To what extent do companies benefit Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

To what extent do companies benefit - Essay Example Such actions suggest that corporations will increasingly be held accountable for activity of concern to multiple stakeholder groups. As a result there will likely be a renewed interest in identifying the dimensions and consequences of corporate social responsibilities. Cameron has suggested that multiple perspectives of organizational effectiveness exist and that "consensus regarding the best, or sufficient, set of indicators of effectiveness is impossible to obtain" (1986: 541). The same arguments can be made regarding social performance as a specific aspect of overall corporate performance. Social responsibility continues to be a poorly defined as well as difficult to measure concept. There appears to be no real agreement as to what constitutes social performance. What is indicated, however, is the need to apply measures which address multiple criteria of social performance. This study attempts to specify the underlying dimensions of a multiple measure of corporate social responsibility and investigate the relationship between corporate social performance and multiple measures of financial performance. For the purposes of this study, corporate social performance represents a measure of a firm's attentiveness to multiple stakeholder groups. ... This perspective generally cast corporate activity as a zero-sum game. Whatever resources were expended in the interests of social responsibility came at the expense of shareholders (Wartick and Cochran, 1985). The interests of shareholders and other stakeholders were defined implicitly as conflicting and mutually exclusive. Many criticisms have been leveled at this perspective and it seems safe to conclude that corporations are no longer viewed, even theoretically, as solely economic institutions (Sharfman, 1992). At a very minimum, there appears to be a consensus that firms serve multiple constituencies and stakeholder groups whose memberships are overlapping and whose interests are interdependent (Aram, 1989; Freeman, 1984; Nash, 1990). An understanding of such relationships and an attendant concern for the interests of all stakeholder groups may force firms to act in a socially responsible way regardless of their motivation (Sen, 1993). Out of these perspectives come varied hypotheses regarding the relationship between social responsibility and corporate economic performance. When corporations are viewed as economic institutions, a negative relationship between social responsibility and profitability is assumed (Ullmann, 1985). The opposing hypothesis suggests a positive relationship between social responsibility and performance. Proponents of this perspective argue that socially concerned management is likely to also possess the skills necessary to achieve superior financial performance (Alexander and Buchholz, 1978; Metzger et al., 1993). A final perspective hypothesizes an inverted U-shaped correlation between social and economic performance. To an

Marketing home work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Marketing home work - Essay Example In a highly competitive environment of cut throat business, creating and keeping customers therefore becomes vital ingredient of the market strategy of the firms. Saxonville Sausages is a prime example of how brand strategies were used to position their product in the market. They had targeted family and homemakers who relished home cooked food. The advertisements showed women using Saxonville sausages to make different dishes and enjoying it with family. Thus it was able to create a niche market position. Through right positioning, it was able to revive its declining profits (Mullins & Walker, 2009). Mountain Man brewery case, on the other hand emphasizes the need for new product to meet the challenges of time. Mountain Man is established brand of lager with regional specialty that primarily caters to the niche market of coal miners. Its brand equity is associated with long history of coal mining and has a loyal customer base which now is elderly populace. The new light beer would meet the tastes of young generation but fears that it could threaten its brand equity. But this is a risk which the firm must take to maintain its competitive advantage in the industry. Market research is intrinsic part of business strategy that is used to identify and analyze changing customers’ requirements which the firms meet through new product development or value addition (Vandermerwe, 2004; McKenna, 1991). The buying behavior and surveys are important tools for qualitative and quantitative analysis that help deintify the changing trend of the consumers. For example, qualitative study would show that coke is a favorite drink but diet coke is preferred more because of its low calorie. On the other hand, quantitative research would indicate that coke is more popular than Pepsi. Various firms like Redbull, Reebok, Nike have used market research to identify their requirement that was used for new product

Diabetic With Exertional Dyspnea and Anasarca: Case Study

Diabetic With Exertional Dyspnea and Anasarca: Case Study A fifty year old gentleman, a known diabetic and hypertensive presented with exertional dyspnea and fluid overload. He was detected to have renal failure and associated evidence of cardiac disease, cardiorenal syndrome Type 4. He improved with decongestive therapy and conservative management. In view of the presence of microvascular complications of diabetes, he was diagnosed as diabetic nephropathy stage 5 and initiated on maintenance haemodialysis. The approach to diabetics with renal involvement and the issues in their management is discussed. Case summary A fifty year old gentleman a known diabetic and hypertensive for eight years presented with exertional dyspnea of one month duration. Dyspnoea on exertion had been progressively worsening for one month with orthopnea for one day. He complained of cough accompanied with  ½ a cup per day of mucoid non foul smelling, non blood stained sputum for last one month. He complained of swelling feet with worsening of dyspnoea for last four days. No h/o chest pain, PND, syncope, wheeze or fever. He was a chronic smoker (25 pack yrs) and a reformed alcohol consumer 240 gms/day for 15yrs. What would be your