BANANA GARDEN Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

BANANA GARDEN - Essay Example In most cases, while men were travelling around to attend to their official duties, women were left behind to cater for their in-laws, children and farm activities. Gu Zhiqiong a member of the banana club used poetry to express her feelings to her absent husband. Despite them being apart for a long time, she missed him and wondered why her travelling husband should not come home. Her beauty was neglected by a husband who had gone to search for fame, but she feared that the search might not be successful.The neglect caused a lot of pain to Gu Zhiqiong, which resulted in weight loss and increase in illness. The stressful moments she was undergoing made her turn to drinking to alleviate the pain. Gu Zhiqiong’s belief that the quest for fame for her husband will not be successful showed an aspect weakness in males who at that time were regarded as superiors over females. Another member of the Banana Garden Poetry Club members was Chai Jingyi. In most of her poetry works, she avoided sections of more stereotypical feminine moods and topics. In her poem titled Huangtiandang: On Lady Liang, she showered praises to a lady beating the drum and argued that no one would believe that the person playing the drum was a beautiful woman (Berge, 2008). Despite women’s freedom of expression and movement being restricted it is clear that women have the capability of doing best what men could do. In 1129 during the Huangtiandang battle, Han Shizhong the Song dynasty general inflicted a decisive win over Jurchen Jin dynasty troops. The general’s win was mainly attributed to Liang Hongyu, who was his wife. Liang was a former courtesan and tirelessly played the drum, inspiring the Song army to superior efforts. The name of Liang often appeared in poetry in the seventeenth century as an example of devoted loyalty. Though men’s freedom of expression and movement was not restricted like the case in women, some of them

Therachem Case Essay Example for Free

Therachem Case Essay Therachem is a pharmaceutical company created in 1950, and has a portfolio of 7 different products Performance: The company has a signi? cant revenue growth of 68% over the last 3 years, driven mostly by Arthroquell Salesmen team: the sales rep’s job is to visit physicians and encourage them to prescribe Therachem drugs for their patients For the past 3 years Therachem has been growing its sales force by about 40 representatives per year and has expected this year to increase the number of reps from 433 to 473. Therachem is wondering if it has to maintain its 40-rep hiring per year rhythm or invest in human capital: A consultant report is suggesting Therachem to increase its sales force by 322 rep over the next 3 years, however is it opportune to do such a signi? cant increase or is it too unrealistic? Context Executive summary Smythe model Consultant model Alternatives Recommanda tions/Limits Goals Find the optimal solution for Therachem, taking into account strategic dimensions on the hiring rythm Methodology Optimize number of reps and the allocation of reps between products Resource Allocation analysis of the zero growth model, the Smythe model and the consultant model Creation of alternative models Assessement Smythe model is not optimal The consultant recommandation may be optimal it shows some risks in terms of hiring a lot of new rep There is an alternative with an optimal net contribution per new rep compared to the zero growth model Recommandations Do not increase more than 40 person hiring per year Do a more optimal allocation of human resource through the products Context Executive summary Smythe model Consultant model Alternatives Recommanda tions/Limits Zero growth model Arthroquell Proxinil 144,0 $109,5 53% $51,5 $27,2 $30,8 Renora 135 150 77,0 $175,2 59% $71,8 $14,6 $88,8 Dermet Topisal 57,0 $157,8 59% $64,7 $10,8 $82,3 Mistalon 57,0 $33,6 53% $15,8 $10,8 $7,0 $448,2 $81,8 $6,0 $380,3 $583,3 Total 433,0 $1  119,3 98,0 $643,2 62% $244,4 $18,5 Sales Representatives Planned Revenue Unit Margin Cost of Goods Sold Direct Selling Cost Indirect Selling Cost Net Contribution Strategic option number one: Smythe model Arthroquell Proxinil 184,0 $124,7 53% 58,6 $34,8 $31,3 125,0 $734,4 62% $279,1 $23,6 $431,7 Renora 135 150 98,0 $191,4 59% $78,5 $18,5 $94,4 Dermet Topisal 73,0 $167,2 59% $68,6 $13,8 $84,9 Mistalon 73,0 $40,1 53% $18,8 $13,8 $7,4 Total 553,0 $1 257,7 $503,5 $104,5 $6,0 $643,7 Sales Representatives Planned Revenue Unit Margin Cost of Goods Sold Direct Selling Cost Indirect Selling Cost Net Contribution An increase of 120 new reps (an increase of 40 per year) = a gain of net contribution of $60,4m The Smythe model focuses its sales force mainly on Arthroquell and Proxinil with respectively 23% and 34% of the sales force. Context Executive summary Smythe model Consultant model Alternatives Recommanda tions/Limits Strategic option number two: Consultant’s model, the most pro? table Arthroquell Proxinil 167,1 $119,4 53% $56,1 $31,6 $31,7 Renora 135 150 120,7 $201,2 59% $82,5 $22,8 $95,9 Dermet Topisal 86,1 $172,3 59% $70,6 $16,3 $85,4 Mistalon 70,7 $39,3 53% $18,5 $13,4 $7,5 Total 755,5 $1  465,3 $582,3 $142,8 $6,0 $734,2 Sales Representatives Planned Revenue Unit Margin Cost of Goods Sold Direct Selling Cost Indirect Selling Cost Net Contribution 350 300 250 Effort 310,8 $933,2 62% $354,6 58,7 $519,8 An increase of 322 new reps (an increase of approx 100 per year) = a gain of net contribution of $151m Base vs. Recommended Scenario However the model doens’t take into consideration the time you need to train the new sales reps as well as the economic climate parameters. 200 150 100 50 0 Arthroquell Proxinil Renora 135 150 Base scenario Recommended scenario An increase as signi? cant as this one is risky (in terms of redundancy costs as well) which makes the management decisions dif? cult and slow. Segments Dermet Topisal Mistalon Context Executive summary Smythe model Consultant model Alternatives Recommanda tions/Limits How to combine the rythm of hiring from the Smythe model with the optimal allocation of sales force from the consultants’ model? Resource allocation with a limit of an increase of 120 new sales rep: Arthroquell Proxinil Renora 135 Dermet 150 Topisal 99 $192,0 59% $78,7 $18,7 $94,6 Mistalon 0 $5,0 53% $2,4 $0,0 $2,7 Total 553,0 $1  374,3 $542,5 $104,5 $6,0 $721,3 Sales Representatives Planned Revenue Unit Margin Cost of Goods Sold Direct Selling Cost Indirect Selling Cost Net Contribution 258 $912,0 62% $346,5 48,8 $516,7 130 $101,7 53% $47,8 $24,6 $29,3 66 $163,6 59% $67,1 $12,5 $84,1 An increase of 120 new reps (an increase of 40 per year) = a gain of net contribution of $138m However the new product Mistalon has an allocation of 0 sales rep, which is completely uncoherent with Terachem strategy to launch this new product! We need to ? nd a resource allocation that is optimal while taking into consideration a reasonnable increase in sales rep (40 per year) AND a minimum allocation for the launch of the new product Mistalon. Context Executive summary Smythe model Consultant model Alternatives Recommanda tions/Limits How to ? nd an optimal ressource allocation that also puts forward Mistalon? (1/2) Resource allocation with a constraint of 30 sales rep for Mistalon: Arthroquell Proxinil 120,7 $95,6 53% $44,9 $22,8 $27,9 Proxinil 130 $101,7 53% $47,8 $24,6 $29,3 Renora 135 150 93,0 $160,5 59% $77,2 $17,6 $93,6 Renora 135 150 99 $192,0 59% $78,7 $18,7 $94,6 Dermet Topisal 60,9 $160,5 59% $65,8 $11,5 $83,2 Dermet Topisal 66 $163,6 59% $67,1 $12,5 $84,1 Mistalon 30,0 $5,0 53% $8,4 $5,7 $3,8 Mistalon 0 $5,0 53% $2,4 $0,0 $2,7 Total 553,0 $1  368,9 $540,9 104,5 $6,0 $717,5 Total 553,0 $1  374,3 $542,5 $104,5 $6,0 $721,3 Sales Representatives Planned Revenue Unit Margin Cost of Goods Sold Direct Selling Cost Indirect Selling Cost Net Contribution 248,3 $906,6 62% $344,5 $46,9 $515,2 Arthroquell A decrease of $4m compared to the most optimal solution with 553 sales rep but the new product Mistalon is launched. Terachem can capitalize on the future of this product Sales Representatives Planned Revenue Unit Margin Cost of Goods Sold Direct Selling Cost Indirect Selling Cost Net Contribution 258 $912,0 62% $346,5 $48,8 $516,7 However let’s try and come closer to the initial idea of Smythe, who decided to allocate 73 sales representatives to Mistalon, a product which has a potential of future growth. Necessity to analyse the impact of allocating more than 30 sales representatives to Mistalon. Context Executive summary Smythe model Consultant model Alternatives Recommanda tions/Limits How to ? nd an optimal ressource allocation that also puts forward Mistalon? (2/2) Resource allocation with a constraint of 57 sales rep for Mistalon (today’s ? gure): Arthroquell Proxinil 184,0 $124,7 53% $58,6 $34,8 $31,3 Proxinil 112,2 $89,3 53% $42,0 $21,2 $26,1 Renora 135 150 98,0 $191,4 59% $78,5 $18,5 $94,4 Renora 135 150 88,4 $185,2 59% $75,9 $16,7 $92,5 Dermet Topisal 73,0 $167,2 59% $68,6 $13,8 $84,9 Dermet Topisal 56,7 $157,6 59% $64,6 $10,7 $82,3 Mistalon 73,0 $40,1 53% $18,8 $13,8 $7,4 Mistalon 57 $33,6 53% $15,8 $10,8 $7,0 Total 553,0 $1 257,7 $503,5 $104,5 $6,0 $643,7 Total 553,0 $1  366,3 $540,6 $104,5 $6,0 $715,3 Sales Representatives Planned Revenue Unit Margin Cost of Goods Sold Direct Selling Cost Indirect Selling Cost Net Contribution 125,0 $734,4 62% $279,1 $23,6 $431,7 Arthroquell Smythe’s initial plan Sales Representatives Planned Revenue Unit Margin Cost of Goods Sold Direct Selling Cost Indirect Selling Cost Net Contribution 238,6 $900,6 62% $342,2 $45,1 $513,3 Optimization with 553 sales reps while maintaining today’s sales reps allocated to Mistalon This solution allows to respect Smythe’s initial decision but at the same time maximise the pro? t: $715,3m (last alternative) $643,7m (Smythe) = $71,6m Context Executive summary Smythe model Consultant model Alternatives Recommanda tions/Limits The last alternative: Total Net Margins â‚ ¬Ã‚  800,00 â‚ ¬Ã‚  700,00 â‚ ¬Ã‚  600,00   500,00 â‚ ¬Ã‚  400,00 â‚ ¬Ã‚  300,00 â‚ ¬Ã‚  200,00 â‚ ¬Ã‚  100,00 â‚ ¬Ã‚  0,00 0 138,252165 276,50433 414,756495 553,0086601 691,2608251 829,5129901 â‚ ¬Ã‚  276,99 â‚ ¬Ã‚  540,15 â‚ ¬Ã‚  648,15 â‚ ¬Ã‚  686,68 â‚ ¬Ã‚  717,55 â‚ ¬Ã‚  732,80 â‚ ¬Ã‚  732,64 The maximum net margin seems to stabilize around $730m. The last solution allows Terachem to reach $715m total net margin. If we compare it to the consultant’s model the difference in net margin is -2,33%, however there is -62% new reps hired!

