Steppenwolf

The story of Steppenwolf (1927) is the Herman Hesse’s most widely read book. The main character Harry Hiller, Steppenwolf, is influenced by Hesse’s exposure to Western philosophers as well as Indian and Chinese philosophy. Concepts of Eastern spiritual wisdom which Hesse was interested in can be seen in the novel. Following the record of Harry Hiller’s manuscript, Hesse exposes the struggle of human mind through describing the lack of acceptance, rejection, broken dreams and division in the society and individuality to the readers. This is a realistic picture of despair, depression and isolation.Eastern wisdom such as Indian and Chinese philosophy plays an important role in the structure of the novel. The introduction of ‘magic theatre’ in the novel exudes a sense of transcendence from place and time. In effect, ‘magic theatre’ brings about a tinge of Eastern charm and Indian cultural identity. Indian philosophy on the discovery about â €˜centrality of consciousness’ states that dualistic nature exists in individuals. Personal identity of the ‘Witness self’ is the crucial point of our individual nature, and is also utilized in the realization of the Absolute Self.The Indian spiritual and philosophical wisdom sees the finite self characterized by the individual ‘I’. The concept of such relates to physical body and mind, and prevents the individual from engaging with the infinite self. Infinite self expands the finite mind a soul and realizes our true unification with the ‘Godhead’. Hesse incorporates this ideology into the Immortals for example, Hermine, as well as the human part of Steppenwolf. Harry cannot be a peace with himself due to his wolf inner tendencies.He cannot gain peace in society because everyone else is fixated on the finite self. The only way Steppenwolf can achieve unity with the Godhead is through suicide. (Kheper, 2001) The ideology of Chinese phi losophy also can be seen in novel. The themes of Confucianism emphasize the importance of humaneness towards others (ren), righteousness (Yi), integrity and human-heartedness. (Confucianism, n. d. ) Fairness and devotion of one’s life passively for the sake of moral value of ren and yi are considered trademarks of honor. Cheung, 1999) Steppenwolf despises bourgeois society. When he attempts to reveal his true identity, in order to gain acceptance, individuals who are used to order, logic and restraint are frightened. These individuals are the representative of middle class. The middle class’ commitment to respectability, responsibility, and morality reflect the Confucian thought and the sense of honor. Taoist theory argues that individuals move through a series of state of being in order to search for immortality.Taoist theory focuses on the interrelationship between humanity and the cosmos, promoting harmony and peace with nature and the universe. (Herzog,n. d. ) Both teachings of Confucianism and Taoism are present in Steppenwolf. Harry’s numerous encounters and experiences revealed aspects of his true nature and this prepared his participation into the Magic Theatre. In the Magic Theatre, the Steppenwolf is forced to confront his multiple souls, his past and his future. At last, he is told that he simply takes life too seriously.The concept of change in the Magic Theatre mirrors the Taoist theory of changing states. Hesse’s other writing, Siddhartha, tells the story of a young Indian man’s journey of seeking spiritual knowledge and salvation. This book is published in 1921 and it has become the culmination of Hesse’s studies of Eastern philosophy. In Siddhartha Eastern wisdom is an essential foundation for the religious and philosophical ideas of the narrative. (Herzog, n. d. ) Elements of Eastern wisdom such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism can be seen from this work.The ending of Siddhartha turns to be more Taoist ic than Indian. The master of Taoism Lao-Tse says that the gentlest overcomes the strongest. One instance in the writing, Hesse’s description of Siddhartha’s merging into ‘unity’ displays the core idea of the doctrine of Tao. In the novel, it states that ‘real doing is that same as suffering; both are the execution of fate; to wait, to submit. ’ This is the teaching of the Vedanta and of Lao-Tse. Siddhartha delivers himself to God’s will as the result of waking by God.This is synonymous with the idea of accepting the inevitable fate, the enlightened passiveness of the Chinese-Taoistic philosophy and the submission of the Bhagavad-Gita. When Siddhartha dissolved all conflicts after reaching a degree of intensification of feeling, Siddhartha had merged into unity. These words of Hesse can be referred to Lao-Tse’s Tao Te King: ‘Can you discipline your soul to embrace the one without destroying itself? (Herzog, n. d. ) Although Hesse was brought up in a Pietist family, however his later visit to India in 1911 initiated his study of Eastern religions.His discovery of eastern mysteries and religious belief are reflected in his work. Reference List Confucianism (n. d. ) Retrieved at 20th of May From http://confucianism. freehostingguru. com/ cheung L,P (1999), Confucian Ethic of Death with Dignity and its contemporary Relevance Retrieved from http://arts. hkbu. edu. hk/~pclo/e5. pdf Herzog, PH. (n. d. ) Hermann Hesse and China II Chinese influence in Siddhartha; Steppenwolf and the journey to the east. Kheper, (2001), Eastern Philosophy, The centrality of consciousness-the ego and the self, retrieved from http://www. kheper. net/topics/eastern/ego_and_Self. htm

