Life Cycle Assessment of Natural Rubber Wellies

Life Cycle Assessment of Natural Rubber Wellies LCA Boundaries and Assumptions: A hypothetical situation was created to symbolize a likely life cycle for a pair of Joules brand rubber boots. Therefore, Thailand was chosen as a source of natural rubber as one of the worlds largest producers. China was chosen as the Joules company website clearly states their products are handmade in China. I contacted the company to see if they could give me information on the location of their manufacturing facility but they could not divulge this. Transportation distances are based on locations of busy forts, shipment through the Suez Canal, and appropriate distances from major ports to smaller retailers within the UK. Another assumption is that these boots are made of 100% natural leather with chemical inputs rather than a mix of synthetic and natural rubber to make the life cycle less complex. Greenhouse gases are considered for processing facilities and transportation but not the footprints of the construction of these facilities and equipment. Also, it is assumed the boots are not recycled or reused and instead, immediately disposed of in a landfill. The working conditions of factory workers in the manufacturing of this product are not specific to the creation of this particular project but the industry overall and facts concerning the presence of rubber in landfills pertains to all forms of rubber (dominated by tires). Step 1: Rubber plantation growth and latex extraction Description of step The sap of the rubber tree, or Hevea brasiliensis, known as latex is tapped by diagonally cutting across the trees bark and allowing the sap to drain (Peeples, 2016). The maturity time for a rubber tree is seven years (Yujie et al., 2012). About 300 ml of latex sap can be harvested from one rubber tree each day (Anjitha, 2013). Over 90% of the worlds rubber plantations are found in Southeast Asia (Gamaralalage, Sawai, and Nunours, 2016; Rubber Manufacturers Association, n.d.). Thailand and Indonesia each produce about one third of annual global rubber production (Ives, 2013). Southeast Asia is only home to 1.5% of historically valuable areas for growth of rubber trees but currently produces 97% of the worlds natural rubber resources (Ahrends et al., 2015). planting in sub optimal regions does lead to crop failures Environmental Impacts Climate Topsoil erosion on monoculture plantations à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   decreased soil carbon sequestration (Ives, 2013). Climate Change likely to lead to unpredictable weather patterns and monsoon periods à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   increasing vulnerability of plantations Large-scale plantation failures in Southern China were linked to drought and/or unexpectedly cold winters in 2008, 2010, and 2013 (Ahrends et al., 2015). Indonesia has faced periods of drought and forest fires that have negatively affected the industry (Suwannakji, 2015). Water Large amounts of fertilizers and herbicides used on rubber plantations à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   eutrophication of local rivers with increase in nitrogen and phosphorus contributions (Gamaralalage, Sawai, and Nunoura, 2016). Terrestrial Ecosystems and Animals Rubber plantations increasingly planted on steeper hillsides à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   monsoon season occurs à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   washout of topsoil, altered pH levels of streams, eutrophication (Kaiyoorawong and Yangdee, 2006) Asian Development Bank reported that in the Xishuangbanna region of China each hectare of rubber plantation loses an estimated 22.5 tons of soil per year (Ives, 2013). Loss of Biodiversity Many rain forests converted to monoculture plantations (Liu et al., 2006; Li et al., 2007) Yunnan Province in China, known for great emergence of rubber industry is also home worlds most northern tropical forests, one fifth of Chinas mammals, and one third of its birds (Ives, 2013). Loss of forest land cover linked to loss of habitat for species In the Yunnan Province of China, plantations are destroying habitats of the Asian elephant and white-checked gibbons (Ives, 2013). Loss of protected environmental lands From 2005 to 2010, more than 610 square km of protected areas were converted to plantation in Southeast Asia (Ahrends et al., 2015). Harm to aquatic environments Eutrophication in water bodies leads to large-scale algal blooms which die and consume all of the available dissolved oxygen in aquatic environments as they decompose, leading to the collapse of ecosystems and die-off. Human Health and Societal Impacts Workers on plantations have no knowledge of the market and are controlled by the landowners that employ them. Price fluctuations can have very fast and damaging effects on tapping communities (Ahrends et al., 2015). Long work hours combined with a lack of autonomy lead to less life satisfaction. Chinese landowners and companies have begun buying up land on the Malay Peninsula. This means profit from sap no longer stays within local communities (Ahrends et al., 2015). Plays into long-term tension in which richer China and Thailand have a tendency