Love Is All About Sacrifices Essay Example for Free

Love Is All About Sacrifices Essay Love encourages people to sacrifice important things in their lives for others. Love can destroy or improve ones’ life. It once happen to a little country girl in the early days. Love totally changed her life both destroying it and improving it. This girl’s name was Kat and she was the mayor’s daughter who was advised by her father to marry a guy named Bruce. Bruce was kind of a nice guy, really successful, but very serious and didn’t have no time to have fun. He was very well liked by the whole town and all the girls went crazy when they saw him. Everyone thought it was a great idea if they got married. Although, on the other hand, Kat was a girl very high spirited and she had fun all the time. One windy and cloudy afternoon, Bruce asked Kat’s hand in marriage while talking to her father. Kat’s father was very happy about the news that he announced the request to the whole town. Kat rather seemed â€Å"okay† about the whole situation instead of being excited. That night she had a dream about a dart in a board spinning over and over again but instead of the spinning making her dizzy she was happy. It was a really strange dream and it kept repeating three nights in a row. Contrary to her strange dream, she went to seek advice from her grandma who was probably about 94 years old. She was so excited to see her granddaughter and listen to her. â€Å"I had a dream grandma, a very strange dream and I need you to tell me what you think it means† she said. â€Å"I’m all ears† said grandma. â€Å"Let’s hear it†. She explained the whole dream to her grandma and said â€Å" so what do you think it means? † Asked Kat. Grandma said â€Å"pumpkin this dream means you should follow your heart and instinct because something important is about to happen in your life†. With excitement she said â€Å" oh grandma, I love you, you always have answers to every question†. â€Å"That’s what I do†. So Kat decided to head towards home. On her way home she noticed a conveyance truck or moving truck parked in front of an old house. Due to curiosity, she neared and watched what was happening there. To her amazement, she saw a handsome spirited young man who was admiring the building. She asked â€Å"are you new in the neighborhood? † â€Å"Yeah I am, anyway I am Jason†. She stared at him for a while before answering† oh, I am Kat the mayor’s daughter and it’s nice to meet you† she finally said. I have to go, so I guess I would be seeing you around† she said. â€Å"Yeah â€Å"he answered. She looked so happy and relaxed on her way home. At her arrival at home her dad wanted to talk to her about Bruce but she said she didn’t like Bruce and wouldn’t marry him. Her father tried to convince her but she didn’t want to talk about it. The next day she went spying on Jason, she would get up early, go hide behind the house hoping to see him. This continued for many days until her best friend Tatiana followed her one day and found out she was spying on the â€Å"new guy in town† as she referred Jason to. During one morning, Tatiana went over to Jason’s house and told him all about what Kat did every morning. So he hid behind the house waiting for Kat to come. She did and was caught by Jason. He explained to her how he knew and that he also likes her but doesn’t spy on her behind her house every morning. Surprisingly, they started to go out for months during which Kat’s dad kept haunting her to marry Bruce. Six months later, they both expressed their feelings and decided to tell Kat’s dad that they are getting married. To their dismay , Kat’s dad did not agree with their decision and refused to give them his blessings. Out of love for Jason, Kat decided to leave her dad and the town to go get married to Jason in a different town or country. Before leaving she thanked her best friend Tatiana for being there for her and helping her. Also she invited her to be the brides maid at her wedding. Without her father’s acknowledgement she left the town, got married and had kids. Then he realized how happy his daughter is and began to regret not being there for her. So life can be real hard or easy but it all depends on the decisions made in our lives. Sacrifices made in our lives can result in pain or happiness. We should be wise and always make the right sacrifices!

Bullying At School: Causes, Effects and Implications

Bullying At School: Causes, Effects and Implications School Bullying has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon that has received very little or no attention at all. In recent years, it has garnered global attention and, although studies have concentrated on the view point from the victims perspective, recent studies are geared towards studying bullying from a social and cultural view. Bullying is defined as a methodical way of demoralizing a person or a group of people who may seem inferior to a potential bully or group of bullies due to many different factors such as race, gender, intellectual ability or just a way to feel better about themselves. Throughout this paper, we will look at the many different areas that have been identified as critical functions in remedying an age old problem that has been a staple in schools across the entire world for many years. Contributing Factors and Family Types Now we have to have a good understanding of some of the contributing factors that makes up the components of the bully, the bullied and the bystander. Although bullying is a learned behavior, a major contributing factor is derived from what is learned in the home. Studies have shown that there three types of families that contribute to bullies. The first one dubbed The Brick Wall family demonstrates the belief that power equals control. This type of environment proves to be a great training ground for a potential bully. Various factors figure into the equation like one parent demonstrates absolute authority, rigid enforcement of rules by use of threats or imagined violence, use of humiliation and being taught What to think, Not how to think (Barbara, Colorosa). The second type of family commonly referred to as The Jellyfish Family tend to promote the virtues of a child to become a bully, a vulnerable target or bystander by not setting boundaries and structure for children, the parent physically and psychologically abandons the children and second chances are routinely given. The last family The Backbone Family is not demanding at all. They do not demand respect; they model and teach it, rules are clear and simply stated and mistakes are viewed as chances to learn. Clearly, family has a decisive advantage in determining a childs course, but society has become a greater teacher than any home can be due to all the advances in technology such as the internet, cell phones, and peer pressure and the lack of parents being home due to dual income families being needed more now during the current recession going on in America today (Barbara, Colorosa). Seven Types of Bullies Briefly we have looked at contributing factors to bullies, but we will take a glance at the several different types of bullies. The Confident Bully often has a hefty ego and sense of dominance; The Social Bully is resentful of the optimistic traits of others; The Fully Armored Bully is calm and isolated; The Hyperactive Bully has trouble making friends; The Bullied Bully is bullied by adults or older kids; The Bunch of Bullies usually perceived as nice kids and last, but not least the Gang of Bullies is a group drawn together in pursuit of control, ascendancy and total absolution of power (Barbara, Colorosa). All have different agendas, but they all use the three basics fundamentals of bullying; verbal, physical, and relational. Verbal bullying accounts for 70% of all reported bullying for mainly two reasons (Barbara, Colorosa); It is easy to get away with and if it is accepted by the majority, it degrades the intended target. Physical bullying is actually only responsible for one-thirds of all reported incidents and the bully whom actually results to this form is more likely to move onto more serious criminal offenses in the future. Racial bullying is an area that we have not ventured into; however it is prevalent taking place in climates where differences are deemed as bad and where common bonds are not celebrated. The Victim or the Bullied The Victim or Bullied can become a target for bullying due to a variety of factors. This can be due to the victim being the new kid on the block, the kid who is smaller and younger in a new school, being submissive, gifted or talented, physical or mental disabilities or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time (Barbara, Colorosa). In any case the bullied child becomes isolated from their peers and develops survival strategies rather than social skills. Bullies are often successful due to the fact they are ashamed, afraid of retaliation, they dont believe anyone can or wants to help and society has led people to believing ratting is not acceptable. Even though secrecy is a another significant factor to a bullys success, a child who is the victim of bullying will display warning signs and adults whether a teacher or parent must be mindful in observation of the warning signs. Children speak through their body language, facial expressions, eyes, words and the tone of voice when asked certain questions (Barbara, Colorosa). When children display a certain abrupt disinterest in school or refuses to go, is hungry after school, claims to have lost lunch money, stops talking about everyday activities and peers or completely does something out of their normal character, it can be an indicator there may be a problem. In todays society, most of the above mentioned clues almost describes a majority of kids today especially teenagers, but as we will visit later knowing your children and establishing an open line of communication can be vital in ensuring your children chances of being a victim of bullying are minimized. Education of children will help in reducing the potential of a child becoming a bullying victim. It is imperative that children are taught how to react when they are placed in a situation dealing with a bully or a group of bullies; Assurance is a key instrument, letting a child know that they are not alone; affirm that it is not their fault; establish that there are measures that you as a parent can take and immediately inform school personnel of the bullying issues or concerns. Just as easy as you can reassure your children of all the measures that can be implemented, equal caution must be exercised as not to hinder a childs capability to resolve some issues on their own so as not to be shunned by the other children as an individual who cannot function without their parents direct involvement. Justification of a bullys action can be detrimental to your relationship or trust previously established; educate your child, but let they figure out the best way to exist amongst their peers; avoidance should not be a course of action and by all means violence should only be used if they are in imminent danger by the bully or group of bullies. The next group we will explore is the Bystander (s) who more than often not are just caught in the middle and basically are glad that the bully is not targeting them. Bystander (s) tend to think that intervention will cause greater suffering, they simply do not know what actions to take, dont want to become the focal point of the bully or they dont want to get hurt themselves. The victims of bullying have been identified as suffering from various health problems, including diminished levels of psychological well-being, poor social adjustment, psychological distress and physical symptoms (Rigby, 1996, 2003). Victims have a wide range of issues such as social isolation, truancy, suicidal tendencies and depression. Also, experiencing peer harassment has been linked to depression, loneliness and social isolation. Victims often exhibit low self-esteem, have fewer friendships, school absences and even suicide. Relational bullying has also been related to rejection of peers, loneliness, isolation, depression and social anxiety all proved to be directly related to future psychological difficulties, according to Jacobsen, Kristen. The Bystander (s) Bystander (s) abilities or lack thereof, contribute to their fears and the lack of skills to cope with the issues leads to apathy and due to the fact that Bystander (s) witness first hand bullying tactics, they are apt to becoming bullies themselves. Bystander (s) rationalize why they do not take actions when they observe a bully targeting a child or a group of children; they are friends with bully, its not my problem, he/she is a loser or the fact that they dont want to be labeled as a snitch. Another aspect of bystander (s) perpetuating bully tendencies is through the spreading of rumors. Rumors are easy to start, spread and in lament terms hard to confirm or deny and children are not concerned with facts, they