Thursday, January 30, 2020

Master Harold and the Boys Essay Example for Free

Master Harold and the Boys Essay â€Å"Master Harold† and the boys, by the white South African playwright Athol Fugard, is a naturalistic play set in a Tea Room in Port Elizabeth on a rainy day in 1950. Two black servants, Sam and Willie, and their white master’s son Hally (‘Master Harold’), have deep conversations about the good time they had together when Hally was young. In the beginning of the play, Sam and Willie, practice their dancing techniques and talk about an upcoming dance contest. Fugard has created first impressions of situation and characters in the opening of the play by using set design, stage directions, duologue as well as speech and tone. The opening of the play is interpreted as being up to Hally’s first entry. Firstly, the unprofessional and for the audience surprisingly casual and light-hearted situation is created by Fugard’s choice of set design, stage directions and duologue. Secondly, Sam and Willie’s relationship is proven of unequal status, yet intimate and deep, by the difference in speech and tone, and by the choice of topics in the duologue. Finally, initial perceptions of a childish and rude Willie and an intelligent and experienced Sam are constructed through mostly speech and tone. The unprofessional impression of the Tea Room and the carefree and easy going ambiance is created by set design and stage directions, and duologue. Firstly, the amateurish impression of the business is created by the blackboard on which an untrained hand has chalked up the prices of the items, and by the few sad ferns in pots in the room. Furthermore, the fact that Fugard has chosen to clear all tables to one side, suggests that the business is not doing well, because the Tea Room is not likely to be expecting any customers. Secondly, the audience notices immediately that the mood in the room is casual, by letting Willie start off with singing a song as he mops down the floor. This strong mood is then reinforced when Willie suddenly gets up and starts dancing, Sam eagerly encouraging and correcting Willie’s dance technique. The audience must have been surprised by this casual situation, because one must not forget that at the time of the performance, around 1982, apartheid in South Africa was considerably further developed than the setting of the play. The fact that two black men, obviously workers, are without supervision of a white person and that they are enjoying themselves during work must have raised a sense of unease from the spectators, unsure how to react. The relationship between Sam and Willie is profound, yet Sam seems to have a higher status compared to Willie, as suggested by Fugard’s choice of topic of conversation and by the contrast between the terms of address and physical position. To begin with, the way in which both men communicate is very informal. Willie uses plenty of swear words, like â€Å"fuckin’ whore† or â€Å"bitch†, whereas Sam uses a higher register, but is still joking around with Willie (â€Å"How’s your pillow with the quickstep?†). This use of language suggests that both men feel at ease and that they have known each other for a very long time already. A sense of intimate relationship is also created by the topics of conversation. Willie is very open with Sam about his relationship with Hilda Samuels, as when he talks about the problems buying food for their baby of which he isn’t even sure it is his son (â€Å"Only his hair looks like me.†); he shows no hesitation to discuss the matter with Sam. Sam even knows that Willie often beats up his girlfriend, suggesting that they have been living alongside for a long time. The audience realises that it is watching an intimate conversation, which makes them attentive, curious and involved in the discussion. Secondly, Sam’s higher social position is suggested by the contrast between the way Sam addresses Willie and vice versa, almost like a teacher-student relation. Sam suggests improvements for Willie’s dance technique, as â€Å"Don’t look down!† or â€Å"But you’re too stiff!†, as well as how he could be more successful in his relationships with girlfriends (â€Å"You hit her too much.†) and Willie reacts willingly to take up the advice. Also, Sam demonstrates the dance as it should be, suggesting that Sam is more experienced. Lastly, a subtle but symbolic detail is the physical positioning of Sam and Willie at the very beginning of the play: Willie is mopping down the floor on his knees, working, while Sam is flicking through a comic book, standing, and obviously not working. Fugard has visualised their relationship by the contrast between kneeling and sitting, and working and relaxing, and this can in fact be applied to the entire rest of the play. Sam is portrayed as a confident, intelligent and experienced character through his speech and tone. The way Sam guides Willie through the learning process of the quickstep, and even demonstrates a much more accomplished dance than Willie, indicates he is a skillful dancer himself. Fugard has made the audience feel sympathy towards Sam, as he encourages Willie, â€Å"Look happy, Willie! Relax Willie!†, although Willie is a hopeless dancer. Fugard represents Willie’s character as slightly vulnerable, unexperienced, and as a bad lover through his reactions to Sam’s teasing, the difficulties he has with learning the quickstep and through his description of his relationship with girlfriends. Willie is very quickly frustrated by Sam’s advice, like â€Å"Yesterday I’m not straight today I’m too stiff!† and â€Å"I try hard because it is hard.†. Willie’s incapability to cope with Sam’s teasing once even results in a small brawl between the two of them: â€Å"It’s finish between us.† Furthermore, Willie is clearly a bad love partner, confirmed when he describes his girlfriend as a â€Å"whore† and a â€Å"bitch†, but which is, quite ironically, provoked by himself hitting his girlfriend every once in a while. This, together with his vulgar choice of language, results in an aversion from the audience to Willie. To conclude, Fugard has managed to create strong first impressions in the opening of the play in terms of situation and characters. He has used set design, stage directions and duologue to create an unprofessional and casual ambience. In terms of characters, Fugard has succeeded in associating strong characteristic features to Sam and Willie, both intimate friends, yet separated in a way by an intellectual line.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

