Discuss Shakespeares Essay Example for Free

Discuss Shakespeares Essay The women of Shakespearean literature have been known to have a strong emotional complexity, where each of them find themselves subject to adversities based around the powerful men who influence them. From Lady Annes striking romantic confusion in Richard III, to Violas challenges in morality throughout Twelfth Night, such a Shakespearean signature in portraying women persists in Hamlet; through Gertrude, a Queen dealing with her questionable actions and Ophelia, who struggles with the pressures of male authority. It should come as no surprise that although being a 16th century play, the exploration of female issues of tradition, misogyny, romance and mortality allows Hamlets treatment of women to maintain a highly significant relevance in todays modern world. Elizabethan women held very little social rights and power, with strict roles in child bearing and household duties allowing them to have very little say even within their own lives. Despite clearly being set in Denmark, Shakespeare who was writing during this time, extended this traditional roles to Ophelia and Gertrude. Ophelia in particular displays the role more strongly, with critic David Leverenz noting [Ophelia] has no choice but to say I shall obey, my lord'. In this example of Ophelias compliant nature, after her father, Polonius orders her to not give words or talk with Lord Hamlet- (I. 3), the reader is able to view the customary relationship between a woman and the male figures in her life. Though Gertrude does not give any particularly submissive dialogue, even she as Queen reinforces this relationship in her minimal speech in scenes for which she is not only present, but concerned. It is important for modern critics like Leverenz as well as critical feminist readers to recognize that Ophelia and Gertrude are not necessarily weak and passive in personal character, but instead they are reflection of women (especially royal women) who were oppressed of empowering traits by the socially acceptable customs. Readers should instead appreciate this traditional treatment of women, in not only allowing the men in positions of power to be focused on for the sake of theatrical entertainment and drama, but for also extensively juxtaposing with motifs of insanity, revenge, sin, and violence associated with the powerful male leads; King Claudius, the Ghost of King Hamlet and Prince Hamlet. Though Shakespeare has been regarded as a feminist due to his relatively respectful treatments of women, the existence of this respect in Hamlet has been debated ever since the plays inception. As previously stated, the traditional portrayal of obedient women cannot be taken out of context, however as the play increases in intensity, as does its treatment of women. In his very first soliloquy for which he reveals his anger towards his mothers marriage to his uncle two months after his fathers death, Hamlet makes the striking universal comment Frailty thy name is woman (I. 2). In an example of Shakespeares unparalleled literary craftsmanship, he supports this quote through their actions, how upon her husbands death, Gertrude immediately marries his brother and how after her relationship with Hamlet is doomed, Ophelia begins to go mad herself. The quote is also infamously regarded as the establishment of the plays theme of misogyny, the quote indicates how Gertrudes traditionally incestuous marriage to her late husbands brother has ruined his faith in women and love all together. In an almost Freudian pattern, Ophelia then becomes victim to his misogyny with Hamlets refusal to continue their relationship. More analytical readers would then go beyond this basic evaluation and then find possible interpretations of Hamlets treatment, or as it seems, mistreatment of women. Those sympathetic to Hamlets negative attitude to Ophelia would perceive it as a defense mechanism, where between his grief of his father and desire to please his father through revenge, he must then resort to such discrimination to avoid further pain. In contrast to this sympathetic reception, quotes such as Frailty thy name is woman and [tis brief, my lord].. as a womans love (III. 3) may be seen as to defy fictional character and be the manifestation of Shakespeares own personal opinion, though evidence for this in his marriage with Anne Hathaway is not very strong. Through either interpretation, it is undeniable that so far in the play the women have yet to find themselves in a state of happiness. Another significant aspect of Hamlets treatment of women, is how the currently negative treatment is extended to how Shakespeare portrays their sexuality. For instance, after Ophelia is warned to not lose your heart, or [her] chaste treasure open by her brother Laertes, she gives her