believe what everyone else does. Their ability to decipher the truth whether they want to or not is the real issue; simply they just want to fit in regardless of the truth, thus indirectly they are assisting the bully in tormenting the targeted child or children. Three factors that will empower bystander (s) is the ability to recognize, refuse and report are the steps they will need to be taught in order to not help in the bullying process. Social Experience and School Bullying Social Experience and School Bullying studies have shown that these problems extend well beyond the school and that children are exposed to dangerous situations in their own neighbor hoods on a daily basis. These experiences within the very communities that they live in undermine relationships between students and their teachers and bring to light that intervention needs to be extended to the broader community and neighborhood. A vast majority of studies have concentrated on the psychological profiles of bullies and their victims. According to these reports, bullies tend to assume a dominant role in interpersonal relationships and display lack of empathy. They are reported as displaying high self-esteem but also egotistic defensive traits (Salmivalli, Kaukiainen, Kaistaniemi, Lagerpetz, 1999; Smith, 2004). Studies also suggests that like other aggressive individuals, bullies attribute hostile intentions to the people with whom they are interacting and that they are incapable of resolving conflicts without resorting to acts of violence (Crick Dodge, 1999; Dodge, Bates Pettis) . Classroom Management, Bullying and Teacher Practices Teachers play a vital role in the school environment; the enforcement of school policies and ethos and the social interactions within the classroom. The absence of an adult (s) presence often contributes to bullies and their objectives. Studies have revealed that some teachers just dont observe the deviant behavior or they simply do not know how to handle the situation involving bullies. Some cases have illustrated that training is sorely needed in order to help in the ever growing epidemic. In some cases, teachers have intervened in physical bullying cases, but they acknowledge that the aspect of identifying relational bullying is hard to identify. Now teachers and counselors have different roles in the school, but they are inter-related on so many levels. Teachers are primarily educators and have limited experience in counseling, thus enter the counselor. The counselor primary role is to ensure the students success academically, career and socially. Due to the fact that the counselor works with the entire school population, they will have a better understanding on some of the underlying issues that the teacher just may not have time to observe. Teachers can prove to be a valuable asset in the fight against bullies, but training is still required to enhance the readiness of all school staff and administrators. For the most experienced to the novice of all teachers, teaching in todays society has become more challenging than ever. It requires the ability to adapt to new and constant changing demands. Although the issue is not new, a new light was shed on the issue during the Columbine High School shooting in April, 1999 (Vossekuil, Fein, Reddy, Borum, Modzeleski, 2002). In recent years, research has implicated teasing, harassment, and bullying in a number of targeted schools shootings that have taken place in the United States, according to (Kathleen P. Allen). Now in recent years, newer teachers in the profession stated they have felt unprepared for todays classroom management skills when it comes to managing administrative tasks, curriculum and behavior issues. According to (Kathleen P. Allen), additionally, it is a well- established fact that student misbehavior is a factor in teacher burnout and the decision for novice teachers to leave the profession. How Do Teachers Learn Classroom Management and Discipline When you look at this complex issue, classroom management is not what it was in the past. Classroom rules and guidelines were the main points other than course requirements in the past; however in todays culture, teachers have to worry about safety of themselves and other students, being innovative and creative to keep students interested and constantly adapting to changes to the profession. Teachers have to incorporate effective teaching strategies which include meaningful content, powerful teaching strategies and an organizational structure to support productive learning. Successful teachers employ strategies for establishing rules and procedures, organizing groups, monitoring and pacing classroom events, and reacting to misbehavior, according to (Kathleen P Allen). Some teachers may revert back to when they were in school and how their teachers maintained discipline. Although many of these teacher may not be teaching due to retirement, they still may act in a capacity as a mentor to todays generation of younger teachers. Now for up and coming teachers in college, management techniques are being incorporated in the curriculum to help circumvent these issues. Practical experience can only be gained through actual job experience, but they have a foundation to build on. Teachers currently in the business attend working group, field observations, student teaching, seminars and gain valuable experience by sharing ideas and talking with their teacher counterparts. Bullying, Prevalence, Definitions and Issues According to Kathleen P. Allen, in the largest survey of bullying in schools in the United States to date 29.9% of students were found to be involved in bullying demographics: 13% were bullies, 10.6% as victims, 6.3% as bully-victims. This study is a direct indicator that there is a definite problem that must be addressed in the United States school system. In looking into the issue of bullying, it has been discovered that it is a two way street. Now bullying from a teachers perspective in defined as a teacher who uses his or her power to reprimand, control or ridicule a student beyond what would be a reasonable disciplinary course of action. According to Kathleen P. Allen, 45% of 116 teachers surveyed at an elementary school admitted to bullying students. Also, at one intermediate school, 30% of students stated they were bullied by teachers. During another study, it was founded that in the United Kingdom that high school teachers were bullied by 56.4% by students at least once, 35.6% by students sometimes or more and 9.9% by students several times a week. The focal point of this particular part is that this behavior is undermining the sanctity of the education process and promoting reciprocated aggression. In the event, and lack of evidence of adult bullying going on within schools themselves, is probably a direct factor of bullying being perpetuated throughout the masses. Teachers are an intricate part in establishing a positive climate, thus they must maintain a professionalism that is unparallel to none. Teacher Knowledge of Bullying In order for teachers to prevent bullying they have to be educated on how to recognize the signs and most of all they must be aware of what measures to take to reduce this epidemic. What is viewed by most teachers as normal gossip and simply kids being kids is truly the tip of the iceberg. Physical altercations and the communicating of verbal threats is what teachers view as bullying; however through cell phone texting, email and more sophisticated ways of disguising bullying tactics teachers are fighting a losing battle. Students are very manipulative, and due to lack of classroom management abilities and the fact of teachers being overworked, underpaid and stressed beyond the point of no return, some teachers simply just dont care enough to go the extra mile and the ones who do care simply are just out numbered. Some scholars have looked at bullying as a social phenomenon, bullies tend to need an audience and this adds to the bullys powerbase. From an ecological perspective, students tend to be a product of their society. Since they live in neighborhoods where violence and aggressiveness are prevalent, they adapt to what they learn from society. Unfortunately, the school environment is where the aggression is practiced. Emotional distress has been associated with exposure to neighborhood violence often interferes academic performance and escalates the potential risks of peer bullying. Different variables have a definite impact on the bullying epidemic sweeping the globe at an alarming rate. First, we look at the sense of community-the acuity of belonging to a neighborhood, social relationships that implies to the eagerness to help others. Secondly, the exposure to dangerous and violent events where the young people live on a day to day basis. The perceived safety in the neighborhoods in conjunction with the serious nature of social problems. Lastly, different variables such as school climate, relationships with classmates, relationships with teachers and attitudes towards school. Young people who are exposed to neighborhood violence often find it hard to control their feelings of anger and irritability which contributes to poor academic performance. Students who exhibit the lack of self control find it difficult to concentrate on basic school tasks. They are hyperactive, impulsive and easily distracted and find it difficult to sit still long enough to do typical school work. What Can We Do About Bullying Prevention and Intervention are ongoing studies, life experiences, reading materials, workshops and attending presentations dealing with this topic in depth. Teachers are continuing to educate themselves through schools adopting different programs that has proven to be effective in other schools foreign and domestic. These adopted programs require continual updated training, but in every attempt to reduce bullying it is a sacrifice an overwhelming number of teachers is willing to make. Very often these programs advocate policy development as well as well as realignment of the school or classroom code of conduct and behavior management systems. Goals are obvious with these programs, reduction or the complete eradication in the bullying/victim problems in and out of the school setting and to prevent future problems (Dan Olweus). All attention is normally directed toward the direct bully concept. As previously stated, direct bullying involves relatively open attacks on another student and may include words, gestures, facial expressions or physical contact. Indirect bullying must be addressed as well. A student exposed to this indirect bullying has a hard time making friends within his or her class and is excluded from the peer group. There is a direct link between the two types of bullying; direct bullying victims are rejected by their peers and basically isolated. There is also a lot of students who are isolated and lonely without being a target by their fellow students. Awareness and involvement involve two general conditions; Adults at schools and to some measure at home must become aware of what bully/victim problems exist in their childs school and that parents must take an active part in correcting the problem. Bullying has proven to be a considerable problem in many countries across the world and reassures everyone in the teaching profession that no school is bully proof. A reasonable assumption is that when you have several children together and they cant decide who cannot be included in the group, and then bully tendencies will arise. Mapping the extent of the bully/victim problems at a particular school are a good start for an intervention program Dan Olweus). Should there an insignificant amount of bullying at a school, there must be an attempt to correct the problem altogether. By establishing that these problems exist in schools across the nation, parents and teachers must be persuaded to take aggressive action. Parents must understand that this is not an inevitable part of a childs life. Individual measures that can be taken by the teacher is if suspected bullying is taking place then he/she should confront the bully or bullies immediately. The intent is to let these offenders know that this type of behavior will not be tolerated by anyone. Should it be deemed that it is a group of bullies, and then each student should be handled on an individu al basis. Swift action should be taken so as to prevent collaboration between the groups can be established. In most cases, should the group be allowed to conspire, then the victim will be made out to be the villain. Due to the fact that bullies are calculating, devious, persuasive individuals and often possess leadership abilities which entice others to follow them. After all individuals have been interviewed separately, then placing all offenders in a group and reinforcing the facts that bullying will not be tolerated and inform all parties to include parents of possible repercussions should alleged if not proven behavior should continue.

