Adoption And Idenity Essays - Adoption, Family, Family Law

Adoption And Idenity Adoption and Identity Formation There has been an enormous amount of research conducted about adoptees and their problems with identity formation. Many of the researchers agree on some of the causes of identity formation problems in adolescent adoptees, while other researchers conclude that there is no significant difference in identity formation in adoptees and birth children. This paper will discuss some of the research, which has been conducted and will attempt to answer the following questions: Do adoptees have identity formation difficulties during adolescence? If so, what are some of the causes of these vicissitudes? Is there a significant difference between identity formation of adoptees and non-adoptees? The National Adoption Center reports that fifty-two percent of adoptable children have attachment disorder symptoms. It was also found that the older the child when adopted, the higher the risk of social maladjustment (Benson et al., 1998). This is to say that a child who is adopted at one-week of age will have a better chance of normal adjustment than a child who is adopted at the age of ten will. This may be due in part to the probability that an infant will learn how to trust, where as a ten-year-old may have more difficulty with this task, depending on his history. Eric Erickson, a developmental theorist, discusses trust issues in his theory of development. The first of Erickson's stages of development is Trust v. Mistrust. A child who experiences neglect or abuse can have this stage of development severely damaged. An adopted infant may have the opportunity to fully learn trust, where as an older child may have been shuffled from foster home to group home as an infant, thereby never learning trust. Even though trust v. mistrust is a major stage of development, the greatest psychological risk for adopted children occurs during the middle childhood and adolescent years(McRoy et al., 1990). As children grow and change into adolescents, they begin to search for an identity by finding anchoring points with which to relate. Unfortunately, adopted children do not have a biological example to which to turn (Horner & Rosenberg, 1991), unless they had an open adoption in which they were able to form a relationship with their biological families as well as their adoptive ones. Also key to the development of trust is the ability to bond with adoptive parents. The absence of a biological bond between the adoptee and adoptive parents may cause trust issues in the adoptee (Wegar, 1995). Baran (1975) stated, Late adolescence . . . is the period of intensified identity concerns and is a time when the feelings about adoption become more intense and questions about the past increase. Unless the adopted child has the answers to these arising questions, identity formation can be altered and somewhat halted. McRoy et al. (1990) agrees with this point: Adolescence is a period when young pe ople seek an integrated and stable ego identity. This occurs as they seek to link their current self-perceptions with their 'self perceptions from earlier periods and with their cultural and biological heritage' (Brodzindky, 1987, p. 37). Adopted children sometimes have difficulty with this task because they often do not have the necessary information from the past to begin to develop a stable sense of who they are. They often have incomplete knowledge about why they were relinquished and what their birth parents were like, and they may grieve not only for the loss of their birth parents but for the loss of part of themselves. In essence, it seems that the adolescent's identity formation is impaired because he holds the knowledge that his roots or his essence have been severed and remain on the unknown side of the adoption barrier. The identity struggles of the adolescent are part of a human need to connect with their natural clan and failure to do so may precipitate psychopathology (Wegar, 1995). Also in agreement with Wegar, McRoy, and Baran is Frisk. Baran et al. (1975) wrote, Frisk conceptualized that the lack of family background knowledge in the adoptee prevents the development of a healthy 'genetic ego' . . In most of the studies surveyed, the researchers are in agreement about one fact. Vital to the adopted adolescent's identity

Mc Phail v Doulton (1970)

Mc Phail v Doulton (1970) Free Online Research Papers Q ) ‘It seems to be as plain as can be that if all the objects are not ascertainable, then to distribute amongst the known object is to take a narrower class than the settler has directed and so to conflict with his intention.’ (Lord Guest (dissenting) in Mc Phail v Doulton (1970)). Discuss. As stated in question the statement is a dissenting view of Lord Guest in Mc Phail v Doulton (1970). For better understanding, it would be convenient to break the statements into parts. First, ‘If all the objects are not ascertainable’. This entails that all the objects of the trust to be identified or specified by the settler Broadway Cottages. Second, â€Å"to distribute among the known objects† means â€Å"any given postulant test† or â€Å"is or is not test† as in Gulbenkian. Third, â€Å"is to take a narrower class† it is a view of the judge which needs discussion to see whether â€Å"is or is not test† conflicts with the directed intention of the settler or not. Proceeding accordingly, the first thing to consider is certainty of objects. For certainty of objects to subsist, a settler must give conceptually certain class to trustee. Previously, in fixed trust and discretionary trust it was necessary to identify all the members of the stipulated class of settler for the valid execution of the trust. This was known as complete list test as settled in I.R.C v. Broadway Cottages (1955). Jenkins LJ in Court of Appeal in Broadway regarded this test as contrary to common sense with regard to discretionary trust. Moreover, the dissenting judges Hodson LJ and Guest LJ in McPhail regarded it as absurd and contrary to public interest and held that it should to be changed by statue respectively. The reason that the dissenting judges had ambivalence regarding Broadway test was concept of duty. They held that if objects are not ascertainable the court could not control and execute that trust because if trustees fail to exercise their discretion, the court could not direct an equal distribution among the beneficiaries because to execute a discretionary trust application of complete list test was necessary. Lord Wilberforce in McPhail demolished the complete list argument. He emphasized that the purpose of the discretionary trust is to appoint trustee to distribute property fairly among beneficiaries. He insisted the application of equal distribution as illogical because it would produce a result beneficial to none in case of big class in discretionary trust. Equal distribution is not the motive behind the discretionary trust. Equal distributions are matters used in family matters and not elsewhere. Lord Wilberforce is giving more flexibility to court. In addition, discretionary trust is meant to distinguish deserving from undeserving. You do not need equal division in discretionary trusts. This is because, as oppose to fix trusts, in discretionary no one has the right to entitlement to trust property. Therefore, you also do not need to know everyone in the class for a valid execution of the trust. Only those beneficiaries are given share which trustee chooses among the class. The second thing to consider in this essay is â€Å"is or is not test.† The court of first instance in McPhail construed the provisions in as Power. They concluded that the words were fluffy which entailed no obligation on trustee thus power. Goff J used Gestetner rule, while applying the wider interpretation of Lord Denning of court of appeal in Gulbenkian. The rule validates power if any individual comes within the class. Court of Appeal in McPhail accepted the fact that the arguments found in favor of interpreting the provisions as a trust or power were of equal standing. Since, at that time, discretionary test used to apply complete list test of Broadway, it would have meant that the trust would fail of evidential uncertainty therefore court of appeal construed it as power. Notwithstanding, Lord Harman in court of appeal criticized the merits of Broadway rule in discretionary trust on policy grounds. His stance was that saying the provisions were trust or power sho uld not invalidate the deed in either case and that invalidity of a discretionary trust by not being able to make a complete is just absurd and embarrassing. While the case was in court of appeal, House of Lords in ReGulbenkians had reestablished the narrower approach of â€Å"is or is not† test. Test required that if it is applied to any random person, it would be possible to say of every person, with certainty, whether he falls in the class of defined objects or not. This test entailed that without actually surveying, on paper you can say for sure that using that particular test would give a certain result. With this interpretation in hand, court of appeal in McPhail regarded the provisions as amounting to power and ordered resubmission of the case to the chancery division to check on evidence whether the provisions fulfill the narrower interpretation of Gestetner test. Tendency of courts had become more inclined towards not using complete list test for discretionary test. This was an unnecessary hurdle towards the validity of discretionary trusts. Broadway requirement was rendering many trusts as not valid. This rule was as old as nineteenth century where courts had established in several cases that where trustees failed to carry out a trust, the court would simply order an equal distribution Kemp v Kemp(1801), Brown v Higgs(1800). The decision In I.R.C v Broadway Cottages had led to series of cases where discretionary trusts in favor employees, ex-employees, dependants, etc. were brought before courts to check there validity. Re Sayer Trust (1957), Re Eden (1957), Re Hain’s Settlement (1961), Re Saxone Shoe Co. Ltd’s Trust Deed (1962) and Re Leek (1969). In these cases if courts decided that income or capital of trust fund were subject to discretionary than all its objects had to be ascertainable following Broadway otherwise in cases of mere power it would be valid if it met the test laid down in Re Gestetner(1953). More problems emerged with time to time. It was