Sunday, April 19, 2020
Inside Job free essay sample
For my module-end project, I will be watching the documentary called ââ¬Å"Inside Jobâ⬠narrated by Matt Damon created in 2010. The documentary is well-known for providing a comprehensive analysis of the 2008 financial crisis. Many people have said that the documentary does a good job of explaining the reasons behind the financial crises. By reading the documentaryââ¬â¢s plot summary, I was able to find out that the documentary goes into many of the causes of the financial crises. Topics include corrupted politics, the housing bubble, wall-street executives and systematic corruption by the financial institutions. The documentary is split into five parts: Part 1: How we got here? ââ¬â Explains the history behind bank deregulation. Part 2: The bubble (2001-2007)-Analyzes the housing bubble, credit default swaps and subprime mortgages. Part 3: The crisis- Shows the effect of the financial crisis. Describes the recession of 2007-2008, stock market plummeting, lack of credit available by banks, global implications etc. We will write a custom essay sample on Inside Job or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Tope executives were able to walk away with no consequences and academia continued supporting bank deregulation. Part 5: Where we are now? No major reform made on credit rating agencies, explains Obama financial relief program and the losses of jobs that occurred. By watching the documentary I will be able to learn all the reasons and implications of the financial crisis and tie it together. I plan on taking notes while watching the documentary and then writing a report on all the information I learned from the documentary. Many complicated concepts learned in class (credit default swaps, securitization, derivatives) are explained in the movie in layman terms. Therefore I will be able to gather a better understanding of these complicated concepts and connect it with the issues faced in the financial crisis.
Sunday, March 15, 2020
PSAT Test Dates 2016 Full Guide
PSAT Test Dates 2016 Full Guide SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Are you planning to take the PSAT in the fall of 2016? This guide will fill you in on the exact test dates, along with some essential tips for achieving a great PSAT score. If youââ¬â¢re a rising junior or taking the PSAT as a younger student, read on to learn how the PSAT will be administered to students nationwide. How Is the PSAT Administered? You donââ¬â¢t get muchchoice when it comes to taking the PSAT. The test is administered across the country on a given date, and the majority of students take it on a weekday at their high school. While you can choose your test dates and testing centers when you sign up for the SAT, you donââ¬â¢t have this same flexibility or chance to register for the PSAT. College Board designates three official testing dates in October or early November. The vast majority of schools use the primary test date, but there are two alternatives in case the main one doesnââ¬â¢t work. So what are the primary and alternative test dates for the PSAT in 2016? What Are the PSAT Test Dates 2016? Here are the 2016 PSAT test dates. Your school will just choose one. Primary PSAT test date: October 19, 2016 (a Wednesday) Alternate PSAT test date: November 2, 2016 (a Wednesday) Saturday PSAT test date: October 15, 2016 (a Saturday) Your high school will register for one of the above test dates (in most cases, the primary test date) and let you know in advance. The alternate test dates, by the way, are only available to accommodate your high schoolââ¬â¢s schedule. Students canââ¬â¢t choose the alternate or Saturday test date, but instead must take the PSAT on the day that their school chooses. With the PSAT only administered on one day, you might have a concern that comes to mind: what if youââ¬â¢re sick or absent that day? If you're sick on the PSAT test date, don't worry! You will be able to schedule a makeup test. What If You Miss the PSAT? It is possible to make up the PSAT if you miss it. If youââ¬â¢re absent on test day, then you would need to contact the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) by March 1 via a written request. According to NMSCââ¬â¢s website, ââ¬Å"The student or a school official must write to NMSC as soon as possible after the PSAT/NMSQT administration to request information about procedures for entry to NMSC competitions by alternate testing. The earlier NMSC receives the written request, the greater the studentââ¬â¢s opportunities for meeting alternate entry requirements. To be considered, a request must be postmarked no later than March 1 following the PSAT/NMSQT administration that was missed. NMSC will provide alternate entry materials including an entry form that requires the signature of a school official.