Supply chain initiatives at Apple Inc

Supply chain initiatives at Apple Inc For reasons as various as its philosophy of comprehensive aesthetic design to its distinctive advertising campaigns, Apple has established a unique reputation in the consumer electronics industry. This includes a customer base that is devoted to the company and its brand, particularly in the United States.[10] Fortune magazine named Apple the most admired company in the United States in 2008, and in the world in 2008, 2009, and 2010.[11][12][13] The company has also received widespread criticism for its contractors labour, environmental, and business practices, 4 COMPETITIVE PRIORITIES AT APPLE INC. APPLE has managed to increase its market price by introducing new products to attract the customers. The recent products are APPLE Ipod and APPLE IPHONE 4G. Usability and Product design are the main key trends and competitive priorities of apple. The key element in manufacturing strategy are to identifying competitors manufacturing strategy research. In this study, Im gonna find which competitive priorities that APPLE used and which one helped APPLE the most in the areas of supply chain, quality and peformances. 1.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW APPLE INC. (NASDAQ: AAPL; previously APPLE COMPUTER, INC.) is an American multinational corporation, which produces consumer electronics, pc softwares and laptops. STEVE JOBS, STEVE WOZNIAK and RONALD WAYNE are the founder of APPLE INC, established in Cupertino, California on april1, 1976 and incorporated January 3 1977, and then the company was known by APPLE COMPUTER, INC. It leads the industry in innovation with its award-winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, ILife and its range of professional applications. Apple also spearheads the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store. The company recorded revenues of 65.07 billion in the fiscal year ended March 2010, an increase of 34.06% over 2009. The companys operating profit was 18.27 billion in fiscal 2010, an increase of 35.74% over 2009. Its net profit was 14.01 billion in fiscal 2010, an increase of 41.23% over 2009. 1.2 OPERATIONS STRATEGY OF APPLE INC. The Operations Strategy of APPLE INC. Limited has changed as their business has evolved over time. The section below tracks the various key operations strategy such as the Manufacturing ( processes involved and locations), the Supply chain initiatives over the years, Inventory Management, Quality Management, Research and Development Initiatives, Procurement procedure, Vendor Management etc . The section highlights the key defining operational strategies adopted by the company during this period. 1.2.1 MANUFACTURING: When Steve Jobs launched the iMac in 1998, he was quoted as saying, these new product lines give people what they want most, a lightning fast laptop and a striking new consumer Macintosh. Is Jobs correct in this assessment? Is speed, look, and brand really the main drivers for consumers? Did Jobs strategy to capture market share in the personal computer industry focus on the right aspects? This paper will venture to say no and suggest the following alternative strategy: Apple should build a new business in Wintel PCs, while continuing to sell Macs to the design and publishing segment of the market. In order to support this conclusion, Apples competitive advantages and industry forces must be analysed. Apple has been in business since 1976, and released a number of new brands in competitive way. The four key tactis and differentiations are branding, new innovation in hardware design, high expectation in market shares and user friendly. In 1998, the consumers didnt want a MACHINTOSH. APPLES branding to the market is strong and has been since the1970s when APPLES customers waiting for their new innovations. The main component of apple is user friendly to the customers. Adding extra hardware and software to a Mac was almost easy as plugging speakers to the mobile phone. Because of this loyalty, apple was able to form a close relationship with its customers, particularly with the education and design publishing industries, which felt as 80% of APPLEs market position in 1998(Exhibit A). Furthermore, the 1998 Think Different campaign propagated Apples image as inventive and trendy. It enabled Apple to become a substitute based on design alone, giving it a particular edge over its khaki-clad competitors. Albeit these advantages, Apple still managed to lose a large amount of profit, and its market share dwindled from 8% to 3.4% from 1995 1998 (Exhibit B). The company also slipped in the education sector during this time by as much as 14% per year. In order to understand why Apple was losing so much ground, we must look into the power of suppliers and buyers in the industry. Most notably on the suppliers side are microprocessors and operating systems, where Intel and Microsoft are the dominant names. Because of their quasi-monopolies, which enable them to control commodities and manipulate pricing, these two suppliers have tremendous influence. Buyers, who also have strong influence because of the wide array of products available, were drawn to the Intel/Windows package (Wintel) because of the brand names, lower costs, and the wide proliferation of the products. Apple, however, chose to implement a PowerPC/MAC OS combination over the standard Wintel package. The main fallacy in Jobs o utlook was following this proprietary strategy. As a result, Apples reach to customers diminished. In 1998, Macintoshs operating system market share was at 5% compared to Microsofts dominance of almost 90%. Furthermore, this strategy can aid in the foreign arena, where Apple has the recognizable brand name and Wintel is the dominant platform. With analysts predicting the largest increases in growth rates through 2005 to be in the Asia/Pacific and the rest of the world , Apple will have a greater outlook for global success. Overall this strategy calls for Apple to focus on their competencies and move away from inefficient practices of the past. Allowing themselves to think outside of their proprietary boxes will no doubt increase their abilities to see ahead on the road to profitability. 1.2.2 Supply Chain Initiatives at APPLE INC. For reasons as various as its philosophy of comprehensive aesthetic design to its distinctive advertising campaigns, Apple has established a unique reputation in the consumer electronics industry. This includes a customer base that is devoted to the company and its brand, particularly in the United States.[10] Fortune magazine named Apple the most admired company in the United States in 2008, and in the world in 2008, 2009, and 2010.[11][12][13] The company has also received widespread criticism for its contractors labour, environmental, and business practices, The supply chain of the new Apple iPhone and, at some point, the supply chain of the Apple TV, hoping that this might help to demonstrate the complexity involved in manufacturing the Apple iPhone a feature-rich product I wish I could have, if I could afford it (update: Ive had several iPhones now). 1.2.3 Linking the supply chain to the business strategy The supply chain improvements described indicate that supply chain management has the potential to improve a firms competitiveness. Supply chain capability is as important to a companys overall strategy as overall product strategy. Supply chain management encourages management of processes across departments. By linking supply chain objectives to company strategy, decisions can be made between competing demands on the supply chain. Improvements in performance are driven by externally-based targets rather than by internal department objectives. Managing the supply chain means managing across traditional functional areas in the company and managing interactions external to the company with both suppliers and customers. This cross-boundary nature of management supports incorporating supply chain goals and capabilities in the strategic plan of the company. This focus on integration can then lead to using the supply chain to obtain a sustainable competitive advantage over competitors. The impact of managing overall product demand and the supply of product will impact the profitability of the company. The supply chain strategy can be viewed as the pattern of decisions related to sourcing product, capacity planning, conversion of finished product, deployment of finished product, demand management and communication, and delivery. Linking supply chain strategy to the business strategy involves defining the key business processes involved in producing a companys product or service. 1.2.4 Procurement Apple is known for its innovative thinking. They have developed a product line that is both functional and attractive. Their product line has recently expanded to another level. Their iPods will soon be able to communicate with specially designed Nike running shoes where you could receive data such as calories burned and distance ran. This project can benefit both companies and boost the demand for iPods. Apples iPod line will have a clear advantage over all the other mp3 players in the market. In addition to Apples integration with other products, many cars models from all major automakers have equipped their new models with iPod connectivity. In regards to their desktop and notebook sectors, Apple has developed new lines that are less expensive while maintaining its high quality standards. These less-expensive computers should help increase sales in the future. Apple has also changed its chip supplier from IBM to Intel. This change would make Apple more compatible with other systems. It enables Apple to run the Windows operating system, which gives the user more flexibility. 1.2.5 Quality Apple Computer Inc. is one of the oldest hardware manufacturers that control over the product by manufacturing both computers and their operation system. It is known that Apple has a high Quality product which makes Apple different than its competitors. Apple creates its product with unique designs to attract the consumers eyes and increase its market share because Apple success is based on fulfilling customers desires. Apple has one of the top brand names within the technology industry all over the world, and 54% of their profits are from foreign markets. Apple is dedicated to develop new products which will make the use of technology easier and more efficient. Apple always provides easy-use product to the hand of the consumers. Most of its products are light, small, and easy to carry around which make them more competitive. One of the great things about Apple is product diversification; Apple has a large number of product lines to target everyone in the world. In addition, there ar e a huge number of consumers who are loyal to Apple even though the prices of Apple products are higher comparing to its competitors. 1.2.6 Research and Development Apple can definitely expect a prosperous future especially in the near future. Over the past five years, net sales have been steadily increasing with almost a 200% increase from 2004 and 2005. Correspondingly, net earnings have been increasing as well. Apple owns over 80% of the market share with its iPod product. With such favorable trends, it is reasonable to assume that Apple will continue to increase in its sales, earnings, and market share just as long as it keeps developing and acquiring new strengths. For example, Apple has established its name as one of the leading, innovative forces in the computer industry that has a much diversified, high quality products that appeal to many markets. Competitors will find it difficult to compete against the company if Apple continues to strive for innovation, as it is its mission, continuing its well-developed marketing plan, further developing more high quality products, and taking advantage of its opportunities. Thus, the threat of produ ct substitution and high levels of competition would be decreased. However, although it seems that Apple is not in a position where its favorable future outlook is threatened, it is best that Apple works on its weaknesses so as to further increase its sales and decrease the possibility of losing its customers to its competitors. For example, Apple is known for its high quality products, which puts them into a competitive advantage. However some components of its products such as the iPod batteries and the iPod Nano screens are of lesser quality. Apple must increase its RD efforts to really minimize the number of products with faulty components. Thus, customers would not be lost and customer loyalty would be maintained. Another weakness that must be addressed is the high prices of its products. For example, the iPod nano ranges from $150 to $250 depending on the size, the iPod ranges from $300 to $400, and a Mac desktop is at least $1300. Such high prices discourage potential customers from purchasing Apples products. The solution to this weakness is to decrease the prices to the point where profits are still increasing. Likewise, the cost of sales should be decreased but only to the point where the quality of the products is not sacrificed. 1.3 CONCLUSION: With its already well-established name brand and its positive sales/market share growth, Apple will without a doubt continue to increase their earnings and market share. However, by working on at least some of its weaknesses through minimizing the number of faulty components in its products, decreasing its prices, and paying dividends, Apple can tremendously gain a competitive advantage over its competitors II CORPORATE STRATEGY AT RELIANCE RETAIL LIMITED 2.1 INTRODUCTION The Reliance group is founded by DHIRUBHAI H. AMBANI(1932-2001), is Indias one of the largest private sector enterprise, with businesses in energy and materials of value chains. Reliance Retail Limited (RRL) is one of the business sectors in retail chain division of RELIANCE INDUSTRIES OF INDIA, which is headed by MUKESH D. AMBANI. The company is strongly focused on future growth in Indian economy and planned to invest Rs. 25000 crores in the next 4 years in the retail divisions and plans to begin retail stores in 784 cities across the country. RRL launched its first store in November 2006 through its convenience store format Reliance Fresh. Since then RRL has rapidly grown to operate 590 stores across 13 states at the end of FY 2007-08. In each of these store formats, RRL is offering a unique set of products and services at a value price point. Overall, RRL is well positioned to rapidly expand its existing network which operates in 57 cities. 