Applying Ethical Frameworks in Practice Essay Example for Free

Applying Ethical Frameworks in Practice Essay Patient confidentiality is essential in developing a trusting relationship between a healthcare worker and the patient. Confidentiality means that the patients personal and medical information that is given to a health care provider will not be disclosed to others unless the patient has given permission for the information to be released (Confidentiality, 2014). There are situations where a breach of confidentiality may occur and is acceptable. These situations include information when an individual has been diagnosed with a specific disease, such as Tuberculosis or an injury, such as a gunshot wound. Other situations may be when there is evidence that the patient may cause harm to himself or others. The nursing profession is one that promises to abide by the laws of patient confidentiality. Protecting the patients’ rights is guaranteed by both common law-which is the decisions of the courts, and statute law-which is passed by Parliament (O’Dowd, 2014). This commitment to the patient helps preserve high quality care for that patient, as disclosing important information between the patient and nurse, is essential for the patient to receive the appropriate medical care. Patients put their trust into the nurse, as they expect the nurse to respect their privacy, when that trust is broken, the relationship between the nurse and patient declines. Losing the trust is one of the ethical implications that may occur when a breach of confidentiality occurs. Other ethical implications that can occur are disciplinary action by the employer, disciplinary proceedings under the health professionals regulatory statute, and a fine may be imposed (Patient Confidentiality, n. d. ). Pamela G. Nathanson wrote an article in reference to an episode of NBC’s ER which reveals an ER nurse who faces an ethical dilemma in regards to patient confidentiality. The ER nurse has made a promise to two fourteen year old girls that she will not disclose any medical information to their parents. The girls trust the nurse that she will keep her promise; therefore, they disclose their personal concerns. One of the girls test positive for a serious medical condition, at this point, the ER nurse has reached an ethical dilemma. She needs to make an ethical decision as to whether or not she should disclose the information to the young girls’ parents. In this situation, the ER nurse has made the appropriate decision to have a breach of confidentiality and inform the young girls’ parents of their daughters’ medical condition. In understanding ethical theories and/or ethical principles, this has assisted the ER nurse in making the correct decision. Ethical theories and principles guide individuals in making decisions. When using ethical theories to determine an appropriate decision, the theory must be directed towards a common set of goals, which are ethical principles (Rainbow, 2002). The ER nurses’ goal is to ensure that the young girl receives the appropriate medical treatment for her condition. Ethical principles that can relate to this situation are beneficence, which is to do what is good and least harm, which is to do the least harm to an individual. In looking at ethical theories, using Deontology and Utilitarianism is useful in that Deontology relates to the nurses obligations and duties to disclose the information and Utilitarianism relates to being able to foresee the consequences of actions if the information is not disclosed. A utilitarian looks at what is the greatest benefit for that individual (Rainbow, 2002). When an individual is confronted with an ethical dilemma, using an ethical-decision making model is useful. This type of model assists in breaking down all the facts and individuals’ involved in the dilemma and helps to develop possible alternatives to address the dilemma. It guides ones’ decision making from an objective, cognitive perspective, rather than an emotional perspective (GCU, 2014). In the article discussed, the ER nurse can incorporate an ethical-decision making model to make the most appropriate decision. First is to address who is involved and what the actual dilemma entails and identify the ethical dilemma. Next, she can look at the situation at hand and determine how her own personal values see this issue and determine what alternatives can be used to help resolve the dilemma. Once the alternative actions are decided upon, the ER nurse can look at each one and decide if they conflict with her own personal values. If so, she may need to get another health care provider involved to eliminate any biases. In the article, the nurse is advised by the physician that the girls’ parents need to be informed; therefore, guiding her into making the appropriate decision. The next step is to prioritize the acceptable alternatives from most acceptable to least acceptable. The alternatives in the articles dilemma can be 1). The young girl informing her parents herself. The implication with this alternative is that most likely she will not inform her parents. 