Wuthering Heights

Emily Bronte was the middle woman in the most celebrated nineteenth century literary family. Supplemented by sister Anne and more renowned sibling Charlotte, she had a love for the Yorkshire moors and human passion, which are both reflected in the only novel she compiled in her 29 years – Wuthering Heights. At the time of its release, 1847, this controversial text divided many critics, and still does to this day. Many, me included, do not appreciate its content or intended objectives. Others oppose this viewpoint, stating that it's a masterpiece years, in terms of its originality, beyond the date of its initial publication. One thing does impress me in this carefully woven novel. Just as Francis Ford Coppola did with tremendous success in the Godfather Part II in 1976, Bronte splits the story into two with the future generation mirroring their ancestors, whether it be the characteristics or mistakes they duplicate there is an apparent resemblance between the old and new guard. The conflicting narrators provide both humour and useful insight into the inhabitants of the moors. Lockwood, the voice-over at the beginning, has acquired the tenancy of Thrushcross Grange and decides to introduce himself to his new landlord, Heathcliff. Their meeting takes place at the nearby Wuthering Heights household. Lockwood establishes a long-winded narrative, which suggests he is a well-educated man, but seems to lack direction. This is understandable considering he is placed in unfamiliar surroundings. Nevertheless, his landlord Heathcliff is hostile and unfriendly to Mr. Lockwood, who rather naively believes that their next meeting will drastically improve. Lockwood's second visit seems to be heading in the same direction as his previous one, with Heathcliff's servant Joseph offering no help whatsoever. However, Lockwood's visit vastly improves due to the introduction of Hareton and Catherine. The above point, to a certain extent, condemns the admirers of the book and supports its critics. This is because the story development is regarded as coherent, whereas Lockwood's improved visit is unpredictable and surprising. Lockwood displays, as he did in his original assessment of Heathcliff, poor judgement, mistaking dead rabbits for cats and in attempting to piece together the family history. Heathcliff promptly corrects him. He is invited to stay where he unravels some of the family mystique and endures nightmares as a result. Lockwood, despite being accompanied by Heathcliff to the gate of Thrushcross Grange, loses himself and increases the journey considerably. Lockwood, desperate to know more, asks his new housekeeper, Nelly Dean to enlighten him of Heathcliff's history. It is here where Lockwood hands over the narrative role to Dean. Nelly maintains this capacity for the remainder of the novel, albeit for the concluding three chapters, where Lockwood returns and resumes his role as commentator (symmetry.) The housekeeper is the complete opposite to her employer in terms of style. She uses elementary vocabulary, which is inferior to Lockwood's, but is far more effective as it is direct, relevant and essential in giving accounts of characters and their respective histories. This allows the reader to identify with that particular person and the motives and emotions behind their actions. It's revealed that Mr.Earnshaw, father of Catherine and Hindley, has adopted Heathcliff. Immediately this causes dissension in the Earnshaw ranks and both of Earnshaw's biological children dislike their relation. However, Catherine comes to grow fond of Heathcliff and the pair forge a tight-knit bond. Hindley displays jealousy. Not only has his sister changed her perspective on this outsider but, it appears that he has been displaced as Mr.Earnshaw's preferred son. After the death of his father, Hindley succeeds his father as the main resident at Wuthering Heights with his wife Frances. Catherine and Heathcliff have now established an intimate relationship, which furthers Hindley's disregard for Heathcliff. He, out of spite, degrades him by making him do intensive, boring work and isolate him from his sister by ordering Heathcliff to live with servants. Catherine, as a result of watching the Lintons at Thrushcross Grange, is attacked by guard dogs and her ankle is severely injured and is forced to remain at the Grange momentarily while Heathcliff returns to the Heights. Catherine's tenure at Thrushcross Grange seems to have transformed her into a new person. After regaining full fitness, she returns a smart lady. The example of Catherine's class elevation in just over a month reflects the impact the environment appears to have on the inhabitants. At Thrushcross, the surroundings are beautiful and captivated with fresh air, which is shown in the Lintons. Meanwhile, at Wuthering Heights, the house, located in a particularly rough region, is fading quickly. This has obviously rubbed off on Heathcliff and Hindley, who are possessive and bitter. While Catherine's undoubted love for Heatcliff hasn't diminished in their separation, it, possibly inadvertently, contributes to the eventual termination of their relationship, as she has developed affection for Edgar Linton. Catherine is given an ultimatum: Heathcliff or Edgar. She famously tells Nelly Dean: â€Å"I am Heathcliff.† This comment suggests that her allegiance with Heathcliff is unstoppable as he is a permanent part of her being, but her lust for a higher-class living and sense of security prevails. She chooses Linton. In my opinion, the primary focus of the novel, Catherine and Heathcliff's relationship captures, perhaps unintentionally, Bronte's use of symmetry and contrasts. Catherine, even before her visit to the Grange, is perceived as a warm woman. On the other hand, Heathcliff is a wild savage who attains a hardman reputation. The formation of their friendship and then blossoming romance, installs their partner's quality into them. Catherine livens up and becomes a little wilder while her elegance brings her companion's positive attributes to our attention. Due to his rejection, Heathcliff embarks on a 3-year exile from the moors. Catherine and Edgar marry a further three years down the line and live together in the Grange. Heathcliff decides to return from his absence at this point and proceeds to cause friction within the Grange. Catherine is deleterious upon the return of her true love's return. Coinciding with this, Edgar's sister Isabella becomes besotted with Heathcliff. The feeling is far from mutual, but Heathcliff, whose love is still reserved for Catherine, realises this is an ideal opportunity to spite Edgar. This fuels off arguments among Edgar, Catherine and Isabella. Heathcliff agrees to marry Isabella and her brother disowns her. Heathcliff has accomplished his sole purpose: To divide the Linton family. Volume 2 begins with the declining condition and inevitable death of Catherine. On the night of her death, she gives birth to Cathy Linton. Isabella and Heathcliff end their association. Heathcliff later discovers his wife has given birth to a son. A lengthy time-shift in the narration transpires. Edgar, after receiving note of Isabella's condition, orders for her child-Linton- to stay with him. Heathcliff has a devious plan: For his son, Linton and Cathy to marry which would ensure his entitlement of both Thrushcross Grange and Wuthering Heights. Edgar learns of Heathcliff's intention and attempts to prevent his daughter from coming into contact with either Heathcliff or Linton. Rather like her mother, Cathy's desire to interact with Linton cannot be denied and she communicates with him privately – like Catherine did with Heathcliff in the early stages of the novel. Edgar then dies and Linton is handed ownership of Thrushcross as opposed to his descendant Cathy. Following Linton's death, Cathy is cruelly unable to seize ownership because she is now Heathcliff's daughter-in-law and he, not her, becomes landlord. As he dictates the Grange he decides to install a new tenant and orders her to live with him at Wuthering Heights. Like with previous inhabitants, Wuthering Heights only serves to change her into a miserable woman. Heathcliff, rather than inflict more suffering, seems now to be more concerned with being buried with Catherine than interfere with Cathy's affairs. He tells Nelly Dean that she's haunted him for years. Cathy then forms a friendship with Hareton, which like her mother lays the foundations for a relationship. Heathcliff finally dies through his burning desire to lie with Catherine. Catherine and Cathy travel very similar paths. They're strong-minded, lively and delectable women who have both engaged in two stern relationships. (Catherine with Edgar and Heathcliff, Cathy with Linton and Hareton.) Their respective happiness, it seems is heavily influenced by the mere presence of Thrushcross Grange. As well as this, Catherine begins her life at Wuthering Heights and Cathy ends the novel there, rather like the aforementioned narrative symmetry between Lockwood and Nelly Dean. One intriguing thing is that while Thrushcross Grange brought the best out of the pair personally, it's difficult to say if it was there that they were their happiest there. Cathy must be relieved that she has found love with Hareton at the Heights after her previous marriage to Linton. And Catherine even confirmed it was Heathcliff, who she mingled with during her time at Wuthering Heights, not Edgar that she loved. Heathcliff remains the same throughout. An uncaring person, that divides two generations. First of all Mr. Earnshaw's relationship with his son Hindley deteriorates as a result and then later causes friction between Cathy and Edgar. As mentioned above with regards to Catherine and her daughter, Heathcliff is involved in the two three-way relationships. Participating in the original affair and emerging the unlucky party in conjunction with Edgar and Catherine and instigating Cathy's two marriages with son Linton and Hareton. Despite this though, Catherine who he's rightfully buried with, exposes his sensitive side, even after her death and his marriage to Isabella. Wuthering Heights Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is a novel about passion and its many consequences. The story takes place at two completely different estates. One Wuthering Heights were the Earnshaws and Heathcliff reside. Wuthering Heights is a place of disorder. The people that live in the house have no limits to their passions and become violent. The other estate, Thrushcross Grange, is inhabited by the Linton family, people have established rules of social law and principles. In the novel, Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte, though appearance and people, represents the two houses as complete opposites, Wuthering Heights as turmoil and Thrushcross Grange as peace, to serve the theme of the novel that only together they give the symbol of subsistence. The different appearances and decor of the two houses, Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange further the dissimilar aspects of the house as well as the people who reside in each house. Wuthering Heights,† the name of the house immediately suggest that life there in not free from commotion. The word â€Å"wuthering† perfectly describes the weather of the immediate area around the house. The climate is â€Å"descriptive of the atmospheric tumult† to which it is â€Å"exposed in stormy weather. † The house is extremely prone to stormy weather for it is situated on top a hill, alone and far away from any other human habitat. The proximity to the mysterious and furtiveness furthermore adds to the gloomy atmosphere of Wuthering Heights. It is a place of darkness and dismalness. The wind near Wuthering Heights is also so powerful and long lasting in an â€Å"excessive slant† and a range of gaunt thorn â€Å"all [stretch] their limbs one way. † The wind pushes these trees for such a long time that they have adapted to its presence and sway endlessly to prevent their trucks from cracking. Because of the strong everlasting weather, the house is built sturdily. It has narrow windows that have been â€Å"deeply set in the wall† and corners that are defended â€Å"with large jutting stones. Just as the weather seems to attach the house and underlying areas, the inhabitants seems to rant inside in a similar manner. And not only do these qualities accomplish