The irrationality of human existence within the The Outsider by Albert Camus and A Dolls House by Henrik Ibsen Essay Example

The irrationality of human existence within the The Outsider by Albert Camus and A Dolls House by Henrik Ibsen Paper The Outsider reflects Camus philosophical theory, referred to as the theory of the absurd, that there is no rational meaning in human existence. He believes that humanity is unable to accept this truth and so search for meaning where, in actual fact, none exists. This idea is explored implicitly through the character of Meursault, the narrator and protagonist of the novel. Moreover, aspects of Camus theory can be identified within Ibsens play, A Dolls House. The play illustrates humanitys search for meaning of which Camus suggests, although Ibsens intention was merely to portray the oppression of nineteenth century marriages. In the novel The Outsider, the protagonist, Meursault, is depicted as a man who does not possess any rational meaning in his thoughts or actions. When put in a room with several other prisoners, most of them Arabs1 and is asked what he had done unlawful, Meursault simply replies that he killed an Arab1. Then, he carries on recounting other aspects of the occasion such as his sleeping mat and how he could just see the sea2 through the tiny window. This scene demonstrates how Meursault is not concerned with judgment as he does not ponder over what should or should not be said in order to conform to the accepted morals of society. His candid reply exhibits his irrational nature, both in thought and action, seeing as he does not think any further of the incident or have an explanation for what had happened. In addition, he carries on noticing the physical matters surrounding him despite their insignificance to the situation. We will write a custom essay sample on The irrationality of human existence within the The Outsider by Albert Camus and A Dolls House by Henrik Ibsen specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The irrationality of human existence within the The Outsider by Albert Camus and A Dolls House by Henrik Ibsen specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The irrationality of human existence within the The Outsider by Albert Camus and A Dolls House by Henrik Ibsen specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Camus creates such a character to exemplify the true nature of human beings, according to him. He does not make it so that Meursault is a supporter of societys customs in order to clarify the characters status as an outsider. Meursault is perceived as an outsider to society because of his acceptance that there is no rational meaning in human existence. Furthermore, his way of thinking and the way he acts show no basis on reason, but more so, on irrationality. This proves that, for Meursault, rational meaning is nonexistent. Camus emphasizes this through the simple language used throughout the novel. He writes in first person perspective and without the use of adjectives and metaphors to reflect Meursaults straightforward nature and how his interest lies in physical truth rather than interpretations. An illustration is when Meursault receives a telegram from the home. It announces: Mother passed away3. Meursault only states that it could have happened today or yesterday but that he do esnt know. This reveals his concern for the physical truth and his lack of response to the situation. He does not continue on to expressing his sentiment which also illustrates his indifference to humanity. In contrast to Meursaults character, Ibsen creates his protagonist as one who does base thoughts and actions on the basis of rationality. When asked if it ever occurred to Nora Helmer, the protagonist of Ibsens play A Dolls House, that she was committing fraud by forging a signature on an official paper, she replies that it didnt mean anything to her because, at the time, her husband was in a critical state4. She then reasons for the fraud by saying she couldnt stand4 the man she made the deal with as he went through all those cold-blooded formalities4 knowing the difficult situation she was in. Unlike Meursault, Nora seems to be concerned with judgment as she attempts to justify her misdeed with an explanation. This is a representation of what Camus mentions in his theory as Nora searches for a rational meaning in order to conform to the social and moral standards set by society. Initially, Nora is conveyed as a complete adherent to the conventions of society. She did not question nineteenth century marriage norms and accepted her status as a wife and mother. Her husband, Torvald, addressed her as a little sky-lark5, a little squirrel6 as well as a little singing bird7. The recurrence of the word little suggests Noras insignificance and expresses Torvalds condescending attitude towards her. Further, these pet names signify her as purely a plaything. Nora is also symbolized as a plaything by the Christmas tree mentioned at the beginning of the play. She is comparable to a Christmas tree as it possesses a physical beauty about it and can also evoke feelings of warmth as a mother does. However, both the tree and Nora seem to be simple household decorations to Torvald as opposed to anything with genuine worth. As the play progresses, Nora finds herself being more and more oppressed by her marriage and decides to leave behind her family in search of an identity independent from her own as a wife and mother. Her rebellion against her family, and especially her husband, is foreshadowed at the very start of the play as she takes a bag of macaroons out of her pocket and eats one or two5 against her husbands favor. When asked of the matter, she lies directly to him and states that she would never dream of doing anything8 that he didnt want her to. This remark contrasts to Meursaults frank nature as Noras deceitful personality is revealed. Additionally, Noras departure explores Camus theory in the way which she attempts to find meaning in her own existence. By leaving behind her family, she believes she will discover her true identity as somebody more than just a wife and mother. Ibsen uses irony to present this situation by symbolizing Nora as the singing bird which her husband regularly addressed her as. He tells her that she mustnt go dropping her wings7 but, in reality, she does quite the opposite she flies away. The bird is a symbol for her freedom as it is able to fly freely without the limitations of its cage, in Noras case, without the limitations of being a wife and mother. In The Outsider, humanitys search for meaning is also communicated, however, through the other characters rather than the protagonist. Camus uses the motif of observations to exemplify how endless this search for meaning is. In the courtroom of Meursaults trail, the judge observes a witness for a rational answer to either convict or discharge Meursault for the murder previously committed. In response, the witness again repeated9 a futile statement that results in him being asked to sit back down. This scene demonstrates how people attempt to give rational explanations to irrational actions. As the prosecutor is unable to find a rational meaning behind the murder, Meursault is condemned to death for being a menace, or merely an outsider, to the customs of society. His trail beforehand is incorporated to encapsulate humanitys attempt to find rational meaning. It is an illustration of the theory of the absurd because, in the end, there is no rational meaning, and so, this scene successf ully depicts Camus belief that to find rationality in an irrational world is prone to be a failure. This motif of observation also communicates Meursaults emotional detachment, mentioned earlier, as he describes things only as they are, without any interpretation or judgment of it. This detachment is significant as it verifies Meursaults status as an outsider to humanity. He does not do as the majority of people would: form opinions. An illustration of this is when Meursault observes the peculiar little woman10 dining at Celestes. He notices all the physical details such as how she took out a blue pencil11 to write with and the magazine which gave the radio programmes for the week11. He notices these details of color and subject without thinking any deeper about them and, within moments, he forgets about her. This is ironic as she is very similar to Meursault himself yet he regards her as peculiar. Both Camus and Ibsen also explore how appearances can disguise reality. Ibsen displays this through Noras drastic change in character from a seemingly unintelligent and simpleminded woman to someone of strong will and independence, whilst Camus shows that Meursaults appearance as a menacing person is all along masked by societys perception of him as an outsider. In conclusion, both protagonists accept their reality and experience what freedom is to them. For Meursault, he accepts the reality that he is truly an outsider to society whereas for Nora, she accepts the reality that she is not fitted as a wife or mother. For that reason, she decides leave, against the conventions of her time, in order to pursue her own aspirations. However, if Camus philosophy were to be applied to Ibsens play, then Noras search for meaning would ultimately be a failure as no meaning would exist in the first place.

