1 page - Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

1 page - - Assignment Example (5% level of significance) A telephone sales company with 200 sales staff uses a five-level grading system for annual performance. End-of-year bonus payments for sales staff are determined on their individual performance grading. Staff rated Grade 1 receive only the minimum bonus payment while staff rated Grade 5 receive the highest bonus payment. The company has an expected distribution of performance grades which it uses to budget for bonus payments. However the company’s financial director is concerned that the actual distribution of performance grades differs significantly from the expected distribution with proportionally fewer sales staff getting the lower grades and proportionally more getting higher than expected grades. Based on the latest performance grades, is the financial director right to be concerned? Use a 5% significance level. , we thus reject the null hypothesis and conclude that the actual distribution of performance grade differs from the expected distribution at 5% significance level and as such the financial director is right to be concerned. A packaging device is set to fill detergent packets with a mean weight of 500g. It is important to check the machine periodically because overfilling increases the cost of materials whereas underfilling leaves the firm liable to prosecution. A random sample of 25 filled packets is weighed and shows a mean net weight of 510g with a standard deviation of 15g. What conclusion can be drawn at the 5% level of

The Rationale for Nursing Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Rationale for Nursing Management - Essay Example Besides the levels of glucose may be low than normal. Therefore, the intervention of infusing with dextrose is needed to prevent the body from turning to the use of ketone bodies, which may predispose to the development of diabetic ketoacidosis. However, this is only appropriate intervention if the body glucose level is less than 3mmol/l (Kable & Bourgeois 2014; p. 61). Therefore, the infusion of the patient with 4% dextrose may have exacerbated the rise in blood sugars. Besides, non-adherence to the diabetic diet is a major contributor to rising in blood sugars (Rebeiro, et al. 2013; p. 308). When the people with type II diabetes eats food with rich in sugar, their body is unable to convert it to glycogen, hence their blood glucose level will rise. Similarly, non-adherences to the drug regimen are crucial for these people. When they fail to take the drugs as prescribed, their body fails to regulate the blood sugars, therefore, an increase in blood glucose in the body (Rebeiro, et al 2013; p. 308). On the other hand, infusion of normal saline is appropriate. Normal saline expands the blood volume causing the diluting effect of blood (Kable & Bourgeois 2014; p. 61). As a result, the body will be supplied with adequate sugar. Besides, it prevents blood viscosity and reduces the polydipsia effect that is experienced by the patient (Rebeiro, et al. 2013; p. 308). Finally, the insulin infusion corrects the glucose level. In type II diabetes mellitus, oral hypoglycemics are encouraged. However, when sugars surge over the normal, insulin infusion forms a quick remedy from the progression o to diabetic ketoacidosis. The rationale for this is that HHNS is likely to develop in diabetes mellitus type II patient if they fail to control the blood sugars.

Sir Isaac Newton Essay Example for Free

Sir Isaac Newton Essay Sir Isaac Newton-one of the greatest minds in history. He was an all-around genius. He was a mathematician, a natural philosopher, an inventor, and an English physicist. Some of the phenomenal things he did include studying how light reacts to reflection, formulating laws of universal gravitation and motion, and built the first ever reflecting telescope. In 1642 Isaac Newton was born into a very poor farming family in Woolsthorpe, England. When he was very young, his grandma took over and raised him. During this time, he and his grandma lived with a man who took Newton under his wing. Newton then discovered his love for chemical operations. Even though Newton was terrible at grammar and school in general, (at his school in a nearby town) he excelled when it came to using his hands. He made sundials, model windmills, a water clock, a mechanical carriage, and flew kites with lanterns attached to their tails. At only 14, Newton’s mother had taken him out of school to continue the family farming. Since his father died before he was even born, Newton didn’t have much of a father figure to help teach him how to farm properly. Even though he was great with his hands, he was horrible at farming. The family was then persuaded to let him go to the University of Cambridge to study to become a preacher. He was accepted into Cambridge in the year of 1161. His studies included arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry, astronomy, and optics. One of Newton’s professors was Isaac Barrow. The two of them clicked. Barrow could see Newton’s desire for learning. He challenged him with great passion. When Newton was 23 he had already received his bachelor’s degree. Just that year, 1665, the very deadly Bubonic Plague (Black Death) had hit. Newton was forced to leave Cambridge. He had returned back to his home town of Woolsthorpe. He stayed there for two years to do independent studies. This is what started Newton to study the things he is known for by today. In