Ellen Ochoa Essay Example

Ellen Ochoa Paper Ellen Ochoa Ellen Lauri Ochoa was born May 10, 1985 in L. A, California. Her parents are Joseph Ochoa and Rosanne Ochoa. Ellen Ochoa grew up in La, Mesa. When Ellen was a junior in high school her father left the family. Her mother struggled with 5 children alone. Her mother always helped her children to achieve. Her mother used to tell her to â€Å"Reach for the Stars†! In high school earned a reputation of being a great classical flutist and she was valedictorian of her graduating class of 1975! After high school she attended San Diego State University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1980(Before she was planning to study journalism but changed her mind into that she wanted to study physics). She then received her masters in science degree and doctorate in electrical engineering from Stanford University in 1981 and 1985. She later became a researcher at Sandia National Laboratories and NASA Ames research center. Ochoa later selected into NASA’s space program then she was accepted in the July of 1991 and became the first Hispanic woman in space on the Discovery, on this 9-day mission the crew of Discovery conducted atmospheric and solar studies in order to better understand the effect of solar activity on the Earths climate and environment. Ochoa is now married to Coe Fuller Miles which who she has 2 children with. She is now a retired astronaut and engineer and she is currently Deputy Director of the Johnson Space Center. She is a inspiration to many that you have to reach for what you want in life . We will write a custom essay sample on Ellen Ochoa specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Ellen Ochoa specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Ellen Ochoa specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

How to Weed - and Edit - and Work - Effectively

How to Weed - and Edit - and Work - Effectively In my newsletter last week, I wrote about weeding. The letter did not go out until Friday- a notoriously bad day to send out a newsletter- so I am expanding on the theme in a full-out blog. Weeding is an art. We all know that if you don’t weed out the roots of a plant, the plant will grow back. There are many metaphors for this phenomenon. But that’s not what I’m going to talk about today. I’m reflecting instead on the process of weeding. When I go into my garden to weed, I find I’m more effective if I choose the type of weed I’m going to pull: â€Å"Today I’m going to pull out all the grass in my garden.† â€Å"Today I’m going to pull out all the lemon balm.† When my eyes and brain are looking for one particular thing, I have a much easier time spotting it than if I were to say â€Å"I’m going to weed all types of weeds today† or â€Å"I’m going to pick tomatoes and weed as I do it.† Sometimes it can also work to weed a small area of everything that is NOT the lettuce, or the tomato, or the garlic. Again, my brain is focused on one thing, in one small space. When I’m unfocused, I miss a lot of things. Even the thought of weeding my entire garden of everything I don’t want there raises my heart rate and sends me into overwhelm. Its simply too much to do, especially when I have so many other tasks pulling for my attention! I need to take one thing at a time. Weeding is like editing. Like my experience of weeding, if I limit myself to one thing I do a better job. Looking through a document to check for periods at the end of each bullet, or to check for extra spaces, means I’m likely to catch the one thing I’m looking for. Did I overuse the word â€Å"that†? Or â€Å"just†? Or â€Å"really†? It works best to search on each of those words one at a time. Conversely, if I try to find every error, I’ll probably miss a bunch of them. [For a list of common errors to look for, see The Write Life’s 25 Editing Tips for Tightening Your Copy] Despite knowing the downsides of overcommitment in proofreading, my brain often wants to do everything at once and fix everything at once. It takes some wrangling to get myself to concentrate on one thing at a time, especially in this age of distraction. In fact, as I sat down to write this blog I went to do some research on multitasking and ended up doing something else before getting to my Google search. Then my phone rang and I took the call before finally getting back to my article. Have I lost your attention yet? Perhaps I have. I am talking about multitasking, and I have taken you along for the ride†¦ and we all know by now that our brains are not wired for multitasking! Here’s a great article, Multitasking is Killing Your Brain, that describes how multitasking lowers your work quality and productivity, harms your IQ (possibly permanently), increases stress levels, and simply exhausts you. Weeding can be an antidote to multitasking. There is practice to be had in concentrating on one thing at a time, and we could all stand to do a lot more of it. It’s time for me to get out into my garden.

