Summary of Best Seller free essay sample

Summary of best seller best seller deals with the life of a business worker of plate and glass company who believes that fictions are unrealistic and according to him a man always marries a girl of the same background. THE story starts with the narrator traveling in a chair car on his way to Pittsburgh where he meets John A. Fescue,an old acquaintance John was reading a bestseller thought that these stories were imaginary. Hen after a little formal chat on happenings in their lives John told that he was married. John was traveling to Cincinnati when he saw the finest maiden of all and fell in love then he followed her all the way to her home town keeping a sharp unpredictable distance from her eyes. He went in a hotel for the night to stay where the manager on asking said that the biggest mansion at top of the hill was of colonel Allan. We will write a custom essay sample on Summary of Best Seller or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Then suddenly the maiden of his dreams came,he went to ere and started the conversation,which ended with her revealing the truth that she knew John was following her and she was glad he didnt talked with her and the next challenge to him was to enter the girls house which was none other than the colonels mansion. He next morning he went there by showing his business card and by pretending that he wanted to sell those plate glasses and hence wanted to meet colonel Allan. The place was a dead coffin and he with shaken legs numb hands and rack voice talked to the colonel and after sometime came to the point and asked for the girls hand and to his surprise the colonel gave an unexpected answer by agreeing and told him a lot of stories about his experiences apteral he got someone to listen to his stories and unwillingly he have to listen to him the story ends as train reaches to cotton and the so called traversal goes to dig petunias for his rose lady and he addresses that the old man is still in my house waiting to tell more and more stories

Focus On The Victoria Climbie Inquiry Report Social Work Essay Essays

Focus On The Victoria Climbie Inquiry Report Social Work Essay Essays Focus On The Victoria Climbie Inquiry Report Social Work Essay Paper Focus On The Victoria Climbie Inquiry Report Social Work Essay Paper In his statement to the House of Commons when showing Lord Laming s Inquiry Report into the decease of Victoria Climbie , on 28 January 2003, the Secretary of State for Health, Alan Milburn, said: It is an all excessively familiar call. In the past few decennaries at that place have been tonss of enquiries into atrocious instances of kid maltreatment and disregard. Each has called on us to larn the lesson of what went incorrect. Indeed, there is a singular consistence in both what went incorrect and what is advocated to set it right. Lord Laming s Report goes farther. It recognises that the hunt for a simple solution or a speedy hole will non make. It is non merely national criterions, or proper preparation, or equal resources, or local leading, or new constructions that are needed. : I will give an overview of the enquiry. I will besides give an overview of the subjects, deficiency of answerability right through the organisations to the most senior degree and staff non adequately trained in kid protection. I will analyze and review these subjects in relation to bureau policy, legal demands, research, practician cognition and the voice of the service user. Previous enquiries and at that place associate to this enquiry will be discussed along with have we learned any lessons from this. The failure to implement a legal, ethical and political model to inform current best pattern will be utilised. I will reflect on the deductions of grounds informed pattern and how this will inform future societal work pattern. This paragraph will supply a sum-up of the events taking to the decease of Victoria Climbie, and set up why there was a demand for the enquiry. From the study ( Lord Laming, 2003 ) we know that Victoria Climbie came to England with her grandaunt, Marie-Therese Kouao in April 1999. Within a twelvemonth, she was dead. On 25th February 2000, Victoria died of hyperthermy at St Mary s Hospital, Paddington. She was merely eight old ages old and had 128 separate hurts to her organic structure. On 12th January 2001, her great-aunt Kouao and her fellow, Carl Manning, were convicted of slaying. The degree of inhuman treatment experienced by Victoria was genuinely hideous, with day-to-day whippings utilizing several different implements. Her concluding yearss were exhausted life and kiping in an unwarmed bathroom in the center of winter, where she was bound manus and pes, lying in her ain piss and fecal matters in a bin bag in the bath. The secretary of State set up the independent statutory en quiry into her decease, under the Chairmanship of Lord Laming, in April 2001, to set up under subdivision 81 of the Children Act 89 the concerns with the maps of the local authorization societal services commissions and the manner they relate to kids. The enquiry wanted to analyze the manner in which local governments in regard of their societal services maps and place the services sought or required by, or in regard of Victoria, Marie-Therese and Carl. This subdivision will now take to analyze and review the cardinal subject I have identified that emerged from the enquiry study which is deficiency of answerability right through the organisations to the most senior degree and staff non adequately trained in kid protection. Lord Laming ( 2003 ) points out There were at least 12 cardinal occasions when the relevant