analysis of symptoms? The exertional dyspnea is suggestive of cardiovascular system involvement. In a diabetic, hypertensive and chronic smoker, coronary artery disease or hypertensive heart disease would be common possibilities. Cough with wheeze in a smoker could be COPD in exacerbation with cor pulmonale accounting for the exertional dyspnea and swelling feet, however orthopnea, a sign of left sided cardiac involvement would be uncommon. Additionally, the duration of cough is too short to qualify for COPD. Infective causes of cough like tuberculosis need to be excluded although they cannot account for all symptoms. He also complained of decreased urine output and puffiness of face for last four days. There is no history of altered behaviour, haematuria, smoky urine, nocturia, dysuria, hesitancy or precipitancy. Two years ago patient during evaluation prior to surgery for prolapsed disc was found a creatinine of 1.5mg%. Does the differential diagnosis change in the light of the additional information? The complaints of oliguria and puffiness of face suggests renal failure with fluid overload state. It is common for Type 2 diabetics, especially with accompanying hypertension to present with early renal involvement. Therefore, although the duration of diabetes is only eight years, the cause of renal failure could still be diabetic nephropathy. The presence of renal involvement two years ago is a clue to the chronic nature of renal involvement. An acute on chronic renal failure due to respiratory tract infection could account for the sudden worsening over one month. On examination, pulse 84 / min, regular, BP 190/110 mm Hg, respiratory rate 28/min, thoraco abdominal , JVP 8 cm above sternal angle, Facial puffiness, pallor and pitting edema in upper and lower limbs noted. Trophic skin changes in lower limb were present. No asterixis, Icterus, clubbing, cyanosis or lymphadenopathy seen. Respiratory system examination revealed extensive wheeze and coarse crackles. The heart sounds were normal with no pericardial rub. Liver was enlarged, span 15cm,soft, nontender and ascites was not elicitable. Fundoscopy revealed early nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. Rest of neurological examination was normal. What is your analysis with the given clinical findings? The patient has anasarca with pallor and hypertension. The presence of diabetic retinopathy also suggests microvascular complications have set in. Diabetic nephropathy with fluid overload state can explain most of the signs and symptoms. An associated cardiac disease like coronary artery disease may be present. Diastolic heart failure is common accompaniment that may be contributing the signs of right heart failure. Cardiac asthma can account for the new onset wheeze in a diabetic. Diabetic nephropathy with a possible cardiac pathology, cardiorenal syndrome is the most likely diagnosis. What is cardiorenal syndrome? Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a pathophysiologic entity involving the heart and kidneys where acute or chronic dysfunction of one organ may result in acute or chronic dysfunction of the other. CRS Type 1 reflects an abrupt worsening of cardiac function as is seen in acute cardiogenic shock or in a patient of congestive heart failure who has decompensated leading to acute kidney injury. CRS Type 2 comprises the group of patient with chronic congestive heart failure resulting in progressive chronic renal failure. CRS Type 3 consists of an abrupt worsening of kidney function (e.g., acute renal failure or glomerulonephritis) causing acute cardiac dysfunction (e.g., arrhythmia, ischemia, heart failure). CRS Type 4 refers to a state of chronic kidney disease (e.g., chronic interstitial nephritis, chronic glomerulonephritis) contributing to left ventricular hypertrophy and poor cardiac function. CRS Type 5 reflects a systemic condition like sepsis resulting in simultaneous cardiac and renal dysfunction. Our patient seems to have Cardiorenal syndrome Type 4. The biochemical parameters, ECG and echocardiography will be needed to make a firm diagnosis. Investigations revealed Hb 10.5g/dl, TLC 13300/cumm, DLC P91L7, platelets 2.78lac/cumm, Urine albumin 4+, granular casts+, blood urea 89mg/dL, serum creatinine 5.8mg/dL, serum Na 115mmol/L, serum K 3.1mmol/L, blood sugar fasting 102mg/dL, postprandial 156mg/dL,HbA1C 6.6%, serum bilirubin 0.5mg/dL, calcium 8.4mg/dL, phosphate 3.2mg/dL, iPTH 6.9pg/ml, CKMB 19mg/dL, serum iron 48  µg /dL, serum TIBC 243 µg/dL, transferrin saturation 19.7%, HBsAg negative, Anti HCV Negative, HIV Negative. Ultrasound revealed medical renal Disease with bilateral renal cysts, size of right kidney 8.5 cms left kidney 9.5 cms. Chest radiograph showed cardiomegaly with prominent hilar markings. ECG showed T wave inversion in I, aVL,V4- V6 suggestive of strain pattern and left ventricular hypertrophy by voltage criteria. 2-D ECHO showed concentric LVH, No RWMA, EF 0.65,diastolic dysfunction, trivial TR and no AS/AR. Could this patient have nondiabetic renal disease? Is there an indication for kidney biopsy to confirm renal diagnosis in this patient? In a diabetic with kidney disease, it would be presumed that the proteinuria and azotemia is due to diabetic nephropathy especially if there is associated retinopathy and normal sized kidneys. There is no necessity to perform a kidney biopsy to confirm diabetic nephropathy as it would make no difference in the management. However, a diabetic is also prone to other nondiabetic renal diseases as in the general population that may need histopathological examination and warrant specific therapy. The clues that the renal failure is due to nondiabetic renal disease requiring a biopsy are summarised. Asymmetric kidneys or small sized kidneys are also clues to a nondiabetic renal disease but donot warrant biopsy. Our patient has near normal sized kidneys (right kidney small) with proteinuria and nonproliferative retinopathy, hence there is no requirement to biopsy. Retinopathy is present in 65% of cases of DMType2 with nephropathy, hence absence of retinopathy doesnot rule out nephropathy. Biopsy not indicated when Typical evolution of renal disease Concomitant retinopathy Biopsy should be considered when Renal manifestations are seen atypically (5-8 g/day) persists despite lowering of blood pressure * Only for Type 1 diabetes What