Sailmaker essays

Sailmaker essays Sailmaker by Alan Spence was written with a strong theme. Spence conveys effectively the theme of hope turning to disillusionment. He does this with sensitive characterisation, an effective structure and powerful symbolism. The story is set in Glasgow around the 1960s when the ship building industry was declining. It is about a boy who lives wit his parents in a tenement flat. His dad is a tic man but used to be a sailmaker. The boy finds a small old yacht in the bed recess in their small home. He asks his dad to fix the yacht up because it has no sails but his father keeps on delaying this. The boys uncle paints it for him without delaying but the father never put sails on it. So eventually the boy forgets about it and the yacht goes back to where it came from, the glory hole. In the second part of the story, time has moved on. It is a few years later and the family is not doing well because the mother has died and the father is out of a job, spending most of his time drinking or at the betting shop. Soon the boy and his father become desperate and start burning their belongings in the fire. They find the fathers old tools and the boat, and burn them also. The fathers tools and the yacht are the main symbols in the story. Alan Spence uses them as symbols of loosing hope. The tools were tools that the father used when he was a sailmaker. They are a symbol of part of his life and his pride in his craft, therefore they are important to him. When he puts them into the fire this shows his desperation because he needs to sacrifice these important possessions. Earlier on in the story there is another symbol of hope fading. The torch that the father used when he became a tic man is a pathetic substitute for his sailmaking tools. It emphasises the contrast between the two jobs. The small boat is an ongoing symbol all the way through the story. From w...

