Symbols and Motifs in Literature

Symbols and Motifs in Literature When you read a book, you might notice recurring themes within the text, which usually influence the storyline and provide clues into the plot or conflict occurring. In order to build and explain the theme, the author will use symbols and motifs. Many readers fully understand what a symbol is, but not everyone is as familiar with motifs. While they are similar and both serve to help us understand the material at hand, these two types of language arent the same. Both are crucial parts of creating a strong storyline that will draw in the reader and hold his attention. What is a symbol? A symbol is an object that represents something else, and in fact, are a part of your daily life, not just a piece of literature. You may not realize it, but you  encounter millions of symbols in your everyday life, such as: Traffic lights: Red light means stop, green means go, and yellow means cautionThe arrow means this wayA cross represents religion, or more specifically, ChristianityLight bulb means new ideaNumerals 1 and 0, put together, mean tenA heart means loveLogos represent brands, like the Nike swoosh or Macs AppleEven our names are symbols that represent us as individual humans Symbols can hold unexpected meaning, but upon further investigation, can make a lot of sense. For example, if you read a scene that involves a skunk lurking in the background, you might wonder what that animal could signify. But, if  theres something that foul in the works of your story, like a breakup or a bit of bad luck, the skunk begins to bring up imagery of something that is less than pleasant to experience. Thus, the symbolism.   To better understand symbolism, you might  ask yourself to consider what a variety of everyday objects might stand for if they were used in a piece of literation. For example, think about emotions or thoughts that come to mind when you see the following: Flowers (represent nature, birth, growth, femininity, beauty)Lightening bolt  (represents speed, strength, power, electricity)  Spider web (represents entanglement, entrapment, mystery) What is a motif? While a symbol might occur once in literature to signify an idea or an emotion, a motif can be an element or idea that repeats throughout that piece of literature. It is closely related to a theme but is more of a supporting role to the theme than a theme itself. It is within the pattern of repetition that the power and impact of a motif are found. A motif could, in fact, be expressed by a collection of related symbols. How do symbols and motifs work together? Since multiple symbols can be used to explain a motif, lets break down a few examples. Lets say we have a story about a family struggling to stay together, parents considering divorce. We might encounter a motif of fragmentation that could come from several symbols that appear in a book: Shattered glassA runaway (pet, teen, car)An explosionA scattered puzzle Sometimes a motif can also be a study on contrast, like the theme of good versus evil, or light and dark. A series of symbols that could represent this motif might be: Moon shadows (shades of darkness)A candle (a light in the darkness)Storm clouds (temporary darkness)A ray of sunshine (emerging from darkness)A tunnel (through the darkness) The symbols and motifs you discover in your reading will lead to the understanding of an overall theme of your book. To find the theme of a book, you should look for an overall message or lesson. If you do encounter the motif of light and dark in a book, you should think about a message that the author is trying to send about life. The light and dark of a story might tell us: Love survives deathLife renews itselfKnowledge conquers fear Tip: if you see a series of symbols or a collection of motifs, but you cant come up with a theme, try inserting a verb to describe the object.  If you see a lot of references to fire, for example, you can ask yourself what action we might associate with fire. Fire burnsFire destroysFire warms Consider which of these behaviors make sense in the context of the novel or story you are reading.

Demonstrate the differences and errors of the intelligence analysis Research Paper

