Who was the most helpful during the Great Depression Essay -- essays r

The Great Depression had battered the nation and the economic situation was desperate. During Herbert Hoover’s presidency, more than half of all Americans were living below the poverty line. Herbert Hoover was an idealist that believed Americans could reach their potential and so he felt that intervention by the federal government would repress the American potential. Roosevelt understood the suffering of his countrymen and introduced economic reforms to alleviate the effects of the depression. First, Roosevelt tackled the most pressing crisis: the bankruptcy of the banks. Since the start of the Depression, 11,000 of the nation's 25,000 banks had failed, and millions of Americans had lost their life's savings. Roosevelt realized that if he kept the banks open, panicked depositors would withdraw their money and more banks would fail. On March 5, FDR declared a three day "bank holiday." While programs like the CCC helped ease the immediate pain of the Depression, Roosevelt worked to effect more permanent changes on the economy. In May, Congress passed FDR's Agricultural Adjustment Act. The AAA provided aid to farmers who decreased the production of goods, which, the president hoped, would cause farm prices to rise. Roosevelt sent Congress his National Industrial Recovery Act, which set fair-practice codes for business and industry, established minimum wages and maximum hours, and gave labor the guaranteed right to bargain collectively. The bill quickly became law. I n... Who was the most helpful during the Great Depression Essay -- essays r The Great Depression had battered the nation and the economic situation was desperate. During Herbert Hoover’s presidency, more than half of all Americans were living below the poverty line. Herbert Hoover was an idealist that believed Americans could reach their potential and so he felt that intervention by the federal government would repress the American potential. Roosevelt understood the suffering of his countrymen and introduced economic reforms to alleviate the effects of the depression. First, Roosevelt tackled the most pressing crisis: the bankruptcy of the banks. Since the start of the Depression, 11,000 of the nation's 25,000 banks had failed, and millions of Americans had lost their life's savings. Roosevelt realized that if he kept the banks open, panicked depositors would withdraw their money and more banks would fail. On March 5, FDR declared a three day "bank holiday." While programs like the CCC helped ease the immediate pain of the Depression, Roosevelt worked to effect more permanent changes on the economy. In May, Congress passed FDR's Agricultural Adjustment Act. The AAA provided aid to farmers who decreased the production of goods, which, the president hoped, would cause farm prices to rise. Roosevelt sent Congress his National Industrial Recovery Act, which set fair-practice codes for business and industry, established minimum wages and maximum hours, and gave labor the guaranteed right to bargain collectively. The bill quickly became law. I n...

A Beautiful Home

They say a house is not a home until it is filled with the laughter and noise of the family living in it. The house I grew up in was just a simple wooden house. It had all the basics that made it a house such as the rooms and furniture. I remember that my favorite room in the house was the kitchen.The kitchen for me is what made my family house a beautiful home. I remember how the kitchen always smelled of a mixture of brewed coffee and bacon first thing in the morning. I did not need an alarm clock during those summer months out of school.The freshly cooked bacon and smell of hot bread coming out of the oven always got everyone out of bed early. I would always be the first of my siblings in the kitchen, ready and willing to set the breakfast table. As the family sat gathered around to eat, we would tell stories about how we planned to spend the day.After the meal, our father would line us up by the door before he left and give us our candy money for the day. He was a kind man my fat her. He always smelled like soap and coffee even hours after the meal.My house is a beautiful home. It has everything that is expected. I have a loving father, a responsible mother, and siblings who I continue to grow with to adulthood. What more can I ask for?Questions and Answers:1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What was your dominant impression?The dominant impression I wanted to capture in this paper is the early memory of my childhood and those simple times when my family shared everything we did together. I also wanted to give the reader a vivid description of how my family was and the simple joys we shared like having an early morning breakfast.2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Weakness in my assignment?I wish I had a higher allowable word count so that I could be more descriptive and further enhance the use of the 5 senses of my reader as my narration progresses. I also think that I have a problem in the subject verb agreement in a portion of the essay.3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Strengths in my assi gnment I am proud of?I am proud of the way I was able to relate a simple childhood experience and enhance it into a wonderful memory of the home I grew up in for whoever might read my essay.   

