Sri Lanka Tourism

Tourists Return to Paradise Isle a Year After War’s End By Amantha Perera COLOMBO, May 17, 2010 (IPS) – A year since Sri Lanka’s bloody civil war ended on May 18 last year, tourists are returning in huge numbers to a popular beach destination located over 300 kilometres from where the last battles were fought. Nowhere is the relief at the end of fighting more tangible than on the beautiful beaches of Hikkaduwa, south of the capital Colombo.The war against the secessionist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, fighting for a separate state for the minority Tamils, cost over 70,000 lives in over two and half decades and sent over 280,000 fleeing for their lives in its final phase. Hikkaduwa, famous for its coral reef, sandy beaches and swanky hotels, is on the rebound. Visitors who abandoned the sun and the beach when bombs started going off have begun to return. The best days may be still ahead of this famous tourist destination south of the capital Colombo. Already, it is bracing itself for huge arrivals during the next European winter season.Arrivals grew by an impressive 50 percent or an increase to 160,000 from 106,000 in the first quarter of 2010, compared to 2009, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the government agency that monitors tourist arrivals. This year, the island known for its scenic beauty expects over half a million tourist arrivals, making 2010 one of the best seasons in the last half a decade. â€Å"We saw very good arrival rates this season (between November 2009 and April 2010),† Siri Goonewardene, president of the Hikkaduwa Hoteliers’ Association, told IPS. With the war no more, travellers feel safer visiting here and there were no unexpected security-related incidents that would have driven them away. † The general manager of Coral Sands, a 75-room luxury hotel on the Hikkaduwa beach, expects better results later this year when the next winter season starts. â€Å"The bookings h ave been good. If the trend continues the next season will be definitely better than this one,† says Goonewardene.He adds that operators expect about a 50 percent growth in arrivals next season. The upbeat assessment is shared by operators who run smaller hotels and restaurants and others who depend on the tourist trade. This season was good. We had a high number of visitors,† says Dhammika Silva, who runs a small hotel at Mirissa, a cove-like beach south of Hikkaduwa. He depends on individual tourists who visit the Mirissa area as his business is too small to tie up with tour operators. â€Å"I needed more people on the beach having a good time to make ends meet. This time it happened. † The same is true of Nimal, who sells traditional woodcarvings from a small shop near the beach. â€Å"We had a very good season. I made some good sales,† adds Nimal, who simply identified himself by his first name.These hopes for a bumper tourist season are a far cry from the beach operators’ downcast mood less than 18 months back. With the war raging in the north, by the time the winter season began in November 2008, arrivals were sliding. With earnings going down, in 2008, tourism fell to number six in the country’s top foreign revenue earners from the fourth slot, accounting only for 2. 8 percent of the gross national product. The industry supports a large workforce, much of it informal. According to a labour survey conducted by the Sri Lanka Census and Statistics Department in 2007, over 100,000 were employed in the trade, 56 percent of whom were nformal employees. It was the informal employees that felt the pinch when arrivals kept going down without the security of at least a small wage packet. In early 2009, business operators like Nimal were complaining that they could not keep their shops open and at least pay the utilities.Some decided to close shop. The downturn in arrivals due to the war attracted low spenders to the island. Silva says that many tourists from Eastern Europe and Russia began arriving in Sri Lanka when the big spenders from Western Europe stayed away. I have nothing against them. But these were budget travellers who travel through the region. They don’t spend much,† he told IPS. Nimal concurs. â€Å"They are not the type who buy souvenirs, let alone expensive carvings, they will show up in the number of arrivals, but have no money. † Goonewardene from Coral Sands warned that the high numbers should not be an indication that the industry has fully recovered. â€Å"When the numbers are analysed, we will see that there will not be a 50 percent increase in earnings corresponding to the increase in arrivals. â€Å"He says the government should launch an aggressive public relations campaign to attract high-end spenders and give incentives like tax breaks to the industry. The new government that took office last month has brought tourism under the purview of the Economic D evelopment Ministry, which has been tasked with accelerating development. It is an indication that tourism is to be a vital component in the new economic plans. â€Å"It is good that the government is showing signs of making tourism part of the bigger national plans. Whoever invests in tourism now will be making a lot of money come next season if we make the right decisions,† Silva

