Essay on Emma by Jane Austen - 2322 Words

Societal Affects of Love Emma, by Jane Austen, is a classic comedy that took place in the nineteenth-century near London, England. Emma tells the tale of a heroine attempting to be the matchmaker for everyone, and ultimately herself. Emma Woodhouse, the main character, loses her dear friend and governess, Miss Taylor, to Miss Taylor’s marriage, in which she becomes Mrs. Weston. Emma, in search of another cherished companion, comes across Harriet Smith. Although Harriet comes from a lower class in society, Emma admires her beauty and takes it upon herself to improve Harriet in order to make her acceptable to the upper class. For instance, Mr. Martin, a local farmer, seems to have fallen in love with Harriet, yet Emma suggests that she†¦show more content†¦Emma, being the manipulative girl she is, doesn’t directly tell Harriet to reject his proposal but hints that she doesn’t need to accept him because she could do a lot better. Emma didn’t even really know Mr. Martin. All she knew was that he was a farmer and farmers were considered the low class, so she just let her beliefs about class ranking steer her opinion to decline Mr. Martin. Miss Woodhouse then shares with Harriet that if she had accepted his proposal then they could no longer be friends because she would be down lower on the social class ranking. Emma says: Perfectly, perfectly right, my dearest Harriet; you are doing just what you ought. While you were at all in suspense, I kept my feelings to myself, but now that you are so completely decided, I have no hesitation in approving. Dear Harriet, I give myself joy of this. It would have grieved me to lose your acquaintance, which must have been the consequence of your marrying Mr. Martin. (52-53) After declining Mr. Martin’s proposal, Miss Woodhouse and Mr. Knightley get into an argument because Mr. Knightley sees that Harriet is actually lower in class than Mr. Martin, while Emma disagrees. Mr. Knightley states, â€Å"Nonsense!... Harriet Smith refuse Robert Martin! Madness, if it is so; but I hope you are mistaken† (60). Emma thinks that since she is a friend of Harriet, she cannot possibly be that low in class because Emma doesn’t associate with the lower class.Show MoreRelatedEmma, By Jane Austen1327 Words   |  6 PagesIn Jane Austen’s â€Å"Emma,† conversations reveal the social concerns and the character of its participants. Each contributor has a unique and therefore biased perspective that informs how they appear in a conversation. The eponymous protagonist, Emma is oft seen making judgments whether in dialogue or through free indirect discourse, such that her own shortcomings and biases are elucidated. Emma willing enters into a disagreement with her step-brother, Mr. Knightley, on the elusive Frank Churchill.Read MoreEmma by Jane Austen857 Words   |  4 PagesThe story, Emma, by Jane Austen, is a riveting tale about a heroine who through her determined will to assist others, realizes and attains her own dreams and desires. The story begins with 21 year old, Emma Woodhouse struggling with the loss of her governess of 16 years and a truly dear friend, Miss Taylor. Miss Taylor recently wedded Mr. Weston and moved half a mile away from the Woodhouses residence at Hartfield. Both Emma and her father are trying to cope with this drastic change and overcomeRead MoreEmma by Jane Austen Essay783 Words   |  4 PagesIn Emma Jane Austen exposes the limitations of the role of women in her society. Examine Austen’s presentation of what is called in the novel, women’s usual occupations of eye, and hand, and mind. Emma – Role of Woman In Emma Jane Austen exposes the limitations of the role of women in her society. Examine Austen’s presentation of what is called in the novel, ‘women’s usual occupations of eye, and hand, and mind’. In Jane Austen’s society, the role of women was controlled by what was Read MoreEmma by Jane Austen Essay1491 Words   |  6 PagesEmma is more unpleasant than appealing. Discuss with reference to the first 9 chapters Essay: ‘Emma’ The first line of the novel ‘Emma’, by Jane Austen, claims Emma to be ‘handsome, clever, and rich’, this sums up Emma’s character completely. It is important to list these first of all, for fear of the reader to immediately dislike her. Indeed, later on-on the first page, Emma’s faults are listed, claiming her to have too much of her own way and herself thinking very highly of herselfRead MoreA Brief Note On Emma By Jane Austen Essay2070 Words   |  9 PagesTerm Paper in English 1 On Emma by Jane Austen In partial fulfillment of the requirements for Award of Degree of B.A [HONS.]ENGLISH Submitted by: Supervised by: Rashmi Priya Mrs. Suchi agarwal Amity Institute of English Studies and Research Amity University Uttar Pradesh India DECLARATION I Rashmi Priya student of B.A (Hons.) English of Amity Institute of English Studies and ResearchRead More Emma by Jane Austen Essay example2875 Words   |  12 PagesAbout the Author Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775 at Steventon, England. She was the seventh child of the rector of the parish at Steventon, and lived with her family until they moved to Bath when her father retired in 1801. Her father, Reverend George Austen, was from Kent and attended the Tunbridge School before studying at Oxford and receiving a living as a rector at Steventon. Her