Problem-Solution Essay Sample - How to Find the Best Essay on Your Quest For A Degree

Problem-Solution Essay Sample - How to Find the Best Essay on Your Quest For A DegreeWhen you are looking for a sample problem-solution essay, you will find many available on the Internet. Since so many people are now getting their degree online and writing their own assignments, many writing programs will have prewritten essays to help you out. Here are some tips for finding the best essay.First, check your college's or university's website for resources on essay samples. There are several different types of essays that can be used, so make sure that you will be able to use the program you are using.Second, check your local library for paperbacks that will have paper copies of some of the essay samples. You can check out your local bookstore to see if there are any that have been written by others.Last, do not use the essay samples as a template. Use the essay samples as a guide, not as a guide. Instead, start with the problem and then write a solution to it.If you do find yourself thinking of a problem to solve, start by doing some research on the topic. Then, develop a topic for your essay on what you know about the topic and what you would like to learn.A good essay will ask you to answer four or five questions. Make sure that you have all of the information needed for each question before submitting your essay.If you want to make sure that you are asking the right questions, you may want to take a few moments to study the sample question to make sure that you are asking the correct ones. That way, you will be sure that your essay is all accurate.Finally, remember that when you are looking for problem-solution essay samples, you will find many websites that will offer you several different types of essay samples. This should give you a chance to decide which type of sample essay is best for you and your degree.

