Identify the Most Appropriate form of Market Research in a Given Essay

Identify the Most Appropriate form of Market Research in a Given Situation and Implement that Research - Essay Example One of the main reasons that were understood in this connection is the happening of economic recession for which many social activities of the people countered a sharp decline. Further it was found that owing to the rise of the economic recession the main consumer segment that was increasingly affected constitutes the premium segment of consumers. Brand Heineken in this context reflects as have fallen in a trap in not being able to reduce the price of its products to help reach to a mass consumer base in the recessionary market. It is because a reduction in the price of the products may hamper or tarnish its brand image of being a premium product. On the other hand the inability to gain a larger market signified less of marketing and sales revenues which also restricted the brand’s ability to make any significant marketing and promotional investments leading to the problem getting intensified (Cannes Creative Lions, 2011). Having hinted on the problem the market research domai n can now consider on deciding on the attributes of the target group of people over whom research would be conducted based on questionnaires and again the budget for conducting the market research activity would be decided upon (Hague and Morgan, 2004, p.21). Market Research Market Research Objective In regards to the above context the company desired to conduct a market research activity which would help in satisfying the subject of the queries created focusing on the stated problem. The main objectives of market research were found to be threefold. Firstly the market research was conducted by the company to help sustain the brand image and market position of the brand in the premium beer market of Italy. Secondly the market research also focused to help sustain the same price for its premium products in the recessionary market. Finally the market research activities were also conducted to help the brand gain a large amount of consumer loyalty than before in the premium beer segmen t of Italy. Henceforth the market research objectives for enhancement of brand loyalty of the beer brand is found to be subjected to a specific market territory and to a specific consumer group to analyse the change in sales volume and market share (Cooklin et al., 2006, p.48). Market Research Process For the above condition the market research activity that was designed operated based on a threefold step. In the first step the market research team focused on segmenting the entire market into relevant consumer groups consisting of the target consumers. Such division was conducted based on demographic profiles of the consumers such that firstly the consumers in the age group of 18-24 were chosen. However the group for its failure to project the premium set of consumers the target group was based on the consumer segment of age group of 20-30 years who would drink the premium beer. The second focus of the market research activity targeted at helping the old consumers gain their bygone youthful

Rates of Reaction Essay Example for Free

Rates of Reaction Essay An enzyme is a protein molecule that helps other organic molecules start chemical reactions with one another; however, the enzyme itself is not affected by the reaction. A substrate is the substance acted upon by the enzyme. In this lab, catalase is the enzyme and hydrogen peroxide is the substrate. Catalase is found in both plant and animal tissues, and is abundant in plant storage organs. In this experiment, catalase is used from potatoes. Catalase is important to living things because it prevents the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in the cell. Hydrogen peroxide is produced naturally as a byproduct of metabolism. It tends to disrupt the cells’ chemistry, too much can kill a cell. Therefore, the presence of catalase is needed to survive. Catalase breaks down the toxic hydrogen peroxide into harmless water and oxygen. If the concentration of the substrate hydrogen peroxide is related to the reaction rate of the enzyme catalase, then an increase in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide will increase the reaction rate of catalase. Catalase: Methods and Materials In order to experiment and determine the affects concentration has on reaction rate, you will need several materials. Such as, potato extract, crushed ice and water in a large beaker to keep the catalase cool, since catalase is sensitive to temperature. Hydrogen peroxide solution is needed at six different concentrations (10%, 25%, 40%, 60%, 75%, and 100%). Also, 0% hydrogen peroxide is needed, which is just simply water. In addition, you will need a 10 ml graduated cylinder, a 50 ml beaker, forceps, paper dots (Whatman #1 filter paper, 1 cm diameter), a paper towel, a stopwatch, and graph paper. During this lab, be careful of the hydrogen peroxide because it can damage skin and clothes. Be sure to immediately rinse and spills with water. Throughout the lab, always keep the potato extract in the ice-water bath; catalase is very sensitive to warm temperatures. For starters, 0% hydrogen peroxide was tested as the control group; 10 ml of hydrogen peroxide was measured of using a graduated cylinder. This sample is then poured into a 50 ml beaker. After swirling the potato extract, using forceps a paper dot is picked up and immersed into the potato juice for five seconds. Then the dot is drained on a paper towel for 10 seconds. Using the forceps the dot is picked up and placed in the bottom of the beaker containing the hydrogen peroxide solution. Soon the dot was expected to rise to the surface because the potato juice’s catalase would break down the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The oxygen gas gets trapped in the pores of the paper and caused to float. A stopwatch was used to measure the time in seconds from when the dot touched the solution until it reached the surface. The data was then recorded. The class was split into groups and each group was assigned a different percentile of hydrogen peroxide solution.

