Analysis Of Gorgias And Plato

Analysis Of Gorgias And Plato Plato was one of the most important Greek philosophers in our time. He founded the Academy in Athens, an institution devoted to research and instruction in philosophy and the sciences; the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. His works on philosophy, politics and mathematics were very influential and laid the foundations for Euclids systematic approach to mathematics. Gorgias is a dialogue in which Plato sets the rhetorician Gorgias in opposition to the philosopher Socrates; Platos mentor. Gorgias was a Sicilian philosopher, orator, and rhetorician. He is believed by many scholars to be one of the founders of sophism ; a movement traditionally associated with philosophy that emphasizes the practical application of rhetoric toward civic and political life. The dialogue begins right after Gorgias had given a speech at an exhibition where he answered questions put forth to him however Socrates missed this. Socrates was offered to visit Gorgias and was allowed to question him as long as he liked. Socrates wanted to hear from him what is the nature of his art, and what it is which he professes and teaches. Socrates initiates by asking Gorgias what he is and what rhetoric is and Gorgias replies in a typical rhetoricians manner, using smooth language and seemingly sophisticated structure and not really answering the question at all. Gorgias is referred to rhetoric as an art. Rhetoric signifies The art or study of using language effectively and persuasively. Even though Gorgias practices rhetoric, he was not very convincing when answering questions done by Socrates. He gave short answers and was instantly refuted by Socrates in a very convincing fashion. Polus is also not very convincing as he is being accused by Socrates of speechifying rather than answering questions: Polus has been taught how to make a capital speech Interestingly, Socrates did not accept rhetoric as an art yet he was practicing this art while asking Gorgias questions. He was trying to convince the three speakers that rhetoric was rather an experience rather than an art. Gorgias claims that rhetoric is an art which treats of discourse but says that all the the other arts which work fully through the means of words is not considered to be rhetoric. The question is: What is so different about rhetoric that uses its power of persuasion and all the other arts that also use this power? The dialogue moves on to talk about power, evil happiness. According to Polus rhetoric equals power and that power is a good thing but Socrates on the other hand says that rhetoricians have no power; for them so literally nothing which they will, but only what they think best. One can say that all the enjoyable things are done because it is enjoyable to do it but Plato means to put emphasis on that any such action is not done for the reason of itself and its own performance, but rather for the very sake of the pleasure which comes with it. This also holds for a true art, an action which is good not only on its own but also what good comes out of it. That explains why Plato thinks that the true rhetoric is only which is done for the sake of the good. For Socrates, rhetoric should be used to do good things, to punish the bad and not the good. ; Or rhetoric is no use to us. As Callicles enters the dialogue with Socrates he begins to undermined philosophy .Not only does he undermines the very nature of philosophical inquiry and its marked focus on words but Callicles also makes some quite harsh statements of his own against any man such as Socrates who continues the chase of philosophy as a main focus into adulthood. By using this matter of discouragement on philosophy on the disgrace of Socrates lifetime of philosophical study he proves to Socrates that he is not being that good of a friend, after Socrates felt that Callicles had knowledge,good-will and outspokenness. Socrates believed that no matter what the price was, total honesty and truth was the only choice in order for one to live a happy, fulfilling life. As he said that doing wrong is much more evil than suffering wrong, that rhetoric should only be used for the sake of the good and that every wrongdoer should be justly punished. Interestingly, Socrates understand that the majority of the people will not understand his theories and he does not try to convince everyone with his beliefs, he just uses a method is to call in support of my statements the evidence of a single witness, the man I am arguing with, and to take his vote alone; the rest of the world are nothing to me; I am not talking to them. This is what makes him an interesting person that he not trying to win sympathies of people but only tries to make his antagonist understand his points. Callicles speech is that of a typical sophist. He raises no questions in his speech, and does not attempt to use logic to prove his points. In the end, Callicles speaks about his own opinions for quite some time, and as his proof, quotes three lines of an ancient poem. Thats not to say that some of Callicles theories arent valid, just that he does not allow for discussion, and therefore loses a chance to perhaps prove his point to Socrates or the other interlocutors. Jennifer Richards has not mentioned in her book that Socrates did not convince Callicles of the true rhetoric I think it is interesting that he convinced Polus and Gorgias but with Callicles he had no such luck. The way which you in mistaken confidence are urging upon me; it is quite worthless, Callicles Eventually, Socrates remains mostly true to his method of discussion. His use of speeches as ways of expanding his opinions, rather than force them is quite successful for him. Despite a few digressions, he refrains from using oratory or rhetoric unlike the interlocutors, and although he is unable to convince Callicles of the truth, he is not unsuccessful in the sense that he defended himself against the methods of the sophists.