some way, the Black Death could be considered a good thing. In the sense that if it had never happened, we wouldn’t have laws of gravity. While at home he made great progress in what we call â€Å"method of fluxions† (calculus) and this was also the time when Newton observed the apple falling from the tree. Newton continued to stay in contact with Isaac Barrow. He sent some of this  work to Barrow, Barrow then made sure Newton’s work was known to several of the leading mathematicians of Britain and Europe. Once he hit age 30, year 1675, Newton suffered a mental breakdown which continued well until 1684. During this time, he was trying to prove to a man named Hooke that particles would spiral into the center of the Earth, rather than form an ellipse. Halley, a man who was also interested in orbits; finally convinced Newton to publish his work. Newton devoted 2 years to work on the project. The result became one of the most important and influential works on physics of all times, ‘Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica’ (Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy) often shortened to Principia Mathematica .The Principia didn’t show up until late summer 1687. When writing the book Newton tried especially hard to make it very difficult to read, so people wouldn’t attack his ideas. In the early 1690’s, possibly in response to the intellectual exertion of writing the Principia, Newton suffered a period of depression. He started his work on the moon’s motions. A few years later Newton published another great book called Optics which explained the theory of light and color as well as some of his mathematic ways. In 1725, Newton moved from London to Kensington for health reasons. Two years later Newton died from health issues. Newton really changed the ways of math. If it weren’t for him, we wouldn’t have such a high math level as we do today.

The Coevolution of Human Immunity and Helminthic Parasites

The Coevolution of Human Immunity and Helminthic Parasites Most multicellular organisms, both vertebrate and invertebrate, have an evolutionary history of infestation by extracellular parasitic worms known as helminths. The immune systems of these species have adapted to the stress of helminth infection, or helmnithiasis, through the development of mechanisms to modulate worm load in chronically infested individuals. Most marsupials and mammals, including humans, use a particular immune response mediated by IgE antibodies molecules that identify and neutralize foreign objects to defend against helminths (Poulsen Hummelshoj 2007). In parts of the world where helminthiasis is still prevalent, there is a selective advantage for genes that increase production of IgE antibodies. However, the adaptation to the stress of chronic worm infestation accounts for the maladaptive response to innocuous substance allergy upon removal of the stress. The presence of parasites triggers the production of molecules known as interleukin-10 (IL-10) cytokines that damped the inflammation response. However, in the absence of parasites, IgE antibodies target harmless proteins and the lack of IL-10 production results in a potentially dangerous inflammatory response. In addition to the removal of the early evolutionary stress of helminths, many technology and infrastructure changes in developed countries have increased human exposure to allergens, thus increasing hypersensitivity to seemingly innocuous substances.   Many species, including humans, evolved under the stress of helminth infestation. As early hominids expanded their ecological niche and encountered new foods, they became hosts for an increased number of helminth species, which would have, in turn, evolved with the hominids. Today, humans act as hosts for more than 25 species of helminths (Warren et al 1990). The shift from the hunter-gatherer lifestyle to agriculture increased sedentism and disease, including parasitic infection. Such disease was spread through contact with animals, other humans, and their wastes. The development of agricultural methods such as irrigation and the use fertilizer would have increased the exposure of early humans to soil-transmitted helminths (Cockburn 1971). For contemporary humans, parasitic and infectious diseases are controlled in some areas of the world, while chronic, noninfectious, degenerative diseases are on the rise. Although new technology has allowed some human populations to benefit from the control of infectious disease, many individuals throughout the world are still affected by infection and parasites. Globally, more than two billion people are chronically infected with soil-transmitted helminths such as schistosomes and hookworms (Florh et al. 2008). These numbers indicate there is still selection for protective mechanisms against helminthiasis in a large proportion of the contemporary human population. Given the prolonged mammalian history with parasites, the immune system has evolved protective mechanisms to safeguard the heath of a host in the event of a parasitic infection. When a helminth enters a host, antigens from the parasite diffuse across the hosts internal membranes. Two types of white blood cells, B cells and T cells, recognize antigens in the blood stream. B cells are released into the blood and carried to capillary beds serving the tissues and organs of the lymphatic system a system of vessels and organs that helps balance the fluid content of blood and the surrounding tissues while participating in the bodys defense against