Why does Canh reject Thoas offer of freedom and get off the train Essay

Why does Canh reject Thoas offer of freedom and get off the train - Essay Example 233). Thus instead of merely exploring the glory of victory attained by the collective people of the country, Sandy Lives tries to capture the essence of what it was to be a Vietnamese citizen living during those times. Therefore, the impacts that war had on personal lives of people as well as the relationship these people had with each other is deftly analysed and portrayed through Vietnamese cinemas such as the one under study here. Such films reveal the fact that wars do not end in the battlefields, but linger among the lives of both people involved in the war as well as their family members, thereby making it amply clear that â€Å"wars end at home† (246). The case of Canh and Thoa was similar, where the former starts a new life with another family up north, whereas the latter faithfully waits for her husband to return, thereby ignoring her social responsibility of giving birth to a child, but at the same time, fulfilling her moral obligation of filial piety. Therefore, it becomes clear that it is this loyalty and faithfulness of his wife that inspires Canh to not run away from his responsibilities, thereby rejecting to take the train ticket, which represents his escape from â€Å"marit al commitment† to Thoa (247). Thus, this highlights the protagnoist’s belief in his marital commitment as well as reiterates the long lasting â€Å"disruptive effects† of war on the â€Å"people’e lives† (Miguel & Roland 2005, p.

Profile of Judy Chicago Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Profile of Judy Chicago - Essay Example Hundreds of men and women participated in the making of this art, which shows how art, by its production, can also signify the performance and output of gender equality and women empowerment. As an artist and activist, Chicago played a dominant role in the feminist art movement of the 1970s. She was concerned that, even in art, women were invisible, and that, when they did make art, their works were devalued in the art world and society because of their gender (Chicago and Meyer 127). She finished graduate studies in art, which is leverage for her as an artist. When Chicago started as an artist, she de-gendered her identity and works because of the pressures in the male-dominated art world, wherein only masculine values and expressions were acceptable (Chicago and Meyer 126). Later on, Chicago changed her surname from Gerowitz to Chicago to symbolize her gender awakening (Chicago and Meyer 126). During that time, she established the country’s first feminist art education program, the Fresno Feminist Art Program, which distinctly combined feminist consciousness-raising and radical artistic experimentation (Chicago and Meyer 125). From here, she promoted art for and by women without delimiting their ideas about womanhood. Thus, Chicago acknowledged her privilege as a graduate art student by using her knowledge and skills to improve the awareness of other female artists about the need to express, and not to undercut, their gender identities. The issues of social justice are important to Chicago because she felt the injustice of the invisibility of women as artists and as leaders in their communities. Chicago showed second-wave feminism by not starting with what she thinks feminism is, but beginning with analyzing what women think about feminisms and helping her students express their gender identities through their works in her art programs. She says in an interview with Artstor,

Week 6 Assignment Essay Example for Free

Week 6 Assignment Essay E10-1(Acquisition Costs of Realty) The expenditures and receipts below are related to land, land improvements, and buildings acquired for use in a business enterprise. The receipts are enclosed in parentheses. (a) Money borrowed to pay building contractor (signed a note) $(275,000) (b) Payment for construction from note proceeds 275,000 (c) Cost of land fill and clearing 10,000 (d)Delinquent real estate taxes on property assumed by purchaser 7,000 (e) Premium on 6-month insurance policy during construction 6,000 (f) Refund of 1-month insurance premium because construction completed early (1,000) (g) Architect’s fee on building 25,000 (h) Cost of real estate purchased as a plant site (land $200,000 and building $50,000) 250,000 (i) Commission fee paid to real estate agency 9,000 (j) Installation of fences around property 4,000 (k) Cost of razing and removing building 11,000 (l) Proceeds from salvage of demolished building (5,000) (m) Interest paid during construction on money borrowed for construction 13,000 (n) Cost of parking lots and driveways 19,000 (o) Cost of trees and shrubbery planted (permanent in nature) 14,000 (p) Excavation costs for new building 3,000 Instructions Identify each item by letter and list the items in columnar form, using the headings shown below. All receipt amounts should be reported in parentheses. For any amounts entered in the Other Accounts column, also indicate the account title. Holyfield Dorsett Winston   Liston Greeley Machine cost $160,000 $120,000 $152,000 $160,000 $130,000 Accum Depr. 60,000 45,000   71,000 75,000 –0– Fair value 92,000 69,000 92,000 95,000 185,000 Instructions For each of the four independent situations, prepare the journal entries to record the exchange on the books of each company.

