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ââ¬ÅA Scherzo A Shy Persons Wishesââ¬Â Analysis Essay
What is the state of mind of ââ¬Å"A Scherzo A Shy Persons Wishes.â⬠How is the temperament passed on and what impact does it hav...
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Marketing - Justification Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Marketing - Justification Report - Essay Example The Gym has a total of two owners and three trainers all of whom have a background in the sports industry. The objective in this aspect is to seek the relevant products, which are healthy and appropriate and can effectively assist the clients in the gym with their needs associated with the aggressive training. Indeed, the training process is very delicate and requires very important essentials, which should always be available in a bid to make training a more professional aspect. In this respect, the report seeks to convince Top Tier that the potential products will greatly assist the clients in selecting healthier diets, which can positively influence their health. The initiative is further intended to offer proper training to the clients in order to enable them make relevant decisions regarding the best products to select. The initiative is intended to deal with four lines of products that include sports drinks, energy drinks, energy bars and sports shakes. The justification on the need to use these products is given on professional grounds other than on plain product promotion claims. It is in that respects that it is hoped that the Top Tier management would indeed react positively to this need and enable the products to be marketed at the gym. Problem statement In the increasingly dynamic sports environment where challenges and issues related to health continue to become major concerns, the need to provide effective products in relation to these challenges cannot be overemphasized. Healthy standards are very difficult to attain these days courtesy of the inundation of several products in the market claiming to be the solutions to the challenges realized. Often, these products never meet the objectives aspired. This initiative is therefore an important call to rectify the situation and provide the best products that can assist the trainees at the gym with all their professional healthy needs. Methods The solution to the above problem lies in the products tha t this report seeks to promote in the Gym. Today, the society is becoming more dynamic and convenience seems to be the greatest aspect that people consider before any undertaking. Energy drinks and bars have become very popular as people seek products that can quickly replenish them with energy at faster rates (Nestle 2002). Quality products that can provide these solutions always need to be at the disposal of those who need them. Well-designed products that can fulfill these functions and provide the users with all the healthy requirements are therefore the most important aspects in this regard. Weight gainers, protein powders, and carbohydrate drinks are some of the products that can give the users high quality value in terms of body requirements without subjecting them to the agony of spending too much time in the kitchen (2012). The program is intended to take a maximum timeframe of one week as a promotion period and will mostly involve educational sessions to give the potential users all the relevant information regarding these important products in the markets. It is hoped that after the program, all the trainees and everybody in the gym shall be knowledgeable enough regarding these important aspects of health and will therefore be in a position to purchase the products. Findings
Electrons in Atoms Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Electrons in Atoms - Research Paper Example This paper sought to study electrons in atoms; their history, science and applications. Both case study and descriptive research designs were employed r. Secondary sources were the main data sources used in this study. The first discovery of an electron was made by Sir John Joseph Thompson when he was studying Mysterious rays, todayââ¬â¢s cathode rays in 1898 (Richards). Thompson made a very bold suggestion the mysterious rays were made up particles that were smaller than atoms, which he named corpuscles. Thompson further suggested that corpuscles might be the component of all the matter in an atom (AIP). By then the atom was believed to be the smallest indivisible particle of matter; hence the Thompsons theory was controversial until he, together with other scientists and proved it experimentally. Thompsonââ¬â¢s suggestion that cathode rays were made of corpuscles later turned to be electrons, tiny, with a negative charge and the fundamental parts of an atom turned to be correct. In the mid-nineteenth century, an experiment of a glass tube with wires implanted in opposite sides, air pumped out, and a high voltage applied was very popular. Lovely glow patterns were made inside the tube. The experiment was improved by a German physicist in 1859, and the fluorescent glow was produced where the cathode light reached the glass. This experiment was a proof that the cathode emitted some kind ray (AIP). Speculations were made by physicists, including Thompson concerning these mysterious rays. Some thought they were waves like light waves while others, including Thompson thought they were particles. More experiments were made. A magnet was observed to push the rays about. Heinrich Hertz, a German Physicist, noted that the mysterious rays were not deflected by an electric field in a cathode ray tube as was expected for charged particles. More confusion engulfed scientists, and more experiments were needed to resolve the uncertainties. Jean Perrin, a French