that task of describing the murkiness that exists there, but the dicor is also very influential in creating the same mood of turmoil and disorder. The house is decorated with â€Å"sundry, villainous old guns† and a â€Å"couple of pistols. † The display of firearms greatly implies the violence present in this house. Furthermore, this wretched dwelling is rampant with dogs. There is a â€Å"swarm of squealing puppies† around a â€Å"liver-colored bitch pointer. † These dogs, like the human residents of Wuthering Heights, are easily agitated. When the visitor teases then a bit, they viciously attack and the resident do not attempt to sway the attack, but merely comment on its humor. This event emphasizes the violence present and total lack of concern for standards of society the people have. Thrushcross Grange is the other hand is free from the tempestuous weather and is lavishing. The Grange is a â€Å"beautiful† and â€Å"splendid place. Life at the Grange is kept within bounds just like the Grange exist as well-planned part within the boundary of its own walls. The house is â€Å"carpeted with crimson† rugs and has a â€Å"pure white ceiling bordered by gold. † This suggests that it is a place of refinement and elegance. Books fill its walls, implying that it is a place of intellect and order. The Grange is extravagant and classy, attributes lacking at Wuthering Heights. Both houses appearance and dicor reveals the events that occur inside the houses. The people who live in the houses and the actions in each house reveal the aspect that the two houses are complete opposites and only together can exist in harmony. The house the people stay in gives them a totally different identity. For example, at Wuthering Heights Catherine is unruly. At Wuthering Heights she is a â€Å"wild, wicked slip† always laughing when made to apologize for bad actions. She takes nothing seriously at Wuthering Heights and revels in the lack of code of conduct. The house even influences her violent nature. She hurts Ellen â€Å"extremely† by leaving a â€Å"purple witness,† and after lying about the inflicting this mark she slap Ellen â€Å"on the cheek. † She also seizes her nephew Hareton by his shoulders and shakes him until he is â€Å"waxed livid. † She is temporarily stopped and restrained by Edgar Linton who is visiting but soon she boxes his ears unleashing her wrath. She is so unrestrained that anything goes. No actions have moral limits at Wuthering Heights and for Catherine when she is there. In contrast, at Thrushcross Grange there exist certain limits and rules. When Catherine first visits the Grange, she is given very good treatment. Her behavior is immediately affected for she sits â€Å"on the sofa quietly† while getting her â€Å"feet washed† and getting fed wonderful food. Staying five weeks, she takes up â€Å"fine clothes† and flattery. No longer is she a hatless little savage. † She is a â€Å"dignified† and â€Å"a lady now† with â€Å"splendid garments. † Her attitude has totally changed. She experiences what it feels like to be a lady and seems to like it to a certain extend. Thrushcross Grange influences Catherine for the better but soon Wuthering Heights takes over again. The people who live in each house become different when living in other house. Wuthering Heights Catherine: I was overjoyed at Heathcliffs return. He surprised everyone and just ‘turned up' one night while we were eating. I wanted Edgar and Heathcliff to get along now that they were older and (I hoped) maturer so I made every effort to get them talking, unfortunately neither had much to say to each other. One of the things that most surprised me about Heathcliff was that his appearance had changed; he was well built, and stockier than when he had left. I was so very pleased to see Heathcliff that I couldn't sleep as I was so excited that one of my closest friends had returned. Edgar became very annoyed and I realised I had always had an affinity for Heathcliff that could not be compared in strength to anything. As I would not let Heathcliff go, Edgar and I grew further apart, and our arguments more frequent until one day I decided that I would feign illness to see if he still loved me. But instead of coming to sit by my side, he immersed himself in his books, as if trying to forget that I existed. It hurt me in a way that I cannot describe. I felt as if the world had no meaning anymore – my husband did not love me, and I was at a place where I needed love and support most. It was only the intervention of Nelly that stopped me losing myself in a fit of passion for the moors. I decided to show them that by ignoring my feelings, I would in turn hurt theirs; I would â€Å"break both their hearts by breaking my own†. Edgar: I was extremely surprised to see a ‘plough-boy' arrive on our doorstep, only to be treated like a brother by Catherine. I was unsure what the fuss was about and confused as to why Catherine was so excited about the return of this runaway servant. Catherine wanted me to get along with Heathcliff but I knew the man when I was younger and had long decided to part myself from him. He immediately disrupted the household and caused Catherine to have sleepless nights. I saw a side of her that I had not previously seen. See seemed to talk endlessly about the old times and how they got on together. See would never talk to me properly, and when I even hinted that I did not like the fellow she flew into a rage and we would end up arguing. Heathcliff did not help matters one bit. He lay around aimlessly, preferring to watch and stir trouble if he could. I was not entirely bother by him though as anything that made Catherine happy, made me happy, and I tried as best I could to get along with him. Unfortunately, little did I know that he would cause our family to be ruined. Isabella: As soon as I met Heathcliff, I though he had a rough charm about him that I adored. I did not really know about his past, and that I did know I took with a pinch of salt, as I knew many people did not understand him. I wanted to know him better for a long time but my mother would hardly let him out of her site, let alone let anyone else converse with her precious friend. Eventually we agreed to elope together and only then did I see the real side of Heathcliff that I had come to cherish. He was an evil man. As soon as I realised I was pregnant I knew my life on the moors had ended and ran away to a place where I could start afresh. Wuthering Heights Emily Bronte was the middle woman in the most celebrated nineteenth century literary family. Supplemented by sister Anne and more renowned sibling Charlotte, she had a love for the Yorkshire moors and human passion, which are both reflected in the only novel she compiled in her 29 years – Wuthering Heights. At the time of its release, 1847, this controversial text divided many critics, and still does to this day. Many, me included, do not appreciate its content or intended objectives. Others oppose this viewpoint, stating that it's a masterpiece years, in terms of its originality, beyond the date of its initial publication. One thing does impress me in this carefully woven novel. Just as Francis Ford Coppola did with tremendous success in the Godfather Part II in 1976, Bronte splits the story into two with the future generation mirroring their ancestors, whether it be the characteristics or mistakes they duplicate there is an apparent resemblance between the old and new guard. The conflicting narrators provide both humour and useful insight into the inhabitants of the moors. Lockwood, the voice-over at the beginning, has acquired the tenancy of Thrushcross Grange and decides to introduce himself to his new landlord, Heathcliff. Their meeting takes place at the nearby Wuthering Heights household. Lockwood establishes a long-winded narrative, which suggests he is a well-educated man, but seems to lack direction. This is understandable considering he is placed in unfamiliar surroundings. Nevertheless, his landlord Heathcliff is hostile and unfriendly to Mr. Lockwood, who rather naively believes that their next meeting will drastically improve. Lockwood's second visit seems to be heading in the same direction as his previous one, with Heathcliff's servant Joseph offering no help whatsoever. However, Lockwood's visit vastly improves due to the introduction of Hareton and Catherine. The above point, to a certain extent, condemns the admirers of the book and supports its critics. This is because the story development is regarded as coherent, whereas Lockwood's improved visit is unpredictable and surprising. Lockwood displays, as he did in his original assessment of Heathcliff, poor judgement, mistaking dead rabbits for cats and in attempting to piece together the family history. Heathcliff promptly corrects him. He is invited to stay where he unravels some of the family mystique and endures nightmares as a result. Lockwood, despite being accompanied by Heathcliff to the gate of Thrushcross Grange, loses himself and increases the journey considerably. Lockwood, desperate to know more, asks his new housekeeper, Nelly Dean to enlighten him of Heathcliff's history. It is here where Lockwood hands over the narrative role to Dean. Nelly maintains this capacity for the remainder of the novel, albeit for the concluding three chapters, where Lockwood returns and resumes his role as commentator (symmetry.) The housekeeper is the complete opposite to her employer in terms of style. She uses elementary vocabulary, which is inferior to Lockwood's, but is far more effective as it is direct, relevant and essential in giving accounts of characters and their respective histories. This allows the reader to identify with that particular person and the motives and emotions behind their actions. It's revealed that Mr.Earnshaw, father of Catherine and Hindley, has adopted Heathcliff. Immediately this causes dissension in the Earnshaw ranks and both of Earnshaw's biological children dislike their relation. However, Catherine comes to grow fond of Heathcliff and the pair forge a tight-knit bond. Hindley displays jealousy. Not only has his sister changed her perspective on this outsider but, it appears that he has been displaced as Mr.Earnshaw's preferred son. After the death of his father, Hindley succeeds his father as the main resident at Wuthering Heights with his wife Frances. Catherine and Heathcliff have now established an intimate relationship, which furthers Hindley's disregard for Heathcliff. He, out of spite, degrades him by making him do intensive, boring work and isolate him from his sister by ordering Heathcliff to live with servants. Catherine, as a result of watching the Lintons at Thrushcross Grange, is attacked by guard dogs and her ankle is severely injured and is forced to remain at the Grange momentarily while Heathcliff returns to the Heights. Catherine's tenure at Thrushcross Grange seems to have transformed her into a new person. After regaining full fitness, she returns a smart lady. The example of Catherine's class elevation in just over a month reflects the impact the environment appears to have on the inhabitants. At Thrushcross, the surroundings are beautiful and captivated with fresh air, which is shown in the Lintons. Meanwhile, at Wuthering Heights, the house, located in a particularly rough region, is fading quickly. This has obviously rubbed off on Heathcliff and Hindley, who are possessive and bitter. While Catherine's undoubted love for Heatcliff hasn't diminished in their separation, it, possibly inadvertently, contributes to the eventual termination of their relationship, as she has developed affection for Edgar Linton. Catherine is given an ultimatum: Heathcliff or Edgar. She famously tells Nelly Dean: â€Å"I am Heathcliff.