2.2 Corporate strategy CORPORATE STRATEGY is the direction an organization takes with the objective of achieving business success in the long term. Recent approaches have focused on the need for companies to adapt to and anticipate changes in the business environment, i.e. a flexible strategy. The development of a corporate strategy involves establishing the purpose and scope of the organizations activities and the nature of the business it is in, taking the environment in which it operates, its position in the marketplace, and the competition it faces into consideration; most times analyzed through a SWOT analysis. 2.2.1Operation Support Systems: 2.2.2.1 ERP System Various ERP vendors have developed retail-specific systems which help in integrating all the functions from warehousing to distribution, front and back office store systems and merchandising. An integrated supply chain helps the retailer in maintaining his stocks, getting his supplies on time, preventing stock-outs and thus reducing his costs, while servicing the customer better. 2.2.2.2 Advanced Planning and Scheduling Systems APS systems can provide improved control across the supply chain, all the way from raw material suppliers right through to the retail shelf. These APS packages complement existing (but often limited) ERP packages. They enable consolidation of activities such as long term budgeting, monthly forecasting, weekly factory scheduling and daily distribution scheduling into one overall planning process using a single set of data The major reasons behind the development of new trends are:  Ã‚ ¶ Scalable and profitable Retail models are well established for most of the categories  Ã‚ ¶ Rapid Evolution of New-age Young Indian Consumers  Ã‚ ¶ Retail Space is no more a constraint for growth  Ã‚ ¶ Partnering among Brands, retailers, franchisees, investors and malls  Ã‚ ¶ India is on the radar of Global Retailer Suppliers 2.3 Proposed Supply Chain Strategies for Retail Industry 2.3.1 Supply Chain Strategies in Retail 2.3.1.1 Breaking Bulk-: can be done in smaller lots with a good understanding with the supplier. This can be achieved by following ways: Spatial Convenience: Strategically locating the outlet with distribution networks and warehouses located proximally. Supplier holds inventory. 2.3.1.2 Vendor Managed Inventory: In this case, the vendor himself is given the responsibility to handle the inventory. A space for the vendor is rented in the outlet, and he takes care of the shelves and the space. It is a 2-way agreement wherein the vendor gets the space to market his product by interacting one-to-one with the customers. 2.3.1.3 Point of Sale Information System: As soon as one stock keeping unit moves out of the store when purchased by a customer, the information readily flows to the supplier. He is given access to the inventory database. A re-order point can be imposed based on consumption pattern and the supplier is asked to fill the shelf upon inventory reaching the re-order point. 2.3.1.4 SRM Supplier Relationship Management: Relationship with supplier should not be a marriage of convenience. Supplier has to act in ways more than what is required. By providing special offers, discounts and incentives, the supplier savors the relationship. This also serves as a promotion strategy for the outlet. 2.4 Competitive Areas of Importance 2.4.1 Fulfillment: Stock filling is taken care of at both customer end (end product) and at the end of shelves at the shop. Reaching the customer at the right time and constant check on stocks and making sure right quantity is ordered at the right time. 2.4.2 Logistics: Safe and reliable transport at as much low price as possible. Constant contact with distribution teams (trucks, trains, etc.) and track where material is. Partnership with transportation firms so that cost and transport can be shared if the shipment does not occupy the whole truck space. 2.4.3Procurement:  (Vendors side points to take care) Strong Relationship Information sharing and updating plan change Combine vendors by minimizing transportation cost Choose vendors in proximity Optimum lot size taking vendors into confidence 2.4.4Production: Line should run smoothly without delays due to ordering and transportation (fulfillment and logistics have to be met first). 2.5 7 PS OF SERVICES 1st P: PRODUCT Product- refers to the merchandise i.e. the range of clothes. Supplementary services -include a component of fashion, life style and Ambient shopping as an addition to the core product. Today, customers buy experiences and not brands or products. 2nd P : PRICING Cost plus price and Percentage method pricing: Most widely used technique to price apparels. Ex:- COLOR PLUS and IN-HOUSE brands like those of SHOPPERS STOP or WESTSIDE use this technique. 3rd P : PLACE Apparel Retailing Business is driven by one crucial factor: Location Approachable Parking 4th P: PROMOTION Print medium. Loyalty programs In-store Visual merchandising 5th P: PEOPLE Every second a customer spends inside the store has to be viewed as Moment of Truth People is that aspect of the marketing mix which adds tangibility to the service of creating an experience 6th P: PROCESSES 7th P : PHYSICAL EVIDENCE Managing Appearance of the building Location Maintaining Temperature , Music, Lighting and Fragrance inside the store Availability of services like Prams, Wheel Chair, Valet Parking etc Stylish Stocking of Merchandise 2.6 CONCLUSION: The benefits of time-phased inventory planning are numerous. The bulk of benefits contribute to improved gross margins by minimizing inventory carrying costs, reducing lost sales through improved in-stock, reducing markdowns and store-to-store transfers with more timely product availability, and improved productivity at the distribution centers and stores. It is not uncommon for retailers to experience double-digit percentage reductions in inventory while sustaining or improving service levels. Additional benefits are increased sales and customer service as the inventory plan more readily responds to changes in the demand forecast.

The Yellow Wallpaper -- essays research papers

Charlotte Perkins Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper is a short story that deals with many different issues that woman in the 19th century had to deal with on a daily basis. Some of these issues were within their control, but many of them were outside of the realm of control for women. The main point that I will focus on is how restricted societal roles can cause insanity. I will do this by deciphering the meaning of the "yellow wallpaper" and its symbolism. In my opinion, I believe that once we get a better understanding of the author's interest in this subject area and get a feel for life in the 19th century, then we will have a better understanding of the story. First, let's take a look at the background of Gilman before and after she wrote The Yellow Wallpaper. Gilman lived during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and she definitely had her fair share of troubles. Her biggest struggle in life was living within the constraints of a society that put women in a class apart from everyone else; when in her heart she felt that she was an equal counterpart to men. She suffered depression from this problem for many years, until finally she was seem by a world-famous neurologist, Dr. Weir Mitchell, who simply prescribed her with rest. This "rest period" sent her into an even deeper state of depression, which she didn't come out of until she tried to resume her normal life, along with joining the American Woman Suffrage Association as a writer and active participant. Unfortunately, Gilman's life got so bad that her condition got worse and she fell to the insanity level, eventually causing her to commit suicide with chloroform. Now that we have a little background on the author, we can take a closer look at the actual work and its characters. The two main characters of the story a narrator and her husband, John, and the story takes place in the 19th century. Life for the two is like most other marriages in this time frame, only the narrator is not like most other wives. She has this inner desire to be free from the societal roles that confine her and to focus on her writing, while John in content with his life and thinks that his wife overreacts to everything. Traditionally, in this era, the man was responsible for taking care of the woman both financially and emotionally, while the woman was solely responsible for remaining at home. This w... ...John comes home and finds the door locked. He begs her to open it and she tells him "The key is down by the front door under a plantain leaf!" (Gilman 669) When he comes back and opens the door, he sees her ripping the rest of the paper off the wall, with the rope tied around her and he faints. This is when John realizes that his wife has reached the point of hysteria and is insane. But, the narrator sees it differently. She declares that she is now free by saying: "I've got out at last,..in spite of you and Jane! And I've pulled off most of the paper, so you can't put me back!" (Gilman 669) The one theme that I pulled out of The Yellow Wallpaper only cracks the surface of understanding this story. The wallpaper was used by Gilman as a medium to expose the constraints that were placed upon women in the 19th century. The same constraints that she utterly despised and tried so hard to get rid of them. The narrator's overexposure to the wallpaper was just like Gilman's overexposure to societal roles. They both needed to get out in order to keep their minds intact. Eventually they both did, but it took a long time and a big toll on their mental health and psyche. The Yellow Wallpaper -- essays research papers Charlotte Perkins Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper is a short story that deals with many different issues that woman in the 19th century had to deal with on a daily basis. Some of these issues were within their control, but many of them were outside of the realm of control for women. The main point that I will focus on is how restricted societal roles can cause insanity. I will do this by deciphering the meaning of the "yellow wallpaper" and its symbolism. In my opinion, I believe that once we get a better understanding of the author's interest in this subject area and get a feel for life in the 19th century, then we will have a better understanding of the story. First, let's take a look at the background of Gilman before and after she wrote The Yellow Wallpaper. Gilman lived during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and she definitely had her fair share of troubles. Her biggest struggle in life was living within the constraints of a society that put women in a class apart from everyone else; when in her heart she felt that she was an equal counterpart to men. She suffered depression from this problem for many years, until finally she was seem by a world-famous neurologist, Dr. Weir Mitchell, who simply prescribed her with rest. This "rest period" sent her into an even deeper state of depression, which she didn't come out of until she tried to resume her normal life, along with joining the American Woman Suffrage Association as a writer and active participant. Unfortunately, Gilman's life got so bad that her condition got worse and she fell to the insanity level, eventually causing her to commit suicide with chloroform. Now that we have a little background on the author, we can take a closer look at the actual work and its characters. The two main characters of the story a narrator and her husband, John, and the story takes place in the 19th century. Life for the two is like most other marriages in this time frame, only the narrator is not like most other wives. She has this inner desire to be free from the societal roles that confine her and to focus on her writing, while John in content with his life and thinks that his wife overreacts to everything. Traditionally, in this era, the man was responsible for taking care of the woman both financially and emotionally, while the woman was solely responsible for remaining at home. This w... ...John comes home and finds the door locked. He begs her to open it and she tells him "The key is down by the front door under a plantain leaf!" (Gilman 669) When he comes back and opens the door, he sees her ripping the rest of the paper off the wall, with the rope tied around her and he faints. This is when John realizes that his wife has reached the point of hysteria and is insane. But, the narrator sees it differently. She declares that she is now free by saying: "I've got out at last,..in spite of you and Jane! And I've pulled off most of the paper, so you can't put me back!" (Gilman 669) The one theme that I pulled out of The Yellow Wallpaper only cracks the surface of understanding this story. The wallpaper was used by Gilman as a medium to expose the constraints that were placed upon women in the 19th century. The same constraints that she utterly despised and tried so hard to get rid of them. The narrator's overexposure to the wallpaper was just like Gilman's overexposure to societal roles. They both needed to get out in order to keep their minds intact. Eventually they both did, but it took a long time and a big toll on their mental health and psyche.