invading disease organisms (Russel et al. 2008). T cells are released into the blood and carried to the thymus, an organ of the lymphatic system. The adaptive immune responses are regulated by two mechanisms: antibody-mediated immunity and cell-mediated immunity. During antibody-mediated immunity, derivatives of B cells known as plasma cells secrete antibodies that circulate throughout the blood and lymphatic fluid, recognizing, binding, and removing antigens. Each plasma cell is specific for at least one particular antigen, but some are capable of recognizing any antigen, even if it has never before been encountered. Plasma cells are capable of secreting are five major classes of antibodies. These antibodies are, in order of decreasing concentration, IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE (Barnes et al. 1999). Each type of antibody has a specific function in the immune system and IgE is most relevant in combating infection by parasitic worms and mediating many allergic responses such as hay fever, asthma, and hives (Russell et al 2008). Cell-mediated immunity serves as the primary mechanism for killing parasite larvae. During cell-media ted immunity, a subset of T cells becomes activated and, with other cells of the immune system, attacks and kills foreign cells directly. These two mechanisms interact to defend the host against extracellular parasites. Parasitic antigens are first detected by plasma cells in the membranes of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, triggering the production of two types of IgE antibodies: those that are specific for a particular parasite and those that are nonspecific (Grant et al 2008). These antibodies bind to mast cells. Mast cells are a particular type of cell found within many body tissues that contain granules of molecules such as histamine. The mast cells are activated to degranulate when the antigen binds to the attached IgE antibody, causing the internal histamine to be released. The release of histamine causes various physiological changes associated with inflammation (Flohr et al. 2008). The cascade of reactions functions to damage and expel the parasite (Barnes et al. 1999). Inflammation is complex biological process that occurs in vascular tissues as a response to pathogens (such as helminths), damaged cells, or irritants. In an inflammatory response, an individual may experience bronchial constriction, vascular dilation, and an increase in mucous secretions, which lead to the associated symptoms of wheezing, coughing, itching, sneezing, and vomiting. During anaphylaxis, a severe form of inflammation, there is an intense generation of mast cells and release of their mediators. Such a response has effects on various organs and may be fatal. Examples of anaphylaxis-inducing antigens include antibiotics, foods, and foreign proteins, such as venom. Thus the inflammatory response to the presence of a particular antigen may in an of itself harmful to the organism (Florh et al. 2008) Once an immune reaction has run its course and the invading parasites have been eliminated, long-lived T helper cells, derived from the encounter with the antigen remain in an inactive state in the lymphatic system and provide an immunological memory of the foreign antigen (Poulsen Hummelshoj 2007). When a foreign antigen enters the body for a subsequent time, a secondary immune response is triggered. The helper T cells recognize the antigen and secrete small proteins known as cytokines that regulate or assist in an immune response. Helper T cells can be divided into TH1 and TH2 subsets that fulfill separate functions in regulating response to infection. TH1 cells produce the response to intracellular infections while TH2 cells produce responses to extracellular infections and allergens. During helminth infections, the number of TH2 cells is greater than the number of TH1 cells. When TH2 cells detect previously recognized parasitic antigens, they secrete a particular cytokine, or known interleukin-4 (IL-4) (Barnes et al 1999). IL-4 promotes parasite-specific IgE antibody, helper T cell, and mast cell production. The adaptation of the IgE antibody immune response is beneficial during helminth infection. High levels of IgE minimize the number of parasites that infest a host during chronic exposure (Dunne et al. 1992). Individuals infected with helminths may have IgE antibody levels that are up to 100 times greater than the normal level, which typically decrease after anti-helminth treatment (Poulsen Hummelshoj 2007). Additionally, the type of IgE antibody produced may change throughout a humans life to better target a particular parasite. Studies have shown that humans acquire a natural immunity to schistosome infection in adolescence (Grant et al 2008). This natural immunity corresponds to increased levels of IgE from schistosome-specific antigens and decreased production of non-specific IgE. For young children, the greater nonspecific component in IgE production occurs at the expense of schistosome-specific IgE, resulting in a less protective antibody-mediated immune response when compared to adolescents and adults. To establish long-term immunity and because contacts between vector an agent that transmits an infectious disease and host may be infrequent, it is important for the both the host and parasite to maintain chronic infections. Most human parasitic infections last for years and must therefore not overwhelm the host. Parasites produce self-limiting infections that allow the host