Anton Chekhov The Beggar Commentary Essay Example For Students

Anton Chekhov The Beggar Commentary Essay Anton Chekhovs short story The Beggar is set in nineteenth century St. Petersburg. In this story, he presents a moral tale in which a cunning beggar named Lushkov succeeds in life by using his wit cleverly and taking advantage of others in society. Like his other short stories, The Beggar is written in the third person. Whilst descriptions are minimal, they are pithy and his characters personality and feelings are shown through their actions and dialogue. Through dialogue, the beggar is shown to be cunning but lazy. His benefactor, Skvortsov, is shown to be charitable but gullible. In the beginning, he recognises the beggars lying when he says Look here, it seems to me I met you the day before yesterday in Sadovaya Street. Cleverly, the beggar admits to his lying. Sir! he said, laying his hand on his heart, the fact is I was lying!'. Although Skvortsov thinks he is clever in catching the beggar out, ultimately the beggar wins as he manipulates not only Skvortsov but also his cook. Chekhov employs the third person narrative style very effectively. As the omniscient narrator, Chekhov is able to tell his readers what the beggar is really like while keeping the benefactor, Skvortsov, in the dark. Readers learn that Lushkov does not contribute to removing the furniture. He hardly touched the furniture, and walked behind the wagons hanging his head, not even making a pretence of appearing busy. Similarly, Skvortsov and the readers only learn at the end of the story, about his manipulation in getting the cook to chop the wood. This is a very clever device used by Chekhov to enable the readers to understand the true nature of his characters. In many short stories, the writer asks readers to align with a central character. In Chekhovs short story however, readers have two choices, to sympathise with the beggar who describes himself as a poor, hungry man! or with Skvortsov who thinks of himself as Lushovs godfather.You see, you are my godson, in a sense. Chekhov skilfully manipulates the readers because ultimately they know that the beggar is simply lying and cunning while Skvortsov is kind but duped. Lushkov inveigles his way to his sympathy and tells other people what they want to hear, gaining sympathy from those he comes in contact with. Chekhovs use of description is efficient. Rather than using long descriptions, he chooses his words carefully to emphasise what he wants readers to think of his characters. For example, throughout the story, the beggar is described as mendicant, waif, tatterdemalion scarecrow. These words are a concise image of the beggar. In the beginning, Chekhov describes his coat as ragged, fawn coloured overcoat, then a tattered, fancy overcoat and finally, as the beggar moves up the social hierarchy, a coat collar of curly fur.  Chekhov successfully employs dialogue in his stories to enable the characters to speak for themselves rather than the reader making a judgement. He uses first person narrative to allow readers to reveal the true personality of the character. Chekhov skilfully writes his short stories giving readers entertainment, a story, as well as a moral with a concise choice of words and by using dialogue.

Othello; Appearence vs Reality free essay sample

Othello Appearance vs. Reality Uploaded by firealive (20) on Oct 30, 2004 William Shakespeare focuses a lot of his play, Othello, on the theme of appearance versus reality. Othello, along with other characters in the play, depend on only their eyes and with that they jump to major conclusions. There are many instances in the book where there is hidden confusion, meaning the character believes on only what his or her eyes tell him, hence, Looks can be very deceiving. One of the first instances where the theme appearance versus reality appears, is when Othello sees Cassio walking away very quickly after conversing with Desdemona, Othello’s wife. The basis around which he is suspicious comes from Iago, a very jealous man. Iago has presented to Othello, in a sneaky way, that Desdemona and Cassio are having an affair. Iago whispers to Othello, â€Å"†¦I cannot think it, that he would steal away so guilty like. We will write a custom essay sample on Othello; Appearence vs Reality or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page † (lll,iii,42) Othello then replies, â€Å"†¦I do believe ‘twas he. † (lll,iii,44) But, when in reality, Cassio and Desdemona are talking about how to get Cassio’s job back. Desdemona says to Cassio, I know’t. I thank you. You do love my lord; You have known him long; and be you well assured He shall in strangeness stand no farther off Than in politic distance. (lll,iii,11) Othello believes only what his eyes tell him. Now, Othello questions how Cassio and Desdemona are talking, but does not have a good enough motive to get angry at Desdemona nor does he ask her about Cassio. But, this instance is only the beginning of the lies that he sees from afar. A second instance in the book where appearance versus reality presents itself s when Iago places Othello where he can see but cannot hear. Iago then starts a conversation