Homosexuality in The Fall of the House of Usher - Free Essay Example

Edgar Allen Poes famous short story The Fall of the House of Usher is known for pitting the rational against the irrational. Many interpretations of this piece see the Narrator as a representation of saneness that is tempted and eventually nearly killed due to his curiosity of insanity, embodied by Roderick Usher. However, The Fall of the House of Usher has a much more specific theme than just rational vs. irrational; this story is speaking to the perceived irrationality, or abnormality, of homosexuality and the inability to have control over sexuality. Allusions to homosexuality are presented multiple times throughout the text. Some examples of this are: the unusual closeness of Roderick Usher and Narrator, the leisure activities of Roderick and Narrator, and the physical burial of the feminine. The fact that homosexuality was viewed as a mental disorder during the time setting of the story, as well as when Poe was writing, along with these pieces of evidence create a clear connection between the homosexuality and The Fall of the House of Usher. The intimacy of Roderick and the Narrators relationship goes far beyond that of friendship. The Fall of the House of Usher begins with the Narrator dropping everything to attend to a man, Roderick Usher that he hasnt seen or heard from in multiple years. He does this because of a letter expressing Rodericks earnest desire (Poe, 5) to see him. This seems a bit extreme of a long lost childhood friend however, it seems believable for long lost lovers. The text even describes the previous friendship as intimate (5), a term often associated with the physical aspects of a romantic relationships. From the beginning of the narrative, readers can see that there is something deeper than friendship between Roderick Usher and Narrator. The romantic nature of these mens relationship is intensified upon Narrators arrival at the House of Usher. As the two men see each other for the first time, Narrator details the vivacious warmth (7) with which he was greeted before giving readers an in-depth analysis of Rodericks once remarkable (7) face. First, he notes Rodericks eyes as luminous beyond comparison (7), which is interesting because eyes are often times referred to as a window to the soul. It is no coincidence that this sounds a lot more romantic than it does friendly. Next, he addresses Rodericks lips, the body part used for kissingromantic, physical affectionas having a beautiful curve to them (7). Narrator goes on to describe Rodericks finely-molded and prominent chin and jawline (7). Prominent chins tend to be associated with masculinity and having a defined jawline is a troupe of rugged male love interests. The great detail in which Narrator describes the aesthetically pleasing nature of Rodericks chin suggests his physical attraction to the male form. However, after this extremely intensive analysis of Rodericks unforgettable face, readers are told that this is no longer what Roderick looks like, but how Narrator remembers him. These vivid memories suggest that Narrator has spent a lot of time committing Rodericks face to memory, something friends do not tend to do. The romantic tones to their relationship amplify as the two men begin to spend extended periods of time together. This intimate relationship between the Narrator and Roderick is solidified by the leisure activities they engage in together. The two are often described as reading together late at night by the fire in the den. This clearly has intimate undertones that suggest an increased level of comfortability between the two men. However, it is not only the behavior they engage in, but the books they read that clues reader into the homosexual relationship between Roderick Usher and Narrator. All of the texts the two men read depict women unfavorably or highlight male sexuality. One of the books specifically mentioned is Machiavellis Belphegor. This novel is about the Devil marrying a woman, becoming terrified of her, and denouncing the concept of marriage and women in general (5). The idea of men turning away from women, when sexuality is an innate human desire, suggests that they should turn to other men. Additionally, Roderick is noted to especially like, and even dream about, passages in Pomponious Mela, a novel about the old African Satyrs and ?â€Å"gipans(6). Satyrs come from the Greek culture, which is known in part for its open-minded approach to sexuality, and are traditionally portrayed as hedonistic goat-men with permanent erections (Hubbard). It is not only his desire of men, but his disinterest in women that hint to Roderick Ushers homosexuality. In addition to the intimate relationship between Roderick and Narrator and their interest in homoerotic literature, the removal of the only feminine character in The Fall of the House of Usher, Madeline Usher, suggests a male homosexual relationship between the two main characters. After a few days with Narrator, Roderick claims that his sister has passed away and that they need to bury her under the house. However, the audience is left to question of Madeline Usher is really dead. Upon her burial, Lady Madeline is has blush upon the bosom and face and a lingering smile according to Narrator (Poe 12). Since the dead can neither blush nor smile, this suggest that she is still alive. However, despite noticing