Summary, Plot, Moral Values, Themes the Call of the Wild Essay Example for Free

Summary, Plot, Moral Values, Themes the Call of the Wild Essay Summary: Buck, the lead character, is a much loved and pampered dog living a comfortable life on a ranch under the loving care of his owner, a wealthy judge who makes his pet want for nothing. Then one day, Bucks life takes a dramatic turn when hes sold off by an unscrupulous servant to pay a debt. He travels in a cage for the first time and is sold in Alaska, where dog-sleds are the primary mode of transportation. Buck has to quickly adapt to his new life as a sled dog and learn how to survive in a dog-eat-dog world where the competition is tough and often deadly. The basic comforts he had hitherto taken for granted, namely abundant food and warm shelter, are replaced by the bare necessities for survival which have to be fought for tooth and claw. Buck learns quickly, his physique and natural intelligence standing him in good stead, all the while improving as a sled dog and ultimately deposing the pack leader, his arch enemy: Spitz. His life changes sharply yet again, as he is sold off to Hal and his wife, people who know nothing about sledding or caring for animals till at last he is rescued by a kind and loving man, his last master: John Thornton. At last Buck finds a master who loves him besides caring for or pampering him. However this happiness is not built to last, his master is murdered by the vicious Yee-Hats, a tribe of brutal savages. In the midst of his anguish, Buck has to find his true self, he has to listen to the Call of the Wild and to answer it to go leaping towards his destiny Get this e-book now at a very low price. Summer Promotion at eBooks.com! Take $15 off on $100 or more purchase. Use code: SUMMEREBOOKScp. Valid until Sep 22, 2012 Social/Historical context: The book was published in 1903, the time of the gold rushes and adventures in vast, unexplored tracts of land. A time before the full use of machinery and sophisticated technology, when often, dog sleds and carts were the only means of communication in the wilderness. Londons masterpiece, as it is often hailed to be, explores the heart of those yet-primitive societies on the edges of civilization, through the minds of their beasts. Writing Style: The book is written as a third-person narrative, continually following the central character and from the point of view of the central character. The language is extremely simple and lucid, and combined with a gripping plot, the book is easy to follow and hence suited for younger as well as seasoned readers. London has explored society from a dogs perspective. However the deeper, darker messages of unbound greed, ambition and ultimately the necessity of adaptability to change are easy to spot. There is an innocence in the way the author has attempted to capture the scene from a dogs point of view, this adds to the simple charm of the book. My Thoughts: One of my early classics, I read this for the first time when I was 9 and I loved it because I loved animals as all children of that age do. Now, when I reminisce about it I relate, with an adult mind, to the other themes in the book. I cannot help but wonder at the complexity of the layers, so deep yet so simply structured. A timeless tale for all and sundry.

Music Piracy Essay examples -- mp3 music

Music Piracy: From the Pirates Perspective I don't wear a black patch over my eye. I don't have any missing limbs, replaced by a hook or a wooden leg that clicks when I walk. I have never owned a parrot; I don't have a cool name like Black Beard or Calico Jack; I don't even have a big, black hat. Though I lack all the defining characteristics, I am a pirate. My ship is a laptop computer and my booty is not measured by dollars and cents, but by precious kilobytes. With the aide of my spy glass, the KaZaa Media Desktop, I discern my next target. Wielding my trusty mouse, I make a few clicks, issue commands, board ship, and hijack the music recording industry, claiming yet another copyrighted song as my own. My zealous desire for music began in the early nineties. I got a little CD player when I was ten, but I didn't realize its true potential until a year later, in '92, when I purchased Nirvana’s Nevermind. Even though I was too young to understand lyrics like, â€Å"travel through a tube and end up in your infection,† I was forever changed by the power chords and distortion. Enlightened, I embarked on a journey to claim more of this newfound music for myself. Scratching together loose change, along with my meager allowance, I sought out CDs by Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Stone Temple Pilots, giving up everything I saved for these musical gems. As I grew older, my CD collection expanded along with my musical taste. My CD cases grew in capacity, from 12, to 36, to 75, finally reaching 200. By the time I graduated high school, I had amassed well over 300 CDs, ranging from classic rock to bluegrass to rap. At an average price of $15 apiece, that is over $4,500; more money than I spent on my last car. This collection devoured a majo... ...be forced to pay for the 13 other unlistenable tracks? Some bands are acknowledging this problem by making their songs available on their websites and releasing enhanced CDs with video clips and interactive elements. The recording industry is finally lowering CD prices after years of declining sales, but they are not addressing new technology. By providing legal means of music downloading, the industry could profit from website advertising and from the exposure their artists would receive; not to mention the money they would save in production costs. But they can't expect to attract consumers while they are suing their target audience. The recording industry needs to rethink its methods and many artists need to reconsider their attitudes concerning their music and their fans. Until then, like many others, I will continue to sail the wide open seas of music piracy.

