Flight By John Steinbeck Essays - American People Of German Descent

Flight by John Steinbeck In his classic short story, "Flight," John Steinbeck uses many examples of symbolism to foreshadow the conclusion. Symbolism can be anything, a person, place or thing, used to portray something beyond itself. It is used to represent or foreshadow the ending of the story. Steinbeck uses colors, direction, and nature symbolism to help presage Pep?'s tragic death. Let us now more closely examine the ways that Steinbeck uses colors to foreshadow the ending of his short story. Perhaps the most repeatedly used symbol in "Flight," is the color black. In literature many authors use black to represent death. There are numerous examples in this short story. Some of these include the black handle on the long blade, Pep?'s black hair and the black jerky. Another example may be found when Pep? puts on his fathers black coat, which represents death. When Pep? puts on the coat he is literally covering himself with death. Another fine example is the trail in which Pep? travels. Steinbeck describes the path as a well-worn black path. By traveling on this path he is in fact taking the road of death. Furthermore Pep?'s appearance also helps foreshadow the ending. Steinbeck describes him as having a black hat that covers his black thatched hair. Pep? is also described as being dark, lean and tall. Another example is Pep?'s shack. The shack is described as weathered and very old. It casts a rather large shadow to the North east. The darkness of the shadow symbolizes death in the home. As we can readily see, the authors use of black symbolism in the story tells us that the main character, Pep?, is impending death. Another commonly used symbol in the story "Flight," is direction. Direction is used to represent positive or negative effects. North and East are generally "good" directions. Many people feel this came about when the early man saw the sun rise in the East. On the contrary, the directions South and West are generally "bad" directions. Basically this is because the sun sets in the West. Besides compass directions, height is also a very popular way of foreshadowing the conclusion of the story. The direction up, which is also the way to heaven is generally "good," while down, the direction of hell, is considered to be "bad." An example of this form of symbolism can be found when Pep? is returning home. Pep? looks at his "weathered little shack" and notices the shadow. The shadow is heading in the direction North East. Even though the directions North and East are "good," the fact that the shadow is there turns them "bad." This means that evil is winning over goodness. So, whichever direc tion Pep? turns to he will fall into evil. Another fine example is when Pep? watches the sun set in the West. The sun, which is the bringer of all life is moving towards evil. That means it will be dark out and Pep?'s death is soon to come. Steinbeck further uses this symbolism while describing the tops of the trees on the mountain. The tops of the trees were wind-bitten and dead. This symbolizes that the further Pep? travels up the mountain the closer he is to his inevitable death. As shown above, direction is another very important aspect of symbolism. Direction is just another of the many ways John Steinbeck accomplishes his foreshadowing of the ending of his story. Let us now look further into symbolism by discovering yet another form of symbolism. Throughout the story Steinbeck emphasizes nature symbolism. Nature symbolism includes a variety of things. One very popular symbol is water. Because of the fact that we, as humans, require water in order to live, water represents life. An example of this in the story "Flight," would be Pep?'s water bag that he hung over his horse's shoulder. The water leaked onto the horse's shoulder. This meant Pep?'s life was actually leaking away. It just so happened that when the horse was shot it was in the same shoulder. The most obvious example of nature symbolism would be when Pep? is traveling up the mountain. When he first starts out he is traveling very close to the river. As he continues

Compare and contrast on Food Inc Essays

Compare and contrast on Food Inc Essays Compare and contrast on Food Inc Essay Compare and contrast on Food Inc Essay Compare and Contrast 1 1/18/13 Compare and Contrast GMOs: Good or sad? And theyre [GMOs] curing cancer?! . In the Nine Things You Should Know About Genetically Modified Organisms article, the author Melissa Leon, tells the reader the pros of Genetically Modified Organisms, GMOs, and how they can benefit humanity in the near future. In the film Food Inc. , the director, Robert Kenner, wants to show the viewers the truth about what is really in their food and where it actually comes from. In its debate of peoples health, success of enhancing food, and ustomer satistfaction, the Nine Things article is more effective than Food Inc. ecause the article tells readers what they want