A Hero of Our Time Essay Example

A Hero of Our Time Essay Example A Hero of Our Time Paper A Hero of Our Time Paper Essay Topic: Literature On the surface A Hero of Our Time is a selection of short fiction stories set against a backdrop of a wild, untamed region; the Caucasus. In this exotic location, Lermontov provides authenticity to the military and cultural peculiarities which existed between the tsarist Russian army officers and the savage ethnic mountaineer tribesmen. Central to each of the stories is the psychological state of its main character, Pechorin and his effect on those he emotionally targets. In a relentless quest for power over everyone he meets in life, Pechorins purpose is to bend to my will everyone and everything near me o arouse in somebody love, devotion and fear what is this but the first sign and the greatest triumph of power? (164-5). Prior to the disclosure of Pechorins personal diaries, Lermontov provides a filtered version of Pechorin by the use of two narrators; an anonymous travelling narrator and Maxim Maxemich. The initial account of Pechorin in Bela is relayed through the eyes of Maxim who is fascinated by Pechorin. Maxim is depicted as the archetypal old Russian captain, a compassionate man who generously describes Pechorin as an excellent fellow, though a bit strange (27). Maxims friendship is rebuked when he meets Pechorin several years later in the story Maxim Maxemich. The narrator recounts that Maxim was going to fall on Pechorins neck [and] Pechorin rather coldly offered him his hand for a moment the captain was brought up short in amazement (86). Although Maxim relays that he spent almost one year in Pechorins company he clearly does not comprehend the complicated facets of Pechorins personality. An irregular chronological sequence also functions to gradually expose Pechorins complex and intricate character to the reader. The chronological order begins with the mystical story of Taman, the name of a coastal town on the Black Sea in which Pechorin is almost murdered. He travels through this town on his way from St. Petersburg to the Caucasus. In a linear sequence Taman would be followed by Princess Mary, Bela, The Fatalist and conclude with Maxim Maxemich. However, there is also another short but significant story, the Introduction to Pechorins Journal in which the reader becomes aware that the novel is relayed in this sequence because this is the order in which the travelling narrator becomes familiar with Pechorin. In this prologue, the narrator assures the reader that Pechorins self-analysis is sincere. At the same time, he questions whether the characters portrayed in Pechorins journals can excuse his behaviour on the assumption that he did not subscribe to the same principles or philosophies in which society is bound society will forgive and accept people if they are understood; we are almost always ready to forgive what we can understand (94). This chapter also discloses that the narrator has not published all of Pechorins diaries and that there is an abundance of information which is omitted; I have included in this book only matter which refers to Pechorins life in the Caucasus. There still remains in my hands a big note-book in which he tells the whole story of his life. I do not dare, for several important reasons, to take the responsibility of publishing it (94). The quote is intentionally ambiguous and allows the reader to deliberate on how Pechorins character may have otherwise evolved once he departed the Caucasus. This statement also presented Lermontov with an option to further develop Pechorins character in later works. On a deeper level this novel provides a sociological and political perspective of Russia in the 1830s; it offers an insight into the distinct ethnic divisions which existed during this period. In the introduction, Lermontov provides a hint of the conflicting philosophies which began to mark impending changes within Russia. He warns the reader that Pechorin is not just a study of a single individual, but a portrait rawn from the fully developed vices of our entire generation (16). The intellectual elite, aside from the dubious distinction of serving in the Russian military, had no meaningful role within Russian life and were in effect, superfluous. Similarly, Pechorin is depicted as an educated, wealthy individual, who has no clear purpose in Russian society this is evident from his self-analysis; my being has been corrupted by the world nothing satisfies me; I get used to suffering just as easily as I do to enjoyment, and my life becomes more empty every day (65). Pechorin illustrates his unceasing pursuit for happiness which only exacerbates his boredom with life; the moment I emerged from my familys tutelage I rushed wildly into every sort of pleasure that money could buy; and