Symbolism in the Short Story Everyday Use Essay - 578 Words

Alice Walker is a well-known African- American writer known for published fiction, poetry, and biography. She received a number of awards for many of her publications. One of Walkers best short stories titled Everyday Use, tells the story of a mother and her two daughters conflicting ideas about their heritage. The mother narrates the story of the visit by her daughter, Dee. She is an educated woman who now lives in the city, visiting from college. She starts a conflict with the other daughter, Maggie over the possession of the heirloom quilts. Maggie still lives the lifestyle of her ancestors; she deserves the right of the quilts. This story explores heritage by using symbolism of the daughters actions, family items, and tradition.†¦show more content†¦Alice Walker demonstrates the importance of heritage through Dees thoughtless actions and Maggies actions during her daily life. Walker explores heritage by using symbolism through family items. The bench was passed on to Mama from many generations. The rump prints on the bench shows the history of their ancestors. Mama and Maggie still use this same bench at their table because they could not afford chairs. The butter dish that was Grandma Dees is also being used at the table. Also the churn top that was whittled out of a tree by Uncle Buddy still plays a large role in Mama and Maggies daily life. The main family item that Walker uses to symbolize heritage are the two quilts. These quilts are sewed from pasted ancestors and the meanings of these quilts are filled with history. The churn top, the bench with her ancestors rump prints, the butter dish, and the quilts are all symbols of their heritage. The symbolism of heritage and tradition is used in the story Everyday Use. The tradition of their lifestyle is an important role of appreciating their heritage. Maggie and Mama still live like their ancestors did generations before them. They still use the family items in their everyday life. The tradition of the bench being passed down from generation to generation symbolizes their heritage. When Dee wanted to take the churn for a center piece she did not even take in to consideration that they still use it toShow MoreRelatedEveryday Use by Alice Walker: A Look at Symbolism and Family Values879 Words   |  4 PagesAlice Walkers â€Å"Everyday Use†, is a story about a family of African Americans that are faced with moral issues involving what true inheritance is and who deserves it. Two sisters and two hand stitched quilts become the center of focus for this short story. Walker paints for us the most vivid representation through a third person perspective of family values and how people from the same environment and upbringing can become differen t types of people. Like most peoples families there is a dynamicRead MoreA Short Story Usually Forms A Conflict Or Multiple Conflicts894 Words   |  4 Pages A short story usually forms a conflict or multiple conflicts between two or more people. Some people focus on the conflicts but do not see what the author is trying to say. The authors will write what symbolism the characters. The author focus on the characters, the conflicts, the settings, and the descriptions that can help the readers to see the symbolism. When the readers pay attention, and analyze the stories can give them opinions while discussing to other people. In â€Å"Everyday Use† by AliceRead MoreTheme Of Realism In Poker Night By John Updike1392 Words   |  6 Pages(Updike 5). This is one of many quotes John Updike uses throughout his works to call attention to his abundance of symbolism. 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After the death of her father forty yearsRead MoreSymbolism In A Rose For Emily1276 Words   |  6 PagesSymbolism is the use of an object or a word to represent an abstract idea. Its often used by writers to represent a hidden message or a hint in a story. The short Stories A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner and Everyday Use by Alice Walker are great examples of the use of symbolism. In A Rose for Emily Faulkner uses symbolism to create a Story about a woman called Emily whose life is surrounded by mysteries, especially after the death of her father and the disappearance of her beloved HomerRead MoreThe Usability of Symbolism in Everyday Use by Alice Walker Essay1230 Words   |  5 PagesSymbolism is a techniq ue that author’s uses to bring out the main importance of an object, but more emphasized details are being extracted in the usage of it. Alice Walker uses quilts, for example, to symbolize a â€Å"bond between women† (Spark Notes) a relationship between women, that would get passed down from generation to generation. In this story, symbolism plays a big role that makes this more attracted to the reader’s eyes. The characters such as the following: Mama Johnson, Dee, and Maggie allRead More The Death of the Moth by Virginia Woolf Essay761 Words   |  4 Pagesalthough it is a part of everyday life. In Virginia Woolf’s â€Å"The Death of the Moth†, she writes about a moth flying about a windowpane, its world constrained by the boundaries of the wood holding the glass. The moth flew, first from one side, to the other, and then back as the rest of life continued ignorant of its movements. At first indifferent, Woolf was eventually moved to pity the moth. This story shows that life is as strange and familiar as death to us all. I believe this story was well written andRead MoreEssay on The Importance of Heritage in Everyday Use829 Words   |  4 PagesIn â€Å"Everyday Use † by Alice Walker the exact setting is never revealed and therefore, can only be guessed, but it has been guessed that the story takes place on a country side in Georgia. At one point in the story Augusta is mentioned. The time is also estimated to be during the Civil Rights Movement around the year of 1973. Mrs. Johnson, along with her two daughters, reside in a small three room house, and take pride in there small yard. As Maggie and Dee grow older they start to realize howRead MoreEveryday Use By Alice Walker966 Words   |  4 PagesSymbolism in Everyday Use by Alice Walker Symbolism is basically the use of symbols, actions, words and objects to signify ideas, different from their literal meaning. Symbolism is contextual and the meaning is dependent on the context. Walker uses various symbols to tell the story in ‘Everyday Use’. 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Outward Conformity, Inward Questioning in Arthur Millerñs...

In Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, Biff Loman silently questions his ability to fulfill his father’s wishes. His father, Willie Loman, holds high expectations for Biff’s future and constantly brags to others about how successful Biff will be. Out of respect for his father, Biff conforms to the path that Willie has planned for him. In the beginning, Willie lives vicariously through his son, Biff, who has no choice but to conform in order to preserve father-son respect. However, when the mutual respect that his father holds so dear dissolves, Biff’s concealed questions expand their influence from his thoughts to his actions as Biff becomes his own man. A salesperson’s career depends largely on the respect that others have for him. Without respect, Willie cannot sell himself to his family, friends, or clients. Willie understands this, and takes pride in the positive reputation he thinks he has with buyers across the country. In this way, Biff is a client of Willie’s, who purchases the wisdom that his father has to offer. Unfortunately, for Willie, Biff is not entirely sure of the purchase he makes, evidenced by the dissatisfaction that Biff expresses with â€Å"what it takes to build a future† as a businessperson. When Biff converses with Happy about the career he wants, the reader discovers that Biff seeks a future that involves the great outdoors, not the confined existence of a businessperson. Instead of voicing his desires to his father, Biff keeps these thoughts to

Prom Nights from Hell Chapter One Free Essays

string(36) " followed us in was talking to him\." Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper Kim Harrison Chapter One If British general, a damsel in a dress, and a pirate walk into a gym, I thought as I gazed over the bodies moving in a mind-numbing chaos of pent-up, inexperienced, teenage lust. Leave it to Covington High to turn prom into a joke. Not to mention my seventeenth birthday. We will write a custom essay sample on Prom Nights from Hell Chapter One or any similar topic only for you Order Now What was I doing here? Prom was supposed to be real dresses with a live band, not rented costumes with canned music and streamers. And my birthday was supposed to be†¦ anything but this. â€Å"You sure you don’t want to dance?† Josh yelled in my ear, sending his sugary breath over me. I tried not to grimace, keeping my gaze fixed on the clock beside the gym’s Scoreboard and wondering if an hour was long enough to stay and not get the third degree from my dad. The music was dull-the same rhythmic thump over, and over, and over. Nothing new in the last forty minutes. And the bass was way too loud. â€Å"Yep,† I said, edging away in time with the music when his hand tried to creep to my waist. â€Å"Still don’t want to dance.† â€Å"Something to drink?† he tried again, and I cocked my hip, crossing my arms to hide my cleavage. I was still waiting for the boob fairy to show up, but the dress’s corset shoved everything up and together to make it look like I had more than I did, making me self-conscious. â€Å"No, thanks,† I said with a sigh. He probably didn’t hear me, but he got the gist, seeing as he looked away, watching everyone move. Long ballroom gowns and skimpy barmaid costumes mixed with swashbuckling pirates and sailors. That was the theme of the prom. Pirates. God! I had worked for two months on the prom committee at my old school. It was going to have been freaking fantastic, with a moonlit barge and a real band, but no-o-o-o. Mom had said Dad needed to spend time with me. That he was going through a midlife crisis and had to reconnect with something from his past that didn’t involve arguing. I think she just got scared when she caught me sneaking out for a late cappuccino and shipped me back to Dad and Dullsville USA knowing I listened to him more than her. Okay, so it had been after midnight. And I might have been after more than caffeine. And yeah, I’d already been grounded from staying out too late the previous weekend, but that’s w hy I had to sneak out. Running the stiff lace of my colonial dress between my fingers, I wondered if any of these people had a clue what a real party looked like. Maybe they didn’t care. Josh was standing a little in front of me, bobbing his head in time with the music and clearly wanting to dance. Nearby at the food table was the guy who had skulked in after us. He was looking my way, and I gave him a stare, wondering if he was after me or Josh. Seeing my attention on him, the guy turned away. My gaze fell back on Josh, who had begun to almost dance halfway between me and the moving people. Actually, I mused as he shifted and bobbed his head to the music, his costume made his thin, awkward height work for him-a traditional British general’s red and white, complete with fake sword and epaulets. His father’s idea, probably, since he was the VIP of VIPs at the research facility that had kept everyone employed when the military base moved to Arizona, but it did go with the overdone lace-and-corset thing I had on. â€Å"Come on. Everyone else is dancing,† he coaxed when he saw me look at him, and I shook my head, almost feeling sorry for him. He reminded me of the guys in the photography club pretending the darkroom door had locked to try to get a little action. It just wasn’t fair. I had spent three years learning how to fit in with the cool chicks, and now I was right back with the nice but unpopular guys, mowing down cupcakes in the gym. And on my birthday, too. â€Å"No,† I said flatly. Translation: Sorry, I’m not interested. You may as well give up. Even thick-headed, awkward, broken-glasses Josh got that one, and he stopped his almost-dancing to fix his blue eyes on me. â€Å"Jesus, you’re a bitch, you know that? I only asked you out because my dad made me. If you want to dance, I’ll be over there.