured development process in which decisions are purposely delayed, so that suppliers are not provided with final specifications until very late in the process. Another unique aspect of the process is that numerous prototypes are built and evaluated. Many automobile industry experts feel that prototyping and subsequent testing are two phase s of the product development process that greatly extend cycle time. However, tile paradoxical system employed by Toyota is undoubtedly effective. Toyota is recognized as the world leader in fast and efficient development of vehicles (Sotiris, 2005). In general, Japanese companies have been ahead of almost everyone in adopting fast product development tactics. Some Japanese companies, however, found in the 1990s that despite committing more emphasis and capital to Time-Based Competition (TBC) strategies, they were not achieving competitive advantages, higher margins, and more profit (A. Al-shaab, et al., 2009). It was difficult to gain an advantage when every other company was employing the same strategy. Further, it appears the Japanese made their companies time-based in terms of efficiency, instead of embracing a more encompassing strategy. These Japanese firms failed to carry TBC beyond the initial phases of implementation. They neglected to recognize that TBC strategy is a constantly evolving exercise that must focus on the needs of customers. The lesson to be learned is that time compression is not a cure-all. Time reductions that are not tied to viable business strategies can dramatically reduce profits by unnecessarily inc reasing costs (A. Al-shaab, et al., 2009). One Japanese design and development methodology that helps enable quality planning throughout the concurrent engineering process is Quality Function Deployment (QFD). Unlike other quality methods originally developed in the West, the QFD methodology was born out of Total Quality Control (TQC) activities in Japan during the 1960s. Development was motivated by two issues [1]: how to design a new product that meets customer needs, and [2] the desire to provide QC process charts (control plan) to manufacturing before initial production (Nick, et al., 2002). The QFD methodology provides a structured framework for concurrent engineering that propagates the voice of the customer through all phases of product development. Concurrent-engineering is one of the best methods in developing a new product. It involves many small and big companies in contributing towards the product at the same time. The future of this method is great as it will involve more engineers and companies in producing the product, hence, it will reduce the time to produce a new product. Conclusion and Future of UK Product Development: The Japanese tend to recruit scientists primarily within basic research and if one compares Japan to the UK, the latter has many more people in basic research reflecting the concept of creativity in invention inherent in the British economy. Japan however has its focus and thus its advantage in applied research (A. Al-shaab, et al., 2009). Japanese manufacturing companies recruit far more engineers and integrate them across the whole company. When comparing the number of engineers in product development and design in the UK to those in Japan, the latter tends to actively invest and nurture more resources, and hence create better capability. If the Japanese manufacturers have strength in setting the trends in the market, the UK manufacturing industry has strength by following the governmental policies. The UK needs to invest more in engineers and make new products research easier to develop by given scientist less tougher rules by the government and much more funds and investment from both companies and the government. They also need to integrate more engineers in the manufacturing area so they could be in equal place with Japan.

F. Scott Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby Essay -- Fitzgerald Great Gatsb

F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, there is a constant feeling of movement and the desire to get away. Nick, Gatsby, Wilson, Tom and Daisy all move, or have the intention of moving. Not only does this movement seem to foreshadow events in the book, but it also seems to lead to the conclusion that society as a whole in the 1920's was rather unstable and was undergoing constant change. Not all the characters move in the same way, and this shows how different their backgrounds and lifestyles are. The main movement seems to be from west to east. Throughout the decades man is said to be progressing through the steps of evolution and toward the setting sun, or east to west. The characters move in opposite direction from which the sun sets, which seems significant to the physical and psychological patterns of the characters. The two main characters that movement affects are Nick and Gatsby. The movement of Nick and Gatsby in this direction shows us how their personalities and feelings change as the sun goes down. There are also the various meanings that the sun has, that seems to map out, or affect their near future. The sun foreshadows Nick and Gatsby's actions and emotions, which in turn are affected by the many representations the sun has. Jay Gatsby is a character that the sun affects in such a way that it becomes a symbol of his ability to direct his will and, when put together with his dream, this gives him a sense of purpose. Jimmie Gatz was born in a town in Minnesota. After changing his name to Jay Gatsby, he moved to West Egg, Long Island in order to start a new life revolved around impressing Daisy. Here the sun represents a psychological belie... ...nd that they, "had never, all along, intended doing anything at all. But it was done now. It was too late."(139) Just as the colors begin to bloom in the dazzling night sky they fade and disappear out of sight, just as Nick moves away. The rising sun has been used to describe progress and evolution, but as the sun travels backwards, it shows people for who they really are. The light is shone hard on the characters, so much so that they have nothing to hide behind. This minor action seems to set and change the entire novel at the same time. It also fits in perfectly with the flow or plot of the book. It shows how the characters are slowly opening up to their surroundings, and how much the sun, metaphorically, affects them. Throughout the novel, the sun has shone light on certain characters to show the power and hidden creativity of the unconscious mind.