to hear unlike the film that shows viewers images they do not want to see. The article Nine things tells the reader that Genetically Modified Organisms are healthy to consume. It states genetically altered foods have largely beend deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration, as well as the World Health Organi zation and the American Medical Association(Pg# 3). Consumers may be worried that brands such as Tyson are putting harmful chemicals in their food but theres really othing to worry about. According to the article Whole Foods Jus made history by becoming the first U. S. retailer to require labeling of any foods containing genetically modified content(page #1). This helps the consumers health as well because it allows them to know what exactly is in the product they want to purchase and if they are allergic to anything in the product. In the film Food Inc. the director, Robert Kenner decided to have a mother, Barbara Kowalcyk, tell her story to the audience about the son she had lost due to an E-coli outbreak. Mrs. Kowalcyk tells the viewers that her son was diagnosed with hemolytic-uremic syndrome through a burger he ate that had been contaminated with E. Coli. She lost her son due to this syndrome and since then she has been fghting to prevent this from happening again. With that said, Kevins Law was passed in 2005 and it gave the U. S. Department of Agriculture the power to shut down any plant that was producing any sort of contaminated meat. This doesnt help consumers out as much as the required labeling mentioned in 9 things because he meat might have another chemical or product in it that the public does not know about. The article mentioned that in Massachusetts a biotech company modified a salmon. They made it so that the salmon grows to its adult size in a year and a half instead of 3 years like it should. The article states that this could potentially ease some presssure off wild fish stocks(page #7). As of now, salmon is in high demand so that means that the numbers are depleating quickly, but thanks to this GMO baby will keep getting bigger and bigger. GMOs can also be used to turn fish into house pets. The Glo-fish was the first altered organism to be sold as a pet to the public. The original purpose of the Glo-fish was to locate enviornmental toxins but no one complained about having them as pets. In Food Inc. Kenner shows the viewers that chickens are genetically altered to grow twice the size they should in a shorter time span like the salmon. The only problem with this is that the chickens body gets too heavy for them to support so most of them die because of starvation. The film didnt show the viewer what really happens to the dead hens, it only show the owner pile them up. For all the viewers know the food companies can be coming back to the farm to collect the dead chickens and use the meat anyways. It sounds reasonable due to the fact that Tyson declined to be interviewed in the film and by doing so the viewers know that the company is hiding something they dont want to reveal to the public. The thing consumer like about the article is that it talks about saving money. Now in this economy its better to save than to spend. Most Americans spend about $1 50 to $250 on food for the week. Because of GMOs they might be saving a little bit more oney. Now the bad thing is that prices would go up by a small percentage in corn and soybeans. The consumers know this so unless they really need these products, theyll stay away from purchasing them at their locar market. The labeling will eventually catch on in other markets such as Costco, Target, Safeway, etc. , so by reading the labels, consumers will know exactly what is in the product and they can determine whether they need it or not. When viewers watch Food Inc. it makes them think twice about going out to eat at a fast food restaurant. With that said, they will save money because the average American goes out to eat at least 3 times a week. After watching the film, they will have a sense about where the food at the local McDonalds really comes from. The advertisements say things like fresh from our farm but in reality the meat comes from an assembly line rather than a farm. For example, on highway 5 heading to Los Angeles, California; There is a so called farm on the left hand side. It looks nothing like a farm. The cows are all bunched up, theyre covered in dirt and their own feces. Its more of an industry, the cows Just go there to be slaughtered for their meat and sold to restaurants. If Americans care about animals like they say they do, then they will have a sense to stop eating out at fast food places that alter the meat. All in all, Nine things had stronger facts on the subjects compared to Food Inc because the article only talked about the positives of GMOs. Food Inc. indeed talked about positives as well but it brought itself to a disadvantage by talking about the negatives such as false advertisement and contaminated meat.

