Refute or support the claim that the male body is both the norm and Essay

Refute or support the claim that the male body is both the norm and ideal body in medical practice - Essay Example Feminism is a controversial topic nowadays. It aims to empower women and gave women equal rights with that of what men have. Their voice in our society plays an important role such that they are given chances to point out their views or perspectives in the topics of their concern. One of the most controversial topics that feminists won't dare give up is the topic that deals with the issue of equality if not the issue of who among the two sexes was advantageous over the other. Of the pertinent issues in this perspective comes the claim that the male body is both the norm and ideal body in medical practice. We define norms as the set of standards that was set before or emanated few years ago, which is then and was still considered as true unless proven wrong or something that has of flawless evidences and have scientific basis. Ideal as we all knew, referred to one thing that is commonly desired by most people in the society. It is also considered as an honest to goodness thing we all ought to have or acquire. The definitions of the two important terminologies in the statement at least made it clear to us what it tries to convey. For me, I definitely refute the claim that the male body is both the norm and ideal body in medical practice. As we all know, the moment we open our eyes when we are still a baby, the kind of system our society have is the patriarchal system. In this system man is the dominant sex or gender. When I say dominant, I mean that man dominated all the aspects and features of the world we live in. by this, it implies that the role of women is secondary with that of men. Medical practices rely mainly on the subject that they are dealing with. Their methods and materials depend on how complex their subject is. Even in medicine the conflict between genders is not exempted. The surgeons tend to identify themselves as good one and very able if they are man due to their capability to do things that they say woman cannot do. This idea or kind of thinking was identified before way back to ancient times until recently that there are growing numbers of female doctor's and nurses in the world. In history, men are the ideal creatures to be the subject of every study. This is due to the kind of system we have, but as we go along and modernized, the role of women in the society is eventually changed. This is mainly due to the fact that there are women who fight and prove the world that they can do more than what others expect them to do or what others think of as their limitations. Today woman's body had also been used in the medical field. As the world modernizes it also opened its coverage to the possibility that a woman's body is also an ideal body to be used in medical practices. The role of history extended to that of practices made in the medical world. Before only man are used in the field as the subject for human study of its anatomy and the processes it undergoes. Also, according to the theory of feminist or feminism, the relationship between biological sexual differences and the way we construct our social aspect of gender, which is a system of variable history, is an advantage to man and a lot more disadvantageous to women. Our culture dictate to us gendered meanings and maintains traditional divisions among genders. This implies that in different fields of practices man generally overpower women not only in strength but also, man and woman compete for the chance to be

