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A response letter to professional document

From: hospital manager

To: class members

Subject: professional ethics

Date: march 14, 2014

Thank you for taking time to write to us. We have received your complaints about various work ethics in the hospital department. We appreciate the audience for letting the management realize that things are not going right as planned. It might have taken you time before you actually suggested that things were not right and for that we really apologize. We are sorry as management for any frustration we may have caused and for that we apologize. We will immediately respond to these complaints by making sure that everything goes on as expected so as to reduce the misunderstanding cases. We are eager to sort out things so as to regain the damaged image and confidence in this hospital. We are planning to teach the staff on good professional ethics and by doing this the right working standards and conditions will be clearly followed to the letter. We are therefore urging our audience to come for our services once again since we will make them improved and affordable for all people and maintain the required right working environments in hospitals. It is very important for our audience to reach us for more information and for any clarification. The customers should realize that they are the most important people in this business and that is the reason for improving the working environments that will please them. The correct working ethics should always be followed at all times.

Memo

To: all class members

From: hospital manager

Date: March 14, 2014

Subject: professional working environment

It has come to our attention that the members of the class are not familiar with the professional document in the hospital environment. It is therefore important for the class members to know the requirements of the professional document which involves guidelines on how hospital environment works and are suppose to work. Therefore, we are introducing a new timetable for the lessons to start immediately so that the class members can realize the importance of hospitals and healthy working conditions. The working ethics should be followed to the letter failure to that negative consequence should follow. Research has shown that many students are not aware of the procedures followed in a hospital which is very unfortunate. The correct procedures are supposed to be followed in the hospitals so as to maintain the required and necessary working conditions in the hospitals. The given analysis have shown that procedures, memos, questions, instructions and guidelines in hospitals are not followed which is becoming a great problem in hospitals today. Students should learn the ethics and procedures first in order to teach the rest of the people who are illiterate. This will enable the working conditions in the hospitals improve. Thank you for taking time to read this and for the continued cooperation. The lessons and classes on this will begin tomorrow at 3 pm. Please avail yourself.

Best,

Hospital manager

How to create an attractive and supportive working environment for health professionals

The required ethics, guidelines, procedures, memos and letters should be clearly followed in hospitals. The health policy makes it clear for the right ethics to be followed in hospitals (Oakbrook et al 89). The working environment mainly comprises of recruiting and retaining employees, the requirements of the working environment, the quality and quantity of services offered and generally how to motivate the staff in the hospitals. This involves proper working conditions in hospitals which should always be followed. The conditions should favor both the staffs and patients in hospitals and thus they should always be maintained right. Policy responses need to be addressed at all levels starting from international, national, regional to the local levels. Healthy services and facilities should always be maintained so as to help the people in need of the services. The health workers should be protected by the law and policy both in their jobs and also their health (Oakbrook et al 89). Their jobs should not hinder their relationship with their families and thus suggesting that they should be given time to celebrate with their families. The health workers should be given training which will enable them learn the upcoming things and how to handle them accordingly within the work ethics.

Work environment and quality of care

Work environment will generally influence the care given. Communication is necessary in hospitals and the correct media for giving out information should be followed accordingly. The information given should always reach the people in good time and thus should be right and passed to the right people. The patients should always be considered first and should be treated right at all times to their satisfaction (Iyer et al 123). The professionals should be well supported by the given management and this will motivate them thereby improving the quality of services they offer to the society (Iyer et al 123). The staffs should be given opportunity to attend trainings and workshops where they learn new things on how to improve their working environment. The patients and society at large should put their trust in the health workers and this will improve the relationship between the workers and the society specifically the patients.

Description of attractive and supportive work environment

This includes all the aspects that affect work at the various hospitals. These include the types of contracts in hospitals and also the means of payment the health workers receives. It also includes the working hours, safety of the workers at work, trainings required and necessary education and generally the environment and surrounding of that work place (Iyer et al 123). An attractive and supportive environment is the one that maintains good working conditions and follows the necessary job ethics thus attracting individuals at all times. It is an environment where confidence of both workers and patients is maintained and the workers together with patients are comfortable. A good work environment enhances recruitment and retention of staffs at all times. This enables the health workers utilize their knowledge and skills in the best way possible and also utilize the available necessary resources in providing the best and affordable services to the people (Iyer et al 123). This enhances quality services and the necessary care. The work quality should always be maintained at all times. Employment quality is also a factor in contributing to attractive work environment and should be maintained. Employers should always treat the employees in the best way possible by making sure that they do not deny them their rights. Denying employees their rights demoralizes them and thus making them provide poor services to the society.

Policy options

Majority of health workers currently are female. They have dominated the thought male career and this motivates many women out there. Policy responses give guidelines on how the regulations should be followed on a given working environment (Griffin et al 40). The correct working hours should be followed and this will enhance the correct professional working conditions. The work policy should always be followed and this will improve the working conditions in hospitals.

Works Cited

Environment of Care: Essentials for Health Care. Oakbrook Terrace, IL: Joint Commission           Resources, 2005. Print.

Griffin, Don. Hospitals: What They Are and How They Work. Sudbury, MAass: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2012. Print.

Iyer, Patricia W, Barbara J. Levin, Mary A. Shea, and Kathleen Ashton. Medical Legal Aspects    of Medical Records. Tucson, AZ: Lawyers & Judges Pub. Co, 2006. Print.

Lebeer, Guy. Ethical Function in Hospital Ethics Committees. Amsterdam: IOS Press, 2002.         Print.

Journey to the East’

Introduction

Critical lens is comparison of different phrases or texts using more than two novels. This is the same case in Hesse Harman’s ‘journey to the east’ and Edward Said’s ‘Orientalism’. The two stories compare the European attitude towards the eastern people where they view the eastern culture as uncivilized culture and the people as naïve people. The people from the east are seen as humble, submissive, happy, obedient and faithful people while the western people are viewed as perfect people who can develop the less developed eastern countries.

I choose to discuss on Hesse Harman’s ‘journey to the east’ where he describes the journey in terms of many phrases, metaphors and other stylistic devices. The critical lens chosen on this particular essay is “The whole of world history often seems to me nothing more than a picture book which portrays humanity's most powerful and a senseless desire - the desire to forget. Does not each generation, by means of suppression, concealment, and ridicule, efface what the previous generation considered most important” (Hesse, et al 40). The Europeans are travelling from the west to the east. The east here is symbolic suggesting that the Europeans who include both missionaries and colonialist are travelling to the marginalized colonies in order to enlighten them and educate them. Hesse as a spiritual thinker who think that Christianity should bring people together and should fight for the rights of humanity as opposed to nationalists who fight for the lives of the nation(Hesse, et al 40). Millions of people die because of their religions which should not be the case. Edward said says that Europeans separates humans in many groups regarding their education on whether they are literate or illiterate and whether they are civilized or not. This is different in the journey to the east where Hesse thinks that Christianity unites people together instead of dividing and separating them (Said Edward). Colonialist as said says came to the east which implies the less developed countries where they wanted to change the culture they said to be uncivilized.

