Knowledge as a Double Edged Sword in the novels Oryx and...

Is knowledge, which is the base of human ingenuity and intelligence, also the factor which will bring upon humanity’s impending destruction? Knowledge today plays a key role in almost every facet of human existence, from food, to water, to providing the foundation for every piece technological equipment ever constructed. Knowledge though has also provided us with ever more imaginative and efficient means of killing and destroying each other and the planet, these means include nuclear weapons, and of course biological warfare. Therefore knowledge plays the role of the doubled-edged sword, bringing humanity luxuries and power beyond conception, as well as arming us with the tools to completely eradicate all life. In the novel of Oryx and†¦show more content†¦Both novels are typical of the science fiction genre, in that they similarly deal with plausible alternate realties, each which extrapolate from current technology to explore future circumstances with exaggerations of extremely controversial issues and elaborate on the possible dangers. A Canticle for Leibowitz was written in the 1950’s, an era in which nuclear weapons and the Cold War were very controversial issues. Oryx and Crake was written in 2002, a time period in which issues on continuing research in biotechnology raised concern among the populace of its possible future applications. In the novels Oryx and Crake penned by Margaret Atwood and A Canticle for Leibowitz written by Walter M. Miller Jr. it is shown that while knowledge is the base for human advancement, it is also the determining factor in our eventual doom, which is shown by the ambitious characters of Thon Taddeo Pfardentrott and Crake, the theme that power corrupts absolutely, and the use of foreshadowing to convey the results that knowledge has wrought on humanity. The character of Crake, in the novel Oryx and Crake shows himself to be a very ambitious character. Even as a child, Crake seemed to be an intelligent a nd inquisitive individual, seeking to know the truth in everything. He sought to achieve the absolute best in all aspects of his life which is displayed when he states â€Å"‘Because I’m good at it,’

Things Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe - 1070 Words

Yet by using English, Achebe faces a problem. How can he present the African heritage and culture in a language that can never describe it adequately? Indeed, one of the primary tasks of Things Fall Apart is to confront this lack of understanding between the Igbo culture and the colonialist culture. In the novel, the Igbo ask how the white man can call Igbo customs bad when he does not even speak the Igbo language. An understanding of Igbo culture can only be possible when the outsider can relate to the Igbo language and terminology. Achebe solves this problem by incorporating elements of the Igbo language into his novel. By incorporating Igbo words, rhythms, language, and concepts into an English text about his culture, Achebe goes a†¦show more content†¦These particular elements give Things Fall Apart an authentic African voice. The Igbo culture is fundamentally an oral one — that is, Among the Igbo, the art of conversation is regarded very highly, and proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten (Chapter1). To provide an authentic feel for Igbo culture would be impossible without also allowing the proverbs to play a significant role in the novel. And despite the foreign origin of these proverbs and tales, the Western reader can relate very well to many of them. They are woven smoothly into their context and require only occasional explanation or elaboration. These proverbs and tales are, in fact, quite similar in spirit to Western sayings and fables. Modern-day readers of this novel not only relate easily to traditional proverbs and tales but also sympathize with the problems of Okonkwo, Nwoye, and other characters. Achebe has skillfully developed his characters, and even though they live in a different era and a very different culture, one can readily understand their motivations and their feelings because they are universal and timeless. Speech patterns and rhythms are occasionally used to represent moments of high emotion and tension. Consider the sound of the drums in the night in Chapter 13 (go-di-di-go-go-di-go); the call repeated several times to unite a gathering followed by its group response, first described in Chapter 2 (Umuofia kwenu. . .Yaa!); the agonized call of theShow MoreRelatedThings Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe1415 Words   |  6 Pagesbook Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe does just that. This book should be taught in schools because it shows the values and traditions of Achebe’s Igbo culture, persistently teaches life lessons throughout the book, and shows the darker reality of European colonialism in Africa. Chinua Achebe is known as one of the most influential and famous authors to ever write. Chinua Achebe originates from an Igbo background and he expresses that through his writings very well including Things Fall ApartRead MoreThings Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe1324 Words   |  6 Pages Chinua Achebe chose to write his novels in English to reveal a deep response of his people to colonisation and to make that response understood to people all over the world. Things Fall Apart was written in English to teach people worldwide of the struggles he faced and the people of Nigeria faced growing up. Many authors and critics have written about Achebe’s ‘Things fall apart’ adding their valued opinion on what he was trying to say and his decision to write in English. In the followingRead MoreThings Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe Essay1203 Words   |  5 Pages who took their land for monetary gain. This was a dark period of time for Africans that live there. The U.S. Civil War and The Great Depression both can be related, in this instance, to how down their people were because of what happened. Chinua Achebe said it best, â€Å"I would be quite satisfied if my novels...did no more than teach my readers of their past...was not a long night of savagery from which the first European acting on God’s behalf delivered them†(qtd. in â€Å"Morning Yet† 45). In theRead MoreThings Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe1452 Words   |  6 Pagesassume control over the Roman Empire. However, imperialism in Africa remained a recorded element from 1750 to 1945. This paper visits how control and changes were influences over the Africans during this time period as seen through Chinua Achebe’s novel Things Fall Apart. (UKEssays, 2015) Europe was experiencing a few financial and political changes that forced the major European forces to investigate abroad regions to add to their resources during the seventeenth century. In order for the EuropeanRead MoreThings Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe2361 Words   |  10 PagesThings Fall Apart Book Critique Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a historical fiction novel describing the life of Okonkwo in a Nigerian village succumbing to European ways, in order to portray Achebe’s view on imperialism. It was chosen for us to read by our teacher because it describes imperialism and its effects in an Ibo village of Nigeria. It also shows the treatment of natives by the Europeans and how the natives reacted. Things Fall Apart is useful to our course of studies because itRead MoreThings Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe1265 Words   |  6 PagesThings Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is markedly relevant to our current course of studies in World History, as it tells a story based on European Imperialism in Africa. Coming off the heels of our Imperialism unit, this post-colonial novel provides very helpful context on different civilizations’ perspectives throughout the Age of Imperialism; aside from analyzing death tolls, descriptions of conflicts, and names of countries, it was previousl y hard to envision what life was actually like during thatRead MoreThings Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe 735 Words   |  3 PagesThings fall apart. Achebe. Ernest Gaines once said, â€Å"I write to try to find out who I am. One of my main themes is manliness. I think Im trying to figure out what manliness really is.† Indeed, every society or culture has its own understanding of an ideal man. Even though these characteristics are different in various parts of the world, the significance of masculinity can never be overestimated. â€Å"Things Fall Apart† by Chinua Achebe is considered as one of the best examples of a riseRead MoreThings Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe692 Words   |  3 Pagesthe way to go. Through commercial trading Islam spread into Igboland, and this led to more Igbo people leaving the Igbo way of life for another, whether it be Islam or Christianity which divide the country in two. In the novel Things Fall Apart written by Chinua Achebe British colonialism and the migration of Muslims to Nigeria led to the change in the faith, social and economic changes in the Igbo society. Traditional Igbo faith believes that there is only one creator or god known as ChinekeRead MoreThings Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe897 Words   |  4 PagesIn the novel, â€Å"Things Fall Apart† by Chinua Achebe the Igbo tradition revolves around structured gender role. Everything essential of Igbo life is based on their gender, which throughout the novel it shows the role of women and the position they hold, from their role in the family household, also planting women crops, to bearing children. Although the women were claimed to be weaker and seemed to be treated as objects, in the Igbo culture the women still provided qualities that make them worthyRead MoreThings Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe Essay1851 Words   |  8 Pageschoice and styles are critical not only to the reader’s understanding of the text but to his appreciation as well. How language is effectively manipulated in their writings enhances the reader’s valuing of the works. The selected novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a representation of Igbo culture and their language. It explores the life of an Igbo tribe at the time of when colonization hit Africa. It could be considered as a post-colonial text, as the protagonist of the story and the other