Culturally diverse Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Culturally diverse - Assignment Example per is to direct your attention towards different problems that are faced by international students as well as what different measures are required that will help the University to have a better reputation and recognition in the educational sector as the most â€Å"culturally diverse University.† The campus at UC Denver is a home to many international students. It has a reputation and a regard for international students which make it more suitable for students from different cultures and backgrounds. The university warmly welcomes all its students from around the world. However with the passage of time and mushrooming of different universities around the USA, the University of UC Denver has ignored the competition which can be result in its lower demand and reputation in the market. At this stage I suggest that University should have a proper marketing channel. This will help the University to create awareness of its unique features and friendly-environment especially to potential international students. University of UC Denver should adopt different marketing strategies such as targeting the potential international students through various social media platforms, sending them emails and running its banners and ads on the websites that are popular among the young generation . To compete with other universities it is highly important for our university to adopt the viral marketing approach to make its name be heard in the international community. It is highly important for our University to form different counseling groups of different communities which will efficiently help the administration in addressing the problems of the international students at campus. These groups can also be used as an effective tool to spread the positive word-of-mouth on the University’s approach and reputation which will make it more appealing for international students. With the growing competition among different universities, it is the high time for our university to focus more

Buying and Merchandising Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Buying and Merchandising - Essay Example People especially the young generations are becoming highly brand conscious and the marketers are using this factor of consumer behavior for the marketing planning which includes promotions and mainly the sales plan (VERDICT, 2006, p.4). Pricing and promotions are the two key are of marketing plan mainly for apparels and fashionable accessories of women as well as men. At earlier day’s top retailers in this market used to focus only on the female accessories and apparels as the trend women fashion industry was always high but now a days the demand for fashionable and braded men accessories like tie, wallet, belt etc are in growing trend. So, retailers are including men’s accessories in the women accessories stores. So, this report is all about the sales plan of men’s accessories in a women only accessories stores and the pricing of the men accessories from basic price range to premium (Evanchitzky, Vogel & Ahlert, 2007, p.15). Aims and Objectives The main aims an d objective of this business report is to develop an effective sales plan for the men’s essential accessories like tie, wallet and belt. ... Pricing objective is to develop a price range of these products considering the increasing personal disposable income of the younger generations and their follow of new trends. So these objectives of this business report will be satisfied if the gap or weakness of the sales strategies of the value retailers or the top brands are find out. Range Plans From the efficient market research it has been found that the accessories market in the United Kingdom has a steady growth and this growing trend of this market was due the earlier female fashion trend. But now the trend of using fashionable essential accessories of men’s can be found in this market and this gap or the weakness of the luxury brands. There is huge market size of the potential buyers who wants to keep their lifestyle with the new trend. But these are younger school and college going boys who only have the personal disposable income for buying these essential but fashionable products. So the price range for these pro ducts needs to be of a diverse like from basic range to standard price range not the premium range of products which the value retailers have already focused fort the professional men with high income level (Mintel. 2012, p.12). These men’s accessories will be added with the women products in high streets female only accessories shop. As there are many younger men comes to these high streets shops with their female friends and they are the potential customers. In the basic categories there needs to be three different sub categories based on the slightly price difference so that the consumers of basic products categories can satisfy with varieties of price along with the color variety. These