The Importance Of Team Work Management Essay

The Importance Of Team Work Management Essay The essay begins with an attempt to define the nature of teams and groups and considers the differences between the two. This is followed by a discussion of why teamwork is important to contemporary organisations. After which, the conditions necessary for effective team working is discussed drawing on Tuckman (1965) model of group development. Then a discussion of group processes that lead to ineffective teamwork are considered. Finally, the impact of technology is considered on the effect of teams and the rise of virtual teams before a conclusion is made. Defining Groups and Teams A definition of a team may assume that the team has, or is working towards a common goal (Pynadeth and Tambe, 2002). A team can be defined as groups of people embedded in organisations, performing tasks that contribute to achieving the organisations goals. They share overall work objectives. They have the necessary authority, autonomy and resources to achieve these objectives (West, 2004, p.18). The difference between a group and a team is that members of a team share a common goal they are pursuing collaboratively. Moreover, they can only succeed or fail as a whole, and the members of that team share the benefits and costs of success or failure. In contrast, the members of a (psychological) group may share a number of common features.but each has his or her own individual goals (Buchanan and Hyczynski, 2007, p.379). Importance of Teamwork In a contemporary organisations, what were once competitors are now collaborators, what were once outsiders are now stakeholders, what were once stark boundaries are now fuzzy fences. Organisations have now discovered the value of collaboration, both inside and outside (Brooks, 2006, p.115). Teamwork has been linked to economic advantages, higher output, lower absenteeism and increased employee satisfaction (Steijn, 2001; Brooks, 2006; Buchanan and Hyczynski, 2007). It has also been shown to lead to less stressful work, reduced alienation and improved working relationships (Katzenback and Smith). Effective Team Working Certain conditions are necessary for effective teamwork (Buchanan and Hyczsynski, 2007). Several models of team working have been developed, however Tuckmans Model of Group Development (1965) is one of the most widely used (Murray et al., 2006, Buchanan and Hyczynski, 2007). Tuckman (1965) model depicts four stages of group development, which represents a logical sequence of stages of group development of which every team must go through in order to work as a cohesive and effective team (Tuckman, 1965; Murray et al., 2006). The first stage is forming. Forming is about orientation, socialisation and developing relationships. Discovering what is acceptable behaviour, focusing on objectives. Discovering the nature and boundaries of the task, developing team behaviours The second stage is storming this is about confrontation and conflict and the struggle for power and influence. At this stage the group structure shifts towards hostility and conflict, as members express their individuality and resistance (Murray et al., 2006, p.314). During this stage there is conflict over individuals desires to express their own opinions, which often results in the polarisation of opinions (Buchanan and Hyczynski, 2007). The third stage is norming, in this stage groups develop a cohesive approach, whereby harmonious relations replace conflict and disagreement. During this stage, communication becomes more open and people are more comfortable with expressing their opinions, even if it is different to others without fear of repercussions or thoughts of deviant behaviour (Buchanan and Hyczynski, 2007). Members begin to develop social interactions that enhance the overall performance of the group (Murray et al., 2006). Performing is the final stage of group development, in which teams are finally able to work as a cohesive unit. This is about team collaboration and the focus is on getting the task at hand completed and reaching the shared goals of the team. By this stage, the team should have a thorough understanding of what is required of them, the problems, challenges and issues they face in reaching their goals and will have established norms of behaviour that will facilitate the team in meeting its goals (Tuckman, 1965; Murray et al., 2006). The team which emerges as a result of these group development stages is a mature group, capable and willing to complete the tasks as defined by the organisation (Tuckman, 1965; Murray et al., 2006, Buchanan and Hyczynski, 2007). Arguably, if the team is not able, for whatever reason to complete the stages of group development, then the team will be ineffective (Murray et al., 2006). As a result, this has important implications for managers and team leaders. Group processes and behaviour cannot be separated from the pursuit