Short Story Comparison- A&P And An Ounce Of Cure Essays

Short Story Comparison- A&P And An Ounce Of Cure If a reader is given two short stories, two stories that are seemingly different on the surface, to read and compare and contrast, a surprising amount of similarities and differences can be found. Unless they deal with the same subject matter, most short stories arent really related, until some analysis is done. The stories A by John Updike, and An Ounce of Cure, by Alice Munro, are very similar but very different. One of the mot important similarities between these two stories is the problems the opposite sex causes for the main character. In A Sammy, the main character, quits his job because he thinks that his boss has mistreated and embarrassed three young ladies that were shopping in the store. In An Ounce of Cure, the female main characters boyfriend dumps her and she responds by trying to overdose on aspirin, gets drunk, and loses almost all of her baby-sitting jobs. Another similarity between these two stories is the fact that they are set between thirty and forty years ago. This is very important to both stories. In A the young ladies wouldnt have been walking around in a store in their bathing suits, and they definitely wouldnt have been wearing a two piece bathing suit if this had been set any earlier. Also, Sammy probably wouldnt have quit his job just because his boss embarrassed a few young ladies. In An Ounce of Care, the main character would have never thought about drinking at such a young age. Also, she wouldnt even have been in the situation if the story had been set earlier because she would have been forbidden to 2 date. These things have become more acceptable in recent times. The titles are also important to the stories. In A Sammy is a clerk at the local AAn Ounce of Cure, the main character and her mother have to use and ounce of cure to try and make up for the main characters mistakes. If only an ounce of prevention had been used, there wouldnt have been any of those horrible problems that arose. These two stories are also very different. The main difference is that Sammy takes less dramatic measures to resolve his problems than the girl in An Ounce of Cure. Sammy only quits his job. Since he is young and it is summer time, he shouldnt have any problems finding another job. The girl in An Ounce of Cure, however, takes far more drastic measures to solver her problems. She tries to kill herself, gets drunk, and endangers the lives of the two young children that she supposed to be watching. Another difference is that An Ounce of Cure has far less detail in it than in A An Ounce of Cure is much longer, but much more straightforward. It gives the story and a few extra details, but not many. On the other hand, A Sammy gives vivid details of everything around him. He paints a very clear picture of the store, the young ladies, the other shoppers, and his every thought. Both main characters in these stories have very different attitudes towards everything. Sammy, in A is very self assured. He realizes that he may be making a mistake halfway through quitting his job, but goes through with it anyway. By reading into his thoughts, the reader can infer that he is around the ages of fifteen to nineteen 3 years old, meaning that girls are very important to him and he wants to impress them. He also seemed to be somewhat of a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. Just because his quitting his job may have been detrimental to his family, he felt good with himself afterwards. The girl in An Ounce of Cure seems to get depressed very easily. She is young and should be able to get over getting dumped fairly easily. She also has a negative view of other people. Even though she might not have known some of the other people in the story very well, that didnt stop her from being a typical teenage girl and forming opinions of people she doesnt