to defend against lethal infection while maintaining a viable population. One strategy is through concomitant immunity, a response seen in adult schistosomes, where an immune response is induced to limit, but not eliminate, subsequent infections of the host by infective larvae, without causing the rejection of the adult worms (Sher Ottensen 1988). Schistosomes and hookworms also trigger the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) in parasite-induced T cells. IL-10 protects the host from extreme mast cell degranulation and the initiation of intense inflammation (Florh et al. 2008). T he level of IL-10 decreases after anti-helminth treatments once the parasite is no longer present to induce production. In summary, the immune system of most mammalian and marsupial hosts is highly adapted to battle parasitic disease. The generation of parasite-specific IgE antibodies by plasma cells initiates an inflammatory response and killer cell activity. During subsequent encounters with an antigen, the synthesis of IgE is controlled by TH2 cells and up-regulated by the cytokine IL-4. The inflammatory response is, however modulated by the release of anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokines, in order to protect the host from the dangerous effects of intense mast cell degranulation. Through these mechanisms, the more successful human host will produce higher levels of parasite-specific IgE antibodies with which to prevent overwhelming worm infestation. Hosts less proficient at producing sufficiently high levels of parasite-specific IgE antibodies are more likely to succumb to greater worm loads. Allergy is hypersensitivity to a typically innocuous substance. Allergy begins after sensitization of a specific allergen, an antigen that elicits an allergic response. Similar to a helminthic infestation, plasma cells generate IgE antibodies during sensitization that are specific to the allergens to which an individual has been exposed. These IgE antibodies bind to receptors on mast cells. The binding of the allergen to an IgE antibody triggers a cascade of events resembling the immune response to helmthiasis (Zanders et al. 1992). The mast cells degranulate to release mediators, including histamine. Unlike in helminthiasis, in which IgE antibodies are directed at the worm and its by-produces, the allergic response is directed at seemingly innocuous substances. Also, the allergens are not capable of initiating the parasite-induced production of IL-10 that protects the host from the potentially harmful effects of the inflammatory response (Flohr et al. 2008). Thus, humans have adapte d to respond to the outside world in the presence of helminths and in their absence we are unable to modulate the maladaptive inflammatory response that may result in annoying or dangerous symptoms. In industrialized countries, the prevalence of allergies and conditions such as asthma have increased over the last three or four decades (Poulsen Hummelshoj 2007). These countries have better-developed infrastructures that have resulted in the elimination of helminths and an increase in noninfectious disease. Similarly, allergic disease prevalence is increasing in industrializing countries such as India and China (Flohr et al. 2008). Besides the removal of helminths, a significant consequence of modernization is the creation of a microenvironment that increases our exposure to domestic arthropods, such as dust mites, and other pests. Research has shown that there is a positive correlation between level of infestation of household pests and the degree of urbanization (Barnes et al. 1999). Evidence suggests that allergic reactions are less pronounced in individuals infected with helminths. Thus, areas where helminthic infection is endemic typically have lower levels of allergic disease when compared with areas free of helminths (Grant et al. 2008). Studies have consistently found that most helminths investigated imbue their hosts with protective effects during skin prick tests (SPT) tests used to diagnose allergies by eliciting a small, controlled allergic response. However, while all helminths increase the level of IgE antibody produced by a host, infection by schistosomes and hookworms parasites found to trigger the production of IL-10 have the strongest association with protection against allergy and asthma (Flohr et al. 2008). Individuals are more likely to develop asthma during the absence of helminthiasis, or during mild helminthiasis a time during which less parasite-specific IgE antibody is produced than during a chronic infection, and less IL-10 is produce d to reduce inflammation (Lynch 1992). Therefore, helminthiasis and allergy are not likely mutually exclusive, but allergy is much less likely to occur in severe helminthic disease than in mild helminthic disease (Barnes et al. 1999). The removal of helminths from infected populations in Venezuela, Vietnam, and Gabon has shown a resultant increase in allergic skin sensitization during SPT (Florh et al. 2008). Marsh et al. (1980) found that non-European descendents living in developed countries have a higher propensity for allergic response. These results are expected because those individuals likely had a greater genetic propensity to produce IgE, resulting in an increased inflammation response, a decrease in IL-10 production to modulate inflammation, and an increased exposure to inhalant allergens. There is a selective advantage for a predisposition to produce high levels of IgE, as this