Lucy Stowes Journey Essays - Villette, Bretton, Lucy, The Lucy Poems

Lucy Stowe's Journey When Lucy Stowe boards a ship to travel to Villette, she is asked Are you fond of a sea-voyage by (the yet to be known) Ms. Fanshaw. Since this was Lucy's first trip abroad, she answers that her fondness is yet to be experienced. Nonetheless, Lucy's partiality for the sea is evident throughout the novel. She illustrates her past with a myriad of nautical metaphors and imageries of water that suggests a spiritual connection to the sea. This connection appears to derive from water being the main form of traveling during the 19th Century; and travel through life's experiences is what we do. Life is heeded as a journey, so Lucy therefore, is a vessel that endures the tumultuous waters of life's social stigmas and the stresses of familial relationships, or the calm waters of life's pleasures. Lucy uses the metaphor of sea travel to demonstrate her familial relationship with Mrs. Bretton; as comparison between a traditional matriarch, and a modern independent lady. She says, The difference between her and me might be figured by that between the stately ship, cruising safe of smooth seas, with it's full complement of crew, a captain gay and brave. She refers to Ms. Bretton's allegorically as a person of means. She has a full crew that supports her needs and a captain to guide her; respectfully these terms could allude to the acceptance and support within the social or familial structure as a widow of a wealthy, respected man. The captain could be an allusion to her son, who even in the adverse circumstances after the loss of their fortune still had him to support her comfortably enough. Lucy goes further to say, the Luisa Bretton never was out of harbor on such a night; her crew could not conceive it. This further signifies that as one ship relates to another, Mrs. Bretton was a woman supported by her social and familial status, and real hardship is unknown to her. Lucy, otherwise, knows the misfortune from which Mrs. Bretton had protection. She symbolizes her own person as a rugged lifeboat thus she lacks a crew and a captain. If the world was a vast sea and life was a sea journey, this symbolism would capture all that Lucy Stowe is within it: a small, agile, neglected, solitary individual with a hardened exterior, a brave spirit, as self-sufficient will and a buoyant heart. Lucy is essentially a survivor of life's adventures. Although she is a tough lifeboat in one allegorical reference, in a form of a dream, Lucy becomes an inhabitant of the sea, perhaps the mermaid that she envisions in the mirror's reflection. She describes her surroundings as somehow like a cave in a sea. The cave beneath miles of water serves as a sanctuary from the storm above, much like the room within the home of Dr. John where she recovers from her near death illness. It is the shelter provided by a benefactor, the same advantage that Mrs. Bretton has always known. However, Lucy Stowe was never meant to live the fashion normally provided to women and girls of that time. She, as she describes, I somehow must have fallen over-board and the crew as her destined benefactors perished in the storm. Whether Lucy takes the form of a passenger, a mermaid or the sea vessel itself, she portrays all of her senses and her life experiences with symbols and metaphors relating to the sea. Mrs. Bretton is referred to as a vessel that Lucy passes through her own life journey. The same holds true for Ms. Beck when she says that she moves like a ship dreading breakers (407). The sea and its uncertain placidness or volatility is analogous to Lucy's view of the world. She is either safe from the fiercest breakers in the home of Dr. John, or is exposed to the uncertain, stormy dangers of independence which brings briny waves in her throat, or her romantic contentedness is a sea breaking into song with all its waves.