naturally I soon tired of such pleasures I quickly got bored with society I got transferred to the Caucasus [but] within a month I was more bothered by mosquitoes than by bullets (63). Essentially, Pechorin is a metaphor for the frustrated, educated quasi-European which seemingly has no purpose in true Russian society. In depicting this character as an example of Russian societys ills, Lermontov notes that the disease has been diagnosed, but how to eradicate it goodness alone knows! (17). Importantly, Lermontov consistently makes the ironic distinction between the stately, noble Russian and the uneducated, savage nationalities which existed in the mountainous Caucasus region. This is particularly apparent in the story of Bela. Lermontov conveys the typical Russians feelings of superiority over the mountaineer tribes when Maxim Maxemich passes judgement on them by commenting that these Asiatics are miserable fellows hey are terrible robbers (21). Maxim further remarks that the Ossetes are a stupid race, they know absolutely nothing and they cant be educated (24). Similarly, in an attempt to win over Belas affections Pechorin shows his disdain for the Chechen race when he arrogantly questions Bela; Youre not in love with one of your own people, are you? (44). Pechorin clearly considers himself the better person. Lermontov also physically differentiates between Pechorin and Kazbich. He describes Pechorin as fair-haired [with] a white, well-bred forehead is moustache and eyebrows were black, a sign of breeding in a man (84-5). By contrast, Kazbich is depicted as having the most ruffianly appearance (31) along with a swarthy face [and a] ragged, dirty appearance (61). However, instead of portraying Kazbich as the savage murderer and Pechorin as the noble hero, Lermontov implies that the two men have in fact treated Bela in an identical manner and that there is no moral difference between them. Kazbich physically kills Bela, but Pechorin has already destroyed her on a moral level socially and culturally. In fact, there is a subtle inference that Kazbich in an ethical way is the more admirable man as he has sought revenge based on his strict cultural sense of right and wrong. On the other hand, Pechorin ruthlessly exploits and destroys Bela when he kidnaps her with no intention of marriage. In complete contrast to Bela, Lermontov departs from the wilderness of the remote Russian fort and into the aristocratic spa region of Piatigorsk, where Pechorin is based whilst on military leave. In short, the story unfolds as Pechorin meets Grushnitzki and prophetically declares; Nor do I care for him; I have a feeling that we shall one day meet on a narrow path, and that it will fare ill with one of us (119). The relationship between Pechorin, Grushnitzki, Vera and Princess Mary become emotionally entangled. Further, Pechorins calculated manoeuvres ensure that he emotionally seduces Mary and makes Grushnitzki look foolish. In the background is Vera, a former lover, now married but again willing to be seduced by Pechorin. The climax of this story is the duel in which Pechorin kills Grushnitzki; when the smoke cleared off, Gurshnitzki was not on the plateau. At the edge of the precipice there was only a slight column of dust to be seen. Everyone screamed simultaneously (221). There are also another two important incidents which occur in Princess Mary and provide the reader with different facets of Pechorins character. The first is in the form of his self-analytical confession to Mary; Everyone read in my face the signs of bad qualities which were not there at the time, though they came into being by suggestion. I was shy and was accused of craftiness; so I became secretive. I had a deep sense of good and evil, but nobody showed me kindness or treated me decently; so I became bitter and spiteful. And then despair was born in me, not of the kind that can be cured only by a bullet, but a cold, feeble despair, which hides itself under kindliness and an amiable smile (168-9). This speech is a turning point in the novel as the reader is persuaded to speculate on and sympathise with Pechorins character, however, rather than a genuine expression of his feelings, it is another tactic to influence control over Mary. This is evidenced by the preface to his dialogue in which Pechorin thought for a minute and then said, [pretending] to be deeply touched (168). Clearly Pechorin is acting out a role and at the end of the dialogue he admits that he did not continue [his] pathetic soliloquy (170). Further, his analysis of Marys reaction to him is that she is dissatisfied with herself and accuses herself of being cold. Tomorrow she will want to reward me. I know it all by heart. Thats why it is so boring (171). The second incident takes place when Pechorin receives a farewell letter