The Cider House Rules

TITLE (supplied by the customer): â€Å"The Cider House Rules† DESCRIPTION (supplied by the customer): The Doctor offers 2 incongruous services †¦ how can these services coexist? Answer the following questions: What is the moral dilemma posed in the story? A Birth occurs in the story †¦ how does this affect the main character's view? What happens to change the main characters view? What are the Cider House Rules and what are they a metaphor for? Who broke the Cider House Rules? What is the moral of the story? What does it mean to be the hero of your own life?What other issues arise in this story that are relevant to the reproductive and overall health? PROJECT DEVELOPED: The Cider House, an orphanage hospital at St. Cloud's, is one of the two poles or hemispheres the entire plot builds upon. The story poses quite a bit of a challenge to the unsophisticated onlooker's mindset trained primarily to distinguish between, and judge, the clear black and the clear white. Dr. Larch, one of the central protagonists, is a far more complex profile. It's not so much about his personality or character as it is about his moral stance. As a licensed physician, he assists at childbirth.The outside world formally knows him as helping a new life happen. The other side of the man is his second practice amounting to exactly the opposite: abortions, or life taking. He takes life away from infant and totally helpless human beings having little say in their parents decision not to grant them life. It might just be uncomfortable and awkward for these young mothers, pressed by their ambitious husbands, to grant life at this particular point. They are not prepared nor willing to pay that price for their right to have a fulfilling sexual life outside the bonds of marriage.However, the story is less moralizing than that. The author does not seem disposed to judge the heroes very strictly, because another part of the story is that these are for the most part inexperienced y oung men and women. They cannot possibly know as yet what's best for them over the long haul; no wonder their vague yet potent inner drives lead them to mistakes. They have not learned to assume the full responsibility for these mistakes, and they cannot accept the lot these blunders may inflict, early in their lives. Dr. Larch is deeply convinced about his duty to offer services of both kinds.Moreover, he chooses to hand over his skills to a young and promising disciple, Homer [17-20, 50-54, 78]. The latter has lived in the orphanage his entire life, and one would guess his moral values have largely if not solely been influenced and inspired by Dr. Larch's example. One wonders just how those polar practices could possibly be compatible, and for that matter conducive to the younger generation's upbringing. The young person shown early on that abortion is a possibility might likely stick with that option as a quick fix, never minding the longer-term good.So far, however, we have seen a somewhat superficial picture, and it's about time we dwelled on the multifaceted truth. Dr. Larch would never actually even consider abortion a way out-if this were a perfect world [56-58, 124]. The wicked world he finds himself surrounded by rules in wicked ways, supplies ugly criteria and makes one resort to interim compromises to secure a greater boon. This world is good at sermonizing when it comes to condemning the young women making mistakes; yet it is also incredibly cynical in calling on them to pay a price they cannot afford.Of course, we are not talking about the world that Dr. Larch had built-the Cider House. It is governed by ultimate rules that are observed strictly, not because of their tyranny, but because they are a natural moral code of integrity. All the little children living in there are orphans rejected by the wicked world, yet zealously loved by their father [80-110]. No, he is not their biological father-one other criterion of the formalist world, which per mits the distorted and destroyed relationships between the native parents and children.However, his own world's parameters identify him as their ultimate father. This cozy Cider House world is a tiny spot on earth where children love and respect each other, if only by virtue of the sense of alienation that the other world has cursed them with. Any encounter with the outside world is happy only for one of them: the rest of the kids will not be adopted that soon [84-89]. In fact, the big spotlight in the story is about the two poles or two alternatives facing the protagonists: their Cider home sweet home and the bitter world.The same applies to the central figure, Homer who is an extremely likable person and a fast learner, soon to become as skilled as his teacher. Yet without a diploma-another anchor of the outside world stressing the form, the superficiality, the illusion over the intrinsic value. Thus far, he has lived in this paradise which has a lot of bliss to offer. Yet, this w arm Eden could not possibly offer him the knowledge of good and evil, the knowledge he will have to receive in the outside world. Of course, for now Homer has nothing to compare it with-but soon an episode occurs that changes his life for good.A young lady, Candy, arrives for abortion accompanied by her boyfriend Wally, which occasion affords Homer a unique chance for exploring the ‘outer space. ‘ [172-215] He might never have unlocked his potential had he stayed ‘home. ‘ It was to be the outside world with its challenges and whims that could offer a learning environment. Homer turned out to be just as fast learner when it came to learning about himself. He proved to be good at human skills, and a fulfilling relationship soon began to evolve between him and Candy while Wally was gone delivering on his duty. 267-270, 320] Wally would come back some day, and Candy would have to choose, which was far from her forte. Indeed, she embodies the image of innocent pro neness to mistakes, whereby she had to make a lot of tasting, sampling and trying before she could decide what was right for her. And yet, like the many other young ladies Larch felt sympathy for (and would rather do the abortions than let them die in the butchers hands), she was deserving of the better lot. That experience was a major turning point in Homer's life. The main development was not that he actually liked the world he saw: far from it.Yet, when the doctor asked him to come back home where he was needed, loved and waited for (while the outside world had little to offer), it was already a different Homer to heed to those reasons [365]. He knew it was the only chance for him to learn to decide for himself and to take the responsibility. In fact, perhaps he had already long had that critical stance: he would swallow all the skills that Larch had to offer, but he was reluctant to justify abortion [131]. He therefore only had to learn or realize that he had that.Being the hero of one's own life might thus amount to standing ready to use the benefit of doubt, reserve the right to mistakes and face up to liabilities. That is by far the only way to really learn doing the right things, which is superior to just doing right things as under a benevolent and wise dictatorship. These mistakes should properly be viewed as a cost attached, which one would eagerly incur if the expected reward were abundant. This, of course, is not to justify the try-it-all approach, though wisdom is earned by learning too.The moral could thus pertain to the idea that this world is too complex and controversial, for a superficial judgment to suffice. The lesser evil may at times be viewed as a short-term cost or means securing the longer-term ends, provided the course is just. A cost is always attached to major decisions, though one is free to choose between the safe haven and the rough ocean. These are very different testing environments, in which people judge and are judged very d ifferently. Our superficial and hypocritical perception of the doctor might be rather negative at first, yet we come to see another picture on closer examination †¦