Hesse portrays Leo as a humble and faithful servant while in real sense Leo is the real president of the league. Humans tend to forget where they have come from which is not the best thing to be done. While the Europeans view themselves as the most superior and important people of which it is not true, the master in the journey to the easy is humbled enough to act as a servant. The colonialist uses orienalism to define and protect themselves. The Orientals have general attributes which they bear even to date for example the Arabs are viewed as people who are uncivilized while the Islam religion is said to be a religion of terrorist. The Europeans saw the Orientals as people of low standards and class and linked them with being lazy, illiterate and naïve such that they could only depend on the colonialist for them to become developed (Said 12). The Europeans viewed themselves as clever people who are more developed and literate saying that they discovered the Orientals and not the vice versa. The colonialists emerged themselves as guardians to rule the world since they suggested that people from the east were very vulnerable to the cruel world. The colonialists managed to colonize the east people and took advantage of them since the people from the east were too naïve and submissive. The Europeans thought that people from the east could not make a government of their own and that all the representations in the west would be carried out not by the Orientals but by the Europeans.

The journey to the east is viewed as a good, fun and lightened journey but as it progresses it is challenged by different challenges and situations. Leo, the humble servant disappears in the middle of a forest and his disappearance causes conflicts and disagreements. The best and always happy servant keeps missing and thus posing a challenge to other people who accuse him of carrying the missing things which they find later on and which turns out that the things are not as important as they are thought to be. The group splits and dissolves as a result of Leo’s disappearance and blames him for the group’s misfortunes and the failure of that journey to the east. Hesse’s is sure that since the journey has failed the league too is no more. The narrator is very bitters since he terms the failed journey as a loss to him. He had done much for the group but later realizes that he can find Leo. He finds the servant after sending him a letter. Leo comes to the home of the narrator and this is where the narrator finds out that Leo is actually the master of the league and not the servant he acts to be. The failed journey was to test the faith and obedience of the people through the servant. This shows that people from the east are actually humble and very naïve but have their faith and are very obedient.

The Europeans as portrayed by Edward said were seen to use orientalism as a tool to take advantage of people from the east. People from the east are well described by both Hesse and said as the naïve people from the developing countries who have uncivilized culture and faith as compared to the west people who are most developed , educated, civilized and clever. They consider themselves as perfect people who are always right (Said 12). They have prejudice which is criticized by Edward said since both people from east and west are all humans and should be treated right. The Europeans viewed themselves as the orient lists and thus giving they right to civilize and rule the world. The Europeans taught the eastern people their culture thus orienting them into a culture they were not used to which made the Orientals consider them as right and thus following them and abandoning their so called uncivilized culture (Said 12). This made the people from the east submit to the Europeans and even following the government made by the Europeans especially the colonialists who took advantage of the fact that eastern people could not fight back for their rights.

Conclusion

The above discussed is all about the Europeans who are the west people versus the eastern people who are people from those less developed countries. The Europeans regard themselves as superior people who can take control over the whole world since they have the knowledge and power to bring developments. The authors in these two different articles are seen to compare the attitude of the Europeans with that of the eastern people by analyzing the behavior of the two groups.

Works Cited

Hesse, Hermann, and Hilda Rosner. The Journey to the East. New York: Picador, 1956. Print.

Said, Edward W. Orientalism. New Delhi: Penguin Books, 1995. Print.

Impacts of languages to speakers

Introduction

I choose to discuss the second option on the impacts that languages have on writers and speakers. Linguistics is discussed widely in this article where it is observed that languages are endangered in various communities. Languages are studied in order to minimize the threats that are facing different speakers in various societies. There are different rights of linguistics which should be followed accordingly as we minimize the threats facing different speakers. There exists a number of marginalized languages thus a big challenge to speakers. Languages do not apply in academics only. Linguistics is used to enhance communication especially in the case of globalization where the language used should be effective to all the people and should also be understandable.

Different words have different meanings according to various people. Linguistics goes hand in hand with globalization (Errington, 2003). Endangered languages should be handled carefully since the loss of a language means a big loss generally since the language had all the necessities of linguistics. Linguistic exchange is generally the exchange of ideas and information from the sender to the receiver ((Errington, 2003). The receiver has the right to the information same case to the sender who must deliver the information in the right way. It is also termed as the exchange between producers and consumers in an ethical way which will lead to profits in the economic point of view. Communication and informed is therefore viewed as a sign of wealth and power which must be followed and obeyed if success is going to be the outcome (Errington, 2003). Use of languages correctly is not the case in today’s communication and as a result many languages are becoming endangered. For example, is the language used in the market place, which demands the producer to be careful on the choice of words. Wrong choice of words alters the whole information and can impact negatively on the producer (Bourdieu, n.p). The familiarity of the products to the consumers is necessary together with the social relationship between the producer and consumer. Linguistics is very important since the wrong choice of the language contributes to harmful and negative effects on the market as seen in this article.

Languages are symbolic and as a result they are really used in currently communications. In different markets the language of the producer determines the number of consumers will buy the product. The producer should be persuasive enough and failure to using the right means of communication leads to failure of the targeted profit Bourdieu, n.p). The market price will be determined by the competitiveness of the producer. Interaction is determined by both the sender and receiver of the information though the sender should be careful in choosing the right language which will be understood by the receiver and thus keeping the communication effective. Communication is always viewed as a close world thus ignoring the fact that given people of different languages need to interact though they do not share similar languages (Bourdieu, n.p). Employees and employers of given institutions need to interact as well. The senders of information should be polite when delivering the information. Polite messages are usually considered by the receivers as compared to the impolite ones. The market people especially should utilize this strategy accordingly if they are to make any profits.

Different people have different methods of conveying messages to people. Some speakers will pose a command which they did not intend to, but due to their wrong choice of words they end up conveying the wrong message and meanings (Bourdieu, n.p). Speakers should be kind in their interaction if they intend to deliver the right thing. The social interaction should go hand in hand with the language being used by the speaker. A number of factors affect certain communication for example age differences and social status of both the sender and the receiver. The information will depend also on the familiarity of the speaker’s topic. If the topic is familiar then the interaction will be an effective one and vice versa. This greatly determines the effectiveness of a communication thus promoting linguistic interaction (Bourdieu, n.p). Social relationship determines the mode of communication since the speaker will be understood fully by people of a similar social class while people of a different one will not fully understand the speaker as it is intended. The communication becomes effective especially in the market places if the consumers are familiar to what is being sold to them. The speaker should familiarize the products first to the consumers. Communication become effective if the familiarity is present. Linguistics is guided by how familiar people are to the given products or topic of discussion and not in the speaker or products themselves or even the markets.