impractical to expect a complete list in cases of big class. Lord Reid in Gulbenkian and Lord Wilberforce in McPhail stipulated that sometimes the class is so big, notwithstanding conceptually certain, it is simply administratively unworkable to carry out a trust by making a complete list. It was felt that just because you do not have enough evidence to locate all beneficiaries it would be unfair to reject a trust. Similarly, a strong desire had emerged to allow trustees to execute a trust and not defeat a trust on mere technicality or ,as later decided, on the basis of peradventure(chance, doubt or evidential uncertainty) Re Hays Settlements(1982). It had a few benefits such as you can at least benefit some people where as in complete list trust, even if one person is not found(certain) than no one would get the benefit. This would in turn waste the time of settlor and wastage of purpose of transferring the property in the name of trustee and wastage of lots of money used to create a trust. House of Lords took notice of all the detriments brought by complete list test in the field of discretionary test and brought an important change in the English law of trust. House of Lords in McPhail brought an end to rule in I.R.C v Broadway Cottages (1955) (complete list test in discretionary trust). House of Lords in McPhail felt that, as power is almost practically same and closest to discretionary trust so court decided to apply the test used in power to discretionary trusts from now onwards. The difference was just of enforceability not of kind. They imported narrower approach of â€Å"is or not† test as laid down by Lord Upjohn in ReGulbenkians. The premise of this change was that if the trustee’s job is X than court would not diverge from that and would do the same job X to carry out the trust if in case trustees fail to execute a trust. Court would not do anything different from the powers conferred on to trustees. This stance was in compliance to very old cases Moseley v Moseley (1673), Clarke v Turner (1694), Warburton v Warburton (1702), Harding v Glyn (1739), Richardson v Chapman (1760). In these cases, chancery judges a ssumed free legal authority to exercise the discretions which settlor conferred on trustees. Although all the judges in McPhail agreed that, it was a discretionary trust. However, two of the judges Lord Hodson and Lord Guest who had previously supported Broadway rule in Gulbenkian were still in favor of this rule in McPhail and insisted to apply complete list test. This inevitably meant that trust would fail due to evidential uncertainty but they still gave strong dissenting judgments. As already mentioned in question Lord Guest iterated that it would be opposite to settlor’s intentions if we do not allow complete list test and follow the narrower interpretation of â€Å"is or is not† test. In response to practical approach laid down by Lord Wilberforce for ruling out Broadway, dissenting judges raised the argument that practical expediency should not be dictating questions of law. They held that trustees should consider everyone, whether he deserves or not. Therefore, to secure a right to be considered a complete list test still desirable. Moreover, com plete list test gives more certainty. Lord Wilberforce in response to this emphasized that ascertaining all complete list of defined group is costly. He accentuated to conduct reasonable enquires and ascertain group reasonably as it is not sensible or good thing to ascertain everyone as it is costly too. This was similar to imposing a duty to survey as in Re Gestetner and encouraging trustee not to just stop in ascertaining class by just finding one person who falls within that class. If trustees had to defray more to ascertain objects of the class then the original trusts fund, it would simply be odd to carry out that trust. Further, he articulated that if trustees refuse to execute trust, court could have methods to implement the intentions of the trustees in the best possible way. It could appoint new trustees, force present trustees, in extreme cases courts itself could do it or can appoint committee from the representatives of the class of beneficiaries. To say that the application of narrower approach of is or is not test conflicts with the intention of the settlor is not appropriate. In fixed trust, where complete list test is still used, beneficiary’s can come to court and then court can distribute equally. For equal distribution, you need exact list. Equity is equality. Trustees have limited choice in terms of distribution. Only equal distribution is allowed. If here trustee do any kind of discrepancy then it can be validly argued that trustees are diverging from the intention of the settlor. Whereas in the case of discretionary test settlor, himself, gives trustee the power to distribute among anyone he like from the people who fall in the class. Therefore, in case of discretionary trust settlor gives his submission to the conscience of the trustee to execute the trust fairly. Settlor has no authority to question how the trust was carried out except for the fact that trusts fund was distributed within the stipula ted class of beneficiaries. House of Lords sent this case back to chancery division to determine the validity of the provisions under the narrower approach of is or is not test. Brightman J in chancery division regarded the provisions as certain and then the case went up to court of appeal as ReBaidens No.2 where three judges gave different interpretations to is or is not test. Sachs LJ clearly distinguished conceptual and evidential certainty. He said that evidential uncertainty could never fail a trust; if you could just locate just one person, the trust would be valid. Megaw LJ stated that if you know or discovered substantial number of beneficiaries who fall in the class than the class is certain. The problem is the word â€Å"substantial.