Charles Dickens Essays (2110 words) - Gothic Novels, Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens Charles Dickens Dickens has always presented problems for literary criticism. For theorists whose critical presuppositions emphasize intelligence, sensitivity and an author in complete control of his work the cruder aspects of his popular art have often proved an insurmountable obstacle, while for the formulators of traditions his gigantic idiosyncrasies can never be made to conform. If difficulties such as these have been overcome by the awareness that Dickens sets his own standards, there remains a further problem: his won lifetime Dickens has invariably seemed as much an institution as an individual. The institution of the ?Dickens of Christmas', celebrated by Chersterton. The change may perhaps be defined by suggesting that it is now becoming increasingly necessary to insist that he was. Dickens's art was at once varied and constant; if themes, emphases and preoccupations developed towards the ultimate pessimism of Little Dorrit, and Our Mutual Friend, it is important to remember that Flora Finc hing and her aunt are cousins, not far removed. When he collapsed in 1870, having almost completed the sixth instalment of Edwin Drood, the manner of his death was peculiarly appropriate: his audience were left in the state of anticipation to which he had accustomed them, but this time there was to be no resolution. In the nineteenth century the writing of novels emerged from a permitted indulgence to an acceptable career. It is customary to think of Dickens as a critic of much of the Victorian ethos, but whatever reservations the novels may express about self-aggrandizement, no career could demonstrate the ideal of the self-made man more effectively than his own. The facts of Dickens's early life have been rehearsed frequently enough and there is little need to recount them here other than to emphasize the extent to which Dickens, the chronicler of afflicted children, saw in his own childhood the archetypal experience of the child frustrated by the pressures of an urban and commercialize environment. The account of his childhood employment in the blacking-shop, which he gave to his biographer Forster, has often quoted: The deep remembrance of the sense I had of being utterly neglected and hopeless; of the shame I felt in my position; of the misery it was to my young heart to believe that, day by day, what I had learned, and thought, and delighted in, and raised my fancy and my emulation up by, was passing way passing away from me, never be brought back any more, cannot be written. My whole nature was so penetrated with the grief and humiliation of such considerations, that even now, famous and caressed and happy, I often forget in my dreams that I have a dear wife and children; even that I am a man; and wander desolately back to that time of my life. (John Froster, The Life of Charles Dickens, Bk. I, ch. 2) Dickens is self-indulgent in this reflective mood, but the complaint is supported by the facts, and the tone of the passage, especially of its conclusion, was to be transmuted to the tone of David Copperfield and Great Expectations. A glance through the list of novels shows the extent to which Dickens's life was dominated by the demands of authorship, for apart from the gaps between the last three items there is scarcely an unproductive year. When one considers how each of the novels appeared in either weekly or monthly instalments, and that they were supplemented by short stories and occasional journalism, as well as, from time to time, the duties of an editor, it can fairly be said that Dickens's literary activity over a period of more than thirty years was uninterrupted. Serial publications thus posed its own technical problems and to a large extent dictated their solution. It had the effect of intensifying the relationship between the author and his audience to a degree that can perhaps be compared with the oral narrative poem of the Elizabethan stage. Tome some novelists, the need to tailor their novels to popular demand was a source of irritation. More than technical issues were at stake. In two vital areas audience-demand was a controlling factor over the content of exploitation of sentiment. The emphasis on the pathetic can be attributed to some extent to popular demand: it

