Masculinity in Great Expectations

Masculinity in Great Expectations Late Victorian Masculinities are bound up with discourses of evolution and aesthetics. Analyse this statement in relation to Charles Dickens Great expectations and Oscar Wildes The Picture ofDorian Gray This essay will try to assess the validity of the abovestatement using the texts stated, and also referring to existing criticism onthe subject. In answering the question, I shall break the statement into twosections. Firstly, I will discuss masculinity in Great Expectations inrelation to evolution, looking at Pips transition from humble beginnings to amore flamboyant existence, and how this fits in with Darwins theory ofevolution. As well as this, I will look at how masculinity is represented insome of the other characters, and lastly to what extent Pips life story cantruly be said to be an evolution. Next, I will discuss masculinityin The Picture of Dorian Gray in relation to aesthetics. This part ofthe essay will focus on how the portrayals of masculinity in the novel fit inwith the idea of Art for arts sake, promoted by followers of the aestheticmovement. In particular I will examine the identity of the eponymous hero, whoembodies much of the aesthetic ideal. There will also be a consideration of theunderlying theme of homosexuality and how some criticism has suggested that theaesthetes used such themes in order to illustrate their own ideas aboutidentity and masculinity. I will then consider to what extent aesthetics arepart of the representation of masculinity in the novel. Masculinity in Great Expectations doescertainly intertwine with the idea of evolution. Pip is in many ways thearchetypal bildungsroman, progressing from a simple domestic life in ruralKent, to London and fortune (although his ending does represent a variation onthis concept). His masculinity is developed along the way. In earlier chapters,he is governed largely by fear, as in the readers first encounter with Mrs.Joe, in which he is informed that he is in trouble. At this dismal intelligence,Ilooked disconsolately at the fire. Tickler was a wax-ended piece of cane. Contrast this with his behaviour later on in the book, after he has begun to make his way in the world Being on one occasion threatened with legal proceedingsI went so far as to seize the Avenger by his blue collar and shake him off his feet. By comparisons such as this, we can observe a correlation between the kind of personal evolution, common to the Victorian novel, undergone by Pip, and an increase in perceived masculine traits, such as dominance and physical aggression. However, underneath this, there is perhaps amore scientific form of evolution under discussion. No novel exists in avacuum, and being published in 1861, Great Expectations Darwinsgroundbreaking Origin of Species by only two years. Darwin mentions theStruggle for Existence, in which all life strives to be successful,identifies some key factors in this success. I should premise that I use theterm struggle for existence in a large and metaphorical sense, includingdependence of one being on another, and including, which is more important, notonly the life of the individual but the success in leaving progeny. Pips struggle is clearly dependent on others, for example Magwitch, his benefactor, and it is ultimately Joe who helps him in his time of need. Interestingly, however, he does not have an heir. Indeed, in the original ending, Pip notes in an unmistakably gloomy tone Estellas reaction to Little Pip, She supposed the child, I think, to be my child. In this sense, Pips evolution can be seen to be incomplete. But what does this mean with regard to masculinity? It is interesting to note that masculinity in GreatExpectations is not limited to the male characters. One example of this isMrs. Joe, who, as one critic notes, wore the pants in the household, while Joeserves as an effete and effeminate child like figure.Since Joessimple character evolves less than Pip, this might be seen as fitting in withDarwin, but, as has already been mentioned, Joe achieves the ultimate inevolution leaving progeny while Pip does not. Similarly, Mrs Havisham isgiven a somewhat masculine-tinted description her voice had dropped, so thatshe spoke low, and yet she is arguably the most static characterin the book, being unable to move beyond the trauma of her past. In the lightof this, it seems doubtful that Dickens intended a purely evolutionary picture. Although there is a link in the novel between masculinity and evolution, the two do not go entirely hand in hand. Dickens uses the bildungsroman model, but Pips development is one of acceptance of his role in life rather than the outright triumph evolutionary theory suggests. However, I do not believe that Dickens set out to critique Darwin either. The novels discussion of masculinity sometimes coincides with evolution, and sometimes does not. I think it would be fair to say that Dickens was influenced by the effect of evolution on masculinity, but his characters successes and failures do not fit in with any definite theory. In The Picture of Dorian Gray,masculinity is linked less to evolution and more to aesthetics. This is largelya result of Wildes adherence to the principles of the aesthetic movement,particularly that of Art for Arts sake. This consists of the idea, outlinedin the novels preface, that Art is an entity in itself and that its ownbeauty, and not its meaning or purpose, is what gives it the right to exist -All art is quite useless.This idea permeates the main character,Dorian Gray, in lots of ways, not least in the identity of his masculinity.This can be seen in Lord Henrys description of him in the first chapter -this young Adonis, who looks as if he was made out of ivory and rose leaves.Whyhe is a Narcissus.With its classical references and focus onphysical attributes rather than personality characteristics, this represents aquite different masculine ideal from that which the evolutionists favoured.Masculinity here is perhaps closer to the Platonic ideal, and there is noparticular