The Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe and Confessions found In a Prison by Charles Dicken Essay Example for Free

The ensure drool gist by Edgar Allen Poe and Confessions demonstrate In a prison by Charles Dicken EssayMy essay pass on consist of the themes of the two scant(p) stories and background information on the authors who were living at the prim time, straight seen as classical writers.Edgar Allen Poe was born January 19th 1809 in Boston. He was an American short accounting writer, poet, critic, and editor. He is famous in all of these traits for his cultivation of mystery and macabre writing. The atmosphere is his tales of horror is unrivalled in American fiction. After his mother died in Richmond, in 1811, he was taken into the home of John Allan, a Richmond merchant (presumably his godfather), and his youngsterless married wo part. He was later taken to Scotland and England (1815-20), where he was given a classical education that was continued in Richmond. His gambling losses at the university incensed his guardian that he ref employ to let him continue, and Poe retur ned to Richmond to find his sweetheart, (Sarah) Elmira Royster, engaged.Poe grislye a name as a critical reviewer and espouse his young cousin Virginia Clemm, who was only 13. Poe seems to fox been an affectionate husband and son-in-law. Poe was dismissed from his job in Richmond, app atomic number 18ntly for drinking, and went to New York City. Drinking was in fact to be the bane of his behavior. To talk well in large comp any(prenominal) he needed a slight stimulant, but a glass of sherry might induct him on a spree and, although he rarely succumbed to intoxication, he was often seen in public when he did. This gave rise to the conjecture that he was a medicate addict, but according to medical testimony he had a brain lesion. His wife Virginia died in 1847.Charles devil is generally considered as one of the big(p)est writers of the Victorian Era. His work is characterised by attacks on the social evils, injustices and hypocrisy. In his early teen years he was forced to end school and work in the factory. Dickens characters such(prenominal) as Scrooge, David Copperfield and Mr Pickwick have fascinated generations of ratifiers. The author was born in Hampshire during the industrial age his father was a well-paid clerk but often cease up in financial problems. Dickens wrote for several newspapers. In 1836 he married Catherine Hogart. They had 10 electric razorren.Both short stories contain the theme of GOTHIC LITERATURE. The Goths were said, by history, to be barbarians who destroyed the classical Roman civilisation and plunged the civilised world into the centuries of ignorance called the Dark Ages. Hence the word Goth originally came from the name of the German race at odds with the Roman Empire, later a generic term for all German tribes- came to stand for Barbarous and later, what was said to be barbarous, came to be cognize as gothic. The term gothic also came to represent the medieval culture of the immense years of the Dark Ages.In Edgar Al lan Poes story The break up account Heart, the storyteller cannot see that she/he is crazy and rather maniacally tries to convince that she/he is not. You fancy me mad. Madmen know nothing. You should have seen me. You should have seen how wisely I proceeded. He gleefully recounts the skilled way he kills an old man and buries him under the floorboards. When two policemen came to the residence to investigate, the bank clerk believes that he can hear the old mans heart as yet beating, and it drives the narrator to confess the crime Villains (Narrator shrieked), dissemble no more -Here, here It is the beating of the hideous heart.Both authors have one obvious thing in common they are both male writers. They were very popular in their short story writing and became very famous. The two stories have the narrator as the insane offers. Those grampuss talk in keen detail intimately why, how, when and where they committed their evil actions. In both stories the victims were vulner able. A young child was atrociously killed in Confessions assemble In a Prison and a powerless old man was killed fiercely in The Tell Tale Heart. Both victims were vulnerable because of their age.The murder plots were both designed intelligently methodically thought out what was being undertaken in days or weeks before the episode occurred. Both authors added a great twist in the end and left the readers stunned. The police officers in The Tell Tale Heart were shocked by the killers confession part viewing where the remains was hidden he was revealing his madness in a dramatic breakd throw. The army officers in Confessions in a Prison found out where the decaying embody of the child lay simply by observing the unknown crime scene.Last of all, both murderers confessed to their compulsive, inhumane actions and paid for taking the life of an poverty-stricken person. The killers in both stories believably insane in the way they had the most ridiculous reasons to take another human life but they still had killers motives.There are many differences that make the both stories unique, such as the murderersMotives to kill. In The Tell Tale Heart the killer was haunted by the evil affection of vulture, although he still liked the man he had to get rid of the eye. In Confessions Found In a Prison the motives were all about greed because the killers wife loved his nephew as her own child and was haunted by the childs face and eyes, which reminded him of his mother, who he believed didnt like him very much.The two victims who were killed had a major contrast in age, old verses young. I think I felt more sympathy for the child being killed rather than the old man because the young child had his altogether life ahead to see and experience the world, compared to the old man who had already lived his life. I also think the killing of a child was more dreadful in the Confessions found In a Prison compared to the aged man in The Tell Tale Heart. The helpless young child was innocent, little and ticklish who even attempted to escape outside in the garden by himself. The poor child didnt have the best of childhood. Both his parents had died, and he had been put into the concern of his uncle.The murder in The Tell Tale Heart was left unidentified as to whether it was a male or a female. There were no clues or hints referring to his or her sex, which gives the story more incredulity and more mystery. As a reader I felt the narrator could only have been a man due to the horrific style of the murder. I understand that these extreme actions could have been committed by a woman, but I believe it is more potential to be a man.The assassin in the story Confession found In a Prison had a blood relationship with his victim. The killer was an uncle of the child who was his BLOOD nephew. The murderer in the story of the The Tell Tale Heart was a neighbour to the old man who we didnt really know anything about. The Tell Tale Heart takes place in the region of 7-8 days mainly during the hours of darkness at the residence of the old man.The motives of the two murderers were different and similar in finicky ways. In The Tell Tale Heart the assassin was disturbed by the evil eyes of the old man that was an image of a vulture. In Confessions found In a Prison the murderer was greedy and jealous because his wife seemed to love his nephew as her own child, the memory of his brothers wifes eyes lived in the little boys eye in particular, which he inherited.I think there is a lot of evidence as to why the murderer was completely mad in The Tell Tale Heart The narrator was simply trying so hard to convince the reader that he/she was not mad, for example but