Linguistic interaction does not only involve the speaker but involves the group to where information is being delivered. It includes the virtues of that particular language which is inclusive of the social hierarchy involved in the communication process (Bourdieu, n.p). The people using the languages matter for example French speaking and Arabic speaking. If interaction is going to be effective between these two groups then familiarity must take place between the two different speakers. It is seen from the article that a French language newspaper with its publications in Bearn which is a province in France wrote of a mayor named Pau who used his mother tongue to address an audience. The mayor was supposed to address the audience in French which is the official language but as a way of capturing the attention of the people he used his mother tongue. The audience was moved by the choice of the language and thus showing that the choice of a speaker’s language can determine the attentiveness of the audience to which the information is to reach (Bourdieu, n.p). Addressing a crowd in its native language enhances good attention since the people are familiar with that particular language. The speakers have an impact on the attention of the audience. Thus speakers should use familiar language and familiar topics and should make them interesting to enhance good understanding. Speakers should use the acceptable language to the audience being addressed. It is important to note that there is no particular language that is superior to others (Bourdieu). Languages should be treated equally so as to maintain them thus preventing them from extinction and remaining endangered. Speakers should speak good quality language which will not interfere with the social interaction of the people being addressed. Social interaction is therefore very important in maintaining the right linguistic.

Speakers should maintain a good choice of words in regarding to the occasion which they are addressing. They should differentiate between formal and informal occasions. The choice of the language used should depend on the type of occasion. In case the occasion is a formal one the official language should be used to address the audience and in case it is informal any language best suited to the audience should be used. The speaker should use the right expressions which will not change the meaning of what he intend to deliver (Bourdieu, n.p). There should be use of the right gesturers and facial expressions. The language used should be respectful to the targeted audience as discussed in this article. The choice of the language in the market place is different with the language friends should use. The market language is persuasive and a kind language as compared to the friends language which is full of informalities.

The language choice impacts the speaker in such that the wrong choice leads to the wrong meaning of what was earlier intended. The speaker should properly choose good words so as to address the correct meaning of what is to be communicated. Wrong choice of words changes the communication process for example if one is requesting to be excused they should use the correct polite language (Bourdieu, n.p). This enhances good social interaction thus contributing to the right communication process. The social conditions determine the type of language required. Insults impact negatively on a language. They make people feel bad through such hard expressions and thus are not acceptable as a form of proper language. People who shout in public places are seen to be disrespectful and behaving childish. People should learn to communicate calmly and in a way acceptable to all people (Bourdieu, n.p). Insults and such behaviors are not acceptable socially and thus should be done away with if good language is to be maintained in the society. The issue should be addressed to different public speakers so as to maintain a good communication process. Orders should not be used wrongly in delivering information and thus many speakers should take caution when giving out orders and realize to whom the orders are being addressed to.

Different speakers use different languages. The language used by doctors is different from that used by lawyers. They express their words in different ways which can easily be confusing to people unfamiliar with these two speakers. Speakers should be eloquent in order to deliver their intended speeches or messages (Bourdieu, n.p). Doctors can well and eloquently express themselves in Latin language. Doctors and lawyers are authorized to express themselves in vocabularies which are important to them. Various languages employ different styles in expressing ideas and thus speakers should be keen in using those styles accordingly if they are to deliver the right messages. The speakers are authorized to speak eloquently and comprehensively and this makes the communication process credible (Bourdieu, n.p). Speakers should use familiar symbols in expressing themselves which should be well understood by the targeted audience and institutions. Speakers should therefore be careful in choosing the right language so as to express themselves rightly. Language comprehensiveness should be encouraged and enhanced so as to enhance credibility.

Conclusion

From the above point of view it is important to conclude that wrong language choice leads to wrong information. The language matters in communication process. Different speakers should make their speeches short and precise thus attracting the attention of their audience. The language chosen should suit the targeted audience and thus making the communication possible.

References

Errington, J. (2003). Getting language rights: the Rhetorics of language endangerment and losses

Bourdieu, P. Language and symbolic power :( nd)

The New World

 People are seeking for their best alternative choices currently. Consumers are looking for the best methods of spending their money. If the company does not stay competitive by developing new strategies, it could go out of business or lose to their competitors. Companies might face tough decisions of cutting costs through reduction of wages and outsourcing. Outsourcing became very popular in 21^st century as a result of the modernized technology, free trade and globalization which have made communication and trade efficient globally and in a faster way. In this situation the company has to make decisions between outsourcing that will help the company very much by cutting costs and option B which involves keeping the main labor in the Concord and helping maintain the Concord’s economy. Each option has its own pros and cons but I believe that between these two options, the company should opt for option B since even if its is expensive, its benefits are more and leads to the prosperity of the company in the future.

           Some might argue that outsourcing is beneficial since it reduces a lot of costs as it offers flexibility, short time to prepare the necessary places required and lower wages (apple). This research is not enough since there are more facts as compared to these ones. We should focus on china for example where manufacturers can perform their work in just fifteen hours as compared to the US where they could do so using three months. China did not have to meet the standards of product quality and workplace safety standards and many more others. This resulted in dangerous (Wal-Mart) (Powerful garment industry fight off regulations (kimchi). In this case, the company might have to pay more if a company which is starting to sue or have suddenly shut down as a result of the workers deficiency. A company also put itself in a risk when outsourcing. They have to remotely transfer information including confidential data such as research and development of the product, product strategies or even pay roll which could be exposed or leaked by the manufacturers. Outsourcing is cheap since the manufacturers are working for many companies at a time. This is mostly applied by china which produces products and sell them at a lower price than expected the company may end up losing money instead of making profits as expected.tis is happening to the us economy which is declining lately. Outsourcing would decrease middle income jobs and result to higher income inequality gap which the US is already the experiencing. The image of the company by doing this is damaged where customers boycott from buying such goods from those companies (Wal-Mart). The company should pay its workers well for them to appreciate the working environments for example in the case of Bangladesh (cite Bng).the companies should pay their workers better for them to continue working which leads to making of profits.

           On the other hand, we will still have to lay off 30 percent of worker and also reduce 25 percent or the remaining wages over the next three years. This of course does not seem to be a good idea. It only guarantees viability for company only 2-3 years. In these three years it is still important to note that consumers will not find the product more special or attractive. Many consumers are interested in the quality of the products they are buying and not necessarily the price. Consumers are interested in the healthy goods which are of good quality companies are also considerable for example timberland and Burma gives their employees a one week leave unlike Pepsi thus many employees withdraw from Pepsi(citing page 211). The main aim of these companies is to make profits as a way of attracting many customers. Majority of people will still prefer shopping online (Amazon) but if we notice, now Amazon also have a Banner, Made in US they do so in order to increase the number of sales. Consumers are more attracted to companies with a good brand image and thus such companies are seen to make more super profits than those with a damaged brand image. Thus companies should maintain good images and reputations.

           As a result from the analysis and weighing of both parties, keeping main labor in the city of concord would be a better choice to make at this point. Not only this option will help to improve reputations and operational efficiency but also reducing risk exposure and encouraging loyalty and innovation (Reader 215). The company is more likely to get a loyal or long term customers whose trust the company which is very important according to today’s society where decisions keep on changing from time to time. The companies are giving employees their rights which enhance their images. This contributes to employees remaining motivated which will in turn contribute to huge profits to such companies with good working conditions.