How does Priestley express ideas about Eric Birling in ‘An Inspector Calls’ Essay

Eric’s Drinking One explanation for Eric’s drinking perhaps is the hypocrisy of his family, and Eric feels he has to join in with the male dominated culture in society. For example when Gerald suggests he is going to be careful Eric expresses his amusement; â€Å"Eric suddenly guffaws. His parents look at him† this is the strongest suggestion yet that Eric is aware of Gerald’s affair, if not the exact specifics. When asked by Sheila what was causing his amusement Eric replies; â€Å"I don’t know – really. Suddenly I felt I just had to laugh† this shows how Eric defends the male and shows how Eric has to defend the male power not the female power. This could suggest that the hypocrisy of Gerald who is highly esteemed by his family had led to Eric’s frustration and led him on a path to alcoholism. Eva’s Sacking + Capitalism Eric clearly shows much more sympathy to Priestley’s views than that of his father. Discussing Eva Smith’s death, Eric suggests; â€Å"Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices? †¦ you said yourself she was a good worker† this shows how Eric is questioning not only the decision making of his father but also Mr. Birling’s view on society. Mr. Birling is a keen advocate of everybody â€Å"looking after himself† but when a lower class workers attempts to improve their life changes Mr. Birling is contradictory and fires Eva. Showing how Eric’s rhetorical question of â€Å"Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?† shows how Eric is almost representing Priestley’s views of the selfish, aggressive form of capitalism, which Mr. Birling represents. Affair When Eric’s affair comes to light, his choice of language leaves ambiguity to the reader about the nature of Eric’s affair. Did Eric force himself upon Eva? Or was Eric showing sympathy and attention to an innocent girl? Eric states to the inspector; â€Å"She wasn’t the usual sort. But – well, I suppose she didn’t know what to do† by suggesting she wasn’t â€Å"the usual sort† suggests that it is Eva innocence and desperation that causes Eric to be attracted to Eva, this could lead us to have sympathy for Eric. As if here were to see Eva not purely as a prostitute but also as somebody who can change and reform shows a more sympathetic side to Eric; that everyone can change. However the ambiguity comes from the statement â€Å"well, I suppose she didn’t know what to do† this sounds strongly like rape from Eric. That he has clearly forced himself upon her with Eva not knowing how to react. Again highlighted in the following remark â€Å"Yes, I insisted – it seems† again suggesting how Eric was the one dominating the situation. Although Eric’s guilt is evident when he tries to express doubt on his wrongdoing with the quote â€Å"it seems† showing how Eric is not comfortable with the sin he has committed. If this were to be the case it paints a much darker picture of Eric; suggesting he had no genuine car for Eva, but was only interested in the need to fulfill his sexual desire. Sexism/Prostitution Eric’s relationship with Eva continues to lack any real substance and highlights Priestley’s thoughts that woman have little choice about their choices in order to survive. As Eric continues to describe his relationship with Eva he describes â€Å"And this time we talked a bit† for a couple to only â€Å"talked a bit† is hardly a romantic statement, and suggests that Eric pretty much had sex with Eva straight away. The fact that Eric also couldn’t â€Å"remember her name or where she lived† shows how from Eva’s point of view Eric was someone who was abusive with her, and didn’t seem to look after her. The only reason for Eva to continue to associate with Eric would be because of the extreme poverty she faces; and showing how despite the abysmal way she is treated she has no choice but to accept the dominance of men. Learning His Lesson After the Inspector has left, Priestley does give the reader an opportunity to take a more optimistic view about what Eric’s future may hold. After his mother has condemned Eric outraging; â€Å"I’m absolutely ashamed of you† Eric’s reply shows a sign of maturity and of a genuine capacity to change responding, â€Å"Well, I don’t blame you. But don’t forget I am ashamed of you as well – yes both of you† the fact that Eric is now admitting shame on himself could suggest he is now in the frame of mindset to change his ideals and values. The way Eric also condones his parents also sounds remarkably mature saying â€Å"But don’t forget I am ashamed of you as well† this shows how Eric is condemning his parents in a very authoritative way, and turning the tables on his parents using mature demeanour. Eric continues to ridicule his parents, particularly expressing doubts over his father’s viewpoints. In one of his final lines Eric remarks; â€Å"You told us a man had to make his own way†¦and then one of those cranks walked in – The Inspector (laughs bitterly.) I didn’t notice you told him it’s every man for himself† the way that Eric uses repetition of his fathers notion about â€Å"every man for himself† shows how Eric ridicules Mr Birling’s views on Priestley’s behalf to show how many of the beneficiaries of capitalism believe in that principal; except those who need to be looked after the most. The message from Priestley that no matter how flawed or wealthy the character everybody has the ability to change.