How did the competition commission tame the supermarket giants :: Business and Management Studies

How did the competition commission tame the supermarket giants The Competition Commission is an independent public body established by the Competition Act 1998. The Competition Commission conducts in-depth inquiries into mergers, markets and the regulation of the major regulated industries, undertaken in response to a reference made to it by another authority. The Commission recently had the task of having the power to give one major supermarket chain the go ahead to merge with Safeway. The proposed acquisition of Safeway by Morrison’s, Asda, Tesco or Sainsbury’s was referred to the Competitive Commission under the Fair Trading Act by the Trade and Industry Secretary. The Commission can consider the opinions of all parties in determining whether any of the potential mergers is against the public interest. Topics for inclusion in the meeting could include both local and national issues, including the effect on consumers and suppliers of any proposed acquisition. The Competition Commission gave Morrison’s the green light over the other potential buyers such as Asda, Tesco and Sainsburys. This was due to a number of economic reasons. Although neither Safeway nor Morrison’s was struggling, both agreed the need to merge was very advantageous. Morrison’s was looking for a way to grow far more quickly, and could afford to fund an acquisition to achieve that goal as soon as possible. The successful bid for Morrison’s to take over Safeway would mean that Morrison’s would become a major and strong national player. The merge should exert a positive and competitive effect on retail in supermarkets and also benefit the customers. Some people found the Morrison’s bid to be against the public interest in particular local areas where the number of competing supermarkets would be reduced. However, subject to divestment of particular stores in these areas. Morrison’s bid for Safeway was allowed to proceed. The Competition Commission was given just over four and a half months to investigate the four merger situations. All of these needed to be assessed as to their likely impact on competition. Mainly in terms of which would be the most practical to economy. The decision was partly mad by undertaking isochrone analysis, which is mapping and positioning of stores area by area and the customers they serve. This provided detailed information on which areas would be affected as a result of reduced local competition. Morrison’s the medium-sized but very fast-growing British supermarket chain takeover of UK rival Safeway deal was worth 2.9bn.The combined firm, with 598 stores, a turnover of 12.6bn and a market share of 16%, aims to be able to compete with Asda, Sainsbury and Tesco, the giants of the UK supermarket sector. Both Morrison’s and Safeway have been

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Discuss Social Class, Gender, Marital Status, Age, Socio Economics Statues and Their Relationship to Functionality

Discuss social class, gender, marital status, age, socio economics statues and their relationship to functionality. Social class refers to the hierarchical distinctions between individuals or groups in societies or cultures. Anthropologists, historians, and sociologists identify class as universal, although what determines class will vary widely from one society to another. Even within a society, different people or groups may have very different ideas about what makes one â€Å"higher† or â€Å"lower† in the hierarchy. Different defining characteristics have developed in societies around the world and have changed through history. Depending on the definition used, class can also be associated with social status, or one's social position in a culture. Because of the vagaries of the word, the idea of social class has been the object of much study in fields such as sociology and economics. Some of the more famous theorists of class include Karl Marx and Max Weber. Despite the work of these intellectual heavyweights, the value of the notion of social class is still questioned as it becomes even more difficult to define in an increasingly fluid and globalized society. Beyond the problems in theoretical conceptualizations, the practical impact of social class on society is important. Any system that divides people and then assigns different values to the groups is inherently problematic in the establishment and maintenance of a harmonious society. If vertical divisions among people can connote no difference in value, only in role, experience, or responsibility in society, then social class may be considered a useful concept