to exploite the poorer Laos and Myanmar for resources (Sturgeon, 2013). Deforestation and local environmental change are linked to the harm of local ethnic communities, notably in China (Liu et al., 2006). Increase in malaria cases on plantations plantations provide breeding habitats for mosquitoes including latex-collecting cups and water storage containers (Tangena et al., 2016). In Thailand and Indonesia, 30-40% of all malaria cases annually are linked to farmers and those associated with the agricultural industry (Bhumiratana et al., 2013). Health issues failing eyesight for tappers who generally work through the night in SEA with limited light, eye and skin irritation and respiratory issues from spraying chemicals without protection, and inadequate rest (Kaiyoorawong and Yangdee, 2006). Step 2: Transport of sap barrels to processor facility Huge tanks on pick-up trucks transport sap to processing facilities not far from plantations (Chaiear, 2010). Environmental Impacts Climate considerations for greenhouse gases created from the burning of fossil fuels, notably carbon dioxide Air release of particulate matter, nitrous oxides, etc. that contribute to air pollution Human Health and Societal Impacts Often the people who own the processing facility also own the plantations as one dominated supply chain in which workers have little decision making power. Trade unions have struggled in some countries because companies will just lay off tons of workers to break them up (Kaiyoorawong and Yangdee, 2006). Vehicles used are often old and unsafe from a lack of proper maintenance. A lack of proper infrastructure and safe roadways from plantation to processing facility can increase the risk of fatal car accidents. Step 3: Processing and production of rubber sheets Description of steps: Coagulation collected latex for trees is put into larger tanks and formic acid is added à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   latex is allowed to coagulate (takes about 12 hours), product known as coagulum à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   coagulum is squeezed through a series of rolls to drive out water, product is soft solid slabs (Anjitha, 2013) Smoking Pressed coagulum is draped over wooden frames and smoked in smokehouses à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   several days to dry, result is known as ribbed smoked sheets Can also be done by drying coagulum outside in sun, product is air dried sheets and are better grade (Anjitha, 2013) Environmental Impacts Air There is a lot of particulate matter generated particularly in the smoking stage. Particulate matter can affect growth of nearby plantations and cause human respiratory issues (Anjitha, 2013). Water Water pollution from coagulation process which is very acidic and contains high levels of nitrogen and ammonia (Edirisinghe, 2014). Issues associated with eutrophication and additional potential for groundwater contamination can be considered for this step. Terrestrial Ecosystems Smoking stage requires the burning of a lot of local wood exacerbates the threat of deforestation and loss of biodiversity Human Health and Societal Impacts Low hygiene in production facilities no gloves worn in chemical coagulation treatment (Gamaralalage, Sawai, and Nunoura, 2016). Facilities are likely not cleaned routinely and potential hazards are likely not cleared often. Dizziness among workers from daily exposure to ammonia (Gamaralalage, Sawai, and Nunoura, 2016). Debate about economic gain vs. environmental detriment Some community members in Yunnan Province of China acknowledged environmental harm but said they needed and appreciated the economic gain from the rubber industry (Ives, 2013). The average middle class factory worker in Indonesia makes $8.60 per day and $6.70 in Vietnam (Jiaxong and Yangon, 2015). Very low wages and very dangerous conditions for other careers Another study of the garment industry found the hourly wages for factory workers to be; $0.13 per hour in Bangladesh, $0.26 per hour in Vietnam, and $0.44 per hour in China (Powell and Skarbek, 2004) These have likely risen since 2004 but the proportions still likely remain similar Step 4: Transport of sheets to Chinese manufacturer Ten of the busiest ports in the world are in China with Shanghai being the busiest (Jiaxing and Yangon, 2015). choice for this exercise Environmental Impacts Climate Greenhouse gas emissions need to be considered However, maritime shipping is the worlds most carbon-efficient form of transporting goods (Helms, 2013). Air The largest 15 ships in the world emit as much nitrogen oxide and Sulphur oxide as the worlds 760 million cars. There are few regulations for smoke stack emissions on these ships (Helms, 2013). Human Health and Societal Impacts Price at port dominated by China who control demand for rubber as the worlds largest manufacturer and user (Kaiyoorawong and Yangdee, 2006). Often those working on shipping vessels work long hours and spend many days away from home. This career would make it difficult to have a healthfully functioning family. Step 5: Manufacturing, final product assembly, and packaging Description of steps: Compound mixing Chemicals additive liquid mixture including fillers, vulcanization