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Evaluation Methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words
Evaluation Methods - Essay Example 1). Scientific Experimental Model The scientific experimental model is the most commonly used; it is normally applied in the field of social sciences. The main aim of the scientific experimental model is to assess the accuracy and objectivity of information generated. In addition, the strategy also involves assessing the impartiality and the validity of information. Evaluation in this model takes the form of experimental and non-experimental designs (Research Methods, 2012, para. 6). Management Oriented System Models The most widely used method in respect of the management oriented system models in the management of businesses and organizations includes Critical Path Method (CPM) and Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT). In addition, other method of management oriented system model that has been introduced by evaluators includes the UTOS. This acronym stands for Units, Treatment, Observation and Settings. Another model in this category is CIPP (context, input, process and p roduct). The main aim of management oriented systems models is to emphasize the suitability of an object within the framework of organizational activities. CIPP looks at the context in which the object operates, whether the environment is suitable or not, and the nature of effort required in using the object. An object is evaluated as being inefficient if the amount of input or resources put in place in operating is more and costly. Further, the process taken by the object to produce the goods or services must involve the least effort necessary as well as time. In the end, the product is evaluated on its usefulness to the society in general (Research Methods, 2012, para. 7). The main difference between the scientific experimental models and the management oriented models is in the discipline in which they are applied. Scientific experimental models are used in social sciences as well as in physical sciences to determine the accuracy of a given theory or scientific process as formula ted by scientists or theoreticians. The management oriented models are used by the managers in different organizations to assess the suitability of an object within the framework of organizational activities. However, these two strategies of evaluation can be used interchangeably (Research Methods, 2012, para. 8). Qualitative Models Qualitative models majorly dwell on the need for observations. They also involve the need to ensure that a given object retains its qualities for a longer period of time. The assessment is mainly centered on the subjective interpretation of an individual to the suitability and validity of a given object. Quality is the main measure while undertaking the evaluation process. Evaluators normally ensure that a given object conforms to the standards of operation without causing any dangers to the individuals concerned with its usage. Assessing the quality of the product is very important in knowing the strengths and weaknesses of a given product or service (R esearch Methods, 2012, para. 9). Participant Oriented Models Participant oriented models mainly concentrate on the participants. Participants include the clients and users of a given object. The evaluators seek to establish the effectiveness of a given product or service through the participants. The information concerning
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Advertisements and Tourism Websites Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Advertisements and Tourism Websites - Essay Example Advertisements and websites are the most prolific example of segmented marketing, where the target group decides the contents of advertisements. In the rapid globalization and advancing technology, websites of tourism are the most popular form of advertisements for the tourism industry whose. Tourism websites have become popular primarily because they are able to provide the customers with the necessary information and services that facilitate their desire for relaxation and at the same time whet their appetite for adventure. People have the inherent urge for adventure and tourist industry, the world over has left no stone unturned in order to provide an exciting adventure in the remotest part of the world. The information explosion and e-commerce activities in the tourism industry have further added to the attraction. The websites have made even a middle-class person, with limited resources, to crave for the attractions and exciting new packages that are on offers by the travel agen cies. ââ¬Ëhttp://www.guardian.co.uk/travelââ¬â¢ is one such website that is designed to seduce the customers with a vast choice of places offering attractive schemes. Rest and relaxation are an integral part of human nature where different people have different notion of rejuvenating themselves. The tips given by the travelers are designed to inspire and boost the confidence of the future customers.