† My breath caught, and I gaped at him as if he had punched me in the gut. He cockily raised his eyebrows and walked away with his hands in his pockets and his chin raised. Two girls parted so he could walk between them, and they hunched into each other in his wake, gossiping as they glanced at me. Oh my God. I’m a pity date. Blinking fast, I held my breath as I fought to keep the room from going blurry. Crap, not only was I the new girl, but I was a freaking pity date! My dad had made nice to his boss, and he made his son ask me out. â€Å"Son of a dead puppy,† I whispered, wondering if everyone was looking at me or if it was just my imagination. I tucked my short blond hair behind my ear and backed to the wall. Leaning against it with my arms crossed, I tried to pretend Josh had gone to get some pop. Inside, I was dying. I had been dumped. No, I had been dumped by a geek. â€Å"Way to go, Madison,† I said sourly, just imagining the gossip on Monday. I spotted Josh at the food table, pretending to ignore me without being obvious about it. The guy in the sailor outfit who had followed us in was talking to him. You read "Prom Nights from Hell Chapter One" in category "Essay examples" I still didn’t think he was one of Josh’s friends, even though he was jostling his elbow and pointing at the girls dancing in dresses cut too low for the gyrating they were doing. That I didn’t recognize him wasn’t surprising since I’d been avoiding everyone for the simple reason I wasn’t happy being here and I didn’t mind anyone knowing it. I wasn’t a jock or a nerd-though I had belonged to the photography club back home. Despite my efforts, I apparently didn’t fit with the Barbie dolls. And I wasn’t a goth, brain, druggie, or one of the kids who wanted to play scientist like their mommies or daddies at the research facility. I didn’t fit anywhere. Correction, I thought as Josh and the sailor laughed. I fit with the bitches. The guy followed Josh’s attention to another group of girls, who were now giggling at something Josh had said. His brown hair was frizzed out under his sailor’s cap, and his crisp white outfit made him look like all the other guys who’d chosen sailor over pirate. He was tall, and there was a smooth grace to his movements that said he’d quit growing. He looked older than me, but he couldn’t be too much older. It was the prom. And I don’t have to be here, I thought suddenly, shoving myself away from the wall with my elbows. Josh was my ride home, but my dad would pick me up if I called. My motion to weave through the crowd to the double doors slowed in worry. He’d ask why Josh wasn’t bringing me home. It would all come out. The lecture to be nice and fit in I could deal with, but the embarrassment†¦ Josh was watching me when I glanced up. The guy with him was trying to get his attention, but Josh’s eyes were on mine. Mocking me. That did it. No way was I going to call my dad. And I wasn’t getting into a car with Josh, either. I’d walk it. All five miles. In heels. And a long cotton dress. On a damp April night. With my boobs scrunched together. What was the worst that could happen? A runaway cow incident? Crap, I really missed my car. â€Å"Way to go, girl,† I muttered, gathering my resolution along with my dress, head down as my shoulders bumped into dancers on my way to the door. I was so out of here. People were talking, but I didn’t care. I didn’t need friends. Friends were overrated. The music melted into something fast, and I brought my attention up when the crowd seemed to shift, awkwardly changing rhythm. I jerked to a stop when I realized I was a step away from running into someone. â€Å"Sorry!† I shouted over the music, then froze, staring. Holy crap, Mr. Sexy Pirate Captain. Where had he been the last three weeks, and were there more where he came from? I’d never seen him before. Not in the entire time I’d been stuck in this town. I would have remembered. Maybe exerted myself a little more. Flushing, I dropped my skirt to move my hand to cover my cleavage. God, I felt like a British tart with everything shoved up like that. The guy was dressed in a clingy black pirate costume, a pendant of gray stone lying on his chest. I could see it where the collar parted. A Zorro-style mask hid his upper face. The wide silk tails of it trailed down his back to mix with his luscious wavy black hair. He stood taller than me by about five inches, and as I ran my gaze over his tight figure, I wondered where he’d been keeping himself. Certainly not the band room or Mrs. Fairel’s U.S. Government class, I thought as the spinning lights played over him. â€Å"My apologies,† he said, taking my hand, and my breath caught, not because he was touching me, but because his accent wasn’t Midwestern. Sort of a slow, soft exhalation laced with a crisp preciseness that told of taste and sophistication. I could almost hear the clink of crystal and soft laughter in it, the comforting sounds that more often than not had lulled me to sleep as the waves pushed on the beach. â€Å"You aren’t from around here,† I blurted as I leaned to hear him better. A smile grew, his dusky skin and dark hair almost a balm, so familiar amid the pale faces and light hair of the Midwestern prison I was in. â€Å"I’m here temporarily,† he said. â€Å"An exchange student, in a manner of speaking. Same as you.† He glanced disdainfully at the people moving around us with little rhythm and even less originality. â€Å"There are too many cows here, don’t you think?† I laughed, praying I didn’t sound like a brainless flake. â€Å"Yes!† I almost shouted, pulling him down to talk into his ear over the noise. â€Å"But I’m not an exchange student. I moved here from Florida. My mom lives out there on the inner coastal, but now I’m stuck here with my dad. I agree. You’re right, it’s awful. At least you get to go home.† And where is home, Mr. Sexy Pirate? A hint of low tide and canal water drifted to me, rising from him like a memory. And though some might find it unpleasant, tears pricked at my eyes. I missed my old school. I missed my car. I missed my friends. Why had Mom gone so ballistic? â€Å"Home, yes,† he said, and an intoxicating smile showed a hint of tongue when he licked his lips and straightened. â€Å"We should leave the floor. We’re in the way of their†¦ dancing.† My heart pounded harder. I didn’t want to move. He might go away, or worse, someone might slip their arm into his, claiming him. â€Å"Do you want to dance?† I said, nervous. â€Å"It’s not what I’m used to, but it has a good beat.† His smile widened, and relief sent my pulse faster. Oh God. I think he likes me. Letting go of my hand, he nodded, and then dropped back a step and started to move. For a moment, I forgot to follow and just watched him. He wasn’t flamboyant. No, he went the other way-his slow movements making far more of an impact than if he had cleared the floor by spinning me around it. Seeing me watching, he smiled from behind his mysterious mask and blue-gray eyes as he held out a hand for me to join him. I took a breath, my fingers slipping into his warm ones, and let him pull me into motion. The music was the framework he moved within, and I lost myself trying to match the pattern of it. Almost swaying, we shifted at every second beat. I let myself relax and just dance, finding it easier if I didn’t think about it. I could feel every shift of my hips and roll of my shoulders-and a thrill of something began to grow inside me. While everyone around us continued with sharp, fast motions, we danced slow, the space between us narrowing, our gazes fixing more and more on each other as I became increasingly sure of myself. I let him guide me as the music pulsed and my heart pounded with it. â€Å"Most everyone here calls me Seth,† he said, almost ruining the moment, but then his hand curved lightly about my waist, and I leaned into him. Oh yeah. This was better. â€Å"Madison,† I said, liking how I felt, dancing slower than everyone else. But the music was fast, thumping to make my blood race. The two extremes made it seem all the more daring. â€Å"I haven’t seen you around. Are you a senior?† Seth’s fingers tightened on the light cotton of my dress, or perhaps he was just drawing me closer. â€Å"I’m top of my class,† he said, leaning so he wouldn’t have to shout. The colored lights played upon him, and I felt airy. Josh could suck an egg for all I cared. This was what my prom should be. â€Å"That would explain it,† I said, tilting my head to see his eyes and try to place him. â€Å"I’m a junior.† He smiled with his lips closed, and I felt small and protected. My own smile grew. I could feel people starting to watch us, their dancing slowing as they turned. I hoped Josh was getting a good look. Call me a bitch, would he? I lifted my chin, daring to reach out and pull Seth near, our bodies touching, then moving apart. My heart hammered at what I was doing, but I wanted to hurt Josh. I wanted the gossip tomorrow to be what an idiot he had been to walk away from me. I wanted†¦ something. Seth’s hands slid smoothly at my waist, neither imprisoning nor demanding, freeing me to dance as I wanted, and I let myself go, motions turning more sultry than these backwoods bumpkins had seen anywhere but on their TV. My lips twitched when I saw Josh and that sailor kid he’d been talking with all this time. Josh’s face was white with anger, and I simpered back. â€Å"You want him to know you aren’t with him?† Seth said wistfully, and my gaze jerked to his. â€Å"He hurt you,† Seth said, and his dark hand left tingles where it touched my chin. â€Å"You should show him what he lost.† The moment balanced, and though I knew it was spiteful, I found myself nodding. Seth eased to a halt, pulling me into him with a smooth, unbroken gesture. He was going to kiss me. I knew it. It was in every motion he made. My pulse hammered, and I tilted my head up to meet his lips with my own, feeling my knees lock. Around us, people slowed to watch, some laughing, some envious. My eyes closed, and I shifted my weight so that we were still dancing as we kissed. It was everything I wanted. Heat washed into me where we touched, spilling down through me like layers, each flaring up as his touch grew closer. Never had I been kissed like this, and I couldn’t breathe, afraid I’d ruin it. My hands were at his waist, and they held him tighter as he cupped my jaw, holding me as if I might break. He tasted like wood smoke. I wanted more-but boy, did I know better. A low sound lifted from him, softer than distant thunder. His hands tightened, and adrenaline spiked through me. The kiss had shifted. Alarmed, I jerked back, breathless but feeling bright-eyed and exhilarated. Seth’s moody eyes were fixed on mine with a light amusement that I had pulled away. â€Å"It’s only a game,† he said. â€Å"He’s wiser, now. So are you. He’s not worth pain.