services had chances to successfully step in to assist Victoria, but had failed to make so. Within the Report Lord laming ( 2003 ) states That non one of these intercessions would hold required great accomplishment or made heavy demands on staff, sometimes it needed nil more than a director making their occupation by inquiring pertinent inquiries or taking the problem to look in a instance file. He continues to provinces Lord Laming ( 2003 ) There can be no alibi for such sloppy and unprofessional public presentation. As Lord Laming ( 2003 ) commented Not one of the bureaus empowered by Parliament to protect kids in plac es such as Victoria s emerged from the Inquiry with much recognition, what happened to Victoria, and her ultimate decease, resulted from an inexcusable gross failure of the system. Lord Laming s ( 2003 ) expressed His astonishment that cipher in the bureaus had the presence of head to follow what are comparatively straightforward processs on how to react to a kid about whom there is concern of deliberate injury. The Inquiry Report ( Lord Laming, 2003 ) highlighted widespread deficiency of answerability through the administrations as the chief ground for the deficiency of protection afforded to Victoria. Who should be held responsible for these failures? As Webb ( 2002 ) provinces: Lord Laming was clear that it is non the hapless and sometimes inexperient front-line staff to whom he directs most unfavorable judgment, but to those in places of direction, including infirmary advisers, I think that the public presentation of people in leading places should be judged on how good services are delivered at the front door . Professor Nigel Parton ( 2003 ) points out that Too frequently in the Inquiry people justify their places around bureaucratic activities instead than around results for kids. Frankly, I would be the really last individual to state that good disposal is non indispensable to good pattern. Professor Nigel Parton ( 2003 ) continues to province that Good administration-and we did n on see a batch of it, I have to say-is a agency to an terminal. I can non conceive of in any other walk of life if a senior director was in charge of an administration and that administration was traveling down the pan-to put it crudely-in footings of gross revenues and public presentation that person would state My function is wholly strategic, do non keep me to account for what happens in the administration . Peoples who occupy senior places have to stand or fall by what service is delivered at the front door. The Inquiry Report Lord Laming ( 2003 ) highlighted the evident failure of those in senior places to understand, or accept, that they were responsible for the quality, efficiency and effectivity of local services. As Rustin ( 2010 ) states Lord Laming pointed to the yawning spread in the differing perceptual experiences of the administration held by front line staff and senior directors. Lord Laming was univocal that the failure was the mistake of directors whose occupatio n it should hold been to understand what was go oning at their front door. As the Report Lord Laming ( 2003 ) pointed out, some of those in the most senior places used the defense mechanism no 1 of all time told me to distance themselves from duty, and to reason that there was nil they could hold done. Rustin ( 2004 ) states this was non a position shared by Lord Laming. Rustin ( 2004 ) besides continues to province that Lord Laming went even further in grounds to us, stating us forcefully that, in his position, answerability of directors was paramount, and that the front line staff were by and large making their uttermost. In add-on to the cardinal jobs of a deficiency of answerability and managerial control, it was besides evident in the class of the Inquiry Lord Laming ( 2003 ) that other weaknesss existed in all facets of pattern. This subdivision will measure old enquiries and how they link to this enquiry and have any lessons been learned from them. As Rustin ( 2004 ) provi nces: As with many old enquiries into child protection failures, Maria Colwell ( 1973 ) , Jasmine Beckford ( 1984 ) , Tyra Henry ( 1984 ) and Kimberley Carlile ( 1986 ) it was clear that the quality of information exchange was frequently hapless, systems were rough and information failed to be passed between infirmaries in close propinquity to each other. As the Report commented Lord Laming ( 2003 ) Information systems that depend on the random passing of faux pass of paper have no topographic point in modern services . The grounds from another study, Maria Colwell, who had died in January of 1973 pointed to similar failings, which were found in Victoria s study these failings were, deficiency of answerability and staff non adequately trained ( Corby et al, 2001 ) . Inquiry studies are beginnings of grounds to inform societal work pattern and even though they have many failings within them as illustrated. Professor Nigel Parton ( 2004 ) points out that In many respects public enquiries have proved to be the cardinal vehicle through which alterations in policy and pattern have been brought about over the last 30 old ages in relation to child protection policy and pattern in this state. Professor Nigel Parton ( 2004 ) continues to indicate out that Rather than public enquiries being ignored, they have been cardinal to the manner kid protection operates. In this regard, they are every bit much a portion of the job as they are the solution. Have lessons been learned from the many public enquiries over the old 30 old ages. It was as if provinces Professor Nigel Parton ( 2004 ) The frontline professionals, and the cardinal administrations and bureaus