Monday, July 22, 2019
Reconstruction 1965-77 a false dawn for African-American Civil Rights Essay Example for Free
Reconstruction 1965-77 a false dawn for African-American Civil Rights Essay To what Degree was Reconstruction 1965-77 a false dawn for African-American civil Rights? After the end of the civil war, there were many issues which needed to be addressed. The civil rights of the African Americans were in need of change, and during this period there were hopes that new legislation would be implemented to aid African Americans and other minority groups. This legislation would be called the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the 14th Amendment of 1868 (which promised equality), and finally the 15th Amendment (which gave the right to vote). However, despite the positive legislation, reconstruction aggravated a lot of people and brought the southern states into conflict with the Government. The Freedmens Bureau was established in 1865, which aimed to provide food, clothing, and fuel to formal slaves and white refugees. The Freedmens Bureau bill was also passed by Abraham Lincoln; however Johnson vetoed it, however a supplementary act extended its existence until 1870. This was very good for black rights, as it gave blacks more protection and a safety net if they were too poor to buy food and support their families. However, it was only meant as a temporary act, and therefore there was always the looming feeling that it would soon come to an end, and also the promises of it were not fulfilled to the extent at which it was said to be. The Amendments which were introduced also gave black people a real hope in gaining independence and freedom. The 13th amendment was introduced in 1865, and this guaranteed the permanent abolishment of slavery. The emancipation proclamation which was introduced by Abraham Lincoln was seen as more of a temporary fix whilst the war was going on, however the 13th amendment solidified it and made it a more permanent and clear reality. Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime where of the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. However, although by law it states that there shall be no slavery, slavery continued on a more hidden basis. Sharecropping still existed, and freedmen who had come out of slavery with no qualifications or experience became unemployed, so the living conditions for most freedmen did not improve. Slave-owners were also reluctant to let their slaves leave, and often kept them illegally. The 14th Amendment however was introduced in 1870, and this aimed to further secure the rights of the freedmen. This turned out to be one of the most important Amendments ever made to the American constitution. It threatened to reduce the representation of the states which continued to discriminate. However, a loophole in this law was that the states which continued to discriminate would just accept the unequal representation, but carry on with their discrimination, yet just not so obvious. Therefore by some, this could be seen as a false dawn, as it did address the issue of freedmen not having rights, but it also created a loophole for the southern states to take advantage of. The 15th Amendment was introduced two years later, which aimed to cover the loophole which was created by the 14th amendment. This stated: Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude This was a huge step forward for black civil rights, as this means that the south was not able to carry on with their discrimination against many voters, and this nullified the loophole in the law which was created by the 14th Amendment. However, more loopholes were created with this, with unattainable requirements being implemented just to be able to vote. For example, voters in some states had to be taxpayers which was not possible for freedmen, as most were not earning enough to be able to pay tax, and also literacy tests were introduced which were severely biased against black people, with questions which were completely unanswerable. Another reason why this did not entirely work was because of the uprising of the KKK. They were a terrorist group which aimed to scare black people into not voting, and to basically cause terror because they were black. They at first were not an ultra-violent group, however as time progressed they quickly became increasingly violent, as lynchings were common, and they would often target the black people who were doing well for themselves, I.E lawyers who were doing a lot for civil rights, or those who went to vote. Because of this huge suppression and hatred, a lot of black people were scared to vote and in reality voting was not a freedom for black people. Some historians would say that reconstruction it itself did not really care for the black rights, and that it was a political move to try and remain Republican power in the south. Abraham Lincoln himself did not have a clear policy for freed slaves after the Civil War, so reconstruction was not seen as a solid plan from the start, it was looking like a false dawn. False Dawn something which seems to show that a successful period is beginning or that a situation is improving when it is not. Reconstruction The act of constructing again, of rebuilding Bibliography * Wikipedia * Class Notes * Civil Rights In America Ron Field * About.com