Skill Builder #10-2 Example

Skill Builder #10 Skill Builder #10 Skill Builder Skill Builder William Sagner 2. William Sagner is 44, is my coworker, smokes in my presence, he does notunderstand my health situation and the impact his smoking has on my breathing and feelings3. The possible reaction to the situation is a resistance to my concerns due to the lack of a no smoking signs at our workplace and there are no designated positions for smoking. 4. I will explain my health situation to Sagner that makes me breathless when the air is not fresh is affected by smoke as a measure of overcoming his resistance so that he understands me well5. BCF statementI have a problem when you come to my workstation while smoking. Cigarettes smoke makes me nauseous and causes breathing difficulty making me irritated and uncomfortable while you are smoking. Application Describing a conflict in terms of behavior, consequences, and feelings has enabled me to learn that it is important to maintain ownership of the problem, ensuring that we are in agreement of the con flict, and being in a position to agree on a change without affecting relationships (Lussier & Achua, 2004). The other lesson is that there is a need to have skills in requesting a person to aid in problem solving aiding in the reduction of conflict and defensiveness increasing the possibility of reaching an amicable solution. In a BCF statement not making judgments on a person’s behavior, not blaming another party for a wrong, and not threatening the other party of consequences improve conflict resolution are the other lessons from the exercise (Lussier & Achua, 2004). I will use this knowledge in future in presenting conflicts to people under different circumstances in a manner that reduces their defensiveness and augments the chances of conflict resolution. The knowledge will also enable me to understand the benefit of owning up a problem in a conflict situation and will guide me in requesting for assistance in solving a problem in a clear and concise manner without affec ting relationships negatively (Lussier & Achua, 2004). ReferenceLussier, R. N., & Achua, C. F. (2004). Leadership: Theory, application, skill development. Mason, Ohio?: Thomson/South-Western.

Analysis of the Effects of Modernism and Post-modernism on Management Practice Essay Example for Free

