SWOT Analysis and Literature Review of HSBC Bank

SWOT Analysis and Literature Review of HSBC Bank SWOT Analysis A scan of the internal and external environment is an important part of the strategic planning process. Environmental factors internal to the firm usually can be classified as strengths (S) or weaknesses (W), and those external to the firm can be classified as opportunities (O) or threats (T). Such an analysis of the strategic environment is referred to as a SWOT analysis. The SWOT analysis provides information that is helpful in matching the firms resources and capabilities to the competitive environment in which it operates. As such, it is instrumental in strategy formulation and selection. The following diagram shows how a SWOT analysis fits into an environmental scan: SWOT Analysis Framework Environmental Scan   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  / Internal Analysis  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  External Analysis /   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  / Strengths  Ã‚  Ã‚  Weaknesses  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Opportunities  Ã‚  Ã‚  Threats | SWOT Matrix Strengths A firms strengths are its resources and capabilities that can be used as a basis for developing a competitive advantage. Examples of such strengths include: patents strong brand names good reputation among customers cost advantages from proprietary know-how exclusive access to high grade natural resources favorable access to distribution networks Weaknesses The absence of certain strengths may be viewed as a weakness. For example, each of the following may be considered weaknesses: lack of patent protection a weak brand name poor reputation among customers high cost structure lack of access to the best natural resources lack of access to key distribution channels In some cases, a weakness may be the flip side of a strength. Take the case in which a firm has a large amount of manufacturing capacity. While this capacity may be considered a strength that competitors do not share, it also may be a considered a weakness if the large investment in manufacturing capacity prevents the firm from reacting quickly to changes in the strategic environment. Opportunities The external environmental analysis may reveal certain new opportunities for profit and growth. Some examples of such opportunities include: an unfulfilled customer need arrival of new technologies loosening of regulations removal of international trade barriers Threats Changes in the external environmental also may present threats to the firm. Some examples of such threats include: shifts in consumer tastes away from the firms products emergence of substitute products new regulations increased trade barriers The SWOT Matrix A firm should not necessarily pursue the more lucrative opportunities. Rather, it may have a better chance at developing a competitive advantage by identifying a fit between the firms strengths and upcoming opportunities. In some cases, the firm can overcome a weakness in order to prepare itself to pursue a compelling opportunity. To develop strategies that take into account the SWOT profile, a matrix of these factors can be constructed. The SWOT matrix (also known as a TOWS Matrix) is shown below: SWOT / TOWS Matrix Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities S-O strategies W-O strategies Threats S-T strategies W-T strategies S-O strategies pursue opportunities that are a good fit to the companys strengths. W-O strategies overcome weaknesses to pursue opportunities. S-T strategies identify ways that the firm can use its strengths to reduce its vulnerability to external threats. W-T strategies establish a defensive plan to prevent the firms weaknesses from making it highly susceptible to external threats. HSBC HSBC is a global financial services company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. As of 2010, it is the worlds 6th largest banking and financial services group and the worlds 8th largest company according to a composite measure by Forbes magazine. It has around 8,000 offices in 87 countries and territories across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America and around 100 million customers. As of 30 June 2010 it had total assets of $2.418 trillion, of which roughly half were in Europe, a quarter in the Americas and a quarter in Asia. HSBC Holdings plc was founded in London in 1991 by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation to act as a new group holding company and to enable the acquisition of UK-based Midland Bank. The origins of the bank lie in Hong Kong and Shanghai, where branches were first opened in 1865. Today HSBC remains the largest bank in Hong Kong, where the Group Chief Executive is currently based, and recent expansion in mainland China, where it is now the largest international bank, has returned it to that part of its roots. Its primary listing is on the London Stock Exchange and it is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. It has secondary listings on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (where it is a constituent of the Hang Seng Index), New York Stock Exchange, Euronext Paris and Bermuda Stock Exchange. As of August 2010, it was the largest company listed on the London Stock Exchange, with a market capitalisation of  £115.8 billion. History HSBC (acronym origin: the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation) was founded in the former British colony Hong Kong (in March 1865) and Shanghai (one month later) by Scotsman Sir Thomas Sutherland (1834-1922). HSBC Holdings plc established in 