mother, Cassandra Leigh Austen, was the daughter of a patrician family. Among her siblings she hadRead MoreAnalysis Of Jane Austen s Emma2163 Words   |  9 PagesJane Austen’s Emma follows the life of an overindulged, upper class young woman who, after enduring a crisis brought on by her own pride, is transformed from callow and vain, to a state of mental and emotional maturity. On first reading, the audience may perceive Emma’s actions as a repression of feelings, but upon closer inspection one can see that she is not suppressing her emotions but simply does not have the level of self-awareness that would allow her to clarify the difference between rightRead MoreLiterary Analysis Of Emma By Jane Austen1648 Words   |  7 PagesAnalysis of Emma by Jane Austen In Jane Austen’s novel, Emma, protagonist Emma avoids her own transformation by her attempts to transform others. However, Emma experiences her coming-of-age through the stable characters of those around her. Austen reveals how self-transformation is necessary in maturing and establishing self-awareness. Emma Woodhouse possesses qualities that many would envy: beauty, intelligence, wealth, and youth. However, the positive aspects of Emma are equally contrastedRead MoreJane Austen s Emma And The Passages 2175 Words   |  9 Pages2014 Emma by Jane Austen VS Benjamin Franklin Jane Austen’s novel Emma and The passages by Benjamin Franklin talk about the strong opinions their authors have on marriage. While they were both in alive and writing in different times and places, they both have differences and similarities in their opinions on what marriage means to them. My goal in this paper is to talk about those differences and similarities in opinion, by talking about the many character and relationships that are in Jane AustenRead MoreMarriage By Jane Austen s Emma1424 Words   |  6 Pagesstatus. Jane Austen’s Emma, explores a number of marriages and anticipated vows, and how the relationships are often based on social status. The rise in social rank through romantic relationships is essential to women as they are unable to improve their status through personal achievements. At the time, social norms dictated that marriage be a critically important accomplishment for women, especially since they had very few prospects for employment. For exam ple, Harriet is astonished that Emma chooses

Eating Disorders And Body Image Issues - 2801 Words

Introduction Eating disorders (ED) and body image issues are increasingly becoming more and more common among women in Western societies (Stice, 2002). Over the past couple years the prevalence of bulimia nervosa (BN) and has steadily increased, 3 out of 100 women that are now diagnosed with the disorder (Botta, 1999; Hesse-Biber et. al, 2006). This brings into question wether it is in fact BN that is increasing, our awareness or the rising numbers of other comorbid disorders in Western societies. Today in our society, there is a strong emphasis placed on body shape and appearance as seen in much of our media (Grigg et. al, 1996). Unfortunately, the ideal body image encouraged by society is often unhealthily thin and unrealistic and may therefore contribute to the prevalence of body distortion and ED , may times women will engage in disordered eating in hopes of attaining the false ideal. Even girls aged 5–8 years of age are already living in an appearance culture in which bot h peers and the media influence body image and dieting awareness ( Dohnt Tiggermann, 2006). The vast majority of people with eating disorders in the United States are adolescents and young adult women. Eating disorders, in addition to causing various physical health problems, are associated with illnesses such as depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and especially OCD (Rubenstein et. al, 1992). Women and gay men alike are more dissatisfied with their bodies and vulnerable to ED because of aShow MoreRelatedEating Disorders And Body Image Issues1655 Words   |  7 PagesEating disorders: noun. A group of psychological ailments characterized by intense fear of becoming obese, distorted body image, and prolonged food refusal (anorexia nervosa) and/or binge eating followed by purging through induced vomiting, heavy exercise, or use of laxatives (bulimia nervosa).These ailments are not pretty. In this society, where only the fit and thin bodies are accepted and appreciated, eating diso rders are more common than they should be. Children, starting at a young age, seeRead MoreEating Disorders, Body Image Gender Essay1721 Words   |  7 PagesRIGHTS (HE6) ASSIGNMENT EATING DISORDERS, BODY IMAGE GENDER Submitted to: Dr. Sivakami Muthusamy Centre for Health and Social Sciences School of Health Systems Studies, TISS, Mumbai. Submitted by: Pallavi Muraleedharan Enrollment Number: M2015HE018 Master of Health Administration (2015-17) Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai Date: 16/08/2016 INTRODUCTION Eating disorders, body image and gender remain as a very complex interlinked web. Eating disorders affect people from all demographicsRead MoreInfluence of American Mass Media Ideals on Body Image and Eating Disorders in the U.S1243 Words   |  5 Pagesinfluence views of body image and the development of eating disorders? People living in countries influenced by Western culture show concern for their appearance or dietary habits daily. This paper will analyze the effect of mass media on the issues of body image and eating disorders in the United States. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV-TR (DSM-IV-TR) (2000) eating disorders are characterized by a disturbance in eating behavior, which can be eating too much, eatingRead More The Medias Influence on Eating Disorders Essay example1100 Words   |  5 PagesMedias Influence on Eating Disorders The National Eating Disorders Association states that eating disorders are conditions that arise from factors including physical, psychological, interpersonal, and social issues. Media images help define cultural definitions of beauty and attractiveness and are often acknowledged as one of the factors that contribute to the rise of eating disorders (NEDA). The National Eating Disorders Associations website, The Effect of the Media on Body Satisfaction inRead MoreEating Disorders And Body Image1613 Words   |  7 Pages Eating disorders and body image Cenia Xu Father Michael Mcgivney Catholic Academy Effects of Eating disorders have on teenagers Every day, teenagers are surrounded by different messages from different sources that impact the way they feel about the way they look. For some, poor body image is a sign of a serious problem: an eating disorder. Eating disorders are not just about food.The eating disorders containRead MoreEssay about Pro-Anorexia Websites1686 Words   |  7 Pageswas once considered a fad, has developed into a tool that allows people struggling with anorexia to potentially find a sanctuary from the regulatory systems in popular culture that are applied to women’s bodies. Cyberspace provides an alternative space for women with eating disorders or body issues. The space created by cyberspace is potentially safer for women to meet because it allows anonymity while simultaneously being part of a community that the built environment is unable to provide. TheRead MorePersuasive Essay On Body Image1660 Words   |  7 PagesYoung dancers and their bodies is a topic rarely out of the news rig ht now. Those involved in the art form and the public have argued whether ballet has pushed the ideal â€Å"ballet body† stereotype to such an extreme that the ballet community is full of insecure, depressed and eating disorder ridden girls. The ballet school environment has been called a weight-obsessed subculture and a breeding ground for eating disorders. Body image is a major issue for young ballet dancers with potentially life-damagingRead MoreEating Disorders1328 Words   |  6 PagesAccording to Barlow,Durand and Stewart(2012), eating disorders are found to be more prevalent among women, specifically between the ages of 12 and 25 years of age. Prior to modern research, researchers saw eating disorders as a Western phenomenon due to the fact that non western countries did not have such a wide variety of food available to them. This perspective is now changing. Individuals in other countries (non-western) have been diagnosed with eating disorders as well, however it is not as frequentRead MoreMapping the Issue: Eating Disorders Essay1225 Words   |  5 Pagesgirls developing eating disorders increased just as television, advertisements, and magazines were becoming a social norm that was easily and often available. Today, more than ever, adolescents are worrying about weight, shape, size and body image and. It does not help that these children are growing up in a world filled with media material emphasizing dangerously skinny bodies as beautiful and perfect. Anne Morris and Debra Katzman, authors of â€Å"The Impact of the Media on Eating Disorders in ChildrenRead MoreEnvironmental Factors And Biological Factors That Predispose People Habits And Behaviors Of Eating Disorders1679 Words   |  7 PagesBiological Issues That Predispose People to Habits and Behaviors of Eating Disorders Brittany N. Rehberg GCC Abstract There is a direct correlation between environmental factors and the development of eating disorders. Issues, such as bullying and skeptical comments, have been largely ignored. This thesis will attempt to show that biological as well as environmental issues correlate with a variety of eating disorders. Eating disorders would be Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating. When environmental

Factors affecting grouth of small scale enterprise in Kenya free essay sample

A Research proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment for the Award of Diploma in Business Administaration to the Mount Kenya University JULY 2013 ACKNOWLEDGMENT I take this occasion to thank the Almighty GOD for blessing me with his grace. I extend my sincere gratitude to my MKU supervisors for giving the right guidance while undertaking this research proposal. My thanks to my beloved parents whom am forever indebted to for their inspiration, love, financial and moral support they have offered me since the onset up to the completion of this proposal. DECLARATION I declare that this research proposal is my original work and has not been presented in any other university. This project has been submitted for examination with my approval as the University supervisor. In the recent past, small scale medium enterprise sector in Kenya has witnessed a myriad of challenges which has affected their growth amid government concerted efforts of empowering small scale traders. The purpose of