L2 Journal Article Critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

L2 Journal Article Critique - Essay Example There are discussions of few theories in the Second Language Acquisition (SLA) such as Stephen Krashen’s theory though it had some drawbacks and failed to answer few questions. The 1990’s saw some good theories in relation to SLA such as Michael Long’s interaction hypothesis, Merrill Swain’s output hypothesis and Richard Schimdt’s noticing hypothesis. After this brief discussion, the author then goes on to highlight the differences between mother tongue and second language acquisition. He says that learning of a mother tongue is a natural process and the child has the interest of learning it right from the moment he or she is born. On the other hand, learning a foreign is an artificial process and the child has little motivation towards learning it. After this, comes the problem in learning the second language where factors like age, attitude, background/ atmosphere is taken into consideration. It also discusses the interferences from the mother lan guage such as sound, structure, word order and issues like vocabulary, capitalisation, apostrophes and pronunciation. The author then continues the article by discussing the benefits as to how a mother tongue helps during the learning of a second language. Finally the author concludes the article by saying that the first language or the mother tongues definitely causes interference in the learning of the second language. (Bialystok & Hakuta, 1994) The author has done a very good in depth review of the subject at hand. He has started with a brief discussion about first and second to make the readers understand what it actually means. Later on he also glanced into the history of the evolution of second language. In the later part the author has done a thorough discussion about the differences in the mother tongue and second language and how it can pose a problem in the learning. Since the topic of discussion is â€Å"Role of mother tongue in learning English as the second language†, this part is important

Aspects of Cultural and Racial Differences Annotated Bibliography

Aspects of Cultural and Racial Differences - Annotated Bibliography Example The paper "Aspects of Cultural and Racial Differences" talks about the realism as a unique approach in addressing the characters in Jean Rhy’s wide Sargasso Sea. The aspects of cultural and racial differences as displayed in the main book are discussed in this paper. â€Å"Empty spaces† is a term used to show the themes of racial prejudice.Winterhalter is credited for having intelligent views on many topics that touch on gender aspects in the society. In this article, she provides an analysis of the stylistic devices that Jean Rhy uses in her novel. Unlike many of the articles that concentrate on themes and characters in their analysis, she presents her thought from a third-party point of view. This creates an alternative view of the book and readers can develop an independent analysis of the books in question. Her technique of narration and explanation of major themes as viewed by independent thinkers is admirable. Among her articles that discuss these themes, this is the best explained and objective according to many pundits.By choosing this article as a reference point of Wide Sargasso Sea essay, one can borrow a lot of aspects from the writer's view. It is qualified because it demonstrates the essence of discussing various social issues such as racism and gender prejudice. She succeeds in narrating various strong points which form the basis of the novel. The article too can be criticized because of its strong views which at some point, discredit and portrays the weakness of the novel.

