Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness Essay Example For Students

Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness Essay Joseph Conrads novel Heart of Darkness is about a seaman named Charlie Marlow and an experience he had as a younger man. Early in the novel it becomes apparent that there is a great deal of tension in Marlows mind about whether he should profit from the immoral actions of the company he works for which is involved in the ivory trade in Africa. Marlow believes that the company is ignorant of the tension between moral enlightenment and capitalism. The dehumanization of its laborers which is so early apparent to Marlow seems to be unknown to other members of the Companys management. In this story Marlows aunt represents capitalism. Her efforts to get him a job are significant because of the morally compromising nature of the work of which she seems totally ignorant. When Marlow expresses doubts about the nature of the work, she replies, You forget, dear Charlie, that the labourer is worthy of his hire (12). It is clear that Marlow has mixed feelings about the whole idea. At one point, trying to justify his actions to himself, he says, You understand it was a continental concern, that Trading Society; but I have a lot of relations on the living continent, because its cheap and not so nasty as it looks they say (12). Marlow finally takes the job, however, and tells himself that the pain and unusually harsh treatment the workers are subjected to is minimal. During the tests and the requirements that he has to undergo before entering the jungle Marlow feels that he is being treated like a freak. The doctor measures his head and asks him questions such as, Ever any madness in your family (15). In this part of the story Marlow is made to feel small and unimportant. Any feelings or concerns that he has are not important to the company, and as a result, he feels alone. It is only logical that Marlow would have been econd guessing his decision and feeling some kinship with the other (black) workers who are exploited, but he does not reveal any such understanding. Upon reaching his destination in Africa, Marlow finds that things are just the same. At the point when he is denied rest after traveling twenty miles on foot he sees things are not going to change. Marlow then tells of how disease and death are running wild through out the area, and the company does nothing in the way of prevention other than to promote those who stay alive. Marlows theory on why the manager was in that position was that †¦he was never ill (25). This is a ad situation for Marlow because he sees his boss as a simple man with little else to offer the company other than to be a mindless foreman over the operation. This is an example of the company stripping self worth from its workers in the sense that it does not encourage or expect input from them. This is all significant because Marlow finds himself in a position where he is giving up a big piece of himself and his beliefs to make money. The tension between capitalism and moral enlightenment in the first twenty pages of this story is evident. Conrad uses Marlow to depict a seemingly good-hearted person caught in the middle of the common ilemma of moral ethics and desire for monetary success. Marlow knows that there is a great deal of repugnance in what he is doing, yet he finds himself forced to deal with it in his own personal way, which is justify it or ignore it. It is clear that the company also is forced to deal with this same issue, but it does it simply by pretending that it is not dehumanizing its entire work force. This blindness allows the Company to profit and prosper, but only at the expense of the lives of the workers in the jungle who have no way to protest or escape and the white collar workers like Marlow who have to live with their hypocrisy.

Tim Burton Cinematic Techniques free essay sample

Tim Burton is a successful film maker and has inspired many to get into the movie making business due to his cinematic techniques. In many of his films, Tim Burton uses lighting successfully to show happiness or sadness. He is known for having very low key beginning credits. Low key lighting can be used to show a sad, mysterious or scary environment. For example, the beginning credits of the movies Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Edward Scissorhands are very dark cloudy scenes. They both have a solid black background and obscure objects appearing. Also, Burton used lighting perfectly in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when the lucky children who obtain the golden tickets enter the huge room where the chocolate was made. It is a bright and colorful room filled with tasty goods. High key lighting is used to create a happy, exciting, or fun atmosphere. The lighting on the kids faces as they walk in the factory was very high key because they were bright and full of joy. We will write a custom essay sample on Tim Burton Cinematic Techniques or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Burton also uses a high key effect on the town in Edward Scissorhands; it is filled with brightly painted houses with beautifully cut bushes. Also the clothes that people wear in Edward Scissorhands are very brightly colored because people would wear a single colored outfit of much color. As a result, lighting is used effectively throughout his movies to show different effects. Camera angles were very important in the films Edward Scissorhands and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In the movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the scene of Willy Wonka walking in the jungle is a great example of camera angles. As the big bug zeroes in on Wonka, a low angle camera is used to show the bug is big and strong. Then, it cut to Wonka with a high angle shot showing he is helpless and small. After Wonka successfully kills the bug, it gives him a low angle shot showing he is the victor and that he is more powerful. In Edward Scissorhands, low angle shots are used many times while Edward is cutting things. For example, while Edward is constructing his first ice sculpture in Kims lawn the camera is low angle and makes him look very powerful while he sculpts the big angel. It makes him seem as if he is on top of the world and can do anything. There are also low angle shots while he cuts all of the housewives hair. There is a very effective long shot in the beginning of the movie while Peg strolls into Edwards house, when she finally gets into Edwards room there is a long shot which shows how big the house actually is by making Peg look very short due to the height of the ceiling. As a result, Tim Burton uses low angle, high angle, and long shots to represent strength, weakness, and to show a large scene and many things occurring at once. Tim Burton is a very skilled film maker who uses many cinematic techniques to make his movies enjoyable to watch. He efficiently uses lighting and camera angles in two of his major pieces, Edward Scissorhands and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He uses these two techniques very well and a handful of others that make his movies very well known and watched by many people. In conclusion, Tim Burton is able to use cinematic techniques an important part of his movies by using lighting and camera angles.