virginity to Hamlet. When Hamlet discards marriage, she says with in a particularly distressed tone Quoth she, before you tumbled me, /You promised me to wed. /So would I ha done, by yonder sun, /An thou hadst not come to my bed -(IV. 5). During Act 3, Scene 2 when the mouse-trap play is taking place, Ophelia must also be subjected to Hamlets sexual innuendos such as Thats a fair thought to lie between maids legs. for which she cannot reply in order to remain as a respectable lady. Again, Shakespeare indicates another aspect of Elizabethan women, with how female sexuality was highly conservative and their virginity very strictly only being lost with marriage with those not doing so being thought of as a disgrace. The readers sympathy for Ophelia is therefore increased substantially, where, who then later tells her to get the to the nunnery (III. 1) which shows her as an exploited figure. Gertrudes sexual behaviour, more specifically her decision to marry Claudius, has come under immense scrutiny not only by Hamlet who defeminised her by saying A beast would have mourned longer , but also by critics viewing her as sinful and in blunt Elizabethan terms, a whore. Critic Rebecca Smith commented on how this view is commonly translated to stage productions where she is often played as a sensual and deceitful woman. For a balanced view on Gertrude, it is imperative to note how she too is attempting to deal with her grief and there is a great possibility she is doing this for reasons of maintaining her families power. As for being deceitful, Carolyn Heilbruns 1957 essay Hamlets Mother defends Gertrude, arguing that the text never hints that Gertrude knew of Claudius poisoning King Hamlet. . As Hamlet progresses towards its conclusion, instead of the female characters developments becoming positive, the plot continues to prove devastating for them. Ophelia, upon the death of Laertes and Polonius, as well as Hamlets mistreatment seems to drive herself into madness and her death by drowning. Although truly saddening, the way in which Shakespeare presents her death reveals the beauty which has been overshadowed by tragedy. In expected Shakespearean style, the poetic announcement given by Gertrude uses beautiful naturalistic imagery to testament to Ophelias femininity, with When down her weedy trophies and herself/Fell in the weeping brook. Her clothes spread wide;/And, mermaid-like, awhile they bore her up: /Which time she chanted snatches of old tunes;(IV. 7). From that point on she is referred to as beautiful and sweet by Hamlet and Gertrude respectively, further emphasizing her graceful nature. To directly juxtapose with this, is the death of Gertrude, who poisoned by her son makes her last words with grace, No, no, the drink, the drink! -O my dear Hamlet! /The drink, the drink! I am poisoned. (V. 2). Her elegant demise in the midst of the blood and violence could be seen as her true nature also obscured by the plays tragic events like Ophelia, where Shakespeare perhaps reveals the real personalities of the women upon their death. However Gertrude sympathetics, may acknowledge that the murder and negative perception of Gertrude by Hamlet whose state of mind is generally perceived as mad and insane, calling her a wretched queen may in fact be incorrect because of this therefore proving her relative innocence. Shakespeare in both their developments and deaths, shows a treatment of women where through the violence of their deaths they still maintain a pleasant feminine quality that is given a focus that was previously absent in the play. No matter the perceptive of the reader on the plays treatment of women, they should be able to appreciate Shakespeares realistic portrayal, where although he took creative liberties in some circumstances, he gave true Elizabethan indications of female traditional roles and sexual attitudes on women. It was through writing with conviction (not only through staying true to the context but in showing Ophelias and Gertrudes emotion and complexity) that the play attains its status of one of the best of his classics. The two women are thought to be superficial, but considering the devices such as tone, juxtaposition and imagery as well as analysing their character intentions and behaviour it should be extremely apparent that this is not true and that they obviously do display depth. Secondly, I feel that in the question of whether Shakespeare was a feminist or even a misogynist that the answer cannot be found in Hamlet where his treatment of women in Hamlet is actually neutral. The female characters were designed not for the reader to be focused on who they were, but for what they brought out in other characters. More specifically, Ophelia and Gertrude were therefore created to see how romance, affection and love can truly drive a man insane.