Huckleberry Finn Essay

Theme, structure and social characteristics as the literary elements, highlighting the spiritual growth of the main characters in â€Å"My Name is Asher Lev†, â€Å"Emma† and â€Å"Huckleberry Finn† The present paper is designed to discuss three novels about moral maturation and the growth of self-awareness, â€Å"Huckleberry Finn† by Mark Twain, whose protagonist is Huckleberry Finn, Jane Austen’s â€Å"Emma†, named after the protagonist and â€Å"My Name is Asher Lev† by Chaim Potok, whose main character is Asher Lev. Notably, the authors necessarily indicate the protagonists’ names in the titles, underlining their moral and psychological development as a central plotline. The literary elements of theme, structure and protagonist’s social characteristics actually strengthen the reader’s understanding of the character’s spiritual growth: Lev’s novel demonstrates’ the protagonist’s liberation from the community bonds through the lens of the theme of social pressure, Twain’s writing – the progress of Huck’s humanistic views underlining the theme of slavery, Austen’s work – Emma’s psychological maturation, through prioritizing the theme of marriage, moreover, all works by their structure provide the mistakes made by the protagonists on their path and thus make clear to the reader that development is not a smooth and gradual process, whereas the change or stability of sociological characteristics pay reader’s attention either to the connection between self-awareness and social position or to the purely inner revolution. The characters actually perfect very distinct aspects of self awareness: Emma, for instance, overgrows the selfish and infantile girl, whose main interest is manipulating the others’ fates (as she appears at the beginning), Asher Lev realizes that he is actually an independent personality rather than the subject of the Hassidic community after being judged for depicting the his mother’s anguish, whereas Huckleberry Finn, who has never considered carefully the issue of racial equality, begins to realize his humanistic views and oppose the oppression of slaves and the split of their families. Due to the fact that the major theme in â€Å"My Name is Asher Lev† is community bonds and the conflict itself develops in terms of the weakening of the commitment to the groups of Hassids (Walden, 1985), the protagonist, who is a bright and unordinary individuality, should ascend over the blind observance of community tradition and learn to distinguish himself from the group. Therefore, his development is associated with individuation and learning of his ego and the religious conflict results in the development of Asher’s ability to assert his self: â€Å"So it is time for the defense, for a long session in demythology. But I will not apologize. It is absurd to apologize for a mystery†(Potok, 1998, at http://search. barnesandnoble. com). The theme of marriage as the leading one in â€Å"Emma† is also related to the main character’s development: whereas at first, Emma views marriage as a game, popular in her environment, she is still not infantile to understand that this specific type of partnership is based necessarily on strong affection after developing the feelings for her brother-in-law; whereas at the beginning she has fear for the responsibility associated with marriage. The theme of slavery also supports the reader’s understanding of the young protagonist’s moral growth in â€Å"Huckleberry Finn†: â€Å"I’m low down; and I’m a-going to steal him† (Twain, 1999, Ch. 33); as one can understand, Huck no longer views Jim as property, but in order to persuade Tom, he recognizes his own inclination to wrongdoing and takes entire responsibility for the stealing the slave. The structure of the stories is generally similar: the greatest part of the plot is dedicated to depicting the behavioral imperfections of the protagonist, so that the reader can feel the protagonist is an ordinary person, whose growth is based upon his/her own mistakes. For instance, â€Å"Emma† at first depicts an arrogant and class-conscious girl saying â€Å"The yeomanry are precisely the order of people with whom I feel I can have nothing to do† (Austen, 2001, Vol. 1 Ch. 4) and throughout the first two parts she acts as a quarrelsome person, whereas her later reasoning can be characterized as wiser: â€Å"I think Harriet is doing extremely well â€Å"(Austen, 2001, Vol. 3, Ch. 28), i. e. she approves of her best friend’ marriage to the farmer, having got the idea of love and letting it in. Beyond mistakes, Potok’s and Twain’s protagonists also encounter difficulties and adversities, which shape their outlooks; for instance, Lev’s story can be divided into three parts (Walden, 1985): period of the teenage conflict with the environment, movement toward the goal in Kahn’s studio and the resolution of the conflict and individuation (Potok, 1972). Huck’s moral development is less gradual and actually consists of several insights: 1) first encounter with Jim as a fugitive slave and the initial desire to help him; 2) The loss of the companion after meeting the â€Å"aristocrats† and Jim’s imprisonment in Phelpses’ house. Finally, social characteristics of the protagonists are quite expressive themselves and point actually to the qualities to be changed. For instance, Emma is introduced as a girl with a degree of self-importance and