1990 became the parent company to The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation in preparation for its purchase of Midland Bank in the United Kingdom and restructuring of ownership domicile for the impending transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong to China. HSBC Holdings acquisition of Midland Bank gave HSBC Group a substantial market presence in the United Kingdom which was completed in 1992. As part of the takeover conditions for the purchase of Midland Bank, HSBC Holdings plc was required to relocate its world headquarters from Hong Kong to London in 1993. Major acquisitions in South America started with the purchase of Banco Bamerindus of Brazil for $1bn in March 1997 and the acquisition of Roberts SA de Inversiones of Argentina for $600m in May 1997. In May 1999 HSBC embarked on a major acquisition in the United States with the purchase of Republic National Bank of New York for $10.3bn. Expansion into Continental Europe took place in April 2000 with the acquisition of Credit Commercial de France, a large French bank for  £6.6bn. In July 2001 HSBC bought Demirbank, an insolvent Turkish bank. Then in August 2002 HSBC acquired Grupo Financiero Bital, SA de CV, Mexicos third largest retail bank for $1.1bn. The new headquarters of HSBC Holdings at 8 Canada Square, London officially opened in April 2003. Then in September 2003 HSBC bought Polski Kredyt Bank SA of Poland for $7.8m. In June 2004 HSBC expanded into China buying 19.9% of the Bank of Communications of Shanghai. In the United Kingdom HSBC acquired Marks Spencer Retail Financial Services Holdings Ltd for  £763m in December 2004. Acquisitions in 2005 included Metris Inc, a US credit card issuer for $1.6bn in August and 70.1% of Dar Es Salaam Investment Bank of Iraq in October. In April 2006 HSBC bought the 90 branches in Argentina of Banca Nazionale del Lavoro for $155m. In December 2007 HSBC acquired The Chinese Bank in Taiwan. In May 2008 HSBC acquired ILFS Investment, an Indian retail broking firm. SWOT Analysis of HSBC Strengths The bank is well capitalised and this has enabled it to perform relatively well against other banks in recent economic events. The level of capitalisation means that, going forward, the bank is unlikely to need to borrow from the UK government: this will enable it to retain more autonomy. The bank has a strong presence in emerging markets, putting it in a good position to take advantage of future growth in those economies. The banks global presence in Europe, Asia and South America helps to spread risk and offers significant economies of scale. Despite rebranding relatively recently (1999), the HSBC brand has become well-established and is considered particularly valuable within the industry. Weaknesses HSBC associates itself strongly with investment in the small business sector, but the current economic situation has led to increased risks, potentially compromising the activity levels in this area of the operation. The bank was involved with sub-prime markets in the US and has had to write off large figures lent to high-risk borrowers. Despite falls in the UK interest rate, HSBC has increased its mortgage rates. This may be perceived negatively by borrowers and potential borrowers, adds pressure to an already depressed housing market and could ultimately lead to more defaulting as borrowers struggle with higher repayments. A redundancy programme announced recently may affect morale among staff, leading to decreased production and loyalty. HSBCs branding emphasises its global presence, and this may be seen negatively by some customers in its implication of homogenisation and lack of personalisation. Opportunities HSBCs high level of capitalisation places it in a strong position to acquire assets Banks finding trading conditions particularly difficult at present may be available at low cost HSBC also has adequate capital to purchase stronger banks such as Bank Ekonomi in Indonesia, in which it has purchased a stake to continue its Asian expansion despite challenging economic times. HSBCs generally strong position presents the opportunity to outperform competitors during the economic downturn and to build a reputation for being one of the safer banks for depositors, helping to increase resources for lending. Negative press coverage of competitors such as HBOS may encourage customers to choose HSBC instead. Threats Trust in banks has decreased due to financial losses suffered by investors, who may be more inclined to invest elsewhere. Financial losses affecting banks and investors on a global scale have resulted in less credit being available to customers. In the UK this is coupled with increases in living costs resulting in less money being saved. The falling property market has created a rise in numbers of homeowners with negative equity. If a property is worth less than was borrowed to finance its purchase, there is little likelihood that the bank will recoup all its losses if owners default. Claims have been made that HSBC has understated losses resulting from US sub-prime markets, and this could undermine confidence in the bank. Literature Review Article 1: HSBC moves private bank boss Chris Meares to Asia The head of HSBCs private banking business has become the latest of the banks senior managers to move from London to Hong Kong. By Harry Wilson Published: 6:00AM BST 22 Oct 2010 Chris Meares, chief executive of global private banking at HSBC, will move out to Hong Kong as part of a reshuffle of the divisions management, though the businesss will remain headquartered in London. Mr Meares move to Hong Kong follows that of