The Purpose and Function of Foil Characters

Have you ever been reading a novel and found yourself wondering, â€Å"What’s eating this guy?† or, â€Å"Why doesn’t she just dump him?† More often than not, a â€Å"foil† character is the answer.  Ã‚   A foil character is any character in literature that, through his or her actions and words, highlights and directly contrasts the personal traits, qualities, values, and motivations of another character. The term comes from the old jewelers’ practice of displaying gemstones on sheets of foil to make them shine more brightly. Similarly, in literature, a foil character â€Å"illuminates† another character. Uses of Foil Characters Authors use foils to help their readers recognize and understand the important qualities, characteristics, and motivations of the various characters. In other words, foil characters help to explain why other characters do what they do. Foils are sometimes used to explain the relationships between a plot’s â€Å"antagonist† and â€Å"protagonist† characters. A â€Å"protagonist† is the story’s main character, while an â€Å"antagonist† is the protagonist’s enemy or opponent. The antagonist â€Å"antagonizes† the protagonist.   For example, in the classic Lost Generation novel â€Å"The Great Gatsby,† F. Scott Fitzgerald uses narrator Nick Carraway as a foil to both protagonist Jay Gatsby, and Jay’s antagonist, Tom Buchanan. In describing Jay and Tom’s contentious shared love for Tom’s trophy wife Daisy, Nick depicts Tom as an Ivy League-educated athlete who feels entitled by his inherited wealth. Nick is more at ease around Jay, who he describes as a man who â€Å"had one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it... .† Sometimes, authors will use two characters as foils to each other. These characters are called â€Å"foil pairs.† For example, in William Shakespeare’s â€Å"Julius Caesar,† Brutus  plays foil to Cassius, while Antony’s foil is Brutus.   Foil pairs are sometimes the story’s protagonist and antagonist, but not always. Again from the quill of Shakespeare, in â€Å"The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet,† while Romeo and Mercutio are best friends, Shakespeare writes Mercutio as Romeo’s foil. By poking fun at lovers in general, Mercutio helps the reader understand the depth of Romeo’s often illogically desperate love for Juliet. Why Foils Are Important Authors use foils to help readers recognize and understand the traits, attributes, and motivations of the other characters. Thus, readers who ask, â€Å"What makes him or her tick?† should be on the lookout for foil characters to get the answers. Non-Human Foils Foils are not always people. They may be animals, a structure, or  a subplot, a â€Å"story within a story,† that serves as a foil to the main plot.   In her classic novel â€Å"Wuthering Heights,† Emily Bronte uses the two neighboring houses: Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange as foils to each other to explain the events of the story. In chapter 12, the narrator describes Wuthering Heights as a house where: â€Å"There was no moon, and everything beneath lay in misty darkness: not a light gleamed from any house, far or near all had been extinguished long ago: and those at Wuthering Heights were never visible... .† The description of Thrushcross Grange, in contrast to the Wuthering Heights, creates a calm and peaceful atmosphere. â€Å"Gimmerton chapel bells were still ringing; and the full, mellow flow of the beck in the valley came soothingly on the ear. It was a sweet substitute for the yet absent murmur of the summer foliage, which drowned that music about the Grange when the trees were in leaf.† The foils in these settings also help in the development of the foils in the characters. The people from Wuthering Heights are unsophisticated and are foils to those from Thrushcross Grange, who display a refined disposition. Classic Examples of Foil Characters In â€Å"Paradise Lost,† author John Milton creates perhaps the ultimate protagonist-antagonist foil pair: God and Satan. As the foil to God, Satan exposes both his own negative traits and God’s good traits. Through the comparisons exposed by the foil relationship, the reader comes to understand why Satan’s stubborn resistance to the â€Å"will of God† justifies his eventual expulsion from paradise. In the Harry Potter series, author J.K. Rowling uses Draco Malfoy as a foil to Harry Potter. Though both protagonist Harry and his antagonist Draco have been empowered by Professor Snape to â€Å"experience the essential adventures of self-determination,† their inherent qualities cause them to make different choices:  Harry chooses to oppose Lord Voldemort and the Death Eaters, whereas Draco eventually joins them. In summary, foil characters help readers to: Understand the traits and motivations—â€Å"axes to grind†Ã¢â‚¬â€of other charactersTell good intentions from evil, strength from weakness,  or true ability from empty braggadocioUnderstand who protagonists and their antagonists are, and why they are enemies Perhaps most importantly, foils help readers decide how they â€Å"feel† about the characters.