Biology Blog Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Biology Blog - Essay Example I would ask about his family history to establish whether there have been other members who have been victims of atherosclerosis. Apart from the apparent smoking, I would I would strive to establish other risk factors that are predisposing this patient to worsen his health by carrying out diagnostic tests e.g. ECG, exercising for stress test, or CT scan. This will determine the extent of this condition in order to advice on treatment. Treatment would include first discussing with the patient about his symptoms and the dangers that they pose to him and those around him. He should begin by taking charge of his smoking and recommend that he should eventually quit the habit. Other lifestyle habits to avoid are getting rid of foods high in cholesterol and alternatively adopt low fat and low salt diets. Exercises should begin if he has not been active before as this helps to increase the flow of blood throughout his body system and burns out fats. In addition to lifestyle changes, I would recommend certain medication that will aid the heart in working more effectively. This will depend on the condition of his heart at that moment. Aspirin can be taken as soon as he experiences shortness of breath to aid in breaking up any possible blood clot. 2. An important quality that makes organisms living things is their ability to maintain homeostasis. Describe an example where animals or humans (again, you may or may not choose to use personal experiences) have gone through either a negative or positive feedback mechanism to maintain homeostasis. The maintenance of a relatively constant internal environment despite external environmental changes is homeostasis. One example of a positive feedback mechanism in Homeostasis in seen in the sweating activity. The activity of the sweat glands in our bodies is an important process through which we strive to conserve or release body heat. Just like the way we

Understanding the Annual Report and 10-K Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Understanding the Annual Report and 10-K - Essay Example There are three basic approaches for valuing inventory are; first in - First out, this approach involves basing the cost of goods sold upon the cost of material bought in earlier periods, while the cost of inventory is based on the cost of materials bought later in the year. The second approach is Last in - First out, it determines the Cost of goods based on the cost of materials bought towards the end of the period. However, the inventory is based on the cost of materials bought earlier in the year. Lastly, Weighted average, this bases the cost of goods and the inventory on average cost of all units bought during the period. This is the most used method of inventory by this company. Average inventory=($ 2,803,809 $ 2,751,398 $ 2,413,791)=ï ¼â€ž7968998. So the inventory turnover ratio will be =3.274. From the records it is clearly evident that there has been a gradual increase in the average inventory and the cost of goods simultaneously. Any business firm has two categories of liabilities, current and long-term liabilities. The current liabilities of the BBB Company include Accounts payable Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Merchandise credit and gift card liabilities, and Current income taxes payable. Long term liabilities of the company include deferred rent and Income taxes payable. Stockholders equity is one of the three major sections of a corporations balance sheet. Stockholders equity is the difference between the reported amounts of a corporations assets and liabilities. Stockholders equity is subdivided into components: paid-in capital or contributed capital, retained earnings, and treasury stock,-if any. The paid-in capital component reports the amounts the corporation received when it issued its common and preferred stock. Retained earnings reports the cumulative net income since the start of the corporation minus the dividends declared since the start of the corporation. Treasury stock (cost method) reports the amount paid by the

Estray statutes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Estray statutes - Essay Example The statute defines lost property and abandoned property, and provides procedures and remedies which prescribe the powers and duties of finders and owners of the property, and of relevant government employees. It provides for the disposition of lost property that remains unclaimed by the owner and by the finder. The statute exempts from its application limited types of property. Defined by these laws and regulations, a person taking up an estray has a qualified ownership in it, which becomes absolute if the owner fails to claim the animal within the statutory period. If the owner reclaims the estray, he is liable for reasonable costs of its upkeep. The use of an estray during the period of qualified ownership, other than for its own preservation or for the benefit of the owner, is not authorized. Some statutes limit the right to take up estrays to certain classes of persons, to certain seasons or places, or to animals requiring care. Like registering title, estray statutes discourage the theft of property. Like adverse-possession rules, estray statutes tend to clear the clouds from title and transfer property to productive use. Like adverse-possession rules, estray statutes also provide an incentive for owners to monitor their property. Estray statutes induce the dissemination of information and thus reduce the search costs of owners who lose their property (Wen, 2004). Statutory time limit is usually within one year (Baumer, 2003) as practiced in South Dakota. In Colorado however, this limit is good for five days only by animal control officer, unless claimed by the owner, the state board of stock inspection commissioners will keep the animal (Ord. 196, 1973). In Idaho, upon notice to the County Clerk within ten days, publish notification in a newspaper within twenty days and still unclaimed, the statutory limit will end within three months and the finder will become the owner. These notifications are necessary for the finder who fails to make a reasonable effort to return the property to its owner will be considered theft (Idaho Code 55-405). In Nebraska (Nebraska Brand Committee, 2006), Oklahoma (University of Vermont. 