And Learning English With The Help Of Computers Education Essay

This survey attempts to research and analyze the function of computing machines in the procedure of instruction and larning English in an Argentinean private school of English. The chief purpose is to look into and understand the usage of computing machines in the schoolroom and to detect whether they contribute to further the procedure of larning English. The different instruction state of affairss are examined every bit good as the activities carried out in the schoolroom and the pupil ‘s and teacher ‘s functions. The environments in which pupils learn and the ways in which people work and live are invariably being transformed by bing and emerging engineerings. Hence, technological alterations appears to act upon everyone in society and dispute the traditional procedure of instruction and acquisition, every bit good as the manner in which instruction is managed. The outgrowth of the wireless, telecasting, tape participants and pictures became of import resources for instructors to back up their lessons and the same occurred in the 1970ss and 1880ss when personal computing machines reached the markets. It seems to be utile to transport out this research in order to happen the advantages that engineering, particularly computing machines, offers to education sing two groups of scholars from two different school of English in Olavarria, which is a metropolis in the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Many theories have been presented by assorted researches and there is still controversy among this subject. Therefore, diging into such of import facets is indispensable to be experimented in order to explicate our ain decisions. This paper will be aimed at garnering meaningful findings which may assist instructors in general to get down sing the usage of computing machines and the Internet in the different schoolrooms. ( alteration or accommodate ) Warschauer ( 1996 ) suggests that engineering turned out to be an indispensable tool in instruction as it provides pupils with valuable connexions with instructors, other schools and students, every bit good as a broad web of professionals around the Earth. Nowadays, these important engineerings are used in instruction in order to better it and do pupils take full advantage of them. However, furthering the usage of computing machines seems to be complex issue to be implemented in Argentinean ‘s schoolrooms due to the deficiency of resources. As a consequence, few schools have the possibility to take advantage of the available engineering and instructors tend to avoid this new tool. The intent of this work is to demo whether the usage of computing machines and the Internet stimulates pupils to larn a foreign linguistic communication and assist them to develop the different macro accomplishments expeditiously. Expectations are directed towards the activities that scholars are able to make with engineering that they would non be able to make without it. The findings of this research will convey valuable foundations to reflect upon the advantages of presenting computing machine assisted linguistic communication acquisition ( CALL ) in the procedure of instruction and larning a foreign linguistic communication. Literature reappraisal The functions of computing machines in the schoolroom The integrating of computing machines in instruction has been discussed widely and much attending has been devoted to their function in the schoolrooms. The first execution of computing machines in instruction was around the sixtiess but their usage was really limited. From that clip onwards, the developments of computing machines grew and the function it has in instruction presents is that of an instructional tool for presenting information that can excite instruction and acquisition. Computer assisted linguistic communication acquisition ( CALL ) is going a relevant country and might assist instructors to actuate pupils to larn through engineering. Bergel and Gonzalez ( 2009 ) states that web-based tools might provide for existent life communicative demands, and they allow pupils to go more independent and to interact with other scholars, instructors and society in general. It has besides been stated that â€Å" aˆÂ ¦ certain types of scholars may be better suited to some CALL stuffs than other pupils † ( Chapelle & A ; Jamieson, 1986, p. 27 ) . The writers assured that pupils who are non field independent, for illustration, show a important penchant for utilizing CALL. There are three phases of Computer assisted linguistic communication larning identifiable in recent old ages. Harmonizing to Warschauer ( 1996 ) , there exists three stages of Call: Behavioristic: is based on behaviorist larning theory, and it focuses on insistent linguistic communication drills. In this phase, the computing machine is viewed as a coach moving as a medium for directing instructions and stuffs to pupils. Communicative: The 2nd stage of CALL emerged in the! 970s and 1980s when the communicative attack to the instruction of a foreign linguistic communication was in trend. This phase emerged when pedagogues felt that the boring attack did non let plenty reliable communicating. The computing machine is used for accomplishment pattern, but at that place no boring techniques are used. There is more learner pick, control and interaction. Now, the accent is on larning as a originative procedure of find, look and development. â€Å" In this instance, the intent of the CALL activity is non so much to hold pupils detect the right reply, but instead to excite pupils ‘ treatment, composing, or critical thought † ( Warschauer, 1996, p. 3 ) . Integrative: it focuses on a societal o socio-cognitive position of acquisition. The usage of linguistic communication in a more reliable context is emphasised, which encourages pupils to build intending utilizing computing machines. This stage is based on two of import technological developments: multimedia and the Internet. Multimedia engineering, brings many advantages and it can merely be found in a computing machine. â€Å" What makes multimedia even more powerful is that it besides entails interactive multimedia. That means that the