Challenges Facing Human Resource Professionals - 1609 Words

Challenges Human Resource Professionals face in meeting the needs of the contemporary Workforce â€Å"In the War for Talent† In recent times, Human Resource Professional has faced a growing number of challenges in responding to the needs of the contemporary workforce and attempting to win â€Å"The War for Talent†. These include globalisation, increasing workplace diversity, technological change and an aging workforce among others. This essay will attempt to show that the three most pressing concerns the Human Resources Professional faces today in satisfying the needs of the contemporary workforce; are those of addressing skill gaps, ensuring employee wellbeing and adapting to increased workplace diversity. Companies will need, to address these three areas; in order to become â€Å"Employers of Choice†; meet the needs of their employees and achieve their Strategic Human Resource objectives and ultimately succeed in â€Å"The War for Talent†. The first challenge facing human resource professionals in â€Å"The War for Talent† is addressing the emerging skills gap. As stated in Lauby (2016) The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) defines the skills gap as â€Å"the gap between an organization’s current capability and those it needs, to achieve its goals†. According to Lauby (2016), the skills gap prevents companies from being competitive because they have reached the point where they are unable to expand because they cannot engage or do not possess employees with the requisite skills,Show MoreRelatedThe Emerging Challenges in Human Resource Management Essay923 Words   |  4 Pagesthe past human resources management played more of an administrative role which were consist of processing payrolls, sending birthday gifts to employees, rearranging company outings, and making sure forms were filled out correctly. Human resource management has experienced several changes over the last twent y years such as staffing, development of Workplace policies, compensation and benefits administration, retention, and training and development. These changes have brought many challenges to humanRead More1. Abstract . We Have Little Knowledge About The Report,1693 Words   |  7 Pages1. ABSTRACT We have little knowledge about the report, we are discussing about the global talent management (GTM) and the role of the corporate human resource function in multinational corporations. International mobility its new forms, increased global talents hunting are the two perspectives of GTM. GTM discusses and considered primarily about the mechanisms and following the willingness to enter the emerging markets using organisational ability to maintain or managing the talents. These issuesRead Morethe biggest challenges and biggest opportunities facing new managers entering industry883 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿ In the current economic climate, what are the biggest challenges and biggest opportunities facing new managers entering industry? Full reference 1 Department for Business (2012) ‘Leadership Management in the UK - The Key to Sustainable Growth’ [online] available from [05 November 2013] Source type This paper has been written by the Department for Business, Innovation Skills Leadership and Management Network Group (LMNG). Key contributors include Petra Wilton and Patrick Woodman ofRead MoreHealth Care Human Resources Management1315 Words   |  6 PagesHealth Care Management ` Assignment 1: Health Care Human Resources Management Policia Williams Dr. Jo-Rene Queensberry HSA 530: Human Resources Management in Health Care July 21, 2013 1. Analyze two (2) current trends in health care that are affecting human resources management that may likely impact your hiring decision as HR manager. Provide support for your analysis. Two trends in health care affecting human resources management that may likely impact your hiring decision asRead MoreQuestions On Human Resource Management1498 Words   |  6 PagesISSUE IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Prepared by: Muhammad Salman Sami Roll # 1301064 What is HRM? Human Resource Management (HRM) is the function within an organization that focuses on recruitment of, management of, and providing direction for the people who work in the organization. CURRENT ISSUE IN HRM INTRODUCTION Fundamentally, HRM is based on the assumption that employees are individuals with varying goals and needs and Human resources departmentRead MoreThe Human Resources For Health983 Words   |  4 Pages Another challenge affecting the human resources for health in Malawi is shortage as a result of migration of professional health workers to management related work or positions(9). Medical doctors and state registered nurses are being promoted to take up managerial positions either in government or working in Non-Governmental Organisations (21). Malawi has successfully managed to address the challenge of brain drain to other countries by implementing incentives but continues to struggle with migrationRead MoreMy Values And Ethical Behaviors845 Words   |  4 PagesWhile the importance of my values and ethical behaviors is not a new facet of my professional life, as I emerge in the field of Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology the weight of ethical responsibility has heightened. According to Lefkowitz (2005), ethics are moral principles that govern a person s or group s behavior. Hence, after reviewing the American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles of Psych ologists and Code of Conduct (2010) and the role ethics play in the fieldRead MoreEssay about The Impact Of Human Resources Management Globally1141 Words   |  5 Pagesevolving roles, and with the capacity to achieve and sustain optimal levels of performance. The global market place has currently impacted the practice of human resources management in the United States and will continue in the next ten years. Labor laws, wage disparities, intense competition and fluctuating currency values are the challenges that are making organizations worldwide to compete in marketplace with products requiring a great deal of labor, and it is now getting harder for someRead MoreInterview Questions On Human Resource Professionals902 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction For this assignment, I interviewed two human resource professionals, Ms. Cathy Price and Mr. Richard Newman. I previously worked with Ms. Price as her understudy for three years. I appreciated the education and work lessons she provided and often utilize the skills and abilities gained from the experience. I specifically chose to interview Mr. Newman for his position in a hospital setting, as it is my intention to seek employment in the healthcare industry following graduation. My interviewRead MoreIdentifying The Right Candidate As The Biggest Challenge A Human Resource Professional Faces1137 Words   |  5 Pagesbiggest challenge a human resource professional faces. They need to be good at identifying and securing the services of the best candidates. Resourcefulness and adeptness in how to locate and attract individuals with the best fit in an organization are challenging for a human resource professional. Employee Terminations or Layoffs. The interviewee also considered the legal issues that arise as a result of carrying out employee terminations or layoffs as a major challenge facing human resource professionals