Coal :: Research Essays

Coal As the granddaughter of an Irish immigrant coal miner, I thought I knew everything there was to know about coal. I was wrong. After learning about coal rank, and the different types of coal mines, I gained a much deeper appreciation for the work of my grandfather. Being from Tamaqua, I knew what anthracite coal was as soon as I could understand my Pappy’s ramblings. Among the Top 20 Signs You’re from the Coal Region, included â€Å"You think only God has the proper resume to take over after Joe Paterno leaves Penn State† (Top Ten). Another was â€Å"You’ve eaten coal candy† (who hasn’t?) (Top Ten). However, I know now that there are different types of coal mining techniques, such as underground mining, longwall mining and shaft mining. I also learned about the different types of underground mines, like shaft mines, slope mines, and drift mines. Shaft mines are usually the deepest type of coal mine. They use elevators to vertically transport workers and equipment to the level of the coal seam. Slope mines incline from the surface to a coal seam. Drift mines have entrances to coal seams from the hillside horizontally (UMWA). My Pappy, however, was a shaft miner. I can now more easily identify with my Pappy’s old coal mining stories since he worked in a shaft mine, and I know now the general set-up of that type of mine. For instance, there are two shafts, the man shaft, and the air-shaft. Also, I learned about the different layers underground, like sandstone, shale, and limestone, before the coal seam appears. Decisions about what type of mine to construct depend on surrounding terrain and the depth of the coal (UMWA). In recent years, however, coal production has decreased in the Appalachian Region, causing plenty of Gaelic tantrums during the holidays. In 2003, Coal production in the Appalachian region declined, due to lawsuits, underground mine fires, geological problems, and depleted reserves (Annual†¦). With my newfound knowledge of coal, coal mines, and coal production, I intend to have many more intelligent conversations with my Grandfather in the years to come. Coal :: Research Essays Coal As the granddaughter of an Irish immigrant coal miner, I thought I knew everything there was to know about coal. I was wrong. After learning about coal rank, and the different types of coal mines, I gained a much deeper appreciation for the work of my grandfather. Being from Tamaqua, I knew what anthracite coal was as soon as I could understand my Pappy’s ramblings. Among the Top 20 Signs You’re from the Coal Region, included â€Å"You think only God has the proper resume to take over after Joe Paterno leaves Penn State† (Top Ten). Another was â€Å"You’ve eaten coal candy† (who hasn’t?) (Top Ten). However, I know now that there are different types of coal mining techniques, such as underground mining, longwall mining and shaft mining. I also learned about the different types of underground mines, like shaft mines, slope mines, and drift mines. Shaft mines are usually the deepest type of coal mine. They use elevators to vertically transport workers and equipment to the level of the coal seam. Slope mines incline from the surface to a coal seam. Drift mines have entrances to coal seams from the hillside horizontally (UMWA). My Pappy, however, was a shaft miner. I can now more easily identify with my Pappy’s old coal mining stories since he worked in a shaft mine, and I know now the general set-up of that type of mine. For instance, there are two shafts, the man shaft, and the air-shaft. Also, I learned about the different layers underground, like sandstone, shale, and limestone, before the coal seam appears. Decisions about what type of mine to construct depend on surrounding terrain and the depth of the coal (UMWA). In recent years, however, coal production has decreased in the Appalachian Region, causing plenty of Gaelic tantrums during the holidays. In 2003, Coal production in the Appalachian region declined, due to lawsuits, underground mine fires, geological problems, and depleted reserves (Annual†¦). With my newfound knowledge of coal, coal mines, and coal production, I intend to have many more intelligent conversations with my Grandfather in the years to come.

Calorimetry Lab

Which foods have the most calories? Hypothesis: If we burn the food then the heating released will be measured as calories because the energy stored Inside Is released as heat and light. Parts of the experiment Control Group-water Experimental Group- different foods Independent variable- Type of food Dependent Variable- temperature of water Controlled variables- water temperature of unheated water Materials Stirring Rod, Beaker, ring clamp, evaporating disk, matches, crackers, marshmallows Analysis Questions 1 . Which foods gave off the most calories/gram?Marshmallows 2. Which foods gave off the least calories/gram? The chips give off the least, when they were burned we realized they had the least. 3. How do these results compare with your prediction? The result are somewhat like my prediction, I predicted that when the food is burned it will release heat and light.I liked this lab because it's a way to figure UT certain things within food substances. I probably would not take the ti me out to try it out at home, but I did like the lab. Despite us being very careful with trying to make everything accurate I don't think everything was so accurate. However scientists do this all the time to fugue out the calories of foods, so it is still a legit experiment. The temperatures did not change drastically it was mostly around 4 or 4. 5 degrees Celsius. Citation Mar. 2013. Web. 14 May 2014. Http://www. Chem†¦ Davidson. Deed/vice/calorimeter/ heatcapacityofcalorimeter. HTML

English Macbeth coursework Essay

Is the supernatural wholly responsible for the tragedy that occurs or is Macbeth fatally flawed and responsible for his own heinous crimes? It is my contention that all of the central characters have some integral part to play in the tragedy that occurs. Each have some function in the heinous crimes, and hence one individual cannot be held completely responsible for the bloodshed that occurs. William Shakespeare was born in April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. His father was named John Shakespeare; he was originally a glove maker before eventually becoming a politician. His mother, Mary Arden, belonged to the ranks of high society, being from a wealthy family, she subsequently inherited a great deal of money and farmland. Shakespeare was the third child born to the couple, but was the first to survive. The Shakespeare’s went on to have four children, Gilbert, Richard, Joan and Mary. Shakespeare’s family was quite wealthy, and when Shakespeare was four, his father was established as High Bailiff of Stratford. Shakespeare’s first school was Petty school and when he was seven, it is believed that he went to the local grammar school until at the age of twelve, when he left to help his father who had run into financial trouble. At the age of eighteen, Shakespeare met Anne Hathaway who was the daughter of a local farmer. She was twenty-six. They married in November 1582 and in May 1583 gave birth to their first child Susanna, she was followed two years later by twins Hamnet and Judith. Shortly after this, Shakespeare left Stratford, leaving his family behind. Sometime between 1585 and 1592, Shakespeare arrived in London and found a job in the theatre. He began to act and write a variety of plays and they were hugely popular, though many considered him to be intellectually insecure given that he was not university educated. In 1956, sadly young Hamnet died. By the age of 33, Shakespeare was making vast amounts of money and had been propelled to success, thus gaining country wide fame. He bought the second biggest house in Stratford, lots of land and a share in London’s finest theatre, ‘The Globe’. When James 1 became king he displayed a huge interest in the theatre given that he was patron of the arts. He ordered Shakespeare’s company to change their name to the ‘King’s Men’. In June 1613, Shakespeare’s play ‘Henry V111’ was put on at ‘The Globe’. During the play, a live cannon shot out a burning ball of paper, which landed on the thatched roof of the theatre. The whole building caught fire and within an hour it had burnt to the ground. After this, Shakespeare decided to retire and move back to Stratford. He was forty-nine and had written thirty-seven plays. He died on the 23rd of April 1616 at the age of fifty-two. He was buried two days later in Holy Trinity Church in Stratford. ‘Macbeth’ was an old Scottish legend and according to the ‘Holinshed’s chronicles of England, Scotland and Wales’, Macbeth became king of Scotland in 1040 after having defeated an inadequate, weak and youthful leader. Shakespeare’s Duncan was much older and demanded respect from Thanes; his murders were more heinous in the dramatic interpretation. The historical Macbeth reigned as king for 17 years. James 1, formerly a ruler in Scotland, was the eighth descendant of the Banquo-Fleance line and because of this Shakespeare presented Banquo in a more honourable light than the historical Banquo actually was. James 1 was intrigued and terrified by witchcraft. In 1597, he produced a book called ‘Daemonolougie’, which acted as a guide to recognise and defeat witches. King James believed that he had encountered witches and claimed three witches had raised a storm in order to drown him on his wedding trip. He believed that his encounter was real and three women were consequently murdered after they admitted sailing in a sieve to sink the ship. However, Shakespeare presented this encounter in Act one scene three. During this century, it is estimated that between 4,500 and 8,000 women were destroyed for supposedly practising witchcraft. The king even passed a law proclaiming death to anyone who was thought to be meddling in the dark forces. Shakespeare used the idea of witchcraft, kingship and moral order to develop the play, as these themes were greatly admired by a Jacobean audience. The play is extremely dramatic in its depiction of the corruption of natural order and raw ambition. It starts with the three strange witches meeting on an empty heath. King Duncan wins a great battle and Macbeth becomes a hero. Furthermore, Macbeth and Banquo meet the witches. They predict that Macbeth will be the ‘Thane of Cawdor’ and later King. The prophetic hag’s first prophecy comes true and Macbeth does become ‘Thane of Cawdor’. Macbeth writes to Lady Macbeth telling her what the witches said. In an ambitious move the husband and wife plot to kill King Duncan. When Duncan comes to stay at Macbeth’s castle, Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to go ahead with the murder and grudgingly he does. Malcolm and Donaldblain, sons of Duncan, escape to England and Macbeth