Cash Accounting versus Accrual Accounting Assignment

Cash Accounting versus Accrual Accounting - Assignment Example But in accrual method, transaction is recorded as and when they happen rather than paid or received. So in accrual method the sale or receipt of goods and services are recorded as and when it happens .At times it is not easy to finalize when the sale or buying occurred ,then the contractor confirm the date when he received the goods and services and the transaction is recorded in the books. The cash and accrual method gives the same outcome as one can instantly see the results. The results of these accounting methods will only show variations, if the transaction is on a credit basis. In case the transaction of sales and purchases are done on cash and recorded immediately in the account then, which ever method one use the ledger will reflect the same results. The businesses with sales less than $ 5 million a year can choose whatever accounting method they want for their business. However in both the methods, the result will be only a partial picture of the financial stand of you busin ess concern. Chapter 2) Theoretical View a) Cash accounting method In cash accounting the primary importance is on the inflow and outflow of cash on everyday transaction of the business .As and when money moves in or out, recording is made in the ledger so that analysis can be made to the financial status of the business in a particular accounting period. According to Tatum (2003)â€Å"Part of the charm of a cash journal is that financial transactions entered as line items can be reviewed quickly when necessary, as well a providing a quick reference document when entering the transactions into other sections of the accounting books†. The author here emphasize that cash accounting is very reliable when it comes to the informative part of the business activities occurring on a daily basis. Cash is the blood life of a business concern, and cash accounting method allows the recording of the every movement of cash in the firm. The cash accounting method allows a small entrepreneur to understand the profitability of his firm without many complications. But this accounting method is useful mainly for small enterprises .The bigger firms use accrual accounting method where trillions of dollars are transacted at a time and sales and purchase of good and services are time consuming. The cash accounting system is quick and easy and help the owner of business on understanding cash reserves when dealing are mainly on cash basis. For example when one use a credit card to make a purchase, one does not have a reduction in the personal account until one pay for the credit card, this is considered cash accounting b)Accrual accounting If one consider accrual accounting , the revenues and expenses are recorded when they are incurred, regardless of money is moved in or out. As per Duchac (2006,pg.98) â€Å" Accrual accounting concepts are designed to reflect a company’s financial performance during a period and avoid misleading results that could arise from the timin g of cash receipts and

Agency Theory and Corporate Governance Research Paper

Agency Theory and Corporate Governance - Research Paper Example The objective of this paper is to evaluate the definition of corporation as a ‘nexus of contracts’ for interpreting its compatibility in the present modern business and thus to examine the importance of corporate governance. For verifying the assumption of the agency theory, the insights of the definition towards the theorists have been researched. It was discovered that there are various critics to this notion of the agency theorists in the modern world. The critics determined that the factor of morality has been ignored by the definition of the agency theorists. Moreover, for measuring the characterization of the definition towards importance of corporate governance, research was done and its was found that the definition has been termed as ‘misleading’ by various critics because of the fact that it incurs legal enforcement of the shareholders while at the same time shareholders hold the least power of legality among all the stakeholders. Introduction The agency theory in relation to the corporate governance represents a two-stage mode of controlling the firm. The two levels are those of the managers and the owners. This research paper is aimed towards discussing the various significant issues related to the existence of agency theory in a corporation. The paper will focus on the interpretation of ‘nexus of contracts’ in relation to the agency theory and corporate governance. ... The use of the phrase, ‘nexus of contracts’ provides a new dimension to the corporation definition. Under this term, the problem of conflicts within a firm is observed as a unit of the contract enforcement. Agency costs are determined as the contract enforcement costs on the basis of the assumption that corporation often acts as ‘nexus of contracts’. Under this definition, the structure of the corporation is defined to be adapting to an attempt aimed towards profit maximization by way of trading among the different parties of contract that meets within the corporation (Maloney, 2003). Relationship between Nexus of Contracts and Agency Theory The definition of the firm ‘nexus of contracts’ has been provided by the agency theory. The nexus of contracts has been defined among various suppliers of a firm’s resource. The nexus of contracts presume two central parties to the agency theory. These are the principals and the agents. Principals are those who supply the capital to the firm and agents are those who manage the operational functions of a firm. Agency costs are encountered by the organization because of the reason that the interests of the two parties do not coincide. The costs of contract enforcement under this presumption consists of the cost of observing the agents’ behavior inclusive of the practices of compensation, restrictions of budget allocation and also the profit and loss because of the rules of operations and that of management restrictions (Proffitt, 2000). Insights of ‘Nexus of Contracts’ for Agency Theorists Under the assumption of the agency theory that defines a firm as a nexus of contracts, it is taken for granted that it is the self-interest of the parties which acts as a