â⬠While you can set up a makeup test if you miss the official PSAT date, should you? That all depends on how much youââ¬â¢d benefit from taking the official test and whether or not youââ¬â¢re aiming for National Merit. If youââ¬â¢re a junior who has been prepping for the test with the goal of achieving distinction or a scholarship, then you should certainly set up a makeup test. If you really want the official College Board testing experience before you sit for the SAT, furthermore, then you should also try to reschedule. If youââ¬â¢re not aiming for National Merit, though, then you donââ¬â¢t necessarily have to make up the PSAT. You might just take a PSAT practice test on your own time under simulated testing conditions, score your test, and prepare for the SAT that way. If you miss the PSAT, then you should think about your academic goals and whether it makes sense for you to schedule another test. Assuming you do make your official test date and take the test, when would you get your PSAT scores back? Before you go on winter break, you get an early present: your PSAT score report! When Do You Get 2016 PSAT Scores? While 2015 test-takers had to wait until January for their PSAT, 2016 test-takers should get theirs back in mid-December. College Board hasnââ¬â¢t gotten any more specific about the PSAT score release date yet, but weââ¬â¢ll update as soon as weââ¬â¢ve got the info. At this point, we know that you should be able to access your PSAT scores online through your College Board account a little less than two months after taking the test. Once you get your PSAT scores, how can you make the most of your score report? Read on to learn how your PSAT resultscan help you make steps toward the future. What Should You Do With Your PSAT Scores? Your PSAT score report is important for two main reasons. First, it gives you feedback about how much you need to prep for the SAT. Second, it tells you if you might qualify for National Merit distinction and scholarships. Letââ¬â¢s take a closer look at both of these important functions of your PSAT score report. Your move (once you get your PSAT results). #1: Use Your PSAT Score Report to Prep for the SAT The PSAT and SAT are very similar tests. They share the same content and question types, and they test the same academic and time management skills. How you do on the PSAT can help you figure out your strengths and weaknesses as a test-taker. After some self-reflection, you can use your performance to plan your best approach to prepping for the SAT. Once you get your PSAT score report, take some time to figure out what itââ¬â¢s telling you. Look at your scores in each section, as well as the more specific subscores that give you insight into certain skill areas and question types. Figure out where you did well and where you could use some more practice. As you study for the SAT, target your weak areas so you can improve for next time. You may need to learn new concepts, cut down on careless errors, speed up your efficiency, or work onall three of these areas. Your PSAT score report gives you valuable insight into what you can do to boost your scores when you eventually take the SAT. Did you manage to reach the tasty carrot that is National Merit? #2: Use Your Score Report to See If You Qualify for National Merit When youââ¬â¢re a junior, youââ¬â¢ll take the PSAT/NMSQT, the latter part of which stands for National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Students who score in the top 3 to 4% achieve the distinction of National Merit Commended Scholar, while students who score in the top 1% are named Semifinalists and may even move on to become Finalists and get scholarship money. Achieving such a high score on the PSAT is no small feat, and if National Merit is in your sights, then youââ¬â¢ll probably spend a good amount of time studying and preparing to take the PSAT. Once you take the test and get your score report, youââ¬â¢ll be able to see whether your hard-earned efforts paid off. Since the PSAT was redesigned in 2015, we donââ¬â¢t yet have the exact state-by-state cutoffs to determine National Merit Semifinalist. We do have our state-by-state estimates based on last yearââ¬â¢s data, which you can check out in our National Merit Semifinalist guide. If youââ¬â¢re taking the PSAT in 2016, then youââ¬â¢re in luck! NMSC should release the exact state cutoffs in September, so youââ¬â¢ll be able to go into the test with a clear sense of what you need to achieve (give or take a few points to account for year-to-year fluctuations) to qualify for National Merit distinction and a PSAT scholarship. Want to get a head start on the PSAT NMQST? We have the industry's leading PSAT prep program. Built by Harvard grads and SAT full scorers, the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through advanced statistics, then customizes your prep program to you so that you get the most effective prep possible. Check out our 5-day free trial today: Whether or not youââ¬â¢re aiming for National Merit, youââ¬â¢d benefit from preparing for the PSAT. Youââ¬â¢ll brush up on core academic concepts, boost your scores, and get ready for the SAT. Read on for six key study tips to guide your preparation for the PSAT. No time like the present to get started!According to this clock, the present time has something to do with Leo, Aries, andAquarius. Prepping for the PSAT: 6 Key Tips The PSAT is a challenging test, and studying for it requires you to cover a lot of ground. To pace yourself, you should ideally start studying three to four months in advance of your test date. You might start even earlier, depending on where you start and what score youââ¬â¢re hoping to achieve. Some students take it even earlier than 11th grade for extra practice. Whatever age you are, youââ¬â¢ll benefit from following these six study tips as you get ready for the PSAT. #1: Learn All About the Test Your very first step in prepping for the PSAT is simple: learn about the test. Learn how the exam is formatted, how many sections there are, and how much time you get in each. Once you have a sense of its general structure, look more closely at each individual section to see what concepts eachincludes (for example, algebra, yes; advanced calculus, no) and what types of questions it asks. Here are justa