Sunday, December 29, 2019

Chlamydia Trachomatis Common And Reported Sexually...

Chlamydia tracomatis Antonia Kingham 12/03/2014 Natsci 197 Ms. Madden Public Health Paper Introduction: Chlamydia trachomatis is a sexually transmitted bacterium that falls into the genus Chlamydia. In general it is prevalent amongst the younger adults due to living a promiscuous life style. C. trachomatis can be responsible for both long and short term effects from contracting this bacterial disease therefore the longer you have it the more severe the effects can be. Chlamydia can be asymptomatic meaning it can go unnoticed for a prolonged period of time without any symptoms; the symptoms that do arise are ones that can’t be ignored for they are irritating, painful and harmful, if left untreated. Anyone participating in any kind of sexual activity should be tested annually. There are a variety of ways and resources for diagnosing C. trachomatis along with treatments for this infection which include antibiotics and prevention strategies. C. trachomatis is the most common and reported sexually transmitted disease (STD) in Wisconsin (1). C. trachomatis has specific microbial chara cteristics such as size and shape. C. trachomatis is an obligate intracellular parasite which is a type of parasite that can reproduce only inside their host cell. Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomati. This bacterium can only be spread by having one or any of the following: anal, vaginal, and oral sex with someone who has chlamydia, thisShow MoreRelatedChlamydia: The Silent Disease824 Words   |  3 Pages Identified 1907, Chlamydia was once thought to be a virus. It was classified as a bacterium in the 1960s (Breguet 9) by Stanislaus Von Prowazek, a Czech Scientist. This discovery of a new bacterium led many scientist to believe that this was not the only bacteria they were classifying wrong. Chlamydia trachomatis The word Chlamydia comes from the greek chlamys, A type of cloak that drapes over the shoulder. This refers to the way the Chlamydia bacterium drapes itself around the nucleus of cellsRead MoreChlamydia, And, Etiology And Management Of Chlamydia1203 Words   |  5 PagesAbstract: Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. It can infect both men and women. Chlamydia is treatable but if left untreated it can cause permanent damage in female reproductive system and in males the damage is rare. Sexually active females and males should be tested every year. This article will review the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, etiology and management of Chlamydia. Introduction: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacteria thatRead MoreChlamydia Essay1359 Words   |  6 PagesChlamydia Research from the center of disease control and prevention consistently shows Chlamydia as one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States. There is an estimated 4.5 million people reported each year with Chlamydia (Carol Turkiington and Bonnie Lee Ashby). Chlamydia is contracted from unprotected sex with an infected partner. Diagnosing and treating f Chlamydia is relatively easy with regular checkups to your physician. Chlamydia trachomatis, the sexually transmittedRead MoreChlamydia By Chlamydia Trachomatis. Chlamydia902 Words   |  4 PagesThe common term that is known to us around the world is chlamydia, but most people do not know its scientific name, which is called chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia is among the smallest living organisms. It is nonmotile and a gram-negative cocci bacteria. These parasites can bind to intracellular bacteria that only affect humans. So in a nut shell chlamydia cannot survive without us humans, where it takes everything from us but does not give back. In order for it to make copies of itself it needsRead MoreChlamydia Trachomatis And Its Effects On The United States Essay1749 Words   |  7 PagesChlamydia trachomatis is a bacterium that is now recognized as the most prevalent and among the most damaging of all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) seen in the United States today (Thompson, n.d.). There are various factors that place college students at a higher risk of acquiring Chlamydia such as: race, age, gender, and environmental factors. The increase in the number of cases that are being reported is direct reflection of the success of the free to low cost testing programs that are availableRead More Sexually Transmitted Diseases Essay1495 Words   |  6 PagesSexually Transmitted Diseases Sexually Transmitted Diseases are an intimate part of many people’s lives. These diseases, one could say, represent a conflict between human and nature. It is a part of nature that humans are inclined to engage in sexual activity . Yet, humans are endangering themselves with the spreading of these diseases. Also, a human oriented disease can take on a life of its own, so to speak, and even turn deadly when nature takes it course. Humans have created antibioticsRead MoreCollege Students In The United States Frequently Engage1508 Words   |  7 Pagesinvolved. The most common result of engaging in unsafe sex with a stranger is acquiring a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Medline Plus describes sexually transmitted diseases as â€Å"infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact and are a cause of bacteria, parasites, yeast, and