Lovely People do Stupid things essays

Lovely People do Stupid things essays How is love to influence our lives? Love-struck people do crazy things to express how they care for that particular person yet it is a long and windy road to these actions. It is down this path that experience spawns and trouble and happiness are felt. Janie Crawford of Zora Neale Hurstons Their Eyes Were Watching God, shows the road through the steps of her three relationships. These relationships, though not fulfilling ones, conclude in bettering Janies search and understanding of life. Johnny Taylor, Janies first kiss and gatekeeper to her future, When Janie was sixteen, she embarked on a sexual awakening. Johnny Taylor was a poor young man who lived in the Florida area. Janie allowed him to kiss her over the fence. Unfortunately, Nanny saw everything. With Nannys horrendous background of sinful deeds done to her, she wanted the best for Janie. As she saw the kiss, the doors of life opened for Janie and Nanny wasnt going to have her make the same mistakes that she had. Yet, Nanny had been impregnated under the circumstances of being a slave and this was not the case for Janie. Nanny stated that black women were the mules of the world, but she didn't want Janie to be a mule. She wanted to see Janie in a secure situation before she died, and Logan Killicks could provide that. Janie did not want to marry Logan, but she did so because Nanny told her that she would eventually come to love him. Ironically, Logan wanted to force Janie into the servitude that Nanny feared. Also, he was disappointed that Janie never returned his affection and attraction. If he could not possess her through love, he would possess her by demanding her submission. At heart, his actions arose from the fear that Janie would leave him. Two months after her marriage to Logan, Janie visited Nanny to ask when she would start loving him. Nanny berated Janie for not appreciat ...

Economic Growth Rate Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Economic Growth Rate - Research Paper Example The budget impacts on the growth of the economy and allocation or redistribution of resources. The difference between budgetary spending and revenues is defined as the budget deficit. Budget deficit contribute in the level of national debt. A variety of problems can result because of budget deficit. Lower national savings rate, higher rates of interest and inflation are some of them. The federal budget is taking an unsustainable path. The debt levels of the federal are expected to grow with the size of the economy. The elevated budget deficit is the cause of increase in federal debt. This will shed its effects on economic downturn. The excess expenditure is financed through borrowing. The federal government takes the policy of issuing securities. The households can make up their budget deficits through loans and credit cards. Some of the measures to curb down the budget deficit are cutting expenditures, levee taxes or a strategy that will involve both. Thesis Statement Can budget def icit affect the economic growth? Economists generally agree that high budget deficits today will reduce the growth rate of the economy in the future. Why? Economists are of the opinion that sustaining large deficits can reduce the rate of growth. If the aim is to attain future gains in the standard of living it is necessary to curb down the levels of consumption and take the requisite steps in order to increase the level of savings. The deficit in the federal budget along with the low rate in the savings will cause a gap between the total savings and the investment. Spreading the foreign ownership of assets and mounting payments of investment will result in capital inflows (Wallich, 2012, p.78). The same reason can be accounted for the deficits in trade to occur. The trade deficits will keep on piling up with the continuation of capital inflows. The rate of interest is supposed to take the steep rising path if the investors turn down from providing capital in this kind of situation prevails. The value of dollar is likely to be depreciated. The assets of United States will be cheaper relative to the foreign assets and the investment rates will get curtailed with high rates of interest. The price of the imports will rise and the exchange rate will have the tendency to get low. The country will have to increase its reliance on foreign capital (Sanchez, 2010, p.523). The future generation will not be able to match with the expectations of the services from the government. The advancement in technology will get hampered and the standard of living of the country will feel the heat. Do the reasons for the high budget deficit matter? In other words, does it matter whether the deficit is caused by lower taxes, increased defense spending, more job-training programs, and so on? If the deficit is caused by poor governance then it is a matter of concern and calls for immediate appropriate steps. But if the deficits are caused by something that is believed to be productive for the future, then such deficits can be withheld for a certain point. If the deficit is caused by lower taxes, then people will have more disposable income and that might not be beneficial for the economy as a whole. But if the deficit is caused by increasing cost in defense services or increased spending in the job training programs, it is