2). The nurse informing the parents of their daughters medical condition. The implication here is that the patient will not feel she can trust the nurse; however, by choosing this alternative, the decision is in the best interest of the child and 3). Not disclosing information at all. The implications here is that the minor child will not receive the appropriate care needed which will cause further harm. The significance in using this model is to ensure that the appropriate ethical decision is made. Ethics committees are available as well to assist and guide when ethical dilemmas occur. In regards to the article, an ethical committee can discuss the alternatives and make recommendations, still keeping in line with the patients’ rights. These committees focus on issues of morality, patient autonomy, legislation, and states’ interest. They have a significant influence on decision making and the power to influence a judge or jury (GCU, 2014). Ethical dilemmas will always be in a health care professionals’ daily work. Using ethical theories and principles will guide health care professionals in making the most appropriate ethical decision. Following these theories and principles will ensure that the patient is receiving the best quality care that they deserve. References

Impact of Branding on Consumer Purchasing Decision

Impact of Branding on Consumer Purchasing Decision An Empirical Study in the Technological product sector More and more organizations have come to realize that brand is the most valuable asset associated with their products or services and are using branding as a strategic tool in todays dynamic business environment (Chernatony and MacDonald, 1998; Rooney, 1995). Some extremely successful examples in brand management include Microsoft, IBM, Sony, Nike and Coca-Cola (BusinessWeek, 2002[1]). Their brands resonate with the general public and affect the consumers buying decision-making. The power of the brands has contributed substantially to the continuing success in the future (Davis, 2002). Brand acts as a strategic marketing tool to attract and keep customers by promoting value, image, prestige or lifestyle (Rooney, 1995). Furthermore, it is a powerful technique to develop a stable, sustainable and distinct relation with customers by playing number of associations, so marketers must account for all of them in making marketing decisions (Aaker, 1992). Hence this study will try to find out the impact of branding on consumer purchase decision, specifically in the technological product market. The main aim of this project is to find out the impact, branding has on the consumer purchase decision in general and especially in the technological product sector. The focus of this study will be on the consumer’s viewpoint about brands and how it affects their purchasing decisions. Hence the objectives of the study will be to: Review the current literature regarding brands, branding and consumer purchase decision Based on the literature review and secondary data identify branding factors that supposedly impact the consumer purchase decision Find out consumers perception regarding the impact of brands on their purchasing decisions specifically in the technological product sector To bring out the implications of the research Research Methodology: An appropriate research methodology is a general plan of how the researcher will go about answering the research questions considering the sources to collect data and the constraints that one might have (access to data, time, location and money, etc). It should reflect the fact that the researcher has thought carefully about why a particular strategy/method has been employed. Data intended for almost any study can be obtained from two sources: Primary Data and Secondary Data. In order to complete the research project from a theoretical as well as a practical point of view, this research will make use of both types of data. This study will be carried in three phases. The first phase will involve literature review and secondary data collection. Primary data will be collected in the second phase. The last phase will comprise of analysing the primary data and drawing suitable conclusions from the study. Phase 1: The first phase of the research will comprise of reviewing the literature and collecting secondary data. This will involve an investigation of brands and different types of branding options that are availed by manufacturers. Further to this the consumer decision process will also be reviewed to find the factors that affect the consumer’s decision making process in general. According to Sharp and Howard (1996), two major reasons exist for reviewing the literature. First, the preliminary search helps to generate and refine the research ideas. And secondly, a critical review is a part of the research process. Like most research projects, literature review will be an early activity in this research. After the initial literature search, the researcher will be able to redefine the parameters more precisely and undertake further searches, keeping in mind the research objective and goal. The literature review will help in developing a good understanding and insight into the p revious research done on this topic and the trends that have emerged. Secondary data sources Secondary data will be collected from a varied number of sources. Books published books generally considered as one of the most reliable and valid source of information will be used for the basic content of the literature review. Electronic sources – will provide a large amount of information relevant to the subject Magazines a good source of getting data and report of recent and relevant articles Newspapers latest updates on brands and other information Advantages of using secondary data Saves cost and time Wide variety of information available Availability of vast amount of information Disadvantages of using secondary data are Most of the magazines or journals require Subscription, which