multimedia resources are all linked together and that scholars can voyage their ain way merely by indicating and snaping a mouse † ( Warschauer, 1996, p. 4 ) . The Internet with the Web 2.0 offers all users the possibility to make, upload and edit texts, besides other synergistic tools. Learners can make and interchange information freely. The development from one phase to another does non intend the rejection of the old phase. All of them are integrated and complement to each other. At present, CALL is in trend and many research workers have agreed on the advantages it gives to larn a foreign linguistic communication. It is noticeable that CALL might give the possibility to larn a linguistic communication as it can be â€Å" a coach which offers linguistic communication drills or skill pattern ; a stimulation for treatment and interaction ; or a tool for composing and research. With the coming of the Internet, it can besides be a medium of planetary communicating and a beginning of illimitable reliable stuffs † ( Warschauer, 1996, p. 7 ) . As said by Garret ( 1991 ) , computing machines can â€Å" function a assortment of utilizations for linguistic communication instruction but the usage of the computing machine does non represent a method but a medium in which a assortment of methods, attacks, and pedagogical doctrines may be implemented † ( p. 75 ) . Teachers appear to be the 1s who are responsible for presenting new technological methods to their categories and guide pupils towards a better acquisition. Computers as instruction and acquisition tools Reading and vocabulary: utilizing computing machines in the schoolroom for reading, which include articles taken from the Internet, might back up the development of reading accomplishments among pupils. Kasper ( 2000 ) states that these reading stuffs which are taken from the Internet supply a assortment of modern, reliable texts if compared to stuffs sourced from text editions. As some research workers have conducted assorted surveies on the usage of engineering in foreign linguistic communication instruction, there is one empirical survey which showed that two dissimilar group of pupils were given the same linguistic communication activity, but in different manners: in the traditional pen-and-paper format and utilizing computing machines. After the activity, Bruce & A ; Levin ( 1997 ) were able to place the different grades of motive towards both undertakings reasoning that computer-assisted version of the activity was found more extremely actuating and good for the group of scholars which were observed. The accomplishment of authorship, for illustration, is at present the topic of a considerable sum of research. Mills ( 1996 ) affirms that composing is chiefly a societal act concerned foremost and first with knowledge and ever associated to context. In general, composing seems to be a lone act in which pupils by and large fulfil an assignment either at place or at school to be handed in to their instructors. â€Å" The societal facets of authorship are diminished when there is a limitation on the societal infinite where readers and authors come together † ( Mills, 1996, p. 2 ) . Therefore, utilizing the tools that the cyberspace is offering might assist to foreshorten the distance between authors and readers. Communication with native talkers allows scholars to rehearse specific accomplishments such as discussing, inquiring for elucidation, negociating significance, carrying others, clear uping different facets, inquiring for information, etcetera. Warschauer and Meskill ( 2000 ) province that â€Å" Computer based treatment which takes topographic point outside the schoolroom increases pupils ‘ chances to pass on in another forum, affording both general linguistic communication pattern and pattern in composing † ( p. 8 ) . Harmonizing to Larson ( 1999 ) , the transactional nature of the Internet and the pedagogical relevancy of state-of-the-art web-based synergistic engineerings make web-based direction a feasible vehicle for foreign linguistic communication instruction. There could more research done in this country to farther look into the option of utilizing the Internet to ease foreign linguistic communication acquisition and therefore, chief findings will function as sharing research-based cognition which will enrich the different probes that have been done so far. Bergel and Gonzalez ( Ibid. ) argues that word-processors, web logs, wikis and electronic mails among others seem to lend to the acquisition of a foreign linguistic communication and increase pupils ‘ motive advancing contact with reliable linguistic communication. Computers ought to be integrated in the school environment as it has become an progressively of import characteristic of the acquisition state of affairs for pupils in general, every bit good as a important component to the instruction of a foreign linguistic communication and that is the ground why instructors should happen a manner to present it in the teaching-learning state of affairs The innovation of the printing imperativeness has transformed the rational life of the universe and has improved the acquisition conditions. By the same item, computing machines have done a similar work presents for, with the chink of a mouse, we are able to see what is taking topographic point in the universe. Therefore, Larson ( Ibid. ) claims that it is highly important to see these chances that engineering offers to the educational system taking history of the pupils ‘ degree that is the most suited in each state of affairs. In the present survey, the advantages of utilizing engineering for larning a foreign linguistic communication will be discussed, seeking to show such advantages upon a group of scholars. What function does the teacher ( instructor ) drama in this facet, and how of import is the teacher ‘s presence? What is the engineering ‘s consequence on the acquisition of the foreign linguistic communication and accomplishments? Do pupils bask the experience and feel motivated? Do pupils comprehend that they improved their accomplishment or public presentation in larning with the aid of engineering? The replies to these inquiries will be examined in the present research.