† I blinked as the lights spun madly and the music continued, loud and untouched by our kiss. Everything was different, but only I had changed. I tore my gaze from Seth, my hand still on his waist for balance. There were spots of color on Josh’s cheeks, and he looked angry. I raised my eyebrows at him. â€Å"Let’s go,† I said, linking my arm with Seth’s. I didn’t think anyone would show up to challenge my position. Not after that kiss. Confident, I stepped forward with Seth beside me. A path opened, and I felt like a queen. Though the music thumped and blared, everyone watched us make our way unimpeded to the double doors with their brown-paper wrappings decorated to look like the oak doors of a castle. Plebeians, I thought when Seth pushed open the door and the cooler air of the hallway hit me. The door closed behind us, and the music dulled. I slowed to a stop, low heels scuffing on the tile. There was a paper-cloth-covered table against the wall with a tired-looking woman checking tickets. Farther down the hall three kids loitered at the main door. The memory of our kiss rose back through me, making me suddenly nervous. This guy was gorgeous. Why was he with me? â€Å"Thank you,† I mumbled, glancing up and away, then warmed as I wondered if he might think I was talking about the kiss. â€Å"I mean, for getting me out of there with my pride intact,† I added, flushing deeper. â€Å"I saw what he did.† Seth rocked us into motion down the hallway away from everyone and to the parking lot. â€Å"It was either that or you dumping punch on his clothes. And you†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He hesitated until I looked at him. â€Å"You want your revenge more subtle than that.† A sloppy grin came over me, but I couldn’t help it. â€Å"You think?† He inclined his head, acting far older than he should. â€Å"Do you have a ride home?† I jerked to a stop, and he continued a step before turning, his blue-gray eyes wide in alarm. It was cool out here, and I told myself that was why I had a sudden chill. â€Å"I’m†¦ sorry,† he said, blinking and holding himself still. â€Å"I didn’t mean†¦ I’ll stay with you while you arrange for someone to come. You don’t know me from Adam.† â€Å"No, it’s not that,† I rushed, embarrassed for my sudden mistrust. I glanced back at the woman by the gym door who was watching us with an idle interest. â€Å"I should call my dad, is all. Let him know what’s going on.† Seth smiled, his white teeth showing strongly. â€Å"Of course.† I fumbled for the purse that this dress had come with. He moved away a few feet as I dug out my phone and fidgeted, trying to remember the house’s number. There was no answer, and we both turned at the noise of the gym door opening. Josh came out, and my jaw tightened. The answering machine picked up, and in a rush, I blurted, â€Å"Hi, Dad. It’s Madison.† Duh. â€Å"I’m getting a ride home with Seth†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I looked at him in question for a last name. â€Å"Adamson,† he said softly, his eyes behind his mask fixed on Josh. Damn, he had beautiful eyes. And long, luscious eyelashes. â€Å"Seth Adamson,† I said. â€Å"Josh turned out to be a jerk. I’ll be home in a few minutes, okay?† But since no one was really there, there wasn’t much my dad could say. I waited as if listening for a moment, then added, â€Å"I’m fi-i-i-ine. He was a jerk, is all. I’ll see you in a minute.† Satisfied, I closed the phone and tucked it away, linking my arm through Seth’s and turning us to the back doors as Josh caught up, his dress shoes clacking on the tile. â€Å"Madison†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He was annoyed, and my satisfaction grew. â€Å"Hi, Josh!† I said brightly, my tension rising as he fell into step on my other side. I didn’t look at him, and I felt myself go hot. â€Å"I got a ride home. Thanks.† For nothing, I added in my thoughts, still mad at him. Or my dad, maybe, for setting this up. â€Å"Madison, wait.† He caught my elbow, and I spun to a halt. Josh froze, pulling back and letting go. â€Å"You’re a jerk,† I said, eyeing his costume and thinking it looked lame now. â€Å"And I’m no one’s pity date. You can just†¦ flip off,† I adlibbed, not wanting Seth to think I swore like a sailor. Reaching, Josh grabbed my wrist and yanked me away. â€Å"Listen to me,† he said, and the fear in his eyes stopped my protest. â€Å"I’ve never seen this guy before. Don’t be stupid. Let me take you home. You can tell your friends whatever you want. I’ll go along with it.† I tried to take an insulted breath, but the corset wouldn’t let me, so I lifted my chin instead. He knew I didn’t have any friends. â€Å"I called my dad. I’ll be fine,† I said, glancing over his shoulder to the tall kid in that sailor outfit who had followed Josh out. Still Josh wouldn’t let go. Ticked, I twisted my arm, and when I reached to grab his wrist in a self-defense hold, he let go as if knowing it. Eyes wide, he backed up a step. â€Å"I’m going to follow you home then,† he said, eyes flicking to Seth. â€Å"Whatever,† I said as I tossed my hair, secretly glad and wondering if maybe Josh wasn’t so bad after all. â€Å"Seth, are you in the back lot?† Seth came forward, a softly moving figure of grace and refinement next to Josh’s commonality. â€Å"This way, Madison.† I thought I saw a hint of victory in his eyes as his arm slipped through mine. No wonder. He’d obviously come to the prom by himself, and now Josh would be the one leaving alone. I made sure my heels snapped smartly in a show of confident femininity as we went down the hall to the far set of doors. The dress made me feel elegant, and Seth looked fantastic. Josh and his silent buddy trailed behind like extras in a Hollywood film. Seth held the door open for me, leaving the two guys to handle the swinging door by themselves. The air was chilly, and I wished I’d begged for an extra fifty from my dad to get the matching shawl for this outfit. I wondered if Seth would offer me his coat if I complained. The moon was a hazy smear behind the clouds, and as Seth escorted me down the stairs, I could hear Josh behind me, talking softly to his friend in a low, derisive tone. My jaw clenched, and I followed Seth to a sleek black car parked illegally at the curb. It was a convertible, its top open to the cloudy skies, and I couldn’t help but smile even wider. Maybe we could go for a drive before he took me home. Cold or not, I wanted to be seen in this car, sitting next to Seth, the wind in my hair and the music cranked. I bet he had great taste in music. â€Å"Madison†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Seth said in invitation, opening the door for me. Feeling awkward and special all at the same time, I eased into the low front seat, my dress sliding on smooth leather. Seth waited while I got the rest of the skirt inside before gently shutting the door. I put on my belt as he crossed behind the car. The black paint glistened in the low glow of the security lights, and I ran my fingers over the smoothness, smug when I saw Josh jogging to his car. Seth startled me when he slid in behind the wheel; I hadn’t even heard the door open. He cranked the engine, and I liked the solid rumble of it. The stereo came on with something aggressive. The vocals weren’t English, but that only added to it all. Josh’s car’s lights flashed on, and we pulled forward, Seth driving with one hand. My pulse quickened as I looked at him across the dull light. The cool air felt thick against my skin, and as we picked up speed, the wind worked its way through my hair. â€Å"I live to the south,† I said when we reached the main road, and he turned the proper way. Josh’s headlamps swung in behind us, and I settled myself in the seat, wishing Seth had offered me his coat. But he hadn’t said a word or looked at me since I’d gotten in the car. Earlier, he’d been all sly confidence. Now it was†¦ anticipation? And though I didn’t know why, a slow feeling of alarm took root. As if sensing it, Seth turned, driving the black road without looking. â€Å"Too late,† he said softly, and I felt my face blank. â€Å"Easy. I told them it would be easy when you were young and stupid. Almost not worth the effort. Certainly not any enjoyment.† My mouth went dry. â€Å"Excuse me?† Seth glanced at the road and back at me. The car started to go faster, and I gripped the door handle, pressing away from him. â€Å"Nothing personal, Madison. You’re a name on a list. Or should I say, a soul to be culled. An important name, but a name nonetheless. They said it couldn’t be done, and now, you’ll be my admission to a higher court, you and your little life that will now not happen.† What the hell? â€Å"Josh,† I said, turning to the lights going distant as Seth picked up speed. â€Å"He’s following. My dad knows where I am.† Seth smiled, and I shivered at the moonlight glinting on his teeth. Everything else was lost in hazy moon shadow and the shriek of the wind. â€Å"Like that will make a difference?† Oh my God. I was deep in it. My gut tightened. â€Å"Stop the car,† I said forcefully, one hand on the door, the other holding my whipping hair out of my eyes. â€Å"Stop the car and let me out. You can’t do this. People know where I am! Stop the car!† â€Å"Stop the car?† he said, smirking. â€Å"I’ll stop the car.† Seth shifted his leg, stomping on the brake and turning the wheel. I screamed, grabbing anything. The world spun. My breath left me in a shriek as the odd feeling of too much noise mixed with the cessation of jostling. We had left the road. Gravity pulled from the wrong way. Panic struck when I realized the car was flipping over. Shit. I was in a convertible. I ducked, hands clasped over the back of my neck, praying. A hard thump shook me and everything went black. My breath was crushed from me by the force of the hit. I think I was upside down. Then I was yanked another way. The sky brightened to gray, and I sucked in the air when the car flipped once more as it rolled down the embankment. Again, the sky went black and the top of the car hit the ground. â€Å"No!† I shrieked, helpless, then groaned when the car slammed to a stop, upright. I was flung against the seat belt, agony stabbing through my back as I was thrown forward. It was quiet. Breathing hurt. Oh God, I hurt all over, and I stared at the shattered windshield as I panted. The new edges of the window glinted dully in the moonlight, and I followed the broken line down the dash to find Seth gone. My insides hurt. I didn’t see blood, but I think I broke something inside. I was alive? â€Å"Madison!† came distant over my rasping breath. â€Å"Madison!† It was Josh, and I forced my eyes up to the twin balls of light at the top of the embankment. A shadowy figure was sliding down. Josh. I took a breath to call to him, groaning when someone took my head and turned me away. â€Å"Seth?† I whispered. He looked untouched, standing outside the ruined car at my door in his costume of black pirate silk. The moon caught his eyes and pendant, giving them both a gray sheen. â€Å"Still alive,† he said flatly, and tears started to slip from me. I couldn’t move, but everything was a massive ache so I didn’t think I was paralyzed. Damn it, this was a sucky birthday. Dad was going to kill me. â€Å"I hurt,† I said, my voice small, then thought, What a stupid thing to say. â€Å"I don’t have time for this,† Seth said, clearly bothered. My eyes widened, but I didn’t move when he pulled from the folds of his costume a short blade. I tried to cry out, but my breath left me when he pulled his arm back as if to strike me. Moonlight glinted on the blade, red with someone else’s blood. Fantabulous. He’s a psycho. I left the prom with a knife-wielding psycho. Can I pick ’em, or what? â€Å"No!† I shrieked, managing to get my arms up, but the blade was a whisper of ice passing through me, leaving me unhurt. I stared at my middle, not believing I was uncut. My dress wasn’t torn and blood wasn’t flowing, but I knew that blade had gone through me. It had gone through me and the car both. Not understanding, I gaped up at Seth, now standing with the blade at rest and watching me. â€Å"What†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I tried to say when I realized nothing hurt anymore. But my voice was utterly absent. He arched his eyebrows in a show of scorn. My expression left me when I felt the first brush of utter nothing, both new and familiar, like a memory long lost. The terrifying absence of everything crept through me, stilling each thought it rolled over. Soft and muzzy, a blanket of nothing started at the edges of my world and moved inward, taking first the moon, then the night, then my body, and finally the car. Josh’s cries were swallowed up in a low hush of a thrum, leaving only Seth’s silver eyes. And then Seth turned and walked away. â€Å"Madison!