few of the questions you should answer as you acquaint yourself with your new friend, the PSAT: How much time do you get per section? How many questions are in each section? What math concepts does it test? Whatââ¬â¢s the difference between the Math No Calculator and Math with Calculator sections? What grammar rules do you need to know for the Writing section? What are the different question types in the Reading section? How is the PSAT scored? As you learn about the test, take notes on what concepts you feel confident with and which ones need more review. If something looks completely unfamiliar, definitely make a note of it. You might be able to ask a teacher or friendto go over the concept, get a tutor, or learn it on your own with PSAT prep materials. Learning about the PSAT is a key first step as you prepare for test day. You can begin to figure out your strengths and weaknesses and design your own personal study plan. Find a quiet place to take your practice test, free from distractions. #2: Take and Analyze Practice Tests Once youââ¬â¢ve developed a general understanding of the PSAT, you should take a practice test to diagnose your current scoring level. Use an official College Board practice test, sit in a quiet room with no distractions, and time yourself and take breaks just as you would during the real test. When you finish, take the time to calculate your scores. These scores will give you concrete feedback on your performance in each of the four sections. This diagnostic practice test will give you clear insight into your current scoring level and where you need toimprove to boost your scores. #3: Target Your Weak Areas Once youââ¬â¢ve taken and scored your PSAT practice test, you should comb through the questions and take notes on the ones that were easy, confusing, or difficult. Circle any questions that you made a mistake on or were unsure about, and then try to findthe reason behind your uncertainty. Did you not understand what a word problem was asking? Did you make a mistake with your calculations? Did you miss a grammar rule or not know how to solve a linear function? Did you go too fast and make a careless error or find yourself running out of time? Once you root out the reasons behind your mistakes, you can figure out your weaknesses and target them as you study. Fill in any gaps in knowledge and improve your efficiency as a test-taker. Simply taking PSAT practice tests over and over again isnââ¬â¢t going to help you improve much if you donââ¬â¢t take a targeted approach to your studying. Find strategies that help you work fast while still maintaining accuracy. #4: Practice Time Management Strategies Doing well on the PSAT isnââ¬â¢t just about possessing the requisite academic knowledge. Itââ¬â¢s also about managing your time efficiently. Taking a timed test can be tough for a lot of people, but itââ¬â¢s a learned skill like any other. In other words, even if you start out feeling frazzled and rushing, you can learn to better manage your time as you practice. There are several time management strategies you can try, and different approaches work for different students. Some people like to skim the reading comprehension questions before they read the passage, for instance, while others start with a quick read-through. As you prepare, try out various strategies, like process of elimination, and hone in on the tactics that best speed up your test-taking. #5: Use High-Quality Practice Materials The PSAT is an idiosyncratic test, unlike most other tests that youââ¬â¢ll take in high school. As you prepare, make sure that your practice materials accurately reflect what youââ¬â¢ll get on test day. Simply understanding how to solve linear function problems, for example, may not get you very far if youââ¬â¢re unfamiliar with what PSAT linear function problems look like. College Board has released two official ââ¬Å"newâ⬠PSAT tests. You can also use eight ââ¬Å"oldâ⬠official PSAT tests; just make sure to ignore the question types, like sentence completions, that are no longer relevant. You can also use books from test prep companies, like Barronââ¬â¢s. They have high quality, realistic material, though no models can be quite as accurate as what comes from the test makers themselves. Finally, you might use new SAT practice materials to prep for the PSAT. The two tests are very similar, with the SAT featuring slightly more advanced material and a somewhat different scoring scale. College Board offers eight free official SAT practice tests, and Khan Academy has free online SAT practice. Whatever you end up using to supplement the free College Board materials, make sure to be selective and choose books or online questions that will give you an accurate sense of the question types youââ¬â¢ll get on test day. Embracing a growth mindset is like a mental magic trick that helps you improve. #6: Embrace Your Growth Mindset This last tip has to do with your psychology, and itââ¬â¢s something thatââ¬â¢s useful forall areas of your life, not just prepping for the PSAT. Having a growth mindset means that you believe you can learn and improve. Even if you can't do something now, you believe that you'll be able to do it with enough practice. Itââ¬â¢s all too easy for people to give up on their academic goals with statements like, ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not a good test takerâ⬠or ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not a math person.