Hidden Victims of Tobacco Essay example

Hidden Victims of Tobacco Essay example Hidden Victims of Tobacco Essay example The Hidden Victims of Tobacco Worldwide, approximately 10 million cigarettes are purchased a minute, 15 billion are sold each day, and upwards of 5 trillion are produced and used on an annual basis (Martin). As the demand for tobacco continuously increases, so does the mass production of this product. Requiring 33 million workers at the early stages of the processing of tobacco and 100 million workers in all stages of the production, the production and labor of tobacco is strenuous (ILRF). Many people are unaware of the cruel child labor that occurs in this industry. In order to support their family, children are forced to in tobacco fields under horrible conditions. Due to a loophole in the United State child labor laws, thousands of children suffer at the expense of wealthy tobacco industry owners. People believe smokers are the victims of tobacco but children are victims legally, academically, and physically. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to smoke tobacco but somehow children legally work in the tobacco fields. Under the loophole in U.S. child labor law there is no minimum age for work on small farms with parental permission, and children ages 12 and up may work for hire on any size farm for unlimited periods outside school hours (Elaws). Only Congress can change the law and give protection to these children working long hours on the farms. The Labor Department tried last year to update and add tobacco to the list of hazardous jobs for children for the first time in decades, but failed because family farms are completely exempt (Elaws). Farm owners beat the system by allowing their entire family to work under one person’s social security number or by hiring a farm contractor who counts as only one employee but goes out and hires whomever they wish. Some Americans are unaware of these major problems in our government. America's youngest and poorest workforce shouldn't be forgott en. In the upcoming campaign, child labor needs to be brought to attention. The government should amend U.S. child labor law to provide the same protections to all working children. Children spend all their time and energy in the fields, which prevent them from getting a good education. Even if they do attend some sort of schooling, they are too tired to give full attention and receive good grades. The children that work in the tobacco do not develop simple life skills that help them in the future. They will continue working manual labor for the rest of their lives without an opportunity to increase their standard of living. Without the ability to find better paying jobs, due to a lack of education, the workers’ children will also be forced into the tobacco industry to help support their family. This cycle will continue for future generations and ruin these children’s dreams. Children are subjected to hazardous manual labor, physical strain, and dangerous environments. The children are forced to do physical tasks such as clearing the land, building tobacco-drying sheds, weeding and plucking tobacco. Some others are given the task of applying pesticide

Anti Oppressive Practice in Social Work Essay

Anti Oppressive Practice in Social Work Essay I will demonstrate the role of the practitioner on Reflective Anti-oppressive practice. l will reflect upon the effect that my experiences had on me . In relation to supporting care housing will identify the underlying values of being a reflective practitioner. In the essay, I will explore and draw upon a range of Models and theory’s themes as shown: †¢ Thompson -PCS model †¢ Tuckman theory (1983) Banks (2001) explore oppression, discrimination and anti-oppressive practices are based on society that creates divisions and how people divide themselves. Conducting a session about sex education set targets to assess the young people is to treat people with respect and value each other, avoid negative discrimination(quote). Dalrymple et al, (1995) defines the anti-oppressive practice is about a process of change, ich leads service users from feeling powerless to powerful’ (Dalrymple andBurke, 1995). Empowerment links with anti-oppressive practice, in that the soci al worker can work with service users enables them to overcome barriers to solving problems. Braye et al (1997) identify the challenges faced in practice, it is about positively working to myths and stereotypes speak out and act against the way professional practices and the law itself discriminate against certain groups of people (Braye andPreston-Shoot, 1997). Case study: homeless pregnant young person Young person 18 years old sharing at her friend’s home. She is 3 week pregnant; her boyfriend has left her and both arguing all the time. There are no support from home as her mother on benefits and living off her. The organisation is run by supported housing is called Vincent de Paul ‘society SVP, which is an international charity Christian voluntary organisation. SVP aim to tackle poverty and disadvantages provides accommodation and support for clients through contact with supporting people between 16-25 years old(svp.org.uk, 2012). The types of vulnerable group who a re homeless are served females only Clients with learning disabilities and mental-health problems accommodated. SVP is a community based valued which is supported by the local authorities (svp.org.uk, 2012 ). Value based within the local community, especially in relation to the framework of occupation in supported housing these identified the service provided for young people. values of choice is to respects the rights from where they live as well as promote young people rights to make their own decisions choices. The aim of forming is to identify the boundaries on both interpersonal and task behaviours (Tuckman,1965). I have applied Tuckman’s theory in the workplace because this has helped to identify leadership within a group stage development. The stages are the following; , Forming, Storming, Norming and Performing. Tuckman’s (1965) approach as a linear model was applying to the group. The standards and norms of behaviour are establishing. Forming identified to wor k with group service users together. However not everyone does not want to engage From storming to norming stages, working with client P is recoded by doing key sessions weekly Client P have to make the choice to conform with, she is awareness breach her contract . Asking open and closed questions are the key to build a good rapport with the service user.