† This comment suggests that her allegiance with Heathcliff is unstoppable as he is a permanent part of her being, but her lust for a higher-class living and sense of security prevails. She chooses Linton. In my opinion, the primary focus of the novel, Catherine and Heathcliff's relationship captures, perhaps unintentionally, Bronte's use of symmetry and contrasts. Catherine, even before her visit to the Grange, is perceived as a warm woman. On the other hand, Heathcliff is a wild savage who attains a hardman reputation. The formation of their friendship and then blossoming romance, installs their partner's quality into them. Catherine livens up and becomes a little wilder while her elegance brings her companion's positive attributes to our attention. Due to his rejection, Heathcliff embarks on a 3-year exile from the moors. Catherine and Edgar marry a further three years down the line and live together in the Grange. Heathcliff decides to return from his absence at this point and proceeds to cause friction within the Grange. Catherine is deleterious upon the return of her true love's return. Coinciding with this, Edgar's sister Isabella becomes besotted with Heathcliff. The feeling is far from mutual, but Heathcliff, whose love is still reserved for Catherine, realises this is an ideal opportunity to spite Edgar. This fuels off arguments among Edgar, Catherine and Isabella. Heathcliff agrees to marry Isabella and her brother disowns her. Heathcliff has accomplished his sole purpose: To divide the Linton family. Volume 2 begins with the declining condition and inevitable death of Catherine. On the night of her death, she gives birth to Cathy Linton. Isabella and Heathcliff end their association. Heathcliff later discovers his wife has given birth to a son. A lengthy time-shift in the narration transpires. Edgar, after receiving note of Isabella's condition, orders for her child-Linton- to stay with him. Heathcliff has a devious plan: For his son, Linton and Cathy to marry which would ensure his entitlement of both Thrushcross Grange and Wuthering Heights. Edgar learns of Heathcliff's intention and attempts to prevent his daughter from coming into contact with either Heathcliff or Linton. Rather like her mother, Cathy's desire to interact with Linton cannot be denied and she communicates with him privately – like Catherine did with Heathcliff in the early stages of the novel. Edgar then dies and Linton is handed ownership of Thrushcross as opposed to his descendant Cathy. Following Linton's death, Cathy is cruelly unable to seize ownership because she is now Heathcliff's daughter-in-law and he, not her, becomes landlord. As he dictates the Grange he decides to install a new tenant and orders her to live with him at Wuthering Heights. Like with previous inhabitants, Wuthering Heights only serves to change her into a miserable woman. Heathcliff, rather than inflict more suffering, seems now to be more concerned with being buried with Catherine than interfere with Cathy's affairs. He tells Nelly Dean that she's haunted him for years. Cathy then forms a friendship with Hareton, which like her mother lays the foundations for a relationship. Heathcliff finally dies through his burning desire to lie with Catherine. Catherine and Cathy travel very similar paths. They're strong-minded, lively and delectable women who have both engaged in two stern relationships. (Catherine with Edgar and Heathcliff, Cathy with Linton and Hareton.) Their respective happiness, it seems is heavily influenced by the mere presence of Thrushcross Grange. As well as this, Catherine begins her life at Wuthering Heights and Cathy ends the novel there, rather like the aforementioned narrative symmetry between Lockwood and Nelly Dean. One intriguing thing is that while Thrushcross Grange brought the best out of the pair personally, it's difficult to say if it was there that they were their happiest there. Cathy must be relieved that she has found love with Hareton at the Heights after her previous marriage to Linton. And Catherine even confirmed it was Heathcliff, who she mingled with during her time at Wuthering Heights, not Edgar that she loved. Heathcliff remains the same throughout. An uncaring person, that divides two generations. First of all Mr. Earnshaw's relationship with his son Hindley deteriorates as a result and then later causes friction between Cathy and Edgar. As mentioned above with regards to Catherine and her daughter, Heathcliff is involved in the two three-way relationships. Participating in the original affair and emerging the unlucky party in conjunction with Edgar and Catherine and instigating Cathy's two marriages with son Linton and Hareton. Despite this though, Catherine who he's rightfully buried with, exposes his sensitive side, even after her death and his marriage to Isabella. Wuthering Heights Have you ever known what it felt like to truly love someone? There is lust, infatuation, puppy-love but have you ever known true love? In â€Å"Wuthering Heights† Catherine and Heathcliff think they have found true love, but other may conclude they just have a crude mix of affection, lust, infatuation and need. Cathy shows very well that she does not truly love Heathcliff. Love is when two people would do anything to be together no matter what size, color, social status or imperfection. I've no more business to marry Edgar Linton than I have to be in heaven; and if the wicked man in there had not brought Heathcliff so low, I shouldn't have thought of it. It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now; so he shall never know how I love him† (pg. 73) Catherine says she would not even think of marrying Edgar if Hindley had not degraded Heathcliff, making him a common servant. If Cathy really loves Heathcliff none of this should matter. In the end Catherine is deciding to marry Edgar, this completely tears Heathcliff apart to the point where he runs away from Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff is being put through miserable heartbreak and when he finally returns to Wuthering Heights he takes a liking to Isabella, Edgar’s sister. This is Heathcliff’s way of bothering Cathy, not for revenge but just to get a rise out of her. If you really love someone, although you will get jealous, you want them to be happy even if it does not include being with you. ‘That's not the plan. The tyrant grinds down his slaves and they don't turn against him; they crush those beneath them. You are welcome to torture me to death for your amusement, only allow me to amuse myself a little in the same style, and refrain from insult as much as you are able. Having levelled my palace, don't erect a hovel and complacently admire your own charity in giving me that for a home. If I imagined you really wished me to marry Isabel, I'd cut my throat! ‘† Heathcliff admits that he knows that Catherine does not want him to marry Isabella, which is partly the reason he is marrying her. Heathcliff is trying to make Catherine jealous and it works quite well. Heathcliff does not truly love Cathy, he wants her to be miserable and envy Isabella like he envies Edgar. Catherine and Heathcliff’s love was a very selfish one, its almost like they used each other. They had no one else to be with, so they latched onto each other. â€Å"Catherine Earnshaw, may you not rest as long as I am living! You said I killed you–haunt me, then! The murdered do haunt their murderers. I believe–I know that ghosts have wandered on earth. Be with me always–take any form–drive me mad! only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you! Oh God! it is unutterable! I cannot live without my life! (pg. 176) Heathcliff will not let Catherine rest or move on because he selfishly needs her to suffer with him. Heathcliff will then blame Cathy and say she has broken her own heart.â€Å"You teach me how cruel you've been – cruel and false. Why do you despise me? Why did you betray your own heart, Cathy? I have not one word of comfort. You deserve this. You have killed yourself. Yes, you may kiss me, and cry, and wring out my kisses and tears; they'll blight you – they'll damn you. You loved me–then what right had you to leave me? What right–answer me–for the poor fancy you felt for Linton? Because misery, and degradation and death, and nothing that God or Satan could inflict would have parted us, you, of your own will, did it. I have not broken your heart–you have broken it; and in breaking it, you have broken mine† ( pg. 170) Heathcliff takes no responsibility for faults or mistakes he may have made, instead he chooses to blame them all on Cathy. It seems very few people know what true love is, and for those who have found it have found the most precious and wanted thing in the world. Catherine and Heathcliff think that they have true love but in reality they do not. Wuthering Heights Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is a novel about passion and its many consequences. The story takes place at two completely different estates. One Wuthering Heights were the Earnshaws and Heathcliff reside. Wuthering Heights is a place of disorder. The people that live in the house have no limits to their passions and become violent. The other estate, Thrushcross Grange, is inhabited by the Linton family, people have established rules of social law and principles. In the novel, Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte, though appearance and people, represents the two houses as complete opposites, Wuthering Heights as turmoil and Thrushcross Grange as peace, to serve the theme of the novel that only together they give the symbol of subsistence. The different appearances and decor of the two houses, Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange further the dissimilar aspects of the house as well as the people who reside in each house. Wuthering Heights,† the name of the house immediately suggest that life there in not free from commotion. The word â€Å"wuthering† perfectly describes the weather of the immediate area around the house. The climate is â€Å"descriptive of the atmospheric tumult† to which it is â€Å"exposed in stormy weather. † The house is extremely prone to stormy weather for it is situated on top a hill, alone and far away from any other human habitat. The proximity to the mysterious and furtiveness furthermore adds to the gloomy atmosphere of Wuthering Heights. It is a place of darkness and dismalness. The wind near Wuthering Heights is also so powerful and long lasting in an â€Å"excessive slant† and a range of gaunt thorn â€Å"all [stretch] their limbs one way. † The wind pushes these trees for such a long time that they have adapted to its presence and sway endlessly to prevent their trucks from cracking. Because of the strong everlasting weather, the house is built sturdily. It has narrow windows that have been â€Å"deeply set in the wall† and corners that are defended â€Å"with large jutting stones. Just as the weather seems to attach the house and underlying areas, the inhabitants seems to rant inside in a similar manner. And not only do these qualities accomplish that task of describing the murkiness that exists there, but the dicor is also very influential in creating the same mood of turmoil and disorder. The house is decorated with â€Å"sundry, villainous old guns† and a â€Å"couple of pistols. † The display of firearms greatly implies the violence present in this house. Furthermore, this wretched dwelling is rampant with dogs. There is a â€Å"swarm of squealing puppies† around a â€Å"liver-colored bitch pointer. † These dogs, like the human residents of Wuthering Heights, are easily agitated. When the visitor teases then a bit, they viciously attack and the resident do not attempt to sway the attack, but merely comment on its humor. This event emphasizes the violence present and total lack of concern for standards of society the people have. Thrushcross Grange is the other hand is free from the tempestuous weather and is lavishing. The Grange is a â€Å"beautiful† and â€Å"splendid place. Life at the Grange is kept within bounds just like the Grange exist as well-planned part within the boundary of its own walls. The house is â€Å"carpeted with crimson† rugs and has a â€Å"pure white ceiling bordered by gold. † This suggests that it is a place of refinement and elegance. Books fill its walls, implying that it is a place of intellect and order. The Grange is extravagant and classy, attributes lacking at Wuthering Heights. Both houses appearance and dicor reveals the events that occur inside the houses. The people who live in the houses and the actions in each house reveal the aspect that the two houses are complete opposites and only together can exist in harmony. The house the people stay in gives them a totally different identity. For example, at Wuthering Heights Catherine is unruly. At Wuthering Heights she is a â€Å"wild, wicked slip† always laughing when made to apologize for bad actions. She takes nothing seriously at Wuthering Heights and revels in the lack of code of conduct. The house even influences her violent nature. She