Culture and Health

Culture and Health Introduction The third aspect of the PEN-3 Model looks at the cultural issues and health beliefs. Planners use this model to create a health education system that is sensitive to the culture of ethnic minority. The PEN-3 Model factors under cultural appropriateness include positive, exotic and negative factors. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Culture and Health specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This essay shall relate these factors to the case study A Day in the Sleep Clinic. The paper shall highlight differences in involvement of Dr. Williams’ with the three families, and effects of involvements on health outcomes. Positive Positive factors in the PEN-3 Model are perceptions, enablers, and nurturers that make a person, family, or community involve themselves in health practices that enhance and improve their health status. Therefore, planners must encourage such factors (Campbell, 1995). This is because posi tive factors in health practices are necessary in improving health status of individuals, families and communities, for instance, encouraging people to engage in physical activities. From the case study, Dr. Williams’ interactions with the Reese family have some positive factors that will improve Johnny’s health. It is obvious that the Dr. William and the Reese family could be of the same cultural background. They even have same interests particularly in horses. The doctor encourages the family to use CPAP and mask in order to enhance the patient’s sleeping habits. It is also crucial to note that the doctor does this because the family can afford it because they have â€Å"a good insurance†. Exotic Exotic factors are strange practices and do not have any harmful health consequences. Therefore, there is no need of changing exotic factors. Health planners should address what exist within different cultures, rather than considering what ought to be in the c ulture. For instance, both Sudanese and Vietnamese have different cultures from those of the US. These cultural orientations may not necessarily affect the health outcomes of patients. However, taking them into account is crucial for doctors since patients highly value them. For instance, the Sudanese family belief in superstition may not affect the health outcome in the hands of the doctor. Culturally, the family believes that someone cast an evil eye on the daughter. There is nothing Dr. Williams can do about these beliefs. However, the Dr. Williams’ interactions and decisions can severely affect the outcomes of the patient. Advertising Looking for essay on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More On the other hand, Vietnamese culture restricts addressing women when men are present. The doctor’s assumptions are wrong because he does not understand cultural orientations of Vietnamese. Vietnam ese culture also believes in herbal cures where prescriptions have failed, or to complement prescriptions. Negative Negative factors of the PEN-3 Model lead people to engage in harmful practices to their health, e.g. overeating or unprotected sex. In the case study, Dr. Williams’ practices may nurture poor practices among families and consequently affect the outcomes of his patients’ health particularly in his relations to Sudanese family who has no health insurance, language difficulties and believes much in superstitions (Jackson, 2012). The doctor’s decision to disregard sleep study has serious health outcomes for the patient. In cases where medical history of the patient is not accessible, it becomes hard for the doctor to make a decision based on a patient’s past medical history. Conclusion Cultural Appropriateness of Health Behaviour under PEN-3 Model classifies factors into positive, exotic and negative. For positive effects on patients’ he alth, the planner should identify beliefs and practices that are part of lifestyle and culture of community e.g. traditional herbs of Vietnamese and superstitions practices of Africans. Likewise, planners should also identify emerging cultural orientations with no background ties to traditional cultures e.g. changes in eating habits among Sudanese immigrants may result into health complications, and Vietnamese exposure to Western medication may affect their attitude towards health practices (James, 2004). Health planners must understand reasons behind various beliefs and how they may impact on health status of individuals and community. References Campbell, C. (1995). Health Education Planning Models. Mississippi: Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service. Jackson, C. (2012). Domains of Cultural Competency. Cross-Cultural Health, 1(3), 3- 4.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Culture and Health specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn Mor e James, D. (2004). Factors influencing food choices, dietary intake, and nutrition- related attitudes among African Americans: application of a culturally sensitive model. Ethnicity health, 9(4), 349-367.