of effective team working. Therefore, leaders and managers must develop and emotional awareness of the influence of the psychological group on the overall performance of the team (Steijn, 2001; Buchanan and Hyczynski, 2007) Factors which Threaten the Success of the Team Buchanan and Hyczynski (2007) point out that teamwork of all kinds is fraught with tensions, conflicts, obstacles and problems. If these are not managed effectively, rather than surpassing the best members capabilities, the total group output may actually equal less than the weakest members efforts (p.351). This is known as negative synergy. This can be caused by factors such as negative equity, whereby other members of the group underperform so the other person thinks why should I?, shirking of responsibility, negative effort of group reward whereby everyone is rewarded the same regardless of effort and finally, problems of coordination, so people are obstructing others ability to get on with a task (Buchanan and Hyczynski, 20007). Collectively, this phenomenon has come to be known as social loafing (Ingham et al., 1974). In addition to social loafing, problems of group think can have a negative impact on the performance of teams. Whilst the development of group norms and behaviour can be beneficial to the team, in its extreme form this can lead to the problem of group think (Buchanan and Hyczynski, 2007). Group think occurs whereby members of the group fail to critically analyse, test and evaluate problems, issues and challenges which face the group (Murray et al., 2006). This may be caused as a subconscious desire for members to avoid deviating from the prescribed norms of behaviour and group consensus (Buchanan and Hyczynski, 2007). However, this leads to ineffective team working, which is not beneficial to the organisation (West, 2004). Managers and team leaders play a pivotal role in ensuring that the problems of social loafing and group think does not occur. In addition managers should recognise team leaders who may advertently or inadvertently encourage the onset of negative synergy, social loafing and group think and take steps to minimise the impact of their ineffective team leadership. Impact of Technology on Team Functioning Technology plays an increasingly important role on the way in which teams function (Brooks, 2006). This is because organisations are becoming increasingly distributed across geographical boundaries and across industries (Brooks, 2006, p.115). There are many different types of technologies that have emerged which facilitate the development of teamwork both in a virtual and non-virtual teamwork environment. The rise in computer mediated technology, which facilitates communication, planning and organisation, has broken down barriers and can contribute towards making the team more effective (West, 2004; Brooks, 2006). Virtual teams are becoming an increasingly common extension of traditional organisational structures. Brooks (2006) describes the process as the following: virtual organisations, workplaces and teams are becoming increasingly common place. In a virtual team the members primary interaction is through some combination of electronic communications systems, which allows members of the team to cross time, space and cultural boundaries (Brooks, 2006, p.110). The type of technology which facilitates both physical and virtual teams includes the reduction in costs in recent years of portable PCs and consumer electronics and of communications devices. For example, laptops have seen a reduction in price and the majority of modern laptops come with in-built microphones, speakers and web cams for video conferencing. The cost of international calls has reduced and can even be made for free using VOIP (voice over internet protocol) technologies, such as Skype and Google Voice. Conclusion Teamwork is becoming increasingly important in contemporary organisations, and as long as teams are formed, managed and implemented effectively, can provide a source of competitive advantage in terms of increased employee satisfaction, creativity and innovation. However, if teams are assigned to inappropriate tasks, are managed ineffectively or not provided with adequate support, resources and autonomy to carry out their tasks then the effect of teamwork can be counterproductive. Teams are formal groups assigned by management that have shared goals. There is a difference between teams and groups; groups can exist without teams but teams cannot exist without groups. Therefore, the impact of group behaviour and group dynamics will have a significant impact on the overall performance of the team. Therefore, management must be awareness of the presence of groups that create their own norms and personal goals, which may deviate from the objectives of the team. Therefore, teamwork can be i s a complex management area, yet if carried out effectively, the results can be very rewarding.