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Risk Factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Risk Factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Article 1 Socioeconomic Position and Factors Associated With Use of a Nonsupine Infant Sleep Position: Findings From the Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey SIDS is the surprising loss of life of an baby young than one year of age. SIDS continues to be mysterious after a thorough case research, such as efficiency of a complete autopsy, evaluation of the loss of life field and evaluation of medical record.Unexpected Child Loss of life Issue has always been a challenge to scientists.. So far no concepts or details are able to provide a effective response for this. Physicians have did not figure out whether the child instantly had a center problem or just basically missing the capability to take in. Over 70 different concepts have been suggested to describe the cause of SIDS The chance of SIDS usually mountains in babies older between 2-4 several weeks of age, it is very unusual within the first month of birth and threat decreases after six several weeks of age. Research has revealed that about 90% of SIDS fatalities happen in babies young than six several weeks of age. In SIDS an baby between the age groups of two to four several weeks is discovered deceased during a period of sleep. The surprising loss of life of previously healthy babies is all the more surprising and harmful. Sudden baby loss of life is a terrible event for any mother or father or care provider. This is the most severe disaster mother and father can face, a disaster which results in them with unhappiness and a feeling of weeknesses that continues throughout their lives. SIDS is also generally known as Bed loss of life, Cot loss of life, Sudden mysterious loss of life in beginnings (SUDI). Unexpected Baby Loss of life Issue has always been a challenge to scientists. The cause (or caus es) of SIDS is still a secret. SIDS is one of the top causes of infant death in USA. So far no concepts or details are able to give a effective response for this. Physicians have did not figure out whether the child instantly had a center problem or just simply missing the capability to take in. Over 70 different concepts have been suggested to describe the cause of SIDS. In facedown position, air activity around the oral cavity is also affected. This can cause the baby to rebreathe just blown out co2. Normal air activity is avoided by Smooth bed linens and gas-trapping things, like bed linens, bed linens, waterbeds and soft beds. Some of the concepts relevant to SIDS describe that the childs higher air gets obstructed making the child suffocate. One concept says that blood vessels structure of the child may have sudden development of the level of body fat and thus, the mind of the child prevents performing. Some fault defective neurological program in children for SIDS as it is not able to notify the child and awaken it up when the fresh air provide is low. SIDS children may not have this procedure at all. SIDS may be due to a defective defense mechanisms or the way a child rests such as smooth bed linens in which the children unintentionally hide their experience and then cannot convert and thus get choked. Covering the child too firmly in a cover may also cause to SID. Article 2 Heart Rate Variability in Sleeping Preterm Neonates Exposed to Cool and Warm Thermal Conditions The term babies with apparent deadly event (ALTE), premature babies of low birth weight are at risk for SIDS. Some state that friends of babies who have succumbed to SIDS are at risk. The study states that the babies who die of SIDS have irregularities in functions like respiration, hypertension and arousal. The structural differences in a specific part of the mind may add to the chance of SIDS. Exams of the mind stems of SIDS victims have revealed a developing delay in formation and function of several serotonin-binding nerve routes within the mind. These routes regulate respiration, pulse rate, and hypertension reactions. The study examine that increase in the heat range due to overdressing, using extreme covers can cause to an improved fat burning capacity in these babies and ultimate loss of respiration control. Apparent life-threatening activities (ALTEs) are medical activities in which young babies show unexpected changes in respiration, shade, or muscular mass. ALTEs are triggered due to popular breathing attacks, gastro esophageal flow back illness or convulsions. But there is no medical proof connecting ALTEs to SIDS.Some of the baby fatalities followed by immunization made people believe immunization as a cause of SIDS which has now proven to be wrong by research. SIDS is non-contagious and is not genetic and obviously it is not due to bad being a parent. Infants are very delicate to changes in heat range. Child may sleep greatly if the space is too heated and may not awaken in time in case of any problems in respiration. Breast fed children are secured against attacks that can cause to SIDS. Parents can pay attention to their children while they are resting through digital products. They increase an alert if the child prevents respiration. But they are not known to prevent SIDS. They are suggested for children with higher threat for SIDS. Pacifiers give included security for children up to 6 month. Because heating up may increase a childs chance of SIDS, outfit your baby in light, relaxed outfits for resting, and keep the 70 degrees at a level thats relaxed for an mature. If youre concerned about your baby