Davinci Apps The WritePass Journal

Davinci Apps Abstract Davinci Apps saw an increasing unemployment rate of 9.5 followed by a decrease over the 2013 fiscal year (Istat.it, 2014). Standards and Poor’s currently ranks Italy a BBB+ with Moody’s a Baa2 alongside a negative outlook (Grmag.com, 2014:2). 2010 witnessed Italy with an estimated world share of GDP of 2.41 %; however, the 2015 estimate indicates a decrease to 1.98% (Grmag.com, 2014:1). This fact supports the Real GDP numbers that indicate a continual decrease in economic strength for the nation as a whole (Istat.it, 2014:1). However, recent trends suggest that a positive turnaround is possible increasing economic viability (Istat.it, 2014:1). 1.3 Hofstede Value Italy compared to Japan Hofstede’s model is a valued method of assessing cultural differences in order to gain fuller understanding (Signorini, Wiesemes and Murphy, 2009). 1.3.1 Power distance Power distance is commonly identified as â€Å"the extent the less powerful entities within a country expect power to be distributed equally† (Hofstede, 2011:45). Northern Italy  scores a 50 which speaks to the preference for equality and decentralisation of power and decision-making (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014:1). However, in Southern Italy the PDI are high and nearly the very opposite of Northern Italy. The related score of 54 illustrates that Japan is similar in this context, speaking to the recognition of value in equality by both cultures (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014). 1.3.2 Individualism This segment has to do with whether people ´s self-image plays a cultural role (Hofstede, 2011). .With a score of 76,  Italy is rated as an Individualistic culture, which in turn creates a â€Å"me† centred society (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014:1). This effect is felt most in the North where people feel alone in the middle of a big crowd. Southern Italy exhibits less individualistic behaviour which is present in the family network as well as the group each one belongs (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014). In this culture, events including weddings or Sunday lunches cannot be missed. Standing in contrast to the Italian score is the collective score of 46 for Japan, indicating an area of substantial cultural difference (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014). Individualism is often frowned upon by the Eastern approach 1.3.3 Masculinity A high score (masculine) on this segment is indicative of a society driven by competition, success and achievement. Conversely, a lower score (feminine) indicates societal values including caring for others and an increased quality of life (Hofstede, 2011). At 70  Italy is a masculine society – meaning it is very highly success oriented (Geert-hostede.com, 2014:1). As an example that this society holds, their offspring are taught at an early age that competition is beneficial.  It is common for the Italian culture to illustrate success by status symbols such as cars, houses, yachts and vacations to exotic countries. This factor adds to the factor that competition among colleagues for making a career can be very strong (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014). Much like Italy Japan ranks as a very masculine society with a rating of 95 (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014). 1.3.4 Uncertainty avoidance This component addresses members of a culture feel that may threaten by ambiguous or events and has created institutions in order to avoid these circumstances (Hofstede, 2011). At 75, Italy scores high on uncertainty avoidance (Geert-hofestede.com, 2014). This is an indication that Italians are not comfortable in uncertain situations. Formality in Italian society is a critical element of day to day activities with this fact represented by the strict Italian penal and civil code (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014). It is common for emotion to play a role in society and culture with individuals that cannot keep them inside and must express them. At a score of 92, Japan is considered one of the most uncertainty avoiding nations in the world (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014). This is an area that is mirrored closely is both cultures, making integration easier. 1.3.5 Pragmatism This element focuses on how people in the past as well as today deal with the fact that so much that happens cannot be truly explained (Hofstede, 2011).   In this category Italys high score of 61 illustrates that the Italian culture is relatively pragmatic. The people believe that truth depends on the situation, time and context. Boasting a score of 88 Japan is one of the most pragmatic societies (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014). 1.3.6 Indulgence This element is the extent to which people try to control their desires (Hofstede, 2011). Weak control is â€Å"indulgence† and strong control is â€Å"restraint†. With the score of 42, Japan is deemed to be a culture of restraint.30 demonstrates that the Italian culture is one of restraint (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014). 2 Business and management culture in Italy 2.1 Values and Globalization As the Geer-hofstede.com (2014) results indicate the Italian culture heavily prefers an equal centre of power. The individualistic nature of the Italian value system will require substantial adjustment on the part of a collective culture Japanese transfer. Erikson (2007) argues that the migrants into the Italian culture often fare well as there are several beneficial transnational entrepreneurship assets. There is a very high Italian cultural value placed on the family, and social functions, which can in turn lead to social acceptance (Society, 2014). The topics of family, food, women, weather and love top the list of common discussions in Rome. This societal value system reaches back to the base difference between the Confucian, or Oriental method of collective thinking that recognizes that each element is related as opposed to the Aristotelian method of treating each component on an individual basis (Noble, Sander and Obenshain, 2013). There is a distinct separation of value as regards the areas of self-expression and autonomy with the individualistic Italian culture, illustrating a lasting commitment to a more outspoken nature (Noble et al, 2013). As a whole, Rome is considered an individualistic culture when compared to the interdependent society of Japan (Tierney, 2014). The Geocentric approach illustrated by the population of Rome recognizes the potential for gain in the emerging markets, making integration popular in the region (Cicione, 2014). 2.2 Decision making With a distinct separation from the Japanese cultural tradition of holism, the Italian culture focuses on analytical decision making utilizing a methodical approach for each individual element (Tierney, 2014). In addition to the highly competitive environment, the shift from the Japanese method of Collectivism to the Italian Individualism will require substantial adjustment for new transfers (Nobel et al, 2014). 2.3 Negotiation Communication Societal differences can have a direct impact on the method of communication and negotiation (Solomon and Schell, 2009). A person living in an individualistic society, such as Italy, will commonly make self-centred decisions (Tierney, 2014). This is opposed to the collective tendency shown in the Japanese culture. Further, the individualistic culture does not place the value on age and experience that the Japanese collective culture does, making each interaction with Italian citizens more complex (Nobel et al, 2013). 2.4 Leadership Cultural Intelligence It is necessary to understand a culture in order to become an effective leader (Nobel et al, 2014). As there is a highly independent nature among the Italians, each of their decisions will be based on what is best for that person, as opposed to the group mentality found in Japanese society. There is a high tendency of the Italian society to want a transactional form of leadership that remains open and prefers teamwork (Euwema, Wendt and Van Emmerik, 2007). Too much oversight in the workplace is construed as a reflection of the individual work tendencies. This stands in sharp contrast to the collective leadership tendencies most firms exhibit in Japan (Nobel et al, 2014). There is a strong need for the Italian culture to possess personal views and objectives, making each one an individualistic effort (Tierney, 2014). However, this element is tempered with the high value on family and collective infrastructure, which is similar in Japan (Nobel et al, 2014). The autocratic strain of lea dership is the found in Italy in contrast to the more Confucian, or male leader approach found in Japan (Nobel et al, 2014). With a much wider acceptance of the female in the role of leadership, there is a reduced amount of social bias associated with the genders, making the Italian culture easy to integrate into (Tierney, 2014). Further, this perception of bias in the workplace is reduced making potential success realistic in the workplace. 3 Conclusion This report has highlighted several elements that should be considered during the coming move. With a clear difference between the Japanese and Italian/Roman cultures, there are many pitfalls to avoid. Yet, the similarities inherent in each culture provide a sound beginning point from which to progress. Three points of advice have been developed as a consequence of this analysis: 1) The Hofstede model as well as the corresponding literature has illustrated the individualistic tendencies of the Roman culture, yet, there is a very strong undercurrent of social associations becoming beneficial. In order to more easily assimilate, both in the work place and socially, find a social expression that actively involves the person with the Italian culture. In this case that could be religion, sports or hobbies that take place in the company of others. 2) In the process of leadership, recognize the individual needs of each person. The Italian society operates in a manner that is based on competition and personal accomplishment rather than the larger collective organisation. In order to foster the best possible work environment there will be a need to amend the workplace expectations. 3) As reflected in the both the Italian and Japanese culture, there is a high value placed on the capacity for a person to have personal restraint and integrity. The best possible method of accruing respect in the work place is to have a plan in place that is both balanced and well considered, and in the presence of controversy present a calm exterior. This will translate into a perception of calm competency, which is highly prized in Roman culture. In the end, this report has illustrated that there are many similar elements between the cultures of Japan and Italy, yet, substantial differences. Will careful consideration alongside informed action, the transfer from the Japan office of Davinci Apps has every expectation of being a well throughout enterprise that will be of great value to each person involved. References Cicione, M. 2014.  Culture Traditions in Rome, Italy. [online] Available at: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/culture-traditions-rome-italy-11465.html [Accessed: 17 Mar 2014]. Eriksen, T. H. 2007.  Globalization. Oxford: Berg. Euwema, M. C., Wendt, H. and Van Emmerik, H. 2007. Leadership styles and group organizational citizenship behavior across cultures.  Journal of Organizational Behavior, 28 (8), pp. 10351057. Geert-hofstede.com. 2014.  Italy Geert Hofstede. [online] Available at: http://geert-hofstede.com/italy.html [Accessed: 17 Mar 2014]. Gelf, Erez, M. and Aycan, Z. 2007. Cross-cultural organizational behavior.  Annu. Rev. Psychol., 58 pp. 479514. Gfmag.com. 2014.  Italy GDP Data Country Report | Global Finance. [online] Available at: gfmag.com/gdp-data-country-reports/249-italy-gdp-country-report.html#axzz2w6DeKZCE [Accessed: 17 Mar 2014]. Hofstede, G. 2011. Dimensionalizing cultures: The Hofstede model in context.  Online readings in psychology and culture, 2 (1), p. 8. Istat.it. 2014.  Istat.it. [online] Available at: istat.it/en [Accessed: 17 Mar 2014]. Kaltenbrunner, A., Arag\On, P., Laniado, D. and Volkovich, Y. 2013. Not all paths lead to Rome: Analysing the network of sister cities.  arXiv preprint arXiv:1301.6900. Nobel, D., Sander, J. and Obenshain, C. 2013. Using microworlds to understand cultural influences on distributed collaborative decision making in C2 settings. Shi, X. and Wang, J. 2011. Interpreting Hofstede Model and GLOBE Model: Which Way to Go for Cross-Cultural Research?.  International Journal of Business \ Management, 6 (5). Signorini, P., Wiesemes, R. and Murphy, R. 2009. Developing alternative frameworks for exploring intercultural learning: a critique of Hofstedes cultural difference model.  Teaching in Higher Education, 14 (3), pp. 253264. Society, N. 2014.  Rome Cultural Tips National Geographics Ultimate City Guides. [online] Available at: http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/city-guides/rome-cultural-tips/ [Accessed: 17 Mar 2014]. Solomon, C. and Schell, M. S. 2009. Managing across cultures: The 7 keys to doing business with a global mindset.  McGraw-Hill, Inc.. Tierney, W. G. 2008.  The impact of culture on organizational decision-making. Sterling, Va.: Stylus Pub.

