Sunday, July 12, 2020
How to Test Your Restaurant Idea with a Food Truck Business
How to Test Your Restaurant Idea with a Food Truck Business A food truck is a huge vehicle that comes with equipment to cook and sell food. You can either sell frozen/pre-packaged food or have a kitchen on-board, to prepare food right from the scratch. Food truck business is one of the most promising start-up businesses that is not only convenient operate but is also extremely economical. Yes.If you want to start a highly profitable business with low capital, a food truck business can work very well for you. Nowadays, most of the popular chefs, budding entrepreneurs, and successful restaurateurs are getting ahead with this business because of the innumerable prospects it comes with. A food truck is indeed a perfect option if you want to break free from the traditional office or the storefront route businesses.However, although the business seems easy and fun, in reality, it involves a lot of hard work. Some successful owners of popular food trucks have reported of working more than 60 hours per week. The rewards of it, however, can be excepti onally great.With this unconventional and quirky business plan, you get a lot of media attention and end up having a large social media fan following who love you for what you are doing. So if you want to provide a decent meal to the hungry, by following a unique and out-of-the-box business plan, a food truck business can be the best thing to do. You can always use this business to test your restaurant business concept and take it to the next level. © Shutterstock.com | BluIz60In this article, we will explore 1) the reasons why you should try a food truck, 2) process of setting up a food truck effectively, 3) what type of food truck should you go for? 4) what should be your food truck design and menu, and 5) a concluding note.REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD TRY A FOOD TRUCK BUSINESSGetting started with a food truck business gives you an opportunity to garner lots of experience in the restaurant business industry. On top of that, it also gives you a much-needed exposure that comes really handy when you start a bigger business in the long run. In case youâre still wondering why you should âactuallyâ try a food truck, here are a couple of reasons, thatâll convince you for sure.Lesser risks: Well, this is one of the most important reasons why you should go for a food truck. A food truck business involves way lesser risks than a conventional restaurant business. The costs involved in getting started with a restaurant will vary depend ing on the type of concept you develop. Starting a high-end restaurant involves a lot of capital and recurring investments. However, on starting a food truck, in the same style (only with a smaller menu), your costs can be remarkably low. By starting small, you get to learn the same lessons in your truck as you would have done in your posh dining establishment. Moreover, if by any chance your establishment fails, you would have a considerably smaller investment to lose.Helps you understand your customers better: By creating a food truck menu, you can reach out to your target market better. You will be able to understand what kinds of food will work with your targeted customers and what kind of stuff wonât work. Itâll give you a chance to experiment, and youâll soon be able to try different menu options without having to revamp your entire food truck kitchen. Once you start selling good food at a relatively economical price, it will effectively build a great relationship with y our customers. If they like your food, theyâll recommend it elsewhere, thereby bucking up your popularity like never before.Helps you to understand your local system better: Unless you have a professional attorney who has an extensive experience in opening and handling a restaurant, it can take a huge time and effort to check and analyze your local legal systems. Checking out for the restaurant permits can even more daunting and hassling. However, with a food truck and a right attorney, this job can be quite easy and less hassling. Here, you will get to know the individuals who hold office and the health department. Once you start building a rapport with them, itâll eventually help you with your restaurant in the long run.Builds your brand: Building a promising and successful brand for your restaurant can take a lot of time. In some cases, it takes years to build a reputation in the restaurant industry. Also, if you somehow take the wrong path, it may take you a longer period to re-brand your business if you have a brick mortar restaurant. This hassle can be avoided in a small food truck business. In this business, not only do you get to build a brand easily, but you also get to make modifications to your brand by finding a new location to park. If you manage to provide good food, your customers help you to establish your brand by recommending your truck to one and all.Lets your business run smoothly: Getting started with a food truck can help your business run smoothly in the long run. While operating the