why will you say that I am mad or the line would a mad man have been so wise as this? this clearly shows that the narrator is trying to convince the reader of his sanity. The repetitiveness and the use of phrases of how a mad man should be keeps relating to themes of madness. The narrator als o uses speech, involving the readers by asking questions, e.g. Would a mad man have been so wise as this?The killer says in the first paragraph that he/she loved the old man. The killer didnt have any grudges against him, and he had never wronged the narrator. The only thing that came in the way of all of these opinions was that the narrator was haunted by the old mans eye. Such stupid, mad and negative thoughts took the life of an innocent man. The killer in Confessions Found In a Prison was a blood relative of the victim, the uncle of the child. The killer didnt really think twice about his relationship towards the boy and about the deep, deep consequences.Both murderers had plainly confessed to their repulsive deeds at the end of the short stories. Both confessed dramatically. Both murderers sat on top of their victims lifeless corpses just before they were found out. In The Tell Tale Heart the narrator was sitting on top of the floorboards just supra where the body had been plac ed. In Confessions found in a Prison the murderer sat outside in his own garden with his own officers sitting on the soil that his nephew lay beneath. Both killers end at the site of the manic crimes.In Confessions Found In A Prison when the narrator did not go forward his chair or himself, the army officers guessed that he was hiding something. Both narrators have probably flashes in their mind of what they did and what their consequences were going to be if they got caught for murdering an innocent and helpless. For example in Confessions Found In A Prison although the narrator his all the evidence and covered up the crime scene, he lived in fear of being found out that he killed his own nephew. He suffers terrible nightmares and needs to keep a constant watch over his nephews early grave.Both authors are send significant messages in their short stories, who ever takes a wrong turning life or has done something very wrong against the law will be caught and punished to pay in debt for their crime. If you murder, later your actions turn into regrets and pure nightmares, it drives you insane because you cant simply cope with a guilty conscious.The authors try to have to their readers that by taking a life of a human, the punishment given to the killer will never be enough to pay for the death of an innocent person who will never get another chance to live in this world. I believe the authors are disapproving of MURDER, in the way they ended their short stories with both killers getting caught and arrested for operating a murder offence.Edgar Allen Poe uses noise to create atmosphere in the short story and to build up suspense, for example, the hinges creaked. The reader instantly wants to discover who is behind the door. This creates more suspense and mystery with the intension of making the readers more engaged, and wanting to read further, and it leaves the reader clinging to the edge of their seats. The Tell Tale Heart is very quiet, calm and peaceful, unt il the twist at the end of the story, when death was inflicted upon the victim. A silence is always followed by action again the reader is unplowed entertained, interested and literally addicted to the suspense and the build up of the tension.Edgar Allan Poe also mentions time in The Tell Tale Heart. It helps many writers in building suspense and creating atmosphere based of the theme of the story. Time makes the story more interesting and gives a sense of repetition if certain words involving time are used atmosphere, suspense and tension are built. For example, For the whole hour I didnt move a muscle this portrays how slowly the time passed. For a minute, the heart went on with a muffled sound. The writer here engages his readers by making TIME a way of creating more atmosphere and tension the short story.Out of the two murderers I really do not think either of them deserved any sympathy, seeing as their reasons for murder were both so meaningless. I feel a tiny bit of pity for t he murderer in Confessions found in a Prison because he had had the hatred growing inside him for a long time, waiting to explode. From an early age he seemed to resent his brother and this hatred was later transferred to his innocent nephew.The killer in Confessions found in a Prison wasnt completely mad at the beginning of the story, but became so when the nephew took a role as part of his everyday life, his madness simply stretched from the point when the child was put under his care, the memory of the childs parents was there to remind him everyday of his past hatred and jealousy.The murderer in The Tell Tale Heart didnt appear to have a particular link with the victim, as we know it. The victim did him no wrong. I believe the narrator was mad, and beyond any sense of logical thought. I think he was in need of great medical help from the beginning of the story.I favoured The Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe rather than the short story Confessions found in a Prison by Charles D ickens, even though both stories stunned me completely. The author Edgar Allan Poe writes in such anger and anger about the evil eye, which was compared to a vultures eye. The account of the heart of the old man drumming in the killers mind, driving him to breakdown, gives the reader a shaky feeling while imagining the event.I think the repetition of words helped build up the suspense and tension, this also guides the reader to read further into the passage. The word mad appears in The Tell Tale Heart many times referring to the narrators insanity, this implies to the reader that the narrator is crazy, as he/she brings up this subject on many occasions and obsessively denying their own accusations, e.g. I am not mad. There are many short sentences, usually a device to build up atmosphere and suspense. Edgar Allan Poe writes in such detail about each topic, for example the Evil Eye, we as readers could feel the hate growing inside the narrator, which became very realistic.The twist at the end of this story fascinated me, and gave effectiveness to the whole story. It was intelligently written. The ending wasnt obvious, and kept you guessing to the very end. I didnt expect the killer in The Tell Tale Heart to rip up the floor boards because of all of the hard work and preparation that the killer went through to cover up the crime scene.I took a great interest In the way the narrator was portrayed at the end, when the police inspectors arrived. The killer put on an innocent and relaxed facial expression, just in-case suspicion occurred with the officers. His or her voice tones were transformed into calm, relaxing tones, and the body language is conveyed greatly by the description from the author. The body language was altered depending on the situation to avoid suspicion. The reaction at the end was unexpected, but I could sense a twist building up in the writing. The coincidental visit from the police, and the dramatic confession of the killer was very amusing for me to read.In conclusion, Although I believe that neither of the murderers deserve sympathy, I feel remote pity for both murderers, in the fact that they were mentally unstable, and the knowledge of their crime tore at them until it drove them to confess all. I believe that this does equate for a slight sympathetic vote to go to the killer who showed the most emotion, and regret. I therefore would say I felt the most sympathy for the killer in The Tell Tale Heart.