with Cassio about Bianca. Since this is later in the book, Iago has been able to give Othello a purpose for being mad at Desdemona. From afar, it looks like Cassio is talking in a sexual way about Desdemona. She was here even now. She haunts me in Every place. I was the other day talking on the Sea-bank with certain Venetians, and t hither comes, The bauble. (By this hand, she falls) thus about my Neck! (llll,i,150) In reality, Iago places Cassio in a position to talk about how great Bianca is so great. Othello sees this from afar and says in shock, â€Å"Crying, ‘O dear Cassio,’ as it were, his gesture imports it. † (lll,i,155) Othello now believes everything and has evidence of his eyes, which for him is all the evidence he needs. Now, since Othello trusts Iago, he believes everything Iago says to him and trusts his opinions, even though they are in reality, lies. Iago supports everything Othello has been lead to believe. This marks the begging of the period of Othello’s craziness. One of the last instances where the theme appearance versus reality appears is when Lodovico, the Duke’s messenger, comes into the book. Lodovico comes to deliver a message for Othello to return to Venice for Othello has done this job of defeating the Turks. Othello reads, â€Å" ‘This fail you not to do, as you will. ’† (llll,i,250) As Othello is reading the letter, Desdemona tells Lodovico about what has been going on since they reached Cyprus. Desdemona say, â€Å"Cousin, there’s fall’n between him and my lord. An unkind breach, but you shall make all well. (llll,i,255) Othello hears what she is saying because he is standing right there. So, obviously Desdemona did not intend for this to be a secret. He the threatens Desdemona by asking, â€Å"Are you wise? † (lll,i,257) He does not approve of Desdemona telling Lodovico these thing. Othello, now in a huge outrage, slaps Desdemona and storms out. Lodovico witnesses the entire episod e. He is very surprised that an honest, strong hearted man, who had so much passion for Desdemona could do such a thing. He says to Iago, Is this the noble Moor, whom our fill senate Call all in all sufficient? Is this the nature Whom passion could not shake, whose solid virtue The shot of accident nor dart of chance Could neither graze nor pierce? (llll,i,297) Iago then states, behind Othello’s back, how much Othello has changed. He does because he is so carried away with his plan to destroy Cassio, he starts blaming Othello. It seems to Lodovico, that Othello has changed a lot since coming to Cyprus because hitting your wife is an imaginable crime. But what Lodovico doesn’t know is Othello thinks, because of what Iago has brainwashed into his head. Lodovico is one character who relies on only his eyes, and seeing this once incident rules out to be that Othello is a danger to the people around him. This event marks the last appearance versus reality situation. After this, the truth starts to come out. Appearance versus reality is a major theme in this book. Not only are looks deceiving, but looks alone, only cause trouble, trouble that is sometimes unfixable. People today, just like those in the Shakespearean period, jump to conclusions just by seeing. It is important to get all the facts before something tragic happens just like in Othello. Seeing isn’t always believing.

Bill Gates Bib

Bill Gates Bib Bill Gates is one of the most influential people in the world. He is cofounder of the most recognized brands in the computer industry with nearly every desk top computer using at least one software program from Microsoft. According to Forbes magazine Gates is the wealthiest man in the world and has been in the number 1 position for at least seven years.Gates was born and grew up in Seattle, Washington USA. His father, William H. Gates II was a Seattle attorney and his mother, Mary Maxwell Gates was a school teacher and chairperson of the United Way charity. Gates and his two sisters had a comfortable upbringing, with Gates able to attend the exclusive secondary "Lakeside School".Bill Gates started studying at Harvard University in 1973 where he met up with Paul Allen. Gates and Allen gates worked on a version of the programming language BASIC, that was the basis for the MITS Altair (the first microcomputer available).English: Melinda Gates in World Economic Forum (Cr...He did not go on to graduate from Harvard University as he left in his junior year to start what was to become the largest computer software company in the world, Microsoft Corporation.Bill Gates and the Microsoft Corporation"To enable people and businesses throughout the world to realize their full potential." Microsoft Mission StatementAfter dropping out of Harvard Bill Gates and his partner Paul Allen set about revolutionizing the computer industry. Gates believed there should be a computer on every office desk and in every home.In 1975 the company Micro-soft was formed, an abbreviation of microcomputer software. It soon became simply "Microsoft"Â ® and went on to completely change the way people use computers.Microsoft helped to make the computer easier to use with its developed and purchased software, and made it a commercial success. The success of...