hurts Ellen â€Å"extremely† by leaving a â€Å"purple witness,† and after lying about the inflicting this mark she slap Ellen â€Å"on the cheek. † She also seizes her nephew Hareton by his shoulders and shakes him until he is â€Å"waxed livid. † She is temporarily stopped and restrained by Edgar Linton who is visiting but soon she boxes his ears unleashing her wrath. She is so unrestrained that anything goes. No actions have moral limits at Wuthering Heights and for Catherine when she is there. In contrast, at Thrushcross Grange there exist certain limits and rules. When Catherine first visits the Grange, she is given very good treatment. Her behavior is immediately affected for she sits â€Å"on the sofa quietly† while getting her â€Å"feet washed† and getting fed wonderful food. Staying five weeks, she takes up â€Å"fine clothes† and flattery. No longer is she a hatless little savage. † She is a â€Å"dignified† and â€Å"a lady now† with â€Å"splendid garments. † Her attitude has totally changed. She experiences what it feels like to be a lady and seems to like it to a certain extend. Thrushcross Grange influences Catherine for the better but soon Wuthering Heights takes over again. The people who live in each house become different when living in other house. Wuthering Heights Catherine: I was overjoyed at Heathcliffs return. He surprised everyone and just ‘turned up' one night while we were eating. I wanted Edgar and Heathcliff to get along now that they were older and (I hoped) maturer so I made every effort to get them talking, unfortunately neither had much to say to each other. One of the things that most surprised me about Heathcliff was that his appearance had changed; he was well built, and stockier than when he had left. I was so very pleased to see Heathcliff that I couldn't sleep as I was so excited that one of my closest friends had returned. Edgar became very annoyed and I realised I had always had an affinity for Heathcliff that could not be compared in strength to anything. As I would not let Heathcliff go, Edgar and I grew further apart, and our arguments more frequent until one day I decided that I would feign illness to see if he still loved me. But instead of coming to sit by my side, he immersed himself in his books, as if trying to forget that I existed. It hurt me in a way that I cannot describe. I felt as if the world had no meaning anymore – my husband did not love me, and I was at a place where I needed love and support most. It was only the intervention of Nelly that stopped me losing myself in a fit of passion for the moors. I decided to show them that by ignoring my feelings, I would in turn hurt theirs; I would â€Å"break both their hearts by breaking my own†. Edgar: I was extremely surprised to see a ‘plough-boy' arrive on our doorstep, only to be treated like a brother by Catherine. I was unsure what the fuss was about and confused as to why Catherine was so excited about the return of this runaway servant. Catherine wanted me to get along with Heathcliff but I knew the man when I was younger and had long decided to part myself from him. He immediately disrupted the household and caused Catherine to have sleepless nights. I saw a side of her that I had not previously seen. See seemed to talk endlessly about the old times and how they got on together. See would never talk to me properly, and when I even hinted that I did not like the fellow she flew into a rage and we would end up arguing. Heathcliff did not help matters one bit. He lay around aimlessly, preferring to watch and stir trouble if he could. I was not entirely bother by him though as anything that made Catherine happy, made me happy, and I tried as best I could to get along with him. Unfortunately, little did I know that he would cause our family to be ruined. Isabella: As soon as I met Heathcliff, I though he had a rough charm about him that I adored. I did not really know about his past, and that I did know I took with a pinch of salt, as I knew many people did not understand him. I wanted to know him better for a long time but my mother would hardly let him out of her site, let alone let anyone else converse with her precious friend. Eventually we agreed to elope together and only then did I see the real side of Heathcliff that I had come to cherish. He was an evil man. As soon as I realised I was pregnant I knew my life on the moors had ended and ran away to a place where I could start afresh. Wuthering Heights Have you ever known what it felt like to truly love someone? There is lust, infatuation, puppy-love but have you ever known true love? In â€Å"Wuthering Heights† Catherine and Heathcliff think they have found true love, but other may conclude they just have a crude mix of affection, lust, infatuation and need. Cathy shows very well that she does not truly love Heathcliff. Love is when two people would do anything to be together no matter what size, color, social status or imperfection. I've no more business to marry Edgar Linton than I have to be in heaven; and if the wicked man in there had not brought Heathcliff so low, I shouldn't have thought of it. It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now; so he shall never know how I love him† (pg. 73) Catherine says she would not even think of marrying Edgar if Hindley had not degraded Heathcliff, making him a common servant. If Cathy really loves Heathcliff none of this should matter. In the end Catherine is deciding to marry Edgar, this completely tears Heathcliff apart to the point where he runs away from Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff is being put through miserable heartbreak and when he finally returns to Wuthering Heights he takes a liking to Isabella, Edgar’s sister. This is Heathcliff’s way of bothering Cathy, not for revenge but just to get a rise out of her. If you really love someone, although you will get jealous, you want them to be happy even if it does not include being with you. ‘That's not the plan. The tyrant grinds down his slaves and they don't turn against him; they crush those beneath them. You are welcome to torture me to death for your amusement, only allow me to amuse myself a little in the same style, and refrain from insult as much as you are able. Having levelled my palace, don't erect a hovel and complacently admire your own charity in giving me that for a home. If I imagined you really wished me to marry Isabel, I'd cut my throat! ‘† Heathcliff admits that he knows that Catherine does not want him to marry Isabella, which is partly the reason he is marrying her. Heathcliff is trying to make Catherine jealous and it works quite well. Heathcliff does not truly love Cathy, he wants her to be miserable and envy Isabella like he envies Edgar. Catherine and Heathcliff’s love was a very selfish one, its almost like they used each other. They had no one else to be with, so they latched onto each other. â€Å"Catherine Earnshaw, may you not rest as long as I am living! You said I killed you–haunt me, then! The murdered do haunt their murderers. I believe–I know that ghosts have wandered on earth. Be with me always–take any form–drive me mad! only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you! Oh God! it is unutterable! I cannot live without my life! (pg. 176) Heathcliff will not let Catherine rest or move on because he selfishly needs her to suffer with him. Heathcliff will then blame Cathy and say she has broken her own heart.â€Å"You teach me how cruel you've been – cruel and false. Why do you despise me? Why did you betray your own heart, Cathy? I have not one word of comfort. You deserve this. You have killed yourself. Yes, you may kiss me, and cry, and wring out my kisses and tears; they'll blight you – they'll damn you. You loved me–then what right had you to leave me? What right–answer me–for the poor fancy you felt for Linton? Because misery, and degradation and death, and nothing that God or Satan could inflict would have parted us, you, of your own will, did it. I have not broken your heart–you have broken it; and in breaking it, you have broken mine† ( pg. 170) Heathcliff takes no responsibility for faults or mistakes he may have made, instead he chooses to blame them all on Cathy. It seems very few people know what true love is, and for those who have found it have found the most precious and wanted thing in the world. Catherine and Heathcliff think that they have true love but in reality they do not. Wuthering Heights Have you ever known what it felt like to truly love someone? There is lust, infatuation, puppy-love but have you ever known true love? In â€Å"Wuthering Heights† Catherine and Heathcliff think they have found true love, but other may conclude they just have a crude mix of affection, lust, infatuation and need. Cathy shows very well that she does not truly love Heathcliff. Love is when two people would do anything to be together no matter what size, color, social status or imperfection. I've no more business to marry Edgar Linton than I have to be in heaven; and if the wicked man in there had not brought Heathcliff so low, I shouldn't have thought of it. It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now; so he shall never know how I love him† (pg. 73) Catherine says she would not even think of marrying Edgar if Hindley had not degraded Heathcliff, making him a common servant. If Cathy really loves Heathcliff none of this should matter. In the end Catherine is deciding to marry Edgar, this completely tears Heathcliff apart to the point where he runs away from Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff is being put through miserable heartbreak and when he finally returns to Wuthering Heights he takes a liking to Isabella, Edgar’s sister. This is Heathcliff’s way of bothering Cathy, not for revenge but just to get a rise out of her. If you really love someone, although you will get jealous, you want them to be happy even if it does not include being with you. ‘That's not the plan. The tyrant grinds down his slaves and they don't turn against him; they crush those beneath them. You are welcome to torture me to death for your amusement, only allow me to amuse myself a little in the same style, and refrain from insult as much as you are able. Having levelled my palace, don't erect a hovel and complacently admire your own charity in giving me that for a home. If I imagined you really wished me to marry Isabel, I'd cut my throat! ‘† Heathcliff admits that he knows that Catherine does not want him to marry Isabella, which is partly the reason he is marrying her. Heathcliff is trying to make Catherine jealous and it works quite well. Heathcliff does not truly love Cathy, he wants her to be miserable and envy Isabella like he envies Edgar. Catherine and Heathcliff’s love was a very selfish one, its almost like they used each other. They had no one else to be with, so they latched onto each other. â€Å"Catherine Earnshaw, may you not rest as long as I am living! You said I killed you–haunt me, then! The murdered do haunt their murderers. I believe–I know that ghosts have wandered on earth. Be with me always–take any form–drive me mad! only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you! Oh God! it is unutterable! I cannot live without my life! (pg. 176) Heathcliff will not let Catherine rest or move on because he selfishly needs her to suffer with him. Heathcliff will then blame Cathy and say she has broken her own heart.â€Å"You teach me how cruel you've been – cruel and false. Why do you despise me? Why did you betray your own heart, Cathy? I have not one word of comfort. You deserve this. You have killed yourself. Yes, you may kiss me, and cry, and wring out my kisses and tears; they'll blight you – they'll damn you. You loved me–then what right had you to leave me? What right–answer me–for the poor fancy you felt for Linton? Because misery, and degradation and death, and nothing that God or Satan could inflict would have parted us, you, of your own will, did it. I have not broken your heart–you have broken it; and in breaking it, you have broken mine† ( pg. 170) Heathcliff takes no responsibility for faults or mistakes he may have made, instead he chooses to blame them all on Cathy. It seems very few people know what true love is, and for those who have found it have found the most precious and wanted thing in the world. Catherine and Heathcliff think that they have true love but in reality they do not.