HSBC chief executive Michael Geoghegan at the start of the year. Since then several senior HSBC managers have moved out to Hong Kong, while Stuart Gulliver, who will takeover as chief executive from Mr Geoghegan in January will also move from London to Hong Kong. Mr Gulliver, who currently runs HSBCs global investment banking business as well as its European operations, has spent much of his career in Asia. Speaking recently, he refused to confirm whether HSBCs headquarters would remain in London, with speculation growing that the bank could return to its historic home. In September, Mr Gulliver said he was genuinely concerned that the Government-appointed Independent Banking Commission could recommend the separation of retail and investment banking businesses. Hong Kong is keen to promote itself as an alternative to London and the senior officials from the city have been visiting the UK to promote the advantages of moving business there. Standard Chartered, which has large Asian operations, is also seen as another bank that could move its headquarters out of London and its chief executive, Peter Sands, has made clear his concerns over the increasing amount of regulation in Europe and the UK. HSBCs decision to move of its private banking head to Asia in large part reflects the opportunities the bank sees in capturing a larger slice of Asias growing wealth. In a statement yesterday, HSBC said Mr Meares, along with the other management changes in its private bank was part of a strategy to take advantage of the entrepreneurial wealth creation taking place in emerging markets. Analysis Of Article This article is regarding transfer of chief executive of global private banking,Mr Chris Meares, who is being replaced by Michael Geoghegan at the start of this year. Since the transfer of Mr Meares several more managers of HSBC have moved out of Hong Kong. Mr Stuart Gulliver who is taking over Mr Geoghegan is also moving out of Hong Kong Mr Gulliver, currently running HSBC Investment Banking and European Operation, has spent much time in Asia. He recently, while talking to media, refused to confirm that if the business is moving its headquarters to its native home that is Hong Kong. In September Mr. Gulliver expressed genuine concern over Independent Banking Commission appointed by government to recommend separate banking for Retail banking and Investment Banking. Hong Kong section of HSBC is much interested in promotion itself as an alternate to London. Official of Hong Kong are visiting UK to convey advantages of moving to Hong Kong. Standard Chartered, having large Asian operation is also seeking to move its headquarters out of London and their chief executive too. HSBCs idea of moving its private banking head to Asia reflects the opportunities that the bank is seeing to capture Asias growing wealth. Conclusion Positive Point:- It will help to increase profits for the company. Will help to gain wealth of Asia. Will provide employment Will help to further improvement of the company. Efficient and Effective working of management. Negative Points:- Very risk Can lead to losses Can also lead to demoralisation of other managers. Article 2 : HSBC, Deutsche Bank Complete 1st Yuan-Denominated IRS In HK OCTOBER 22, 2010, 6:01 A.M. ET HONG KONG (Dow Jones)HSBC Holdings PLC (HBC) and Deutsche Bank AG (DB) completed the first yuan-denominated interest rate swap deal in Hong Kong, the U.K. lender said Friday, in another sign of growing activity in the offshore yuan market. The IRS deal, which was completed Thursday, will be delivered in two years and is based on the three-month Shanghai Interbank Offered Rate of 3.37%, HSBC said. HSBC declined to disclose the size of the deal, though a local broker said the deal was valued around CNY5 million. The new deal came amid Chinas efforts to boost yuan circulation in Hong Kong and to internationalize the currency. The market for yuan-denominated instruments outside mainland China has begun taking off as China experiments with loosening its controls on the currency, which isnt freely convertible. Yuan IRS products in Hong Kong had earlier been denominated in the U.S. dollar and were non-deliverable. Analysis HSBC and Deutsche Bank AG completed first Yuan-denominated interest swap rate deal (IRS) which is another sign of growing activity in the offshore yuan market. This deal was completed on Thursday and will be delivering in two years and based on three month shanghai Interbank offered rate of 3.37%. HSBC denied to disclose size of the deal but a local broker estimated this deal for about CNY5 Millions. This deal came after chinas efforts to boost yuan circulation in Hong Kong ant to internationalize the currency. The market for yuan denominated instruments outside china has started to take off as China is experimenting with loosening its control on the currency, which isnt freely convertible. Yuan IRS products in Hong Kong had earlier been denominated in the U.S. dollar and were non-deliverable Conclusion Positive Point:- Growing activity in offshore of Yuan market. Boost yuan denominated instruments outside china. China loosening its control on the currency of yuan. Internationalize the currency. Promote IRS products. Negative Points:- Delivering in two years. Big market of US to compete with,which can result in losses BIBLOGRAPHY http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/8079081/HSBC-moves-private-bank-boss-Chris-Meares-to-Asia.html http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20101022-704524.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HSBC http://www.microfinancefocus.com/news/tag/hsbc .