           In our world today, when capitalism is taking control sometimes it’s inevitable that companies have to make tough and hard decisions to enable their survival. This is one of the biggest problems that create inequalities. Many companies find it difficult to employ capitalism which should not be the case. Companies should use method as one way of creating a good image and reputation to the customers. This will in deed attract more customers and as a result increase the profits of the company.

 Human computer interaction 

Introduction

The topic being discussed on this particular podcast is on human computer interaction where we will learn on different things about humans and computers. I would therefore urge my listeners to pay attention to the audios.

Difference between auditory icons and ear cons

In this podcast presentation ear cons and auditory icons are used to make the presentation successful. When both ear cons and auditory icons are combined they produce the excellent sound most listeners love. The two are different whatsoever in the extent that ear cons are most preferred by listeners since ear cons respond well to classical commands as compared to auditory icons. In another perspective auditory icons are preferred more by listeners since their subjects link commands with the sound in a good way. Thus it is clearly seen that ear cons are unable to connect the commands with subject as they are relatively slow in learning while auditory icons are good at this since they relate well with the functions they perform( Paterno, Fabio 2010). The rate of errors is more experienced in ear con as it is in auditory icons thus at some extent since the auditory icons are much faster and have reduced rate of errors they are preferred most by listeners.

Why and when audio is helpful

Audio contributes to the human computer interaction process as different research has shown since they portray a good environment than just graphics on the computer. Sound contributes to tasks being made easier and more attractive. Information is better presented by use of sound rather than graphics and messages. For example it is clearly shown that events are much attractive when sound is used in their presentation. Sound is connected by both the function and the button which are being used. Example the telephone is well known to use audio in performing its communication functions. Video games which have a high speed are also known to use audio in their functions. Sound reduces the gap between those people with sight problems and those graphic user interfaces (Polotti, 2008).

Reasons why sound is not a good idea

Sound however effective it is causes problems to many people in the extent that it affects many people in the surrounding environment especially the ones not interested in listening to anything. In addition, through use of headphones and earphones the ears are damaged though this remains the only solution to the problem of sound. Sound remains a big problem and it contributes to environmental pollution for example the noise from cars and loud music contributes greatly to damaging of the ears.

Accessibility and redundancy

Accessibility according to the human computer interaction is generally the capability of different users in regardless of their rate of impairers to use a computer system in the best way possible. It helps anybody use a computer regardless of their condition or disability which includes sight problems as well as ear problems. Redundancy as discussed is the duplication of the same materials and journals with no original background which is obviously unethical (Grechenig & Tscheligi, 1993). Redundancy should be avoided since authors should give analyzed details of their research. The work should be made original and enough evidence provided.

Conclusion

The topic is such a large one but to cut it short, I would say that human computer interaction is well discussed and elaborated. Sound as previously seen is advantageous but on the other hand it causes harm to the surrounding and environment at large. Use of headphones will solve this problem. Also discussed is that everybody has the right to operate a computer system. I would therefore like to thank everybody for taking this time to learn more about human computer interactions and it’s my hope that everybody is grateful for the lessons learnt. Thank you all.

References

Grechenig, T., & Tscheligi, M. (1993). Human Computer Interaction: Vienna Conference,VCHCI '93, Fin de Siècle Vienna, Austria, September 20-22, 1993 Proceedings. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag.

Paterno, Fabio. (2010). Human-computer Interaction: Second Ifip Tc 13 Symposium, Hcis 2010, Held As Part of Wcc 2010, Brisbane, Australia, September 20-23, 2010, Proceedings. Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

Polotti, P. (2008). Sound to sense - sense to sound: a state of the art in sound and music computing. Berlin: Logos.

Children need to play not to compete

Summary of children need to play not to compete

The author of the book ‘children need to play and not to compete’ is commonly known as Jessica Statsky who proves her argument on why she emphasizes on the need for children to play non competition games. She suggests that the games are harmful and instead of contributing to growth and development of the child they cause physical and psychological traumas to children especially those below twelve years. She argues strongly that the competitions can bring damages to the children since children have not yet realized enough the importance of competition as the adults do. She therefore supports that competitions should be for the adults. She argues that competitive sport at such an early age actually contribute to the failure of children’s ability to compete. Thus the competitions contribute negatively in the success of upcoming players which parents don’t seem to realize. She argues that children should be left to enjoy and have fun when playing instead of sports competitions which contributes to negative effects on the development of potential players. She realizes that parents take much time in discussing the results of the competitive games which affects the children mentally especially those who lost. Thus she argues that competitions should be stopped in upbringing children.

Jessica argues correctly but to some extents the competitions are healthy and should be one of the factors to contribute fun and enjoyment in game. Children and parents through competitive sports get to know the potential players and also the talented players. When this is realized early the potential children players can venture into sports while the rest venture into other activities of their choice. According to me the competition are therefore necessary in discovering the ability of children at early ages. Children should realize that at times people sacrifice what they love most in order to do other things which suits them most for example if a child loves sports but is not capable of playing, then the child should be advised to perform what they can perform other than sports and by so doing the child remains independent. I strongly think that children can not control their talents and abilities whatsoever for example children cannot control their heights in playing basketball. Basketball demands for tall players but even short ones can play. Such factors which cannot be controlled don’t determine the success of players.

The author supports the point that children should not be forced to do things they dislike instead they should be left to choose what they do like. Forcing children makes them hate that activity and thus causing them psychological traumas. Children learn much from holding competition since that interaction brings fun and enjoyment. They learn new and important lessons which they didn’t know before thus competitions are helpful in nurturing children. In her argument Jessica points out that sports competitions contribute to negativity in growth of children for example she says that they contribute to discouragements and children gets really upset especially when they lose. Jessica as an author gets many materials in her support of this factor especially in journals, newspapers and books. She discourages parents in involving their children in such dangerous competition as she elaborates well and credibly why the sports are bad for the growth of children. She says “that the spirit of play disappears and sports become job like” (Dender, Stagnitti, 16). She elaborates well in her scenes why she discourages those competitions. As much as I think the author is right she does not look at the positive effects of these competitions, she focuses more on the negative side of the competition theory.

In my conclusion I support the author’s point of view though not fully but her work is considered credible since she has lots of supportive materials to argue her research. Parents should not deny their children rights in choosing what they want to do and should be left to decide on what to and after choosing parents should support their children. This contributes to the success of a child.

Works Cited

Dender A, Stagnitti K. Development of the Indigenous Child-Initiated Pretend Play Assessment: Selection of play materials and administration. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal [serial online]. February 2011;58 (1):34-42. Available from: Academic Search Premier, Ipswich, MA. Accessed March 3, 2014.

Carnal Knowledge

Introduction

T.C. Boyle's "Carnal Knowledge" is the story of Jim the main character who is in love with Alena who in real sense is not in love with Jim but just taking advantage of him. The writer describes clearly the happenings of the story and displaying out the love Alena has for animals. Jim who is an imposter pleases Alena by showing him that he too loves protecting animals. Alena and Jim attend numerous anti campaigns on the fight against violation of the animal rights. Jim’s intentions in attending these campaigns are always false. His main intention is to please Alena and making her fall in love with him. At last Jim is disappointed when he is abandoned by the woman he claim to love and has done everything possible in order to please her. One can clearly argue out that Alena is not fair and she is so selfish since she realizes Jim’s intentions and instead takes advantage of him.

