No Teaching without Learning free essay sample

This paper examines the question whether teaching is possible without learning. This paper examines public education systems and the need for effective teaching. It states that education and the process of acquiring it is not a simple teach-learn process. The author uses the ideals of Paulo Freire, who declares that it is more important to know that education is not merely teaching others but it is also a process through which one learns. The paper describes that the dilemma is not the willingness to learn but it is the national education systems that have modernized and have integrated too much internationalized educational modules to the cultures identity. Education reforms in the modern age has become a means to struggle against time. For the Latin American especially, the struggle was between conservatism and progressivism. A nation torn by its ancient roots and the desire to join in with modern day progressivism, the people are still in turmoil whether acceptance of modernism is the only way to achieve their goal. We will write a custom essay sample on No Teaching without Learning or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The root cause is inherent in the approach the people takes. Despite gaining independence in several areas, public education and its creation is still debatable among the gentry as well as the government. Proponents for education like Paulo Freire, declare that it is more important to know that education is not merely teaching others but it is also a process through which one learns as well.

Looking For a Powerful College Essay Sample? Try This Sample

Looking For a Powerful College Essay Sample? Try This SampleIf you are looking for a college essay sample that is both interesting and useful, you need to look no further than the 'Why Us' sample essay. This powerful essay is written by Rachael Owens and the entire sample covers a variety of topics that will likely be of interest to any student.The first thing that you'll notice when you look at the sample is that it's quite long. This is intentional, as the author intentionally designed the essay to provide detailed information that you need to understand so that you can further your education. You can even download the entire essay for free if you're an A+ student!The next thing that you'll find in the 'Why Us' sample essay is that it doesn't begin with a formal introduction. Instead, you'll discover that you have the choice to write your own introduction. This is a great choice for a lot of students as they want the essay to look professional but also concise.It's important to not e that the 'Why Us' sample essay really doesn't have a conclusion. Instead, it ends with a conclusion that is sure to make a lasting impression on the reader. The final paragraph should also make a positive impact on the reader.Although the first part of the 'Why Us' college essay sample is rather lengthy, it is well worth it. After you've finished reading the entire essay, you'll be able to learn a lot more about your own personality and your own achievements. You'll be able to see your place in the world.Since there are so many topics that you can cover, you should have no problem focusing on one area for a wide variety of reasons. You'll be able to combine a variety of skills and knowledge to make you look more professional and also competent in a variety of different ways.For example, you'll learn why you should love to study in college. You'll also learn why you should enjoy spending time in the library. You'll also learn why you should feel good about living in a college town, why you should be able to get along with all kinds of people, and more.You can use this material for a reason. You can use it for college essay writing, and even for other essays. With the help of the 'Why Us' sample essay, you'll be able to learn a lot about yourself and how to demonstrate those attributes to others.