Health Care Access for Maori and non-Maori

Health Care Access for Maori and non-Maori Health care access and opportunities for Maori and non-Maori   Assessment 1 individual INTRODUCTION It can be said that; ‘Of all form of inequality, inequalities in health care the most inhuman of all’. This assessment is concerned with social, economic, political and historical factors which contributed to health status of Maori and non-Maori. Inequalities and disparities in health status comes are considerable. So there is a dramatic difference between Maori and non-Maori health status due to many reasons such as poor nutrition, lowest income, inappropriate education system, culture, language, loss of lands, unhygienic foods and many more. The recommendation in this assignment focus on different factors related to health of Maori and non-Maori people. In which to identify the biggest causes the poor health status and better understand the casual path linking of social, political, economic and historical factors. There is wide disparities in health exist among people in New Zealand. Treaty of Waitangi The treaty established a British governor of New Zealand, which recognised Maori ownership of their lands and other properties. The treaty of Waitangi is first signed in 6th February 1840 by British crown. Around 530-540 chiefs, at least 13 of them women, signed the treaty of Waitangi. The English and Maori version of treaty different, so there is no consensus .the Maori believed they ceded to the crown a right of governance for protection without giving up their authority to manage their own affair. There is following views which contributed to inequalities and disparities in Maori and non Maori health status; Social Review Social status is based on occupation, education and life style of Maori and non-Maori people which is key determinant of health. There is a combination of materials like poverty in which includes poor housing, poor nutrition and stress caused by low social health status results in health inequalities. As a social factor, lifestyle is most dominant cause of inequality because the Maori has different lifestyle than non-Maori. In which cancer is single biggest cause of death in Maori due to taking of smoking and exposure to second hand smoke. Apart from this, it is noticed that the Maori women were twice as likely to smoke as women of non-Maori population. so the excessive smoking may lead to lung and breast cancer in Maori people. Moreover other associated factors are excessive alcohol consumption and more exposure to sun which contribute to bad health status. In addition nutritional habits also put great impact on health status of Maori and non-Maori. The Maori has poor nutritional ta ke and also more obese than non-Maori. So obesity is very dangerous for health that may lead many other health problems and dangerous diseases which may even lead to death. Furthermore heart diseases and genetic components are major factors that associated their lifestyle in which Maori people has low physical activity and poor nutrition intake influence the health. In addition to it, the use of mental health services served in 2002 was more in Maori rather than other islanders. Maori have high admission rate to mental hospitals and the diagnose and aetiology behind the mental disorder was related to their lifestyle like alcohol and drug consumption because drugs are directly affecting on brain nerves and a person becomes mentally week which can make is mind unstable and he is a way of any understanding due to the effect of drugs. Moreover unsafe sexual habits, gambling and participate in dangerous activity are also a case of bad health status on Maori people. In brief social conditions are particularly important in determining health of people because when a social environment is supportive then great influence on health. At last it can be said that poor nutrition, bad lifestyle, disruption, urbanisation, inappropriate education and poor nutrition intake lead to inequalities and disparities between Maori and non-Maori population. Economic Review There are number of survey has been done to recognise the economic factor that contribute to the health status of Maori and non-Maori. The economic level is very different of Maori and non-Maori people that may affect the health of both populations. It has been showed that non Maori men have more income than Maori. The low income people have not sufficient money for the treatment of disease because in new island income inequalities have been increased in late 1980 and 1990. This standard of living is some degree of hardship and fall in unemployment. Beside this loss of shelter, food and land are important determinant that may lead bad health effect on Maori people. The Maori population has no access of telephone, not receiving a man texting benefits, low income, illiteracy, overcrowded housing and even not living in their own home. So in this way Maori health status is very low as compared to non-Maori. It is also suggested that inequalities in income also contribute in death rates. Furthermore, decline of Maori population in 18th and 19thcentury of colonisation. It is also believe that impact of colonisation in such a way like loss of land, houses, food, culture and language may lead to bad status on health 0of Maori people. Furthermore, racial factor is also contributed in inequalities. It can be understood by low qualification rate of Maori people because western education system was not appropriate for Maori. Maori and the reason behind this was other cause is unemployment in which seen that Maori have high rate of unemployment than non-Maori were lived in rural and natural places. Last but not the least cause under economic factor is poor health delivery care service to Maori people. So at the end it can be include that colonisation, loss of land, literacy, and overcrowded housing leaded negative effect on Maori health status. Historical view In view of history the Maori people lived in rural areas or small town. The ancestor of Maori was illiterate and had no value of education. So in this way their children have also not went to school and unaware about value and need of education. The rate of school completion in 2001 was very low in Maori group (30.5%) as compared to non-Maori (52.4%).as a result of rate of unemployment was twice than European part. Apart from this, from a decades and century the Maori was very prone to many ischemic heart disease, lung cancer, liver cancer and diabetes which all diseases may be seen in hereditary form also. In addition, most of Maori was prone to physical disabilities that may put great impact on Maori health. The other reason behind inequalities of health status in Maori and non-Maori people was old education system. Before 1840s, the Maori children only learnt language, skills in fishing, mat-making, hunting, gardening, cooking and many more which only related to Maori. But after 1840s many schools were established by European missionaries and forced Maori children to attend ordinary schools. But Maori children did not reach an acceptable level of European education and consequently, Maori students leave the school early. So in this way they were illiterate and unemployed which resulted that they were not participated in health care services and self-health care that may lead to high mortality rate in Maori population than non-Maori. In addition, bad and negative perception regarding hospital was one of reason of inequalities in Maori and non-Maori. There was hospital system proven ineffective in Maori population because nonetheless, thirteen Maoris patient were died from 1849-1851 and these deaths had negative effect on Maori perception. They concluded that ‘hospitals had a bad name among Maoris, they were thought of as places where one went to die’. Political view The politics has great impact on Maori and non-Maori health during the 1990s there was broad agreement between major political parties that settlement of historical claim was appropriate, in recent years it has become the subject of heightened debate. According to have Mann (1999) in 1848 -1863 the whole land of South Island by unscrupulously purchasing land from Ngai tahu tribe’s .but consequently this leaded to invasion in Waikato and tahini tribes. In case of question about the responsibilities of central government ,more than 80% respondent