Management and Organisational Behaviour Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Management and Organisational Behaviour - Essay Example Change strategy: For any form of organisational change to be successful, it requires motivation for change, a clear vision, political support, a phased transition, and sustenance of momentum (Cummings & Worley, 1995). Peter Meyers did not involve existing management team either in the decision or in the process. He did not even take their suggestion on any of the decisions related to the new product development. Secondly, his decision to select ingredients from cheaper providers resulted in low-quality production as well as issues in operations such as increased wastage, re-work, and spoilage in equipment; this was completely against its high-quality products with attractive packaging sold at affordable prices made from reasonably good quality raw materials. The transition of introducing new products was not phased and not tuned with existing product-quality; moreover, the new products were made from low-quality material, which further affected brand image of J.J.Meyers Co. The metho dology adopted for cutting costs actually increased costs as well as caused huge losses in the form of wastage, rework and unusable machinery, equipment and materials. In addition, low-quality products lowered sales of other products of J.J. ... Political support, as coined by Cummings and Worley (2008) is about power, trust, and ownership. When people are empowered to make critical decisions, they develop ownership towards their responsibilities. In the case of J.J. Meyers, power was exercised by some at the top in the form of abuse, ranting, cursing, and showing authority. For change to be effective power must be shifted across management levels, which did not happen at J.J. Meyers; instead, all power and authority was concentrated at one or two points. When power was shifted, it was done to replace people with inappropriate experience. In total, power was not aligned in the right manner and credible managers were not empowered at all. Leadership: Peter Meyers taking over as the CEO itself was a huge change at J.J.Meyers Co because of his leadership style. Leadership plays more crucial role in the success of an organisation than any other aspect. During any change, the actual struggle of management comes in the form of rec overy, revitalization and recommitment (Bunker & Wakefield, 2005). This means leadership is equally important for the business as much as the change is. Only with effective leadership, change can be introduced in a manner that will sustain the business and improve employees’ enthusiasm and commitment. Peter’s actions and decisions were mostly against effective leadership because his actions did not encourage employee involvement; his actions lacked compassion but depicted greed; his actions failed to recognize employees’ commitment and credibility in multiple ways. Peter did not consult the key members of the business that possessed good experience and had high commitment towards the company. Both head

ARGUMENTITIVE PAPER Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

ARGUMENTITIVE PAPER - Essay Example The continued cloning of animals is essential because this method will provide a more substantial and beneficial food source for a growing world population as does the cloning of plants. However, the cloning of humans is not in societies or an individual’s best interest, at least not yet. On February 23, 1997 Ian Wilmut, a Scottish scientist, with his colleagues at the Roslin Institute announced the successful cloning of a sheep by a new method. The technique concerned transplanting the genetic material of an adult sheep into an egg from which the nucleus had been removed. The resulting birth of the sheep, Dolly, was another landmark in mankind’s ability to rule over nature. The birth of Dolly and â€Å"the fact that humans might someday be cloned, created from a single somatic cell without sexual reproduction, moved further away from science fiction and closer to a genuine scientific possibility† (Wilmut, 1997). The sheep experiment was different from prior endeavors in that it produced an animal that was a genetic twin of one adult sheep instead of being the identical offspring from a pair of adults. Dolly was the first successful clone of a mammal as the sheep contained the genetic material of just one parent. For more than 40 years, the practice of transferring a nucleus from a somatic cell into an egg using nuclei derivative from non-human embryonic and fetal cells continued. Evidence suggested genetic material contained in differentiated somatic cells may retain the potential to direct the development of healthy fertile adult animals. Biologists had examined whether, once cellular differentiation transpires, this process is reversible. However, until Dolly was born, the capacity to do so remained unproved. â€Å"The demonstration that nuclei from cells derived from an adult animal could be reprogrammed, or that the full genetic complement of such a cell could be

Philosophy - Plato's Republic and Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics Essay