Analysis of the Effects of Modernism and Post-modernism on Management Practice Essay The concepts â€Å"modem† and â€Å"post-modern† have become common currency in intellectual debates regarding organizational theory. Within such debates, the postmodern is perceived as an epoch, a perspective, or an entirely new paradigm of thought (Callas 1999, p. 649). Such a conception of the aforementioned term stems from its rootedness in the conception of the modern. Chia (1995) notes that what distinguishes the postmodern from the modem is â€Å"a style of thinking which eschews the uncritical use of common organizational terms such as ‘organizations’, ‘individuals’, ‘environment’, ‘structure’, and ’culture’, etc† (p. These terms refer to the existence of social entities and attributes within a modernist conception of organizational cultures. The rationale behind this lies in the ontological conception of being which privileges thinking in terms of discrete phenomenal states, static attributes and sequential events. As opposed to such an ontological conception of reality, the postmodern stands as the champion of weak forms of ontology that â€Å"emphasize a transient, ephemeral and emergent reality† (Chia 1995, p. 579). If such is the case, it thereby follows that a postmodernist perspective of reality adheres to thought styles wherein reality is deemed to be continuously in flux and transformation and hence unrepresentable thereby impossible to situate within a static conception of reality. Within the sphere of organizational management, an adoption of a post-modernist perspective of reality thereby leads to a rethinking of the modern conceptions of organizations since adherence to postmodernist perspectives lead to the de-emphasis on organizations, organizational forms and organizational attributes. Such a conception of reality, however tends to emphasize the importance of local forms of organizational methods, which collectively define a social reality. In a sense, the shift from a modern to a postmodern conception of organizations thereby leads to the re-definition of existing ontological conceptions of reality that determine the various forms of intellectual priorities as well as theoretical stipulations in the study and conception of organizations. In lieu of this, this paper’s will provide a contextualization of the implications of such perspectives within organizational structures. The analysis of such will be determined through the analysis of the effects of such perspectives in relation to management practices. An example of the application of the postmodernist perspectives within the field of organizational theory is evident in the Foucauldian analysis of human resource systems. Edward Baratt (2003) notes that a Foucauldian conception of organizational structures has enabled the formation of â€Å"a conceptual architecture and a method for exploring and problematizing Human Resource Management† (p. 084). Baratt notes, a Foucauldian conception of organizations has enabled the formation of conditions wherein all members of an organization may engage in â€Å"the practice of critical truth telling† (p. 1085). The importance of such may be fully understood if one considers its effects in relation to the two dominant paradigms that dictate Human Resource Management discourse: managerialist and critical evaluative positions. Jacques (1999) notes, â€Å"Managerialist and critical evaluative positions in binary opposition to each other constitute the main sites from which we can speak academically about HRM† (p. 200). The distinction between the two positions are evident if one considers that in one line of argument has been an emphasis on the production of an enterprising subject dependent on practices designed to engage an employee’s psyche. The possibility of such lies in the formation of managerial practices that opt for the continuous subjectification of the subject [in this sense the employee]. Within such managerial practices, the subject is placed within various forms of practices of subjectification that leads to the development of different form of competencies that further lead to the continuous embeddedness of the subject within the organization. The difficulty within such a managerial method lies in its creation of a fabricated subject. The pragmatic aspect involved within such a method, however, may be traced to its ability to create productive subjects [productive employees]. As opposed to such a totalizing form of managerial methodologies, alternative arguments [of the postmodernist kind] emphasize the possibility of enabling the co-existence and interrelationships between human resource technologies of the self and other disciplinary practices specifically those situated within the grounds of technological and accounting controls (Baratt 2003, p. 1084). A popular theme of such methodologies gives emphasis on the intensification and sophistication of surveillance and control method [through technological and accounting measures]. Within these method, management methods are thereby perceived as enabling the formation that determine the relationships within the workplace by taking control of indeterminate relationships [amongst the members of the workplace] through the imposition of increase surveillance methods that â€Å"impose order on the inherently undecidables† conditions of the workplace. Such a methodology thereby adheres to a postmodernist conception of human relations and social reality as it opts to clarify the indeterminate variables within organizations through the use of â€Å"effective instruments for the formation and accumulation of knowledge-methods of observation, techniques of registration, procedures for investigation and research, apparatuses of control† (Foucault 1980, p. 102). Within such a scheme, the function of management systems [and hence of managers] lies in ensuring the maintenance of â€Å"the precarious local orchestration of material, technical and social relationships which give rise to relatively stabilized configurations† (Chia 1995, p. 601). The heads of the management of organizations, in this sense, are thereby tasked with ensuring the implementation as well as the continuous development of more efficient production practices within the surveillance scheme of management systems. Analytic evaluation schemes used in forming job evaluations will thereby be created so as to ensure the ordering of a population. Managerial positions, in this sense, may be seen as the roles that enable the implementation of the surveillance scheme that enables the continuous effectiveness of a human resource management system. In summary, the effects of the tenets of both modernism and postmodernism are evident within the workplace [or within organizational theories of management and hence management itself] as they influence the historical means of constructing the relations within the workplace. The modernist conception, which perceives reality as bound by static relations, failed to account for the indeterminate variables resulting from the complexity of power relations within the workplace. Such a complexity, however, was accounted for by a postmodernist perspective of organizations due to its recognition of the fluidity of social relations as a result of their embeddedness within the discourse of power and knowledge that define the conditions within any sphere [in this context the public sphere]. Within the field of Human Resource Management, the construction of knowledge operates through rules of classification, ordering, and distribution evident in the definitions of activities and the formation of rules of procedure, which determines a particular institution’s management discourse. The importance of postmodernist perspectives lies in its promise of the possibility of autonomy within such a predefined and hence rigid sphere. The possibility, in this sense, may be attained through enabling the co-existence and interrelationships between human resource technologies of the self and other disciplinary methods. In line with the postmodernist [specifically Foucauldian discourse], the postmodernist has thereby enabled the development of Human Resource Systems and hence Management systems that enable the formation of an understanding regarding the means in which various individuals may be formulated so as to create a system which allows the creation of objectivity amidst the grounds of subjective wills. Analysis of the Effects of Modernism and Post-modernism on Management Practice. (2017, Feb 06).