† Judge said it is a matter of common sense. Substantial and few are just a matter of degree. This interpretation of the test is just like the rejected interpretation of is or is not test in court of appeal in Gulbenkian where the power was held valid if any one or few people fell within the class than trust was valid. Stamp LJ asserted you should be able to say with complete certainty that someone falls in the class or not. Sacks LJ and Megaw LJ say if there are some people, of which you are not sure than even in that scenario the trust is valid. As oppose to this the test for â€Å"Is nor is not test† by Stamp LJ is very stringent. However, it is still to be determined whose interpretation of â€Å"is or is not† test is regarded as good law. Research Papers on Mc Phail v Doulton (1970)Standardized TestingArguments for Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS)Research Process Part OneBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XUnreasonable Searches and SeizuresMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesQuebec and CanadaCapital PunishmentIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalThe Project Managment Office System

Shawshank Redemption Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Shawshank Redemption - Essay Example In Shawshank Redemption, the major themes revolve around the power of intelligence, the power of friendship and the power of hope. In the movie, Shawshank redemption, one could appreciate how the power of intelligence becomes portrayed. The character Andy on arrival to Shawshank prison, asked his friend Red to help him procure a rock hammer, polishing cloth and a large poster of Rita Hayworth. Nobody actually knew the importance of these 3 things until one day when Andy made an escape to Mexico after boring a hole through the prison walls. In addition, it is via Andy’s intelligence after helping the prison guard with family and financial issues while working at the prison’s license plate factory that he managed to secure a job as a person who did their paper work. Just from that simple act of intelligence, Andy managed to secure a status where he became protected from the notorious prison gang called Sisters that used to molest him. In addition, through his intelligence , he manages to secure a place as the prison’s librarian and expands it more in a century. Through his association with the guards, he managed to do money laundering business ran by Norton. Andy therefore gained much reputation in prison and ultimately became the people’s hero as he escaped prison, leading to Norton giving up on the search and resigning. Intelligence has been demonstrated in many prison movies, for instance Prison Break. In Prison break for instance, the main character, Michael Scofield uses his wit in order to get his brother out of prison. Prison break is majorly a season that depicts how intelligence could be of great value in evading problematic situations. The character Andy could be likened to Michael Scofield in Prison Break as both used intelligence to break out of prison. In relation to the theme, in my past experience, I have been saved a lot by depicting some act of intelligence and highly appreciate its use in real life. In Shawshank Redemp tion, power of friendship remains a theme that gets depicted entirely in the film. Andy on arrival at Shawshank made friends with Red. It is via the friendship that Andy managed to secure the very items that his used in plotting his escape. Andy asked Red to secure for him a rock hammer, polishing cloth and a poster of Rita Hayworth. If not for being friends, Red would not have secured these items for Andy. In addition, Red always was present to talk and console Andy after being mishandled by the gang called Sisters. It is while working at the prison’s license plate factory, that Andy made a deal that saw his friends get 3 beers while working at that place. In addition, in gaining favor from the prison guards and Norton, Andy managed to have his friends protected too from the gangs that used to torment in mates. As a sign and gratitude to true friendship, Andy had earlier on told Red about the money and the key in the mountain rocks near the prison that eventually led Reds to joining him in Mexico. Red on being released some few years after Andy’s escape, one day went to the area where he was told he would find a key, but got more than he had hoped for, a true friend asking Red to join him in Mexico. The movie ends with Red being overjoyed about meeting his prison and lifelong prison. In relation to Prison Break, Michael Scofield, cared and treated his brother as a