Home School Has Become a Popular Way of Education

So many reasons why parents choose to home school their children. Even though it has been said that the drop-out rate is higher than in public schools, it has been proven by the NHERI (National Home Education Research Institute) that home schooled children have a higher success rate for college education. NHERI conducts, collects and provides research on homeschooling and publishes the information in the Home School Researcher Journal. Home schooling has become very popular and some people believe that it provides a better education. So many successful alumni’s that have done amazing accomplishments have been home schooled. There is Thomas Edison he is responsible for carbon, telephone and batteries. He started home-schooling at the†¦show more content†¦Although some research shows that home schooled children have higher levels of self esteem and are friendlier than those who attend public schools, I honestly believe that the outcome of home schooled children fall s on the parent’s decisions throughout the child’s home schooling career. If the parent chooses proper extracurricular activities and has their children attend social events, then it can affect the child in positive ways. Whereas if the parent chooses not to have their child participate in social activities, then it can negatively affect the child’s social levels and self esteem levels. Bullying has become such a huge, debatable issue within the public school system. This has become one of the main reasons why parents have decided to home school their children. There is virtually no fighting or bullying that go along with home schooling. However, this does not mean that home schooled children do not have to face bullying or fighting in their entire schooling career. There are children that bully other children that are being home schooled or public schooled children even though there is monitoring by the parents. Unfortunately there are opportunities within the sport teams and social events that require children to go through, and deal with bullying and fighting. Another huge reason whyShow MoreRelatedHomeschooling Is More Beneficial For A Student873 Words   |  4 Pageschanged in the twenty-first century, one of them being education. Many aspects are considered when parents choose how they would like to educate their child. Aspects such as academics, sports, lea rning accommodations, finances, student performance, and social life may all be factors in the final decision. Over the past ten years, homeschooling has become increasingly popular among Americans. According to Brian D. 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Analysis of Nike Inc. and Kodak Company- myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about theAnalysis of Nike Inc. and Kodak Company. Answer: This report aimed to understand market used by the companies and their effects on decision making that either impacts it positively or negatively. In this context, business is affected by decision making and business models strategy in the market. Due to the market competitiveness business needs to have specific strengths and weaknesses that may require specialized policy responses. As new technologies and globalization are taking center stage, they also reduce the economies of scale in many activities. Many businesses are still facing challenges to thrive in market due to the following; lack of financing, technology, constrained managerial capabilities, low productivity, regulatory burdens become acuter in a globalized, technology-driven environment. Analysis of Nike and Kodak Companies In this century, having a strategic management system is one of the important aspects that any company should have to ensure that it succeeds in the business world. Understanding the market strategies used by other companies and their decision making, they can come up with ways of counteracting the competition thus being successful. Nike is one company that used these strategies to deal with its competition thus making it one of the most successful corporations around the world. Nike Inc. was one of the most successful and leading manufacturers of equipment used in sports and ended selling its material in more than 110 countries. Environmental Forces However, the company has been facing some problems of late, and these issues include a problem in the management of the inventory. This led to the business losing more than 100 million in sales. This happened because Nike started using a new kind of inventory management software which the company hoped that it was going to help the company with products that will sell in future. It was a beautiful move for the business to try this idea but it ended up to be a disappointment and leading the company to a loss (Kapoor 2014) Pestel Analysis of Nike This form of analysis is grouped into four major categories. These are; political, economic, social and technological. On the political report, the government of the United States was keen on pushing and promoting the company to grow by creating economic policies. The government helped Nike to promote its products. This happened through the economic growth of the country which formed the basis of Nike to grow (Kapoor 2014). Regarding economic analysis, currently, Nike Inc. is playing a major role in the world of business. The Economic crisis is one of the major threat to the mode of operation for any business like Nike. During the times of economic crisis, the cost of labor and material often increases thus having a toll on the performance of the