are the stages of diabetic nephropathy? What stage is the patient in? The stages of diabetic nephropathy are as summarised in the table. Microalbuminuria is the earliest clinically detectable evidence of onset of nephropathy in a diabetic. About 20-25% of diabetics develop nephropathy in their lifetimes. The time after diagnosis has been validated after followup of Type1 diabetics and doesnot hold true for type 2 diabetics because the the time of onset of diabetes is not clearcut ina given case. It is not uncommon for clinically evident nephropathy to be present when type 2 diabetes is detected. Our patient has established renal failure, hence is in stage 5 diabetic nephropathy. Stage Glomerular filtration Albuminuria Blood pressure Time interval 1 Renal hyperfunction Elevated Absent Normal At diagnosis 2 Clinical latency High normal Absent 3Microalbuminuria Within the normal range 20-200 ÃŽ ¼g/min (30-300 mg/day) Rising within or above the normal range 5-15 years 4 Proteinuria (overt nephropathy) Decreasing 200 ÃŽ ¼g/min (300 mg/day) Increased 10-15 years 5 Renal failure Diminished Massive Increased 15-30 years What is the difference in nephropathy in Type 1 diabetes and type2 diabetes? Type 1 Diabetes with nephropathy Type 2 Diabetes with nephropathy Follows classical stages Hypertension is usually due to renoparenchymal aetiology Retinopathy 90-100 % concordance Non diabetic renal disease rare Less consistent Primary hypertension commoner (metabolic syndrome) Retinopathy 60% concordance Non diabetic renal disease 20-30% Define microalbuminuria. What is the relevance of finding microalbuminuria in a diabetic? Microabuminuria is defined as the presence of 30-300 mg albumin/24 hrs urine collection or 20-200microgm/mt in a timed urine sample in atleast 2/3 samples over 6 months in the absence of fever, infection, physical exercise, uncontrolled blood pressure or sugar, cardiac failure or haematuria. The importance of the finding is that it indicates endothelial dysfunction and is a predictor of diabetic nephropathy in 80% and 40% Type1 and Type2 diabetics. It is also is a predictor of cardiovascular mortality and is strongly associated with insulin resistance and hypertension. In a given patient it is a clue to the clinician to institute aggressive control of blood pressure and hyperglycemia to prevent progression of diabetic nephropathy. The patient was managed with loop diuretics, plain insulin, inhaled bronchodilators, nitroglycerine drip and oxygen therapy. After initial stabilisation, he continued to have raised serum creatinine, hence was initiated on maintenance haemodialysis as a case of diabetic nephropathy with ESRD. What happens to the hyperglycemia with the onset of diabetic nephropathy? What treatment modifications are required to be made for glycemic control? With the onset of nephropathy, the insulin requirement decreases and patient becomes more prone to hypoglycaemia because the half life of insulin is prolonged, renal gluconeogenesis decreases, food intake is decreased, half life of oral hypoglycemics is prolonged, diabetic gastropathy delays gastric emptying and patient frequently vomits food due to uraemia. Infact if a well controlled diabetic develops episodes of unexplained hypoglycaemia, then one needs to look for evidence of nephropathy. Biguanides and long acting sulfonylureas are contraindicated in the presence of renal failure. Glimepride and glipizide may be used if serum creatinine is less than 2mg/dL. With more advanced renal failure, patient should be shifted to insulin therapy. What are the measures that can prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy? Large randomised control trials like IDNT and RENAAL have provided clear evidence that angiotensin receptor blockers help to prevent progression of diabetic nephropathy. The ADVANCE trial provided similar evidence for angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. A target blood pressure of 130/80 mmof Hg is recommended for diabetics with proteinuria. Intensive treatment of hyperglycemia with tight blood sugar control has shown to reduce the incidence of micovascular complications including nephropatrhy in multiple studies like DCCT, UKPDS and ADVANCE. Cessation of smoking, avoidance of high protein diet and control of hyperlipidemia also seem to be beneficial. Once overt renal failure has set in then tight blood sugar control may not prevent further progression of nephropathy and the risk of hypoglycaemia increases, hence the physician should use discretion in prescribing antidiabetic therapy. What are the issues in dialysis of patients with diabetic nephropathy? Although diabetics with ESRD are candidates for all renal replacement therapy (RRT) options as nondiabetics, there are many factors that make it challenging to provide RRT in a diabetic. Associated coronary artery disease and diastolic dysfunction, high incidence of fistula failure due to atherosclerosed vessels, heparin (given during haemodialysis) related bleed due to associated retinopathy, decreased osmotic gradient and poor clearance in CAPD, poor tolerance to uraemic symptoms, diabetic cystopathy and gastroparesis, preponderance to low turnover bone disease, higher incidence of infections, autonomic neuropathy, elderly age group of patients with attendant social and logistic issues all contribute to poor survival in diabetics compared to nondiabetics. Final diagnosis Diabetic nephropathy in end stage renal disease with Cardiorenal syndrome Type 4 Commentary Diabetic nephropathy has become the commonest cause of chronic kidney disease in both the western world and developing countries. Classical stages of diabetic nephropathy described in Type 1 diabetics may not be evident in the progression of kidney disease associated with Type 2 diabetics. Measures to prevent progression of diabetic nephropathy should be aggressively instituted. Patients of diabetes Type2 with kidney disease additionally have associated cardiac disease making the management of such patients challenging. Cardiorenal syndromes encountered in various situations have been recently described that have improved our understanding of the complex pathophysiology and may open new avenues of treatment in the future. Take home message Diabetic nephropathy is the commonest cause of ESRD and developing countries are likely to face an epidemic in the next two