Marxs theory of alienation Essay Example

Marxs theory of alienation Paper The main focal point of Karl Marxs work was the way society works and how the institutions in society work together or rather how they do not. Marxism is based on conflict theories and ideas, Marx looks into many aspects of society and I will be focusing on the aspect that is capitalism and the relation with alienation. He developed this concept from Hegals work which he was much influenced by. Hegal then described the term alienation as we now know it as estrangement referring to the same ideas that Marx had. I will attempt to critically analyse the relation between the two concepts. I will try to analyse how and where alienation derived from and whether it exist (ed) I will first concentrate on the concept of alienation and all the branches within and then capitalist society in Marxs view. I will distinguish how both alienation and capitalism is interconnected and whether it has any relevance to society as we see it today, namely Briton. Marxs main theories derive from a capitalist society he held the belief that capitalism was born through the relations that the bourgeoisie had with their means of production and the relation that labourers have with their products that they made, this capitalist ideology developed from the feudal societies when free labour existed, as in, a labourer was not emotionally forced to work but worked as an exchange of system such as living on the riches land and worked for them in return. We will write a custom essay sample on Marxs theory of alienation specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Marxs theory of alienation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Marxs theory of alienation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Marx proposed a term primitive accumulation which he used to describe official change from the feudal societies to a capitalist one. The development process of this change begins when the owner is interested in surplus value and then oppression occurs, where the worker produces more however the wages remain the same and so the owner only benefits. The surplus value was discovered by the owners of the production, where the upper class decided that a commodity needed to be produced and would cost less, to buy the raw materials and to make as well but could turn a good profit, just like any business. The working class were gathered as if they themselves were a product to purchase, however Marx viewed this as the worker had his labour to give and to earn a wage in return so it was an equal exchange to begin with. The bourgeoisie were in full swing making profit and opposite to this the worker became resentful and tired of his job as it was not leading to a positive outcome. This then developed in to alienation Marxs notion was that waking up and making a piece of furniture was a controlling factor to the labourer, he cannot quit as he does not have a choice but to labour. I will emphasize on this later). As capitalism developed all the aspects of it were interconnected such as the work place, the worker and the owner, these relationships were intertwined as one needed the other, even though we can argue that one group benefits more. Marx believed that capitalism existed and needed to exist in order for society to work, there had to be a hierarchical system, in terms of working for the owners. (Slavery was not involved). But the workers had the power to sell their labour and maybe have a little control of who they worked for, unless choice of workplace was limited and so mentally directed to certain areas of work i. e factory manual jobs or craftsmen. From this alienation emerges, as mentioned above the property owners or bourgeoisie see an opportunity for surplus value, therefore the worker produces more of this product as instructed, and this product is an useful item for consumption by humans in general so this product has a worth value, hence the more produced the better the value. In spite of this the worker has his product that he manufactured both increase in value and produce, this then reduces the labour value, he continues to produce as this entity is earning him a living. The worker then descends to emotional and physical stress as hes unhappy at work as there is no progress and no way of working up in to a position which will earn him a better living or status. There is no incentive to do better to get somewhere, thus the worker stays at the basic level of manufacturing just to get by. He does not have the choice to leave his job as the risks are great. Then this level of feeling and thinking advances to the notion that the product that is being manufactured is determining his well being and choices in life. The worker has no connection with the end product so the worker cannot feel proud of a whole object that he produced but a part of it. This is described as alienation by Marx. Further to this notion Marx points out that this external factor is taking over the worker, leaving the worker helpless and weak ( Morrison. K, 1998) formations of modern thought) So to sum it up the labourer is alienated in his work, which Marx takes it further and suggests that if the worker is alienating himself from the product in his hands, then the whole process or activity of the product becomes alienated to him as well. For example going to work and making a piece of clothing, the clothes is the product which makes the worker feel alienated and is controlling his welfare, so this means that the going into work turns into alienation of activity (Marx, Morrison, pg93). Making the piece of cloth, sewing it and so on is then external and a controller to the worker. So this complete feeling of alienation: the emotional stress and dislike of the job which does not lead him (worker) anywhere such as a promotion or pay rise. One of the common and simple ways to describe alienation is money man creates this object and gives it a name this object called money ends up controlling the same man that produced it and gave it life. We has humans wake up every day for money go to work to make money, go to university to get a good job which gives us good money. This