Journal on The Lost Colony Of Roanoke Essay Example for Free

Journal on The Lost Colony Of Roanoke Essay1587, twenty-four hours 1We arrived to twenty-four hours on the island of Roanoke. Queen Elizabeth of England had sent us over here to start a village in the untried world. There were near one hundred and twenty people on board that tiny vessel consisting of men, women, and children. I am very happy to make it onto land after contendd so long on the water in a crowded ship. The land is dense with forests, and the bodies of water that surround us are beautiful. John egg white has been named governor of our colony. Day 20I have been inside the huts all day taking guardianship of the children and trying to make it more like a home. Ive conversed with another one of the ladies and she told me that some of the men have ventured into the forest today looking for the lost colonists. There were many gentlemen sent over during Englands last part they were to start building a camp, but ran out of supplies so one ship returned to England whi le the rest of the men stayed here. The fifteen of them that stayed have disappeared without any clues as to what happened to them. I also heard rumors that they have made friends with the Croatoan Indians, and that they will help us with getting supplies. When they returned this afternoon they announced that their days expedition was to no avail.in short we all have to start figuring out a way to get food, we have enough to last for a long time, but in the end we will run out.Day 30The days are starting out to be the same each day. I have taken care of the children all day and cleaned this filthy shack up. Some of the men ventured out again for take to of the lost colonists, but again to no avail. Others worked all day building homes. Hopefully they will be finished soon so we can get a proper roof over our heads.John sinlessness is talking of another trip to return to England for more supplies soon.Day 100The natives have brought us food today and have taught the men what plant s are edible. We liquid are in need of supplies though and a ship will be leaving soon to collect. Our men have lost all hope of finding the 15 men who had disappeared, so groups have been on missions to find gold or some sort of precious metals to present to her majesty that the new Colonies are profitable.Day 300The ship left to go back to England months ago, and weve lost all hope of its return. We have run out of supplies, the natives are service us, but to stay at Roanoke is hopeless. Colonists have decided to start a move somewhere else. John White had organized an attack on the enemy Indians who we had heard attacked and killed our 15 men left on Roanoke, a few months back, but instead we attacked the Croatoans by accident. The Indians are not very keen on us now so we cannot rely on them for shelter and food. We have packed all our supplies left and ventured inland.The ship sent back to England didnt return to the colony for 3 years. During that time England was at war wi th Spain and couldnt afford to let one of its ships return to Roanoke with supplies no matter how much John White begged the Queen. When England had won the war in 1590, a ship was sent back with supplies for the colony. Once arrived on land, they discovered that the hundred and sixteen people had abandoned Roanoke. All that was left was the treatment Croatoan carved into a tree. The colony was never found and the ship returned to England not knowing the fate of the colonists.

Islams Problems come from within Essay Example for Free

Islams Problems come from within Essay* Criticism of propaganda type which foundation leaders try to bend the world this isnt some Islam* Rushdie argues that by giving examples how it is a) support of Bin Laden b) the Islamic together coming for the jihad c) the anti-Semitism blaming Jews for the September 11th issues etc.* Rushdie suggests a reasoning for the above written from fear of the west taking over there old-fashioned traditional way of life.* He emphasizing how it is about Islam many political movements are now guided by radical Islamic organizations such as the revolutionary Shiite of Iran or the Taliban. * Rushdie continues by introducing a zippy key point to his article. He criticizes such political groups for blaming outsiders for all the ills of Muslim societies. He then suggests that they are to accept responsibility of their problems and then they may be able to solve their problems by themselves.* Rushdie continues by showing how many Muslims are beginning to ask themselves such questions. He gives some specific examples of intellectuals of the Muslim world relating to that question.* He concludes by suggesting that the way to overcome the problem with terrorism today is by secularist-humanist principles which must be taken on by the Islam.In damage of what we have learned, we would have to say that Rushdie argument is valid. We can come to that conclusion by simply looking at his arguments Rushdie doesnt introduce new information in his conclusions relating to an argument. If the question of validity refers to the fact that Islam is the topic related to the terror attacks in September, then the argument can well be valid to a certain(prenominal) extent. However, it would morally be wrong to blame a religion for this mass murdering, as we know that generalizing that all Muslims are murders, is wrong and invalid.Although, one could argue the absolute studyity of the arguments Rushdie makes, the way he wrote them they are valid.Rush die presumably has a strong historical knowledge to support his articles arguments. However, I believe a great deal of emotions came in play epoch expressing himself. We must not forget that Rushdies experience with the Islamic, (in direct reference to the fact he was ordered to be killed by a major Islamic leader) hence a possible bias on the issue. I fully understand such a standpoint as that of Rushdie I too, when am asked to support my countries actions in regard to the Palestinian terror attacks, tend to become emotional and very protective. Therefore I understand the pressure release Rushdie experiences while expressing himself. Therefore I can also say from experience that I do not think that in such a state Rushdie would misinform to a point of absurd.