viruses† (Medline Plus, n.d.). According to the Centers for Disease Control fact sheet on sexually transmit ted diseases, an estimate of nearly 20 million new sexually transmitted infections occurRead MoreChlamydia Host Chlamydia Essay2988 Words   |  12 PagesIntroduction Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which can affect those that are sexually active, which is to say that it can affect a very large range in age groups through-out the population. It is very interesting in that chlamydia is the most oft reported STI in the United States (Breguet, 2007) with over three million new cases each year (Silverstein Silverstein-Nunn, 2006). Another very interesting fact is that chlamydia is known as a â€Å"silent† disease. That is to say thatRead MoreEssay about STDs1489 Words   |  6 PagesSTDs Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are very common in today’s society. They represent a threat to humans because when they cannot be treated, they can become an epidemic, such as AIDS. Although STDs can affect people of all ages, young people – especially college students - between the ages of 19 and 25 are the most affected (American Social Health Association). There are three types of STDs: bacterial, viral and parasitic. In this essay, we will study one disease from each category by analyzingRead MoreSexually Transmitted Diseases ( Std ) Essay1590 Words   |  7 PagesSexually transmitted diseases (STD) or sexually transmitted infections (STI) as they are also known account for 20 million cases annually and may be more of an economic burden than realized (Decker, 2016). These infections often go untreated or reported secondary to individuals being asymptomatic or lacking knowledge of the infections and the need for treatment. The current economic burden for treati ng these infections is estimated to be 16 million dollars a year with individuals between the ages

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Rupert Brooke And Ww1 Poetry Comparison - 790 Words

World War One poets Rupert Brooke and Wilfred Owen both use poetry to examine their differing perspectives surrounding the idea of heroism in war. Brooke’s The Soldier depicts an idealistic, patriotic view towards fighting for his country, whereas Owen’s Dulce et Decorum est demonstrates a realistic view of the senseless horrors of war. Both poets utilise similar poetic techniques of imagery and sound devices to express their contradictory views of the atrocious events of the greatest war that the world had ever seen at that time. The Soldier was written at the beginning of World War One before anyone had a chance to experience the atrocity of a world war. The sonnet portrays a romanticised view of the positives of war for his home†¦show more content†¦By creating these nurturing, peaceful images of a beautiful countryside, Brooke evokes pride from his primary audience, which in turn creates a sense of nationalism. Furthermore, references to the themes of heaven and the afterlife create comforting images in the reader’s mind. Brooke describes a ‘pulse in the eternal mind’ for the ‘hearts at peace under an English heaven’, suggesting that those who die fighting for their country will find themselves in a heaven as idyllic as England. The paradisiacal images created by Brooke are a stark contrast to the gruesome images featured in Owen’s poem. Dulce et Decorum est is rich in similes that graphically illustrate the goriest details of war. The soldiers in the poem a re described as ‘old beggars’ who are ‘coughing like hags’, which illustrates a loss of dignity, health and the innocence associated with youth. As the poem progresses, a soldier is the victim of a gas attack and is described vividly, with ‘white eyes, writhing in his face’ as ‘blood comes gargling from his froth-corrupted lungs, obscene as cancer’. Owen’s dark subject matter is further explored through his juxtaposition of ‘children ardent for desperate glory’ and soldiers marching like ‘beggars under sacks’. The use of these similes and images shocks the reader and conveys the ruthless reality of war. Furthermore, the distinctive use of sound devices by both poets further illustrates their opposing views on war. The use of alliteration to createShow MoreRelatedThe War And The Reality Of War1943 Words   |  8 PagesThe attitudes to war and the reality of war are presented and developed in the play, Henry V and a selection of WW1 poems in a variety of ways. Parts of the play can be linked in with WW1 poems such as The Soldier by Rupert Brooke, Who s for the Game by Jessie Pope, Suicide in the Trenches by Siegfried Sassoon and Dulce Et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen. The Henry V play is set in England in the early fifteenth century. The political situation in England is tense: King Henry IV hasRead More A Comparison of Dulce Et Decorum Est and Exposure Essay2345 Words   |  10 PagesA Comparison of Dulce Et Decorum Est and Exposure Traditional war poetry gives the idea of patriotic idealism of war. This style of poetry implies that war is patriotic and that people who fight for their country are honorable. But many of the poets do not portray war as it really is, by glossing over the gory details with attractive images. Many traditional war poems were written before the war to persuade and encourage young boys to become loyal soldiers. Many of the soldiers were taught