† I heard faintly, followed by the briefest touch on my cheek. Then even that melted and there was nothing. How to cite Prom Nights from Hell Chapter One, Essay examples Prom Nights from Hell Chapter One Free Essays The Exterminator’s Daughter Meg Cabot Mary The music is pounding in time to my heartbeat. I can feel the bass in my chest-badoom, badoom. It’s hard to see across the room of writhing bodies, especially with the fog from the dry ice, and the flickering light show coming down from the club’s industrial ceiling overhead. We will write a custom essay sample on Prom Nights from Hell Chapter One or any similar topic only for you Order Now But I know he’s here. I can feel him. Which is why I’m grateful for the bodies grinding against one another all around me. They’re keeping me hidden from his view-and from his senses. Otherwise he’d have smelled me coming by now. They can detect the scent of fear from yards away. Not that I’m scared. Because I’m not. Well. Maybe a little. But I have my Excalibur Vixen crossbow 285 FPS with me, with a twenty-inch-long Easton XX75 (the tip, formerly gold, now replaced with hand-carved ash) already cocked and ready to be released at the merest pressure from my finger. He’ll never know what hit him. And, hopefully, neither will she. The important thing is to get a clean shot-which won’t be easy in this crowd-and to make it count. I’ll probably only get one chance to shoot. Either I’ll hit the target†¦ or he’ll hit me. â€Å"Always aim for the chest,† Mom used to say. â€Å"It’s the largest part of the body, and the spot you’re least likely to miss. Of course, you’re more likely to kill than wound if you aim for the chest rather than the thigh or arm†¦ but what do you want to wound for, anyway? The point is to take ’em down.† Which is what I’m here to do tonight. Take ‘im down. Lila will hate me, of course, if she figures out what really happened†¦ and that it was me who did it. But what does she expect? She can’t think that I’m just going to sit idly by and watch her throw her life away. â€Å"I met this guy,† she’d gushed at lunch today, while we were standing in line for the salad bar. â€Å"Oh my God, Mary, you wouldn’t believe how cute he is. His name’s Sebastian. He’s got the bluest eyes you’ve ever seen.† The thing about Lila that a lot of people don’t get is that beneath that-let’s face it-slutty exterior beats the heart of a truly loyal friend. Unlike the rest of the girls at Saint Eligius, Lila’s never pulled an attitude with me about the fact that my dad’s not a CEO or plastic surgeon. And yeah, okay, I have to tune out about three-fourths of what she says because most of it is stuff that I have no interest in-like how much she paid for her Prada tote at the end-of-season clearance sale at Saks, and what kind of tramp stamp she’s thinking about getting next time she’s in Cancn. But this caught my attention. â€Å"Lila,† I said. â€Å"What about Ted?† Because Ted’s all Lila has talked about for the past year, ever since he finally got up the guts to ask her out. Well, I mean, all she’s talked about besides the Prada sales and back tattoos. â€Å"Oh, that’s over,† Lila said, reaching for the lettuce tongs. â€Å"Sebastian’s taking me clubbing tonight-at Swig. He says he can get us in-he’s on the VIP list.† It wasn’t the fact that this guy, whoever he was, claimed to be on the VIP list of the newest and most exclusive club in downtown Manhattan that caused the hairs on the back of my neck to rise. Don’t get me wrong-Lila’s beautiful. If anyone is going to be approached by a random stranger who happens to be on the most sought-after VIP list in town, it would be Lila. It was the thing about Ted that got to me. Because Lila adores Ted. They’re the quintessentially perfect high school couple. She’s gorgeous, he’s a star athlete†¦ it’s a match made in teen heaven. Which is why what she was telling me did not compute. â€Å"Lila, how can you say it’s over between you and Ted?† I demanded. â€Å"You two have been going out forever†-or at least since I arrived at Saint Eligius Prep in September, where Lila was the first (and, to date, pretty much the only) girl in any of my classes to actually speak to me-â€Å"and it’s the prom this weekend.† â€Å"I know,† Lila said, with a happy sigh. â€Å"Sebastian’s taking me.† â€Å"Seb-â€Å" That’s when I knew. I mean, really knew. â€Å"Lila,† I said. â€Å"Look at me.† Lila looked down at me-I’m small. But, as Mom used to say, I’m fast-and I saw it at once. What I should have seen from the beginning, that ever-so-slightly glazed expression-the dull eyes†¦ the soft lips-that I’ve come to know so well over the years. I couldn’t believe it. He’d gotten to my best friend. My only friend. Well. What was I supposed to do? Sit back and let him take her? Not this time. You’d think seeing a girl with a crossbow on the dance floor of Manhattan’s hottest new club would maybe generate a comment or two. But it is Manhattan, after all. Besides, everyone is having too good a time to notice me. Even- Oh God. It’s him. I can’t believe I’m finally seeing him in the flesh†¦ Well, his son, anyway. He’s more handsome than I ever imagined. Golden-haired and blue-eyed, with movie star-perfect lips and shoulders a mile wide. He’s tall, too-although most guys are tall-compared with me. Still, if he is anything like his father, well, then, I get it. I finally get it. I guess. I still don’t- Oh God. He’s sensed my gaze. He’s turning this way- It’s now or never. I raise my bow: Good-bye, Sebastian Drake. Good-bye forever. But just as I have the bright white triangle of his shirt front in my scope, something unbelievable happens: A bright bloom of cherry red appears exactly where I’ve been aiming. Except I haven’t pulled the trigger. And his kind doesn’t bleed. â€Å"What’s that, Sebastian?† Lila shimmies up to him to ask. â€Å"Dammit! Somebody†-and I see Sebastian raise his stunned cerulean gaze from the scarlet stain on his shirt to Lila’s face-â€Å"shot me.† It’s true. Someone has shot him. Only it wasn’t me. And that’s not all that doesn’t make sense. He’s bleeding. Except that’s not possible. Not knowing what else to do, I duck behind a nearby pillar, pressing the Vixen to my chest. I need to regroup, figure out my next move. Because none of this can really be happening. I couldn’t have been wrong about him. I did the research. It all makes sense†¦ the fact that he’s here in Manhattan†¦ the fact that he went after my best friend, of all people†¦ Lila’s dazed expression†¦ everything. Everything except what just happened. And I had just stood there, staring. I had had a perfect shot, and I’d blown it. Or had I? If he’s bleeding, then that must mean he’s human. Doesn’t it? Except if he’s human, and he’s just been shot in the chest, why is he still standing? Oh God. The worst of it is†¦ he saw me. I’m almost sure I felt that reptilian gaze pass over me. What will he do now? Will he come after me? If he does, it’s all my own fault. Mom told me never to do this. She always said a hunter never goes out alone. Why didn’t I listen? What was I thinking? That’s the problem, of course. I hadn’t been thinking at all. I’d let my emotions get the better of me. I couldn’t let what happened to Mom happen to Lila. And now I’m going to pay for it. Just like Mom. Crouching in agony, I try not to imagine what Dad’s going to do when the New York City police ring our doorbell at four in the morning and ask him to come to the morgue to ID his only daughter’s body. My throat will be gouged open, and who knows what other atrocities will be done to my broken body. All because I didn’t stay home tonight to work on my paper for Mrs. Gregory’s fourth-period U.S. History class (topic: the temperance movement in antebellum Civil War America, two thousand words, double-spaced, due Monday), like I was supposed to. The music changes. I hear Lila squeal, â€Å"Where are you going?† Oh God. He’s coming. How to cite Prom Nights from Hell Chapter One, Essay examples Prom Nights from Hell Chapter One Free Essays Hell on Earth Stephenie Meyer Gabe stared across the dance floor and frowned. He wasn’t sure why he’d asked Celeste to the prom, and it was another mystery why she’d said yes. Even more mysterious now, watching her grip Heath McKenzie around the neck so tightly that Heath was probably having trouble breathing. We will write a custom essay sample on Prom Nights from Hell Chapter One or any similar topic only for you Order Now Their bodies flattened into an indivisible mass as they swayed against the beat, ignoring the rhythm of the song thudding through the room. Heath’s hands roamed over Celeste’s glistening white dress in an intimate way. â€Å"Tough luck, Gabe.† Gabe looked away from the spectacle his date was making to his approaching friend. â€Å"Hey, Bry. Having a nice night?† â€Å"Better than you, man, better than you,† Bryan answered, grinning. He lifted his cup of bilious green punch as if for a toast. Gabe touched his bottled water to Bryan’s cup and sighed. â€Å"I had no idea Celeste had a thing for Heath. What is he, her ex or something?† Bryan took a gulp of the sinister-looking drink, made a face, and shook his head. â€Å"Not that I know of. I’ve never seen them even speak to each other before tonight.† Both of them stared at Celeste, who had apparently lost something she needed deep inside Heath’s mouth. â€Å"Huh,† Gabe said. â€Å"It’s probably just the punch,† Bryan said in an attempt to be encouraging. â€Å"I don’t know how many people spiked it, but ouch. She might not even know that’s not you out there.† Bryan took another swig and made another face. â€Å"Why are you drinking that?† Gabe wondered aloud. Bryan shrugged. â€Å"I don’t know. Maybe the music will start to sound a little less pathetic after I force a glass of this down.† Gabe nodded. â€Å"My ears may never forgive me. I should have brought my iPod.† â€Å"I wonder where Clara is. Is there some kind of girl-law that demands they spend a certain percentage of every event in the bathroom together?† â€Å"Yes. Stiff penalties for girls who don’t meet the quota.† Bryan laughed once, but then his smile faded and he fiddled with his bow tie for a moment. â€Å"About Clara†¦Ã¢â‚¬  he began. â€Å"You don’t have to say anything,† Gabe assured him. â€Å"She’s an amazing girl. And you two are perfect for each other. I would’ve had to be blind not to see that.† â€Å"You really don’t mind?† â€Å"I told you to ask her to the prom, didn’t I?† â€Å"Yeah, you did. Sir Galahad makes another match. Seriously, man, do you ever think about yourself?† â€Å"Sure, every hour on the hour. And hey, speaking of Clara†¦ she better have a great time tonight or I’m going to break your nose.† Gabe grinned a wide grin. â€Å"She and I are still good friends-don’t think I won’t call her to check.† Bryan rolled his eyes, but suddenly found it a little difficult to swallow. If Gabe Christensen wanted to break his nose, he wouldn’t have much of a problem doing it-Gabe didn’t mind getting his knuckles bruised or his permanent record blemished if it meant righting something that was wrong in his eyes. â€Å"I’ll take care of Clara,† Bryan said, wishing that the words didn’t sound so much like a vow. There was something about Gabe and his piercing blue eyes that made you feel that way-like doing the best you could at any given task. It got irritating sometimes. With a grimace, Bryan dumped the rest of his punch into the dead moss at the base of a fake ficus tree. â€Å"If she ever leaves the bathroom.