Health Level Seven International (HL7) letter Article

Health Level Seven International (HL7) letter - Article Example Various mandated changes looming on the horizon will not allow this practice to continue, for communication and cooperation between departments is essential. Therefore, the COO has made that my major function and the following are my recommendations for doing so. Discussion First, I will present background information as to why these changes are so necessary. President Bush signed Executive Order 13335 in 2004 mandating that Electronic Health Records (EHR) will be in place nationwide within ten years. Congress went a step farther, creating the 2009 Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH), and President Obama signed it into law. The act extended the deadline to 2015 but that is only two years away. After that, health facilities such as Toledo stand to lose millions of dollars in Federal Medicare and Medicaid monies if they are not in compliance. All would agree that would be a serious financial blow to our center. Fortunately, the Department of Heal th and Human Services (HHS) has created the HIT coordinator to help us navigate through the seemingly complex maze of regulations (HHS, 2013). There is a nonprofit organization called Health Level Seven (HL7), which has developed a series of standards generally accepted by both the health community and HHS and it is the intention of Toledo to comply with HL7 initiatives. Yet Corepoint points out that HL7 is a â€Å"non-standard standard† (2009) meaning that as no two snowflakes are alike, neither are any two healthcare facilities the same. The main point is that Toledo complies with the laws within the specific timeframe and conformity with HL7 standards will ensure this occurs. Much time and money has spent on developing the software currently utilized by Toledo’s various departments and I do not intend to dismantle any of their operations. Rather, it is my recommendation that we purchase new hardware that can accommodate all of the departments’ current softwar e systems. Interfaces take into account the lack of interchange between clinics and are commercially available, improving communication and interoperability. That is where HL7 comes into play. Without it, my staff and I would be forced to create said interface from scratch, a costly and time consuming process. Fortunately, HL7 V2 brought together software vendors and informatics specialists such as me to create said commercial products. Although V3 has largely superseded V2 in Europe, it will be some years before that happens in the United States, so Toledo will concentrate on V2 compliance. One of the major concerns of each clinical head is maintaining patient and provider privacy, still another requirement of Federal law. Therefore, it is tantamount that the interfaces provide the security necessary to ensure only the necessary information for patient care be provided across Toledo’s health informatics network. There is a very interesting case study concerning Lake Forest H ospital in Illinois (CDW 2013), which was faced with the same dilemma, In addition, when the clinics interfaced, the physicians and nurses had many passwords for the different clinical access (one for lab results, one for pharmaceutical, etc.). It is my intention that the interface chosen for Toledo

Electronic Banking in Pakistan | Dissertation

Electronic Banking in Pakistan | Dissertation Electronic Banking in Pakistan 1. PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND 1.1. INTRTODUCTION As the world has entered the twenty first century, one thing has become all too apparent, any organization that wishes to succeed in todays cutthroat competition will have to embrace Information Technology (IT) with fervor. In this age of Information Technology new inventions and innovations are affecting all the fields of life. Almost all kinds of organizations are stepping into the field of IT, in an effort to increase their productivity and expand their customer bank. The same goes for the Banking Sector. Today all the banks of the world are adopting the tool of Electronic Banking. The need of Electronic Banking was felt in South Asia during the last 5 to 7 years. This concept emerged as an essential tool for successful bank management. Financial sector has been quick to recognize this fact, and in Pakistan, most of the banking industry has moved away from the old ledger based system to computers and automation in order to modernize their operations. Although foreign banks were pioneers of bringing this concept to South-Asia but they have yet to start latest Electronic Banking practices in Pakistan Background Electronic Banking Electronic banking is an umbrella term for the process by which a customer may perform banking transactions electronically without visiting a brick-and-mortar institution. It is a form of banking in which funds are transferred through an exchange of electronic signals between financial institutions, rather than an exchange of cash, checks or other negotiable instruments. The growth in use of the Internet world-wide and the development of procedures enabling secure transactions on-line have created the new field of on-line banking, where customers deal with their banks chiefly or entirely through Internet connections. Opening hours or location of branches, unlike the traditional banks does not restrict such services. Both existing banks and new groups are already moving into this potentially very important area. Since on-line banking services can be accessed with equal ease almost anywhere in the developed world, this raises the possibility of banking networks operating without regard to national boundaries, with consequent regulatory problems. Banking on line, commonly called PC banking, electronic banking or Internet banking, has been around in one form or another for a decade or more. Forms of on-line Banking Following can be the ways to bank on-line: 1) Internet Based access to account information through banks web site, via modem, using a standard web browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. 