class-based prejudice because of her upper class identity, but later she begins to understand her friend Harriet in her love for Martin and thus grows more open-minded; furthermore, her maturation is accompanied by the change of social characteristics, as Emma accepts Knightley’s proposition Huck Finn’s social characteristics remain practically the same, as the author seeks to maintain the reader’s focus on the advancement of his moral qualities, so that the adolescent still remains to some extent uncommitted to social norms (â€Å"Aunt Sally she’s going to adopt me and sivilize me, and I can’t stand it† (Twain 1999, Ch. 43), in spite of having developed his distinct attitude towards slavery. Asher Lev, in turn, drastically changes his social identity: the growth of his self-awareness and self-identity result in his alienation and separation from the community. To sum up, the reader’s understanding of the protagonist’s path toward self-awareness is to great extent manipulated by the authors: Jane Austen, Chaim Potok and Mark Twain design the plot structure, which underlines the failures and subsequent insights of the protagonist, embed the central theme into the main character’s spiritual growth and substantially change the protagonist’s social features, except Huck’s case, in which the focus on morality shift is broadened through remaining social characteristics stable. Reference list Austen, J. (2001). Emma. At http://ebooks. adelaide. edu. au/a/austen/jane/a93e/. Twain, M. (1999). Huckleberry Finn. At Potok, C. (1972). My Name is Asher Lev. Alfred A. Knopf. Potok, C. (1998). My Name is Asher Lev. At http://search. barnesandnoble. com/booksearch/isbninquiry. asp? ean=9781400031047&displayonly=EXC&z=y#EXC http://etext. virginia. edu/toc/modeng/public/Twa2Huc. html Walden, D. (1985). The World of Chaim Pot ok. State University of New York Press, 1985.

Choosing Writing Graduate Papers

Choosing Writing Graduate Papers Here's What I Know About Writing Graduate Papers Graduate essays help the students to bring up the great excellent assignments and decent performance. Graduate degrees are offered in just about any subject. Writing your thesis is an intimidating job. Writing my thesis can quickly become a mess unless you have the expert help from Ultius. Our thesis paper writing service is something which we are extremely pleased with. The goals of your paper will help you locate the ideal thesis. If you purchase essays online, it's really important to understand whether the work is still in process or has been finished. It's possible for you to get essays, papers and the other forms of academic assignments as soon as you demand. What You Need to Do About Writing Graduate Papers Before You Miss Your Chance If you've forgotten about editing your term paper and require a hand before an extremely tight deadline, you'll be placed in touch with a writer who will be in a position to satisfy your need quickly and directly with no filler. All you have to do is consult with an expert customized essay writing service like ours that is guaranteed to submit all of your assigned work punctually. If you have a draft already, it's smart to bring a difficult copy. If you have a choice select a book you might enjoy. While it's the case that there are a few excellent writers in college some find it extremely difficult to write. Have a rest as a prolific Canadian author manages your paper. By employing an instance, the student can learn precisely what is expected in their writing. Get the Scoop on Writing Graduate Papers Before You're Too Late One reason why a lot of students receive a minimal grade and even a fail with their papers is they do not comply with the rules. They can go to the English department's home page to see if any examples are available online. They turn to our company to make their college life a bit easier. An excellent means to prepare for the writing you will be expected to do as a graduate student. The Basics of Writing Graduate Papers Who knew essay writing may be so tough. Now you can get genuine college essay online, one that is going to fit your financial plan and get your work done also. Therefore, if you're attempting to locate an expert writer to complet e paper assignments or simply to provide you a list of excellent essay topic strategies for your paper we can do it all. There are quite a lot of reasons as to the reason why students resolve for expert guidance and graduate paper writing services. My Homework Writers, for example, offer writing services in just about all the subjects. Today, most college students find it difficult to compose an essay on a particular topic. With our essay help you may be sure nobody shall receive a better mark for the work than you. Our writers will be happy to provide you with a helping hand! Top Writing Graduate Papers Choices You should remember that, just as any other academic paper, graduate papers also demand higher standards that you need to meet to be able to attain quality outcomes. The number of information reported in the normal scientific paper may be less than you believe. Your paper topic should meet with the course requirements, but it also needs to relate to your very own scholarly interests. With the aid of our professions, you will get knowledge that will permit you to fill the mental gaps and compose a top quality thesis paper.