† â€Å"Good man,† Gabe said approvingly, but his smile twisted down on one side. Celeste and Heath had disappeared into the crowd. Gabe wasn’t sure what the protocol was when you got dumped at the prom. How was he supposed to make sure she got home safe? Was that Heath’s job now? Gabe wondered again why he’d asked Celeste to this dance. She was a very pretty girl-pageant pretty. Perfect blond hair-so full it was fluffy-wide-spaced brown eyes, and curvy lips always painted a flattering shade of pink. Her lips weren’t the only things that were curvy. She’d all but shut his brain down with the thin, clingy dress she’d worn tonight. Her looks weren’t the reason he’d noticed her, though. That reason was something else entirely. It was stupid and embarrassing, really. Gabe would never, ever tell anyone else about this, but every now and then, he got this weird sense that someone needed help. Needed him. He’d gotten that inexplicable pull from Celeste, as if the shapely blonde was hiding a damsel in distress somewhere behind her flawless makeup. Very stupid. And obviously wrong. Celeste didn’t seem interested in any help from Gabe right now. He scanned the dance floor again but couldn’t pick her golden hair out of the crowd. He sighed. â€Å"Hey, Bry, did you miss me?† Clara, her dark curly hair full of glitter, bounced free from a herd of females and joined them against the wall. The rest of the herd dispersed. â€Å"Hey, Gabe. Where’s Celeste?† Bryan put his arm around her shoulders. â€Å"I thought you left. Guess I’ll have to cancel the hot plans I just made with-â€Å" Clara’s elbow caught Bryan in the solar plexus. â€Å"Mrs. Finkle,† Bryan continued, gasping the words and nodding toward the vice principal glaring from the corner of the room farthest away from the speakers. â€Å"We were going to sort failure notices by candlelight.† â€Å"Well, I wouldn’t want you to miss that! I think I saw Coach Lauder by the cookies. Maybe I could talk him into some extra-credit pull-ups.† â€Å"Or maybe we could just dance,† Bryan suggested. â€Å"Sure, I can settle for that.† Laughing, they pressed their way toward the dance floor, Bryan’s hands winding around Clara’s waist. Gabe was glad Clara hadn’t waited for an answer to her question. It was a little embarrassing that he didn’t have one. â€Å"Hey, Gabe, where’s Celeste?† Gabe grimaced and turned to the sound of Logan’s voice. Logan was also solo for the moment. Perhaps it was his date’s turn to exhibit girl-herding behavior. â€Å"I couldn’t say,† Gabe admitted. â€Å"Have you seen her?† Logan pursed his full lips for a minute, as if debating whether or not to say something. He ran a hand nervously across his springy black hair. â€Å"Well, I thought I did. I’m not exactly sure, though†¦ She’s wearing a white dress, right?† â€Å"Yeah-where is she?† â€Å"I think I saw her in the lobby. Can’t be positive. Her face was sort of hard to see†¦ David Alvarado’s face was all over it†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"David Alvarado?† Gabe repeated in surprise. â€Å"Not Heath McKenzie?† â€Å"Heath? Naw. It was definitely David.† Heath was a linebacker, blond and fair. David barely cleared five feet; his coloring was olive and his hair was black. No way to confuse the two. Logan shook his head sadly. â€Å"Sorry, Gabe. That sucks.† â€Å"Don’t worry about it.† â€Å"At least you’re not in the stag boat alone,† Logan said forlornly. â€Å"Really? What happened to your date?† Logan shrugged. â€Å"She’s around here somewhere, glowering at everyone. She doesn’t want to dance, she doesn’t want to talk, she doesn’t want punch, she doesn’t want to take pictures, and she doesn’t want my company.† He ticked each negative off on his fingers. â€Å"I don’t know why she asked me in the first place. Probably just wanted to show off her dress-it is hot, I’ll give her that. But she doesn’t seem to care about showing anything now†¦ Wish I’d asked someone else.† Logan’s eyes lingered wistfully on a group of girls fast dancing in a male-free circle. Gabe thought he saw Logan focus on one girl in particular. â€Å"Why didn’t you ask Libby?† Logan sighed. â€Å"I don’t know. I think†¦ I think she would have liked it if I’d asked her, though. Oh well.† â€Å"Who’s your date?† â€Å"That new girl, Sheba. She’s a little intense but really gorgeous, kinda exotic. I was too shocked to say anything but yes when she asked me to go with her. I thought that she, well, that she might be†¦ fun†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Logan finished lamely. What he’d really thought when Sheba had all but commanded him to take her to prom didn’t seem entirely appropriate to be spoken aloud, especially to Gabe; lots of things seemed inappropriate around Gabe. It was just the opposite with Sheba. When he’d gotten a look at her mind-blowing red leather dress, his head had been full of ideas that somehow didn’t feel in the least bit inappropriate while her deep, dark eyes had been focused on him. â€Å"I don’t think I’ve met her,† Gabe said, interrupting Logan’s brief fantasy. â€Å"You’d remember if you had.† Although Sheba had forgotten Logan quickly enough once they were in the door, hadn’t she? â€Å"Hey, do you think maybe Libby came alone? I didn’t hear about anyone asking her†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Er, she came with Dylan.† â€Å"Oh,† Logan said, crestfallen. Then he half-smiled. â€Å"Night’s bad enough without getting tortured on top of everything else-weren’t they supposed to have a band? This DJ†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"I know. It’s as if we’re being punished for our sins,† Gabe said with a laugh. â€Å"Sins? Like you have any, Galahad the Pure.† How to cite Prom Nights from Hell Chapter One, Essay examples Prom Nights from Hell Chapter One Free Essays The Corsage Lauren Myracle Readers, beware! The following story was inspired by â€Å"The Monkey’s Paw,† first published in 1902 by W. W. Jacobs, which scared the dickens out of me when I was a teenager. We will write a custom essay sample on Prom Nights from Hell Chapter One or any similar topic only for you Order Now Be careful what you wish for, indeed! – LAUREN MYRACLE Outside, the wind whipped around Madame Zanzibar’s house, making a loose rain-pipe thump against the siding. The sky was dark, though it was only four o’clock. But within the garishly decorated waiting room, three table lamps shone brightly, each draped with a jewel-toned scarf. Ruby hues lit Yun Sun’s round face, while bluish-purple hues gave Will the mottled look of someone freshly dead. â€Å"You look like you’ve risen from the grave,† I told him. â€Å"Frankie,† Yun Sun scolded. She did a head jerk toward Madame Z’s closed office, worried, I suppose, that she might hear and be offended. A red plastic monkey hung from the office doorknob, indicating that Madame Z was with a client. We were up next. Will made his eyes go vacant. â€Å"I am a pod person,† he moaned. He stretched his arms out toward us. â€Å"Please to give me all your hearts and livers.† â€Å"Oh no! The pod person has taken over our beloved Will!† I clutched Yun Sun’s arm. â€Å"Quick, give him your hearts and livers, so he’ll leave mine alone!† Yun Sun shook free. â€Å"Not amused,† she said in a tone both singsongy and threatening. â€Å"And if you’re not nice to me, I will leave.† â€Å"Stop being such a pooter,† I said. â€Å"I will take my thunder thighs and I will march right out of here. Just watch.† Yun Sun was on a my-legs-are-too-fat kick, just because her superslinky prom dress needed a little letting out. At least she had a prom dress. And a for-sure chance to wear it. â€Å"Bleh,† I said. Her grouchiness was endangering our plan, which was the whole reason we were here. The night of the prom was getting dangerously close, and I was not going to be the sad shell of a girl who sat home alone while everyone else went crazy with glitter dust and danced ironically in spectacular three-inch heels. I refused, especially since I knew in my heart of hearts that Will wanted to ask me. He just needed a little encouragement. I lowered my voice, all the while smiling at Will like la la la, just girl talk, nothing important! â€Å"It was both of our idea to do this, Yun Sun. Remember?† â€Å"No, Frankie, it was your idea,† she said. And she did not keep her voice down. â€Å"I’ve already got my date, even though he’s going to be squished to death by my thighs. You’re the one hoping for a last-minute miracle.† â€Å"Yun Sun!† I glanced at Will, who turned red. Bad Yun Sun, throwing it out in the open like that. Bad, bad, naughty girl! â€Å"Ow!† she yelped. Because I’d whacked her. â€Å"I am very mad at you,† I said. â€Å"Enough with the coyness. You do want him to ask you, don’t you?† â€Å"Ow!† â€Å"Um, you guys?† Will said. He was doing that adorable thing he did when he was nervous, when his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. Although, huh. That was kind of an icky image. It made me think of bobbing for apples, which was only one step away from bobbing for Adam’s apples. But. Will was indeed possessed of an Adam’s apple, and when it moved up and down in his throat, it was indeed adorable. It made him look so vulnerable. â€Å"She hit me,† Yun Sun tattled. â€Å"She deserved it,† I countered. But I didn’t want it to go further, this line of conversation that was already too revealing. So I patted Yun Sun’s totally unfat leg and said, â€Å"However, I forgive you. Now shut up.† What Yun Sun failed to get-or more likely, what she totally got and yet failed to appreciate-was that not all things needed to be said aloud. Yes, I wanted Will to ask me to prom, and I wanted him to do it soon, because â€Å"Springtime Is for Lovers† was only two weeks away. And fine, the name of the dance was dorky, but springtime was for lovers. It was an indisputable truth. Just as it was an indisputable truth that Will was my forever boy, if only he could get past his enduring bashfulness and make a frickin’ move. Enough chummy shoulder slugs and giggling, snorting tickle wars! Enough clutching each other and shrieking, blaming it on our Netflix copies of The Body Snatchers or They Come from the Hills! Couldn’t Will see that I was his for the taking? He’d almost popped the question last weekend, I was ninety-nine-point-five percent sure. We’d been watching Pretty Woman, an overblown romance which never failed to amuse. Yun Sun had disappeared into the kitchen for snacks, leaving the two of us alone. â€Å"Um, Frankie?† Will had said. His foot tap-tap-tapped against the floor, and his fingers flexed on his jeans. â€Å"Can I ask you something?† Any fool would have known what was coming, because if he’d just wanted me to turn up the volume, he’d simply have said, â€Å"Hey, Franks, turn up the volume.† Casual. Straightforward. No need for any preparatory remarks. But since there were preparatory remarks†¦ well, what could he possibly have wanted to ask me besides â€Å"Will you go to prom?† Eternal delight was right there, only seconds away. And then I’d blown it. His palpable nervousness triggered a spaz-out of my own, and instead of letting the moment play out, I’d skittishly changed the subject. BECAUSE I WAS A FREAK. â€Å"Now see, that’s the way it’s done!† I said, pointing at the TV. Richard Gere was galloping on his white steed, which was really a limo, to Julia Roberts’s castle, which was really a crappy third-story apartment. As we watched, Richard Gere climbed out of the sun roof and scaled the fire escape, all to win the affections of his beloved. â€Å"None of this namby-pamby ‘I think you’re kinda cute’ baloney,† I went on. I was blathering, and I knew it. â€Å"We’re talking action, baby. We’re talking grand gesture of love.† Will gulped. And said, â€Å"Oh.