these signs of life, Narrator continues to participate in the burial. Obviously, there is a strong reasoning for these two men to bury a women alive and the insanity of homosexuality is clearly the answer. Madeline Usher must be disposed of in order for Roderick and Narrator to be together. A large portion of the text highlights the fact that Roderick and Madeline, both eligible, are the last in the direct line of decent for the Usher family (6). Clearly, in their incestuous family, it would be completely normal, and even expected, that Roderick and Madeline reproduce together. The only explanation for why they would not have a child, since it is the norm in their family, is a lack of physical attraction between the two. The instincts to have children that Roderick would have naturally possessed accompanied with a completely disinterested sexual attitude towards his sister and secret lust for men would have undoubtedly created unbearable pressure for Roderick Usher. It is entirely possible that this pressure led him to burying Lady Madeline alive. In addition to his sexual disinterestedness in his sister, Roderick also would have wanted to bury his sister to remove the possibility of N arrator being with her rather than him. Seeing as Roderick and Madeline are twins whom share a striking similitude (12), readers can assume Madeline represents a version of Roderick that the Narrator is socially allowed to love. She would have been the much easier choice for Narrator to be with. In burying her alive, Roderick hides the temptation from the Narrator, whose eyes follow her retreated step (8) the first time he sees her before looking back eagerly (8) to Roderick who has buried his face in his hands. Clearly Roderick is upset at the thought of the Narrator paying mind to Madeline rather than him. Therefore, it can then be inferred that Roderick may feel that his sister could possibly steal the Narrators attention. With Madeline out of the picture, and the homosexual tensions rising, the mens insanity, and therefore homosexual tendencies, continue to rise. The time period in which Poe wrote this piece allows the reader to assume that the deteriorating mental health of the Narrator and Roderick would have been connected to their homosexual tendencies. The Fall of the House of Usher was originally published in 1839, well before gender and sexuality rights existed and freedoms existed. In fact, during the 19th century, being a homosexual was actually considered a mental disorder (Herek), something we know to be false today. During the 1800s, mental disorders associated with insanity were treated very differently than today. Many people with mental disorders were shamed by their communities and feared by nearly everyone; this could be one of the reasons that Roderick seems to have little to no contact with the outside world. At the time, even writing about homosexuality could have been bad news for Poe, which explains why he chooses to leave Rodericks illness unspecified in the text and instead heavily hinted at it for close readers. Just like any other untreated disease, the homosexuality continues to spread as The Fall of the House of Usher continues. After spending time with Roderick, Narrator starts to see and hear things. He is becoming just as irrational as his host. Narrators adoption of Rodericks symptoms represents his return to homosexuality but, this does not seem to be a choice for Narrator. One night, after about a week of being completely alone in the house with Roderick, Narrator has trouble sleeping. Overwhelmed and nervous, Narrator feels that there is an incubus (12) on his heart, which causes him to get up, put on some clothes, and go for a walk around the house to calm down. This is particularly interesting because while the common definition of incubus is a distress, religious and mythological scholar Jeffery Russel describes an incubus as a male sex demon which is known for having paranormal intercourse with their victims (Russell, 145). Interestingly enough, Stephen Walter, professional novelist, presents the traditional belief held that repeated sexual interactions with an Incubus can cause ones health to deteriorate, and can even result in death (Stephens, 23). By having the homosexuality caused through a supernatural being, Po e highlights the fact that sexuality is not a choice. This is obviously a metaphor for the inability for humans to control their sexuality regardless of its social status as good or bad. This is Poes way of suggesting that despite being socially undesirable, homosexuality is not a choice. Although homosexuality and the idea that it is not a choice would be a very modern and forward thinking idea for Poe, it is not impossible for his work to address this issue. There are far too many homosexual references in this text to be ignored. Poe uses diction and references that suggest an intimacy between Roderick Usher and the Narrator, directly references literature the negatively depicts women and positively representing the sexuality of men, while giving both Roderick and the Narrator attributes suggesting their questionable sanity. While the traditional sane vs. insane is an easy way to interpret The Fall of the House of Usher, it is clear that the true meaning is much more specifically referencing the mental illness, or insanity, that is homosexuality and the lack of control humans have over it.