Strategic operations management Macys Inc

Introduction Operations management is an approach to the management practice in which executives of the firm plan, supervise and control all the business processes (Bowman, 2009). The management process is also concerned with redesigning as well as realigning the operations of the firm to attain the specific goals.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Strategic operations management: Macy’s Inc specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The process of designing and realigning involves coming up with various strategies including business strategies, operations strategies as well as corporate strategies that are critical in the attainment of the organizational goals (Chase et al., 2007). In essence, strategic operations management encompasses strategies and procedures that the firm undertakes to achieve its goals. The paper examines the way organizations apply strategic operations management processes, in particul ar, the business and operations strategies. Macy’s Inc is one of the companies that have utilized strategic operations in the management processes. The paper critically examines Macy’s operations and business strategies. In the analysis, the paper will examine the linkages between operations strategy and business strategies in the attainment of the organizational goals through the application of various analytical tools including PESTEL, porter’s five forces, BCG, supply chain and the value chain. In addition, the paper will also examine various technological applications that are critical in the supply and value chain applied in the operations strategies. The link between operations and business strategies Operations strategies and business strategies Operations strategies refer to an organization’s layout detailing the decisions that the business utilizes to achieve the set targets (Cigolini et al., 2004). Operations strategies involve designing, superv ising and control of the business processes in order to attain the set goals and objectives. On the other hand, business strategies entail practices that businesses utilizes to achieve the long-term objectives such as growth, allocation of resources and globalization (De Treville et al., 2004). In addition, business strategies encompass the way a business carries out its accomplishments compared to the rivals. In other words, business strategies involve processes that contribute to competitive advantage. The company, mission and vision Macy’s, Inc, a subsidiary of Macy’s company, is one of the leading national retailers dealing in a variety of products including furniture galleries, clothing, jewelry, beauty products, accessories as well as footwear among others. The firm was founded in 1929 and has corporate headquarters in New York and Cincinnati. In addition, the company operates over eight hundred departmental stores as well as furniture arcades in over forty state s. The company currently has over 170,000 personnel.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Macy’s Inc. vision is to be an Omni-channel retailer that provides iconic trademarks in its stores as well as through dynamic online websites worldwide. Further, the firm’s familiarity with the needs of clients is critical in maintaining unique identity and focus to the consumers. The mission of the firm is to achieve augmented sales levels of products. Further, the corporation strives to expand profitability, enhance return on capital as well as maximize the returns on equity. The company strives to maintain and expand its share in the retail chain market by offering merchandise of high value to the consumers through the combination of fashion and quality at economical prices. As such, the firm seeks to undertake a number of strategic issues to maintain its position i n the retail chain market. In addition, in order to offer the customers the best shopping experiences, Macy’s Inc. is developing skills in its retail operations. Actually, the personnel of the company is recruited based on skills and strength. The firm has also increased the focus on the needs of the millennial clients that account for the largest proportion of the nation’s populace. In essence, the company plans to improve sales and profits by offering products to the customers between the ages of 13 and 30 years. Macy’s Inc. operations focus on the satisfaction of the customer needs. As such, through the talented and the experienced personnel, the company undertakes aggressive execution of customer-centric tactics to the attainment of competitive edge of rivals. In addition, the company’s openness and honesty in conversing with the stakeholders ensure proactive transfer of information between stakeholders updating the personnel, suppliers, company analy sts and media on current invaluable operational developments. The skills, judgment and talents of Macy’s Inc. personnel are significant in the operations of the corporation. In other words, the employees work to enormous extents in ensuring the achievements of the strategic goals of the firm. In fact, the workforce is essential in the attraction and retention of clients, thereby gaining competitive advantage. Macy’s Inc. business strategy The firm’s business tactics encompass My Macy’s localization, multi-channel integration and MAGIC selling strategies. The business strategies play significant roles in propelling sales levels. To begin with, through My Macy’s localization strategy, Macy’s molds the merchandise as well as the shopping experiences in specific stores to the customers frequenting such stores. Through, this strategy, the firm has gained significant competitive advantages over rival firms since Macy’s is capable of providi ng customers with exact products in the right localities and at the precise moment (Evans Berman, 2001). In addition, the firm’s â€Å"My Macy’s 2.0.