antibodies serves as a key regulator in the maintenance of helminthic infection in populations that are chronically exposed to parasites. Additionally, it has been found that certain levels of allergens affect people with family histories of allergy, but do not trigger an allergic response in most other people (Sporik et al. 1990). These finding imply that allergy and asthma reactions occur only in genetically susceptible individuals after adequate or persistent exposure to specific allergens. While the total level of serum IgE does not appear to directly reflect natural immunity against asthma in helminth infection-endemic populations, linkage studies have implicated a particular chromosome locus, or region, in controlling asthma and intensity of schistosomiasis in Brazilian and Senegalese populations. Because this same locus is identified with both helminthic infection and for allergy suscept ibility in a number of independent studies, there may be a common genetic basis for host protection against helminthic infection and susceptibility allergic disease (Grant et al. 2008). Through modernization, populations acquire objects that promote allergens such as upholstered furniture, carpeting and domestic pets. The introduction of such objects has been correlated to a rapidly increase the prevalence of asthma in populations with either high or low helminthiasis prevalence. An example in a study by Dowse et al. (1985) showed that asthma incidence increased over ten years within Eastern Highland villages of Papua New Guinea that was attributed to the introduction of wool blankets to the villagers and the sudden and profound exposure to house dust mites within the blankets. Barnes et al. (1997) found that house dust mite allergen concentrations in Barbados were higher in better-built homes, likely because the plumbing contributed to a higher humidity levels that were more conducive to dust mite proliferation than the drier wood homes. During the process of modernization, in addition to the acquisition of homes and objects that increase allergen exposure, the red uction or elimination of helminthiasis, increases the risk of allergic disease more dramatically. Adaptation often results in trade-offs that may compromise an individuals adjustment to his or her environment. The coevolution of helminths and humans shaped the immune response to be highly sensitive to parasitic antigens. This response, which is beneficial to host and parasites, is modulated by many mechanisms. TH2 activation stimulates the production of IL-4 cytokines that trigger production of IgE antibodies. IgE mediate an immune response targeted the antigens released by parasites as well as allergens. Parasites presence triggers anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokines production by specialized T cells that reduce the inflammatory effects of mast cell degranulation. Removal of the stress helminthiasis also removes the modulation of the inflammatory response through IL-10. Under these conditions, the maladapted response of IgE antibodies reacting to harmless allergens is allergy in the form of disproportioned, potentially dangerous inflammation event. Although levels of IgE are highe st during a parasitic infection or an allergic response, levels are also affected by genetic predisposition. Selective pressures maintain high levels of IgE expression in regions of the world with high helminthiasis prevalence. Through modernization, the stress of helminthiasis has been removed while the stress of allergen exposure has increased. Activation of IgE by innocuous allergens triggers the maladaptive response of an allergic reaction. Individuals who are not infested by helminths with a genetic propensity for high IgE antibody expression are most susceptible to allergic hypersensitivity. In developed countries, decreased helminthiasis prevalence in junction with increased allergen exposure are responsible for the increase in allergic disease prevalence.

The Freedom Of Speech -- essays research papers

The founders of the United States government tried to protect our liberty by assuring a free press, to gather and publish information without being under control or power of another, in the First Amendment to the Constitution. We are not very protected by this guarantee, so we concern ourselves on account of special interest groups that are fighting to change the freedom of expression, the right to freely represent individual thoughts, feeling and views, in order to protect their families as well as others. These groups, religious or otherwise, believe that publishing unorthodox material is an abuse of free expression under the First Amendment. As we know, the Supreme Court plays an important role in the subject of free speech and expression, and we need to understand that the court system is the center of the interpretation of our First Amendment rights. There are various reasons given for censorship; a classroom or library may restrict or ban a book or other learning resource because it includes social, political, or religious views believed to be inappropriate or threatening. A movie or TV program may be considered violent, or indecent because of nudity or inappropriate behavior. Also, a song or speech could contain language thought to be vulgar, or ideas and values that some consider objectionable. Although these examples are good reasons for censorship, initiating these steps would unveil a censorship disaster. Looking at all levels of American citizens, some of the peo...