What attitudes to love and marriage does Jane Austen explore in Pride :: Free Essay Writer

What attitudes to love and marriage does Jane Austen explore in Pride and Prejudice? Can you identify Jane Austen’s own view? Jane Austen’s novel of Pride and Prejudice is set in the early 19th century and the central theme of the novel is love and marriage. Marriage was viewed very differently in those days and each character in her novel has different views of marriage. Marriage to women gave status and independence as women could not acquire money on their own without inheriting or marrying into good fortune, so many girls at that time did not marry for affection or love. Jane Austen uses the Bennet family to illustrate different types of marriage and thus reveals her own view. An example of marriage can be found between Charlotte Lucas and Mr Collins. Charlotte married for economic reasons and Mr Collin on the other hand married to â€Å"set a good example†. Mr Collins is the Bennets’ cousin who’s â€Å"neither sensible nor agreeable†. The letter he wrote to the Bennet family â€Å"is a mixture of servility and self-importance†. He married mainly because Lady Catherine de Bourgh advised him to do so. This shows the importance of class as Mr Collins spends most of his time being obsequious to his upper-class patron, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. His choice of wife changed early from Jane to Elizabeth and then to Charlotte after Elizabeth’s rejection in just a few days. When he found out that Jane might be engaged to Bingley soon, he hardly needed time to consider at all â€Å"to change from Jane to Elizabeth while Mrs Bennet was stirring the fire†; this shows clearly that he did not choose his partner for love. The five reasons Mr Collins gave for proposing to Elizabeth was firstly, he thinks it’s the right thing to do as a clergyman to â€Å"set the example of matrimony†, secondly he thinks that it will provide happiness for him, thirdly it was advised by Lady Catherine De Bourgh, fourthly because he is inheriting the Bennets’ house, he thought it would be a very gallant thing for him to do to marry one of his cousins so the Bennets will lose as little as possible, and lastly and the least important reason is he said that he likes Elizabeth and thinks her suitable. This shows how little affection he has for her, and the way he lays out his reasons shows how formal and dull he is, and all he is doing is trying to please Lady Catherine by doing as she advised. Charlotte who is Elizabeth’s closest friend married Mr. Collins despite how little she loved him, just to gain financial security and

KSAO or Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Other Characteristics Essay

What does KSAO stand for with respect to training? Give one example for each letter in your explanation for the job of Professor of Human Resource Management. (Points : 35) KSAO or Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Other Characteristics (KSAO) tests are metrics used either during training or hiring processes to evaluate applicants and trainees. The KSAO will typically measure several areas of competency and will use a weighted metric for analysis. The following examples are what one might see in the explanation of the job of Professor of Human Resource Management. Knowledge- A degree of a PhD or higher in Human Resource Management would be a requirement in this area. Knowledge in a KSAO is typically measured in degrees of higher education and experience in the field in question. Skills- Typically, skills are measured by performance of competency tests. For instance, a Professor would need leadership skills and test could be devised that would test the leadership of the candidate. There are a variety of skills that may need to be tested for this position and each type of training would need to be customized for the competency in question, e.g., leadership, organization, management, etc†¦ Abilities- This area of the KSAO is typically measured by performance and the measure of one’s ability. The measure of competency will be based on answers derived from a position analysis questionnaire and or a management position description questionnaire (MPDQ). The position analysis questionnaire (PAQ) is organized into six areas of competency based on the job analysis formula for management positions in human resources: (1) information input (2) mental processes (3) work output (physical activities and tools) (4) relationships with others (5) job context (the physical and social environment) (6) other job characteristics (such as pace and structure) (PAQ, 2013) Using these metrics provide a clear view of the person’s abilities as required by the field of Professor of Human Resource Management. The concern with using KSAO in this manner is that competency modeling must be focused on the means of accomplishing tasks and duties rather than on what is accomplished or specific ways in which tasks or duties are accomplished  (Bernardin, 2007). For this reason there must be a high level of consensus concerning the definition of competencies for the Professor of Human Resource Management. This can be a problematic area for measuring competencies because there is a great deal of crossover between the competencies necessary to perform a job and the particular traits or characteristics of the applicant (Bernardin, 2007). For this reason, KSAO must remain focused on the occupation. References Bernardin, H.J. Human Resource Management, Fourth Edition, McGraw Hill, 2007 PAQ. (2013). job analysis questionnaire. Retrieved from http://www.paq.