Irony is clearly used by the writer in his story which gives the story a good flow in describing the flow of the story in terms of the time events happen. It is clear to say that human beings are capable of adapting to different and unfamiliar surroundings in order to search for what they desire to get for example in the case of Jim the main character   who clearly changes his mode of life in order to please Alena. No matter how one changes to be what they really are in order to maybe please others at long last they always go back to their origin behavior and character. Pretence is not permanent and is just a temporally endeavor. One can argue that irony is portrayed in the circumstance when Alena’s dog pees on Jim and he is comfortable and doesn’t get angry at her since he is on a mission to win her. In real sense, one would get angry if something of that sort is to happen but Jim in this case pretends as though nothing bad has happened when everybody else expects of the vice versa. Alena takes the shortest time possible to take advantage of Jim since she realizes how Jim loves her and is ready to do everything for her. This to me is so unfair and would argue that Alena should have treated Jim with much love and respect after Jim has expressed his love and does everything in favor of Alena. Alena is ironical when she leaves Jim for a guy who loves eating meat when she has manipulated Jim and he no longer eats meat in order to please her while earlier on he was a lover of meat.

Jim in the first sentence of the story says that “I’d never really thought about meat” (Boyle, Tom and Bill Buford, 63). This shows clearly that Jim who loves meat just like a normal American in real sense does not care on protecting animals. He goes too far in his attempt to win an animal right activist whom he loves. Jim does Alena a favor by agreeing to strike against a furrier to complete the mission in order to rescue a number of turkeys in the San Joaquin valley. He does this plus so many other demonstrations in order to please Alena who is a true activist for animals and fights for their rights. Jim according to the writer is so submissive and even though he is knocked down by Alena’s friends he does not revenge and jus assumes that things are okay even though they are not. I strongly believe that men can go to extra miles in order to win the woman they want and can even change their moral behavior and character in order to please the ones they love. Jim is a good example of this argument.

The author treats the animal movement with much humor and has a definite reason to do so. Jim’s first encounter with Alena was as a result of Alena’s dog Alf who Alena says rescued her from the cruel hands of a shoe company which was carrying out experiments on different kinds of booties using dogs and as an animal activists had the power of rescuing Alf. The author describes well the landscape in this story by clearing bringing up the issues of the valley where the turkeys were to be rescued and even showing that Jim had an off from work in order to spend his day alone at the beautiful beaches. This shoes clearly the different landscape in which the author requires the readers to realize the changing of the landscape within time. Jim is seen to enjoy and spend his nights with Alena in her house which is described as a large and seems comfortable. Alena makes Jim believe that she loves him which is not true. Alena only uses Jim in order to full fill her dreams of posting demonstrations and rescuing animals which is her hobby unlike Jim who is only pretending to be an animal activist.

At long last Jim is so disappointed in Alena whom he thought loved him and loved his company. Jim had transformed much by quitting his job and even changing his identity as a meat lover. He also used to love almost all the women and by loving Alena he had stuck only by her only to be disappointed later on. He becomes angry as per everybody else expectations and goes back to his home really discouraged. In his mind Jim sees change in his life in meeting Alena and it is obviously seen that though he is ill treated by Alena’s friends he still loves her and stick by her and her carrier. Jims shows clearly his ill treatments by saying that “The first blow seemed to drop from above, a shell lobbed from deep within enemy territory; the others came at me like a windmill churning in a storm” (Boyle, Tom and Bill Buford, 63). To me Alena behaves inhuman by lacking to protect her friend and helper. This is betrayal which to me is unfair. Alena is only concerned in her interests which worry the reader more since the reader expects Alena to be of great help and concern for Jim.

Conclusion

From the above point of view it is clearly evidenced that men’s interests come first. Men can do whatever it takes them in order to win over women. Women on discovering men’s weaknesses can really take advantage of men for example in the case of Alena who takes advantage of the fact that Jim is in love with her much. It is true to argue that human beings can change not only their moral behavior but even the character in order to alter their identities and gain favors and win over what they want to achieve or get. It is also correct to say that though one can change the character, it won’t always remain like that forever one will return to the original character.

Works Cited

Boyle, Tom C, and Bill Buford. T.c. Boyle Stories: The Collected Stories. New York, NY [u.a.: Penguin Books, 1999. Print.

Audience Analysis

            In this case, the target audiences that I will to try to reach are young people who have developed in the information era. This means that the entire audiences are only those who grew up with the internet and media always in their face. They will comprise of youths between 18-35 years old. I will not include their level of education or ethnic background. I suppose that the targeted audience already knows a lot about argument. This is due to the fact that it is everywhere on the internet and in the news. However, I do not believe whether they are able to know how to avoid confrontations or arguments, as they do not have the experience. My relationship with the entire audience is minimal. This is because I am of a different generation. This means that I will try to persuade their minds to looking into another point of view that is less confrontational. In this case, I would like to come across as a fellow spectator. This is due to the fact that I am in no way a professional on the subject. I am just a person who examined the essay and said “Deborah Tannen’s argument are intelligence.” This is the similar to my entire audience, as I have never thought about it that much. I want to come across as someone that wants things to be less provoking. I want to see things from all sides. I want my audience to see that there are more sides to a story and to open their mind to all kinds of different views without jumping to a fast conclusion.

Rhetorical Analysis on Deborah Tannen's Argument Culture

Deborah Tennan is an international known well writer on the argument culture. Much of her work is based on dealing with the world which has forgotten on how to listen and debate. Deborah clearly observes that people are so quick to argue. In the argument culture Deborah discusses how today society is no longer honors the American tradition of carrying out debates. The writer emphasizes that people no longer listen to the both sides and obvious not all sides of an issue. According to Tannen the society believes that the best way to settle a dispute is using litigation which pits one party against another. We would instead criticize and attack instead of peacefully discussing our differences of opinion. Tannen is for the idea that we should remember to settle our differences without offending others or causing damages and harm to them. Tannen seems to be agree that there are times where fighting is necessary and one must defend himself in times of danger. Her writing is full of advices and warnings if the society still wants to live peacefully.

            In “The Argument Culture,” Tannen tries to discuss how today’s society no longer respects the noble American tradition of debate (Tannen 43). She discusses the disagreement in the world when it comes to communication. For instance, society has used adversarial debates to generate problems with communication. Additionally, she explains how people do not want to take time and listen to both sides and not all sides of an issue. Tannen is able to grab the attention of her audience in the beginning of the essay. For instance, with questioning “noble American traditions” she is able to make the reader to read more about what traditions are in question. Through out the article, I found that Tannen has pursued to appeal her entire audiences through use of rhetorical. This is due to the fact that they are very effective and enlightening.   After I read her entire content, I was in a position to known various issues that she was hoping to bring to light. In the entire article, she tries to persuade or appeal the audience that in instances of problem solving, it is essential to respond in an adverse manner and to use a more constructive approach. This allows one to see it as a rhetorical situation, which is a mode for changing reality by the creation of dialogue which changes reality through the conciliation of thought and action (Tannen 43).   From this point of view, it is evidenced that Tannen’s article can be classified as rhetorical as she is appealing to an audience who can create changes in what she considers a problem.