remaining heated, outfit him in a onesie, sleepwear that protect arms, legs, arms, and legs. Remember, dont use a protect your baby can get twisted in it or take the protect over his face. Article 3 Clinical Digest Cot lack of life, better known as S.I.D.S., is one of the top causes for the overpriced baby death amount rate in this nation these days. It is often misinterpreted or unrecognizable. For the most part, the causes of SIDS are unidentified to the community. This is modifying, however, as attention is ever improving. Thus, the objective of this document will be to describe unexpected baby lack of life problem and its known or recommended causes. Also, the record of SIDS, the issues and psychological struggling that outcomes from the lack of a kid, the cost it requires on the enduring brother, and possible guidance or other help that is available for mother and father who may have missing a kid to SIDS are such places that will be researched. Overall I desire to accomplish a better knowing of all these recommended subjects within the body of the document. Despite decreases in occurrence during the past two decades, cot loss of life (SIDS) remains the leading cause of loss of life for babies older between 1 month and 1 year in western world. Behavioral risks identià ¯Ã ¬Ã ed in epidemiological studies include vulnerable and side roles for baby rest, smoking visibility, soft bedding and rest areas, and heating up. Proof also indicates that pacià ¯Ã ¬Ã er use at rest time and room discussing without bed discussing are associated with reduced chance of SIDS. Although the cause of SIDS is unidentified, premature cardiorespiratory autonomic control and failing of excitement responsiveness from rest are key elements. Gene polymorphisms with regards to this transportation and autonomic neurological system development might make aà ¯Ã ¬Ã¢â ¬ected babies more susceptible to SIDS. Strategies for threat reduction have assisted to decrease SIDS occurrence by 50ââ¬â90%. However, to decrease the occurrence even further, greater progr ess must be made in reducing prenatal smoking visibility and applying other recommended baby care methods. Ongoing research is needed to recognize the pathophysiological basis of SIDS. In the UK, present suggestions say that mother and father should choose where their child rests, however, the most secure choice is in a bed or cot in the same space. The researchers discovered that the chance of SIDS was more regular in breast-fed children young than 3 several weeks who distributed the bed with their mother and father, even if the mother and father did not use alcohol, medication, or smoking. Furthermore, the chance of bed-sharing reduced as the child got mature. The most frequent interval for the incident of SIDS was between 7 and 10 several weeks. The writers indicate that a important loss of SIDS worth could be achieved if mother and father did not discuss beds with their children. Article 4 Alcohol as a risk factor for sudden infant death Syndrome SIDS is the unexpected loss of life of an baby young than one year of age. SIDS continues to be mysterious after a thorough case research, such as efficiency of a finish autopsy, evaluation of the loss of life field and evaluation of medical record. The unexpected loss of life of formerly healthy babies is all the more surprising and harmful. Sudden baby loss of life is a terrible occasion for any mother or father Alcohol during maternity is one of the greatest risks to a unborn infant. Consumption can put the mom and unborn infant at threat for several things. For example: miscarriages, stillbirths, early babies, and low-birth-weight babies. When a lady is drinking regularly it boundaries her nutritional consumption that both she and the unborn infant need to develop. Consuming during maternity can also have an impact on baby growth. Alcohol remains in the blood circulation twice as long in a unborn infant than it does in the mom. This can cause the most harm to the unborn infant during the first trimester when body system components and body system parts are developing, such as the mind, center, and anxious system. Scientists discovered those fatalities may result from kids being exposed to alcohol in the uterus and from alcohol-using moms creating dangerous surroundings for the kids after beginning. Previously, studies have tied SIDS to parents smoking and to risky surroundings, but few stu dies have looked at whether alcohol could be involved in some of the fatalities. They in comparison the number of SIDS and baby fatalities that happened in kids of moms with a clinically diagnosed consuming issue, to cases among the kids of moms without a analysis. The researchers discovered that kids created to moms who consumed intensely during maternity had a seven-fold increase in the chance of SIDS, in comparison to kids of moms without a consuming issue. Babies also had a nine-fold increased chance of SIDS when their moms consumed within the year after beginning, in comparison to kids created to moms who didnt drink. The results of this study indicate that expectant mothers alcohol-use problem improves the chance of SIDS and (infant deaths) through immediate effects on the unborn baby and ultimately through ecological risks,â⬠The writers add that past studies suggest children revealed to alcohol in the uterus may have irregularities in the brainstem, which could lead to problems controlling basic body features like respiration.