Family, Friends and Fame: Handel’s Roots and First Influences Essay

A composer’s influence doesn’t end within the pages of his composition. It stretches on, to musicians and other famous composers. Georg Frideric Handel is one famous example. Being a primary influence to many of the most famous composers of all time, such as Beethoven and Mozart, Handel has been one of the most acclaimed men in the history of music. The entire English nation, owes him a debt of gratitude because of the masterly way in how he encouraged and command them to assimilate and accept the beauty of the music he created. Even a master such as Handel, though, has simple and humble origins. He encountered obstacles and experiences during his early years that nearly cost him and prevented him from creating the masterpieces he gave the world. Most of these came during his early years of being a musician, and stemmed from close relationships. Handel Family Origins Handel’s roots originally belonged to Breslau, a city in southwestern Poland, found near the Oder river. For several generations, their family has been coppersmiths. Valentine Handel, the grandfather of the composer, was born in 1582, and in his later years migrated to Halle. Two sons of his followed in the coppersmith trade, but his third son, Georg, became a barber-surgeon instead. Georg married a woman who was the widow of the barber who acted as his mentor. She was 12 years older than he. After the death of his wife, he married his second wife, named Dorothea Taust, the daughter of a clergyman. From this marriage, sprung four children, one of them destined to become famous for his compositions. Birth and Family Ties On the 23rd of February 1685, Dorothea gave birth to George Frideric Handel, in the Duchy of Magdeburg, found at the Upper Saxony. Halle, the place where he was born, was not a very attractive place. â€Å"Travellers unanimously complained of its dusky impression, its sooty buildings, and its crooked narrow, ill-paved streets. † Nevertheless, Halle was home for the Handels, and this was where George Frideric spent his childhood. Handel had a half-brother and half-sister when he was born, Karl and Sophie Rosine, respectively, and both were already older than him. Despite having different mothers, Handel maintained a good relationship with his half-siblings. Karl Handel even played an interesting role in a crucial musical incident involving his younger half brother and his love for music. Relationship With His Parents Even at a young age, George Frideric already had great love for music. When he was still a baby, the toys found in his nursery were those that produce musical sounds, including flutes, drums, and trumpets. The first few years, it was amusing, but as he developed, it seemed to become more serious. Handel had intimate, but very different ties with his father and mother. While one urged him to pursue his dream of being a musician, the other greatly opposed it. Georg, the composer’s father, wanted his child to obtain a proper occupation, and pursue law. He had big ambitions for his boy. When he observed the child’s strong propensity for music, he greatly forbade and opposed it, commanding him to stay away from anything that might steer him towards that profession. He did not understood art, and does not understand the noble part artists play in the world, only seeing them as men of amusement, entertaining the world during idle moments. â€Å" ‘Music,’ said he, ‘was an elegant art and a fine amusement; yet if considered as an occupation, it had little dignity, as having for its subject nothing better than mere pleasure and entertainment. ‘† He forbade the child to attend the public schools, fearing that he would be drawn nearer to his musical dreams. The child was also forbidden to visit places where he can hear music. The musical instruments found in the house were also banished. Despite his father’s harshness towards the dream he loved so much, the child persisted. He knew music was his calling, and even if he knew he was going against his father’s wishes and putting himself in danger of being caught, he found ways. He would manage to lay hands on a dumb spinet or a clavicord, hiding it in a garret. Usually, these were given to him by his mother or godmother, a woman named Anna. At night, when the whole house is asleep, he would sneak out and tinker and play