Homework Assignment Number Two Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Homework Assignment Number Two - Essay Example hn) is arrested and arraigned after a thorough investigationsculminating to seizing the flash drive from the library, the existence of an elaborate investigation leading to discoveries of evidence points to a legally conducted investigations, arrest, and preference of charges which points to due process. The exclusion rule here therefore, will concern itself with how the evidence was acquired rather than its prove for commission of crime. An illegal action by police to gain incriminating evidence is inadmissible as evidenced by Oaks (6). In the second situation, the police stop the suspect (John) for speeding, then they go ahead to seize the flash drive. Here, the evidence should be suppressed because the search is obviously illegalas it is circumstantial to the speed ticket. The evidence in the flash drive and the charges thereof would be excluded because the acquisition of it is illegal.Evidence collected in violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights is sometimes inadmissible for prosecution in a court of law. This in effect protects citizens from illegal searches and seizures.In conclusion therefore,the exclusionary rule is addressing itself to a mischief where law enforcers would carry unreasonable searches arbitrarily in breach of laid down rules and procedures governing such

Importance of Discrete Mathematics in Computer Science

Importance of Discrete Mathematics in Computer Science Computer science is the study of problems, problem solving and the solutions that come out of the problem solving process, B. Miller and D. Ranum (2013). A computer scientist goal is to develop an algorithm, a step by step list of instructions in solving a problem. Algorithms are finite processes that if followed will solve the problem Discrete mathematics is concerned with structures which take on a discrete value often infinite in nature. Just as the real-number system plays a crucial role in continuous mathematics, integers are the cornerstone in discrete mathematics. Discrete mathematics provides excellent modelling tools for analysing real-world phenomena that varies in one state or another and is a vital tool used in a wide range of applications, from computers to telephone call routing and from personnel assignments to genetics, E.R. Scheinerman (2000) cited in W. J. Rapaport 2013). The difference between discrete mathematics and other disciplines is the basic foundation on proof as its modus operandi for determining truth, whereas science for example, relies on carefully analysed experience. According to J. Barwise and J. Etchemendy, (2000), a proof is any reasoned argument accepted as such by other mathematicians. Discrete mathematics is the background behind many computer operations (A. Purkiss 2014, slide 2) and is therefore essential in computer science. According to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2000), discrete mathematics is an essential part of the educational curriculum (Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, p. 31). K. H Rosen (2012) cites several important reasons for studying discrete mathematics including the ability to comprehend mathematical arguments. In addition he argues discrete mathematics is the gateway to advanced courses in mathematical sciences. This essay will discuss the importance of discrete mathematics in computer science. Furthermore, it will attempt to provide an understanding of important related mathematical concepts and demonstrate with evidence based research why these concepts are essential in computer science. The essay will be divided into sections. Section one will define and discuss the importance of discrete mathematics. The second section will focus on and discuss discrete structures and relationships with objects. The set theory would be used as an example and will give a brief understanding of the concept. The third section will highlight the importance of mathematical reasoning. Finally, the essay will conclude with an overview of why discrete mathematics is essential in computer science. Discrete Mathematics According to K. H. Rosen, (2012) discrete mathematics has more than one purpose but more importantly it equips computer science students with logical and mathematical skills. Discrete mathematics is the study of mathematics that underpins computer science, with a focus on discrete structures, for example, graphs, trees and networks, K H Rosen (2012). It is a contemporary field of mathematics widely used in business and industry. Often referred to as the mathematics of computers, or the mathematics used to optimize finite systems (Core-Plus Mathematics Project 2014). It is an important part of the high school mathematics curriculum. Discreet mathematics is a branch of mathematics dealing with objects that can assume only distinct separated values (mathworld wolfram.com). Discrete mathematics is used in contrast with continuous mathematics, a branch of mathematics dealing with objects that can vary smoothly including calculus (mathworld wolfram.com). Discrete mathematics includes graph theory, theory of computation, congruences and recurrence relations to name but a few of its associated topics (mathworld wolfram.com). Discrete mathematics deals with discrete objects which are separated from each other. Examples of discrete objects include integers, and rational numbers. A discrete object has known and definable boundaries which allows the beginning and the end to be easily identified. Other examples of discrete objects include buildings, lakes, cars and people. For many objects, their boundaries can be represented and modelled as either continuous or discrete, (Discrete and Continuous Data, 2008). A major reason discrete mathematics is essential for the computer scientist, is, it allows handling of infinity or large quantity and indefiniteness and the results from formal approaches are reusable. Discrete Structures To understand discrete mathematics a student must have a firm understanding of how to work with discrete structures. These discrete