Do Gender Influence the way people view optical illusions? :: essays research papers

Problem: Does gender influence how people view optical illusions? Background: The brain takes cues from images received from the eyes to help it interpret what is being seen. Usually this is important for things like depth perception, but occasionally it leads us astray. The cues make us think we see something that isn't true, or isn't even there. Light waves enter your eye and then enter photoreceptive cells on your retina. The image that forms on your retina is flat, but you see a world of shape, color, depth, and motion. Retinal images are flat representations on a curved surface. Most of the time, we perceive an accurate world of depth, surfaces and objects. Retinal images are open to more than one interpretation. For all retinal images, there are a large variety of possible three-dimensional structures that can be seen. We usually see the correct image, but sometimes a mistake is made. This is when an illusion occurs. The fact that we can see the correct three-dimensional information from a visually ambiguous (open to more than one interpretation) two-dimensional image means that some very powerful restraints must be put on our interpretations of two-dimensional images. These restraints must also account for many illusions. Illusions are a tool for revealing restraints that mediate vision and perception. In some cases, illusions take place because the restraints for interpreting an image are ambiguous. Your visual system can interpret the image in more than one way. Even though the image on your retina remains constant, you don’t see an odd mixture of the two images. Normally, this does not happen because your visual system has developed many different ways to resolve ambiguity. Visual perception is essentially an ambiguity-solving process. This process is called "inverse optics." The visual system is also highly adaptive. It should be understood that both evolution and learning contribute to visual capabilities. Scientists have experimented with these rules to produce illusions

Understanding Employment Responsibilities and Rights in Health Social Care

Understanding Employment Responsibilities and Rights in Health Social Care or Children's and Young People's Settings1. Know the statutory responsibilities and rights of employees and employers within own area of work1.1 List the aspects of employment covered by law. Almost every aspect of employment is covered by one or more laws, including: the handling and storage of information, equal opportunities, grievance procedures, health and safety, holiday entitlements, maternity/paternity pay, minimum wage, sickness absence and pay, working time limits, redundancy and retirement.1. 2 List the main features of current employment legislation. Employment rights, Equality and discrimination, Health and Safety, Data Protection.1. 3 Outline why legislation relating to employment exists. Legislation in relation to employment was created in order to prevent employers from abusing or taking advantage of workers, and provide minimum requirements in areas such as : minimum wage, safety standards, ho liday entitlement, maternity leave, redundancy payments, discrimination and equality, working hours, age requirement.1.4 Identify sources and types of information and advice available in relation to employment responsibilities and rights. Sources and types of information and advice available in relation to employment responsibilities and right are: ACAS, CAB, unions and representative bodies, work contract, policies and procedures, terms and conditions, and job descriptions.2. Understand agreed ways of working that protect own relationship with employer2. 1 Describe the terms and conditions of own contract of employment (see attached Offer of Employment).The terms and conditions which are covered in my contract are: my job title, hours of work, holiday entitlement, absence, sick pay, notice of termination, grievance procedure, and the disciplinary procedure.2. 2 Describe the information shown on own pay statement (see attached) My payslip contains the following information: my name and home address, tax code (Basic Rate), National Insurance Number, deductions (including tax and national insurance), year to date, the total that I have been paid so far this financial year, and net pay.2. 3 Describe the procedures to follow in event of a grievance. In the event of a grievance the very first step is talking to the manager. If the outcome is not satisfactory then you can make a formal grievance complaint. The procedure should include the following steps: writing a letter to your employer setting out the details of your grievance, next a meeting with your employer to discuss the issue, and finally if the employer’s decision is still not satisfactory then an appeal from the employer’s decision can be made.Your employer should arrange a further meeting to discuss your appeal, and you have a right to ask either a colleague from work or a trade union representative to accompany you to the meeting.2. 4 Identify the personal information that must be kept up to date with own employer The personal information that I must be kept up to date with my own employer are my mobile number, address, bank details, and new health information which could affect my job.2. 5 Explain agreed ways of working with employer The agreed ways of working with my own employer are within my job description.I am also expected to arrive at work on time, be polite and professional, to follow policies and procedures correctly to be respectful of other peoples’ background and personal choices. My own employer must provide me the correct tools I need to do my job in the best condition possible, as said in The Health and Safety Act, 1974 law (eg gloves and uniform). 3. Understand how own role fits within the wider context of the sector3. 