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Bulletins.Job-Analysis-Questionnaire 2. (TCOs 2, 8). Explain the basic steps to conducting a person analysis and how a person analysis is used in a needs assessment. Do a very basic person analysis on either yourself or on your professor, based on the job you or he or she is currently employed in (and your common knowledge). (Points : 40) The process for a person analysis involves examining the factors that influence performance and learning. These factors are inclusive of the person’s characteristics: knowledge, skill, ability, and attitudes. These characteristics are typically measured through KSAO or Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Other Characteristics tests. These tests measure the basic skills that a person needs to perform their occupation. The KSAO works cohesively with the needs assessment. The basic steps involved in a person analysis include Input- the information or instructions that relate what employees need to know in order to perform their jobs. This area also includes the resources available to employees that help them perform their jobs. For example, my job with the government requires that I understand customer service policies which are outlined clearly in my service handbook. However, I often lack the ability to answer enough customer service questions due to the lack of information provided for answering certain questions. Output- this area refers to the job’s performance standards. At my job, we are expected to answer questions for customers and not to place them on hold for extended periods of time. All calls are measured by the standard of hold times which is expected to be less than 45 seconds. However, this metric is often failed by employees due to lack of information provided to service operators. Consequences- This area refers to the types  of incentives that employees receive for performing well and also what they will not receive. For instance, at my job when callers are placed on hold for longer than 45 seconds, this action diminishes the ability of workers to receive bonuses at the end of the year. Feedback- This area refers to the ongoing information that employees receive in the performance of their jobs. At my job, we receive feed back, letting us know that we exceeded the standards for call wait times or if we have not met this standard. Feedback also goes back to the management in that they become aware of the situations. Through the steps in this analysis a need assessment can be constructed. In my situation, since I am not lacking in specific skills tested in the KSAO then I am in need of other tools to perform my job more efficiently. In this instance, there is a need for a greater access to information in order to meet the standards of the job. 3. (TCOs 3, 8). First, provide the meaning of the acronym SMART with respect to training goals. Then, consider these four training objectives. Rewrite them as two SMART training goals. a) The use of the software and documentation for better management tools to utilize with the system. b) The trainee will be able to explain the flow of data to other systems and begin to understand the administrative time spent on corrections. c) A better understanding by the trainees of the deadlines and the expectations involved in those deadlines. d) The trainee will learn some effective time management shortcuts and will understand the guidelines in using those shortcuts. (Points : 40) Using SMART (Specific, Measurable, Agreed to, Realistic an d Time phased) as the basis for training goals, a training program is designed to create training outcomes in which the goals are specific or focused (not too broad), measurable (comparable with standards set), agreed to (all members of the organization including the trainee recognize the importance of the training), realistic (the standards for measuring training are achievable), and time phased (training has a beginning and end which provides that the trainee has accomplished the training.) The SMART method can be seen in the following examples: A) The use of the software and documentation for better management tools to utilize with the system. SMART (specific): Trainees need to learn to use the computer software in order to provide more accurate information for decision making. SMART (time phased) The training for this computer learning will begin in April and end in June.  b) The trainee will be able to explain the flow of data to other systems and begin to understand the administrative time spent on corrections. SMART (Measurable) trainees will complete a skills assessment at the end of the training which will reflect their ability to explain the flow of data to other systems. SMART (Realistic) The process of implementation will be ongoing even after training is completed this will help develop the understanding of the administrative time spent on corrections c) A better understanding by the trainees of the deadlines and the expectations involved in those deadlines . SMART (Measurable) Trainees will need to take an assessment that shows they have developed and understanding of the deadline process. (Agreed to) This test will also measure the trainees understanding of the importance of meeting deadlines through this process. d) The trainee will learn some effective time management shortcuts and will understand the guidelines in using those shortcuts. SMART (Specific) Trainees will need to learn effective time management skills and the 12 shortcuts and guidelines for using those shortcuts. SMART (Measurable) Each trainee will be tested at the end of their training and will need to show that they can utilize these shortcuts within the guidelines stated. 