thought it should be the government role to maintain the standard of living and standard of health so in this way ,it was the government responsibility’s to provide jobs and reduce the income inequalities between Maori and non-Maori during the 1990s there was broad agreement between major political parties that settlement of historical claim was appropriate ,in recent years it has become the subject of heightened debate. According to have Mann (1999) in 1848 -1863 the whole land of South Island by unscrupulously purchasing land from Ngai tahu tribe’s .but consequently this leaded to invasion in Waikato and tahini tribes. In case of question about the responsibilities of central government, more than 80% respondent thought it should be the government role to maintain the standard of living and standard of health so in this way, it was the government responsibility’s to provide jobs and reduce the income inequalities between Maori and non-Maori. Housing The structure of housing is different in Maori and non-Maori population. The Maori people lived in rural areas where all facilities in home were not reached properly. so in asthma. In 2001 air pollution from home heating was associated with almost 1100 premature deaths. so because health status is largely determined by socio economic factors the improvements are mainly influenced by housing quality. Health care access and opportunities for Maori and non-Maori The Maori journeyed to New Zealand via pacific approximately 1000 years and the first recorded accrued in 1769 at the time of James cook from Britain. There is increasing evident that Maori and non-Maori differ in term primary and secondary health care services .in which the Maori less likely to preferred to surgical care and specialist services .other one is the Maori received lower level of health care than expected level of quality hospital. The Maori obtaining necessary care only from local areas as compared to non-Maori. There is another evident from previous study which reported the barrier to assessing the diabetes among Maori and Maori got unsatisfactory care rather than non-Maori population. Moreover, the cost involved for a treatment is also a significant barrier to Maori access to health services. Rights of others and legitimacy of difference This way the Maori people has not proper ventilation and exhausted fan in house which leaded respiratory problems in Maori population. The Maori houses are cold, damp and polluted which leads many problems. The all human being in this world has their own rights according to their culture and religion. So it is important to understand the different rights of others. The first which one is absolute rights which must never be limited in any way even a state of war or emergency. Moreover the right is not to be tortured in an inhumane way. Other one is non- absolute which can be limited in certain circumstance. Under this right the all people have right to liberty can be limited include being sent to jail if commit any crime. In which non- absolute the qualified right is that to respect for private and family life, right to freedom of expression, thought, and religion. LEGITIMACY; is a popular acceptance of an authority. It is a value whereby something or someone is recognised and accepted as right and proper. In which include different people has their different rational values, customs and habits.Morover every person have their own ideas or charisma of leader. Apart from this, government institution establishes and enforces law and order in the public interest. The legitimacy of intergroup status differences has profound effects on attitude, emotions and behaviour. In 143 hospitals organization noticed the effects in two forms managerial and technical. Results shows that both the managerial and technical forms provided notable improvement in survival chances. The power relationship in healthcare; The health care providers and practitioner play a vital role in power relationship .they are the persons which provide the health care in all level of health and all category of people either poor and rich, Maori and non Maori there was a strong evidence of a dose –response relationship between Maori and non Maori and racial discrimination in health care centres. The Maori was 10 times more likely to experience multiple type of discrimination as compared to Europeans and others. These results highlight the need for racism to be considered to eliminate ethic inequalities in health care. In health care setting the nurses identifying the power relationship between the services provider and the people who use the services. the care provider must an emphasis health gains and positive health outcome because all people has different in age, gender, sexual orientation, occupation and socioeconomic status, ethnic origin or migrant experience, religious or spiritual belief, disability. The nurse accepts and sorts alongside others after undergoing a careful process ofpower relationship .the health care provider concern about quality improvement in service delivery and consumer rights. Moreover health care provider resolves any tension between the cultures of nursing and the people using the services. Beside this, accepting the legitimacy of difference and diversity in human behaviour and social structure. So at last but not least it must needed to understand that such power imbalances can be examined, negotiated and changed to provide equitable, effective, efficient and acceptable service delivery, which minimises risk to people who might otherwise be alienated from the service. Conclusion All above review has been evident for disparities and inequalities in health care between Maori and non-Maori. There is complex factor complex of factors associated with historical, social, economic, housing, and political views for access to The all above review has been evident for disparities and inequalities in health care health care that also underpinned by racism which leads ethics inequalities. Although study has reported how the uses of health care services in Maori and non Maori population at the different level and different way. So it is a combination approaches which meet the different views and cultural safety is one of the indigenous nursing approach which response to inequalities for Maori. References The British Institute of Human right.(2013).Human right tool kit. Different right –a balancing act? London ,U.K.Retrived from www.bihr.org.uk/human-right-in-action/chapter-3-different-rights-a balancing act. Jansen,P.,Bacal,K.,Crengel,S.(2008).He Ritenga Whakaaro:Maori experience of health services.Retrieved from http://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/media/6399/He-ritenga-Whakaaro.pdf. Jansen ,P., Smith,K.(2006).Maori experience of Primary healthcare:Breaking down the barriers.New Zealand Family Physician,33(5),298-300.Retrieved from http://www.rnzcgp.org.nz/assests/documents/Publications/Archive-NZFP/Oct-2006-NZFP-Vol-33-No-5/JansenOct06.pdf JaspinderkaurPage 1

The History and Theory of Magical Realism Essay -- Literature Magical

The History and Theory of Magical Realism Magical Realism is one of today's most popular subjects in literature to discuss regarding its history and theory of Magical Realism. It began in the Latin culture and now is known word wide for its attributes. Magical Realism is even rivaling some of the great masterpieces of modern and past literature. Someday Magical Realism will be recognized and respected just as the classics are today. Magical Realism supposedly began in 1935 with its golden age occurring between 1940 and 1950.The Magical Realism of Spanish and Latin America can be somewhat attributed to the social, political, and European influence. During the golden age of Magical Realism, Spanish and Latin American writers produced works that would, by some, be considered to be at the same level as the great Italian, French, and English works. Two people have been credited for coining the term Magical Realism, Dudley Fitts and Franz Roh. Which one gets the actual credit would be very difficult to state. However, it is not important who did the deed; it is important the deed was done. Professor Angel Flores remarked that "A Universal History of Infamy," written by Jorges Luis Borges marks the birth Magical Realism (Flores 109-117). Jorges Luis Borge's works are similar the works of Kafka. Both Kafka's and Borge's works reflect a collaboration of realism and fantasy. Before all the greatness of Magical Realism was realized, it was thought that the Spanish and Latin American fiction couldn't produce anything beyond simple works. However, times have changed, an abundance of great works and attributes are derived from the Latin American culture and its writings. Magical realism is the writing of Spanish and Latin American au... ...er's mind. Perhaps in music, Magical Realism has the most effect on the masses. Although most people might not realize they are being affected by Magical Realism, in actuality they are dealing with it everyday. As a conclusion to the statements above, one must remember that Magical Realism is neither Science Fiction nor Magical Literature. Rather, it is in everyday life and is all around. Magical Realism is also not to be underestimated; it includes works, which are legendary. Works Cited Flores, Angel." Magical Realism in Spanish American Fiction." Magical Realism:Theory, History, Community.Ed.Louis Parkinson Zamora and Wendy B.Faris.Durham,N.C.: Duke UP, 