The Roman Relationship Between Patron and Client

The people of ancient Rome were divided into two classes: wealthy, aristocratic patricians and poorer commoners called plebians. Patricians, or upper-class Romans, were patrons to plebian clients. The patrons provided many types of support to their clients who, in turn, rendered services and loyalty to their patrons. The number of clients and sometimes the status of clients conferred prestige on the patron. The client owed his vote to the patron. The patron protected the client and his family, gave legal advice, and helped the clients financially or in other ways. This system was, according to the historian Livy, created by Romes (possibly mythical) founder, Romulus. Rules of Patronage Patronage was not just a matter of picking out an individual and giving him money to support himself. Instead, there were formal rules pertaining to patronage. While the rules did change over the years, the following examples provide an idea of how the system worked: A patron could have a patron of his own; therefore, a client, could have his own clients, but when two high-status Romans had a relationship of mutual benefit, they were likely to choose the label amicus (friend) to describe the relationship since amicus did not imply stratification.Some clients were members of the plebian class but had never been slaves. Others were freed slaves. While freeborn plebes could choose or change their patron, freed slaves called liberti or freedmen automatically became clients of their former owners and were obligated to work for them in some capacity.Each morning at dawn, clients were required to greet their patrons with a greeting called the salutatio. This greeting could also be accompanied by requests for help or favors. As a result, clients were sometimes called salutatores.Clients were expected to support their patrons in all matters, personal and political. As a result, it was possible for a wealthier patron to count on the votes of his many clien ts. Meanwhile, however, patrons were expected to provide a range of goods and services including food (which was often traded for cash) and legal counsel.There was also patronage in the arts where a patron provided the wherewithal to allow the artist to create in comfort. The work of art or book would be dedicated to the patron. Outcomes of the Patronage System The idea of client/patron relationships had significant implications for the later Roman Empire and even medieval society. As Rome expanded throughout the Republic and Empire, it took over smaller states which had its own customs and rules of law. Rather than attempting to remove the states leaders and governments and replace them with Roman rulers, Rome created client states. Leaders of these states were less powerful than Roman leaders and were required to turn to Rome as their patron state. The concept of clients and patrons lived on in the Middle Ages. Rulers of small city/states acted as patrons to poorer serfs. The serfs claimed protection and support from the upper classes who, in turn, required their serfs to produce food, provide services, and act as loyal supporters.