Public Spending Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Public Spending - Essay Example The public expenditure was raised in the 20th century due to the impact of the world wars. Before the World War I, the public expenditure was about 15% of the GDP. After the war it appeared to be about 25% of the GDP and maintained the level in the next few years. It did change during the starting phase of depression in the economic conditions (Chantrill, 2010). After the World War II, the public expenditure had increased and it was budgeted to consume 35% of the GDP and this level was retained till 1950s. The public expenditure was slowly raised in the year 1960 and it increased in early 1980s consuming about 45% of the GDP (Chantrill, 2010). Public expenditure rose by 0.7 percent of the GDP from 1999-2008. A decade ago, according to the OECD statistics, UK public spending was registered at 8.7 percent of the GDP below the Euro area average. By 2008, this figure had been registered at 1.3 percent below the Euro area average (IOD, 2008). There were lot of instability in the public expending regarding the defence system. The spending in defence expense was increased before the World War II. 3.5% of the GDP was used in defence spending in the year 1935 and reached to 15.9% in 1939. After the commencement of the World War II, the British Government started to assemble most of its resources for the war. The expenditure was over 40% of the GDP on the defence system for four years and it was raised to 46.37% of GDP in 1943 (Chantrill, 2010). The public expenditure in development of the state of education was expanded from 2% of GDP in 1990 to 6% of GDP in the second decade of 21st century. The spending in this sector has been increased to 3.37% of GDP in 1955. During the starting phase of 1956 the spending was increased rapidly and it accounted to 4% of GDP in 1960 and 6.5% of GDP in 1975 (Chantrill, 2010). There has been a decrease in the spending during the period of 1970 to 1980. In 1989 it reached to 4.25%

Social media text Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Social media text - Research Paper Example In Mulvey’s opinion, women are often seen as a symbol of castration and most films making involve manipulation of females to bring visual pleasure to the film watchers (Mulvey, 1990) Mulvey argues that the pleasure associated with cinema is directed towards gender relationships, which relates images and spectators. In cinemas, the male acts as the prime monitor as well as the one who bears the gaze. On the other hand, females are just presented as passive objects who are subjected to the male gauze and male pleasure. Therefore, cinemas project fantasy on female body through filming and editing done with the aim of making female characters objects of pleasure. Therefore, women are often presented â€Å"†¦.as erotic objects for the characters within the screen story, and as erotic object for the spectator within the auditorium†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Mulley, 1990, pp. 33). The editing enables the filmmakers to combine the gazes of the male characters and those of the spectators without breaking the authenticity of the film story. The idea of color is an idea that can be learnt and leads to use of certain details to classify people. Moreover, characterization of people in terms of color varies in different regions. A good example is blackness. Definition and characterization of people as black varies in different countries. Moreover, characterization of people as blacks is influenced by different factors that are learned and passes from generation to generation. Gordon argues that words as well as work by black abolitionists in the 19th Century have played a great role in constructing the identity of black people. The language used by abolitionists has played a great role in constructing the identity of black people. Moreover, the identity has been memorized and can thus be learned and altered in different moments in life (Gordon, 2006). According to Gordon (2006, pp. 36) â€Å"†¦an ideology operates like a god or a spirit who pervades a place or inhabits human