decades. Cardiorenal syndrome (Types1-5) is a recently described pathophysiological condition that has furthered our understanding of the complex interrelation between heart failure and kidney failure in diverse clinical settings. Why Are Informal Networks Important? Why Are Informal Networks Important? Introduction Informal organizations affect decisions within the formal organization but either, are omitted from the formal scheme or are not consistent with it. They consist of interpersonal relationships that are not mandated by the rules of the formal organization but arise spontaneously in order to satisfy individual members needs Ever since the Hawthorne Studies (Mayo, 1949) and the development of the Human Relations school of thought, there has been a widespread tendency towards adopting a less scientific view of organisations. There has also been a relaxation of the assumption of rational behaviour by employees and behaviour that is strictly in tune with the goals of management and the rest of the organisation. As Mayo states: In every department that continues to operate, the workers have, whether aware of it or not, formed themselves into a group with appropriate customs, duties, routines, even rituals; and management succeeds (or fails) in proportion, as it is accepted without reservation by the group as authority and leader (Mayo, 1949) This indicates that individuals in organisations do not stop being social beings while at work. This in turn relates to the very core of the essential question of how to define an organisation. The underlying assumption in this paper will be that organisations are basically a web of coalitions and that coalition building is an important dimension of all organisational life (Morgan, 1997). In consequence, various approaches have been undertaken in order to try and understand organisations. By mainly focusing on communication as the vehicle of social structures, sociologists have described organisations as structures of social interactions in a specific organisational context or culture (White, 1970). Psychologists relaxed and redefined the assumption of rational behaviour in order to understand and describe the needs of individuals in organisations. This has led to a multitude of ways to describe organisational structures, often through metaphors (Morgan, 1997). There has been a shift in the traditional view of the role of the manager and his or her workday (Mintzberg, 1973). By not relying on the normative division of work into planning, organising, coordinating and controlling, Mintzberg suggested that the workday of a manager was much less structured and based on intuition rather than formal decision making processes. What becomes apparent regardless of the method of analysis of the underlying premise is that no organisation can be described or mapped in a satisfactory manner using just formal organisational methods, let alone be managed on that basis. The Structure of Informal Networks It is important to present the concepts associated with intra-organisational social networks. The optimal terminology to describe the informal organisation depends on the purpose of the analysis. There is no one best way to interpret informal networks (Mintzberg, 1989). Informal networks in organisations are likened with the nervous system of a living organism, whereas the bones represent the formal organisation (Krackhardt and Hanson, 1993). Staying with the analogy of the human body, a superficial comparison can be made between the skeleton and the nervous system, and informal/ formal networks within organisations to help understand the function of these networks. The formal organisation is compared to a skeleton which is a strong and rigid frame and the informal organisation is compared to the nervous system which is fragile yet flexible. The skeleton is visible, whereas the nervous system is an entity with no structure without definite subdivisions. Without determined, close obse rvation, it might be difficult to recognise (Han, 1983). Why do Informal Networks Exist? Informal networks exist in every organisation and are an inevitable function within them. Individuals do not stop being social beings when placed in a formal work setting. When highlighting some of the motives for the creation and maintenance of informal networks within organisations, it is important to distinguish between unconscious and conscious reasons for their existence. Affiliation needs: To satisfy the need for belonging to a group, individuals will tend to join networks of friendship and support. As a result, a part of ones individuality is sacrificed to conform to group norms. Identity and self-esteem: Belonging to a group or informal network can develop, enhance and confirm an individuals sense of identity as a result of the personal interaction. Social needs: Traditional formal networks within organisations often offer little room for emotions, feelings or sharing of personal thought, informal networks serve as an agent for structuring and supporting a shared social reality. By relying on this social reality, individuals can reduce uncertainty and stress. Informal groups also help members to compensate for feeling of dissatisfaction with the formal leader, organization or official communication system (Han, 1983). Defence mechanism: In the face of perceived threat or general uncertainty, group cohesion can act as a defence mechanism to reduce (perceived) uncertainty and strengthen each individuals ability to respond to the threat. Risk reduction: Through diluting blame and aggregating praise, a group of workers perceive risk to a lesser extent than they would as individuals. Thus unconscious efforts of individuals to control the conditions of their existence will lead to the creation of informal groups. In addition, often more practical and very clear unambiguous conscious reasons for the creation and development of informal networks also exist. The need to know: One of the primary characteristics of the informal structure within organisations is their communications network, often referred to as the grapevine. Studies have shown grapevine communication to be both fast and surprisingly accurate (Crampton et al., 1998). And in situations when information is critically needed by an individual to perform the task at hand, the grapevine can prove and efficient vehicle for news