Discussion posting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Discussion posting - Essay Example Using social networking is just one of the ways companies can exercises their HR practices as well as marketing and other activities of the company. It however should not restrict them using other advertising channels and mediums and rely solely on social networking if they are to get better and diverse results in future. Not every individual is on social media sites especially the older generation. If they are to get not only diverse customers but also diversify their target customers and expand their market, they will have to consider different factors such as the age of their customers or potential customers and what news medium each of the target group fancies or is complacent with and then incorporate all this information. Even when they use newspapers and magazines in addition to the social media sites, connectivity will still be achieved at the end of the day as all the requests and results are handled by one or two departments in the organization which can then merge all the information into one pool. My company is a technology firm and their target is mostly the young people even though once in a while the older generation above 40 years of age may be interested in the different forms of technology and they have to be incorporated as well. Majority of the marketing and recruitment is carried out through the social media sites particularly facebook and twitter as those are the two social media platforms with the highest followings in the nation. The company has advertised in facebook and when one joins their facebook group, they are provided in depth information including the career and internship opportunities, tender offers as well as sales on certain technological items the company manufactures. Individuals in the group can also invite their friends to join the group and there are rewards if an individual recruits many people to join and

Buddhist Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Buddhist Philosophy - Essay Example The Buddha elucidates immersion into Nirvana as achieving ‘deathlessness’ ( in Pali Amata or Amravati) or ‘ the unconditioned’ and the highest spiritual attainment, which can be acquired through following a life of virtuous conduct in accordance with ‘Dharma’ (Bechert, 154). Buddhism approaches the concept of life through a sense of the higher and inner Soul or the â€Å"I† that describes the notion of void and selflessness. In Buddhism ‘Moksha’ or salvation happens when the soul or ‘jivatman’ recognizes its union with the source of all phenomenal existence – the Brahman. Advaita Vedanta says that the Self or Supreme Soul is formless, beyond being and non-being, beyond tangibility and comprehension (Bhaskarananda). An analogy is that the soul is like a drop of water, which upon salvation, merges with the ocean or the Supreme Soul. The concept of non-duality through enlightenment is best summed through the Sanskrit phrase – ‘Tat Tvam Asi’ or ‘Thou Art That’. The quest of life is to break free of separation of the ‘me’ and ‘you’ and see everything as ‘I AM’ (Bhaskarananda, 177). This is the approach of a dignified self-confidence that should one possess while enduring the stress of a modern job. It should be remembered that the ‘I’ here is not the ego but the ‘True Self’. Everything is part of this larger ‘I’ and when awareness shifts from the egocentric ‘me, mine and I† to the real ‘I’, you actually see all that is just you and break free from all duality (Bhaskarananda, 51). Thus the path to selflessness is a deep, truthful understanding of the self rather than creating a void. Moksha is seen as a final release from one's worldly conception of the self and breaking free of the shackle of experiential duality and re-establishment of one's own fundamental nature (Sinha, 88). The state of salvation is seen differently from each ones' perspective depending on the inner soul. This would be best explained in view of a modern American literature. The basic measures of the story "Exchange Value", Charles R Johnson, can be drawn directly from this phase. Charles R Johnson's empathy towards philosophy drove the conclusion of the story towards an end that could justified as completely philosophic in nature. This philosophy is dominantly backed by the teachings of Buddha where the preacher exerts a similar non utilitarian valuation of riches. It is true that the brothers in the story ere predominantly motivated by greed in the first place and it never seized to exist in any part of the story but the main aspect that the author Charles R Johnson incorporated in the story is the ultimate lack of utility or valuation of the fortune that brothers failed to notice. (Roberts, 14) There is always a value for material that could be evaluated at a scale of money, even if it is not utilized but it is still a greater truth that without proper usage any material would loose its current value is remained unutilized. This is exactly what went wrong with the brothers and specifically with the woman before them in the story. Thus, in a way, it

