Definition and Examples of Linguistic Americanization

Definition and Examples of Linguistic Americanization In linguistics, Americanization is the influence of the distinctive lexical and grammatical forms of American English on other varieties of the English language. Also called linguistic Americanization. As Leech and Smith* observe below, If the term Americanization is taken to imply direct influence of AmE on BrE, it should be treated with caution (2009).See Examples and Observations below. Examples and Observations Globalization in the current era is associated, for better or for worse, with Americanization. This is particularly true of its cultural dimension. For it is the United States, as the worlds hyper-power, that has the economic, military, and political power to projects its culture and values globally. Yet, as many commentators have noted, Americans appear parochial and unworldly, hardly the cosmopolitan sophisticates needed to proffer a truly global vision.The ambiguity of the United States representing globality is perhaps no more apparent than in the projection of its language globally. On the one hand, Americans are particularly notorious for their linguistic insularity, rarely exhibiting the foreign language proficiency so common elsewhere in the world. Yet, as well known, the American language, English, is a global import, inherited from an earlier global power, England. Hence American ownership of global English is more tenuous than its ownership of other global cultural icons, such as McDonalds or Disney.(Selma K. Sonntag, The Local Politics of Global English: Case Studies in Linguistic Globalization. Lexington Books, 2003) Grammatical and Lexical ChangesThe evidence provided by the Brown family of corporaespecially the comparison between the British corpora (1961, 1991) and the American corpora (1961, 1992)often shows AmE to be in the lead or to show a more extreme tendency, and BrE to be following in its wake. Thus, must, in our data, has declined more in AmE than in BrE, and has become much rarer than have to and (have) got to in AmE conversational speech. Users of British English are familiar with lexical changes due to American influence, such as increasing use of movie(s) and guy(s), but grammatical changes from the same source are less noticeable. . . . [A] finding that AmE is ahead of BrE in a given frequency change does not necessarily imply direct transatlantic influenceit could simply be an ongoing change in both varieties where AmE is more advanced. If the term Americanization is taken to imply direct influence of AmE on BrE, it should be treated with caution.(*Geoffrey Leech and Nicholas Sm ith, Change and Constancy in Linguistic Change: How Grammatical Usage in Written English Evolved in the Period 1931-1991. Corpus Linguistics: Refinements and Reassessments, ed. by Antoinette Renouf and Andrew Kehoe. Rodopi, 2009) Be going to[B]e going to was more than twice as frequent in the American corpus as in the Australian or British corpora, suggesting that Americanization may be a factor in its growing popularity. That colloquialization may be another relevant factor is suggested by the finding that be going to is greatly preferred in speech over writing (by a ratio of 9.9:1), further confirmation for the applicability of this suggestion to AmE and BrE being provided by Leechs (2003) finding that between 1961 and 1991/2 be going to enjoyed a strong increase in popularity in American writing (51.6%) and in British writing (18.5%).(Peter Collins, The English Modals and Semi-Modals: Regional and Stylistic Variation. The Dynamics of Linguistic Variation: Corpus Evidence on English Past and Present, ed. by Terttu Nevalainen. John Benjamins, 2008)The Americanization of EuropeBecause of the advent of linguistic Americanization, . . . one can no longer claim that Europes lingua franca is unequivocally a Briti sh commodity. English is emerging in Europe, not only as a universal language, but also as a potential norm-generating variety. . . .Basically, what we have is a traditional basis for ELT [English Language Teaching], one centered in BrE, on the teacher as model, on British and American social studies, and on the goal of mimicking the idealized native speaker, evolving into a platform for ELT which constitutes a radical departure from such beliefs and practices. Instead, linguistic Americanization, the mixing of BrE and AmE which suggests a kind of mid-Atlantic accent and a rich blend of lexical usage, the idea of a variety of Euro-English, the use of postcolonial texts in cultural studies modules, and the desire to develop cross-cultural communicative skills, is on the upswing, while BrE, prescriptivism, and traditionalist positioning are declining.