is crowned King. However, Macbeth does not trust Banquo and has him murdered, but when Macbeth has a feast, Banquo’s ghost appears. Hence, Macbeth resolves to revisit the witches and he sees strange apparitions, meanwhile, Macduff’s wife and children are murdered by order of Macbeth. Lady Macbeth then becomes insane and dies. The castle is attacked, Macbeth is killed and Malcolm is proclaimed King. One lone character cannot be solely to blame for this tragedy, all of the central characters should be apportioned some blame. Macbeth is a brave and noble soldier who fought heroically for King Duncan. One would not suspect him of pre-mediated murder. Therefore, the witches must have had the ability to corrupt, manipulate and shape his mind. Macbeth must certainly be apportioned some blame as every man is in control of his own destiny. The witches never specifically told him to kill, they merely implanted a suggestion. Macbeth obviously had ambition, which was sparked from the beginning. The witches simply helped to spark this ambition and then worked to keep it alight. He acts along with the help of Lady Macbeth. She manipulates and supports his evil deeds. Macbeth had the power to reject the witch’s suggestions and allow nature to take its course, this is evident, as he was able to control hundreds of soldiers in battle and give orders. He was not a weak and challenged man man. Macbeth was on the contrary selfish and power hungry. He let his greed influence him. â€Å"Loves for his own ends, not for you† However, one can reason that Macbeth was not always in control. He is said to be in a ‘rapt state’ and one whethers this has anything to do with the elemental forces or his over – sexual, manipulative wife. Even so, he may be possessed but he is in control of himself as the dialogue suggests, â€Å"Stay you imperfect speakers tell me more† In addition, his tone changes as he gains confidence and he becomes aggressive. This suggests that he is in control and can make up his own decisions. However, there are reflective moments when he reflects on his actions and decides against murder. â€Å"If chance will have me king, why chance may crown me/without my stir† However, this way of thinking is soon non-existent in the second act. Macbeth would be viewed as a hero if he made his own judgement and resisted the temptation. Lady Macbeth is also marginally to blame. She is introduced when she reads Macbeth’s letter. She is pushed, pressurised, manipulated and calculated the pre-meditated murder. She is powerful and dear to Macbeth and takes full advantage of this. However, we would not expect a woman to rein such power, as this would have been unlikely given the period. Without her cajoling, Macbeth may never have gone through with the first murder. She took control and handled the murders as an unsexed entity. It seems that Lady Macbeth may have been connected with the supernatural before, as she calls out to evil spirits. â€Å"unsex me here† Lady Macbeth could be considered a witch according to the standards of Shakespeare’s day. She subverts the order of the sexes and the usual family hierarchy by trying to assume more power than the head of the family, her husband. She does appear to have more power over him, as she challenges his manhood so he will commit the murder of Duncan. â€Å"And live a coward in thine own esteem† She uses sexual means to control her puppet – like husband and entrances him; thus she is like a witch. By challenging her husbands manhood, she is making him mentally impotent yet in the same way pleading for herself to become an unsexed entity, on an equal power with her husband given his impotent and fragile state, if anything Lady Macbeth is more aggressive in this strange role reversal. This is highlighted in the following quotation, â€Å"When you durst do it, then you were a man† She does not follow the typical role of the wife; she transforms the social order and thus becomes the pinnacle of the family and her alliance with the dark forces becomes dubious, the fact that she works with the weird sisters to influence Macbeth suggests that she is at least indirectly allied with them. Though it can be said that, Lady Macbeth retains her mortal form and temporal powers; she has simply touched on the deep-seated ambitions and greed that were already present in him. Although Lady Macbeth coserts her power and dominance over her weak, ineffectual husband, the elemental forces also corrupt the impotent Macbeth. She also encourages Macbeth to become more confident and assertive and tempt him into using his ambition for his own gains. Without this guidance and the corrupt suggestions, Macbeth would probably have never acted on his impulses and desire for power. The witches cast spells and provide apparitions and thus drive his hunger for power and dominance. The withches intentionally taunt him by making him believe that he is in control, they change their tone and act subservient towards him, â€Å"speak, demand, we’ll answer† We are also more prone to condemning them more as we learn the grotesque content of their cauldron, â€Å"pour in sow’s blood that hath eaten her nine farrow† These ingredients sound equally gruesome to Macbeth, yet this is overshadowed by the vague, riddled promises that they make, â€Å"for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth† They continually meddle in his life and one could question whether they had anything to do with the hallucinations. Most of the play is written in blank verse, which resembles the natural rhythm of spoken English. The language flows in this form, certain syllables are stressed and there is a lack of end rhyme. However, this rhythm is disturbed when the weird witches are present in the scene. The language and verse is varied, with the witches and present. The verse is much choppier and sharper. Shakespeare also used rhyming couplets, which is particularly applicable for use in the witch scenes, as riddled; rhyming couplets enhance the devious and corrupt nature of the witches. The vocabulary is archaic and typical of Elizabeth style. The language devices Shakespeare used are abundant; he uses figurative language, aural imagery, patterned sound, equivocation, biblical illusions, symbolism and personification. Act 1 Scene 1 opens with ‘thunder and lightening’. We establish that this scene could be evil as the weather suggests this. Hence Shakespeare has used pathetic fallacy to enhance atmosphere. It was believed that in superstitious times those fierce storms were omens of unrest in individual people and whole countries. The fact that the witches open the plays shows the theme of supernatural is integral to the play. Shakespeare used the weird witches to open the play to show that evil will taunt Macbeth and will influence what happens in the play. The unearthly creatures talk of the battle being, â€Å"lost and won.† This equivocation shows the witches have the power of prediction and that they have also been anticipating the fight for Macbeth’s soul. The witches actively seek to meet up with Macbeth; this portrays their meddling side to the audience. â€Å"there to meet Macbeth† The prophetic hags establish a link with the supernatural by calling their familiars. Their familiars were supposedly given to them from Satan to help with sorcery. â€Å"I come Greymalkin† The witches riddled phrases denote the confusion that will occur. Their ambiguous language addresses that things aren’t always as they seem. â€Å"fair is foul and foul is fair† This line is an analogy for the deceptive facade of Lady Macbeth. The witches ‘Exeunt’ by hovering through the air and by doing this; they are symbolically linked with the supernatural. From analysing the evidence in this scene, one can assume that the blame is directed to the witches, as they are meddling in Macbeth’s affairs and are being associated with evil. Act 1 scene 3 also opens with ‘thunder’. It shows the extreme nature of the prophetic hags. Their meeting place, the heath, is symbolic of the barren and empty nature of the witches. â€Å"blasted heath† The fact the witches meet again reinforces the idea of sisterhood and coven, â€Å"where hast thou been, sister?† One witch has been a gruesomely â€Å"killing swine.† This is a ritual killing for evil purposes. Another witch relates how a sailor’s wife denied her food, so decides to attack the sailor. It was superstition that if you denied a witch food then the witch would take steps to punish you. The dramatist uses a strong metaphor here, which creates imagery, â€Å"Aroint thee witch the rump-fed renyon cries† The witch turned herself into a rat and sailed in a sieve to corrupt the sailor’s ship. There is a symbolic suggestion in the word ‘rat’ that they are cunning and manipulative. Furthermore, the fact she turns herself into a rat indicates her lower status compared to her familiar. Therefore, her familiar is a lot more powerful than she is, as it is a cat. The witches are very civil to each other, which makes us question whether they really are intrinsically evil, â€Å"Th ‘art kind† Moreover, they speak in rhyming couplets; this increases the notion of incantation and makes their riddles more complex. The first witch produces a human thumb. This implies that she has used her magic for evil. Macbeth is announced with a symbolic drum. His future is told within a drumroll. Death. Macbeth’s opening words directly associate him with evil. â€Å"So fair and foul a day I have not seen† It is in reference to an earlier quote that the unearthly creatures spoke. This links his destiny with the witches and evil. Macbeth speaks with an important, unsure and hesitant tone and the Weird Sisters prophesise that Macbeth will be ‘Thane of Cawdor’ and ‘King hereafter’. This is what sparks ambitions. Banquo seems jealous but says Macbeth, â€Å"Seems rapt withal† He is in a trance and he may be possessed at this point, perhaps under the control of the supernatural. Banquo already recognises the witches to be unnatural and strange and is very vivid in his description of them. â€Å"So withered, and so wild in their attire, That look not like th’ inhabitants o’ th’ earth† In addition, Banquo may also be suggesting that Macbeth is greedy and expectant. â€Å"Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear your favours or your hate† Even in his rapt state, Macbeth is still coherent enough to demand to know more. Thus he is in control of himself enough to absorb the information and calculate his actions. His tone becomes more commanding and demanding, hence Macbeth is capable of making his own decisions. â€Å"Stay you imperfect speakers tell me more† Macbeth feels powerful after having been victorious in battle. Macbeth is sadly deluded that he can control the elemental forces, which have succeeded in uncovering his raw ambition. One Macbeth learns he has been made Thane of Cawdor, Banquo says, â€Å"What can the devil