company. Society analysis. In this time and era many people are very cautious about their health thus many people ended up wanting to join fitness clubs. This led to the demand for an increase in the production of Nike products because fitness clubs are the first targets of Nike products. This ended up increasing the sales of the company. However, the company ended up facing a problem that was caused by exposure to production sites in Asia for example; it was faced with the issue of using underage workers in its industries in Asia. This ended up spoiling the image of Nike Inc. in the public eye. Consumers started boycotting the company because they wanted a company that was socially responsible. Technology analysis. Nike Inc. is the leading producer of sports accessories in the world, and it is because of technology that this was made possible. The marketing information system that was being used by Nike proved to be very effective because it ensured that Nike products were sold far and wide. Technology played an essential role in ensuring that Nike Inc. was the best in what it was doing. SWOT analysis of Nike Inc. This involves four categories, and these are; strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Strengths. Nike Inc. was the leading regarding producing and supplying sports equipment around the world. This made the company to have a huge number of loyal customers because of the quality of its products. Furthermore, the company was successful in its marketing strategy, for example, the just do it campaign. Weaknesses. The major production that Nike Inc. concentrated on was footwear, and this made the company not to focus on other sports equipment which turned out to be risky for Nike. Additionally, the company produced much equipment that was male based thus the females did not have much equipment from this company. This led to the company losing a lot of income that was meant to come from female customers. Opportunities. Currently, the company has the opportunity of targeting the younger generation because currently the young people are focused on sports, therefore, ending up with buying sports equipment. Additionally, because initially, they did not target the female market, this turned out to be an opportunity for Nike because, in this century, many women involve themselves in sports thus needing the sports gear (Brohi et al. 2016). Threats. Nike had invested in foreign countries thus they had to pay the taxes in these foreign countries even if the interest rates in these countries were high. Another threat for Nike was competition from other companies that produce sports gear. Another company that was the best in what it used to do but is currently facing a lot of challenges is the Kodak Company. This was a technological company and was focused on Imaging. The company was famous for its polaroid camera and since the introduction of the digital cameras, Kodak has ended up failing in the imaging market. However, some of it cameras are still being used up to today. Using the SWOT analysis system will enable one understand Kodak Company deeply (Kumar andPutnam 2008). Strengths. Kodak was a renowned brand, and it was trusted by many people since its inception. Furthermore, it had a broad product portfolio because it offered a wide range of products. It was also socially responsible because its products were environmentally friendly and it contributed to the reduction of greenhouse gases. Weaknesses. The company registered a slow transition from analog to digital thus ending up losing a lot of customers in the process. This resulted in huge losses for the company. Opportunities. The company is now adopting the digital technology and is now coming up with their own products that they are already introducing to the market currently. The world is evolving thus creating a demand for everyone to have a digital camera or smartphone and Kodak is concentrating on meeting this demand. Threats. The main threat for this company is the intense competition from other producers of gadgets like Sony. Furthermore, the introduction of smartphones with the quality camera has ended up acting as a substitute product for cameras because people do not want to carry extra gadgets. As it can be seen, the companies discussed above were once the best in the market, but due to changing times and emergence of stiff competition, they are now being faced with challenges that need the management of these companies to come up with ways of reviving and returning them in their right positions. Recommendations The companies should employ modern technology for them to satisfy the market gaps that are caused by the use of traditional methods of technology. Management should begin to adopt strategic management teams that shall spearhead the process and ability to adopt to the environmental changes. Companies should begin to encourage innovation of products to ensure they are relevant in the market. References. Brohi, H., Prithiani, J., Abbas, Z., Bhutto, A.H. and Chawla, S.K., 2016. Strategic Marketing Plan of Nike. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299889166_Strategic_Marketing_Plan_of_Nike GRADE, G.B., International Marketing: Nike Inc. www.marketing-schools.org/types-of-marketing/international-marketing.html Kapoor, A., 2014.Competition Mapping and Market Analysis for Sportswear. NIFt. https://14.139.111.26/jspui/bitstream/1/30/1/gp720%202014.pdf. Kumar, S. and Putnam, V., 2008. Cradle to cradle: Reverse logistics strategies and opportunities across three industry sectors.International Journal of Production Economics,115(2), pp.305-315. https://www.journals.elsevier.com/international-journal-of-production-economics Slocum, J.W., McGill, M. and Lei, D.T., 1994. The new learning strategy: Anytime, anything, anywhere.Organizational Dynamics,23(2), pp.33-47. www.humanresourcesmba.net/faq/what-is-organizational-dynamics/