Examine the effects of the impact of human activity on soil

In the context of living in the modern world the environment is very important to study and maintain. As technology advances the world we live in is changing, but sometimes these changes are disturbing the balance of nature that has been well established for thousands of years. The effect that we are having on soil is often very detrimental; erosion is an ever-present problem all across the globe. I aim to investigate the impact that human activity has had on soil, and evaluate solutions to the problem. Initially it is important to look at what can be damaged and what the risk is to soils. The main threats include erosion, acidification, pollution, compaction, organic matter loss and salinisation. The increasing amounts of fertilizers and other chemicals applied to soils since World War II, has caused great concern over soil pollution. The application of fertilizers containing the primary nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, doesn't lead to soil pollution, the application of trace elements does. Sulfur from industrial wastes has polluted soils in the past. Read this Ch. 22 Respiratory System When lead arsenate was used on crops this had deadly effects but this is now outlawed due to these. The application of pesticides also leads to short-term soil pollution. Ploughing was once a major erosion-causing problem. The way it used to be carried out was known as clean cultivation, which left the topsoils exposed to all natural erosive problems. This was done by the use of the moldboard plow by farmers, now replaced by better ploughs, which leave a litter layer on the surface to prevent erosion. Irrigation is the artificial watering of land to sustain plant growth. This happens across the globe in areas where the water budget is below the required amount. In dry areas, such as the southwestern United States, irrigation must be maintained from the time a crop is planted. In 1800 about 8. 1 million hectares (about 20 million acres) were under irrigation, a figure that has risen to more than 222 million hectares (550 million acres) today. Irrigation, however, can waterlog soil, or increase a soil's salinity to the point where crops are damaged or ruined. The irrigation of arid lands often leads to pollution with salts. This problem is now jeopardizing about one-third of the world's irrigated land. About a third of all soils in England and Wales have been identified as being at risk from water erosion. Another careless error of human kind is to let overgrazing to occur. Overgrazing, which in time can change grassland to desert, can be seen causing great problems in the USA. The dustbowl effect is evidence of this. It is believed by some historians that soil erosion has been an underlying cause in various population shifts and the fall of certain civilizations. Ruins of towns and cities have been found in arid regions such as the deserts of Mesopotamia, which shows that agriculture was once widespread in the surrounding territory. To remedy these problems we have to act fast. In protecting soil we have to consider not only the land but also the land use and the pressures on it, and then find the correct balance of how to help both the land and people. Often without the money coming in from industry and farmers the land that we need to conserve would have gone to waste anyway and there money is preserving it already. Farmers have been looking for solutions for centuries, and in the Middle Ages in Britain and to present day crop rotation was a possible solution. This is where through different seasons different crops were used, and sometimes the field was left bare to recuperate. In modern rotation systems soil-building plants are used. These crops hold and protect the plants during growth, and also when mixed in to the ground provide much needed nutrients. Special methods for erosion control include contour farming, where the farmer follows the contours of sloping lands, and ditches and terraces are constructed to reduce the runoff of water. This is particularly useful in areas with high precipitation. Another soil-conservation method is the use of strip-cropping. This is the use of alternate strips of crop and fallow land. This method is valuable for control of wind erosion on semiarid lands that need to lie crop-free for efficient crop production. Without human activities, losses of soil through erosion would in most areas probably be balanced by the formation of new soil. On new land a layer of vegetation protects the soil. When new industry is formed in an area the protective canopy of trees that would shield the ground from a lot of rainfall is destroyed which greatly speeds up erosion of certain kinds of soils. Erosion is less severe with crops such as wheat, which cover the ground evenly, than with crops such as corn and tobacco, which grow in rows and have bare spaces. When ramblers go out in the countryside they cause another problem, trampling. Through repeated trampling the ground gets ruined and so do the plants, until walkers use alternate paths and also eventually ruin those as well. These methods are all very effective in combating erosion. They are split into five categories, revegetation, erosion control, crop management, run-off control and soil reclamation. The latter is done through drainage. I believe the easiest of these to use is good crop management. This would mean a well-stratified plan to the use of the land b the farmer. It is the cheapest to do, as no alterations to the land are required. It can be done globally but in poorer areas there may be too much pressure to maintain this. At Kinder Scout in England revegetation has been a successful move, replacing plants where walkers had trampled them. The conclusion I am making is that for every soil where human problems have had a diverse effect, it will be a different solution required. There is no standard answer, and farmers, walkers and industrialists need to come up with their own.

Meanings of Intelligence and Adaptive Behavior Essay

Meanings of Intelligence and Adaptive Behavior - Essay Example Shapiro, E. S. (2011) pointed out that, in assessing the students, the teacher requires combining, intelligence and adaptive behavior that causes them fall behind in their school achievement. This cannot be caused by a sensory impairment, a specific learning disability or a behavioral disorder and the onset must be prior to being school aged. For those with milder cognitive impairment, this would look like a broad form of a learning disability that is not specific to any one area. Those with specific learning disabilities and many with autism will have performance valleys and spikes, where they may be proficient in one area while being very weak in another. Cognitive impairment cuts across all learning, which is intelligence and adaptive behavior together, are important. Shapiro, E. S. (2011) asked a question on how one would assess a student with a cognitive disability fairly and accurately. The answer to that is that it will take more than one tool to do it and over some span of time. It will not be easy or cheap. First, you can use standardized intelligence tests provided they do not floor out. You can also use adaptive behavior assessments and questionnaires. The questionnaires should be given to parents as well as teachers. Next, do some real-time observations of the student in the actual environment. Then look at actual work products and compare them with same-aged peers. All of these last measures should be done in several settings and across time in order to assess the rate of progress. Assessment should always inform instruction, but in practice most of what passes as â€Å"accountability† and â€Å"performance† nowadays does not (Shaw, 2008). Shapiro, E. S. (2011) added that, eligibility for special education services requires two findings: first, the student must meet the criteria for at least one of the thirteen disabilities recognized in the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or the counterparts thereof in state law, 1, 2. Second, special education and/or related services must be required for the student to receive an appropriate education 2, 3. It is true that some students are eligible for

Critically appraising the superman Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Critically appraising the superman - Essay Example A different kind of hero, however, is also frequently found in the comic books, graphic novels, and silver screens of the world-the "not-so-super hero." Some heroes, such as DC Comics' Batman, have no super powers at all. Rather, they combat injustice and fight on in the war against crime by more conventional means. Batman, for instance, is a well-trained fighter whose powers are derived from his unwillingness to give up, his uncommon, but not impossible, physical capabilities, and his commitment to righting the wrongs that cost him his own parents. Heroes such as Batman are just as alluring for the avid comic book reader, the graphic novel enthusiast, and the average dreamer because his success in crime fighting, his superheroism, in fact, is absolutely attainable. This hint of reality and touch of hope has put millions upon millions of children and adults squarely in Batman's corner as he persists against the injustices in Gotham City to protect the innocent. Two specific graphic novels, both released by DC Comics, present both the super and non-super version of comic book heroes for the enjoyment of fans everywhere. The first graphic novel, Moore and Gibbons' Watchmen (1995), is a collection of comic books about a world on the edge of nuclear warfare, where superheroes have ceased to enjoy the public support of the past. In fact, in this story, superheroes are distrusted and dismissed as untrustworthy, especially since it is difficult to keep them in check and watch for suspicious behavior among them. As such, the heroes in the book, who are notably without real superpowers-Dr. Manhattan is an exception to this rule-find themselves distrusted and practically underground since public sentiment removes them so far from their favor. This graphic novel masterfully exposes the human aspects of the superheroes, including their struggles with the same issues grappled with by the average human being. Public distrust of the heroes is magnified with graffiti written on the walls throughout the book posing the question "who watches the watchmen" (Hughes 546). It is important to point out that, in The Watchmen, thought bubbles were not used at all, leaving only an objective perspective for the reader and eliminating the thought bubble clarification style that is so common in comic books. While this is more widely used today, this piece was seminal in its use of such a technique. All the superheroes in this story experience real-world problems throughout the unfolding of the plot, and several are captured, even succumbing to psychiatric testing. As the doomsday clock continues to tick toward the end, the heroes' ability to tap into the ordinary in the realist piece of comic history sets the story apart from so many of the average superhero comics and graphic novels that are available for readers to devour. The other graphic novel for consideration, Wade and Ross' Kingdom Come (1997), involves a surprising similar set of themes as those found in Moore and Gibbons' work. Like The Watchmen, this graphic novel deals with a situation in which many people believe the Apocalypse is imminent. The story is full of a new type of superhero. These superheroes are younger, less moral, and more willing to do whatever is necessary to

Current Australian Federal Election Campaign Essay

Current Australian Federal Election Campaign - Essay Example That no letters were send from restricted residents endorse a meticulous applicant indicated to one reporter that it was either "not careful a useful strategy by party head office" or that the applicant was "unable to find volunteers to mark the letters". Thus, the aptitude to mobilise an orchestrate letter script campaign is likely to be additional effectual in acquiring non-paid medium space (up to a summit where a different page of newsprint is necessary) than relying on spin-off benefits from publicity spending. Australian Prime Minister John Howard scored a persuasive victory in Australias new federal election, charming a fourth significant term. While the election was seen as a referendum on the Prime Ministers choice to hold up the United States in the campaign next to fear and the war on Iraq, Prime Minister Howard work on his overall presentation in maintaining the power of the Australian financial system, stabilize federal government, and increasing Australias family members overseas to gather yet one more term. According to the expert analysis the account of the Australian Electoral Commission showed that with concerning 65 percent of the nationwide vote count, Howards government had 52.3 percent of the take part in an ballot vote and the Labor communal gathering 47.7 percent, charitable the traditional a obvious guide in the race for a preponderance in parliaments 150-seat inferior home. Australian electorate makes a decision applicant for 150 seats in the federal parliament's lesser residence the House of legislative body and 40 of the 76 seating in the Senate. A total of 1,091 candidates were position for the House of council and 330 for the governing body. The state has 13 million catalog voters. While the 2004 election did not show the emphasis on edge safety seen in the 2001 election, nor did it see a go back to the approximately elite focus on financial issues which characterised federal election prior to 2001. (4) The 2004 election built-in an strange and potentially unstable mix of political cream of the crop, one elder and skilled, one younger and comparatively green; foreign and defence strategy, including Iraq; and customary home issues such as financial management, physical condition and teaching. In this piece of writing we use the 2004 Australian Election Study review to examine the significance of these issues in determining the product of the election. Australian Newspaper and Media To investigate the association between salaried and earned media, campaign reporting by group of people journalists was monitored in the electoral separation of McEwen throughout the 1998 federal election.