1995:109-117. Leal, Luis." Magical Realism in Spanish American Literature." Magical Realism: Theory, History, Community. Ed.Louis Parkinson Zamora and Wendy B. Faris.Durham, N.C: Duke UP, 1995:119-124. The History and Theory of Magical Realism Essay -- Literature Magical The History and Theory of Magical Realism Magical Realism is one of today's most popular subjects in literature to discuss regarding its history and theory of Magical Realism. It began in the Latin culture and now is known word wide for its attributes. Magical Realism is even rivaling some of the great masterpieces of modern and past literature. Someday Magical Realism will be recognized and respected just as the classics are today. Magical Realism supposedly began in 1935 with its golden age occurring between 1940 and 1950.The Magical Realism of Spanish and Latin America can be somewhat attributed to the social, political, and European influence. During the golden age of Magical Realism, Spanish and Latin American writers produced works that would, by some, be considered to be at the same level as the great Italian, French, and English works. Two people have been credited for coining the term Magical Realism, Dudley Fitts and Franz Roh. Which one gets the actual credit would be very difficult to state. However, it is not important who did the deed; it is important the deed was done. Professor Angel Flores remarked that "A Universal History of Infamy," written by Jorges Luis Borges marks the birth Magical Realism (Flores 109-117). Jorges Luis Borge's works are similar the works of Kafka. Both Kafka's and Borge's works reflect a collaboration of realism and fantasy. Before all the greatness of Magical Realism was realized, it was thought that the Spanish and Latin American fiction couldn't produce anything beyond simple works. However, times have changed, an abundance of great works and attributes are derived from the Latin American culture and its writings. Magical realism is the writing of Spanish and Latin American au... ...er's mind. Perhaps in music, Magical Realism has the most effect on the masses. Although most people might not realize they are being affected by Magical Realism, in actuality they are dealing with it everyday. As a conclusion to the statements above, one must remember that Magical Realism is neither Science Fiction nor Magical Literature. Rather, it is in everyday life and is all around. Magical Realism is also not to be underestimated; it includes works, which are legendary. Works Cited Flores, Angel." Magical Realism in Spanish American Fiction." Magical Realism:Theory, History, Community.Ed.Louis Parkinson Zamora and Wendy B.Faris.Durham,N.C.: Duke UP, 1995:109-117. Leal, Luis." Magical Realism in Spanish American Literature." Magical Realism: Theory, History, Community. Ed.Louis Parkinson Zamora and Wendy B. Faris.Durham, N.C: Duke UP, 1995:119-124.

Autocratic Style Of Leadership Education Essay

Leadership is the procedure of act uponing others to work volitionally towards an organisations end and to their best of their capablenesss. The kernel of Leadership is followership. In other words, it is the willingness of people to follow that makes a individual a Leader. It is of import to the success of any group, although the nature and manner of Leadership needed in one status may differ well from that needed in another. Leadership is important in actuating and animating the work force. Some of the Leadership manners chosen are Autocratic, Democratic, Laissez-Faire and Paternalistic.2.2.1 Autocratic manner of LeadershipAutocratic manner is besides known as the autocratic manner of Leadership. In such a manner, determination devising is centralized in the manus of the Leader himself, who does non promote engagement by subsidiaries. Indeed subordinates thoughts might be actively discourage and obeisance to orders would be expected from them. Wise leaders maintain the usage of bos sy methods to a lower limit as they know this attack closes the door to communications with the group they control ( Norman, S and Vigor, H 1991 ) . This manner of Leadership can be used at school particularly when the Administrators do non anticipate any feedback or justification ; that is one manner communicating is used. This can be used for illustration in a formal meeting with the Educator.2.2.2 Democratic manner of LeadershipUnder this manner, leaders consult the group and beg their sentiment and engagement in determination devising procedure ( Sheikh 1999, p.145 ) . The democratic manner of Leadership is more appropriate in about all state of affairss in the school. Covering with people is the most ambitious undertaking to be done. Thus Administrators can follow this manner to obtain feedback of pupils and besides welcome suggestion for the best of the pupil. In the category the Educator can follow this manner to be certain that everyone has good understood the category deliv ered to them. In this manner Educator will cognize whether they have succeeded in their undertaking or non.2.2.3 Individualistic manner of LeadershipThe individualistic manner is besides known as the free rein manner of Leadership. This manner may work efficaciously when the subsidiaries are extremely competent, able to exert self-denial and can hold the capacity to take determination ( Sheikh 1999, p.146 ) . Individualistic manner can be used when there is any event which is organized. The function of the Educator is to put their mark and leave the pupil on their ain to finish the work. Bing motivated in an event the pupil will probably to execute good in doing the readyings.2.2.4 Paternalistic manner of LeadershipThe paternalistic Style of Leadership can be helpful if it used at school. The Educator already acts as a â€Å" Father † or â€Å" Mother † for the pupil. Some pupil is even more at easiness to discourse any issue with their Educator alternatively of their ain parents. This is due to the fact that about all parents work today and the pupil find merely the Educator to whom they can show their positions, feelings and sentiments. The Administrators can besides follow this manner with the Staff of the school. This will promote the Educator to work more assurance. Knowing that they are trusted, the Educator will be more motivated to work and will therefore give their best in their work.2.3 Administrator as an effectual LeaderLeadership is portion of good direction. A Manager with a acute sense of concern and an first-class cognition of planning, commanding and forming must be a strong Leader, although if his cognition is to be of any usage. The Manager seeks to see a Leader, it is of import that he understands the qualities, attitudes, behaviour and other ingredients that contribute to Leadership. Leadership is a procedure by which a individual influences others to carry through an nonsubjective and directs the organisation in a manner that makes it more cohesive and coherent. Harmonizing to Northouse ‘s ( 2010 ) Leadership is a procedure whereby an single influences a group of persons to accomplish a common end. In this position the Administrators needs to work together with the Staff in order to accomplish the purpose and aim of the school. The common end of Administrator and Educator for the school should be the success of pupils in their instruction. Peretomode ( 1991 quoted by Sharma, S 2011 ) stated that the importance of Leadership in school for achievement of school plans, aims and attainment of educational ends. Without a proper school Leadership the purpose of doing larning a success will non be possible. The administrative competences can be measured from assorted dimensions ; from the perceptual experiences of pupils, Educators, parents, communities the instruction and non-Teaching-Staff.2.3.1 Poor LeadershipIf a Manager has hapless leading accomplishments, his subsidiaries will still make the occupation but in an inefficient manner. A hapless Leader will frequently neglect to win over his staff and will hold jobs in pass oning with the Staff efficaciously. A Leader demand to hold a certain upbringing, instruction and a â€Å" chopper † factor significance that he should hold the ability to lift above a peculiar state of affairs and to analyse it objectively.2.3.2 Can Leadership be taught?Peter Drucker ( 1954 quote d by D'Alessio F.A 2006 ) presented a sound outline: â€Å" Leadership is of extreme importance. Indeed there is no replacement for it. But Leadership can non be created or promoted. It can non be taught or learned. † Nowadays positions differ on this issue. History has legion ordinary people who after holding studied become great Leaderships for illustration Mahatma Gandhi. This is a ground why there is a great support on the positions that Leader can be trained to follow the cardinal property of good Leadership. Peoples can go good Leader through acquisition and preparation. How can Leader be born in this grim universe of today, where everything alterations every twenty-four hours? It is more productive to get down with the premise that it is possible for everyone to take. Everyone is a Leader in his ain and in whatever he does because each one has his ain manner of sing and making things. â€Å" Leadership and larning are indispensable to each other † . ( John F. Ke nnedy )2.3.3 Culture and LeaderThe clime is the feel of the organisation, the person and shared perceptual experiences and attitudes of the organisation ‘s members ( Ivancevich, Konopaske, Matteson, 2007 cited by UK essay. Case