activators, and accelerators are added to rubber (Anjitha, 2013). There are typically between five and twenty additives in most rubbers one example is carbon black which is used as a reinforcing filler (Forrest, 2015). Shaping consists of 4 main processes Extrusion, Calendaring, Coating, Molding Consists of very large machines used to clean rubber, chop it into pellets, pressurize it, and form it into new sheets under high pressure resulting forms of rubber are specific to industry needs and product dimensions (Anjitha, 2013) Vulcanization Process that allows additives to react with rubber to give it its stiffer, stronger, heat and cold tolerant characteristics subject to very high temperatures (Anjitha, 2013) Liners for boots are spun from polyester yarn A machine spins the form (Guney, 2013) Liner and inner rubber form are formed outer rubber pieces are applied (Nicholson, 2011) several steps and product checks here Company labels applied (Guney, 2013) Packaging with cardboard outer box and paper interior packaging (Guney, 2013) Handmade likely means exterior rubber and sole placement is done by hand but machines still provide greater efficiency at each step (Nicholson, 2013) Environmental Impacts Air There is a terrible odor associated with rubber processing associated with ammonia and other, potentially toxic, compounds (Ives, 2013). Over 30 different potentially harmful chemicals have been found in rubber processing fumes include highly volatile hydrocarbons, amines, aldehydes, aerosols, etc. (Forrest, 2015). Although the Joules company claims to be handmade, it is almost guaranteed that many steps of the production process are partially mechanized. This means all of the machines are powered by fossil fuels that emit greenhouse gases when burned (Also linked to climate) Climate Large amount of VOCs created in aforementioned manufacturing processes (Anjitha, 2013). Ozone depleting substances have been found in coatings and adhesives used in some factories (Anjitha, 2013). Other gases produced from the rubber industry include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides, and carbon monoxide (Akrill et al., 2002). Water Industry produces effluents that are not properly treated in many situations and released directly into surrounding environments à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   groundwater pollution (Hamid et al., 2016) potential impacts to aquatic environments and collapse of communities similar to those mentioned above Ex: Sri Lanka small operations on the island contribute a majority of rubber do not have access to adequate water treatment facilities à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   disgusting odor of water linked to effluent discharge, decreased water quality (Gamaralalage, Sawai, and Nunoura, 2016). Lead has also been found in dangerous amounts in effluent discharge (Akrill et al., 2002). Human Health and Societal Impacts The machines and knives used in extrusion pose occupational hazards for workers whose hands can get trapped when machines get clogged (Hamid et al., 2016). Very loud machines throughout the final processing stages can cause ear drum damage for workers who are not given proper means for ear protection (Akrill et al., 2016). Many negative health effects found: (Anjitha, 2013; Akrill et al., 2002; Ke and Shunzhang, 2002; Chaiear, 2010) Deaths from bladder, stomach, lung, and other cancer in rubber industry- companies claim it is difficult to link to specific chemicals or worker roles, but black carbon, for example, known to be carcinogenic Benzene exposure linked specifically to leukemia in electronics manufacturers benzene also used in rubber manufacturing (Blanding and White, 2015) Skin rashes and other irritation Adverse respiratory effects including chest tightness, shortness of breath, chronic cough, etc Birth defects were also experienced in women pregnant during their work in the rubber industry. The negative health effects of the rubber industry were first studied back in the 1950s (Uchida et al., 1993). The issues are still not being effectively dealt with. The Chinese government often underreports workplace-related accidents and illnesses. Companies attempt to use whatever loopholes available to avoid paying workers compensation and one-time settlements are commonly pushed. The Chinese healthcare system is also inefficient and workers are caught in a complex web (Blanding and White, 2015). Work place accidents are common due to the mishandling of highly volatile and flammable components à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   freqent explosions and associated health impacts and fatalities (Hamid et al., 2016; Chaiear, 2010). Total vision loss for some workers was reported in a massive rubber production zone. The most likely cause was black carbon exposure (Hamid et al., 2016). Increasing suicide rates in Chinas manufacturing industry linked to long work hours and repetitive nature of work (Smyth et al., 2013). One study for hours worked for migrant workers in China showed 40% worked 40-60 hours per week, 25% working 70 hours per week and 7% working more than 70 hours. The mean was 55.5 hours per week (Feng et al., 2002). Many migrant workers are also not part of the workers