The Tarahumara People and Running :: Run Sports India Indians Essays

The Tarahumara People and Running For the people to whom running is a lifestyle, ultra marathon running seems an old phenomenon, one that has been a part of daily life since its beginnings. Running more than twenty-six miles a day seems a menial task to a Tarahumara, a daily chore, while to the Americans running next to them it is an all consu ming feat. These people, known world wide as "the running indians" have recently made their appearance in the ultra world and are showing everyone how easy running really is for them. As they breeze by the likes of Ann Trason and many respectable others, the questions mount. Who are they and how do they run so fast? There are currently about 50,000 Tarahumara living in the Sierra Madre Occidental in northwestern Mexico. They live in small isolated clusters with most the population concentrated in the Barranca del Cobre, or the Copper Canyon. The Tarahumara indians are part of the Uto-Aztecan indian lineage and are closely related to the Apaches of the Southwestern United States. The area of Northwest Mexico that the Tarahumara lives in is very rugged and unforgiving. The Barranca del Cobre is a chain of five very deep canyons surrounded by very tall mountains that reach almost a mile and a half above sea level. Three of the five canyons are deeper than the Grand Canyon of the United States. The area is different though because it receives much more rainfall and is covered with more vegetation. The terrain is very rugged, so much as to lead to the fact that the area has never been thoroughly mapped or explored (Lutz 66). The area is one of th e coldest in Mexico and soil conditions are very poor. It is because of this that the Tarahumara are semi-nomadic and are cave dwellers for part of the year. The statement that, "The Tarahumara may be the finest natural distance runners in the world", made by University of Arizona archeologist Michael Jenk inson, offers some insight into just how good the indians are at running (Lutz 21). The Tarahumara routinely run distances only covered by only the most advanced ultramarathon runners today. To these indians, running is more than sport, running is literally life. The Tarahumara live in very rugged land and travel by wagon or horses is usually impractical. Because of this, foot travel is more often than not the best option for getting from one place to another and it is usually the quickest.

How does Shakespeare’s language portray Claudius as an intellectual Villain? Essay