Carbohydrates Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Carbohydrates - Term Paper Example Structural composition of carbohydrates Structurally, carbohydrates exist as polyhydroxy or alcohol groups containing ketone or aldehyde functional groups (Engel, Gary and Reid, 115). These functional groups are responsible for the distinct chemical and physical properties of the different types of carbohydrates. Normally, carbohydrates are made of monosaccharides, which are the basic and the simplest units. Therefore, carbohydrates are polymers, consisting of monosaccharide monomers. The chemical and physical properties of carbohydrates depend on the type of monosaccharide monomers, the length of the polymer chain and the method used to join the basic units (Linhard and Bazin 55). Carbohydrates are divided into different categories depending on the length of the carbon chain. These categories include monosaccharide, disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides are single and the simplest carbohydrate molecules, comprising of five or six carbon chains (Linhard and Bazin 57). Examples of monosaccharide include five carbon (pentose) sugars such as xylose, arabinose and ribose. Hexoses, which are six carbon sugars, are the most common simple sugars. They include fructose, mannose, glucose and fructose. Green plants through photosynthesis process naturally synthesize glucose. During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water combine in presence of light energy to form glucose (Voet, et al, 164) 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy> C6H12O6 + 3O2 The monosaccharides synthesized from the green plants undergo polymerization reactions to form disaccharides and other complex carbohydrates. Other methods natural processes that produce glucose include chemosynthesis in autotrophic bacteria and biosynthesis (McKee and McKee, 306). The presence of many chiral centers on the structure of glucose results into formation of two structural conformations, which could be either enantiomer or diastereomer. Enantiomers are mirror images. Glucose exhibits two enantiomeric struc tures namely, D and L glucose. Both of these structures demonstrate different physical and chemical properties (Pigman, 79) Disaccharides consist of two monosaccharide molecules that undergo polymerization reaction forming the longer chain carbohydrate (Timberlake, 127). Polymerization reaction is building up process, where small units (monomers) link together to form a complex molecule (polymer). Glycosidic bonds link the two-monosaccharide molecules after undergoing polymerization reaction. Polymerization process leads to formation of disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. These reactions occur between hydroxyl group of two different molecules leading to formation of covalent glycosidic bonds (Engel, Gary and Reid, 217-228). Examples of disaccharide include sucrose, maltose and lactose. Sucrose is formed when fructose and glucose undergo polymerization reactions. Therefore, fructose and glucose are sucrose monomers. Similarly, maltose is formed from the reaction of t wo glucose molecules while lactose from glucose and galactose molecules. Hence, glucose molecules are maltose monomers. Oligosaccharides comprises of about three to ten monosaccharides that are linked together after undergoing polymerization reactions. Examples include fructo- oligosaccharide and galacto-oligosaccharide (Pigman, 162). Polysaccharides comprise of long carbon chains formed by numerous monosaccharide units. The large number of number of monosaccharide monomers in polysaccharides result to

Rabbit-Proof Fence and the Edge of Heaven - Movies Which Depict the Mi Essay

Rabbit-Proof Fence and the Edge of Heaven - Movies Which Depict the Minority Groups in Society - Essay Example In response to the growing fears, special and unique detention centres were built across Australia to keep the mixed-race children from the entire Australian community, which was the dominant culture. In addition, orders were issued to eradicate forcibly half-caste children from their paternal and maternal families. The movies especially the Edge of Heaven shows how prejudice and discrimination take centre stage in the Australian society. It is evident that being prejudiced simply implies holding preconceived attitudes and beliefs about certain cultural practices or group of people in society. The movie shows how people from dominant culture engage in discriminatory practices in order to guard opportunities for themselves by hindering access to those whom they tend to believe do not need or deserve the same treatment as others. As seen in the Rabbit-proof fence, it is evident that during this time, racism in Australian society looked like cancer in that it had no cure and it would have continued were it not for the effort of the three women to fight for justice. However, separation and exclusion are seen all around Australian aborigine children. It is clear that suspicion, fear, and ignorance parting away communities. At the same time, public figures, the media, and heads of states, who are the people supposed to fight and defend pluralist and inclusive societies, initiate attacks on multiculturalism. While this negative outlook may be so widely accepted challenging it seems to be a hard but important task. In the Edge of heaven movie, Ali Aksu thought he had found relief and happiness when he met Yeter a prostitute. He provided her with monthly payments to cease working as a city prostitute and marry him. Considering the fact that she (Yeter) was not from a dominant culture or group, she received threats from Muslims about either accepting the offer or facing the consequences. She decided to take the offer.  Ã‚  