speak true† This suggests that evil is at work, One must recognise that the witches never suggested murdering Duncan and it is essential to balance the evidence and make appropriate decisions. We learn of the Weird Sisters connection with evil and of their provoking and meddling, yet they never tell Macbeth to do anything they merely suggest. It is clear that Macbeth is showing his true colours by the end of the scene and is in complete control of his actions. One can reason that he is in ‘rapt state’, but after we are given this impression, there is also contrary evidence provided to suggest that he is in fact in control of his actions. The tone actively changes, commanding and directing. In Act 1 Scene 5, Macbeth has sent Lady Macbeth a letter and the first thing Macbeth writes about is the witches. Shakespeare is insinuating that the supernatural has a central role within the play. Macbeth writes, â€Å"while I stood rapt in wonder of it† We once again question whether he was possessed and can be held responsible for his actions. Macbeth calls Lady Macbeth, â€Å"my dearest partner of greatness† This suggests they have a good relationship and usually work together in partnership. Macbeth is aware that he may not have enough ambition. â€Å"That thou mightst not lose the dues of rejoicing by being ignorant of what greatness is promised thee† Macbeth is leaving the decisive action up to Lady Macbeth and hence is giving her freedom of choice. â€Å"Lay it to thy heart and farewell† Lady Macbeth realises that Macbeth is, â€Å"too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness† Lady Macbeth feels responsible for what happens so is plotting and planning for him. â€Å"Yet do I fear thy nature† Lady Macbeth reveals her thoughts about witchcraft and the supernatural by calling on evil spirits. â€Å"come you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts† One can assume that she has been embroiled in the supernatural before. She calls on the spirits to change her into a ruthless human being. To take away her soft feminine qualities so that she can assist her ambitious husband who lacks the evil he will need. â€Å"unsex me here† After critically examining the evidence in this scene, one can point the finger of blame towards Lady Macbeth who calls on evil spirits so she can assist her husband. She is already planning and plotting murder. One can now connect her with the supernatural and evil. In Act 1 Scene 7, Macbeth starts to change his mind about the murder, â€Å"hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been, so clear in his great office† In contrast, Lady Macbeth shows optimum strength in this scene. She undermines Macbeth and challenges his manhood. â€Å"And live a coward in thine own esteem† Lady Macbeth plots and plans the murder of Duncan. All her actions are pre mediated, which implies that she is a cold heartless killer, â€Å"When Duncan is asleep whereto the rather shall his day’s hard journey soundly invite him-his two chamberlains. Will I with wine and wassail so convince, that memory, the warder of the brain, shall be a fume, and the receipt of reason a limbeck only; when in swinish sleep their drenched natures lie as in death† She is so cunning and conniving that she has thought everything through. â€Å"his spongy officers, who shall bear guilt† We are reminded of the earlier quotation, â€Å"fair is foul and foul is fair† It seems to be unfolding like a prophecy. There should be equilibrium in apportioning blame in this scene as Macbeth, though deciding against the murder, was convinced very quickly to go through with it. If he really hadn’t wanted to go through with the murder he would have put up a bit more resistance. One can reason that Lady Macbeth has a very strong influence over him and she knows how to use it to her advantage, especially in this scene as she challenges his manhood and has a carefully thought out plan. One could question whether she is inherently evil or whether Macbeth really had any other choice. In Act 2 Scene 1, Banquo is unable to sleep, as he is uncomfortable in the presence of evil thoughts. â€Å"Merciful powers, restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature gives way to in repose† Macbeth denies his involvement with the unearthly creatures. He is very careful to hide his guilt in murdering Duncan. This is the turning point for Macbeth; he is becoming more and more empowered, â€Å"I think not of them† Macbeth believes he sees a dagger in front of him. This could be a sign of his need to muster his courage, hence he intentionally visualises his evil swaying. This could also be the work of the supernatural. The word ‘dagger’ reminds us of the unnatural predictions, â€Å"That summens there to heaven or to hell† This soliloquy reveals Macbeth’s abnormal state of mind. It also reminds one of the unnatural witches who are products of hell. He believes he is becoming stronger, but ironically he is becoming weaker, as he is more and more disturbed as a result of the supernatural. One can use the evidence shown in this scene to appoint the blame to Macbeth as now he is denying any involvement with the witches and lying to his own friends as the supernatural is taking a hold of him. One could question his sanity as he sees a dagger, or one could reason that this is the supernatural meddling and taunting Macbeth. In Act 2 Scene 2, Lady Macbeth and Macbeth are becoming more frail minded as they are beginning to realise what they have done in order to get what they want. Lady Macbeth jumps at the sound of an owl. This suggests that she is becoming frail minded and is extremely anxious. â€Å"Hark! Peace!† Other signs of the pair frail – mindness are that Lady Macbeth pleads with her husband not to go insane, which is ironic as this happens to her, and that Macbeth can’t wash the blood from his hands. â€Å"No, this my hand will rather the multitudnous seas incarnadine, making the green one red† He can’t literally wash the blood from his hands and also metaphorically he can’t wash away the guilt of what he has done from his blackened soul. For all Lady Macbeth’s evil words she still has some sort of conscience, as she can’t commit the murder herself. She is not as evil as she would like and maybe the evil spirits didn’t remove all of her soft gentle side. Macbeth is remorseful, but Lady Macbeth has achieved her desires. She is adamant that the dead can’t exact revenge. If anything she has been influenced and manipulated by the supernatural. â€Å"the sleeping and the dead are but as pictures. ‘Tis the eye of childhood that fears a painted devil† In this scene we see that Macbeth is regretting his devious actions, yet this passes very quickly. Lady Macbeth shows very little regret or remorse. One can reason that she couldn’t commit the murder herself so she can’t be all evil. Both are becoming weakened and anxious. Macbeth can’t return the daggers and is initially ashamed of himself. In Act 3 Scene 1, Macbeth has become more powerful. He has not yet converged with the witches, so we can assume that they haven’t complete power over him in this scene. Lady Macbeth and his own greed now directly influence everything he does. Macbeth has Banquo murdered, but it is his own madness that drove him to do it. He is now more in control of his destiny. â€Å"I will put that business in your bosoms whose execution takes your enemy off† He is level headed and cunningly instructs the murderers to plant themselves away from the palace. â€Å"I will advise you where to plant yourselves†¦.something from the palace† Macbeth gives the murderers reasons to kill Banquo, claiming that Banquo had held them â€Å"under fortune† This portrays his intelligence, but also emphasises his evil side. Macbeth is very clear in what he must do to secure the thrown without challenge. â€Å"We have scorched the snake but have not scorned it† This implies that there are more murders to come. Macbeth is not troubled by the murders he has committed. He is more worried that Fleance escaped. From this we can establish that he has little or no conscience. â€Å"Fool of scorpions of my mind dear wife thou know’st that Banquo and his Fleance lives† One must recognise that neither the supernatural nor Lady Macbeth had anything to do with the murders of Banquo or Fleance, yet Macbeth now uses a style not unlike the style Lady Macbeth had used on him. One could say that her influence has not left him unmarked and she still has some sort of control over him, though it is mostly his own greed that is spurring him on to commit these heinous acts. In Act 3 Scene 4, Macbeth is becoming increasingly cruel in his manner and shows no remorse in his friend’s death. â€Å"Tis better thee without than he within† He is referring to the blood on the murderer’s face. Macbeth is upset that Fleance has escaped because it jeopardises his plans and he realises that he can still feel fear. â€Å"But now I am cabined, cribbed, confined.† Shakespeare uses alliteration in this scene for dramatic effect, it emphasises that Macbeth is trapped, desperate and afraid. The use of the ‘c’ consonant is particularly effective since ‘c’ is a hard consonant. The sharp sound evoked by this letter emphasises Macbeth’s fear. He also uses rule of three for literary effect moreover, there is a great association with the number three and magic. The dramatist is once drawing us back into the supernatural and highlighting the fundamental importance of the role of the ‘prophetic hags’. â€Å"There the grown serpent lies, the worm that’s fled† This is an evocative metaphor used to describe Fleance. By calling him a serpent, Shakespeare is inferring that Macbeth sees him as devious, sneaky and sly. Macbeth sees an apparition of the deceased Banquo. We must question whether this is guilt or the supernatural meddling again. â€Å"Which of you have done this?