truck, you will have to learn every job within it. This will give you an opportunity to improve your operational systems and will eventually help you to run your restaurant business smoothly.Flexible location: Finding the right location for a restaurant is one of the most necessary ingredients to operate your food business successfully. However, finding a proper and viable location can often turn out to be hassling task. In order to avoid this hassle, t he food truck can be a great option. A food truck gives you ample flexibility and lets you understand where your customers are coming from and how you will be able to bring a storefront to your neighborhood. At the same time, you will be able to get in touch with your customers, know them, understand their food tastes and build your own credibility.PROCESS OF SETTING UP A FOOD TRUCK EFFECTIVELYNothing is simple in the restaurant business. So, even when you set up a small food truck, a lot of hard work goes into it. In case youâre getting started for the first time, hereâs a list of 10 guidelines thatâll help you in the job.1. Research and find a proper nicheGone are the days when shoddy food trucks would simply serve tacos and cold sandwiches. The food trucks of the current age serve the best gourmet cuisine, international delicacies, health foods, exclusive desserts and everything else that youâd find in a restaurant. The key to being successful in this new and improved bus iness line is by simply finding your own niche and becoming an expert in it. Do a little research to find out about the stuff that is already available in your area. Right after that, come up with your own, unique creation. Add the x-factor to your food truck with unconventional yet incredibly delectable food served in quirky designed plates and cups.2. Register your food parking licensesAfter finding a proper niche and location for your food truck, you will have to get it licensed right away. Every city has different requirements, including certificates from the health department, truck permits and also several parking restrictions. As different cities come with different policies, it is always better to consult your local government to get the right facts. Once you figure out the proper way to get your required licenses and permits, itâll be a smoother sail.3. Arrange a food truck or cartIf you have a pretty tight budget, a food cart can be the best way to get started. These ca rts are usually available at $2,000-$3,000. However, if you have more money to spare, go for a good food truck. Before settling your stuff on a cart or a truck, plan out exactly how you need to run your business. If youâre looking out to sell pizza, burgers, hot dogs or similar other hot food that can be prepared on-site, youâll need a relatively larger truck. However, if youâre planning to prepare the food from home/commercial kitchen in advance; a smaller truck will do. In either case, you have to plan out the kind of truck you need and finally choose the best one.4. Prepare a proper business planJust like any other business, in the restaurant business too, youâll have to dedicate proper time and research for a business plan. Within the business plan you will have to assess the research costs of the permits, the cleaning equipments, ingredients and other relative costs. You will now have to figure out how much of stuff you need to sell each month for a decent profit and ho w much capital would you need to start your business.5. Get capital to start your businessAfter youâve decided what you need and what you have to spend, create a proper finance plan. You can always find an owner-financing option or visit other places to get capital for your small business. Again, you can also take a credit union loan or utilize several peer-to-peer lending networks that let you lend money from your family or peers. Before getting started with your business, figure out how much youâll need for the down payment and how much youâll during the loan.6. Get your insuranceAs your business is going to be on wheels, there are some major insurance costs involved in the process. So, in order to run your truck smoothly, youâve got to talk to an agent about it and describe the purpose itâll serve. Your agent will specifically take several aspects of your business in consideration while they design your policy to account for several risks and liabilities.7. Find a parki ng spaceFood trucks are huge, and if youâre planning to operate a full-sized vehicle, youâll have to check and analyze certain parking issues. You have to check whether your neighborhood association will let you do the parking in front of their homes or if youâre planning off-street parking, you have to ensure whether itâll be safe overnight. Also, while renting a parking space make sure that it is safe and legal.8. Get connected with customersA food truck business isnât merely about setting up a truck during busy lunch hours. It is about coming up with new and innovative food, and building a great relationship with customers. If your food is good enough, your customers will recommend you to one and all, and youâll soon end