The Divine Spark and What It Means to be Human Essay

The Divine Spark and What It Means to be Human - Essay Example Yet, I have to at least try and give an answer. What is "The Divine Spark" The most likely explanation for this, I believe, would be that sudden spark of life. It is that sudden gift of life from the divine creator. In the context of the novel though, I believe that the divine spark is the dawning of a realization for a person. That sudden understanding that whatever it was that he was questioning in the past has, when he least expected it, finally found an answer. The novel posed a serious question before me. After reading the passage in the book where the professor from the University of Virginia discussed his view of a Negro as a man with Chamberlain, I knew that I had a question to ask myself. Chamberlain said: A Negro was not a man Why wasn't he to be considered as such Regardless of race and color, he lived, breathed, and existed in the same space as his landlord. I am of the opinion that this was said because, at the time a Negro was not human because he was unlearned. That was not entirely his fault as it was illegal to teach your slaves to read in some states during that time. There were still some whites during this period that could not read or write yet nobody ever thought that he was less of a man because of his illiteracy. Is being a man based on skin color No. That is shallow and totally unacceptable. To illustrate my point, these days, the Latin Americans living in the USA have taken the place of the Negroes.

Analysis for the 7Cs Framework Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Analysis for the 7Cs Framework - Assignment Example With the information provided on the website, it is easy for a potential customer to book a room because the site is enough to keep the visitors updated. All the content available on the website has been developed by the company in an effort to ensure that users of the website are well-informed (164). Community  The Le Meridien website presents a strong community because it promotes interactions between different customers. The website has a page that allows guests or visitors to share their experiences with other visitors. The page is highly interactive because new visitors can post questions to the authors of the current reviews concerning their experience at the hotel. The page serves to create a highly connected community that allows all the users to interact. The page is under the close monitoring by the site owner. Notably, this aspect is a remarkable feature of the Le Meridien website (169).Customization  A close analysis of the Le Meridien reveals that it is generic becau se all visitors to the website see the same phase of the website. The fact that the site is information dominant, it does not present an opportunity for personalization or tailoring by the site owner. All the functions and windows in the website are permanent and are the same for each viewer. Therefore, there is a salient need for the company to introduce a measure of customization so that visitors may experience a measure of freedom and exercise their self-expression (173). The communication between the users and the site owner.