(Marko Modiano, EIL, Native-Speakerism and the Failure of European ELT. English as an International Language: Perspectives and Pedagogic al Issues, ed. by Farzad Sharifian. Multilingual Matters, 2009) Yiddish and American English: A Two-Way ProcessThroughout Yekl [1896] and his early stories, [Abraham] Cahan translates the Yiddish of characters into correct (albeit ornate) English while leaving incorporated English words in their misspelled, italicized forms: feller (fellow), for example, or preticly (perhaps particular). Speech thus represents the cultural intermixture arising from contact between the immigrant and American society, an intermixture captured in remarkably hybrid sentencesDont you always say you like to dansh with me becush I am a good dansher? (Yekl, 41)and even in individual words like oyshgreen: A verb coined from the Yiddish oys, out, and the English green, and signifying to cease being green (95n).This narrative technique also represents a reversal of perspective, whereby English becomes the contaminating element within another language. The Americanization of Yiddish is given from a Yiddish perspective. English words are thrown backrulesh (rules), deshepoitn (disappoint), saresfied (satisfied)transformed and defamiliarized by their inclusion in another linguistic system. Just as Yiddish becomes Americanized in Yekl, American English becomes Yiddishized: transformative linguistic contact is shown as a two-way process.(Gavin Roger Jones, Strange Talk: The Politics of Dialect Literature in Gilded Age America. University of California Press, 1999) Alternate Spellings: Americanisation

What Attracts Readers First to a Book

What Attracts Readers First to a Book I recently posted a Facebook question to 5,000 followers and asked the question: What is the first criteria in your choice of reading material: author, genre, or reputation of the review source? The results werent even close. Out of almost 200 responses, the results were these: Genre = 60% Author = 25% Review = 2% Equally all three = 2% Other = 11% OTHER meant people didnt choose via author, genre or review, and instead chose As for me? Definitely genre first, then author. I will resort to looking at reviews once Im pondering the choice. This simple survey shows that you need to understand your product and market it appropriately. You do not market your book just anywhere, with just anyone. You market it where you think people in your genre will collect, review, and share. Im frequently asked if an author may advertise their book in my newsletters. I refuseunless the book is written directed at writers. Why? Because my readers are writers Theres truth in the mantra know your market. Its how Coke, Nike, and Amazon do so well. You know all those little ads you see on Facebook? Ever marvel how you open a website and they know the last sites where you shopped? Thats marketing to the customer. Thats companies attempting to understand your ways. Thats how you need to think. When you cease writing that book, and its time to market it for sale, stop and contemplate where those readers are. Its why BookBub and Amazon are so darn efficient. They know what you think and put products before your eyes that theyve researched and know you will love. Facebook, blogs, BookBub, any advertising.lead with genre. Stick to genre. Make your ad feel like your genre. Make your website seem like your genre. You can do this.

Cuban Revolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cuban Revolution - Essay Example The Cuban Revolution immediately won the support of the masses and, indeed, the revolutionary leaders' popularity only increased, and expanded to include Latin American populations, as a result of political rhetoric which emphasised Cuban independence from US domination and the imperatives of adopting socialism to improve the socio-economic status of the majority (Sweig, 2004). Indeed, in assessing the causes of the Cuban Revolution and the reasons for its success, it is important to highlight the political and economic background. Politically, Cuba, as was the case with Latin American nations in general, had little autonomy and independence from Spain had not led to full-fledged sovereignty but to domination by the United States. Economically, the majority suffered from chronic and absolute poverty while a minority commanded and owned much of the nation's wealth and resources. The fact that the Cuban Revolution was motivated by the aforementioned conditions and determined their reve rsal ensured its popularity in both Cuba and Latin America. Indeed, the majority of the Cuban populace embraced Castro and his guerrillas, who appeared as young idealists. As rebel soldiers made their way to Havana they were welcomed as conquering heroes by throngs of local villagers who lined the roads and cheered the troops as they passed (Sweig, 2004). Proceeding from the above stated, it is evident that the United States' policies towards Cuba are among the most significant of the revolution's causes. Before 1959 the history of U.S.