Tata Motors A Business Strategy Report Marketing Essay

Tata Motors A Business Strategy Report Marketing Essay Tata Motors Limited, Indias largest automobile company, is the leader by far in commercial vehicles, and the second largest in the passenger vehicles market with winning products in the compact, mid-size car and utility vehicle segments. The purpose of this report is to study and analyze the internal and external environments of the automobile industry in India. The analysis should enable us to assess the current as well as previous strategies of the company and redesign new strategies for further optimization. Key Findings The research shows that Tata Motors has successfully implemented Low-Cost Strategy by providing unmatched value for its customers money. With 50 years of experience, the company has successfully served varied needs of its customers by providing an extensive range of products. Tata Motors is a pioneer in RD department which allows it to constantly innovate and discover new technologies. Recommendations Considering the emerging economy and changing consumers spending, implementation of Low-Cost Strategy might not benefit in the long run. Consequently, it is recommended that the company should follow differentiation strategy and focus on providing unique goods and services to win over the market from the rivalry players. By bringing revolutionary changes in the market, it would not be unrealistic to think of a future where customers would willingly pay for the added value to the product. Introduction Outline of Business under study Tata Motors, a subsidiary of the Tata group, was formerly known as TELCO (TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company). The group takes its name from the founder Jamsedji Tata and has its headquarters at the Bombay House in Mumbai, India. Established in 1945, Tata Motors has more than 4 million vehicles driving on the Indian roads. It was the first Indian company from the engineering sector to be listed in the New York Stock Exchange. It made its place amongst the worlds top three passenger vehicle makers and is currently the leader in commercial vehicle. It also stands as the fourth largest truck and second largest bus manufacturer. The company employs 23,000 workers, who are directed by the vision to become the best in its operations and product while staying intact with the business ethics and value system. The multinational often hits the headlines because of its takeovers and mergers, especially with the recent acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover (Tata Motors 2011). External Analysis of the Automobile Industry Ever growing Indian population and hence the workforce, has increased the number of independent earners. This favourable trend provides a greater scope for the development of automobile industry in India. During 2008 the industry had a share of up to 3.9% in countrys GDP, which is expected to rise to 10% by 2016 (India Retail Report Q1 2011). Consumer spending on transport is also expected to experience an upward trend and advance by 73.2% in 2007-2015. Also, increased investment by the government for improved road infrastructure has further led to a growth in multi-axle vehicles (Euromonitor International 2008). Reason for studying Tata Motors Tata Motors is lately the most talked about company. Over the years it has emerged as a low cost vehicle manufacturer with prime focus on innovation. In divergence to its strategy, it would be interesting to learn about its new ventures in the luxury market. The study therefore focuses on closely scrutinising and reviewing its current tactics and verifying for any scope for improvement. Strategic Analysis Methods Techniques for Data Collection For the execution of this research, we conducted an in-depth study of the available secondary data. The gathered information was verified with the online company records, reports and official websites. Tata Motors Internal Records and Annual Reports Companies internal records helped us analyzed its current position by revealing its earnings until 2010 and understanding its past strategies and actions. Online Databases Data retrieved from EBSCOhost database, Factiva database and e-books available online at Deakin library and google scholar proved to be extremely beneficial. Online Websites and Other Resources Reliable articles, magazines, statistical trends, government websites and other relevant online sources like financial express, further enlightened our knowledge about the company. Text Book and Lecture Notes The textbook Exploring Corporate Strategy by Gerry Johnson provided us with the framework to go about this project. Study guide and lecture notes were also valuable source for information. Business Strategy Statement Tata Motors aims to emerge as the world-class automobile leader with the remarkable price-performance ratio in combination with hyper-efficient engines to acquire the large market share internationally. Tata Motors mission is to create an organisation that people enjoy working for, doing business with and investing in. It focuses on customer needs to provide them a range of innovative products and maintain long-term relations, by working closely with its workforce and business partners. The companys purpose is to consistently create shareholder value by generating greater returns and to foster long lasting ties with the vendors