is not feasible when lots of journals and materials have to be analysed. Shortage of time limits the scope of the research to a great extent. Most of the articles, research papers, and survey results found on various web sites or lacks the proof of the accuracy of their results. Phase 2: In phase 2 primary data will be collected which refers to the data obtained via the researcher’s direct experience. The need for employing more than one method of research stems from the fact that various methods contain their own set of assumptions of the nature of the real world and the kind of data produced (Denscombe, 1998). The author has selected survey strategy for the purpose of collecting primary data. It is a common and popular strategy in business and management research. Through this a large amount of data can be collected in an economical way. Bell (1993) says that surveys can provide answers to questions like What, Where, When, And How. It tries to elaborate the problems of ‘representativeness’ from other approaches like case studies or most of the qualitative approaches. This approach can be termed as fact finding mission and may contribute little towards the development of a hypotheses or shaping theory. The results from the survey can def initely be used to test a hypotheses or theory. The data here is primarily quantitative but may also be qualitative in nature as it represents peoples view about an issue. Questionnaires are generally used for the purpose of data collection followed by few interviews to increase the validity of the data. Using multi-methods produces various kinds of data on the same topic improving the quality of research. Hence, this research will make use of more than one research method (questionnaire and interview) to enable the researcher to present the topic in a more complete fashion from different perspectives. Hence the primary data collection methods used for this research will be- Questionnaires Interviews Questionnaires provide the easiest known way of assembling a mass of information (Burroughs, 1971:106). The author decided to use online questionnaires for the purpose of the study. Online questionnaires are very economical, the costs faced were nearly negligible, since once the form was loaded on the server, and all entries came in the form of e-mail. They are easier to administer and manage and supply standardised answers from all recipients. But a lot of care will be taken in order to construct questionnaires to maximise response rate. Due to its length or complexity in the questionnaire, it may yield a response rate so low that the data may not be adequate to make any kind of generalisation or even a reliable statement. Keeping this in mind, for the purpose of this research, due care will be taken to avoid hypothetical questions, dual meaning questions, presuming questions and any form of ambiguity or imprecision in questions. Also, an attempt will be made to keep the length of the questionnaire very precise, with to the point questions consisting mainly of multiple-choice questions enabling the reader to be comfortable to fill the questionnaire without much loss of time, thereby increasing the questionnaires response rate as well as making data analysis simple. The author also decided to include another method in the form of interviews as part of the research due to the need for more detailed qualitative information. Through the use of questionnaires the research will only able to gather quantitative data, which in itself will be quite useful for the project in order to gain a general view and knowledge about the impact of branding on consumers in general. However, in order to gain better depth in the analysis, the questionnaire data will also be supplemented by few follow up interviews. As an information gathering tool, the interview lends itself to being used alongside other methods as a way of supplementing their data adding detail and depth. (Denscombe, 1998; pi 12) As part of this research project, interviews will be used as a follow-up to the questionnaire. The attempt is to complement the questionnaire data with the interview data, pursuing the interesting lines of enquiry in greater detail. Simply stated, it can yield rich material or put flesh on the bones of the questionnaire (Bell, 1987). Sampling Process In order to collect appropriate information on the views of the consumers on impact of branding on their purchasing decisions, a very large portion of the general population would be an eligible target, but due to various practical problems of time and cost involved in such a process, a restricted sample of the population was considered for this research. The sample population involved in this project was carried out on a small scale due to the time and resources available. The survey polled a population of primarily Internet users including professionals as well as students situated in various parts of UK in order to get their perspective on the effect branding has on their buying behavior. Approximately, 200 emails will be sent. The population of respondents comprised of general Internet users ranging from computer professionals to lecturers to university students. By the means of this survey, we are investigating the general considerations of the users towards brands while purchasing a technological product. Objective Timeframe Task[2] 1. Phase 1 : Literature Survey/Secondary data Client should put the time frame according to his/her requirements Phase 1 will involve an investigation of brands and different types of branding options that are availed by manufacturers. Further to this the consumer decision process will also be reviewed to find the factors that affect the decision making process. The first stage of the research will comprise of reviewing the literature and collecting secondary data. 2. Phase 2 : Interviews/Surveys Client should put the time frame according to his requirements Phase 2 will involve the primary data collection phase in which the online questionnaire will be used to collect consumer opinion regarding brand implication on their purchasing decisions. 