Ethics Of Human Freedom Philosophy Essay

Ethics Of Human Freedom Philosophy EssayThroughout human history, easydom has been the most serious and challenging aspiration to reach. Our forefathers fought for political exemption from the tyranny of occupiers, slaves fought for exemption and equality and women fought for freedom from their stereotypical household duties and their right to vote When asked to define what does freedom mean, large number usually have a difficult time coming up with a concrete definition. The common answer of freedom means doing whatever I want, whenever I want generates many conflicting questions. What if angiotensin-converting enzymes free actions ar harmful to others? Should he then still have the freedom to keep acting that counseling? Freedom is too abstract of an idea to be defined accurately and precisely. The notion that someone piece of ass be absolutely free is absurd. Most of the time, one souls freedom is another persons restriction.In western culture, philosophers have staked out two basic ways of call ining somewhat freedom.The older kind, associated with what is called liberal thinking focuses on the political issues (of which property rights are a subset). In this view, you are free for expressing unpopular opinions, or criticizing government officials, or afflicting to take part in government yourself, or engaging in commerce, or pretty much doing as you please, so long as you dont hurt anyone.Many influential friendly thinkers in the 19th and 20th centuries thought that political freedom was not enough and therefore created the so called progressive idea of freedom. They advocated freedom from the tyranny of necessity. In this view, a person too hungry to work, or too poor to feed his or her family, is not really free. A rich person, in contrast, seems free to do many things that a poor person is unable to do. Freedom from hunger, freedom from disease, etc. necessitate a positive right to certain authorized things, such as food, shelter, and healt h care.Freedom is the absence of restraints according to the most common usage of the word worldwide. It actually encloses the four following types1. Physical freedom the possibility for a person to go where he/she wants and do what he/she wants2. Spiritual freedom the privilege of being able to express ones thoughts or to get laid according to ones outlook3. Natural freedom the authority which enables a person to identify and to live with others of his/her people4. State freedom the talent of a person to live under a government of his/her choosing. Therefore, its undeniable that these types help clarifying the idea and the concept of freedom.Freedom is a magnificent word not totally because it covers all the abovementioned subdefinitions, but also because it represents the ultimate target of all human actions and sciences. According to Albert Einstein All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree. All these aspirations are directed toward ennobling mans life, li fting it from the sphere of mere physical existence and leading the individual towards freedom.Because of its wide range of notions, freedom, thus, is a relative experience. Few people think of freedom in very similar terms. To some, it is about political rights the right to assemble, to free speech, to participate in government (vote, run for office), etc. To others, its all about property rights to do with ones land and possessions. To others, freedom means freedom from hunger, or health fears, or other woes. To a few, freedom means total freedom to do anything in some cases limited only by other peoples freedom and in other cases limited only by the individuals will and ability to exercise power. Lets take for pillow slip the American political life, the relativism is often described in terms of Economic Freedoms (issues kindred taxation, free trade and free enterprise) and individualised Freedoms (issues like drug legalization, abortion and draft) republicans support frugal freedom more than personal freedom while democrats support personal freedom more than economic freedom.Freedom is no laughing matter since it can be really dangerous if not combined with the right kind of knowledge and with consciousness. For most of us, capital is a means to freedom if I have money, I have more freedom to do what I like. But in the pursuit of this freedom, I might forget the basic principles and limits predesigned b my conscious and get distracted by the glittering features of the means itself.At the present time, the struggle for freedom has cancelled into a sinister and melancholic path.Herein the question concerning the relativity of freedom is no longer questionable.In fact, the international political and social arena can provide us with some of the most suitable and expressive examples. For the Qaeda, freedom from the American imperialism can only be taken by force and by undertaking terrorist attacks against civilians.Unfortunately, the use of the word fr eedom has been nowadays over abused due to the lack of a deep and thorough comprehension of its true meaning. For instance the only meanings of freedom for teenagers is to go out freely, have a cool life and experience all the things that may seem ambiguous for them (drink alcohol, experience sex, try marijuana, etc)Many people claim to support freedom but the problem is that so few of them understand the true meaning of the word. Freedom is almost like everything else in this world it is what we make of it. Hereafter, the true meaning of freedom for C. Wright Mills Freedom is not merely the opportunity to do as one pleases neither is it merely the opportunity to choose between set alternatives. Freedom is, first of all, the chance to formulate the available choices, to argue over them and then, the opportunity to choose.

The Importance Of Relationships

The Importance Of RelationshipsTo check understand the argument of knowledges and their potential cause of instability in the hierarchical structure of Confucian thinking put forth by Norman Kutcher (2000), I examined three sources discussed in this paper. In his article The Confucian Concept of Man The Original Formulation, Scott Morton (1971) presents the common psyche of Confucian thought and explains the ideas and concept of man. To go into further detail, Donald Blakeleys (2008) Hearts in Agreement Zhuangzi on Dao Adept Friendship explores friendship in both philosophies and defines friendship according to the Analects giving readers a better understanding of friendship and its role in society. Finally, Arthur W. Hummels (1960) article entitle The Art of Social Relations in China emphasizes the importance of relationships in China and society, the role of relationships in one(a)s adulthood, emphasizing the importance of friendship on ones road to success once he leaves the family nest. These articles rear additional insight and understanding the function of friendships in a mans matureness and growth process, emphasizing the need and necessity and importance of friendship, overall providing a salientr and cle atomic number 18r picture of friendship and its potential effects.The Importance of Relationships Its roles and ResponsibilitiesUpon reading Norman Kutchers (2000) article on friendships titled, The Fifth Relationship Dangerous Friendships in the Confucian Context, I was left field with several questions. In Kutchers (2000) article, friendship was defined and separated from the other relationships because of its uniqueness of its members and nature. He argues that friendship is an unstable relationship that could potentially upset the power structure in state and family relations (the other four relationships). However, his argument left me with several questions about the topic. I wanted to be better understand the role of the individua list and the concept of man in Confucian thought to see how this related to relationships and human conduct in these relationships. I also wanted to comprehend and severely grind the ideas of relationships and friendships, in position, its definition in Confucian terms. In addition, I also wanted to comprehend, in depth the importance of relationships in the growth and maturity of a man, whether friendship was something that was actually needed and required or just something voluntary as Kutcher (2000) argued in his essay. These concerns led me to research on the history of Confucian thought, the concepts and its beliefs on relationships, and the importance and role friendships played on growth and maturity. Through my research, I came across the sideline three academic sources.The first article is titled The Confucian Concept of Man the original formulation about the formulation of man and the concept of man in Confucian thought by Scott Morton (1971). Morton begins by introduc ing the beginning of Chinese philosophy and their interest in the creation of an ethical framework for human conduct. In Chinese philosophy, especially Confucianism, it is difficult to differentiate mingled with philosophy and ethics.The first question that Morton (1971) wants to answer is how Confucius views man. The first concept is that Man is always considered as Man living inside of society. People ar individuals, nevertheless all individuals live in societies and relationships these societies, communities, whatever you want to call them exist in a network of duties, obligations, and rights (Morton, 1971). Secondly, there is also a stated hierarchy in Confucian thought as men in society are divided into two groups, the rulers and