2) Bank Software: Bank provides customers with proprietary software to install in their computers. The software allows customers to connect to banks computers over a secure network. The customer essentially dials directly into the bank instead of through the Internet. 3) Personal Finance Software: Software such as Quicken or Microsoft Money allows customer to exchange financial information with the bank. The software connects to the banks computers via an Internet based set up and downloads financial information from the clients account. Many banks affiliate leading software vendors such as Intuit or Microsoft to make their systems compatible. 4) Pay-by-Phone Systems /Tele banking: Allows a customer to pay by telephone certain bills, or transfer funds between accounts, with instructions to the bank. One must have an agreement in advance with the institution to make such transfers. 5) Point-of-Sale Transfers: Allows a customer to pay for retail purchases with an EFT (or debit) card. In some instances, this card may also be an ATM card. This is similar to using a credit card, but with one important exception: the money for the purchase is transferred immediately — or very shortly — from customers bank account to the stores account. An increasing number of merchants are accepting this type of payment. On-line Banking: a Revolution The thought of today is the reality of tomorrow but the thoughts of Banking on Your OWN TERMS AT YOUR OWN DOORSTEPS, which seemed to be reality of tomorrow, is no a more mystique. What we can do NOW (?) It allows customers to do most of their financial transactions at home on a personal computer. Pay your bills on-line while youre watching TV. Check your account balances from your digital cell phone as you stand in line to board a flight. Consolidate all your financial accounts on-line in one convenient, secure location. Have access to friendly, helpful customer service representatives Why on-line banking? Unfortunately, banking is a necessary evil that can take a large chunk out of already busy schedules. Visiting a branch or ATM, paying bills by paper check (and mailing them) and balancing a chequebook all can be time consuming. Banking on-line, by its nature, can automate many of these processes, saving time and, in many cases, money. One can access his account and do banking when (and where) it is convenient for him. Following can be online banking services offered by various banks Check account balances Make transfers between online accounts Check the status of loans Track investments Apply for loans online Pay bills electronically Download account information to a personal finance software program On-Line Banking Advantages Internet banks are open 7 days a week 24 hours a day In general, you will find lower fees and higher interest rates for deposits due to the reduced cost of operating on-line and not needing numerous physical bank branches. Create a more in depth portfolio of each individual customer of what their needs and expectations are. Be able to provide services to each customer that are customized to their individual preferences You will have easy access to account information and transactions, because any Internet-enabled computer can become your bank terminal. You will generally have up-to-the-minute current bank account information due to the automation of most systems. In many cases, on-line banks offer free bill pay, which can be a big saving in both money and time. You can transfer funds electronically between accounts. Common E-Banking Services Retail Services Wholesale Services Account management Account management Bill payment and presentment Cash management New account opening Small business loan applications, approvals, or advances Consumer wire transfers Investment/Brokerage services Commercial wire transfers Loan application and approval Business-to-business payments Account aggregation Employee benefits/pension administration Current Scenario of Electronic Banking in Pakistan Pakistan is widely considered to be in the Third Wave of developing economies that include countries in Asia, Latin America, the Pacific Islands and the Middle East. These countries started to adopt the Internet from around 1993. Almost all have a state monopoly over the telecommunications sector with low tele-densities per population and high telecom costs, which restrict Internet access to elitist groups in the population. Less than 2 per cent of the population is connected to the Internet. These countries have weak political and democratic institutions where the governments welcome new commercial opportunities. The First Wave countries include USA, Canada, and some Nordic states where the Internet took hold in the 1980s, and became an established feature of social, political and economic life. On average, over 35 per cent of the population are connected to the net, with households always connected online to the net 24 hours in the day in many cases. Both the First and Second wave of counties