† And blinked at Richard Gere in a startled-teddy-bear way, thinking, I’m sure, that he could never, ever compare. I stared at the TV, knowing I’d sabotaged my prom night happiness through my own stupidity. I didn’t care about â€Å"grand gestures of love†; I just cared about Will. But brilliant me, I’d gone and scared him off. Because in actual real reality, I was an even bigger wimp than he was. But no more-which was why we were here at Madame Zanzibar’s. She would tell us our futures, and unless she was a total hack, she would state the obvious as an impartial observer: Will and I were meant for each other. Hearing it spoken so plainly would give Will the guts to try again. He’d ask me to prom, and this time I’d let him, even if it killed me. The plastic monkey twitched on the office doorknob. â€Å"Look, it’s moving,† I whispered. â€Å"Oooo,† Will said. A black man with snow-white hair shuffled out of the office. He had no teeth, which made the lower half of his face look puckered, like a prune. â€Å"Children,† he said, tipping his hat. Will stood up and opened the front door, because that’s the kind of guy he was. A gust of wind nearly toppled the old man, and Will steadied him. â€Å"Whoa,† Will said. â€Å"Thank you, son,† the old man replied. His words came out mushy, because of the no-teeth thing. â€Å"Reckon I best skedaddle before the storm blows in.† â€Å"I think it already has,† Will said. Past the driveway, tree branches thrashed and creaked. â€Å"This weensy old wind?† the old man said. â€Å"Aw, now, this is just a baby waking up and wanting to be fed. It’ll be worse before the night is over, mark my words.† He peered at us. â€Å"In fact, shouldn’t you children be home, safe and sound?† It was hard to take offense when a toothless old-timer called you â€Å"children.† But come on, this was the second time in twenty seconds. â€Å"We’re juniors in high school,† I said. â€Å"We can take care of ourselves.† His laugh made me think of dead leaves. â€Å"All right, then,† he said. â€Å"I’m sure you know best.† He small-stepped onto the porch, and Will gave a half wave and shut the door. â€Å"Crazy coot,† came a voice from behind us. We turned to see Madame Zanzibar in the office doorway. She wore hot pink Juicy Couture sweatpants with a matching hot pink top, unzipped to her clavicle. Her breasts were round and firm and amazingly perky, given that she didn’t seem to be wearing a bra. Her lipstick was bright orange, to match her nails, and so was the end of the cigarette she held between two fingers. â€Å"So, are we coming in or are we staying out here?† she asked the three of us. â€Å"Unveiling life’s mysteries or leaving well enough alone?† I rose from my chair and pulled Yun Sun with me. Will followed. Madame Z ushered us into her office, and the three of us scrunched together in an overstuffed armchair. Will realized it was never going to work and lowered himself to the floor. I wiggled to make Yun Sun give me more room. â€Å"See? They’re sausages,† she said, referring to her thighs. â€Å"Scooch,† I commanded. â€Å"Now,† Madame Z said, crossing in front of us and sitting behind a table. She puffed on her cigarette. â€Å"What’s your business?† I bit my lip. How to put it? â€Å"Well, you’re a psychic, right?† Madame Z exhaled a cloud of smoke. â€Å"Gee, Sherlock, the ad in the Yellow Pages tip you off?† I blushed, while at the same time bristling. My question had been a conversation opener. Did she have a problem with conversation openers? Anyway, if she really was a psychic, shouldn’t she already know why I was here? â€Å"Uh†¦ okay. Sure, whatever. So I guess I was wondering†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Yeah? Out with it.† I gathered my courage. â€Å"Well†¦ I was wondering if a certain special person was going to ask me a certain special question.† I purposefully didn’t look at Will, but I heard his spurt of surprise. He hadn’t seen this coming. Madame Z pressed two fingers to her forehead and let her eyes go blank. â€Å"Ahem,† she said. â€Å"Hmm, hmm. What I’m getting here is muzzy. There is passion, yes†- Yun Sun giggled; Will swallowed audibly-â€Å"but there are also†¦ how do I say? Complicating factors.† How to cite Prom Nights from Hell Chapter One, Essay examples Prom Nights from Hell Chapter One Free Essays Kiss and Tell Michele Jaffe Chapter One â€Å"Sorry this wasn’t more of a storybook ending,† the man with his hands around her throat said, smiling, holding her eyes with his own as he choked her. â€Å"If you’re going to kill me, can’t you just get on with it? This is kind of uncomfortable.† â€Å"What, my hands? Or the feeling that you’re a failure-â€Å" â€Å"I’m not a failure. We will write a custom essay sample on Prom Nights from Hell Chapter One or any similar topic only for you Order Now † † – again.† She spit in his face. â€Å"Still got some fire. I really admire that about you. I think you and I could have gotten along nicely. Unfortunately, there just isn’t time.† She gave one last fight, clawing at his hands around her throat, his forearms, anything, but he didn’t even flinch. Her fists fell hopelessly to her sides. He leaned in so close to her face that she could feel him exhale. â€Å"Any last words?† â€Å"Three: Listerine breath strips. You really need them.† He laughed and tightened the hands around her neck until they overlapped. â€Å"Good-bye.† For a second, his eyes burned into hers. Then she heard a sharp crack and felt herself fall to the floor as everything went black. How to cite Prom Nights from Hell Chapter One, Essay examples

Organization Structure And Design Facebook Inc.- Free Sample Solution

Question: Discuss about the Organization Structure and Design Facebook Inc. Answer: Introduction: Why do organizations undergo changes, what are the reasons for this dynamism and what impact do these changing organizational structures and designs have over these entities are questions which are asked by eminent scholars from ages now. This paper will enable to answer some of these questions by taking the example of one of the most sought after companies of todays era- Facebook Inc. The discussion paper clearly describes the chain that leads to changes in any organization structure and design since its inception. Longitudinal research and empirical evidence has been used as methodologies that clarify the relation between the concepts and theoretical background. Before we understand the concept of organizational structure and design and how changes take place on a continuous basis even within an organization which is known to have the best structure in place let us understand what the company is all about. The said company was formed in 2006 and in a very short period of time has become the king of the social networking sites and presently it is serving nothing less than one billions users but with an employee strength of only 3000 which is a remarkable figure in itself. The founder of the said company is one of the youngest entrepreneurs- Mark Zuckerberg who started off with this idea of social networking in the year 2004 amongst a group of small people of Harvard until they decided to make it big. In 2012 it issued its first IPO and was very successful in it. The organizational structure and design of the said company is very different, a brilliant example of how a young man could think out of the box while developing its own company struc ture. Facebooks organization structure and design can be well understood once this concept is clear to the readers that what do we mean by organization structure, its importance and how can bringing in continuous changes into a structure help the development of the entity as a whole. Every organization feels safe and secured within the present structure and are generally disinterested to welcome any change due to fear of losing their job in case they are unable to adjust with the changes. No organization has an ideal structure but they can always work towards achieving a structure and design which is nearing to perfection (Carus, 2008). Various researches have proved that a good and a flexible organizational structure and design is one of the contributories for a growth oriented organization. Thus its importance cannot be ignored. A well defined structure of any corporate house whether big or small leads to higher productivity outputs as well as better performance in monetary terms. Further it also boosts the morale of the employees at all levels. A well knitted structural design is definitely what counts towards the progress of any organization but at the same time the people who fill up the various positions in the design being put in place also play a vital role(Valencia, et.al. 2010). Thus the success of an organization structure and design is equally dependent upon the process in place and the human capital it employs. This is the formal description of the organizational structure which is spelt out by the management but apart from this another informal structure takes birth in every organization and that is th e groupism amongst employees and the relationships they develop while working together within the said structure. This ultimately also become a part of the organization structure (Bridgespan.org. 2009). An organization structure is a layered structure comprising basically of three hierarchies which are all interrelated to each other. They are the managerial level, technical level and the institutional level. Any structure which is being put in place within an organization should identify itself with the goals and objectives set out. The structure designing should be such so as to account for the behavioural pattern of the staff as well as the customers and how it motivates and drives towards achievement of goals. Also an organizational structure and design if is flexible then there is ample room for innovation (Essays, UK. 2013). First and foremost the present organizational structure and design in vogue at Facebook Inc. needs to be understood and analysed with regards the gaps which are there and it is only then can the solution to bridge the same can be found. An organizations structure and design is very much related to the kind of culture that is prevailing within the organization. The organization structure adopted by this social networking site entity is a rejoinder to the dynamics of the universal online public medium. Its structure is not a closed one instead it is designed in a manner so as to enable its social media business to enlarge and branch out. The companys main focal point is to welcome innovation and thus it has designed its structure in a way which addresses this condition very well. It follows a matrix form of organization structure wherein the employees are to report to more than one superior. It may seem to be a very simple structure but the same is very complex in nature as there are l evels of direct strong reporting as well as weak reporting lines (Dozier, 2012). Facebooks organizational structure has three main features which are enumerated as under: Corporate Function-Based teams: Teams are formed within the organization basis the functions required to be performed for management of the operations of the organization. Facebook being a social networking site requires a strong team which conducts research and development activities on an ongoing basis. As is the nature of a matrix, the said organizational structure have very thin line of differentiation with the other divisions of the organization (Jana, 2013). Geographical Divisions: Division of the organizational structure basis regions is another form. This division is a necessity for the company due to the various marketing gimmicks which are to be performed depending upon the region. The main reason for such a division is the behavioural differences amongst the public and the various advertising agencies. Further since the company