Nurse Intervention in Cervical Screening Programmes

Nurse Intervention in Cervical Screening Programmes Nurses deliver care to patients in an ever-changing environment that revolves around changes in local and governmental policies as well as technology and pharmaceutical advancement for effective practice, (Ellis, 2016). According to Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct (2015), nurses assess patients’ needs and deliver timely, efficient and effective patient care based on the best available evidence. Evidence Based Practice is the integration of best research evidence with nursing practice and patient needs and values to facilitate effective care, it also promotes quality, safe and cost-effective treatment for patients, families, healthcare providers and health care system, (Brown, 2014; Craig and Smyth 2012). This assignment aims to explore an area in nursing, identifying gaps between theory and practice. Using research and discussing strength of the literature and overcoming related issues in the specified area. The assignment will focus on barriers to cervical screening and nurses’ intervention to improve screening programmes. Cervical cancer screening can be detected early and treatment of precancerous cells and cervical cancer, (White et al., 2015) continues to exist. Cervical cancer starts from a pre-invasive stage known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) however, it can be detected through cervical screening, (Foran et al., 2015). Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women globally after breast cancer, (World Health Organization, 2016). According to the Department of Health (DH) (2012a) detecting cervical cancer at an early stage can prevent around 75% from developing. World Health Organization (WHO) (2015a) asserts that prevention and early detection of cervical cancer is cost –effective and a long-term strategy.   Hoppenot et al (2012) points out that screening can reduce incidence and death rates. Research shows cervical screening is associa ted with improved treatment for invasive cervical cancer, (Andrea et al., 2012). This highlights the importance of cervical screening programmes. Cervical screening reduces the occurrence of cervical cancer and research shows it prevents approximately 4500 deaths annually in Britain, (Bryant, 2012). In England, there is an invitation for screening for women aged 25-64.   Women aged 25-49 should attend screening appointment every three years and women aged 50-64 every five years, (Health and Social Care Information, 2012).   However, the last fifteen years has seen a gradual increase in more women being left unscreened for   five years or above, from 16% in 1999 to 22% in 2013 (Health and Social Care Information Centre, 2013). Research shows differences in screening is among women who are younger, lower income earners, less educated or women from minority ethnic background and sexually abused women, (Waller et al., 2012; Cadman et al.,2012; Marlow et al., 2015; Albrow et al., 2014). A comprehensive search of databases for literature review namely, Medline, Science Direct, CINAHL, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Cochrane. An advance search strategy including ‘Cervical Screening, Barriers to Cervical Screening, Early Detection Cervical Cancer and Cervical Screening Adherence’. The search was refined to literature in the past five years and incorporated international literatures from United Kingdom, Australia, Sweden and Korea to give an insight of those barriers from a global perspective. Firstly, as regards discussion of non-attendance among women from minority ethnic background. Marlow et al (2015) conducted both qualitative and quantitative study titled ‘Understanding cervical screening non-attendance among ethnic minority women in England’. The study investigated and compared differences in attendance among 720 women from minority ethnic background and White British women. For clarification purpose, ethnic minority are black, Asian and minority ethnicity (BAME). The study found that BAME women were less likely to attend cervical screening with 44-71% non-attenders compared to 12% white British women. This highlights the need for more intervention by nurses to improve practice. Reducing inequality in cancer pathway particularly among minority ethnic groups is a policy priority (Dept. of Health 2011). Marlow et al (2015) found that women from ethnic minority viewed that they were not sexually active so they did not have to do the test. This is an important aspect for nurses to educate in order to improve practice and to promote attendance with educational materials in various languages for better interpretation. The study also found 65% women from minority ethnic background believed they do not need to attend smear test in the absence of any symptoms compared to 6% white British women. These barriers are primarily associated with lower education and lower socio- economic status, (Fang and Baker, 2013).   