up having a high-end brand name. Therefore, try to be as courteous as possible with your customers and make the process of networking a part of your job. The right networking skills can help you to meet people who will eventually recommend you to othe rs, thereby backing up your popularity.9. Use social media to popularize your businessNowadays, nothing can be a better option than social media to popularize your business. Some of the most successful truck owners are professionals who make proper use of the social media platform to connect with prospective customers and bring out the buzz. So, keep your followers informed about your location via Twitter and also use a couple of small niche networks to bring in new customers. You can also interact with your fans on social media by creating a poll on the favorite menu or the favorite truck design. This will not only improve your business but will also foster healthy relationships with your customers.10. Grow and expand you businessRight after building your brand, you have to concentrate on expanding and merchandising it. For instance, you can always sell promotional goodies, online, or physically. On top of that, being located in a flexible location, expanding your business shouldnâ t be much of a hassle.WHAT TYPE OF FOOD TRUCK SHOULD YOU GO FOR?While getting started with a mobile food business, there are several kinds of trucks to choose from. Some of them are listed below:Food Kiosk Go for a food kiosk if youâre planning to prepare and sell snacks like popcorn, muffins, pancakes, hot dogs, burgers or sandwiches. The ideal location for a kiosk will be near sports or cultural hubs.Food trucks These trucks come with a kitchen, where foods are freshly prepared for guests and customers. Although the choice of foods in these trucks varies, your specialty can be a specific kind of food.Gourmet Trucks Larger than the conventional food trucks, the gourmet trucks usually come with a relatively larger menu spread.Bustaurant As evident from the name, a bustaurant is a bus turned into a restaurant. Here, the front of the bus is designed as a kitchen and the second part is designed like a serving room, where guests are served.Food Carts These carts are relatively smaller in size, and they sell pre-prepared foods like boiled buttered corn, donuts, quick snacks and desserts.WHAT SHOULD BE YOUR FOOD TRUCK DESIGN MENU?Your food truck should come with an innovative appearance, solid structure, an exterior that can be easily maintained, and most importantly, a kitchen that has all the equipment to provide excellent food. All in all, your food truck should come with an appearance and structure thatâll easily grab the attention of all passers-by.While coming up with the truck, try to be as creative as possible. Donât follow any specific any specific rule or restrictions, and make your truck unique, beautiful and practical. For instance, the opened door of the truck can be an innovative menu board where you can explain your menu in details. At the same time, you can use the cab of your truck to receive the orders and payments.The performance of the mobile food facilities requires more attention, particularly because they are in confined space. Y ou have to be extra sure of the hygiene and ensure that your truck interiors are spick and span, and perfectly well adjusted for kitchen operations. It would work best if the interiors of your kitchen and your kitchen furniture are made of stainless steel. This can prevent it from catching fire. So, although this is a relatively expensive investment, it can turn out to be extremely handy in the long run.Menu ideas for your food truckYour food truck will automatically turn out to be popular if it comes with a wide range of scrumptious, delectable and innovative menu. The menu will define your business, so always try to unleash your creativity while designing it. In any case, it is highly recommended to keep the food simple and quick. Try to add a creative touch, in the regular, simple menu. While complex food items take a lot of time to prepare, easy and simple food will sell quickly and will also be available at affordable prices.You can add any and every kind of grilled items, sand wiches, burgers, salads and fries for the main meal. Again, you can also compile a couple of items and come up with an awesome meal box. For the dessert, try ice cream, fruit salads, puddings or anything of the similar sort.It is highly recommended to change your menu from time to time. For instance, your summer and winter menu should be entirely different from each other. You can also come up with a special item once in a month or fortnight. This will keep your joint popular and crowded.ON A CONCLUDING NOTEAll in all, opting for a food truck can be a great way to test your restaurant business. This will give you an opportunity to explore and experiment with different kinds of food, and, itâll also buck up your overall popularity. So if youâre looking out for a small startup business thatâll generate a lot of profits and give you ample chance of experimentation; a food truck business can be the best bid.