â⬠This line of thinking shows a fixed mindset. It suggests that you exist atone static, constant level and will always stay there. You know what you know, and thereââ¬â¢s nothing you can do to add to it. Of course, weââ¬â¢re all constantly changing and developing, so this fixed mindset is little more thana defeatist attitude. The PSAT is a tough test, but taking it is a skill like any other. Anyone can improve with practice and effort. Coincidentally, youââ¬â¢ll probably improve even more if you believe you can improve than you would if youââ¬â¢re skeptical of the learning process. A growth mindset doesnââ¬â¢t just help you show up to your books and put in the effort; it also maximizes the effects of yourefforts. Even if you get discouraged along the way, remind yourself that you can always make progress over time. Where you are today is not where youââ¬â¢ll be tomorrow. Remember these key takeaways as you start down the path of PSAT prep. Taking the PSAT: Key Takeaways Most juniors take the PSAT automatically, and younger students may also ask to take it for extra practice. Your high school will choose your PSATdate from three options given by College Board. In all likelihood, youââ¬â¢ll take the PSAT at your high school on a Wednesday in mid-October. After you take the PSAT, youââ¬â¢ll have to wait until mid-December to see your scores. Your scores can give you valuable insight into how you can prepare for the SAT. If youââ¬â¢re a high scorer, then youââ¬â¢ll also find out whether you might have qualified for National Merit distinction. To make the most of the testing experience and meet your goals, you should set aside some time in the weeks and months before to study. The PSAT is an odd test, and doing well on it requires that you first acquaint yourself with its idiosyncrasies. Not only will prepping for the PSAT help you realize your goals, but it will also aid you when you eventually take the SAT. All of this effort, after all, is ultimately going toward your plans to get into college. Whatââ¬â¢s Next? Are you aiming to get a high PSAT score? This guide has all the study tips you need to know to achieve a perfect 1520. Is your goal to earn National Merit scholarship money? Check out this article to learn about all the steps toward becoming a National Merit Finalist and winning scholarship money for college. Besides National Merit, what's a good score on the PSAT?Check out this guide to learn about the PSAT score range,what makes for a good score on the PSAT, and how you can evaluate how strong your score is. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:
Thursday, February 27, 2020
International Marketing Plan Part 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
International Marketing Plan Part 2 - Assignment Example The number of skating companies in the last couple of years has increased and it is expected that there will be new entrants in future as well (Bennett and Blythe, 2002). The biggest competitors in the skating industry are Rollerblade, Roces, Solomon and K2. The market share of each company can be represented as follows as given in SGMA (2011) report: Rollerblade has been enjoying the largest market share in the industry for decades. As of 2005, its market share was 70% and now it has been reduced to 45%. The main reason in such a reduction in the share is the increase in the new entrants in the market. Still, the company enjoys the reputation of providing high quality skates and other accessories. The range of products provided by the company is huge and it is expected to increase more in near future. Likewise, the close competitors are Roces, Solomon and K2 as well and all these brands have been there in the market for quite long. Since the Skating International is targeting an entirely new segment so these competitors do not directly pose any threat to it but if these brands target the market that the company is targeting via its products, then it can lose its market share. Therefore, the company will need to create differentiating factors to maintain its competitive position in the market. The pricing strategy that will be followed by Skating International will be competitive pricing. The company will charge the prices in comparison with those charged by the competitors. One of the primary purposes of the pricing strategy is to encourage the customers to buy the goods on impulse, experiment with the product and make repeat purchases. Initially the company will charge the products as follows: In order to promote the brand initially, the customers will be given skate bags as well so that the skates will remain protected and they will be handled with utmost ease and care. The skate bagsââ¬â¢ price will range in between $20-$40
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
APA RESEARCH PAPER Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