How to Conjugate the French Verb Montrer (to Show)

How to Conjugate the French Verb Montrer (to Show) Montrer,  (to show, display, produce, exhibit)  is a  regular French  -er  verb, which means it belongs to the largest group of verbs in the French language. They share conjugation patterns in all tenses and moods. Montrer Is a Regular -er Verb To use à ©tudier,  begin by removing the  -er  ending from the infinitive. This reveals the stem of the verb. Then to conjugate the verb, add the endings (shown in the table below) to the stem. Note that the table lists only simple conjugations. Compound conjugations, which consist of a form of the auxiliary verb  avoir  and the past participle montrà ©, are not included. Generally speaking, the five largest categories of verbs in French are: regular  -er, -ir  and  -re; stem-changing; and irregular. Once you  learn the rules of conjugation for each kind of regular verb, you should have no problem actually  conjugating  them. The largest category of French verbs is by far regular  -er  verbs. Montrer: Uses and Expressions Montrez-moi votre billet. Show me your ticket.Picasso montrait son chef dÅ“uvre Paris. Picasso exhibited his masterpiece in Paris.Jai montrà © Marie au docteur.  (familiar)  Ã‚  I had the doctor take a look at Marie.montrer le poing quelquun to shake ones fist at someonemontrer patte blanche to produce ones credentialsmontrer ses cartes to show ones handIl a montrà © la richesse extraordinaire de sa famille. He flaunted his familys extraordinary wealth.montrer la sortie to point out the exità §a montre bien que... it just goes to show that...se montrer [pronominal] to appear (in public)Je ne peux pas me montrer dans cet à ©tat  ! I cant let people see me like this.se montrer son avantage to show oneself in a good lightElle adore se montrer. She loves to be seen (in public).se montrer  dun  grand  Ãƒ ©goà ¯sme to display great selfishness Common French Regular -er Verbs   aimer  Ã‚  to like, to lovearriver  Ã‚  to arrive, to happenchanter  Ã‚  to singchercher  Ã‚  to look forcommencer  Ã‚  to begindanser  Ã‚  to dancedemander  Ã‚  to ask fordà ©penser  Ã‚  to spend (money)dà ©tester  Ã‚  to hatedonner  Ã‚  to giveà ©couter  Ã‚  to listen toà ©tudier  Ã‚  to studyfermer  Ã‚  to closegoà »ter  Ã‚  to tastejouer  Ã‚  to playlaver  Ã‚  to washmanger  Ã‚  to eatnager  Ã‚  to swimparler  Ã‚  to talk, to speakpasser  Ã‚  to pass, spend (time)penser  Ã‚  to thinkporter  Ã‚  to wear, to carryregarder  Ã‚  to watch, to look atrà ªver  Ã‚  to dreamsembler  Ã‚  to seemskier  Ã‚  to skitravailler  Ã‚  to worktrouver  Ã‚  to findvisiter  Ã‚  to visit (a place)voler  Ã‚  to fly, to steal Simple Conjugations of the Regular French Verb Montrer Present Future Imperfect Present participle je montre montrerai montrais montrant tu montres montreras montrais il montre montrera montrait nous montrons montrerons montrions vous montrez montrerez montriez ils montrent montreront montraient Pass compos Auxiliary verb avoir Past participle montr Subjunctive Conditional Pass simple Imperfect subjunctive je montre montrerais montrai montrasse tu montres montrerais montras montrasses il montre montrerait montra montrt nous montrions montrerions montrmes montrassions vous montriez montreriez montrtes montrassiez ils montrent montreraient montrrent montrassent Imperative tu montre nous montrons vous montrez

Daoism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Daoism - Essay Example becoming an Immortal.† (Reninger). When Jing, Qi and Chen are cultivated, the individual can achieve a healthy state of mind and body. The three energies, the reproductive energy known as Jing, life energy known as Qi and spiritual energy, Chen are essential for maintaining health and this practice helps in transmutation of these energies. The loss of bodily fluids can result in the loss of Jing, vital force in the human body. In the Daoist Spiritual Practice of "Inner-Alchemy, an individual is helped to free himself from desires. This freedom from desires will result in preventing the loss of Jing through the bodily fluids. Jing is cultivated by practices which teach the person to control his physical desires and avert the discharge of bodily fluids. Qi can be cultivated by keeping one’s mind pure; the mind is trained to focus on the goal the person wants to achieve through the practice of Inner-Alchemy. Chen, the spiritual energy is cultivated by union of the body and mind. In this practice, one form of energy is transmuted into another and this process is reversed again to maintain the balance of yin and yang in one’s body. The three energies are utilized to maintain the balance of life. â€Å"The goal is to preserve, restore and transmute the energies within into their natural state that existed at conception, to their primordial state of Tao that existed before awareness of the world dissipated them.† (Fowler). The ultimate purpose of this practice is to extend longevity of human life and attain immortality. This practice aims at aiding an individual in the achievement of spiritual, physical and mental health. When a person succeeds in achieving these aims, his/her life can be free of health disorders, leading to a long and healthy life. The balance of yin and yang which is essential for preserving the human body and mental