Study of Opito Organizational Management And Leadership. ) . The clime represents the beliefs about how the Staff feels at school. If the Staff is at easiness with the manner the school maps along with the manner of Leadership being adopted, this will finally take to Motivation of Staff. The pupils and the Staff of a school spend most of their clip in the school premises. Thus the clime should be adaptable to the pupils every bit good as the Staff for larning procedure to be successful. The ambiance should be enrapturing.2.4 Educator as a LeaderIn category the Educator is the exclusive Leader. The Educator needs to be able to set up a positive civilization and environment in order to do the instruction of the category becomes successful. As reported by Koutsoulis ( 2003, cited by Krishnaveni. R and Anitha. J. , 2007 ) , pupils demand a humanistic attack, effectual communicating accomplishments of the instructor, better apprehension towards them, every bit good as ability to command the schoolroom. Educator need to hold good attitudes, communicating accomplishments, persuasive attitude and should be able to switch from a friendly attack to a more terrible attack as and when required. †It is the supreme art of the Educator to rouse joy in originative look and cognition † ( Albert Einstein, scientist ) . Educator need to supervise and measure each pupil ‘s public presentation to cognize what can be done for a better betterment. Every Educator has legion chances to act upon the environment in which he or she works. A research by Muijs ( 2003 cited by Chen 2007 ) said Leadership means the capacity for Educators to exert Leadership for learning and larning within and beyond the schoolroom. Each Educator should come to cognize the pupils profoundly and to understand their backgrounds, their involvements, their penchants in acquisition, and their household configurations. Furthermore Administrators need to give Educators chances to execute professionally so that they can comprehend their functions as of import. Educators need to be emotionally strong in covering with pupils. Educators should anticipate different attack as pupils are from different background. Bing A-Level pupils, they do non hold the adulthood yet to make up one's mind of whether they are right or incorrect in their actions or in what they say.2.5 Instructional LeaderEffective Instructional Leaderships are intensely involved in curricular and in structional issues that straight affect pupil accomplishment ( Cotton, 2003 cited by Reading First Notebook ) . Leaderships can non pretermit other responsibilities, learning and larning should be the country where most of the Leaders ‘ scheduled clip is allocated. Instructional Leadership requires Administrators to liberate themselves of bureaucratic undertakings and concentrate their attempts on bettering instruction and acquisition. Instructional betterment is an of import end, a end worth seeking, and a end that, when implemented, allows both pupils and Educators to do a more meaningful learning environment. Blase and Blase ( 2000 quoted by Phillips J.A ) cite specific behaviours of Instructional Leadership, such as doing suggestions, giving feedback, patterning effectual direction, beging sentiments, back uping coaction, supplying professional development chances, and giving congratulations for effectual instruction. Instructional is more at the administrative degree. In short, Instructional Leaderships are those actions that a chief takes, or delegates to others, to advance growing in pupil acquisition ( Flath, 1989 quoted by Phillips J.A ) . The principal must possess certain accomplishments to transport out the undertakings of an Instructional Leader: interpersonal accomplishments ; be aftering accomplishments ; instructional observation accomplishments ; and research and rating accomplishments ( Lashway, 2002 quoted by Phillips J.A ) . There should be a good relation between the Administrators and the pupils. Instructional Leaderships need to cognize what is traveling on in the schoolroom. Without this cognition, they are unable to appreciate some of the jobs Educators and pupils brush. The Administrators need to follow up the undertaking of Educators by inquiring inquiries, sing schoolrooms, and reexamining subsequent informations to vouch instructional alterations are happening and advancement is being made. Furthermore, with the turning imp ortance of engineering in schools, Administrators besides need to be equipped with the cognition of engineering integrating in instruction and acquisition. In add-on to that they are responsible for guaranting that the Educators receive the counsel they require.2.6 Transformational LeadershipTransformational Leadership is a procedure that alterations and transforms persons ( Northouse, 2001 quoted by Almansour, Y.M. , 2012, p.162 ) . This means that Transformational Leadership is the ability to acquire people to alter, to better, and to be led. If the Rector and Deputy Rector are Transformational Leaders the Educators will be more divine to work. Harmonizing to Carlson ( 1996 cited by Ibrahim A.S & A ; Al-Taneji, S. , 2012, p43 ) , Transformational Leader entails traveling people to a common vision by constructing trust and authorization. With this trust and authorization Educators will be more motivated to work in the involvement of the pupil, which is giving them a better learning civilization. Educators can therefore convey in their ain invention in the manner they deliver the acquisition method in the category. This can be done through the usage of power point presentation, relevant stuffs such as articles, books, press releases, magazines, newspaper and even the usage of image, drawings and exposure when it is possible to make so. By coming in category and merely reading throughout the whole category will ne'er be a benefit to the pupil and the Educator will non even be able to hold on the full attending of pupil in this manner of educating. Thus the disposal should concentrate on offering engineering installations for the Educator to be able to go more advanced. Bass ( 1990 quoted by Rollinson D. , 2005, p.377 ) Transformational leader requires the leader to hold a vision of what needs to be done to get by with the state of affairs, the ability to pass on this vision to followings and the capableness to energies or animate them to alter their current manner of making things. As articulated by Bass ( 1985 cited by Ibrahim A.S & A ; Al-Taneji, S. , 2012, p43 ) , four factors characterize the behaviour of Transformational Leader and they are: Figure 3: Behavior of Transformational Leaderships Individual Consideration is more about Leader giving support, taking attention, understanding and gives encouragement to others. This will profit the Educator if the administrative adopt such attitude. Intellectual Stimulation is to promote being more advanced and originative. The Leader of the school can therefore advance critical thought and job resolution for the Educator to make their work more expeditiously. Inspirational Motivation is that Leader motivated their followings to make the vision set. Thus the Rector and Deputy Rector need to actuate the Educator for larning procedure to be promoted. In this factor Leader has high outlook on the followings. Idealized Influence is a Leader who is an model function theoretical account. By being a function theoretical account for the Teaching-Staff, the Administrators will be trusted and respected in the determination devising.2.7 MotivationHaving a extremely motivated Staff it is the pupil who will profit more about this. The Educator will non waver to give their best when they are motivated. Without Motivation pupil will non be willing to larn and they will happen it tiring. It is of import that the Educator makes acquisition interested for the pupil to be motivated. Educators on their side demand to be motivated to go better Educators. Last but non the least the Administrators need to guarantee themselves that the school keeps on bettering. Participative Administrators require a civilization and manner that are unfastened and flexible to be able to react to the demands and endowments of single Staff. Frankincense Leaderships need to maintain Educators motivated for the Educators to actu ate the pupil to larn. This shows that there is a rhythm on the Motivation at different degree of the hierarchy in on order to do learning procedure easier. This rhythm of Motivation is illustrated below. Figure 4: Cycle of Motivation2.8 Types of MotivationMotivation at plants operates in two ways: the Intrinsic Motivation and Extrinsic Motivation. Intrinsic Motivation is more about the motive that comes within an single and Extrinsic Motivation is about factor which comes from outside an single. Extrinsic motive is easier to understand ; it consists of desire for a touchable wages. Harmonizing to Armstrong ( 1996 p. 299 ) Intrinsic Motivation is when people can actuate themselves by seeking, happening and transporting out work ( or being given work ) which satisfies their demands or at least leads them to anticipate that their ends will be achieved. Furthermore Armstrong ( 2002 p.56 ) elaborated that the Intrinsic Motivation factors include duty ( experiencing that the work is of import and holding control over one ‘s resources ) , freedom to move, range to utilize develop accomplishments and abilities, interesting and disputing work, and chances for promotion and growing. When a