Philosophy - Plato's Republic and Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics - Essay Example Therefore, it seems that democracy leads to anarchy. Further, Plato imagines democracy, which invites everyone as equals to rule themselves, as leading to a nation of power-hungry individuals motivated by selfish interests rather than the public good. Accordingly, Plato imagines democracy leading to tyranny. Either way, it seems democracy leads a society on a slippery slope toward an undesirable end-state. In our modern day democracies, we tend to disagree with Plato in saying that, when well controlled, a democracy neither leads to anarchy nor tyranny. But Plato’s opposition to a modern society is more fundamental. The character Socrates advocates for a state ruled by â€Å"philosopher-kings† in a rigid system of castes that does not allow for lateral movement between the different groups in society (484d). This is abhorrent from the perspective of liberal democracy because this neither acknowledges the right of individuals to govern oneself nor to find happiness in wh atever pursuits one wishes to follow. This desire for a ruling caste stems from Plato’s view of the philosopher as superior in theoretical knowledge over the other people in the state (539e). Despite all of these differences, Plato’s Republic seeks many of the same ends as modern day democracies, including justice as the chief concern of a government (540e) and freedom as a necessary component of a good state (701d). Plato’s Republic advocates for a three-part division of society into classes of rulers, soldiers, and the common people. The reason for this division is the concept of specialization wherein particular tasks or duties are reserved to those who are the most qualified to perform them. Plato believes in this stratification as a means of achieving the greatest amount with the resources available to society. But this stratification leads to severe limits on the liberties of those within the state. For instance, since the rulers of the city already have p ossession of a superior intellect, Plato reasons that they should be allowed to hold no property, to live at the expense of the state, and to live only on their most basic needs. Similarly, members of the common class and the soldiering class are not allowed lateral mobility within the classes. They are, from birth, determined to stay within those classes to develop and prosper in aid to the city. Plato suggests that if citizens claim their dissatisfaction with the role in which they are placed, then the state ought to supply them with the falsehood that they are, by nature, assigned to that role based on the differential dispositions of people to fulfill certain roles (415a). Although this is an ideal situation from the perspective of Plato’s Socrates, from the perspective of a modern democracy, it leaves much to be desired. In fact, it seems clear that modern societies believe that individuals should be allowed to pursue whatever path they feel is right for them, regardless of whether they are effective in that social role. Of course, the nature of capitalism dictates that individuals perform acts that best enable them to support their livelihoods, but individuals do not need to act within strict social constraints like those proposed in the Republic. Secondly, a modern movement away from a class system lies in disagreement with Plato’s advocacy of a class system. Although classes seem justified on account