Data Collection Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

Data Collection - Assignment Example Besides, using the questionnaire method is the most common form of data collection, wherein individuals are encouraged to convey their point of views based on a structured questionnaire (Fowler, 2009; Polit & Beck, 2008). The most effective method that would work for the present scenario of nursing is the questionnaire method. Accordingly, the questionnaire needs to be developed with close- ended questions, where the answer will be specific rather than being vague. Moreover, for the respondents as well, it becomes very comfortable to provide feedbacks through the questionnaire, further ensuring proper interpretation of the data gathered (Fowler, 2009; Polit & Beck, 2008). The sample size should be a minimum of 50 in order to avail a better result from the survey. However, it is desirable to consider a sample size of around 200 to gain a perfect and a firm outcome from the survey. It is also advisable that the sample should be of a random mixture. This should include patients from a variety of genres, based on ages, genders and diseases, in order to obtain an unbiased outcome from the survey. Expectedly, this will help the survey outcome to be highly reliable and with valid standards (Fowler, 2009; Polit & Beck,

The McDonaldization of Society

The McDonaldization of Society According to Ritzer, the Mcdonaldization of society has standardized the consumer experience. Critically discuss. The McDonaldization of society was originally published in 1993 and has since been revised and republished several times. In this text Ritzer argues that a process of McDonaldization has taken place in which the principles of the fast food restaurant are coming to dominate more and more sectors of American society as well as the rest of the world (Ritzer, 2004, pg 1). This process has revolutionized the principles of business and transformed our experiences of production and consumption.   Ritzers concept is based on the work of Weber and his theory of rationalization (Weber, 1964). Weber argues that modernity is characterised by instrumental reason, with an increased emphasis on efficiency, control and the use of technology. This was initiated by a decline in traditional authority and the influence of charismatic leaders. The authority of rationality is based on rules and the application of science, logic and reason.   These rules are carried out by bureaucratic structures in wh ich groups of peoples are organised into hierarchies, each having individual responsibilities. They must follow the rules and regulations set by those who occupy a higher level in the hierarchy (Ritzer, 2004). Ritzer uses his McDonaldization model to demonstrate this rationalization process. The bureaucratic characteristics of the fast food restaurant include a complex division of labour in which food is prepared elsewhere and delivered frozen. A crew of labourers then perform a specific role repeatedly, such as cooking food and serving customers. For Ritzer, the fast food restaurant has come to represent the growth of rationalization in the twentieth century and its increasing influence on everyday human interaction and personal identities. Ritzer identifies four aspects of McDonaldization, one of which is predictability and relates most closely with this essay title. This aspect of McDonaldization implies that all products and services are standardized, that is they are identical at any time and in any place (Aldridge, 2003). To standardize means it is free from any irregularities, all the products are made to conform to one another. Shlosser (2001) refers to this characteristic as uniformity (pg. 5). This is the key to the success of any business franchise he argues. Customers are drawn to familiar brands by an instinct to avoid the unknown. A brand offers a feeling of reassurance when its products are always and everywhere the same (Schlosser, 2001, pg 5). Both Schlosser and Ritzer argue that the success of the fast food industry, through the production and consumption of standardized products, have encouraged other types of industry to adopt these methods of business.   