It is surprising that women are still not aware of cervical cancer screening when people should have received letters and leaflets as part of the NHS programme, this highlights that women who have never attended screening had not read any information, (Kobayashi, 2016). Furthermore Benito et al. (2014) argued that nursing activities were mainly in areas namely health education and promotion, clinical, research, training, and program evaluation. Nurses’ intervention to educate thereby improving knowledge and understanding of cervical cancer and the benefits of screening is essential. In addition, participants had deep-seated personal opinions including fear and embarrassment. Ethnic minority women were more likely to be fearful and preferred female health practitioner. To improve practice support groups in the community may be a good avenue to discuss about screening. These interventions should lay emphasis on the efficacy of cervical screening and address concerns regarding shame and embarrassment. The main strength of this study is information from a large population that makes it a relevant and reliable study to improve cervical cancer screening programme. A qualitative study conducted by Cadman et al (2012) titled ‘Barriers to cervical screening in women who have experienced sexual abuse; an exploratory study.   Women from the age of twenty and above who visit the Website of the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC), a United Kingdom Charity who provide support and information for people from abusive background were invited to complete a web-based survey of their opinions and experiences of cervical screening. This survey included closed questions assessing social class, screening history and past records of abuse. Participants indicated the type of abuse they had experienced either physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, spiritual or any other form of abuse. Study shows women who have a history of sexual abuse are at risk of gynaecological problems and cervical neoplasia compared to women who have not. Women who have been sexually abused are more likely to smoke, take drugs and consume alcohol. The study revealed that a number of barriers impeded their attendance and adherence to cervical screening including embarrassment, lack of trust on meeting someone for the first time, gender of smear taker, pain, tension, fear and anxiety. The findings indicated that some study participants made remarks about the intrusive nature of the test. Some participants mentioned they were not comfortable with interventions performed while on their backs.   The argument suggest that women who have history of sexual abuse may be fearful and anxious because of triggering memories of the trauma so they may avoid such responses which is true therefore this study is valid and reliable. In relation to evaluation and analysis of the study, the findings also revealed that further training should be provided to increase nurses’ knowledge and sensitivity.   NMC Code (2015) points out that health care providers respect individual choices and deliver care without delay.   In an event of a sensitive discussion, nurses are required to ask patient preference and should remain professional not expressing any sign of shock. Fujimori et al. (2014) argues that to attain effective communication, nurses should inquire patients’ preferences and expectations at the start of the screening process. To improve this skill can be taught in communications skills training which has proven to be an effective approach. Nurses could show empathy by explicitly asking women about their expectations of the screening encounter and whether they have any concerns. This may help to surface issues that the nurse and patient could tackle together to minimise anxiety and fear. For example, it could be to provide the option of a female practitioner for the cervical screening appointment, maintain dignity and sensitivity. Effective communication between nurses and patients is essential. To achieve this, however, nurses must be sensitive to their specific needs and demonstrate empathy. Having nurses who are adequately trained with special knowledge of abuse is essential. There should be interventions such as counselling and support activities as part of ways of ensuring that they attend screening. This is particularly important at cervical screening appointments for sexually abused patients to deliver safe and sensitive practice. The Waller et al (2012) conducted a qualitative study evaluating differences to barriers among women from different ages. The study   interviewed practitioners working in the screening programme and other related charities as well as women who never attended screening focusing on their views on how age can influence non- attendance and non-adherence in cervical screening. The study found that women were classified into two distinct groups, which were those who wanted to go for screening but did not attend which consisted younger women and others who had decided not to attend were mainly older women. Wardle (2016) argues that nurses’ intervention at improving uptake could be beneficial by considering different approaches for various age groups to improve practice. The findings of the following analysis identified barriers that included many described in other studies namely fear of discomfort, pain, embarrassment and lack of education. There is a reliable argument that providing support with when, where and booking an appointment is effective. Additionally one of the key themes emerging from the study is that older women are more conscious about their bodies as they age. For example, one participant discussed about changes in her self-image as she grew older and how it has affected her self-esteem and how she feels reluctant to undergo invasive procedures.   