Groups, We All Participate in Them †Pyschology Essay

Groups, We All Participate in Them – Pyschology Essay Free Online Research Papers Groups, We All Participate in Them Pyschology Class Essay Everyone at some point has or will be in a group of some type. Your basketball team, the cub scouts, being a college student, being an employee, and even your own family are examples of groups. Some groups are good and some are bad. An example of a being apart of a good group is being a law abiding citizen. On the contrary, an example of a bad group would be being an inmate in a penitentiary. Your family group can be both good and bad. But, is it really the group that is bad or good, or is it the actions of the group that decides? One can argue that the single most important aspect of a group is their communication. No matter how good a group and their intentions are if the communication is bad the group will overall be a bad group. Think of your job and your co-workers is vital to produce a successful business. â€Å"The widespread use of decision-making teams in American businesses suggests that organizational leaders believe that groups generally will perform better than individuals when solving problems and making decisions† (Propp, 1). If you and your co-workers are trying to solve a problem or just simple communicate with one another and you both have different views and beliefs it is very hard to make a good group if neither of you are willing to budge. The Catholic Church is the perfect example. It is seen as a good group, but as times have changed many views have changed as well. The older Catholics might not agree with a lot of the newer changes, but because the younger Catholics are able to communicate well with their elders the church is seen as a good group. Communication will make or break any group during problem solving. Bruce Tuckman and Aubrey Fisher both have their models on how a group operates in problem solving. Both Tuchman’s and Fisher’s models seemed too simple for a design of how a group operates in problem solving for one man. Marshall Scott Poole felt that there was something more to problem solving. Moving on this feeling he developed his multiple-sequence model. He believed that he had an answer to how a group works in problem solving. He believed that a group develops in problem solving on three different tracks that work together as one. So, did Poole have the right answer? What made his model different from prior models? He felt that his three tracks were much more complex than what Tuckman and Fisher had believed. TASK â€Å"The process of drawing together ideas from individual group members into one list serves important functions across many group activities, including problem solving, decision making, negotiation, planning, and innovation† (Jackson, 1). Poole believed that groups worked on ways to complete their tasks by presenting problems and create possible solutions during their initial discussions. Poole knew that there were many problems that could rise during this part of problem solving. â€Å"It is often difficult to coordinate input from several group participants especially as the group size increases† (Corbitt, 1). This problem can be simplified if every member of the group speaks only about the task at hand, does not interrupt other group members while they are speaking, and stay open minded to other group members’ ideas. If the group is able to discuss their task at hand and evaluate possible problems and solutions they will be able to work together on the same page on their task. â€Å"Hidden profiles exist when group members individually hold information favoring a low-quality decision but collectively hold information favoring a high-quality decision† (Cruz, 2). If everyone goes into the discussion pulling in different directions and having hidden agendas the task at had will not be completed. Task was the first track on Poole’s problem solving railroad. TOPIC If the group is able to come to an agreement on the task stage then the group will move forward to the topic stage. Here, groups are able to move from one topic to another and back again because they are now working together. Group members are now able to work together creating a main topic and various sub-topics. Members become very motivated towards their topics. â€Å"Motivated behaviors are the fundamental elements around which we construct a framework for thinking about group process† (Brett, 3). The motivated group members begin to rise to the top and are able to allow other members to create sub-topics, but are able to make sure that these sub-topics do not stray far from the main topic. These members help with allowing the group the ability to jump from topic to topic in the problem solving process. Poole felt that if a group is strong enough in the topic part of his problem solving model then they could move onto the next track of his problem solving railroad. RELATION As the task and topic trains are both heading towards the same destination there is a third train that is running side-by-side with them. The third track in Poole’s problem solving model (multiple-sequence model) is relation. Here, group members are concerned with relational problems and trying to solve any tensions and conflicts that are in the group. This stage requires patience and understanding. The group members put their trust in other members to the test. â€Å"A person’s trust is explained as a function of his or her tendency to trust† (Poole, 3). If a group member does not trust another group member then it creates some tension and conflict in the relation of the group. If the group is able to solve their relational problems then all three trains arrive at their destination: â€Å"The Problem Solved Station† (patient pending!). WHAT WAS POOLE THINKING!? Many researchers had previously come to the same conclusions on problem solving in groups. These researchers believed that the problem solving in a group goes in a certain sequence. There belief was that it was a sequence that worked like a set of dominos. The sequence was that one stage would follow another. They concluded that the sequence was simply 1,2,3,4,5. Poole did not think that it was that simple. Poole’s main problem with prior theories was that he believed that there were no stages, but that there were tracks that worked all together in problem solving for a group. He knew that could be set stages, but for the most part that all of the â€Å"stages† described by prior theorists were inner twined together a lot more than what was prior believed. He knew that there might be primary tensions during orientation, conflicts do arise, decisions will emerge, and good groups do end up reinforcing fellow group members like the models described by Tuckman and Fisher, but the tracks that a group take in problem solving is not always as predictable. He knew that every group was different and every group’s tracks or stages are different as well. Poole did not necessarily believe in conflict, but he saw these problems as minor break points. While Tuckman and Fisher provided different stages for each conflict that goes on during problem solving in groups, Poole believed that there would be moments that would disrupt the progress of the group and could possible cause the group to repeat earlier tracks rather than having a predetermined time and place for each conflict in problem solving in groups. â€Å"Normative, as opposed to informational influence, can have a detrimental effect on decision-making groups† (Hennignsen, 1). Poole believed that by using his tracks could create group members who influence a desire to make better decisions (informational influence) while other models would influence a group member to simple want to maintain harmony in the group or simple agree with everything the group decides because they are wanting the group members to like them (normative influence). Simple put, Poole did not believe that the pre-determined process of problem solving put forth by Tuckman and Fisher where correct. He believed that group members are affected by various social structures like group norms and peer pressure. Yet, in a some what of a contradiction to his own model, he believed that there may never be a set theory that can predict how a group will operate during their problem solving process. That is why he is very basic with having three tracks that could happen at anytime while being complex by saying that they could happen at anytime during a group’s problem solving process. Poole’s theory is very different compared to previously stated theories on problem solving in a group. CAN YOU QUESTION POOLE’S ATHORITY? 1. How does your problem solving process work in your groups? The next time that you are at work and you are presented with a problem that needs to be solved by you and your co0workers write down how you were able to work with or not work with your fellow employees at solving the problem. When put under pressure at work of an immediate deadline to solve a problem, you will be able to see that everything is not as simple and predetermined like Tuckman and Fisher believed. It may not end up exactly like Poole’s model, but it will be very close. 2. What role does communication play in problem solving in your groups? â€Å"There is less consensus, however, on the proper way to assess the role of communication† (Jarboe, 1). Many theorists have tried to determine the exact role that communication plays in problem solving. Some believe that it is the most important part, while others believe that leadership or group cohesiveness play the biggest role. Try to figure out how much communication plays into problem solving in your own groups. 3. Is it more important to have a set leader or just equally powerful group members when trying to solve a problem? A leader can provide a specific set of rules and give out specific jobs to each member. They can provide a final answer to a question. Equal power can allow every member the chance to have a voice and use their positives to help the group. Having equal power can cut down on tyrants and having members hold grudges because they feel that the leader is doing things wrong. 4. In what ways can you cut down on conflicts that arise when your group has to solve a problem with an immediate deadline? Try and think of anything that you can do to get a speedy and great answer to the problem. The key could very well be the small and simple things. If you can go into a situation where your group has an immediate deadline on solving a problem and you already have set up a couple of ways to help your group then your group and the answer it creates will be much better. Conflict is going to happen no matter what. The ones who can control and cut down on the conflict will be able to make things easier. 5. How do you judge the problems that you are presented in your groups? Which ones are hard and which ones are easy? Try to make a scale for you to help judge which problems in your groups are the hardest and will require the most time spent on them. If you are able to take on the harder problems first then it should make it easier when you transfer to the easier problems. Everyone’s scale of hardest to easiest problems is going to be different. Take into account that your easy may be someone’s hard. If you are able to understand this it will help expose each member’s strengths and weaknesses. Your group will be able to attack the problems head on with the best from each member. If you wanted to continue with your study on group problem solving there are a couple of places you could look. If you want to see how groups go about making decisions under extreme distress then you could read The Structure of Communication Behavior in Simulated and Actual Crisis Negotiations by Paul J. Taylor and Ian Donald. It explains some of the harder situations that involve group problem solving. Do you want to learn how to better control conflict in group problem solving? If so, read Do Conflict Management Styles Affect Group Decision Making? by Tim Kuhn and Marshall Scott Poole. Every wonder if it is better to have a group attack a problem or individuals? Charles Pavitt addresses the debate in Colloquy: Do Interacting Groups Perform Better Than Aggregates of Individuals? Why We Have to be Reductionists About Group Memory. The paper talks about how groups are able to help remember things that will help later on when they have to solve a problem. What is the most common group ? Family. Keith Sanford wrote Expectancies and Communication behavior in marriage: Distinguishing proximal-level effects from distal-level effects which talks about how married couple will problem solve in an entirely different way than any other group. The world is evolving as we speak. The world of tomorrow is going to involve a lot of technology. If you were wanting to know how to relate problem solving in technology Eun-Ju Lee and Clifford Nass wrote Experimental Tests of Normative Group Influence and Representation Effects in Computer-Mediate Communication When Interacting Via Computers Differs From Interacting With Computers. All of these suggested readings will aid with your quest to gain more knowledge on how problem solving in groups works. Research Papers on Groups, We All Participate in Them - Pyschology EssayThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseResearch Process Part OneWhere Wild and West MeetEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesQuebec and CanadaThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalStandardized Testing19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided Era