This has meant that identical copies of vari ous stores are now spread across the world, leaving smaller businesses unable to compete (Schlosser, 2001 and Ritzer, 2004). For example, Subway now has 27,000 outlets in 85 countries and Starbucks opens an average of 6 new coffee shops per day (Ritzer, 2004). Standardization has made its roads in areas like education, healthcare, shopping, leisure and sport. It is worth concluding my introduction by outlining the other three characteristics of Ritzers McDonaldization theory. Then I will proceed to discuss the question of whether the McDonaldization of society has standardized the consumer experience. The first dimension is efficiency the optimum method for getting from one point to another (Ritzer, 2004, pg 13). By following predetermined steps, businesses can function efficiently as every stage is carried out quickly and easily. This idea of efficiency is promoted by businesses as beneficial to consumers, but in reality serves their business interests as customers are increasingly providing their own labour while paying additional charges for the privilege. Ritzer offers many examples, such as salad bars, ATM machines and drive throughs.   A few years ago, the fast food chain McDonalds came up with the slogan We do it all for you. In reality, at McDonalds, we do it all for them. We stand in line, take the food to the table, dispose of the waste, and stack our trays. As labour costs rise and technology develops, the consumer often does more and more of the work (Ide and Cordell cited in Ritzer, 2004, pg 61).   The second aspect is calculability, Ritzer argues that McDonaldization involves calculating, quantifying. Quality tends to become a surrogate for quality (Ritzer, 2004, pg 66). Mcdonaldized products and services are quantified, tasks are done within a certain time and products are a specific size, numerical standards are applied to almost everything. The size of a Big Mac never changes (Aldridge, 2003). Microwaves in the home mean that meals can now be prepared in minutes, saving time for other activities. News broadcasts are condensed into minute snippets of information so we are not bogged down with detail and useless information. Ritzer argues that although an emphasis on calculability means that we can pay very little for large sizes, the quality of these goods are becoming ever more substandard. The final dimension of the McDonaldization paradigm is control. This involves the use of nonhuman technology to remove the uncertainties caused by human agency and to ensure that both employees and customers are pliant participants in the McDonaldizing process (Ritzer, 2004, pg 132).   Employees are not required to think for themselves or apply human logic to their work. They must follow instructions, push buttons on tills and scan barcodes. The skill and potential of human actors has become insignificant in a McDonaldizing world. Our everyday interactions are now based on the use of machines. Ritzers critique of these four dimensions is discussed in his chapter on the irrationality of rationality where he acknowledges the benefits of the McDonaldization of society, such as increased variety, the availability of 24 hour shopping and increased speed of service.   But despite the obvious benefits he argues that rationalization produces unreasonable systems in which human reason is und ermined. His arguments mirror those of Marx and his discussion of alienation (1844). Ritzers analysis of McDonaldiztion can be extended to many fields of consumption which have become increasingly standardized. For example, many argue that higher education has become McDonaldized. Previously, academics who teach in higher education were able to control their methods of teaching and dictate the nature of its content. This diversity in teaching styles and approaches has been reduced to a homogenized, product orientated system in which the student is now thought of as a customer. The quality of education is now highly controlled and regulated, teaching and research is bureaucratic and rationalized to serve economic interests.   Evidence of this can be found in the emphasis on skills and employability placed on students as well as the use of postgraduate students and other low wage teaching assistants to lead classes. Higher education institutions are forced to compete with one another for funding and rank positions for the quality of teaching and research. Students op inions are now recorded by way of course evaluations which amount to surveys on customer satisfaction (Poynter, 2002).   Lecturers and tutors are often required to develop and update new skills in technology in their teaching, this includes the use of power point and blackboard. Students also use technology in their studies in order to prepare them for their careers and the world of business. Although there is no national curriculum in place for higher education, this may change in the future and a national standard may be put in place (Hartley, 1993). This mass production of education is likely to cause a decline in its quality. Ritzer argues that we have seen the ultimate step in the dehumanization of education, the elimination of a human teacher and of human interaction between teacher and student (Ritzer, 2004, pg 155). It is interesting that Ritzer suggests not only that university education has become McDonaldized, but that   the subject of sociology has too.   