As You Like It Essay (Advanced English) Essay Example for Free

As You Like It Essay (Advanced English) Essay A sense of belonging can be founded through an individual’s personal aspiration to inherently connect with other people. The interaction and interconnectedness of relationships can be viewed as the most significant factor influencing an individual’s sense of acceptance within their surrounding environment and ultimately will determine the level of affiliation they can acquire personally. The comedic play â€Å"As You Like It† composed by William Shakespeare (16th Century), examines the idea of belonging to people and its significant influence over an individual. Similarly, Ang Lee’s film â€Å"Sense and Sensibility† (1997), correspondingly explores the perception of belonging through the interaction and contact with people and the relationships that are innately developed. Through the use of characterisation within both texts, the notion is thoroughly explored to exert a deepened understanding of belonging to people and how it can significantly influence an individual in most cases favorably. However, there are some instances where an individual cannot find a personal sense of acceptance within the relationships they withhold and therefore do not achieve a sense of affiliation within their social surroundings. The idea that people and the relationships they develop are the most influential facet in deciphering ones’ sense of belonging, is thoroughly examined within Shakespeare’s â€Å"As You Like It†. This is evident through the characterisation of Rosalind and the loving familial relationship she has with her cousin Celia. As they both were â€Å"bred together† and grew up within the court , â€Å"from their cradles† to adulthood, both Celia and Rosalind have developed an inherent familial bond for one another becoming â€Å"inseparable†. Shakespeare’ emphasised on the loving and devout nature of their relationship to the audience by demonstrating Celia’s absolute adoration for Rosalind over her own Father. This can be observed when Rosalind was banished from her home, the court, by Duke Fredrick (Celia’s father). Celia’s sense of belonging to her father was weakened as he betrayed her familial trust and so asked him, à ¢â‚¬Å"Pronounce the sentence on me my liege, I cannot live without her company†. The formality of the blank verse illustrates her detachment from her father and demonstrates the breakdown in their filial relationship. However, Shakespeare has used this to illuminate Celia’s loyalty and familial belonging to Rosalind, thus conveying their â€Å"inseparable† nature and the strong sense of affiliation between one another. (337) Similarly, in â€Å"Sense and Sensibility† the widowed mother Mrs. Dashwood and her three daughters are exiled from their home due to social expectations. However, even with the removal of their place of belonging it is their strong familial bonds and connections that allow them to find a sense of individual affiliation. This is evident towards the beginning of the film when they are introduced to their new home a small cottage in the country side which has just been juxtaposed with the Mansion seen in the previously. As they walk up towards the cottage their is a long shot that portrays the family walking towards the cottage together in a huddled group. Ang lee, has used this positioning of the camera and the actors to display the idea that it is within family they find belonging not place. This again supports the notion that belonging is most significantly founded within the people and relationships an individual withholds. (537) Furthermore, Shakespeare’s portrayal of the loving romantic relationship between Orlando and Rosalind additionally acts as a representation of how influential the contact between people can affect an individual’s sense of belonging. With Rosalind and Orlando finding themselves in the Forest of Arden due to the external influences of powerful men exerting their hate, such as Duke Fredrick and Oliver, both characters find themselves in similar circumstances. However, it is Orlando’s love that demonstrates his sense of affiliation to Rosalind through metaphorical language by comparing her to precious objects. He passionately declares, â€Å"No jewel is like Rosalind; Her worth, being mounted on the wind† which clearly exemplifies to the audience of his complete love for her. The use of extensive amount of romantic poetry and adoring tone is used to demonstrate their love towards one another. And that they find their sense of belonging with one another no matt er where they are and what place they are set, again emphasising the significance of contact between people becoming a poignant source of belonging for an individual. As each individual is intrinsically different, where relationships and interacting with other’s may offer satisfaction to some, others find greater fulfillment in self. Shakespeare clearly demonstrates this choice of belonging to self rather through the contact of other people, through the characterisation of Jaques. Being described as â€Å"melancholy† Jaques chooses not to affiliate with the people around him, and finds satisfaction in being alone. Jaques believes that â€Å"the worst fault you have is to be in love†. His cynical tone and attitude towards love and relationships demonstrate his choice not to associate himself with others. In effect, Shakespeare uses prose to enhance one’s insight into people who chose not to conform to belonging. This is a singular instance where an individual does not find a sense of belonging through the contact between people and the relationships developed, however, represents a lonely and melancholy life. Contrary to this, majority of the character’s within â€Å"Sense and Sensibility† finds a sense of belonging through the people they associate with. In ‘Sense and Sensibility’, Marian falls in love to a young suitor named Willoughby. However, Willoughby chooses not to belong to Marian due to social expectations, which essentially, caused personal consequences for his sense of affiliation. These consequences become evident within the last scene, â€Å"The marriage†, when Marian has been happily married to Brendan and the whole town is celebrating. There is a close medium shot of the both of them happily departing from the church, when the camera suddenly cuts to Willoughby up on a hill. Out from the town he is looking down on the celebrations with a saddened expression. Through the use of camera techniques and expression it becomes evident to the audience that he feels a sense of exclusion and detachment from the people he once was closely affiliated with. This further emphasises the consequences that can come to an individual when they chose expectations and society over the people and relationships they withh old. Nevertheless, the consequences of being lonely is welcoming to him and therefore, does not negatively affect him like Willoughby. Moreover, the interconnectedness and affiliation with people is the most significant factor influencing an individual’s sense of belonging or not belonging. Throughout the text â€Å"As you like it† and the film â€Å"Sense and sensibility†, this idea is thoroughly explored through the character’s represented by the composer’s and the relationship’s they developed, either familial or romantic. However, although one can find significant belonging through another person, some can chose not to belong, such as Jaques or Willoughby and by choosing not to belong it can create consequences resulting in a sense of loneliness. However, there are singular instances, like Jaques, where choosing not to belong to people can create self fulfillment in one’s self and a sense of belonging.