Demonstrate the differences and errors of the intelligence analysis product between Pearl Harbor vs. Iraq War based on the cognitive biases and perceptions of the Intelligence analysts - Research Paper Example Because this was the assumption, all of the evidence supporting this assumption was used to fit the prevailing wisdom. In both cases, very powerful psychological biases were at work – confirmation bias, and the closely related phenomenon, tunnel vision and mind-set. Simply put, evidence that supports a bias is used, evidence not supporting it is ignored or discarded. There is ample evidence that this was the case in both Iraq and Pearl Harbor. This paper will explain the different biases, and show how both Pearl Harbor and Iraq fit these biases perfectly. There are a number of reasons why, all of them human, that intelligence analysts may have a hard time properly interpreting data. All of the reasons are focused upon data immersion. (Heuer, 1999, pp. 40-41). When information comes into the intelligence analyst, this information comes in as discrete pieces of data. This data must be put into some kind of meaningful context, so the data must be sorted, selected and organized so that it becomes something that is meaningful to the analyst. However, the data can be sorted and analyzed in a way that would already confirm an inherent bias, or so that it confirms a notion that has already been preconceived. There are great many biases that humans might have, and the intelligence is used to support these biases. The following are some of the biases that might occur. For instance, humans might submit to what is known as a confirmation bias. This means that the facts that are coming in are interpreted in such a way that they confirm existing beliefs. At the same time, the information that is coming in that refutes these existing beliefs is discounted (Ask and Granhag, 2005, p. 45). This may also be known as â€Å"tunnel vision.† In tunnel vision, just like with the confirmation bias, the intelligence analyst focuses upon a theory – that there are weapons of

Casuals by Steve Madden - summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Casuals by Steve Madden - summary - Essay Example This is one of the reasons as to why casuals came into the market. They ensure that the heel is folded into a flat when it is not needed (Simmons 1). SWOT Analysis The product has concentrated on several factors that have ensured it has actively and wholly penetrated the market. It has paid heed to its strengths in the fashion industry. The strengths include focus oriented approach for the customers, community and their employees. In relation to their employees, the company has ensured that they have the space to conduct their activities in the company. This ensures that they come with new strategies for the company, ensuring maximized profits (Simmons 1). They give back to the community as part of their corporate social responsibility and this augurs well with the community that surrounds them. As for their clients, they have created this classic yet comfortable lifestyle that many ladies have craved for in the fashion industry. The aspect of versatility and convenience is an added advantage as the shoe can be used for any occasion. This has led to the fact that many clients are aware of the shoes existence and they love it. One of the major weaknesses noted lies on the limited style ranges of the shoe. This is because of the limited capacity to incorporate different shoe ranges into the specific design in question. Another weakness is pegged on the fact that issues of access are limited to retail and online stores. This reduces the stores general revenue collected. The opportunities for the product lie in the broad market segment that is targeted by the product. The population of women who are looking for elegant style and comfort provide a wide array of potential consumers. The fact that the convertible shoe is new in the fashion industry creates the platform that many consumers will want to sample the new product in the fashion line. The innovation is threatened by competitors from other shoe companies. The companies are either adopting the same strategy or incorporating certain aspects and features that are giving the company a run for its money. The fashion industry is a very unpredictable industry (Kotler 12). The issue of economic and fashion trends are constantly hampering the way that the company plans to meet its set goals and objectives. These are the two threats to the creative innovation of elegant but stylish shoes that have been brought into the market. Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning The product has segmented the market based on the concentrated marketing strategy. This is the strategy that ensures that each and every aspect of the market is segmented and dealt with. It has concentrated on women and their willingness to spend to access the product. This is based on demographic segmentation. The market has also segmented based on the ability to arouse the risk taking nature of many in the fashion industry. This forms the psychographic aspect of independent women who love to take risks at each and every point. The b enefit oriented segmentation approach is based on the women who know the benefits of wearing a heel at the right time and getting comfortable when they need to. This is without the excess baggage of carrying an additional pair of shoes. This segmentation works hand in hand with the geo demographic segmentation. This is the specific one that targets the specific women who are in the profile areas. They include the women in