structures are abstract mathematical structures used to represent discrete objects and relationships between these objects. The discrete objects include sets, relations, permutations and graphs. Many important discrete structures are built using sets which are collections of objects K H Rosen (2012). Sets As stated by Cantor (1895: 282) cited in J. L. Bell (1998) a set is a collection of definite, well- differentiated objects. K. H Rosen (2012) states discrete structures are built using sets, which are collections of objects used extensively in counting problems; relations, sets of ordered pairs that represent relationships between objects, graphs, sets of vertices and edges that connect vertices and edges that connect vertices; and finite state machines, used to model computing machines. Sets are used to group objects together and often have similar properties. For example, all employees working for the same organisation make up a set. Furthermore those employees who work in the accounts department form a set that can be obtained by taking the elements common to the first two collections. A set is an unordered collection of objects, called elements or members of the set. A set is said to contain its elements. To denote that a is an element of the set A, we write a â‚ ¬ A. For example the set O of odd positive integers less than 10 can be expressed by O = {1, 3, 5, 7, 9}. Another example is, {x |1 ≠¤ x ≠¤ 2 and x is a real number.} represents the set of real numbers between 1 and 2 and {x | x is the square of an integer and x ≠¤ 100} represents the set {0. 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64, 81, 100}, (www.cs.odu.edu). Mathematical Reasoning Logic is the science for reasoning, Copi, (1971) and a collection of rules used in carrying out logical reasoning. The foundation for logic was laid down by the British mathematician George Boole. Logic is the basis of all mathematical reasoning and of all automated reasoning. It has practical applications to the design of computing machines, to the specification of systems, to artificial intelligence, to computer programming, to programming languages and to other areas of computer science, K H Rosen, (2012 page 1). Mathematical logic, starts with developing an abstract model of the process of reasoning in mathematics, D. W. Kucker page 1. Following the development of an abstract model a study of the model to determine some of its properties is necessary. The aim of logic in computer science is to develop languages to model the situations we encounter as computer science professionals, in such a way that we can reason about them formally. Reasoning about situations means constructing arguments about them; we want to do this formally, so that the arguments are valid and can be defended rigorously, or executed on a machine. In understanding mathematics we must understand what makes a correct mathematical argument, that is, a proof. As stated by C. Rota (1997) a proof is a sequence of steps which leads to the desired conclusion Proofs are used to verify that computer programs produce the correct result, to establish the security of a system and to create artificial intelligence. Logic is interested in true or false statements and how the truth or falsehood of a statement can be determined from other statements (www.cs.odu.edu). Logic is represented by symbols to represent arbitrary statements. For example the following statements are propositions â€Å"grass is green† and â€Å"2 + 2 = 5†. The first proposition has a truth value of â€Å"true† and the second â€Å"false†. According to S. Waner and S. R Constenoble (1996) a proposition is any declarative sentence which is either true or false. Many in the computing community have expressed the view that logic is an essential topic in the field of computer science (e.g., Galton, 1992; Gibbs Tucker, 1986; Sperschneider Antoniou, 1991). There has also been concern that the introduction of logic to computer science students has been and is being neglected (e.g., Dijkstra, 1989; Gries, 1990). In their article â€Å"A review of several programs for the teaching of logic†, Goldson, Reeves and Bornat (1993) stated: There has been an explosion of interest in the use of logic in computer science in recent years. This is in part due to theoretical developments within academic computer science and in part due to the recent popularity of Formal Methods amongst software engineers. There is now a widespread and growing recognition that formal techniques are central to the subject and that a good grasp of them is essential for a practising computer scientist. (p. 373). In his paper â€Å"The central role of mathematical logic in computer science†, Myers (1990) provided an extensive list of topics that demonstrate the importance of logic to many core areas in computer science and despite the fact that many of the topics in Myers list are more advanced than would be covered in a typical undergraduate program, the full list of topics covers much of the breadth and depth of the curriculum guidelines for computer science, Tucker (1990). The model program report (IEEE, 1983) described discrete mathematics as a subject area of mathematics that is crucial to computer science and engineering. The discrete mathematics course was to be a pre or co requisite of all 13 core subject areas except Fundamentals of Computing which had no pre requisites. However in Shaw’s (1985) opinion the IEEE program was strong mathematically but disappointing due to a heavy bias toward hardware and its failure to expose basic connections between hardware and software. In more recent years a task force had been set up to deve lop computer science curricula with the creation of a document known as the Denning Report, (Denning, 1989). The report became instrumental in developing computer science curriculum. In a discussion of the vital role of mathematics in the computing curriculum, the committee stated, mathematical maturity, as commonly attained through logically rigorous mathematics courses is essential to successful mastery of several fundamental topics in computing, (Tucker, 1990, p.27). It is generally agreed that students