Leadership Portfolio Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Leadership Portfolio - Assignment Example Thank God my prayers were heard and you gave me strength not to give up throughout my journey of having a full-time job and pursuing both my Undergraduate and Master’s degree. The purpose of this portfolio is to provide a comprehensive view of my leadership qualities which I have developed through my academic qualification. I believe that I am a good leader because not only am I a knowledgeable person but also I feel that I have the capability to reflect my knowledge by application of effective management skills. I have strong qualities of delegation, communication, confidence, and commitment. I have a creativity and ability to inspire my colleagues and subordinates whom I believe will make me a good leader in the future. I am a budding professional who has undergone multiple learning experiences over the past few years in my career. My expertise is in the field of HR recruitment and I have acquired a plethora of knowledge through recruitment, training, coordination, and evaluation of employees. My personal goal is to become extremely efficient and reliable in any job that I do. I want to become the most dependable person in any organization I work with in the future. Throughout my entire career, I have been fortunate enough to work with key personnel in this profession that has enhanced my skill set. My future goal is to create the high level of professionalism among employees that can solve organizational challenges in the future. The importance of human assets in improving organizational efficiency and productivity is well documented. My role is to select the best candidates for jobs that can create high levels of efficiency in the organization. Studying at Concordia College, Masters Business Leadership Program has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. It has not only helped me to learn a variety of new courses that I was not aware of before joining this institution but also helped me to improve my existing skills and knowledge.  