-Cuban relations played out in the context of U.S. hegemony over the island. Though previous administrations had resisted U.S. influence, few had rejected it outright (Perez-Stable, 1998). Indeed, throughout the history of U.S.-Cuban relations the Cuban elite, those of European origin whose wealth tied them to U.S. interests, had actively welcomed U.S. dominance. Thus, Cubans themselves, especially the elite class, together with U.S. policymakers were responsible for stifling Cuban nationalism and for providing the atmosphere in which the revolutionary government of Fidel Castro fundamentally changed the course of Cuban history and of Cuban-U.S. relations (Perez-Stable, 1998). Before Castro, U.S. officials had worked closely with Cuban leaders. Prior to the U.S. intervention in the Cuban War for Independence many Cubans actively sought U.S. rule. The Cuban elite feared the establishment of a truly democratic republic, or in their words, a Negro Republic (Perez-Stable, 1998). They played on U.S. racial fears and cultural stereotypes, marginalizing their own countrymen. The United States wanted to maintain the status quo and unfettered access to the Cuban economy; the Cuban elites wanted stability and to continue to reap the financial rewards of close ties with U.S. business interests. The Cuban elite also wanted power for themselves. Hence, after Spain surrendered to the United States, some members of the Cuban elite embraced U.S. control over their nation (Perez-Stable,

Coursework Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Coursework - Assignment Example Starting April 2016, the 3% supplement for diesel cars will be scrapped (Deloitte, 2012). The other important adjustments that have been made include exclusion of certain security enhancement, which will not be considered henceforth, as accessories when estimating the benefit’s corresponding to the cash value in respect to company cars used for private purpose. These adjustments will be put into force from 6 April 2011 and will be applied retrospectively. Private fuel benefit The benefit’s cash equivalent in respect to free fuel offered to employees will increase because the multiplier used to estimate them will be increased from ?18,800 to ?20,200, a change that took effect from April 2012. Furthermore, this multiplier will further increase by 2 percent above the inflation rate, taking effect from 2013 up to 2014. Capital allowances and lease rental restriction There shall be an extension (up to April 2015) of the time through which 100 percent of capital allowances fo r the initial year are allowed on car expenses. Nonetheless, starting April 2013, the emissions measurement will drop off from 110g/km to 95g/km; in addition, this measurement will be incorporated into the main pool and charged 18 percent per annum instead of 8 percent special rate pool, which will drop off from 160g/km to 130g/km. In this regards, tax relief extended to employers will be pegged on the lease rentals for cars whose emission exceeds 130 g/km (limited at 15%) (Deloitte, 2012). Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) The VED increase was aligned with the Retail Prices Index (RPI) as of April 2012. However, the Government expressed interest in repealing the calculation of VED over the medium term based on the views gathered from motoring groups (Deloitte, 2012). QUESTION TWO Petrol driven 5 door hatchback, with CO2 emissions of 139g/km Employee benefit from car = ?18,000* 85/100*40/100*18/100 = ?1,101.60 Since the employee is provided with fuel for private use of the company car, this benefit will be taxed. The value to be taxed is pegged on the engine’s fuel efficiency. The percentage charge for this benefit is the same as for the car benefit and, therefore, it will be calculated as follows: . ?20,200*40/100*18/100 = ?1,454.4 The total cost to the manager is ?1,101.60 +?1,454.4 = ?2,556 Although the fuel benefits have attracted some tax, I would urge the manager accept petrol for private motoring, which is provided by his employer because this will lead to some other benefits. These benefits, which are not additionally taxed include insurance, repairs, maintenance and servicing, Membership of a motoring organization, and road tax. Ideally, the cash value of these benefits is more than the car tax paid due to the fuel used for private purpose. As such, the employee will get at least ?600 per annum depending on the reliability of the vehicle. However, if the manager is sure that refusing to take the fueling benefit will not lead to insurance increases, the n they can as well opt to do away with the benefit. Cost to the employer Capital allowances Twenty per cent is claimed on the written-down cost every year; therefore, the following capital allowances will be claimed for the year ending 31st March 2013: The car does not fall under low-emission category since it exceeds 110g/km of CO2 and, therefore, the 110 per cent deduction for the first