Tax Accounting Article Research and Synopsis Writing Essay

Tax Accounting Article Research and Synopsis Writing - Essay Example The authors are concerned with the tendency to pay extremely low salaries to shareholder-employees. The IRS sternly educated S corporations on the proper levels of compensation, and the distinguished tax law as applied to S corporations vs. partnerships. The courts tended to rule in favor of raising shareholder-employee wages. When S corporations are found guilty of shirking salary payments, the IRS may subsequently collect recovered FICA and FUTA taxes, interest, failure to file penalties, late deposit penalties, and negligence penalties for failing to try hard enough to adhere to the Tax Code. The point of contention in these cases hinges upon how the term 'wages' is defined. Taxpayers have give themselves too much latitude in this area. When discussing these cases, the courts felt a duty to examine their financial "substancerather than their legal form." Fellows and Jewell emphasized that deviations from equitable salary payments to S corporation shareholder-employees will no longer be tolerated. Although the Revenue Reconciliation Act provided an amended approach to tax calculation, Cash and Dickens point out that its repercussions are not all favorable to corporations. This tax amendment required that beginning in 1990, the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) would be figured from adjusted current earnings, rather than regular taxable income. Further, taxpayers must figure Adjusted Current Earnings (ACE) each year as a prerequisite to applying the AMT. Deductions to Adjusted Current Earnings that decrease profits and earnings, such as federal taxes and dividends, are disallowed because they are not subtracted when AMTI is calculated. An alternative minimum tax depreciation calculation depends on several factors, such as when a particular item was first used. Two methods used are the 150% declining balance technique and the double declining technique. Cash and Dickens emphasize that depreciation is the most important "special rule" in figuring Adjusted Current Earnings. The Alternative Depreciation System (ADS) is used for all three of "regular tax purposes," Adjusted Current Earnings and Alternative minimum Tax. Choosing the Alternative Depreciation System can be a boon to corporations who are required to pay the Alternative Minimum Tax every year. ADS is also helpful to those companies who do not possess the time or money to make complex alternate calculations. Deferring taxes and accelerating deductions are both desirable privileges for corporate taxpayers, for obvious reasons. It seems counterintuitive, but the authors suggest reversing these behaviors. Income should be declared in years qualifying for a 20% tax rate, and deductions put off until the corporation reaches a 38% tax rate. On the whole,