Charming, Charismatic and Sympathetic. The new King of Denmark seems to possess all the equalities the citizens of Denmark were craving for in their new leader. After years of being subjected to the government of an old-fashioned King they were ready for a change, which they get in the form of Claudius. However, it is possible that beneath the veneer and gloss of the splendid King something is rotten in the state of Denmark. As the plot of â€Å"Hamlet† unfolds, we get to see behind the fai ade of the cheerful King and Queen of Denmark and discover the deceit and dishonesty that lurks in Claudius. Claudius is first presented to us in Act I Scene II. This is the first time that Claudius addresses his court, and so to his audience these first impressions are vital. He presents them with a well-rehearsed speech, using all his skill as a diplomat and politician to win over his new subjects. He dedicates the first part of his speech to remembering old King Hamlet-to his audience this would seem respectful, but I think he does this simply to cover up for his deed-by saying â€Å"how green the memory of him is† he will not be suspected to have had any part in old Hamlet’s death. This is also clever on Claudius’ part as he is aware of the unease of his position. Claudius goes on to use the term â€Å"that it us befitted†, this is clever on the Kings part as he cleverly merges the royal use with the ordinary plural. This is extremely subtle but it shows him identifying himself with his audience and the ordinary people of Denmark. Claudius also makes sure that his audience knows that it was his advisors who suggested he marry Gertrude-â€Å"Your better wisdoms, which have freely gone with this affair along for all, our thanks†. To his audience this may have been seen as a gracious act, but for Claudius it ensures a group of people whom to blame if their marriage fails, it also gives a group of advisors who the Denmark population can blame if the marriage fails. People who don’t agree with the marriage have someone other than Claudius to blame. These are just some of the examples showing Claudius’ qualities as a politician, choosing his words extremely carefully, and wining them over. We know he needs to redeem himself in this way as the Church of England and Catholic faith forbade such incestuous marriages. When Claudius uses the term ‘jointress’ he implies that Gertrude has some part in the kingdom. This means that him marrying Gertrude has safeguarded his claim to the throne. This will ensure no one else will contest his claim to the throne and he craftily lets his audience know this. Claudius gains more support by throwing meaningless but bold statements into his speech- the destruction of the agreement with Fortimbras is mainly symbolic, but to the audience it is a brave act telling them he will fight for Denmark. He knows how unpopular the war with Denmark and by quickly letting them know he is against it, he will win the people over. Claudius knows that to be successful he needs to win over Polonius, not only as an advisor but as someone he can use and trust. He does this by announcing that Polonius’ son Laertes may have his leave. Claudius uses very intimate language while talking to Laertes, firstly by addressing him as ‘thou’-a very intimate form of address, and secondly by repeating Laertes name while in conversation with him. This would show Claudius’ graciousness to the son of Polonius whom Claudius must win over. Apart from wining over Polonius, in front of the court it shows them his kindness. To add his show of warmth, Claudius publicly welcomes Hamlet as his son â€Å"But now, my cousin Hamlet, and my son†. Claudius knows that wining over Hamlet is imperative, as he therefore ignores Hamlet’s rebellious comments about him and his wife-Hamlet’s mother Gertrude. Claudius also makes sure his love for Gertrude is present, he frequently uses the plural instead of the singular when he expresses his views to Hamlet-â€Å"And we beseech you to remain†. We know that Claudius’ behaviour in front of the court are just for show because of his replies to Hamlet-often intimidating as if he has no interest in what Hamlet has to say, such as Hamlet’s remark â€Å"A little more than kin and less than kind†. Claudius pretends not to hear this and then asks Hamlet why the clouds still hang on him? Claudius must know of Hamlet’s grief but pretends to know nothing of it. Another way we can tell Claudius simply puts on a show is that when talking in front of the court he calls Hamlet’s grief â€Å"Sweet and commendable† as if he understands it. In private though, he is worried about it that he calls Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. So, in this first speech he has been presented as an excellent politician, a well-spoken and kind man, but all of this seems to be a show. He has many hidden motives in his speech proving him to be very calculated. We must remember that there was much public opinion against Old Hamlet when Claudius came to power, people of Denmark were tired of the war and so Claudius didn’t need to prove himself as a man to become King. We get the feeling that anyone apart from Old Hamlet would be good. We already know from the remarks of Barnardo in Act I Scene I that Claudius has assembled a back-up fleet, ready if the negotiations with Fortinbras fail. All the evidence so far has shown Claudius to be an excellent King but a sly and crafty Man. The next time we see Claudius he is plotting against Hamlet, a demonstration that he has no intentions to talk hamlets behaviour through with him. This time Claudius uses two of Hamlet’s close friends from university-Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. He explains to them how Hamlet is â€Å"So much from th’understanding of himself†. Again, Claudius puts on a show as a â€Å"worried father figure† to bring them round despite the fact we know all of this is being done completely behind Hamlet’s back. Claudius is aware of his power over these men, and uses it to his full advantage, how can they disobey the King and Queen? Claudius’ real motive is simply to have two spies to make sure Hamlet causes no trouble for Claudius while he is away. Claudius doesn’t mention or consider the consequences