compensation system in China allowing companies to exploit them and not be held responsible at health for paying medical bills, lost wages, etc. (Blanding and White, 2015). Rationale for products not being handmade in the UK Chinas factories are far cheaper than in other rich nations. Many workers get paid right at the minimum wage which is about one quarter of that in the US. Many companies are moving farther inland in China for even cheaper wages in previously poor rural areas (Jiaxing and Yangon, 2015). Also, studies have found multinational companies offer higher wages and a better standard of living than domestic subcontractors would offer. Therefore, many view the system as important for a better lifestyle (Powell and Skarbek, 2004). Step 6: Transport of final product to port Environmental Impacts similar to Step 2 but the distances traveled are likely longer putting more stress on people are work many long hours away from home Step 7: Shipment of product to the UK Environmental Impacts similar to step 4, assuming freight is coming through the Port of Felixstowe, the UKs largest port (World Shipping council, 2017) Step 8: Transport to UK seller facility Environmental Impacts similar to step 2 and 6 Step 9: Product use Environmental Impacts not very relevant when in the use of the consumer other than considering that people needed to drive to the store or have products delivered from online by truck the previous greenhouse gas emissions and air polluters are also included here (I chose not to include treatments and additional waterproofing coatings sometimes added, but they can contain chemicals potentially leading to air and water pollution.) Human Health and Societal Impacts Company marketing makes one think that the product is handmade by a UK company, but upon further examination it is obvious the product was made in China. After contacting the company, I know it is very difficult to know the origins of any of the natural resources or where the product is actually manufactured. Also, the marketing of Joules attempts to market to rural communities in terms or durability and will show farms in adds, but also market to more posh urban consumers with bright colors, patterns, and bows in designs. Joules has fewer products marketed on their site than many other brands and so want to appear as a timeless brand. However, they still advertise new lines and products differ by year. This is still breeding a consumption culture of needing the new and different design rather than keeping the boots for an extended lifetime. Step 10: Disposal Description of step Although rubber boots could be reused and can have a potentially long lifetime with one consumer, we are skipping directly to disposal in a landfill. There are over 200 million waste tires in the US alone taken to landfills each year. Rubber only makes up less than 8% of total US landfill composition (Clark, 2013). There is also waste from all of the other production processes that is also likely transported to landfills or not disposed of the most environmentally conscious way. For example, the cardboard and paper packaging could be recycled, but for this case, I will assume the consumer fails to do so. Undesirable rubber sheets due to insect accumulation or products made incorrectly likely go to landfills as well, piling up as workplace hazards in factories before disposal. However, this is the consumer usually does not consider. Environmental Impacts Water Natural rubber would be biodegradable before treating but additives and layers apply make this unlikely in landfills. Chemical additives can leach out of improperly sealed landfills à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   water pollution (Clark, 2013) Climate Natural rubber in landfills, if able to biodegrade will still contribute to methane creation within landfills. Human Health and Societal Impacts Countries like the UK with very limited land area need to make tough decisions as a society about how to ethically and efficiently deal with issues of waste. Therefore, in this way each consumer is affected. References Ahrends, A., Hollingsworth, P. M., Ziegler, A. D., Fox, J. M., Chen, H., Su, Y., and Xu, J. (2015) Current trends of rubber plantation expansion may threaten biodiversity and livelihoods. Global Environmental Change, 34, 48-58. doi:10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2015.06.002. Akrill, P., Cocker, J. and Dixon, S. (2002) Occupational exposure in the rubber manufacturing industry. IARC, 134: 265-269. Anjitha, G. (2013) Rubber and environment. Sri Lanka Insitute of Information, Technology. Academia.edu. from http://www.academia.edu/6391326/Rubber_and_environment [12.2.17] Bhumiratana, A., Sorosjinda-Nunthawarasilp, P., Kaewwaen, W., Maneekan, P., and Pimnon, S. (2013) Malaria-associated rubber plantations in Thailand. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease, 11(1), 37-50. doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy1.allegheny.edu:2048/10.1016/j.tmaid.2012.11.002. Blanding, M., and White, H. (2015) How China is screwing over its poisoned factory workers. Wired. https://www.wired.com/2015/04/inside-chinese-factories/#slide-3 [5.3.17]. Chaiear, N. (2010) Update on health and safety in the rubber industries. GB: Ismithers Rapra. Clark, T. (2013) Advancements in rubber disposal: Biodegradation and the environment. ENSO Plastics, LLC. International Latex Conference 2013. ://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140501222120-11496812-advancements-in-rubber-disposal-biodegradation-and-the-environment [27.2.17] Edirisinghe, J. C. (2014) Taxing the pollution: A case for reducing the environmental impacts of rubber production in Sri Lanka. Journal of South Asian Development, 9(1), 71-90. doi:10.1177/0973174113520585. Forrest, M. (2015) The composition and nature of vulcanisation fumes in the rubber industry A technical review. Progress in Rubber, Plastics and Recycling Technology, 31(4), 219-264. Gamaralalage, D., Sawai, O., and Nunoura, T. (2016) Effectiveness of available wastewater treatment facilities in rubber production industries in sri lanka.International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, 7(12), 940-945. doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy1.allegheny.edu:2048/10.18178/ijesd.2016.7.12.908. Guney, I. (2013) How its made: rubber boots. Discovery Channel. Youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuSWAMxdcHg [25.2.17]. Hamid, A., Saeed, I., Akhtar, S., and Ahmad, S. R. (2016) Environmental profile of a rubber industry. Nature Environment and Pollution Technology, 15(3), 957-961. Helms, J. (2013) Worlds 15 biggest ships create more pollution than all the cars in the world. Industry Tap News. http://www.industrytap.com/worlds-15-biggest-ships-create-more-pollution-than-all-the-cars-in-the-world/8182 [28.2.17]. Ives, M. (2013) The rise of rubber takes toll on forests of southwest china. Yale Environment 360 (E360). http://e360.yale.edu/features/the_rise_of_rubber_takes_toll_on_forests_of_southwest_china [12.2.17]. Jiaxing and Yangon. (2015) The future of factory Asia: A tightening grip. The Economist. http://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21646180-rising-chinese-wages-will-only-strengthen-asias-hold-manufacturing-tightening-grip [26.2.17]. Kaiyoorawong, S. and Yangdee, B. (2006) Rights of rubber farmers in Thailand under free trade. Project for Ecological Awareness Building. http://wrm.org.uy/oldsite/countries/Thailand/Rights_of_rubber_farmers_in_Thailand.pdf [27.2.17] Ke, L., and Shunzhang, Y. (2002) Mortality in a Chinese rubber factory: A prospective cohort study. Journal of Occupational Health, 44(2), 76-82. doi:10.1539/joh.44.76. Li, H., Aide, T. M., Ma, Y., Liu, W., Cao, M. (2007) Demand for rubber is causing the loss of high diversity rain forest in SW China. Biodiversity and Conservation, 16(6), 1731-1745. doi:10.1007/s10531-006-9052-7. Liu, W., Hu, H., Ma, Y., Li, H. (2006). Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of increasing rubber plantations in Menglun Township, southwest China. Mountain Research and Development, 26(3), 245-248,250-253. Nicholson, J. (2011) Boot assembly operations. Youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0nDuWIp3K0 [25.2.17]. Peeples, L. (2016) The origin of rubber boots. Scientific American. The Sciences Online. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/origin-rubber-boots-amazonian-indians-goodyear/ [25.2.17]. Powell, B. and Skarbek, D. (2004) Sweatshops and third world living standards: are the jobs worth the sweat? The Independent Institute. http://www.independent.org/publications/working_papers/article.asp?id=1369 [5.3.17]. Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA). (n.d.). Rubber faqs. RMA online. https://rma.org/about-rma/rubber-faqs/ [12.2.17]. Smyth, R., Qian, X., Nielsen, I., and Kaempfer, I. (2013) Working hours in supply chain Chinese and Thai factories: Evidence from the fair labor associations Soccer project. British Journal of Industrial Relations, 51(2), 382-408. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8543.2011.00881.x. Sturgeon, J. C. (2013) Cross-border rubber cultivation between China and Laos: Regionalization by Akha and Tai rubber farmers: Cross-border rubber cultivation. Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography, 34(1), 70-85. doi:10.1111/sjtg.12014. Suwannakij, S. (2015) Too much rubber, too few tires leaves tappers in a sticky place. Bloomberg Markets. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-12-29/too-much-rubber-too-few-tires-leaves-tappers-in-a-sticky-place [26.2.17]. Tangena, J. A., Thammavong, P., Wilson, A. L., Brey, P. T., and Lindsay, S. W. (2016) Risk and control of mosquito-borne diseases in southeast Asian rubber plantations. Trends in Parasitology, 32(5), 402-415. doi:10.1016/j.pt.2016.01.009. Uchida, Y., Nakatsuka, H., Ukai, H., Watanabe, T., Liu, Y. T., Huang, M. Y., and Ikeda, M. (1993) Symptoms and signs in workers exposed predominantly to xylenes. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 64(8), 597-605. World Shipping Council. (2017) About the industry: top 50 world container ports. World Shipping Council. http://www.worldshipping.org/about-the-industry/global-trade/top-50-world-container-ports [28.2.17]. Yujie, Z., Jusheng, J., Zongbo, P., Qunhui, W., and Daiqun, X. (2012) Ecosystem management in the natural rubber industry. Journal of Resources and Ecology, 3(3), 230-235. doi:10.5814/j.issn.1674-764x.2012.03.005.