He discus ses the McDonaldization of sociology textbooks and sociological theory or standardized theory (Ritzer, 1998, pg 37) but does not consider his own contribution to this phenomenon in writing the McDonaldization thesis. Many argue that his books have made social theory more palatable for students (Smart, 2006). There are many other examples of standardized consumer experiences. Ritzer identifies fie aspects of this standardization or predictability. Each can be related to specific areas of consumption. Hotel chains are   a perfect example of predictable settings the growth of these chains has changed the way we experience hotel stays, while previously they were very diverse and owned by individuals who ran them in different ways and offered varying services and amenities. Now customers know what to expect from well known chains as each establishment is identical to the next (Ritzer, 2004,). The existence of individually run guesthouses and bed and breakfast is not a thing of the past as Ritzer seems to imply. These types of hotels are still hugely popular by consumers who wish for a more traditional, less standardized experience. The use of scripted interaction has created a more routinized experience for the consumer, we encounter this form of pseudo-interaction on almost a daily basis in fast food restaurants and   supermarkets as well as other places. Many supermarkets require their staff to follow a number of compulsory steps when serving customers, such as great the customer, offer to pack, promote certain products, say goodbye etc.   Ritzer argues that consumers are subjected to inauthentic, insincere, treatment. I would argue however that although workers are required to ask certain questions, it is not as scripted as Ritzer claims, many businesses encourage their staff to engage in natural conversation with them. Ritzer highlights that employee behaviour has become set to a specific standard. Workers must dress and act in a certain way. Detailed employee manuals are often distributed containing the dos and donts of the job. Disney is a   good illustration of this, Bryman (2004) discusses the emotional labour of employees working in Disney theme parks in which they must act as characters when delivering service, they are required to present the idea that they are taking part in the fun and not simply working. They internalise the culture of Disney by using a specific vocabulary and adopting a Disneyized persona in their work. The standardized nature of products, as well as the processes involved in their production, is another aspect of Ritzers predictability theory. In McDonalds, the food is easy to prepare and pre-cut to look identical to one another. The methods of preparation are the same in every restaurant, as is the packaging in which it is served. Ritzer argues that simple menus ensure predictability and uncomfortable seating (which is often in short supply) ensures that customers eat and leave quickly. It is important to note however, that McDonalds restaurant has changed in recent times, the menu has grown and now includes more healthy options and alternatives to the classic items like hamburgers and milkshakes. The decor and seating have also changed and is now much more vibrant, creating a dining experience in which customers are not forced to leave quickly but relax and take their time. This is something Ritzer may have to factor into the next edition of his book. He also argues that regional and ethnic distinctions are disappearing from American cooking (Ritzer, 2004, pg 99). The predictability of food in a McDonaldized society means that the food consumed in one city, is the same as any other. The standardized nature of the food served in fast food restaurants means that we can purchase the very same product in most parts of the world he argues. This can be disputed in that there are always cultural variations in the food served in different countries, such as the meat used and sauces supplied the restaurant. Religious and cultural beliefs have an impact on the type of food on offer.   The menus are certainly not as standardized and uniform as Ritzer claims. Turner (2006) identifies this as a major criticism of Ritzer and argues that the extent and uniformity of McDonalds is not an illustration of cultural standardization (pg 82). He goes on to cite ethnographic studies which prove that McDonaldization is not a straight forward process. Standardized consumer experiences also involve keenness by businesses to minimize danger and unpleasantness (pg 102). Again, Disney theme parks are   a useful illustration   of this as they are extremely controlled environments free from crime and disorder. Shopping malls are another good example as they protect the shopper from the dangers of the outside world and provide a relaxed, upbeat environment. Ritzer discusses and documents an extensive number of areas of consumption which are characteristically rationalized and standardized. At this point, the argument that McDonaldization of society has