staff is per se motivated they will experience an involvement and will bask their work. Educators which are deciding in his work will probably present good instruction to the pupils. The intrinsic incentives, which are concerned with ‘quality of working life ‘ ( a phrase and motion which emerged from this construct ) , are likely to hold a deeper and long-run conseque nce because they are built-in in persons and non imposed from outside ( Armstrong 1996 p. 299 ) . Extrinsic Motivation is when people can be motivated by direction through such methods as wage, publicity and congratulations ( Armstrong 2002 p.56 ) . Extrinsic Motivation includes wagess, such as increased wage, congratulations or publicity and penalties such as disciplinary action with keeping wage or unfavorable judgment ( Armstrong 1996 p. 299 ) . Whenever an Educator has excelled in his undertaking he needs to be appraised by the Administrators. This will convey more motive when an Educator is rewarded when the latter has work good and with this the 4th demand harmonizing to Maslow Hierarchy of demands will be achieved that is the Esteem needs which include accomplishment, position and acknowledgment. Extrinsic Motivation has an impact on single in a short term period merely. However Administrators need to concentrate more on the intrinsic motive of Educator in order for the Educator to stay motivated on a longer clip footing.2.9 Approachs to Motivation2.9.1 Behavioral ApproachBehaviorism is chiefly concerned with discernible behaviour, as opposed to internal events like thought and emotion ( McLeod, S 2007 ) . Behavioral is to detect any alterations in the behaviour. The Rector can follow this attack specially after giving direction or guideline to the Educator for a better acquisition procedure of the pupil. Harmonizing to Armstrong ( 2002 p. 57 ) behaviourists are interested merely in the external factors that straight influence behaviour and they believe that larning takes topographic point chiefly through the procedures of positive and negative support. The conceptualisation of larning utilizing this attack could be considered â€Å" superficial † as the focal point is on external alterations in behaviour that is non interested in the internal procedures of larning taking to behavior alteration and has no topographic point for the emotions involved the procedure ( Wikipedia ) .2.9.2 Humanist ApproachThis attack focuses on acknowledging human capablenesss in countries such as creativeness, personal growing and pick ( Memiah Ltd, 2012 ) . This attack sees the positive nature of homo being which allows one ‘s fulfilment and potency. The highest round on Abraham Maslow ‘s ladder of human motivations is the demand for self-actualization of people which consist of: Awareness and credence of themselves, openness and spontaneousness, the ability to bask work and see work as a mission to carry through, the ability to develop close friendly relationships without being overly dependant on other people, a good sense of wit and the inclination to hold peak experiences that are spiritually or emotionally hearty. ( Spark Notes LLC 2012 ) .2.9.3 Cogn itive ApproachThe cognitive attack organisations accelerate the acquisition that takes topographic point by developing their apprehension of larning and by taking stairss which expedite the procedure ( Boolaky M and Gokhool D. , 2011 p.82 ) . Cognitive theory can be more utile to director that needs theory because it provides more realistic counsel on motive techniques ( Armstrong 2002 ) . Harmonizing to Cole ( 1998 cited by Boolaky M and Gokhool D. , 2011 p.82 ) the cognitive attack is doing sense of issues and state of affairss, of developing insight and understanding and of seeing forms in their environment. Educator following this attack can assist more in decision-making. With a better understanding Educator is likely to take the right determination at the right clip.2.10 Importance of Educators ‘ MotivationThe Educators ‘ Motivation is a key for effectual acquisition to take topographic point. One facet of motive, likely the hardest to alter, lies in the personalit y of the instructor ( Eggleton P.J ) . The chief aim of the school is the success of the pupil and for this aim to be met Educator need to be motivated to supply an efficient acquisition procedure to the pupil. To be able to learn the pupil Educator demand to possess a good cognition. Furthermore, to keep a category good Educator need to utilize some humoristic attack in order to hike up the motive on pupil and the Educator in return will besides be motivated to work. Besides, when Educators are motivated they will convey in personal technique to heighten pupil larning such as engineerings as the Educator has a great impact on the scholars. We frequently see pupils ‘ motive reflected in personal investing and in cognitive, emotional, and behavioural battle in school activities ( Fredricks, Blumenfeld, & A ; Paris, 2004 ; Maehr & A ; Meyer, 2004 ; Reeve, 2006 cited by Ormrod 2008 ) .2.11 Factors act uponing Educators ‘ MotivationThere are several factors that can act upon the Educators ‘ Motivation which are: A good environment demands to predominate in the school. The school needs to possess the needed equipment and stuffs so that the Educator can let the category to work efficaciously. Recognition and feedback of Educators when they put in excess attempt for their pupil. Educators know that they will hold support in times of trouble. Administrators need to affect Educator in determination devising. Staff ‘s sharing of thoughts is encouraged by the Administrators. Staff turnover: A low staff turnover will intend that Educator is happy with his work. Encourage Educator to take portion in extra-curricular activities. A sense of trust worthy reins amongst the Educators.2.12 DecisionBased on the expressions of the theoreticians, Leadership and Motivation were viewed in different angle. This will finally assist in the analysis portion of the survey to place what can be done to increase the Motivation degree at ICC-FVI.

Last Sacrifice Chapter Eighteen

I SPRANG UP FROM THE bed, relieved that I didn't fall over. My head still hurt, but I no longer felt dizzy, which hopefully meant I really had evaded a concussion. Glancing at an alarm clock as I left Sonya's bedroom, I saw that I'd been in Lissa's head for a few hours. Her test had been far more extensive than I'd realized. In the living room, I found an almost comical sight. Victor and Robert stood there, in the flesh, taking in the surrounding details. Even Robert seemed to be with us mentally this time. Only, whereas Victor was studying everything in his calculating way, Robert's attention was fixed on Sonya. His eyes bugged out in astonishment. Dimitri, meanwhile, hadn't altered his position near Sonya or put away the stake at her throat. It was clear from his stance and watchful gaze, however, that he regarded the brothers as a new threat and was trying–impossibly–to stay on guard against everything. He seemed relieved to see me and have some backup. Sonya had gone perfectly still within her chains, which I didn't like at all. It made me think she was planning something. Her red eyes narrowed. The whole situation was tense and dangerous, but a tiny part of me felt smug satisfaction as I studied Victor more closely. The dream meetings had been deceptive. Just as I could shift my appearance in dreams, Victor had made himself look stronger and healthier in those visits than he actually was in real life. Age, disease, and life on the run were taking their toll. Dark shadows lined his eyes, and his graying hair seemed thinner than it had a month ago. He looked haggard and tired, but I knew he was still dangerous. â€Å"So,' I said, hands on hips. â€Å"You managed to find us.' â€Å"There's one lake in this town,' said Victor. â€Å"One blue house. Maybe you had trouble with those directions, but for the rest of us, it wasn't that difficult.' â€Å"Well, if you're so smart, what's your plan now?' I asked. I was trying to stall as I frantically thought about what my plan was. I'd wanted to capture Victor and Robert but didn't know how. Since we had to split our attention between them and Sonya, Dimitri and I couldn't team up. I wished we had leftover chain. Aside from physically subduing the brothers, we would also specifically need to restrain their hands to reduce their ability to use magic. â€Å"Since you're so smart,' countered Victor, â€Å"I assumed you'd have already obtained the needed information.' I gestured toward Sonya. â€Å"She's not exactly forthcoming.' Victor's eyes fell on her. â€Å"Sonya Karp. You've changed since I last saw you.' â€Å"I'm going to kill you all,' Sonya snarled. â€Å"And consume you one by one. Normally, I'd start with the human and work up to the Moroi, but †¦' She glanced at Dimitri and me, her face full of rage. â€Å"I think I'll save you two for last and drag out your suffering.' She paused and almost comically added, â€Å"You've annoyed me the most.' â€Å"Do all Strigoi go through some boot camp and learn all the same threats? It's a wonder you don't cackle too.' I turned back to Victor. â€Å"See? Not that easy. We've tried everything. Beating it out, torturing it out. Sydney went through the names of all her relatives. No reaction.' Victor studied Sydney in detail for the first time. â€Å"So. Your pet Alchemist.' Sydney didn't move. I knew she had to be scared of facing someone who was both a vampire and a dangerous criminal. I had