Employee Relations in UK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Employee Relations in UK - Essay Example It will be useful for management to conduct seminars and training sessions wherein the see the applicability of employee right in real-case scenarios In the United Kingdom, the Employment Relations Act (1999) was adopted by the government to provide better working standards for employees. It is intended to improve relations between an organization and its employees by fostering a new climate of co-operation between the worker and the employer. This act lays down the need to implement a statutory procedure for trade unions to be recognized as organizations which speak or put forth the interests of the organization's employees ( Such a procedure needs to be adopted by any organizations where the employees exceeds 20). The Employment Relations Act (1999), states that any independent public body such as the Central Arbitration Committee should be given due recognition in cases where a majority members of the workforce of an organization are union members. This law empowers employees by bringing out provisions that protect their rights and also strengthens their rights to belong to unions. Through this law workers have the right to be accompanied by a trade union official at disciplinary and grievance hearings. As a result of this law, it is not possible for employers to dismiss employees who are taking official, lawfully-organized industrial action. One of the hall-marks of this law is that it promotes ideas for a friendly working atmosphere and reforms tribunal awards for unfair dismissal. After the implementation of this act, it effectiveness was reviewed by government authorities. The review reveals that the act has been well-implemented and has succeeded in its purpose to improve employee relations. Through this act the procedure for recognition of trade unions has been carried out smoothly and efficiently. In the case of any issues of employee grievances, these issues are resolved very quickly, say within less than half the time. After this law came into effect, what was noticed was that inter-union disputes and legal challenges have drastically come down. The Act has encouraged voluntary settlement of recognition claims since its implementation and as a result, there have been about over 1,000 voluntary recognition agreements in the United Kingdom. Speaking on the effect of the implementation of the Employment Act, the Employment Relations Minister, Alan Johnson, said that there was evidence which showed that the law was doing what it proposed to do. As a result of the law, the number of strikes have comes down and the number of people who were employed was increasing. There is a real change in the attitude of employers towards employees and this has fostered an atmosphere wherein employers and employee are not just working together, but working together really well. Employee relations and handling disputes The Employment Act in 2002, made more improvements in the handling of employee relations. It lays down a set of procedures for managing disputes at the workplace. As per the new provisions, all employers must by October 2004, follow a procedure to deal with disputes. This procedure is a three-step process which ensures that disputes are discussed at work. As per this procedure, the dispute or grievance which an employee has against the employer must be set out in writing. All details must be

How does Great Expectations Reflect the Victorian Era?