1 Explain how own role fits within the delivery of the service provided.The service undertakes to provide everyone with a safe service which promotes clients’ independence, dignity, and choice, while ensuring their home i s a safe place to live; to promote clients’ control over their lives, maintaining skills and independence and ensure that all needs are met on an individual basis, encouraging the clients to make own, informed decision about how their needs are met. Similarly, my role is to provide care to a standard and in a way that is accepted and promoted by my company.3.2 Explain the effect of own role on service provision. By providing the clients with adequate care and following good practice I help to fulfil the company’s goals as well as meet the individuals’ needs. By supporting the clients in their physical care needs as well as social, intellectual and emotional needs, and liaising with other agencies, I promote the clients’ health and well-being.3.3 Describe how own role links to the wider sector. My role involves making sure that our clients are provided with adequate care and support.It is important to understand the limits of the role and seek assistance t o deal with issues which are beyond the scope of social care, and liaise with other agencies to provide seamless care such as arranging and attending appointments, carrying out treatment, and therapy regimes.3.4 Describe the main roles and responsibilities of representative bodies that influence the wider sector. The main bodies that influence the Health and Social Care sector are government departments, professional bodies, trade unions, various skills councils and regulatory bodies.The main roles and responsibilities of the government departments are a duty to promote the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of their communities. The professional bodies have a number of functions. They may set and assess professional examinations, provide support for Continuing Professional Development through learning opportunities and tools for recording and planning, publish professional journals or magazines, provide networks for professionals to meet and discuss their field of experti se, issue a Code of Conduct to guide professional behaviour, deal with complaints against professionals and implement disciplinary procedures.The representative bodies such as trade unions play an important role and are helpful in effective communication between the workers and the management. They provide the advice and support to ensure that the differences of opinion do not turn into major conflicts. The central function of a trade union is to represent people at work. But they also have a wider role in protecting their interests.The sector skills councils create the conditions for increased employer investment in skills which will drive enterprise and create jobs and sustainable economic growth. The regulatory bodies exercise a regulatory function: impose requirements, restrictions and conditions, set standards in relation to any activity, and secure compliance & enforcement. 4. Understand career pathways available within own and related sectors 4. 1 Explore different types of o ccupational opportunities.There are different pathways available within Health and Social Care sector, including: Adult Social Care, Healthcare: Arts Therapy, Clinical Support Staff/Healthcare Assistant, Dentistry & Dental Hygiene, Medical Doctors & Surgeons, Medical Sales & Marketing, Nursing & Midwifery, Paramedic & Ambulance Services, Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation & Occupational Therapy, Psychological Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy; Social Care: Adoption & Fostering, Alcohol & Substance Misuse, Children & Families, Domestic violence, Housing & Homelessness, Learning Disabilities, Mental Health, Older People, Physical & Sensory Impairment, Sexual Health, Social Work, Youth Work & Youth Justice.4. 2 Identify sources of information related to a chosen career pathway. There is information available in colleges and training organisations, websites like careerpath, careerprofiles, Jobsite UK, etc; also NHS Careers, Direct Gov Careers, and from your manager & colleagues).4. 3 Identi fy next steps in own career pathway.When I complete my QCF level 2 in Health and Social Care I would like to start level3. 5. Understand how issues of public concern may affect the image and delivery of services in the sector5. 1 Identify occasions where the public have raised concerns regarding issues within the sector. There have been numerous investigations into the quality of care provided by care homes and domiciliary care companies. The investigation into the abuse of children in North Wales care homes, and abuse of the elderly in Winterbourne View & Cedar Grove were started by individuals who complained either to CQC or various newspapers and television news broadcasters.5.2 Outline different viewpoints around an issue of public concern relevant to the sector.There are various viewpoints around cases of abuse which have caused a public concern. Lack of funding and government cuts, Lack of specialist training and keeping up to date with new guidelines and regulations, Lack of trust and belief with the companies which need to make profit, and the responsible bodies such as social services, CQC, the police, care providers and care staff, the families of the victims, inadequate sharing of information with various outsiders who have input to the care given, bureaucracy, etc.5. 3 Describe how issues of public concern have altered public views of the sector.With more than quarter of care companies are not meeting standards on care and welfare, the public have seemed to lost faith in such regulators and companies as this has been recurring for a number of years. The media have issued a lot of publicity stating how care companies, social services, and regulators have let the victims down by simply not taking these cases seriously enough and ensuring the well-being and standards are being met. BBC1 and Channel 4 have been the main channels on television who have reported on such cases from being under cover within the sector to show the public what can go wrong w ithin care.5. 4 Describe recent changes in service delivery which have affected own area of work.The number of reports of vulnerable elderly people has been on the increase over the recent years, and a need for changes within Health and Social Care sector has been highlighted. The areas of health and social care that have been identified as needing special attention: involvement, dignity and respect, meeting fundamental needs, access to information and support, partnership working, personalised services, effective commissioning, flexibility and creativity, inclusion, and carer as partners in care. Myself and my colleagues have been made aware of these areas and solutions to possible difficulties by received regular training on these issues.