from Vera letting him know that their affair was discovered by her husband and she has to leave Piatigorsk immediately; I prayed, cursed, wept, laughed nothing expressed the wild agitation of my despair (225). Pechorin tries to see Vera once more but his exhausted horse falls and Pechorin similarly collapses into the grass. As he lay there he wept bitterly not trying to keep back my tears and the sobs that tore my chest. All my hardness and coolness had vanished like smoke. If anyone had seen me then he would have turned from me in contempt (226). Unlike the earlier passage, this is an honest and unrestrained outpouring of emotion which humanises Pechorin. Furthermore, throughout the novel Lermontov demonstrates yet another facet of Pechorins character by illustrating his enchantment with nature. The descriptions of the panoramic landscapes which form the backdrop to the Caucasus are essential in providing an authenticity to the novel. Nature is depicted in a surreal form and a striking example of this is apparent when Pechorin, on his way to face Grushnitzki in a duel and all his senses stimulated, pronounces; I never remember[ed] a morning that was so blue or fresh. the mingling of the first warmth of [the suns] rays with the cold of the dying night induced in all my senses a delicious languor. At the lightest breath of wind thick bushes that grew in the crevices sprinkled us with silver drops. How eagerly I watched every dew-drop quivering on the broad vine-leaves and reflecting countless rays of rainbow light! (209-10) . For Pechorin, nature is an antidote to the world of civilisation completely removed from St Petersburg society. Lermontovs style ensures that he utilises various graphic devices in his depiction of nature. One of these devices is his generous use of colours including silver and gold to accentuate brilliance and richness. The descriptions of the sublime scenery swiftly situate the reader into a breathtaking setting; On every side there were inaccessible mountains, reddish rocks grown over with green ivy and crowned with rows of plane-trees, yellow precipices scored with ravines and, high, high up, a fringe of snow, golden in the sunset. Below, the Aragva united with a nameless stream, forced its way with a roar from a black, misty gorge, and lay there, a silver thread, with shining, snake-like coils (19). Snakes, clouds and mist are also consistently used to depict movement and an example of this is highlighted at the beginning of the novel; A pale moon was shining in the west, about to go behind some black clouds which hung over the distant peaks, like tattered curtains. the pale glow in the east spread over the purple heavens, lighting up gradually the steep mountain slopes covered with virgin snow. On either side were dark, mysterious chasms into which the mist whirled and writhed like a snake, creeping along crevices of rock, as though it felt and feared the coming of day (49). As a concluding chapter to the novel, A Fatalist is unquestionably appropriate. Although not the chronological conclusion, this chapter nevertheless, plays the role of the novels epilogue and it is not surprising that predestination or fate provides the theme to this story. The opposing forces of free will versus fate preface several incidents in which one of the characters, Vulich tempts fate by attempting to kill himself with a loaded gun, however the gun does not fire and he escapes death only to be murdered later that night by a drunk Cossack soldier. Uncharacteristically Pechorin performs a heroic deed and also tests fate by disarming the murderer at great risk to himself. Although Pechorin is uncertain of his attitude towards fate, he is convinced that fatalism does not subdue a person into pursuing a passive existence, rather it makes ones character even more decisive and courageous as he remarks; After all this, how can I help being a fatalist? And yet, how can a man tell whether he is sincerely convinced or not? We so often mistake for genuine conviction the imposture of our emotions or the blundering of our judgement. I like to have doubts about everything, a propensity which does not preclude determination. On the contrary, so far as I am con cerned, I can always go forward more resolutely when I know what to expect. After all, nothing can happen worse than death, and death cannot be avoided (246). The irony of this story is that although Pechorin is not entirely convinced about fatalism, Maxim, whilst not fully realising its meaning,ostensibly believes in fate. Once Pechorin relays the story of Vulich and explains the significance of the word predestination, Maxim notably exclaims, Yes it was bad luck on the poor fellow. But what devil made him talk to a drunken Cossack at night? Well, obviously, it must have been written at his birth (247).