with the instrument. These hidden, stolen moments allowed the young man proper concentration, leading to better understanding of music, and therefore, paving way to greatness. Dorothea, Handel’s mother, was filled with love and ambition for her child. While her husband opposed the â€Å"low dignified† profession, she silently encouraged him to pursue it. Even when he died, Dorothea and her son’s relationship were as warm and devoted to each other, drawing strength from faith. Along with her, Handel’s two sisters also showered him with love and affection. This influence is perhaps the reason why the composer worked with women as singers, and became knowledgeable in the ways of women. â€Å"Sometimes a mixed blessing, he seemed to have thought, but an opportunity and professional relationship most men did not have in that time. † The Incident at the Duke’s Palace Another interesting incident in Handel’s childhood also played a crucial factor in his ambition to be a man of music. When his father was to visit Karl, the son from his former marriage, the seven year old George pleaded to be taken with him, even following the coach on foot when his father refused to take him with it. Eventually, the father agreed. When they arrived at the Duke of Saxe-Weisenfields’ Palace, where the son was a valet-de-chambre, the child wandered off, and started tinkering with the church organ, unable to resist it. The Duke heard the music, asked questions, and the child was brought to him. He asked the boy to play. The royalty recognized the child’s talent and addressed his father telling him that â€Å"it was a sort of crime against humanity to stifle so much genius in its birth†. The father conceded, and swore to respect the vocation. Handel was grateful to the Duke for his good advice to his father. In his later years, he even regarded the Duke as his benefactor. When they returned to Halle, his father allowed the child to be taught by Friedrich Wilhelm Zachow, the Liebfrauenkirche’s organist and also permitted him to continue his school work. For the next five years, Handel acted as an assistant for Zachow, and finally got his first formal training in the field of music. Following His Father’s Wish Handel’s father ruled him with an iron grip, and even if he allowed the child to practice his ambition of being a musician, he still wished for him to continue a career in law. On February 11, 1967, the composer’s father died in his sleep, perhaps of old age. He left behind his widow, two daughters and son, who was then barely 12 years old. Handel became them the man of the household, and was forced into an adult world at a tender age. Five years after his father’s death, February 1702, he entered the University of Halle, as a student of law or â€Å"Studiosus Juris†. This career choice, however, was not meant to last long. In July 1703, the eighteen year old Handel moved to Hamburg, where he took a job in the theater as a â€Å"violon di ripieno†. Without his father keeping an eye on him, he was able to leave his home and his family, and become a musician. Friendship with Georg Philipp Telemann Handel was not the only musician who was imprisoned in his deceased father’s dreams of studying law. Another young man by the name of Georg Philipp Telemann was also in the same plight, unsure of his plans of studying law. His mother was insisting that he give up his dreams of music, in respect to his deceased father’s dreams for him. Telemann was born at Magdeburg in 1681, and was four years older than Handel. When they met, he was reluctantly traveling to the University of Leipzig to pursue law. Telemann says that while with Handel, he â€Å"imbibed so much of the ‘strong poison’ of music as to nearly overset all his resolutions†. Handel’s enthusiasm for the profession influenced the other man so much, that he became tempted to go against what her mother wanted. However, Telemann’s mother’s wishes prevailed. Fortunately for him, a friend discovered one of his psalms and presented it to a burgomaster, who declared it a fine harmony and inquired about the composer. He was employed to compose something for the church, and was given compensation. When he sent word to his mother (who was then supporting his finances) about this, he was able to prove to her that the profession she had been unfavorable to, yields good results and steady income after all. She