† internal initiative has augmented sophistications the company service delivery to the clientele.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Strategic operations management: Macy’s Inc specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Secondly, the multi-channel strategy has enhanced the company’s sales in a number of ways. For instance, the tactic incorporates the stores to the internet as well as mobile gadgets that allow the delivery of stock to customers in any locality. Additionally, the strategy utilizes online fulfillment centers that deliver merchandise to clients in different regions leading to improved customer shopping experience. Third, MAGIC selling strategy allows the firm to meet and engage clients through asking questions, giving op tions and pieces of advice as well as inspiring the clients to purchase the firm’s products. Further, the MAGIC selling process has ensured customer contentment leading to increasing sales (Gunasekaran et al., 2004). Strategic operations The company strategic operations revolve around reaching the target clients at the shortest time possible, in the most convenient way and at the least cost possible. As such, the company strives to create a channel of distribution that endeavors to attain the major operational goals. The strategic operations are based on the company mission of providing value to the customers. The strategic operations of the company include modernized supply chain, customer-oriented management and the corporate strategies that are supported by suitable technological applications. The company is currently focusing on offering satisfying customer shopping experience in all its stores. As such, the company aims to streamline and harmonize operations in all its r etail stores as well as supply chain processes in order to respond speedily to the needs and requests of the customers. The significant program in the retail store’s operations is to discover and disseminate best-in-class practices, procedures and measures to guarantee continuous implementation of novel and innovative standards. Technology is the major driver to attain the required standards. The company’s regular guide will provide comprehensible and viable course of action for the retail store’s development, illustratable supply of products as well as in-store communication procedures to set up perfect implementation and operational excellence. In addition, the company has continued to adapt system landscape, supply chain as well as exchange demanding scheduling procedures. The adaptation of the business processes will enable the firm to enhance in-season flexibilities experienced in the fashionable products, attain increased responsiveness to varying trends a nd to accomplish the economies of scale in all the retail activities.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Essentially, all the company operations are focused on fulfilling the consumer needs. As such, the company has adopted the sell-through oriented perspective or pull model in the strategic operations. The current strategic operations of the firm can be observed in increased capital investments on the development and improvement of its stores. For instance, the company has developed Herald Square store in New York to combine all the products under one roof, increasing the growth of the company sales. The diversification processes of the operations require that the firm’s supply chain reflect the customer needs as well as vision and mission of the company. Moreover, the company is also focusing on the supply chain design that mirrors the client needs to enhance the sourcing of distinctive merchandise to the stores. The adaptation of the appropriate supply chain design results in increased competitive advantage. Environmental analysis Porter’s five forces The analysis of t he retail chain industry in which Macy’s operates exploits the application of five forces model developed by Porter. The model provides the necessary tools that are critical in the appraisal of the competitiveness of the companies within the retail chain industry (Heikkilà ¤, 2002). Most importantly, the model offers analytical tool on how the external environment has influenced the strategic operations and business strategies. The buyers bargaining power The consumers can effortlessly surrogate the products and services offered by Macy’s company in the retail industry through purchasing the products provided by other companies in the industry. As a result, the organization’s share of the market can be abated. Therefore, the buyers have high bargaining power in the industry. Bargaining power of sellers Companies within the retail chain trade control higher proportion of the market. As a result, the firm engages large number of suppliers in business. The control of larger segments of the market gives power to the Macy’s since the firm can create scarce strategies to the suppliers by switching to other potential manufactures and wholesalers effortlessly and cheaply. In principle, the suppliers in the retail industry enjoy low purchasing power. Threats of new market entrants The ever-increasing competition in the retail chain