Non-Conventional Terrorism Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Non-Conventional Terrorism - Assignment Example American Congress Office of Technological Assessment stated that the â€Å"the production of nuclear weapons is a more complicated process, it is most difficult to acquire such material and this process is more expensive (Levi, 2010).† Nuclear terrorism is a type of non-conventional terrorism in which terrorists use nuclear weapons in order to complete their mission of the savage and excessive killing of many people and mass destruction. It also the use of fissile materials in an attack, e.g., an attack on a nuclear energy plant with the aim of causing widespread and/or permanent harm to the environment. Studies show that biological weapon can be devastatingly easy. During the fourteenth century, the disease caused by the Tartars infected corpses over castle walls which results in the Black Death in which an approximated one-third of the whole population got killed (Mahan & Griset, 2008). As the United States is playing a leading role in the war against terrorism and confronti ng with the terrorist in different parts of the world. Therefore America might be the first target of the major terrorist organization which increases the risk of large-scale use of bacteria or viruses or toxins (biological weapons) as a weapon of mass destruction against U.S (Department of Homeland Security, 2008). These biological weapons could be used by the terrorist as it is believed that this capability is within their reach. According to the studies, the terrorist would probably use anthrax against the U.S; and if these terrorist organizations got succeeded in attacking any single city of America than this would kill hundreds of thousands of people (Department of Homeland Security, 2008).

Psychology ADULT DEVELOPEMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Psychology ADULT DEVELOPEMENT - Essay Example Most of the above mentioned spheres are not only influenced by the age an individual but are also influenced by other factors like the genetics and exposure to a particular environment Early adulthood is the period just after adolescence when the individual is in their early stages of maturation. The physical and mental processes are fresh and vibrant with the completion of maturation of the processes that takes a longer time to mature. Mid adulthood is the period marked by the twenties age bracket. This is when the bodily processes are at their optimum and it is closely followed by commencement of degeneration. The last phase is the late adulthood that is often marked by various symptoms of degeneration as the body is wasting away. This article will look keenly into the various processes that the adult of any one particular phase should look forward to in terms of the physical and mental development with time. It will also undertake to give a number of insights into several means that adults may consider in order to ensure that they optimally develop both physically and mentally. People reach the peak of their physical strength and stamina when they are in the twenties age brackets. ... The muscles look sturdy and healthy while the sin glows with youthfulness. Physiological changes often appear in the late adulthood. The strength and the endurance once associated with the youthful body of the individual gradually vanish with the passing of time. The rate at which the neural processes function reduces gradually with the brain experiencing some degree of atrophy (Knox1999p34).A common phenomenon with the digestive system includes the changes in the gastrointestinal tract that often leads to increased frequency in constipation. At the same time, the circulatory and respiratory systems undergo through some form of degeneration which results into inefficiencies in their functioning. Osteoporosis is another condition that comes with old age and is especially pronounced among women. The muscles weaken while the skin experiences a greater degree of dryness and inflexibility. Sensitivity in the five senses decreases while hair loss is experienced. Cognitive changes Cognition during the early and mid adulthood is usually high with the intellectual capability being at its peak. The changes often occur in the elderly phase of adulthood. It is reported that the response speeds decline with the age of an individual. The working memory is also often compromised in this phase thus resulting into problems associated with cognition. This group of adults also often suffer from disorders that eat up on their cognition. These disorders commonly known as dementias are found in approximately 15% of the individuals aged above 65 years (Cavanaugh 2003pp23-24). Behavior change The behavioral patterns found among the early adults reflect the nature of expectations