2001), and Minnesota (Office of Revisor of Statutes, 2006) the notification is only within seven days. In Minnesota, notification is also within ten days. If the finder failed to post the notice hence ignored the property rights o f the owner, he shall be charged double the amount of damages sustained by the owner thereby. In New Jersey, if the owner failed to reclaim it within 120 days "a. the owner of the premises where the property was found may claim title to buried or hidden lost property or to lost property which a trespasser found; b. the finder of the property may claim title to lost property in other cases." (New Jersey Law Revision Commission, n.d.) If the owner of the premises or the finder does not claim the lost property, marketable property shall be sold in which the net proceeds shall be deposited with the administrator of the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (46:30B-1 to -109) in the Unclaimed Personal Property Trust Fund

Essay On Corporate Social Responsibility Accounting Essay

Essay On Corporate Social Responsibility Accounting Essay The term stakeholders means a party that can effect or be effected by the actions of the business as a whole and they are the group of members without whose support the organisation cannot exist or they are the interested parties who is keen to know what the business is doing. In this situation the stakeholder is Steve Morgan who is the controller of the Newton Industries and is interested in production cost reports. What are the ethical issues involved in this situation? Steve Morgan is involved in the ethical issue as he did not inform the management that the advertising cost is expensed in the current period the net income wouldnt be overstated and this would help the financial managers to make decisions and maintain effective control over resources. What would you do if you were Steve Morgan ? Managerial Accounting or management accounting is a set of practices and techniques aimed at the providing managers with financial information to help them make decisions and maintain effective control over corporate resources. So, if I was in Steve Morgans position I would had recorded the advertising cost as expense in the current period , so as to not to overstate net income. BYP 3-6 Who are the potential stakeholders involved in this situation? The term stakeholders means a party that can effect or be effected by the actions of the business as a whole and they are the group of members without whose support the organisation cannot exist or they are the interested parties who is keen to know what the business is doing. In this case the potential stakeholders are Jan Wooten who is department head in the Moulding Dept. And Tony Ferneti who is quality control inspector of moulding department and are interested in saving the companys money. What alternatives does Tony have in this situation? What might the company do to prevent this situation from occurring? Tony has two alternatives in this situation, first alternative is that pass through the inspection and on to the Assembly Department all the units that had defects non-detectable to the human eye. The second alternative is that Tony can reject all the units that had defects. The company can lower the wages of the employees so that the employees will be extra vigilant and will be careful. Also the company could use the extra money after lowering the wages in providing the employees a better training and could avoid such situation in the future. Part B: Essay on corporate social responsibility CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Corporate social responsibility (CSR) in business is related to the obligation of companies and other business organizations to increase their positive influence and reduce their negative activity toward society. In that sense, while ethics is a matter for each individual in the business field, social responsibility is related to the influence of an organizations business decisions on society. One of the most significant principles on which modern business is based is that of an organization based on responsibility. Organizations must take responsibility for their role in society. Corporate Social Responsibility is becoming an increasingly important activity to businesses nationally and internationally. As globalization accelerates and large corporations serve as global providers, these corporations have progressively recognised the benefits of providing CSR programs in their various locations. CSR activities are now being undertaken throughout the globe. The rationale for CSR has been articulated in a number of ways. In essence it is about building sustainable businesses, which need healthy economies, markets and communities.(megatrend) The key drivers for CSR are: Enlightened self-interest creating a synergy of ethics, a cohesive society and a Sustainable global economy where markets, labour and communities are able function well together. Social investment contributing to physical infrastructure and social capital is increasingly seen as a necessary part of doing business. Transparency and trust business has low ratings of trust in public perception. There is increasing expectation that companies will be more open, more accountable and be prepared to report publicly on their performance in social and environmental. Increased public expectations of business globally companies are expected to-do more than merely provide jobs and contribute to the economy through taxes and employment. The concept of corporate social responsibility has been standardized and today represents an integral part of integrated management systems. The principles connected with existing definitions of corporate social responsibility consist of the following: taking part in community life, accountability, sustainability, transparency, ethical behaviour (without corruption), honesty and inclusion. Socially responsible companies adhere to the triple result approach, keeping in mind the social, economic and environmental influence of their business operations. (Weygand, kimmel kieso. 