The Electronics Industry Supply Chain Collaboration On Product Design - 11000 Words

The Electronics Industry: Supply Chain Collaboration On Product Design (Dissertation Sample) Content: A STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF SUPPLY CHAIN COLLABORATION ON PRODUCT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT IN ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY Abstract This research is based on the product design and collaboration of suppliers by focusing on the Samsung, a giant in the electronics industry in the UK. From the introduction chapter background of the research and organisation has been identified. This helped the researcher to develop a valid aim for this research, which assisted the researcher to develop objectives and research questions of the study. The literature review chapter has dealt with a proper discussion on the supplier collaboration, its impact and the significance of product design in various contexts. It is observed that supplier collaboration helps an organisation to become beneficial in a various way. On another hand, ambidextrous nature, application of VSM and implication of 3D printing technology in product design and development has been found. Besides these, multiple theories and models have been discussed by referring prior scholars in the literature. In addition, the gap in literature helped the researcher to increase the quality of the findings. Discussions of research methodology have helped to develop a proper idea regarding the framework that has been taken for completing this research. Furthermore, research philosophy, approach, design and data collection procedure has been discussed in this segment. Besides this, a timeline of the project has been scheduled in this chapter. Data findings and analysis chapter of this dissertation can be considered as a major part as in this section, thematic analysis of the asked interviews has been discussed. The researcher has developed five themes that can be applied to product design, development and supplier collaboration. In the final chapter of this research paper, developed objectives have been linked accordingly. In addition, recommendations to improve the supplier collaboration strategy have been given, which can be considered by the management of Samsung. Acknowledgement It provides me greatest satisfaction to make the final submission of the research that focuses on â€Å"A Study of the Impact of Supply Chain Collaboration on Product Design and Development in Electronics Industry†. I am grateful to various fellow members behind the successful completion of this research. I would like to express thanks to the number of people who have guided me in preparing this research. I would like to thank my higher authority since without their guidance my project work would not have been achievable. I would also like to thank my peer group members. I would also like to show my appreciation towards the respondents of the interviews, whose cooperation has helped me to incorporate data collection effectively and efficiently. Thank you, Table of Contents TOC \h \z \t "Heading 1" \c 1.0 Introduction PAGEREF _Toc519179409 \h 9 1.1 Introduction PAGEREF _Toc519179410 \h 9 1.2 Background PAGEREF _Toc519179411 \h 9 1.2.1 Background of the organization PAGEREF _Toc519179412 \h 10 1.3 Rationale of the Research PAGEREF _Toc519179413 \h 10 1.4 Research Aim PAGEREF _Toc519179414 \h 11 1.5 Research Objectives PAGEREF _Toc519179415 \h 11 1.6 Research Questions PAGEREF _Toc519179416 \h 12 1.7 Significance of the Research PAGEREF _Toc519179417 \h 12 1.8 Structure of the Research PAGEREF _Toc519179418 \h 13 1.9 Summary PAGEREF _Toc519179419 \h 13 2.0 Literature Review PAGEREF _Toc519179420 \h 14 2.1 Introduction PAGEREF _Toc519179421 \h 14 2.2 Concept of Supply Chain Collaboration PAGEREF _Toc519179422 \h 14 2.3 Impact of supply chain collaboration PAGEREF _Toc519179423 \h 18 2.4 Product design and development in the electronics industry PAGEREF _Toc519179424 \h 22 2.5 Issues Related to Product Design and Development in Electronics Industry PAGEREF _Toc519179425 \h 25 2.6 Impact of Supply Chain Collaboration on Product Design and Development In Electronics Industry PAGEREF _Toc519179426 \h 28 2.7 Theoretical Perspective PAGEREF _Toc519179427 \h 31 2.8 Gap in literature PAGEREF _Toc519179428 \h 33 2.9 Conceptual Framework PAGEREF _Toc519179429 \h 34 2.10 Summary PAGEREF _Toc519179430 \h 35 3.0 Research Methodology PAGEREF _Toc519179431 \h 36 3.1 Introduction PAGEREF _Toc519179432 \h 36 3.2 Research philosophy PAGEREF _Toc519179433 \h 36 3.3 Research approach PAGEREF _Toc519179434 \h 36 3.4 Research design PAGEREF _Toc519179435 \h 37 3.5 Data type PAGEREF _Toc519179436 \h 37 3.6 Data collection tools PAGEREF _Toc519179437 \h 38 3.7 Sampling technique-simple random sampling PAGEREF _Toc519179438 \h 38 3.8 Population and sample size PAGEREF _Toc519179439 \h 38 3.9 Ethical issue PAGEREF _Toc519179440 \h 38 3.10 Research limitations PAGEREF _Toc519179441 \h 39 3.11 Timeline PAGEREF _Toc519179442 \h 39 3.12 Summary PAGEREF _Toc519179443 \h 39 4.0 Data Analysis and