who have duty for kids and households were rather incapable of larning the lessons and, crucially, seting these into pattern in such a manner that such awful calamities could be avoided. It is hoped by many, hence, that the study by Lord Laming, and the alterations brought about as a consequence, will intend that this will be the last study of its type. This subdivision will turn to the other subject I have highlighted equal preparation. The inquiry of equal preparation and supervising for staff working in all the relevant bureaus were besides an issue identified in the Inquiry. Professor Nigel Parton ( 2004 ) points out that In Haringey, for illustration, it was observed that the proviso of supervising may hold looked good on paper but in pattern it was deplorably unequal for many of the front line staff. Professor Nigel Barton ( 2004 ) besides points out that nowhere was this more apparent than in the fact that in the concluding hebdomads of Victoria s life a societal worker called several times at the level where she had been populating. There was no answer to her knocks and the societal worker assumed, rather wrongly, that Victoria and Kouao had moved off, and took no farther action. As the Laming Report ( Lord Laming, 2003 ) commented, It was wholly possible that at the clip Victoria was in fact lying merely a few paces off, in the prison of the bath, urgently trusting person might happen her and come to her deliverance before her life ebbed off . This subdivision will now look at the failure to implement the legal and political model within the inquiry study. Lord Laming within the study ( Lord Laming 2003 ) told us that he continued to believe that the Children Act 1989 was fundamentally sound statute law . His recommendations do non reason for a major new legislative model. However, Lord Laming ( 2003 ) states he did non believe that the Act was being implemented in the manner that had been envisaged for it, and, in his position, there was a oscitance spread at the present clip between the aspirations and outlooks of Parliament and the certainty of what is delivered at the front door . Rustin ( 2004 ) states In the absence of equal managerial answerability, front line workers were obliged to do important strategic determinations, for illustration about the usage of the Children Act, and between utilizing subdivisions 17 and 47 ( associating severally to a kid in demand, and a kid in demand of protection ) . The subdivi sions of the Act had been developed with the purpose of every bit pointed out by Rustin ( 2004 ) Of recognizing the different demands of kids . How the subdivisions were being applied on the land nevertheless as stated by Lord Laming ( 2003 ) is Quite different, far from using the subdivision of the Act that would outdo run into the demands of the peculiar kid and their fortunes, what they were really making was utilizing these subdivisions to curtail entree to services and to restrict the handiness of services to people . The Children Act, Lord Laming ( 2003 ) argued to us Should be about advancing the wellbeing of kids, non about seting labels around people s cervix . Lord Laming ( 2003 ) went on to propose that Front line workers were being forced into doing determinations that should decently hold rested with direction and policy determinations . This raised major inquiries about the function of public services and the basic rules that should underpin them, as ( Lord Laming 2003 ) stated We need to stand back and say that we need to detect the basic rule that the populace services are at that place to function the populace, non merely some of the populace and non merely some people who can acquire through eligibility standards, or who are sufficiently relentless . Therefore services must be more accessible and they must be more in melody with their local communities. If, as Lord Laming believes Kirton ( 2009, p.17 ) states The Victoria Climbie instance was non alone, but highlighted widespread and major lacks in the execution of the Children Act, this raises issues that Government should turn to. I believe that the Children Act 1989 remains basically sound statute law. However, there is concern as pointed out by Professor Nigel Parton ( 2004 ) That the commissariats of the Act which sought to guarantee an appropriate response to the differing demands of kids are being applied unsuitably, used as a agency of rationing entree to services, and have led to subdivision 17 instances being regarded as holding low precedence. The Laming Inquiry ( Lord Laming 2003 ) recommended that consideration should be given to uniting the Working Together counsel and the National Assessment Framework counsel into a individual papers, puting out clearly how the subdivisions of the Act should be applied, and giving clear way on action to be taken under subdivisions 17 and 47. Within this subdivision I will discourse the ethical model. It is of import to include the issues of societal category and gender, which were non apparent in the Victoria Climbie enquiry. However, it is issues around ethnicity and race that are more apparent. However, the diverseness referred to is improbably complex. This is illustrated at assorted points provinces Webb ( 2002 ) For illustration: At the clip Victoria s instance was handled in Brent, all the responsibility societal workers had received their preparation abroad and were on impermanent contracts. ( In Brent ) at least 50 per cent of societal workers clip was spent working on instances of unaccompanied bush leagues. As Webb ( 2002 ) provinces There was grounds that Haringey has one of the most diverse populations in the state, with 160 different linguistic