Seven Categories of Computers

Seven Categories of Computers Free Online Research Papers There are seven categories of computers. The first one that I will discuss is the personal/ desktop computer. This type of computer fits on a desk and can range in price from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. These computers can vary from special purpose to general purpose depending on the demands of the person purchasing it. These computers have developed over time and performed similar tasks as the computers we use today. However the technology 10 years ago was less sophisticated and therefore the memory and storage capacity of these computers greatly affected their performance. The next type of computer we will discuss is mobile computers and devices. In this category the item typically fits in your hand or lap and can cost between one hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. This category has developed substantially over the past decade, and depending on the needs of the consumer it may be general purpose such as a cell phone or they can be used as special purpose in circumstances such as the devices electricians use. These devices have shrunk in size, which have allowed them to become mobile and not stationary devices. The next category is gaming consoles; these are either small boxes or hand held devices and cost several hundred dollars or less. These devices began as such consoles as Atari and before that the classic pinball machine. These devices commonly play disks or cds that you insert in the machine and therefore the usage can be considered general. Servers are considered to be the size of a small cabinet and can cost upwards of a million dollars. This form of computer is very specific in what it does, and is extremely complex due to the thousands of simultaneous connections. Once again as technology has advanced the size of these devices have shrunk substantially. Mainframes can be up to the size of a full room and are used for a very specific purpose. These can cost several million dollars, and once again these machines have advanced substantially to allow more computing power at faster speeds as well shrinking the size of the unit. The technological advances which have been made have allowed these units to be responsible for approximately 83% of the transactions in the world. Supercomputers are the fastest, most powerful, and most expensive computer in existence. These units can store more than 20,000 times more data than that of a personal computer, and are used for mathematical calculations and simulations in aerospace, nuclear energy and weather forecasting. Embedded computers are miniature and are considered special purpose. The functions of these units are a component of larger products such as a car. The prices of these systems are embedded in the price of the larger unit. These units have developed rapidly in the last decade especially in the automotive industry offering tools such as GPS, and active cruise control. Before the time of these machines people were forced to keep records and control data manually, whether it is a nurse writing hand notes for a doctor, or a person having a map in their personal cars. As technology advances to meet the changing needs of consumers the technology becomes more advanced and smaller, offering more for less. Due to the high demand in technology and the ever changing demand in products computers have forever changed the consumer, and in effect will constantly change and be developed in order to meet the demands of tomorrow. Research Papers on Seven Categories of ComputersBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfRiordan Manufacturing Production PlanIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalOpen Architechture a white paperThe Project Managment Office SystemThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationTwilight of the UAWDefinition of Export QuotasResearch Process Part OnePETSTEL analysis of India

Crime and Punishment essays

Crime and Punishment essays The young Rodion Romanovitch Raskolnikov, an aspiring, brilliant yet poor student lives in Russia in the early 1860's. It is late summer and Raskolnikovs poverty has forced him into lodging at a cheap dirty garret where he is already deeply indebted to his landlady, Praskovya Pavlovna. His unique views and thought process lead him to make random rants about numerous subjects such as society. These intellectual arguments lean the novel to a more tense and bitter atmosphere. He is without any close friends and cares little for his appearance or composure. Yet he has one major belief that later is shown to be the theme. This belief is based upon the idea that all crimes committed are discovered through the criminals own mishaps caused by their lack of will, ultimately he believes that a criminal conscience is their downfall. He sets to prove this theory by committing the perfect crime. He carefully plans the murder of an old cynical pawn broker, Alyona Ivanovna. Yet the events leading up to the murder, are a great influence on Raskolnikovs actions. At one point he meets an older man in a tavern who tells him off his poverty and self loathing. He explains that he had stolen the money from his wife and later his daughter, whom he had been forced into prostitution, and had spent this money on alcohol. Raskolnikov is utterly disgusted by the man and his tale and vows never to demean himself to such a level. Yet after the murder of the pawn broker and her sister he is struck by bouts of unconsciousness and fitful sleep. His crime and illness lead him to meet new characters who make him question the belief that he founded his crime upon. Dostoevsky uses Raskolnikovs interactions with different characters as a juxtaposition and symbolism of his own personality. When he meets the drunken man in the tavern he is touched with self loathing and self pity as he recognises his own poverty and willingness to demean himself and ot...