Employment and Performance free essay sample

When allocating work, what things should be taken into consideration? When Allocating work you need to implement a clear and precise goal that is achievable within the given time. The availability, knowledge and skills of the staff need to be considered before assigning them to a particular role to ensure the best outcomes. Why are performance management systems necessary and how do you think performance appraisals contribute to performance and productivity in an organisation? Performance management systems help direct employees toward organisational goals by letting employees know what is expected of them and how it will be achieved. When an employee has been given the performance management system, they should know clearly what is expected of them and know what they will be assessed on. It is also a good opportunity for employers to praise employees on the areas that they have excelled in and also to identify areas that need further improvement. We will write a custom essay sample on Employment and Performance or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 3. What steps might be taken if it is necessary to follow-up performance appraisals? Some steps that need to be followed when evaluating performance appraisals are: †¢Set performance goals with each employee. †¢Set developmental goals with each employee. †¢Shift focus from their past performance to their future performance. †¢Working directly with the employees. †¢Provide the employees with formal and informal coaching, guidance, feedback and direction. Assessment Activity 11 Explain what coaching and mentoring are, making certain that the differences between the two processes are clearly explained. Mentoring is relationship orientated which provides a safe environment where the mentored shares whatever issues affect his or her professional and personal success. Mentoring is always long term because it requires time in which both partners can learn about one another and build trust. Coaching is more tasks specific. The focus is on concrete issues, such as managing more effectively and improving technical and practical skills. Also a coach can successfully be involved with the coached for a short period of time, maybe even just a few sessions. The coaching lasts for as long as is needed. Assessment Activity 12 Why is necessary to document and record performance? Documenting employee performance sends the message to an organisations workers that their work is observed and acknowledged. As employees realise their work is acknowledged their level of engagement in their job increases. This causes productivity to increase. Also when managers meet with employees to discuss their performance reviews, employees can ask their managers questions about comments they gave regarding their performance. They can also discuss personal items such as work and life balance issues that impact their performance and work with their managers to arrive at solutions to the challenges. Assessment Activity 8 1. Why is it necessary that performance monitoring and evaluation be continuous process? To ensure employee improvement, productivity, satisfaction and to make it into an effective communication tool that enables feedback from employees to management as well as from management to employees. 2. Why should both managers and employees receive suitable training in how to handle performance review/appraisal interviews? Managers and employees both need training so they understand how the system works, how they can and should contribute, what the results of an appraisal should be and how the appraisal process fits with the organisations procedures and expectations for future performance. 3. How and how often do you think performance appraisals should be held and why do you think this? I think performance appraisals should be held two times a year to discuss performance, counselling and developing employees, discussing compensation, job status, or disciplinary decisions. In what ways can you recognise the contribution of your work group members and why should you do this? Some ways you can recognise contribution of your work group members are: †¢Public recognition for their contributions. †¢A thank you for doing the job. †¢An email note. †¢Time off. †¢Getting the group together to do a fun activity that’s not work related. With rewarding the team, they will likely work much harder if they feel that what theyre doing really makes a difference, and that their efforts are noticed by those with power. What is feedback and why is it important that managers and supervisors provide informal feedback to staff on a regular basis? Feedback: Information about reactions to a product, a persons performance of a task, etc. which is used as a basis for improvement. It’s important that managers provide informal feedback to employees on a regular basis to ensure they fully understand if they are meeting the required goals and also to encourage improvement and acknowledging a job well done in a causal and non-formal way.