the ruled. And finally, probably Confucius most nonable contribution to Confucian thought, is the idea of Chun Tzu or overlord. The noble man is born noble and this is shown through his actions.Morton (1971) continues to define moral character and the nobleman. Using translations mainly from Legge and Waley, Morton (1971) suggests six groups of characteristics and moral qualities that are authorised to the nobleman. The first is his solving and firmness. The nobleman essential be firm and decided. He is proud but not quarrelsome. He does not quit or give up on the right or the good way. The certify group of moral characteristics consists of mildness, modesty, and humility. In third place is a well-balanced character. This refers to not only a perfection of delicately balancing all previously mentioned moral characteristics but also refers to his human life and relationship as a whole, reciprocity. What one man does not want done to him, he must not do to others. He knows what to do and when to do it, his style and mannerisms are very important in this balance of moral characteristics. The fourth is faithfulness the humankind must be one in whom others can trust. The fifth characteristic of the gentleman is his ability to admit to fault and imperfections. If he knows his mistake, he can correct it and perfect himself if a man lacks this characteristic, he will become the inferior man. Finally, the sixth and last moral characteristic is independence. What the Analects mean by this is not his ability to be independent, but his ability to be separate and have general moral qualifications, not a specialist or a tool trained for a specific purpose. The nobleman is one who is fit and able to do anything.According to Morton (1971), the man who is in the relationship must not only follow the rules and obligations of being in a specific relationship, but he must also be a nobleman in all cases. He must have the ability to determine and differentiate between the right and the wrong, and with resolution follow his path down the Good way. Every man has an important role to play, and depending on his situation, he should know the style with which he should perform in each.Though this article does not directly discuss relationships and Confucian thought on friendship, Morton (1971) helps to shed light on the philosophies of Confucian thought, in quiticular Mortons (1971) outline on human conduct and the nobleman according to the Analects, and provides significant background information to help better understand the ideas put forth by Kutcher (2000). Mortons (1971) particular digest and detail about the nobleman adds to Kutchers (2000) argument about friendship because it details the priorities about a man and the way he should act towards his rulers, his family, and his friends. This helps me to essay the argument because I can better analyze and critique Kutchers (2000) argument.The second article is titled Hearts in Agreemtn Zhuangzi on Dao Adept Friendship by Donald N. Blakeley (2008). This article by Donald Blakeley (2008) begins with an introduction to friendship in the Daodejing and thence continues to compare this thought to the friendship defined in the Analects in Confucian thought. An understanding of friendships and how they are viewed in detail will help us better understand Kutchers (2000) suggestion of friendship and how it connects and plays a role in hierarchy in Confucian China. Blakeley defines friendship (which is taken from the Daodejing) as a relationship where one accepts and recognizes the other and his qualifications people who are friends often share skills and expertise, and often times interchangeable thoughts and values.Throughout the article, Blakeley (2008) defines friendship and analyzes it from a Daoist perspective. It is not until later in the article that Blakeley observes friendship in the terms of Confucianism and Ren. According to Blakeley (2008), priority resides in cultivating the fullness of a virtuous life as defined by proper understanding of the cultural values of the past (Blakeley 2008, p. 330). A ren person is cultivated and guided by ceremony and rituals, li. This li is then grounded in dao, or the way, of relati onships and society which all operate under Heaven. In terms of friendships, the Analects and the Mencius advise that friendships have the following traits. The first is that the relationships must be based on a particular value and similar perspectives. Befriend only the right persons and Cultivate friendship with the good. The second is that friendship requires trust and sincerity, faithfulness and honesty. Good friends are ones that are devoted to virtuous living, exemplary persons or sages. The third characteristic is that friendships must work and sweep up the wider contexts of human existence (such as family, political, government, ruler-ruled settings). This relationship must work within the grand matrix of the world. The fourth is that friendships are voluntary. The fifth is that friendships are equal (otherwise, it would cash in ones chips with another of the five relationships). The sixth characteristic of friendships is that they are based on mutual respect and reciproc ity, which also falls within the action and behavior of the nobleman in the aforementioned article by Morton (1971). Finally, friendship is conditional. This is a relationship meant to enhance all other human relations and roles. If a friendship mistakenly affects your ability to perform your duties and obligations in another relationship, this would not be a good friendship and should be ended.Blakeley (2008) explores friendships in Chinese philosophy beginning with the Zhuangzi and then comparing that to the Analects. Through this analysis, we are able to better understand the context of friendship and how it is defined in the books and the philosophies of Confucius and other Chinese thought. By gaining an improved hang in on friendships in this context, will be able to have a more encompassing evaluation of Kutchers (2000) argument.The finally article that will be taken into consideration upon evaluation of Kutchers (2000) article is Artuher W. Hummels (1960) titled The Art of S ocial Relations in China. The Chinese believed that life was about relationships, and how one managed those relationships would determine his success in society. There were a total of five relationships the relationship of the ruler and the ruled, the father and son, the elder and younger brothers, husband and wife, and friend and friend. In every relationship, there are obligations and duties, there are also right and privileges granted by one or the other in that relationship. Hummel (1960) then begins to discuss and introduce Mencius and Confucius philosophy on man and their natural goodness. Through this goodness is virtue, and the gentleman is one who is able to share and give virtue and goodness to all. Hummel (1960) then also discusses the Confucian gentleman. The Confucian gentleman is one who has manners and is style and proper he knows the situation and understands the accurate manners and performance in each. Human conduct, thus, became a large part of Confucian thought a nd consequently, Chinese thought. In his article Hummel (1960) states that is a mistake to think of Confucian ethics as a code, rule, or law. Instead, they are stainless suggestions and persuasions, techniques used and highly prized in the Confucian world. Suggestion is the power to share and allow others to discover ideas almost by themselves. The gentleman and the loved man is one who is humble and large-minded. It is the ability to overlook small failings and care about the more important things and more significant things it is the ability to differentiate between the small and the large things in life.In this article, we are given a bigger and greater practical view on how relationships are managed and should be managed according to Confucian thought. Friendships, specifically, should be looked at to help develop and cultivate virtue. According to Hummel (1960), one must be able to relate to those with virtue, and be able to maintain friendships throughout ones life. It is imp ortant to surround yourself with those who are better able to help you in the case of something happening. The Chinese place great importance on friendships because it is through friendships that one is better able to advance. The man who grows up and becomes a self-made man will be a lonely man in the event of some underprivileged events, he will still be alone, with no one to help him along the way.Understanding friendships through Hummels (1960) analysis helps better evaluate Kutchers (2000) assumptions about friendship and the importance and need of friendship in a persons maturity, according to Confucian thought. This idea complements Blakeleys (2008) analysis of friendship based on Confucian texts such as the Analects. Blakeleys more detailed analysis on friendship thus helps us better understand friendship and its roles in society and to the individual in their maturity and growth. Finally, both of these contribute to a better understanding of Confucian thought presented by Morton (1971). Mortons (1971) presentation on Confucian thought and values, along with Blakeleys detailed analysis of friendship based on Confucian texts, together with the concept that relationships are the most important aspect according to Confucian thought allows us to grasp and better evaluate Kutchers (2000) argument on friendship and its role and effects in society and its members.