communications spoken locally, a long tradition of travelers settling in the borough and a high proportion of asylum-seeking households ( 9 per centum of the entire population ) . Within the study Lord Laming ( 2003 ) points out that In relation to all the London boroughs involved there were high degrees of poorness and want, diverse cultural, cultural, lingual backgrounds, every bit good as the diverse backgrounds of the workers themselves. In many respects, it seems Victoria s state of affairs was non alone in these several boroughs. Webb ( 2002 ) indicated The impact of increased planetary mobility, more specifically the rapid addition in asylum-seeking households, together with the diverse backgrounds of the workers themselves progressively seems to characterize work in many metropolitan countries. This has a peculiar impact provinces Webb ( 2002 ) On the nature, stableness and coherence of local communities. It is deserving observing that, compared to the Maria Colwell instance, no referrals are noted in the Victoria Climbie instance from neighbors or other members of the community apart from the child minder Mrs Cameron. We are non merely speaking ab out diverseness here but unbelievable complexness. Kirton ( 2009 ) argues that Not merely does it present major lingual challenges but besides it poses major challenges for statutory sections in relation to the familial and cultural individualities of those with whom they work and to whom they have duty. Issues around racism are clearly of import here, nevertheless they can non be reduced to a simple black and white community and cultural divide. This subdivision will reflect on the deductions of evidence-informed pattern ( EIP ) and the utility of the enquiry to inform the development of future societal work pattern. Often, in hindsight, those who put people at hazard are blamed for the bad luck and injury they cause. ( Kirton, 2009 ) This is arguably the most signii ¬?cant professional context in which EIP has emerged. Harmonizing to Munro ( 1998 ) Social workers rely on obscure appraisals and anticipations, instead than sing what is more or less likely. In mundane life determinations have to be made on a limited grounds base and professional determinations are besides at best debatable . There are legion unexpected and complex results in societal work, many of which remainder on holding to do judgements under conditions of uncertainness. ( Kirton, 2009 ) The chief jobs associated with doing effectual determinations in societal work as stated by Kirton ( 2009 ) include: hazard and uncertainness, intangibles, long-run ded uctions, interdisciplinary input and the political relations of different vested involvements pooled determination devising and value judgements. Decision analysis has developed as a statistical technique to assist get the better of these sorts of jobs. Decision analysis is closely related to put on the line appraisal and actuarial patterns. Evidence-informed pattern and policy are self-explanatory. They involve the acceptance of evidence-based protocols and utilize local criterions for carry oning societal work pattern and developing organizationally specii ¬?c policies. ( Webb, 2002 ) It has been suggested that evidence-informed protocols feed straight into the practician context to supply guidelines for transporting out EIP. Basically evidence-informed pattern and policy in societal work will imply the explicit and wise usage of current best grounds in doing determinations about the societal attention of service users. This dei ¬?nition is widely used and derived from Sackett et Al. s Evidence-based Medicine ( 1996 ) . A matter-of-fact attack as stated by Sackett ( 1996 ) Has been adopted here, which regards the pattern of grounds as incorporating practician expertness with the best available external grounds from systematic but multiple research methods. The execution theoretical account outlined is the thought that the practice-based procedure begins with the grounds instead than the single or groups of clients. Clearly the application of evidence-informed pattern and policies will be governed by the economic range of societal work bureaus in footings of resources and the development of an evidence-informed substructure. ( Kirton, 2009 ) Sackett ( 1996 ) points out that At a local degree it will besides be dependent on incremental acquisition and accumulative professional development which are likely to be facilitated by the pattern research webs and evidence-based briei ¬?ngs discussed supra. In this essay I have analysed and critiqued two cardinal subjects from the enquiry, deficiency of answerability right through the organisations to the most senior degree and staff non, adequately trained in kid protection. I have besides analysed and critique these subjects in relation to bureau policy, legal demands, research, practician cognition and the voice of the service user. I have linked old enquiries and discussed have we learned any lessons from these enquiries. I identified the failure to implement a legal, ethical and political model to inform current best pattern will. I besides reflected on the deductions of grounds informed pattern and how this will inform future societal work pattern. A shutting quotation mark to complete from the Secretary of State, Alan Milburn ( 2003 ) It has felt as if Victoria has attended every measure of this enquiry, and it has been my good luck to hold had the aid of co-workers whose abilities have been matched by their committedness to the undertaking of making justness to Victoria s memory and her enduring spirit, and to making something positive from her agony and ultimate decease.