22 Awesome Beaches in Cebu to Visit in a Lifetime

22 Awesome Beaches in Cebu to Visit in a Lifetime Foreign tourists and local travelers alike, visiting Cebu is always included in the bucket list being one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. Whether in a month-long vacation or simply winding up for a day, Cebu beaches are something that one shouldnt miss. Below is a list of awesome beaches in Cebu you should visit in your lifetime. The list has no particular order. 1. Sta. Fe Beach in Bantayan Island Sta. Fe Beach Club, located in Bantayan Island, is a travelers paradise with perfect clear waters, friendly folks, amazing culture and excellent food. With its convenient location, a 10-minute travel from Bantayan Port, you can already enjoy interesting activities such as snorkeling, biking, island hopping, eating sea foods, etc. for a camping minimum fee of P100.00 only. It also offers top-class recreational facilities such as massage, non-motorized water sports, private beach, etc. Guests can enjoy on-site features like smoking area, restaurant, meeting facilities, BBQ facilities, bar, etc. Its comfortable and convenient accommodations are best for unwinding after a hard day. Mobile number: 09287787770 Telephone number: (032)4389090/ 4389107 Email: [emailprotected] 2. Tingko Beach in Alcoy Tingko Beach, located in Daan Lungsod, Alcoy, has extensive beach lined with coconut palm trees and limestone cliffs, and shallow waters with relaxing environment and fun activities. Its a 2 to 3-hour travel from Cebu City and is situated in a lagoon across Mabad-on Reef, a coral island that is completely submerged during high tide and exposed during low tide. It is great for families and groups with pets, and a nice stop for southern travelers. However, as it is a public beach, it can get crowded during weekends. Telephone number: (032) 483 9298 Mobile number: 09182874023 Email: [emailprotected] 3. Santiago White Beach in Camotes Island Santiago White Beach, a gorgeous public white sand beach, has the widest beach on Camotes Island and a shoreline that stretches as far as you can walk. Its wide white sand beach is being shared by Santiago Bay House Resort, Masamayor Beach Resort and Payag Beach Resort. Some of its facilities include Hut Cottages, motorized outrigger Bangka for half day use and Beach Games such as balls, floats, kayaks, etc. Some of its small restaurants also offer KARAOKE up to 2AM. It is being managed by the Camotes Local Government Unit (LGU). 4. Dalaguete Beach Park Dalaguete Beach Park, also known as Arguete Beach because its located within the boundary of Argao and Dalaguete, is best for skim boarding due to its strong and big waves. It is one of Cebus best public beaches for its clean and well maintained environment and facilities. There is, however, a minimal fee of P5.00 per person and P20.00 for parking. Cottages are also for rent for about P100.00 to P200.00, and shower fee of P20.00 per person. The fees are charged by local authorities to help maintain the area. 5. Hidden Beach in Aloguinsan Hidden Beach Resort, located in the municipality of Aloguinsan, Cebu, is one of the most natural beaches in Cebu province. Since its hidden, it is untouched by resort development projects. The road to the beach is covered with thickets of trees and coconut palms. The coral rocks are the indication that you are getting closer to the beach. Getting around, youll find lots of marine animals, a whitish sand, clean water and shoreline hemmed with coconut trees. A Peaceful and not crowded place perfect for relaxation. Its facilities include tables for P150.00, Hut Cottages for P250.00, grills for meat, fish, etc. Cooking Request is also available for a fee. If planning to stay overnight, simple rooms are available for P500.00 and making a reservation is highly advised. 6. Lambug Beach in Badian Lambug Beach, a public beach located in Badian, is one of the hidden beaches in Southern Cebu. Its a virgin beach with a long coastline of powdery white sand bordered with palm trees, clear waters, and hospitable locals. It has no entrance fee but camping is charged P50.00. As it is undiscovered, there are no big resorts around the area except for the Grandeur Beach Resort. Along its coastline, however, are many cottages and rooms for rent. Lambug Beach is a Badian pride that has astonishing sunrise and sunset; a perfect place to relax. 