Cost Benefit Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cost Benefit Analysis - Essay Example Notably, according to a 15 year model on fortified iodine by Food Standards Australia New Zealand   in Australia, fortification will give rise to benefits after one year from the time it was implemented, and more importantly, the benefits accrue to the individuals who achieve iodine replete status before 15 years of age and also they remain iodine replete to that age.Notably, according to a 15 year model on fortified iodine by Food Standards Australia New Zealand in Australia, fortification will give rise to benefits after one year from the time it was implemented, and more importantly, the benefits accrue to the individuals who achieve iodine replete status before 15 years of age and also they remain iodine replete to that age.Costs Evidently, the cost of the mandatory fortification includes the cost to the government that comprises of administering as well as enforcing fortification, the cost of the health monitoring, and the cost to the industry of fortification. Moreover, there are other potential cost that will be involved due to the introduction of the policies complementary to fortification and restriction of consumer choice. Essentially, due to fortification, the consumers are likely to face a reduction of choice and this can also result to an increase of price of the processed products. Although the cost of reduction of choice may not be quantified, it is clear that fortification will not give chance to the consumers to avoid fortified products and therefore they will have to make some considerable changes to their dietary habits. According to Caldwell et al. the salt production in United States is slightly above 60,000 tones. Mainly, due to mandatory fortification, salt manufacturers will require some machinery together with equipment that will match the demand for the iodized salt (Caldwell et al. 932). Similarly, some of the industries will have to make some changes in labeling of the product in order to make sure that the iodized and non-iodized salt is not confused. Evidently, also the industries will have to add an iodine compound to the premix of salt which will be followed by analytical testing. The industries will also incur additional ware-housing costs owing to the fact that there is need to store separately the specific iodized salt. Similarly, the government will also have to undertake training and awareness with regard to the mandatory fortification, administration, auditing, and also instate mechanism for dealing with complaints. All this activities will require some additional costs. Benefits Generally, the benefits associated with fortification include a reduction in morbidity due to a reduction of iodine deficiency disorders, increased IQ and hence this will also result to improved productivity, reduction of absenteeism of employees who suffer from iodine deficiency disorders and related management cost, and enhanced performance at school and improved school attendance. More importantly, all of these benefits cannot be measured directly (Zimmerman