The Little Shop of Horrors Essays - English-language Films

The Little Shop of Horrors Seymour is the main character all of the versions of Little Shop of Horrors. He was the owner of Audrey II. Seymour has had a long time crush on Audrey, wanting to marry her ever since he was a child. But he could never voice his opinions due to his shyness and the fact that she had a boyfriend. He is played by Rick Moranis. 1986 Film Edit At Mushnik's Flower Shop, Seymour is a floor sweeper and puts the flower pots in range. He doesn't get paid Seymour and Audrey II because of how clumsy he is, and because he is constantly being treated horribly by Mr. Mushnik. The movie starts off with him already owning Audrey II. He brought the plant from aChinese flower shopowner, who gives him many exotic and strange plants. Seymour did not know but during some sort of eclipse, the plant is striked giving itself life in a form that develops into a human like creature that is carnivorous (eats meat). But he had no idea how to take care of it, as he sings in "Grow For Me". However, when accidentally cutting himself, he noticed the plants immediate response to the blood. He reluctantly squeezes some blood into the plant's mouth which results in Audrey II growing larger. Because of his plant, the flower shop gains more business and Mr. Mushnik treats Seymour a tad nicer. Soon, after meeting the sadistic Orin Scrivello, D.D.S, Seymour sees the cruel dentist abuse Audrey for pathetic reasons (falling off of the motorcycle, not calling him by his full professional title). At first, he doesn't act on it but is persuaded by Audrey II to kill him. The next day, he goes to his office, pretending that he wants a mere checkup. Orin, who gets off on the pain he inflicts, decides to make the situation more enjoyable by wearing a mask that emits nitrous oxide. Hysterical and deluded, Orin accidentally breaks the valve on his mask, releasing even more N2O into his lungs. Seymour takes advantage of the situation by confronting him with a gun, the entire event Orin isn't even taking seriously. Orin soon collapses in laughter, and in his final moments Seymour reminds him of his abuses towards Audrey. Seymour conceals his body in a bag, drags him back to the shop, and forces himself to chop up the body to feed to the ever-growing Audrey II. Unfortunately for Seymour, Mr. Mushnik was making an early trip to his shop that morning - where he witnessed the whole thing. Upon hearing about the disappearance of her boyfriend, Audrey grieves in guilt, but eventually admits to Seymour that she isn't sad. In fact, she's quite relieved. Seymour's feelings are mutual and he is happy that Audrey no longer needs to suffer, to which they reveal their inner feelings towards each other in the song "Suddenly Seymour". Upon returning to the shop, he runs into Mr. Mushnik who threatens to blackmail Seymour in exchange for Audrey II and leave Skid Row for about 50 years, or else be turned in to the police. Unbeknownst to Mushnik, Audrey II signals Seymour to lure Mr. Mushnik into her deathly trap, and swallows him whole. After that rather large meal, Audrey II grew to an impressive size, but still craved blood. Not being able to handle the pressures with the press and the plant, Seymour and Audrey plan to run away together and escape Skid Row. Audrey II hears of this, and lures Audrey into the shop, attempting to eat her. Seymour then saves Audrey and realizes he made a mistake giving Audrey II his blood in the first place. Later, Seymour and Audrey get rid of the moster plant that is actually a "Mean Green Momma From Outer Space" and live happily ever after and get married.