standardized the consumer experience is quite convincing. However, many writers have criticised Ritzers McDonaldization thesis and I would like now to outline a few of the critiques that have been put forward, some have already been mentioned. I will then summarise and conclude the essay. Kellner (1999) points out firstly that Ritzer manages to cover a diverse number of areas simply because his thesis is so broad as to conceptually grasp and interpret a wealth of data (pg. 186). Kellner argues that Ritzers theory relies too heavily on Webers work on rationalization. This generates a one-sided and limited optic that needs to be expanded by further critical perspectives (pg. 187). Ritzers methods of research are also quite limiting and can be described simply as journalistic, he uses every day, observable illustrations which are easy to relate to and discuss. Therefore he is heavily reliant on media articles to exemplify his arguments. Absent from his theory is a consideration of the subjective aspects of McDonaldization and the role of human agents. How do we as individuals view the McDonaldization process and how does it serve our interests? There seems to be too much focus on production, with a disregard for the diverse experiences and practices of consumption. Kell ner suggests that cultural studies be included in the McDonaldiztion thesis. The McDonalds experience today for example, has arguably entered the post-modern realm, where McDonalds advertising has come to represent a quasi- mythical, hyper real world of Americana, family fun and good times (Kellner, 1999, pg 191). Kellner proposes that a multiperspective approach would be more valuable and the incorporation of the work of theorists such as Marx and Baudrillard would be useful. ONeill (1999) is also extremely critical of Ritzer and questions whether McDonaldization is a sufficient theory to explain the changes to our experiences of consumption in recent times. He describes Ritzers books as theory burgers   only suitable for the lay population (ONeill, 1999, pg 53).he concludes his chapter with the statement only you can stop teaching/reading Ritzer! (pg. 55). To conclude, Ritzer has claimed that the fast food restaurant has standardized everything related to the production and consumption of goods. From the shape and size of fries to the scripting of human interaction. This revolutionary system is indicative of changes in other areas of social life today, and   marks the beginning of future changes to come. Ritzer convincingly backs up his claims with an analysis of other phenomena such as education and leisure. By utilizing Webers classic work on rationalization and the iron cage of bureaucracy (1964) Ritzer applies and extends it to present day experiences of production and consumption. It is probably reasonable to say that the McDonaldization of society has standardized the consumer experience. But with his overly pessimistic analysis, Ritzer fails to offer any insight into the deeper social and cultural reasons and ramifications for this process. His theory is overly descriptive and presents a simplistic view of contemporary consume r culture. What is needed is, as Kellner argues, a theory which offers more than a one dimensional perspective and takes into account the subjective experiences and symbolic value of our practices. Bibliography Aldridge, A (2003) Consumption. Cambridge: Polity Press. Bryman, A (2004) The Disneyization of society. London: Sage. Hartley, D (1995) The McDonaldization of higher education: Food for thought? Oxford review of education. Vol. 21. Pp. 409-423. Published by Taylor and Francis Ltd. Kellner, D (1999) Theorizing/resisting McDonaldization: A multiperspective approach. In Smart, B [ed] Resisting McDonaldization. London: Sage. Marx, K (1844) The economic and philosophical manuscripts. New York: International publishers. ONeill, J (1999) Have you had your theory today? In Smart, B [ed] Resisting McDonaldization. London: Sage. Poynter, G (2002) Modules and markets: education and work in the information age in Hayes, D and Wynyard, R [eds] The McDonaldization of higher education. USA: Greenwood press. Ritzer, G (1998) The Mcdonaldization of American sociology: A metasociological analysis. In Ritzer, G [ed] The McDonaldization thesis. London: Sage. Ritzer, G (2004) The McDonaldization of society: Revised new century edition. USA: Sage publications. Schlosser, E (2001) Fast food nation. London: Penguin. Smart, B (1999) Resisting McDonaldization: Theory, process and critique. In Smart, B [ed] Resisting McDonaldization. London: Sage. Taylor, S and Lyon, P (1995) Paradigm lost: the rise and fall of McDonaldization International journal of contemporary hospitality management. Vol. 7 No. 2/3.pp. 64-68. MCB University Press. Turner, B. S (2006) McDonaldization: the major criticisms in Ritzer [ed] McDonaldization: the reader. California: Pine forge press. Weber, M (1964) The theory of economic and social organizations. New York: The free press.