Nurses could encourage action by   reassuring older women and   to remind them of the importance and benefits of cervical screening. Sabatino et al (2012) argued that effective communication improves cervical screening. This systematic review by Albrow et al (2014) found similar findings with Waller et al (2012) further evaluated the influence of intervention in cervical screening evidence uptake amongst women less than 35 years. The findings from the study increased validity and reliability from the argument that younger women are less likely to attend cervical screening. Ninety-two records were screened and four studies investigated. One of the studies evaluated the use of invitation letters and reported no significant increase compared to standard invitation. Three studies investigated the effect of reminder letters. Study participants described how screening was yet another demand on their time and often competed with work and childcare, which are of higher priority. For others, they could not attend due to inconvenient location, fear, discomfort and embarrassment, (Waller et al., 2012). There was a widely view among 30 year old women as sickness was associated with old age and felt they had no reason to attend screening (Blomberg, 2011). Analysis of the findings   indicate an increase in the number of women attending cervical screening after receiving reminder letters compared to those that were not given, however the increase was relatively small. For this reason, cervical screening programmes need to look beyond the use of invitation and reminder letters among younger women and to develop other interventions to overcome as many barriers. Another study reported no increase amongst women aged 20-24, although in some places these women are below the age threshold. However, the same study reported an increase among 25-29 (95%) and 30-34 that also reported (95%) increase. It could be argued that there is some evidence to suggest that reminder letters had positive effects on adherence to cervical screening programmes. The results also showed that telephone reminder from a female nurse, which had 6.3% and 21.7% increase. The study also reported 2.4% increase after a physician reminder. In evaluation of how nurses can improve practice among these, age group there is a need to remove practical barriers and provide other incentive methods that includes mass media campaigns and educational intervention. There are so many users of social media especially within this age group and if used properly it will play a significant role in creating awareness and educating patients (Merolli et al., 2013). Concerning low perceived risk, this may relate to misperceptions of the purpose of the screening programmes with patients focusing on detection rather than prevention of cervical cancer.   Again, patients should be empowered through social support in the community.   In addition, nurses can educate, giving information regarding importance and benefits of cervical screening. Lastly, the review of GP incentive such as nurses providing flexibility in appointment times and out of clinic days will improve practice. In conclusion, cervical cancer is preventable and relatively easy to diagnose. Several barriers upon women’s decision to attend cervical screening programme have been identified. Given this, there is a need for how women view cervical cancer and make screening decision. This assignment collates available evidence in order to investigate potential psychosocial influences on women from different perspectives. It is essential that patients adhere to nurses’ advice and educational interventions. In order to improve cervical cancer patient experience, there is a need that nurses receive adequate training and develop skills that can improve practice. One possible strategy is being sensitive to the screening process as a result of its intimate nature combined with effective communication. Nurses can play an important role in treating patients with dignity, respect and showing empathy. This can make a difference to all women most especially women who have experienced sexual abuse. Another contributing factor is to respect patients’ choice; an example is providing preferred gender of the sample taker. This could encourage more attendance and adherence to the cervical screening programme. PART 2 Reflective practice is essential to nursing profession. My search for the best evidence for cervical cancer screening interventions began by doing literature search. Designing a research study is an advanced and complex skill that requires clinical experience as well as analysing and evaluating the research design. While doing my research I focused on the needs of patients and effectiveness of nursing interventions. The result of my search enabled me acquire knowledge and skills in patient care by extensive literature search using electronic databases and advanced search with combined words. Discovering how to refine my search using full text and finding up to date evidence in the last five years.   My skills have greatly improved using electronic databases. This was done in order to obtain relevant up to date search. NMC (2015) requires nurses use up to date evidence and competent to practice. Such insight in itself is relevant to nursing competency and can help to improve patient care.   