in undergraduate computer science programs should have a strong basis in mathematics and attempts to recommend which mathematics courses should be required, the number of mathematics courses and when the courses should be taken have been the source of much controversy (Berztiss, 1987; Dijkstra, 1989; Gries, 1990; Ralston and Shaw, 1980; Saiedian 1992). A central theme in the controversy within the computer science community has been the course discrete mathematics. In 1989, the Mathematical Association of America published a report about discrete mathematics at the undergraduate level (Ralston, 1989). The report made some recommendations including offering discrete mathematics courses with greater emphasis on problem solving and symbolic reasoning (Ralston, 1989; Myers, 1990). Conclusion The paper discussed the importance of discrete mathematics in computer science and its significance as a skill for the aspiring computer scientist. In addition some examples of this were highlighted including its usefulness in modelling tools to analyse real world events. This includes its wide range of applications such as computers, telephones, and other scientific phenomena. The next section looked at discrete structures as a concept of abstract mathematical structures and the development of set theory a sub topic within discrete mathematics. The essay concluded with a literature review of evidence based research in mathematical reasoning where various views and opinions of researchers, academics and other stakeholders were discussed and explored. The review makes clear of the overwhelming significance and evidence stacked in favour for students of computer science courses embarking on discrete mathematics. Overall, it is generally clear that pursuit of a computer science course w ould most definitely need the associated attributes in logical thinking skills, problem solving skills and a thorough understanding of the concepts. In addition the review included views of an increased interest in the use of logic in computer science in recent years. Furthermore formal techniques have been acknowledged and attributed as central to the subject of discrete mathematics in recent years. References A. Purkiss 2014, Lecture 1: Course Introduction and Numerical Representation, Birkbeck University. B. Miller and D. Ranum 2013. Problem Solving with Algorithms and Data Structures: accessed on [18.01.15] Berztiss, A. (1987). A mathematically focused curriculum for computer science. Communications of the ACM, 30 (5), 356–365. Copi, I. M. (1979). Symbolic Logic (5th ed.). New York: Macmillan Core-Plus Mathematics Project 2014: Discrete Mathematics available at http://www.wmich.edu/cpmp/parentresource/discrete.html [accessed on 25.01.14] 6. D W Kucker Notes on Mathematical Logic; University of Maryland, College Park. Available at http://www.math.umd.edu/~dkueker/712.pdf Accessed on [24.01.15] Denning, P. J. (chair). (1989). Computing as a discipline. Communications of the ACM, 32 (1), 9–23. Dijkstra, E. W. (1989). On the cruelty of really teaching computing science. Communications of the ACM, 32 (12), 1398–1404. Discrete and Continuous Data, (2008). Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. Available at http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Discrete%20and%20continuous%20data [accessed on 18.01.15]. Discrete Structures (2010) available at http://www.cs.odu.edu/~toida/nerzic/content/schedule/schedule.html#day3 [accessed on 25.01.15] Edward R. Scheinerman (2000), Mathematics, A Discrete Introduction (Brooks/Cole, Pacific Grove, CA, 2000): xvii–xviii. Cited in W. J. Rapaport (2013). Discrete Structures. What is Discrete Maths? available from http://www.cse.buffalo.edu/~rapaport/191/whatisdiscmath.html-20130629 accessed on [25.01.2015] Galton, A. (1992). Logic as a Formal Method. The Computer Journal 35 (5), 431–440 Gibbs, N. E., Tucker, A. B. (1986). A model curriculum for a liberal arts degree in computer science. Communications of the ACM 29 (3), 202–210 Goldson, D., Reeves, S., Bornat, R. (1993). A review of several programs for the teaching of logic. The Computer Journal, 36 (4), 373–386. Gries, D. (1990). Calculation and discrimination: A more effective curriculum. Communications of the ACM. 34 (3). 44–55. 16. http://www.cs.odu.edu/~toida/nerzic/content/intro2discrete/intro2discrete.html : Introduction to Discrete Structures What’s and Whys IEEE Model Program Committee. (1983). The 1983 IEEE Computer Society Model Program in Computer Science and Engineering. IEEE Computer Society. Educational Activities Board J. Barwise and J. Etchemendy, Language, Proof and Logic, Seven Bridges Press, New York, 2000, ISBN 1-889119-08-3. J. L. Bell Oppositions and Paradoxes in Mathematics and Philosophy available at http://publish.uwo.ca/~jbell/Oppositions%20and%20Paradoxes%20in%20Mathematics2.pdf accessed on [25.01.2015] 20. K. H Rosen 2012 Discrete Mathematics and its Applications, 7edn, Monmouth University. Myers, Jr. J. P. (1990). The Central role of mathematical logic in computer science. SIGCSE Bulletin, 22 (1), 22–26. Ralston, A. (Ed.) (1989). Discrete Mathematics in the First Two Years. MAA Notes No. 15. The Mathematical Association of America. Ralston, A., Shaw, M. (1980). Curriculum 78 Is computer science really that unmathematical? Communications of the ACM, 23 (2), 67–70. Rota, G.-C. (1997). The phenomenology of mathematical proof. Syntheses, 111:183-196. S. Waner S. R. Costenoble (1996) Introduction to Logic. Saiedian, H. (1992). Mathematics of computing. Computer Science Education, 3 (3), 203-221. Shaw, M. (Ed.) (1985). The Carnegie-Mellon Curriculum for Undergraduate Computer Science. New York: Springer-Verlag Sperschneider, V., Antoniou, G. (1991). Logic: A foundation for computer science International Computer Science Series. Reading, MA: Addison- Wesley The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2000). Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. Tucker, A. B. (Ed.) (1990). Computing Curricula 1991: Report of the ACM/IEEE-CS Joint Curriculum Task Force Final Draft, December 17. ACM Order Number 201910. IEEE Computer Society Press Order Number 2220