APA - Research Paper Example It is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and significantly increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. The last two decades have witnessed an increase in health care costs due to obesity and related issues among children and adolescents. Childhood obesity is a global phenomenon affecting all socio-economic groups, irrespective of age, sex or ethnicity. Aetiopathogenesis of childhood obesity is multi-factorial and includes genetic, neuroendocrine, metabolic, psychological, environmental and socio-cultural factors. Many co-morbid conditions like metabolic, cardiovascular, psychological, orthopaedic, neurological, hepatic, pulmonary and renal disorders are seen in association with childhood obesity. The treatment of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents requires a multidisciplinary, multi-phase approach, which includes dietary management, physical activity enhancement, restriction of sedentary behaviour, pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery. A holist ic approach to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic needs a collection of activities including influencing policy makers and legislation, mobilizing communities, restructuring organizational practices, establishing coalitions and networks, empowering providers, imparting community education as well as enriching and reinforcing individual awareness and skills. The implications of this global phenomenon on future generations will be serious unless appropriate action is taken. Keywords: Adolescents, children, dietary management, obesity, overweight Go to: Introduction Worldwide, disease profiles are transforming at a rapid pace catching the attention of medical professionals and policy makers alike. This is particularly true in low and middle-income countries that form the major chunk of global population. The emerging epidemics of obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes form the crux of this phenomenal change. Among these entities, obesity has become a colossal epidemic ca using serious public health concern and contributes to 2.6 million deaths worldwide every year1. Obesity is an independent risk factor for CVD. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality as well as reduced life expectancy. The last two decades of the previous century have witnessed dramatic increase in health care costs due to obesity and related issues among children and adolescents2. For children and adolescents, overweight and obesity are defined using age and sex specific normograms for body mass index (BMI). Children with BMI equal to or exceeding the age-gender-specific 95th percentile are defined obese. Those with BMI equal to or exceeding the 85th but are below 95th percentiles are defined overweight and are at risk for obesity related co-morbidities3. Go to: Epidemiology Childhood obesity affects both developed and developing countries of all socio-economic groups, irrespective of age, sex or ethnicity. It has been estimated that worldwide over 22 million children under the age of
Friday, January 31, 2020
Determination of Dissolved Oxygen In a Water Essay Example for Free
Determination of Dissolved Oxygen In a Water Essay INTRODUCTION In an alkaline solution, dissolved oxygen will oxidize manganese(II) to the trivalent state. 8OH-(aq) + 4Mn2+(aq) + 2H2O(l) ï ¼ ï ¼ ï ¼Å¾ 4Mn(OH)3(s) The analysis is completed by titrating the iodine produced from potassium iodide by manganese(III) hydroxide. 2Mn(OH)3(s) + 2I-(aq) + 6 H+(aq) ï ¼ ï ¼ ï ¼Å¾ 2Mn2+(aq) + I2(aq) + 6H2O(l) Sodium thiosulphate is used as the titrant. Success of the method is critically dependent upon the manner in which the sample is manipulated. At all stages, every method must be made to assure that oxygen is neither introduced to nor lost from the sample. Furthermore, the sample must be free of any solutes that will oxidize iodide or reduce iodine. Chemicals: Manganese(II) sulphate solution ââ¬â prepared by dissolving 48 g of MnSO4.4H2O in water to five 100 cm3 solution; alkaline potassium iodide solutionââ¬âprepared by dissolving 15 g of KI in about 25 cm3 of water, adding 66 cm3 of 50% NaOH, and diluting to 100 cm3; concentrated sulphuriv(VI) acid; 0.0125 M sodium thiosulphate solution; starch solution (freshly prepared). Apparatus: 250 cm3 volumetric flask, 250 cm3 conical flask, measuring cylinders, titration apparatus, magnetic stirrer Procedure: 1.Use a 250 cm3 volumetric flask to collect water sample. Fill the flask completely with water without trapping any air bubbles. 2.Add 1 cm3 of manganese(II) sulphate solution to the sample using a pipette. Discharge the solution well below the surface (some overflow will occur). 3.Similarity introduce 1 cm3 of alkaline potassium iodide solution. Be sure that no air becomes entrapped. Invert the bottle to distribute the precipitate uniformly. [Hazard Warning: Care should be taken to avoid exposure to any overflow, as the solution is quite alkaline.] 4.When the precipitate hasà settled at least 3 cm below the stopper, introduce 1 cm3 of concentrated sulphuric acid well below the surface. Replace the stopper and carefully mix until the precipitate disappears. A magnetic stirrer is helpful here. 5.Allow the mixture to stand for 5 minutes and then withdraw 100cm3 of the acidified sample into a 250 cm3 conical flask. 6.Titrate with 0.0125M sodium thiosulphate until the iodine colour bec omes faint. Then add 1 cm3 of starch solution and continue adding the thiosulphate solution until the blue colour disappears. 7.Record the volume of thiosulphate solution used and calculate the dissolved oxygen content in the sample in mg dm-3. Remarks 1.If the water sample has a low DO value, it is recommended to withdraw 200 cm3 of the acidified sample into a 500 cm3 flask for the titration describe in step 5. 2.This experiment can be further developed into a project to study the extent of water pollution. (a)The water sample under investigation is divided into two portions. One portion of the sample is immediately analysed for dissolving oxygen using the Winkler method. The other portion is stored in the dark for five days. (b)Repeat the analysis with the water sample that has been stored in the dark for five days. The difference between the two measurements is the five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), measured in mg dm-3.