Comparing between iPhone and Blackberry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Comparing between iPhone and Blackberry - Essay Example The different features of the Blackberry make it an exceptional tool for office tasks and work. It has new features that allow for corporate leaders to make conference calls using the handheld devices. The iPhone is somewhat limited in this application. In terms of e-mail, it can help in office management by allowing for office managers to communicate to their subordinates. It is also reliable and efficient when it comes to its security features (Dann & Dann, 2011). When it comes to work related issues, the Blackberry is the device for the job. This is because; its security and support for Microsoft tools are exceptional. This makes it a device that protects information that needs protecting when it comes to company issues. In terms of voice recognition, the Blackberry is limited in this capability, unlike the iPhone. The introduction of the iPhone is creating challenges for the Blackberry, and this competition is nothing like what the Blackberry has ever seen in the industry. The iPhone is offering the Blackberry competition in terms of the features it has that capture a wider audience than just the corporate individuals. It is changing the manner in which people use their handheld devices. Some of the features it has include its applications, entertainment, its usability, and typing capabilities. These are what most people need to watch out for in the iPhone. However, some of these features are also in the Blackberry device, and it is the most preferred device by corporate, business people (Dann & Dann, 2011). In terms of applications, the iPhone offers more than what the Blackberry does. Many applications on the iPhone are the easiest to make. This makes it one of the simplest devices to make applications for, thus; the worldwide acceptance. Corporate heads are the target market for the Blackberry. It, therefore, has less

How Collaborative Communication to Promote the Satisfaction and Dissertation

How Collaborative Communication to Promote the Satisfaction and Loyalty of Franchisees - Dissertation Example Hong Kong is a country that has established several multinational businesses, mostly franchises from mother companies based abroad. It is necessary that cultural dimensions of various individuals and groups involved in franchise businesses be studied so that franchisers and franchisees have better understanding of each other as well as the business itself. Such collaborative communication borne from this understanding is believed to bring about satisfaction and loyalty of franchisees, hence, more success in the business, and more profit for the franchise. Qualitative methods such as questionnaires and focus group discussions of stakeholders from various franchise businesses in Hong Kong will be used in this study to determine if consideration of such cultural dimensions has an impact on satisfaction and loyalty of franchisees and net profit of the businesses. Chapter 1 Introduction/ Rationale Today, more than ever, businesses come in various forms. This is especially true with intern ational businesses. Some companies expand by having more branches both locally and internationally. Ownership of these branches may either be retained by the original owners or sold as franchises to new owners but still under the same company name and operations, but different management. In cosmopolitan places such as in Hong Kong, businesses thrive well. This includes franchises of established businesses which may be based abroad. This naturally makes the franchise a multinational/ multicultural business venture. Problem Statement Like in most multicultural settings, communication between people from different cultures may pose to be a hindrance in the smooth flow of operations. There are many factors to consider here. One is cultural differences which may cause misinterpretations in communication. People may hold different belief systems and practices which may seem offensive to others without meaning to. This may spell trouble between the communicating parties and may be a cruci al point in business transactions if it is not resolved. Negative consequences may escalate if miscommunication persists. It may adversely affect the business, possibly the relationship between the contracting companies involved, and the financial aspect of the business. This study will explore how collaborative communication in international settings can promote satisfaction and loyalty of franchisees and study its moderating effect on the net profit of franchise businesses in Hong Kong. Importance of the Study This study will contribute much to the field of international business especially in the area of intercultural communication. Being aware of factors that may cause conflicts and misunderstandings between parties coming from different cultures may be considered a start in the resolution of such issues. These need to be resolved right away because if not, then it may gravely affect the business relationship they share. Scope and Delimitation The scope of this study covers indi viduals involved in the franchise businesses in Hong Kong and their international business associates in the franchise. Data will be completed by email to facilitate dissemination and collection. The responses will delimited to the views of the participants and although they may represent the views of their own companies, the conclusion will not be generalized to the whole