Influences That Affect Child and Young Peoples Development...

INFLUENCES THAT AFFECT CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLES DEVELOPMENT Children will come from a diverse range of backgrounds including family environments cultures and circumstances. A child is at school from a very young age to late teens and during this time many families will go through significant changes. Sometimes however schools may not always be aware of these changes. Any one of these happenings may affect their emotional and or intellectual development, this in turn can affect their behaviour in school and therefore their ability to learn. Sometimes it can also affect their physical development, for example some children may development a speech impediment such as a stutter. BACKGROUND/FAMILY ENVIRONMENT Cultural differences†¦show more content†¦Growth is extremely important to the development process. Growth is responsible for height, weight gain, development of muscles and structures within the brain. Thus having a direct impact on physical and intellectual development. Abuse Abuse in the home whether it be mental, physical or sometimes sexual can affect every aspect of a childs life and development. Sibling jealousy/rivalry There are many influences on childrens development by their family such as birth of siblings and the childs interactions with the sibling such as learning how to win, lose, love and even fight and the influences that their sibling has over them. Sometimes there may be a lot of jealousy and rivalry between them. Neglect For various reasons some children are neglected and not looked after properly. Some parents put the well being of their children low on their list of priorities. This would have a detrimental affect on all aspects of the childs life and development Mental health issues Children can find it hard coping if a family member has mental health issues. It can affect their lives and their emotional/social and intellectual development. Parents expectations Some parents have huge expectations of their children and can put a lot of strain and worry on their childrens shoulders thus causing emotional stress Sleep Sleep also plays a major function in supporting development. Sleep is vital forShow MoreRelatedEssay on Factors that Influence Development in Children1081 Words   |  5 PagesUNDERSTAND THE FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S DEVELOPMENT AND HOW THESE AFFECT PRACTICE There are various personal factors which can affect the development of children and young people. When a child is conceived, their genetics are formed. It is becoming increasingly apparent that as well as deciding, hair colour our genetics can influence addiction, depression and self-esteem issues. A baby’s development can also be affected during pregnancy. A mother’s lifestyle can alsoRead MoreExplain how children and young people’s development is influenced by a range of personal factors967 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿Core 3.1 2.1. Explain how children and young people’s development is influenced by a range of personal factors 2.2. Explain how children and young people’s development is influenced by a range of external factors 3.2. Explain the reasons why children’s development might not follow the expected pattern Factors that influence development. Core 3.1 2.1 Children’s development is influenced by a variety of different personal factors. Such factors can include Cerebral palsy, downs syndrome, dyslexiaRead MoreExplain the Reasons Why Children and Young Peoples Development May Not Follow the Expected Pattern1058 Words   |  5 PagesExplain the reasons why children and young peoples development may not follow the expected pattern Q: Explain the reasons why children and young people’s development may not follow the expected pattern. The child: There are many factors that influence a child/young persons development such as health issues, personal characteristics, motivation to learn, behaviour, sensory impairment, disability and learning difficulties. Even before birth a child needs to reach many milestones and howeverRead MoreChild and young