have much in common; with both involved in the early development of the Internet. The gap between the two is rapidly diminishing. Both have highly developed telecommunication infrastructures, with extensive networks of fiber optic, satellite and ISDN lines that can respond to exponential growth in demand for bandwidth. Knowledge of Internet applications is a mainstream activity, and a prerequisite for commercial credibility. They have highly developed information, dissemination technology and content industries, with a strong export focus. Both have strong government policies that aim to influence the shape of the future information society, with massive investments in research and development, education, training, IT and Internet developed research. E-Banking in Pakistan: Due to advancements in sciences and technology, many foreign banks started offering Electronic Banking services in Pakistan. Electronic Banking offers tremendous opportunities and saves cost and time for both banks and customers. E-Banking in Pakistan is still a relatively new phenomena and is expected to grow now faster with future penetration of computers and internet services in the country, availability of a robust legal framework, removal of concerns about security of electronic transactions and enhanced reliability of communication Unfortunately Electronic Banking in Pakistan is still in the introduction phase and the government with the private sector has to streamline many policies for its further development and success. Although foreign banks took the initiative but now there are private Pakistani banks that are making advancements in E-Banking. The rate of technology transfer from developed to developing countries has been very slow in this regard. In Pakistan the available technology services are NIFT, ATM, ETPoS, Tele Banking and Central Depository Systems. NIFT was established in 1997,it is a technology that uses images with high-speed sorters to automate check clearing. ATMs are automated teller machines that provide facilities for instant deposits and cash withdrawals, and are presently available at around 200 locations in major cities only. ETPoS is a method of payment where goods and services are paid for at the point of sale, and is available in major cities in a few super markets only. Telebanking is telephone banking facility available only in a few banks, and again, in major cities only. The central depository system is a well- established system used in stock exchanges for recording and the transfer of securities. Secure electronic transactions (SET): This protocol was developed jointly by Visa and Master Card and is now baked by American Express. Major players in e-commerce, networking, and computing like Microsoft, Netscape, IBM, etc, are behind specifications of this protocol, and are thus becoming an industry standard for secured payments on the internet. SET provides confidentiality through encryption; message integrity using digital signatures, and authentication of consumer and merchant identity Use of this, method is ideal due to the level of security that this method offers. However, establishment of this protocol will require Internet merchant accounts. Smart cards: It is a digital currency payment, which looks similar to credit cards, but contains a microprocessor and a storage unit. The cards hold prepaid account information. Merchants who accept these records are credited for the transaction amount by card issuers. The use of this technology is safe but expensive to acquire. Pakistan will require building a consensus among major stakeholders to invest in making this technology available in Pakistan. Value-added networks: Pakistan could establish value added networks (VAN) for financial transactions to expedite fast and efficient flow of remittances to all major cities and to enable exchange of electronic documents. These networks will provide shared connectivity, security assurance of data, and reliability of service. These networks will provide bank -to -bank transfer of funds for financial transactions, and will also enable the exchange of electronic documents to facilitate e-trade. These value added networks will also facilitate B2B transactions using EDI systems. The EDI Vans will execute authorized transactions between valid trading partners. These networks will reduce technical complexities and the cost of implementing dedicated connections with a multitude of trading partners. Another advantage out of these networks will be the provision of storing viable information on the networks, so that authorized partners can directly access them without contacting the other parties. This will help in in creasing efficiencies of business transactions in terms of time and costs. 1.2. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM E-banking has entered the Pakistan economy in a big way but, considering the state of development of banking industry in the country and the client-base, there are doubts about the utility and cost-effectiveness of this mode of banking. The research study will examine these points and give recommendations on the subject: An evaluation, theoretically and practically, of the progress of banks which adopted electronic operations, and the prospective role for banks in the future. Discussing problems facing banks in the scope of electronic banking operations. Specifying the concept of electronic banks. 1.3. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY Following objectives have been set forth in conduct of the research: To familiarise public with the subject of ELECTRONIC BANKING, enhance their keenness to remain abreast to the techniques, and modern trends of efficient banking. To induce healthy practices in banking business and profession and to advise suitable measures for their achievement. To encourage and provide Electronic Banking information and to offer education through research report contents to students and consequently to national financial institutions. To print and publish the report for provision to all who are interested in the issue of Electronic Banking. To study Electronic Banking practices of different banks in Pakistan. 1.4. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY E-banking is playing an important role not only in the development of electronic services in the first world countries but also in the developing countries too. Due to advancements in sciences and technology, many foreign banks started offering Electronic Banking services in Pakistan. Electronic Banking offers tremendous opportunities and saves cost and time for both banks and customers. This study will evaluate the electronic performance of banks. This report emphasizes the fact that on-line accessibility, awareness, attitude towards change, computer and Internet access costs, trust in ones bank, security concerns, ease of use and convenience are the major factors affecting the adoption of Internet bank services in Pakistan. 1.5. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY Scope of the study: The research thesis covers the leading banks in Pakistan that have entered the e-banking era and examine its economics. The major limitation of the study is that the concerned banks are reluctant to disclose information with regard to costs incurred on E- banking. Limitations of the study: As the E-banking in Pakistan is at the introduction stage and its efficacy is yet to be tested, adequate literature on the subject is not available. Moreover, the topic under study requires comprehensive research, which is possible if more time is allotted for the project. Banks personnel are reluctant to give information about banks electronic process and problems faced by banks. 2. LITERATURE REVIEW Literature survey is conducted in order to get more insight into the study. Literature survey consists of past studies related to this topic. Which will help and ensure that no important information related to the study is omitted. It includes mostly domestic studies conducted by our own scholars. 2.1. FOREIGN SCENARIO Yoshio, (1999), states that Malaysian banking sector started in the 1970s. However, the first visible form of electronic innovation in the Malaysian banking industry was the introduction of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in 1981. The ATMs to a large extent released banks from the constraints of time and geographical location. Then in the early 1990s, Tele-banking was introduced in Malaysia, which provided yet another delivery channel for branch financial services via telecommunications devices connected to an automated system of the bank by utilizing Automated Voice Response (AVR) Technology. Utsuml, on June 1, (2000), said that the Malaysian Central Bank gave the green light for locally owned commercial banks to offer Internet banking services. On June 15, 2000, Maybank, the largest domestic bank in terms of assets as well as network distribution, http://www.arraydev.com/commerce/jibc/www.maybank2U.com became the first bank to offer Internet banking services in Malaysia. This service is currently provided to individual customers of the bank and the site boasts of the latest 128-bit encryption technology to allay fears of security among consumers. The services provided in this portal include banking enquiry functions, bill payment, credit card payment, funds transfer, and accounts summary as well as transaction history. Customer support service is provided via e-mails as well as via telephone lines and is available daily from 6 am to 12 mid-night. JoseÉ, (2000), said that the Hong Leong Bank commenced its Internet banking operations known as e-Banking, which can be accessed via their web site at http://www.arraydev.com/commerce/jibc/www.hlbb.hongleong.com.my in December 2000. In addition to providing services that were previously included in their Phone banking service, they also offer options of assessing account transaction history in their e-banking. They too provide support services via e-mails and telephones from 7 am to 11.00 pm, seven days a week. Al-Jasser, (1999), states that both the competitive forces as well as the expected benefits are causing concentration and expansion of E-banking services in the country (Saudi Arabia). However, in the long run it would be the actual benefits which the banks would realize in terms of higher profits through reduction in intermediary costs and expanded consumer base due to improved services on a cost effective manner that would determine the role of E-banking in the countrys banking sector. E banking is expected to play an important role in integrating the financial markets of Saudi Arabia globally and banks would ultimately capitalize on these developments. Figures, (2000), states that E-banking Automate critical banking activities and interact electronically with bank with comprehensive tools that help reduce administrative costs, increase productivity, and improve cash management—in a security-enhanced environment. 