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
The Environmental Hazards Of Oily Sludge - 1330 Words
AUTONUMLGL INTRODUCTION The nature of threats to the environment posed by oily wastewater containing hydrocarbons, has led to it being recognized as hazardous waste. Literature has shown that hydrocarbons contribute to the greenhouse effect and global warming, deplete the ozone, increase occurrences of cancer and respiratory disorders, and reduce the photosynthetic ability of plants. In addition, such hazardous waste is primarily generated at growing rates, by various industries which utilize petroleum products as energy sources and raw materials. The effective remediation of oily sludge has become a worldwide problem due to its hazardous nature and increasing production quantity around the world. More specifically, in third worldâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Thus, the issue remains a pressing one that does not fade away especially in developing nations. Today, emerging economies such as Nigeria have a growing realization of the importance of the environmental friendly policies and systems. This research a ims to examine... In this research proposal, we begin with an introduction to put in context the changing demands on the treatment of oily sludge residue a short description of the status quo of the treatment of oily sludge residue followed by a discussion of the research problem. Then we discuss the approach used to undertake the research, followed by a work plan and schedule. 2. Overview of oily sludge treatment from petroleum 2.1 What is Oily Sludge? It is worthwhile to examine the various definitions of oily sludge to recognize the multi-layered issue its clean up entails. It is also noteworthy that many definitions of systems engineering describe what it does and not what it is. This is particularly prevalent in the earlier standards. The definition that depicts what oily sludge is comprised is as follows: Oily sludge is one of the most significant solid wastes generated in the petroleum industry. It is a complex emulsion of various petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs), water, heavy metals, and solid particles. Another definition of sludge - A dense, slushy, liquid-to-semifluid product that accumulates as an end result of an
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
The Grapes Of Wrath By John Steinbeck - 1729 Words
John Steinbeck the author of The Grapes of Wrath has a very unique styling of writing. With his style of writing the historical and creative embellishments of the Great Depression are expressed vividly. The way John Steinbeck brings out the nonfiction and the fiction points of view in his writing bring a special twist to writing in general. The way that his writing can bring out the historical and creative writing makes this one of the most intriguing reads a person could ever read. The two major points that make this book a really intriguing read would be the way that John Steinbeck can bring out historical and creative embellishments of The Great Depression. With the unique way John Steinbeck can bring the fiction and non-fiction ways are unique and really interesting points that should be expressed on more. The Houses were left vacant on the land, and the land was vacant because of this. (Steinbeck Page 115) The image John Steinbeck creates is powerful in more ways than one. The way that he can explain how the Great Depression effected everyone in one sentence is remarkable. The way he is able to incorporate a powerful image that can affect all readers is the most unique in many ways. With the first part of the sentence, The Houses were left vacant on the land, shows that there had been once but now has disappeared from existence is a really powerful image that he only can create with his style of writing. Also with that part of the sentenceShow MoreRelatedThe Grapes Of Wrath By John Steinbeck Essay1622 Words à |à 7 Pages The Grapes of Wrath John Steinbeck, widely viewed as one of the most finest and powerful American writer, born to a middle-class family in 1902 in the Salinas Valley of California. Steinbeck is a writer who often spoke for the people. The Grapes of Wrath is a great movie, published in 1939, filled with many universal truths and views on human nature and society, especially where class is concerned. In the article, John Steinbeck The Grapes a wrath: A Call to Action says, ââ¬Å"Steinbeckââ¬â¢s novel showcasedRead MoreThe Grapes Of Wrath By John Steinbeck1075 Words à |à 5 PagesKirsten Lloyd Mr. Eldridge AP Junior English 21 August 2014 Grapes of Wrath ââ¬Å"Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.