Computerized Scheduling System Essay

A computerized reservations and scheduling system is provided which alternately allows transportation consumers to select from pre-scheduled transportation services provided by transportation providers or to negotiate and contract with transportation providers who have available unscheduled transportation space. The system comprises a central computerized data base. Transportation providers and consumers alike access the computer via a plurality of terminal units. The central computerized data base comprises a â€Å"maybe† file for storing information regarding available unscheduled transportation space which may be offered by a provider for service if a suitable consumer demand exists and for storing information regarding unscheduled transportation space which is needed by consumers. The â€Å"maybe† file facilitates negotiating and contracting between the parties. Scheduling is the process of deciding how to commit resources between a variety of possible tasks. Time can be specified (scheduling a flight to leave at 8:00) or floating as part of a sequence of events. The word may also refer to: * I/O scheduling, the order in which I/O requests are submitted to a block device in Computer Operating Systems * Scheduling (broadcasting), the minute planning of the content of a radio or television broadcast channel * Scheduling algorithm * Scheduling (computing), the way various processes are assigned in multitasking and multiprocessing operating system design * Scheduling (production processes), the planning of the production or the operation * Schedule (workplace), ensuring that an organization has sufficient staffing levels at all times * Job scheduler, an enterprise software application in charge of unattended background executions. * Job Shop Scheduling, an optimization problem in computer science. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scheduling Scheduling is a key concept in computer multitasking, multiprocessing operating system and real-time operating system designs. Scheduling refers to the way processes are assigned to run on the available CPUs, since there are typically many more processes running than there are available CPUs. This assignment is carried out by softwares known as a scheduler and dispatcher. The scheduler is concerned mainly with: * Throughput – number of processes that complete their execution per time unit. * Latency, specifically: * Turnaround – total time between submission of a process and its completion. * Response time – amount of time it takes from when a request was submitted until the first response is produced. * Fairness – Equal CPU time to each process (or more generally appropriate times according to each process’ priority).

Essay on Carson McCullers - 1148 Words

Carson McCullers Walter Allen said of Carson McCullers; ``Faulkner apart, the most remarkable novelist the South has produced seems to me Carson McCullers (Allen 208). Her work is marked with the feeling of loneliness coming from her lonely childhood (spiritual isolation is the basis of most of her themes) and the music she always wanted to study. She wrote novels, short stories and dramas. In all she received the recognition of both the public, her fellows writers, and critics. Carson McCullers is a talented Southern American writer who touched others with her ability to describe human complexity with a touch of poesy. Carson is a precocious writer considered to be full of talent. She started to†¦show more content†¦She is ``able to persuade us that contemporary reality and legendary story are one (Graver 209). The worlds she created are imaginary but in their ``depth and variety can look like the reality (Allen 208). A lot of critics speak about the poetic aspect of her work and think that ``With her, the Southern tradition of the Gothic novel is refined into a poetic sensibility which has not escaped either imitation or misuse (Hassan 506). Even if her novels are all in prose and ``not in any obvious sense poetic (Allen 208), ``from its first appearance, critics have recognized the Lyricism of the McCullers narrative style, which can render even sordid subject matter in poetic terms (Griffith 209). This come from her first vocation which was music. One can find this constant presence of music in her novels: ballad and Negro song. This is a part of the spirit of the deep South she described in her work. As she was born in Georgia and most of her novels take place in the South, she is always connected with this region. Some people called her work gothic because of her characters who all have a physical or psychological deficiency. 