7. Basdako Beach in Moalboal Basdako Beach, one of the known beachfronts in Moalboal, is a pristine white sand beach and an awesome spot for snorkeling, scuba diving and delicious food. Best of all, the beach is free. Moalboal is rich with marine life which makes it best for diving. Basdako beachfront is preferred as it is budget-friendly with many small resorts to choose from within the beach. But, if you wish to camp on the beach, tents are available for P500.00 a night. During summer and long weekends, though, most resorts in Basdako get full; it is advised to get a room as early as possible. Telephone number: (032)417-2445. Cellphone number: 09209028888; 09176236057. Website: www.clubserenaresort.com. 8. Sayaw Beach in Barili Located along the highway of Barili, Cebu is Sayaw Beach Resort. It is a white sand beach resort where the popular Mantapuyan Falls is located. It has an entrance fee of P20.00 and cottage rentals ranging from P150.00 to P500.00. Its facilities and other services are not established and food resources are not very available. It is advised to bring your own supplies in coming here. 9. San Remigio Beach Club Sports and Leisure Resort Located in San Remigio, a three-hour travel from Cebu City, San Remegio Beach Club is Cebus longest beach line and one of the prettiest beaches. It is a good venue for reunions, birthdays, and weddings; offers packages for Group Tour, Day Tour, Side Trip and many more; and has a very spacious Sea Pool Party Area. It also has a coaster and van service for a convenient transportation for groups. A bus costs P120.00 per person. Telephone number: (032) 344-6181. Contact number: 63-32-2310382, 63-32-4352030, and 63-32-5160630 Website: www.sanremigiobeachclub.com.ph 10. Mactan Blue Reef Resort Mactan Blue Reef Resort, located in Tongo, Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City, is an affordable place for any gatherings in addition to a nice dip in the beach. It has an entrance fee of P50.00 and reasonable price for cottage rental. Bringing in food is also allowed. Telephone number: (032) 494-2644; (032) 494-2911. Contact number: 63-32-4923209 or 63-32-4923217 11. Eden’s Resort The lovely sea view from its spacious, big rooms creates a romantic ambiance that makes this place perfect for a couples retreat. Edens Resort is located in Liloan, Santander, an approximately three-hour drive from Cebu City. With only 10 rooms, it assures its guests of private leisure. Among the activities to do here are ocean kayaking, mountain biking, motor cycling, snorkeling, etc. It has a nice hassle-free package and room-only rates. It also has an all-inclusive rate if you wish to take a worry-free vacation. Telephone number: (032)480-9321 Contact number: 63-32-4809321 Website: www.eden.ph 12. Durhan White Beach Resort A little paradise in Tabunok, Tabuelan, about three hours travel time from the city. Durhan White Beach Resort boasts a fine white sand beach fit for groups and family gatherings. It has an entrance fee of P20.00 per person, rooms that could accommodate two to eight persons, big tents for 20 persons and small tent for 15 persons. Its cottages have gas stoves and a refrigerator available to cook your own food. Telephone number: (032)461-9318; 461-9073 Contact number: 63-32-4619318 or 63-32-4619073 Website: www.durhanwhitebeach.com 13. Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa A luxurious vacation for guests, an appealing garden view to nature lovers, and an ideal place for travelers, Shangri-Las Mactan Island Resort and Spa is considered a premier resort in Mactan Island. Located in Punta Engaà ±o, Lapu-Lapu City, it boasts of its large spa and various restaurants. Telephone number: (032) 231-0288 Contact number: +63-32-2310288 Website: www.shangri-la.com 14. Plantation Bay Resort and Spa A resort in an 11.4 hectare lot in Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa distinguishes itself in its saltwater lagoons and freshwater pools. It has colonial plantation architecture, and among its amenities are a wall-climbing facility, a fitness center and a spa at Mogambo Springs. Telephone number: (03)505-9800; Cellphone number: 09176313750; 09176313917 Contact number: +63-32-3405900 Website: www.plantationbay.com 15. Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort is a 158-room resort located in Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City. Its been known for its bungalow type of accommodation and has become a favorite venue for weddings. Most wedding receptions here are held in its Alegrado Island, a 1.1 hectare man-made island. While the kids get an encounter with the mascot Dolpo, a dolphin. Telephone number: (032) 492-0100; (02) 817-5751 Contact numbers: 63-32-2345411 or 63-32-4920100 Website: www.bluewater.com.ph 16. Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa Located on ML Quezon National Highway, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa is the best place for water fun. Its themed pools such as Amazon River Pool (with inflatable tubes), Wave Rider, Beach Pool, Captain Hooks Pool, and the Toddler Pool are all one of a kind. Telephone number: (032)494-5000; 494-5282 to 85, 87, 88 Contact number: 63-32-2361367 Website: www.imperialpalace-cebu.com 17. Kalumpang Beach Resort A perfect escape destination of the South, Kalumpang Beach Resort is located in Highway, Looc, Poblacion, Argao. It is also a popular place for gathering and events. Besides that, it offers day tour packages upon request for group activities like swimming, snorkeling, diving, sunbathing, skim boarding, etc. The rate starts from P2, 500.00 depending on arrangements. For water and sea sports, you can rent a Kayak for P100.00. Jet ski, boats, etc. are also available. Telephone number: (032)367-7505 18. Cordova Reef Village Resort At the southeastern tip of Mactan Island, surrounded by Camotes Sea and Bohol Strait, is Cordova Reef Village in Poblacion, Cordova. It has well-equipped rooms and offers facilities such as tennis courts, steam room, spa, swimming pool and restaurant. A combination of luxury and natures tranquility, this resort provides its guests with absolute privacy and exclusivity. Telephone number: (032)238-1878 19. Malapascua Exotic Island Dive Resort Located in Sitio Pasil, Logon, Daanbantayan is Malapascua Exotic Island Dive and Beach Resort, the pioneer dive resort in Malapascua. It is also known for its thresher sharks that usually appear at sea before dawn. It has a natural garden frontage overlooking the white sand beach and Visayan sea. Diving here ranges from P1, 200.00 to P1, 500.00. Room rates are from P1, 000.00 to P4, 200.00. Telephone number: (032) 437-0983; 406-5428. Cellphone number: 09173276689; 09999976601. 20. El Salvador Beach Resort Located along the National Highway in Danao, El Salvador Beach Resort is the biggest and nicest resort in Danao. With 39 rooms set in tropical gardens, 2 swimming pools and a beach front, it has 24 hour standby generator and security. It also has air-conditioned function rooms that can accommodate 15 to 200 people. Entrance fee for adults is P150.00 during weekdays and P175.00 during weekends and holidays, P125.00 for children during weekdays and P150.00 during weekends and holidays while for kids below 3 years old, entrance fee is free. The cottages are available for rent at P495.00. Telephone number: (032)200-3622/ (032)254-7863. Website: www.elsalvadorresort.com Email: [emailprotected] 21. Sumilon Bluewater Resort In Sumilon Island, a tranquil 24 hectare sorrounded by white sand beaches with a lagoon, a hiking trail, lighthouse, historical watchtower, cave and other resort facilities overlooking Cebu, lies Sumilon Blue Water Island Resort, a sister resort of Maribago Bluewater Resort in Mactan Cebu. The island is the first marine protected area in the Philippines, beautifully secluded on the southeastern tip of the mainland. The resort is a three hour drive from the city to Bancogon pier in Oslob and another 15 to 30 minute boat ride, provided by the resort, to the island itself. A good spot for diving with varied marine species and occasional sightings of black tip sharks. Phone: (63 32) 318 3129 / 318 9098 Mobile: 0917 631 7512 / 0999 885 8337 Email: [emailprotected] Website: www.bluewater.com.ph 22. Badian Island Resort Located on the southwest coast of Cebu, an almost private tropical island with landscaped gardens and white sand beaches, The Badian Island Resort and Spa is an eco-friendly, romantic resort paradise overlooking the lagoons and mountains. It is a 2-hour and 20-minute drive from Cebu Internation Airport and a 15-minute boat ride with free parking for cars. Among the activities offered here are diving, wind surfing, paddle boats, tennis, billiards, darts, volleyball, spa treatments and many more. It has large and beautifully designed rooms with private balcony, cascading saltwater pool and organic grounds. Its suites feature a blend of traditional and modern Philippine decor. Tel: (+63-32) 401-3303 to 05 Fax: (+63-32) 401-3302 Email: [emailprotected] Website: www.badianhotel.com Sales Reservations: (+63-32) 401-3303 to 05 Cell Phones: (+63) 920-952-6293 (+63) 920-953-3362 (+63) 917-727-4931 Fax: +(+63-32) 401-3302 SMS: +63-917 727 4931 ***

Lydia Peelle †Mule Killers Essay