object money controls our future and the way we make it to the future as well, so it becomes external to us. Feuerbach described the alienation of religion, which he received much criticism for, similar to the money example he believed that humans created a faith and all things surrounding this idea he goes on to say that humans put all their energy into creating this great thing called religion and God, but really it turns out that God and religion controls you and creates you not the other way round. So faith tells you how to live eat and dress tells you what to do, the thing that you humans once created. As well as being influenced Feuerbachs writings he also criticised some of his work. Morrison . K 1998) Marx had many aspects of alienation, he talks about alienation from another man/human/worker he explains this: the worker produces to earn money which means the more produced the more wage. Therefore this idea of thinking develops into a competitive activity, the worker wants to do better then his fellow employees which then leads the competitor to be individual and with a feeling of needing to survive; and the other workers are then external to him which in the end means that the worker is alienated from his fellow workers, he is individualised. From alienation of activity Marx proposes the term objectification, referring to self efficacy. The workers being able to actualise their existence in both a negative and positive way. The realisation of alienation also the way they can and should be in terms of being in control and internalising in society and having a meaning to life through goals and ambitions. (Livingstone Benton. 1992) In terms of criticising Marxs work in alienation the main question arises: is his theory relevant to post modern society or just to the 18th century? Well, several people will agree completely with Marx as many are likely to dislike their jobs then not as most of the times it is a means to an end. For example factory work is viewed as a low status job and could be taken on during tough times for a short period as it unskilled manual work. These types of labour are monotonous with no real promotions or opportunities to further ones self in the workplace. These jobs are tiring, boring and holds no future for the workers which makes them dislike work but they cannot quit as they do not have the choice because they need to survive. This type of attitude can be more associated with the lower or underclass people in todays society as they do not already have the money or the freedom of choosing were they work. Similar to the people in Marxs time. Another problem of not being able to work where someone wants to, because of their race, ethnicity and faith which minimises their choices. On the other hand we can argue against the above point because as society has developed more, there is a more interest in the employees and their well being in the work place. People have more choices and opportunities in were to work and also numerous opportunities are available to improve and make a career out of a once part time job. Many employers offer training to become bigger and better. This is compared to 50 or more years ago where a teenage boy did not have a choice of where to work but his fathers farm when he was older because he would have been bound by tradition or lack of choice available to him. Society today cares about the future and the people who are going to be there are invested in such as children, education standards are always revised and improved, there is countless help and advice available to people who go into employment. Society and the government care more then they did when Marx proposed his ideas, alienation is not so relevant because the concept of job satisfaction has been introduced to employers. Companies are always trying to improve the lifestyle at work and take on the workers ideas to continue improving. In addition to this employees have the prospect of going into managerial positions. Productivity is improved through incentives for example meeting set targets gives the worker a bonus so people are more motivated to do better. Most sectors of work recognises individual input in to a project and are rewarded for their work and encouraged to do more good work wherever they may work. In terms of theoretical criticisms, Weber points out that Marx highlights too much on society and how society is illogical and irrational with relevance to class and power. Weber did not completely agree with capitalism, he believed there was little conflict which contributed to the class struggle and class difference, but shared the view that the conflict was due to the owners of production. Weber argues that Marxs ideas are all related he speaks of materialism production and economic gain as one but should be treated as separate feature in his writings. fails to distinguish between what is strictly economic, what is economically determined and what is economically relevant (Gerth Wright Mills from Max Weber -47). Weber suggests that Marx simplifies the conflicts which exist between classes but are more complex in Webers view. Weber moves on to alienation and he implies that the feeling of alienation is one of normalcy and which is or maybe should be common amongst workers in all types of work, the modern soldier is equally separated from the means of violence (Gerth Wright Mills pg 50). Again Weber suggests that Marx makes a point but emphasises on the issue too much as if it were a crisis. In general Weber believed that Marxs work and some features of his work were given too much thought when not necessary. Weber believed more on bureaucracy and how government and law controlled actions and behaviours in society. From a feminist perspective, Marx did not mention women and whether they felt alienated in domestic labour or child rearing, however during his time women were seen as second class citizens in the background. Marx may have felt that the concept of alienation was of much importance because a person and his future was determined by his job. The question of whether alienation exists or is relevant is still debatable and depends on many factors i. e type of job.