to give her points for meeting his stare unflinchingly. â€Å"Young,' Victor mused. â€Å"But of course she would be. I imagine it's the only way you could manipulate her into this little escapade.' â€Å"I'm here by choice,' replied Sydney. Her expression stayed calm and confident. â€Å"No one manipulated me.' Abe's blackmail wasn't really relevant at the moment. â€Å"Look, if you wanted to keep torturing me with your not-funny comments, you could have just kept invading my dreams,' I snapped. â€Å"If you don't have anything useful to offer, then get out of here and let us wait until hunger weakens Sonya.' And by get out of here, I meant: foolishly think you're going to leave so that I can knock your heads together and drag you back to the guardians. â€Å"We can help,' said Victor. He touched his brother lightly on the arm. Robert flinched, jerking his eyes from Sonya to Victor. â€Å"Your methods were destined to fail. If you want answers, there's only one way to–‘ Sonya made her move. Dimitri was still right next to her, but he'd also been keeping an eye on the rest of us. And of course, I'd been completely focused on the Victor drama as well. It was probably the best opening Sonya could have hoped for. With crazy Strigoi strength, she bucked up from the chair. The chain was wrapped around her over and over, but her quick movement and strength were enough to snap the chain in two places. The rest still encircled her, but I knew perfectly well even one opening was enough for her to eventually bust out. Distracted or not, Dimitri was on her in a flash, and a second later, so was I. She was flailing in the chair, using every bit of her strength and speed to shake off the chains. If she got loose, I knew she'd put up another fierce fight. Dimitri and I met eyes briefly, and I knew we were thinking the same things. First, how were we going to re-restrain her? The chain could probably be rebound, but we'd need to unwind it and start over, which would be next to impossible. We also both knew he and I might not be able to take her down a second time, and now we had innocents around. They couldn't fight, but Sonya might be able to use them to her advantage somehow. All we could do was try to keep her down. Holding her against a flat surface like the floor would have been much easier than the unwieldy recliner. It shook as she fought against us, and we struggled to get a good position on the chair. Dimitri had his stake– I'd set mine down earlier–and he raked it against her skin, giving us some advantage in the struggle. She screamed in rage, and I clung to the hope we might tire her out. Probably not. We'd break first. My aching head was proof enough that I wasn't in peak condition. I saw a flash of movement in my periphery, setting off new alarms. Robert Doru was heading toward us–and he had a silver stake in his hand. The sight was so bizarre and unexpected that I was slow to alert Dimitri. When my sluggish mind suddenly kicked back to life, it was too late. â€Å"No!' I shrieked, seeing Robert raise the stake. â€Å"Don't kill her!' Dimitri turned and saw Robert then, but there was nothing he could do. Dimitri and I had created the perfect opportunity. We were holding Sonya still, and with her chest vulnerable, Robert had a clean shot. Frantically, I wondered what to do. If I stopped him, I'd release Sonya. If I didn't stop him, he might kill our only chance at finding out who– Too late. The stake plunged down with a force that astonished me. Lissa had had a very difficult time staking Dimitri, and I'd assumed the same would be true for someone like Robert, who was older and seemed so fragile. But, no. He still had to use two hands, but the stake went firmly into Sonya's chest, piercing her heart. Sonya let out an intense scream. A brilliant, blinding white light suddenly filled the room, just as an unseen force blasted me away. I hit a wall, my brain barely registering the pain. The small house shook, and with one hand, I tried to grab something and brace myself. I squeezed my eyes shut but could still see starbursts. Time slowed. My heartbeat slowed. Then–it all stopped. Everything. The light. The tremors. I breathed normally. All was quiet and still, as though I'd imagined what had just happened. I blinked, trying to bring my eyes back into focus and assess the situation. I did my best to scramble clumsily to my feet and saw Dimitri was doing the same. He looked like he'd also been knocked over but had caught the wall for support, rather than smashing into it. Robert was lying flat out on the floor, and Victor rushed over to help him. Sydney just stood frozen. And Sonya? â€Å"Unbelievable,' I whispered. Sonya was still in the armchair, and from the way she was sitting back, it was obvious that she'd been blasted by the same force that had hit the rest of us. The chains were still around her, but she'd stopped struggling. On her lap was the silver stake Robert had held only moments ago. Sonya managed to wiggle a hand out of the chain, just enough for her fingers to brush against the stake's surface. Her eyes widened with wonder–eyes that were a rich, azure blue. Robert had brought Sonya Karp back to life. She was no longer Strigoi. When Lissa had saved Dimitri, I'd felt the magic's power through the bond, giving me the full and overwhelming experience of it all. Witnessing it now, without the firsthand knowledge provided from Lissa, was still just as incredible. Victor was preoccupied with Robert, but the rest of us couldn't stop staring at Sonya in amazement. I kept looking for anything–anything–that might give the slightest hint of her previous existence. There was none. Her skin bore the typical Moroi paleness, but it was still filled with the warmth of life, with the faintest tinge of color–not like the Strigoi, who were completely devoid of pigment. Her eyes were bloodshot, but that was from her rapidly forming tears. There was no red ring around her irises. And the look in those eyes †¦ there was no cruelty or malice. They were not the eyes of someone who had just threatened to kill us all. Her eyes were all shock and fear and confusion. I couldn't tear my gaze from her. A miracle. Another miracle. Even after seeing Lissa restore Dimitri, some secret part of me had believed I would never witness anything like it again. That was how miracles worked. Once in a lifetime. There'd been a lot of talk about using spirit to save Strigoi everywhere, talk that had faded when other drama–such as the murder of a queen– took precedence at Court. The shortage of spirit users had also made the idea unpopular, and besides, everyone knew the difficulties involved with a Moroi staking a Strigoi. If trained guardians died fighting Strigoi, how could a Moroi stake one? Well, here was the answer: a subdued Strigoi. A Moroi could manage staking one with two hands, especially with guardian backup. The possibilities made me reel. Robert's magic was strong, but he was old and frail. Yet, if he had still done this, could any spirit user? He'd almost made it look easy. Could Adrian do it? Could Lissa do it again? A miracle. Sonya Karp was a living, breathing miracle. And suddenly, she began screaming. It started off as kind of a low wail and rapidly grew in volume. The noise snapped me to attention, but I didn't exactly know how to respond. Dimitri did. His stake fell from his hand, and he rushed to Sonya's side, where he began trying to free her from the chains. She floundered at his touch, but her efforts no longer packed the supernatural strength of an undead monster seeking revenge. These were the motions of someone desperately, terribly afraid. I'd wrapped those chains pretty securely, but Dimitri had them off in seconds. Once Sonya was free, he sat in the chair and pulled her to him, letting her bury her face against his chest and sob. I swallowed. Dimitri had also wept when he had been changed back. An odd image of newborn babies flashed through my mind. Was crying the natural reaction for anyone being born–or, in this case, reborn–into the world? A sudden movement grabbed my attention. Sydney's eyes were wide, and she was actually moving toward Dimitri–to stop him. â€Å"What are you doing?' she cried. â€Å"Don't release her!' Dimitri ignored Sydney, and I caught hold of her, pulling her back. â€Å"It's okay, it's okay,' I said. Sydney was the most stable factor in this whole operation. I couldn't have her freaking out. â€Å"She's not Strigoi. Look. Look at her. She's Moroi.' Sydney slowly shook her head. â€Å"She can't be. I just saw her.' â€Å"It's what happened to Dimitri. Exactly the same. You don't think he's a Strigoi, do you? You trust him.' I released my hold on her, and she stayed put, her face wary. Looking down at the brothers, I realized theirs might be a more serious situation than I had realized. Robert, while not a Strigoi, looked pale enough to be one. His eyes were vacant, drool escaping his partially open mouth. I reassessed my earlier observation about Robert making Strigoi restoration look easy. He'd staked her like a pro, but obviously, there were a few side effects. Victor was trying to support his brother and murmured soothing and encouraging words. And on Victor's face †¦ well, there was a look of compassion and fear that I'd never seen before. My brain didn't entirely know how to reconcile it with my well-defined and villainous image of him. He seemed like a real person. Victor glanced up at me, his lips twisting into a bitter smile. â€Å"What, no witty quips now? You