â⬠(Seneca), In the 1939 novel, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, the reader accompanies the Joad family as they struggle to escape the crippling Dust Bowl of the mid- 1930ââ¬â¢s. In hopes of establishing a new life for themselves after being forced off their land the family embark on a journey from Oklahoma to California in search of fruitful crops and steady work alongRead MoreThe Grapes Of Wrath By John Steinbeck1563 Words à |à 7 Pages John Steinbeckââ¬â¢s novel, The Grapes of Wrath, depicts a migrant farming family in the 1930s. During this time, life revolved around the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, making circumstances difficult for almost everyone involved, especially those who had little. This time of drought and despair caused people to lose hope in everything theyââ¬â¢ve ever known, even themselves, but those who did not, put their hope in the ââ¬Å"promised landâ⬠of California. Here, the grass was thought to be truly greenerRead MoreThe Grapes Of Wrath By John Steinbeck1189 Words à |à 5 Pagesââ¬Å"The Grapes of Wrathâ⬠Shortly after being released John Steinbeckââ¬â¢s book ââ¬Å"The Grapes of Wrathâ⬠was banned because many critics viewed the novel as promoting communist propaganda, or socialist ideas. The ideas that many of these critics point to is Steinbeckââ¬â¢s depiction of the Big Banks/ Businesses as monsters, the comparison of Government camps to a utopia in contrast of the makeshift ââ¬Å"Hoovervilles,â⬠and the theme of the community before the individual, In his novel ââ¬Å"The Grapes of Wrathâ⬠John SteinbeckRead MoreThe Grapes Of Wrath By John Steinbeck1093 Words à |à 5 Pages In John Steinbeck s The Grapes of Wrath, Tom Joad and his family are forced from their home during the 1930ââ¬â¢s Oklahoma Dust Bowl and set out for California along with thousands of others in search of jobs, land, and hope for a brighter future. The Grapes of Wrath is Steinbeckââ¬â¢s way to expound about the injustice and hardship of real migrants during the Depression-era. H e utilizes accurate factual information, somber imagery, and creates pathos, allowing readers connections to the Joadââ¬â¢s plightRead MoreThe Grapes Of Wrath By John Steinbeck1190 Words à |à 5 PagesThe Grapes of Wrath April 14th, 1939, John Steinbeck published the novel, The Grapes of Wrath. The novel became an immediate best seller, with selling over 428,900 copies. Steinbeck, who lived through both the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, sought to bring attention to how families of Oklahoma outdid these disasters. Steinbeck focuses on families of Oklahoma, including the Joads family, who reside on a farm. The Joad family is tested with hardship when life for them on their farm takesRead MoreThe Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck702 Words à |à 3 PagesJohn Steinbeckââ¬â¢s use of the intercalary chapters in The Grapes of Wrath helps weave the readerââ¬â¢s sympathy of the Joad family into a more broad sympathy for the migrant farmers as a whole, in the hopes that the readers would then be compelled to act upon what they have read. During the Great Depression, people had a big disconnect about what was happening in various parts of the country. People often struggle to find sympathy for events when they canââ¬â¢t even visualize a person who is suffering throughRead MoreThe Grapes Of Wrath By John Steinbeck2144 Words à |à 9 PagesThe Grapes of Wrath is a well-known beloved novel of American Literature, written by John Steinbeck and published in 1939. Whoever said a road is just a road has not read The Grapes of Wrath. From the time we read when Tom Joad, novelââ¬â¢s protagonist, returns home after four years in prison; the meaning of roads changed. Route 66, also known as the mother road the road of flight, was a lifeline road, which allowed thousands of families to pursue their hopes and dreams. This road is also the road thatRead MoreThe Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck1014 Words à |à 5 PagesJohn Steinbeckââ¬â¢s novel, The Grapes of Wrath, was first written and later published in the 1939. Fr om the time of its publication to date, the exemplary yet a simple book has seen Steinbeck win a number of highly coveted awards including Pulitzer Prize in 1940 and later on Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962. Set at the time of the Great Depression, the book most remarkably gives a descriptive account of the Oklahoma based sharecropper Joadââ¬â¢ poor family in the light of economic hardship, homelessnessRead MoreThe Grapes Of Wrath By John Steinbeck1064 Words à |à 5 PagesThe Grapes of Wrath, originated from a John Steinbeckââ¬â¢s book, a legendary film that focus on a major point of American history. The story follows the Joad family on their journey to California trying to survive the hardships. This film, focus on the social problems of America like the Dust bowl, The Great Depression, and industrialism. The Grapes of Wrath was filmed in a journalistic-documentary style, which displayed the realism of the epidemic in the thirties. The thirties the period The Grapes
Frankenstein and the Romantic Era Essay Example For Students