Gettysburg East Cavalry Field in the Civil War

Gettysburg East Cavalry Field in the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg: Union Order of Battle - Confederate Order of Battle Gettysburg-East Cavalry Fight - Conflict Date: The East Cavalry Fight took place on July 3, 1863, during the American Civil War (1861-1865) and was part of the larger Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-July 3, 1863). Armies Commanders: Union Brigadier General David McM. GreggBrigadier General George A. Custer3,250 men Confederate Major General J.E.B. Stuartapprox. 4,800 men Gettysburg-East Cavalry Fight - Background: On July 1, 1863, Union and Confederate forces met north and northwest of the town of Gettysburg, PA.  The first day of the battle resulted in General Robert E. Lees forces driving Major General John F. Reynolds I Corps and Major General Oliver O. Howards XI Corps through Gettysburg to a strong defensive position around Cemetery Hill.  Bringing additional forces up during the night, Major General George G. Meades Army of the Potomac assumed a position with its right on Culps Hill and the line extending west to Cemetery Hill and then turning south along Cemetery Ridge.  The next day, Lee planned to attack both Union flanks.  These efforts were late in commencing and saw Lieutenant General James Longstreets First Corps push back Major General Daniel Sickles III Corps which had moved west off of Cemetery Ridge.  In a bitterly fought struggle, Union troops succeeded in holding the key heights of Little Round Top at the south end of the battlefield (Map).  Ã‚   Gettysburg-East Cavalry Fight - Plans Dispositions: In determining his plans for July 3, Lee at first hoped to launch coordinated attacks on Meades flanks.  This plan was thwarted when Union forces opened a fight at Culps Hill around 4:00 AM.  This engagement raged for seven hours until quieting at 11:00 AM.  As a result of this action, Lee changed his approach for the afternoon and instead decided to focus on striking the Union center on Cemetery Ridge.  Assigning command of the operation to Longstreet, he ordered that Major General George Picketts division, which had not been engaged in the previous days fighting, form the core of the attack force.  To supplement Longstreets assault on the Union center, Lee directed Major General J.E.B. Stuart to take his Cavalry Corps east and south around Meades right flank.  Once in the Union rear, he was attack towards the Baltimore Pike which served as the primary line of retreat for the Army of the Potomac. Opposing Stuart were elements of Major General Alfred Pleasontons Cavalry Corps.  Disliked and mistrusted by Meade, Pleasonton was retained at the armys headquarters while his superior directed cavalry operations personally.  Of the corps three divisions, two remained in the Gettysburg area with that of Brigadier General David McM. Gregg located east of the main Union line while Brigadier General Judson Kilpatricks men protected the Union left to the south.  The bulk of the third division, belonging to Brigadier General John Buford, had been sent south to refit after playing a key role in the early fighting on July 1.  Only Bufords reserve brigade, led by Brigadier General Wesley Merritt, remained in the area and held a position south of the Round Tops.  To reinforce the position east of Gettysburg, orders were issued for Kilpatrick to loan Brigadier General George A. Custers brigade to Gregg. Gettysburg-East Cavalry Fight - First Contact: Holding a position at the intersection of the Hanover and Low Dutch Roads, Gregg deployed the bulk of his men along the former facing north while Colonel John B. McIntoshs brigade occupied a position behind the latter facing northwest.  Approaching the Union line with four brigades, Stuart intended to pin Gregg in place with dismounted troopers and then launch an attack from the west using Cress Ridge to shield his movements.  Advancing the brigades of Brigadier Generals John R. Chambliss and Albert G. Jenkins, Stuart had these men occupy the woods around the Rummel Farm.  Gregg was soon alerted to their presence due to scouting by Custers men and signal guns fired by the enemy.  Unlimbering, Major Robert F. Beckhams horse artillery opened fired on the Union lines.  Responding, Lieutenant Alexander Penningtons Union battery proved more accurate and succeeded in largely quieting the Confederate guns (Map). Gettysburg-East Cavalry Fight - Dismounted Action:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As the artillery fire subsided, Gregg directed the 1st New Jersey Cavalry from McIntoshs brigade to dismount as well as the 5th Michigan Cavalry from Custers.  