should be happy. We've given you what you wanted. You need answers from Sonya Karp?' He nodded toward her. â€Å"Go get them. They've certainly come at a high price.' â€Å"No!' exclaimed Dimitri. He still held Sonya against him, but his gentle expression turned hard at Victor's words. â€Å"Are you crazy? Didn't you see what just happened?' Victor arched an eyebrow. â€Å"Yes. I noticed.' â€Å"She's in no condition to answer anything! She's in shock. Leave her alone.' â€Å"Don't act like she's the one who's suffering here,' snapped Victor. Turning back to Robert, Victor helped his brother stand and go toward the couch. Robert barely managed it, his legs trembling and then giving way as he sat down. Victor put an arm around Robert. â€Å"You'll be all right. Everything's all right.' â€Å"Will he be?' I asked uncertainly. Robert didn't look like he was in all that good of shape. My earlier thoughts about spirit users saving Strigoi continued growing unrealistic. â€Å"He †¦ he did it before and recovered, right? And Lissa's fine.' â€Å"Robert was much younger–as is Vasilisa,' replied Victor, patting Robert's shoulder. â€Å"And this is hardly a simple spell. Doing it even once is monumental. Twice? Well, you and I both know how spirit works, and this feat takes a toll on both body and mind. Robert has made a great sacrifice for you.' He had, I supposed. â€Å"Thank you, Robert,' I said. The words came hesitantly to my lips. Robert didn't seem to hear. Dimitri stood up, lifting Sonya easily in his arms. She was still crying, but her sobs were quieter now. â€Å"She needs to rest,' he said gruffly. â€Å"Believe me, you have no idea what's going on inside her right now.' â€Å"Oh, I believe you,' I said. â€Å"You're idiots,' snapped Victor. â€Å"Both of you.' It was a wonder Dimitri's glare didn't pin Victor to the floor. â€Å"No interrogation yet.' I nodded my agreement, not knowing what else to do. When Lissa had changed Dimitri, she'd taken on a fierce, similarly protective attitude. He might not have been the one to change Sonya, but he was the only one here who had any idea what she was going through. I knew he'd had a hard adjustment and that the initial effects of the restoration had been disorienting. That wasn't even taking into account the subsequent depression. He swept past all of us, taking Sonya to her bedroom. Sydney watched them go and then glanced over to the sofa, where Victor still had his arm wrapped around his brother. The Alchemist met my eyes wonderingly. â€Å"I heard †¦ but I didn't believe.' â€Å"Sometimes,' I told her, â€Å"I still don't. It goes against every rule of the universe.' To my surprise, she touched the small gold cross around her neck. â€Å"Some rules are bigger than the universe.' Victor rose from the couch, apparently satisfied Robert was resting. I tensed up. Miracles aside, he was still a criminal, one I intended to capture. He took a step toward me, pitching his voice low. â€Å"Sorry to interrupt Metaphysics 101, but you need to listen to me,' he said. â€Å"Be careful, Rose. Very careful. A lot rests on you now. Don't let your pet wolf keep you from finding out what Sonya knows.' â€Å"But he's right,' I exclaimed. â€Å"Its been five minutes! What she went through †¦ what they both went through †¦ well, it's kind of a big deal. Literally life-changing. He had to recover too and adjust to being saved. Once she does, she'll help us.' â€Å"Are you sure?' he asked, narrowing his eyes. â€Å"Will she think she's been saved? You forget: Belikov was turned against his will. She wasn't.' â€Å"W-what are you saying? That she's going to try to become Strigoi again?' He shrugged. â€Å"I'm saying get your answers soon. And don't leave her alone.' With that, Victor turned and headed toward the kitchen. He soon returned with a glass of water. Robert drank it greedily and then fell into a heavy sleep. I sighed and leaned against a wall near Sydney, totally worn out. I still hurt from the earlier fight. â€Å"What now?' asked Sydney. I shook my head. â€Å"I don't know. We wait, I guess.' Dimitri returned a little while later and spared a small glance for Robert. â€Å"She's sleeping too,' he told me. â€Å"The transformation †¦ it's difficult.' I could see a haunted look in his eyes and wondered what memory was tormenting him now. The memory of being changed? The memory of being Strigoi? â€Å"I don't think we should leave Sonya alone,' I said. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Victor smirk. â€Å"Someone should stay with her in case she wakes up. She won't know what's going on.' Dimitri didn't answer for a few seconds as he scrutinized me. He knew me well enough to sense there might be something else on my mind. Fortunately, he couldn't find a fault in my logic. â€Å"You're right. Do you mind sitting with her?' he asked Sydney. I groped for something to say. No, no. Not Sydney. If Sonya did turn on us, we needed someone else on guard–someone who could fight back. Sydney, probably guessing my problem, saved me from lying to Dimitri–or from telling him the truth about my concerns. â€Å"She doesn't know me. It might make things worse when she wakes up. Besides †¦' Sydney put on that disgusted expression that Alchemists excelled at. â€Å"I don't really feel that comfortable with someone who was a monster five minutes ago.' â€Å"She's not Strigoi,' he exclaimed. â€Å"She's absolutely, completely Moroi again!' Even I felt a little cowed by the harshness of his voice, but I wasn't entirely surprised at his vehement reaction. He'd had a hard time convincing others he'd changed. His face softened a little. â€Å"I know it's hard to believe, but she really has changed.' â€Å"I'll stay with her then,' I said. â€Å"No, no.' Dimitri shook his head. â€Å"Sydney's right about one thing: Sonya might be confused. It's better if someone's there who understands what's happened.' I started to argue that I was the only one Sonya really knew but then decided I'd rather stay with the brothers. They seemed harmless now, but I didn't trust them. Dimitri apparently didn't either. He took a few steps forward and leaned down, speaking only an inch from my ear. â€Å"Keep an eye on them,' he murmured. â€Å"Robert's down right now but might recover sooner than we think.' â€Å"I know.' He started to turn, then glanced back at me. His commander face had softened into something thoughtful and awestruck. â€Å"Rose?' â€Å"Yeah?' â€Å"That †¦ was that what it was like when Lissa changed me?' â€Å"More or less.' â€Å"I didn't realize †¦ it was †¦' He struggled for words. It was uncharacteristic. â€Å"The way that light filled the room, the way she changed. Seeing that life emerge from death †¦ it was †¦' â€Å"Beautiful?' He nodded. â€Å"Life like that †¦ you don't–no, you can't waste it.' â€Å"No,' I agreed. â€Å"You can't.' I saw something shift in him then. It was small, just like in the alley, but I knew then another piece of the Strigoi-trauma had peeled away. He said no more, and I watched as he walked back down the hall. With nothing else to do, Sydney sat down cross-legged on the floor, holding a book in her lap. It was closed, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. Meanwhile, Victor sat back in the armchair and reclined it. He didn't look as bad as Robert, but lines of fatigue showed on both brothers. Good. The longer they were out of commission, the better. I brought in a chair from the kitchen so I could sit and survey the room. Everything was peaceful. I felt like a babysitter, which I suppose I kind of was. It had been a long day, and night soon turned the windows black. This made worried me. For all I knew, Sonya had some Strigoi pals who might stop by. The fact that Donovan knew her certainly indicated she wasn't a total outcast among them. It made me extra-vigilant, but at the same time, I was exhausted. The brothers were already asleep. Sydney, perhaps in an attempt to keep her human schedule, eventually found a spare blanket and pillow and curled up in a makeshift bed on the floor. And me? I was halfway between human and vampiric schedules. I had a feeling Dimitri was the same. Really, we were on a do-what's-necessary schedule, in which extensive sleep was not an option. A hum of excitement and astonishment suddenly sang through the bond. I sensed no danger or threat, but curiosity made me decide to check in with Lissa anyway. Even if I was in her mind, I knew my body would stay watchful, and I wanted to know how the rest of Lissa's test had gone. Beautifully, of course. She rode back to Court, exhausted but proud of herself. She wasn't the only one. The rest of her companions all wore similar expressions †¦ all except for Ava Drozdov. She had been the only one to break and use the cell phone to call for help. Lissa was surprised that Ava had cracked. After his earlier bitching, Marcus Lazar had seemed the most likely to bail. But no, the old man had managed it somehow, meaning he'd continue on in the monarch trials. Ava refused to make eye contact with anyone, instead staring bleakly out the window as they traveled back to Court. She would still hold a Council spot, but her shot at being queen was gone. Lissa felt bad for her but couldn't spare too much concern. It was the way of the trials, the way they determined the best candidates. Besides, Lissa had her own issues. Staying out in the daytime had run contrary to the normal vampiric schedule. Now, she simply wanted to get back to Court, find her room, and sleep for a few hours. She wanted some peace. Instead, she found a mob waiting for her.