this research proposal therefore will be to assess the challenges facing small scale enterprises in Kenya, the extent to which government policies affects the growth of small scale enterprises and the contributions of small scale enterprises to the economy. A descriptive research design will be adapted for the study. The population of the study shall consist of small scale traders at Wajir Soko Mjinga market. A simple random sample will be taken from the traders at Soko Mjinga market, representatives of the traders and senior official from the office of the governor Wajir County. Data will be collected using a structured questionnaire for the traders and an interview guide for the county government officials. Descriptive statistics will be used for the study. This topic will entail the introduction of the research proposal, statement of the problem, objectives of the study, research questions, and significance of the study and the limitations of the study. . 1 Background Of The Study In the recent past, detailed attention has been paid to the small scale enterprise sector with a great deal of funds being channeled to the same. This has been the case because this sector is strongly coming up due to its target population. The small scale enterprise sector has been recognized as an integral component of economic development and a crucial element in the effort to lift countries out of poverty. Small- Scale businesses are driving force for economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction in most developing countries. They have been the means through which accelerated economic growth and rapid industrialization have been achieved (Harris et al, 2006; Sauser, 2005). The sector targets unemployed youths who are majority of the population and who do not have the necessary capital to start their own business. These people are found in rural and urban areas of the developing countries. However, though the contributions of small scale enterprises to economic actualization have been generally acknowledged, entrepreneurs in this sector face many obstacles that limit the growth of their business and long-term survival. Starting a business is a risky venture and scholars have warned that chances of small enterprises owners making it past the five-year mark are very slim (ILO, 2005). Major challenges facing small scale traders include lack of financial resources, lack of management experience, unhealthy competition, poor government policies, general economic conditions, failure to maintain business records, factors such as poor infrastructure, and poverty, high cost of borrowing funds and dumping of cheap foreign products among others. Therefore, an understanding of the challenges affecting the small scale enterprise in Kenya will help the policy makers come up with interventions measures geared towards addressing the challenges and formulate policies that will stir growth of the sector. 1. 2 Statement Of The Problem Of late the government has been encouraging youth’s majority who are unemployed to start their own small scale business to become self reliant. The government through the relevant ministry has been supporting these nitiatives by giving out funds at low interest rates, formulating policies that favor small scale entrepreneurs and giving training to youths to sharpen their entrepreneurship skills. However, despite these efforts by the government the sector is faced with a myriad of challenges that hampers its growth. The research proposal will therefore seek to analyze the challenges affecting the growth of small scale enterprises in Kenya 1. 3 Objectives Of The Study This research proposal will seek to establish -: 1. The main challenges facing small entrepreneurs at Wajir Soko Mjinga market. 2. How the national government policies affects the growth of the small scale business enterprise sector. 3. How Wajir County government policies affects the small scale traders in Wajir. 1. 4 Research Questions 1. What are the main challenges facing small scale traders at Wajir Soko Mjinga market? 2. What strategies are employed by small scale traders in countering the challenges that they face? 3. How do government policies affect the growth of small scale enterprises? 4. How shall county government policies affect the growth of entrepreneurship in the county? 1. 5 Significance Of The Study The study will be useful and contribute to the following areas The study will enable the policy makers address the challenges facing entrepreneurship sector in Kenya. The study will explain how the policies of the new county government will affect small scale traders in Wajir County. 1. 6 Justification Of The Study Whilst various studies have been done on challenges affecting growth of small scale enterprise in Kenya, they have mainly focused on the large towns. Even though the factors facing small scale traders in small and large towns may be the same, their dynamism may differ. From this perspective, it is imperative for the factors affecting these traders in small towns to be explored and analyzed. 1. 7 Limitations of the study Lacks of cooperation from interviewees – This, may be due to their busy schedule. However, the researcher should explain to them the purpose of the research and they will be able to avail themselves. The researcher may find it difficult to access enough materials needed for the study. 