Trends in Business Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Trends in Business Leadership - Essay Example Changes in the work environment lead to new leadership styles whereby leaders change their styles to remain effective. Such changes include improvement in key processes, streamlining functions and restructuring for effectiveness. For an organization to sustain relevance in business, strategists must be put in place to improve the organization’s ability to read and respond to changing trends in the market environment. They should be able to identify challenges in time and respond promptly by improving structures that boost business flexibility and adaptability. Adaptability reduces rigidity of the leaders and enables them to commit to current and future changes. Therefore, they should view change as inevitable and essential part of organization success. The goal of such changes is adapt, regenerate and survive (McLean, 2006). This paper discusses five main trends in business leadership, the reasons for emerging trends and strategies to cope with these trends. Reasons for Trends in Leadership Most leaders lack competencies in strategic thinking, leading change, ability to inspire, techniques to create a vision and involve others in it. They also lack the ability to understand the organizational set up and proper functioning of systems. Most business organizations contain a large number of interacting processes and structures that are difficult to manage. This has forced many organizations to adopt strategies geared towards improving performance and attaining as well as maintaining competitive advantage. Effective leadership is the most significant of the strategies, thus most leaders are pressured by high performance expectation resulting to the emergence of new trends. Information systems in many organizations are indecipherable and complicated making the interactions between different organs of an organization difficult. Interactions in these organizations are non linear complicated implying that minute changes in leadership leads to pronounced, dispropo rtionate effects at all departments. This has led to communication trends and the need for effective leadership trends. Increased globalization has increased the urge to lead across cultures. The transformation from traditional organizational strategies has allowed room for flexibility and expansion enabling businesses to explore international markets. Most local markets are also facing stiff competition from local firms therefore creating a need for most organizations to explore international markets. Most organizations are favoring global-oriented who are able to formulate effective strategies that promote international business. Technology trends are caused by information overload, lack of interconnectedness between organization systems and business communities. Most of the new technologies also disrupt the professional practices. Organizations are thus edged towards effective leadership skills that are technologically sound to steer management towards technological advancement. The main trends in business leadership are: Focus on Human Resource Current market research indicates that most organizations consider human resource as the most eminent asset in corporate growth. Emerging trends predict that human resource will be the most

Importance of Creeds in Christianity

Importance of Creeds in Christianity Why exactly was it important for early Christianity to get clear on its creeds, and what it claimed was necessary to be a believer? Creeds are statements that define the Christian belief most of which were formulated during the early times of Christianity before the church was split into the Orthodox and the Roman church. The creeds were crucial elements of the Christian faith, and it was important for all to have clarity, because through achieving clarity of the creed, one was able to understand the faith at a much deeper level. The creed was an actual declaration of what the faith stood for. If one did not understand the creed well then, they would not be fully aware of what they believe in. Clarity was also essential to solve any conflicts that could arise in a church, as these statements outline or define the faith and what it stands for. They served as the mirror that the proponents would use to solve any confusions or misunderstanding. In other words, the creed served as a problem-solving manual, through which one could refer for clarification (Van Voorst, 2015). Qualities of a believer according to early Christians In the early time of Christianity, dated from the time of Jesus, proponents of this religion set a good example defined by the qualifications that they believed as for what a true believer had to possess. They were obedient to the laws of the land even though in their hearts they belonged to the kingdom of heaven. They also had to obey what the earthly authority outlined for them to follow, for they well knew that any authority originates from God. Daily Christian practices were mandatory for anyone who qualified to be called a believer. Some of these practices included; going to church so as to fellowship with other believers, giving alms to