industry due to the mushrooming of other industries in the trade compels the firms to incur additional expenses. Actually, Macy’s incurs the additional costs in sustaining trademark devotion as well as marketing of products. Most importantly, the presence of outstanding delivery chains, localities, and trademark as well as the financial capital of the companies provide the advantage of warding off potential competitors Competitive rivalry in the industry Companies operating in retail industry are very aggressive. However, due to the market leadership capabilities of Macy’s in the industry, establish ment of the operations in the industry is uncomplicated. In other words, the company utilizes its technological advancements as well as financial strengths, thereby increasing the competitive edge over the other firms. In addition, the increased competition in the trade reduces the share of market controlled by corporation. In this industry, competition is high. Threat of substitute products The players in the retail chain industry offer similar diverse products. The existing firms in the industry offer convenience and low prices, thereby augmenting substitute threats. Moreover, consumers are embracing online shopping due to price benefits gained from the companies by passing savings to buyers. The sprawling of various alternatives presents the Macy’s with frantic operations. As a result, the corporation ventures Boston Consulting Group (BCG) analysis The BCG is an invaluable framework utilized in the appraisal of Macy’s trademarks portfolio strategic position (Hansen Birkinshaw, 2007). Further, the tool is important in comprehending the investment decisions that Macy’s Inc. should undertake. BCG MATRIX Relative market share Stars The stars entail the products that do better than the rivals in the market operations do (Shanahan, 2002). In Macy’s Inc., online sales are classified under stars since they provide greater prospects for increasing the company’s proceeds. Therefore, the firm should increase investments and development of online sales. In fact, over 40% increase was realized in online vending in 2011. Therefore, online sales are invaluable in the lasting achievement of Macy’s. Cash Cows The cash flows represent the goods that enable the company to attain leadership position in the market. However, the goods bear minimal growth prospects in the future. The over 800 departmental stores continue to provide constant flow of returns that can be ventured in Stars. Question Marks The products with low proportion of the market but have high prospects for growth in the market is accounted for by the Question marks (Langabeer, 2000). Private labels brands such as clothing designs have the potential of capturing the market share through the provision of funds for innovation to make the brands attractive to the consumers. Dogs Dogs refer to the goods with a low proportion of the market and are not attractive as well as have low growth prospects (Porter, 2000). Macy’s warehouse stores fall under the Dogs category since the company does not sell products in bulk compared to competitors such as BJ’s and Costco wholesale clubs. In essence, the company should not invest further in warehouses. PESTEL analysis Political aspects Macy’s Inc. recognizes the significant role played by the political environment in ensuring trust and success in the operations. For instance, the friendly and stable political environmental enables smooth operations of the firm. Economic aspects The firm cont inues to experience growth in the operations as well as sales in America through the utilization of multi-channel stores. Additionally, the firm’s returns on invested capital and cash flows have increased over the years leading to enhanced shareholder value. Socio-cultural aspects Culture influences the performance and productivity of Macy’s in a number of ways. First, the corporation recognizes the worth of its personnel’s ideas and beliefs without prejudice. The company also satisfies its client social assurance by the provision of high-quality goods and services Technological aspects The utilization of contemporary technology enables efficiency and competitiveness of Macy’s. For instance, the company’s online shopping experience has increased the company’s sales as well as proceeds. Further, the utilization of computer tablets and hand-held gadgets has increased competitiveness and efficiency. Environmental aspects The company recognizes the significance of environmental sustainability. As such, the firm improves the environment through the elimination of wasteful undertakings as well as utilizing the scarce resources efficiently. Legal aspects The flexible legal requirements in the US provide an environment that is conducive for Macy’s operations. Further, the company adheres to the legal regulations concerning quality, safety and job conditions of the employees. Supply chain management and service delivery The delivery of products at Macy’s focuses on the improvement of its transportation channels such as cubes and containers (Yu, 2012). The firm also supplies products through online sources, mobile as well as stores. Further, through the company’s multi-channel delivery approach, the products of the firm are provided to the consumers in incorporated and holistic channels. The link of operational strategy to business strategy The achievement of the company’s optimal targets depends on t he relationship between the strategic operations and the business strategies (Smith, 