A Dolls House Character Study Dr. Rank

Dr. Rank, a minor character in the Ibsen drama A Dolls House, appears to be an extraneous supporting character. He does not further the plot the same way Krogstad or Mrs. Linde do. Krogstad initiates the conflict by attempting to blackmail Nora Helmer. Mrs. Linde gives Nora an excuse to leap into the exposition in Act One, and she also tames the heart of the antagonistic Mr. Krogstad. And the fact is that Rank does not have much to do with the plays narrative. On different occasions throughout Henrik Ibsens play, Rank visits with Torvald Helmer in his office. He flirts with a married woman. Oh, and he is slowly dying of an unnamed illness (he does hint at his disintegrating spine—and most scholars suggest he is plagued with a case of  tuberculosis). Even Dr. Rank believes himself to be easily replaceable: Dr. Rank: The thought of having to leave it all†¦ without being able to leave behind even the slightest token of gratitude, hardly a fleeting regret even†¦ nothing but an empty place to be fulfilled by the first person that comes along. (Act Two) Many scholars see Dr. Rank as a symbol of moral corruption within society. However, because of the many sincere aspects of his character, that view is debatable. Basically, Dr. Rank adds to the somber mood of the play, yet he is not essential to the conflict, climax, or resolution. He chats with the other characters, admiring them, all the while knowing he will never be important to any of them. Dr. Ranks Friendship With Torvald and Nora When the Helmers find Dr. Rank’s letter that indicates he has gone home to await death, Torvald says, â€Å"His suffering and his loneliness seemed almost to provide a background of ​dark cloud to the sunshine of our lives. Well, perhaps it’s all for the best. For him at any rate. And maybe for us as well, Nora. Now there’s just the two of us.† It doesn’t sound like they will miss him too much. Believe it or not, Torvald is the doctor’s closest friend! When students first read the play, some feel immense sympathy for Dr. Rank. Other students are disgusted by him. They believe that he fits his name. Dictionary.com offers a few vile definitions for the adjective â€Å"rank.† It is a word that means, â€Å"highly offensive; disgusting; vulgar; or indecent.† Does Dr. Rank fit those negative dictionary descriptions? That depends on how the reader interprets Dr. Rank’s affection for Nora. Dr. Rank: Nora†¦Do you think he’s the only one who†¦? Who wouldn’t gladly give his life for your sake. I swore to myself you would know before I went. I’ll never have a better opportunity. Well, Nora! Now you know. And now you know too that you can confide in me as in nobody else. (Act Two) One could view this as an honorable love-from-afar, but it is also an uncomfortable love for Nora.  Most actors portray Dr. Rank as soft-spoken and well-meaning. He does not mean to be vulgar but instead confesses his feelings for Nora mainly because he only has a few days left to live. Sadly, Nora responds to his forwardness by summoning her maid, turning up the lights, stepping away from him and quickly dismissing the conversation. When Dr. Rank suggests that his love is just as strong as Torvalds, Nora recoils from him. She never again looks to him as a possible solution to her problem. The fact that she would consider suicide before accepting Dr. Rank’s endearments speaks volumes about the way the poor doctor is perceived by others. An Example of Early Realism in Theater More than any other character in the play, Dr. Rank reflects the dawning of â€Å"Modern Drama.† Torvald and Krogstad could just as easily appear in a sappy melodrama. However, Dr. Rank might well fit into one of  Anton Chekhov’s plays. Before Ibsen’s time, many plays focused on characters facing and solving problems. As plays became more realistic, characters began spending more time being reflective rather than getting caught up in convoluted plot lines. Dr. Rank, like characters found in the works of Chekhov, Brecht, and other modern dramatists, ponders aloud about his inner misgivings.