Challenges Faced By The Nomura Securities

Challenges Faced By The Nomura SecuritiesNomura Securities was founded in 1925 by Tokushichi Nomura II and it was the archetypical Nipp unmatchablese securities company to install an office outside Japan in 1927. Nomura Securities Co. Ltd is a subsidiary of Nomura Holdings. Inc, a Nipponese financial holding company. Nomura Securities is the leading Brokerage house and Investment camber in Japan and causes equity and immovable-income trading, underwriting of stock and bond issues, MA advisory services. Until October 2008, most of Nomuras operations were mainly restricted within Japan and having made a number of unsuccessful attempts to expand into other key markets, the acquisition of Lehman proved to be a watershed deal. In order to expand its operations globally Nomura took over the Asian, European and Middle Eastern (EMEA) operations of Lehman brothers, an American coronation bank after it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Barclays took over Lehman brothers North American O perations. The acquisition of Lehman Brothers is anticipate to help Nomura reach its goal of becoming one of the top five free-living successful global investment banks.Before the acquisition of the Lehman businesses Nomura had an 18,000 virile manpower although a large part were establish out of Japan, and greater than 90 % of its revenue from its local operations. After the acquisition, it retained over 8,000 former Lehman staff which meant Nomura had a difficult task in hand to integrate two very contrary corporate cultures. The union was termed as marriage of Tokyo and Wall street.(FT.com, 2008) This was the head start time when such a union had been attempted in the investment banking arna. The firm is still in its cultural transitional phase and its trying its silk hat to overcome its teething problems.1.2 OperationsNomuras operations ar divided into three regions-Asia-Pacific including Japan and India- Regional headquarter is in Hong Kong. Its operations be spread a cross 12 countries in the region.Americas- Regional headquarter is in New York. It operates from 6 strategically located offices in North and South America.Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Regional headquarter is in London. The operations argon spread across 18 countries in the region.The banks global headquarters is in Tokyo, Japan. All of Nomuras business lines are coordinated globally and the regional heads enunciate to their Tokyo-based business heads.Source http//www.nomuraholdings.com/investor/summary/financial/data/2009_2q_leh.pdfhttp//www.nomuraholdings.com/investor/library/ar/2009/pdf/ar_all.pdf1. 2 VisionIts immense term vision is to become the top independent global investment bank.Source http//www.nomura.com/europe/about_nomura/index.shtmlExpansion of operations could render a firms organisational structure to become to a greater extent than complex as decision make takes to a greater extent time. In order to make the decision making process faster and effecti ve Nomura decided to reaffirm its matrix management style of organisation. Nomuras nuzzle to decision making is quite centralised. Centralization means that the responsibility of making decisions is limited to those at the top of the organisations hierarchy. (Gordon, Pg 403)Decision making at Nomura is top d feature which consists of the oldtimer Executive Officer (CEO) on the top followed by the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and then five CEOs for each of its business division. The CEOs of business divisions are accountable for all the decision making of their division taking into consideration the management determine adopted by the Nomura group as a whole. All these heads are based in Japan. To oversee the companys European operations theres also a European Regional Head.2.1 Matrix StructureMatrix structure is an integration of a Functional and a Market Oriented structure. Functional structure groups people according to their skill set. It allows division of labour as special isation which makes the organisation more effective. On the other hand in a Market Oriented structure employees are separate according to product, project, client or geographical area. A Matrix structure team has two heads i.e. one being the functional head and other a regional head. Matrix structure helps in tractableness of employees as per the changing needs of the organisation. It also aids in prompt decision making and brings about diversity in skills and ideas.At Nomura, employees are grouped according to their expertise in various functional lines as well as relative experience in client servicing. The Lehman acquisition although brought in strong operational diversity and better branding the resultant organisational structure was mammoth and complex an HR nightmare possibly.Nomuras post-Lehman operational structure looks more diversified twain from a product whirl as well as a geographical stand-point Nomura has three reportable geographic segments with a stronger talen t pool and a broader franchise i.e. Asia-Pacific, Americas and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). It has appointed CEOs every business division stationed in Tokyo with every region having a regional head as well as a regional divisional head.3. Organisation CultureOrganisation Culture is defined as a set of shared values and beliefs that interact with an organizations people, structure, and governing bodys to produce behavioural norms. (Harvey Brown, Pg 69) Every organisation has a unique culture. Nomura traditionally has been a conservative investor and largely risk-averse which seemed poles apart from the usual wall-street philosophy. The distinctions between Nomuras Japanese and American Corporate cultures are cited belowEmployment Tenure- Employees in Japan are more likely married to their firms with most firms expecting to retain talent by dint of long-term employment schemes. American firms, on the other hand support their eyes firmly set on profitability and return.Pro motions- In Japan promotions are based on age and seniority whereas in America promotions are based more on performance.Payroll- Japanese Companies usually pay their employees a fixed salary with low or very little bonus whereas American firms have fixed salaries and employee bonuses are decided according to their performance.Decision Making- In Japanese companies decision making is top down whereas in American style companies managers have more delegation and authority. Therefore decision making in American firms is prompt.Attitude towards risk- Japanese are risk averse whereas Americans are more aggressive.Work Culture- Japanese work culture is very stiff in equipment casualty of dress code and punctuality to work whereas American culture is more flexible.Nomura hired 8,000 former Lehman employees. In order to keep the Lehman operations running Nomura had an rising task of retaining Lehmans employees which meant it needed to permute its organisation culture.Source http//globali zation.suite101.com/article.cfm/japanese_corporate_culture4. SWOT AnalysisStrengths- Lehman had a strong position in Europe and it had well developed IT and RD platforms. It feature high velocity trade machines. Lehman was very expeditious and was one of the best in the markets aided by a very skilled work