How and why do modern companies use cost accounting for sustainability Essay

How and why do modern companies use cost accounting for sustainability Refer to one or more example - Essay Example Such is the advantage that a business management team gains from the use of cost accounting. Kinney and Raiborn define cost accounting presents a mechanism of analysis of past, apparent as well as future data to deduce relevant information on the cost of all objects that is important for accurate cost management (4). Cost accountancy entails the use of costing as well as the principles of cost accounting with a central objective to ascertain profitability of a company. Costing, as part of the system, involves ensuring that business ascertains costs of all objects. In the business, cost accounting differs from financial accounting. While financial accounting presents a mechanism of reporting the financial position of a company, cost accounting is a principle that serves as a system of internal reporting of the performance of the company. The key role of undertaking cost accounting is to provide succinct cost information that company management needs to engage in planning and as a guid e for informed decision-making on company affairs. It is important to gain financial information before engaging in any business activity. All cost objects should have their cots stated as a means of informing decisions. With the development of several sustainability strategies, modern companies apply cost accounting in diverse ways. Sustainability initiatives in different parts of the world such as those aimed at introducing renewable energy in Europe directly affect the cost management of modern companies. Modern companies must acknowledge and accommodate the various sustainability initiatives that continue to shape the business environment and bring serious challenges to their continued existence and profitability. The relevance of applying cost accounting in sustainability emanates from the need to determine the cost of the different improvements, which any modern company launches to conform to sustainability requirements. The cost of the diverse forms of innovation adopted by c ompanies to initiate sustainability should be under close consideration through cost accounting. Cost accounting in sustainability entails a succinct evaluation the company’s performance by considering the extent of cost savings that may accumulate from improvements that embrace sustainability, made by the company. Cost accounting, as an important aspect of sustainability accounting, should consider the profits and returns from activities that improve on the social and environmental aspects of a company’s operations. It involves full inclusion of sustainability costs in the financial operations of modern companies. Cost accounting, as way of promoting sustainability, allows companies to choose the best and most economical practice. The choice entails a through and detailed process of consideration of cost and benchmarking of the efficiency of different improvement strategies set. In every system of accounting information, cost management contributes a vital role of pro viding relevant information that is important in the decision-making process. Sustainability accounting is a relatively recent practice that most companies undertake, however, not as part of statutory provision. Sustainable development has three vital pillars, all of which every company’

Citical, structured report on fundamental marketing issues for Porsche Essay

Citical, structured report on fundamental marketing issues for Porsche automobile - Essay Example This was evidenced when the company produced a model, Porsche 911 which was among the most expensive and competitive cars ever produced in the automobile industry. It was manufactured for its customers who enjoy racing as well as status. Importantly, the organization builds three categories of cars, namely consumer models, racing models, and prototype cars. Out of all these models, the company produces more of racing cars than any other (Zoeller 2015). Because of this, the company’s primary marketing strategy is to produce cars that meet the needs of the wealthy customers. This makes it have a small market share because not all consumers can afford the cars, but at the same time increasing its profits (Zoeller 2015). The rest of the paper will discuss the Porsche Automobile marketing environment, marketing position, as well as the marketing mix. The report will conclude with the recommendation of ways the organization can increase its market share and continue its profitabilit y. Porsche Automobile has been in the market for the last eighty years, and this has given it a chance to gain brand recognition among its customers. Its high brand presence and reputation across the globe gives it the advantage. Secondly, the brand is preferred among the ultra-rich elites making the company to high price their models. Thirdly, the organization has few car models with a high range of variants making it have an advantage on brand extension. Fourthly, Porsche Automobile is a trusted brand for the provision of supreme style with sporty features. Moreover, the company has the popular brand in the racing and gaming industry and over 12,000 employees are ready to give support to customers (Company Spotlight: Porsche 2013). Porsche Automobile lacks presence in the middle-income segments despite their expansion at a higher rate (Taylor 2013). This makes the organization to loose on this market segment. Secondly, the very high maintenance cost in extremely

Discussion Board 7-1 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Discussion Board 7-1 - Research Paper Example Test administrators began by ensuring that test takers who were ostensibly adolescents understood the purpose of the measurements. In addition, test administrators informed the students about their rights throughout the test process. The measurement process used scales, including Morally Debatable Behaviors Scale-Revised (MDBS-R) for rating attitudes, emotions and other behaviors (Cohen, Swerdlik & Sturman, 2013). The psychological measurement session also employed the use of the Likert scale that enabled critical understanding of specific behaviors. The assessment was generally correct and successful bearing that approved individuals later demonstrated the detected characteristics. The psychological measurements conducted in the educational context to determine appropriateness of students to high school disclosed many insights about tools of measurement. One of the insight is that the interview is a very crucial assessment tool that may not miss in a psychometric. Actually, interview forms the basis of every assessment as test administrators have to interview to gather basic and vital information from clients (Cohen, Swerdlik & Sturman, 2013). Another insight is that case history data is an important source of data about test takers considering that it carries true and accurate information. During the assessment of students to join high school, medical reports, recommendation letter by elementary teachers concerning conducts and abilities of the students and academic reports acted as sources of case history data. Further insight is that Likert scale is an efficient means of measurement as it enables test takers to make quick and usually correct ranking of thei r abilities. In future when involved in psychological measurement of clients, one should consider interviewing and case history data as basic assessment tools. For quicker and inclusive assessment, an individual should consider using

