biography of f scott fitzgerald Essays - F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald F. Scott Fitzgerald is in many ways one of the most important American writers of the twentieth century. In his first novel, This Side of Paradise, Fitzgerald epitomized the mindset of an era with the statement that his generation had, "grown up to find all Gods dead, all wars fought, and all faiths in man shaken?"(Fitzgerald 307). Aside from being a major literary voice of the twenties and thirties, Fitzgerald was also among "The Lost Generation?s" harshest and most insightful social critics. In his classic novel The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald blatantly criticized the immorality, materialism, and hedonism which characterized the lifestyles of America?s bourgeois during the nineteen-twenties. Collectively, Fitzgerald?s novels and short stories provide some of the best insight into the lifestyles of the rich during America?s most prosperous era, while simultaneously examining major literary themes such as disillusionment, coming of age, and the corruption of the Amer ican Dream. The life of F. Scott Fitzgerald is marked by as much, if not more, romanticism and tragedy than his novels. Throughout Fitzgerald?s life, he unsuccessfully battled alcoholism, depression, and himself, in a quest for both personal and literary identity. At the age of twenty-three, Fitzgerald published his first novel, This Side of Paradise, to critical raves and unimaginable economic success. Shortly after the publishing of this novel, Fitzgerald was able to coerce Zelda Sayre into marriage. This marriage is manifestly the most significant event of his life?eventually, Zelda would not only expedite, but essentially, cause the personal and literary downfall of Fitzgerald. Upon marriage, and also coinciding with the pinnacle of Fitzgerald?s fame, Scott and Zelda began living a life of wasteful extravagance that was often characterized by recklessly drunken behavior. In order to maintain this lifestyle, Fitzgerald was forced to put aside working on novels, and focus his crea tive efforts on penning lucrative, but by no means extraordinary, short stories. Throughout their marriage, Zelda put constant economic, as well as, emotional strains on Fitzgerald. She encouraged his short story writing, as well as his drinking, and was continually swaying his focus from writing to socializing. Also, Zelda?s eventual mental breakdown triggered Scott?s own series of nervous breakdowns. Because of these factors, Zelda is often considered the prime instigator of Fitzgerald?s literary and personal declines. Yet in spite of Zelda?s overtly negative influence on Fitzgerald, he continued to love his wife to the day he died. Later in life, after Zelda became mentally ill, Fitzgerald clearly illustrated his unconditional love for his wife by compromising his artistic integrity in order to write short stories to support her medical expenses. Aside from Zelda, two major American literary figures played a substantial role in Fitzgerald?s life, and his personal decline as well. On an extended trip to Europe, and at the pinnacle of his fame, Fitzgerald met and became acquainted with a then obscure fellow expatriate named Ernest Hemmingway. Throughout the course of their friendship, Hemmingway would become Fitzgerald?s harshest critic, and in the eyes of Fitzgerald, his, "artistic conscience"(Meyers 263). The second major American literary figure who influenced Fitzgerald?s life was Edgar Allen Poe. Fitzgerald?s intrigue with both the tragic and romantic elements of Poe?s life, as well as the many similarities these two men shared, may have very well facilitated his plunge into the unforgiving abysses of alcoholism and depression. Jeffrey Meyers? biography Scott Fitzgerald provides a complete and seemingly unbiased account of the life of one of the most complex men in American literary history. Whereas previous biographies tended to over-exaggerate either the romantic or tragic elements of Fitzgerald?s life, Scott Fitzgerald does not in any way attempt to e mphasize these aspects. Rather, this biography offers a strait-forward interpretation of both the life and works of Fitzgerald. It illustrates the importance of his relationships with Zelda Sayre and Ernest Hemmingway; the mentally and physically destructive influence of his alcoholism; and the parallels between his life and his writings. Through these facets, and many others, Meyers provides insight into Fitzgerald?s life, without forcing his own opinion of the subject upon the reader. Personally, I found Scott Fitzgerald to be both insightful and interesting.