Appreciating Rain on a Grave by Thomas Hardy Essay

This poem presents its composer, Thomas Hardy, through a persona of grief over his late wife. The poem is contextualized immediately after Mrs. Hardys death as the widowed persona stands by her grave. The poem moves from third person perspective through to a first person point of view. It reflects on the personas guilt of mistreating his late wife before her death and his yearning to be with her in the present. Would I lay there And she were housed there! Or better, togetherWe both, – who would stray thereHardy wrote this poem as a way of expiating the way he treated his late wife while she was alive. The poet, Thomas Hardy introduces the poem by describing the rain spouting on the personas wifes grave Clouds spout upon her. This creates a melancholy mood in the audience and expresses the physical pain she suffered from the persona whilst she was living Her who but lately Had shivered with pain, his past actions make him feel immensely guilty. The purpose of this poem was for the poet to reflect upon his actions and acknowledge his guilt for the mistreatment of his late wife. The persona contemplates on his behaviour towards his wife while she was alive causing her physical and emotional pain and acknowledges that his love was lost through his ill-treatment of his late wife. This is evident through the following lines:Her who but lately Had shivered with pain and his yearning to be reunited with her again Would I lay there And she were housed there! Or better, together We both, – who would stray thereThe poem moves from a serious tone to a more light hearted tone. The poet evokes a sad, melancholy mood in the early stanzas of the poem Clouds spout upon her Had shivered with pain and in the late stanzas of the poem the poet evokes a somewhat contented mood Love beyond measure With a childs pleasure All her lifes round. There is a bittersweet tone to the poets reflections upon his thoughts of his wife in the poem. The poem consists of four stanzas with each stanza consisting of nine lines.  The informal language in Rain on a Grave is effective and appropriate in conveying Hardys reminiscence of thoughts and feelings as it allows him to freely express his emotions and hence it serves to achieve his purpose. Hardy uses several imagery techniques throughout the poem Green blades from her mound, which allows readers to visualize the grass on her grave, Clouds spout upon her which helps readers envisage the image of rain spouting on the grave giving a melancholy effect. Other techniques used are metaphors so coldly, so straightly such arrows of rain: giving the striking effect of rain and the cold, reality is brings like stars on the ground, – Till she form part of them- gives the uplifting mood and that his wifes afterlife is a much better life than the one she had when alive, emotive language loved beyond measure With a childs pleasure gives the empathy of love and how it can be beyond anything and rhyming techniques When sunny the day there, – Or evening was clear At the prime of the year. The techniques in the poem assist with evoking the reader with what the persona feels and sees and the mood of the poem. The rhythm is slow and gentle, appropriate for the personas thoughts. Movement of this poem is slow placed to suit the reflective thoughts and emphasize the thoughts of the persona. Due to the poets use of structure, imagery and metaphors he enables readers to feel and sympathize with his thoughts. Bibliography: http://web.mac.com/kburden/iWeb/Wessex%20Heights/Podcast/F1735ED8-8E67-492C-A6B7-266F83730FDE.html