6th Ed, p 21) Framework of CSR CSR is important, as its a starting point towards building CSR into management control systems. The different phases are also named steps. This is done because the framework works as a continuum where different steps follow one another and a step cannot be skipped when heading to a system working in day-to-day work and helping to reach set goals. In step three the management control system is shaped and it represent the processes, systems and tools by which the management guides the organizations and its employees behaviour to fulfil the set strategy and targets. To facilitate management actions management should get proper reporting of the step three. After attaining CSR outcomes these outcomes can be reported to the stakeholders via CSR reporting. The steps will be used to analyze the empirical results of the study. The stage of alignment of CSR into management control systems in the case companies will be analyzed according to this framework. In this internal control the role of a ccounting plays a very important concept. Corporate social responsibility and important of accounting à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ CSR is a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns into their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ CSR is the process by which managers within an organization think about and discuss relationships with stakeholders as well as their roles in relation to the common good, along with their behavioural disposition with respect to the fulfilment and achievement of these roles and relationships Several concepts related to CSR, which apply to the accounting areas: Environmental Management Accounting, Social Environmental Accounting and Environmental Reporting or Social Responsibility Accounting. These concepts link CSR to the accounting system, arguing for the importance of such aspects in the work of accountants. Very well informed businesses and non-profit organizations environment seems aware of the importance of good CSR practices. CSR developed a portal presenting and advertising very well the experience of CSR and international organizations in this area. Such companies in our country have initiated several projects and initiatives. CSR-related concepts influence significantly the accountancy profession for example, Environmental Management Accounting is the management of environmental and economic performance via management accounting systems and practices that focus on both physical information on the flow of energy, water, materials, and wastes, as well as monetary information on related costs, earnings and savings. (tkf.org.in) Managerial accounting is reflected by both physical information on the use, flows and destinies of energy, water and materials, and monetary information on environment-related costs, earnings and savings sides. It has such application fields as: assessment of annual environmental costs/expenditure, product pricing, budgeting, investment appraisal, calculating costs, savings and benefits of environmental systems, environmental performance evaluation, indicators and benchmarking, external disclosure on environmental expenditures, investments and liabilities. As this shows, and we will further develop, it is then imperative that all parties involved in the accounting domain consider fostering such competencies in accountants, for the overall good of the society. Managerial Accountability is an international standard for social responsibility, created by Council on Economic Priority Accreditation Agency with the goal of securing an ethical source of products and services. This standard is of a voluntary character and can be applied to any company, regardless of size and branch of operations. Also, the standard can either replace or be a supplement to companies or industries with a specific code of social responsibility.(amfiteatur.economic) Part C: Essay on budgeting Budget: Is a formal written statement of managements plan for a specified future time period, expressed in financial terms. It represents the primary method of communicating agreed-upon objectives throughout the organization. Once adopted, a budget becomes an important basis for evaluating performance. It promotes efficiency and serves as a deterrent to waste and inefficiency. (Weygandt, Kimmel Kieso, 6th Ed, p 384) Some employees will question the need for a budget. The procedure of budget preparation is at times seen as difficult, and it is not constantly clear how the attempt that is required leads to any fruitful production. Furthermore, budgets can be seen as imposing constraint that is hard to live with and establish goals that are difficult to meet. Despite these dismal remarks, it is very important that organizations carefully plan their financial affairs to attain financial achievement. These plans are normally expressed as budgets. A budget is detailed financial plans that quantify future expectations and actions relative to acquiring and using resources. (Principles of Accounting) In small organization, formal budgets are an unusual object. The individual management/owners likely manage only by reference to a common mental budget. The person has a good sense of estimated sales, costs, financing, and asset needs. Each operation is under direct oversight of this person and confidently she or he has the capacity to keep things on a logical course. When things dont go well, the management/owners can normally take up the slack by not taking a pay check or engage in some other form of financial requirement. Of course, much small business eventually is unsuccessful anyway. Explanation for unsuccessful are several and varied, but are often pinned on undercapitalization or insufficient resources to sustain operations. Many of these post-mortem assessments reflect a failure to adequately plan! Even in a small company, a reliable business budget/plan can often result in anticipate and avoiding terrible outcomes. Medium and big organization consistently relies on budgets. This is likewise true in business, government, and non-profit organization. The budget provides a formal quantitative phrase of opportunity. It is an essential aspect of the planning and control process. Without a budget, an business will be highly unproductive and ineffective. (Principles of Accounting) Advantages of Detailed Budgeting: There are several advantages of detailed budgeting for business which are. First of all creating a budget is a long term perspective so it enables to think in a long term and moves away from making short term goals. It also allows thinking long term financial position and profitability of a business no