These two units commenced a long-range duel with the Confederates around the Rummel Farm.  Pressing the action, the 1st New Jersey advanced to a fence line closer to the farm and continued the fight.  Running low on ammunition, they were soon joined by the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry.  Tangling with a larger force, McIntosh called for reinforcements from Gregg.  This request was denied, though Gregg did deploy an additional artillery battery which began shelling the area around the Rummel Farm.   This compelled the Confederates to abandon the farms barn.  Seeking to turn the tide, Stuart brought more of his men into the action and extended his line to flank the Union troopers.  Quickly dismounting part of the 6th Michigan Cavalry, Custer blocked this move.  As McIntoshs ammunition began to dwindle, the brigades fire started to slacken.  Seeing an opportunity, Chambliss men intensified their fire.  As McIntoshs men began to withdraw, Custer advanced the 5th Michigan.  Armed with seven-shot Spencer rifles, the 5th Michigan surged forward and, in fighting that became hand-to-hand at times, succeeded in driving Chambliss back into the woods beyond the Rummel Farm.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Gettysburg-East Cavalry Fight - Mounted Fight: Increasingly frustrated and eager to end the action, Stuart directed the 1st Virginia Cavalry from Brigadier General Fitzhugh Lees brigade to make a mounted charge against the Union lines.  He intended this force to break through the enemys position by the farm and split them from those Union troops along Low Dutch Road.  Seeing the Confederates advance, McIntosh attempted to send his reserve regiment, the 1st Maryland Cavalry, forward.  This failed when he found that Gregg had ordered it south to the intersection.  Responding to the new threat, Gregg ordered Colonel William D. Manns 7th Michigan Cavalry to launch a counter-charge.  As Lee drove back Union forces by the farm, Custer personally led the 7th Michigan forward with a yell of Come on, you Wolverines! (Map). Surging forward, the 1st Virginias flank came under fire from the 5th Michigan and part of the 3rd Pennsylvania.  The Virginians and 7th Michigan collided along a sturdy wooden fence and commenced fighting with pistols.  In an effort to turn the tide, Stuart directed Brigadier General Wade Hampton to take reinforcements forward.  These troopers joined with the 1st Virginia and compelled Custers men to fall back.  Pursuing the 7th Michigan towards the intersection, the Confederates came under heavy fire from the 5th and 6th Michigans as well as the 1st New Jersey and 3rd Pennsylvania.  Under this protection, the 7th Michigan rallied and turned to mount a counterattack.  This succeeded in drove the enemy back past the Rummel Farm. Given the near success of the Virginians in almost reaching the crossroads, Stuart concluded that larger attack might carry the day.  As such, he directed the bulk of Lee and Hamptons brigades to charge forward.  As the enemy came under fire from Union artillery, Gregg directed the 1st Michigan Cavalry to charge forward.  Advancing with Custer in the lead, this regiment smashed into the charging Confederates.  With the fighting swirling, Custers outnumbered men began to be pushed back.  Seeing the tide turning, McIntoshs men entered the fray with the 1st New Jersey and 3rd Pennsylvania striking the Confederate flank.  Under attack from multiple directions, Stuarts men began to fall back to the shelter of the woods and Cress Ridge.  Though Union forces attempted a pursuit, a rearguard action by the 1st Virginia blunted this effort. Gettysburg-East Cavalry Fight - Aftermath:   In the fighting east of Gettysburg, Union casualties numbered 284 while Stuarts men lost 181.  A victory for the improving Union cavalry, the action prevented Stuart from riding around Meades flank and striking the Army of the Potomacs rear.  To the west, Longstreets assault on the Union center, later dubbed Picketts Charge, was turned back with massive losses.  Though victorious, Meade elected not to mount a counterattack against Lees wounded army citing the exhaustion of his own forces.  Personally taking the blame the defeat, Lee ordered the Army of Northern Virginia to commence a retreat south on the evening of July 4.  The victory at Gettysburg and Major General Ulysses S. Grants triumph at Vicksburg on July 4 marked the turning points of the Civil War.   Selected Sources Echoes of Gettysburg: East Cavalry FieldCivil War Trust: Gettysburg-East Cavalry FieldEast Cavalry Field: Battle of Gettysburg