Competitive Strategies Employed By Uk Supermarkets Marketing Essay

Competitive Strategies Employed By Uk Supermarkets Marketing Essay This is the research proposal aiming at the proposed research of the competitive strategies of the 2 giants supermarkets in London namely Tesco Sainsburys. Different supermarkets are operated in London but these of the two are the most popular aggressive in the market regarding to their strategies adoption in the area of the Market Research Analysis. Tesco is one of the prominent retailers in the world. They have 2300 supermarkets convenience stores with 326000 people are serving. It is the largest private sector employer, largest food retailer having 1900 stores in UK. Sainsburys is also a large scale supermarket in UK having 30000 products, serving more than 18.5 million customers per week in 3000 branches. Brand identity of the products is giving healthy, safe, fresh tasty food. Quality fair prices are recognized in the business. Research aim objective The academic research is proposed to focus on the strategies of the supermarkets in London. Focal point is aiming towards the leading supermarkets of Tesco Sainsburys. On going through the competitive study of the strategies adopted by the supermarkets in their business following of the research questions I have planned- Find out the area of activity of the supermarkets their plans in future. Identify the competitive strategies adopted by both of the supermarkets for doing their business developments in London. Impact of the critical strategic analysis tools can be made in the business. What could be the suitable, feasible acceptable suggestion the direction through which the supermarkets can improve their performances with avoiding the present weaknesses in the day to day operations in the business? These are all of the focal research questions on the basis of which projected research will be formed. Research Questions will be directed towards formulation of the aims objectives of the proposed academic research. Literature Review The Strategic development of supermarkets is the way of direction of the business development adopted by super stores in the prospective business planning in order to get optimum customer satisfaction, profit maximization, service orientation, fair trade, custom, policy measurement, strategy marketing, with the growth development, Long term planning of the business for the purpose of the mobilization of the resources using them intimately to increase the probabilities aspirations in the business aiming to seek in the Going Concern [Garewala,2008] Tesco was the first UK business to make  £2 billion profits in early 2008, the review of Tesco over the last 80 years, information report in a standardized format the assess the future strategic development opportunities joint. First store was opened in Edgware in the North London in 1929 with the combined efforts of Sir Jack Cohen, founder of Tesco with a partner in a firm of tea suppliers, T.E. Stockwell. Form that time the company wa s grown has reflected the changes in the retailing [Edward,2009] Before the second world war the most grocery stores served the customers but self service stores were on their way, later on they had developed became the superstores as we known today, the company floated on the stock exchange in 1947 with an initial share price of 25p, Tesco became a popular name in the high streets of UK as it can take the advantage of the commercial economies of the scale through the buck purchase of the supplies, the existence of the resale price maintenance limits the ability of Tesco as competitive in the existing trading conditions, The system allowed their suppliers to sale their products for a set price, other strategy used by Tesco in the business planning development is to achieve the customer loyalty, stamps were being used in the exchange of the cash goods [Nicholson,2007] Tesco developed their business strategies in 4 parts, one is for the strong UK core business, 2nd is for the non- food, 3rd is for the retailing services 4th is for the international services, With keeping the focus on the customer development they planned to help the customers in the flexible shopping, bringing the prices sensitivity in the business, offering the convenience of the either large or small stores with bringing of the sensitivity value of the complicated markets [Fraser,2009] Different research studies have been done focusing on the strategies of the Tesco in the Market Research Analysis. They had been point out that Tesco is a glance customer oriented superstore having wide capacity potentials of the growth in the business. Strategic activities behind the achievement of the recent market in the emergent situations are their competitive strength. However there is weakness of the availability of the researches on the marketing strategy of the research with analyzing the strategic tools of the implementation such as cost leadership, focused strategy, product differentiation oth er generic models. The proposed academic study is aiming to find out those aspects as the core business study in the research process. The