Characteristics of Competition and Price

Characteristics of Competition and Price MONOPOLISTIC COMPETITION Monopolistic competition is the market structure in which there is keen competition, but neither perfect nor pure, among large number producer or supplier. Monopolistic competition is the mixture of perfect competition and a certain degree of monopoly. Monopolistic competition lies between two extreme points perfect competition and monopoly. Characteristics of monopolistic competition: large no of seller Product differentiation: it is the distinguish feature of monopolistic competition, that product of each seller is branded and identified. A firm has limited degree of control over the market as relatively small percentage of total market is shared by the individual firm. large number of buyers there is free entry of firms two dimensional competition price competition non- price competition negative sloping demand curve: firms demand curve (or AR curve) slopes downward to right Price competition: Price competition occurs when firms compete by selling identical or similar product. Seller compete each other on the basis of lowering the price. Price competition happens mainly in three types of market monopolistic, duopoly oligopoly. The other two types of market does not compete with price because in monopoly the firm is equal to industry hence it decides the price of product where as in perfect competition the price is decided by the market and an individual cannot affect the price of the product. Price elasticity of demand in different market with respect to market Monopolistic market: the demand elasticity in monopolistic competition is highly elastic in long run. Because a slight change in price may change the demand of product in long run. Oligopoly: there are only few sellers in the market which does not affect the market. Therefore the elasticity of demand is relative elastic in this type of market. Duopoly: there are only two sellers in the market which does not affect much of demand therefore the demand is relative elastic. CROSS PRICE ELASTICITY OF DEMAND: Cross price elasticity measure the responsiveness in the quantity demanded of one good to change in the price of another good. Substitute has positive cross price elasticity. It exist in monopoly, duopoly and oligopoly as the product are close substitute to each other in the market and there is slight change in the price of the product will increase the price for another product. NON PRICE COMPETITION: non-price competition depends on making a product different from those of competitors and by giving it distinctive qualities that are valued by the target HE market. These might include branding, styling, special features or higher levels of customer service. Such factors can allow a premium price to be charged while still offering target customers Competitive value-for-money.the firms are engage in non price competition, the most prominent form being advertising. The market which is affected by non price factors is monopolistic competition and oligopoly. This happens because most firms are engaged in non price competition in spite of the additional cost involved, because non price factors usually more profitable than selling for a lower price and avoid the risk of a price war. NON PRICE FACTOR AFFECTING DEMAND Income of the consumer Price of related goods Change in taste of consumer The expectation of buyer may change Change in the number of buyer. NON PRICE FACTOR AFFECTING SUPPLY Change in the input cost Change in the technology Change in expectation of consumer Change in the number of seller. NON PRICE COMPETITION AND ITS EXISTANCE PERFECT COMPETITION: all the products are homogenous in nature there is no point of non-price competition as it will not make a difference. MONOPOLY: there is only one producer in monopolistic competition thus the concept of non-price competition does not apply. In Monopolistic competition oligopoly non-price competition is applicable. Product differentiation: a situation where a producer or firm tries to win over the market or increase its market share by adding certain features to the product so that it becomes different form the other products. Features of product differentiation. Technical standards-this refer to the aspect s to how advance is the product in terms of the current state of technology. For example if youre purchasing PC then this point would play a very vital role in the consideration. Quality standards- this refers to the quality of raw material used in the product whether it be related to the manufacturing r the assembling if the product, as this directly effects the durability if the product and therefore its usefulness and life. Therefore the quality of the product plays a very important role in non-price competition. Design standards-it refers to the overall structure of the product that is provided in the market by a customer. This can play a vital role in attracting the customers. As the product provided has to be aesthetically good. Thus the producers can try and make a better design standard of their product. Service standards-this point generally refers to the after services given to the customers after the purchase has been made them and thus if the after sales provided to a customer is good by any company then the level of satisfaction also will be high. Advantages of non-price competition The quality of the product is in focus which helps companies to become unique and diffentiate from other rival companies. The design and distinguishing features of goods and services offered in the marketplace matches the demand and needs of the people in that area. The location of distribution for targeted customers is given importance. Goods reach buyers matching their own convenience and needs. Offers innovation like on-line shopping. Good for people that just stop during meals and sleep Marketers think out of the box in order to attract customers to be interested in what they are offering instead of their competitor. Types of product differentiation: Vertical product differentiation- this can be defined as where a product differs from the product that its rival firm produces in terms of quality. Horizontal product differentiation- this can be defined as when a product differs from the rivals products, although the quality of the product seems to be of the similar nature.