Belonging Essay Essay Example for Free

Belonging Essay Essay Concept, perceptions and ideas to belong or not to belong differ from person to person. This is due to experiences that shape ones personality that come through personal, cultural, social and historical context. The idea of belonging allows one to have some sort of connection and communal with people, places, groups, communities and the wider world. In contrast not belonging causes one to suffer from alienation, exclusion and marginalisation. As a result these factors can cause an individual to be at different states of depression depending on one’s personality and situation. However in society, belonging has become and essential to life. Many texts have explored the notion of belonging and not belonging; the play Rainbows End by Jane Harrison and the short film Between the Flags Produced by Jayce White explore the concept of belonging and not belonging to place and people through several forms. Rainbows End by Jane Harrison is a play that explores the concept of belonging and not belonging thorough Harrison’s choice of cultural and historical context at the time. The play is set in the 1950’s during the time Queen Elizabeth II was visiting Australia and whilst many racist policies where practiced such as the Assimilation, Paternalistic and the White Australia policy which all discriminated and alienated the Aboriginal people from the wider community. Throughout the play, it is manifest the Aboriginal people belong and do not belong to certain placed and people. This is shown through a conversation that Nan Dear his with Dolly about her birthplace, â€Å"Well, of course I’m not gunna die. Not here anyway. Gotta go back to my old place to do that. Nan Dear Act One Scene One. This quote conveys Nan Dear’s idea of belonging to place, she assertively expresses to dolly that this is not her place and she will eventually return to where she fits most, through this may not be physically but rather spiritually, which is also part of the aboriginal culture and traditions. The understanding to belong, not belong and the longing to belong alters from one individual to another, this is extensively due to one’s overall background experiences which have ultimately shaped ones thoughts and ideas on the various notions of belonging. This is very evident throughout the play, Rainbows End as different perceptions of belonging are conveyed through conversations and incidents that occurs from characters of different social and historical background. An example of such is the conversation that Errol and Dolly have about the differences in their families. Errol attempts to convince Dolly that he is willing to give her a better life, if she agrees to marry him but away from her family. Dolly does not agree with Errol Fisher’s views on a better life and continues to question his thoughts through the repetition of his words. DOLLY: You want me to leave here for ever? ERROL: I’m offering you a better life. DOLLY: A better life? ERROL: In the city there’s department stores so big that you can spend all day in them. Why in the city there’s even little restaurants you can eat spaghetti, just like Italy. DOLLY: Spaghetti? This conversation portrayed Errol and Dolly’s different perceptions of belonging. The use of the repetition is ironic as Dolly has her family and place does not understand the meaning of â€Å"better life†. The connection that dolly has with her family and place has created her to feel comfortable there regardless of all the discriminatory acts of the time. Errol and Dollydiffering opinions come through their social and cultural context which causes them to continuously clash between each other. â€Å"Your world. And you’re just assuming that your world is better. But actually, when I think about it- when I think about nasty Nancy – she has everything that opens and shuts. I’m not sure it isbetter. I wouldn’t trade placer with her for anything. And as far as you’re offering †¦ no thank you. This is my place. I’m staying right here with my Mum and Nan† despite Dolly not being a young adult who has subjected to racial incidents, that could be prevented in the future if she accepts to marryErrol The short film Between the Flags is a Tropfest film that references and represents the incident that had occurred in the year of 2005, Cronulla riots, concerning two racial groups; the Australian and the Lebanese, which caused violence and division amongst the two races. If mixing of the two diverse racial groups had occurred at the time it often resulted in a brawl and further conflict; however the filmBetween the Flags argues this conviction through a humorous way. Several forms such as: humour, irony, popular culture and themes such as the beach and â€Å"typical Australian bloke† support the idea that two or more people can intertwine together regardless of any dispute one being removed from the external society. The use of irony is used throughout the complete film, it creates humour in-between the two characters which generates harmony amongst them, this is apparent in the film. An example of this is when the Lebanese character (character are not given names instead each represents an ethnicity which is shown through their choice of costume) approaches the Australian bloke: â€Å"What’s goin on† – Lebanese boy â€Å"G’day mate† – Australian bloke â€Å"Here for the riots† – Lebanese boy â€Å"Yeah, looks like we’re the first ones here† – Australian bloke â€Å"Maybe we should wait for a more people† – Lebanese boy  The conversation between them continues the irony of the situation is the conversation that occurs, and also the use of such words such as â€Å"mate†, as both of them are at the beach to riot against each other; instead they involve themselves together in a communal conversation. Throughout give-and-take of words between the two characters they both felt a sense belonging and ease towards each other even through the beach was supposed to be a place of non-belonging and dispute. This was majorly due to them being part of the popular culture and sharing the same interest. Their reactions were shown through the use of close up camera shots, as they enable the viewer to understand the characters emotions and have a sense of empathy towards them. The short film Between the Flags uses the beach as the setting to the film, as this is also references to the Cronulla riots as they had occurred at the beach. The attitudes that the characters have towards the beach affirm that it is a place of regular social call, also part of each ones character regardless of their ethnic background. Two characters connection with the beach enables the viewers to have an immediate understanding that it is a place of belonging to one another. This is manifest in the film through the connection that the characters grow due to playing a game of cricket, nevertheless in the film the beginning of the game the Lebanese character says â€Å"umm I don’t usually do this but†¦Ã¢â‚¬  this had displayed to the audience that he is not too liking of cricket but he starts to play as it is most appropriate to do so. This was shown through a continuous full camera shot to show the characters interaction with each ther and to also display the setting of the film. Throughout exploring and analysing texts it has become most evident that people views of belonging is constructed through their perception on the place. This concept was explored in the two texts Rainbows End by Jane Harrison and the short film Between the Flags produced by Jayce White as both texts had explored belonging, not belonging or the longing to belong to a place through the perceptions and the social, historical, cultural and personal context of an individual determined their sense of belonging and not belonging.