I read and understood articles relevant to nursing practice, clinical expertise and understanding patient values. Reading the research articles and reflecting on each one, identifying assumptions, key concepts and methods and determined whether the conclusions were based on their findings. Appraising the steps of the research process in order to critically analyse and use it to inform practice. This developed my assessment skills and I was able to identify valid and reliable studies. Reviews and ratings of the evidence resulted in recommendations for practice. According to National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) 2013, nursing research is defined as research that involves and develops nursing care in order to promote patient healthcare. Nurses play an important role in the National Health Service (NHS) they provide front line services, support patients and contribute to health research. Furthermore, research generates knowledge for nurses and contribute towards health care (Parahoo, 2014). I am more enlightened about the importance of analysing and evaluating research studies, which helps nurses to acquire more knowledge and be up to date with evidence thereby promoting patient care. It is evident that evidence base practice will continue to have great impact on the professional practice of nursing. Evidence based practice is important in nursing because it improves patient outcomes, care is delivered more effectively and efficiently and it minimises error, (Houser,   2016). I have acquired more knowledge, skills during the duration of this evidence based practice assignment and recognised my strengths, and areas that I needed to improve on. REFERENCES Albrow, R., Blomberg, K., Kitchener, H., Brabin, L., Patnick, J.and Tishelman, C. (2014) Interventions to improve cervical cancer screening uptake amongst young women; A systematic review. Acta Oncologia, Vol. 53, no. 4, pp.445-451. Andrea, B., Andersson, T.M. and Lambert, P.C. (2012) Screening and cervical cure; population based cohort study. British Medical Journal, Vol. 1344, pp.900. Bang, J.Y., Yadegarfar, G., Soljak, M. and Majeed, A. (2012) Primary care factors associated with cervical screening coverage in England. Journal of Public Health, Vol. 34, no. 4, pp. 532-538. Brown, S.J. (2014) Evidence- based nursing. The research practice connection. 3rd ed., Sudbury MA; Jones & Barlett. Bryant, E. (2012) the impact of policy and screening on cervical cancer in England. British Journal of Nursing, Vol.4, pp. 6-10. Cadman, L., Waller, J., Ashdown-Barr, L. and Szarewski, A. (2012) Barriers to cervical screening in women who have experienced sexual abuse; an exploratory study. British Medical Journals, Vol. 38, no. 4, pp. 1-19. Craig, J. and Smyth, R. (2012) the evidence based practice manual for nurses. 3rd ed., Edinburg Scotland; Church Livingstone Elsevier Ltd. Department of Health. (2012a) cervical screening. {Online} {Accessed on 12 September 2017} http;//www.tinyurl.com/7gvxef9 Ellis, P. (2016) Evidence – based Practice in Nursing. 3rd ed., London; Sage Publications. Fang, D.M. and Baker, D.L. (2013) Barriers and facilitators of cervical cancer screening among women of Hmong origin. Journal of Health Care Poor Undeserved, Vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 540-555. Ferlay, J., Soerjomataram, I., Ervik, M., Dikshit, R., Eser, S. and Mathers, C. (2013) Cancer incidence and Mortality Worldwide. IARC Cancer Base NO.11 Lyon; International Agency for Research on Cancer. Foran, C. and Brennan, A. (2015) Prevention and early detection of cervical cancer in the UK. British Journal of Nursing, Vol. 24, no.10, pp.2. Fujimori, M., Shirai, Y. and Asai, M. (2014) Effect of communication skills training program for oncologist based on patients preferences for communication when receiving bad news. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol. 32, no.20, pp. 2172-3266. Hope, K.A., Moss, E., Redman, C.and Sherman, S.M. (2017) psychosocial influences upon older women’s decision to attend cervical screening; a review of current evidence. Preventive Medicine, Vol. 101, pp. 60-66. Hoppenot, C., Stampler, K. and Dunton, C. (2012) cervical cancer screening in high- and low resource countries; implications and new developments. Obstetrician Gynaecology Survey, Vol. 67, no. 10, pp. 658-667. Houser, J. (2016) Nursing Research; Reading, Using and Creating Evidence. 4th ed., Jones& Bartlett Kobayashi, L.C., Waller, W.C. and Wardle, J. (2016) A lack of information engagement among colorectal cancer screening non-attenders; cross sectional study. British Medical Colorectal Public Health, Vol. 16, pp. 659. Marlow, L.A., Wardle, J. and Waller, J. (2015) Understanding cervical screening non-attendance among ethnic minority women in England. British Journal of Cancer, Vol. 113, pp. 833-839. Merolli, M., Gray, K. and Martin Sanchez, F. (2013) Health outcomes and related effects of using social media in chronic disease management; a literature review and analysis of affordances. Journal of Biomedical Information. Nursing and Midwifery Council. (2015) the Code; Professional Standards of Practice and Behaviour for Nurses and Midwives. NMC, London. The Health and Social Care Information Centre annual report- 2012 to 2013 www.gov.uk/†¦/thehealth-and-social-care-information-centre-annual-report-an Wardle, J., Wanger, C.N., Kralji-Hans, I., Halloran, S.P., Smith, S.G. and McGregor, L.M. (2016) Effects of evidence-based strategies to reduce the socioeconomic gradient of uptake in the English NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (ASCEND) ;four cluster- randomised controlled trials. Lancet, pp.751-759. White, A., Thompson, T.D. and White, M.C. (2015) cancer screening test- use- United States. MM WR Morb Mortal Weekly Rep, Vol. 66, pp. 201-206. World Health Organisation (2015a) Cancer. {Online} {Accessed on September 12 2017}