3. Phase 3: Analysis of data from Interviews/surveys and drawing conclusions Client should put the time frame according to his requirements After taking the interviews and surveys, a large quantity of interview notes, questionnaire results and other records will be generated all of which will be analyzed. The survey data will be analysed using the SPSS software. A brief thematic analysis will be done for the data collected from the interviews. Following this, conclusions will be drawn based on the findings. References Aaker, A. D. (1992), The Value of Brand Equity. Journal of Business Strategy, Vol.13 (4), p.p.27-32. Bell, J. (1987). Doing your Research Project. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Bell, J. (1993) Doing your research project: a guide for first-time researchers in education and social science, Open University press Burroughs, G.E.R. (1971). Design and Analysis in Educational Research, Oxford: Educational Review. Davis, S. (2002), Brand Asset Management: how businesses can profit from the power of brand, Journal of Consumer Marketing, Vol. 19, No. 4, p.p.351 -358. de Chernatony, L. McDonald, M. (1998), Creating Powerful Brands in Consumer, service and Industrial Markets, 2nd Edition, UK: Reed Eductional and Professional Publishing Ltd. Denscombe, M. (1998). The Good Research Guide. Buckingham: Open University Press Hussey, J. and Hussey, R. (1997), Business Research: A Practical Guide for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students, Macmillan Press, London. Research, http://www.allbusiness.com/articles/content/19671.asp Rooney, J. A. (1995), Branding: a trend for today and tomorrow, Journal of Product and Brand Management, Vol. 4, No. 4, p.p.48 55. Schutz (1972). The Phenomenology of the Social World (London: Heinemann). Sharp, J.A. and Howard, K. (1996) The Management of a Student Research Project. Aldershot, Gower. 1 [1] http://bwnt.businessweek.com/brand/2002/index.asp [2] The tasks will be further divided into sub tasks to give a detailed insight of the plan as it develops.

The Roman Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic Church The Roman Catholic Church is ruled by the Pope in Vatican City, Rome. He rules over all Catholic Churches in the world and many Catholics make it their life-long dream to visit Vatican City one day and to attend Mass with the Pope. The origin of this Christian denomination leads all the way back to apostolic times. The rituals that the Roman Catholic Church has are very similar to Christian rituals which include baptism and confirmation. Most Catholics who attend the Roman Catholic Church follow and obey the Bible and the way in which their church interprets it. The Roman Catholic Church is very similar but also very different in certain areas to Protestant beliefs but overall it is up to personal opinion as to what religion an individual will follow and how they will act upon it. Rituals that the Roman Catholic Church follows are baptism, first communion, confirmation, marriage, the last rites and becoming a priest or a nun. Baptism is where the baby is taken to the front of the church to be sprinkled or poured over with water while a bible passage from Matthew 28:19 is being read. This is to show everyone that the baby and his or her family confess their faith in Jesus and will continue to in future life. Many families like to dress their child in a gown that becomes a keepsake for later life. First communion is a persons first reception of the sacrament of the Eucharist (central focuses of the Catholic Church). Confirmation shows that the child is still practicing their faith and will continue on from then on. It is usually required that the child be baptised before they can be confirmed to continue practicing their beliefs. Marriage is a sign between a man and woman who are mutually in love to God that they have eternal love. Divorce is not recognised in t his religion but annulments may be granted. The last rite is also known as Anointing of the Sick. This is where a seriously ill person is given three sacraments; Penance, Eucharist and Viaticum. The last ritual is becoming a nun or priest. This is where the person takes vows to commit him or her to a spiritual life. It also means that they must follow and live their life praying and if a woman, must also live in a monastery or convent. The Roman Catholic Church has many beliefs, some of which are common to the Protestant but some are totally different and may not be accepted by either belief system. Examples of characteristics that are similar: both religions believe in the Holy Spirit and good people go to heaven. There are very little similarities because of the fact that they may agree on one issue but the underlying way that the conclusion was made are different from each other. Both religions believe that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son. This is one common belief that both belief systems hold. The idea that good people go to heaven can