In this short story â€Å"Mule Killers† by Lydia Peele we meet three generations of a family, grandfather, father and son as well as the different women in the story. The story is told in present time by the son as a first person narrator, but almost everything in the story is a flashback of the father’s story about his youth. The story is constructed in parts; you get introduced to the lives of the father and the grandfather with no introduction of what has happened before, and then, the story jumps to the end in the present, without letting the reader know what has happened in between and what will probably happen after the story ends. The story takes place on a farm on the countryside near Nashville in the Southeast of United States. Though the story, you get an impression of an isolated society where the church is central and people has got quiet and ordinary lives while they work hard to make a living from their farms. The language in â€Å"Mule Killers† is observing, which we can see in the description of Eula: â€Å"(†¦)her hair swept up off her neck, thick purple-black and shining, the other girl’s hanging limply down, onion paper pale(†¦)† In the story we hear the father tell the son about the events that changed their lives: how he met the mother of his son and also had to give up on his dreams of love and how the lovestory of what should have been innocent turned out to be the thing that shaped his future. The tragic love story represents the way the farmland was changed in the future. Firstly, the shift from mules to tractors in the farming symbolises several things. For the grandfather, the shift to tractors and the following accident marks a new time that he does not accept and he does not take him. This we get an example of in this line: â€Å"you’re gonna see a future I can’t even stretch my mind around. Not any of it. I can’t even begin to imagine. † For the father, the loss of his mule Orphan, which was one of the things that he really cared about represents the end of his childhood. The mules is a symbol of the future and the killing of them is a bad sign for the future and also is the point of no return in this short story. The shift from child to grown-up is the main theme in this story, but also the fathers struggle to live up to his fathers ideals of what a man is, is an important aspect in the story. In his trying to be and act like a grown-up he supresses his fears and his sadness and also the things he love: music and the mules. So it’s like he cannot cultivate these interests any longer. Another important theme in the short story is time. During the story you get a feeling of time passing by. The father goes from being a young man to having a son, who is twice as old as the father was when the son was born, the farming changes and goes from using mulls to tractors.

Mental Illness Craig Gilner, From Ned Vizzini s Novel,...

A teenager struggling with depression, Craig Gilner, from Ned Vizzini’s novel, It’s Kind of a Funny Story, is admitted to the psychiatric hospital after having thoughts of suicide. Craig is a victim of depression, and finds himself struggling with everyday tasks, any normal teenage boy could do. Throughout the novel, the protagonist, Craig demonstrates that living with depression is difficult due to the ongoing unpredictability of the disease, the relentless obsessive thoughts that go along with it and the inability to trust others when it comes to dealing with his mental illness. Craig justifies that depression is difficult due to the ongoing unpredictability of the disease. Even if he tries to control the side effects that come with his mental illness, they are too unpredictable to be controlled. Firstly, Craig has migraines frequently, despite taking medicines to try and stop them. When Craig’s mother asks how he has been sleeping, Craig responds, â€Å"‘I’ll crash. I’m starting to get a headache’† (227). Craig has headaches very often, as a side effect of depression. Furthermore, Craig’s headaches come without a warning, causing him excruciating pain very often. His headaches are only a recent side effect from his depression. Secondly, Craig can never sleep a complete night and is always suffering from a lack of sleep. Craig says, Kiers 2 â€Å"‘I’m not going to be able to sleep’† (260). Another time, when asked how he slept by a patient at the hospital, Armelio, CraigShow MoreRelatedLiterary Criticism : The Free Encyclopedia 7351 Words   |  30 Pages Bildungsroman From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search In literary criticism, a Bildungsroman (German pronunciation: [ˈbÉ ªldÊŠÅ‹s.Ê oËÅ'maË n]; German: novel of formation, education, culture),[a] novel of formation, novel of education,[2] or coming-of-age story (though it may also be known as a subset of the coming-of-age story) is a literary genre that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood (coming of age),[3]