and channel partners (Global Reporting Initiative 2010). The companys objective is to invest INR28.8billion over the next few years for increasing its production and INR60billion for the expansion of the existing manufacturing plants and in setting up vehicle testing facilities (Automotive Manufacturing Solutions 2010). Tata Motors unmatchable ability to manufacture low cost vehicles provides the company with a greater scope of earning high profit margins and enjoys a greater market share. Economic slowdown has hyped the competition to provide low priced but the best quality vehicles. Understanding rural Indian economy and growing incomes of the farmers, Tata Motors view increased opportunities for its commercial sector (Thakkar 2010). Nevertheless Tata Motors have a range of upcoming Jaguar and Land rover cars for the luxury brand buyers to capture the higher-income/premium customer segment. This could create a greater success for the company in near future. Tata Motors have remarkable advantages of manufacturing in India when compared to other MNC competitors. It benefits from the low labour cost, extensively skilled and interwoven backward and forward linkages, boosting IT engineering, strong auxiliary industry, substantial knowledge of the market, improving infrastructure and increasing domestic demand. Tata Motors aspires to be a world-class maker of quality vehicles by striking balance between the needs of its customers, employee, suppliers, investors and the community as a whole. Analysis of External Environment of the Business Macro Environment analysis Economic Factors: The Indian economy has experienced constant growth due to the increasing per capita income, which grew by 14.2% in 2006-07. The total consumer spending increased by 73.9% during 1995-2007 this is expected to reach 58.2% in 2007-2015 (Euromonitor International 2008). According to the World Factbook (2011), Indias inflation rate rose to 11.7% in 2010 driven by increasing food and fuel prices. Moreover, rising commodity prices and hardening interest rate has posed immense pressure on costs and margins of Indian manufacturers (Mitra Sen 2011). Figure 1: India GDP Source: Index Mundi 2011 Demographic Factors: Indias total population of 1.19 billion constitutes 70% potential buyers, which are below 35 years. It is seen that 130 million people had been added to the working population between 2003 and 2009. This indicates an increase in number of people with lesser dependency. The trend is likely to add value to vehicle demand with a shift toward high end cars (Automotive Mission Plan 2006). Figure 2: Vehicle Sales in India Source: India Retail Report Q2 2011 Political-Legal Factors: Indian government has taken several incentives under the current 11th five year plan (2007-2012) to boost the automobile sector. The Finance bill 2006 has reduced the excise duty on the small cars and duty on raw material which is now 5-7.5% as compared to the previous level of 10%. The Ministry of Finance announced 150% weighted deduction under the income Tax Act for in- house RD expenditure for all sectors (Anand 2009). The government has introduced a National Automotive testing and RD Infrastructure Project (NATRIP) which is based on building world class testing and RD infrastructure for vehicles in the country for automotive safety, emission and performance standards in India. Moreover, the Government has allocated a part of its budget for the improvement of road infrastructure (Planning Commission 2006). Environmental Factors: Increasing consciousness about global warming requires production of fuel efficient vehicles. Moreover, diesel fuelled locomotives pose greater threat to the environment as compared to the CNG vehicle (Centre for Science and Environment 2011). Furthermore, Recent disclosure of Euro V standard by the European commission requires India to revise its emission standards (Automotive Mission Plan 2006). Recently legislated carbon tax on coal producers has provided a source of financing clean energy research and development (Building Green Business 2010). Technological Factors: The automobile industrys spending on RD has increased from US$54.58 million to US$214.26 million in last four years which is 0.8% of the total nations GDP (The Financial Express 2008) (Ramanathan 2011). Furthermore, NATRIP is aiming to integrate the strengths of IT and electronics with the automobile engineering sector (Planning Commission 2006). Impact of Macro Environment on Business: Overall, developing economy with growing working population and consumer spending indicates an increase in the consumer demand, subsequently a growth in the automobile industry. Other prime factors contributing to this trend are improved expenditure on RD, boosting IT and reduced duty on raw materials. However, the escalating fuel and commodity prices and rising interest rates can obstruct industrys progress. Thus PESTEL analysis shows that mainly the economic and demographic factors are likely to be the main drivers for the advancement of automobile industry in future. Industry Analysis Threat of new entrant: Emerging Indian market is attracting automobile companies from all over the world. International car rental firms are posing a greater threat with nearly twelve brands, expected to enter the market (Gupta Shekhar 2010). However, Tata Motors enjoys economies of scale and level of experience, thus challenging for the new entrants. Figure 1: Five force framework Source: Johnson, Whittington Scholes 2011 Bargaining power of buyers: Increasing disposable income and availability of better alternatives have raised the customer expectations and array of choice. This has led to a decline in consumer loyalty towards particular vehicle brand. Indian consumers are now enjoying the greater bargaining power (Gupta Shekhar 2010). Bargaining power of Suppliers: The Indian