Management Information Systems :: Technology, Internet Banking, PDAs

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS (MIS) The most common technology applied by MFIs is the management information system known as MIS. MIS is an integrated computer-based application used to access useful, timely and accurate information to allow the user to make appropriate decisions, and to manage information effectively and efficiently. MIS includes modules such as loans portfolio tracking, human resources, internal control, accounting, and financial analysis (CGAP, 2010). MIS is often one of the major factors that enable MFIs to achieve significant growth. Kashyap (2009) stressed that â€Å"It is difficult for an MFI to upscale significantly and maintain the accuracy and transparency of its loan portfolio without an MIS†.(PAGE?) PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANTS (PDA) A personal digital assistant (PDA), also known as a palmtop computer, is a mobile device that functions as a personal information manager. MFIs employ PDAs to ease loan processing, improve loan officer efficiency, and increase data accuracy and access in the field. To get the maximum benefits from PDAs, MFIs should have a stable MIS, and high speed access to data from their branches (Waterfield, 2004). SMART CARDS Smart Cards are wallet-sized plastic cards have an embedded microchip that allows data storage, and works like an electronic passbook that allows MFI clients to carry all their related information on this microchip. Smart cards are used to manage savings accounts, disburse loans or make transfers (Whelan, 2004). Reliable electrical power for card readers, software integration between card readers and the central management information system, together with processes, policies, and staff resources for handling lost, stolen or damaged cards are required prior to the introduction of smart cards (Whelan, 2004). POINT OF SALE (POS) Point of sale (POS) is a device or system often linked to computers, bank card readers, or even mobile telephones, that is located at a physical location such as a retail outlet, in order to perform an electronic transfer from one account to another or from a customer to a retailer. Some MFIs have implemented this technology in order to increase the security of financial transactions, reduce transaction cost in order to serve clients, and to reach new areas without branch infrastructure (Owens, 2009) MOBILE PHONES Mobile banking is a way for clients to perform balance checks, account transactions, payments, etc. using a mobile phone. Mobile phones provide a new and rapidly developing technological alternative delivery channels to extend financial services to those excluded from formal financial systems. Mobile phones allow clients to call into an automated system to conduct business transactions, and to access and request information. Management Information Systems :: Technology, Internet Banking, PDAs MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS (MIS) The most common technology applied by MFIs is the management information system known as MIS. MIS is an integrated computer-based application used to access useful, timely and accurate information to allow the user to make appropriate decisions, and to manage information effectively and efficiently. MIS includes modules such as loans portfolio tracking, human resources, internal control, accounting, and financial analysis (CGAP, 2010). MIS is often one of the major factors that enable MFIs to achieve significant growth. Kashyap (2009) stressed that â€Å"It is difficult for an MFI to upscale significantly and maintain the accuracy and transparency of its loan portfolio without an MIS†.(PAGE?) PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANTS (PDA) A personal digital assistant (PDA), also known as a palmtop computer, is a mobile device that functions as a personal information manager. MFIs employ PDAs to ease loan processing, improve loan officer efficiency, and increase data accuracy and access in the field. To get the maximum benefits from PDAs, MFIs should have a stable MIS, and high speed access to data from their branches (Waterfield, 2004). SMART CARDS Smart Cards are wallet-sized plastic cards have an embedded microchip that allows data storage, and works like an electronic passbook that allows MFI clients to carry all their related information on this microchip. Smart cards are used to manage savings accounts, disburse loans or make transfers (Whelan, 2004). Reliable electrical power for card readers, software integration between card readers and the central management information system, together with processes, policies, and staff resources for handling lost, stolen or damaged cards are required prior to the introduction of smart cards (Whelan, 2004). POINT OF SALE (POS) Point of sale (POS) is a device or system often linked to computers, bank card readers, or even mobile telephones, that is located at a physical location such as a retail outlet, in order to perform an electronic transfer from one account to another or from a customer to a retailer. Some MFIs have implemented this technology in order to increase the security of financial transactions, reduce transaction cost in order to serve clients, and to reach new areas without branch infrastructure (Owens, 2009) MOBILE PHONES Mobile banking is a way for clients to perform balance checks, account transactions, payments, etc. using a mobile phone. Mobile phones provide a new and rapidly developing technological alternative delivery channels to extend financial services to those excluded from formal financial systems. Mobile phones allow clients to call into an automated system to conduct business transactions, and to access and request information.