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Mastery by Robert Greene: The Steps to Mastery Essay -- creative task,
I am pursuing a Masters degree in Instructional Design and Technology. With this degree, I hope to gain the skills to help revolutionize education with the use of technology. In 1907 Maria Montessori, embarked on such a journey (American Montessori Society, 2013). She was invited to open a center for children living in the poor, inner-city of Rome (American Montessori Society, 2013). While working there, Maria began using approaches to educate the children that would find great success and become world-renown. Because Maria Montessori revolutionized education in a way that I hope to do, I chose her as the focus of my hero in Mastery research paper. In chapter five of his book, Mastery, Robert Greene (2012) outlines the way to find mastery. The first step to mastery is The Creative Path (Greene, 2012 p. 179). Greene states that becoming a master will not occur if you are easily swayed by setbacks or desire a life full of ease and comfort (Green, 2012 p. 179). When pursuing a creative endeavor one must pursue it with their whole being. Maria Montessori was able to achieve mastery despite the obstacles she faced. Montessori grew up in Italy and from an early age showed an interest in reading and academics, which differed from most females of her time (Adams, 1969, p. 49). Maria attended the University of Rome, much to the disdain of her father and the university, and in 1896 she became the first woman in Italy to graduate with a Doctor of Medicine degree. (Adams, 1969, p. 49; Solan, H. A. (2007) p. 61). Like a true master, Montessori did not stop pursuing knowledge in her field. Shortly after graduation she was introduced to a na rrower field of medicine and in 1897 returned to the University of Rome to study pedagogy and education... ...hrough: their development of The Current ââ¬â his through his experiments with amputee patients and hers through her experiments educating children with disabilities; their study of anomalies ââ¬â his study of phantom limb syndrome and her study of the education process for the mentally and physically disabled; and they both searched for the great yield ââ¬â him through evidence of his simple experiments and her through evidence from the Casa dei Bambini. Works Cited Adams, Anne H. (1969, September). Maria montessori: a vignette. Education. p. 49. American Montessori Society. (2013) Maria montessori (biography of). Retrieved from http://amshq.org/Montessori-Education/History-of-Montessori-Education/Biography-of-Maria-Montessori Greene, R. (2012). Mastery. New York: Viking. Solan, H. A. (2007). Maria montessori: a biography. Optometry & Vision Development, 38(2), 61.
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
In Tess of the DUrbervilles, how does Hardy present Tess Essay
In Hardyââ¬â¢s tragic novel, nothing is as clear as it seems. Although Alec Dââ¬â¢Urberville was the ostensible instigator of the protagonist Tess Durbeyfieldââ¬â¢s downfall, it must be argued that Angel Clare plays just as a significant role in her destruction. Initial contemporary readings saw Tess and Angelââ¬â¢s relationship as doomed by Tessââ¬â¢ past, while more modern interpretations point to Angelââ¬â¢s decision to leave for the failure of the marriage. Throughout the novel, Hardy makes great use of foreshadowing in order to emphasise how the numerous tragedies in his protagonistââ¬â¢s life cumulate in disaster. This has never been more apparent than with Tess and Angel: as a keystone of the novel, their relationship is haunted by the spectre of the past all the way through. By introducing Angel almost as soon as he establishes Tessââ¬â¢ character, Hardy makes it clear from the outset that this relationship will be more significant than any other.. It is evident that Angel and Tess will fall in love, but what is even more arresting is Angelââ¬â¢s initial and lasting impression that Tess is the epitome of purity and maidenhood. Hardy starkly emphasises Tessââ¬â¢ virginal aspects through compound nominal phrases such as ââ¬Å"white shapeâ⬠and ââ¬Å"pretty maidenâ⬠, creating the lasting image of her as a perfect woman. However, when Angel leaves and ââ¬Å"dismisses the subject from his mindâ⬠, Hardy at once shows Angelââ¬â¢s objectification of Tess and how