2.2. LOCAL SCENARIO Mashhood, (2000), states that the role of information technology in financial services is to support operational efficiencies, facilitate customer services, mange risk and support in decision-making. In the IT policy on financial services, the government of Pakistan has asked the State Bank of Pakistan to allow opening of internet merchant accounts to enable inter-bank electronic fund transfer, to re-engineer processes of foreign trade sections, to accept e-orders of value less than $500, to open an e-commerce wing in financial institutions, and to facilitate clearing and e-reporting in al banks. The e-commerce action plans for the financial sector have been established as per directions from the government. The plan is to connect branches of 25 local and foreign banks in 12 major cities. In phase I, branches in one city will be linked with their head office. In phase II, all these banks and other financial institutions will be connected together. In phase III, private and public sec tor stakeholders will be linked and ultimately e-commerce network will include financial, trade and customs networks along with their international links. Ziauddin, (1998), states that In Pakistan, huge investments, recurring costs, and absence of economies of scale are some of the major bottlenecks to invest in online banking. One other problem is that only a few foreign banks are linked with their branches, otherwise all major financial institutions work in isolation. AL-Bader, (1999), said that in the absence of a centralized database linked to branches, banks do not only need the communication software to facilitate communication, but also require modems, routers, controllers, etc. irrespective of the volume of transactions, be it small or massive, huge investments are required to facilitate online banking. Not only the capital investments debut also the recurring costs, such as lease payments to PTCL, ongoing maintenance costs, etc, are discouraging national banks to invest. Giasuddin, (2003) said that there is a need to establish inter-branch and inter-bank networks so that all financial institutions may be linked together to facilitate electronic payment systems, which are among basic prerequisites for establishment of the financial infrastructure for e-commerce development. The next step that is still not clear in Pakistan is the type of electronic payment systems and digital currencies to be used in Pakistan. There are a lot of different methods of payment that are available globally. Pakistan has to carefully decide the most feasible payment systems that can easily fulfill financial requirements, as well as, provide enough confidence to the buyers and merchants for safety and security of such payments. Kazmi, (2000), said that there is an urgent need in Pakistan for establishing value added networks for financial transactions. Without these networks, it will be difficult for business and financial institutions to provide EC solutions with high quality and low costs. Zaidi, (2003), states that there is a need to establish inter-branch and inter-bank networks so that all financial institutions may be linked together to facilitate electronic payment systems, which are among basic prerequisites for establishment of the financial infrastructure for e-commerce development. The next step that is still not clear in Pakistan is the type of electronic payment systems and digital currencies to be used in Pakistan. Shabbir, (2003), said that both the competitive forces as well as the expected benefits are causing concentration and expansion of E-banking services in the country. However, in the long run it would be the actual benefits which the banks would realize in terms of higher profits through reduction in intermediary costs and expanded consumer base due to improved services on a cost effective manner that would determine the role of E-banking in the countrys banking sector. E-banking is expected to play and important role in integrating the financial markets of Pakistan globally and banks would ultimately capitalize on these developments. Naveed, (2003) states that Credit cards are primarily used as convenient payment products and at times a credit facility for short term needs. The State Bank of Pakistan is playing a pro-active role in promoting adoption of technology-based solutions in the banking sector and supporting services based on E-Banking. E-Banking has already taken off in this country and the recent launch by Habib Bank- one of the largest banks in the country has provided a major breakthrough. so the question is not when the facilities will be provided but how rapidly these facilities will expand. Efforts in this direction are focused upon following areas: Creation of a robust legal infrastructure catering to the needs of E-Banking and other payments systems involving electronic settlement of funds. Key step in this direction was the promulgation of Electronic Transactions Ordinance 2002, which provides legal recognition to digital signatures and documentation reducing the risks associated with the use of electronic medium of business. State bank is currently engaged in an exercise to further augment the legal framework for electronic settlement of transactions in the banking sector. Establishing of Payment Systems Development Committee in which commercial banks are members, to guide the development of payment systems in Pakistan. Creation of a dedicated Payment Systems Department in the State Bank dealing with all issues pertaining to payment systems including E-Banking. Creation of a Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS) providing an E-Banking solution to banks maintaining their accounts with