International Political Economy Essay Example for Free

International Political Economy Essay International monetary fund (IMF) is an international organization composed currently with around 184 member countries representing almost all the nations in the world with an exception of a few. After the failure of Breton woods it came as a substitute of a regulatory monetary authority. The organization oversees the global financial system by implementing macroeconomics policy and financial policies aimed at stabilizing the economy’s the member nations. The organization was formed with an objective of stabilizing international monetary rates and enhancing economic development among the member states. Similarly International Monetary Fund offers leveraged loans to developing countries to stimulate their economic growth and development. At an extent IMF helps in promoting expansion, and balanced growth of international trade through co-operation with other bodies like World Trade Organization and World Bank. The organization also helps in developing a multilateral system for payment of current transactions. Despite the positive attributes from the organization it has come under severe attack from many experts and organization because of some of their inefficiency of their policies and their ineffectiveness to the targeted programs. Some of the policies used by the organization in trying to address the economic imbalances in developing nations have been ineffective as they have caused adverse effects to the member countries especially third world countries. In certain extent the organization has been used as a tool by the developed nations to propagate political interests of their â€Å"masters† through giving out conditional loans to poor nations and proposing for poor policy changes. The paper analyzes the roles of IMF and its policies and the effectiveness of those policies. Although other policies have used by the organization had positive results others technically contributed to economic underdevelopment in most poor nations. Roles of International Monetary Fund International monetary fund plays various significant roles in the global economy; International monetary fund was established to help member countries improve their economies by providing guidance and monitoring economic development in those nations. IMF is also engaged in ensuring there are sound financial policies formulated and implemented by the member states. Through extensive research and analysis the organization comes along with proposition which help in developing effective financial policies in tandem with country’s existing policies. Sound financial policies proposed by the organization are meant to strengthen the financial system of the global markets and member countries. â€Å"An effective financial system promotes economic growth and reduction of poverty by mobilizing savings and allocating them to productive uses† (World Bank, 2004, p. 72). International monetary fund provides three types of surveillance to member countries. That is bilateral surveillance, regional surveillance, and multilateral surveillance. Bilateral surveillance mostly involves discussions between international monetary fund, and the member country (Axel 2006, p 769-788). To begin the discussions in bilateral surveillance, IMF technocrats usually visit the member nation to collect information, and hold discussions with government officials in that country so as to gather enough information about the area. Apart from government officials, IMF experts also hold discussions with other members in the country such as labor unions and officials from the private sector and civil society. This is to gain more knowledge on the economic status of the country, and assess opportunities and potential threats. After the mission, the IMF staff holds meeting with the authorities to inform them on the findings obtained, risks and outlook. Bilateral surveillance helps identify risks to financial stability and international monetary fund in the member country. IMF uses bilateral surveillance to provide advice to member countries on the need to adjust certain policies. Bilateral surveillance helps IMF complement multilateral surveillance. Multilateral surveillance is important as it helps IMF strengthening its surveillance efforts. It helps IMF detect systemic risks and increase awareness of the risks in member countries. It also helps identify interdependencies in the international economy. Multilateral surveillance helps IMF identify developments in the global economy. It also helps the organization evaluate financial markets, and the outlook. Moreover, multilateral surveillance helps IMF identify changes to policy, and also effects caused by policies on member countries. IMF is working hard to enhance global discussions of economic connections among countries. This is to improve international trade among the countries (Axel 2006, p 769-788). IMF provides regional surveillance to member countries. Regional surveillance helps IMF monitor regional developments, and policies used by supra national authorities. Regional surveillance helps complement bilateral surveillance as it provides information from more than one country. Regional surveillance is important for members of currency unions. This is because policies in important areas of IMF are determined at regional level. In regional monitoring, discussions with country officials are carried out, and the report is represented separately. Formal procedures are used to conduct surveillance and evaluation over the monetary, and exchange rate policies of European nations. International monetary fund has strengthened its policies on monitoring measures so as to help eliminate concerns like vulnerability to balance of payment. These measures help in eliminating external sustainability and currency crisis in many countries and these are some of concerns that have affected many countries. IMF has developed several initiatives to help improve the effectiveness of bilateral trade. For example, the organization has established external vulnerability assessment. It has also developed initiatives to strengthen surveillance in the financial sector. The initiatives used to provide surveillance in the financial sector include a financial sector assessment program, and prevention of wastage of money. Other measures include prevention of terrorism financing, and assessment of offshore financial centre. IMF has also adopted other initiatives to help in improving its efforts. The organization has improved data provision to IMF, and also analyzing surveillance systems in member countries (Axel 2006, p 769-788). IMF helps in ensuring monetary policy in member countries are utilized effectively so as to prevent inflation (Axel 2006, p 769-788). International Monetary fund intervenes in trying to stabilize the exchange rate among member states. After the collapse of the Breton woods the main aim was to regulate the exchange rate of nations in order to avoid financial and economic imbalances IMF in this instance developed policies meant to help stabilize the exchange rate between countries. Mostly the organization favors a floating exchange rate and constant evaluates monitors and give recommendation on the appropriate exchange rate policies. At the same time IMF tries to develop monetary and exchange rate policy proposals in line with the individual countries policies. Exchange rate is critical in determination of a country’s monetary and trade policies. Monetary policy is used by monetary authorities to determine and regulate the circulation of money in the economy thus directly influencing the financial and economic measures to be taken. Determination of interest rates comes from the monetary policies decision taken. Adjustment of the interest rates either by lowering or increasing influence the pattern of the economic growth. Lower interest rates tend to stimulate economic growth and development. In this case monetary policy helps in enhancing economic growth, and stability in a country. IMF gives advices to countries on how to use