auto component industry has witnessed a strong growth during 1995-2005, subsequently making automobile one of the fastest growing Industry. Increased availability of supply sources has lowered suppliers bargaining power. This can be seen in Tata Motors extended forward and backward vertical integration of its value chain through acquisition or creation of steel, manufacturing and retail operations (Zahrai 2009). Rivalry between Competitors: Indian automobile industry is highly competitive with three major players, namely Maruti Suzuki, Tata and Hyundai. Tata Motors and Hyundai Motors have nearly equal percentage of market share, although less than Maruti Suzuki. An important factor, which adds fuel to the competition, is that all major vehicle providers are highly competent to pursue opportunities with aggressive strategies. Figure: Market Share of Passenger Vehicle Providers (2010-2011) Source: Adapted from The Economic Times 2011 Threat of Substitutes: Automobile industry in India may fear the rapid development of public transport, most economical and speedy being metros. The analysis infers that four forces are strong enough to make this industry less attractive. However, to survive Tata Motors need to closely monitor the competitor actions and respond quickly to the changes in customer needs and expectations. Strategy Canvas Source: Adapted from Taylor 2011 Critical Success Factors The Critical Success Factors will enable Tata Motors to gain competitive advantage over the competitors to enter the blue ocean. Economies of Scale: Reaping the benefits of economies of scale, Tata Motors has been able to establish itself as a successful low cost provider (Business India Intelligence, 2008). Diversification: Tata Motors product line ranges from worlds cheapest car to expensive models such as Jaguar and Land Rover to trucks passing the million unit output mark reaping the benefits of economies of scale (Maekawa 2008). Innovation: Today the company employs over 2000 engineers and scientists, providing a leading edge in RD. This endowed technological capability has allowed constant innovations, thus serving the unique needs of the customers (IBEF 2010). Analysis of Internal Environment of the Business Companys Capabilities and Strengths Tata Motors have distinctive capability due to its comparative advantage in producing low cost cars, which is out of the reach of competitors. The value chain for Tata Motors starts with the IT teams innovation as a tool for business growth. Primary Activities Inbound logistics such as Tata Power Co., Tata Steel help them gain economics of scale. RD, designing, manufacturing, assembling, Kaizen TPM teams for testing and packaging to improve its operating efficiency. To capture significant market, it provides variety of light and heavy commercial, utility vehicles, and passenger cars. Tata distribution Company limited (TDCL) provides logistics support for distribution. The company optimized its cost on sales and marketing to ensure awareness about their latest launches. Easily reachable service centres, 24 hours IT Service desk and Tata AIG insurance finance facilities provide an ease to the customers (Tata Motors 2011). Support activities Tata constantly strives on innovation by providing its employees with a room for development through vocational and cross-functional training programs. Its HR process has been automated for far reaching profits. Competitive Strength of Business Tata Motors give tough competition to other players in automobile industry with its strong low cost strategies like production of Tata Nano. These schemes provide value for service to customers. SWOT Analysis Strengths Weaknesses Strong domestic player with a turnover of approximately $15,771.6 million in 2009. Extensive range of commercial and passenger vehicles with several variants to suit customer preferences. INR50,154million expenditure on robust research and development (RD) capability with Strong engineering skills in designing. Enjoys Low labour cost by manufacturing in India. Ultra cheap Nano, which was designed to replace the two wheelers with an affordable four-wheeler, was their greatest achievement. Tata Motors had debt of INR435, 815 million at the end March 2009, which unable cash inflow and degrades creditworthiness. General public associate Tata as low price and hence low quality, however this image may not do well in the premium sector. Inferior labour productivity and lean production. . . Opportunities Threats Technical know-how may transfer from Jaguar Land Rover and also the premium brand can benefit from reduced cost. Emerging market of India with increasing income levels. Infrastructure development in India will further increase the vehicle demand. Fuel efficient and eco friendly cars may find its way into the market. The price of raw materials is increasing and the company cannot pass the burden to its non-affluent customers. Rising fuel prices may have an adverse effect. Cost of meeting environmental regulations. Global financial crisis of 2007-08 has lead to financial crunch thereby rising the interest rates. Developing markets has attracted severe competition which could jeopardise Tatas position. Source: Datamonitor 2010 Strategy and Culture Tata Motors have a distinct way of doing business, more profoundly known as, The TATA way. The most deeply engraved value in the company is trust. The companys logo, leadership with trust personifies peoples belief in the brand. Thus the company respects the trust embedded in it by many and strives to honour its commitments. Other five core values that underpin the Tata way of doing business include integrity, responsibility, unity, understanding and excellence (Tata Motors 2011). The corporate governance of the company originates from its rich legacy of ethical, fair and transparent governance practices followed since