standard operating procedure (SOP) whereby they will be able to operate these accounts from their own premises via an electronic connection with the State Banks own servers. Commercial banks have been allowed to open and operate Internet Merchant Accounts. Banks are being encouraged to expand the ATMs network through more participation and a wider network of machines all across the country. all banks have been asked to join a SWITCH and interconnection between the 2 existing SWITCHES is being encouraged for further development of the electronic infrastructure . State Bank has already acquired SWIFT connection and has also made it mandatory for banks to acquire SWIFT connectivity for settlement of all cross border financial transactions. Expansion of automated cheques clearing services to all major cities in the country is actively being pursued. The usage of plastic money such as Credit/Debit cards is making good progress Ishrat, (2003), states that introduction of E-banking will improve banking services mainly in terms of the convenience of the customers including, place, time and price, the banks will be able to provide improved services and, consequently, the quality and skills of banking staff will also improve. Although many banking services will be available 24 hours, the need for over the counter services will remain and banks would continue to provide normal services during office banking hours in Pakistan also like in the developed countries where E -banking is prevalent, it has been observed that customers feel much confident in using e-banking services when they can associate it with brick and mortar branches. Purely online banking without physical branch network has not made much headway even in developed countries. In Pakistan, with low rates of literacy the majority of customers will continue to use the 9-5 bank branches. Rizvi, (1999), states that the state bank of Pakistan has constituted various committees such as the Payment Systems Development Committee and the ECH task force for the development of technology based banking services in the country. Besides other matters, these committees also oversee the developments in the areas of E-banking. State Bank of Pakistan coordinates closely with other agencies such as the Ministry of Science Technology (MoST), in initiatives relating to E-banking. Shirazi, (2001), said that the future of e banking is very bright in Pakistan. Many banks in Pakistan have started providing e-banking facilities to their consumers. Over 300 ATMs are in operation in Pakistan the use of ATMs is rapidly increasing. More and more facilities are being provided by the banks electronically including e-statements, funds transfer, bill payment for utilities as well as other purchases. By 2002, almost 40% of the bank branches have been automated and it is expected that this proportion will reach 50% by 2004. The rate of increase is phenomenal i.e. about 318%. Similarly, the number of online branches has doubled during the last 2 years to 570 and by 2004 this number will jump to 1356, representing an increase of 376%. This expansion along with the growing penetration of internet will bring E-banking to more and more of their customers both in terms of numbers as well as geographical locations. Mahmood, (2003), states in order to meet E-banking challenges that State Bank of Pakistan established the ECH Task Force under the leadership of Mr. Naveed A Khan (Country Representative ABN AMRO Bank) to facilitate the development and implementation of E-Banking sector to promote E-Commerce. This Task Force was constituted to facilitate in planning introduction of enabling technologies in the financial sector of the economy having a direct bearing on E-commerce. The ECH Task Force is constituted of various dedicated professionals from the major financial institutions of the country who enrich the Task Force with their experience and expertise with a firm commitment to develop and promote E-Commerce in Pakistan. Ahmed,(2001), states that Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce) is just another business tool, one that enhances business efficiency and effectiveness and allows cost reduction. It is a vehicle to carry out business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-consumer (B2C) transactions. For financial institutions and entrepreneurs, E-Commerce not just makes old processes work better; it also provides a means to break with tradition and create new ways of doing business. E-Commerce has a lot of potential in Pakistan where ideas are rich, resources and labor are cheap, workmanship is excellent, entrepreneurial skill in abundance, and there is a large presence of indigenous and globally appreciated artifacts other tradable goods. However, on a more realistic side, we have a lot of ground to cover before we can reap the benefits of E-Commerce and turn our economy around. These are technical as well as administrative challenges that have to be met and above all we need the basic infrastructure, which fa cilitates and promotes trading through electronic means. 