Findings PAGEREF _Toc519179444 \h 40 4.1 Introduction PAGEREF _Toc519179445 \h 40 4.2 Analysis PAGEREF _Toc519179446 \h 40 4.3 Discussion PAGEREF _Toc519179447 \h 47 4.4 Summary PAGEREF _Toc519179448 \h 50 5.0 Conclusion, Recommendation and future scope of the study PAGEREF _Toc519179449 \h 51 5.1 Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc519179450 \h 51 5.2 Objectives linking PAGEREF _Toc519179451 \h 53 Reference List PAGEREF _Toc519179452 \h 58 Appendices PAGEREF _Toc519179453 \h 64 List of Figures TOC \h \z \t "Heading 2" \c Figure 1.8.1 Structure of the Research PAGEREF _Toc519172905 \h 11 Figure 2.7.1 Model of Supply Chain Relationship PAGEREF _Toc519172912 \h 28 List of Tables TOC \h \z \t "Heading 3" \c Table 4.1: Responses to the interview questions PAGEREF _Toc519172917 \h 41 Table 5.1: Strategy to adopt a demand-driven approach PAGEREF _Toc519172918 \h 49 Table 5.2: Strategy to implicate gradual planning PAGEREF _Toc519172919 \h 49 Table 5.3: Strategy for supply chain alignment PAGEREF _Toc519172920 \h 50 Table 5.4: Strategy to include sustainability in supply chain activities PAGEREF _Toc519172921 \h 51 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Introduction A proper supply chain of an organization contributes to reducing the cost of the organization and to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the production cycle. The competitive nature of the market has forced the business organizations to work in collaboration. The research is based on the impacts of supply chain collaboration on product design and development in the electronic industry. 1.2 Background The supply chain of an organization is the network system between its suppliers, distributors, manufacturers, retailers, customers, which helps the organization to produce the products and services and to distribute them to the end customers. Supply chain management is a critical part of the organizational management process as it involves all the stakeholders of the organization. Globalization of the business sector has expanded the operating area of the business organizations. The organizations tend to operate in foreign countries to increase the profit margins. Globalization has also contributed to the competition in the business market. Technological advancement has introduced many innovative types of equipment, infrastructure, and ideas to improve and modify the existing business strategies. The business organizations continuously modify their business strategies and production processes to improve the outcomes. In addition, the need and demands of the customers are ever changin g. The desire and wants of the customers have changed over the time along with the changes in global socio-economic conditions. All these factors have affected the global business market in several ways. Working in collaboration is beneficial for the organizations as it enables the firms to use the mutual resources, to take mutual decisions and to achieve mutual objectives (Industryforum.co.uk, 2017). It is also beneficial for the organizations, as it promotes innovative ideas for product design and development. Supply chain collaboration involves sharing information, materials, and resources among the members of the collaboration. Working as a team increases the efficiency of the business organizations in satisfying the needs of the customers as well as the profit margin of the organizations. 1.2.1 Background of the organization Samsung is a global business organization, which was founded in the year 1938. The headquarters of the company is located in the capital city of South Korea, Seoul (Samsung.com, 2018). The products of the company include apparel, electronic components, telecommunication equipment, automotive and home appliances. As per the statistics of the year 2014, the number of employees of the company is around four million and ninety thousand. 1.3 Rationale of the Research A proper supply chain is very important for sustaining any business. Lack of supply chain can affect the availability of raw materials, manufacturing processes, delivering products and services to the end customers in a negative way. Product design and development processes have always been a crucial aspect of any business organization as it is important for satisfying the ever-changing demand of the customers. For the long-term success of an organization modifying the products and services according to the existing situation is very important. The impacts of supply chain collaboration on product design and development processes of a firm are important to understand to enhance the organizational performance. Due to the globalization of the business market, the competitiveness of the market has increased significantly. Hence, the collaboration between the business firms has become more important for surviving in the global market. The research has identified the impacts of supply chain collaboration on product design and development processes and has provided suitable strategies for facilitating supply chain collaboration within a firm. The study has tried to show that supply chain ...