Application Of GPS To Disaster Management Information Technology Essay

Application Of GPS To Disaster Management Information Technology Essay GPS is particularly useful during disasters because it operates in any weather, anywhere and at all times. While it functions simply to give the location of the receiver, the level of precision of GPS makes it quite useful in disaster management. GPS find its greatest utility during the response and recovery phases; however it can also be utilized during preparedness and mitigation phases. An important application of GPS in EDM is tracking of emergency vehicles or supplies. In this application the GPS receiver attached to the vehicle and the location is overlaid onto a map. Other applications include the monitoring the height of waves. GPS units are fixed to buoys and the height of the units are can be determined to within centimetres any significant change in wave height or velocity can trigger an alarm for a tsunami or sea surge. Volcanoes can also be monitored using GPS. By measuring the deformation of the ground, inferences about volcanic activity can be made. Remote Sensing and Flooding Flooding is one of the most frequently occurring hazards. With flooding comes the risk of damage or disruption to normal living including communication, transportation, the environment and infrastructure. Given the magnitude of disruption that can take place, it may be difficult for disaster managers to gain access to remote areas or areas that have been cut off as a result of the disaster. Remote sensing as a technological tool would greatly assist this process as it would allow users of the technology the opportunity to view what is taking place in an affected area, without jeopardizing the safety of the user, since they will not actually be at the site. It is always going to be difficult, if not impossible, for planners to identify all the areas likely to experience flooding in any location. The use of technology however, in determining flood potential could highlight features of the geography that could make the community susceptible to the hazard. Types of flooding su ch as flash flooding, which usually take place in a relatively short time, with little or no warning could prove potentially dangerous for disaster managers if they attempt to physically go into an area that has been experiencing continuous rainfall. While the task of providing assistance to victims is critical and time dependent, a physical presence in the affected area could increase the persons at risk. Using remote technology however, would allow response workers to stay away from danger zones while at the same time gather pertinent information to facilitate timely response, rescue and relief efforts. Floodplain mapping is a useful indication of flood possibilities in an area and remote sensing can aid the process of identifying flood plains. The technology would generate satellite imagery of the area in question, which would allow for proper planning and timely rescue efforts should the need arise. The detailed photography produced from remote sensing provides accurate informat ion and can restrict efforts to the affected area. Other characteristics that could be identified about a geographic region using remote sensing include land-use classification, historical data, soil coverage, and soil moisture.

Early Intervention to Prevent Divorce Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Early Intervention to Prevent Divorce - Essay Example 277). It's vital that couples understand the impact of marriage on the community and children. The information made available in respect to communication, the help available, and society's expectations is of great importance. It is unfortunate that due to the complexity of the subject little success can be verified with educational programs including PREP (pp. 275, 277). Stanley's suggestion that delaying marriage through a deliberation period may be beneficial, but would not be practical on a mandated level. Beyond being unworkable, a delay has shown no positive effect (p. 273). Some couples will change their mind during this period, but that does not indicate that their marriage would have ended in failure. Our best approach to premarital education is to professionally counsel the couple with the intent of imparting the importance of the union and a method to signal for help in times of distress. This essay is an adequate summary of Stanley's article. The writer covers the main points of the paper and generally agrees with the author. The essay falls a little short on analysis of Stanley's data. Some of the statements in the essay are not supported, or at least not documented, in reference to Stanley's statements. However, it did call for an opinion so this may be a minor issue.

Problem Identifier Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Problem Identifier - Essay Example The quality of care availed to clients seeking medical attention and care in this institution is of utmost importance. The hospital staff ensures ethical considerations in evaluating, examining, and in making health care related resolutions geared towards the improvement of services. As it is common knowledge, being admitted in a hospital is no joke and is therefore hard and complicated to both the patient and family members. In consideration of these factors, observing and respecting the needs and requirements of the patients is important (Rosner, 2007). This paper describes ethical issues as a challenge to the Mount Sinai administration. Rosner (2007) further asserts that before any treatment commences, it is important for a health care practitioners administering care to ensure that all personal and medical information associated and as well provided by the patient is treated with utmost confidentiality. Certain well established health institutions such as Mount Sinai further acts as training institutions for students aspiring to become doctors as well as other practitioners. These institutions are also target by international bodies involved in conducting health related research. In such case, it is very difficult to main confidentiality of patients’ information. This is one of the challenges that I faced by the administration in Mount Sinai Hospital. ... There is certain information regarding a patient that can bring negative consequences. For instance, individuals suffering from HIV/AIDS are sometimes stigmatized. Making public the HIV status of an individual can therefore lead to stigmatization. Maintaining confidentiality of patients’ records is regarded beneficial as it avails or presents clients with safe and comfortable surrounding that encourages them to seek for medical attention. It is very difficult for people to seek medical attention in a particular health institution if they are aware of the fact that their personal medical information will fall into the hands of the public. An individual is also likely to open up completely to a physician if s/he is sure that his/her medical information will be treated with utmost confidentiality (Title, 2000). It is also important to posit that confidentiality boosts the confidence of individuals seeking treatment and it is also a means of articulating value, admiration, and hig h opinions towards patients. Extent and impact Researchers have always inquired for patient’s information for methodical investigations every other day in this health institution. Students are always involved in the treatment and decision making processes of patients’ care because it is the only way they can learn and gain medical experience. There are few cases where these learners and researchers have been involved in diverging private information regarding the patients either intentionally or unintentionally. Breach of confidentiality has its disadvantages or impacts. Physicians and other medical practitioners found guilty of breaching confidentiality in a court of law are punished and their medical license can be