improvement suggests that the strategy being pursued by the Sainsburys chief executive Justin King is now started to deliver, the figures were welcomed by Mr. King who this month celebrates his first year at the helm of the struggling company [King,2009] According to the Edward Garner, a spokesman for TNS super panel said that they are starting to see the positive results from the Sainsburys drive to improve their supply availability problems, its market share has lifted considerably from its low point of 15.3% seen in the September last year, but over the four weeks they had recruited 3000 new shop staff for delivering more food to shop stores to try to fill gaps on its shelves, there is totally 15.8% of the supermarket share of spending involved in the last year in Sainsburys [Garner,2009] The board is chaired by Philip Hampton appointed chairman on 19th July 2004, in 2006 board consists of the two executive directors, six non executive directors as well, during the last year company has compiled with the provisions of the combined code on the corporate governance. There is a clear division of the responsibilities between the chairman the chief executive which is set out of writing has been approved by the board, the review of the performance of the company with its principal operating subsidiaries set out during the year is in financial review of the annual report [Malpant,2008] Many researches have been done on the strategic planning of the Sainsburys in the market giving the appraisals of their performance measurements, growth tendency, market share, control management of business, rating of the company however still it hasnt make any study in depth towards the market development product development strategies adopted by the Sainsburys in the emergent market for the growth of the business. There is a little research has been done on the exact perception of the market considered by the Sainsburys as their regular business activity. The proposed res earch will be trying to find out the norms of the market development which are measured in core process of the management of the supermarket with showing its impact on the public towards the business development in London. The strategic aims of the proposed academic work is to make the comparative analysis of the both of the giant supermarkets in London with making the analytical review of the adopted policies strategies in the framework of the research. It will be focusing on to find out the weakness in the strategic management development of the supermarkets in the competitive business environment with suggesting the suitable feasible guidelines in the business development in the emergent market. There are different kinds of strategic analysis tools applies in the supermarket, i.e. Swot, Pestel, Ansoff matrix, Poters generic, Poters five forces, Marketing Mix analysis. Using these different tools different supermarket is operating their business makes their business strategy. I choose Marketing Mix for my research. Marketing mix conducted with 7Ps (Product, Price, place, Promotion, People, Process, Physical evidence) Product- it involves gives customer value. And range of different type of product found in one place. Price- In supermarket customer get reasonable price of good product. And also found companies own branded product in low price. Place- In giant supermarket, here is the place where consumer can get the goods through the different channels. Promotion- It refers about the offer of the product like, buy one get one free, half price etc. People- It reflects about the customer service and also involving management, customer, employees. Process- it about the method of service can customer get like, self check out, home delivery etc. Physical evidence- It refers to the using a service product. While serve to the customer, it is important that give advice customer what they get or not. Methodology The research will be using the systematic terminology of Yin methodology. This will be an exploratory causal research giving focus on the implementations of the strategic plans of the business by the reputed supermarkets in London. Analytical review will be taken of Tesco Sainsburys as a giant leading supermarkets in London making means ends relationships of the different variables in the strategic planning. On going through the methodological issues of the work study, study will be impacting through the data gathering data analysis perspectives. Data Gathering- Primary data will be gathered with regular visits in the supermarkets. Survey will be conducted about the customers choice to accept the products as per the brands available in the market. Observation will be made about the tendencies of the customers towards constructing their purchase profile in the supermarket. Questionnaires will be raised to the customer making enquiry about the suitability of their choices their reasons behind the acceptances. Interviews will be taken to collect information about the commensurate strategic plans of the business. Secondary data will be gathered with reading different books, journals, articles, magazines, news paper for the data