Monday, January 6, 2020

October Themes and Special Events for Elementary School

This list of October themes, events, and holidays have correlating activities to go with them. Use these ideas for inspiration to create your own lessons and activities, or use the ideas provided. Celebrate Bullying Prevention Month and School Safety Month all October long. October Holidays and Events With Correlating Activities October 1st - World Vegetarian Day Celebrate this special day by having student partake in a thematic unit on nutrition. Plus: investigate eating healthy with a healthy snacks lesson plan. October 2nd - World Farm Animals Day   Celebrate farm animals by taking a field trip to your local farm. October 3rd - Techies Day This day is to honor all new technology. Learn about tech tools for the classroom, iPad apps, and assessment apps. October 4th - National Diversity Day Teach students about the importance of diversity in the world by playing games and partaking in activities. October 5th - World Teacher Day Honor and celebrate all teachers. October 6th - Mad Hatter Day Decorate a hat and watch an Alice in Wonderland movie to celebrate this fun day. October 7th - World Bullying Prevention Day   Bullying is a serious issue in schools today. On this day spark a discussion and partake in activities that relate to bullying. October 8th - National Face Your Fears Day Have students take a moment to think about what they fear most. Then take turns going around the room discussing these fears. As a class, brainstorm ways they can overcome these fears. October 9th - Fire Prevention Day The week of October 6-12 is fire prevention week. During this time, teach kids about fire safety. October 10th - World Mental Health Day   Help students understand developmental disorders by shedding some light on Autism, and other disorders that children may see or hear about in school. October 11th - Eleanor Roosevelts Birthday   Honor this wonderful woman on her birthday by teaching students about her. October 12th - Universal Music Day   Celebrate music day by having students partake in a variety of music-related activities. October 13th - Astronomy Day Allow students to learn about the stars and the sky. October 14th - Columbus Day   Sail the sea with Columbus Day activities for students in grades 1-3. Plus: How much do your students really know about Columbus Day? Take a quiz or try a word search and find out. October 15th - White Cane Safety Day Celebrate the blind and visually impaired by teaching students all about disabilities. Talk about Helen Keller and all she went through. October 16th - World Food Day   Have students join the global movement to end hunger by bringing in can foods to donate to your local shelter. October 17th - Black Poetry Day Honor the birthday of Jupiter Hammon the first black American to publish his poetry. Learn about his past and have students try to write a poem of their own. October 18th - National Chocolate Cupcake Day   What a wonderful day to celebrate! Have students put on their chef hats and bake cupcakes! October 19th - Sweetest Day   This is a day to honor the people you love the most. Have students write a poem, letter, or story to their family. October 20th - Information Overload Day In todays society, we are overloaded with information so on this day give students a break! October 21st - Reptile Awareness Day   This day may freak students out just a little bit. But, its important for them to learn about all species. Take the time and have students learn all about reptiles. October 22nd - National Nut Day   In this day and age, it isnt uncommon for a student to have a nut allergy. This day was designed to recognize the healthy eating of nuts, but teachers can use this day to talk about the serious risks of nut allergies. October 23rd - National iPod Day The iPod is over 10 years old! If students are privileged enough to own an iPod, allow them to bring it to class and give them a chance to play a learning game at recess. October 24th - United Nations Day On this day, teach students all about the United Nations. Then break students into cooperative learning groups and see how much they learned. October 25th - Frankenstein Friday   Oh, how much fun your students will have on this day! Watch the Frankenstein movie, eat green food, and paint fun pictures to honor this spooky character. October 26th - Make a Difference Day   This day is the largest national day of helping others. Take time out of the day to have students help a fellow friend, teacher, or someone special. October 27th - Theodore Roosevelts Birthday   Honor this historic president by having students write a biography poem. October 28th - Statue of Libertys Birthday   Who doesnt love NY? Honor the Statue of Liberty by teaching students important facts about this statue! October 29th - International Internet Day   What would we do without the internet? That is a question you can pose to students. Have each child write an essay to answer that question. October 30th - John Adams Birthday   Honor the second President of the United States by teaching students some things they did not know about him. October 31st - Halloween Celebrate this fun holiday with themed lesson plans.