finally gave him her blessing to pursue his dream. Handel and Telemann then renewed their friendship, corresponding regularly and meeting often with each other. One composer’s influence upon another is always extraordinary, as seen in Handel and Telemann. Like, their music, their friendship lasted a lifetime. They exchanged advice and encouragement, giving one another the much needed push to pursue the profession they both love. Meeting Johann Mattheson When Handel moved to Hamburg in 1703, one of the first people he made friends with was Johann Mattheson, a composer, theorist and singer. Despite Mattheson’s young age, he had also become one of the most influential men in Hamburg. Like Telemann, he was four years older than Handel. Mattheson was gifted, but vain. Nevertheless, Handel was eternally grateful to Mattheson, because the latter introduced him to the musical life in the new place he was in. Mattheson recounts that the first time he met Handel, the young man was â€Å"strong at the organ, stronger than Kuhnau in fugue and counterpoint, especially es tempore, but he knew very little about melody†. Mattheson helped Handel pursue his dreams, even introducing him to the English ambassador Sir Cyril Wyche. Their family music was assiduously cultivated, and here, Handel was able to get engagements and students. They worked at the opera together, and also went to social excursions and musicals, despite numerous controversies that surrounded their friendship. They also traveled to Lubeck together, to contest each other for the post of the organist at the Marienkirche, to succeed Dietrich Buxtenhude, who was about to retire. They both withdrew, though, upon learning that Buxtenhude wanted the successor to marry his daughter. During the time they spent together, the two became very good friends and inseparable companions. All good friends have their disagreements, and so did these two fervent individuals. Their personalities, fueled by the same music, can be very different at times, and often became the result of conflict. In the marketplace, in front of a large crowd, they fought with swords after a quarrel while conducting â€Å"Cleopatra†, Mattheson’s opera. The fight ended when a metal button on Handel’s coat broke Mattheson’s sword. Perhaps, they both realized the stupidity of their actions. Hence, the two musicians resolved the issue, buried the hatchet, and emerged better friends than ever. During his stay in Hamburg, Handel was able to produce a cantata on the Passion, four operas and several minor compositions. These, and the exposure and experience from this place would not have been possible, if not for the guidance and help of his good friend and colleague Johann Mattheson. Concluding A Life Of Music George Frideric Handel died on April 14, 1759, peacefully in his sleep. He left behind a life’s worth of compositions, the most acclaimed and famous one being the â€Å"Messiah†. If a study on his operas and dramatic works was made, people will discover a Handel that’s very unknown: a composer with an unparalleled sense for dramatic human character. Perhaps, majority of it came from a life of experiences, but a tremendous part of it came from the people closest to him. His family origins and closest friends influenced him, in such a way that he emerged as one of the most famous and celebrated composers in the world. References Bray, Anna Eliza. (1857). Handel: His Life, Personal and Professional. Harvard University. Dent, Edward Joseph. (2007). Handel. BiblioBazaar, LLC. Harris, Ellen T. (2001). Handel As Orpheus: Voice And Desire In The Chamber Cantatas. Harvard University Press. Hogwood, Christopher. (2005). Handel: Water Music and Music for The Royal Fireworks. Cambridge University Press. Lang, Paul Henry. (1996). George Frideric Handel. Courier Dove Publications. Sadie, Stanley & Hicks, Anthony. (1987). Handel: Tercentenary Collection. Boydell and Brewer. Schoelcher, Victor. (1857). The Life of Handel. Oxford University. Streatfield, R. A. (2005). Handel. Kessinger Publishing. Van Til, Marian. (2007). George Frideric Handel: A Music Lover’s Guide to His Life, His Faith and the Development of Messiah and His Other Oratorios. WordPower Publishing. Vaughan, Robert, & Allon, Henry. (1862). The British Quarterly Review. Hodder and Stoughton. Williams, Charles Francis Abdy. (2008). Handel. BiblioBazaar, LLC.