Friday, December 13, 2019

Alcohol Dependency Problem Drinking Free Essays

Alcohol Dependency Problem Drinking John Greenwald Edinboro University Introduction It is difficult to locate someone in the United States who feels that alcohol dependency and problem drinking is not a national problem. (Anton, R. 2010) Alcohol dependency and problem drinking has been at the forefront of policy debates at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels regarding healthcare expenses and outcomes, legal matters, and social implications for generations. We will write a custom essay sample on Alcohol Dependency: Problem Drinking or any similar topic only for you Order Now Most times it is addressed in conjunction with drug abuse. (Anton, R. 010) A general population survey conducted earlier last decade estimated that the prevalence of problem drinking at 4. 65% and alcohol dependence at 3. 81% respectively in the United States. (Huebner Wolfgang-Kantor, 2011) There are numerous ways to treat alcohol related disorders. Here are three of those interventions auricular acupuncture, 12 step based recovery programs, and moderation management program. Auricular Acupuncture Auricular acupuncture is a holistic approach that originated in the United States during the 80’s. This form of acupuncture is widely used to treat alcohol dependency in the United States and United Kingdom as an alternative holistic approach. (Alster, M. 2010) The treatment uses five auricular acupuncture points referred to as NADA protocol, the acupuncture points are located in the ear. This intervention is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. (Alster, M. 2010) The acupuncture points used during this treatment are similar from client to client. (Alster, M. 010) The treatment modality is used in conjunction with traditional alcohol detoxification protocols, as to protect the client from physiological harm from detoxing from alcohol. One study the reported short term benefits of this intervention included feelings of relaxation, contentment, and enjoyment mixed with more long term benefits like analgesia, increases in sleep quality, and a reduction in alcohol consumption, anxiety, and cravings. (Alster, M. 2010) In addition to the positive short term benefits there were some ne gative side effects that were reported such as feelings of light eadedness, burning sensations, and feelings of heat at needle sites. (Alster, M. 2010) Furthermore, there were some initial reports of anxiety even before treatment started which was found to be largely attributed to a client’s fear of needles, doubt of effectiveness, and fear of something foreign. (Alster, M. 2010) Many of these negative side effects dissipated as time passed. (Alster, M. 2010) The aforementioned study of this modality paints an overall positive view of this approach however another study drew correlations that were not as positive. The later study did find similar short term results which included a reduction in alcohol consumption and an improvement in overall psychological well-being. (Ashton, Nodiyal, Green, Moore, Heather, 2009) However, the long term results failed to indicate significant indications of the overall effectiveness of auricular acupuncture in long term reduction in consumption, anxiety, and cravings. (Ashton et al. , 2009) 12-Step Based Recovery Programs Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded in 1935, by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, as self-help 12-step abstinence based approach to spiritual and character development. (Huebner Wolfgang-Kantor, 2011) To this day, the AA fellowship is free to join for anyone who is alcoholic and wants to be a member which makes it an appealing option for many resource strapped clients and social workers. Later in the 1950’s the (AA) model was introduced into a professional setting by a non-profit organization called Hazelden Foundation, which is still used widely by many treatment facilities today. (Huebner Wolfgang-Kantor, 2011) The Hazelden model calls for an individualized intervention plan, which includes family involvement, in the context of a 28 day inpatient setting combined with participation in AA while in treatment and post treatment as a part of an aftercare plan. Typically in this model clients also undergo cognitive-behavioral therapy and/or motivational enhancement therapy which focuses on negative consequences resulting from alcohol use and identification of triggers which can be people, places, things, and events. (Huebner Wolfgang-Kantor, 2011) In one study researchers found hat clients who suffered from alcoholism only, whom did not have a dual diagnosis or a co-occurring diagnosis, who utilized this intervention, had more abstinent days than those treated by other methods. These individuals showed significant positive outcomes which included a higher percentage of abstinent days and a decreased number of drinks consumed on drinking days. (Huebner Wolfgang-Kantor, 2011) Additionally those who used medications to help manage side effects such as cravings and anxiety reported even better outcomes. (Huebner Wolfgang-Kantor, 2011) Another study suggests that there is a lack of effectiveness and perhaps even harm inflicted by the 12 step model. (Miller, J. 2008) This study implies, â€Å"that despite decades of dominance of approaches based on 12 step principles, there have been no rigorously