Management Theories of Training - 779 Words

Management Theories of Training Reinforcement theory emphasizes that people are motivated to perform or avoid certain behaviors because of past outcomes that have resulted from those behaviors. There are several processes included in reinforcement theory. Positive reinforcement is a pleasurable outcome resulting from a behavior (Noe, 2009). Negative reinforcement is the removal of an unpleasant outcome. Social learning theory emphasizes that people learn by observing other people (models) whom they believe are credible and knowledgeable. Social learning theory also recognizes that behavior that is reinforced or rewarded tends to be repeated (Noe, 2009). The models’ behavior or skill that is rewarded is adopted by the observer. Learning new skills or behavior comes from: directly experiencing the consequences of using that behavior or skill or the process of observing others and seeing the consequences of their behavior. Hourly and professiona1 employees should be train ed based on social learning theory. Social learning as described by Albert Bandura has four principle components. These components are â€Å"attention, retention, motor reproduction and motivation† (Kretchmar, 2008). In Bandura’s theory of social learning, people learn by modeling others through observation. They retain this knowledge and then reproduce it. This is the opposite of the behavioral models, which predict that learning takes place over a period and through a process of rewards andShow MoreRelatedEssay on Key Aspects of Training and Development1569 Words   |  7 PagesKey Aspects of Training and Development In this section I will be identifying the key aspects of training and development programme an explanation of how this is an importance to Southgate college. Training development Development involves helping an individual to realise his or her potential. This concerns general growth, and is not related specifically to the employees existing post. The term training means the gaining of a particular set of knowledge Read MorePrinciples and Practices of Management1560 Words   |  7 PagesPrinciples and Practices of Management Subject Code – B-101 Section A: Objective Type Q1. A plan is a trap laid to capture the ___________ a) Future Q2. It is the function of employing suitable person for the enterprise: b) Staffing Q3. ______________ means â€Å"group of activities employee into departments†: (d) Departmentation Q4. This theory states that authority is the power that is accepted by others. a) Acceptance theory Q5. It means dispersal of decision makingRead MoreMcdonald s Management Principles And Reward Systems1360 Words   |  6 Pages(Cara C, 2013). McDonald exhibits many distinctive aspects of traditional management theories, including aspects of Frederick Taylor’s scientific management, Henri Fayol’s management principles and Elton Mayo’s behavioral management. Taylor’s management style manifest through McDonald training programs and reward systems, while Fayol’s management theory are clear through the organisation. Furthermore, Mayo’s behavioral theory focuses on employees, as they are seen as important assets. Frederick WinslowRead MoreTraining Needs Analysis Results, Evaluation Results And From My Own Observation941 Words   |  4 Pagesevaluation of the training session. This essay will also compare the training needs analysis results, evaluation results and from my own observation and reflection. It will also identify the strengths and weaknesses of the training session. Some of the strengths are: engaged and activities which was presented. Whilst, the weakness are: time management and cohesiveness. Furthermore, this training session will also provide recommendations for future training sessions. The training program was basedRead MoreSample Resume : Performance Management1706 Words   |  7 Pages KABILEN CHANDRASEGARAN 123981 SUBJECT: PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT CODE: MKT 202 DUE DATE: WEEK 11 Table of Contents Introduction 1 Executive summary 2 Issue: Documentation of the Problem 4 Emotional Intelligence Theory 5 Recommendation 7 Conclusion 7 Reference Lists 8 Introduction Performance Improvement Program Name of the employee: Hussein Ibrahim From: 1st JuneRead MoreMcdonalds Management Principles And Reward Systems1356 Words   |  6 Pagesdistinctive aspects of traditional management theories including aspects of Frederick Taylor’s scientific management, Henri Fayol’s management principles and Elton Mayo’s behavioral management. Taylor’s management style manifest through McDonald training programs and reward systems, while Fayol’s management theory is clear through the whole organisation. Frederick Winslow Taylor, who was the founding father of scientific management theory, developed a theory for what he considered help seeks toRead MoreA considerate of contemporary management function of the employer-employee relationship1041 Words   |  5 Pagescontemporary management function of the employer-employee relationship The six journal articles that have been looked at stem from the original Locke, (1982) article. Frederick W. Taylor popularised of scientific management. The essay will discuss 5 aspects of Taylor’s ideas about scientific management and show how understandings of contemporary management functions and the employer-employee relationship have been developed from Taylor’s ideas. What was Taylor’s idea about the management? Management involvesRead MoreEssay on EDU500Assnmt 1 Defining Learning Environment1480 Words   |  6 Pagessecret to success of such companies lies from the foundation that was laid down by the founders of the company in the attempt to ensure that the company becomes a success. Foundation includes the company mission, vision, management structure, selection of an excellent location, training and development and the involvement in activities promoting Corporate Social Responsibility. The study takes into consideration an organization by the name Old Excellent Company Limited. The company was founded in theRead MoreDefinition Of Organizational Management Approach1463 Words   |  6 Pages#1: Organizational Management Approach Analysis Historical approaches to management have influenced contemporary managerial theories and approaches (Colorado State University - Global Campus, 2015). Current approaches and designs â€Å"can be greatly aided by looking seriously at what clever minds attempted in the past† (Cummings Bridgman, 2011, p. 90); however, historical conventions should not restrict thinking in the future (Cummings Bridgman, 2011). First, a contemporary theory, OrganizationalRead MoreHr Theories of Motivation1667 Words   |  7 Pagespossible investment is improving the way a company manages its people – tends to receive less attention. Human Resource Management is very important for business as it involves a variety of activities that deal with the ‘human side of organisation’ (Griffiths and Wall, 2005). Armstrong claims (1999) that â€Å"HRM can be regarded as†¦ a strategic and cohered approach to the management of an organization’s most values assets - the peopl e working there who individually and collectively contribute to the achievements