Sample of Informative Speech

Sample of Informative Speech What Is Comparison? Have you ever thought of a linchpin of our individuality? What makes us unique and special among billions of other human beings, in fact so similar to ourselves? And, finally, what is the major component that lays in the basis of our choice concerning profession, hobby and, of course, life partners and friends? Since our birthday we start to absorb experiences, emotions and pictures, like sponge and further on build our personal mentality and personality. One could argue that the major role in this process is played by parents and relatives; the other may put more emphasis on the role of the society and circumstances, the third could even dig into the scientific reasons. But today I would like to talk about the role of comparison in our lives. And even more – about life as a comparison. I strongly believe that everything we know comes to us as a result of comparison. We let the external factors flow through the prism of our individual perception. Our perception, therefore, is the collection of our experiences and pictures from the past that enrich and fulfil our personality. When we are small, we compare ourselves to the others and questions that come to our mind, such as, Why is the sun shining? Why is the sky blue? Why do the birds sing? etc are the first familiarization with the realities of the world we live in. We know the laws of nature but if one day sun does not rise, our comparison will make us to develop a new experience and seek for the explanation of this phenomenon. We meet new people and inevitably compare them with other individuals, with ourselves and our standards. Every new meeting is a

Quantitative and Qualitative Critiques - 3025 Words

Critique 1 Edwal et al study (2007): This study was conducted within the primary care in Sweden. The research question is designed to get better understanding of the lived experience of type 2 diabetes patients, during regular check-ups with the diabetes nurse specialists. Research Methods This research is a qualitative study using the phenomenological-hermenetic method. Parahoo (2006) states that qualitative research explores the individual’s beliefs and life experiences in order to gain an in depth-insight, and tries to understand human behaviours .Phenomenology focuses on people with lived experience which aims to find out the full picture of the participant’s own point of view during certain events in life. (Macnee, 2004).†¦show more content†¦However no informed consent is mentioned in the article. Griffin and Titler (2009) state that informed consent is a legal document to ensure that the individual has fully understood the study being undertaken, and that participants can withdraw anytime if they wish not to be included in the study. Although Qualitative research is criticized due to its small sample base, its strength lies in its flexibility to allow detailed scrutiny into complex phenomena, revealing valuable insights. Therefore, overall, the study has achieved its purpose, and the findings can be transferred to other future settings. Critique 2 Research methods A quantitative study, using quasi-experimental design was conducted. A literature review and pilot study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a community nursing intervention in improving healing rates of venous leg ulcers. Quantitative research is a scientific method to investigate and measure the relationships between two variables of the research questions (Parahoo, 2006). There are four methods of quantitative research, these are: descriptive, correlational, quasi-experimental, and experimental. Type of method(s) used will depends on the research questions. In this study a quasi-experimental design is used because it is appropriate for the research question as Pilot and Beck (2004) state, that quasi-experimental fits in this study because subjects were assigned inShow MoreRelatedEssay about Critique of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Articles4724 Words   |  19 Pagesobese Type 2 diabetics (T2D) to make changes in their lifestyle, Whittemore et al. (2009) deci ded to do a study to see if there is a need for programs to decrease the incidence of Type 2 diabetes. The article selected is an example of experimental quantitative design. The summary model can be found in the text on pages 112 through 114 in Polit Beck (2012). There were four Nurse Practitioner (NPs) groups recruited for this study. There were four randomized sites used for the study, two sites, whichRead MoreCritiquing Qualitative and Quantitative Research1465 Words   |  6 PagesUnit 6: Critiquing Qualitative and Quantitative Research Kaplan University July 16, 2013 Unit 6 Critiquing Qualitative and Quantitative Research The research conducted by Foster-Fitzpatrick, Ortiz, Sibilano, Marcantonio and Braun (1999) is a quantitative study of the significance of crossing the legs while blood pressure is being measured. The purpose of the research was to determine whether leg-crossing impacted the results of blood pressure measurements. The research conducted by Palese, SkrapRead MoreQualitative Research : Quantitative Research1442 Words   |  6 Pageslevel, qualitative research involves an interpretive, naturalistic approach to the world. This means that qualitative researchers study things in their natural settings, attempting to make sense of, or interpret, phenomena in terms of the meanings people bring to them. (Denzin Lincoln, 2005, p. 3) Different from quantitative research that collects and analyzes numerical data, qualitative research deals with non-numerical data such as interviews, participant observations, audio and visual imagesRead MoreA Research Study On Sedation Management799 Words   |  4 PagesResearch Critique The design of both quantitative and qualitative research offer valuable information to the health sciences. There are circumstances