Importance of Dignity in a Lesson Before Dying

Grant and Jefferson are on a journey. Though they have vastly different educational backgrounds, their commonality of being black men who have lost hope brings them together in the search for the meaning of their lives. In the 1940†³s small Cajun town of Bayonne, Louisiana, blacks may have legally been emancipated, but they were still enslaved by the antebellum myth of the place of black people in society. Customs established during the years of slavery negated the laws meant to give black people equal rights and the chains of tradition prevailed leaving both Grant and Jefferson trapped in mental slavery in their communities. The struggles of Grant and Jefferson share a common theme, man†s search for meaning. Grant has the advantage of a college education, and while that may have provided some enlightenment, he remains in the same crossroads as Jefferson. Grant sees that regardless of what he does, the black students he teaches continue in the same jobs, the same poverty and same slave-like positions as their ancestors. Grant has no hope of making a difference and sees his life as meaningless. Though Jefferson†s conflict is more primal, it is the same as Grant†s struggle. Jefferson is searching for the most basic identity, whether he is man or animal. It is this conflict of meaning and identity that bring Grant and Jefferson together. In this book, Ernest J. Gaines presents three views to determine manhood: law, education and religion. Jefferson has been convicted of a crime, and though he did not commit it, he is sentenced to death as a â€Å"hog† a word that denies any sense of worth or fragment of dignity he may have possessed in a world ruled by oppressive white bigots. Jefferson is at an even greater loss as he has no education and after the conviction he doubts that God can even exist in a world that would send an innocent man to his death. It is clear that Jefferson does not believe he has any value. † ‘I†m an old hog. Just an old hog they fattening up to kill for Christmas† † (83). Though Grant may have had some advantages compared with Jefferson, his position in life was not significantly better than Jefferson†s. Grant knows that if he had been the black man sitting in the courtroom, he too would have been convicted. In his powerful opening to the novel, Grant says, â€Å"I was not there yet I was there. No, I did not go to the trial, I did not hear the verdict, because I knew all the time what it would be† (1). Even his college education has not elevated his position in the eyes of the white society. When he was talking with white people, he was expected to act stupid and hide his education and assume the subservient role of a black. As in Grant†s visit to Mr. Guidry the first time. † ‘She doesn†t, huh?† Sam Guidry asked me. He emphasized doesn†t. I was supposed to have said don†t. I was being too smart† (48). Of law, education and religion, one had to empower Jefferson and Grant. The law was clearly outside their realm of influence. However, education opened the door for Jefferson and Grant to share dialogue and to explore who they were and how they could be empowered. It was religion, their search for a greater meaning and a higher power, which allowed them to begin to think not of what white men thought of them, but rather what God and what they thought of themselves. With this new way of thinking, they forged a bond and both began to understand the simple heroic act of resistance in defying the expectation of white society that they were members of a lesser race † ‘Do you know what a myth is, Jefferson?† I asked him. ‘A myth is an old lie that people believe in. White people believe that they are better than anyone else on earth-and that†s a myth. The last thing they ever want is to see a black man stand, and think and show that common humanity that is in us all. It would destroy their myth† † (192). Grant encouraged Jefferson to live beyond the stereotype white society had imposed on him. In doing that Grant began to see himself differently. He began to believe if this uneducated black man could become a hero to the black community then certainly he could return to Bayonne and help children believe in themselves. He gradually began to think that he also could escape the myth and help his students escape it with him. He could use Jefferson as a hero to encourage them. † I need you, I told him. I need you much more than you could ever need me. I need to know what to do with my life. I want to run away, but go where and do what? I†m no hero: I can just give something small, that†s all I have to offer. It is the only way we can chip away at the myth. You-you can be bigger than anyone you have ever met † (193). This new way of thinking which discounted the centuries old myth enabled Jefferson to believe that he was not a hog, that he indeed was a man, a man who would walk with dignity to his execution. Though this may seem as a minor triumph to many, to Jefferson it meant that the angry and demeaning words of the judge had no meaning. His ability to die with dignity not only gave him peace, but it made white men pause and show respect for the man labeled the hog. At the end the white, deputy, Paul says, † â€Å"I don†t know what you†re going to say when you go back in there. But tell them he was the bravest man in that room today. I†m a witness, Grant Wiggins. Tell them so.