The Kite Runner Essays -- Literary Analysis, Hosseini

â€Å"There is a way to be good again† (2). This is the line that rolls through Amir's mind over and over throughout Khaled Hosseini's novel, The Kite Runner. This is the story of a mans struggle to find redemption. The author illustrates with the story of Amir that it is not possible to make wrongs completely right again because its too late to change past. In this novel Hosseini is telling us that redemption is obtainable, and by allowing us to see Amirs thought process throughout the novel, Hosseini shows us that it guilt is the primary motivation for someone who seeks redemption. Hosseini also uses not only the main character, but other secondary characters to show how big of a part that guilt plays in the desire for redemption. In this novel, redemption is not when things are justified, because the wrong has been done and you can't go back to the past and change things to make it right. Rather, as defined in a letter to Amir by an old family friend, Rahim Khan, redempt ion is when the guilt from something wrong leads to something good (302). Guilt is a strong incentive in a quest for redemption and it isn't easy to shake. â€Å"There is a way to be good again† Rahim Khan said to Amir in the beginning of the novel, insinuating that there was hope. That there was a way for Amir to have peace with himself and let go of his guilt. This phrase was something that echoed in Amirs mind throughout the novel and would be a reminder that there was a way to be rid of the guilt that plagued him, a way to be good again. We can see how heavy this guilt is even at the beginning of the novel when we don't even know the reason why he would be guilty. Amir begins his story by telling us â€Å"I became what I am today at the age of 12† (1). The first ... ...rching for redemption in this novel was Amir's wife Soraya. Before they get married confesses to him about the time she ran away with someone as a teenager and clears up her past which had also haunted her (164). Even after she confessed to Amir, people still talked down about her because of her past (178). Amir, like Baba, Rahim Khan and Soraya, had sinned by what he had done, or rather what he didn’t do. This caused guilt which he attempted to hide, but the memories and the past continued to haunt him, nag at him, and remind him of the person who had loved him so much. The person that he had turned around and betrayed them in their time of need. This guilt of betrayal weighs on Amir characters throughout the story, and pushes him to seek out redemption. He longs to â€Å"be good again† and get rid of the guilt that he has carried since he was just twelve years old.

Horses by Edwin Muir Essay

The poem Horses by Edwin Muir uses imagery and figurative language to create and associate the the themes such as nature, machine, power and myth. Edwin Muir uses a variety of language tools such as Paradox, simile and metaphor to create a particular effect. He conveys his feelings through the poem and to link to the past. In addition, Muir’s use of rhyme scheme with the repetition of words puts emphasis on certain lines which in turn provides development for the tone. The Rhyme scheme for the poem is AABB thorugh out the poem that gains interest from the readers. Muir uses many literary devices. In the phrase,†Lumbering Horses in the Steady Plough† he uses Enjambment comparing the Horses on a steady plough to a bare field. The effect created by the use of enjambment is that the feelings or memories of the poet are still ongoing and this is reflected. The enjambment helps the poem flow into the next line. The word â€Å"lumbering† is defined as moving in a slow, heavy manner. There is consonance in the words Those, Horses, plough. The Consonance creates a more subtle effect with the repetition of the o’s. The word containing 3 syllables slows down the rhythm of the sentence. The term ‘steady plough’ means a device pulled through the even ground in order to break it open into furrows for planting. The poet implies that he still has a fear of Horses by expressing his childhood dismay for Horses. The use of the ‘Perhaps’ denotes his uncertainty or possibility and he does not wish to be too definite or assertive in the expression of an opinion. The word ‘Childish’ refers to a silly or suitable for a child. He is referring and relating to the past to deliver evidence to fear. There is internal rhyme in the words some and come that adds particular emphasis and quickens the pace of the Rhythm in the phrase. The phrase contains alliteration in the words ‘childish’ and ‘come’. The Alliteration emphasizes the words giving the sentence a good sense of Rhythm and sound. The writer uses alliteration in the phrase ‘standing still’ in order to suggest the silence, calmness and fixed position of the Horses. The alliteration creates the effect of silence by associating it to the theme of the text such as a Machine. He compares that the Horses are showing signs of movement and yet they are standing still. He uses simile to create a vivid mental image and to carry on the effect of the Horses’ effortless behaviour and power. Consonance adds to the effect by the words seem, standing still. It increases the Rhythm of the sentence and combines with the Horses steady movement. To describe the Horses movement ‘up and down’, the and in the line slows the sentence down by the amount of syllables and by connecting two clauses. The contradiction in the line where Muir describes the Horses movement but claims that it is standing still brings out a humorous effect. The line has a total of ten syllables which is a normal spoken sentence.