when certainty is necessary, and a quantitative design is needed. In contrast, there are times when an understanding of the quality of a particular social interaction is needed. The paper will apply a quantitative and a qualitative research article to the topic of sedation management to help validate meaning gleaned from two different research designsRead Moreadvantages and disadvantages of qualitative research and briefly quantitative research.1019 Words   |  5 Pagesadvantages and disadvantages of qualitative research and briefly quantitative research. This essay will initially present the advantages and disadvantages of qualitative research and briefly quantitative research. It will then go on to critique a qualitative research article yet due to the word count only several factors of this will be critiqued and the article is by Wills et al (2005). Later it will consider the use of the research paper within the clinical practice area; and discuss whetherRead MoreKaplan Studies1329 Words   |  6 PagesCritiquing A Qualitative And Quantitative Study Eunique Burgos Kaplan University Critiquing Qualitative and Quantitative Studies In this research paper, we are to critique two different articles where one is based upon a qualitative study and the other one is based upon a quantitative study. The articles that were chosen for us to critique are The Effects Of Crossed Leg On Blood Pressure Measurement, which is the quantitative study and The Experience Of Patients Undergoing Awake CraniotomyRead MoreDeveloping a framework for critiquing health research5723 Words   |  23 Pagesis presented in this article. More commonly used existing frameworks tend to have been formulated within the quantitative research paradigm. While frameworks for critiquing qualitative research exist, they are often complex and more suited to the needs of students engaged in advanced levels of study. The framework presented in this article addresses both quantitative and qualitative research within one list of questions. It is argued that this assists the ‘novice’ student of nursing and health-relatedRead MoreEssay on Qualitative Analysis Critique1343 Words   |  6 PagesQualitative Research Critique There are many differences between quantitative and qualitative research. Such things like: quantitative research provides only variables that can predict specific results but it does not tell us very much about how the variables affect an individual’s life course. Qualitative research adversely provides an enriched understanding of characteristics, qualities, attributes, and environmental factors affecting life events. Qualitative analysis can give understandingRead MoreAnalyzing The Attitudes Of Patients Towards Diabetes Education Essay720 Words   |  3 PagesIn this articles critique, two articles are evaluated; one using qualitative and the second using quantitative research approaches. Particularly, it contrasts information gathered because of using the approaches, advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches and a response to the claim that qualitative research is not real science. Schà ¤fer, I., Pawels, M., Kà ¼ver, C., Pohontsch, N. J., Scherer, M., van den Bussche, H., Kaduszkiewicz, H. (2014). Strategies for Improving ParticipationRead MoreThe Principle Of Conducting Research990 Words   |  4 Pagesorder to address these needs or challenges. Quantitative research is a recognized, official, objective, rigorous, systematic process for creating statistical information and data about the nation. Quantitative research is conducted to define new circumstances, procedures, impression or ideas; test the relationships among variables; and to determine and conclude the effectiveness and efficacy of treatments in the whole world (Burns, 2011). Qualitative research is a systematic, subjective approach

What determines a successful niche strategy Free Essays

Niche marketing is a very important marketing tool that is defined as â€Å"focusing on sub-segments or niches with distinctive traits that may seek a special combination of benefits (Kotler Armstrong, 1997) Niche strategy or sometimes-called focus strategy is a marketing segmentation strategy that concentrates or focuses on a few target markets. Users of this strategy hope that by focusing on a few (one or two) markets segments that are narrow, they would be in a better position to meet the needs of that market. Therefore the company strives to tailor make its marketing mix to suit these specialized markets that it has identified. We will write a custom essay sample on What determines a successful niche strategy or any similar topic only for you Order Now By using the niche strategy the company easily stands to gain or have a competitive advantage by being effective rather than efficient. (Kotler Armstrong, 1997) Niche strategy in most cases is suitable for small firms although it is open to any company which would want to utilize it in selecting targets with lesser substitute vulnerability or where there is weak competition. (Kotler Armstrong, 1997) There are several factors that greatly enhance a successful niche strategy and include: – 1) Market –research Before developing any niche market it is very important to conduct a comprehensive market research of the desired market before embarking on any marketing program. Towards this end, a SWOT analysis that highlights the strength and weaknesses of the company vis-à  -vis the market it desires to segment is very necessary. (Chisnall, P.M.1997) The market research will enable the company determine the market characteristics that will enable it serve this particular segment in a better way. Such characteristics would include, customer preferences, desirable price ranges level of competition, product differentiation, distribution channels, the marketing mix and various other important marketing variables.   (Chisnall, P.M.1997) When these characteristics have been established and defined the company on its part designs a marketing model that should suit the target market and be a profitable venture for the company. The market research in itself will enable the company not only identify a market but will give it more information on the demographic history of the market as well. (Chisnall, P.M.1997) 2) Create customer loyalty. One major threat to establishing and growing any niche is competition. Competition may eat up a share of the company’s market, reducing the profitability or worse still drive out the company from the market. Towards this end it is very important for the company to make it its priority to listen to the customers. When the company makes it its goal to carefully listen to the customers, it will have the ability to create products or services that will not only meet customer expectations but will meet their needs as well. Listening to the customer will enable the company differentiate its product range to suit the needs of the niche. This will in turn create loyalty that will enable the company weather any form of competition, in fact when customers are loyal it will be very difficult for them to seek other alternatives or switch to the competitors. (Peter, J.P. and Olson, J.J., 1996) 3) Develop two or more niches By developing two or more niches it will prove quite advantageous to the company in several ways. The experiences and lessons gained in other niches will give the company the ability to tackle the challenges that would likely to occur in a different niche. (Baker, M. 2000) Two or more niches on the other hand may work towards supporting each other especially in the advent of any form of competition; for example when one niche is faced with competition other niches can be of great support especially if price competition would be necessary. Two or more niches supporting each other gives the company a leverage that would enable it sustain any form of marketing campaign to maintain high market penetration. By maintaining two or more niches, the company lowers the risk of closing shop just in case one of the niches collapses or is faced with competition and there’s a reduction in profitability levels.   By developing more than two niches the chances of success are increased tremendously as well. (Baker, M. 2000) 4) Focus on a particular region To achieve successful specialization, it is important for the company to address those geographic markets that other competitors ignore. By focusing on a particular region, it is easier for the organization to design a distribution channel that will not only be effective in terms of logistics but will ensure timeliness in the distribution of goods or services. By focusing on a particular area, it enables the company to create or design an effective marketing strategy to promote and create awareness of its goods and services. The company also stands a better chance of interacting with the customers more deeply and freely to which case it would be easier to predict the buying trends and the customer preferences. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991) Gamma Plc Gamma PLC produces very high quality motors for garden mowers and this fact gives it an edge over its competitors in this particular niche. However the company can not sit back and sit on its laurels, It is imperative for company to work extra hard to ensure it commands these niche especially with the competition of such established organizations like Yamaha and Honda.   To guard itself from this onslaught there are certain challenges that the company will face which might force it out. Competition As it is, already the company is facing competition from such world acclaimed names like Yamaha and Honda. For such names to be attracted to such a market, then it follows that the market is very lucrative. Gamma PLC is not quite renown, apart maybe for this particular market segment, unlike the competitors who are well established and with renowned brands. The big players if they would decide to flex their muscle, this might drive out Gamma from this niche. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991) They can do this in various ways including powerfully utilizing the 4ps (Price, promotion, product and place) of marketing. The kind of marketing or promotion blitz they would likely conduct, would obviously be superior compared to Gamma’s with a lesser budget. Besides, these companies’ would likely introduce price wars that would have adverse effect on Gamma Plc, whose budget would likely be comparatively small. The latter’s prices cannot compete with those ones of the more established firms. This kind of competition would prove to be a nightmare for Gamma whose niche is under threat. After all, the bigger companies’ bottom line would not be affected in any way because their presence is worldwide and are more experienced and advanced especially with the marketing capabilities. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991) The competitors may also decide to adopt or even copy how Gamma Plc is producing its high quality motors, thereby claiming some of the market share. Competition may also come in terms of remuneration and staff training where the other organizations may be attractive to employees in Gamma. The niche strategy may be limiting By adopting and relying on this particular niche the company would be faced with another challenge of future growth. Because it might expend all its energies trying to defend this niche from Yamaha and Honda it might lack the resources to venture in other markets thereby limiting its own growth. This is always foreseen especially if the market is relatively small. As time goes by Gamma’s market share might shrink which might eventually affect its continued production of highly quality motors. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991) Is the market defensible? This should be the question that should be ringing in the minds of Gamma Plc’s management. It would not be worthwhile to cling to one niche especially if it is not defensible. Most small companies like Gamma will find it challenging to judge this especially bearing in mind that this is the market that supports the organization. The company may lack the resources to get out if the competition becomes unbearable and establish another niche elsewhere. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991). The market would be defensible if the customers within the niche have shown the willingness to support the company regardless of who comes to compete, which is to mean they are strictly loyal to Gamma. It would also mean that the market would be big enough to warrant any fight over it. However if the market is small and shrinking there’s not need to waste the resources to defend it. Substitute Products Gamma Plc manufactures quality products and as stated before this might be the edge it might be having over the competition. However, it is worth noting that quality in most cases comes at a higher price. Thus consumers would likely to be charged more compared to similar products from other companies. Yamaha and Honda may take advantage of this by providing cheaper alternatives that the customers can select from. This means that not all consumers use quality as the driving purchasing factor. Most consumers will go for cheaper products provided the offer similar functions. This would force Gamma either to lower quality so that the product becomes cheaper or seek for more efficient ways of production. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991). Gamma Plc most probably specializes in the production of motors for garden mowers, which in essence means that they lack any other product line, unlike Yamaha and Honda who have a very wide product range, that ranges from generators to motorbikes. The range could be a very crucial marketing entry point for consumers who might not necessarily want motors for garden mowers yet they possess them. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991). REFERENCES Baker, M. (2000) Marketing Management and Strategy, 3rd edition, Macmillan Business. Chisnall, P.M. (1997) Marketing Research, Fifth Edition, London: McGraw-Hill Kotler, P. and Armstrong, G. (1997) Marketing An Introduction. Fourth Edition. New  Ã‚   Jersey. Prentince Hall International Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. (1991) Making Niche Marketing Work, New York:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   McGraw Hill Peter, J.P. and Olson, J.J. (1996) Consumer Behaviour and Marketing Strategy, USA:  Ã‚  Ã‚   Irwin             How to cite What determines a successful niche strategy, Essay examples

There Will Be Blood Analysis free essay sample

The film explores themes of ambition, loneliness, lust for power, false personas, hatred, lack of faith, mistrust and loss of humanity. Anderson explores these themes through the characters of Daniel Plainview and Eli Sunday. In addition to character exploration, Anderson uses a variety of cinematic techniques in order to subtextually portray these themes. These techniques include, contrasting lighting, long shots, wide angles and mis en scene. The first themes to be explored in There Will Be Blood are ambition and loneliness. The film begins with a wide shot of a vast and open terrain. This signifies the emptiness of our setting. We meet the character of Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day Lewis) deep below the ground in a mining shaft. Plainview is working in absolute darkness. This could be symbolic of Plainview’s current economic or social position. However, his loneliness and labor is a product of his ambition and lust for power. However, his loneliness and labor is a product of his ambition and lust for power. This ambition is visually revealed to us when Plainview climbs out of his mine and makes his way into town to sell his silver. All of this is done with a broken leg. This ascension out of the darkness of the shaft is visually symbolic of Plainview’s path to power. Plainview begins drilling for oil and becomes a more powerful figure. God like imagery is now associated with Plainview in order to visually portray this power. For example, pools of light gather behind Daniel’s head as he looks down into an oil rig. This makes him appear to be holy or God like. Eventually, a worker dies in Plainview’s oil rig and Daniel is left covered in blood and oil; this is a reoccurring visual element in the film. Another reoccurring element of the film is the association of oil with death. The worker leaves behind a child named H. W who Daniel adopts. The child wears white garments which are contrasted with the darkness of Daniel’s attire and the blackness of the oil that now consumes the landscape. These white garments could be representative of religious imagery. Daniel and H. W eventually go into business as partners. Daniel attempts to create the impression that he is a family man, thus making purchasing land easier. This introduces the theme of false personas. Daniel’s second false personas is one of a man who is driven by need to help his community. In reality all of his motives are interior. This explains the film’s contrasting lighting. Scenes with bright high key light are contrasted with scenes of darkness where Plainview’s face is hidden in shaddow. In turn, we begin to see a clear hatred of religion in Daniel. This introduces the theme of lack of faith. Daniel’s lack of faith could be attributed to his developing God complex. This theme is explored further with the introduction of Daniel’s antithesis, Eli Sunday (Paul Dano). Eli is a pastor who immediately attempts to exert power of Daniel by attempting to bless his oil well. Plainview responds by blessing it himself. This is further evidence for Daniel’s God complex which puts the characters in direct conflict. Both men are attempting to exert