Childrens Stories Of The Nineteenth Century English Literature Essay
Childrens Stories Of The Nineteenth Century English Literature Essay memorable adventures that remain popular today. Children continue to feel the heartaches of heroines such as Jo March in Louisa May Alcotts Little Women -which has never gone out of print, (Watson, 2009, p13) and eagerly turn the pages of Robert Louis Stevensons colonialist Treasure Island to read about Jims adventures and bravery. Yet these seemingly fun-filled Bildungsroman stories are reliant upon a value-system delineated by patriarchal constructions of gendered social roles of the late nineteenth century in which they were written. Both novels overtly indicate that in order to achieve personal value or capital (and thus maturity), the boy and girls of these stories are expected to succumb to the social expectations defined by their respective genders, ultimately replacing their juvenile freedom with responsibility and obligation. Consequently, for the purpose of this essay, fatherhood has been interpreted as influential masculine authority that invests both guidance and support in achieving this maturity. These depictions will be compared and contrasted in an attempt to argue that despite absent fathers, seemingly opposite contexts, perspectives and heavily gendered ideals, these novels both depict fatherhoods that challenge the gendered assumptions and values underpinning the imperial beliefs and identities .. of this period (Montgomery, 2009,p108.) Whilst seek(ing) to empower young readers to become active agents of future change'(Sambell, Reader 2, p.386) by challenging the apparent flight from domesticity (Tosh, 1999,p4)of the time. Little Women and Treasure Island stand at the threshold of changing notions about childhood (and consequent changes in childrens literature), between more didactic literature from earlier in the century, and the more purely amusing literature written later. Little Women, focusing on four sisters in a middle-class New England domestic setting, gives particular insight into the changing position of fatherhood to girls and women in American Civil War society, whilst Treasure Island forefronts an imperial masculine identity aimed towards British boys in the height of colonial expansion (Montgomery, 2009,p74). These differing contexts are crucial to consider as they serve as a frame by which the child, and (importantly) parent, reader would interpret the authors messages and ideals of fatherhood, and ultimately contributed to their success. The comparison of the depictions of fatherhood will begin by analysing Alcotts portrayal of key father-figures within Little Women, followed by a comp arative study of fatherhood issues addressed in Treasure island. The March family, with their initially absent father, portrays a female-dominated domestic world in which men, including Laurie, Mr. Lawrence, publishers, suitors, and even Mr. March, play second fiddle. However, the patriarchal society of the time dictate that, just as Jim Hawkins journey towards accruing capital must be initiated by an investment of masculine capital, the lessons of domestic virtue within Little Women are always framed within the context of physically or ethereally present father-figures. Mr. Marchs letter sparks his daughters journeys toward virtue in the novel and he is credited as the guiding source of Marmees goodness as well as providing the time frame for the first half of the book. When Jo questions her mother on how she learned to control her emotions, she turns to the example Mr. March set before her. She claims; He never loses patience, never doubts or complains, but always hopes, and works and waits so cheerfully that one is ashamed to do otherwise before him. He helped and comforted me, and showed me that I must try to practice all the virtues I would have my little girls possess, for I was their example. (p76) Through Alcotts use of heterodiegeticà narrative the reader is shown how each of her daughters strive to become the selfless, loving woman that Marmee represents, and by making Mr March the source of her goodness, Alcott attributes all moral authority and value to him. Alcott, through Mr March, constructed the home and Marmee herself, so that even when he is gone she remains behind, reinforcing the values of the patriarchal domestic authority her husband instilled within her. Alcott states (perhaps a little too earnestly) that despite the clear image of the five energetic women [who] seemed to rule the house (p229) he remains head of the family (p230) and the underlying source of social value and authority in the March family. These (frequent) explicit assertions of need for masculine validation and portrayal of domesticated manliness however, are in complete contrast