Comparing Movie and Book Versions of Cains Mildred Pierce Essay

Comparing Movie and Book Versions of Cain's Mildred Pierce I pity the screenwriter who had to adapt the novel, Mildred Pierce, from 289 pages down to an hour and 57 minute movie. The main character, Mildred Pierce, repeatedly steps out of the traditional role for women of that era, and challenges society’s norms about class. Significant changes were made to the plot while converting it from book to movie. These changes add up to a significant difference in the meaning. In both the book and the movie, the story is about a housewife who dramatically changes her life. She kicks out her unfaithful husband and starts making a living on her own. Her life’s desire is to win the love of her snobby daughter Veda who â€Å"steals her money, her clothes, her man, and acts like a spoiled brat throughout [the story].† (Easterbrook) Mildred’s sick, driving love for Veda has a hint of masochism. She spends years providing love and money, and trying to please Veda. Mildred uses people to try to get Veda back into her life and ends up with nothing. As LaValley says, â€Å"Veda is ungrateful and vicious† (LaValley 11) Mildred’s obsession with Veda is â€Å"less like a mother [but more] like a lover who has unexpectedly discovered an act of faithlessness and avenged it.† (Cain 240) An example of this is in the passage: â€Å"At Veda’s [. . .] sticky kisses that started at her eyes and ended below her throat, Mildred r elaxed [. . .]†(201), or â€Å"she [Mildred] took the lovely creature [Veda] in her arms and kissed her, hard, on the mouth.† (268) Although Mildred and Veda’s relationship stays basically the same, changes were made to adapt the story. The background of several of the main characters is not detailed, but rather sketchy. Many of the characters ha... ...e book for screen changed the mood of the story. The book is timeless and in many ways it feels like it was written yesterday. It has a very modern feel to it, which is not reflected in the movie because of the manner in which it was produced. In the movie the focus was on the scandalous murder mystery. The focus of the story in the book was about a woman and her struggles to survive the hardships of the Depression, while coping with the dysfunction of her family and relationships. The book is also an in-depth study of human behavior and corruptness, dealing with the shortcomings of men and women. David Madden said it best when he wrote; â€Å"he [Cain] created an objective, disinterested, often pessimistic view of life that is simultaneously terrifying and starkly beautiful.† I think it’s sad that the movie almost completely loses Cain’s judgment and analysis of life.