control over one another. Eli is attempting to bring Daniel into his congregation and Daniel is attempting to exert his power over Eli’s community. We see visual contrast between Daniel and Eli with how both men are framed in shots. Eli is often framed in tight shots with crowds and people around him. This is in contrast with Daniel who is framed in wide, empty shots. Daniel’s relationship with Eli shines a light on another theme, hatred. When Daniel starts a friendship with his brother Henry, he abandons his false persona and reveals his true self. Plainview admits to a deep seated hatred of humanity and his desire to be alone. The character of Henry is important due to the fact that Plainview places his trust in a person for the first time in the film. This trust is destroyed when it’s revealed that Henry is a conman. This introduces the theme of mistrust and signifies a character shift in Plainview. Daniel has now his humanity which is represented by his abandonment of H. W. Eventually, Eli attempts to exert power over Daniel by blackmailing him into being baptized. However, we are able to see that Daniel still holds full power through the God imagery association in the scene. A large bright cross is placed over Plainview’s head as he is being Baptized. Also, despite being on his knees he is still filmed as the dominant in the frame. The baptism is also used for ironic purposes because a man who lacks any humanity has now allegedly been saved. The film then jumps through time to the mid 1920’s. Daniel is living alone in an enormous mansion with nothing but a servant as company. This brings the theme of loneliness full circle. Plainview started out the film alone and in search of power. He now has massive amounts of wealth and power but is still alone. We also see a sequence in which Plainview drunkenly walks down a flight of stairs. This is visually symbolic of Plainview’s descension. This can also be compared to Plainview being underground in a mineshaft in the start of the film. Despite his long journey and quest for power, Plainview has made no progression. The film climaxes with a final meeting between Daniel and Eli. Eli demonstrates his false persona in this scene when he claims that he and Daniel are old friends. This is just in a desperate attempt to get money. This puts Daniel in the ultimate position of power. He forces Eli to abandon his faith by denouncing God. This acts as an anti baptism with Daniel performing it. In this scene the true animal within Daniel emerges as he maliciously controls all of Eli’s actions. We also see a final emergence of Daniel’s God complex when he proclaims that he is the third revelation (Eli’s Church). This scene also serves as a portrayal of hypocrisy. Eli, who allegedly operates as a moral figure throughout the film now abandons his faith for money. This scene also makes us wonder if Daniel, despite being a murderer, has more redeeming qualities than the hypocritical Eli. In addition Anderson sets Eli’s death in a bowling alley which could be symbolic of lying dead in a gutter which is a traditionally seen as a less than heroic way of dying. P. T Anderson uses a variety of cinematic techniques and visual symbols in order to add to his complex thematic narrative. Daniel Plainview is always shot as the dominant in the frame. This is symbolic of his power in the film. Also, as the film progresses the shots that Daniel are in become wider and emptier. This is representative of his loss of humanity and his isolation. Often times when we see Daniel the frame will be void of any other characters. In addition to this we often see a large empty landscape filled with spread out oil rigs behind Daniel. These oil rigs in a large dessert terrain come to be associated with Daniel’s character. Anderson also uses frames in order to isolate Daniel. He often times shoots him through windows and doorways. This is representative of Daniel’s detachment from others. Another symbolic image that comes to be associated with Daniel is fire. In a scene where an oil rig explodes, Daniel watches the fire with joy. The fire comes to be associated with Daniel’s burning ambition. However, it also comes to represent his hatred as evident by a fire burning when he kills Henry. Fire is also at times associated with H. W’s hatred as well. After weeks of being ignored by his father, H. W attempts to set the Plainview cabin on fire. Anderson also experiments with character proximity in relation to Daniel and H. W. Early in the film they are filmed very close together in medium shots and closeups. The expanding frame and distance between them becomes symbolic of their relationship. Evidence for this comes in a scene where H. W and Daniel are reunited. The scene is shot from an extra wide angle which takes away any sense of intimacy between the two characters. Another reoccurring visual element in this film is industry. Oil rigs, pipelines, trains and cars are all portrayed as motifs within he film. The film’s climax within the Plainview mansion also uses heavy visual symbolism. When Daniel descends the stairs his frame is filled with vertical bars from the banister. This is symbolic of Daniel being a prisoner in his own home. The film’s final sequence also visually depicts Daniel’s power as he hovers above a crying Eli. Also, when Eli lays bleeding and dying a gutter separates the two characters in a birds eye shot. This could be a reference to Daniel’s God complex. It also acts as a barrier between the two characters in reference to Daniel’s detachment. There Will Be Blood is one of the most interesting and compelling character studies in recent film history. P. T Anderson portrays the fall of a less than human anti hero that we ultimately feel sympathy for. The film’s innovative use of camera techniques, lighting, visual symbolism and mis en scene all combine to create a powerful narrative that highlights the nature of human flaws.