Child and Elder Abuse Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Child and Elder Abuse - Essay Example The elders and children comprise the largest percentage of such. In relation to the aforementioned situation, this paper will study some case of elder and child abuse and the effects of which on the victims. Doris Racher entrusted her mother, Eryetha Mayberry, a 96-year old dementia patient; in a nursing home in Oklahoma City. The daughter noticed that some items she bought for her mother were missing. Consequently, she placed a motion activated camera that looked like an alarm clock inside the room of the elderly woman. Nevertheless, instead of capturing the thief, the camera caught the grievous acts of Mrs. Mayberry’s caregivers. One stuffed latex gloves in the mouth of the patient while another scorned and tapped her on the head. Then, lifting the old woman from her wheelchair, they threw her to her bed and eventually, one gave her a number of heavy-handed chest compressions. The patient died soon after (Hoffman, 2013). It has to be noted that the woman was suffering from dementia so that it could perhaps be safely concluded that the abuse may have started early on. However, the woman did not report any of the events because of her mental condition. In addition, with her age, she might not just have been mentally but also physically incapable of reporting her abusers. From the said report, one can easily see that the immediate result of the physical abuse on the elderly is death. Since elders are physically weak, they can easily suffer from any physical abuse inflicted on them. For instance, the heavy-handed chest compressions may have broken some of the old woman’s brittle bones which might have resulted to her death. It might be true that she is already old and her death is just waiting to happen but the fact that she was physical abused is a contributing factor to her death. Other results of elder abuse could be wounds, physical

The commonest form of contract law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The commonest form of contract law - Essay Example A court of law usually enforces the contract as long the offeree proves that he posted the letter. For the case of Bella, the letter he posted on 25th September 2006, but arrived on 30th September 2006, the contract to purchase the text book became binding immediately he sent the letter of acceptance. It does not matter that the letter was delayed by the post office. On the issue that since the recommended textbook for the course has changed, and Bella does not wish to buy the textbook, this would not apply. Acceptance one made, it cannot be revoked. The moment Bella expressed his acceptance of an offer, that very moment the contract is concluded, and it does not matter whether the acceptance is by word of mouth or even by writing. On the case of Chu who accepted Arun's offer by telephone, his contract became complete when the acceptance was heard by Arun on 30th September 2006. According to the law of contract, there is an exception to the communication of acceptance. A contact is complete only when acceptance is actually communicated to the offeror. But a contract made by telephone is complete only when the acceptance is heard by the offeror. For this case, Chu should not revoke the acceptance on the basis that the book will not be useful since it is not recommended text book in his course. An acceptance once made, it cannot be revoked. On the case of Dilma, who accepted the offer by email sent on 27th September 2006 but read by Arun on 28th September 2006, the contract became binding immediately the email of acceptance was sent. According to law of contract, there is an exception to the communication of acceptance as acceptance made by cable takes effect from the moment of posting is an exception to the general rule, that a contract is complete only when acceptance is actually communicated to the offeror. For this case, Dilma cannot be able to revoke the acceptance since an acceptance made cannot be revoked. Past Consideration is Sufficient Consideration Although consideration must not be past, there are three exceptions to this rule that past consideration is no consideration. The exceptions to this rule are applicable when:- The past consideration consists of services rendered at the express or on legally implied request of the promissor. A relevant case studied on this concept is that of:- Lampleigh vs. Braithwait In this case B, under death sentence, requested L to obtain King's pardon for him, which he did. B subsequently promised to pay 100 to L, which he failed to pay, and pleaded the defence that his promise was based on past consideration. It was held that as the plaintiff performed services as the express request of the defendant, a subsequent T promise to pay would be binding on him. When a debt, the payment of which is barred by statute of limitations, is revived by a fresh promise in writing for example if a creditor does not demand the repayment of the loan from his debtor within six years of the loan hence he cannot enforce his claim in the court in case the debtor refuses to pay. Lastly in the bill of exchange Act that provides that an antecedent debt or liability on the part of the promisor or drawer of the

Functional Department Participation Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Functional Department Participation Plan - Essay Example Within the Information Technology industry, the business governance plan is of utmost significance. This is because the business governance plan sets the foundation stone for a number of developments within the realms of the business and indeed the organization in the long run. There is a great amount of learning that can gained from the business governance plan for the sake of the organization which at times is difficult to measure. However, for the sake of simplicity it is always desirable to support how this business governance plan will be implemented across the board and what its ramifications are with regards to the department incorporations (Kay, 1995). The different functional departments that might play an important role within the drafting of the business governance plan shall include the human resources management