empha sis on such traits as physical strength and courage, eitherphysical or moral, with which the bildungsroman might be associated. Moreover, some of the most fundamental aspectsof masculinity are challenged. Wilde was, of course, a homosexual, and thistheme is implicitly covered in The Picture of Dorian Gray. For instance,although all of the main characters have heterosexual relationships, such asDorians love for Sybil Vane, there is a suggestion of homosexuality as well.The men are certainly homosocial, and there are implications in therelationship between Lord Henry and Dorian. The former talks very dotingly tohis protÃÆ'Â ©gÃÆ'Â ©, right up to the end of the book, My dear boy, You are much toodelightful, and so forth, and perhaps more significantly, it isDorians good looks that first attract him. This affects the way masculinity isdealt with in the novel in the respect that it removes the element of trying towin the female love interest that we see in Great Expectations. DespiteDorians brief fixation with Sybil, women seem largely incidental to the livesof the principal male characters. This is arguably b ecause they are onlyrequired when they are of aesthetic value, not for their emotional input.Dorian does not ultimately let Sybils suicide interfere with thepseudo-homosexual, and more aesthetic, relationship he has with Lord Henry. Critics have suggested that thisis part of a movement in society in which Wilde and others brought forwardidentity politics, the concept that individuals can view themselves in thelight of their deviations from the norms of society, often enjoying aspects ofthemselves that some might consider abnormal or even immoral. As Audrey Jaffenotes, the contrast between beautiful and ugly images of Dorian Grayreproduces the aesthetics of contemporary identity politics, in which identitytakes shape as the difference between negative and positive culturalprojections.This is perhaps the biggest contrast with GreatExpectations. Whereas Pips manhood is seen as complete when he has learned to accept his place in the world, Dorians masculinity is defined by his unwillingness to conform. It is his aesthetic makeup that makes him a man. The implied homosexuality is part of that, since it involves breaking the taboos of society. According to Jaffe, we may catch the early strains of an identity politics whose anthem will eventually become loud enough to make itself heard even on St Patricks Day.In this respect, aesthetics are central to the novels portrayal of masculinity, although characters like James Vane do represent a more traditional viewpoint, showing such traits as confrontation, family loyalty and defence of ones honour. In conclusion, the representationof masculinity in Great Expectations does nod to a discourse onevolution. Dickens uses the bildungsroman model, and there is a genuine senseof progression, and with it, the rise of masculinity. In some respects,Darwinian theory is supported, as in Pips dependence on others in thestruggle for existence. However, his failure to sire offspring and hissomewhat humbled ending conflict with theories of evolution. As well as this,there is the consideration that masculine characteristics are often given tocharacters that do not evolve, such as Miss Havisham, while the hen-pecked Joeachieves the ultimate evolutionary success in reproducing. This would seem tolead to the conclusion that Dickens was aware of evolution, and to some extentinfluenced by it, but did not use it as the sole basis for portrayingmasculinity. By contrast, The Picture ofDorian Gray shows a direct link to the principles of the aestheticmovement. With his looks and his sensual approach to life, Dorian embodies muchof the movements ethos, and his masculinity is defined in terms of his charmand visual appeal. The undercurrent of homosexuality in the book reinforcesthis. By failing to conform to the ideals of Victorian society, Dorian isrepresentative of a form of masculinity that relates to identity politics.Rather than taking the moralistic route to manhood, he celebrates the beauty ofhis deviance. In this respect, his masculinity is entirely aesthetic, as it isdefined by his individual beauty, and the contrast between positive andnegative views of him. However, Wild does portray other, more traditional formsof masculinity, albeit marginally, in the character of James Vane. Evolution and aesthetics,therefore, do play a major part in late Victorian masculinity. Thebildungsroman is an evolutionary figure, while aesthetic portrayals of men werebeginning to come to the fore in this period. However, it is important toremember that these ideas do not govern masculinity entirely, mainly becausewriters are artists and not merely theorists. Although Wilde does adhere to aprincipal more closely than Dickens, both authors show a willingness to breakaway from theory when it is necessary for artistic purposes. References Charles Dickens, Great Expectations, Wordsworth, 2003, (Ch. 2, pg. 7) Charles Dickens, Great Expectations, Wordsworth, 2003, (Ch. 34, pg. 223) Charles Darwin, Origin of Species, 1859, (Ch 3 The Struggle for Existence) Charles Dickens, Great Expectations, Wordsworth, 2003, (original ending) Wayne Huang, Problems of autobiography and fictional biography in Great Expectations, www.victorianweb.org/authors/dickens/ge/huangcd.html (1997) Charles Dickens, Great Expectations, Wordsworth, 2003, (Ch. 8, pg. 50) Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Complete Illustrated Works of Oscar Wilde, Chancellor Press, 1991, (Preface, pg. 4) Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Complete Illustrated Works of Oscar Wilde, Chancellor Press, 1991, (Ch. 1,pg 5) Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Complete Illustrated Works of Oscar Wilde, Chancellor Press, 1991, (Ch. 19, pg. 147) Audrey Jaffe, The Aesthetics of Cultural Identity: Embodying Culture, www.victorianweb.org/authors/wilde/jaffe2.html (No date) Audrey Jaffe, Sympathy and the Embodiment of Culture in Wildes Portrait of Dorian Gray, Cornell University Press, 2000 (pg. 167)