Effects of the American Revolution on Britain

American success in the Revolutionary War created a new nation, while British failure tore away part of the empire. Such consequences were inevitably going to have impacts, but historians debate their extent compared with those of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, which would test Britain soon after their American experience. Modern readers might expect Britain to have suffered greatly as a result of losing the war, but its possible to argue that the hostilities were survived so well that Britain could fight a very long war against Napoleon soon after. Financial Effect Britain spent a huge amount of money fighting the Revolutionary War, sending the national debt soaring and creating a yearly interest of nearly 10 million pounds. Taxes had to be raised as a result. The trade that Britain had relied on for wealth was severely interrupted. Imports and exports experienced large drops and the following recession caused stocks and land prices to plummet. Trade was also affected by naval attacks from Britain’s enemies, and thousands of merchant ships were captured. On the other hand, wartime industries, such as the naval suppliers and the part of the textile industry that made uniforms, experienced a boost. Unemployment fell as Britain struggled to find enough men for the army, which caused them to hire German soldiers. British privateers experienced as much success preying on enemy merchant ships as almost any of their opponents. The effects on trade were short term. British trade with the new USA rose to the same level as trade with the colonies by 1785, and by 1792 trade between Britain and Europe had doubled. Additionally, while Britain gained an even larger national debt, it was in a position to live with it, and there were no financially motivated rebellions like those in France. Indeed, Britain was able to support several armies during the Napoleonic wars and field its own instead of paying for other people. Its been said that Britain actually prospered from losing the war. Effect on Ireland Many in Ireland opposed British rule and saw the American Revolution as a lesson to be followed and a set of brothers fighting against Britain. While Ireland had a parliament, only Protestants voted for it and the British could control it, which was far from ideal. Campaigners for reform in Ireland reacted to the struggle in America by organizing groups of armed volunteers and a boycott of British imports. The British were afraid a full-blown revolution would emerge in Ireland  and made concessions. Britain relaxed its trade restrictions on Ireland, so they could trade with British colonies and freely export wool, and reformed the government by allowing non-Anglicans to hold public office. They repealed the Irish Declaratory Act, which had secured Irelands dependence on Britain while granting full legislative independence. The result was that Ireland remained part of the British Empire. Political Effect A government that can survive a failed war without pressure is rare, and Britains failure in the American Revolution led to demands for constitutional reform. The hardcore of government was criticized for the way it had run the war and for the apparent power it had, with fears that Parliament had ceased to represent the views of the people—except for the wealthy—and was simply approving everything the government did. Petitions flooded from the Association Movement demanding a pruning of the king’s government, the expansion of voting, and a redrawing of the electoral map. Some even demanded universal manhood suffrage. The Association Movement had huge power around early 1780, and it achieved widespread support. That did not last long. In June 1780 the Gordon Riots paralyzed London for almost a week with destruction and murder. While the cause of the riots was religious, landowners and moderates were frightened away from supporting more reform and the Association Movement declined. Political machinations throughout the early 1780s also produced a government with little inclination for constitutional reform. The moment passed. Diplomatic and Imperial Effect Britain may have lost 13 colonies in America, but it retained Canada and land in the Caribbean, Africa, and India. It began to expand in these regions, building what has been called the Second British Empire, which eventually became the largest dominion in world history. Britain’s role in Europe was not diminished, its diplomatic power was soon restored, and it was able to play a key role in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars despite the loss across the sea.