controlled research designs comparing 12 step treatment outcomes to no-treatment controls, and a recent review found no gains in outcome for 12 step interventions over alternative interventions. † (Miller, J. 2008) The counter research suggests that interventions which are based off of the Hazelden model â€Å"appear at best ineffective and perhaps even harmful. (Miller, J. 2008) Additionally it is noteworthy that there seems to be a lack of evidence based research that supports positive outcomes greater than negative outcomes. (Miller, J. 2008) The ethics and values of many helping professions are to empower clients to overcome their own issues and to achieve the right to self-determination. With that being said t he 12 step model instills moral guilt, deviance, and labeling while infusing its members with feelings of powerlessness and dependence on the fellowship of AA thus using external rather than internal forces to effect change. Miller, J. 2008) The disease concept of alcoholism is a central tenant to the 12 step model; it â€Å"pathologizes† individual clients by removing focus from social and mental processes that may attributing to the alcoholic behaviors. (Miller, J. 2008) The intervention appears to â€Å"reinforce counter therapeutic cognitions and behaviors. † (Miller, J. 2008) Furthermore it has been noted that the 12 step culture itself can be hostile and scrutinizing towards non-adherents. (Miller, J. 2008) Moderation Management In the 1960’s professionals in the addiction field started to ask the uestion, can alcoholics learn to control their drinking or must they abstain completely from alcohol? Moderation Management (MM) is a mutual help fellowship desi gned for problem drinkers, not alcohol dependent people, who wish to pursue a goal of moderate drinking. (Lembke Humphreys, 2012) MM’s is based on the problem drinkers individual ability to adhere to MM guidelines, which first includes a 30 day period of abstinence which is then followed by limits on daily alcohol intake. (Lembke Humphreys, 2012) The primary goal being moderate drinking, not abstinence, which can be obtained by following a 9 step approach. Lembke Humphreys, 2012) One study found that alcohol dependent clients found more positive outcomes with the 12-step recovery model. Data showed that people who reported to be only problem drinkers, without alcohol dependence, were able to recover from a diagnosed problem by a rate of 30-60% depending on whether they received treatment or just attended MM. (Lembke Humphreys, 2012) There were reports of people who identified as problem drinkers, but were really alcohol dependent, who eventually left MM because they reali zed they could not drink in moderation and needed an abstinence based intervention. Lembke Humphreys, 2012) MM widens the range of attractive options available to people with alcohol disorders. Some clinicians feel that MM is a good place to start because it can be appealing to alcohol dependent people who are adamantly opposed to abstaining entirely. (Lembke Humphreys, 2012) These same people eventually realize, because of MM’s 9 step program, that they are not able to drink in moderation and after defeat in this avenue may become more willing to try an abstinent only intervention such as AA thus serving as a starting point for anyone with an alcohol disorder. Lembke Humphreys, 2012) Interventions such as MM reinforces many helping professions code of ethics in the sense that it puts the client in the control of finding what works best for them and aids them in achieving self-efficacy. (Miller, J. 2008) Conclusion To pick one intervention that I feel is the best pick for evidence based practice in Social Work would be difficult. This is something that each clinician will have to decide on a client by client basis. Starting where the client is will help the Social Worker determine which intervention is best. I found that there is a lack of scientific research which gave any kind of correlations to any one of these interventions. Much of the research suggests that a combination of interventions along with starting where the client is what produces the best results and that no exact intervention was a smoking gun. If I had to pick one intervention that I feel is most useful in terms of helping a client who presented with alcohol dependency or who described themselves as problem drinkers, the intervention I would chose would be Moderation Management, if ethically appropriate. MM allows the client to choose his or her direction with where they are at in their alcohol dependency or problem drinking. Thus, allowing them to decide for themselves if they want to simply moderate their consumption or abstain entirely. References Zemore, S. , Kaskutas, L. (2008). 12-step involvement and peer helping in day hospital and residential programs. Substance Use Misuse, 48, 1882-1903. Huebner, R. , Wolfgang Kantor, L. (2011). Advances in alcoholism treatment. Alcohol Research Health, 33(4), 295-299. Lembke, A. Humphreys, K. (2012). Moderation management: A mutual-help organization for problem drinkers who are not alcohol dependent. Journal of Groups in Addiction Recovery, 7, 130-141. Alster, M. (2010). Auricular acupuncture at calvary alcohol other drug services: The first year. Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society, 16(2), 73-75. Ashton, H. , Nodiyal, A. , Green, D. , Moore, B. , Heather, N. (2009). Acupuncture or counseling: outcomes and predic tors of treatment choice in a non-statutory addiction service. Journal of Substance Use, 14(3-4), 151-160. Anton, R. (2010). Substance abuse is a disease of the human brain: Focus on alcohol. Journal of Law, Medicine Ethics, Winter 2010, 735-744. Miller, J. (2008). 12-step treatment for alcohol and substance abuse revisited: Best available evidence suggests lack of effectiveness or harm. Int J Ment Health Addiction, 6, 568-576. AA Intergroup. (n. d. ). Online intergroup Alcoholics Anonymous publications. In online Intergroup: Alcoholics Anonymous. http://www. aa-intergroup. org/. How to cite Alcohol Dependency: Problem Drinking, Papers