monetary policy appropriately. Monetary policy is also used to prevent inflation in a country by raising interest rates. Monetary policy is important to member countries as it helps in improving economic status of the countries, and also enhancing development in the country. Countries with pegged exchange rates tend to unfairly compete with others in trade. Another role of International Monetary Fund is provision of loans to member countries. The organization provides loans to member countries experiencing balance of payment problems and economic difficulties. The loans provided by IMF are important to member countries as they help countries improve their international reserves, and pay for import (Axel 2006, p 769-788). The fund also helps countries stabilize currencies, and improve economic situations in the country so as to enhance economic growth in the country by adjusting policies to correct underlying problems. Funds provided by IMF help member countries improve national policies in the countries so as to eliminate problems. This is through restructuring of existing policies or creating new policies. IMF does not provide loans for specific projects in member countries. Member countries are encouraged to borrow from IMF if they have no enough funds to finance projects so as to meet their international payments. That is if the country cannot find enough financing to meet its net international payments and maintaining international buffer. IMF provides loans to member countries having financial problems so as to correct policies in the country, and carry out reforms. Countries are encouraged to use funds from IMF to adjust economic policies in the country so as to overcome economic crisis. This is important as it helps countries correct their financial balance, and improve conditions in the country. The funds enable countries to continue paying for imports, improve their international reserves and stabilize currencies. A member country has to follow the right lending process provided by IMF so as to get loans. IMF loans are provided under an agreement between the country, and IMF. The country provides enough reasons as to why it needs the money, and then economic program is established after the agreement. The program is established by country and IMF and presented to the right people. After the arrangement is approved then, IMF releases the funds in installments as the country continues to implement the program (Axel 2006, p 769-788). International monetary fund has established facilities that are customized to address specific situations of its member countries. Developing countries use different facilities from developed countries to access IMF loans. Low income countries use extended credit facility, and other facilities to borrow loans from IMF. These facilities allow countries to borrow on concession terms. Countries can access non- concessional loans via stand by arrangements, and other facilities that offer such loans. The organization provides emergency assistance to member countries to help them recover from natural disasters and conflicts (Axel 2006, p 769-788). Effectiveness of IMF Policies IMF uses various policies to help member countries improve their situations in the country, enhance economic growth, and financial stability. The policies include structural adjustment policies, financial crisis policies, and poverty reduction policies. Most people have criticized IMF policies for their ineffectiveness. This is because the policies implemented by International monetary organization have worsened economic conditions in member countries rather than improving the prevailing situations. The main role of IMF is to improve economic and financial stability in member countries using the policies named above. So far the IMF policies have not helped eliminate economic crisis in many countries and instead it has been contrary to expectations. The policies have affected developing countries more than developed countries as these countries depend on funds and advice from IMF to improve their economic status. (Robert and Jong-Wha 2002, p 1245-1269). Structural adjustment Policy is a shift of policies implemented by member nation’s mostly poor nations towards those guided and advised by IMF for purposes of qualifying to get financial and economic assistance. Structural adjustment policies have been criticized by scholars and experts as they have been seen as instruments of accelerating poverty and underdevelopment. Political shifts and governance reforms are always expected from the member nations expecting to benefit from the IMF. Most often the policies are in line with the system of governance of the developed nations (custodians of the IMF) which are deemed to be effective and efficient. Free trade and market liberalization is always encouraged by the IMF. Structural policies force countries to slash government spending and encourage privatization which also open up countries to exploitation by foreign investors. Structural adjustment policies have increased the level of poverty in many countries by causing many workers to loose jobs and reduction in income for workers due to free markets as most enterprises are sold to foreign investors who implement â€Å"effective† measures. The policies have given debt payment and economic development priority compared to education and health services. IMF has encouraged developing countries to lower living conditions of their citizens. This has affected provision of services in developing countries much. The policies have lead to shortage of the work force in developing countries as most companies, and health centers cannot afford to hire enough personnel (Ngaire 2002, p 83-100). IMF lending policies are condemned because of the conditionality associated with the policy. IMF forces member countries to adjust economic policies so as to overcome problems that led the countries to borrow funds from IMF. The international monetary lending policies are used to provide loans to member countries. The funds help member countries improve their economic status. International monetary lending policies do not serve member countries well. The policies are not flexible, and countries do not get enough money. The conditionality help IMF know if the country is able to repay the loan given. Developing countries do not get enough loans to finance projects in the country. Shortage of funds in developing countries hinders economic growth and increases poverty. The policy force developing countries cut their spending so as to have enough funds for development projects. The policies are not flexible enough to help developing countries get enough funds. In addition, the funds provided by international monetary fund are not enough to help countries eliminate problems. This prevents control of disasters and crisis in the country (Bird and Rowlands 2002, p 173-186). Conclusion The roles of IMF are very significant and critical in ensuring the stability and economic development of not only the member nations but the entire world in general. However Economic policies implemented by International monetary are not effective as they cause stifle economic growth. The economic policies are made to help developing countries improve economic growth, but they encourage economic stagnation. This is because developing countries cut spending in other sectors to get enough funds. Member countries have to cut spending on health sector, the education sector so as to get funds to adjust economic policies in the country. IMF encourages member countries to follow conditions established be fore accessing loans. The member countries are required to adjust policies in the country to overcome problems that have caused economic crisis in the country. This forces countries to concentrate on adjusting economic policies, but not development projects in those countries. This affects provision of crucial services in health care sectors and education. They also lead to lack of employment in developing countries. This leads to poor economic growth in developing countries (Axel 2004, p 445-464).