The Epidemic of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) - 2524 Words

One of the growing epidemics of young adults in the United States is the dependence and/or abuse of alcohol, which is commonly referred to as alcoholism. The condition is described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V, as an alcohol use disorder (AUD), a type of substance abuse disorder, which encompasses both alcohol abuse and dependence. More specifically AUD is defined as, â€Å"medical conditions that doctors can diagnose when a patient’s drinking causes distress or harm (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2007).† When the reliance or use of alcohol interferes with daily functioning, or causes greater harm to the one’s self, it can then be looked at as a disorder. According to the DSM-V, patients†¦show more content†¦The researchers of this study hypothesize that there is in fact a strong relationship between AUDs and childhood maltreatment in emerging adults. They speculate this because alcohol is used as a coping method for many with childhood abuse, and this particular age group is more prone to psychological disorders since they are still developing and maturing. Also this study wanted to find how likely people living with this disorder in this age group, would seek treatment. The way this study was carried out was, through a survey called the NESARC that was administered to a group of 43,093 individuals in the first wave of interview questions, and 34,653 individuals in the second wave of the survey. Wave 2 assessed childhood maltreatment, and all the data collected by face-to-face interviews. Childhood maltreatment was measured through different questions based on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and Conflict Tactics Scale. The questions asked the subjects about whether they have ever experienced emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or physical neglect. For physical abuse, individuals were asked, â€Å"How often did a parent or other adult living in your home push, grab, shove, slap, or hit you?† and â€Å"How often did a parent or other adult living in your home hit you so hard that you had marks or bruises or were injured?† Respondents were able to respond on a spectrum ranging from never to very often. For thisShow MoreRelated Alcohol Consumption Essay2409 Words   |  10 PagesAlcohol consumption poses a threat for many public health harms. Impaired driving is one of the largest contributors to motor vehicle crashes (Burris, Grunwald, Anderson, Filippoli, 2011). In the United States each year roughly 13,400 people die and an additional 255,500 are injured in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver according to Burris et al., 2011. In 2006, these crashes accounted for almost a third of all U.S. traffic-related deaths (Burris et al., 2011). AlcoholRead MoreMarijuana Subculture1712 Words   |   7 Pageshas an approved list of drugs that are considered legal and illegal that create adverse side effects and hold diverse political views. Marijuana is a substance that popular media holds in a negative undertone while other drugs such as valium and alcohol are supported, if not glorified. Popular media is a powerful tool that gathers a mass of people and provides all types of information. Some types of information are historical facts, statistics, entertainment, opinions, and biases which alter theRead MoreIntroduction. Currently The Legal Age To Consume Alcoholic1817 Words   |  8 Pagesin the United States is 21 years old. Alcohol is the cause of 88,000 deaths per year in the United States (CDC, 2014). The following numbers include: drunk driving, homicides with alcohol involved, and alcohol poisoning. This is a high average for the current minimum legal drinking age, and the number of deaths continues to increase each year. Alcohol fatalities are considered a prevent ative death in the United States, which means fatalities that include alcohol can be avoided, by simply being responsibleRead MoreEffects Of Alcohol On Family Relationships1953 Words   |  8 Pages This paper explains the effects alcohol can have on relationships and individuals, whether that is relating to physical or mental health. Marital and family relationships are significant types of bonds that can be destroyed by the mental illness of alcoholism. Abuse and detachment are two of the most common factors that can result from the way alcohol weakens relationships. Drinking can mend the mental health of an alcoholic in many harmful ways. Depression and anxiety can be the cause as well