The Appeal of Marilyn Monroe Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Appeal of Marilyn Monroe - Research Paper Example Grady Johnson’s article for the Coronet magazine, written in 1952, captures the popularity and appeal of Marilyn Monroe when she was a rising star in Hollywood. He notes how the emerging star had seen 11 private foster homes in the first 16 years of her life. Coming out of this uncertain start is tough enough. But when we take into account how she’d always felt as an unwanted, underprivileged and low self-esteemed child, this maturation into a beautiful heartthrob is all the more astounding. Even as early as 1952, she was described with adoration by various journalists and film analysts. Here’s a sample: â€Å"She has been pegged the most promising star of 1952 by Movie Columnist Hedda Hopper, and described by Saloon-and-Sex authority Earl Wilson as having â€Å"the year’s most outstanding figure.† Producer Jerry Wald says, â€Å"She walks like a young antelope. When she stands, it's like a snake uncoiling. When she speaks, you don’t hear h er words – it’s as though she were whispering love to you.† She even is developing a singularly unnecessary skill as an actress.† (Johnson, 1952) If such is the adoration of seasoned critics and commentators, one can understand the kind of impact Monroe must have made on the general public. She was able to transcend class and gender barriers and garner the admiration of a whole generation. Even today her legacy is firmly established and her iconic status remains undiminished.  Ã‚   An aspect of Marilyn Monroe’s personal life which had added to her appeal is her numerous affairs. It is not surprising for actresses of her time to be involved with rich and powerful men. She had had relationships with sport stars, co-male-stars, and even with President John F. Kennedy. Instead of diminishing or sullying her image in the public eye, this tendency had only enhanced her romantic appeal. During her peak, she was every man’s dream girl. (Lockwood, 20 11) Contradictions in Personality Acting did not come easily to Marilyn Monroe. Her personal insecurities and vulnerabilities showed up as stage fright and shyness during her early years of

Kouzes and Posner Model Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Kouzes and Posner Model - Term Paper Example Moreover, the other leadership truths comprise Challenge is crucible for greatness, Leaders always lead by useful instance, Learning is essential for every leader and Successful leaders needs good heart (Kouzes & Posner, 2010). Sam’s Club is regarded as an American based retail chain warehouse membership club that is owned and runs under Walmart Stores, Inc. It was established in the year 1983 and is considered to be one of the largest operators of members-only warehouse stores in the world. The club as one of the divisions of Walmart performs its operational function in more than 450 stores throughout the globe. It has been viewed that the club provide certain additional services that include travel club, internet, long distance services, car loans and discount credit card processing. The club intends to offer the aforementioned services in order to fulfill the requirements of the customers by a considerable level. The leadership issues concerning the club in relation to Kouzes and Posner model will be taken into concern (Sams West, Inc., 2010). This paper intends to discuss the leadership issues and challenges that faced by Sam’s Club in past as well as present business scenario. Moreover, based on the model of Kouzes and Posner, suitable suggestions to the managers or leaders of the club in order to maintain sustainable work environment within the workplace will also be discussed in the paper. Sam’s Club consistently concentrates upon fulfilling the requirements of its members with the intention of increasing sales. At present, the club implements effective technologies as a form of innovation leadership in order to enhance its productivity. Through this particular approach i.e. innovation leadership, the club introduced as well as developed several effective ways of business in order to increase the numbers of membership and enhance its

Creative Writing (Story beginnings) Essay Example for Free

Creative Writing (Story beginnings) Essay A golden haze encircled the angels head and its torso glowed dazzling white against the drab dreary wall behind. Whats happe she willed her mouth to finish the sentence but it wouldnt obey so she gave up. She fought too against the uplifting force taking her away from the slightly damp pavement but as every ounce of resistance drained out of her limbs, she went limp and was completely at its mercy. The final thought that crossed her mind before it succumbed to the black cloud that eventually engulfed her was that she recognised this angel. * Elizabeth Anne Johnson Lizzie to her friends was a beautiful girl. With endless jet-black locks flowing down her back and striking features, she looked straight off a catwalk. Tonight she was wearing her favourite pale pink mini-dress with manicured nails and dainty heels to match; and with her perfect figure, she was more than able to carry it off. A combination of her stunning looks and the confidence she exuded made every head turn when she walked past a fact of which she was well aware. Lizzie had spent all night in Brightons new trendiest nightspot Heaven. The place was heaving with bodies bouncing to the thundering beats pounding out of the state of the art stereo system. They were puppets dancing to the tune of the headphone-wearing master in the glass booth above. Fluffy white clouds were suspended from the ceiling, in keeping with the paradisiacal theme, and the strobe lighting completed the effect. The drinks were flowing and the atmosphere was electric just how Lizzie liked it and as she cast her chocolate-brown eyes around the dance floor a wave of euphoria swept over her. She felt as though she was perched on top of the world. Already tonight, she had received fifteen requests to buy her a drink a record even by her standards and had accepted only one. This was one more than usual though. She may have seemed like the happy-go-lucky type but appearances can be deceptive and she was quite the opposite. Lizzie, a seasoned partygoer, was extremely cautious, especially after the letters Nevertheless, against her better judgement, she was drawn in by the hypnotic charms of this blonde-haired stranger and felt powerless to resist. His eyes were bottomless pools of baby blue and he had a passive, peaceful