and information, thus bypassing the formal channels of communication (Mintzberg, 1973). Politics: One of the more conscious reasons for the use of informal networks within organisations is that employees might choose to use informal channels of communication to influence colleagues or superiors in order to gain an advantage in organisational politics. Politics refers to individual or group behaviour, that is informal, ostensibly parochial, typically divisive, and above all, in the technical sense, illegitimate, sanctioned neither by formal authority, accepted ideology, nor certified expertise (though it may exploit any one of these) (Mintzberg, 1983) What is the Informal Organisation? Chester Bernard, a pioneering management theorist who studying organisational behaviour, in the classic The Functions of the Executive, described the informal organisation as any joint personal activity without conscious joint purpose, even though it contributes to joint results. Thus, the informal relationships established between groups of colleagues going for a drink after work on a Friday may actually help in the achievement of reaching organisational goals (Barnard, 1938). More recently the informal organisation has been described as a network of personal and social relations not established or required by the formal organization but arising spontaneously as people associate with one another (Davis and Newstrom, 1985). Thus, informal relationships do not appear on the organisational chart but do include relationships such as chatting together, having lunch or even getting together outside of work hours to socialise together. Informal Group Dynamics at Work Managers are often not aware that within every organisation there are group pressures that influence and regulate employee behaviour, performance and motivation. Informal groups can form their own code of ethics and an unspoken set of standards in establishing acceptable behaviour. Manager needs to be aware of the power and influence informal groups have and that they will almost inevitably form if the opportunity arises. These groups can have an extremely powerful impact on the achievement of organisational effectiveness. However the influence of these groups can be controlled and resisted if handled efficiently. The impact of informal behaviour within the formal organisational setting depends on the norms that the group adheres to. As this is the case it can be surmised that the informal organisation can make the formal organisation either more or less effective depending on how it is managed and controlled and interacts within a company. References BARNARD, C. I. 1938. The functions of the executive, Cambridge, Harvard university press. CRAMPTON, S. M., HODGE, J. W. MISHRA, J. M. 1998. The Informal Communication Network: Factors Influencing Grapevine Activity. Public Personnel Management. DAVIS, K. NEWSTROM, J. 1985. Human Behavior at Work. New York: Mc Graw Hill. HAN, P. E. 1983. The Informal Organization Youve Got to Live With. Supervisory Management 28. KRACKHARDT, D. HANSON, J. R. 1993. Informal networks : the company behind the chart, Harvard Business Review. MAYO, E. 1949. The social problems of an industrial civilization. Routhledge. MINTZBERG, H. 1973. The nature of managerial work, New York ; London, Harper and Row. MINTZBERG, H. 1983. Power in and around organizations, Englewood Cliffs ; London, Prentice-Hall. MINTZBERG, H. 1989. Mintzberg on management : inside our strange world of organizations, New York London, Free Press ; Collier Macmillan. MORGAN, G. 1997. Images of Organization. Thousand Oaks: CA: Sage Publications. SIMON, H. A. 1976. Administrative Behavior. New York: The Free Press. WHITE, H. C. 1970. Chains of Opportunity: System Models of Mobility in Organizations. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

Othello: Summary :: essays research papers

Othello: Summary *Othello is a tense, closely-knit play, with an ever-increasing emotional scene. The character Iago, Othello's ancient, is the cause of all the tragedy which comes to pass as the play progresses. He is a manipulator, opposing Othello not directly, but through other characters whom he tricks. From his actions throughout the play one sees that Iago was gifted at using other people, to further his own schemes. *Act One, Scene One is the most important because it foreshadows the whole drama. Iago gives the reader warning that he is not all that he seems when he says, "I am not what I am" (I,i). He appears to help Roderigo, a suitor to Desdemona, who has run off with Othello, the Moorish general of the Venetian army. Iago hates Othello for another reason. instead of choosing him to be his lieutenant, Othello chose Cassio. In the end of scene, Iago and Roderigo have informed Brabantio about his daughter's elopement. Then they went to confront Othello with this situation. *At the beginning of Scene Two of Act One, Iago gives advice to Othello and lets him know what is about to happen. Shortly after their talk Brabantio confronts Othello about stealing his daughter. Then they all went and saw the Duke. Othello defends himself and asks if Desdemona can testify on the behalf of him. Othello tells how that the only "witchcraft" he used were his stories, and how Brabantio used to invite him up to tell them. Finally, Brabantio disowns Desdemona and she goes to be with Othello. *Near the end of the first scene of the second act, Iago convinces Roderigo, who was observing Cassio's enthusiastic greeting of Desdemona, that Cassio and Desdemona have something going on between them. Thus manipulating Roderigo through his passion for Desdemona, Iago convinces him to provoke Cassio to anger, so that the lieutenant will be discredited in Othello's eyes and Iago can take his position. *In Act II, Scene III, I ago tricks into a drink, knowing that he has a low tolerance for alcohol, making it easier for Roderigo to provoke him to fight. Cassio departs the scene, and Iago starts to insinuate to the other soldiers is a bit of a lush. Cassio soon, returns, chasing Roderigo, and when his comrades attempt to restrain him, he strikes at them as well. When Othello arrives on the scene, Iago makes it seem that he doesn't want to discredit Cassio, but his insinuations make Othello discharge his lieutenant. However, as soon as Othello is gone, he goes to Cassio as a helpful friend.