for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern if they do what they are asked. Claudius’ continual use of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, despite the suspicions among them that Hamlet knows they are spies, eventually leads to their death in Act 4 Scene 7 although their death is brought about by Hamlet, it was the fact that they were spying on him that caused him to die. Claudius’ treatment of Polonius must next be examined. When Claudius finds out about Hamlets love of Ophelia, he knows he can use this to his full advantage. Indirectly, his use of Polonius leads to Polonius forcing his daughter into becoming a spy for the king, which Ophelia is reluctant to do. Polonius feels it is his duty and wants to impress the king. When Claudius is told about Polonius’ plan to use Hamlets love for Ophelia to trap him, Claudius embarrasses it, â€Å"We will try it†, unlike any other descent man who would dismiss it as deceitful. We now see that the only friends Claudius wishes to make are those who will be useful to him either as spies or informants. Although Claudius acts as if their plot to use Ophelia is a last resort, it isn’t, it is simply easier than having to talk to Hamlet himself and have a conversation as if Hamlet were his own son. In fact Claudius has made no real attempt to find out what the problem with Hamlet is. He has avoided conversing with Hamlet since when he spoke to the court. These are hardly the traits of a caring father figure. When we see Claudius in the Play scene, some argue that his redeeming quality is his conscience and regret at what he did, but Claudius’ reaction is no different to anyone else’s in that situation. He had just seen the murder that he committed portrayed to him in the form of a Play, when he was certain nobody knew about it. The reaction is probably of panic that someone knew of his foul act rather than anything else. This reaction certainly isn’t one of guilt. When Claudius says, â€Å"Give me some light, away† we know that him seeing his act again has almost made him physically ill. Claudius’ panic and guilt are short lived, immediately after the play he plots to be rid of Hamlet by sending him to England. He now knows that Hamlet knows of his offence, and his tone of voice also now changes. â€Å"I like him not, nor stands it safe with us to let his madness range†¦ and he to England shall along with you†. People argue that if any scene redeems Claudius, it is the prayer scene. Claudius does use Biblical quotations but they do not show a close study of the Bible and would have been common knowledge among anyone in a Catholic country such as Denmark. In fact the main reason for his prayer is probably fear. Anyone who committed an act like this would be sent to hell, Claudius knew this and it was therefore a last attempt at redemption. The thing that I find most staggering in his prayer is that he still wishes he could â€Å"Be pardoned and retain the offence? † This shows that if there were a choice between staying King or being pardoned, he would rather stay in power. This clearly illustrates that Claudius has no interest in being pardoned or paying for his offences. He almost believes that his choice of killing his brother was the right one. His guilty conscience is also clear, â€Å"My stronger guilt defeats my strong intent†, demonstrating that he didn’t think that his guilt would be a problem when he murdered his brother. It is only now once the play scene has brought his guilt back to him that his conscience becomes a problem and affects him. When Polonius is killed by Hamlet in act 3 Scene 4, largely due to Claudius, you would think that Claudius would stop plotting bloody deeds, however Polonius’ death has little effect on him, but Claudius walks straight from praying into plotting another murder. This time he plots the murder of Hamlet, and drags Laertes into his scheme taking full advantage of the fact Laertes is angry and seeking revenge. In plotting with Laertes, Claudius knows that his troubles with Hamlet will be over. If Claudius was able to convince Laertes to exact revenge on Hamlet for Polonius’ death, Hamlet will cause him no more grief. There is irony here, as Claudius is advising Laertes to do what Hamlet is attempting to do to Claudius. Claudius uses all his strengths to bring Laertes round to murdering Hamlet- â€Å"Was your father dear to you? † and â€Å"Revenge should have no bounds†. We must remember that all this plotting is done without Gertrude’s knowledge, he doesn’t have any trust in her, and this makes us doubt his love for her. Claudius has plenty of time to think over the plot to kill Hamlet, but even when Ophelia dies he still goes ahead and in fact he wants the deed done sooner-â€Å"We’ll put the matter to present push†. Many critics described Claudius’ intentions when he committed the murder to be for his love for Gertrude. I think it was simply the gaining of the throne and greed that drove him to it. I believe the final scene rules out the argument that Claudius committed murder because of his love for Gertrude. In the final act Claudius has set up a poisoned drink for Hamlet after the dual. It is yet another deceitful plan that has catastrophic effects. When the plan goes wrong and Gertrude goes to drink the poison, if his love were true he would have stopped her immediately. But he knows of the effects for himself if he does this and so, selfishly, he makes no attempt to stop her. He doesn’t even leave his seat; he just mutters, â€Å"It is the polish’d up. It is too late†. Claudius’ only redeeming qualities lie in the fact that he is a human being. Even when he prayed he wasn’t desperate enough for mercy to give up the throne, he plotted murders to his dying day, and he lied continuously to his wife Gertrude. I believe he would have lived on quite happily if he hadn’t been murdered at the end, indeed he was more worried about the consequences for himself if he had been found guilty of treason. Everyone Claudius befriended throughout the play died, each person somehow connected with Claudius. I think the only one person Claudius cared for was himself. He never once apologised or pleaded with Hamlet-even when he was dying. Claudius’ only redeeming feature is that he is human.