person development1148 Words   |  5 PagesUnit 201 Child and Young Person Development Title Describe the main stages of a child and young person development from birth to 19 years old and the kind of influences that affect this process. Evidence Covered 1.1 Describe the expected pattern of children and young peoples development from birth to 19 years, to include: a) physical development b) communication and intellectual development c) social, emotional and behavioural development 1.2 Describe with examplesRead MoreDescribe with Examples the Kinds of Influences That Affect Children and Young Peoples Development Including, Background, Health, Environment1439 Words   |  6 PagesAssessment Task TDA – 2.1 Child and young person development. Task 2 links to learning outcome 2, assessment criteria 2.1 and 2.2. Describe with examples the kinds of influences that affect children and young people’s development, including: - background - heath - environment While children are influenced by many things, there are no stronger influences than that of their parents. Parents are usually their children’s first playmates, and while there world expands with each passing yearRead More2.1 Describe with Examples the Kinds of Influences That Affect Children and Young Peoples Development Including : Background, Health, Environment1165 Words   |  5 Pageskinds of influences that affect children and young people’s development. Background; There are many factors that can influence a child and young person’s development, particularly in relation to their background. The formative years can be termed as crucial in regards to development and any major setback can create many problems for the future. Parents that are going through a marriage breakdown, divorce and separation can be stressful for all involved particularly the children/young personRead MoreResearch Task: Give examples, of the kinds of influences that affect children and young persons’ development including: (a) Personal factors (health), (b) External factors (environment)1121 Words   |  5 Pagesexamples, of the kinds of influences that affect children and young persons’ development including: (a) Personal factors (health), (2.1) (b) External factors (environment), (2.2) Answer: (a) Personal factors that influence/affect children and young person’s development (health) †¢ Disabilities such as blindness, deafness, and other physical handicaps can cause learning loss as the child therefore is physically hindered and as we know all areas of development are interlinked, so the othersRead MoreDoes the Environment of a Child Impact Their Development?1050 Words   |  5 Pages Does the Environment of a Child Impact Their Development? There are many different aspects of environment that can affect the development of children. One major environmental impact that influences the development of a child is the neighborhood they are raised in. Within the neighborhood there are several other aspect of influence. Where a child is raised can affect their behavior, attitudes, emotions, personality, values, health, and so much more. This can be seen in their personal lives atRead MoreTda 2.1 Child and Young People Development1468 Words   |  6 PagesDescribe the expected pattern of children and young people’s development from birth to 19 years to include : a. physical development b. communication and intellectual development c. social, emotional and behavioural development | | |Communication and intellectual development |Social, emotional and behavioural development| |Age |Physical development | Read MoreEssay about SCMP1 Assessment and planning with young people1539 Words   |  7 Pagesall times ensuring all young people receive equal access, consider their culture background, learning needs and any disability. Be positive focusing on their strengths and not their weakness, and always use an holistic approach you need to look at the child as a whole. Young people and children are affected by wide variety of personal and external factors in their development and are conditioned by variants such as family environment and education establishments. As a child is developing in the