Conflict and Beowulf

Ashley Ruhl 9/14/11 Honors British Literature Grendel Essay In the story Beowulf, there are three major conflicts. One of these is the domination of Mead Hall by Grendel. The second one is the revenge of Grendel’s mother after Grendel’s been killed. Last but not least the rage of the dragon, following the theft a guarded item. Most of the conflicts that are written are kept between societies and different groups. There are dual conflicts in multiple sections from the story.In Beowulf, there are multiple major characters that showed both internal and external conflicts by fighting the villains but still showing the attributes of internal conflicts. In Beowulf, the monster Grendel begins his attack on the innocent people of Herot one may say that this conflict is considered a dual conflict. This is because not only did Grendel begin the external attack on the people, but Beowulf came and decided to show his pride and courage to defeat Grendel. â€Å"When darkness had dro pped, Grendel went up to Herot†¦night’s slaughter. (Ln 30-40).This is one way to show the beginning of an ongoing conflict with Beowulf and Grendel. Following this, Beowulf was called to help Herot with this monster. An example of this would be when, â€Å"Grendel came, hoping to kill†¦rule over men (ln 3-150)† One may say after the fight with Grendel and his mother, Beowulf began showing his internal conflicts. Beowulf shows his courage and pride as he goes back to the king with the news. Finally, the people of Herot, could celebrate the victory of Beowulf. â€Å"Then old and young rejoiced, jogged along (ln 144-149). This shows Beowulf’s internal conflict because Beowulf could not go straight to Herod and be humble. Instead he makes it known that he defeated the monster so the people of Herod would get to know him as a hero. Not only does this show he has a lot of pride in himself, but one sees his pride when he fights the monsters without a weapon and with his bare hands. This is definitely him showing his pride but it is also him showing his courage and bravery. Grendel’s mother is showing a different section that shows an external conflict and internal conflict.Grendel’s mother came to Herod in order to get revenge for the murder of her son. She had killed the king’s best friend, which is the example of the external conflict. This conflict was between not only the people of Herod and Grendel’s mother but also between Beowulf and Hrothgar. Hrothgar shows his emotional side, with this example of an internal conflict, â€Å"The wise old king†¦ passed quietly (ln 29-42). † Immediately following this Beowulf shows Hrothgar his internal conflict by showing his courage by telling the king he would go and fight for Hrothgar.Grendel’s mother also has an internal conflict when Beowulf enters her lair. As an example, â€Å"And all at once the greedy she-wolf†¦her wet world. (ln 150- 154)† In conclusion I believe that the story of Beowulf is a story of dual conflicts. No matter what character it is, one may believe during every external conflict an internal conflict shows. One may also believe that an internal conflict is a way to have a character become completely vulnerable so the reader gets to know who their real character is.

Many of the characters in ‘Of Mice and Men’ are lonely Essay

Describe the reasons for their loneliness and explore the different ways they seek comfort. Many of the characters in the novel ‘of Mice and Men’ are lonely because they grew up in an unurturing and unfriendly environment. The reason for this type of negative and depressing attitude is due to the ‘Great Wall Street Crash’. This tormenting economic crash took place at the same time when the novel ‘Of Mice and Men’ is set, in the year 1929. Families fell apart as the men were forced to leave behind their roots, and seek employment on ranches in order to bring back stability in their lives again. Relationships were never formed on these ranches as no one had any time nor interest in trying to communicate and bond with the other ranch hands or other residents. The only object the ranchers were attracted to was making money and moving on, therefore there was no stability. Tragically, vast amounts of people committed suicide, as they could not bear to live their lives recounting all their losses. Coincidentally the meaning of the town Soledad is ‘our lady of loneliness’. Loneliness is a spreading disease, which has the power to make the most cheerful people dull and gloomy as they begin to feel isolated. There is no direct cure for loneliness; therefore no one knows how to deal with it. This is the stage where the effected people begin to split into two distinctive groups depending on each individual’s character; the two groups are known as introverts and extroverts. The people that are catogrised in the introvert group suffer the most as they keep all their emotions locked up inside, leading in them taking their anger out on themselves. Whereas the extrovert group has a completely different way of approaching loneliness, they begin to take their anger out on other people in such ways as being aggressive and flirtatious to overcome their feelings. There is a vast comparison between the two groups; if you look at it between characters, which are extroverts and introverts, at one extreme you have Crooks a Negro who is partially crippled, and then you have Curley, a cruel, insensitive extrovert. All humans need to be comforted at the time of need as this is the human desire, therefore, it is not surprising that the characters in this novel also require comfort. Some characters similar to Crooks need friendship-based relationships so that they can communicate with other people. Other characters similar to George and Lennie have their future dream to look forward to and work towards that is their target. The definition of a dream is: ‘Dream n. Train of thoughts, images, or fancies passing through mind during sleep; Conscious indulgence of fancy, reverie, thing of dream-like beauty, charm, goodness, etc.’ (Taken from the Readers Digest Great Encyclopedic Dictionary, Third Edition) A dream is something you indulge in, to escape momentarily from life. This seems to be the context that John Steinbeck intended his characters in Of Mice and Men to dream in. They are all craving for something – in the case of George and Lennie, that something is land. All the dreams in this novel are similar to the Great American Dream, which is that you can achieve anything if you have the mind and desire to do it. However, most of the characters who have dreams know that their dreams may never become reality, but never the less it still provides comfort for them. Crooks is partially crippled, ‘his body was bent over to the left by his crooked spine’, yet self-dependant Negro, he too is very lonely. Crooks’s personality is quite interesting, as he is very defensive and protective of himself: ‘He kept his distance and demanded that others kept theirs.’ Crooks is very cautious about those who approach him, this is as he does not want to be in any more pain than he already is; he is frightened that someone will not only hurt him physically but harm him mentally as well. He is fully aware of his rights, he knows the limitations of what he is allowed to do and what he has not got the right to do. Crooks is lonely as he has not got anyone to talk to due to the colour of his skin, he does not even know how to act around other guys. All he spends his time doing is reading the ‘battered magazines and dirty books’ which were scattered all around his bunk: â€Å"Books ain’t no good, a guy needs somebody – to be near him†¦A guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody. Don’t make no difference who the guy is, long’s he’s with you†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Later on in the chapter we realise that all Crooks is longing for is companionship, however, it is evident to see that Crooks is a bad communicator: â€Å"You got no right to come in my room. This here’s my room. Nobody got any right in here but me.† Crooks reacts angrily, his anger is and pride is a defense against the harsh treatment he has been subjected to and experienced for most of his years in life. He has been held back without any real conversation for an eminent amount of time, therefore leading to his language being unwelcoming as it is aggressive and defensive. Loneliness has had a negative effect on Crooks as it has made him verbally aggressive and very protective of what is his and his right. In chapter 4, John Steinbeck does a role reverse, instead of a white man tormenting a Negro, a Negro torments a white man, in this case Lennie. Crooks took a lot of pleasure in torturing Lennie the night George went into town, he had pleasure form teasing Lennie by suggesting that George would not bother to return as he better off without the presence of Lennie: â€Å"I said s’pose George went into town tonight and you never heard of him no more†¦Just s’pose that.† Crooks enjoys having the power over Lennie, he uses persuasive and manipulative language to prove his point, for once in all the time on the ranch he has an advantage over a white man. This inspires him, Crooks is feeling good at this point; he feels self-assured as though he can take on anything: â€Å"†¦Now you jus’ get on out, an’ get out quick. If you don’t, I’m gonna ast the boss not to ever let you come in the barn no more.† Crooks builds up his confidence to such an extent that he forgets his status on the social hierarchy. However, Curley’s wife coldly reminds Crooks of his unsuccessful position as a black man; a ‘nigger’: â€Å"Well, you keep your place here nigger. I could get you strung up on a tree so easily it ain’t even funny.† This racist statement reminds Crooks of his old self, leading to him remembering that he has ‘reduced himself to nothing’, he ‘pressed his body against the wall’, in shame. Crooks achieves comfort from remembering his childhood; Crooks came from a background full of love and care for each other, he knows what the true value of companionship is: â€Å"I remember when I was a little kid on my old man’s chicken ranch. Had two brothers. They were always near me, always there.† Crooks past childhood is full of affection and love in contrast to Crooks now, an isolated and lonely man who is referred to as a ‘nigger’. Crooks is in vast emotional pain as he knows what he is missing out on, however, some people may argue that he is actually quite advantaged as at least he has old memories to refer back to. Crooks also gets comfort from asking to be allowed to join the dream, which George, Lennie and Crooks hold: â€Å"If you would want a hand to work for nothing- just his keep, why I’d come and lend a hand.† Crooks wants things to go back to as he was a child, he wants to revisit the happy days of his life that are now just a vague memory to him. Crooks knows that the only way he can do this is by joining the dream that George, Lennie and Crooks share. However, Crooks soon finds out when George rejects him from sharing the dream that he is destined to be an old isolated Negro. George Milton is one of the main characters in the novel, ‘Of Mice and Men’, he is quiet, modest and clearly a good worker. George is considered as one of the fortunate characters in this particular novel, this is as he atleast had a chance to experience the true value of companionship and unconditional value with his best friend Lennie Small. His companionship with Lennie ‘staves of loneliness’, as well as giving George a role in life; a clear task to look after Lennie. It is evident to see that at the beginning of the novel George feels superior with this role as it gives him a sense of power over Lennie: â€Å" â€Å" George has learnt vastly from his past experiences with Lennie; this allows George to have a two-way relationship with Lennie, one that of a best friend, and another that of a parent. George feels a sense of duty and responsibility towards Lennie as a parent: â€Å"Don’t really seem to be running, though. You never oughta drink water when it ain’t running, Lennie.† However, as the novel progresses George begins to realise what companionship is, ‘we kinda look after each other’, now this role simply makes George feel different from the rest of the ranch hands as it entitles him to a status. Nevertheless, George still recognises that he is still lonely, despite having a companion, it may be more discrete than others may, but he is still lonely. George and Lennie do not interact on an intellectual level; Slim describes George as a ‘smart little guy’, where as Lennie is described by George as ‘dumb as hell’; therefore the comparison on their intellect is eminent. At times George thinks he is talking to himself, as Lennie never really responds to his questions. Therefore Lennie can never really understand George emotionally or physically. George seeks comfort by the companionship with Lennie, they both look out for each other: â€Å"Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world’†¦ Lennie broke in. ‘But not us! Because†¦because I got you to look after me, And you got me to look after you, and that’s why.