Developmental Profile :: Teaching Education

Developmental Profile Developmental Profile for Adolescents Physical Characteristics 1. Concerning boys in this period, in general the penis and scrotum get much larger, hair appears in the axillae and in the pubic area, the voice begins to deepen, and the spurt of height and weight begins. This period, for girls, is a time of rounding out and completing major changes in the secondary sex characteristics. For example, most have begun menstruation and the weight and height gains have slowed down (Babcock, 1967). 2. Puberty is set into action by the increase of the hormone testosterone in males and estrogen in females (Rathus, et al., 1986). 3. The primary sex characteristics enlarge and mature: in males--the testes, prostate gland, penis and seminal vesicles, in females--the ovaries, uterus and vagina (Papalia, et al., 1998). 4. Acne develops in some adolescents, due to the change in hormones, and can last well into adulthood (Edelman, et al., 1994). 5. Toward the end of puberty, menarche in girls and ejaculation in boys signals reproductive potential. Puberty that is early or late can be stressful, although the specifics depend on gender, personality, and culture (Berger, 1998). Intellectual Characteristics 1. According to Piaget, adolescents enter the highest level of cognitive development--formal operations--when they develop the capacity for abstract thought (Papalia, et al., 1998). 2. An adolescent may be adult in his ability to reason and vote, but he's more childish in his attitude toward sex and marriage (Babcock, 1967). 3. Adolescent egocentrism, along with feelings of uniqueness and invincibility, can cloud judgment, as well as make them extraordinarily self-absorbed (Berger, 1998). 4. The specific intellectual advancement of each teenager depends greatly on education. Each culture and each school emphasizes different subjects, values, and modes of thinking, a variation which makes some adolescents much more sophisticated in their thoughts and behavior than others (Berger, 1998). 5. Erickson's Theory of identity vs. identity confusion emerges. This is involves the adolescent determining his/her own sense of self or experience confusion about roles (Edelman, et al., 1994). Socio-Emotional (Behavioral) 1. Some young adolescent girls, more so than boys, are dealing with eating disorders such as Bulimia and Anorexia (Papalia, et al., 1998). 2. Sexual activity rises for a variety of reasons, such as, seeking affection, peer pressure, as a symbol of maturity, spontaneous experimentation, to feel close, and because it feels good (Edelman, et al., 1994). 3. Given the restrictions placed on adolescents, their yearning for independence, and a sex drive heightened by high levels of sex hormones, it is not surprising that many adolescents report frequent conflict with their families (Rathus, et al.

Chinese nurse-client relationship Essay

The Chinese perspective of nursing Nursing is to understand the health status and concerns of a person, to devise interventions with appropriate health knowledge and skills. There are four Chinese characteristics of epistemic concerns. Qing (? ) is emotion. Li (? ) and zhi (? ) means knowing what is good and right in practice through scientific or systematic studies respectively. Xing (? ) is action. The chinese perspective of nurse To nurse, Chinese people generally argree that the role of the nurses is to report their conditions rapidly to doctors. A Confucian principle of hierarchical relationship between doctor and nurses shows that nurses should know their place, defer to their superiors anf know when to call doctors. Solution to chinese implication Some Chinese cultures like belief, value, attitudes and taboos may act as barriers of clients and nurses. It can be tackled by reminding the nurse to be cultural sensitive in caring process. For instances, nurses may consider characteristics of Chinese people. Chinese always avoid the word dead which is a symbol of unauspicious. They can tacit communication approach like euphemism which is indirect words using the end of life. Nurses may apply therapeutic communication strategies: -To be client-focused, problem-oriented and situational based -Classified as supportive-expressive, analytic and consultative -Directive and educationally focused The Chinese culture is conflicts between Chinese culture and health belief of western medicine. To solve it, we nurses acknowledge of culturally specific nature of problem. Another Chinese culture is the tradition perceive problem as family affairs. To solve it, we nurse can build up nurse-client relationship with strong bond of trust by more communication.