† This is what we call an asside or soliloquy. A private moment where the character shares his thoughts with the audience. Lady Macbeth refers to Macbeth as a woman. It is ironic that Lady Macbeth feels so superior at this time, because shortly she becomes insane yet here she is perfectly sane. Macbeth reveals his evil intentions by explaining, â€Å"we are yet but young in deed† At the end of this scene Macbeth concludes that he will visit the Weird sisters (witches). His reliance on the supernatural is necessary to stifle his fear. One must recognise that he goes to the supernatural and not the other way about. Therefore, we blame Macbeth for going to the prophetic hags. Act 3 Scene 5 includes Hectate who is the supreme witch. This scene involves her scolding the witches for not involving her. This scene incriminates the witches which makes them responsible. â€Å"How did you dare to trade and traffic with Macbeth in riddles and affairs of death† Hectate also apportions some of the responsibility to Macbeth and believes the witches are wasting their time. â€Å"Loves for his own ends, not for you† The witches know Macbeth is coming to them and they will, â€Å"draw him on to his confusion† thus adding to the supernatural’s already existing evil. The inclusion of this scene means that the metaphorical finger is pointed at the ‘Weird Sisters’. However, most editors do not consider this scene to be written by Shakespeare. Therefore, this scene should not be included when considering the evidence. If it were, it would suggest that the elemental forces were to blame the whole way through the play. In Act 4 Scene 1, the witches are involved in a ritual, making a concoction for Macbeth to drink. They will be instruments of his doom. There is similar assonance present, to emphasise the riddled and confused nature of their speech and hence to magnify the idea that these are unnatural creatures. â€Å"chaudron†¦.cauldron† The way they chant together reveals their sisterhood. The prophecies they reveal are that Macbeth must be cautious of Macduff (thane of fife Nemises/avenger to Macbeth not born of a women); he will only be defeated when ‘Birnham Wood’ moves to Dunsinane and that no man born from a mothers womb can ever harm Macbeth. These predictions though extremely ambiguous, are riddled prophecies of Macbeth’s future. They only tell half-truths but they are also double meanings. Macbeth longs to feel secure. â€Å"Double double, toil and trouble† This enhances the fact that the meanings are going to be double edged. The incantation reveals the turmoil that lies ahead. Macbeth’s tone is demanding and he thinks he has the power to control the witches when he most certainly doesn’t. â€Å"I conjure you, by that which you profess† The witches recognise this and use it to their advantage by making Macbeth feel that he is in control by saying, â€Å"speak, demand, we’ll answer† They are now purposely taunting him and acting in a subservient way and their tone has changed. They lure him into a false sense of security. â€Å"say if thou’dst rather hear it from our moths or from our masters† Macbeth has become a puppet for the instruments of darkness. He has become conceited and believes he is untouchable. The prophetic hags have influenced and shaped him by implanting thoughts of grandeur into his head and extracting his ambition. He misinterprets the prophecies and still he isn’t satisfied. â€Å"Yet my heart throbs to know one thing† We condemn the witches more so because of the ingredients they put in their cauldron are foul, grotesque and inappropriate in the extreme, â€Å"Finger of birth strangled babe† Yet Macbeth decides to murder all related to Macduff. The killing of these innocents is perhaps his most evil act. It can’t be condoned, as they have nothing to do with the situation. Macbeth says, â€Å"From this moment, the very firstlings of my heart shall be, the firstlings of my hand† For this malevolent deed we blame him in this scene, as the witches never said anything about killing Macduff’s family. This is completely of his own accord. In Act 4 Scene 3, Malcolm (son of Duncan and prince of Cumberland) tests Macduff and when it is clear that they are both loyal and good, they plan what’s to be done. Macbeth has been energized by the witches and goes on a killing spree, murdering Lady Macduff and her son. â€Å"He has killed me mother† Once Malcolm and Macduff learn of the slaughter of Macduff’s family they are clear that Macbeth must be stopped immediately. They invite assistance from, â€Å"the powers of above,† Or the heavens to overthrow the tyrant. This suggests that the supernatural world can be fair as well as foul. This reminds us of the former equivocation, which is the central coda of the play. Macbeth is crazed by murder. His actions are now gratuitous, as he is hungry for murder. He was once subservient to the supernatural and now he is a transformed lunatic. He was once empowered by them and now is obsessed and insane. After analysing the evidence from this scene it is clear that Macbeth should be blamed and one must also recognise that there is evidence to show that the supernatural is not all bad. In Act 5 Scene 1, Lady Macbeth becomes completely crazed. Firstly she sleepwalks. Lady Macbeth hallucinates that she has blood on her hands, has sin on her soul. â€Å"Out damned spot, out I say†¦. Hell is murky† â€Å"will these hands ne’er be clean?† This juxtaposes what she has said previously. â€Å"A little water should cleanse me of these deeds† It is clear that her conscience troubles her and one must recognise that she is not wholly evil. In Act 5 Scene 3, Macbeth is still on a mission for power and will not go down without a fight. â€Å"I’ll fight until from my bones my flesh be hacked. Give me my armour† This image is gruesome and unwholesome and it reminds us of the witches and their evil deeds. His choice of language leads us to believe that his encounters with the weird witches had some sick satanic effect on him. His frustration is apparent and he is cruel towards the servant, but this is understandable as he is faced with the risk of battle. He also invites some sympathy when he admits, â€Å"my way of life has fallen into the sear† Yet he musters some confidence at the end and one could recognise that he brought this all on himself. In Act 5 Scene 5, we see the death of Lady Macbeth. She commits suicide, as her evil deeds were too hard to live with. One can recognise that she is not all evil, but merely weak and that she could not live with what she had done. Macbeth seems too far-gone in his evil ways to feel real fear. At the end of scene five Macbeth begins to question the moral fibre of the witches. â€Å"I pull in resolution and begin to doubt th’ equivocation of the field† Even on the stake he ponders over how he could be killed when the witches promise differently. â€Å"Whats he that was not born of a woman† He still stupidly believes in what he was told. He has been duped as Macduff was, â€Å"from his mothers womb untimely ripped† Macbeth still shouts orders and damn’s others, yet ironically, it is he that is damned. After critically studying the evidence of that scene we blame Macbeth, as he is evil right to the very end and still obsessed with the supernatural and what the witches have told him. After close critical analysis it is my view that responsibility is swayed in each scene, yet on the whole each party are equally to blame for the bloodshed. There is sufficient evidence to imply that each party had a vital function in the outcome. Macbeth was not wholly responsible for the outcomes of the play, yet he is partly to blame for murdering for his own gains. It is obvious that sometimes he is said to be in a ‘rapt’ state and one could question whether he had been possessed by the Weird witches. However, even in his ‘rapt’ state he still seems to be in control of himself. Macbeth never actually calls the three women witches, only weird sisters or prophetic hags; thus one must question whether they actually have any power or only the power of suggestion. They never actually instruct Macbeth to murder anyone, yet they alongside Lady Macbeth work to water the seed of ambition. Fate may have intended Macbeth to seize the throne; the witches may just have been instruments to support this notion and provide Macbeth with guidance. The prophetic hags tempt Macbeth into using his ambition for his own gains and they have knowledge that Lady Macbeth is a power – hungry woman who will aid Macbeth. One must assume that they too are evil as they cast spells, provide apparitions and implant notions of power and grandeur. Furthermore, the spells they cast are extreme and the ingredients are highly inappropriate, this further denounces the witches. â€Å"finger of birth strangle babe† In Jacobean times spells were thought to be powerful concoctions brewed for evil purposes. The witches encourage Macbeth to become more confident and assertive and Macbeth is linked with them from the start. He is linked through his phrasing and they talk of him before they are even introduced hence one could say that it is their primary intent to corrupt Macbeth. â€Å"There to meet with Macbeth† Macbeth allows himself be corrupted and is easily lead. His ambition was already there; the witches simply helped it grow. They cannot be held completely accountable as they only fuel and drive his ambition. Lady Macbeth must also be partly blamed for the outcome. She pushed, pressurised and coldly planned the murder of Duncan. She took control and handled the murders as unsexed entity. If not for her, Macbeth may never have murdered Duncan and if he had never murdered Duncan then he would never have got a taste for power or greed. It was only when he first murdered that his hunger escalated and he became driven by greed and ambition. Though one may assume that she is not all evil, as she could not live with herself for the crimes she had committed and became insane. Some critics insist that Macbeth was tricked, cajoled, tempted and guided by the supernatural forces and hence he is not to blame. However, it is my interpretation that the ‘Weird Sisters’ did tempt, taunt and tease him. They sparked his ambition, but that ambition already lay within Macbeth; the witches simply brought in to the surface. Had the unearthly creatures not have done this one could argue Macbeth would never have thought of killing Duncan. Yet this is only a presumption. One must clearly recognise that witches under any circumstances told Macbeth to murder. Had Lady Macbeth not tackled and challenged Macbeth’s manhood, one could argue Macbeth may never have murdered Duncan or become embroiled in future murders. Yet it is clear that though in the early stages Lady Macbeth and the supernatural influenced Macbeth, he became a murdering lunatic all of his own accord and was in control of what he was doing. He chose his destiny and killed innocents without any influence from anyone except the influence of his own greed and desire. Macbeth is insatiable, ruthless and domineering. Yet none of the guilty parties are blameless. All three caused the tragedy and only with all three present could the tragedy have been caused. All three parties are portrayed with blame, the tragedy is more satisfying. A seventeenth century audience would have believed, Macbeth was not fully responsible, because witches were prevalent within their society yet a modern day audience would blame Macbeth fully, as they would contemplate that he had no excuse. She believes that it is easier to surface some pity for Macbeth when he is not the only one to blame but part of a triangle of guilt. In my opinion, it is easier to muster sympathy for a person who is not entirely to blame for their actions; in the case of Macbeth, the tragedy is more successful if the popular seventeenth century mentality is adopted, and thereby the witches and Lady Macbeth are made partly to blame for his downfall.