presence she trusted him immediately and completely. She began chatting to him and it suddenly dawned on her that she was telling her life story to a total stranger but she pushed the thought out of her mind just as quickly as it had surfaced. Besides with his crisp white shirt, soft voice and wide grin, he seemed harmless enough. Chapter One (2) The sun was playing hide and seek behind the rows of trees as Detective Flynn drove up to the Heaton mansion. He was filled with the giddy excitement of a man about to change his life. He knew how lucky he was to be here and that this case could potentially make or break his career. Flynn was extremely tall and so scrawny one feared he might blow over in a sudden gust of wind. Through the flaming red curtains flopping over his forehead, intense blue eyes peered out inquisitively. As the mansion came into view for the first time he was awestruck. Beyond the wrought iron gates, it stood large and handsome. It was a huge stone structure with countless windows glinting in the afternoon sun and set in acres of sprawling grounds, of which every inch was flawless. The only thing blemishing this perfect watercolour was the black and yellow police tape running the length of the building. The old rusty Ford Escort coughed and spluttered to a halt in the immaculate courtyard and with an almighty heave Flynn managed to force the door open. As he stepped out gravel crunched beneath his feet. He was dressed in a pair of old faded Marks and Sparks jeans and looking around, was suddenly painfully aware of how old and faded they really were. He was also regretting the rest of his wardrobe choice. His slightly off-white shirt had a straight out of the laundry basket look and his black leather loafers hadnt seen a dab of polish sincewell ever. Despite this, John Heaton greeted Flynn with a warm friendly handshake. The two had been at school together and even though their lives had taken extremely different paths, they had remained the best of friends. As he was being introduced to Heatons wife Claudia, the detective couldnt help but notice how much his friend had changed. A nervous and slightly awkward teenager, John Heaton had become a confident self-assured 35 year-old. He now spoke with the eloquence and poise that only a multi-billionaire could. He was dripping with expensive designer labels a far cry from the washed out tee shirts and baggy jeans of his adolescence. Money oozed out of his every pore. One thing, however, had definitely not changed. Observing the dreamy look that descended upon his face as he gazed at his wife, Flynn could tell his old chum was still a sucker for a pretty girl. And this was one pretty girl! 15 years his junior, actress Claudia Gilbert-Heaton was a blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty. Yet, as she tentatively extended her perfectly manicured hand to shake his, Detective Flynn took an instant disliking to her. Her broad smile was almost condescending and didnt reach her eyes, which were icy and distant. Im so pleased to finally meet you, she said, looking him up and down, staring pointedly at the ink stain on his shirt pocket. The disdainful look in her eyes betrayed her words and he could tell she was quite the opposite. The reason for this, he would soon discover Chapter One (3) It screamed at me. Its waving arms taunted me as they jerked up and down and the smiley face was more of a sneering face. At that moment all I wanted to do was shatter it into a thousand pieces but it was so far away and my legs were still sound asleep. I picked a rolled up sock up off the floor and with all the energy I could muster, sat up and launched it. It hit its intended destination with satisfying thud and mercifully, the screaming desisted. Putting the bright yellow, Little Miss Sunshine alarm clock so far out of reach had been a pre-emptive strike by mother against my Sunday morning lie-in. Ha, I thought, shell have to think of something better than that! I managed the beginnings of a triumphant grin before, exhausted from my exertions, I slumped onto the lumpy mattress and slid back into a peaceful slumber. Ten minutes later I heard the sprightly purposeful pounding that could only be her bounding up the stairs. She burst through the door, wearing her mechanical cheery smile. Morning love, sleep well? Why arent you up yet, I heard the alarm go off ages ago? she asked, ruffling my unruly brown curls. She then marched over to the window, with unnatural liveliness considering the time and spread the curtains wide. Oh Mum, its too bright, I mumbled in complaint, raising an arm to shield my bleary eyes from the light. She ignored me. I sometimes think you wouldnt know an early morning if it came up and bit you on the behind. Now get up, Im sure youve plenty of work to do today and we dont want you falling behind now do we? she chirped, practically, it seemed, in unison with the birds outside. I need sleep, I whined, yearning for some pity. It didnt come. You shouldnt let sleep get in the way of things. Heaven knows I dont; I cant. What would happen if I did? Nothing would get done around here thats what! she tutted and continued with renewed vigour, Goodness, look at the state of this room! Im sure youve forgotten what colour the carpet is! This is not a positive working environment. How on earth can you get anything done in here? She asked and without pausing for an answer, delved into the abyss that was my bedroom floor. She began sorting tidying and organising like an unstoppable whirlwind of efficiency, her neat blonde bob bouncing up and down. I merely lounged on the bed and watched on in amazement. Within minutes she had transformed the cluttered chaotic mess into a tidy, orderly bedroom. When she finished, she stood up, brushed some imaginary specks of dirt from her skirt and staring at my sprawled out figure, flashed me the look. Oh no, I groaned inwardly. It was the I-am-so-disappointed-you-didnt-turn-out-more-like-me look. This look was always followed by a stream of criticisms, of which most, to be fair, were usually quite accurate. I sighed and braced myself for the oncoming tirade. Literary Analysis of Story Beginning (1) When writing my own story opening, I tried to use techniques that would make the reader want to read on. For example, I described the main characters appearance in detail so that the reader would be able to form a mental picture of her. Just from the first few paragraphs, the reader knows that she is a beautiful girl with endless jet black locks and chocolate brown eyes. The effect of this is to make