The Darkest Periods Of African American History - 1237 Words

Anna Wilson Mr. Burey U.S History 11-08 10 December 2015 Slavery was one of the darkest periods in African American history. Africans were taken from their homes in West Africa and brought to America to work on plantations. However, slavery was not something new, as it existed in Africa before Europeans partook in it, but slavery in Africa was very different from slavery in America. During their voyage through the Middle Passage many slaves perished. Those who survived were sold and subjected to the harsh life on the plantations. When this happened, their authentic cultures were drastically changed from the way of life in their native homelands in Africa to life in the plantation society of the American colonies. The family structure and organization in rural Africa was very different from that of the enslave ones in the plantation society of America. In Africa they were allowed to keep many wives and it was very legal. As, Venture Smith, a slave from Dukandarra in Guinea stated, â€Å"My father had three wives. Polygamy want notuncommon†¦.† (170-171). The Africans also had several children with the wives and the family was very closed-nit. However when the Africans were captured by the Europeans and brought to America, it caused disruptions in the family structure. After their arrival, there was a separation of husbands from wives, mothers from children, and sister and brothers and forced in to servitude on plantations. Slaves were not allowed to marry but they wereShow MoreRelatedThe Civil War And The Great Depression1655 Words   |  7 PagesAll history textbooks should be written in manner of bringing knowledge about the past to the reader in a realistic way in which it discuses the accomplishment and downfall America had taken part in. However, in reality majority of the history textbooks cover up the truth and present biased information to the reader’s. 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Environmental scanning free essay sample

Objectives of the Paper  § To diagnose the complexity of the external environment  § To examine the Opportunities and Threats in the: †¢? Societal Environment – general environment †¢? Task Environment – groups directly affected by and who directly affect a firm  § To identify environmental shifts and analyze their impacts on the industry 7/12/11 Conrado T. Montemayor, PhD Consuelo B. Estepa PhD Consuelo B. Estepa, PhD INDUSTRY ANALYSIS PAPER POINTERS Rationale behind Environmental Scanning and Industry Analysis The O T analysis (from SWOT ) is necessary to determine: 1.? If there is a strategic fit between what the environment wants and the firm has to offer, and 2.? If there is a strategic fit between what the firm needs and the environment can provide. 7/12/11 Consuelo B. Estepa PhD 2 Framework for Scanning the External Environment Analysis of Societal Environment Political-Legal, Economic, Sociocultural, Technological Factors Market Analysis Community Analysis Competitor Analysis Supplier Analysis Interest Group Analysis 7/12/11 Conrado T. Montemayor, PhD Selection of Strategic Factors †¢ Opportunities †¢ Threats Figure 1 Governmental Analysis Consuelo B. Estepa PhD Consuelo B. Estepa, PhD INDUSTRY ANALYSIS PAPER POINTERS Your Operating Environment Your Organization’s External Environment Figure 2 Your Industry Ecological and natural issues Power or suppliers Current markets Global forces Current competitors Economic indicators Your Market Your Organization Customers New competitors Growing or declining Demographic movements New markets Market size Substitute products Social and cultural shifts Competitive rivalry Technology trends Political winds 7/12/11 Power of buyers Consuelo B. Estepa PhD 3 POINTERS ON HOW TO DO THE INDUSTRY ANALYSIS PAPER 7/12/11 Conrado T. Montemayor, PhD Consuelo B. Estepa PhD Consuelo B. Estepa, PhD INDUSTRY ANALYSIS PAPER POINTERS 1.? Examine possible shifts in the societal variables. a)? What is the industry where your firm operates? Provide a brief description of this industry as well as that of your firm. b)? Using the PEST matrix, as shown in Figure 3, decide which of the variables might be changing so as to create a strategic issue. c)? Identify those issues that are most important to your firm and the industry where you operate, and plot these variables on the issues-priority matrix, using Figure 4. Explain. 7/12/11 Consuelo B. Estepa PhD 4 Societal Environment Key Variables (PEST) Economic Technological Politico-Legal GDP trends Total government spending for RD Stability of government Interest rates Money supply Inflation rates Total industry spending for RD Socio-cultural Environmental protection laws Career expectations Consumer activism Tax laws Rate of family formation Special incentives Growth rate of population Age distribution of population Unemployment levels Focus of technological efforts Wage/price controls Patent protection Foreign trade regulations Devaluation/revaluation New products Energy availability and cost New developments in technology transfer from lab to marketplace Attitudes toward foreign companies Disposable and discretionary income Lifestyle changes Laws on hiring and promotion Productivity improvements through automation Regional shifts in population Life expectancies Birth rates Figure 3 7/12/11 Conrado T. Montemayor, PhD Consuelo B. Estepa PhD Consuelo B. Estepa, PhD INDUSTRY ANALYSIS PAPER POINTERS Strategic Issues Priority Matrix Strategic factors have a medium to high probability of occurrence and impact on firm. Medium Low High High Priority High Priority Medium Priority Medium Probability of Occurrence High High Priority Medium Priority Low Priority Low Probable Impact on Corporation Medium Priority Low Priority Low Priority FIGURE 2 7/12/11 Consuelo B. Estepa PhD 5 Remember:  § Environmental uncertainty, or the degree of complexity and change in a firm s external environment, is one key to understanding your firm s threats and opportunities.  § Use of a priority matrix helps a firm identify strategic issues and avoid strategic myopia.  § Only strategic issues are included in SW OT analysis, others are only scanned. 7/12/11 Conrado T. Montemayor, PhD Consuelo B. Estepa PhD Consuelo B. Estepa, PhD INDUSTRY ANALYSIS PAPER POINTERS 2. Identify uncertainties in each of the six forces from the task environment. a)? These can be competitors, buyers, suppliers, likely substitutes, potential entrants, and other key stakeholders b)? Make sure that all the high-priority strategic issues identified in the first step are specified in terms of the appropriate forces in the task environment. c)? Use Figure 3, â€Å"Techniques for Analyzing Industry and Competitors†, adapted from Michael Porter’s Five Forces. 7/12/11 Consuelo B. Estepa PhD 6 Porter s Industry / Task Analysis Figure 4 Potential Entrants Bargaining Power of Other Stakeholders Threat of New Entrants Industry Competitors Other Stakeholders Bargaining Power of Buyers Buyers Suppliers Bargaining Power of Suppliers Rivalry Among Existing Firms Threat of Substitute Products or Services 7/12/11 Conrado T. Montemayor, PhD Substitutes Consuelo B. Estepa PhD Consuelo B. Estepa, PhD INDUSTRY ANALYSIS PAPER POINTERS REMEMBER: Use PORTER S Industry Analysis Framework when writing the paper. 1.? Threat of new entrants – analyze the barriers to entry  §  §  §  §  §  §  § Economies of Scale Product Differentiation Capital Requirements Switching Costs Access to Distribution Channels Cost Disadvantages Independent of Size Government Policy 7/12/11 Consuelo B. Estepa PhD 7 PORTER S Industry Analysis 2.? Rivalry among existing firms  §  §  §  §  §  §  § Number of Competitors Rate of Industry Growth Product or Service Characteristics Amount of Fixed Costs Capacity Height of Exit Barriers Diversity of Rivals 7/12/11 Conrado T. Montemayor, PhD Consuelo B. Estepa PhD Consuelo B. Estepa, PhD INDUSTRY ANALYSIS PAPER POINTERS PORTER S Industry Analysis 3.? Threat of substitute products, services 4.? Buyers bargaining power 5.? Suppliers bargaining power 6.? Other stakeholders relative power 7/12/11 Consuelo B. Estepa PhD 8 3. Identify the casual factors behind the uncertainties. a)? These sources of uncertainty can be inside the industry (e. g. , competitor behavior) or outside the industry (e. g. , new regulations). b)? It is likely that many of these causal factors were identified earlier when the societal environment was analyzed. c)? It is also likely that new ones surfaced when the task environment was analyzed. 7/12/11 Conrado T. Montemayor, PhD Consuelo B. Estepa PhD Consuelo B. Estepa, PhD INDUSTRY ANALYSIS PAPER POINTERS 4. Make a range of plausible assumptions about each important causal factor. a)? For example, if the price of oil is a causal factor, make reasonable assumptions about its future level in terms of high, low, and most probable price. A trend-impact analysis may be of some value here. 7/12/11 Consuelo B. Estepa PhD 9 5. Combine assumptions about individual causal factors into internally consistent scenarios. a)? Put various combinations of the assumptions together into sets of scenarios. Because one assumption may affect another, ensure that the scenarios are internally consistent. b)? A simplified cross-impact analysis may be of some value in one’s determining the interaction of likely trends. For example, if a scenario includes the assumptions of high oil prices and a low level of economic inflation, that scenario is not internally consistent and should be rejected. (It is an unlikely event because high oil prices tend to drive inflation upward. ) 7/12/11 Conrado T. Montemayor, PhD Consuelo B. Estepa PhD Consuelo B. Estepa, PhD INDUSTRY ANALYSIS PAPER POINTERS 6. Analyze the industry situation that would prevail under each scenario. a)? For example, if one scenario assumes that generic (no name) drugs will be more in demand than brand-name drugs, the situation in the drug industry under that assumption will be very different than under the assumption that the demand for generic drugs will be negligible. b)? For example, an industry dominated by generic drugs would have low profit margins for all firms and a very heavy degree of competition. It is likely that in that industry situation a few firms would leave the drug industry. 7/12/11 Consuelo B. Estepa PhD 10 7. Determine the sources of competitive advantage under each scenario. a)? For example, in an industry dominated by generic drugs, the combination of low price backed up by low operating costs would provide competitive advantage to a firm. If brand-name drugs dominated, the combination of strong advertising, high-quality production, and heavy promotion would provide competitive advantage to the firm using them. 7/12/11 Conrado T. Montemayor, PhD Consuelo B. Estepa PhD Consuelo B. Estepa, PhD INDUSTRY ANALYSIS PAPER POINTERS 8. Predict your competitors’ behavior under each scenario. a)? As the industry moves toward a particular scenario each competitor will make some adjustment. Some might leave the industry. New competitors might enter. Using each competitor’s history and what is known about its management, estimate what each competitor is likely to do. b)? Once this is done, you should be able to specify the strategic factors that are necessary for success (opportunities) as well as those that could cause failure (threats), in a variety of future scenarios. In order to choose the ones most likely to occur, one can also attach probabilities to each of the developed scenarios. 7/12/11 Consuelo B. Estepa PhD 11 In brief:  § The Environmental Scanning and Industry Analysis must present, in a coherent and incisive manner, the structure of the industry where your firm operates.  § Your paper must show in very clear terms the impact of the changes in the external and task environments to the firm, by identifying these shifts.  § You must illustrate how much you know your industry by using the Environmental Scanning Framework, Market Analysis, Competitive Analysis using Porter s Industry Analysis.  § Finally, your paper must be able to demonstrate how your firm will relate to the shifts in the external and task environments by being able to identify opportunities and threats. 7/12/11 Conrado T. Montemayor, PhD Consuelo B. Estepa PhD Consuelo B. Estepa, PhD INDUSTRY ANALYSIS PAPER POINTERS Formatting Note: †¢? There is no limit to the number of pages for this paper, but the Main Report should not be less than 6,500 words, excluding attachments and/or annexes, which are detailed supporting documents to the key research. –? Use A4 size paper, with margins of 1 on all sides, either 12 points Times New Roman font or 11 points Arial font. Use single space within paragraphs, and double space between paragraphs. –? Give word count at the end of the Report. †¢? The sources data for graphs, statistics, tables, etc. must be properly cited at all times using the APA format. †¢? Cite your other sources (documents, reports, etc. ) in a bibliography. †¢? DO NOT PLAGIARIZE.

Tips for availing good essay writing service - scope of essay writing services

Availing a good essay service now days is not easy as the competition is too high and amongst the competitors is hidden scams and fraud cases. These people have a very regular looking website that works absolutely normally and are sometimes quite fancy which attracts people and people gets trapped. They either charge you for nothing good at all or sometimes they charge you for nothing at all, so you have to be very careful when availing any online service. We all know how the scope of essay writing services is increasing and so is its demand that’s why many people are availing this service and many people are tricked by the fraud firms, so you have to be very careful and you must know few things while availing any essay writing service. Here are few tips for availing the best essay writing service: Find out about the authenticity:writing firm’s authenticity and the writer’s authenticity is a must, make sure the firm or the writer you are choosing is 100% genuine and authentic and is not involved in any illegal activities then only you will be able to utilize your money or else all your money would go waste. This can be done through a research process, where you have to find out about the firms/writers and their work history and background this will help you in getting the idea about their authenticity and reliability. You cannot rely on just any firm or just any random writer you must collect complete information. Go for the registered firm:many people make this mistake of availing the essay writing service from an unregistered firm or a random unprofessional writer which results in major loss of time, money and effort. People do this because either they have a limited or a very small budget or they did not do any research at all in both the cases people has to face loss and this is mostly done by the students who avail these services mostly first time and they do this also because they don’t have enough money to spend on this. If you will conduct a research then you will find out that essay writing service UK is one of the most reliable firm for the students providing reasonable and good quality essays You can try freelance writers too:initially when these online essay writing services were introduced so people were really amazed and fascinated by this service and their offerings and there used to be hardly any freelance writers. The firms use to charge a bit higher and everyone couldn’t afford it especially the students who work part time to support their expenses could not afford these services at all so students did not avail essay writing services initially but when the trend of freelance writers was introduced it made the life of a student a blessing, they could easily buy quality essays written on time and that too on very cheap rates, so you can go for good and slightly experienced freelance writers who will definitely have some great writing skills and will fit in according to your budget. Budget is not an issue now as there are multiple options available all across the globe. Check the firm/writer’s work:in order to take a final decision it is very important to have a look at the writer’s previous and current work in case of hiring freelance essay writer or else have a look at overall work of the firm. Many people especially the young crowd make this mistake of not doing a research on writer’s or firm’s work and they then regret it later so it is always better to take precautions rather than curing it later. However, we have all the cure today all thanks to technology but still it will waste your time, money and effort. This will give a pretty clear idea and the picture of their work and their working style not only this but you will also get an idea about their working style and format. All this will help you in making your final decision in making the right decision in terms of availing essay writing service UK or anywhere in the world. Review their feedback and forums:being judgmental here when it comes to choosing the right person or the right firm for essay writing task is absolutely ok and fair, the best way to judge anyone’s work is through their forums and feedback especially in the case of the writers. People who have experienced their work and service can give you a better feedback or recommendation. That’s why always make sure you check and stalk their website, social media pages, forums and whatever is accessible so that you don’t have to regret later.