matter if the planned budget doesnt successes. (Accounting Tools) Making a detailed business budget allows to pin point where the company generates it most of the revenue as in many cases it is easy that the management looses the most profitable aspect. It forces management to consider to whether it should let go non productive part of business and which new one to invest in. (Accounting Tools) Budgeting allows business to think what the key purpose of the business is and to forecast environmental factors that may affect the performance of the business. This forecasting enables to develop strategy to overcome different environmental pressure. (Accounting Tools) A detailed budgeting allows business to look forward what future cash flows will be required for the expansion of the business and from where to generate funds in order to meet the future growth needs. (Beyond) Formulating a budget also allows you to evaluate the performance of the business. Where the business is now and where to be and how to get there. It provides step by step information which is helpful in reaching where the business wants to be. Without budget it is very difficult to evaluate the current performance of business. It measures the planned performance with actual which gives a complete and true picture of the business. (Weygandt, Kimmel Kieso, 6th Ed, p 385) Budgeting enables managers to decide where to allocate funds as cash are always limited. Whether to invest in fixed assets to increase production for matching future demands or to invest in working capital. It also enables business to decide which asset is worth investing. (Beyond) A realistic established budget enhances the probability that the business will successes because it contains all the essentials and targets that have to be accomplished and also enables the business owner to according to the planned activities. (Accounting Tools) In addition detailed budgeting also helps to formulate different department goals and different functional goals. The functionality of all the departments are necessary to run the business mechanism. Basically budget creates a harmony among the entire department prevailing in a particular business. (Principles of Accounting) A budget is not only useful for owner or managers of business but it is also useful for the investors. Budgets helps investors to check if the business have enough potential and if the business if worth investing. Investors see the budget to find out what are the goals of business and investing in that particular business will maximize the probability of better return in terms of interest. (Accounting Tools) Budgets are not just useful in comparing your own performance with the planned one but it is also useful in comparing the performance of your business with the overall industry, like what are the labor rate prevailing in the market, what price to charge from customer, what volume to sell in order to get maximum revenue. (Accounting Tools) Conclusion: A strong budgeting system serves as an effective planning and control tool that allows a business to plan its short term and long term strategy towards achievement of its short term and long term goals, by: Setting up targets for individual departments of the Company, Checking and ensuring the availability of necessary resources for the achievement of the said targets, Streamlining the goals of different departments with that of the organization, Monitoring the actual performance against the budget, Adjusting the performance deficiencies by referring back to the budget Adjusting the budget where required by incorporating the changes in the working environment, and Continuously planning for effective and better performance. All in all a budget is a system of governance that enables the management to build up the business by adequately planning its each move in the market and maintain a pro-active approach in its business that serves as a plus point in a competitive business environment if managed effectively and intelligently. (Weygandt, Kimmel Kieso, 6th Ed, p 385 386)

Free My Antonia Essays: The Character of Antonia Shimerda :: My Antonia Essays

The Character of Antonia Shimerda in My Antonia Antonia Shimerda spends her whole life fighting, yet she is not known to be belligerent. She is constantly being battered, but still has no visible scars. Antonia is a girl who suffers all through her life, and somehow manages to keep an optimistic outlook. She is one of those rare people who gain character, rather than resentment, by enduring hardship. Throughout the book, MY ANTONIA, the strength and perseverance of this girl definitely portray her as "battered but not diminished." The symbol of freedom, courage and hardship, the country seems to invite all to come and settle, but not without a struggle. Antonia, along with her family, is among the many that takes on this formidable task. A girl with a great heart, she comes to Nebraska virtually helpless, She arrives in an unfamiliar country with the knowledge to speak only a few words in the native language, and her family with no knowledge at all. Living in a small hut made of dirt and wood, the Shimerda family is forced to make due with what it has; which is not much. This presents a tremendous strain on them. In contrast to Antonia's remarkable perseverance, misery plagues and inevitable overcomes her father. He eventually gives in to his despair, leaving his family to fend for themselves. There is a great sense of unease and apprehension that comes along with the suicide, that can be almost unbearable to a little girl. As any child, the loss of a parent is probably the most substantial event in his/her li fe and equally difficult to get over. Although Antonia never forgets her father, she uses her strength to move on. No matter how she tries, Antonia cannot escape the prejudices that surround the town. Working as a hired girl, a job that demands the skill of a housekeeper and a nanny, Antonia becomes an outcast in the city. Consequently, she is forced to associate with only other working girls like herself. Yet it is not just her job that earns her the prejudice, it is the color of her skin. Working in the fields of the country, Antonia had gained a remarkable tan. The latter, although accepted in the country, brands her a peasant in the town. No refined lady would ever subject herself to the brutal country sun.