has expanded world wide, the human capital employed is also region based which is very much required to address various regional issues which the company faces from time to time. Even though it has regional divisions yet it does not have officers specially allocated for these regions. Being a part of a matrix kind of a structure, Facebook Inc ensures that resources are shared between the regional divisions and the various function based teams. Product-based division: Apart from Facebook a social networking site, the company offers many other products such as messenger. Thus it also have divisions basis the various products that are there. The various managers who are a part of the function based team of the organization are also asked to divert their time towards these product based teams also. Even though its main focus is on development of the social website- facebook yet it is always on the look out for further diversification in its product line (Huraira, 2014). Another very striking point on the organizational structure of Facebook is the openness and transparency. Nobody is a judge here, not even the CEO- Mark Zuckerberg. All are entrepreneurs who have the ability to think themselves rather than just judge others work. The culture is that based on a model wherein they themselves are the trial runners. People are not allowed to just sit in their cabins and approve, rather adopt a more participative approach. The companys structure is designed in such a manner which enables transparency and inculcates people of all levels to participate in the process before judging (Albergotti, 2014). Many other factors influence an organizations structure and design and Facebook Inc. very well understands the same. The interiors of an organization are also very important factor for any structure to work well. The interiors are very striking distinguishing it from the other corporate houses. The wall colours which have a very vital effect on the minds of the workers and the employees are very soothing and makes one feel at home. Furniture and the walls are made mobile so that the environment seems lively enough to motivate the employees to adjust with the matrix structure of the organization easily (Arthur, 2010). However, the matrix structure has in itself some advantages which cannot be let go off such as the flexibility which basically helps the company to respond immediately to the various changes happening. Secondly this structure also allows better rule at the corporate level (Johnson, 2012). However it has some disadvantages also which the company needs to address. A common corporate directive is difficult to implement in the entire structure due to regional differentiations and variations in activities undertaken (Bazigos Harter 2016). Even though the company follows a matrix structure which calls for multiple reporting at various levels yet its main motive is that people working in their organization should have fun while working. The employees have the liberty to switch between their assignments at any time even if the same is out of purview of their excellence. Workers of all level are encouraged to question and criticize. The company gives least credit to the position at which a person is working. Its main focus is on the performance level of people, their dedication and power to influence the people around them. However this kind of structure can be disheartening for the employees who are old to the organization and those who have a good experience(Kelly, 2011). I think this is probably the only company who encourages the employees to work with risk and not to pay heed to the consequences. The company concentrates into hiring people of a younger age group where data flows without many barriers. However even though the said organizational structure and design may seem to be very nice at its brim but the same has a lot of loopholes too which needs to be addressed well. Too much of decentralization of the decision making process, few controls may be hazardous for the health of the company. It is agreeable also that no structure is full proof and all have some issues which need to be addressed time and again (Ashkenas et.al. 2015). High administration cost may not be the issue for Facebook Inc. as its main purpose of employee satisfaction but the matrix organizational structure adopted by the company has led to a potential risk of confusion with regards fixing up of responsibility. When the said structure was put in place then the companys size was relatively small but as it expanded and opened up its offices across the globe it should ensure that the matrix organization structure alone will not serve the purpose. It has to adopt two three structures, mix it well so as to get an ideal organizational structure. The social networking website which the company caters to definitely needs to be receptive towards the external changes undergoing. Thus the structure is considered to be ideal for such an organization, however catering to only one aspect will not resolve the other integrities of an organization. A line has to be drawn with regards implementation of the present structure. This structure most of the time e nds up leading to animosity between the function based teams and the product based teams due to over lapping of some decisions (Purkayastha, Qumer, 2011). On analyzing the issues that the company is presently facing and before the same turns out to be critical a balanced structure should be put in place. Some sort of command is a must so that the loose ends of an organization can be tied up. Even though the position of manager is not of utmost importance yet some degree of responsibility and authority should be imposed upon them. Human nature is such which craves for power(Neilson et.al. 2015). Some degree of power is needed else retention of employees would become difficult for them as they would not see any career growth. Other companies would be reluctant to hire people who have worked with Facebook Inc due to a feeling that they lack the zeal to acquire responsibility in their performance. This can have a negative impact on the career graph of the youngsters who have started off with their career recently and have a long way to march ahead. Thus accountability should become a part of the organization design. Initially the same is l ooked at in a positive manner but as the years progress the same turns into pessimism as it is viewed as a hurdle (Knights, Willmott, 2006). Decentralized structure is very constructive for Facebook Inc. but not at all levels. Some decisions which are crucial and confidential should be centralized especially when it is expanding at a multiplying rate. Without hurting the capability of its employees which is the crux of Facebook, the company can invite suggestions and views but the ultimate decision should be taken by the authority responsible without any influence (Swift, 2011). Too much of anything is harmful and so is an informal environment at all levels. Some sort of formalization should be inculcated. Every geographical division and the people there do not have the same behavioural pattern and their ways of looking at work culture is different. Thus the matrix organization structure though would be installed into all the branch offices of Facebook but the same should be modified as per the people around (Bigman, 2012). The most amazing analysis that was done with regards the culture and structure of the company was that it has changed its way of working over the years. When it was small in size it always had the appetite to tolerate mistakes which is very risky. Hardly any organization would prefer to do the same when it is at its developing stage and a mistake can also lead t its subsequent failure. But Mark Zuckerberg chose to think out of the box. But soon the same underwent a change which said that the employees should move fast but without making mistakes. Mistake should be avoided and this shows that the company understands that as it grows it needs to ensure that some fundamental changes are brought so that the main goal is not lost in the wake of expansion (Lombardo, 2016). Thus on a conclusive note, I would like to recommend that though not much changes is required to be done in the present organizational structure and design which is in place presently at Facebook Inc. yet some issues should be fixed before they start to grow as the company grows in future (Finch. 2011). Presently it is just a decade old and lacks much of an experience with regards the type of structure it presently follows. A mix of two-three structures is the need of the hour due to expansion in various countries which have different patterns and ways to work. A company stands upright till it has a strong structure and design in place as all the other things are dependent on this. The way employees behave, expectation from them, the kind of environment provided all are directly proportionate to the kind of structure that is in place. References: Albergotti, R. (2014). At Facebook, Boss is a Dirty Word. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/facebooks-millennials-arent-entitled-they-are-empowered-1419537468 Ashkenas, R., Ulrich, D., Jick, T., Kerr, S. (2015).The boundaryless organization: Breaking the chains of organizational structure. John Wiley Sons.USA Arthur,C. (2010). Life Inside Facebook: How Head of Developers Organises 500 People. Retrieved from www.guardian.co.uk. Bazigos, M. Harter, J. (2016). Revisiting the Matrix Organization. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/revisiting-the-matrix-organization Bigman, D. (2012). Facebook Ownership Structure Should Scare Investors More Than Botched IPO. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/danbigman/2012/05/23/facebook-ownership-structure-should-scare-investors-more-than-botched-ipo/#7d6bedd54341 Bridgespan.org. (2009). Designing an Effective Organization Structure. Retrieved from https://www.bridgespan.org/getmedia/b1139597-adfe-4dd7-bbb2-ac8c67883020/Effective-Organizations_-Structural-Design.pdf.aspx Carus, N.M. (2008). Organization Design. IE Business Publishing : Spain. Dozier, B. (2012). Organization al Culture : Facebook Inc. Retrieved from https://barbradozier.wordpress.com/2012/12/19/organizational-culture-facebook-inc/ Essays, UK. (2013). Literature Review Of Organizational Structures And Models Business Essay. Retrieved from https://www.ukessays.com/essays/business/literature-review-of-organizational-structures-and-models-business-essay.php?cref=1 Finch.C. (2011) Future Facebook Culture Change?. Retrieved from www.inc.com. Huraira, M.A. (2014). Analysis of Knowledge Management , Organizational Learning and Innovation : How Facebook has effectively integrated these three elements in its structure. European Journal of Business and Management. 6 (7). Jana, R. (2013). Inside Facebooks Internal Innovation Culture. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2013/03/inside-facebooks-internal-inno Johnson, R. (2012). Advantages Disadvantages of Matrix Organizational Structure in Business Organizations. Retrieved from https://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-matrix-organizational-structures-business-organizations-26350.html Kelly, M. (2011). Facebook Confirms new corporate structure , privacy may be to blame. Retrieved from https://venturebeat.com/2011/12/08/facebook-corporate-reorganization-privacy/ Knights, D. Willmott, H. (2006). Organization, Structure and Design, Retrieved from https://cws.cengage.co.uk/knightswillmott/students/chapter_aims/aoch6.pdf Lombardo, J. (2016). Facebook Inc.s Organizational Structure (Analysis). Retrieved from https://panmore.com/facebook-inc-organizational-structure-analysis Neilson, G.L., Estupinan, J. Sethi, B. (2015). 10 Principles of Organization Design. Strategy+Business. No. 79 Purkayastha, D. Qumer, S.M. (2011). Facebook: Balancing Growth and Preserving Corporate Culture. HRM Review. Vol. XI. No. 7 Swift,M. (2011). Facebook Landing Team Transports Company Culture. Retrieved from www.physorg.com. Valencia, J.C.N., Valle, R.S. and Jiminez, D.J (2010). Organizational culture as determinant of product innovation. European Journal of Innovation Management. 13 (4), pp. 466-480