1. 8 Scope of the study The study will cover Wajir Soko Mjinga market, Wajir County government offices and ministry of industrialization Wajir branch. The researcher will starts with Soko Mjinga market then to the other offices. The category of the researcher’s interviewees will entail the small scale entrepreneurs and officials within Wajir county government and ministry of industrialization. The study will cover the periods from year 2012 when Wajir Soko Mjinga market was commenced to 2013 CHAPTER TWO 1. 0. LITERATURE REVIEW The small scale enterprise sector is recognized as an integral component of economic development and a crucial element in the effort to lift countries out of poverty (Wolfenson, 2001). The  Kenya vision 2030 blueprint recognizes the crucial role of small scale enterprises in Kenya in industrial development and emphasizes the development of industrial  parks  in five towns   Kisumu,  Mombasa,  Eldoret,  Nakuru  and  Nairobi  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ to spur industrial growth. To address the challenges facing youths the Kenya government established the youth enterprise development fund in the year 2006 as a key strategy that will increase economic opportunities for youths and reduce unemployment among the youths who account for over 60% of the unemployed in the country. According to economic survey (2006), small scale enterprise sector contributed greatly in economic development. However, despite their impact past statistics indicate that three out of five businesses fail within the first few months of operation (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 2007). These problems include lack of access to credit, inadequate managerial and technical skills, and low levels of education, poor market  information, inhibitive regulatory environments, and  lack of access  to technology (Harper 1974; ILO, 1989; House et al. 991). Lack of credit has also been identified as one of the most serious constraints facing SMEs and hindering their development (Oketch, 2000; Tomecko Dondo, 1992; Kiiru, 1991). Infrastructure as it relates to provision of access roads, adequate power, water, sewerage and telecommunication is also a major constraint in the development of SMEs (Bokea, Dondo and Mutiso, 1999). According to Amyx (2005), one of the most significant challenges facing small scale businesses is the negative perception towards SMEs. Potential clients perceive small businesses as lacking the  ability to provide quality services and  are unable to satisfying more than  one critical project simultaneously. However, despite the various studies in the sector a lot remains to be done to fully understand and address the myriad of challenges facing the sector. CHAPTER THREE 3. 0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3. 1 INTRODUCTION This chapter outlines the overall methodology that is to be used in the study. This includes research design, the population and sample of the study, data collection methods and accompanying research procedures to be used in the study, data analysis and presentation. . The appropriate design that will be used in the study will be descriptive research design. The purpose of descriptive research will be to produce an accurate representation of persons, Saunders (2009). The design will assist the researcher in determining the challenges facing small scale traders particularly traders at Wajir Soko Mjinga market, as well as identifying the challenges that hinder sustainable growth. 3. 3 POPULATIONS AND SAMPLE. 3. 3. 1 POPULATION Target population will include those people who will be forming the audience rom where the sample will be derived for interviews and questionnaire. The target population of the study will be traders at Soko Mjinga market, officials at the governor’s office Wajir and officials from the ministry of industrialization Wajir branch. The researcher will select fifty traders, one official from the governor’s office and one official from the ministry of industrialization. 3. 3. 2 SAMPLE The study will adopt random samplin g method. On the governor’s office and ministry of industrialization, judgmental sampling will be used. 3. 4 DATA COLLECTION METHODS AND TOOLS. For traders the data will be collected by use of questionnaire that will be filled by each of the respondents while an interview guide will be used for the governor’s office and ministry of industrialization. 3. 5 DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENTS For traders data will be collected by use of questionnaire that will be filled by each of the respondents while an interview guide will be used for the governors and ministry officials. The questionnaire will be administered to traders and each of the sampled respondents will be contacted personally through telephone by the researcher before actual presentation of the questionnaire. The questionnaire will be pilot tested to test the validity and reliability before distribution to respondents. 3. 6 DATA ANALYSIS Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize, describe and present data; quantitatively through use of tables, graph and charts. Further, qualitative techniques will be used to analyze qualitative responses answers from open ended questions and unstructured interviews that will be conducted on officials from the county governors and ministry.