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The realism of the story is astounding, as most people will often find themselves torn when facing difficult family decisions. The Meadows’ family is torn by both compassion and suffering, and Martin Meadows is faced with one of the most difficult decisions of his life. In A Domestic Dilemma, the author conveys the idea that individuals facing difficult decisions inRead More The Real Sucker Essay456 Words   |  2 Pages The Real Sucker Geoff Karanasos CARSON McCULLERS December 12, 1996 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Many Different experiences in a childs life help form the personality and attitude he or she will adopt later in life. One such example of this is a fictional character named Sucker. This young boy really admired his cousin Pete, whom he lived with. Sucker was just an innocent child who would believe anything Pete said. The more Sucker admired Pete, the more Pete resented Sucker. This went on untilRead MoreNoteworthy American Writers: Carson McCullers Essay2022 Words   |  9 PagesCarson McCullers is regarded as one of the most noteworthy American writers of the twentieth century. She had a challenging life; she was constantly battling illness, a turbulent marriage and alcoholism. The way she lived and felt is reflected in some of her novellas and short stories. In Ballad of a Sad Cafe there is a blend of isolation and the absence of love that consumes three characters: Amelia, Marvin, and Lymon. The novella The Members of the Wedding delves into the life of Frankie Adams

The Taming of the Shrew Psychological Masks - 918 Words

In the play, The Taming of the Shrew, by William Shakespeare, there is a recurring theme of people hiding their real identity. First, there are cases of deception, such as Tranio pretending to be Lucentio, Lucentio pretending to be a Latin tutor, Hortensio pretending to be a music tutor. More complex than these obvious examples of deception are Shakespeare’s clever uses of psychological masks. Several characters in the play take on roles that do not agree with their personalities. The psychological masks that they wear are not immediately apparent to the audience, or even to the characters themselves, until they are unmasked through the course of the play. Shakespeare mostly uses this device with the characters of Katherina, Bianca,†¦show more content†¦Petruchio wears the psychological mask of a guy who only has eyes for money. He makes his mask clear to the reader when he tells Hortensio to â€Å"wife wealthily† adding â€Å"you don’t know the p ower of gold.† after being told about Katherina’s bad behavior, not to mention her temper. It appears that Petruchio marries Kate for her money, but immediately starts to â€Å"kill her with kindness†. He begins going so by depriving her of food and sleep because he claims that neither the food from the kitchen nor the bed is good enough for her. Petruchio puts on a show of bad temper towards his servants for every fault, showing Kate what it is like to live with a bad-tempered person. For the first time in her life, Kate finds herself trying to get someone else to control their anger. Petruchio also shows Kate that she will get the things she wants when she learns to agree with what her husband says. By treating Kate in this manner, Petruchio seems cruel, but there is a reason for it. If he were truly interested only in money, he could have left Kate at home and gone out on his own. In the end, his efforts to improve his wife have worked. He improves Ka te’s life, so that she does not continue to live an unhappy life. Because of Petruchio, Katherina the shrew is happily married in the end, and comes to be a good example toShow MoreRelated The Relationship Between Katherine and Bianca in The Taming of the Shrew1186 Words   |  5 PagesThe Relationship Between Katherine and Bianca in The Taming of the Shrew   Ã‚   William Shakespeare is considered the greatest playwright of all time.   His gift for developing characters is one major aspect that accounts for this lofty acknowledgement.   Shakespeare created various characters from drunks and fools to kings and generals.   The characters are so human and so real that the audience can see aspects of their own personalities represented on stage for better or worse.   InadvertentlyRead Morewisdom,humor and faith19596 Words   |  79 PagesChesterton, Niebuhr, and Auden 27 Conclusion 34 Copyright  © 2011 by Walter G. Moss WISDOM, HUMOR, AND FAITH: A HISTORICAL VIEW â€Å"And frame your mind to mirth and merriment, / Which bars a thousand harms and lengthens life.† Shakespeare, The Taming of the Shrew, Induction, Scene 2. â€Å"Laughter without a tinge of philosophy is but a sneeze of humor. Genuine humor is replete with wisdom.† Mark Twain, quoted in Opie Percival Read, Mark Twain and I (1940), 17. â€Å"Humor offers both a form of wisdom and