Classroom Management Essay Example

Classroom Management Paper Madeline Hunter ITIP=Instructional Theory Into Practice program attempted to translate findings in educational psychology into practical strategies that improved instruction. Helped teachers understand the need to develop clear instructional goals, state these to students, provide effective direct instruction, and monitor students progress. Abraham Maslow Hierarchy of Needs Jere Brophy Maximizing student egagement ; Four areas of knowledge and skill We will write a custom essay sample on Classroom Management specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Classroom Management specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Classroom Management specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer 1) CM should be based on a solid understanding of current research and theory in CM and students personal and psychological needs. 2) CM depends on creating a positive classroom climate and a community of support by establishing positive teacher-student and peer relationships having positive involvement with students parents and caregivers. 3) CM involves using instructional methods that facilitate optimal learning by responding to the academic needs of individual students and the classroom group. 4) CM involves the ability to use a wide range of counseling and behavioral methods that involve students in examining and correcting their inappropriate behavior. Lee Canter Originator of Assertive Discipline method no student has a right to prevent a teacher from teaching or another student from learning Canter later stated: Imposing more and more rules and harsher consequences doesnt work. ;Discipline should be built on a foundation of moral trust and respect. George Sugai Positive  Behavior Support: â€Å"Pupil achievements behavior can be influenced (for the better or worse) by overall characteristics of school†¦.this means focus on features promoting good functioning at classroom, departmental or whole school level.† Alfie Kohn Schools will best serve students and our society most productively if they focus on producing not only good learners, but good people. Schools are ideal places to nurture childrens innate sense of caring and generosity of spirit. Rudolf Dreikurs Social Discipline model is based on the four basic premises of Adlers social theory. 1. Humans are social beings and their basic motivation is to belong 2. All behavior has a purpose 3. Humans are decision-making organisms 4. Humans only perceive reality and this perception may be mistaken or biased The four goals of misbehavior are: attention getting, the contest for power, seeking revenge, and displaying inadequacy. Dreikurs promoted the use of encouragement and logical (and natural) consequences rather than reward and punishment. William Glasser __________ body of work, known as Control Theory, was renamed Choice Theory    Choice Theory, states that a person’s behavior is inspired by what that person wants or needs at that particular time, not an outside stimulus. Glasser states that all living creatures control their behavior to fulfill their need for satisfaction in one or more of these five areas: survival, to belong and be loved by others, to have power and importance, freedom and independence, and to have fun Stanley Coopersmith In order to possess high self-esteem, individuals need to experience a sense of significance, competence, and power. Trust and personal involvement as well as a sense of accomplishment or competence if their needs are to be met. Positive two-way relationship where both parties care about each other. Erik Erikson Each stage of life is associated with a specific psychological struggle, a struggle that contributes to a major aspect of personality.   8 Stages of Psychosocial development Developmental progression—from trust to autonomy, initiative, industry, identity, intimacy, generativity, and integrity—was conceived as the sequential reorganization of ego and character structures. Each phase was the potential root of later health and pathology.      David Elkind Three basic contracts between adults and children: Responsibility-freedom = adults sensitively monitoring the childs level of intellectual, social, and emotional development in order to provide freedoms and and opportunities to exercise responsibility Achievement-support = adults expecting age appropriate achievements and providing the necessary personal and material support to help children reach these goals. Loyalty-commitment = Emphasizes adults expectations that children will respond with loyalty and acceptance of adults because of the time, effort, and energy adults give. Joan Lipsitz Expert in Early Adolescence Adults fail to understand E.A. School environments need to meet the needs for: Diversity opportunities for self-exploration and self-definition meaningful participation in school and community positive social interaction with peers and adults physical activity competence and achievement structure and clear limits Gordon-Teacher Effectiveness Training The relationship between a teacher and a student is good when it has: Openness or Transparency (so each is able to risk directness and honest with the other.) Caring (when each knows they are valued by the other) Interdependence (as opposed to dependency of one on the other) Separateness (to allow each to grow and to develop his uniqueness, creativity, and individuality) Mutual Needs Meeting (so that neithers needs are met at the expense of the others needs) Glasser-Reality Therapy Reality therapy is firmly based on  choice theory  and its successful application is dependent on a strong understanding of choice theory.   Choice theory states that:  all we do is behave,  that almost all behavior is chosen, and  that we are driven by our genes to satisfy five basic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom and fun. Dreikurs- dealing with the causes of misbehavior We should realize that a misbehaving child is only a discouraged child trying to find his place; he is acting on the faulty logic that his misbehaviour will give him the social acceptance which he desires. When a child is deprives of the;opportunity;to gain status through his useful;contributions, the usually seeks proof of his status in class through getting attention Attention Avoidance/Escape Control Revenge Self-Regulation/Coping Play Jim Fay- Love and Logic There are four beliefs that form the foundation of Love and Logic. They are: Discipline is effective when it is a central part of learning. Misbehavior finds its roots in discouragement and control issues. Modeling of self-disciplined behavior is our best teaching tool. The most critical component of discipline is the relationship that is built between the teacher and the student ; There are also four principles of Love and Logic as listed in Discipline with Love and Logic by Jim Fay and Foster W. Cline, M.D., 1997. They are: The students self-concept is always a prime consideration. The child is always left with a feeling that he/she has some control. An equal balance of consequences and empathy replaces punishment whenever possible. The student is required to do more thinking than the adult. Classroom Management Essay Example Classroom Management Essay The books and other reading supplies will be placed in a well lit quiet area so that the children will have peace and quiet when they are doing these activities and also be able to see what they are reading. The childrens personal belongings such as jackets and back packs will be placed in a closet for them when they enter into the classroom. So they will not be in the way when the children are walking around to avoid them tripping, and also during activity time so there is nothing to distract them from learning. The school supplies will be placed in each childs desk so they will be accessible at any time of the day. The walls and bulletin boards will be validly decorated with different types of learning guides Just In case the children need to look at them for a quick reference. The computers If there are any or other types of electronic devices the children may need help with powering on or activating will be place close by the teachers desk so the teacher can get back and forth to these items without distracting any of the other students by walking across the classroom, and so the coacher will be able to guide the children during these activities. Each item will be neatly placed so that is will be visible at all times. In motivating the students it is the teachers duty to make sure that they stay on task. It is good for the teacher to interact with the child so that they will know that they can always ask for help with the things that they dont quite understand. Also, the teacher should let them know when they are doing a good Job, and to encourage them to do better when they are not doing such a good Job. This could be accomplished by Glenn the child Incentives and always having an open communication with the children. We will write a custom essay sample on Classroom Management specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Classroom Management specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Classroom Management specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Sometimes by just telling the kids they are doing a good job will keep them motivated and wanting to do well. When disciplining the children taking a step by step process would probably be the best answer for a classroom of younger children. Things such as pulling strips would be effective if you have some type of key set up for the process. Using colors or number would be a great way for the kids to get a general of how the whole thing works. Such as pulling one strip is Just a warning, pulling two strips is alone time, time out, or some other type of reflection time for the children. Pulling three strips can be a call home, and four could be getting sent to the principal or higher authority and letting them deal with the problem. Another thing that would be effective Is letting them know they types of things that will absolutely not be tolerated such as fighting, profanity, and classroom disruption and letting them know that these things will have instant disciplinary action taken. I nee teaching style Tanat ten well De uses well De Dates on ten constructivist tenure. This will allow the children to interact during activities and lessons, opposed to sitting down in a controlled environment where the teacher stands in front of the class and Just talks and talks and lets them take notes. This will help the children stay alert and also keep them interested in whats going on. Using different activities such as group discussions, partner activities, games, and even crafts will help keep them wanting to do more, instead of being bored and falling asleep during instruction mime. In conclusion, when the children are giving the freedom to have learning time where they are actually part of whats going on opposed to the behaviorism theory where the teacher is in total control of the classroom and everything else that goes on in it. It seems to be more enjoyable. The children get to interact more and have some control of what going on around them while they are learning. In doing so the children are happier and want to learn more and more because they are having so much fun that they sometimes forget that they are even learning at all.