Quotes From Shakespeares The Tempest

The Tempest, first produced in 1611 as one of William Shakespeares last plays, is a story of betrayal, magic, castaways, love, forgiveness, subjugation, and redemption. Prospero, the exiled duke of Milan, and his daughter, Miranda, have been marooned on an island for 12 years, stranded there when Antonio, Prosperos brother, usurped Prosperos throne and banished him. Prospero is served by Ariel, a magical spirit, and Caliban, a disfigured native of the island whom Prospero holds as a slave. Antonio and Alonso, the king of Naples, are sailing past the island when Prospero summons his magic to create a violent storm, sinking the ship and sending the castaways to the island. One of the castaways, Alonsos son Ferdinand, and Miranda immediately fall in love, an arrangement of which Prospero approves. Others castaways include Trinculo and Stephano, Alonsos jester and butler, who join forces with Caliban in a plan to kill Prospero and take over the island. All ends well: The plotters are thwarted, the lovers are united, the usurpers are forgiven, Prospero regains his throne, and he releases Ariel and Caliban from servitude. Here are some quotes from the play that illustrate its themes: I, thus neglecting worldly ends, all dedicatedTo closeness and the bettering of my mindWith that which, but by being so retired,Oerprized all popular rate, in my false brotherAwaked an evil nature, and my trust,Like a good parent, did beget of himA falsehood in its contrary as greatAs my trust was, which had indeed no limit,A confidence sans bound. (Act 1, Scene 2) Prospero deeply trusted his brother, and now he ponders how Antonio became so convinced of his own greatness that he turned against Prospero, stealing his throne and banishing him to the island. This is one of Shakespeares many references to divided, quarreling families that appear in a number of his plays. You taught me language, and my profit ontIs, I know how to curse. The red plague rid youFor learning me your language! (Act 1, Scene 2) One of the themes of the play is the conflict between the colonizers—Prospero and the civilized people who have descended upon the island—and the colonized—including Caliban, the servant and a native of the island. While Prospero believes he has cared for and educated Caliban, Caliban here describes how he sees Prospero as the oppressor and the language he has acquired as worthless and merely a symbol of that oppression. Leggd like a man! and his fins like arms! Warm, o mytroth! I do now let loose my opinion, hold it no longer: this is nofish, but an islander, that hath lately sufferd by a thunder-bolt.[Thunder.] Alas, the storm is come again! My best way is to creepunder his gaberdine; there is no other shelter hereabout: miseryacquaints a man with strange bedfellows. I will here shroud till thedregs of the storm be past. (Act 2, Scene 2) This passage occurs when Trinculo, Alonsos jester, comes across Caliban, who mistook Trinculo for a spirit and is lying on the ground, hiding under his cloak, or gaberdine. Trinculo utters the famous strange bedfellows phrase originated by Shakespeare in a more literal sense than we usually hear it today, meaning to lie with him as if asleep, like bedfellows. Its just one more example of the mistaken identities that fill Shakespeares plays. There be some sports are painful, and their laborDelight in them sets off. Some kinds of basenessAre nobly undergone, and most poor mattersPoint to rich ends. This my mean taskWould be as heavy to me as odious, butThe mistress which I serve quickens what’s deadAnd makes my labors pleasures. (Act 3, Scene 1) Prospero has asked Ferdinand to undertake an unpleasant task, and Ferdinand tells Miranda that he will fulfill her fathers wishes in the hope that it will improve his odds of marrying her. The passage illustrates the many compromises that characters in the play must make to achieve their ends: for example, liberation from servitude for Caliban and Ariel, atonement for Antonio after stealing his brothers throne, and the restoration of Prospero to his former lofty perch in Milan. [I weep] at mine unworthiness, that dare not offerWhat I desire to give, and much less takeWhat I shall die to want. But this is trifling,And all the more it seeks to hide itselfThe bigger bulk it shows. Hence, bashful cunning,And prompt me, plain and holy innocence.I am your wife, if you will marry me.If not, I’ll die your maid. To be your fellowYou may deny me, but I’ll be your servantWhether you will or no. (Act 3, Scene 1) In this passage Miranda abandons her earlier demure, compliant manner and proposes to Ferdinand in surprisingly strong terms and in no uncertain way. Shakespeare is known for his penchant for creating female characters who are stronger than those of his contemporary writers and many of his successors, a list of powerful women headed by Lady Macbeth in Macbeth. Be not afeard. The isle is full of noises,Sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.Sometimes a thousand twangling instrumentsWill hum about mine ears, and sometime voicesThat, if I then had waked after long sleepWill make me sleep again; and then in dreamingThe clouds methought would open and show richesReady to drop upon me, that when I wakedI cried to dream again. (Act 3, Scene 2) This speech by Caliban, often seen as one of the most poetic passages in The Tempest, to some extent counters his image as a misshapen, inarticulate monster. He speaks of music and other sounds, either coming naturally from the island or from Prosperos magic, that he enjoys so much that if he had heard them in a dream he would have fervently wished to return to that dream. It marks him as one of Shakespeares many complicated, multi-sided characters. These our actors,As I foretold you, were all spirits, andAre melted into air, into thin air,And, like the baseless fabric of vision,The cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces,The solemn temples, the great globe itself,Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolveAnd, like this insubstantial pageant faded,Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuffAs dreams are made on, and our little lifeIs rounded with sleep. (Act 4, Scene 1) Here Prospero, who has staged a masque, a music and dance performance, as an engagement present for Ferdinand and Miranda, suddenly remembers Calibans plot against him and unexpectedly ends the performance. Ferdinand and Miranda are shocked by his abrupt manner, and Prospero speaks these lines to reassure them, saying that the performance, like Shakespeares play and life in general, is an illusion, a dream destined to disappear in the natural order of things. Sources Famous Quotes. Royal Shakespeare Company.The Tempest. Folger Shakespeare Library.The Tempest Quotes. Spark Notes.