department, the legal department, the finance department, the marketing and advertising department and the supervisory role of the Board of Directors within an o rganization. This paper shall pinpoint the exact basis of the business governance plan and how it is implemented across the board under the functional departments, the roles of the relevant departments and the embedded link with the Information Technology concerns. It is needed that the Information Technology domains play an important role within the chalking up of the business governance plan so that the success points could easily be understood and the weaknesses within the relevant realms are also highlighted upon at length. These grey areas would be taken care of for future implications that might arise at a later stage. The business governance plan is an elaborate plan that takes into consideration some of the most significant pointers related with running a business in entirety. However what is important to note is the fact that this business governance plan would not be able to meet success if the people in the varied departments of the organization are unwilling to do their jobs properly (Blair, 1996). The different departments within any organization are dependent on the business governance plan in essence to bring out the value and quality for the sake of the organization in the long run. However these are important understandings that need to be reached upon because these manifest the basis to remain one step ahead with regards to the competitive businesses and in the end, achieve success for the organizations that are being discussed about. The business governance plan entails of a list of important undertakings that the business regime has in place. The governance mechanisms are highlighted, which signifies the extent to which a business can proceed to, and thus find its truest basis in the long run. What is required now is a vision to go above the top and attain the end objectives of the business governance plan so that success for the sake of the organization is attained without any hindrances. The business governance plan is always a comprehens ive plan which lists down the pointers that shall bring about the strengths which are enclosed within a business realm. It takes care of the patterns which would essentially help the business grow as a whole and that too in the long run. Within the human resources management department of an Information Technology industry, the significance of the business governance plan is such that the department has a close liaison with the top management domains. This helps shape up the tasks and activities of the department more than anything else. It also makes the tasks easier for the people who mean business within the organization. The human resources management department is indeed the window for the employees to get in touch with the organization and thus the department should make it a point to talk to them as and when required. Instead a proactive approach towards one another is significant because they will embody the basis of eventual success that the organization has.

Assignment 3 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

3 - Assignment Example systematic consistency with the English Language style and presentation guidelines f) no unacknowledged use of the work of other people or sources (1) In preparation to this coursework, One of the things I did was to read a lot of books and articles so as to improve my language and linguistic skills. Another thing that I did in preparation to this courswork was to listen to several movies and songs with different accents and dialects so as to improve my understanding of phonetics and phonology. (2) i. Into The Flames’. Chapter 1 of: Sheehy, Gail. 1999. Hillary’s Choice. Random House, New York. (a) I choose the part where Bill Clinton fell in love with a divorced woman in Arkansas in the late 1980’s leading to Hillary contemplating divorcing him. In this part, the linguistic formulation gives rise to the effect of portraying Hillary as a strong woman. The syntax in this part of the book is that the words and the sentences are arranged to first of all show that Hil lary was not to blame for her husband falling in love with the other woman and hence makes it a sad ordeal for her and then brings the element of decision making and perseverance and hence portraying her as a very strong woman who is able to handle difficult situations and come out victorious. (b) This writing is a bibliography. It talks about the life of Hillary Clinton. One linguistic feature of the text which is associated with this kind of writing is writing in retrospect as it is an account of past events. (c) One inference I have made from reading the text is that women are very strong emotionally. (d) The evidence in the text which support my inference is the fact that Hillary, a woman, was able to stand the emotional stress of her husband falling in love with another woman who was the Arkansas divorcee and also allegedly cheating on her with Monica a state house intern. (e) Aspects of the language used in this text have led me to make this inference as they have portrayed Hi llary as having been subjected to a lot of emotional torture as a woman. She played her role as a wife perfectly but somehow all did not go well for her. The language used in this text makes one feel pity and compassion for Hillary. The fact that she comes over all the challenges that faced her indeed portrays her as very strong and as a typical woman, hence leading to my inference that women are very strong. (f) In order to make it less likely to make this inference, a relevant passage in the text would be one which describes Hillary as a special woman who is extremely different from all other woman and thus making it clear that all her actions and decisions are unique to her alone and no other woman on earth. (3) (ii) WRITING AND ANALYSIS: a) Produce a piece of writing of up to 1000 words which represents ONE of the following: a newspaper article commenting on a recent news story (you can decide what the story is and choose a real or invented one) Should the UK have invited Presid ent Kenyatta? The UK government plaid host to the newly elected President of the republic of