Eight Step to Integrity

3/26/2013 Eight Steps toward Integrity The eight steps toward integrity are very important when working in a business in this situation they can be used very wisely. The eight steps are doing what we say we will do: It includes keeping promises and meeting deadlines. Doing the right thing: With the awareness of what’s right comes the obligation of right action. Taking responsibility: Acknowledge our complete, sole responsibility for every one of our actions. Supporting our own weight: This means functioning as a whole, being able to support all the elements of our own lives.Defining the rules and values: Explicit agreement about these basics enables groups of people, from couples to business organizations to nations, to benefit from the integrity of members. Checking the mirror: Is when we err—as we will, again and again—the best response is to pause for reflection obscure the big picture. Respecting others: Invoke integrity in other people by treating them with respect—even when they do not live up to our expectations. Holistic thinking: Since integrity is a quality of wholeness, an appreciation of wholeness in the world supports its practice.Delman and the location managers have many of the eight steps that apply to them in this situation Frist, Doing what they say they will do. Delman and the Manages need to be true to their word. If they are going to tell the government inspector that they provide the food for his department holiday party that exactly what they need to do. There is no need for the team to go back on their word. Second, doing the right thing if the law tells the team that things in the business need to be changed because of the new local health codes that are what Delman and the mangers should do.Doing the right thing is not hard to do it is a person just having the willing heart and mind to do so that’s all it takes. Third, Taking Reasonability that what Delman need to do he has to realize he has to make t he changes in the business and he as the final say so that needs to be done. Delman needs to know that other people and outside events are not the cause of problems. When we see something in the world that we don’t like, we recognize our personal responsibility. Knowing your responsibility in life is good but we still need to know how to respect other and their ideas.Make sure we are doing thing the right way. Delman has to make sure he gets the best from others in an atmosphere that supports doing right. Fifth, Defining the rules and values what are the thing to be done follow them. Delman and the managers have to follow rules to get the government to do what they have to do Delman need to make sure they hold up the end of the stick. Because it is said absent consensus, personal integrity can lead dissenting individuals to subvert the group.Delman needs people sharing the same intentions, by contrast, disagreements can help to refine and improve ideas for the benefit of all. I have chosen five out of the eight steps that I feel that Delman and the Sale Managers need to follow in this situation. Delman and Lei are running a great business some of the things need to be changed just to improve it and make thing correct according to the legal health codes. I feel if they follow the step I have recommended will help them out a lot and make things go smoother and I can say I think well. Eight Step to Integrity 3/26/2013 Eight Steps toward Integrity The eight steps toward integrity are very important when working in a business in this situation they can be used very wisely. The eight steps are doing what we say we will do: It includes keeping promises and meeting deadlines. Doing the right thing: With the awareness of what’s right comes the obligation of right action. Taking responsibility: Acknowledge our complete, sole responsibility for every one of our actions. Supporting our own weight: This means functioning as a whole, being able to support all the elements of our own lives.Defining the rules and values: Explicit agreement about these basics enables groups of people, from couples to business organizations to nations, to benefit from the integrity of members. Checking the mirror: Is when we err—as we will, again and again—the best response is to pause for reflection obscure the big picture. Respecting others: Invoke integrity in other people by treating them with respect—even when they do not live up to our expectations. Holistic thinking: Since integrity is a quality of wholeness, an appreciation of wholeness in the world supports its practice.Delman and the location managers have many of the eight steps that apply to them in this situation Frist, Doing what they say they will do. Delman and the Manages need to be true to their word. If they are going to tell the government inspector that they provide the food for his department holiday party that exactly what they need to do. There is no need for the team to go back on their word. Second, doing the right thing if the law tells the team that things in the business need to be changed because of the new local health codes that are what Delman and the mangers should do.Doing the right thing is not hard to do it is a person just having the willing heart and mind to do so that’s all it takes. Third, Taking Reasonability that what Delman need to do he has to realize he has to make t he changes in the business and he as the final say so that needs to be done. Delman needs to know that other people and outside events are not the cause of problems. When we see something in the world that we don’t like, we recognize our personal responsibility. Knowing your responsibility in life is good but we still need to know how to respect other and their ideas.Make sure we are doing thing the right way. Delman has to make sure he gets the best from others in an atmosphere that supports doing right. Fifth, Defining the rules and values what are the thing to be done follow them. Delman and the managers have to follow rules to get the government to do what they have to do Delman need to make sure they hold up the end of the stick. Because it is said absent consensus, personal integrity can lead dissenting individuals to subvert the group.Delman needs people sharing the same intentions, by contrast, disagreements can help to refine and improve ideas for the benefit of all. I have chosen five out of the eight steps that I feel that Delman and the Sale Managers need to follow in this situation. Delman and Lei are running a great business some of the things need to be changed just to improve it and make thing correct according to the legal health codes. I feel if they follow the step I have recommended will help them out a lot and make things go smoother and I can say I think well.