A Fusion of Past and Present

Vacations are always a treat for everybody. For families, it means spending more than the usual time with each other, creating memories, having fun and blocking the rest of society out. It is in these rare times, when everybody is relaxed and optimistic that family members get to know the real people behind their Dads, Moms, Brothers and Sisters.Not everyone can indulge in vacations and others may see it as an irrelevant expense, instead of a necessity. We often take it for granted but it is amazing how much good a simple vacation could do to a family who is under stress, and is caught up in their everyday routines.In fact, according to several independent studies published at Stress.About.com, vacations help one become more creative, as vacations are usually a time to get to know one’s self better. These studies also suggest that people who take more vacations are less likely to experience burnouts from little everyday stresses from work, marital life, and family life which c ould ultimately lead to a better way of life and an increase in the quality of work in one’s job.According to Barbara Fiese, a professor of Psychology at Syracruse University, vacations actually make you and your children healthier because they alleviate stress that builds up every day. Fiese also suggests that the amount of money you spend on vacations is not directly proportional to the health benefits you get, and adds that the silly songs you sing in the car, or those funny accidents you experience during a trip out of town are the things that make your vacation more unique, enjoyable and ultimately a lighter, happier experience.I think vacations are to be encouraged to everyone who has growing children, because they not only make for great memories, relieve the stress brought about by everyday life, and give a chance for family members to bond; but they also give you a place to find your inner child, which is definitely one of the best stress busters one could have.

Marketing Plan for Microsoft Xbox in Gaming Console Market in India

Marketing Plan for Microsoft Xbox in Gaming Console Market in India Group 10: Ankur Chaudhary (1211326)Gaurav Parashar (1211340) Nikhil Wasnik (1211398)Shanthosh P (1211381) Saakshi Mahajan (1211378) Backdrop: The current gaming console market in India is around INR 900 crores . The most prominent players in this industry comprise of Sony (PS Series), Nintendo (Wii Series) and Microsoft (XBOX Series).The market share of Xbox in India is 23% by sales, compared to PS Series’ share of 40%-45% , which is in contrast to the global statistics where Xbox enjoys a market share of around 45%-47% compared to PS Series’ share of around 25-28%. The stark difference in the market share is a case for assessing the lag Xbox suffers, with regard to its marketing strategy in India. Project Details: In this project, we aim to study the gaming console market in India, specifically looking at current marketing of Microsoft Xbox in India and compare it with global markets (US and other deve loped markets).We will explore the performance of Xbox v/s the Sony Play station (current market leader in India) The market which we are studying is urban teenagers/young adults (age 10-25) and gaming consoles Gaming consoles in India have a market penetration of only 2% but with the increase in sales of big screen TV's and leisure wants of the urban teenager, the market is expected to grow at a fast pace in the next decade. We will explore the current marketing process of Microsoft Xbox in terms of integrated marketing mix and the customer ; partner relations.Gaming consoles belong to the hedonic category of products where rationalizing evaluation of alternatives by the shopper is important. The purchase for gaming consoles is typical approved by the parent and the user is the teenager. We aim to explore the decision pattern used individually by the parent and teenager. Some of the factors affecting consumer behavior in India are unique because of traditionally lesser spending on games, piracy in PC games and parental fear that games interfere in studies. We aim to do qualitative analysis the market, through surveys and interviews.The gaming console market has been segmented into customers using PS2 (cheaper old technology but still a step up for gaming in India), PS3 (premium cutting edge gaming) and PSP (gaming on the go primarily for the kids). We aim to study Microsoft's market segmentation, targeting and position in terms of its offerings like XBOX, XBOX 360 and Kinect. Overall we would address how Microsoft should reposition its gaming consoles in Indian markets to gain more market share and build profitable customer relationships.