Essay on the Oedipus Rex Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

On the Oedipus Rex - Essay Example As a result, Teiresias is painfully reminded of his blindness: â€Å"Truth is not in you – for your ears, your mind, your eyes are blind!† (Sophocles I.370). Oedipus also blames his brother-in-law Creon for treachery and secret council with the oracle. He threatens the servant to death in the situation when this servant may die even if he obeys. Jocasta who is shown as a devoted wife (she tries to comfort Oedipus and obeys all his orders) is accused of arrogance: â€Å"Leave the lady to enjoy her noble family† (Sophocles III.1070). They all forgive and remain silent, which is an indication of the severity of their grief for Oedipus: near such misfortune, their pride loses its importance. This disregard of Oedipus’s attacks is one of the tactics that help different characters withdraw from the situation of suffering. This is not the only tactic, though. Teiresias calms himself down with the acceptance of the fact that he cannot change the future. He is a servant of gods, a keeper of truth, and his inner truth gives him strength: â€Å"It is not your fate / to fall because of me. It’s up to Apollo / to make that happen. He will be enough† (Sophocles I.451-453). However, he is dissatisfied with himself, because even knowing this, he came to Oedipus: â€Å"Alas, alas! How dreadful it can be / to have wisdom when it brings no benefit / to the man possessing it† (Sophocles I.374-376). This is a typical problem of prophets in tragedy (other examples are Cassandra and Laocoon). Such popularity of the helpless prophet character may be due to the importance of the concept of fate for Greeks. Jocasta seems to suspect something from the very beginning, but she has at least two protective arguments. The first is her care for Oedipus being so sincere and unconditional that there is tempt to claim it maternal: the main thing that concerns her is always her husband’s condition, and several times she does whatever she can to calm him down, up to the

Prison Term Policy Recommendation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Prison Term Policy Recommendation - Essay Example Within the next five years, it is estimated that convicted inmates will increase the prison population by two-hundred thousand. Such an unprecedented increase in a population that depends fully on government support will cost twenty-seven billion dollars on the national scale (Ohlemacher). Indeed, the nation has already a massive flux of prisoners. In the last thirty years, according to Professor Craig Haney, incarceration rates have been increased significantly in the United States (Haney 2). Such figures will only put a drain on the state's fiscal budget. Therefore, it is necessary to be highly certain of the effectiveness of a long prison term. Since nothing is absolute, and the government should not be considered a treasury for experimental endeavors, this writer remains skeptical of the situation. A perfect example of criminal activity and the penal code is that of Richard Allen Davis. According to People Weekly, Davis started his criminal career burglarizing people which further led to more violent acts such as attempted rape and murder. He has been in prison many times. He had spent at least fourteen years in prison, but he can now never harm anyone due to California's three strike's law which gives life sentences to convicts with three accounts of criminal activity (Fields-Meyer). There are two conclusions I can reach from the Davis case. The first is the fact that any amount of prison terms is in no way a guarantee that a convict will exit with rehabilitated behavior. In fact, in a review of Davis, one can almost speculate that prison makes an individual even more aggressive and effective as a criminal. My second conclusion is that no matter how ineffective prison term is, society, in general, is safe from such an individual for the time they are in prison. Thus, no one in the free society will suffer from Davis for as long as he lives. In conjunction with simple armed robbery, it is necessary to take in all aspects it contains. It is a crime not restricted to stealing the material wealth of some sort, but an offense that includes violence. The mere fact that it is armed is a signal that the offender intended to threaten death if he/she is unable to apprehend what they desire. The Republican reports an incident of a burglarized woman, "She said prior to the robbery she was not hesitant to go into a city, especially for a cultural event. Now she feels fear not only in Springfield but other cities." (Spencer) This illustrates the graphics effects a simple robbery can have on people. It is not simply a loss of wealth, but a violent and psychological offense. At the same time, however, an act of retribution against violence may not cure the problem. According to studies performed by Professor Stuart Henry, nearly seventy-five percent of inmates have committed separate crimes before their incarceration. That means three out of four prisoners were arrested at least once before. This data would suggest that prison sentences have a seventy-five percent chance of failing in rehabilitating inmates. Furthermore, it is estimated that the illiteracy rate in prison is more than double over the general population. This indicates that convicts released from prison are uneducated and may be forced into criminal activity in order to survive.