be debated as being a difference between the two because of the fact as to how believers go to heaven. The Roman Catholic Church believes that those who go to heaven have been following all their life and have not done any wrong in life will be allowed to heaven. Protestants believe that if you have shown your faith to God and shown that you give your l ife to him, you will be saved and brought up to heaven and have a life with God. These are just the similarities between these two religions, there many more differences which is what sets these two beliefs apart from each other What sets the Catholics apart from the Protestants are the beliefs in the areas of free will, predestination, the interpretation of the Bible, marriage and divorce and the significance of Eucharist. Free will is the power of making free choices unconstrained by external agencies. For the Catholics this statement is good for them as they are free to do good or evil. But for Protestants, this is not the case. They are only free to do good things. Predestination is being determined in advance where God chooses what will happen to you in life and what happens to you in the after-life. Catholics believe that your predestination is based on Gods foreknowledge of you and your actions while Protestants believe that your predestination is related to Gods decrees. The interpretation of the Bible is different as the Catholic interpretation includes apocrypha which are books of the Bible that are added in to the Old Testament. While Protestants omit these 14 books of the Bible. These are just a few differences between the Protestants and the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church. Marriage is accepted in both religions and shows the unity of two people and shows their beliefs and sacrifices for God. Divorce on the other hand, is accepted by Protestants but discouraged and is accepted as evidence of human weakness. While with Catholics, divorce is looked down upon unless there is some canonical obstruction in which an annulment may be granted in this situation. Eucharist is the sacrament of the Holy Communion. These two religions have different opinions as to this issue. To the Roman Catholics, the Eucharist is known as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. This is opposed to the Protestants, who believe that along with Baptism, The Eucharist is a symbol of grace and that is it. The sacrificial nature of The Eucharist is also rejected. In conclusion, the Roman Catholic Church is another religion that people believe in and is ruled by the Pope. It is all up to personal opinion as to what an individual believes in and how they act upon it. Protestants have very different beliefs to Catholics but they all look up to the same person; God. No one can judge you on your religion and actions. These beliefs and actions just determine your future in some peoples opinions but it is all up to personal opinion and personal views.

Criminals Essay -- Social Issues, Rape, Non Consensual Sex

Criminals. The very word stands to threaten the stability and security of the individual and society at large. Thus dating back to 1760 , our understanding of the nature of crime and our ability to manage it has generated much discussion. Often we see the words â€Å"senseless acts† splashed across newspaper reports. However as suggested by early rational choice theorist Becarria, Crime is the outcome of choice; a calculated process of weighing up the costs against the benefits in order to maximise pleasure and minimise pain (Bernard et al. 2010). Given that specific crimes are committed with specific purposes, it makes little sense to construct broad categories of crime (Pateboster 2001). Each crime is so intricate and distinct we need to consider the offenders perspective, to understand the state of mind and play that underpins each particular offence. Rape and drunk driving, are profound examples of how different crimes compared to each other and within themselves have vastly different motives. Important to this is the offenders background and varying perceptions of costs and benefits. By tuning into these differences between offences and offenders, enables us to implement effective policies, as they hone in on the direct causes of how and why people commit crime. In order to fully understand criminal decisions, we must capture both sides of the equation; the costs as well as the benefits (Ward et al. 2006). When comparing rape, non-consensual sexual intercourse that is committed by physical force, threat of injury, or other duress, with drunk driving, driving over the legal limit of blood to alcohol level, their definitions highlight the different nature of each ... ...itive shortcuts and fail to acknowledge the full scope of costs and benefits (Pateboster 2001). Thus is it wise to conclude, that crime can not be managed effectively without close study of the dynamic nature of individual crimes from individual perspectives. A comparison of Rape and drunk driving illustrates how perceptions of costs and benefits, certainty and severity, legal and extralegal consequences, will vary across offences and offenders. Crime is thus multifactorial and complex. To construct broad programs and policies would be ill informed and ineffective. It is clear that one size can not fit all. If we as a society wish to understand crime we must continue to understand it from the offender’s perspective . To a large extent this understanding is everything. The safety, security and cohesion of our society depends on it.