ages, even before they were made mandatory by fostering highest standards of professionalism, integrity, honesty and ethical conduct (Corporate Sustainability Report 2008). Information and power passes through a vertical hierarchy with CEO being the foremost authority. The vice chairman of Tata Motors, Ravi Kant, attaches greater importance to communication. He strongly believes oral communication helps one understand the behavioural pattern. As a leader, the body language, communication style and the way of treating employees matter the most because the followers observes and take their own cues. Friendly relations with workers allow easy flow of ideas, thereby encouraging greater yield. Further, Code of Corporation Disclosure Practices confirms transparent declaration of its operations (Business Strategy Review 2010). Company successfully integrates advanced international HR management processes by retaining local managers in recent acquisition and transferring few senior managers from India. This makes exchange and adaption to new expertise easier while maintaining the companys core values. Quality has always remained the cornerstone of the Tata way of business; as such a formal system to scale the performance of different companies was introduced. TQMS help companies under the Tata group to conduct and enhance its business endeavours especially in relation to business excellence and ethics. Further, JRD Quality Value Awards named after the late chairman of the group, JRD Tata where incorporated for ensuring and encouraging quality consciousness. The award acknowledges the company within the group that achieves highest level of quality and excels quality management (Tata Motors 2011). Such practices entrench a learning environment that would consequently help achieve leadership in the marketplace by constantly striving to become the best. Strict fellowship of companys culture has allowed it to smoothly adhere to its strategy. Business Strategy Choice Tata Motors has constantly strived to be a low cost leader in the automobile market. Thus by employing Low cost strategy, it has made its presence felt especially in the untapped and developing markets like India. The most evident example is that of the ultra-low cost Nano. However, with increasing interest rates, raw material and fuel prices the company may not be able to sustain this strategy in the long run. Nevertheless, macro environment analysis suggests that economic growth and rising disposable incomes may increase the potential luxury vehicle buyers. Thus, TATAs acquisitions of Jaguar Land Rover seem to be a sound decision. Also, the ever-increasing competition in the industry requires Tata to implement Differentiation strategy. In accordance to this strategy, the company must focus on providing unique goods and services to win over the market from the rivalry players. This would allow the company to enjoy a premium price that the customers would willingly pay for the added value to the product. Implementation of this strategy can be a piece of cake for Tata Motors if it duly considers the following- Strategy execution Indulge in aggressive RD to ensure innovations that can add value to the product at minimum cost. This will include designing sophisticated eye-catching models. Adopt sustainable practices and maintain healthy relations with all the members of the value chain and constantly upgrade their knowledge by encouraging a learning environment. Conduct surveys to keep the company updated with the current demands of the buyers and meet them much before the rivals. Rising awareness about global warming and ever increasing fuel prices will see a growth in the green car sector. Thus adding super efficient engine and eco friendly vehicles to the companys portfolio will win a greater market. Improving the budget Regardless of the growing profits, the company must focus on getting rid of the substantial debts and avoid deals that may degrade their creditworthiness. Focus on improving global sales for speedy recovery of fixed cost. Outsourcing Outsourcing of trivial operations is worth the expenditure as it allows the company to concentrate on vital jobs required to stimulate differentiation. Ensuring Improvement The company must encourage interaction between the supply chain members for constant up gradation of the market demand and quicker delivery, thereby directing efforts towards the improvement of production time cycle. Promoting customization, where buyers can customize their vehicles as per their desire, can be an attraction for experimenters. Capturing greater chunk of market by launching altered models with varied prices for each segment. Conclusion The study shows a brighter future for the automobile industry in India. However, vigorous scope for the development of this market has attracted many players. Availability of numerous alternatives and substitutes has further increased customers expectations. Also, the growing youth market comprises of the experimenters, who desire up gradations and new innovations in their possessions. All these analyses provide Tata Motors to become more sensitive to the needs of the buyers and ensure is execution much before the rivals. The company must constantly explore new markets and ensure new innovations because the risk takers are the profit makers. Over and above the company can segment the market and have something for everyone in order to capture a major proportion of the market. Understanding the immense competition where every automobile company is fighting to become the best, Tata Motors is required to build additional competencies. The brand must stabilise its position as a leader in the commercial vehicle market and set new trends in the passenger. The recommended differentiation strategy will give the company a leading edge through its careful implementation and execution.