Do You Know The Negative Effects Of Globalization

DO YOU KNOW THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF GLOBALIZATION ? Achyutha Gonuguntla EAP 1851 Research paper Date: 04/21/2015 INTRODUCTION Globalization derived from the word ‘globe’ which is a platform for all countries and nations to join together. Simply, integrating a country with the world is known as globalization. There are pros and cons for this globalization as two sides of a coin. On one side it creates many opportunities for all kind of businesses and trade overseas especially in food business where there is easy money flow across the nations and can also raise easy credit which will boost up a good demand. When viewing the other side it makes big problems to the people and affecting other factors like health, culture and economy due to the continuous change of food habits of people. It seems very painful to realize that people are less fortunate to travel in comparison to food. In today’s world, people are accompanied with the term â€Å"being busy†. They hardly bother about their lifestyle in their busy schedule and neglect the threats they are going to have in their near future like not having nutritious food, developing junk food culture depending on unhealthy flavors. In global context, the food industry expansions have been so useful as much as harmful. Though many aspects exist where globalization of food and its verticals have to be appreciated, there are few other aspects where it can also be criticized. It depends on how one perceives and utilizes theShow MoreRelatedBook Report on Anthropology of Globalization by Lewellen1571 Words   |  7 PagesChapters 1-2 o Contemporary globalization is an on-going process of not just economic flows, but also cultural flows—the increasing flow of trade, finance, culture, ideas, and people brought about by the technology of communication and travel and by the worldwide spread of neoliberal capitalism†¦ (7). o Globalization is a reality, as well as regionalization and localization. Neoliberal capitalism has a global dominance; regionalism, localization, and globalization form a single, unified systemRead MoreGlobalization And Its Effects On Society939 Words   |  4 Pages Globalization can be described as the interaction and integration among the people, companies, and governments of different nations (http://www.globalization101.org/what-is-globalization/). For the past century, there have been countless debates over whether the effects of globalization are positive or negative. The topic of globalization is seen as one of the most debatable topics in our current society and is often discussed during political debates before elections. This paper will focus on theRead MoreDisadvantages Of Globalization794 Words   |  4 Pagescountries? Not everything, but most of it. Don’t we have enough resources? Yes, we do. Don’t we have enough labor? Yes, we do. So why are we using foreign labor for manufacturing products that will be sold in USA. Globalization is the way recourses, businesses are expanding globally. Globalization started to become real popular after World War 2, when small and large businesses started to grow and expand. Globaliz ation, the word in the modern economy that can explain why companies expand globally andRead MoreAbstract. This Paper Will Discuss The Benefits And Drawbacks1720 Words   |  7 Pagesview that globalization made in the developing countries in the three important fields such as economic and trade processes, education and health systems and culture effects. It is consists of four paragraphs. In paragraph one, the benefits and detriment of globalization in the economic and trade processes field will be discussed. Then, in paragraph two, the impact of globalization on education and health systems in both sides will be shown. In the paragraph three, the positives and negatives of globalizationRead MoreGlobalization: Good or Bad1133 Words   |  5 PagesGlobalization: Good or Bad Plamen Peev peev.pl@gmail.com Augustine Worth ENG 290 – Advanced Writing Argumentative Essay November 30, 2010 â€Å"I, Pencil, simple though I appear to be, merit your wonder and awe, a claim I shall attempt to prove. In fact, if you can understand me—no, thats too much to ask of anyone—if you can become aware of the miraculousness which I symbolize, you can help save the freedom mankind is so unhappily losing. I have a profound lesson to teach. And I can teach thisRead MoreGlobalization Is Defined As A Process Of Interaction And Integration Arising From The Interchanging World1356 Words   |  6 PagesHutchens Cultural Anthropology Globalization Unit October 17, 2014 Globalization Globalization is defined as â€Å"a process of interaction and integration arising from the interchanging world views, products, ideas, and other aspects of culture.† In other words, it is interactions and trade between people and other countries including governments. There are many effects that come along with globalization, both negative and positive. Negative aspects of globalization start with non-economists andRead MoreGlobalization Is It Good Or Bad?1719 Words   |  7 Pages Abstract Globalization is the word of the XXI century, which become more and more recognized and has been present in our life for a many decades. Most people have heard that term, but far fewer people are aware of what it really means. How does it affect the public?, is it good or bad?. These types of questions everyone should ask in order to investigate the positive and negative effects of globalization. What exactly is globalization? To consider the advantages and disadvantages it is necessaryRead MoreGlobalization : The World Of Politics And The Human Population1648 Words   |  7 PagesGlobalization influences many aspects of human life, it is a process of change, the process of collaboration and integration among the people and businesses of different nations, it is a process propelled by trade, investment and technology. The process of globalization has great purpose for bring people together and sharing ideas however, it has effects on the environment, culture, the economy, politics a nd the human population (Globalization 101). Globalization has effected the environment dueRead MoreEssay on Debating the Merits of Globalization597 Words   |  3 PagesITR 201 – Internnational Business Assignment – Closing Case: Debating the Merits of Globalization Case Questions 1. Do you think globalization and MNE activities are creating problems for the world? What kinds of problems can you identify? What are the unintended consequences of international business? 2. Summarise the argument in favour of globalization made by the business executive. What is the role of technology in supporting company performance in a global business environmentRead MoreGlobalization : A Way Short Introduction928 Words   |  4 PagesThe Book Globalization: A way short Introduction by Manfred B. Steger was a great book. Out of all the books I have to read for classes and etc. this one was one of the best reads. I learned so many things that I never have thought about in globalization. Generally people just know it as spreading one’s ideals into the world. But after reading this book I was able to really learn about the effects and consequences of the globalization. I also learned that globalization really affects everyone around