Free Essays on Police Brutatlity

Police corruption is a complex issue. Police corruption or the abuse of authority by a police officer, acting officially to fulfill personal needs or wants, is a growing problem in the United States today. Things such as an Internal Affairs department, a strong leadership organization, and community support are just a few considerations in the prevention of police corruption. An examination of a local newspaper or any police-related publication in an urban city during any given week would most likely have an article about a police officer that got caught committing some kind of corrupt act. Police corruption has increased dramatically with the illegal cocaine trade, with officers acting alone or in-groups to steal money from dealers or distribute cocaine themselves. Large groups of corrupt police have been caught in New York, New Orleans, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, as well as many other cities. Corruption within police departments falls into 2 basic categories, external corrupt ion and internal corruption. In this research project, I will concentrate on external corruption. Recently, external corruption has been given the larger center of attention. I have decided to include the fairly recent accounts of corruption from a few major cities, mainly New York, because that is where I have lived in the past year. I compiled my information from a number of articles written in the New York Times over the last few years. My definitional information and background data came from books that have been written on the issues of police corruption. Those books helped me create a basis of just what the different types of corruption, as well as how and why corruption happens. Corruption in policing is usually viewed as the mistreatment of authority by police officer acting officially to fulfill personal needs or wants. For a corrupt act to occur, three distinct elements of police corruption must be present simultaneously: 1) mishandling of authorit... Free Essays on Police Brutatlity Free Essays on Police Brutatlity Police corruption is a complex issue. Police corruption or the abuse of authority by a police officer, acting officially to fulfill personal needs or wants, is a growing problem in the United States today. Things such as an Internal Affairs department, a strong leadership organization, and community support are just a few considerations in the prevention of police corruption. An examination of a local newspaper or any police-related publication in an urban city during any given week would most likely have an article about a police officer that got caught committing some kind of corrupt act. Police corruption has increased dramatically with the illegal cocaine trade, with officers acting alone or in-groups to steal money from dealers or distribute cocaine themselves. Large groups of corrupt police have been caught in New York, New Orleans, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, as well as many other cities. Corruption within police departments falls into 2 basic categories, external corrupt ion and internal corruption. In this research project, I will concentrate on external corruption. Recently, external corruption has been given the larger center of attention. I have decided to include the fairly recent accounts of corruption from a few major cities, mainly New York, because that is where I have lived in the past year. I compiled my information from a number of articles written in the New York Times over the last few years. My definitional information and background data came from books that have been written on the issues of police corruption. Those books helped me create a basis of just what the different types of corruption, as well as how and why corruption happens. Corruption in policing is usually viewed as the mistreatment of authority by police officer acting officially to fulfill personal needs or wants. For a corrupt act to occur, three distinct elements of police corruption must be present simultaneously: 1) mishandling of authorit...

Novel Analyses of the Book Fire Bed and Bone. essays

Novel Analyses of the Book Fire Bed and Bone. essays The main character in this story is a female dog that goes by the name "the old bitch". She is yellow and has a soft fur. I think she is smart, psychological, very kind and devoted. She has got eleven puppies but the story just brings up two of them. There are two human beings close to her, Comfort, her mistress and Rufus, her master. They are farmers and have their own farm. Comfort and Rufus have three children whereof Alice is the one most devoted to the old bitch. Among the animals I think that, except of her own children, the male dog Serlo is the most important one. As the story moves on the old bitch evolves from a house pet to a more independent dog, she grows. The story takes place in England during the 14th century during farmer's revolt against cruelty by landlords and the church. It describes the relationship between mother and child, the feelings about giving breed, about separation and about death, both from a human and an animal perspective. It's also about freedom and security. Freedom is represented by wolfs and security by the family. When the story starts they are all live in harmony in spite of their poverty. As the story goes on they all get involve in the revolt against the superiority and the adults can't entirely protect their children. The author Henrietta Branford lived between 1946 and 1999. The first time of her life she lived with her mother and father abroad but she came back to England and joined her father when he was hunting. She married and had three children. She started writing at the age of 40 and specialised on children books. Before that she worked as a political activist and fought hard in the local school community. All her life she was fighting for children's ability of courage that she had very much at heart. And she loved animals. Both of these things colour her authorship. During her short time of writing books she got several prices and one of them was for the book Fire, bed and...