Rite of Encounter :: encounter

Rite of Encounter Rite of Encounter is, initially a very dry and imposing story. The reader is given same information repeatedly, as if it were not received the first time. This redundancy is an insult to the reader. For instance, in the very first line of the story the narrator tells the reader that, "In the third week of his fasting, Singing- Owl found the white man" (258). This information is given quite clearly, yet later the narrator repeats himself by saying, "A dog meant white men" (259). It is not necessary for the narrator to remind the reader. This "spoon-feeding" is insulting to the reader. The narration was also rather dry. There is little description. The story is conveyed to the reader without any details, and quite plainly, the story is simply reported. The omniscient third person narration is also, at times, confusing. The narration occasionally dips from third person to first without any explanation. For example, when Singing- Owl is suffering of dehydration, fatigue, and hunger the n arrator is reporting the condition of the character. Suddenly, the next line reads, "Water. Must get water" (258). It is unclear who says this. Not suprisingly, Bates, employs this strange tactic again to demonstrate Singing- Owl's exhaustion. The narrator comments on Singing- Owl's declining condition, then says, "Perhaps I'm tired. All right. I am tired" (261). Again, the reader is left unassured of who is speaking. This intentional alteration of narration only robs the story of unity. There is, however, one manipulation of the characters which is interesting. Smallpox is characterized beautifully. Giving life to a disease gives life to a story, which, from the beginning, is dragging on without such animation. Smallpox mocks our "hero", Singing- Owl. This tormenting by a naturally inanimate character saturates the story with fantasy and mysticism. The conclusion of the story, unfortunately, leaves the reader with the same sense of disappointment with which it was started. Singing- Owl, rather than becoming a hero, becomes a marionette for Smallpox to control. Singing- Owl breaks down and agrees to bring Smallpox back to the tribe. Even though Singing- Owl does not completely understand the methods of Smallpox, he does understand the negative repercussions. Yet, Singing- Owl grants Smallpox's wish. This event is disappointing to the reader and degrades the main character. Singing- Owl gains some redemption by trying to infect his enemies, but is not effective and is going to die a dishonored man.