Free Essays on Technological Addiction Sells

Technological Addiction Sells In today’s society technology plays a large roll in everyday life. A person can’t even wake up in the morning without a high tech alarm clock. Technology and society are completely interwoven. â€Å"Technology has become our environment as well as our ideology,† writes the Dutch social critic Michiel Schwarz. â€Å"We no longer use technology, we live it† (Schwarz & Jansma, 1989, p.3). People have come to a point in society where they can do almost nothing without technology being involved. They need it to have control in their lives. â€Å"It is this desire for control that often backfires when humans assume a position of extreme dependence on technical artifacts, and the lines blur between who is the master and who is the slave† (Glendisdrug, 2001, p. 23A ). Therefore when something goes wrong and technology doesn’t work quite the way they hope or expect it to the tables turn and technology begins to control them. An ad from the computer company Compaq, found in PC Magazine, plays on this need of control in people’s lives and this complete reliance on the technology around them. The ad portrays a middle aged business woman carrying a Compaq laptop as she walks leisurely through the park. Compaq is playing on the fact that computers can be bulky which ties one down to a desk and the indoors. This ad is showing they can provide a computer that can give one the freedom to leave their desk and take their work with them to the park or wherever they might want to be. It continues to support the idea that people have the control to take technology where they want to when they need to, proving they have become so reliant on technology that they cannot even leave home for a leisurely walk in the park without taking their computer, their life, with them. The slogan for this ad â€Å"Our logo. Your Trademark.† continues to make a person believe they need this computer and cannot live without t... Free Essays on Technological Addiction Sells Free Essays on Technological Addiction Sells Technological Addiction Sells In today’s society technology plays a large roll in everyday life. A person can’t even wake up in the morning without a high tech alarm clock. Technology and society are completely interwoven. â€Å"Technology has become our environment as well as our ideology,† writes the Dutch social critic Michiel Schwarz. â€Å"We no longer use technology, we live it† (Schwarz & Jansma, 1989, p.3). People have come to a point in society where they can do almost nothing without technology being involved. They need it to have control in their lives. â€Å"It is this desire for control that often backfires when humans assume a position of extreme dependence on technical artifacts, and the lines blur between who is the master and who is the slave† (Glendisdrug, 2001, p. 23A ). Therefore when something goes wrong and technology doesn’t work quite the way they hope or expect it to the tables turn and technology begins to control them. An ad from the computer company Compaq, found in PC Magazine, plays on this need of control in people’s lives and this complete reliance on the technology around them. The ad portrays a middle aged business woman carrying a Compaq laptop as she walks leisurely through the park. Compaq is playing on the fact that computers can be bulky which ties one down to a desk and the indoors. This ad is showing they can provide a computer that can give one the freedom to leave their desk and take their work with them to the park or wherever they might want to be. It continues to support the idea that people have the control to take technology where they want to when they need to, proving they have become so reliant on technology that they cannot even leave home for a leisurely walk in the park without taking their computer, their life, with them. The slogan for this ad â€Å"Our logo. Your Trademark.† continues to make a person believe they need this computer and cannot live without t...

Strengths and Weaknesses of Mainstream Supply Chains Essay

Strengths and Weaknesses of Mainstream Supply Chains - Essay Example As the report declares supply chain management is an essential component of the management tools of organizations dealing in the flow of goods and services. Value creation is important for organizations because the main objective for existence of companies is to make profits. It means that companies must design a competitive infrastructure through which all its supplies and products/services will flow. The ease of flow of which products/services from the manufacturers to the final consumer is tantamount to the efficiency, and largely the profitability, of such manufacturers. According to the research findings conversely, the manufacturers or service providers must design an efficient infrastructure through which raw materials flow from the supplies. Besides the suppliers and the final consumers of products and services, supply chains involve many other entities, who either create value or facilitate the movement of products and services across the supply chain. Accordingly, organizations employ supply chain management as a means of ensuring smooth flow of raw materials from the suppliers and efficiency in delivery of products/services to the end customers. The logistics of supply chain management increase tremendously when it comes to international businesses. The global context of the supply chain involves many middle parties from across the globe. As a result, Global Production Networks (GPN) becomes inevitable, particularly for multinationals with subsidiaries in far-flung countries where the supplies do not have a base.

Cjus 340 DB3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Cjus 340 DB3 - Essay Example Contrary to that environmental criminologists concentrate on the place and the time of crime. They also use map as a tool to find out crime patterns in respective locations (Brantingham & Brantingham 49). Apart from the mentioned factors, the family environment plays pivotal role in upbringing of a child. If environmental problems exist in the family then the child is most likely to fall prey to the criminal activities. The root cause of a crime as per the researches conducted by the researchers is poverty, poor educational system and the family structure. Communication gap within the family and poor relationship amongst the family members inculcates bad behavior in children (Brantingham & Brantingham 53). It is observed that a family which is financially weak and has more children than required contributes towards criminal activities. Abusing and neglecting a child is another factor to promote antisocial activities. Physiological and Sociological surveys indicate that 50 percent children are at a risk of criminal activities for being neglected, abused and deprived from their due rights. Hence, juvenile delinquencies are on the rise in United States of America (Eysenck