gathering. Such a methodological approach is seen the different empirical studies of the supermarkets giving the adaptable useful conclusions. Qualitative quantitative data will be gathered for the purpose of executing the academic research. The research will be a representative sample analysis will be measured on the basis of the clustered sampling scheme for the group of the customers. It will be useful to implicate the results of the market development strategy of the supermarket plans for the future development. It will analyze the strategic tools applicable in the day to day business operations of the supermarket along with the finding out the weaknesses to take the remedial actions. Data Analysis- Imperative analysis of the collected data is the strategic goal of the study. The research will be based on the cause effect relationships of the variables available in the business in the respective analysis. Grounded theory will be used in the systematic analytical review of the information focusing on the area of the research. Competency of the researcher will be presented in the research in the technical utility of the Programs Evaluation Review Techniques [PRET]. In the techniques strategic programs information got from the interviews with the employees managers will be studied in depth to grasp the strategy of the supermarkets in the business. For my research proposal I choose questionnaires method for data collection from supermarkets customer. My question format conducted with 5 question of marketing mix. This questionnaires format served to 10 respondents of supermarket to get research findings. Data Presentation- Data will be presented with the help of using charts, diagrams, tables based on the trial interviews questionnaires raised for the data gathering. Useful statistical techniques of chi-square test, regression analysis, co-relation, central tendency will be used to presenting effective information in the tables charts. Findings Questionnaires format under marketing mix strategic analysis. The findings are given below: Price- Among the 10 respondent, 7 answered a, 2 answered b and 1 answered c. Therefore, most of the customer like low price for purchasing product from supermarket. Product- Among the 10 respondent, 6 answered a, 3 answered b and 1 answered c. Therefore, most of the customer like variety ranges of product for purchasing product from supermarket. Promotion- Among the 10 respondent, 3 answered a, 5 answered b and 2 answered c. Therefore, most of the customer likes half price for purchasing product from supermarket. Place- Among the 10 respondent, 4 answered a, 5 answered b and 1 answered c. Therefore, most of the customer likes parking facility for purchasing product from supermarket. Process- Among the 10 respondent, 8 answered a, 1 answered b and 1 answered c. Therefore, most of the customer likes self check out system for purchasing product from supermarket. Conclusion Research Development is done in the business activities in order to act as the tool of guidance direction in the imperative business plan. It gives the strategic critical success factor for an organization in order to develop its market status. The planned research will be the useful guideline for the customers to determine their product search as well as it will help the supermarkets in knowing about their weaknesses effective measures to overcome that weakness in commensuration of the remedial actions. The research will be exclusively devoted towards the growth development of the supermarket strategy in London; therefore it will present the positive norms standards towards the aim of the research. Confidentiality of the strategic information in the business will be made in order to not to disturb the issues of the supermarkets in the close market competition. Confidentiality will be assured as interviews will be taken personally for the every employee in a convenient time and opinions will be recorded in a separate sheet in order to draft an academic report. Potential consumers will be requested to give opinions about their choices of the products brand acceptances in the view of the focal point in the research analysis to draw the suitable perspective conclusion recommendations.

Iago Essay -- essays research papers

Iago, More than Just a Villain Iago, the evil villain of Shakespeare's Othello, is more than just a villain. In many ways he is the most intelligent and appealing character in the play. Iago shows superiority over the rest of the characters in the play. He has the ability to manipulate the characters in the play, therefore controlling the play with every sequence of events. His intelligence shines through his ability to deceive, his ability to strategize, and his ability to twist the truth. Iago is appealing to the characters of the pay because he gives them what they want. Iago is appealing to the reader as well. His character is totally unconflicted about being evil, making him known to some authors as the villain of all villains. Iago is, in many ways, the most intelligent and appealing character in the play. Iago has a sophisticated way of deceiving the