Tradition or Cruelty in Shirley Jacksons The Lottery Essay

Tradition or Cruelty in Shirley Jacksons The Lottery Shirley Jacksons The Lottery satirizes barbaric traditions in a supposedly civilized village. As the story begins, the villagers appear to be fairly civilized and carry on fairly modern lifestyles. This is assumed by the mens discussion of planting, rain, tractors, and taxes. The lottery was outdated to such a degree that some may think that the tradition is primal competition of anthropoid beasts. On the other hand, some think that carrying on the tradition was necessary. The question that must be answered is: Was this a barbaric tradition or was this ritual an honest attempt to better other villagers lives? Shortly after the publication of The Lottery in The New†¦show more content†¦Hutchinson cant help but finish washing her dishes before she meets her family at the square. After Tessie is the chosen one to die, it is her friend that initiates the stoning. Mrs. Delacroix, who picks up a stone so large that she has to use two hands, starts the murder by telling others to come on and hurry up. This shows no mercy for the victim, even when it may be a loved one. However the action of barbarism that tops all the others is Davy Hutchinson: The most pathetic figure of all is Davy Hutchinson who survives the drawing but who is forced, unknowingly, to take part in the ordeal. Someone gives him a few pebbles so that he, too, may share in the collective murder of his mother (Friedman 67). The above excerpt demonstrates that one function of the lottery is to change the relationship between community and victim (Magill 1673). At one instant all of the villagers are equal, but after the person is chosen to die, the rest of the village are predators hunting their prey. This change in feelings portrays a barbaric instinct towards the loser. Yet another inhumane action is how Nancy and Bill Jr. laugh after they realize they were not going to die. Maybe they laugh out of relief; nevertheless, they, in turn, display no feelings or thoughts of concern for someone else in their community who will be murdered. It is hard to visualize loving children, within a few minutes, go from dependence of mother to the murder of her. Friedman puts itShow MoreRelatedEssay Tradition or Cruelty in Shirley Jacksons The Lottery1147 Words   |  5 Pageshave many traditions. These traditions all have certain meanings behind them; however, many of those meanings tend to be lost or forgotten. The holiday of Thanksgiving was originally a celebration to commemorate the arrival of the pilgrims in the new world and their first interactions with the Native Americans. So then why is it still celebrated today? There is no actual purpose in today’s society to observe this custom.   It has just continued to be observed because of past tradi tions.   There isRead MoreThe Lottery vs the Destructors Essay examples1046 Words   |  5 PagesThesis In Shirley Jackson’s, â€Å"The Lottery†, and Graham Greene’s â€Å"The Destructors†, the author creates a story filled with symbolism, irony, grim reality, and a ritualized tradition that masks evil, which ultimately showcases how people blindly follow tradition. Outline I. Introduction II. Setting B. Time Period III. Plot A. What messages are seen inRead MoreResearch Paper on Shirley Jacksons â€Å"The Lottery†1141 Words   |  5 PagesShirley Jacksons â€Å"The Lottery† is a short story about the annual gathering of the villagers to conduct an ancient ritual. The ritual ends in the stoning of one of the residents of this small village. This murder functions under the guise of a sacrament that, at one time, served the purpose of ensuring a bountiful harvest. 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The author’s use of a third-person dramatic narrative combined with strong themes, symbols and irony clearly supports the lesson Jackson was trying to portray. Jackson’s short story shows how easy it is to be hostile when a group of villagers with a herd mentality blindly follow an outdated tradition and that evil knows no boundaries. JacksonRead MoreThe Theme Of Tradition In Shirley Jacksons The Lottery1638 Words   |  7 PagesDEATH BY TRADITION Henry James once said, â€Å"It takes an endless amount of history to make a little tradition.† In the short story, â€Å"The Lottery,† by Shirley Jackson deals with the insignificant nature of humanity when it comes to traditions. Today when one thinks about winning, one does not think about the community or close relatives; one thinks about how one is going to spend the money received. However, in Jackson’s short story, â€Å"The Lottery† represents a human sacrifice by means of stoning withRead MoreThe Lottery by Shirley Jackson1764 Words   |  7 Pagesfilled with excitement and eeriness, leaving the reader speechless. The Lottery , a short story written by famous writer Shirley Jackson, created an uproar on June 26, 1948, when it was published in the magazine The New Yorker (Ball). The gothic thriller, set in an unknown time and place, shares the tradition of a small town, a little larger than three hundred people, in which a drawing is held once a year. In this â€Å"Lottery,† each family’s husband draws a slip of pap er from a black box. The husbandRead MoreAnalysis Of Shirley Jackson s The Lottery, And Kurt Vonnegut Jr. s Harrison Bergeron1604 Words   |  7 Pagespersonal values and beliefs can be found in Shirley Jackson’s, â€Å"The Lottery†, and Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s â€Å"Harrison Bergeron†. These short stories describe situations in which the citizens allow the superiors to have full control, without thinking twice about the laws and traditions that require their submission. Both of these short stories are similar in theme, because each tells about a community that chooses to participate in cruel and inhumane traditions, rather than allow individuals to form theirRead More Foreshadowing in Shirley Jacksons The Lottery Essays1152 Words   |  5 PagesForeshadowing in Shirley Jacksons The Lottery      Ã‚  Ã‚   The Lottery, a short story written by Shirley Jackson, is a tale about a disturbing social practice.   The setting takes place in a small village consisting of about three hundred denizens.   On June twenty-seventh of every year, the members of this traditional community hold a village-wide lottery in which everyone is expected to participate.   Throughout the story, the reader gets an odd feeling regarding the residents and their annual practiceRead MoreThe Horror of The Lottery, by Shirley Jackson1375 Words   |  6 Pagesvillagers took part in the traditional lottery drawing and one villager was picked for the prize – a stoning. In 1948, Shirley Jackson published this short story known as â€Å"The Lottery,† in The New York Times. The story’s plot shocked readers all over America as they learned of the horror happening in such a quaint town. Jackson purposely set this tragic event in this innocent setting to emphasize humanity’s crue lty. Using her appalling short story, The Lottery, Shirley Jackson alarms readers with the ironic