            Additionally, she is trying to alter what she feels is “a persistent confrontational atmosphere that makes people approach public dialogue as if it were a fight” moreover, she helps her entire audience to approach a more dialogue-friendly manner of addressing issues that does not employ an adversarial format (Tannen 43). With this regard she tries to bring to light the “argument culture” and the unhelpful outcomes that come with it. She appeals her entire audience through, pathos, logos and ethos. In this article, Tannen appeals her audience by the use ethos. For instance, she looks at different sides of the argument. She depicts that it is vital to listen to both sides and not all sides of an issue. This helps her argument because everyone knows that she is not taking a narrow approach to the subject. Additionally, it is a way that helps the audience to see that she has done research and is able to make an informed argument which then makes it believable.

Tannen tries to appeal to her audience by use of pathos by bringing to light other issues in the society like politics and also other examples of how arguments work which often affect the people. Her political example is about a debate whereby the media was interested on the commentator’s opinion of “who won (Tannen 43) rather putting their interest in the substance of the debate and the candidates’ points of view. This describes the argument culture by putting focus on the winner rather than on the instances the candidate have on the different issues and on their plan to govern a nation. People should put more concern on such real topics which may have an implication and effect on everyday’s life. This is seen as a logical appeal and also an emotional one since the people can relate it on a personal level. Many decisions made have an impact on people for example a decision to go to war or heavy taxes affect people daily and have negative impacts on peoples mentality, attitude, health and rights. Tannen shows that when light is brought to issues about the media and how an argument culture influences them, we are affected unknowingly. One is able to realize how the media distracts one from the real issue and instead focus on other less important issues.

Tannen makes the strongest case for her view by appealing to the audiences logos. Logos deals with the person’s logical reasoning as an aspect of rhetoric. It is the most apparent in the methodical argument where she makes on her ideas the main issue on the article: the assumption that the best way of solving a problem is through conflict or opposition. She also includes polarization of issues in her examination. She states clearly that polarization grows from the argument cultures tendency thereby coming up with a contest with a given winner. Most problems cannot be solved by only looking at one side of the problem but common up with different approaches. Many issues such as abortions, privatization, executions that are very complex requires a lot of dialogue and can only be resolved by applying many different approaches. Another example she uses is criticism. Problems cannot be solved with critique. Many people are used to critique especially during classes which can result to arguments. She tries to show the disadvantage of criticism in her article

Tannen faces a few constraints or challenges as part of her rhetoric situation. Tannen discovers that the argument culture has a long history and its deep, thick and long ranging system. This pervades our culture especially in terms of military metaphors and the cultures natural and possibly unconscious urge to view the issues as a fight involving two sides and obvious one winner. Various metaphors are used in this article to emphasize more on the argument culture. Our culture should remain natural always free from unnecessary arguments and conflicts. Tennan faces challenges with the media. The media contributes to most arguments and conflicts in the society. Tennan faces what has been around great more years and with the way things work lately with the media, and our natural tendency to use various aspects of the argument culture which makes her task an intimidating effort.

Reference

Tannen, Deborah. The Argument Culture: Moving from Debate to Dialogue. New York, NY: Random House, 1998. Print.

Rhetoric analysis essay

Introduction

Fatmata Conteth presents to the reader in her short story “letter to my sisters”, a scenario which reveals the plight of the women in the society. She tries to show how women are submissive to the powerful men in the society. In real sense the men are not really powerful and women can even do better than the men in the society. Ndamba Dao is a pioneer woman in that society. She becomes the first doctor in that community since she has really excelled in her education even furthering her studies and becoming a medical doctor. The Muslim society does not recognize this and she is treated just like a subordinate member of the society. Her status does not change. Her father and other men become the determiners of her destinity. Ironically she is the intellectual and educative unlike other men in her society. Her mother is supportive to her father in making Ndamba nobody in the society. It is obvious not true that women should be subjects to men. It is very important to learn that anybody can gain education and at long last help the society in one way or another

Men in this community are revealed as hard hearted and thus are viewed to oppress the women in many ways. The women are denied their rights and yet they seem comfortable since they are not aware of their rights. Women are not educated and the chosen few like Ndamba Dao are not considered to be of any help in the community. Even though the women are abused and given bad treats, they are expected to obey and be submissive to the men. In the hospital where Ndamba serves, she is met by many women who face hostility from their men. Ya yanoh represents the plight of women. She suffers from ulcers which makes her face rejection and persecution. Ironically she is not only rejected because of the ulcers but also her having beautiful teeth, this intensifies her persecution. This shows that in this community women are subjected to rejection and persecution because of their strengths and also the things that cannot be controlled example the biological appearance which is of cause natural.

Ndambas’ sisters are expected to be morally upright. They are not given any education and even freedom. Their brothers on the other hand are given all the freedom they wish for. Unlike the brothers the sisters cannot go out. They have to remain in doors with no education. They are there to look after their brothers by doing the household chores. They are not supposed to engage themselves in any form of relationship and instead stick at home. This becomes very unfair since both men and women should be treated right and equally.

In this community religion is wrongly used to ensure that women always remain submissive. The writer is trying to show that no matter what religion everybody should be treated equally. Women are always threatened with the hell fire if they don’t submit. This is shown clearly by the writer as wrong. Religion should in fact emphasize more on equality, justice and right treatment. The life for women in this society is seen as endurance. Women endure sufferings, rejections and persecutions. Their world is seen to be a virtual freedom since they are subjected to no freedom. Women have to do whatever the men consider to be true and right even if in real sense its wrong.

Ndamba Dao after facing so many hardships resume to committing suicide. She can’t stand being humiliated yet she is intelligent and educated and is now a medical doctor. She does this so as to make men realize that what they are doing is actually so wrong. She details the ill she and her sisters have suffered. She cannot stand being forced into a marriage she does not like especially with a man who is repulsive. It is unfortunate that her mother supports this good for nothing marriage. The community is so ungrateful and they show no respect of her achievements. They are not grateful of her success and her individually. They don’t respect her and don’t even recognize her status in that community reason being she is woman. She is mature enough but still she is treated like one without a conscience of her own. At last she cannot handle this and she commits suicide. Her suicide serves as a revolt against male chauvinism and also religious oppression and suppression.