Economics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Economics - Assignment Example Instead of closing out contracts with cash settlements, a common procedure on the commodities market, the Hunts took delivery on silver. They then stockpiled this silver and used their large cash reserves to buy up even more futures. The billions in demand triggered the rise of silver to more than $50 per ounce.† (Beattie, 2010) If speculation can have this much of an impact on the price of a fixed commodity – and the silver price plummeted when the Hunt brothers’ market corner was toppled – then the market cannot be totally reliable for an egalitarian distribution of resources. In this instance, a small minority with excess capital reserves could easily create massive market movements in price. It is the same with any commodity if a large capital interest takes hold in the sector and accumulates not from the need of supply, but based on speculation, then the aspects of banking and finance can come to determine even the price of coffee and tea. A free market based upon supply and demand and a free market fueled by speculation may not function in the same manner in determining market prices. If one reviews the ability of a group of brothers like the Hunts to move prices in silver, what could a nation-state, for example, accomplish if it were to try to monopolize a sector of commodities, or accumulate from a perception of scarcity. One example of this would be the Chinese State-owned and financed oil companies or loans being given to businesses by State-sponsored banks to buy commodities like copper, driving up the price. Q.2 - In free market economics, government interference and influence in the economy is rejected, in favor of the pure dynamics of supply and demand being determinant in driving prices, investment, capital flows, and other aspects of trade, manufacturing, and business activity. In this theory, the market operates naturally and