Culture of multilingual students

Culture of multilingual students Annotated Bibliography Sowden, C. (2005). Point and counterpoint. Plagiarism and the culture of multilingual students in higher education abroad. ELT Journal, Volume 59/3 July 2005. doi : 10. 1093/elt/ccio42. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Sowdens research investigates multilingual students possessing different cultural values considering plagiarism in academic writing. In the introduction, the importance of avoiding stereotyping and respecting foreign traditions are mentioned as a main criteria. Instead of plagiarism already discouraged by practising oral presentations, students familiarity with concepts should be improved. After considering the fact of multilingual students commiting plagiarism, aclear distinction between the plagiarism of ideas and the plagarism of language is made in the research. Examining the plagiarism of ideas, the research shows that the Asian teaching system called Confucian teaching depends on statements cited just once. Furthermore, students are required to reproduce papers and copy teachers as well as not having own opinion. Finally, the research explains that committing plagiarism is part of the learning method, and valid intertextuality from deliberate copying can be distinguished. Rà ©ka Lelkes Gergely J. Tamà ¡si BBN-ANG-108/s Annotated Bibliography March 5, 2010 Liu, D. (2005). Plagiarism in ESOL students : is cultural conditioning truly the major culprit? ELT Journal, Volume 59/3 July 2005. doi : 10. 1093/elt/ccio43. Oxford : Oxford University Press. Lius article, after claiming that plagiarism was considered mainly aculture-specific concept in the past decade, does not agree with Sowden that the issue of multilingual students commiting plagiarism should be dealt in moderation. Lius research investigates that information about ESOL students found plagiarizing is dubious and inaccurate. He agrees with Sowden that cultural differences and the arreas of learning can not be distinguished. On the contrary, he mentions stereotyping as anegative phenomenon used by teachers for student behaviour. He also mentions the encouraging athmosphere of Chinese education where students are not allowed to plagiarize. This article states that while memorizing the writings, students in China gain knowledge about writing techniques and rethorical styles as well. In conclusion, he adds that the aim of teachers is to provide the highest level of teaching language and academic writing for students. Rà ©ka Lelkes Gergely J. Tamà ¡si BBN-ANG-108/s Thesis Statement March 5, 2010 Thesis Statement Although many people may not have enough leisure time, Ibelieve that reading books instead of watching their movie adaptation is definitely better for three reasons. Rà ©ka Lelkes Gergely J. Tamà ¡si BBN-ANG-108/s Annotated Bibliography March 5, 2010 Ridgway, T. (2000) Listening Strategies I beg your pardon? ELT Journal, Volume 54/2 April. Oxford : Oxford University Press. The article of Ridgway investigates the relationship between oral and written communication. He claims that skills and strategies can be distinguished as two important groups, and the meaning of strategies spreading from language is not clear. Other problem in case of strategies is deciding how useful strategies are in pedagogic practise.

Hamlet Virtue vs. Villainy Essays -- Shakespeare Hamlet

Hamlet Virtue vs. Villainy   Ã‚   The legendary drama, Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare is a play illustrating the theme of virtue vs. villainy. The 17th century tragedy is plagued with treachery and deceit as it opens with the news of a foul murder in the kingdom of Denmark. Prince Hamlet, by word of his late father's ghost, is informed that his uncle Claudius is to blame for his father's sudden demise. Prince Hamlet's mission is to uncover the secrets surrounding the murder and to avenge his father's death. Thus, the insidious web of disease and corruption is formed. The relationship between disease leading to the greater corruption of Denmark plays a significant role in the lives of the principle players.    The literary piece, Hamlet, is riddled with an abundance of seemingly diseased attitudes, perceptions, schemes, and acts. Disease is an impairment that interferes with normal bodily function. However, as demonstrated throughout the play, disease takes on many forms, not only in a physical sense, but in a mental sense also. The young Prince Hamlet conveys his secret thoughts of helplessness and suicide. "To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing end them" (Act III, i, Lines 64-68). He contemplates whether it will be deemed nobler to intentionally take one's life than to face the struggles he is forced to endure. The prince is torn between his diseased mentality that drives him to express his thoughts of suicide and the promise of more corruption by avenging his father's death.   Before her suspected suicide, Ophelia gives evide nce of her mental d... ... are obviously diseased; for it is neither commonplace, nor sane to kill other people. Corruption evolves from disease.    In the renowned drama, Hamlet, the association of disease leading to greater corruption is prominent and plays a key role in the lives of the principle players.    The reader is afforded a glimpse into the tragic lives of the characters that openly deceive and betray those considered most dear to them. The murder of King Hamlet sets the stage for the disastrous ruin of the kingdom, along with the lives of those living in it. The tragic lives of the characters, whose diseased method of thought clearly illustrate the fact that disease leads to eventual corruption.    Work Cited Shakespeare, William. The New Cambridge Shakespeare: Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Ed. Philip Edwards. Cambridge: Cambridge U P, 1985.   