Morality based on consequences (like utilitarianism) or morality based Essay

Morality based on consequences (like utilitarianism) or morality based on duties - Essay Example On the other hand, the Morality based on consequences (like utilitarianism ethics), provides that the consequence of an action that an individual has taken outweighs whatever intentions such an individual had when taking the action (Vaughn, 2012). Therefore, the Morality based on consequences, for example utilitarianism ethical theory, provides that an action is defined as either morally right or wrong, depending on whether the action produces favorable or unfavorable outcomes (Vaughn, 2012). In this respect, the utilitarianism theory of ethics provide that the outcome of an action should not be undermined, and thus individuals should first measure the possible consequences of an action before taking it. This way, the individuals will only take the action that has favorable outcomes for them and for everyone (Vaughn, 2012). Therefore, given an opportunity to choose between the morality based on consequences (like utilitarianism) and morality based on duties, separated from consequences (like Kants ethics), morality based on consequences (like utilitarianism) will be preferred. The choice of the utilitarianism ethical theory over the Kantian ethics is informed by the fact that; the utilitarianism ethical theory recognizes that any action may have either good or bad consequences; or both good and bad consequences at the same time (Vaughn, 2012). In recognition of this fact, the utilitarianism ethical theory provides that individuals should first weigh the possible consequences of their actions, such that they can determine the favorable and the unfavorable consequences. Further, the utilitarianism ethical theory provides that on the event that an action produces both good and bad consequences; the individual should weigh which one of the two weighs out heavily, and then act upon the action that will have an overall weighty favorable

Leadership Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Leadership Plan - Essay Example In case of global teams, I would make them know each other through video chat. According to Love (2010), storming is the stage that involves members’ conflicts with each other and their resistance to tasks and team structure. â€Å"Typically during the Storming phase, conflict, dissention and difficulties arise† (Fran, 2010). At this stage, I would work towards resolution of conflicts between team members. In case of conventional teams, I would meet conflicting employees face-to-face in order to know their issues, as well as to resolve them. I would assign the roles and responsibilities to each team member considering their skills. In case of global teams, I would arrange a video conference in which I would invite all team members to know and resolve their cultural and personality conflicts. At this stage, members start thinking themselves as a team (Egeland, 2011). At this stage, I would develop a sense of cohesion between the team members of both conventional and global teams. In case of conventional teams, I would meet each team member personally to make him/her aware of his/her role in the achievement of goals and the way to meet the deadline. In case of global teams, I would contact all team members through video conference to make them aware of the ways to work in a collaborative manner and the ways to resolve personal and cultural conflicts that may arise between them at some time in future due to cultural differences. This is the stage when members, having their efficiencies developed, work toward the achievement of goals. â€Å"Group members begin to look outside of their domain in order to assist others on the team† (Waren, 2010). At this stage, I would continuously motivate both conventional and global teams to make them achieve the goals effectively and efficiently. To evaluate and motivate conventional team members, I would meet each member personally. However, to motivate global team

Social Policy Essay Example for Free

Social Policy Essay Demonstrate an understanding of the historical and ideological developments of UK social policy, identifying the underpinning principles and values. Social policy is defined as actions aimed at promoting social well being (Alcock). It is not just about state legislation but also about what the government does to support and interfere with the well being of citizens. Policies can be regarded as embodying ideas about society, the economy and views about justice, equality and individual responsibility (Alcock). Social policy as a whole looks at the rules and procedures made by the government to keep the publics best interests at heart. The social policy that is being focused on is Healthcare. In the early 1940s a report was written by a man called William Beveridge, highlighting problems in society. Ever since then, this social policy has been subject to changes and reforms made by each political party in their time of running. Healthcare as a whole has a huge impact on its service users as well as its service workers and I believe it to be one of the most important social policies. In 1942, Beveridge published a report recommending ways that the government could improve post war Britain. He stated that they should begin by tackling the 5 Giant Evils : Want, Squalor, Disease (Health), Ignorance and Idleness. This led to many social reforms and in 1945 when the labour party was elected into power, Clement Atlee was made priminister. This proved to be beneficial for the country and resulted in over 200 acts being passed from 1945 to 1948. One of the acts passed was the National Health Service act passed by the minister for health Aneurin Bevan. He wanted to make sure that every citizen could access the best medical care when they needed it and for it to be free at the point of use. The aim of the NHS was to reduce ill-health and promote good health in all citizens. Between high infant mortality rates and general poor health of the public he knew actions had to be taken. Before the NHS, the 2,700 hospitals were either run by charities or local authorities with only those in employment entitled to free treatment. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7405526.stm). Prior to the actual start of the NHS, many of the working doctors shared a conservative and neoliberal  ideology about this new act. They believe that a government run health service would take away the individuality of their profession and make them ‘puppets of the state’. The conservative party shared these views as well as the British Medical Association, who started a survey voting against the NHS. Conservative politicians had a very right wing approach to things, believing in social hierarchy and believed social inequality to be inevitable. The labour party adopted a collectivist way of thinking. They focused more on those who were disadvantaged and devised ways to improve it which resulted in the introduction of the NHS in 1948. On the 5th July 1948 the NHS was introduced and resulted in free healthcare for UK citizens. In addition it created a mass amount of jobs in the healthcare sector. The Election of Clement Atlee in 1945 proved to be beneficial and resulted in over 200 acts being passed from 1945 to 1948 as well as the NHS act. In 1979 Margaret Thatcher led the conservative party into power. The conservative party shared right wing, neoliberal ideas about the way things were being run. As an individualistic ideology neo liberalism was very much pro market and against public provision and involvement of the state. Thatcher and the conservatives believed that collectivism and free welfare services encouraged lazy people to become dependant on the government.