characters of the play, making him a very intelligent person. Early in the play Othello introduces Iago to the Duke of Venice as, â€Å"My ancient / A man he is of honesty and trust† (!. iii. 284-85). This is but one of the times in the play that Iago is referred to as honest and true. Throughout the play Iago is considered to be honest, but is actuality the villain. In order to maintain this false image one has to have a beguiling character. After Othello and his lieutenant, Michael Cassio, return from the war against the Ottomans, there is a celebration. At this celebration Iago puts his manipulation to work. He knows that Othello and Desdemona’s love for each other is very true, but he tells Rodrigo that Desdemona had love for Cassio: â€Å"With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio. / Ay, smile upon her, do†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (II. I. 164-65). This quote shows that Iago deceives Roderigo into believi ng that Desdemona loves Cassio, when in Roderigo’s eyes it is virtually impossible. Iago basically controls Rodrigo because Iago deceives him into believing that he can have Desdemona, by both Cassio and Othello. Iago uses his strategically apt abilities to come up with a very intelligent system that will eventually destroy Othello. After Iago and Rodrigo find out about Othello and Desdemona’s marriage, Iago manipulates Rodrigo into making him angry, because Rodrigo has feelings for Desdemona. Iago and Roderigo go to Brabantio’s abode to enrage him by telling him about Othello and Desdemona: â€Å"Call up her ... ...sio is in fact in love with Desdemona, and that Cassio is in fact doing dishonesty to Othello. Othello does get discouraged by this advice given by Iago, and eventually does confront Desdemona. The quote specifically displays how Iago can make Cassio seem evil to Othello. Iago persuades Othello into believing him, which creates a way for Iago to work around the truth. Iago completely changes the appearance of Cassio, therefore making Iago extremely intelligent and far superior. Iago’s magnificent intelligence and superiority make him a very intriguing character. Iago is not just any villain that comes into a town, with a black cape and knife that scares everyone, he destroys and â€Å"kills† by using creative tactics that could only be thought of by someone who is brilliant. He deceives, strategizes, and twists the truth with amazing ease. Iago maintains his on point intelligence by staying completely unconflicted about being evil. Iago is completely committed as he states, â€Å"[He will] turn her virtue into pitch, / And†¦ make the net / That shall enmesh them all† (II. Ii. 366-368). Iago is considered a cross between God and the Devil, as shown in the, â€Å"Divinity of Hell!† (!!. ii. 356)

The Supernatural in Hamlet and Macbeth Essay -- GCSE English Literatur

The Supernatural in Hamlet and Macbeth  Ã‚        Ã‚   In both Hamlet and Macbeth, the supernatural plays a very important role. Supernatural elements are crucial to the plot and they also have a more thematic part as well. Shakespeare presents the ghost in Hamlet, and the witches and ghost in Macbeth, as disrupting elements that not only enhance drama, but also tear apart the existing order of things. They force the title character of each play to undergo their own internal struggle that grows from their insecurity of living up to the image of a man.       First, let us consider Hamlet. The presence of the supernatural takes center stage at the beginning with a dramatic appearance of the ghost of Hamlet's father. Although the ghost does not speak, his presence is seen and already disrupts. It is in later in this first act where the ghost plays it's first and most crucial part. In Scene V of act I, Hamlet and his father's Ghost appear together and alone. The ghost says, "A serpent stung me, so the whole ear of Denmark/Is by a forged process of my death/Rankly abus'd"(I.v.36-38). The first seed of disrupting things (both Hamlet's identity and Denmark) is planted here. The ghost's words make it clear that his murder was not only a crime against him, but also a crime against the land.       The core of the play then unfolds from the actions and words of this ghost. Hamlet's revenge against his uncle is certainly fueled by the ghost's words, but the ghost seems to serve a more subtle and internal part here. In the famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy (III.i.55-88), Hamlet makes it clear his is not only unsure of what action to take, but unsure of himself as well. It seems his father's aberration confuses Hamlet ... ...e serves as ghosts in the machine of the character's life. And it is that which really kills them or drives them to their death in the end.    Works Cited and Consulted: Bloom, Harold. "Introduction." Modern Critical Interpretations: Hamlet. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York City: Chelsea House Publishers, 1986. 1-10. Bradley, A.C. "The Witch Scenes in Macbeth." England in Literature. Ed. John Pfordesher, Gladys V. Veidemanis, and Helen McDonnell. Illinois: Scott, Foresman, 1989. 232-233 Goldman, Michael. Critical Essays on Shakespeare's Hamlet. Ed. David Scott Kaston. New York City: Prentice Hall International. 1995. The Riverside Shakespeare: Second Edition Houghtom Mifflin Company Boston/New York   G. Blakemore Evans and J.J.M Tobin eds. Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Edited by Norman Sanders. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1984      