to the image Alcott uses of his return as an invalid (p168)muffled up to the eyes'(p164). This broken man leaning on his wifes arm (Fetterley, p26), consigned to the library for the majority of the story, seemingly contradicts the very patriarchal assertions that Alcott loudly professes throughout. Similarly, as Fetterley asserts, Mr Marchs illness is consigned to the distant background and only vaguely referred to (ibid) instead hinting at a new form of patriarchal role-model; one that plays second fiddle to God and Mother (p181). Alcotts use of Intertextuality in the thematic elements of Pilgrims Progress woven throughout the plot reaffirm her religious ideologies and highlight the novels links to more didactic nature. Christian becomes a masculine authority of piety and perseverance to whom the March girls look for guidance and strength . Similarly, the March girls are repeatedly instructed to call upon their Heavenly Father to help them bear their burdens. The girls therefore have three ethereal masculine figures of moral authority steering them as they learn to fulfil their gendered roles: their father (in his absence), God, and Christian. When the girls need the physical presence of a man, they have Laurie: The girls describe Laurie as a remarkable boy (p278) whom they use as a standard to measure both other young men and their own behaviour; Angry Jos ill temper is highlighted when even good-natured Laurie had a quarrel with her (p104); Vain Meg first realises her misconduct through Lauries disapproval in Vanity Fair (p87); shy Beth is shown Laurie as a model of accomplishment without conceit (p67); and selfish Amy is saved from thin ice by his composure, from dull Aunt March by his ability to entertain, and from an unsuitable marriage by his reprimand (p74,180,397). Yet, despite this conformance to the conventional father role, the relationships also prove reciprocal as Laurie is also educated by the March girls: à It is Amy who urges Laurie to wake up and be a man (p384), Jo who manages his relationship with his grandfather (p198-203) and he himself credits them for a part of my education (p429) resulting in newly acquired manly virtues (p395.) This re-education of the male characters to conform with the female model that the women provide, along with Marmees pleas for the equal involvement of fatherhood in family life(p366), is put into increasingly successful practice by each of her sons-in-law. Fetterley describes how when Jo gets final father-figure, her big man or Papa Bhaer..her rebellion is neutralized (p29) and suggests Alcotts compliance with the gendered assumptions of fatherhood, yet once again there are clues that covertly challenge this view. Jo and Friedrich exhibit the most reformation of the traditional family in that Jo chooses the life work for herself and her partner, and provides the setting for their new school (Dalke, p563). She is financially independent and ultimately becomes responsible for educating boys. It is the opportunities provided by the strength and stability of the March matriarchy for reinventing manhood that lead the husbands, sons and fathers of Little Women to be re-educated by the women they love. Love which becomes, by the novels end, not the power play described by Fetterley, but rather an act performed mutually by both mothers and fathers to promote the reformation of a patriarchal society by beginning with the reformation of a single family. Like Little Women, Treasure Island can be read as a Bildungsroman, however in direct contrast it involves a rite of passage of Jim Hawkins predominately autodiegetic (retrospective) narration of his journey to maturity from which, as Stevenson notes, Women were excluded (xxvi) (with the exception of Jims mother and Captain Flint- who notably gets the last word in this masculine novel.) Whilst Little Women is saturated with figures of masculine authority and guidance, Treasure Island subjects its protagonist to little or no direct masculine, patriarchal authority as Jims father is fatally ill and soon dies. Yet, unlike Alcotts explicit portrayal of what the children should and should not be, the men Jim comes to admire are neither wholly good nor bad examples; they each contain traits Jim admires and traits he detests, and Jims achievement of independent mature identity lies in his own negotiation of father figures and rival male groupings, reaffirming the ideology of individualism (L oxley, p63) and, like Little Women, emphasising the authors belief in the need for change. In contrast to Mr March, Jims biological father is immediately portrayed as weak and lacking of authority. Jims lack of respect for this authority is demonstrated when he takes Billy Bones money to stand watch instead of helping his father as he should. Stevensons