Choosing Between Debt And Equity Finance Essay

Choosing Between Debt And Equity Finance Essay In financial decisions, the choice between debt and equity financing is one of the most difficult ones. Both types of financing have its advantages and disadvantages. Debt financing is based on borrowing finance, and incurs debts that should be repaid in a certain time. The obligations of the company include repaying the loan and paying interest on the loan until its repaid. Debt financing does not impact the ownership of the business, but might cause high debt servicing costs. On the other hand, equity financing represents the exchange of finance to a part of business ownership; this is commonly done by issuing stocks. Equity financing allows to receive investments without additional payments and does not cause financial concern of investors, like debt financing does. However, since the ownership is shared, the owners have to dilute their decisive power (Grossman Livingstone, 2009), and might even lose control of the company. For the companies, the choice of debt or equity financing is based on many factors, such as size of the company, state and dynamics of the industry, perspectives of the company, debt-to-equity ratio, debt servicing costs etc. The purpose of this essay is to consider the decision of American Superconductor Corporation to shift to equity financing from debt financing, made in 2003. AMSC case American Superconductor Corporation is a company providing wind turbine design, electrical control systems, power systems and superconductive wires (Madura, 2008). It operates mostly in Europe, North America and Pacific Asia. Before 2003, the companys investment policy was based on debt financing; however, in 2003, the decision to forgo a secured debt financing and to adopt an equity financing strategy under current market conditions (Esposito, 2003) was made. The company experienced recession in 2003; in October 2002, its stock prices have fallen to the record level of $2.25, and in 2003, they constituted about $3.36, which was very low compared even to 2002 level of $12.26 (AMSC Stock, 2010). The company needed financing, and their choice was to issue a public equity offering instead of debt financing. This decision was explained as strategic solution based on the consequences of 2003 blackouts, and CEO of American Superconductor, Greg Yurek, forecasted an increased need for their power grids and public attention to better voltage support with dynamic reactive power compensation (Esposito, 2003). The results of first six months of fiscal 2004 year seemed to prove the efficient of the decision to pursue equity financing, since no long-term debt was reported, and $17.4 million revenue in the first two quarters of the year. The company also focused on wind turbines, which were gaining popularity. Wind power in 2007, for example, became the first $30B clean energy industry (Madura, 2008). Current financial position of AMSC shows that its total revenue and gross profit values have significantly increased during the last years (2008-2010 financial information available); the companys gross margin is 39.14% compared to 32.19% in the diversified electronics industry in general (AMSC Stock, 2010). The operating margin is also higher: 14.70% compared to 5.71% industrys operating margin, the EPS is also higher (0.64) than 0.08 average (AMSC Stock, 2010). Although the financial position of AMSC is weaker than that of main competitor, ABB. Ltd., the company managed to override another major competitor, SatCon Technology Corporation. The industry provides a significant development potential, and the stocks of the company were not priced less than $10 since 2007 (AMSC Stock, 2010). Analysis of financial decision The combination of debt and equity financing impacts the companys cost of capital. Debt financing is safer for investors, while equity financing is more risky for investors, but at the same time safer for the company (Grossman Livingstone, 2009). Since debt financing creates contractual obligations, the companies should carefully consider their ability to repay the debts. Debt servicing incurs higher costs than equity financing, and if the company experiences fast growth, it might suffer from high debt servicing expenses. It has also been shown that companies with consistent profit operating in low-risk and slowly growing industries more often opt for debt financing, while companies operating in risky and rapidly changing industries as well as in volatile ones, should choose equity financing since these companies have more opportunities for investments, and would not suffer from underinvestment (Grossman Livingstone, 2009). By 2003, AMSC experienced financial problems and its stocks have dropped in price, but the conditions of the environment indicated the quick growth of interest to AMSC production. It could be forecasted that in some time the company would need significant investments and 2003-2004 was the right time to expand. If AMSC continued debt financing, its growth would be hindered by debt servicing costs and worse stock dynamics. Thus, the decision of AMSC to replace debt financing with equity financing was very appropriate in this situation. Conclusion In order to perform the choice of business financing (debt versus equity), it is necessary to consider the perspectives of the company as well as the nature and dynamics of the industry. In 2003, AMSC was experiencing financial difficulties and its stocks have significantly fallen. However, there were many opportunities for development, and the 2003 blackouts increased the interest to AMSC production. Therefore, the company had strong potential for growth, and needed strong financing source without excess cost increase. Thus, American Superconductor Corporation performed a right decision to stop debt financing, and to issue a public equity offering. The correctness of the decision can be also traced looking at further financial development of the company: AMSC is stably growing, creates new products and shows good progress compared to its competitors.