2002). For instance, the multi-channel integration, MAGIC selling and localization operation strategies of the firm must adhere to the conditions dictating the business environment such as political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, environmental and legal aspects. In addition, the firms operations including the delivery series and service delivery to customers must de designed in such a way that counter the threats that may jeopardize the operations of the firm in the market such new competitive rivalry in the market, ease of product substitution as well as new market entrants (Irwin, 2003). Moreover, the layout of business choices that are critical in the attainment of objectives must consider the performance of the firm’s products in the market to aid in the development of framework for appraising brand portfolio in trade. Strategic appraisal of strategic operations Supply chain an d value chain analysis Macy’s Inc. has managed to create efficient distribution channels for its products as well as increased worth of operations through the utilization of technology leading to increased sales and precise inventory (Lakshminarasimha Vijayan, 2008). For instance, through the utilization of Electronic data interchange (EDI) and bar code scanning, the company is capable of effectively tracking stocks in delivery locations. Further, the utilization of the departmental stores for brick-and-mortar sales and fulfillment centers have increased the efficiency in the delivery of orders made through the web. Moreover, with the adoption of the Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, the firm can read the various inventory tags delivered at a distance. Actually, the use of RFID has led to augmented levels of sales and delivery of inventory as well as efficiencies. The technology has also ensured reduced expenses. In principle, the RFID expertise has enabled M acy’s to achieve value through improving the accuracy of the firm’s inventory. In other words, the expertise enables the incorporation of warehouse management structure and bar code scanning processes as well as standard cycle inventory calculations in the supply centers, thereby increasing stock accuracy by over ninety percent. Moreover, the technology is invaluable in increasing sales and reducing costs through pushing the tagging of inventory to the vendors. Exploitation of value chain and quality Macy’s Inc. has undertaken various steps to organize its operations through the integration and cooperation of communication as well as production chambers to ensure increased value and satisfaction for clients (De Treville et al., 2004). The firm also utilizes the value chain to increase efficiency in the distribution of inventory. Macy’s Inc. majorly utilizes technology in its activities to operate efficiently as well as offer quality products to the consum ers. For instance, the use of RFID technology has enabled augmented sales through stimulating the multi-channel strategy. In fact, the technology has led to increased online sales by over forty percent. The expertise also increases consumer satisfaction through provision of assistance in the selection of products. In addition, the denim fit finder and beauty shop have enabled the selection of perfect brands across multiple brands. Moreover, the use of RFID expertise has enabled precise placement of inventory according to insignia, magnitude and fashion accelerating delivery and efficiency. Essentially, values in operations are undertaken to add more value to the products the company offer to the consumers. Conclusion In conclusion, the strategic operations of Macy’s Inc depend on its operations tactics and business strategies. The firm employs multi-channel, localization and MGIC selling strategies in the operations. The operations strategies depend on the macro-environment f orces such as competitors, technological, political, socio-cultural, and economic aspects as well as well as customer needs in industry that Macy’s operates. In addition, the provision of high-quality products to the customers is paramount the firm. Moreover, the utilization of innovative expertise is critical in ensuring the attainment of effective value and effective inventory delivery channels. In fact, the exploitation of RFID expertise has led to augmented levels of efficiency and sales at Macy’s Inc. References Bowman, C 2009, â€Å"What are dynamic capabilities and are they a useful construct in strategic management?† International Journal Management Review, vo.11 no.1, pp.29-49. Chase, RB, Jacobs, FR Aquilano, NJ 2007, Operations management for competitive advantage, McGraw-Hill, New York. Cigolini, R, Cozzi, M Perona, M 2004, â€Å"A new framework for supply chain management: conceptual model and empirical test,† International Journal of Produc tion Economics, vol.24 no.1, pp.7-41. De Treville, S, Shapiro, RD Hameri, AP 2004, â€Å"From supply chain to demand chain: the role of lead time reduction in improving demand chain performance,† Journal of Operations Management, vol.21 no.3, pp.613-627. Evans, JR Berman, B 2001, â€Å"Conceptualizing and operationalizing the business-to-business value chain,† Industrial Marketing Management, vol.30 no.2, pp.135-148. Gunasekaran, A, Patel, C McGaughey, RE 2004, â€Å"A framework for supply chain performance measurement,† International Journal of Production Economics, vol.87 no.12, pp.333-347. Hansen, T M Birkinshaw, J 2007, The innovation value chain,† Harvard Business Review, vol.16 no.4, pp.121-130. Heikkilà ¤, J 2002, â€Å"From supply to demand chain management: efficiency and customer satisfaction,† Journal of Operations Management, vol.20 no.4, pp.747-767. Irwin, R 2003, â€Å"Strategic cost management: the value chain perspective.