Specification for the Director Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 123

Specification for the Director - Case Study Example With a 4.0 Dmax, it offers exceptional image quality, excellent detail in shadow areas, and remarkable color range. With its dual lens system, this innovative product automatically selects from two lenses for desired scan resolution. In addition, its Digital ICE technology allows you to remove dust, scratches, and many other kinds of surface flaws from the original image, reducing the need for retouching. And, with the convenient film holder included, it's easy to batch-scan slides and negatives for increased productivity. The Epson Perfection V700 Photo is a groundbreaking flatbed scanner delivering the highest optical scan resolution available (6400 dpi) for photographic applications. This powerful scanner gives you the industry's leading technologies, right at your fingertips. Optimize every scan with the exclusive Epsonâ„ ¢ Dual Lensâ„ ¢ system. Get professional-quality scans. Enjoy exceptional tonal range and fine shadow detail. Remove dust, scratches, and many other kinds of surface flaws from the original image. Scan large batches of 35 mm slides, negatives, and medium-format film.

Carlsberg

Carlsberg Company Overview Carlsberg A/S (Carlsberg) is one of the leadingbrewing companies in the world. The company is engaged in the production, retail and marketing of beers and non-alcoholic beverages. It is also engaged in the development and sale of real estate and operation of the Carlsberg Research Center. The company offers wide range of beer, mineral water, cider and malt based drinks through more than 500 brands including Carlsberg and regional brands such as Tuborg, Baltika and Kronenbourg. Carlsberg sells its products in more than 150 countries and operates approximately 100 subsidiaries in Western Northern European, Eastern European and Asian markets. Business description: Carlsberg A/S (Carlsberg) is the fourth largest brewery group in the world. The company along with its subsidiaries engaged in the production, retail and marketing of beers and non-alcoholic beverages. It offers beer, mineral water, cider and malt-based drinks under more than 270 brands. The company is also engaged in the development and sale of real estate and operation of the Carlsberg Research Center. Carlsberg operates through its several subsidiaries in Denmark and globally with over 45,505 employees. The companys beer portfolio includes more than 500 brands which vary significantly in volume, price, target audience and geographic penetration. The companys brand portfolio includes international brands such as Carlsberg, Tuborg, Baltika and 1664, and local brands such as Ringnes (Norway), Feldschlà ¶sschen (Switzerland), Lav (Serbia) and Wusu (Western China). During the fiscal year 2008, beer sales accounted for 75.9% of nets sales of the company. Along with core beer business, the company also offers Malt-based beverages and other beverages such as soft drinks, water and cider. These non alcoholic beverages are available in different flavors namely Coffee, Lemon, Chocolate, Angelica, Cloves, Raspberry, Prunes, Lime, Chili. Carlsberg operates in three geographical regions namely, Northern Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Asia. The Northern Western Europe segment includes the operations in countries Denmark, Italy, Poland, France, Greece, Norway, Sweden, the UK, Germany, the UK, and Ballistic states. This segment plays an important role in the companys business portfolio. During the fiscal year 2008, the company generated DKK 37,128 million of the total net revenues from this segment. The Eastern Europe segment includes the operation in countries such as Russia, Ukrian, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, and Azerbaijan. In this segment, Russia is the largest and market and accounts for 85% of segment s net revenue. The partial acquisition of Scottish Newcastle increased the importance of this region in the companys business portfolio. During the fiscal year 2008, the company generated DKK 19,137 million of the total net revenues from this segment. The Asia segment operates in Malaysia, Singapore, China, India, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Carlsberg is one of the leading international brewery groups in Asia and has significant positions in a number of Asian markets and the Carlsberg brand is one of the major international beer brands in the region. During the fiscal year 2008, the company generated DKK 3,555 million of the total net revenues from this segment. During the year 2009 the company launched one of the worlds most expensive beers, Vintage No. 2. Further, it acquired 41% interest of Xinjiang Lanjian Jianiang Investment Co., Ltd and increased its stake to 89.3%. Robust Financial Performance The company has exhibited robust financial performance from the past few years. The company reported revenues of (Danish Krone) DKK 59,944.00 million during the fiscal year ended December 2008, an increase of 33.95% over 2007. The operating profit of the company was DKK 6,338.00 million during the fiscal year 2008, an increase of 31.09% over 2007. The net profit of the company was DKK 2,631.00 million during the fiscal year 2008, an increase of 14.54% over 2007. The higher level of earnings was due to the volume increase in growth markets. The strong financial growth of the company signifies its efficient cost structure and market share gains. Also, it would help in the future investments of the company such as strategic acquisitions. Market Leading Position Carlsberg is one of the fastest growing breweries in the world. It operates in Europe and Asia and sells its products in more than 150 countries. With the acquisition of Scottish Newcastle together with Heineken, it became the fourth largest brewery group in the world. It is the market leader in most of the countries in which it operates. The Group is the leader in the Western Europe countries with market share of 63% in Denmark, 54.2% in Norway, 37.7% in Sweden, and 46.9% in Finland. The Group also has a 45% market share in the Baltic countries and acquired number one position in Russia, Kazakhstan and Western China. This dominant market position and wide international presence helps in maintaining its market position and gives it the power to attract new customers and easily venture into new businesses. Consolidation of Beer Industry The beer industry in which Carlsberg operates is very competitive. With entrance of more new players and industry consolidation, the current level of competition is expected to further intensify in the near future, which may result in price reductions. In 1998, the top ten brewers accounted for 34% of the global beer market, but as the global consolidation process accelerated this figure grown to 59% in 2008. In 2008, Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. acquired InBev and the company along with Heineken acquired Scottish Newcastle. This industry consolidation increases the company and if the company is not able to maintain the product quality and consumer loyalty, this intense competition could reduce the sales volume of the company, thereby affects its market position. Decrease in Global Beer Sales The decreasing global beer sales has been a major area of concern for the company as its core business activity is the sales of beer across the world. In the first three months of 2009, global beer sales volumes dropped by 6.3%, due to global economic downturn, bad weather and smoking bans in some countries. Beer sales volume in Western Europe declined 1.6% organically in 2008, due to the combined impact of the financial crisis, smoking bans in France, the UK, Finland and the Netherlands, and extraordinary increases in excise duties in the UK. According to the British Beer Pub Association (BBPA), beer sales in the UK, in the first quarter of 2009, dropped by 8.2% as compared to the same period in 2008. As the company operates principally in European beer markets, the decrease in beer sales may affect the sales and profits of the company.