Development of a PSYOPS Plan Free Essays

Human beings are social beings and are involved in a lot of activities to either sustain them or perform them for their own interests and image. Some of these activities need a lot preparation for them to be accomplished without a hitch. Preparation of future activities may involve equipment, psychological and all other resources that may be vital in the successful accomplishment of the planned activities. We will write a custom essay sample on Development of a PSYOPS Plan or any similar topic only for you Order Now The most important is the mind set of each and every person who is present in the activity which is usually called the psychological operations plan (PYSOPS). This plan has been widely utilized by the armed forces and religious groups to influence a group of people’s way of reasoning or their emotions. This plan is also utilized by intelligence groups and the main objective of the plan is to induce immediate response to the target group. This may also involve conveying information that has psychological effect to the community. The main objective of this plan is to create conditions for the well being of the human body by reducing stress and hardening or teaching people on how to cope with certain situations. Community survey in development of PYSOPS plan For the purpose of reducing insecurity in a society there is need to establish community based organizations or programs with the aim of protecting the individuals within that society. As a result, highly specialized security personnel protect the society from crimes by obtaining information on the possible criminal activities in the future there by enhancing security in the society. Private security personnel are the ones with the responsibility of collecting all the necessary information to protect the community from future criminal activities. Private security is increasingly becoming popular in many societies because it has enhanced reduction in criminal activities. Private policing is advantageous over public policing in that the former is not influenced by constitution principles thus independent. There are limitations to the PYSOPS plan which has limited the delivery of the PYSOPS mission and objectives for instance there is a limitation of the funds required to pass information to a large mass of people. This is because the PYSOPS plan projects are greatly underfunded thus unable to afford the funds needed for advertisements thus unable to reach many people. Lack of sufficient funds means that the PYSOPS is unable to provide the relevant information and there fore the organization is unable to protect the community from future criminal activities since the private security will not have enough personnel to cope up with the crime rates. PYSOPS is lack modern equipments and therefore will be unable to meet the objectives that ought to be accomplished. This is because of the fact that there is under funding of psychological operation plan. There are also cases of equipment failures because the PYSOPS personnel is not adequately trained on the equipments that they should utilize and therefore unable to operate these equipments effectively. This factor is attributed by the fact that the personnel to be recruited to PYSOPS barely cover half of the course they are supposed to cover and therefore naà ¯ve in the way they should operate. The plan is therefore unable to pass the influential information to the target groups. PYSOPS management is poorly planned as the executives are less trained and therefore translates to their inability to strategically plan on how to meet the demands of the community and the nation at large. Planning is a vital aspect in all organizations and there fore poor planning will mean that even the laid down missions are poorly planned and there is no way poorly planned projects will prosper or be accomplished. Conclusion P YSOPS is a plan that requires a lot of attention from the government and should be funded accordingly with the necessary equipments. The personnel working in these plans should be adequately trained to ensure that they come up with viable planning strategies to ensure that the demands of the community are accomplished effectively. How to cite Development of a PSYOPS Plan, Papers