focalisation through young Jim (Montgomery,2009,p99) of his weak, poor father (p11) whose unhappy death (p10) was attributed to his terror (p10) heightens the sense of disappointment and serves to justify Jims delight in the companyà of men as different from his father as he can find. Jims disappointment in the chicken-hearted men (p32) in town is also clear; none of whom offer to help his mother retrieve the money owed toà her (ibid) and it is instead left to a woman and a young boy. Stevensons choice of these weak male authorities suggests a failingà model of masculinity, frail in the threat of adversity. Jims father is unable to contend with the problems caused by the pirate; his son, and wife, however, can. In Jims questà for self-definition it becomes clear that, from the start, Jim respects Long John Silver and prefers him to all other father-figures offered to him. Among the gentlemen, the Squire is too imperceptive and too gullible to carry sufficient moral authority, and too self-involved to be aware of Jims needs. Captain Smollet, from the start, establishes himself as stern and uncompromising. Only Dr Livesey shows any readiness to respond emotionally to Jim, as Sandison suggests, his confident authority (p55), innate compassion and demonstrable integrity (p56) set him up as an appropriate alternative moral authority (p57) but Stevenson questions this choice as a father-figure through his (pirate-like) mercenary pursuit of profit (Loxley, p75). Silvers clean and well-run inn, hisà appearance, demeanour, and the obvious efficiency with which he à runsà hisà establishment, clearlyà impressà Jim andà immediatelyà contrasts are drawnà toà his biological fathers inability to run his own inn (ibid.) The connection between the two fathers is quickly established and continues when Silver almost immediatelyà takes on Jims education at the docks (p72-73,) more than we have been told Jims father ever bestowed upon his son. Stevenson differentiates Silver from other pirates such as Flint and Pew, who died a beggar-man (p106) by emphasising how he has a wife and has his money properly invested. Trelawney introduced him as a man of substance: he has a bankers account which has never been overdrawn (p69.) Silver, too, boasts about his financial success: I laid by nine hundred safe, from England, and two thousand after Flint à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¦ all safe in bank (p101). Silver has a keen eye for accounts and savings, jus t as those pillars of the community, the doctor and the squire, are eager to get their hands on pirate treasure. At odds with the increasingly industrial and imperial society in which Treasure Island was written, was the earlier notion that the domestic sphere . . . is integral to masculinity'(Tosh,1999,p4). In this romantic adventure-story filled with gentlemen, Stevenson leaves a lasting impression that the most admirable are: a boy of fourteen; whose actions from the start are driven by a wish to protect his mother and home, and a crippled pirate; the only married adult in the book besides Jims father. These characters operate in an absence of conventional nineteenth century acceptable masculinity, yet they affirm qualities ascribed to the gentleman as, first, a husband and a father. Stevensons critique of masculinity in the empire, lies in the depiction of Silver as paternal surrogate father to Jim. It is this non-biological redefinition of the father-son relationship in Treasure Island -which Stevenson wrote with input from his young stepson-that the strength of his argument lies. Stevenson seemingly blames the empire for the erosion of British fathers importance in their childrens lives. His juxtaposition of treasure-seeking pirates and gentlemen as potential fathers for Jim portrays scathing critiques of the types of men created by greed, capitalism, and colonialism, and highlights the need for the individual child to be cautious of false promises for adventure. By the end of the novel, Stevensons view of the British Victorian gentleman emerges as part pirate and part child, but most importantly, like the fathers of Little Women both committed to their roles in the family. Despite the obvious contrasts in technique, context, subject matter and style of fatherhoods depicted in Little Women and Treasure Island, similarities have been highlighted in the authors subversion of nineteenth century patriarchal ideals. Both texts have been shown to implicitly promote domesticity in their key father figures, whilst encouraging reformation of the traditional family model by rewarding individualism and therefore seek(ing) to empower young readers to become active agents of future change (Sambell, Reader 2,p.386.) Word Count 2198
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