Frankenstein and the Romantic Era Essay Frankenstein and the Romantic EraIn the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, the plot, setting, and characters reflect the historical and philosophical aspects of the Romantic era. This includes the emphasis on the impossible, the magical, and on freedom. It can also be related to the time period in which it was written, with the continued journey into the unknown, in science and exploration, and with the disarray of the world. In 1816, the reanimation of dead tissue was not only amazing but unheard of. The idea that Victor Frankenstein could bring a being of this type alive was outrageous yet fascinating at the same time. This novel of great accomplishment is very similar to others of this period which were written beyond the realm of human possibility.Another element of the romantic Age reflected in Frankenstein is the importance of freedom. The letters from Walton to his sister tell of his journey into the icy waters of the arctic. He is free to take his ship to any destination he pleases. This control over ones destiny is seen in Romantic novels often. Another example of freedom is in Frankensteins creation of the monster. His freedom is what allows him to explore the subject which society would tell one to avoid. This freedom is what Romantic writers often attempted as they were trapped in the oppressive society of the eighteenth century. Frankenstein touches upon the historic elements of this time period. Societys continued mission, to seek out new life and new civilization in exploration, is evident in the novel with Waltons journey. Just as explorers of the time looked on to discover new land yet to be claimed, so did Waltons journey to explore the Arctic. Victor Frankensteins fascination with creating life parallels the work of scientists during this time period to discover the secrets of life.
Thursday, April 23, 2020
The Albany Failure Essays - Benjamin Franklin, Albany Plan, Albany
The Albany Failure The Albany Failure Benjamin Franklin drew a plan for the colonies with the goal of uniting all colonies together under the King. The colonies nor the English wanted to accept this plan. After riducule and questioning of current success by the people, the Albany Plan of 1754 was vetoed. Thus proving to all the world that America was a world of independent thought. The Albany Plan was written to fairly represent all colonies under the King of England and to set regulations on expansion into Indian territory. In trying to convince the colonies to support this plan, Franklin drew a cartoon of a snake divided evenly into pieces. This was to show how the plan gave everyone a piece of control in the government. The plan was fair in the divisions, but not completely clear in the control lying in the hands of the King. Groups of colonists opposed this plan due to the idea of giving their control to the King. In the Albany Plan, the King appointed the leader, or President-General, of the Grand Council. This meant that the thoughts and ideas of the colonists, although they may be heard, would not always be listened to or ever taken into consideration. The colonists did not enjoy this idea of having their freedom of decision removed and therefore most vetoed the plan. Other smaller groups of colonists supported the plan. This plan gave equal representation to each colony according to size, in the Grand Council. The Albany Plan allowed the colonies to feel as if they had a say in their government and much like today's congress, they would be able to decide their own laws, regulations, and most importantly their fate. For these reasons, New York supported the plan. Unfortunately, New York's vote was not enough to override all the colonies which opposed the plan. Benjamin franklin's idea was perhaps too advanced for his time and therefore failed. Colonists did not want to give their power to the King and they wanted to remain independently successful. The colonies refused to agree to the regulations set by the Albany plan and therefore they were not completely united under the King of England. History Essays
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock Essay Example
The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock Essay Example The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock Essay The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock Essay Essay Topic: poem This poem is set in a big, dirty city, and its speaker is a very unhappy man who Is afraid of living and therefore bored all the time. The epigraph of this poem is a six- line quotation from Canto 27 of the Inferno by the Renaissance Italian poet Dante Alighieri. The Interno tells the story ot how a guy (Dante) who has messed up his lite badly enough to require some help from heaven. In order to scare him away from sin nd other bad things, heaven sends another poet named Vlrgll to give Dante a guided tour through the horrors of Hell (known as Inferno In Italian). Along the way he meets a lot of evil and misguided people. The quote from this epigraph is said by one of the characters in the eighth circle of Hell (which has nine circles), where some of the worst of the worst are stuck for eternity, This persons name is Guido da Montefeltro, and when Dante asks to hear his story, heres what he says: If I thought that my reply would be to someone who would ever return to earth, his flame would remain without further movement; but as no one has ever returned alive from this gulf, if what I hear is true, can answer you with no fear of infamy. What does this quote mean? Dante is really curious to know why Guido ended up so far down In Hell. But Guido Is selfish. Hes afraid that people back on earth will find out about the horrible stuff he did hes concerned about his reputation. On the other hand, Guido knows that no one has ever entered Hell and made It out again, so he figures that Its safe to tell his story because Dante is stuck here. nfortunately for Guido, Dante Is the first human ever to be allowed to pass through Hell and return