It is clearly observed that the writer shows the theme of being a martyr. Ndamba Dao is a martyr and she is ready to die in order for the men to realize that the oppression they subject the women to is wrong. Dao is ready to die for her fellow women so that men can realize how terrible they make the women feel. Dao is seen to be very self sacrificing, courageous and also very principled and determined. It is very unfair that despite her education she is still subjected to oppression like other women. Her father determines what she is supposed to wear, where she is going and whom she relates with. This total lack of freedom is wrong. She portrays her courage by rebelling against her father. She is seen to defy her father thus leading in the way to rejecting patriarchy and its oppressive nature. She represents the fed up women who are ready to break from the chains of oppression and this she is a symbol of positive declaration and the self will of women who are in a state of oppression and discrimination.

The writer portrays Dao’s father as unfeeling and heartless. He is gender insensitive and very mean. He pretends to be so staunch to religion so as to oppress Dao and her sisters. He is opposed to educating his daughters since he thinks that they can’t be of any importance in the society. He views women to be vessels of bearing children instead of being educated. This judgment is so wrong. Women can even do better than men in the society. This father does not give freedom to his mature daughters and he end up bothering them even in their private life. He is an example of an indiscriminative parent since he treats his children with much difference. He treats the brothers right while the daughters are oppressed. This is portrayed by the writer as very wrong. Nobody should be considered special. This father is a symbol of how women are denied their rights in the society by the men. This should be indeed stopped.

Women should realize their rights early in advance so as to avoid men taking advantage of them. Dao’s mother is seen to be this mother who is so submissive. She thinks that whatever the father says is correct even though it seems oppressive. She cries and weeps more often but she does not go against her husband. She is a down to earth wife who is so loyal to her husband. She is touched by her daughter’s death. She is a symbol of those women in the society who are humble, meek and subjective to their men and who only weep and cry when oppressed and mistreated. Women should not keep quiet about what they are going through. They should speak up for their rights to be upheld.

The writer is able to capture her audience by pointing out the various problems women are likely to face in different societies. The writer reveals the problems like domestic violence, discrimination of the girl child, different oppressions and also the fact that women are considered to belong to a low class. Gender equity and equality should be upheld at any time and place. Religion should not be seen as a hindrance of gender equity. The plight of women is clearly evaluated by the writer. The women are even more intelligent than men in this society yet they are seen as good for nothing objects. Women are very important people in a given society. They should be given the right treat. The writer portrays the women in positive light as opposed to the men who oppress them and are even antagonists.

Conclusion

The writer uses suicide as a solution to the problem Dao is facing. This to me does not seem to be a good solution. Her death is so fast yet she is of great help in the society. Her medical skills could be of great assistance in the society. From her death, her father is vey surprised and this in one way or another could bring freedom to other women in the society. The plight of women is clearly portrayed and evaluated by the writer. Oppression is not solution to any problem. Oppression should be stopped and people given the freedom they deserve whether male or female. Change is necessary in the communities that still practice gender discrimination and equality.

Works cited

Clarke, A. (2004). Half a day and other stories: An anthology of short stories from north eastern    and eastern Africa. Nairobi: Macmillan Kenya.

Nautical metaphors in Oedipus Rex

Introduction

A metaphor is an uncountable figure of speech. The use of a word or phrase to refer to something that it is not, invoking a direct similarity between the word or phrase used and the thing described, but in the case of English without the words like or as, which are used in a simile. It is an implied comparison. Nautical is defined as a word relating to or involving ships or actual shipping. Therefore nautical metaphors are phrases used to describe shipping activities particularly from the days of sail. The association of travel and that of metaphor is significant in that the word metaphor is derived from ancient Greek for travel or carry.

In this play Oedipus is referred to as a captain of a ship. This is metaphorical in that he is compared to be a captain since he leads the people and is the king long after the other king is murdered. He is told by the Chorus that they will stand by him since they suggest that from him the founded ship was set. This is a metaphor since they refer to Oedipus regime as a founded ship. Later Oedipus is referred by Jocasta as a captain where Jocasta prays to Apollo that “we are gone to pieces at the sight/ of him the steersman of the ship/ astray by fright.” It is clear that Oedipus as a captain of a ship has a symbolic meaning and is a metaphor .Oedipus is also seen to captain a ship twice. The ship is a metaphor for Thebes where Oedipus is ruling. Oedipus is seen as a steersman where the Thebes look upon him so that they can be steered through by Oedipus through the storm. The storm here is symbolic and is used to mean that Oedipus should lead people so as to overcome the hardships they are facing especially pollution, incest and civil strife. Though the people have wronged Oedipus he still remains the captain of the Thebes. It is stated that “a captain goes down with his ship”. This means that the leadership of a leader depends on that particular leader and not on the people been leading addition, it is appropriate to say that a ship goes down with its captain meaning that the leader guides the people and can lead to the downfall of the people if not careful.

Oedipus refers to his situation as “dark, horror of darkness, my darkness drowning, swirling around me crashing wave on wave/ unspeakable, irresistible headwind, fatal habour.”In these its clear that Oedipus is no longer the captain of the ship and since the Thebes are no longer supporting him he faces many hardships until to his fated destination where he is engulfed by the wild sea. The wild sea is symbolic meaning that Oedipus is faced by many hard situations which are dangerous.

Conclusion

From the above point of view it is clearly seen that Oedipus as the captain of ship Thebes rules the people in the time problems and immorality exists since incest case is observed. Pollution and also civil strife is experienced by the people. Therefore, nautical metaphors are clearly used in this play as a point of emphasy to show how the Oedipus referred to as the captain leads the Thebes referred to as the ship.

References

Bloom, Harold. Sophocles' Oedipus Rex. New York: Chelsea House, 2007. Internet resource.

Flannery O’Connor “Good Country People” Post Modernisms

Introduction

Post modernism can be described as a set of critical, strategic and rhetoric practices which employs concepts such as difference, repetition and trace so as to destabilize other concepts such as presence, identity, historical progress, certainty and meaning. For instance in the scene where a bible salesman named Manley Pointer, visits the family and is also invited for dinner despite Hopewell’s lack of interest in buying bibles. Mrs. Hopewell believes that Manley is good country people. While living home Pointer invites Joy for a date the next evening and she ironically seduces the innocent bible salesperson.

The author, Flannery O’Connor describes post modernism in the scene where by Hulga is deceived by Manley so fast that she falls in to his traps. Manley is only imposing himself to be selling bibles while in real sense he is not even a Christian. He portrays himself to be a poor Christian boy but in real sense he is only pretending to be. Mrs. Hopewell is moved so fast to a point where she invites this bible salesman for dinner while in real sense she knows that her daughter does not love bibles. Despite the fact that Mrs. Hopewell knew that her employee Mrs. Free man is nosy, she still went ahead and employed her. It is the job of Mrs. Free man to know all the things taking place in the whole household. Hulga was born Joy but her mother cannot call her by her legal name since she chose it for its ugliness but on the other hand Mrs. Freeman likes calling her by that name since she loves hearing ugly things. Post modernism is portrayed in the above sentences since given concepts such as differences and repetition is portrayed.