3. RESEARCH METHDOLOGY This chapter presents the basic methodology required in research. It includes the methods of search, type of study and the sources of data. 3.1. METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY The methodology of study includes the different methods that researcher has used to reach to the conclusion. But due to shortage of time the researcher has tried his best to make this report informative, useful and also beneficial for others. The researcher has also gathered a lot of information to cover all types of aspects related to automation and electronic data processing. In this report the researcher has covered first of all the introduction of electronic banking, its background, what facilities and benefits it provide and what is its scope in Pakistan? Secondly the researcher has visited few of the banks offering electronic services. They were very knowledgeable to the researcher basically in explaining their scope in Pakistan. 3.2. TYPE OF THE STUDY The study is descriptive because the intention is to explore the existing values given in problem statement. Descriptive process was believed to be more suited in this kind of investigation because it seeks direct response from respondents. This procedure has been used in many areas of investigations in many fields of academics and scientific discipline. 3.3. GOAL OF DESCRIPTIVE STUDY The goal of the descriptive study, here is to offer a peo

The Dramatic Presentation of Truth, Justice and Morality in The Crucibl

The Dramatic Presentation of Truth, Justice and Morality in The Crucible "The Crucible" is essentially a story about witchcraft, but the one key theme which occurs throughout the play and plays a fundamental part in it, is justice. A large proportion of the play is actually set in court, the "house of justice", which is a very symbolic way of showing its importance. Normally in every day life, the judge of the court is the person who brings out the justice in the cases brought forwards, but in "The Crucible" it is not always clear if this is the case; sometimes it even seems to be the other way round. Often there are times when pivotal characters such as John Proctor will question Judge Hathorn or Deputy Governor Danforth's decisions and reasoning, and sometimes even the verdict, and the reader will see that in a lot of these cases, the two most powerful and influential men in the town are often in the wrong. This does not say a lot for the justice system in place in Salem. A prime example of this is in Act Two, when the authorities are trying to arrest Elizabeth for having a needle in a poppet in her house, because of something Abigail Williams has said. John becomes angry and says, "why do you never wonder if Parris be innocent, or Abigail? Is the accuser always holy now? Were they born this morning as clean as God's fingers?" This is a very good argument, and one which the reader feels grateful to John for pointing out. It is a long running error in the play, that infuriates the reader, to think that the only people with enough power to put things right seem completely oblivious to the fact that they are missing the blindingly ob... ...were hunted like the witches in Salem, and made to name other communists to prove they had abandoned their left wing views. Many fell to McCarthyism, but a few stood up for their beliefs - Arthur Miller being one of them. This is reflected in John Proctor throughout the play, and both men share the same thoughts and morals. It is obvious that Miller really wanted to put across the idea of being an individual, and standing up for what you believe in, and to show the irony of how unjust the justice system really was in those days, and still is in some places. It is clear he was very passionate about these things, and it really comes across in this play - just the words are enough to give a good impression of what he is trying to show, and builds up an image of each of the characters which the reader can really relate to.

Character Analysis of John in “The Yellow Wallpaper” Essay

John is the typical Victorian husband. He is authoritative, strict, head of the household. He is a physician of â€Å"high standing†. He is very controlling and expects his wife to obey his orders which was quite normal for the time. He is a doctor but only understands physical illnesses. He cannot relate to any mental problems particularly as far as women are concerned. For him, it is something she will get over, mind over matter: â€Å"You see he does not believe I am sick!† He dictates how his wife should be treated and says she needs lots of sleep and quiet. He forbids her from writing her feelings down or from seeing anyone. We get the feeling this is more about him hiding her away rather than it being for her own good. He shows no empathy of how she is feeling and dismisses it as nervous depression or hysteria. He is very stiff and buttoned up: â€Å"John is practical in the extreme. He has no patience with faith, an intense horror of superstition, and he scoffs openly at any talk of things not be felt and seen and put down in figures.† He is undoubtedly fond of his wife and loves her in his own way. However, he treats her like a child or a pet and sees her as something fragile to be protected: â€Å"He took me in his arms and called me a blessed little goose.† He does not see her as an equal but as someone who should look up to him, to be meek and mild and not to be taken seriously: â€Å"John laughs at me, of course, but one expects that in a marriage.† John is rather a cold character showing no understanding or even wanting to understand his wife’s illness. He does not see it even as an illness but rather as her needing to pull herself together. He is almost fearful of any mention of mental illness and when she suggests her body is well but not her mind he gives her â€Å"a stern reproachful look† and describes it as a â€Å"false and foolish fancy†. His prime concern is to keep his standing in society and does not want his wife to be an embarrassment to him.