The Red Convertible Essay Example for Free

The Red Convertible Essay In Louise Erdrichs short story, The Red Convertible, she portrays the change that war imposes on the relationship of two brothers, Henry and Lyman. She uses symbolism to reveal the hardships Henry brings back from Vietnam, and she also uses it to show how Lyman dealt with the separation and the effect of the war on his brother. Edrich’s main purpose in â€Å"The Red Convertible† is to communicate the emotional afflictions war has on a soldier and his or her relationships through symbolism. Throughout the story Edrich uses the red convertible as the main symbol in the story because the red convertible symbolizes Henry and Lyman’s friendship. At the beginning of the story, the brothers use all their money to purchase a red Oldsmobile which they shared. They went everywhere together in the red Oldsmobile. They used the Oldsmobile to travel to Canada and around the continent together. In this part of the story the convertible represented the fun and extreme closeness of their relationship before the war. When Henry is drafted and goes to war, their relationship changes and Lyman demonstrates their separation by taking the car apart. When Henry returns from the war he is a scarred and changed man; he loses his usual interest in the convertible, as well as in Lyman and their friendship. Lyman bangs the car up, as a result of being neglected by Henry. The car portrays the banged up relationship he feels between his brother and himself. When Henry sees and realizes that the car, as well as his relationship with Lyman is damaged, he confronts Lyman. When I left, that car was running like a watch. Now I dont even know if I can get it to start again, let alone get it anywhere near its old condition (pg397). When Henry expresses this concern about bringing the car back to its old condition Erdrich uses symbolism here to express the concerns soldiers have regarding the future of their relationships after war. They fear things will never be the same or even worse, that the relationship itself will become one of the many casualties of war. When Henry starts fixing the convertible, it also represents the repair of his relationship with his brother. After he finishes fixing the car, he asks Lyman to go for a ride with him, which causes Lyman to believe their relationship has been fixed right along with the car. Lyman realizes that their relationship isn’t fixed like he believed it was when Henry jumps into the lake and drowns. Lyman knows he will never see his brother again, so he runs the convertible into the river. Now the red convertible is gone forever, along with his and Henry’s relationship. Now Henry owns the whole car, and his younger brother walks everywhere he goes (pg398). Erdrich connects the death of Henry with the death of the convertible and with the death of his relationship with Lyman. She uses this symbolism to represent how relationships are affected by war. Their relationships start out healthy, and then going to war transforms them; they hope to return to normalcy, but in the end, the war destroys the soldiers as well as their relationships with the people they know and love. Erdrich uses her short story to make a statement that the Vietnam War did not just have a horrendous effect on the soldiers who participated in it, but also on the people who knew them before the war. She depicts a more realistic view of war by showing soldiers for what they really are, human beings with emotions and who are ultimately damaged because of war. Erdrich’s use of symbolism brings her audience the understanding that war affects more than just the soldier. Much like death it affects everyone and everything the soldier is involved in. Work Cited Edrich, Louise. â€Å"The Red Convertible. †