† ‘Maybe one day you will come back and tell them so.† ‘It would be an honor† † (256). This white man wanted to make the statement so it would be powerful and would be believed by the black children sitting inside the small schoolhouse. That a white man would say it would make it true in the eyes of the children. However difficult facing death may have been, it was also empowering to Jefferson. Jefferson believed that if he could walk with dignity to his death, he would not only make his grandmother proud, but that he would also be as a strong man by the black members of his community. His last quote before dying was † ‘ â€Å"Tell Nannan I walked.† ‘And straight he walked† † (254). The last words in Jefferson†s diary share his message of courage and dignity. â€Å"good by mr wigin tell them im strong tell them im a man† (234). Jefferson died with dignity and Grant returned to Bayonne believing he could make a difference. It is not clear that religion, a belief in God, made the difference for either of them. It is clear that as they struggled with the issue of a higher power, they did discover that the meaning of their lives was not attached to the white man†s beliefs and myths, but rather came from inside themselves. To the end, they both struggled with whether or not there was a God. As they end their journey together, Jefferson is at peace and becomes a hero in his community. Though Grant cannot be a hero, he does find his place and returns to the schoolhouse with new hope and a vision for making a difference, if not for himself, for his students. He doubts himself at times, but he gains determination for his students. â€Å"Yet they must believe. They must believe, if only to free the mind, if not the body. Only when the mind is free has the body a chance to be free. Yes, they must believe. They must believe. Because I know what it means to be a slave. I am a slave† (Gaines 251)

The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli

One of Sandro Botticelli’s most famous paintings represents a classical myth – the birth of Venus (1485–1486). This painting shows the myth of Venus’ birth. Botticelli based the picture in a text: â€Å"the profane Birth of Venus and the coronation of the sacred Venus. It was written by Ange Poliziano, based on an ode by Hesiod. † (Berger Foundation, 2006) â€Å"The effect, nonetheless, is distinctly pagan, taking as inspiration written descriptions by the 2nd century historian Lucian of masterpieces of Ancient Greece, was made at a time and place when most artworks depicted Roman Catholic themes.It is somewhat surprising that this canvas escaped the flames of Savonarola's bonfires, where a number of Botticelli's other â€Å"pagan† influenced works perished. Botticelli was very close to Lorenzo de Medici. Because of their friendship and Lorenzo's power, this work was spared from Savonarola's fires and the disapproval of the Church. † ( Wikipedia, 2006) The picture can be divided into three parts: At the left, Zephyr and Chloris fly with tangled limbs. Around them, there are falling roses with golden hearts. At the right part, the trees form part of a flowering orange grove, related to the Greek myth of Hesperides’ sacred garden.At the center appears the Nymph, that might be one of the Greek goddesses of the seasons (Spring or Flora) which welcomes her on land; and the shell where it can be seen maybe not Venus’ birth but the moment when she lands at Paphos in Cyprus, having been carried by the shell. Tolstoy’s interpretation of art Leo Tolstoy, besides his well known literature work, has developed his own theory of art, which emphasises the importance of art to human beings through the communication from the artists to the receivers their emotions and feelings. For him art is a mean of communication of feeling rather than ideas.The artist communicates through the use of colour, sound, movement or words, an emotion or feeling that he has previously experienced. Tolstoy denies different conceptions on art, like those which say that is a manifestation of some mysterious idea, or that art is a way to let off the excess of energy stored by men, or just pure pleasure. For Tolstoy art is a mean of union among men, essential to life, fostering the spiritual evolution of humankind. Birth of Venus under Tolstoy’s perspective It can be stated that Botticelli takes from different artists and thinkers