4. (TCO 4, 5, 6) You are a training manager for a midsized corporation. You are working on a training proposal for your HR director when you get a call from the manager of the accounting department. He states that he needs training done for his team, which will assist it in learning the newest version of the Peachtree accounting software. He mentions that his boss, the CFO, told him to put together a proposal for training that incl uded a way to measure transfer of training. He is panicked and says, â€Å"First of all, I don’t know what transfer of training is, and second, how can I measure it?† What will you tell him? (Points : 40) I would explain to the manager that Transfer of training is a concept which is defined as the use of knowledge or abilities that were acquired in one area being useful in other areas of problem solving or occupation. For instance, trainees who are learning the new software from Peachtree will also be able to learn other aspects of accounting during this process. These skills are directly transferrable to other occupations within the accounting department. In order to measure transfer of training, job descriptions will need to be assessed for overlaps in skills and knowledge requirements. For instance, some working in payroll will undoubtedly need to  understand tax requirements which are transferrable to jobs working in tax areas. Once the overlaps are found training can be assessed to see how much knowledge is transferrable between jobs. This information can be used to strategically design training programs that maximize time and cost. 5. (TCO 7) Explain one similarity and one difference between training and performance management and between training and succession planning. Does training have a part of either performance management or succession planning? If so, give one example each. If not, explain why not. (Points : 40) Succession planning, performance management, and training are all similarly related in that they are proactive in their efforts to create a pool of highly qualified and talented personnel. Training attempts to increase the ability of personnel while performance management governs what is needed from training in order to bolster the ability of personnel to perform their jobs, e.g., compensation, knowledge, resources, etc†¦ Succession planning uses performance management and training assessments in order to determine which employees will be the best fit for taking over management positions. However, there is a difference between these management systems in that they are focused on accomplishing independent goals. Training seeks to make employees better at their jobs while performance management measures their ability to assess where changes might be needed. Succession planning is goal oriented in finding the best candidates for future positions but not in the process of training or measuring them in their current positions. For example: training a customer service representative is focused on making the representative the best that he or she can be in that position. The performance of the customer service representative is measure through metrics to determine if the individual is performing adequately and if not what areas are deficient. This metric can be used to make a needs assessment and determine what the person needs to perform better, i.e., more training. The succession planning will use data from training metrics and from performance management in order to determine if the person is the right candidate for a customer supervisor position.

Ford Motor Company How an Effective Action Plan Can Be Created Free Essay Example, 750 words

An effective action plan can be created by initially stating explicitly and clearly the defined goals and the time frame for implementing these objectives. After this, strategies must be designed to outline how these goals would be achieved. The strategies must be clearly communicated to all personnel involved in ensuring that these are carried out and implemented. Strategies would include giving motivation to personnel and enforcing the company s code of discipline. Finally, the manager should monitor the progress of implementation against standards and schedules to determine if there are any deviations from plans, what the causes of the deviations are, and how these deviations affect the enforcement of the plans. Any significant deviations that drastically affect the attainment of defined objectives must be immediately addressed. 4. List at least three steps that make-up a workable plan and explain why each is important. To make a workable plan, the following crucial steps must b e enforced: (1) define the objectives or goals of the plan. This is important to give directions and guidelines for strategy development and implementation. (2) Create workable strategies and provide a system of rewards and sanctions. We will write a custom essay sample on Ford Motor Company: How an Effective Action Plan Can Be Created or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now This step would enable both leaders and followers to implement strategies with enough incentives to improve productivity. Sanctions should also be in place to provide discipline in the workplace. (3) Monitor progress. There is a need for regular monitoring to determine the progress of the plans and to make the necessary corrections when needed. Discuss the option or combination of options you selected as the best course of action for Ford Motor Company and detail your reasons for selecting that option or combination of options. To improve the situation of Ford Motor Company in terms of their financial losses, the best courses of action are as follows: (1) focus on assembly lines and plants that produce cars that are higher in demand than trucks and SUVs (these units have been identified as not to be selling due to high gasoline expenses attributed to these vehicles).