In this short story, the main theme can be sadness and deception since Manley takes advantage of Mrs. Hopewell’s kindness and taking that as a chance to invite her ailing daughter out for a picnic date. He lies to Hulga that he too suffers from a heart condition and by that he gains the trust of Hulga who now knows that someone else lives with a similar condition. Mrs. Hopewell believes in the so called bible salesman and when she learns that Manley is just a simple country boy she answers “why! Good country people are the salt of the earth”. She learns that all along those were just but misconceptions. The theme of disgust is clearly portrayed in this story especially where Mrs. Hopewell remembers that they are very few good people like Manley remaining in the world which is of cause not true.

From the above it is clearly realized that through critical thinking and decision making, one should not generalize when judging people. Post modernism should be applied correctively. Eyes are a very important symbol. In this case they are used to reveal that the people trusted by Mrs. Hopewell are not of that sort especially Manley and Mrs. Freeman. It is clearly seen that Hulga does not believe or have faith in God unlike her mother. She believes in people and that’s why she is manipulated and deceived by Manley who takes advantage of the fact that she is handicapped.

 Conclusion

From the above point of view, it is clear that post modernization is clearly portrayed in showing off the differences portrayed in the household of Mrs. Hopewell. Deception and misconceptions are clearly seen.

Works Cited

O'Connor, Flannery. A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Other Stories. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1977.

The age of innocence

Theme analysis

Introduction

            The beginning of the 19^th century was a period that would best be described as a revolutionary period. This was the period that gave birth to a lot of social changes that are now part of our day to day lives that we more often than not now ignore. Some of the social ideas that arose from this period include personal freedom, Civil Rights, Voting Rights and Fair Housing which the people had to fight hard to bring into existence. This was a period of drastic yet dramatic free thinkers who not only boldly aired their views, but freely aired their views to any person who gave them attention without fear of anyone or anything. Indeed, this is the period that produced Edith Wharton’s novel The Age of Innocence. Wharton, in the book gives a picture of what living in early 19^th century New York was like. In her eyes, this society is one that is stuffy and rigid yet it is trying so much to embrace the changes that would inevitably come. However, this creates a lot of friction and conflicts. One is able to experience the authors’ provocation of free spirit and mind against what society had set out as norms which she thought were rather restrictive, obligatory yet hypocritical in nature. Her provocation of free mind and spirit is outlined in the different themes that can be observed throughout her novel and the dilemmas that she places in front of her characters.

Hypocrisy

            Wharton depicts the whole society as a sham in her novel. While some people are not allowed to do some things that are considered morally and socially ‘unacceptable’, they are willing to turn a blind where some members are concerned. Wharton writes,

“In reality, they all lived in a kind of hieroglyphic world, where the real thing was never said or done or even thought, but only represented by a set of arbitrary signs” (Wharton 44)

            In this particular society, it is apparent that loop holes can be found and that while those who found this loop holes were hated, they were also tolerated. One such example is Lawrence Lefferts. On one hand, he is a ‘good Christian’ who extols Christian virtues and even snubs Ellen when she leaves her husband. On the other hand, society knows that he has numerous affairs. Society is also aware of the fact that Beaufort carries out illegal businesses yet everybody is too concerned about being subject to gossip if they were to speak out. Newland is aware of the fact that society may forgive his having a quite affair, but will sympathize with May if he was to leave her for Ellen. May is aware of the fact that her husband has always been in love with her cousin but she pretends that she does not know. Society decides to expel Ellen on the presumption that she is having an affair with Newland while overlooking the fact that the two are truly in love and are in fact sacrificing their love to conform to society norms. Finally, May struggles to keep a ‘harmonious family’ façade so show society that everything is okay while she lives in turmoil with a man who in fact despises her. Hypocrisy in this society is a great irony to the authors’ title The Age of Innocence.

Appearances versus Reality

            New York society seems to value appearances more than reality. This particular society is seen as rich and is all about showing off. This particular period was known as the gilded period meaning that it was gold coated. However, this also meant that there had to be something at the core and in this case, there was a rotten society. Archer is in love with Ellen, society knows for a fact, however, he is engaged to May and thus has responsibilities. Mays’ announcement that she is pregnant leaves archer with no choice but to remain with her because society despises a man who shacks his responsibility to his family. Ellen’s’ decision to divorce her husband and live a free life is met with a lot of contention from the society. Society and even her own family do not want to be associated with her and publicly snub her. Ellen gives an excuse of not having a dress to wear to the ball where May and Archer were to announce their engagement while all along she wants to avoid bringing shame to her family. To this particular society, appearance is everything. Ellen on many occasions tells archer that the New York society is not one to listen but would rather keep up with their appearances and pretend. When Ellen decides that she wants to leave the society, May throws a very successful going away party. However, this is just a show of her civility in her position as wife to Archer and her success as wife over the ‘mistress’. The importance of appearance to society is also seen where the whole society shows up to the ball that Beaufort holds every year while deep down they know that he is scandalous and in fact not one of their own. Society comfortably accepts the infidelity of both Beaufort and Leffert as long as it is discreet. Society is determined to quash the free spirit that is within Ellen by vilifying her for the steps that she takes against society. To society, the role of the wife is first and foremost towards her family and husband. Thus, this is a society that is seen to embrace pretence rather than reality.

Obligations versus ones personal freedom

            “The individual…is nearly always sacrificed to what is supposed to be the collective interest: people cling to any convention that keeps the family together - protects the children, if there are any’ he rambled on, pouring out all the stock phrases that rose to his lips in his intense desire to cover the ugly reality which her silence seemed to have laid bare” (Wharton 110).

            Wharton in this book paints a picture of a society that exerts great influence over the lives of the people who dwell in it. In this case, the people who exist and dwell in this particular society have to obey the unwritten rules that are in it. The actions taken by these people are closely scrutinized to know if they have been followed to the later. In a quest to follow all this rules however, personal freedom is sacrificed. In this case, Newland cannot forsake his duty and follow his heart.

            “Everything was equally easy – or equally painful, as one choose to put it – in the path he was committed to tread, and he had obeyed the flurried injunctions of his best man as piously as other bridegrooms had obeyed his own, in the days when he had guided them through the same labyrinth. So far he was reasonably sure of having fulfilled all hid obligations” (Wharton 115).

            Similarly, he cannot even have an affair as society would frown upon it and in fact do expel Ellen on suspicion of its existence. Ellen on the other hand is expected to stay with her husband and the fact that she asks for a divorce make her a villain in the eyes of society. Society believes that to be married to a husband who has numerous affairs is better than to be divorced. In the end, love is sacrificed so that obligations set up by society can be met.

Conclusion

            Through her book, the author able to articulate the frustrations that she had with New York society during the early 19^th century. She paints the picture of a stifle society that is hell bent on curtailing the personal freedom of the people that exist within that society. She creates characters that are at a constant impasse on whether to throw caution to the wind or continue being shackled by societal norms. However, as the book draws towards the conclusion, the author shows the gradual acceptance of change that the society experiences. For example, Archer’s son in the end marries Beaufort’s daughter. Such change in the end means that the author was able to accept that there was light at the end of the tunnel and that society sooner or later conforms to change.

Works Cited

Wharton, Edith. The Age of Innocence. New York: Windsor Editions, 1920. Print.