The Power of Images Essay -- Exploratory Essays Research Papers

Analytical Essay – The Power of Images I believe that pictures are able to capture a single moment, highlighting the important meaning behind every action presented. According to Mitchell Stephens’ â€Å"By Means of the Visible: A Picture’s Worth,† images possess â€Å"great power - religious, tribal, romantic, pedagogic† (479). Similarly, in Kenneth Brower’s â€Å"Photography in the Age of Falsification,† a picture of earthrise is described as having â€Å"poetic power, evoking sentiment† (564). When looking at pictures, whether in my photo album or a Life magazine, I discover that emotions are stirred by those pictures that hold the greatest number of feelings, from anguish to happiness, thus making them the most memorable. Through my analysis of my most compelling photographs and the essays of Stephens and Brower, I have concluded that each picture evokes a feeling inside of me, whether it is a photograph of a kiss, a family in the mist of the Depression, or my gran dfather. As I look up at my wall, I see the poster of the infamous â€Å"War’s End Kiss;† a picture of a sailor and a nurse kissing in the middle of Times Square at the end of World War Two. The feelings of joy, passion, and relief are evident as they engage in the passionate kiss. Looking at the photograph and analyzing their actions, I am able to feel the celebration of love and life. Love is so strongly expressed as the sailor wraps his arm around her and dips her as they kiss. The celebration of life is the most poignant emotion of the picture. Because the picture is set directly in the middle of Times Square, it holds the definition of America in one of our most profound cities. As other men of honor and passers-by walk by, it is clear from the expressions of their f... ...oment of life. When a moment is captured, it defines the meaning of the purpose of the events. Every picture, whether it is a passionate kiss, a poverty-stricken family during the Depression era, or the look of sorrow on my grandfather’s face, ignites its own sentiment. Although, according to Stephens, â€Å"These images, are intended to take the place of words† (476), I believe that the feelings that pictures evoke are, without a doubt, more intense than words. Works Cited Brower, Kenneth. â€Å"Photography in the Age of Falsification.† The Presence of Others. 3rd ed. Ed. Andrea A. Lunsford and John J. Ruszkiewicz. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2000. 554-573. Stephens, Mitchell. â€Å"By Means of the Visible: A Picture’s Worth.† The Presence of Others. 3rd ed. Ed. Andrea A. Lunsford and John J. Ruszkiewicz. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2000. 473-486.

How Are the Themes of Loneliness and Isolation Explored in “of Mice and Men”? Essay

How are the themes of loneliness and isolation explored in â€Å"Of Mice and Men†? Born in 1902, John Steinbeck, author of ‘Of Mice and Men’, set his book in the 1930’s. The novel revolves around two hard-working men dependant on one another during the Great Depression, a time when most were alone. Many themes are explored in the novel such as racism, loneliness, disability, isolation and friendship. This essay will be talking about how the themes of loneliness and isolation are explored in ‘Of Mice and Men’. Gender is one way in which Steinbeck illustrates loneliness and isolation. The character of Curley’s wife is used to portray this. Throughout the book Curley’s wife is never referred to her name which is unknown. This suggests that she is a possession belonging to Curley. By not having her name mentioned; Curley’s wife remains distant even though she tells Lennie her life story as without a name she remains mysterious. Her marriage to Curley causes for her to be rejected by the ranch workers when she seeks out their attention and friendship. Therefore she is not only lonely but also isolated as there are only men on the ranch who turn away from her. Critics may argue that Steinbeck was too harsh in not giving a name to Curley’s wife but in my opinion John Steinbeck was only portraying the reality of that particular time period. Steinbeck also uses age to explore the themes of loneliness and isolation. Candy, an old ranch worker, is used to display these themes. As the oldest man on the ranch Candy is the most insecure of the men as he knows that if he was to be fired from his job he would have no other place to go to, what with having no family or friends. This knowledge isolates him from the others as there’s no one whom he can relate to this about. Critics may say that John Steinbeck is stereotyping old people as useless. Another way in which the two themes are explored is through racism. For this John Steinbeck uses Crooks. As a stable buck and a black person, Crooks is isolated from the other characters. He has his own room which may be fortunate but only further alienates him from the other workers. Crooks shows that he is lonely while talking to Lennie, he says, â€Å"I tell