Slavery vs. Indentured Servitude

Settler of the British America had a rough and slow start when compared to the settlers of Spain and France. However, the British had a much better success rate because they first focus was on one thing and one thing only: survival. Once survival was ensured, the settlers then began thinking about getting rich. Most of which did so by having huge farms and plantations that required extreme amounts of manual labor. As a colonial employer, there were two options for labor: indentured servants and slaves. Although both had their pros and cons, one would eventually sweep the nation and be used almost universally. The first type of labor that was used in the British Americas was indentured servitude. An indentured servant became one by agreeing with an employer to take them to New World in exchange for 5-7 years of labor. The benefit for a colonial employer were that they were cheap, especially compared to its future counterpart; that was pretty much the only real big benefit of having an indentured slave. However, the disadvantages were quite numerous. For example, they were European, so they had to be treated with respect and decency. Moreover, he had to feed them, clothe them, and give them shelter. Also, after they served out their contract, they were let to go free with 50 acres of land that the employer had to provide, which cause for further financial losses. Furthermore, the employer also had to keep in mind that anywhere from 25-40% of the indentured servants didn’t finish off their contract because they died. Form their arrival to Virginia in 1619, the slaves labor was used to a better extent. The colonial employer saw that the benefits of having a slave included the fact that he owned them for life. Furthermore, a colonial employer was allowed to sleep with the women, if he wanted to, so he got a â€Å"big benefit† from having slaves. Moreover, any of the slave women that got pregnant produced more slaves, which was a very big financial benefit to the colonial employer. Another benefit was also that they worked much harder than the indentured servants because the employer was able to scare them into submission. Although the benefits are numerous, there were also some disadvantages for having slaves. For example, they cost more to begin with than the indentured servant, and also required to be fed, clothes, and sheltered. Also, they would, every once in a while, try to revolt against the colonial employer by starting a fire and burning down the crops. From a colonial employer’s stand point, it is quite obvious that the African slave was a much better deal than the indentured servant. Slaves, although cost more, came with a lot more perks that the indentured servants could not provide. As a result, slavery swept the nation and became the leading method for labor up until 1865, which was the end of the Civil War.

Flannery OConnors A Good Man is Hard to Find Essay example

Flannery OConnors A Good Man is Hard to Find A Good Man is Hard to Find presents a masterful portrait of a woman who creates a self and a world through language. At least that is what Mary Jane Shenck thinks of the Flannery OConnor story. Several different people have several different views of this controversial and climatic work of OConnors. In this paper I will take a look at these different views of different situations and characters in this book. First we will take a look at grandmother. She is made to look like the saint in this story. Her, in contrast to the rest, is the good person, always looking out for the best of others. She is not going on vacation, she is going to visit her connections in Tennessee. While†¦show more content†¦This way he knows what he has done and what he hasnt. He tells the grandmother this before killing her. The reason for doing this, in the Misfits mind, is so that he can match up the crime with the punishment and see if they are right for each other. If they are not then you know that the system hasnt done their job correctly. He knows that his punishment is no mistake because he wrote down his actions. He respects the power of the words because they define what he does. The other identity mask that the Misfit puts on is the mask of the Lone Ranger. He, though, is not looked upon as a white Lone Ranger, but a black Lone Ranger. The mixture of good and evil inside of him is a meanness in whole. He feels that he has saved the grandmother by shooting her. He even turns to one of his two henchmen, Bobby Lee, and tells him something along the line of that she would have been a good woman if she would have had someone there to shoot her all the time. The only pleasure that the Misfit got out of killing grandmother is the meanness behind the action. Now we take a look at the ending. The family had an accident on a back road, flipping their car. This occurred all because of grandmother. She told Bailey that the old plantation was along this way, and that the mansion had a secret panel in it. The kids went nuts to see this passage, and Bailey, the father, gave in and took them down this road to see it. The cat got uncomfortable from the whole situation andShow MoreRelated Flannery OConnors A Good Man is Hard To Find Essay1144 Words   |  5 PagesFlannery O’Connor’s A Good Man Is Hard to Find is one of the most well-known short stories in American history. A Good Man Is Hard to Find is a disturbing short story that exemplifies grace in extremity as well as the threat of an intruder. The story tells of an elderly grandmother and her family who embark on a road trip to Florida. The grandmother is a stubborn old woman with a low sense of morality. While on the trip, the grandmother convinces her son to take a deto ur which results in a brokenRead MoreFlannery OConnors A Good Man Is Hard to Find Essay1418 Words   |  6 PagesThe Dysfunctional: Psychoanalysis of Flannery O’Connor’s â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† Murder of women, children, and even a baby is a harsh image used by Flannery O’Connor in â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find.