Responses on two posts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Responses on two posts - Essay Example The story of the Karen people is just an example of many ethnic groups being persecuted by their governments. The post makes one realize that military governments are tyrannical as it is clear that the Burmese military government contributed to the persecution of the Karen people. However, the situation would have been different for the Karen people, if Burma was controlled by a democracy that had full representation. Countries like the US and other Asian nations must step in to save the plight of the Karen people and stop the likely extinction of a whole ethnic group.1 2. The Art of Maneuver: Maneuver-Warfare Theory and Air Land Battle by Robert Leonhard is a book that explains how the Germans could have countered the new Soviet prowess in operational war. There was a part of the book that shows how the Soviets mimicked the German style of warfare, but the Soviet forces were more operationally focused than the Germans. 2The Soviet forces believe in following orders, hence giving no room for innovation on the battlefield. The book related the Soviet dominance of the German forces to the speed and population of the Soviet forces.

Applied statistics for finance and economics Coursework

Applied statistics for finance and economics - Coursework Example The spread of recession globally made share prices go down dramatically. Changes in pricing is a fundamental aspect in chart analysis. Traders usually watch out for stocks assuming a certain direction or impressions of a possible stock price change (McWhirter, 2008). Momentum becomes a dealers partner if well analyzed and identified. The assumed logic behind price momentum is that price movements are random. A popular argument among many is that share prices change fast to portray new information and new information cannot be predicted. This, therefore, means trend analysis does not lead to a better long term performance. The actions of market participants usually determine price momentum. Traders being opportunistic the way they are, orders tend to be placed once a given direction is determined on stock price. The more sales is experienced the upward or the downward form is increased. This trend proceeds until word is out that a new trend now warrants selling or buying the stock. Price direction now becomes chaotic nevertheless not random. Taking the case of random walk argument trends will be seen on a random manner. A good example is tossing a coin. No matter how many you toss it and land on tails the last five times, the probability in coin toss will always remain on 50%. Take another example on roulette wheel ball. The previous spins doesn’t necessarily mean that one might land on red or black. The rate sits steadily on 47%. Traders who follow the random walk theory note that the timing of new data and news is not predictable. They also note that that stock prices change very fast with th e coming of new information, The constant variation of stock market is the simple definition of volatility. Suppose today the stock market goes up, tomorrow it goes down it goes up again in the following five days, then this is called volatility of stock. The most common cause for this

Applied Integrated Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Applied Integrated Business - Essay Example This paper is an attempt to synthesize everything I had learned so far which can be applicable in a world of business that is further made complicated and difficult by various financial crises. In the next few pages, I will elaborate on these further by enumerating the three most important. Discussion I think Professor Michael Porter's Five-Forces Model of competition is the first thing that comes to my mind in terms of importance. His model is applicable to almost all industries anywhere in the world. It has universal applications and any aspiring manager should learn to apply the principles in this model. Doing so will make his job as manager much, much easier. It will allow him to analyze a given industry, formulate the appropriate strategies and then be able to implement this particular chosen strategy to achieve superior results, no matter what. It is a given that the Porter model is extremely useful for industry analysis in order to attain that sustainable superior performance over peer industry competitors. The model further simplifies the whole job of any manager; without it, it is quite difficult to arrive at a good decision due to sometimes too much data to analyze that one can easily get lost of the strategic objective. The second most important thing I learned during the course is the 7 Ps of marketing. ... This model will help to put things in a proper perspective so corrective measures can be undertaken to rescue new products and services from being failures in the market. This model is a step-by-step guide to successful marketing techniques because it analyzes each step to be taken when selling and it helps to remove guesswork by making the analysis much more professional and accurate. The third most important I learned so far in this course is the SWOT analysis model. It may seem simple but it at least has a systematic approach when analyzing the inherent kind of strengths and weaknesses of any business organization. The first two letters are S and W; it pertains to the internal structure of the business firm by looking inward at its core competence or the areas of operations in which it has advantages while at the same recognize weaknesses. This will allow the firm to take corrective measures to remedy these weaknesses. The second two letters which are O and T represent opportuniti es and threats from the environment which are considered as external to the firm. The usefulness of this SWOT model is it is applicable to individual persons as well, such as taking pre-emptive or preventive measures to avoid any possible harm or dangers. The SWOT model for analysis is also useful in other situations like disaster preparedness by government units and other non-profit organizations because it will try to recognize possible dangers and allow for sufficient advance planning to avoid failures. The SWOT model has internal and external components, very much like Porter's Five-forces model, which has three external components and two internal features in the said model. I fully intend to use all my accumulated knowledge from the course in my daily