harry potter :: essays research papers

Book Report 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  My book report is on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling.2. The setting of this book takes place at Hogwarts, a magical school for wizards that Harry Potter attended the previous year. The story doesn’t exactly have a date in which the story takes place but it’s in modern times.3. The plot of the story is about Harry and his adventure in trying to find out the mystery of the chamber of secrets hidden somewhere in Hogwarts. 4. A.Harry Potter is the main character of the story. He’s a twelve year old boy with messy hair and glasses who became famous within the wizard community. He often finds himself in dangerous adventures but always lives to tell about it. B. Ron is Harry’s best friend at Hogwarts. He’s tall with red hair and is from a respected but poor family. Ron uses experience and a process of trial and error to solve most mysteries. 5. A. One major conflict that had happen in the story was how Harry thought he couldn’t go to Hogwarts because his aunt and uncle wouldn’t let him out of his room. This conflict was solved however because Harry’s friend Ron came in a flying car and picked him up out of his window. B. Another conflict that happened in the story was how Ron’s sister started acting strangely weird and kept being put under these trances. She somehow disappears and is missing. This conflict was resolved by Harry finding the chamber of secrets and looked for her. He eventually found her. C. One more conflict that happened was who was causing all the mischief at Hogwarts. This conflict was resolved when Harry found the chamber of secrets and fought Tom Riddle. 6. The story ends by Harry going into the chamber of secrets and finding Tom Riddle there with Ginny’s still body. Tom summons a giant snake. Harry fights the snake and defeats it. Harry then sticks one of the snakes’ fangs into the diary and defeats Tom.

Analysis on my Favorite Poems Essay

Dorothy Parker’s poem entitled â€Å"One Perfect Rose† is a simple verse that talks about the joy of the narrator. Despite of all the odds and confusion, she remained happy with the rose that she received. The narrator is not actually contented with what she has because she wants more than what she already received despite of its â€Å"perfection,† but she tried to be satisfied with it. The main theme of the poem is joy or happiness. Like many other woman, the narrator was very happy after receiving a very special and perfect flower just for her from the one she loved. The phrase â€Å"One perfect rose† was scattered all over the poem to justify the happiness of the narrator that happens in reality because we used to express our happiness by saying a certain thing often that delighted us. The author used irony or comparing two things with different identity or individuality such as rose and limousine also leaves and heart. Based on my interpretations, I have seen that the author wanted to show the distinction of the two terms as well as its similarity. In realism, a woman wants to enjoy herself riding a limousine after receiving a flower. From this, she feels that she is the most beautiful woman ever. On the other hand, the existence of metaphorical heart of the narrator’s man as it refers to the leaves shows irony because a leaf drops once it began to pale, which is different from a loving heart that became stronger and dignified even if it is the only one who loves. Those literary terms in the poem made me think of its sense in a deeper manner. Even if the author already gave all the details without making her readers think or imagine the emotion of the narrator, she used literary terms to make each stanza complex by showing ironies, metaphors, simile, and images or symbolisms that hides the true meaning of the poem. From here, I can say that the poem is nice and understandable that made its readers capable of reading the poem without any boundaries of uncertainties. My Papa’s Waltz by Theodore Roethke Theodore Roethke’s poem, entitled â€Å"My Papa’s Waltz† shows the life of a boy within the hands of his father. The author wanted to convey a deeper meaning in his poem. By way of reading it, I can see that it was not just a simple learning of dancing that made the narrator struggled into his father’s authority. From learning how to follow his father’s dance step signifies his pursuance of obeying his father as well as making his life the same his father’s life. The main theme of the poem is fear. The narrator was afraid to counter-attack his father from all its way of educating him but he could not do anything because even his mother could not talk or act against his father. Based on my interpretation, the author wrote this poem because he experienced the same pain and struggle of his narrator. Readers could feel each situation and waiting for the next occurrence that can happen. The poem has no resolution at all. This verse illustrates the entire situation without any act of resolving the conflict. The father is the only authority because both the child and the mother could not speak for their rights. From this, I can also say that the author justified a simple way of describing a woman and child abuse that happened