English Writing Composition, Spelling, Punctuation and More

In composition, the conventions governing the technical aspects of writing, including spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and abbreviations.   Getting your main points together can be a challenge, and one solution is to put together a draft of main ideas before writing. Some writing textbooks also include issues related to usage and organization under the broad heading of mechanics. Below is a glossary and list of resources for the mechanics of writing composition for students and writers. The Danger of Overemphasizing Mechanics Teachers using a traditional, product-oriented approach tend to focus on the formal mechanical and technical aspects of writing while paying little attention to the individual writers communicative purposes. Thus with  this approach  there is a danger that, for many children, writing will become an exercise in formal mechanics divorced from personal content and intentions.Joan Brooks McLane and Gillian Dowley McNamee,  Early Literacy. Harvard University Press, 1990 Spelling To improve spelling skills, you can use a memory device known as mnemonics. This memorable phrase, acronym or pattern can come in handy for remembering something like the spelling of a word. You can also increase your reading skills,  make a list of common words you often misspell or mark words in a dictionary that seem to give you trouble repeatedly. Commonly Confused WordsCommonly Misspelled WordsPractice in Using a Dictionary to Check SpellingSpelling ReviewTop Four Spelling RulesTop 20 Spelling Mnemonics Punctuation [R]evision  involves  critical thinking  about content, with secondary consideration to mechanics and neatness. This does not mean that technical aspects of writing can be ignored but that introductions to a  revision  that seems to privilege rote application of rules and neatness over critical interaction with  text  (however brief it may be for beginners) conveys entirely the wrong message to young authors. As children learn the cognitive processes involved in revision, they acquire the inclination to monitor and revise their work in all areas.Terry Salinger, Critical Thinking and Young Literacy Learners.Teaching Thinking: An Agenda for the Twenty-First Century, ed. by Cathy Collins and John N. Mangieri. Lawrence Erlbaum, 1992) Basic Rules of PunctuationEnd Punctuation: Periods, Question Marks, Exclamation MarksGuidelines for Using ApostrophesGuidelines for Using Commas EffectivelyGuidelines for Using Quotation MarksHow to Use the SemicolonPunctuation ExercisesSemicolons, Colons, Dashes Capitalization Capitalization and punctuation are the mechanics of writing. They are not simply rules that we must memorize and follow; they are specific signals to the reader. These mechanics are used to determine the meaning  and to clarify intent. It is possible to change the connotation  of a sentence by altering punctuation and/or capitalization.  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹Maureen Lindner,  English  Language  and Composition. Career Press, 2005 Using proper capitalization is a grammar skill that can help improve your writing. Basic rules include capitalizing the first word in a sentence as well as in a quoted sentence. You also want to capitalize the letter I under all circumstances. Guidelines for Using Capital LettersWhich Words in a Title Should Be Capitalized? Abbreviations Mechanics, in theory, includes matters such as usage and spelling, as well as  hyphenation  and the use of  italics. Essentially, mechanics refers to a set of conventions--how to abbreviate and when to capitalize, for example.Robert DiYanni and Pat C. Hoy II,  The Scribner Handbook for Writers, 3rd ed. Allyn and Bacon, 2001 Commonly Confused Latin Abbreviations in EnglishCommon Revision Symbols and AbbreviationsCommon Scholarly AbbreviationsState AbbreviationsTextspeak