ya a guy gets too lonely an’ he gets sick. † He talks of how he wakes up in the night and sees something but doesn’t know if he was just dreaming, if had a friend he would have asked him. Because of his race Crooks has many disadvantages one of them being that he is not allowed to enter the bunkhouse. Another being that he is abused by the other workers. Crooks is not given a chance to befriend anyone and is therefore both physically and mentally isolated. Lennie shows how disability can lead to loneliness and isolation. His child-like mentality distances him from the other workers. Though he talks to and is talked to by other characters he is isolated in his mind because there is still a separation. His disability causes the other characters on the ranch to treat him as inferior. Lennie was told both Crooks’ and Curley’s wife’s life story but it doesn’t mention in the book whether or not he was really listening when the two confided in him. This makes you doubt whether or not Lennie is actually as he is described. Critics may say that Lennie’s character was too unrealistic and overdrawn. Euthanasia is used to explore the themes of loneliness and isolation. Again Lennie is used to display this along with Candy’s dog. Both of them were in a similar situation where their death was what was best for them. Throughout the book Lennie is described as animalistic which further connects him to Candy’s dog. Lennie was killed by someone who cared about him, George, while Candy had wished to have been the one who had killed his dog. Without his dog Candy was left as lonely because though he still had the others, his dog was the one who was always by his side. It shows that Lennie was truly lonely because when he died though George was shaken he had Slim as a friend to replace Lennie. John Steinbeck uses dreams to show loneliness and isolation. George’s character is used to show this. Although most of the ranch workers like George, he is mentally isolated. This is because of his dream which distances him from the other characters. His dream acts as a burden because in the end he knows that it will never come true. His awareness causes for him to be isolated, lonely and unreachable. Financial status also displays loneliness and isolation. For this the character of Curley is used. Curley can be viewed as the villain in the novel because of the abusive way he treats the other workers. He uses his small size as an advantage. The main difference though between him and the workers is money. Curley is married and yet because he is the boss’s son he doesn’t have to work like the others characters do. He uses the fact that he has authority and dominates the ranch workers. But being the boss’ son only further alienates him from the other characters and causes him to be lonely. Curley’s wife would constantly flirt with the other ranch-hands. This made him a subject of ridicule and further isolated him. Another way in which John Steinbeck uses to explore the themes of loneliness and isolation is through marriage. Curley and his wife are used to depict this. Both of them are stuck in a loveless marriage. Curley’s wife revealed to Lennie that she didn’t like Curley. Ways that you can tell Curley doesn’t love his wife is like the fact that he went to a cat house with the other men. In addition, when his wife was killed he set out to punish Lennie instead of mourning her; this shows that he was more interested in getting back at Lennie for personal reasons instead of losing his wife. Curley and his wife are therefore viewed as lonely. Their title as a married couple also isolates them from others on the ranch as there are expectations of how they should act and who they should talk to. Friendship is used by John Steinbeck to display loneliness and isolation. There are many forms of friendship in â€Å"Of Mice and Men†, the main one being George and Lennie’s friendship. The two of them are dependent on one another for different reasons. Lennie needs George to help him because of his mental disability. While George needs Lennie for company. Critics may argue that Steinbeck showed their friendship as abusive and forced. Another friendship brought together by loneliness is Curley’s wife and Lennie. This shows that they were all lonely as they settled for each other purely because they wanted companionship and someone to talk to. John Steinbeck also used other features to display loneliness and isolation. The novel began with a lonely atmosphere as he described the setting. This indicated that there was no-one around to describe or mention which gave you the feeling of isolation. Also the name of the city, Soledad, means solitude and loneliness in Spanish. In conclusion, John Steinbeck explored the themes of loneliness and isolation in many ways, using other themes and features. Although Steinbeck doesn’t allow you to clearly see his characters so you are unable to discern whether they are really lonely and isolated or if they are just portrayed and viewed as lonely and isolated.