potency which gave Lehman a competitive edge. 95% of Lehmans employees accepted job offers given by Nomura. It is imperative for Nomura to effectively utilize the skill set and knowledge base in order to enhance its business prospects and also achieve economies of scale by resource integration.Weakness- Nomura needed to protect its human capital resulting in high employee cost right at the outset very much in line with Lehman tradition of keeping up higher(prenominal) pay outs. Nomura also needed to physical body its client franchise from scratch given its lack of presence in the EMEA region and also battle a growing reluctance from clients to trade with a relatively fresh and un-proven broker-dealer. It also initially suffered the baggage of the Lehman bankruptcy, which made it extremely difficult to convince clients and regulators as well as to its viability as a response counterparty.Opportunities- One could say that the recent credit crisis provided Nomura with a unique prospect of re-inventing itself. Additionally Nomuras traditional Asian advantage enabled it to push its franchise far more aggressively having added talent from Lehman. Nomura currently has a sound platform to launch a strong client-focussed business. Joint operations testament create synergies and generate higher revenues as Nomura can be cost effective in running combined operations. It has a diverse set of services as well as workforce which can help them specialise in niche markets as well as create innovative products in investment banking.Threats- Market conditions are currently volatile across Europe patch recovery in the Americas has been painfully gradual. Nomura continue s to sustain high operational costs. Although Nomura is desperately trying to mould itself into a global player the inherent cultural clash remains, which could de-motivating for the employees.Source http//n.ethz.ch/student/rebibr/projects/Lehman-Nomura.pdf5. Organisational ChangeOrganisations have to change in order to stay competitive. Changes in an organisations surroundings in terms of competition, new clients and diversity in workforce force an organisation to make changes to its culture. However these changes are significant to Nomuras goal to become a world-class investment bank. Organisational change represents any alteration to existing cultural fabric of an organisation. It happens when a company is growing and going through evolution in terms strategy. Nomura is adopting a behavioural approach to change i.e. its a planned change and it improves communication, group behaviour, leadership skills, and power relations by changing employees knowledge, skills, interactions an d attitudes as well as the organisational culture.(Gordon, Pg.460) The Organisational change was done in four Phases-Create SynergiesPromote efficiencyStart Joint OperationsEx- Lehman staffJoin Nomura strain 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3 PHASE 4Phase 1-Retain Lehman employees in order to smoothly run the acquired business.Phase 2- Integrate base as Nomura took over Lehmans Information Technology (IT) platform and Global Services in India.Phase 3- Making confident(predicate) that the combined infrastructure and Operations are running efficiently.Phase 4- Joint operations will create synergies and generate high revenues.Source http//www.nomuraholdings.com/investor/summary/financial/data/2009_2q_leh.pdf5.1Changes in NomuraCompensation Structure- Nomura is pursuit to follow Lehmans compensation structure of paying high performance bonus of its employees in line with global investment banking standards. Although Nomuras old employees were given a resource to choose Lehmans compensation structure of low basic pay and high performance bonuses. Over half of their old staff chose the Western compensation system which is very different from the traditional Japanese pay structure.Job Security- Earlier Nomuras employees had a better job security although compensation levels were average and very different from the Wall Street philosophy. With the current structure the employees would be offered performance-based bonuses and higher total compensation although the job security would be relatively absent.Complex Matrix- It has adopted a complex Matrix type of organisation structure to achieve flexibility and prompt decision making.Decision Making- Regional and Divisional managers are given more delegation. Traditionally decisions were taken in groups.Managerial Changes- Traditionally most of the senior managerial positions were handled by Japanese but recently three non Japanese Managing Directors have been appointed who are ex Lehman staff.Changes in Job Scope- In the past position s were decided according to age and seniority and now more emphasis is based on the skill set of the employees and their performance.The takeover of Lehman by Nomura looks like a reverse takeover as Nomura is trying to follow Lehmans Organisation cultures rather than super-imposing its own culture. This is because it realises the value of the ex Lehman staff as they can give them a competitive edge over other investment banks. Therefore its making sure that the ex Lehman staff is satisfied working at Nomura so that they can perform well and stay in the job. Another reason for adopting these changes could be that in the past Nomura had made some failed attempts to expand its business operations outside Japan.5.2 The Change ProcessThe change process of Nomura could be explained with the help of Kurt Lewin Model. The model describes the change process in three stages which are as follows-1. Unfreezing- Creating awareness of a need for change and create the right environment for change. Giving old Nomuras employees an pickaxe to change their compensation structure is a method of unfreezing as its older employees realise that their counterparts from Lehman will be earning higher. This could have put pressure on Nomuras employees to perform according to Lehmans expectations and thus forcing them to change to the new culture.2. Change- Making the change. In Nomura this was done through changing its management structure, educating employees and motivating them to work together as a team. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Nomura, Mr. Takumi Shibata acknowledged that there were cultural differences in integrating the two companies but they were focused to work as one team, one firm.3. Refreezing- A firm has to cement the change and make it its organisation culture. In Nomuras case, they are still undergoing change as the takeover took place only a year and half back. However the progress so far achieved has been no less spectacular given the hard line differences an d size of operation.Source http//www.mansis.com/freeze.htmNomura yearbook Report 20096. Organisational Development TechniquesOrganization development is a system-wide application of behavioural science knowledge to the planned development and reinforcement of organizational strategies, structures, and processes for improving an organizations effectiveness.