Ukuthwala Custom free essay sample

It is suggested that instead of a prohibitionist stance towards customs that seem to violate human rights norms, a benign accommodation of aspects that promote the positive aspects of culture be adopted. This approach leads to a conclusion that South African law should recognise those forms of ukuthwala where the requirement of consent of the ‘bride’ is met. The implications of the prohibition on social and cultural practices detrimental to child well-being in the Children’s Act are framed in this context. . Introduction The practice of ukuthwala in South Africa has recently received negative publicity, with numerous complaints being recorded. In the first and second quarter of 2009, the media reported that ‘more than 20 Eastern Cape girls are forced to drop out of school every month to follow the traditional custom of ukuthwala (forced marriage)’. [1] Girls as young as 12 years are forced to marry older men, in some cases with the consent of their pa rents or guardians. We will write a custom essay sample on Ukuthwala Custom or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Commenting on the matter, Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) chairman, Chief Mwelo Nokonyana, said ukuthwala was ‘an old custom that was now being wrongly practiced in several parts of the eastern Transkei. ’[2] Dr Nokuzola Mdende of the Camagwini Institute also stated ‘that abducting a girl of 12 or 13 is not the cultural practice we know. This is not ukuthwala, this is child abuse. At 12, the child is not ready to be a wife. [3] At the SA Law Reform Commission ‘Roundtable Discussion on the practice of Ukuthwala’,[4] which was held as part of its preliminary investigation to determine whether the proposal should be included in the Commission’s law reform programme and in an effort to gather information on the subject, it was observed that ukuthwala, like many other customary institutions, has changed radically. The practice has now taken on other dimensions, including young girls forcibly being married to older men, relatives of the girl kidnapping and taking the girls themselves as wives, and abductions not being reported to the Traditional Authorities. 5] These changed practices around ukuthwala potentially increase the vulnerability of children’s’ rights violations. The main aim of this article is to evaluate the implications of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 for ukuthwala. Insofar as the recent media comments are pertinent to some of the conclusions reached in this article, a preliminary discussion of ukuthwala in its differing dimensions is important. For that reason in the second part of this article we trace the history of ukuthwala, and the traditional reasons for, and the different forms of, ukuthwala. We further discuss the procedure of ukuthwala and the legal position of the practice under customary law. In the third part, we will contextualize the debate of ukuthwala within the constitutional and international rights to culture and equality paradigms. In the fourth part, we proceed by looking at the framework for the consideration of culture and custom in the Children’s Act before discussing the implications of the Children’s Act for ukuthwala. The last part contains some conclusions. 2. Ukuthwala 2. 1 What is ukuthwala? In South Africa, the custom originated from the Xhosas. [6] However, although the custom is predominantly practiced among Xhosa speaking tribes,[7] the practice has expanded into different ethnic groups. For example, the Mpondo clan has adopted ukuthwala from Xhosa clans such as the Mfengus. [8] Young Sotho men, through contact with other tribes, have also adopted the practice which was otherwise foreign amongst them. [9] Ukuthwala in South Africa enjoys popular support in the areas where it is still practiced. 10] According to a newspaper report, one Chief (a woman) in the region where ukuthwala is practiced said that the young girls who escape from the houses where they are detained whilst awaiting marriage were ‘embarrassing our village’. [11] The word ukuthwala means ‘to carry’. [12] It is a culturally legitimated abduction of a woman whereby, preliminary to a customary marriage,[13] a young man will forcibly take a girl to his home. [14] Some authors ha ve described ukuthwala as the act of ‘stealing the bride’. [15] Ukuthwala has also been described as a mock abduction or irregular proposal[16] aimed at achieving a customary marriage. 