easily he can put aside her hurt, hinting at their relationship to come. Even once Angel knows who Tess is, his initial impression of her as a ââ¬Å"fresh and virginal daughter of Natureâ⬠does not change but only becomes deeper embedded in his and the readerââ¬â¢s subconscious, painting a cruel contrast between his expectations and the real knowledge of Tessââ¬â¢ past. As soon as Angel and Tess meet again at the idyllic Talbothayââ¬â¢s Dairy, Hardy introduces the severe contrast between Tessââ¬â¢ simple nature and Angelââ¬â¢s intellectual presence, foreshadowing more than ever that once Tessââ¬â¢ past comes to light, the relationship is doomed. When Angel first notices Tess at the breakfast table, Hardy subtly hints about his idiosyncratic tendency to see what he wants to see to the reader, saying that he ââ¬Å"was ever in the habit of neglecting the particulars of an outward scene for the general impressionâ⬠. This may seem to be incongruous with Angelââ¬â¢s introspective and thoughtful character, but when considered alongside his behaviour towards Tess, it fits perfectly. The use of the adverb ââ¬Å"everâ⬠suggests that Angel is fixed and unswerving in his beliefs and principles. In particular, Hardy is setting the scene for Angelââ¬â¢s refusal to take into account the mitigating circumstances of Tessââ¬â¢ rape, as he only sees the gross magnitude of the sin that has been committed. He refuses to entertain the notion that her past is similar to his, gasping ââ¬Å"My God- how can forgiveness meet such a grotesque- prestigidation as that! â⬠Hardyââ¬â¢s use of the adjective ââ¬Å"grotesqueâ⬠indicates how Angel simply cannot equate such a brutal act as rape with the innocent Tess, and it is anger at this, rather than at Tess herself, which causes his outburst. Additionally, Angel is idealistic in his morals, ââ¬Å"imaginative to impracticabilityâ⬠as Hardy later scorns him, and this early quotation shows how Angel refuses to compromise his high ideals for anything, even his love for Tess. He takes advantage of her unshakeable belief in his views and asks her to ââ¬Å"Think of years to comeâ⬠¦ and this past matter getting known- for it must be knownâ⬠, striking fear into her honest heart and preventing her from using her feminine charms as a tool of persuasion. Tess genuinely believes him and does not think to suggest emigrating: her loyalty to him is such that she does not question his decision. Early on in Angel and Tessââ¬â¢ relationship, Hardy describes Tessââ¬â¢ unhappiness at her apparent want of intellectual capability compared to Angel, whom she sees as ââ¬Å"an intelligence rather than a manâ⬠. Straightaway, Tessââ¬â¢ assumed inferiority is introduced, highlighting the insurmountable gap in the backgrounds of the two characters. Hardy even points out that during Angelââ¬â¢s initial reaction to Tessââ¬â¢ history, he still felt enough of a ââ¬Å"back current of sympathy through which a woman of the world might have conquered himâ⬠, but she takes his emotional confusion as a final judgement, simply because she continues to see him as so superior to her. With the phrase ââ¬Å"woman of the worldâ⬠, Hardy brings attention to Tessââ¬â¢ pitiful lack of experience concerning men and relationships: he highlights how submissive Tess is that she will not attempt to change Angelââ¬â¢s mind, but also how pure and innocent she remains, that she will not use ââ¬Å"her exceptional physical natureâ⬠in order to convince him to stay. However, through the use of the abstract noun ââ¬Å"currentâ⬠, the novelist implies that Angelââ¬â¢s emotions are transient and ever-shifting, portraying him as unreliable and untrustworthy. Angelââ¬â¢s idealism continues to be an important factor of the developing romance, creating the impression that the whole relationship is a fai ade. During the idyllic early morning meetings, Hardy illustrates a hazy new transitional world ââ¬Å"in that strange and solemn interval, the twilight of the morningâ⬠to mirror Angelââ¬â¢s rose-tinted and not entirely clear vision of Tess. The author continually uses a semantic field of religious references to illustrate the significance of certain moments. For instance, Hardy describes ââ¬Å"a feeling of isolation, as if they were Adam and Eveâ⬠, which not only confers heroic status on them, but creates an ominous sense that Tessââ¬â¢ past will eventually catch