Juliet brings her tragic end upon herself Essay

â€Å"Juliet brings her tragic end upon herself, through the disloyalty and disobedience to her family† How far do you agree? â€Å"Madam, I am here. What is your will? † Juliet’s demise comes to pass as a direct result of failing to follow the wishes of her family. This is not true. Juliet died because of loyalty to the prescripts of her heart. Our first indication of this is the instant attraction between Juliet and Romeo. Juliet was also willing to ignore the blood feud between the Capulets and Montagues in order to follow the prescripts of her heart. Juliet was willing to defy her father’s wishes for her to marry Paris. Finally and most importantly, Juliet died because of unbearable grief. Juliet and Romeo were instantly attracted to one another. Love at first glance is not unusual, but its repercussions can be devastating – as John Clare wrote: My heart had left its dwelling place And can return no more. When Romeo and Juliet spoke to each other at the Capulet ball they instantly knew what the appropriate thing was to say, and when to say it: â€Å"Thus from my lips, by thine, my sin is purg’d. † Juliet replies, â€Å"Then have my lips the sin that they have took. † The language used in these quotes worked well because of the metaphors that were used in each one. They spoke to one another as though they had known each other for years. It was very obvious at that stage that Juliet had fallen in love. Shakespeare presented them with the idea of love because they spoke in a sonnet to each other, â€Å"My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss. † This was when Romeo was speaking to Juliet and it showed us how instantly both himself and Juliet had fallen for each other. Although, when they realised who each other was, they were extremely shocked, â€Å"Is she a Capulet? O dear account! † Romeo just could not believe what he had heard. When Juliet heard that Romeo was a Montague she did not understand why she had fallen for someone, who was an enemy to her family’s name, â€Å"My only love sprung from my only hate! † Juliet could not believe that her first love had turned out to be a Montague. It is clearly evident then that Juliet was following the prescripts of her heart and this is what brought about the untimely and tragic end to her life. Juliet was still willing to ignore the blood feud between the two families when she found out that Romeo was a Montague. Juliet seemed distraught after hearing it, this did not stop Romeo and Juliet continuing with their secret love affair. This definitely suggested that they were both truly in love with each other, by Juliet not realising the consequences that happens if she was to continue to love Romeo; â€Å"Thou art thy self, though not a Montague. O be some other name! What’s Montague? † Juliet felt that a name was just a name and not what your true personality was inside. Romeo replied, â€Å"My name, dear saint, is hateful to myself because it is an enemy to thee. † Romeo also did not care in what his family name was because it was as far as he’s concerned, an enemy name to the Capulet household and to Juliet, the woman he loved. By Juliet still willing to follow her heart even though there were blood feuds between her own family and the Montagues, this shows us that she was just following the prescripts of her heart. Juliet carried on her love affair with Romeo and was very willing to defy her own father, â€Å"Deny thy father and refuse thy name:† We can see that Juliet was willing to give up her father’s name all for the love of her beloved Romeo. â€Å"My ears have yet not drunk a hundred words of thy tongue’s uttering, yet I know the sound. Art thou not Romeo, and a Montague? † Juliet just could not believe that the words spoken by Romeo were actually coming from the mouth of a Montague. Juliet knows that it is Romeo even by the very faint uttering of his words. Juliet seemed to not mind and told Romeo to climb the walls to be with her although they were hard to climb and her kinsmen might of found him there, â€Å"The orchard walls are high and hard to climb, And the place death, considering who thou art, If any of my kinsmen find thee here. † Juliet’s willingness to defy her father shows us that she was definitely following the prescripts of her heart. In the last scene of the play, Romeo killed himself by taking poison, â€Å"Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die. † Romeo had drunk to his beloved Juliet and dies of all the pain at the loss of Juliet. Juliet however, after discovering that Romeo had taken his life, decided that she wanted to die and be with her beloved, â€Å"Poison, I see, hath been his timeless end, O churl! Drunk all, and left no friendly drop to help me after? I will kiss thy lips. † Juliet kissed Romeo and thought it cruel that Romeo had not left any poison for her. She then reaches for his dagger, â€Å"Oh happy dagger, This is thy sheath; there rest, and let me die. † The love of the star crossed lovers was so intense that they were willing to sacrifice life itself in order to follow the prescripts of their heart.