Wildejade!!!! Free Essays

In spite f these attributes belonging to an animal, as a human, I consider these attributes significant to my being. I am constantly moving, to move on in my life, hoping to overcome events and face obstacles that are inevitably coming my way. These events that will make me happy, sad and even experience pain; it is something that I expect myself to encounter – Just as a wildebeest would expect as well. We will write a custom essay sample on Wildejade!!!! or any similar topic only for you Order Now What we bring ourselves is pain but it gives us pleasure. My mind and body is as strong as the antlers on the wildebeest, which protect themselves from any dangers. We will always be moving forward no matter the circumstances. One can say, â€Å"l was alone in the crowd,† but that will never be given to express the life of a wildebeest and myself. We are constantly in a crowd or in a wildebeest’s case, a heard. We are never alone, or feel alone. We are protective over the ones we love and together as a group, we choose the path that is the best choice. I always have people around me – my friends and especially my family. I am supported and loved all the time. My dad would probably be the leader of the herd. The leader is generally the one that helps dudes his herd into the right direction and give teachings so their child can learn more. In my life, he supports me the most, he is always behind me – helping me obtain my goals and dreams. Furthermore, he will protect me from any dangers because I am his calf. I am standing in the meadows. I could feel the sun beating down on me and the wind rushing past me as it entangles in my hair. The grass is dancing in the wind, the sky is as blue as the ocean and the air is fresh. It smells like freshly born flowers from the early spring. In the distance, a steady beat of a drum an be heard. Overlooking the meadows, I can see dark moving figures come towards me and as they slowly came forward, I could make out the image. There before me, a herd of wildebeests that makes the earth shake and the ground lift up from the crust. In Just seconds, the herd past by me in a quick motion, creating a gust of wind to run by me and I examine them carefully without fear. They were strong, with built bodies, sturdy hooves and determined faces. I look at the baby calves who are trying to catch up to the adults with all their might. They could not run slowly. In a matter of seconds all the hooves of the wild animals are all in sync. The baby calves became strong and fast and matched the rhythm of the adult wildebeests. They have that same look as the adults, fierce and driven. I watch the herd as I see them slowly fading away into the horizon, continuing to move on without hesitation. I am the baby calf. I was Just born and welcomed into this world, a world where I have the ability to learn fast and absorb my surroundings. In other words, I would Jump the gun to do anything to reach my goal. Every day, I constantly pick up information from the people and things around me. I feed on what is happening all around my community, Just as a wildebeest would feed on the grass that is their land. Though humans and animals seem like two very different things, they are Just as similar as cats and dogs. To conclude, the attributes of a wildebeest is alike to myself because of we persevere through the challenges, we are protective and we are fast learners. In any situation, I will not give up; I will work hard until I have reached my goal – that is a promise. How to cite Wildejade!!!!, Papers