Melian Dialogue as interpreted through perspectives of Realism, Liberal

Melian Dialogue as interpreted through perspectives of Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism Imagine Cleomedes, son of Lycomedes, general of the famed forces of the lustrous Athenian Empire, waiting for a trio of representatives to return from The Melian Dialogue. â€Å"Well?† he demands impatiently as they arrive, â€Å"What did they say?† As perspectives and opinions in the realm of political science are fluid and bound to change, he receives a variety of replies, for the representatives body he sent happen to comprise a Realist, a Liberal and a Constructivist. The variances the philosophies and universal laws his representatives throw back at him intrigue General Cleomedes. He recognizes that within the power play of the world, and the role of Athens as a superpower within the world’s political arena, he must be thoroughly versed in every possible political perspective. Thus, he invites his representatives to share their own view of what transpired between the dialogue between the Melians and the Athenians. The Realist, absolutely dedicated to the preservation and security of the Athenian Empire declares stoutly, â€Å"General, it is no great surprise that our negotiations reflected the success and dominance of realism in the political arena.† The Liberal, mindful of universal pathos over such a nationalistic approach, gasps. Deeply moved by the proceedings of the Melian dialogue, and aghast at the lack of understanding in her fellow representatives, she offers a venomous retort, â€Å"To hell with realism! Can’t you see the truth? Oh, my comrades are blind to the universal laws of right and wrong! Truly, our very invasion of this people is immoral! We should be moved by empathy and compassion for the Melians!† A steady, even voice i... ...ialogue are enveloped in the great ‘ism’ constructs for which this extremely modern political theory is known (Hughes, Chp.3). And as the Constructivist sees social groups interacting within the world, he contributes to our understanding of the groups through the invention of identity. The Constructivists label groups of people with common interests and gives words with which to speak of rising ideas and philosophies. The Melian Dialogue bears a host of political interpretations as the Melians and Athenians negotiate the reality of power and rights of countries on the scale of empires. Though Cleomedes eventually relied on the heavy handed realist course of action in the Peloponnesian War, ideally, he could have cultivated a healthy respect for differing universal truths of political theories and the fluidity of interpretation in every text available to us today.

Nectar in a Sieve Discussion Questions

Nectar in a Sieve Inner/Outer Questions Emily Murphy 1st period 8/30/11 1) What is the main character’s name in the book? A: Rukmani 2) What do you think could have happened if Ira was given the medicine the Rukmani had to bear children for her first husband? A: She would have been severely neglected and abused, for he seems to be not a trustworthy man. 3) What is the underlying theme of the importance of fertility? A: In Hindu society, fertility and the ability to take care of children decides how successful a woman will be in a marriage and whether the marriage will last. So, the central idea of fertility is nothing new to books about Hinduism. 4) Can you provide a definition of the title? A: Nectar is the drink of the gods according to the Hindus because it’s savory and sweet. But when you put it in a sieve, the sweetness is lost and it’s no longer a good drink. 5) What is the symbolic meaning for the tannery? A: The tannery is a symbol of urbanization and the outside world coming into their cultural bubble. The whole village is kind of a town luck in time. 6) Identify the problem with the caste system in the setting of the novel. A: Especially in Rukmani’s case, sometimes a girl of a middle or low caste is forced to marry below her caste simply because her family is not financially ready. 7) What evidence is there to support that Rukmani’s parents are not financially stable? A: Rukmani was the fourth daughter born to her parents, so her oldest sister had a lavish wedding lasting for days, which was very expensive. Consequentially, by the time Ruku got married, her wedding was short and plain. 8) What was the turning point in the novel? A: The turning point was definitely when Nathan and Rukmani had to leave their land because the tannery bought it. This is so because everything important to Nathan was in that land, and everything goes downhill from there. 9) What was the author’s purpose for not specifying the exact time and place? A: Markandaya prevents a lot of work and attention on the subject of location. The reader spends more time focused on the story, and the author does not have to worry about correct facts about the location and time period. 10) How are Nectar in a Sieve and Ishmael alike? A: They both point out some of the flaws in humans and their society.