the foundations which uses to express his feelings and emotions.During his time, the renaissance, ancient mythology was admired again. Artists and men of science gathered around the princes, and they all lived together. Among these men interest in the past grew and they started to translate Virgil, Homer, Hesiod and Pindar. Thus, it was very feasible that the humanist ideas propagated rapidly. The art in Florence started to growth and the humanist ideas were incorporated into the artists’ work. To interpret art it is important to pay attention to the links â€Å"between motifs in the works in question and other cultural phenomena of the time, including literary and theological documents. † (Matthew, 1997)Boticcelli’s Birth of Venus, painted for Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco de Medicis, is a palpable example of what Tolstoy referred in his theory. Without communication between these people it might be impossible to produce this painting. It reflects the ideas that were common among these men. Now, there is the fact of what feelings or emotions Botticelli tried to express. The story of Venus’ birth is a divine message which brought beauty to humanity. It might be understood that the painter tried to represent this myth in a valuable way. The painting communicates Botticelli’s emotions in front of the power of nature’s creative force.Collingwood’s vision of art Collingwood’s vision of art states that â€Å"th e work of art is a purely imaginary object, existing only and truly, in the artist’s mind and that it is an expression of the artist emotion. † (Collingwood, 1938) Therefore, if the work only exists in the artist’s mind, its physical representation is a way to represent it to others. The way that Collingwood sees art could be explained in this order: the artist has feelings which are unconscious, he gets aware of them through emotions and its expressions, and thus he is conscious of the feeling.Then, the way that he liberates from the oppression of these feelings is through his artistic expression. Thus, art is the way that the artist expresses his own emotions for himself. â€Å"Communicating that emotion to others is secondary† ((Collingwood, 1938) as he views artistic creation as, basically, a process of self acknowledgment. The intention is to make it understood the way that the artist who has expressed the emotion felt in having the emotion. Birth of Venus according to Collingwood’s perspective Under Collingwood’s perspective is complex to establish an analysis of Botticelli’s picture.According to his particular view of art, the painter tries to express his emotions in a way to put his mind at ease. Therefore, it is necessary to understand what feelings or emotions were â€Å"perturbing† Botticelli’s mind. He was trying to explore his own emotions, thus the only thing that can be analysed is the secondary communication, the one that is possible thanks to the fact that the artist uses to express himself a language that might be understood by everyone. What emotions were driving the painter? By looking at the picture one may asses that he feels overwhelmed and amazed by nature’s force.Also, besides the beauty of the painting, an uncommon length of Venus’ neck and the unusual angle that her left arm describes aid to attain harmony, enhancing the feeling of a subtle and tender being, as the story says, a gift from heaven. Botticelli painted â€Å"men and women†¦daddened perpetually by the shadow upon them of the great things from which they shrink. † (David, 1980) Conclusion Collingwood’s theory of art opposes to Tolstoy’s. While Tolstoy says that the only reason of art is communication, Collingwood says that art is a purely imaginary object, existing only in the artist’s mind, thus is an expression of the artist emotion.They both are aware of the fact that emotions are remarkably essential in the creation of art, but Collingwood’s account of the emotions is very different from Tolstoy’s. He says that the artist expression is a way of self liberation from the feelings or emotions, while Tolstoy’s says that the artist wants to communicate a feeling that the artist has previously experienced. For Collingwood, creation is in some way self-seeking, while for Tolstoy is an act of communication essential for unders tanding among humanity. References The Birth of Venus (Botticelli) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediahttp://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/The_Birth_of_Venus_%28Botticelli%29 Rampley, Matthew, 1997 â€Å"From Symbol to Allegory: Aby Warburg's Theory of Art†. Journal article; The Art Bulletin, Vol. 79, Cowart, David, 1980 â€Å"Thomas Pynchon: The Art of Allusion† Book. Southern Illinois University Press, Wikipedia. 2006 Sandro Botticelli article. November. Jacques-Edouard Berger Foundation. â€Å"World Art Treasures† R. G. Collingwood, 1938, Art as an Expression