(Cummings and Worley, Pg 2)Nomura believes in upgrading the skills of its employees through its employee development programmes. This is done so that an employees potential could be maximised at work. Employees are given authority to demonstrate their skills, abilities and they are evaluated on the basis of their performance. In order to enrich the careers of its employees Nomura initiated comprehensive education and training programmes. In 2006, it launched a Happy career and life project which aimed to help its employees maximise their potential.Nomura initiated training in global business etiquette in seven of its offices world wide including Japan so that the employees could regard the differences in culture and background. This was done to increase responsiveness among its employees so that they understand the importance of building relationship with customers and fellow employees. In 2008, Nomura established Diversity and Inclusion offices in Europe and Asia Pacific. Diversity and inclusion is about respecting human rights and offering equal opportunities within organizations regardless of gender, age, race, faith, or values and harnessing peoples talent.(Nomura Holdings Website) This programme was introduced to unleash employee potential and capitalize on value. Under this Nomuras Human Resource department will analyse the HR processes such as promotion, recruitment and performance management so that their diverse workforce is well managed. In order to prevent discrimination based on age, race and gender Nomura organised 29 training sessions and over 14,000 employees attended the training. Nomura has also created support systems for its female employees in terms of proving more childcare leave and offering assistance with the day care expenses of infants.Source http//www.nomuraholdings.com/csr/stakeholder/employee/diversity.htmlhttp//www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/pm/articles/2010/04/investment-bank-nomura-launches- multi-strand-equality-strategy.htm7. ConclusionNomuras long term aim is to become a humanity class investment bank. After the acquisition, Nomura has achieved market gains in Asia (excluding Japan) and Europe. They are aggressively building business in the US market. Nomuras revenue from markets outside Japan has change magnitude significantly after the acquisition of Lehman Brothers operations in Europe and Asia. Net revenue from its Asia and Europe divisions surpassed Japan in two of the four quarters for the first time. Clearly the integration has benefited Nomura as its revenue from its overseas operations has increased significantly. The Acquisition has generated immense synergies and its helping Nomura to achieve its goal of becoming a worldly concern Class Investment Bank. The two firms complement each other in terms of products, geographical locations and customers. Till now the acquisition has proved to be a good one but in the long run Nomura will have to address to a lot of challenges in terms of culture while maintaining balance between American and Japanese culture to keep its new as well as its old employees satisfied. It was easy for Nomura to retain ex Lehman employees as when the takeover took place as the market conditions were bad but once the market conditions stabilise employees might look for greener pastures. Therefore, Nomura has to a task of retaining its employees in the long run as employees are its biggest assets.Sourcehttp//www.financeasia.com/News/174347,nomuras-emergence-as-a-global-investment-bank.aspx?refresh=on8. RecommendationsMost of the success stories on Wall Street have been of firms following a singular c ultural philosophy across their businesses. Although the sweeping changes at Nomura have been largely well received by its employees, the company is a long behavior from realising its potential in the market-place.It needs to inculcate the performance-based compensation spirit amongst its Japanese employees while at the same time relying on Japanese practical experience of conservatism. Also behavioural changes in terms of better group dynamics, equal-opportunities irrespective of race, sex and age should be inculcated given the largely male dominated Japanese society.Nomura should take the culture change slowly as it has to keep its employees in Japan in high spirits. They might feel less motivated and return that new employees are more important to the company.Rather than the top management deciding how to change the organisation culture the decision should be taken together with involving all its employees.Nomura should not get too carried away by the increase in revenues in overseas markets. It has to make sure that the upward trend in revenue generation continues without any holdups.Nomura should not get too Americanized in terms of risk adverse attitude. American banking approach allows managers to take risks which can be very disastrous. It should follow a mixture of Japanese risk averse and American risk adverse attitude in other to run the operations successfully without any turbulence in these volatile economic conditions.Lastly, there should be team building activities in which new and old employees should play an active part. Both old and new employees should work together as a team in order to make Nomura a successful global investment bank.

Mechanical Energy :: essays research papers fc

Have you everwondered how a jet aircraft turn backs its tremendousweight off the ground, or what gives a runner thestamina to reach the finish line in a race? In orderto answer all these questions we must gibber aboutthe transformation of one sort of energy intoa nonher. The jet aircraft gets its power from jetturbines. These powerful jet engines create ahigh-pressure stream of real hot gases that pushthe aircraft forward as they leave the engine. Thisis an example of heat being transformed intomovement. This is sometimes described asMechanical Energy. However, this transformationcould not take place without the fuel that theaircraft gets within its wings or fuselage. Fuel isconsidered a chemical energy. This diagram showshow the jet engine acts as energy to lift the aircraftoff the surface of earth. Fuel can take the form ofgases, solids or liquids. When fuels combine withoxygen from the air, they release their storedenergy as heat. We recognize this process asburning. The indi vidual relies on food for fuelwhich contains energy-giving substances that ourbodies can store until we need this energy to useour muscles. When we do use our muscles withinus, we may not unendingly be sure that heat is givenoff. Our bodies do not burst into flames but theperspiration on our skin is a clue to what ishappening. The movement of the windsurfer has adifferent explanation. The windsurfer is propelledalong by a sail which collects mechanical energyfrom the winds that sweep along the water. Thisenergy has been produced by the sun whichwarms the earths surface and sets the air preceding(prenominal) inmotion. The suns heat comes to the earth as aform of radiant energy. When the heat reaches thesurface of the earth, it causes the land or seas torise in temperature. The sun is actually hot. Infact, thecenter of the sun can reach temperatures of up to27 million degrees Fahrenheit. This is because ofanother kind of energy reaction where newsubstances are continually being cre ated as othersare being destroyed. This reaction is known to usas the Nuclear Reaction. Today we are trying toimitate this reaction in better our energysupply. Scientists have calculated that the sun hasenough fuel to go on producing energy at itspresent rate for about five meg years. On earth