Storm & Calm in Emily Brontes Wuthering Heights :: Wuthering Heights Essays

Wuthering Heights:  Ã‚   Storm & Calm  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚      The theme of Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte, is a universe of opposing forces-storm and calm.   Wuthering Heights, the land of storm, is a sturdy house that is set up high on the windy moors, belonging to the Earnshaw family.   The house is highly charged with emotion of hatred, cruelty, violence, and savage love.   In comparison, Thrushcross Grange, the land of calm, is settled in the valley and is the residence of the genteel Lintons.   The same differences exists between Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange, as they do in Heathcliff and Edgar.   As Catherine points out, the contrast between the two â€Å"resembled what you see in exchanging a bleak, hilly,   coal country, for a beautiful fertile valley.†Ã‚   (Bronte 72)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Lintons, and the social and material advantages they stand for become Heathcliff’s rivals for Catherine’s love, which leads directly   to the central conflict of the novel.   Heathcliff despises them at first sight for their weakness, but Catherine, being an extremely proud girl, is tempted.   A lovers’ triangle begins   to take definite shape   when the aristocratic Edgar Linton falls in love with Catherine, upsetting the balance between the relationship of Catherine and Heathcliff.   Edgar’s love for Catherine is sincere, but the element of great passion which is strongly characterized does not compare to Heathcliff’s love.   The difference between Catherine’s feeling for Heathcliff and the one she feels for Linton is that Heathcliff is a part of her nature, while Edgar is only a part of   her superficial love.   â€Å"For he (Heathcliff),   like her, is a child of storm; and this makes a bond between them, which interweaves itself with the very nature of their existence.†Ã‚   (Cecil 26)   Emily Bronte makes a point in the novel to mention the fact that Catherine’s affection for Heathcliff remains unchanged in spite of the Lintons’ influence over her. As Catherine confesses to Nelly that Heathcliff and her share the same soul, and also declares â€Å"I am   Heathcliff.† (Bronte 84)   Her pride, yearning for the world of the Lintons, has gotten the better of her natural inclination, and she knows she   has made the wrong decision by   marrying Edgar.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Catherine, naturally a child of storm, is unable to develop at Thrushcross Grange, while she is married to Edgar.   Her mind becomes disturbed, which is the first sign of her degeneration.   The pragmatic reality at the Grange cannot fill the void that she has made for herself in leaving her furious childhood environment.