within a family that many could not able to perceive. The author selected literary themes to show the emotion of the narrator as he described his experience while â€Å"dancing. † Within those literary themes is the resemblance of fear and unknown future that awaits the child. I have felt the senses and attempt of the narrator to escape but he could not because of his fear and inability to pursue his life alone. From this, I can say that I thoroughly understand each line and stanza that the author wanted to interpret that brought me a new light of this kind of situation that happened in the society that many of us could not understand. The Ruined Maid by Thomas Hardy The poem entitled â€Å"The Ruined Maid† by Thomas Hardy shows the struggle of a maid within her employers. The author showed and discussed the life of a maid without happiness but always failure. The author used two different characters in the story to show the emotions of a maid by using her friend. The author utilized jargons or terms that usually used in African-American community. Through this, even if the author did not state the physical characteristics of the maid, it shows that it refers to the Blacks by way f acknowledging the usage of words and terms in the whole poem. The author putted different literary terms or symbolisms to justify his claim about the ruined maid. Tired of digging potatoes, and spudding up docks; / And now you’ve gay bracelets and bright feathers three! (Hardy 6-7). These lines showed that work of the maid was not just to clean a house or to take care of the children, but becoming like a farmer. The metaphorical symbolisms of potatoes and bracelets also docks and feather shows the evolution of the maid’s life and â€Å"prosperity. † By comparing the bracelets and potatoes, the bracelets are light, beautiful and clean while the potatoes are full of dirt, hard, and dark. It shows that the life of the maid progresses from being a potato to become a bracelet. The maid also becomes a feather that was led by the wind even if she was already ruined. Despite of the uncertainties, the maid leaves her painful and sorrowful life in the hands of his master to find her self and new beginning alone. These literary terms made the poem more fun and entertaining. As I have read the poem, it gives me the right kind of laughter that I can feel while imagining the characteristic and lifestyle of the ruined maid. Because of this, I enjoyed every line and stanza of the poem because of the symbols, images, ironies, similes, and metaphors that exist all throughout the verse. From this, I can say that the author’s intended audiences in his poem are the middle-class people especially the Blacks because despite of all the struggles and pains that they went through, they still have the capability to laugh and entertain their selves. Conclusion As a whole, these poems are not just simple verses. They are social constructs that we usually take for granted. They are also part of realism that we tend to ignore because these occurrences exist commonly. However, if we look at the content and its context in human society, we can perceive each scenario as a sensitive issue that we need to understand and tackle. Through this, we can demonstrate some solutions to these complex problems to avoid or at least lessen its existence within the society whether it came from the minority or majority communities that we lived in. The importance of these poems is not only to entertain us but to give as the right perspectives and justifications of the â€Å"simple† truth. References Hardy, T. (2005). The Ruined Maid. Retrieved 19 February 2008. http://rpo. library. utoronto. ca/poem/926. html Parker, D. (n. d. ). One Perfect Rose. Retrieved 19 February 2008. http://www. web-books. com/classics/Poetry/Anthology/Parker_D/One. htm Roethke, T. (n. d. ) My Papa’s Waltz. Retrieved 19 February 2008. http://gawow. com/roethke/poems/43. html

Don Quixote Essay

Sue Kim 29 October 2012 Honors Literature Don Quixote Essay â€Å"With these word and phrases the poor gentleman lost his mind,† (Cervantes 20). In the beginning of Don Quixote, the reader is introduced to a man engulfed in chivalric books, who soon loses his mind in the stories of knighthood. Don Quixote is labeled as an insane man by the narrator who soon proves this statement through Don Quixote’s delusions and eccentric behaviors. As the narrator describes the delusions, the narrator’s tone is overly mocking towards Don Quixote’s delusional acts.However, ignoring the narrator’s mocking tone, Don Quixote’s foolish acts can be judged reasonable by comparing Don Quixote’s delusions to the actual situation. In Cervantes’ Don Quixote, Don Quixote is portrayed as a delusional person with a tendency of expressing eccentric behaviors; however, Don Quixote’s delusions can be judged reasonable if the audience looks at the acts of Don Quixote as a childish and immature approach to regarding things in life.There are three types of delusions and eccentric behaviors shown by Don Quixote that can be seen as reasonable: delusions and eccentric behaviors connected with concrete objects, coincidental situations, and in situations where Don Quixote admits his madness and tries to explain his own supposed madness. The