Sexual Harassment Interventions :: Sexual Harassment Essays

Sexual Harassment Interventions Sexual harassment affects people of all ages and races and of both sexes. Although it has been outlawed under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, many companies and schools have yet to develop adequate policies and procedures for addressing sexual harassment. Evidence of this is apparent in the increased number of grievances filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): from 10,532 filings in 1993 to 15,889 in 1997 (Ganzel 1998). The Supreme Court rulings in Faragher v. City of Boca Raton and Burlington Industries v. Ellerth are an attempt to halt these incidents by requiring harassed employees to work within their companies to resolve grievances before turning to the EEOC. They place responsibility on the employer to set guidelines for preventing sexual harassment and on the employee to follow them (Barrier 1998). This Digest examines the implications of federal laws covering sexual harassment, the characteristics of company policies and grievance procedures to prevent and report sexual harassment, and program strategies for preventing sexual harassment in schools and workplaces. What Institutions Can Do The Supreme Court's recent rulings are motivating employers to take actions that reflect their compliance with federal laws as protection against sexual harassment litigation. Emerging from the literature on sexual harassment prevention are three key steps that employers can take to counter sexual harassment (Kimble-Ellis 1998; "Protecting Employees" 1998): 1. Develop a strong company policy that specifies in writing outlawed behaviors and penalties for their demonstration 2. Establish grievance procedures for reporting, processing, and resolving complaints 3. Provide sexual harassment training for supervisors, managers, and workers that explains what sexual harassment means and how it can be recognized, confronted, and averted. Strong Company Policy Although a number of large companies have already established policies governing sexual harassment, effective compliance with the Supreme Court's rulings on sexual harassment requires that all companies, as well as schools that receive federal funds, establish sexual harassment policies that they put in writing, disseminate, and enforce (Barrier 1998). A company policy addressing sexual harassment must clearly specify (1) the behaviors that constitute harassment and the company's intolerance of such behaviors; (2) channels employees must follow to report sexual harassment complaints to their supervisors or designated company representative; (3) strategies the company will follow in investigating and resolving a complaint, including confidentiality practices; (4) warnings that violation of the policy will result in punishments that could include dismissal; and (5) assurance that retaliation will not be allowed (Ganzel 1998).

Streetcar named desire: reality

A Streetcar Named Desire: Illusion Replacing Reality â€Å"Human kind cannot bear much reality' (Eliot 14). Tennessee Williams' â€Å"A Streetcar Named Desire† is an artistic demonstration of T. S. Eliot's observation. In Streetcar, Blanche, a woman in crisis, visits her sister Stella and brother-in-law Stanley in New Orleans. Blanche is from an upper-class background but has fallen on hard times, both economically and emotionally. Stanley is from a lower-class background with a cruel streak a mile wide. What ensues is a conflict of epic proportions between Stanley and Blanche, with Stella torn between the two.Each character operates ithin his or her own alternate reality. Through Stella, Stanley and Blanche's self- deception within this conflict, Williams demonstrates how and to what extent individuals create their own realities in order to maintain the fapde of an existence they deem acceptable. Blanche, more so that any of character demonstrates an individual's ability to live in an alternate reality. Blanche creates an illusion that helps her cope with the type of person she has become because of tragedy she experiences.Blanche's husband commits suicide after she makes a cruel statement to him when she discovers his affair with a man. Blanche deals with her guilt and loneliness with destructive behavior: she drinks excessively and engages in sexually promiscuous behavior. Ultimately, Blanche is run out of town and comes to live with Stella with nowhere else to go. The facts behind Blanche's story are sordid. But she does not acknowledge them or even live in a reality where they exist. â€Å"After all, a woman's charm is fifty percent illusion† (2. 