Growing afraid Essay Example for Free

Growing afraid Essay Pip describes the afternoon as being raw, which describes the bitterness of the weather, the weather is almost attacking Pip. The graveyard can be described as very old because overgrown with nettles lays a churchyard, which is uncared for and in an instant it could just crumble away. Pip again adds significant words, as he repeats all of the names on the gravestones, Alexander, Bartholomew, Abraham, Tobias and Roger that have died in this harsh place, Pip reads it as if it were a list with so many people there, who have been there for a long period of time. Dark, flat, wilderness beyond the churchyard again explains the lack of community and the Isolation around the area. Dickens personifies wind as the wind was rushing, as if it were rushing to get Pip who was at the time a small bundle of shivers growing afraid. The marshlands had an effect not only on Pip, but the convict also, the convict had been smothered in mud and lamed by stones and cut by flints, and stung by nettles and torn by briars, showing he had escaped for a long time and had spent most of his time hiding in the marshlands. As the convict roughly treats Pip, he tilts him over, gradually down to the floor, he gives Pip a greater sense of helplessness and danger which adds to the atmosphere significantly. Toward the end of the chapter, a sad atmosphere is created, as the convict hugged his shuddering body in both arms clasping himself as if to hold himself together. The convict limps toward the low church wall producing an image of one who is close to death. Pip creates another childish imagination but this one describes the dead rising up stretching up cautiously out of their graves, showing how much fear he had in him at the time. The marshes are depicted as just a long black horizontal line with the sky being just like a row of long angry red lines and dense black lines intermixed, describing the darkness, and anger in Pips world. Charles Dickens leaves you with eerie images of death, of a limping man, as if he were a pirate come to life and come down and going back to hook himself up again. We are introduced to Miss Havisham first as an immensely rich and grim lady, a notorious woman who lived in a large house that was heavily barricaded against robbers. She is described as living a life of seclusion which leads us to believe that she is isolated, miserable and depressed. Pip describes her as being the strangest lady he had ever seen. She was dressed in rich materials, satins, lace and silks, all that are symbols of wealth. She had a long white veil dependent from her hair which makes us believe that she is a bit odd wearing bridal wear for no apparent reason. Her hair was white which symbolizes that she is quite old. Another symbol of wealth is created because she had some bright jewels sparkling around her neck. Pip states that the bride within the bridal dress had withered like the dress which is another clue to her being quite old. We are given another unhealthy image of Miss Havisham, of her dying, the book reflects this by stating that there was no brightness left but the brightness of her sunken eyes and her figure had hung loose and had shrunk to skin and bone. She states that she had never seen the sun since she was born, this makes the reader feel that she is again isolated and hiding away from life outside. She is also a cold-hearted person, because she says that her heart was broken with an eager look on her face. We learn that she despises adults, and that she acts like a child, the novel portrays this by stating that she has sick fancies and she orders Pip with an impatient movement of the hand to play. When Estella came to play with Pip, Miss Havisham says to Estella that she can break Pips heart, this indicates that Miss Havisham has set out to seek revenge on men, and that is one of the reasons why she brought Pip to her house. There is a sense that life has ceased for Miss Havisham, the book shows this by stating that her silk stocking once white, now yellow had been trodden ragged. Pip says that the frillings and trimmings on her bridal dress looked like earthy paper which describes it as being fragile, like Miss Havisham herself. After Pip had finished playing cards with Estella, Miss Havisham states You shall go home soon, Play the game out this illustrates to the reader that she is depressed and emotionally hurt, and is not to used to the company of others, so she sends him away. She had an appearance of dropped body and soul, within and without, under the weight of a crushing blow which leads us to believe that the marriage which didnt take place, has caused her to drop her body and drop her soul. Miss Havisham once again thinks highly of herself, acting as if she owns Pip, she expresses this by stating When shall I have you here again? . We also learn that she is a misguided woman because she says she doesnt know anything about the days of the week, or the weeks of the year. We first learn that Estella is selfish and speaks in an scornful manner to anyone she isnt familiar with, the evidence of this is that after Pip politely said that she could go in first, she replied by saying Dont be ridiculous boy; I am not going in and she also left Pip in the dark by taking the candle with her. When Pip called her name out to play with him, she didnt come straight away, she took her time, deliberately trying to be awkward. When Miss Havisham tried the jewel on Estella, she obviously had intentions for her to get married. Estella thinks she is better than Pip, the evidence of this is that when she was ordered by Miss Havisham to play with Pip, she replied With this boy! Why he is a common labouring boy! . When Estella asked Pip what games he played, she asked it in the greatest disdain which makes us believe she is strict and again scornful and looks down on lower classes. Estella is used as a weapon, a heartbreaker by Miss Havisham, who as we know wants to treat men as she was treated, Miss havisham illustrates this by stating beggar him to Estella. Estella has no respect for Pip and thinks highly of herself and no one else, the evidence of this is that she says, he calls the knaves, jacks this boy! and what coarse hands he has. This leaves an effect on Pip as he becomes ashamed of his hands. She was watching Pip creating tension, trying to make him do wrong, so that she could insult him more on his faults. Pip tells us this by stating she was lying in wait for me to do wrong; and she denounced me for a stupid, clumsy labouring boy As Pip was whispering to Miss Havisham, even though she wasnt saying anything, Estella was making Pip say nice things about her with her eyes, the evidence of this is that she was looking at Pip with look of supreme aversion. As the game between Pip and Estella finished, Estella threw all of the cards down as if she despised them for having been won of Pip, this shows that Estella is spiteful, treats Pip disdainfully and she is very proud. Estella was to told feed Pip, so she put the food down on the ground without looking at Pip as if Pip was a dog in disgrace, this shows that Estella again thinks Pip as being lower class and she has contempt for Pip. Estella had made Pip cry, she looked at him with quick delight as being the cause of the tears, this proves she has no feelings and is satisfied for making him cry, this makes her not a likeable character at all. The first Impressions of Miss Havisham`s house is that it is a huge house filled with mystery, dismal house, barricaded against robbers which reflects the owners feelings. The house can furthermore be described as bleak and nervous for anyone who approaches it, with its great front entrance having two chains across it. It is a dark, gloomy place, with a sense of bad experiences. The text tells us this by stating, the passages were all dark and still it was dark, and only the candle lighted us. Miss Havisham`s room was also dark, she obviously prefers darkness, and all of the candles represent the light in the room, the evidence of this is that a pretty large room, well lighted with candles and no glimpse of daylight was to be seen in it. There is a sense of chaos in the room as everything is untidy, dresses and half-packed trunks were scattered about also Miss Havisham only had one shoe on. Everything was left as it was years ago, all confusedly heaped about the looking glass. Pip relates Miss Havisham to a waxwork he had once seen, with her skin sallow. He also makes a reference to death by describing a skeleton in the ashes of a rich dress. Miss Havisham is almost a ghost in her own house, the evidence of this is that waxwork and skeleton seemed to have dark eyes that moved. All of the watches and clocks in her room had stopped at twenty minutes to nine, which is deliberate and could be linked with her marriage that didnt take place. Pip is made to feel vulnerable, he has no choice but to do what Miss Havisham says, this is because he had the desperate idea of starting round the room meaning that he had to embarrass himself in front of Miss Havisham. She asked Pip if he was sullen and obstinate, he is obviously very misunderstood. Miss Havisham becomes frustrated with him and pitiful for him, the book expresses this by stating So new to him So old to me So melancholy to both of us! Miss Havisham again makes Pip feel discomfort as he is made to shout out Estella in a dark and mysterious passage of an un-known house again he is made to embarrass himself. Another sense that life has seized for Miss Havisham is that there are pale, decayed objects which also creates a deathly and unsettling atmosphere. Pip also describes her clothes as grave-clothes and her long veil looking like a shroud both of which are linked with a corpse. As Pip leaves Miss Havisham`s house, he states that the rush of daylight quite confounded him, this is another clue that the house is a very dark place. Toward the end of the chapter, we feel pity for Pip, because Estella treats him so badly, but he is strong because he refuses to cry in the presence of her, even though his feelings are bitter. This also shows that he wishes he had come from a family who were more of an upper class, than the family he was brought up with, because then maybe Estella would have treated him better.

Solar Power The trends and future of solar power generation Essay Example for Free

Solar Power The trends and future of solar power generation Essay Solar power is being increasingly conceived as a possible alternative to traditional energy sources, given the rise in costs associated with traditional energy sources. Although it had for long, been considered as highly uneconomic; this notion has been changing with the improvement in technologies. It should be noted here that generation of solar power is currently highly dependent on government subsidies. These subsidies are very essential for projecting solar power as an alternative to electricity from traditional fuel sources. However the cost of manufacturing and installing solar power generation system has been considerably decreased during the last two decades, during which the installed capacity too rose phenomenally. This scenario is in stark contrast to electricity generation from traditional sources where the generation costs increased with the rise in natural gas prices. The need for more power plants to meet the increasing consumption needs, the need to cut emissions and adopt other pollution control measures, only keep pushing conventional electricity prices further and further. The global solar capacity is anticipated to be about 20 to 40 times its current levels, by 2020, growing by 30 to 35% each year. The solar power generated today would correspondingly rise from 10 gigawatts to 400 gigawatts by 2020. However, despite the prospects for solar power, the solar power generation field is in its early stages; such that even if the estimated capacity level reaches the said 20 to 40 times its current level, it would only account for 3 to 6% of the electricity generation capability or 1.5 to 3% of the total output in 2020. It is now anticipated that in three to seven years from now, unsubsidized solar power should be available to the end customer at costs compatible to electricity produced by fossil fuels or other alternatives to solar. Parts of US and Italy, Japan and Spain are expected to see the equalization of solar and traditional power costs due to favorable trends and encouraging factors prevailing in these regions. Currently unsubsidized solar power costs about 36 cents per kilowatt-hour. This is expected to be around 12 cents per kilowatt-hour by 2020. The current solar technologies used are silicon-wafer photovoltaics, thin-film photovoltaics and concentrated solar thermal power. Each of these technologies have certain advantages with regard to particular usages. Through innovations and cost cuttings, the technologies strive to be more efficient, with enhanced applicability. The power conversion efficiency is the amount of electricity generated by the solar radiation corresponding to the surface of the photovoltaic cell, for a particular time period. Efficient systems are directed towards weighing less, with a smaller radiation collection surface, low cost transportation and installation. Photovoltaic refers to the solar panels which convert solar energy to electricity. The photovoltaic material is mainly formed of pure silicon, which emit electrons when subjected to solar radiation, thereby producing an electric current. While basic photovoltaic cells are used in calculators and wrist watches, more higher versions are used for powering water pumps, communications equipments and several other off-grid requirements. Photovoltaics are increasingly used as an additional or alternative for utility purposes already serviced by electric grid. More and more people increasingly opt for photovoltaics for several reasons like environmental, economic, emergency requirement, rising electricity costs etc. The silicon-wafer photovoltaics account for about 90% of installed solar capacity. It is particularly used in rooftop applications associated with space restrictions. Although these are doubly efficient compared to thin-film photovoltaics, their installation is costly. The solar panels themselves are costly too, requiring larger quantities of silicon photovoltaic material compared to thin film photovoltaic solar cells. Another disadvantage is that the theoretical efficiency limit of the photovoltaic single-junction silicon wafer cell, set at 31%, has been neared by several companies already. Although the limit of 31% can be extended by advanced techniques, these could lead to increased production costs. The commercially produced thin-film photovoltaics have only been recently proved to reach efficiency levels of about 10%. The lower efficiency levels with respect to silicon-wafer photovoltaics is achieved by very low usage of materials, requiring only about 5% or lesser than that needed for silicon wafer photovoltaics. The manufacturing costs associated with thin-film photovoltaics is almost half that for silicon-wafer, with tremendous prospects of increasing the costing gap in the long run. Thin-film photovoltaics are more used in large area installations, flat rooftops etc. While silicon-wafer based photovoltaics are capable of providing high output even for a quarter of a decade, the longevity of thin film are uncertain. Cadmium telluride is perhaps the most prospective thin film technology that have been developed commercially. However, the toxicity levels associated with cadmium and the availability of telluride are worrisome factors. The concentrated solar thermal power technology converts solar radiation to heat using mirror arrangements. These are then converted to electricity through heat conversion methods. The concentrated solar thermal power is appropriate for village requirements of 10 kilowatts as well as for grid applications involving several hundred megawatts (SEPA, 2008). These can be installed at the vicinity of the customers, thereby lowering transmission and distribution costs. Although these are the lowest in terms of associated costs, they require plenty of open space and very demanding solar conditions. The concentrated solar thermal technology mostly uses the usual components like reflectors and pipes, and therefore the prospects of costs reduction are less. The challenges confronting the advancement of solar power are those that are relevant to any upcoming or emerging sector. Given the intense competition, companies involved in manufacturing of solar power generation equipment must slash their costs by improving their manufacturing process of solar cells. The spurt in solar power activity has brought in funds from venture capital and private equity firms. An amount of $3.2 billion invested in the year 2007, saw new players in the solar power generation, who contributed to excess supply and falling prices. Early entrants like Dow Corning and Wacker as well as component developers like First Solar and SunPower saw high margins. At May end this year, the Abu-Dhabi based Masdar announced its entry in the manufacturing of thin film photovoltaic products. With an investment of $2 billion, the company expects to produce the state of art thin film modules, through a three phase strategy. (Ghelfi, 2008). On the previous day to this announcement, Q-Cells, the German solar cell manufacturer, announced an investment of $3.5 billion for developing a production center in Mexico, for manufacturing thin film modules. According to First Solar Inc., a company involved in manufacturing of solar modules, its average manufacturing cost for solar module in 2007 was only about $1.23 per watt. The company attributed the low cost to its thin film semiconductor technology compared to crystalline silicon modules, manufactured traditionally. The company expects to become the first solar module manufacturing company to provide non-subsidized solar electricity at retail electricity rates by 2010. A single manufactured solar module is about 2ft by 4ft, employing cadmium telluride as the absorption layer which provides high conversion efficiency with very little semiconductor material. From 2005, there had been an increasing demand for silicon from the solar module, solar cell and solar wafer manufacturers. Due to the insufficient supply of crystalline silicon, the solar modules and cells manufacturers’ utilization rates fell. The utilization rates fell to 70% in 2005 from 86% in 2004. With the demand increasing considerably, the German cell manufacturer ErSol Solar Energy reduced its 2007 expectations from 70 megawatts to 55 megawatts, due to fall in wafer supply. The supply shortfall led to a huge hike in silicon prices. The price of the silicon raw material shot to $45 a pound in 2007 from $20 in 2003. The higher prices in turn brought many companies into the business of silicon manufacturing. Silicon production rose by 14% in 2007 and is expected to rise by 43% in 2008 and by 50% in the each year 2009 and 2010. By 2010, the supply shortage and the resulting high prices would be taken care of. According to investment columnist Jim Jubak, rising prices of natural gases, slow developments and cancellations associated with nuclear and coal plants respectively, are pushing the price of solar stocks. Solar cell companies too are highly dependent on technology just as any other computer chip makers or cell phone one or television manufacturers. A bill seeking to extend the existing tax break for another six years have been passed by the House Ways and Means Committee. Jubak estimates that with everything looking in favor of solar power, the revenues in the solar industry are very likely to increase phenomenally (Jubak, 2008). Lux Research projects revenues to climb 27% annually, on a compounded basis through 2012. Another estimate from Clayton Securities suggests 17% annual compounded revenue growth through 2016. Â  REFERENCES Solar Electric Power Association (2008) Solar Electricity Basics [Electronic Version] Downloaded on 29th June 2008 from http://www.solarelectricpower.org/index.php?page=basics Jubak J., (2008) 3 high powered solar stocks [Electronic Version] Downloaded on 28th June 2008 from http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/JubaksJournal/HighPoweredSolarStocks.aspx Ghelfi C. (2008) Masdar getting into thin film solar business Electronic Version] Downloaded on 27th June 2008 from http://media.cleantech.com/2904/masdar-getting-into-thin-film-solar-business-abu-dhabi Lorenz P., Pinner D. Seitz T., The economics of solar power. The McKinsey Quarterly [Electronic Version] Downloaded on 27th June 2008 from http://www.mckinseyquarterly.com/my_profile.aspx