most commonly mentioned scene of Don Quixote is when Don Quixote has delusions about windmills being giants. Delusions and eccentric behaviors connected with concrete objects happen as Don Quixote sees some concrete objects as slightly different objects.This pattern is seen when Don Quixote interprets windmills as giants. â€Å"thirty or forty of the windmills [†¦] thirty or more enormous giants† (Cervantes 58). The audience may perceive Don Quixote as insane because he confuses two similar objects. The massive windmills’ blades are similar to the massive giants’ arms and the trunk of the windmill is similar to a giants’ body. Don Quixote’s childish actions are analogous to those of a child identifying a beautiful woman in an elegant dress as a princess.An image of a giant is conjured when thinking of a windmill because they are so similar in appearance; therefore, an image of a princess can be conjured when seeing a beautiful woman and dress. Don Quixote also perceives a barber’s basin to be a helmet. â€Å"Do you know what I imagine Sancho? This famous piece of the enchanted helmet [†¦] resembles a barber’s basin as you say,† (Cervantes 155). To turn a basin upside down creates an object similar to a helmet. The reader can compare Don Quixote’s ridiculous actions to the behavior of children as they have swordfights with sticks.Don Quixote, seemingly childish and naive, can nonetheless be judged reasonable because in both the windmill scene and the basin scene, the two objects being compared had similar qu alities and were seen from a childish perspective. Don Quixote also had delusions on fortuitous situations. Don Quixote’s delusional behaviors on coincidental situations can be judged reasonable because they are spontaneous. The delusions of Don Quixote are similar to the delusions that â€Å"normal† people would have. Well, [the cloud of dust] conceals a vast army, composed of innumerable and diverse peoples, which is marching toward us,† (Cervantes 126). A cloud of dust could hide anything from a small pin to a immense army. Therefore, it is reasonable for Don Quixote to believe a vast army is hidden inside the cloud of dust and rampage into the cloud of dust. Don Quixote’s belief on the cloud of dust can be related to the actions of a child as he or she imagines there is a monster underneath their bed. In both situations, Don Quixote and the child are afraid of the unknown hidden from their view.A comparable situation happens as Don Quixote faces with t wo friars and a carriage on one path and has the delusion that the friars are kidnapping a princess in the carriage. â€Å"You wicked and monstrous creatures, instantly unhand the noble princesses you hold captive in that carriage, or else prepare to receive a swift death as just punishment for your evil deeds† (Cervantes 62). Don Quixote can be judged reasonable because his immature, quick assumptions correspond with those of a child as he or she immediately assumes a punishment when their full name is called.A normal adult may not have attacked the friars, but a man with a childish mind would have shown eccentric behavior like Don Quixote. All of these delusions are acceptable if they are pursued to imitate one’s role model. Madness can be conceived if a person’s role model is also considered insane. Don Quixote explains about his insanity as, â€Å"In the same manner, Amadis was the polestar the morning star, [†¦] the one who should be imitated by all o f us who serve under the banner of love and chivalry. This being true, [†¦] that the knight errant who most closely imitates Amadis will be closest to attaining chivalric perfection† (Cervantes 193).Don Quixote realizes that people call him insane; thereupon, he explains that he is merely following in the footsteps of his role model, Amadis. Don Quixote’s guilelessness relates to those of a child as he or she looks up to his or her role model as the child grows up. A related situation happens in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. â€Å"Said Gawain to the king, ‘If you would, noble lord, Bid me rise from my seat and stand at your side, [†¦] And I have asked you for it first, it should fall to me† (Pearl Poet 246).Gawain is upraising his uncle, King Arthur. Gawain’s honor for King Arthur allows him to imitate King Arthur by asking for the task of beheading the Green Knight. All of Don Quixote’s actions can be assimilated as childish. If Don Quixote’s actions were perceived plainly as childish and immature thought process, the readers can acquire a different definition of chivalry and knighthood from Don Quixote. Chivalry and knighthood is known to be for those that are loyal and brave.However, if Don Quixote’s chivalric, but ridiculous actions were plainly childish actions, chivalry becomes the dream of young children. Chivalry becomes an immature game played by children. Knights would not be the symbol of courage, but the symbol of playfulness and being silly. With Don Quixote’s childish perception towards chivalry and knighthood, the readers can acquire a new sense of what loyalty and courage are. Citations * Cervantes, Miguel De. Don Quixote. New York City: HarperCollins Publishers Inc. , 2005. Print. * Pearl Poet, . Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Print.