29). Blanche creates an illusion where she remains a proper Southern lady who is wanted by rich gentlemen. She arrives at Stella's house wearing pearls, white gloves and a hat, â€Å"looking as if she were arriving t a summer tea or cocktail party in the garden district† (1. 14). She clings t o her Southern aristocratic roots and labels Stanley a â€Å"brute† because of his social status (4. 2). She will not acknowledge that she has fallen on hard times, but instead adopts a reality as it â€Å"ought to be† (9. 43).She strives to convince others to adopt her reality to reinforce her fantasy world (â€Å"l misrepresent things to them. I don't tell the truth, I tell what ought to be truth†) (9. 43). For Blanche, an alternate reality is not Just desirable or more acceptable, it is necessary. Blanche needs the illusion because she annot exist without it. She cannot see herself as she truly is and go on. When Stanley shatters the illusion, Blanche is destroyed along with it. Like Blanche, Stella also creates a false reality to make her existence acceptable.Stella's alternate reality does not permeate her life like Blanche's. But, it is equally destructive. Stella creates an illusion of Stanley as a loving husband to maintain her illusion that everything i s fine in her marriage. Stella's illusion of Stanley is evident on two occasions†when she returns to Stanley after he beats her and when she refuses to believe that Stanley has raped Blanche. When Stanley beats Stella, Stella's self-deception becomes evident. It is clear at that point that Stanleys cruelty extends to Stella in their marriage.Blanche tries to convince Stella to leave Stanley. Ironically, Blanche, who clings to illusion herself, tells Stella that she must, â€Å"Pull (her)self together and face the facts† (4. 48). Stella, however, opts for her illusion. She returns to Stanley and maintains the illusion ot ner nappy marriage. Stella again opts tor ner alternate reality when she refuses to believe that Stanley raped Blanche. Stella recognizes that he cannot maintain the illusion of what her marriage is if she believes Blanche. So, she makes a conscious decision to reject Blanche's story and maintain her illusion.At the end of the play, Stella explains her d ecision to her friend Eunice: â€Å"l couldn't believe her story and go on living with Stanley† (1 1. 40). In reply, Eunice states, â€Å"Don't ever believe it. Life has got to go on. No matter what happens, you've got to keep going. † (1 1. 41). Eunice's reply suggests that she recognizes that Stella is deceiving herself about Stanley in order to maintain the illusion of her marriage. Stella's statement also suggests a degree of awareness that the illusion of her marriage would be destroyed if she accepted Blanche's story.Stella is only able to maintain her false reality by rejecting the truth about a brutal rape against her sister. Through Stella actions, Williams demonstrates the extent that an individual will go to in order to maintain an illusion. Both Stella and Blanche's lives are mired in illusion. Williams suggests that perhaps Stanleys is as well toa lesser degree. Williams betrays Stanley as a forthright man who speaks truthfully and plainly. From the time e meets Blanche, Stanley is obsessed with revealing Blanche's lies and deceptions.But, ironically, even Stanley creates an alternate reality that he is better able to accept. After he has driven Blanche insane by his brutal rape, Stanley goes to his family and presents the image of a loving husband and father as Blanche is taken away. Stanleys alternate reality mirrors the one that Stella has created. In his illusion he is a loving father and husband rather than a cruel bully. So, through Stanley, Williams demonstrates that even those who are firmly seated in reality engage in self-deception to maintain an acceptable fapde.Williams' message in Streetcar seems to be that humans tend to make their own reality when the real one is not to their liking. Blanche, Stella and even Stanley toa lesser degree create false realities. Their illusions cloak actual realities which they are unable or unwilling to bear. The illusions they create allow them to adopt an existence that is acceptable to them†one that is in no way similar to the truth of their lives. Works Cited Eliot, T. S. â€Å"Burnt Norton. † Four Quartets. New York: Mariner Books, 1968. 14. Print. Williams, Tennessee. A Streetcar Named Desire. New York: Signet, 1974. Print.