† Journal of Management Accounting Research, vol.37 no.16, pp.179-197. Lakshminarasimha, A Vijayan, A 2008, â€Å"Value Chain Analysis: Social Networking Communities,† Journal of Marketing Management, vol.3 no.3, pp.34-42. Langabeer, JR 2000, â€Å"Aligning demand management with business strategy,† Supply Chain Management Review, vol.4 no.2, pp.10-22. Porter, M 2000, â€Å"Location, competition, and economic development: local clusters in a global economy,† Economic Development Quarterly, vol.14 no.1, pp.15–35. Shanahan, YP 2002, â€Å"A contingent examination of strategy-cost system alignment: customer retention and customer profitability analysis,† Managerial Auditing Journal, vol.13 no.7, pp.411 –18. Smith, M 2002, â€Å"Derrick’s Ice-Cream Company: applying the BCG matrix in customer profitability analysis,† Accounting Education, vol.11 no.4, pp.365 –375. Yu, W 2012, â€Å"Business environment, employee competenci es and operations strategy: an empirical study of retail firms,† Journal of Management and Mathematics, vol.6 no.1, pp.321-327. This research paper on Strategic operations management: Macy’s Inc was written and submitted by user Rivka Moreno to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. 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The Fake Truth About Oskar Sch essays

The Fake Truth About Oskar Sch essays It is easy to believe what you have not seen, and even easier to believe what lies before you eyes. Steven Spielbergs historic film Schindlers List has undoubtedly affected and persuaded millions of viewers into accepting Oskar Schindler as a hero. Through the memories of those who knew him, along with historic documents and facts, the film can be said to possess a factual recollection of this historic figure. Although there are minor discrepancies between the historical facts, the novel, and the film, Spielbergs version concerning Oskar Schindler is a reliable source for the truth behind this mysterious man. Even though the novel and the film are fiction, they present a reliable truth about Schindlers life and his actions during the Holocaust. The film is based on the novel written by Thomas Keneally. This strips the film of its credibility as a documentary because both film and novel present fictional dialogue. However, both Keneally and Spielberg interviewed witnesses in an effort to make Schindlers story as historically correct as possible. In the novel, Keneally states in his authors note: I have attempted ... to avoid all fiction, since fiction would debase the record, and to distinguish between the reality and the myths which are likely to attach themselves to a man of Oskar's stature. It has sometimes been necessary to make reasonable constructs of conversations of which Oskar and others have left only the briefest record. But most exchanges and conversations, and all events are based on the detailed recollections of the Schindlerjuden (Schindler Jews), of Schindler himself, and of other witnesses to Oskar's acts of outrageous rescue. (Qtd. in Fogel 315) These words assure the reader that the novels events are not fiction at all and that the book is a historically correct recollection of the type of man that Schindler was. In effect, Spielberg's Schindler's List con...

Tesco in India Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 4

Tesco in India - Essay Example This paper illustrates that Tesco is the second largest retail chain after the United States giant Walmart and is the leading retail chain in the United Kingdom. The company is involved in offering both food and non-food products to its customers. Tesco with the proposal to open multi-store in India is the first international retailer interested in penetrating the Indian market after the resolution pass by the Indian government to allow foreign investment in the multi-brand retail in 2012. The government of India has revealed its positive approach towards this initiative of Tesco. If the application is approved by the government of India, Tesco intends to enter the country in 50-50 partnerships with the Indias Tata group. Tata group owes Trent Hypermarket Limited, that majority operates Star Bazaar and Star Daily in the western region of India namely Maharashtra and its neighboring state of Karnataka. Culture is defined as a complex set of knowledge, beliefs, perceptions, morals, att itudes, customs and any other capabilities or habit acquired by an individual as a member of society. Correspondingly, cross-culture represents the differences between the countries in terms of culture acquired by the people of the respective country. Schein regarded culture as the key source of organizational culture. Accordingly, culture affects the business in every stage of organizational operations. It is thus argued that understanding culture is of prior importance for the business particularly those intending to or operating in the foreign market. Moreover, it has been noted that corporate culture can impose serious constraints on strategy and act as an impeding factor in the course of achieving the business objectives. It is thus crucial for Tesco to identify the differences in the UK and Indian culture for deriving considerable understanding regarding the cultural issues that may affect the business process of the proposed joint venture.