Napoleon Bonaparte †Hero or Villain? Essay

Some men are born heroes while others earn the title after their death. Either way, a hero’s life and his achievements are cemented in the history of the world and become timeless. Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) is known today as one of the most intelligent and skilled leaders to have ever lived. He is also known as a controversial figure, his reputation however is disputable as many criticize him for being brutal, selfish and delusional. A deeper study of his life and motives dictating it explains whether this accusation of his villainy is true or false. Military Successes His first actual military feat was in the Siege of Toulon, when he was the captain of the artillery, driving away the British naval and land forces. It was Napoleon’s ingenious plan to place the republican guns strategically atop a hill, in a manner that they could protect the city’s harbor and they would push the British ships out of the city. Napoleon at the ripe age of 24 was known henceforth as Brigadier General and was consequently given the artillery arm of France’s Army of Italy to lead. These events proved his ambitious and speedy progress on the military front and set a parable for time to come. (Asprey, 2000). In October 1975, he was given command of the forces at the Tuileries Palace where Napoleon had recently seen the massacre of the King’s Swiss Guard. He employed large cannons and used them to repel his enemy. The idea worked like magic, the streets were cleared in what is commonly known ‘a whiff of grapeshot’ as phrased by Thomas Carlyle in The French Revolution: A History. Napoleon had once again used his experience and devised an intelligent solution to hit the nail on the head. (Louis, 1998, p. 40) Bonaparte was to take command of the Army of Italy so he devised a plan that was entirely unpredictable. The man’s greatness and vision is reflected in how he could be so delicately tactful and roughly aggressive at the same time. First he overtook the Austrian forces at the Battle of Lodi. Then he went on towards the Papal States. The Directory advised him to conduct a march on Rome but as a man of reason would, Napoleon felt that would weaken the state and refused. In March 1797, Napoleon led the army into Austria which being defeated already decided to negotiate for peace in the Treaty of Leoben. The clauses of this Treaty were such that France got hold of most of northern Italy and the Low Countries. Seizing the opportunity to claim as much of the land as he could, he seemingly awarded Venice to Austria after which he marched into it, ending its 1,100 years of independence with a triumphant invasion. When viewed objectively and for its sheer innovation and creativity, Napoleon’s strategy leaves most people astounded and is certainly admirable. Not only does it take a thorough understanding of conventional military leadership, it also requires a fresh and bright mind to achieve this. Napoleon thus dedicatedly created for himself a reputation, cooking up military plots that his opponent could not often predict or prevent. (Asprey, 2000) Napoleon was one of a kind when it came to military tactics such as concealment, espionage, envelopment and surveillance. His talent was obvious with the numerous battles he fought and won in a very short span of time. That and the rising popularity inspired him to prepare for invading England which had vast trading interests in India at that time (Louis, 1998). He had a developing interest in the Middle East, and had the foresight to realize that joining hands with a figure like Tipu Sultan would be Britain’s Achilles Heel. Napoleon told the Directory ‘as soon as he had conquered Egypt, he will establish relations with the Indian princes and, together with them, attack the English in their possessions. ’ (Asprey, 2000, p. 26) Bonaparte sketched out the Constitution of the Year VIII on becoming First Consul and was soon known as the most powerful person in the country. In 1804, he formalized this status by crowning himself Emperor. Following this in 1805 he was crowned King of Italy too. Even at this exhilarating point in his life, Bonaparte with his quick thinking decided to promote his top generals to ‘Marshals of the Empire’, ensuring their loyalty to him for times to come. He did not take his success for granted. (Louis, 1998, p. 11). One of the most frequently discussed events of that time was the Battle at Austerlitz where, on the first anniversary of his coronation, Napoleon defeated Austria and Russia together. Following this, Austria signed the Peace of Pressburg after which Napoleon was named the Protector of the Confederation of the Rhine (Moore, 1999). Austria had to also give up its land and Napoleon termed