Staircase to Strategic Management free essay sample

Staircase to Strategic Management [Name] [Institution Affiliation] Planning Is Important In every undertaking. Falling to plan Is planning to fall. Strategic planning is definition of strategy or direction intended to be taken. Staircase to strategic planning is a step by step process of strategic planning. It is the avenue through which an individual or an organization defines its vision, values, mission, goals, objectives and strategies. It includes short to long term planning. As an aspiring federal U. S. Law enforcement agent, the following is my personal staircase to tragic planning.Vision Statement To be a law enforcement agent working towards a safe, crime and terror free future by pushing for Incorporation of intelligent, scientific and technological aspects in service delivery and promoting a healthy and cooperative relationship with the citizens and between the law enforcement agents. Statements of core values I believe In safety first of the citizens and the general public and an understanding that I owe them a duty of care. We will write a custom essay sample on Staircase to Strategic Management or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 2. I respect and safeguard the rights and freedoms of all citizens and serve this purpose diligently. 3.I believe in dialogue and mutual understanding in conflict and dispute resolution; freedom of expression is paramount in my concern. 4. I will strive for intelligence, reasoning and critical analysis in the provision of law enforcement services with the help of scientific and technological methods. 5. Relationship between the law enforcement agents and the community ought to be characterized by cooperation and positive attitude of the citizens towards the enforcement agents. 6. I will respect my fellow law enforcement agents In their capacity as Individuals and as a government agency.Nilsson Statement My mission is to serve, safeguard and defend the rights of all, promote fairness and public safety. I am committed to promoting peace, demoralizing crime and terrorism acts, protecting property and enforcing laws for economic growth, social cohesion and democratic rights in any manner I deem appropriate without jeopardizing the afore mentioned duties, constitutional rights, ethical and moral concerns. Goals 1. Provide security to the community in my Jurisdiction through the innovative approaches and educated problem solving techniques; dialogues and negotiation kills over the next three years. . Change peoples negative attitude towards the law enforcement agents through commitment to my duties, respecting the agencys regulations and ethical standards and using personal Judgment and my moral uprightness in the first two years of my service. 3. In my first year of service I will enforcement agencies by instilling in them the spirit of team work, togetherness and sharing of ideas. 4. Create a culture where there is a close relationship between the law enforcement agents and the community over the next 2 years. 5.Create a radiation where there will be a change in approach to solving crimes to use of appropriate technology and educated analysis of a situation to reduce chances accusing the innocent in my first two years of service. 6. Improve the living conditions of a community and by reducing social disorders such as centralization of hard drugs and criminal activities in my first year of service. 7. Creating an enabling environment for commercial services and legal business activities through assurance of safety and guarantee of security in my first one year of service.Objectives 1. To have reduced cases of kidnappings and premeditated criminal activities by 20% by year 2015. 2. Have a social interaction program between the law enforcers and the general public by 2014. 3. To have formed a law enforcement interaction platform by the end of year 2012. 4. To have upgraded technology to solving crimes and reduced cases where the innocent are falsely accused by 10%. 5. To reduce cases of hard drug centralization by 30% from April 2012 through to year 2014. 6. To reduce have reduced cases of theft and robbery by 45% by year 2015.This attributes to 15% reduction annually. Strategies 1. Operation identification, neighborhood patrols, undercover surveillance and hidden cameras. 2. Launch a radio and/ or Television show, social interaction sites, seminars and workshops. 3. Form a Backbone group for the law enforcement officers, Twitter account and forums for the law enforcement agents. 4. Facial recognition software, database comprising of every citizen, electronic maintenance of criminal records. 5. Undercover assignments and pushing for enactment of laws against drug abuse. Patrolling streets of the target area and sufficient illumination of neighborhoods. Staircase to strategic planning comprises of a vision statement, values, mission, goals, objectives and strategies. A vision is blueprint for long term planning. It is a pathway from the present to the future. It comprises of the intended future state of an individual in terms of fundamental and strategic direction. Values are the beliefs which drive an individuals culture and priorities Nanette et al, n. D). The third element in strategic planning is a mission.