My Antonia Summary free essay sample

Summary: Introduction The novel opens with an unnamed narrator recounting a train trip through Iowa the previous summer with an old friend named Jim Burden, with whom the narrator grew up in a small Nebraska town. The narrator recalls talking with Jim about childhood on the prairie, and then notes that while they both live in New York, they dont see each other much, since Jim is frequently away on business and since the narrator doesnt really like Jims wife. The narrator resumes talking about the train trip with Jim through Iowa, adding that their discussion kept returning to a girl named †¦ntonia, ith whom the narrator had lost touch but with whom Jim had renewed his friendship. The narrator recounts that Jim mentioned writing down his memories of †¦ntonia; the narrator expressed to Jim an interest in reading these writings. A few months later in New York, according to the narrator, Jim brought a portfolio of writings about †¦ntonia to show to the narrator. The narrator adds that Jim, wanting to title the work, wrote †¦ntonia across the front of the portfolio before frowning and scribbling MY before †¦ntonia. Summary: Chapter I As the narrative begins, Jim is ten years old, newly orphaned and making the trip est from Virginia to stay with his grandparents in Black Hawk, Nebraska. He is traveling in the company of a farmhand named Jake Marpole, who is slightly older but who, like Jim, has limited experience of the wider world. Beyond Chicago, a friendly conductor informs Jim that an immigrant family, the Shimerdas, are also bound for Black Hawk. Among this Bohemian family, the only one who speaks any English is †¦ntonia, a young girl about Jims age. Once the train reaches Black Hawk, Jim and Jake disembark, and one of the Burdens hired men, Otto Fuchs, meets them. Before departing for the Burden farm, Jim bserves the Shimerdas preparing to set off as well. The emptiness of the Nebraska landscape at night overwhelms Jim as he travels in the Jolting wagon. Eventually, he falls asleep on a bed of straw as the wagon travels into the night. Summary: Chapter II The next afternoon, at the farm, Jims grandmother, Mrs. Burden, awakens him and draws a bath for him. Afterward, Jim explores his new surroundings while Mrs. Burden prepares the evening meal. At supper, Jake discusses Virginia with the Burdens. Later, Otto tells stories of ponies and cattle to Jim, and the evening concludes with some family prayers. In the morning, Jim begins to take in the landscape around the farm. When he accompanies Mrs. Burden to the garden to pick potatoes for supper, he stays behind after her and sits quietly among the pumpkins. Summary: Chapter Ill neighbors. Mrs. Burden explains that someone took advantage of the Shimerdas when they decided to move to Black Hawk by overcharging for a farmhouse not suited to the harsh Nebraska winters. Mrs. Shimerda greets the Burdens upon arrival, and Mrs. Burden presents her with some loaves of bread. They exchange greetings, and, as the adults begin talking, Jim and †¦ntonia run off to play with her oungest sister, Yulka, trailing behind. As they wander through the grass, Jim teaches †¦ntonia a few English words. When the Burdens prepare to depart, Mr. Shimerda entreats Mrs. Burden to teach English to †¦ntonia. Summary: Chapter IV Later that same day, Jim takes his first of many long pony rides. As he rides, he reflects on Ottos story that the sunflowers that fill the prairies sprang from seeds scattered by Mormons on their way to Utah. Jim rides twice a week to the post office, and he describes many other rides that he takes simply to wander or explore the local wildlife, with †¦ntonia accompanying him at times. Jim begins giving †¦ntonia regular English lessons, and she loves to help Mrs. Burden around the house. Summary: Chapter V One afternoon in late autumn, †¦ntonia takes Jim to visit a pair of Russian immigrants whom her family has befriended. Only Peter is at home, but he shows †¦ntonia and Jim his milking cow and feeds them a snack of melons. He then entertains them by playing a number of tunes on his harmonica. As †¦ntonia and Jim leave, Peter presents †¦ntonia with a sack of cucumbers for her mother, along with a pail of milk to cook them in. Summary: Chapter VI On another fall day, near sunset, †¦ntonia and Jim encounter Mr. Shimerda, who has recently caught three rabbits. This bounty will provide food for the family and a winter hat for †¦ntonia. Mr. Shimerda promises to give his gun to Jim when Jim is older. Jim notes that Mr. Shimerda seems sad, which leaves a deep impression on Jim. As daylight wanes, the Shimerdas return to their farm, and Jim