Austerlitz as one of his finest battles (Louis, 1998). Critics argue that at such a prime time in his life, Napoleon lost touch with reality and as Frank McLynn expressed ‘what used to be French foreign policy’ became a ‘personal Napoleonic one’. ’ On the contrary, it seems few remember that the man had noble intentions. Vincent Cronin stated Napoleon was not overly ambitious for himself, that â€Å"he embodied the ambitions of thirty million Frenchmen†. (Moore, 1999, p. 2). One such example of Napoleon’s exceptional foresight and vast vision is that even after a failure to capture Egypt; he pursued his desire to secure a place in the Middle East. His insight that an alliance in that region would give the French the power to pressurize Russia from the South was brilliant. He worked hard to convince the Ottomans to join hands with him against Russia. He gave them incentives like they would regain lost territories and in 1806 Selim III called France a ‘sincere and natural ally’ ready to form an alliance. Following this feat, the Persian Empire of Fateh Ali Shah also formed the Franco-Persian Alliance in 1807 (Asprey, 2000, p. 23). Personal skill – the exemplary hero Napoleon’s biggest and most undeniable influence has been in warfare – his methods are now referred to as ‘Napoleonic warfare’. The influential military theorist Carl von Clausewitz describes him as a genius in the operational art of war. Wellington, when asked who was the greatest general of the day, answered: â€Å"In this age, in past ages, in any age, Napoleon. † (Moore, 1999, p. 1). Napoleon was always head first into the battle scene. This not only motivated his soldiers and collegues, it also helped set high standards of dedication and passion on the field. In battles like Montenotte, Mondovi, Arcola and Rivoli, Napolean set great examples often getting wounded himself. He also kept soldiers going by promising those rewards and incentives. (Louis, 1998). ‘Napoleon suffered various military setbacks however: at Leipzig in 1813, in Russia in 1812, and arguably at Aspern-Essling in 1809. He also had to abandon his forces in Egypt’. Despite the blows he suffered and felt responsible for subjecting his country to, Napoleon was always quick to get back on his feet. His resilient spirit as a fighter lives as an example for all those who search for the determination to achieve high goals. (Asprey, 2000, p. 38). Napoleon’s Strong Foundation Initially, Napoleon had a good opportunity to study and it was because of his dignified and prosperous family background and the strong ties among them. It laid the foundation, and gave him a chance to learn French at a religious school in Autun and later got him to enroll into a military academy at Brienne-le-Chateau. An examiner his exceptional aptitude in mathematics, history and geography, all of which helped him excel in the battlefield. The potentials map of the world, a desire to change history and the mathematical grid with which to arrange troops for an invasion – the seeds were sown for a new vision of the French Empire (Louis, 1998). Napoleon and other Heroic Achievements Not only was he a keen military man, his humane and artistic side too was alive and kicking. Bonaparte published two newspapers, which were apparently for troops but most of France was reading them under that cover. He also started Le Journal de Bonaparte et des hommes vertueux, a newspaper to be published in Paris, increasing his influence on the political front in the country. 1798, Bonaparte was elected a member of the French Academy of Sciences, his Egyptian group discovered the Rosetta Stone and their work was published in the Description de l’Egypte (Asprey, 2000). Bonaparte was the one to initiate centralized administration, higher education, tax codes, road and sewer systems and the country’s central bank (Louis, 1998). He bargained for the Concordat of 1801 with the Catholic Church, which inviting the Catholic population towards himself as he regulated public worship. In 1802, he instituted what is today the highest tribute in France in both military and civilian achievements, the Legion d’Honneur. These won him public support and high regard, and served as a bible for time to come. Multi talented and as much a man of reason as he was of force, Napoleon’s also created the famous Napoleonic code—was an enormous stepping stone in the nature of the civil law and legal systems promoting lucid and accessible laws. In his own words â€Å"My true glory is not to have won 40 battles†¦ Waterloo will erase the memory of so many victories. †¦ But†¦ what will live forever is my Civil Code. † (Louis, 1998, p. 51). Correctly so, the Civil Code has immense significance, used in over a quarter of the world’s jurisdictions including Europe, the Americas and Africa. It encouraged civilians to own property without fear and helped fight the plague of feudalism. Among his other achievements, Napoleon emancipated Jews from laws which restricted them to ghettos, and helped them win their rights to proper worship places, and work placed. In exile, in the first few months on Elba he created a small navy and army, developed the