Explain why Simmias and Cebes are so afraid of death in the phaedo, Essay

Explain why Simmias and Cebes are so afraid of death in the phaedo, whereas Socrates is not. Does Socrates' explanation convince you, or are you, like simmias a - Essay Example Socrates unequivocally asserts that any true philosopher â€Å"will be willing to die† (6). He is convinced that a better life awaits him. Death, as the harbinger of â€Å"the greatest good† (8), is something the true philosopher desires and pursues. Death may be defined as â€Å"the separation of the soul and body† (8). The philosopher is a seeker of truth and lover of wisdom, who pursues the essence of the knowledge of existence. In this pursuit, the body, with its’ lusts, sensual pleasures and physical needs, is â€Å"only a disturbing element, hindering the soul from the acquisition of knowledge† (10). Therefore, the philosopher desires death, which will release â€Å"the soul from the chains of the body† (11) and free the soul to attain the truth. His desire for the truth will be satisfied only by the separation of the soul from the body – that is, by death – which is the purification of the soul. Death is the philosopherâ €™s means to gain wisdom, while the body is his â€Å"enemy† (11). Socrates fearlessly and eagerly anticipates death and is ready â€Å"to depart with joy† (11) from this world. Cebes and Simmias acknowledge the truth of Socrates’ word, but continue to fear death, as they are afraid that the soul â€Å"may be destroyed and perish† (12) when she leaves the body, â€Å"vanishing into nothingness† after death. Socrates allays their fears by convincing them of the immortality of the soul. The accepted belief that â€Å"the living spring from the dead† (15) presupposes the prior existence of the soul, in another world, before it assumes human form. As recollection is an essential part of knowledge, this recollection is obviously gained by the intelligent souls’ existence in another place. The rebirth of the soul is proof of the souls’ immortality, as â€Å"everything living is born of the dead† (19). Once it is accepted that the soul is invisible,

A Practical Criticism Essay Example for Free

A Practical Criticism Essay This paragraph is a descriptive one. It sets the tone for the attitude of Dickens towards the workers, and the factories, which they inhabit. He describes Coketown as a shockingly realistic one and so in doing so further terrifies the reader into forcing them to open their eyes to the devastating world in which they inhabit. This is strange, as although Dickens is seemingly writing proletariat propaganda, his audience is in-fact the nobler classes. Therefore we could be jousted into believing that Dickens is fronting a more revolutionary and extremist movement, as this novel, ad the time of its publication is closely linked to the French revolution- which Dickens confronts in A Tale Of Two Cities- and Britains own industrial revolution. The emphasis hanging greatly on the latter. However here Dickens uses a masterful array of techniques in which to produce, if anything but concise, a well structured and detailed report upon the aesthetical roles of the workers. Dickens, by starting aesthetically, allows the reader to transform the basic principles in a manner in which to interpret the foundations of his novel. He uses much imagery to entice the reader into the story, and so allows the reader to get involved, which runs very consistently and conveniently with the origins of the story, as the story-line is one developed from his experiences and observations, of the lack of morality, ethics, and equality not just for a human but, cruelty suspended only for even animal like tendencies. Here he addresses the monotonous and repetitive life of the worker, which is reminiscent of a factory assembly line. Dickens here seems to be a firm believer of the notion that we are just all bit parts in the machine called life. He represents this through the fact that the workers will allow their work and their greed and will to progress to occupy their life to such an extent that it engulfs them. And destroys their very life turning it into a robotic nightmare, as they are too transfixed with a detached goal that they themselves become detached from life. The first three lines are descriptive ones, which describe the setting for which the description of the workers is to follow. This is a very distinct, technique, but one that is very Dickensian as it layers the detail until a complete picture of a vast magnitude of separate and individual objects, which are all commingled so to produce a comprehensive guise of the effigy that Dickens is trying to manifest. Here Dickens uses a contrast of adjectives so to not only add light to the picture but to also add colour, as Dickens presentations are so grand and meticulous that they allow you to revoke an exact image on which you can add or finish in accordance to your adoption of the subjects that Dickens so mildly scathes. Earlier on in the Chapter it is suggested that it is not often cheerful in Coketown; A SUNNY midsummer day. There was such a thing