races his shadow home. Analysis: Introduction-Book l, Chapter VI Several sections of My †¦ntonia preface the novels actual narrative: in addition to the introduction, Cather includes an epigraph and a dedication. The epigraph, from Virgils Georgics (a long poem about farming life), reads: Optima dies ima fugit, a Latin phrase meaning The best days are the first to flee. Cathers -dedication†To Carrie and Irene Miner above the words In memory of affections old and true† further emphasizes the nostalgic intent of the novel. From the very beginning, My †¦ntonia presents itself- unmistakably as a novel imbued with strong yearnings for a vanished past. Cather provides a frame for the narrative by way of a narrated introduction, which gives the reader some psychological distance from the intensely personal voice of the memoir that forms the core of the novel. Although the introductions content is fairly traightforward, it remains a curious document nonetheless†indeed, we are not sure whether we are supposed to consider the introduction as fact or fiction. The only concrete biographical information revealed about the narrator of the introduction concerns a childhood spent in rural Nebraska and a present existence in New York. While it may be plausible to assume that this narrator is Cather herself, given that Cather has these locales in common with the narrator, the text offers no proof of this hypothesis. Several critics have noted My †¦ntonia as a bold departure from American literature f its time, one of the first novels written by a woman to feature a male narrator and deserving of special attention because of the autobiographical elements in the text. Jim begins the novel as a ten-year-old orphan, moving cross-country from Virginia to Nebraska to live with his grandparents. Although Cather was not orphaned at age ten, she too made the move from Virginia to Nebraska to live with her grandparents, and the change of scenery had a profound effect upon her experience and her memory. It is always difficult to assess the importance of biography and invention in iction, but it seems reasonable to assume that Cather employs a liberal amount of each. Cather was a rather tomboyish child, a trait that would certainly enhance her own capacity to get inside the head of a male narrator. In addition, her many intense childhood and adult friendships with women would allow her to paint a nostalgic picture of an immigrant frontier girl. To say that Cather herself is Jim Burden, however, may be to overstep the mark. Rather, it is Cathers willingness to combine biographical recollection with fictional experimentation (the use of a male narrator, or example) that merits note. Jims remark, upon presenting his portfolio to the narrator in the introduction†I didnt take time to arrange it; I simply wrote down pretty much all that her name recalls to me. I suppose it hasnt any form†prefgures the novels extremely episodic nature. The memoir, the core of the novel, features little snippets of memory pasted loosely together. In place of a focused plot, Cather gives her attention to lengthy descriptions of the characters who populate the novel and, perhaps even more important, of the austere landscape that they inhabit. The close relationship between humans and their environment is a major theme in My †¦ntonia and one of the ideas that Cather explored throughout her literary career. In My †¦ntonia, the focus is on landscape-†the natural, physical settings in which the characters live and move. Among Cathers characters, Jim is especially sensitive to his environment, to the point that he invests human qualities in the landscape around him. Because of the scarcity of trees in the area, for instance, Jim remarks, we used to feel anxious about them, and visit them as if they were persons. His ability to treat rees as people reflects his compassion for nature. Although Jim realizes that botanists have demonstrated the sunflower to be native to the Nebraska region, he prefers to believe Otto Fuchss story that the Mormons scattered the seeds from which the local sunflowers grew on their flight westward. For Jim, this romantic legend supersedes scientific explanation, and he prefers keeps the landscape as something to dream about, not necessarily as something to understand rationally. Summary: Chapter VII One day, †¦ntonia and Jim ride Jims pony to Peters house to borrow a spade for Ambrosch, her older brother. On the way home, they stop to examine a group of prairie-dog holes. Suddenly, †¦ntonia spots an enormous snake and lets out a scream, which causes the snake to coil in their direction. She points at the snake and shouts at Jim in her native Bohemian.