iron mines, and reformed and renovated the agricultural systems according to modern ways. He was not only known for ruling loud and mighty but had a much more humane and thoughtful side to him, his vision extended much beyond the war field (Louis, 1998). The Decline The Russians were defeated in a series of battles and Napoleon resumed his advance. But the harsh climatic conditions made the advance a fierce challenge. The Battle of Borodino resulted in approximately 44,000 Russian and 35,000 French, dead, wounded or captured, and may have been the bloodiest day of battle in history up to that point in time. In Napoleon’s own words was: â€Å"The most terrible of all my battles was the one before Moscow. The French showed themselves to be worthy of victory, but the Russians showed themselves worthy of being invincible. † The French suffered greatly in the course of a ruinous retreat, begun as over 400,000 frontline troops, but in the end fewer than 40,000. (Asprey, 2000, p. 28). Napoleon won a series of battles in the Six Days Campaign, but could not sustain control in Paris which was captured by the Coalition in 1814. The Allies eventually forced Napoleon to abdicate. He escaped but was intercepted soon. When confronted by a regiment, Napoleon approached them and shouted, â€Å"Here I am. Kill your Emperor, if you wish. † The soldiers, with hidden awe and admiration for him replied with, â€Å"Vive L’Empereur! † and marched with Napoleon to Paris; another example of the respect Napoleon received from those who knew his strengths and forgave his weaknesses. (Asprey, 2000, p. 64). Conclusion Many ideas demean the man’s reputation today. There is a term called the Napoleon Complex which indicates aggressive behavior of a person who lacks height. (Moore, 1999). He reinstated slavery in French colonies, encouraged looting and often sought to solve problems with brute force rather than by deliberation. His attack on Jaffa was brutal: innocent men, women and children lost their lives sometimes to save bullets, supplies and at other times because they were suffering from the bubonic plague and were a burden. In 1920 he re-established slavery in France’s colonial possessions. (Asprey, 2000). Critics feel that the brutalities committed during his reign are unforgivable and were entirely unavoidable. However there are those like Vincent Cronin who felt that Napoleon was not ‘responsible for the wars which bear his name, when in fact France was the victim of a series of coalitions which aimed to destroy the ideals of the Revolution’. His was the rule that ended lawlessness in France after the revolution (Louis, 1998). A hero lives as an example to people to believe in good and strive to achieve it. A hero dies to live on in their minds as a proof of what the human spirit is capable of if the heart is set on it. Today International Napoleonic Congresses are held in which scholars and politicians meet to discuss matters of world wide significance. An icon of ‘military genius and political power’, Napoleon is used to name products, places and characters, all of which speak of his outstanding skills and innumerable successes (Moore, 1999). American journalist Chuck Palahniuk says ‘We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever; the goal is to create something that will’. Napoleon has emerged a hero, through what he created – an undying inspiration for great leadership, superb administration, unending determination, ruthless loyalty and masterful skills leading to eternal triumph (Louis, 1998, p. 66). He is remembered today in all historical publications as a courageous and able soldier, a man whose tact, craft and vision extended much beyond others. His name has come to symbolize a soldier’s epitome, a leader’s aspiration. His flaws may be many and will remain attached to his exalted but very human condition. As Alexander Pope puts it, ‘To err is human, to forgive is Divine. ’ It is not everyday one finds a story so moving and as passionate as one of Napoleon Bonaparte. A man fuelled with a ferocious desire to be victorious only to see a victorious France. 1799. Napoleon was laid to rest in May 1821 after fighting with persistent ill health. His last words were ‘France, army, head of the army, Josephine’ which he spoke in French (Louis, 1998, p115). There was no doubt that in his dying moments as his life flashed before him, he expressed what was dearest to him, and in it was his first and deepest love – France. Those who judge him for being self absorbed would think again. He was initially buried in St. Helena but later shifted to Seine as he had requested in his will. He was given a state funeral, respects to a man who was a hero of his time, albeit with inevitable human flaws. (Asprey, 2000). References Books B. Asprey, Robert. (2000). The Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. First Edition. New York: Basic Books. Fauvelet de Bourrienne Louis, Antoine. (1998). Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte. Constables Miscellant – Original and Selected Publishing. Websites Richard Moore. (1999). Napolean Guide. May 26, 2010, from www. napoleonguide. com.