the reader relate to her with empathy rather than objectivity because they feel they know her. I also tried to show her personality was sweet and kind. Her clothes and shoes are powder-pink and dainty. I also mentioned that she seemed like the happy-go-lucky type. I did this so the reader would like her and be affected by anything that may happen to her. I included her full name Elizabeth Anne Johnson so that the reader would feel like they were getting a complete picture of her. However, for the rest of the opening, I referred to her as Lizzie. This created a bond between the reader and the character because she is Lizzie to her friends so the reader feels like her friend. It is written in the 3rd person narrative so the reader can get a full overview of all the events in the story. The narrative structure deviates. This creates suspense, as there is no development of the action in the first paragraph in the rest of the opening. I purposely created a huge contrast between the eerie and spooky first paragraph and the rest of the opening, which seems like an ordinary night out, by using varying degrees of character and event description. In the first paragraph I did not use any description at all and just used non-specific terms like she. This was to create mystery and apprehension. In sharp contrast to this, I fully described character and events in the rest of the story. I began with telling the reader her full name so they felt they were being formally introduced. I then went on to describe her appearance, clothes what she is doing: tonight she was wearing She had spent all night because I did none of this in the first paragraph. I did however make some links. For example, in the first paragraph, the words angel, uplifting and glowed are used. In the rest of the opening, the words Heaven, fluffy white clouds and euphoria are used. This is to create a link between the two parts of the story and establish an ongoing theme of heaven and the supernatural. I also used a sense of vulnerability to link the two main characters. With the girl in the first paragraph it is obvious. I used carefully chosen vocabulary. She willed her mouthit wouldnt obey shows that she isnt even in control of her own body. She fought to against the uplifting forcewas completely at its mercy, her mindsuccumbed to the black cloud that eventually engulfed her. Also the word succumbed is quite passive. However the vulnerability in Lizzies character is subtler. At the end, she is drawn in by the stranger and feels powerless to resist. This links Lizzie and the girl but also the angel and the stranger because they hold the power in the respective relationships. I think the links make the reader want to read on because its like giving them some pieces of a puzzle. They can see some of the picture so they read on so they can find the rest of it. To create further curiosity, the phrase especially after the letters is not explained at any point in the opening, forcing the reader to form their own opinion. The fact that she was extremely cautious especially after the letters makes the letters seem sinister and let the reader know they were a cause for concern. I used ellipsis at the end so show it is an unfinished thought and an unanswered question. I carefully chose vocabulary to foreshadow dramatic events. For example, on top of the world is a well-known phrase, which means in a position of great happiness or success. However I used the phrase perched on top of the world in my story opening. The word perched suggests instability and precariousness so implies that her happiness may be short lived. I also used the progression of time to create effect. The story begins with the girl trying to speak and then finally collapsing she willed her mouth to finish the sentence but it wouldnt obeysuccumbed to the black cloud that was threatening to engulf her and then goes to a lively vibrant scene. I did this so the scene would seem like a flashback or a dream as we know the main character is unconscious. The strobe lighting in the scene adds to the dream-like quality. I tried to create an image of the setting (the club) being beautiful and pure. I did this by calling it heaven and using description like fluffy white clouds. I then used words like heaving with bodies thundering beats and pounding when describing the people and what they are doing to create a contrast. I did this to imply that clubbing itself is innocent enough but the people make it dangerous. I used alliteration in several places for effect. drab dreary wall emphasises how dull and grey the wall in contrast dazzling white of the angel, to to make it stand out more. In bodies all bouncing to the thundering beat, the b sound is repeated to try and mirror the beat of the music. I used the phrases bottomless pools of baby blue and passive, peaceful presence because they are quite soft sounds and I wanted to make the stranger seem calm and therefore contrast with the setting, which is electric. I used a metaphor They were puppets dancing to the tune of the headphone-wearing master in the glass booth above because it emphasises the submissive nature of the clubbers and the idea of a person wielding power over someone else. The issue of power is explored in many different parts of the story. I also used repetition. The word seemed is used at the end the last paragraph. She may have seemed like the happy-go-lucky type but appearances can be deceptive and she was quite the opposite and he seemed harmless enough. This is to suggest that just because the stranger seems harmless he may be quite the opposite and to foreshadow him doing something harmful in the future. I put it in italics both times to add emphasis and draw the readers attention to it. In conclusion, I think the techniques I used were effective because there are unanswered questions right at the beginning, which are never answered and this appeals the curiosity of the reader, making them want to read on.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury Essay -- Literature Fahrenheit 451 Book