Friendship †The Sunshine of Life Essay

Friendship is more than just being friends. True friend is the one who knows everything about you and is there when you need him/her. Everyone should have such person. I have found mine. Our friendship has not been long, we have known each other a little more that a year, but we quickly found a common language and by now there has formed a strong bond between us. Maybe this is because of the fact that we have spent practically every day together. We are really inseparable. I like about my friend that whenever I have had a problem or hard times I can always turn to him and share my problems. What is more, it seems he has answers to everything though sometimes they cannot be taken seriously that bristles me up in a while. After that, I am often surprised, how my friend still tolerates me, but then I realise that is because we are used to each other. Even If I annoy him, and he annoys me and we feel that the other is intolerably nerve-wracking, we have so many cherished memories that we cannot just interdict our friendship. Finally, each friendship, and not only friendship, all relationships have high and low tide periods, so has our friendship, but despite the conflicts and quarrels, we stick together through thick and thin. To sum up, true friend is necessary like water and air and we have to hold tight not to loose them, because it is hard to survive without their support. My friend is indispensable for me and I am delighted to have such a great person in my life.

The Cumberland University s History And Its New...

The Cumberland University’s history and its new partnership initiatives led me to apply for the position of President. The position of President is an outstanding opportunity. This position would allow me to share my 20 years of higher education experience successfully leading and working collaboratively with the community, institutional leadership, faculty and staff. The position of President would also allow me to contribute in a significant way to advance the institution’s mission. The Cumberland University community is in the process of identifying a new President that can build on its historical background and move the institution forward. I believe that my professional experiences and academic background would make me a promising candidate for this position. For over 20 years, I have accepted higher education administrative opportunities that would allow me to advance to the position of President. I would like to share some of my experiences successfully leading organizational strategic planning processes. My leadership of those strategic processes led to the implementation of processes that moved the organization in the direction that was appropriate for a changing economic environment. My ability to think strategically and develop collaborative relationships contributed greatly to my ability to successfully implement new organizational initiatives as well. If you consider my current position as the Academic Dean, I must think strategically to implement newShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Siamese Twins Joined At The Fists : Collaboration Of Public Administration And Politics2978 Words   |  12 PagesSiamese Twins Joined at the Fists: Collaboration of Public Administration and Politics David Rapp MPA5001 South University Abstract Collaboration is essential in order to create a working and lasting relationship between politics and Public Administration. This is not only true for the public sector but is possible in the private sector as well. When thinking about the bureaucracy that constantly separates the two, perhaps it is possible to bypass the bureaucracy altogether and simply put ideasRead MoreBp 7s Analysis10010 Words   |  41 Pageson the  London Stock Exchange  and is a constituent of the  FTSE 100 Index. It had a  market capitalisation  of  £81.4  billion as of 6 July 2012, the fourth-largest of any company listed on the London Stock Exchange.[11]  It has a secondary listing on the  New York Stock Exchange. BPs origins date back to the founding of the  Anglo-Persian Oil Company  in 1909, established as a subsidiary of  Burmah Oil Companyto exploit oil discoveries in Iran. In 1935, it became the  Anglo-Iranian Oil Company  and in 1954  BritishRead MoreBp 7s Analysis10000 Words   |  40 Pageson the  London Stock Exchange  and is a constituent of the  FTSE 100 Index. It had a  market capitalisation  of  £81.4  billion as of 6 July 2012, the fourth-largest of any company listed on the London Stock Exchange.[11]  It has a secondary listing on the  New York Stock Exchange. BPs origins date back to the founding of the  Anglo-Persian Oil Company  in 1909, established as a subsidiary of  Burmah Oil Companyto exploit oil discoveries in Iran. In 1935, it became the  Anglo-Iranian Oil Company  and in 1954  British