† George relies on his companionship with Lennie to get through the unurturing and unfriendly environment of Soledad: â€Å"†¦it’s a lot nicer to go around with a guy you know’ George values and treasures his special relationship with Lennie, he loves him so much that he can even sacrifice him for Lennie’s own benefit. George also seeks comfort by his simple dream, he wants him and Lennie to have land of their own, and they want to be their own managers and look after each other until they grow old: â€Å"Some day-we’re gonna get the jack together and we’re gonna have a little house and a couple of acres†¦when it rains in the winter, we’ll just say the hell with goin’ to work, and we’ll build up a fire in the stove and set around it an’ listen to the rain comin’ down on the roof†¦Ã¢â‚¬  George’s dream, although extremely similar to Lennie’s, is probably more detailed and complicated. Lennie due to his child-like mentality only thinks as far as ‘tendin’ the rabbits’, whereas George assesses the situation by asking himself if they have got enough money, or when will they be able to achieve the dream, before accepting the dream to become reality. George had made it perfectly clear that the dream that he and Lennie share will only become successful if they both achieve it: â€Å"†¦I knowed we’d never do her. He usta like to hear about it so much I got to thinking maybe we would.† George realised that he just got carried away, he knew from the start that the dream was unattainable; all dreams are unattainable in Soledad, as it is such a disturbing environment. Curley’s wife is possibly the loneliest of all characters in the novel, ‘Of Mice and Men’, throughout the beginning of the novel John Steinbeck gives the readers the impression that Curley’s wife is a ‘tart’: ‘She put her hands behind her back and leaned against the doorframe so that her body was thrown forward’ She is portrayed as tarty through her provocative appearance and flirtatious actions. John Steinbeck deliberately does not give her a name, she is only known as Curley’s wife; therefore a possession of Curley. Curley’s wife has been forced to recognise that her sexuality is the only weapon, the only thing that will ever get her noticed: ‘She had full, rouged lips and wide-spaced eyes, heavily made up’ This is mainly the reason for why she is dressed in a sexually provocative manner throughout the novel. Curley’s wife’s complaints of loneliness are likely to be sincere, yet she presents them in a manipulative manner that reduces any sympathy for the character. Her ‘craving for contact is immense’, she is longing for someone to have a conversation with her: â€Å"Why can’t I talk to you? I never get to talk to nobody. I get awfully lonely.† However, it seems that everyone is ‘incapable’ of having a faithful conversation with her without it including any ‘sexual content’. John Steinbeck describes Curley’s wife, as so desperate that to experience the true value of a relationship that she would do anything to obtain it: ‘If anyone- a man or a woman- ever gave her a break- treated her like a person- she would be a slave to that person.’ Curley’s wife is prepared to carry out any instructions, or meet any demands for anyone that would for once be able to trust her and become her friend, she would do it to such an extent that she would even follow them as if she was enslaved to them. Curley’s wife has a different type of dream from George and Lennie’s; instead of having something to call her own, she wants fame, fortune and respect: â€Å"Coulda been in the movies, an’ had clothes- all of them nice clothes like they wear. An’ I coulda sat in them big hotels, an’ had pitchers took of me†¦Because this guy says I was a natural.† Curley’s wife’s dream allows her to escape from her tormenting controlled life and seek comfort from what in her point of view could have happened. Curley’s wife is vulnerable, and innocent, she shows her humanity by consoling in Lennie. However, Curley’s wife seems to have a deep regret that she did not take up either of the men on their offers: â€Å"If I’d went, I wouldn’t be livin’ like this, you bet.† Curley’s wife’s vulnerability shows the most at this point, she is so desperate to get away from her usual lifestyle that she takes the words of a complete stranger to be equivalent of that of a gospel: â€Å"He says he was gonna put me in the movies. Says I was a natural.† Curley’s wife’s dream was shattered when the letter that she was waiting for never came, coldly she blamed her mother, accusing her of ‘stealing the letter’. It is understandable that there never was going to be a letter, the men were just taking advantage of the poor innocent girl. Curley’s wife married Curley on impulse; her hasty marriage to Curley proves to be a failed attempt to escape from her own spiral of loneliness, however, it is now that she has come to realise that what she did was immoral; she feels more trapped now then she ever did: â€Å"I don’t like Curley. He ain’t a nice fella.† Curley’s failure to satisfy his wife both emotionally and physically is another reason why Curley’s wife is so lonely and has so much hatred built up towards him. When Lennie kills Curley’s wife in Chapter 5, John Steinbeck offers the readers a disturbing image. He describes her with more life and vitality as a corpse than he did as a living character, her ‘rouged cheeks’ and ‘reddened lips’ now after her death give her the appearance of life. In death the ‘meanness and the plannings and the discontent and the ache for attention’ have gone from her face. This represents John Steinbeck’s first concrete praise for Curley’s wife; he writes for the first time that she appears ‘pretty’ and ‘simple’, a more commendable character as a corpse than as a living human being, as she is not her manipulative self. Therefore, concluding that in a way, some may say that Curley’s wife has achieved her dream as she won her innocence back. Loneliness is a major theme in the novel ‘Of Mice and Men’. It is only the two characters George and Lennie who stave of it by their relationship. However, the disadvantaged characters are the ones who suffer the most, it embitters Candy and Crooks, moreover, it kills Curley’s wife. John Steinbeck describes loneliness as part of a human condition in this particular novel, it is something we as humans are born with leading it to be either something we fight or succumb to all our lives: â€Å"Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world’†¦ Lennie broke in. ‘But not us! Because†¦because I got you to look after me, And you got me to look after you, and that’s why.† However, throughout the novel John Steinbeck does not offer any answers to get rid of loneliness, it only shows how different characters deal with this problem differently.