to earth, so people do eventually find out about Guidos reading the Inferno. One other thing we should mention: Guido doesnt even have a body in Hell â⬠hes not worthy of that so his entire spirit is just a flame that moves when he talks, When he says, this flame would remain without further movement, he means, l would shut up and not talk to you anymore. Why does Eliot choose this epigraph for his poem? Well, It suggests a couple of things. First, that Prufrock might not be a the poem is a kind of hell. Second, it tells us that this fellow Prufrock, who is singing his love song, might be concerned about his reputation like Guido. In other words, Prufrock is going to tell us things because he thinks we wont have a chance to repeat them to other people. Who are you? This is the question Prufrock will not answer, but responds, do not ask, what is it (11-12)? Prufrock is afraid that his true identity will be exposed to the ladies at the tea party he will attend. He is consistent n wondering how-and-why he can begin to talk about his boring life in lines (54, 60, 61, 68, and 69). He desires to present himself as significant, but what can he possibly say if a lady is anticipating him to converse about himself. Whatever Prufrock reveals about himself could induce a state of unexpected rejection. He is confident though the ladies will not care about the butt-ends of my days and ways, fearful of the fact that if he reveals part of himself to one of the ladies, she may find his life uninteresting (60). As Prufrock looks within himself, he is fearful of being disclosed at he tea party. He is afraid that the ladies will mock his thin hair and his thin legs, both symbolizing his unimpressive mind and body. What is so ironic is that Prufrock is self-conscious because he goes unnoticed mostly by the ladies at the tea party. The women come and go/Talking of Michelangelo (13-14; 35-36), and miss out on Prufrocks moment of excellence, which turned out to be only a flicker (84). Eliots intense description of Prufrocks life portrays one of imperfection. As Prufrock recognizes his days and ways are only butt-ends, like wasted cigarettes 60), he admits he has measured out my life with coffee spoons asserting that in his small world, tea parties are his only means of entertainment (53). Even Jesus would find his life a bore as he implies he has seen the eternal Footman hold my coat and snicker (85). Eliot alludes to John the Baptist when Prufrock states that l have seen my head (grown slightly bald) brought in upon a platter/ I am no prophet (82-83). John the Baptist was killed because he was bold enough to tell King Herod that he was living corruptly. He died because he told the truth. For Prufrock, revealing his true identity to others would kill him, so he will not. He is no prophet because he doesnt have the courage (83). He holds no banners of greatness. Prufrock shields himself within a protective shell that seems harmless to the casual reader and himself. His reluctance to answer the overwhelming question at the beginning of the poem is differentiated by the peaceful yellow smoke that acts like a cat in the soft October night, surrounding the house (symbolizing Prufrock) and resting there (21-22). However the smoke is not as harmless as it appears. It eems calm, but is more like a cloud of mustard gas that chokes life. Prufrocks shield hides his flaws and prevents any realization of his emotional needs, especially the need for love. While in this shell, he cannot find love and acceptance at this tea party. In the past, he has unsuccessfully attempted to meet his intimate desires by sexual excursions. He has spent times with prostitutes, for he has known arms already (62). Yet, these experiences have not met his emotional needs. He needs to be able to share himself with someone who will accept him as he is, but is afraid to do so, ecause physical intimacy with a lady at a tea party will not bring emotional intimacy, and wondering if she will, as she is settling a pillow by her head, casually reject him (96). air of ragged claws/ Scuttling across the floors of silent seas (73-74). This imagery shows Prufrock admitting that he should have been a crustacean. Like a crab, he is trapped in a protective shell, and there are at least three sides to our speaker, Prufrock. On one side we have the sneaky trickster, who invites us on a romantic walk only to lead us down windy roads and point out that the evening looks like a patient bout to undergo surgery. He keeps stalling and leading us away from the main subject (his overwhelming question) as if he had something to hide. He constantly confuses the time of day and even the past versus the future. On the other side we have Prufrock the Fool, whose desperate attempts to make us think hes a cool, confident ladies man is comically transparent. Finally, we have the sad, honest man who realizes the Jig is up and cant even convince himself of his own stories. This Prufrock, who only lets his mask drop for a few lines at a time, is the ne who admits that he should have been a pair of ragged claws and that he has seen the moment of [his] greatness flicker (lines 72, 84). Like a Juggler, the poem keeps a delicate balance between these three personalities, so that one never gets an upper hand other the others.