“Of Mice and Men”: George’s actions at the end of the novel Essay

Discuss George’s actions at the end of the novel. How can we justify what he does to Lennie? How can we condemn it? Although murder is morally incorrect, mercy killing can be justified as it may prevent a later inevitable and painful death. In the novella ‘Of Mice and Men’ written by John Steinbeck, the character George shoots his friend, Lennie. Whilst George’s actions can be condemned, George had good intentions towards the death of his friend. Steinbeck makes it clear throughout the novella that although horrid incidents may occur such as Lennie’s death that it was how it was during the Great Depression. However one may like to condemn George’s actions in shooting his only friend, George had forgivable intentions as to why he chose to shoot Lennie. George’s murdering of his friend was without malicious intent. It is clear from the start in the novella that George cares for Lennie, as he protects and looks out for him. Killing Lennie was not an easy choice.. He also prevented a further painful and torturous death for Lennie, as Curley plans to ‘shoot that big bastard’s guts right outta him.’ This implies that Curley intends no mercy and an excruciating death awaits Lennie. By shooting his friend, George gives Lennie a peaceful death. During the scene where the two men are in the bush, George once again recites their dream which reminds the audience and Lennie of their friendship. He tells George, ‘I got you an’ you got me.’ This conveys in the idea that George truly cared for Lennie and has no vicious intent when he is to shoot Lennie. By shooting Lennie, George gave him a merciful and peaceful death with no intended malicion. The murder of Lennie is justified as Steinbeck shows the audience through the novella, realistic themes that were evident in the 1930s. Steinbeck’s writing style has been described as a naturalist or realist type. It is clear from the start, that in ‘Of Mice and Men’ there is a predatory nature in human existence. Candy says to George, â€Å"I shouldn’t have let no stranger shoot my dog.† Having said that, it foreshadows Lennie’s death and what George must do. It also conveys in the idea that Lennie will face a similar fate to Candy’s old dog who is weak and handicapped. Society does not tolerate the weak as there were limited resources during the Great  Depression. As seen in the scene where Slim drowns the smallest pups, it is clear that Steinbeck is trying to send across the message that only the strongest lived during the Great Depression. John Steinbeck gave the reader a realistic view on what would have happened during a difficu lt time and Lennie’s death is similar to what would have occurred during the 1930s. The final reason that justifies Lennie’s death, is when one ponders the reality of the men attaining the ranch. As evident in the novella, Lennie has no problem killing small animals and even people. If the reader is to imagine Lennie on a ranch with a large group of animals, especially rabbits; no matter how many times Candy calculated the numbers, there would be no possible way for the men to make a profit off the rabbits given the amount Lennie would kill due to his brute strength. By forgetting the reality of the situation, the men forget that the ranch was not even a reachable goal in the first place. As indicated by George, â€Å"I think I knowed from the very first. I think I knowed we’d never do her.† This supports the idea that there was really no chance of the men actually getting the ranch. By killing Lennie, George puts an end to the unrealistic dream in which Lennie would have created problems in making the dream farm profitable. George’s actions are justified through realism that the ending scene portrays. When George shoots Lennie, he ensures he dies a peaceful death. If George did not kill Lennie, Lennie would have faced a possible torturous death. His actions are also justified as George meant no malicious intent and only wants the best for his friend. Lennie would have made life difficult even on their own land. Steinbeck shows the realism that people in the Great Depression would have faced in situations similar to Lennie and George’s; he shows us a piece of history and the tragedies attached. Although one may condemn George’s shooting of Lennie, mercy killing was the best choice for both of the men. Loved the point about the Depression times. (Paragraph 3) and also the â€Å"unrealistic † dream point in the next paragraph You could also discuss the fact that George also â€Å"loses† something by killing  Lennie. He really believed their relationship was special. ( George tells Slim this). Killing Lennie wasn’t just the easy way out for George. Once again, an original approach. I am sure your exam essay will reflect your mature approach and your hard work.