the poor and the people in need, participating in prayers and observance of Christian feasts among many other requirements. What are the issues about what was considered non-negotiable and (arguably) what was not? The outline of how to live life for the early Christians was clearly illustrated in the creeds that were guided by principles from the Bible. It is from these principles that they were able to come up with doctrines that could not be negotiated and those that could. Non-negotiable aspects were the primary truths on which the faith was built. For example, the concept of the Trinity was one non-negotiable issue. Even though one could not understand how the Trinity was a representation of one God, they could not dispute with that or try to come up with a counter theory on the existence of God in the three aspects. Jesus Christ as the only source of forgiveness for the human sins was not negotiable. The Christianity itself was based on the existence of Jesus and so the only way of forgiveness. Negotiable aspects are those that people could appeal to the elders for regulation. The issue of tithing could be regulated when people felt that there was a good reason to do so. It had nothing to do with the original foundations of the faith. With reference to the Nicene Creed, should the filioque controversy be an adequate reason for the split between Orthodox Christianity and Western, pre-Reformation Catholic Christianity? The filioque controversy arose from the addition of the clause and the son to the original creed to form- I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father à ¢Ã… ¸Ã‚ ¨and the Son (Molloy,2012). This addition caused an implication of suggesting that the Holy Spirit is given to human beings through God the father and the son. As a result of the disagreements on the Pope allowing the addition of that clause, there was division in the church to form the Eastern and the Western Christianity in the year 1054.   This was not reason enough for the division of the church regardless of the explanations that people may have given. The fact remains that both the Orthodox and the Western Christianity believe in the power of the Son of God. They both attest to the fact that he has power and that means that if he is the way of salvation, then he can also give the Spirit for he is supreme. References Molloy, M. (2012). Experiencing the Worlds Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change (6th ed.) McGraw-Hill Education. Van Voorst, R. E. (2015). Anthology of world scriptures, 9th edition. Cengage Learning

Benefits of computing gross profit on sales in contrast to contribution margin Essay

The computation of gross profit on sales, which can be derived under the absorption costing approach, is a profitability measure normally conducted under financial analysis.   This accounting ratio outlines the gross profit generated from every $100 of sales.   Such measure is highly useful in financial analysis, because it provides indications on the profitability potential and cost efficiency of the company.  Ã‚   For instance, if there was an increase in sales of 10%, but the gross profit margin declined by 4%. This indicates that the cost efficiency of the organization deteriorated during the period.   Such analysis cannot be conducted under the contribution margin approach, because gross profit is not present.   However, under the contribution margin approach one can calculate the contribution to sales ratio which indicates the contribution determined from every $100 of sales.   This would also provide indications on the control of variable costs once compared over time. Difference in Net Income arising from different approaches. In the example of ABC Company the profit under the two methods is the same.   However, this is not always the case.   Profits under the two methods differ whenever there is movement in inventory.   This is due to the fact that since under the absorption costing technique fixed manufacturing costs are included in the cost of goods sold, a proportion of fixed costs will be included in inventory leading to such a difference. Contribution margin approach not allowable for external reporting. The contribution margin approach, despite being highly useful to provide valuable information for decision making, is not acceptable for external reporting.   This is due to the fact that it does not comply with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). For example, under the GAAP the income statement layout should clearly outline the gross profit made by the company.   Under the contribution margin method this is not highlighted.   Another important reason why the absorption approach is allowable for external reporting and not the contribution approach is due to the way in which the income statement is classified. The GAAP state that the income statement is classified by function, like under the absorption method.   In the contribution approach it is classified by cost behavior.   Indeed separation between fixed and variable costs is made under such method. This conflicts with another requirement of the GAAP. Reference: Drury C. (1996). Management and Cost Accounting. Fourth Edition. New York: International Thomson Business Press.   