Mr Brown free essay sample

Steinbeck handles the mounting tension in a dramatic way, hinting at the fact that he deliberately wrote the novel to be easily adapted for the stage. Immediately before the start of the passage, we see Slim angrily rebuffing the suggestion that he has been with Curley’s wife, and Curley fearfully trying to appease him. This is so difficult for a man like Curley, proud, permanently tense, and feeling he has to prove himself, that his anger erupts when Carlson offers his unwanted advice. The word ‘whirled’ immediately indicates Curley’s quick temper, as does his threat to Carlson. When Carlson insults him further, first by laughing at him contemptuously, then by calling him a ‘punk’ and a coward (‘yella as a frog belly’), Curley must be seething. However, even when Candy joins in with his sexually suggestive insult, referring to the rumour that Curley keeps one hand soft for his wife, he can only ‘glare’ at him because he knows he is outnumbered, and both Slim and Carlson are a real threat individually. We will write a custom essay sample on Mr Brown or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The scene is full of violent language and imagery. Curley is like a ‘terrier’, a small, aggressive dog. The words ‘slashed’, ‘smashed’ and ‘slugging’ vividly portray Curley’s relentless and professionally efficient attack. Slim’s angry response to this injustice also portrays Curley as an animal — a ‘dirty little rat’. Poor Lennie, on the other hand, is like a helpless lamb: ‘bleated with terror’. Not only do the verbs and images convey the violence in the scene: the insulting swearwords — ‘God damn punk’, ‘big bastard’, ‘big son-of-a-bitch’ (strong for the time when the novel was written) — are examples of verbal aggression that anticipate the physical violence. (b) Violence is inherent in the plot of Of Mice and Men and in the dramatic framework within which it takes place. This is because Steinbeck is concerned with the position of the ordinary, oppressed working man, and because, in this novel, the threat of violence goes hand in hand with the possession of power. Curley is a dangerous figure because he is on the one hand the boss’s son, which gives him some authority, and on the other a small man who resents bigger men so much that he feels he has to prove himself by challenging them to fight. As Candy says, ‘He’s all time picking scraps with big guys. Kind of like he’s mad at ‘em because he ain’t a big guy. ’ There is dramatic tension in his relationship with Slim, whom he cannot fight because, as Whit says, ‘Nobody knows what Slim can do. ’ In addition, Slim is important to the ranch and the boss would not want to fire him. The link between power and violence is also seen with Crooks. Candy is simply showing the acceptance of racism typical in California in the 1930s when he explains that the boss takes out his anger on Crooks because he’s ‘a nigger’, and when he laughs at the memory of the only time that Crooks was allowed in the bunk house — and was set upon by a white man. Even Curley’s wife, who has very little power on the ranch, has the power to threaten Crooks with violence: ‘I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain’t even funny. ’ The background to the novel, as related by George to remind Lennie (and reveal it to us), is also a violent one: the two men were forced out of Weed by an angry mob prepared to believe that Lennie had attempted to rape a girl there. This sets a precedent, cleverly preparing us for the possibility of something similar happening on the ranch where George and Lennie are going to work. Curley, too, is tense from the start. All his body language is that of a man who wants a fight: ‘His arms gradually bent at the elbows and his hands closed into fists’, and his glance is ‘at once calculating and pugnacious’. Added to this, he is always jealously suspicious of his wife, whom he has recently married. She may not be the ‘tramp’ that George accuses her of being, but we are led to believe that she will be a part of George and Lennie’s dream collapsing. As George says, ‘There’s gonna be a bad mess about her. ’ This is literally a fatal combination, but Steinbeck’s special power in unravelling it in the novel is in the way he makes us anticipate the outcome without making it obvious. So, when violent events occur, we have been prepared for them by the telling details. Thus the killing of Candy’s dog foreshadows George’s killing of Lennie. Ironically, though this seems like an act of justified violence to the insensitive Curley and Carlson, it is in fact a compassionate act. The threat of violence, then, drives the novel, and destroys George and Lennie’s dream, but it does lead to a tragically inevitable ending in which George is seen to be a noble and true friend to the last.