Development of Competent Nursing Skills

Development of Competent Nursing Skills Introduction This essay focuses on a reflection on the development from novice, to competent beginner, to skilled practitioner in the light of my own development in clinical nursing practice. It is based on the signposts identified within my clinical learning portfolio and focuses on the notion of the helping role and caring skills within nursing practice. It utilises a reflective framework to better identify and reflect upon the journey from novice to practitioner. The model for reflection I have chosen is Gibbs Reflective Cycle (see Appendix). Reflection has been described as as a process of internally examining and exploring an issue of concern, triggered by an experience which creates and clarifies meaning in terms of self, and which results in a changed conceptual perspective (Boyd and Fales, 1983). Therefore, the experiences of my three placements are explored under three rotations of Gibbs Cycle. Meretoja et al (2004) state that nurses self-recognition of own level of competence is essential in maintaining high standards of care. I have chosen the caring role based on my own recognition of the level of competence achieved in this area. Cycle One Novice to Advanced beginner What Happened. I had to assist a patient in with personal care; make them comfortable in bed and collaborate in pressure area management; assist with toileting, washing, mouthcare, and application of emollient cream. I also had to document care and any deviations from the norm. Feelings I was very aware of my inexperience and of the trust this patient placed in my and the nursing team. I was also aware of the intimate nature of the care I was providing, and the fact that it was basic care also highlighted the fundamental role such care has in supporting health promotion and patient wellbeing. Evaluation I was uncomfortable at first, and clumsy in the provision of the various aspects of care. However, my mentor was informative, supportive and helpful, which assisted me in doing the various tasks. However, I found it difficult to complete these as quickly as I should have. I did learn to communicate with the patient and provide a sensitive approach. Analysis This situation required fundamental aspects of the caring role. It also demonstrates the link between basic nursing care an every other aspect of nursing. The NMC (2004) requires nurses to provide individualised care for their patients. The care for this person was based on their own needs and adapted as those needs changed. I was able to identify those needs and develop competency in providing care at this level. The caring role was very rewarding but physically and emotionally taxing However, I was still in the process of identifying particular needs and responding to them, such as toileting, which required me working with others in a collaborative manner, which I did not find easy. I also realised how much I did not know about nursing. Conclusion In this situation, I could have developed more collaborative working skills and modelled myself on those around me more actively ie., copied the ways in which other nurses and healthcare assistants provided care. When I did do this, it was effective. But I found that despite my enthusiastic approach, my knowledge base meant that I did not always understand the rationale for what I was doing. Action Plan The action plan from this was to take the confidence and competence I had developed in the practical skills and incorporate them into all aspects of the caring role. It was also to identify areas where my knowledge base was lacking, and seek out this knowledge. Keeping knowledge up to date is a requirement of the NMC code of condut (NMC, 2004). Working collaboratively is another NMC requirement (NMC, 2004). Taking this knowledge forward into practice made this process of reflection a learning activity. Cycle Two Advanced Beginner What Happened As part of my role assisting with patient care, I had to monitor pain levels and assist with providing analgesia as prescribed, along with monitoring its effectiveness. This was a surgical placement, and I also discussed with elderly patient their coping and wellbeing after hospital discharge. I engaged in health education and support to enable clients to be self-caring. I was also responsible for monitoring wellbeing through performing and recording clinical observations, recording fluid balance and reporting any abnormalities. I was also involved in providing personal care to patients in a safe manner, especially in the disposal of waste products. Feelings To begin with, I felt glad to be working at a more advanced level of competency, and felt confident in my basic nursing skills including performing clinical observations. However, the increased demand also meant increased pressure and I was aware of this. Again, I felt that I had developed a degree of competency but was very aware of my need to develop further knowledge and skills. The caring role involved supporting people and I had to access other professionals to ensure I gave the right information and that my care had been effective. Evaluation It was good to find that I had the clinical competence to effectively monitor clinical status. However, the complex nature of patient needs meant that I still didn’t always know the answers to their questions. Being involved in discharge planning was an enabling activity for myself and the patients. I developed competence in the administration of medications, under supervision, including controlled drugs, but felt I still needed more practice and skill in this area. Colleagues noted my competence and qualified staff were happy to delegate a range of appropriate tasks to me. Analysis It would appear that the caring role means the provision of patient centred, holistic care. This was achievable in this situation but required a lot of knowledge and the ability to provide focused attention and empathic care whilst carrying out complex clinical nursing tasks. This was harder to achieve, and I was made aware of my continued learning needs around medication and surgical care, for example. However, I must have developed some competence as qualified staff were happy to delegate to me and to act on my feedback. Conclusion It is hard to see what else I could have done, except perhaps done more reading around surgical care, discharge planning and the nurse-patient relationship. Action Plan It was possible to identify future learning needs, and so my action plan included building on my current competence by engaging in more advanced practice, under supervision. Having the confidence to engage in more complex nursing tasks will help me to achieve more competence in advanced practice in the future. Recognising the demands of the caring role means that I will view future practice as based upon this role. Cycle Three Competent Level What Happened. I monitored patients with chronic pain and helped with analgesia. I also supported patients with freedom of choice for their own care (NMC, 2004) and provided personal and palliative care in sensitive manner. I mastered more advanced practical nursing skills including aseptic technique and safe disposal of sharps. I fully documented all care given, and recorded medication given, and communicated to staff at shift change during the nursing handover. Feelings During this experience, I felt that my knowledge and experience in the caring role was finally coming together. I was confident and happy in engaging with patients and providing empathy and a supportive manner, whilst also carrying out more complex clinical tasks appropriately and effectively. It was very nerve-wracking giving handover, but I became more confident as I had more practice. Evaluation I was able to provide care of a high standard, and recognise my sphere of competence and seek help when needed. I was able to engage in effective caring relationships with clients, meet their individual needs, but also value my own input into their wellbeing. Analysis It was obvious that I had moved on to a level of nursing competence which allowed me some autonomy. I was able to act with less direct supervision, but still access the support of the whole care team. The caring role extended to the provision of all care, including end of life care, and I was able to utilise my knowledge and experience and also identify my learning in action, and my future learning needs, which have changed since the first reflection. Conclusion The change from novice to competent practitioner in the caring role has demonstrated not only the acquisition of skill but the incorporation of clinical abilities into what is really a way of being with patients. Action Plan Signposting future learning needs is important following this reflection. I was able to identify the need to still learn advanced clinical skills and perhaps know more about the range of other professionals who could enhance care in individual situations. Conclusion This reflection has signposted my development towards competent nursing practice. The caring role encompasses provision of basic care, advanced techniques, medication and pain relief, health promotion, end of life care and collaborative care. It seems to be the fundamental and most important part of nursing practice. Collaboration and coordination, as well as the holistic management of the situation, are highly recognized as meaningful characteristics of competent nursing practice (Meretoja et al, 2002). References Boyd E, Fales A. (1983) Reflecting learning: key to learning from experience. Humanist Psychol 23 (2) 99–117. Gibbs, G. (1988) Learning by Doing. A Guide to Teaching and Learning Methods Further Education Unit, Oxford Polytechnic, Oxford Meretoja, R., Leino-Kilpi, H. Kair, A. (2004) Comparison of nurse competence in different hospital work environments Journal of NursingManagement.12(5) 329–336 Meretoja, R., Eriksson, E. Leino-Kilpi, H. (2002) Indicators for competent nursing practice Journal of Nursing Management 10(2) 95-102 Nursing and Midwifery Council (2004) Code of Conduct Available from www.nmc-uk.org Accessed 30-4-07.