† The imagery is an effective literary device used to convey ironic tragedy, the struggle of female characters, and the family unit. The story follows a family on a trip to Florida when their journey, interrupted by an ill-fated detour resulting in a car wreck, ends in murder after they cross pathsRead MoreFlannery OConnors A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Revelation1436 Words   |  6 Pagesand racism, which is observed in the perspective of black and white individuals. Some of the most familiar southern authors are William Faulkner, Flannery O’Connor, and Cormac McCarthy. One author in particular, Flannery O’Connor, is a remarkable author, who directly reflects upon southern grotesque within her two short stories, â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† and â€Å"Revelation.† These two short stories are very similar to each other, which is why I believe that O’Connor often writes with violent charactersRead MoreFlannery OConnors A Good Man is Hard to Find1171 Words   |  5 Pages When one first begins to read A Good Man is Hard to Find, by Flannery O’Connor, one is assailed by the humorous petty grievances of a mother living under her son’s roof disrespected by her grandchildren and lonely in a house filled with people, clutching at memories of days long passed similar to the Tennessee Williams play, The Glass Menagerie. As the story unfolds one begins to see the indifference of Bailey toward his family in general and especially his mother—rightly so, as the ‘old lady’Read MoreFlannery O’Connor’s A Good Man is Hard to Find Essay1071 Words   |  5 PagesFlannery O’Connor had her roots set in Milledgeville, Georgia, which happens to be one of many states that when combined, form what is known as the â€Å"Bible Belt† of America. I n respect to this, O’Connor talks about her beliefs: â€Å"This means that for me the meaning of life is centered in our Redemption by Christ and what I see in the world I see in relation to that† (O’Connor 482-483). As O’Connor was a devout Catholic, violence was not a direct preaching, but Joyce Carol Oates writes that â€Å"succumbingRead More The Misfit in Flannery OConnors A Good Man Is Hard to Find466 Words   |  2 PagesThe Misfit in Flannery OConnors A Good Man Is Hard to Find I feel that the Grandmother in the story A Good Man is Hard to Find suffers from psychological conditions. She does not care at all about anyone but herself. I feel that she may even be narcissistic. It is ironic because she would be expected to look out for her family. The Cambridge Dictionary defines narcissism as too much interest in and admiration for your own physical appearance and/or your own abilities It is ironic becauseRead MoreIrony and Foreshadowing in Flannery OConnors A Good Man is Hard to Find1604 Words   |  7 PagesAs I read Flannery O’Connor’s short story â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find†, I find myself being completely consumed by the rich tale that the author weaves; a tragic and ironic tale that concisely and precisely utilizes irony and foreshadowing with expert skill. As the story progresses, it is readily apparent that the story will end in a tragic and predictable state due to the devices which O’Connor expertly employs and th usly, I find that I cannot stop reading it; the plot grows thicker with everyRead MoreA False Reality in Flannery O’Connor’s A Good Man Is Hard to Find537 Words   |  3 Pages In most of Flannery O’Connor’s short stories a number of characters have a hard time seeing an ultimate reality in their life. They tend to have a distorted grasp on reality but not all in the same way. In the story â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find,† the Misfit and the Grandmother are prime examples. The actions and the way of life of the Misfit and Grandmother are mostly due to the fact that they are living in an false reality where they are in their own little world, where in the Misfit’s worldRead MoreLiterary Analysis of Flannery O’Connor’s â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find†755 Words   |  4 PagesThe concept of being a â€Å"good† person has painted the picture of how people have handled their lives throughout history. On the same note, this concept has also been the subject of much debate; such is the case in Flannery O’Connor’s â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find†. The protagonist, the unnamed grandmot her struggles to find the â€Å"good† in others and herself. O’Conner uses foreshadowing, characterization, and a distinct point of view to make her point. In my interpretation, her point is that only throughRead More Turns and Twists in Flannery OConnors A Good Man Is Hard to Find1230 Words   |  5 PagesTurns and Twists in Flannery OConnors A Good Man Is Hard to Find Irony is a useful tool for giving stories unexpected turns and twists. In Flannery OConnors A Good Man Is Hard to Find, irony is used as a very effective literary tool; to guide the story in and out of what we think will happen. OConnor uses irony in this story to contradict statements and situations to expose a truth very much different from what we the reader would think to be true. OConnor use irony in several different