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Little Women By Louisa May Alcott (1832

Little Women By Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) Essay Little Womenby Louisa May Alcott(1832-1888)Type of Work:Sentimental, life dramaSettingA small New England town; mid 1800sPrincipal CharactersMrs. March (Marinee), mother of fourdaughtersMr. March, her husband, and army chaplainin the U.S. Civil WarMeg, their 16-year-old daughterJo, 15, wants to be an independent writer(and serves as the novels narrator)Beth, a frail girl of 13, the heartof her familyAmy, 12, the beautiful pampered youngestdaughterTheodore Lawrence (Laurie), the boy whomoves in next doorStory OverveiwThe upcoming Christmas looked like itwould be a bleak affair to the four March girls. With their father at theCivil War battlefront, and their saintly mother, Marmee, as they calledher, working to support her family, the holiday would be void of many ofits traditional pleasures. With the dollar Marmee said they might spend,the girls each settled on buying simple gifts for their mother and forthe Hummel family down the road; and receiving, in kind, surprise treatsof ice cr eam and bonbons from rich old Mr. Lawrence next door. The girls resolved to face life as Pilgrims,to overcome their weaknesses, and be good little women by the time theirfather returned. The oldest, Meg, determined to enjoy her work more andfret less about her looks. The tomboy, Jo, pledged to better control hertemper, upgrade her writing abilities and develop feminine qualities. Amydesired to be less selfish and less vain concerning her beautiful goldenhair. Everyone believed Beth, the home-body, to be perfect, but she earnestlyprayed to overcome her fear of people. The girls labored for the next yearto acquire these qualities, with much success and occasional failure. At years end, Meg confidently and excitedlyattended a fashionable New Years dance. She talked Jo into accompanyingher, but Jo didnt care much for girls or girlish gossip, and felt asmuch out of place as a colt in a flower garden. Running from a prospectivedance-mate, Jo hid behind a curtain. But she wasnt the only bashful one. To her surprise, there she met little Theodore Lawrence, or Laurie, aseveryone referred to him, the new next-door-neighbor boy. Awkwardly, theyintroduced themselves, but as they peeped through the curtain together,gossiping and chatting, they soon felt like old acquaintances. A lifelongfriendship was formed. Laurie had been orphaned as a baby and now livedwith his crusty Grandfather Lawrence in his great mansion. In the Marchfamily, Laurie found a circle of sisters and a mother he never knew; andthey found, in him, a brother and a son. Through that year, the girls learned tobe happy in their work. Meg, by spending two weeks at the estate of a wealthygirl friend, discovered how wonderful her own home life was, even if herfamily was poor. Jo detected that she was not the only one struggling withoutbursts of anger. Much to her amazement, her mother also possessed ahidden temper. This knowledge helped Jo believe she could, with effort,control hers. After all, her great wish was to become a famous romancewriter; reaching that goal would require discipline. Jos romantic novelswere soon published. Amy continued to grow more beautiful, but also cameto understand the need for humility. After being embarrassingly reprimandedbefore the whole school, she began to understand that conceit spoils thefinest genius. And Beth remained extremely shy, but was still the heartand joy of her family. Everyone, especially Jo, came to gentle Beth forcomfort. .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c , .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c .postImageUrl , .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c , .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c:hover , .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c:visited , .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c:active { border:0!important; } .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c:active , .