sometimes, even in Coketown. However Dickens having already affronted the situation of the weather, reengages in the daily pleasantries of setting and discussing the weather once more. This is used as an example of repetition whereby Dickens is trying to show that it is even a remarkably cheerful day among the factories. We can infer from this that Coketown has two separate breeds of weather, one for the town and another for the factory. This, therefore ray of sunshine is therefore repeated as it is a bout of astonishment, the astonishment being that not only is the sun shinning upon the factory, but that it is able to; as we are told that a heavy vapour droops over the town. This vapour is caused by the soot and smog produced by the factory. This is a primary reason why we are presented with a town, quite adequately named COKETOWN; this being so due to the manufacture of coke (A primary fuel made by heating coal until it is vaporised and evaporates to form a gas) heralding such a high standing in the usage and manufacture of fuels (Through the 1800-1920 coal was the major source of power and was used, as the only alternative to drive much of the machinery being produced in the industrial revolution). Dickens acknowledges that the pollution produced as a consequence would create a thick black smog that hung over the town, as if always having miserable weather, hence the use of light in the novel is very important as it is in scarce amounts, and so most of it is artificially generated, which continues the connection of the workers to the machinery that they slave upon. Yet Dickens pays much attention to the lighting and, so uses it in a strongly Biblical manner, where he illuminates- as if a ray of God or Hope- a character or object when it is of importance. He uses the light, as a spotlight so to beam down and allow that thing to stand out and be noticed. Much of this is subconscious techniques that inevitably draw our attention, so to coincide with that of Dickens, and so lead us along his chosen path and ideas. He therefore is dictating the course of events and the path in which we value, and follow them. He puts this to practise here where he parts the heavens so that the sun was so bright and so illuminated the factory. Here Dickens seems to freeze the course of action, so to explain to his audience the significance of this by describing the factory, and the procedures, which occur inside. It is here that Dickens begins to really piece together the puzzle that he has created by edifying the gravity of the factory combined with the impact and dictating role that it has upon its workers lives. Dickens adds a final note that it could not be looked at steadily. He does this so to relate to us just how intense the light is, so that we can digest the information and understand the deeper more into place and constructed motives behind the description. The Stokers whom he refers to, are the people that burned the coal, it is strange yet justified that he introduces them by surfacing them above ground, from their underground home. Here Dickens is condemning people. He is using the darkness and filth, to show that the job is unsanitary. He describes them as rising from underground, which shows me that this is ambiguous, as it primarily, suggests a rising of the dead. This connotation can be used if he means that the men in mind are dead, and only resurface in body from their telling and taxing work. However it could also mean the underground, which would connote to Hell and the Underworld, showing a somewhat style of imprisonment. The black soot that dresses the workers could be a means of describing the workers as second-class citizens, as during this time Slavery (Which Charles Dickens did not condemn) was common place, and the slaves were of African origins, and so the soot may be a symbolic reference. The next sentence shows the lack of care or of standard of life for the workers as they all piled out into factory yards and had to make makeshift seats etc There were no benefits, or luxuries for doing such a dangerous job, and all they had during their break was a yard, which they could sit. This shows the greed, and immorality of the factory owners, as they had no consideration for the workers; all they saw them as was workers, and a means to progress under the workers strains. Dickens in the meanwhile, although documenting on such an atrocious act of humanity, makes it somewhat poetic, by his short spells of alliteration: sat on steps posts, and palings contemplating coals. It is the final piece that intrigues me the most. Here, in his abrupt, inventory-like ramblings, we see a great collage of punctuation; he uses the repetition of and in a child-like manner, which only adds to the satire of the paragraph, as he constructs the sentence with a plethora of suspense, which builds an ascendancy of dismay. He also makes use of the comma to break up the sentence, where the final moiety seems to belong to a separate sentence. He creates a rambling through this technique of issuing objects, as if he was checking them, in a Gradgrind, utilitarian-like roster.