up with them and drive them from the lush, fertile Eden that is not only Talbothayââ¬â¢s Dairy, but the bubble of idealism in which the lovers are living. While Angel may be raised to ââ¬Å"godlikeâ⬠status while Tess is referred to as ââ¬Å"the Magdalenâ⬠, supporting Tessââ¬â¢ idolatry of him, they cannot escape the third presence in their relationship. In one of Hardyââ¬â¢s most sensual descriptions of Tess, he describes ââ¬Å"the red interior of her mouthâ⬠and compares it to a snakeââ¬â¢s. The sensuality of the colour red and the snake both reference Alec Dââ¬â¢Urberville, who is consistently given Satanic attributes such as ââ¬Å"animalismâ⬠and ââ¬Å"Paganismâ⬠as well as possessing ââ¬Å"black angularitiesâ⬠in both appearance and personality, here symbolising the temptation that drove both Adam and Eve from Eden. Hardy cleverly employs the religious lexis: owing to his contempt of traditional, ââ¬Å"quaint and curiousâ⬠religion (which is divested in Angel and Tessââ¬â¢ rebellious views), his use of instantly recognisable Biblical features makes the point that Angel and Tessââ¬â¢ doomed relationship is simply a sad story that has been played out many times at some level over the centuries. Due to his portrayal of Tess as pure and guiltless, Hardy uses religion to emphasise how women like Tess have been in similar predicaments ever since Eve. It also gives a greater gravity to Tess and Angelââ¬â¢s romance, as the reader knows that it is finite. Hardy continues to expose faults in Angelââ¬â¢s character, namely his hypocrisy and ability to change his mind easily, showing how the relationship only leads to disaster. During their courtship he staunchly argues that her low position as a milkmaid does not and will not deter him- on the contrary, Angel insists he needs a wife ââ¬Å"who knows all about the management of farmsâ⬠and Tess, therefore, is better suited to him than the Mercy Chant. However, during the passionate argument when Tess follows Angel out of the house after her confession, Angel states firmly that he and Tess belong to ââ¬Å"different societiesâ⬠and compares her to ââ¬Å"an unapprehending peasant womanâ⬠who has never experienced any form of society. This example is not unique: Hardy portrays Angel as eager to seize on an idea and find any evidence to fit it, regardless of previous beliefs: for instance, his ever-changing opinion of ââ¬Å"old familiesâ⬠which only depends on his attitude to Tess at the time. One of the most obvious events that foreshadows the ending of the novel is Angelââ¬â¢s somnambulation. Hardy wrote this scene to symbolise all of Angelââ¬â¢s conflicting emotion and Tessââ¬â¢ self-destructive nature. The outpouring of Angelââ¬â¢s love for his ââ¬Å"dearest, darling Tess! So sweet, so good, so true! ââ¬Å", which he kept so carefully hidden during the day, hints at yet another change of mind on his part later on in the novel, while his exclamation ââ¬Å"ââ¬Ëdead, dead! ââ¬Ëâ⬠signifies not only how Tess is morally dead to him, but how he feels his actions have killed the spirit and love within his ââ¬Å"ââ¬Ëpoor, poor Tess'â⬠. Even though Tess suspects multiple times that Angelââ¬â¢s actions could lead to her death, either intentionally or accidentally, ââ¬Å"self-solicitude was near extinction in herâ⬠, linking to how she remains placid and uncomplaining even throughout temptation and harsh conditions at Flintcombe-Ash. When Angel ââ¬Å"carefully laidâ⬠her in the open coffin, Hardy is symbolising that due to Tessââ¬â¢ devotion to Angel, she will allow herself to be led to her death, arguably the greatest moment of symbolism in the novel. In Tess of the Dââ¬â¢Urbervilles, Hardy as the omniscient narrator remains firmly on the side of his protagonist: she is the vehicle for him to express his contempt of the traditionally misogynistic values so strongly upheld by Victorian society. Although Angel professes to reject these conventions, he ultimately submits to them, thus creating an even greater divide between the two lovers. In her final hours, Tess herself states that her happiness with Angel ââ¬Å"could not have lastedâ⬠and that it was better that she would be gone, fulfilling Hardyââ¬â¢s portrayal of a love that was sincere, almost ethereal, but lavished on a fallible, human man, and therefore inevitably doomed to fail.
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