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u029502ad0cdc09096d57fbd0dfc4305c:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: WHy you really don't hate reality television. EssayOne winter day, a telegram arrived fromthe war department: Mr. March was critically ill. Heartsick by this news,Marmee felt she needed to be with her husband. With no money to spare,Joe offered to sell her only vanity her long, flowing chestnut hair. The sacrifice, though tearfully made, brought twenty-five dollars, andfinanced the trip. Mr. Lawrence sent along John Brooke, Lauries tutor,to assist Mrs. March in her journey. Both Mr. and Mrs. March grew to bevery fond of John and he, in turn, became very fond of Meg. Back at home, dark days were to visit thelittle women. Patterning herself after her mother, Beth continued to carefor the large, impoverished Hummel family. One night she returned homedepressed and crying. She had just held the Hummel baby in her arms ashe died of Scarlet Fever. Beth also contracted the fever, becoming muchmore infirm than anyone expected. It was a somber time for all, as shehovered near death. Fearing the worst, the girls finally telegraphed theirmother of Beths deteriorating condition. But the very night Marmee returned,Beths crisis passed and her health improved. It was a happy family thatwelcomed their mother home. As the second Christmas arrived, the girlsanticipated their fathers homecoming. Their joy was complete when Lauriearrived and announced, Heres another Christmas present for the Marchfamily, and in walked their father. During the jubilant family reunion,Mr. March admired his family, reflecting on how the girls had changed overthe years. Meg had defeated much of her vanity, and had cultivated industryand the womanly skills to create a happy home. Jo had become a gentle younglady, who dressed properly and no longer used slang. He noticed that Amynow took the poorer cut of meat, waited on everyone with patience and humor,and seldom gazed at herself in the mirror. As for Beth, her father simplyheld her near, grateful she was still alive. They all agreed Mr. Marchsabsence had been a productive period, and that the girls were becominglittle women of great talent, beauty and grace. Three years passed. Much to Jos initialhorror, she saw the family begin to split up when Meg became Mrs. JohnBrooke. Like all new wives, Meg learned the art of homemaking and how toorganize and spend money frugally. Shortly, twins, Daisy and Demi, arrived. Meg discovered that John, too, could help take care of the children, asshe began to include him even more in her life. Jo also had matured, and her friend, Laurie,fell more deeply in love with her. Despite all her efforts to change hisheart, Laurie proposed marriage. Jo, devoted to her writing and publishing,was dismayed because she could never love Laurie more than as a brother,and refused his proposal. Brokenhearted, Laurie left with his uncle ona tour of Europe. But Laurie was not the only one voyaging to Europe; Amywas traveling there, accompanying her rich aunt. She soon learned someof lifes harsher lessons. To her initial disappointment, she first detectedthat she would never be a great artist. She also came to recognize thatmarrying for money rather than love would not lead to happiness. Inevitably,Amys and Lauries paths crossed and they each gradually grew in love forthe other. To the delight of all, they too were wed. But at home the family grieved a greatloss. Beth, never fully recovered from the fever, had slowly faded away,no longer to sit contentedly by the fire knitting and smiling. Jo uneartheda great emptiness in her heart and life after her sisters death. Meg andJohn, and Amy and Laurie were happily married. Though Jo had resolved neverto marry, still she felt an awful loneliness as she wondered what directionher life should take. While struggling with these feelings, a tutor enteredher life, Professor Bhaer. He was an older, German gentleman, filled witna genteel love. People turned to him because of the compassion he so freelygave, akin to Beths spirit. This love healed Jo. They married and openeda school for lads, a good, happy homelike school. Jo looked after theboys while the professor taught them in the large, Plumfield home, willedto Jo by her aunt. .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa , .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa .postImageUrl , .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa , .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa:hover , .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa:visited , .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa:active { border:0!important; } .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa:active , .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u63c368e179c7b6a1f2a327db5e0207fa:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Critical Review of 1984 By Geo EssayAs the sisters gathered together to celebrateMarmees birthday, they agreed that their lives were happy, rich and full. The little women had become cultured, confident young ladies. There atthe table, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, along with oneempty chair, symbolizing their love for Beth, sat the contented mother. She wished that such a moment could last forever. CommentaryLouisa May Alcotts most famous novel,Little Women is based on her own family life in Concord, Massachusetts. Like Jo, the books heroine, Louisa hungered to gain independence and toimprove her familys situation by writing successful novels. Little Womenis a cheerful, wholesome account of the daily life of a highly principledfamily. It is considered one of the earliest realistic novels suitablefor older children; and, as a childrens story, the language is often stilted. Alcott also tends to moralize. But the book also holds a personal charmfor grownups, who may see their own carefree childhood the simple joysof youth and deep love of family mirrored in its pages.