17] From these definitions, we see that ukuthwala is in itself not a customary marriage or an engagement. The main aim of ukuthwala is to force the girl’s family to enter into negotiations for the conclusion of a customary marriage. [18] (Underlining supplied). The procedure for ukuthwala is as follows: The intending bridegroom, with the help of the one or two friends, will waylay the intended bride in the neighbourhood of her own home, quite often late in the day. [19] They will then ‘forcibly’ take her to the young man’s home. Sometimes the girl is caught unawares, but in many instances she is caught according to prior plan and agreement. In either case, the girl will put up a show of resistance to suggest to onlookers that it is against her will, when in fact, it is seldom so. As Bekker explains: ‘The girl, to appear unwilling and to preserve her maidenly dignity, will usually put up strenuous but pretended resistance, for, more often than not, she is a willing party’. [20] Once the girl has been taken to the man’s village, her guardian or his messenger will then follow up on the same day or the next day and possibly take her back if one or more cattle are not handed to him as an earnest promise for a future marriage. 21] Consequently, if the guardian does not follow her up to take her back, tacit consent to the marriage at customary law can be assumed. After the girl has been carried to the man’s family hearth, negotiations for lobolo between the families of the bride and the groom would then follow. If the families cannot reach an agreement, the girl will return to her parental home, whil e the man’s family will be liable for damages. [22] As noted, the main aim of ukuthwala is to force the girl’s family to enter into negotiations for the conclusion of a customary marriage. It follows, therefore, that if a man abducts a girl but fails to offer marriage, or if he does offer marriage but is deemed by the girl’s guardian to be unacceptable as a suitor, a fine of one beast is payable to the girl’s guardian,[23] who, with his daughter, is said to have been insulted by the thwala without a consequent offer of a marriage, or having been thwala’d by undesirable suitor. [24] It is important to note that during the process of ukuthwala, it is contrary to custom to seduce a girl. 25] By custom, the suitor, after forcibly taking the girl to his home village, is required to report the thwala to his family head. The family head thereupon gives the girl into the care of the women of his family home, and sends a report to the girl’s guardian. A man who seduces a thwala’d girl is required to pay a seduction beast in addition to the number of lobolo cattle agreed upon and in addition to the thwala beast where no marriage has been propos ed. 26] Other safeguards that were put in place for the protection of the thwala and the girl involved were that the parents of the girl were immediately notified after the thwala had occurred; if the thwala had not worked, a beast was supposed to be paid; and finally if a girl fell pregnant consequent upon her seduction, then further additional penalties were also supposed to be paid. [27] Numerous reasons exist for the practice of ukuthwala, some of which are arguably cogent and weighty. They include: to force the father of the girl to give his consent;[28] to avoid the expense of the wedding; to hasten matters if the woman is pregnant; to persuade the woman of the seriousness of the suitor’s intent; and to avoid the need to pay an immediate lobolo where the suitor and his or her family were unable to afford the bridewealth. From these reasons, it is apparent that ukuthwala can serve important cultural purposes in those South African communities which live their lives according to cultural norms. However, these reasons are also uggestive of the fact that the girl or the unmarried woman involved is, in some cases, thwala’d without her consent. This provides the link to forced marriage, which then calls into play constitutional and human rights standards. In addition, insofar as the girl who is thwala’d may be aged below 18, issues related to child marriage and early marriage arise which in turn calls for a consideration of some provisions of the C hildren’s Act 38 of 2005. 2. 2 Forms of Ukuthwala It is generally accepted that the traditional custom of ukuthwala is often carried out with the knowledge and consent of the girl or her guardian.