How does Great Expectations Reflect the Victorian Era? Then, Pip becomes a gentleman, he assumes that great expectations mean that he may no longer be content with the good things he already has. When Mr. Joe visits Pip in London, Pip looks down on Mr. Joe and thinks that he does not fit to his new environment anymore. Pip thinks to himself, Not with pleasure, though I was bound to him by so many ties; no; with considerable disturbance†¦ If I could have kept him away by paying money, I certainly would have paid money (pg.186). Although Joe protected and assisted Pip throughout his childhood and adolescence, Pip was still embarrassed by him. However, in the end he regrets for treating him so rude. After so many disappointments (He was planning to marry Biddy, but she married Mr. Joe. He expected that being a gentleman would provide him a chance to marry Estella, but she married Bentley etc.), he is finally forced to develop some simple and realistic expectations and learns how to be content with the modest living he makes in the mercantile firm. Pip learns that social class is not essential for happiness; that strict designations of good and evil, and even of guilt and innocence, are nearly impossible to maintain in a world that is constantly changing; and that his treatment of his loved ones must be the guiding principle in his life. Great Expectations and Victorian Age Dickens Great Expectations is one of several reflective books of Victorian age. It is a very successful representative of its own time. Written in 1860 and following the story of Pip from childhood to adulthood, the book represents the common Victorian elements like social class difference, industrialization, Victorian houses, Victorian values and women. At the very beginning of the book, we encounter with a typical low-class family. They live in a village among marshes. Mr. Joe is a blacksmith and his wife (the sister of Pip) is a typical Victorian low-class housewife. She sinks under the household duties and always complains about not being able to take off her apron (chapter 1-2). Because of her harsh duties, she is always frustrated and often beats Pip. Then, we encounter with high-class, well-dressed, well-dancing women like Miss Havisham and Estella through the onwards of the book. These two different families are also the first signals of the existence of social classes in the society. On the one hand, Gargery family is a poor, uneducated, living in a village. On the other hand, Miss Havisham lives in a mansion called Satis House. The Pockets house is full of servants. Estella is a young lady who dances well and educated abroad. Also the other women in Pips snobbish life in London represent the typical high-class Victorian women. Having seen the two different lives in early years of his life, Pip wants to shift to the upper class. He expects to become a gentleman who has all the values appreciated by the society in order to have Estella and an upper class lifestyle. Pips early impressions about London remind us the effects of Industrial Revolution and immigration. When he comes to London, he is amazed and displeased with the unbelievable crowd (resulting from immigration for job) and awful smell (coming from sewage due to the factories): I was scared by the intensity of London. I think I might have had some faint doubts whether it was not rather ugly, crooked, narrow, and dirty.'(pg. 138) The gloomy streets of Smithfield disturb him. It is easy to see Victorian architecture and Victorian houses in the book. Satis House, Wemmicks house (like a castle), and other ornamented houses tell us the taste of architecture of those days. It is very sad not to see some of important themes of Victorian era like child labor, prostitution, colonialism etc. in Great Expectations. But, Dickens uses colonialism in Great Expectations as a narrative device. A transported convict exactly meets the need for a benefactor who can make a substantial fortune yet who has to remain anonymous, and of whom Pip will eventually be ashamed. The capital law against returning from transportation sharpens the impact of the later chapters, when Pip sheds his pretensions as well as his wealth. Thus Dickens, like so many Victorian authors who used the colonies as places to transfer burned-out characters or from which to retrieve characters, uses this aspect of colonialism as the dramatic cornerstone for his novel. (Jonah Raskin in The Mythology of Imperialism (New York:Random House,1971)) In other words, colonialism is used not as a theme but a narrative device in Great Expectations. Also, Dickens used the other themes mentioned above in his other works. For example, Oliver Twist child labor, destitution etc.

Use of Irony in Othello :: Othello essays

Use of Irony in Othello Shakespeare's plays rely largely on irony. There are three kinds of irony presented in this novel. They are: situational, verbal, and dramatic. Irony plays an important role in Othello. It creates suspense, and adds interest to the story. There are many examples of situational irony in this play. Cassio was the one Iago wanted dead or out of his position. At the end of the play, Cassio was the only one that did not die and Othello actually promoted him to a higher position. In the end Iago never accomplishes what he started to do-- to get back at Othello and take Cassio's place. Both Othello and Iago treat their wives horribly. Both killed their wives even through their innocence. Iago killed his wife because she was working against his plan. Othello killed his wife because he thought she cheated on him when she really didn't. Before he killed her, Iago used his wife in a way that helped him to betray Othello. She was a good friend of Desdemona's and she worked against her friend without knowing it. She took Desdemona's handkerchief because Iago said he wanted it. Iago then placed the handkerchief in Cassio's room to make him look guilty. Also, throughout the play, it seemed that Othello was the only one who didn't know the truth. Shakespeare uses situational irony well to make the story more interesting. The verbal irony in this novel can sometimes be humorous because of how ironic it is. Othello often said things that were actually the opposite of Iago: "O, thou art wise! 'Tis certain"(IV.I.87), "Honest Iago . . . "(V.II.88), (II.III.179) & (I.III.319), "I know, Iago, Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter"(II.III.251-52). These lines are just a few of the ironic that Othello says to Iago. They show the trust that Othello mistakenly puts in his "best friend." Most things Iago says are ironic and he's always lying. Othello still considered him his best friend but Iago was the only one Othello trusted although he was constantly lying. He says, "My lord, you know I love you"(III.III.136). This is a blatant lie - Iago does