Sunday, March 1, 2020
Concerning as an Adjective
Concerning as an Adjective Concerning as an Adjective Concerning as an Adjective By Maeve Maddox If hearing the word concerning used as an adjective to mean ââ¬Å"causing anxietyâ⬠gives you a chalkboard moment, you may as well get used to it. The usage has yet to make its way into all the dictionaries, but it has hit the mainstream and it wonââ¬â¢t be turned back. For about 200 years, concerning has been functioning quite happily as a preposition to mean any of the following: regarding relating to with reference to referring to with regard to as regards with respect to respecting dealing with on the subject of in connection with re apropos of Supporters of the adjectival use of concerning point to the definition in the OED: ââ¬Å"that gives cause for anxiety or distress.â⬠The one citation given for this usage is from Pamela (1740), the overwrought epistolary novel by Samuel Richardson. Pamela is a virtuous young maidservant resisting the overtures of her employer. Here is the passage in which concerning means ââ¬Å"anxiety-producing.â⬠The words not in quotations belong to Pamelaââ¬â¢s narration: ââ¬Å"Well,â⬠said he, ââ¬Å"if you wonââ¬â¢t eat with me, drink at least with me.â⬠I drank two glasses by his over-persuasions, and said, ââ¬Å"I am really ashamed of myself.â⬠ââ¬Å"Why, indeed,â⬠said he, ââ¬Å"my dear girl, I am not a very dreadful enemy, I hope! I cannot bear any thing that is the least concerning to you.â⬠Elsewhere, Richardson uses concerning conventionally, as a preposition: ââ¬Å"Mrs. Jewkes has directions concerning you.â⬠I hope, whatever be your honourââ¬â¢s intention concerning her, you will not be long about it. Have mercy on me, and hear me, concerning that wicked womanââ¬â¢s usage of me. To perform a Google Ngram search, I used the phrase ââ¬Å"very concerningâ⬠to get an idea of the adjectival use of concerning. The phrase is effectively flat-lined in American English until 1972; it begins to take off in the late 1980s. My guess is that political writers and other media manipulators rediscovered adjectival concerning as a useful euphemism for words that might frighten voters or consumers. Compare: Increased juvenile drug use is disturbing. Increased juvenile drug use is concerning. The possibility of more terroristic attacks is a cause for concern. The possibility of terroristic attacks is concerning. The rise in global temperatures is troubling. The rise in global temperatures is concerning. It seems to me that concerning has the effect of distancing a perceived threat by making it seem to be a matter to be watched, but perhaps not one to get too excited about for the present. Whatever the reasons for the current popularity of concerning as an adjective to describe anything that causes concern, it has certainly caught on in American speech. If you find yourself looking for an alternative, hereââ¬â¢s a list of possibilities: alarming bothersome disquieting distressing disturbing nerve-racking perturbing scary troubling unsettling upsetting worrisome worrying Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:How to Format a US Business LetterFive Spelling Rules for "Silent Final E"How to Send Tactful Emails from a Technical Support Desk
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