Fahrenheit 451 There appears to be some writing on the note ... Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, is a science fiction novel that discusses and shows the life of a very controlled society. The society is not allowed to read books and is punished for doing so. The books are burned at 451 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the temperature it takes book paper to burn (Bradbury 1). Although society today isn't like that as far as books are concerned, the author still shows some trends that are occurring today. Some of the characters in the novel are similar to people in today's society in the way they act towards society's views. The society in Fahrenheit 451 is similar to the society in "Those Who Walk Away From Omelas," a story by Ursula LeGuin. Although the novel and the short story have a completely different plot and narrative, the themes and moral issues are similar. The society in the novel is a very controlled society as far as values and beliefs are concerned. The government has set rules and regulations that books are not allowed and will be burned if they are being read or seen by anybody. Instead of the fire department putting out fires, they are actually the ones setting the books on fire. The beliefs are forced into people's heads by television or the radio that books are bad and should never be read. Most of the people in this society listen to whatever the government tells them and believe that books are not good and will alarm the fire department if anyone is going against the rules. The people of this society are stuck in this matrix, or belief system, and they have no choice to get out, similar to the movie "The Matrix." They have to obey all the rules of the matrix perfectly or else they will be the "outcas t" an... ... today's society are similar to some of the characters in the novel. Fahrenheit 451 can also be related to some stories in literature because of the issues and themes it discusses. Both today's society and the society in the novel have certain rules that the people in the matrices are supposed to follow but the rules in the novel are less common and their punishments tend to be stranger and harsher. Whether or not these rules and beliefs are morally right or fair is a different subject, however, it doesn't seem fair to make the laws so strict without any flexibility. When doing this, there tends to be more rebellion, which is seen in the novel Fahrenheit 451. Works Cited Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. New York: Ballantine Books, 1953 Kennedy, X. J., Dana Gioia. Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. Eight Edition. New York: Longman, 2002

Metamorphosis and Existentialism Essay

Existentialism is defined as a modern philosophical movement stressing the importance of one’s experience and accountability. Its focus is the make on the personal reflections that these make on the individual, who is seen as a free agent in a deterministic and seemingly meaningless universe. Its philosophy is meticulous that, in a nutshell, advocates a diverse arsenal of responses and solutions to the ‘existentialist attitude’; which, essentially, is what an individual feels when confronted by the absurdity of life. Throughout humanity, rumination and self-proclaimed ‘ultimate’ truths have assumed various forms: poetry, religion, and numerous other doctrines and textual works. In The Metamorphosis, Franz Kafka narrates the ramifications of a metamorphosis in which the subject and protagonist, a man named Gregor Samsa, is transformed into a bug. Despite the novella’s literary methods and influences, the most prominent being the way Kafka so nonchalantly describes such irregularity in his life, The Metamorphosis is also hailed as a prime textual work of existentialism, the previously mentioned philosophical movement. Both prior and subsequent to the transformation, Kafka portrays Gregor as a man who seems lost within himself, and lacking identity. The reminiscences of his past are neither nostalgic nor poignant: his human life is seen to revolve solely around trivial matters. His social life pays the price from this, his failure to assert a concrete and consistent existence. The extent of his lack of individuality is further exemplified by his reaction to the metamorphosis: finding himself â€Å"transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect† (Kafka, 296), he prioritizes work over all else, even in his newly equated insect form. Furthermore, he panics because â€Å"the next train went at seven o’clock; to catch that he would need to hurry like mad and his samples weren’t even packed up† (297). Gregor’s identity crisis is a device for conveying Kafka’s belief of an impersonal society where individualism is drastically mitigated as a result of excessive materialism. Gregor, in the context of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Notes from Underground analogy, would be the ‘ant’ in the anthill— thus rendering his metamorphosis ironically. Another dominant theme prevalent throughout the novella is the absurd situation Gregor is confronted by. These nonsensical happenings (296-327) reflect the world as seen from the existentialist perspective: a world absent of a rational and comprehensive objective. Jean-Paul Sartre postulated that ‘every existing thing is born without reason, prolongs itself out of weakness, and dies by chance’. This meaninglessness is precisely what Gregor is victim to in the microcosm of society that Kafka generates: Gregor flounders about, beleaguered by absurdity and helplessness, presumably because he is unaware of Nietzsche and Kierkegaard’s somewhat consoling conclusions that one must devise meaning for one’s own existence ex nihilo. Once again, Kafka utilizes a combination of plot and character to convey his angst concerning an apparently pointless existence. Freedom— or rather the lack thereof— is another existentialist tenet that Kafka addresses. Gregor is depicted as someone constrained by self-imposed burdens, the most demanding being the role as the financial pillar of the family. Despite having the freedom to repudiate this role, Gregor instead pursues it with feverish ardor to the extent that it becomes his ‘sole desire’ (310). Yet his harangue regarding his career (297-298) reveals that this is not due to personal desire, but rather the belief that he must replace his father financially, regardless of preference. Gregor’s delusion regarding an absence of choice contradicts what Kafka perceives as the truth: that freedom is ubiquitous in spite of any ethical obligations we may be expected to adhere to, and that the individual defines his or herself via one’s decisions. A quasi-motto of existentialism coined by Sartre, ‘existence precedes essence’. In conclusion, Kafka employs the fictional literary elements he constructs to address the very non-fictional, existentialist aspects of society and life. Akin to Dostoyevsky’s Notes from Underground, it can be interpreted as both a rumination and tirade against impersonal communities, restriction of freedom, and the absurdity of life.