A Separate Peace: Destroyed Everything Essay

In the 1940’s, World War II had a huge impact on the everyday lives of Americans. Many people had to sacrifice money, supplies, food and even lives to contribute to the war effort. However, the characters in John Knowles’ â€Å"A Separate Peace† appear to be sheltered from the influences of the international conflicts as a result of attending an all-boys boarding school. The novel focuses on the friendship between Finny and Gene, two friends who bonded during the carefree summer sessions at the Devon School. When the winter approaches, the students find themselves having to deal with stricter administration and rules. The new order and increasing impact of the war causes the students to stress and worry. In an effort to relieve the misery, Finny decides to organize a winter carnival for the pupils. Although the festivities of the winter carnival suggest that the boys have been successful in creating a separate peace, Knowles’ use of war imagery in describi ng the setting, prizes, and the boy’s behavior suggests that this peace is illusory. Although the setting of the carnival seems serene at first, a closer look at the descriptive language reveals that the Devon school is in a war-like state. The brutal winter causes the students to have a depressing view of their school life. The despair that the cold weather has brought with it causes Gene to loathe winter, he compares it to a â€Å"corrupt†¦conqueror† who’s presence has â€Å"destroyed everything†. In spite of getting ready for a carnival, Gene still finds it hard to return to the pleasant mood that he had felt during the summer semester. The difference between winter and summer signify the difference between times of war and times of peace. Like the winter season, the war appears to demolish everything, including the feeling of happiness. On the day of the festival, the students still cannot get rid of his glum attitude. Knowles describes the Saturday of the carnival to be â€Å"battleship gray†. Through the use of foreshadowing, th e author reveals the tension among the boys. Even though the students manage to get along at first, the sullen weather hints to the clash that will take place later on. As the activities are taking place, Gene shows amazement at the fact that everyone appears to be so careless and unrestrained. The narrator feels that the carnival had allowed the students to be liberated from the â€Å"gray encroachments of 1943†. The carnival permitted the students to have one day of freedom from the strict administrations at the school. However, Gene automatically connects the warm feeling to the horrific war. He realizes that the lack of restraint on the students is only temporary; they will soon have to return back to their normal lives after the carnival. This is similar to the way the peaceful life at the Devon school is only for the time being, the boys will eventually have to face the reality of the war when they graduate. Despite Finny’s effort to recreate the lighthearted summer life by organizing the winter carnival, he is unsuccessful because the school is not the friendly haven it once was. The rewards offered at the winter carnival reflec t the boys’ loss of innocence as they struggle to become men. At school, the students are taught to prepare themselves to fight in the war. This is the reason why one of the sought after prizes is a â€Å"set of York barbells†. It reveals the desires of the young men to serve their country. The teenagers all want to become great soldiers and to do so, they must start training as early as possible. Knowles shows that the characters are growing up and are accepting of their future in the war. The winnings also exposes that the adolescents are no longer the innocent kids they once were. A piece of hair â€Å"cut under duress† that once belonged to the â€Å"professional town belle† was placed on the prize table. The fact that the boys are after locks of hair from a prostitute means that they are going through hormonal changes and are testosterone-driven. As a result of not knowing how to deal with these developments, the students resort to taking forceful actions to fulfill their desires. Gene’s classmate, Brinker goes through great lengths to get awards which include doing irresponsible things. However, he does not show remorse for these actions. Brinker places the money from the â€Å"Headmaster’s Discretionary Benevolent Fund† on the prize table with â€Å"silent dignity†. As the kids grow older, they begin to act unethically and show a disregard for authority. As they lose their innocence, their moral compass also disintegrates. Although they are struggling to become adults, they end up acting immature and childish. The prizes appear to be normal on the surface but the deeper meaning reveals the teens’ malicious behavior. The normally well-behaved students act unruly and aggressively suggesting that they are taking on the demeanor of soldiers they are destined to become. During the planning of the carnival, the boys take on roles that parallel military positions. Brinker naturally played the part of the commander, he â€Å"super vises the transfer† and walks around â€Å"giving orders† to other students. The boys are acting more and more like soldiers as they grow older. When they get together, they operate as if they were actually in the military. The violent nature of the boys becomes evident when Knowles points out that the designated trumpet player, Chet, blew the â€Å"barbaric call of a bullfight†. The author is comparing the students to bulls, both are wild and brutal. The boys are no longer civil and friendly with each other; they have turned against their classmates. Like many real soldiers, the boys appear to be obsessed with violence and cannot contain their craving to fight. Though the carnival starts off good-naturedly and fun, it soon turns ugly when the cider-fueled boys show their savage behavior. They break â€Å"apart into a riot† and explode â€Å"like a bomb†. Despite Finny’s intention of having a jovial carnival, they young men ruin this chance by unexpectedly acting out. They could not hold back their destructive ways any longer, and the carnival gave them the perfect opportunity to break out. As it is in the war, peace at the Devon School is not possible and violence is inevitable. Chapter 9 ends with a telegram from Leper, a former student who had enlisted in the army, informing Gene that he has escaped from the military. This shocks the students back to reality as they come to the understanding that the war is real and that they are unprepared for such dangers. Using war-centered word choice, John Knowles makes it very clear that the feeling of peace that the characters feel is deceptive and short lived. Therefore, all the boys can do is wish for the war to end so they can find a real and permanent peace.