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare :: Romeo and Juliet Essays

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare In this course work I will be seeing how Shakespeare shows Romeo's change of mood in Act 5, Scene 1. I will include what Romeo says and does as well as the audience reaction. I will also talk about Romeo's character in this scene, his visit to the apothecary and what happened to Juliet. By the time this scene is performed, Romeo has been banished from Verona and Juliet. The scene starts with Romeo in Mantua, where he hears the news of Juliet's death. Before he hears the news he is reminiscing a dream he had had the night before (lines 1-11), "I dreamt my lady came and found me dead-Strange dream, that gives a dead man leave to thinkà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦" When Balthasar enters, Romeo is very anxious to hear news from Verona and asks several questions. He even repeats himself, "How doth my lady? Is my father well? How doth my lady? That I ask again, for nothing can be ill if she be well." Unfortunately for Romeo, there is no good word from Verona, only bad, "Her Body sleeps in Capel's Monument.." In hearing this, Romeo becomes aggressive and emotional. He will not wait for anything or anyone to tell him what he should do now. He says, "Is it e'en so? Then I defy you, stars!" Romeo will not wait for the stars to dictate what he should do now. He acts in defiance. Shakespeare uses this line to represent fate or fortune. The audience reaction is not that of shock but of sadness and bereavement for Juliet. There is also a sense of pity for Romeo. Once Balthasar has left Romeo begins to talk to himself. He talks about an apothecary he had seen. He begins to describe it, "And in his needy shop, a tortoise hung, an alligator stuff'd, and other skins of ill shap'd fishesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦" The mood of the play changes instantly. It becomes dark and evil. Romeos emotions become very clear in line 50. He is deeply depressed and it is evident that he has given up on life, "An

Art and Irony Essay

Dreams are the paints of a great artist, and the world is their canvas. Artists are able to produce beautiful art pieces using their ideas and imaginations. Through art, we are able to communicate stories of tragedy, peace, hardship, and ease. In many ways, visual art and written stories can be compared to one another. Like a frame to a picture, the techniques in a short story help keep the story together. As for the elements they can be seen as the painting itself, providing both story and beauty. Both techniques and elements play crucial roles together. In both short stories â€Å"The Blues Merchant† and â€Å"Rich For One Day†, the influence of the ironic technique towards characterization and theme can be noticeably seen. The use of irony greatly affects the overall theme of the Blues Merchant, like a border to a beautiful painting. We see the theme shift when we see the guard nodding to the rhythm of the Blues Merchant. When confronted by the guard sergeant, he receives the message which is â€Å" You are not supposed to enjoy the blues. You get paid to watch, not to be human† (Washington 284). After this particular even takes place, we see how the Blues Merchant is able to shift the freedom of the guards, and the entrapment of the prisoners. Through the Blues Merchants’ music, the guards are becoming trapped and confined while the prisoners are being able to taste freedom. The ironic technique can be seen when this occurs. The same technique can be seen when the narrator is describing the concert. In the last sentence of the story, the narrator states, â€Å"The guards remain trapped behind the prison walls while, if only for a short time, we are free† (Washington 284). Irony is at play in this sentence because the full transformation of the prisoners and guards is showcased. The theme of the story is reflected through irony, and the irony is shown in this quote. The theme of the story is that music can set you free, and the technique used plays a part by freeing the prisoners. The best paintings are the ones that that tell us stories. The Blues Merchant is able to paint a beautiful story of freedom for the struggling man. The Blues Merchant paints a powerful picture. Not only can an ironic technique affect the theme of a story, but it can also effect the development of characters. We see this take place in â€Å"Rich For One Day†. Aline is girl who seems to be down in fortune, but seems to think otherwise. Aline misjudges her wealth when she remembers that she â€Å" [is] rich today. She [has] eight dollars, a fortune.† (Suzanne 257). The fact that this economically unstable woman finds herself rich with eight dollars is ironic. She tries to convince herself that her own life is a life of luxury and comfort, although in reality, this is not the case. Aline tries to hide and stay away from the harsh truth when we see her â€Å" Not quite awake and that she felt too rich today to give an answer† (Suzanne 257) to the designer calling her about a possible job offer. Considering that Aline is not doing well for herself, she should see to take this job, but instead she refuses to give an answer to the designer. The irony is seen when she says that she is deemed too rich to give an appropriate answer. If she were actually rich, then this statement would not be ironic, but considering she only has eight dollars in her bank account, then her saying that really tells the reader what kind of person Aline really is. Characters in a story are fundamental to a stories success. If an ironic technique is used effectively, the development of such characters can be very fruitful and promising. Authors use many different techniques to transform the core aspects of a story. Artists can use different types of paint, or different bristles to create a desired affect on their work. Both authors and artists alike have been adapting these different ways of expressing their works for the sole purpose of communicating with their audience. Irony has proven to be a useful tool in terms of enhancing a theme of a story, or the development of a character. Imagine what stories and art would be without real purpose. What a story would be without effective technique. A painting without a story, A picture without a frame.