A Short Introduction To The Quran Religion Essay

A Short Introduction To The Quran Religion Essay Muslims regard Islam as a total ideology of life, and Al-Quran is the holy book consists of universal message for entire humanity. Its a source of life guidance, solution, healing and mercy for believers. Alif-Là ¢m-Rà ¢. A book which We have revealed unto you (O Muhammad SAW) in order that you might lead mankind out of darkness (of disbelief and polytheism) into light (of belief in the Oneness of Allah and Islamic Monotheism) by their Lords Leave to the Path of the All-Mighty, the Owner of all Praise. [Ibrahà ®m: 1] The Quran is an sources of wide range knowledge includes civilization, morals, social justice, administration, leadership, economics, spiritualism, marriage, family. This Book promotes personality development through parables and metaphors. We have indeed sent down (in this Quran) manifest Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, lawful and unlawful things, and the set boundries of Islamic religion, etc. that make things clear showing the Right Path of Allah). And Allah guides whom He wills to a Straight Path (i.e. to Allahs religion of Islamic Monotheism). [An-Nuur: 46] Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding. It (the Quran) is not a forged statement but a confirmation of that which was before it and a detailed explanation of everything and a guide and a mercy for the people who believe. [Yusuf: 111] The Holy Quran is a divine scripture that was revealed in the Arabic language over fourteen centuries ago. We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran, in order that ye may learn wisdom. [Yusuf:2] Do they not then consider the Quran carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much contradictions. [An-Niisa:82] Tawheed (Oneness of God) comes first, however the Quran use We which refers to God himself. It does not suggest plurality; rather it presents the highest status in the language. Arabic, Persia, English, Hebrew and many other languages use term We to address royal figure, highest status, and dignity. The Quran are evidently self-explanatory. Speaking of authenticity of the Quran, this book has presented its own answer and challenges to the unbelievers through several verses. Alif-Là ¢m-Rà ¢. These letters are one of the miracles of the Qurà ¢n, and none but Allà ¢h (Alone) knows their meanings. [Al-Hijr:1] Say: If the mankind and the jinns were together to produce the like of this Qurà ¢n, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another. [Al-Isrà ¢: 88] And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Sura like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (If there are any) besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true. [Al-Baqarah: 23] Or do they say: He (Muhammad SAW) has forged it? Say: Bring then a Sà »rah (chapter) like unto it, and call upon whomsoever you can, besides Allà ¢h, if you are truthful! [Yà »nus: 38] Or they say, He (Prophet Muhammad SAW) forged it (the Quran). Say: Bring you then ten forged Sà »rah (chapters) like unto it, and call whomsoever you can, other than Allà ¢h (to your help), if you speak the truth! [Hà »d: 13] During lifetime of Prophet (pbuh), the Idolators claim that the Quran was taught by a human, they referred to a foreign (i.e., non-Arab) man who lived among them as the servant of some of Quraysh clan who used to sell goods by As-Safa. They claim that possibly the Prophet (pbuh) used to sit with him sometimes and talk to him a little. However he was a foreigner who did not know much Arabic, only enough simple phrases to answer questions when he had to. So in refutation of their claims of fabrication, Allah said: And indeed We know that they (polytheists and pagans) say: It is only a human being who teaches him. The tongue of the man they refer to is foreign, while this (the Quran) is (in) a clear Arabic tongue. [An-Nahl: 103] In The Choice: Islam and Christianity Vol. 2 by Ahmad Deedat, the Arab Christians in the Middle East had a try to produce Quranic verse alike, not to be outsmart, launched -a sixteen-year project lately and generated selected portions of the New Testament in Arabic, with a large verses adopting of words and phrases word to word from the Arabic Quran. In this brassy plagiarism, every chapter of this new Arabic New Testament of theirs begin with the first verse of the Holy Quran In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. [Al-Fatiha: 1] None has been capable to produce Quranic alike, not even a single verse. Thousands people memorized the Quran during the lifetime of the Prophet (pbuh), then this memorization went across from teacher to student, from one nation to another, from generation after generation. Today there are over nine million Muslim living worldwide. Every single Muslim has memorized at least several parts of the Quran in the original Arabic that it was manifested in over fourteen centuries ago; word to word, and many who have completely memorized the entire Quran in Arabic, Prophet (pbuh) did fourteen centuries ago. Finally à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colors. Verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge. [Ar-Ruum: 22]

Essay --

Witch-hunts occurred throughout England for centuries, so it was no surprise that the witchcraft hysteria eventually reach colonial New England in the late seventeenth century, but this wave of fear was different from any other. Beginning with two young girls, witchcraft affected every person living in the New World and by the end, over twenty men and women were convicted of witchcraft, as well as entire communities living in constant fear of being touched by the Devil. Puritans, a group of English settlers, held strong beliefs about the Devil which sparked ideas of witchcraft among the Salem community. The austere Puritan lifestyle left little room for creativity, resulting in accusations against innocent people. Women, in addition to children, were inferior and considered weak; it was believed that Satan used them to carry out his wishes, and as a result, these people became witches. The severity of Puritan religious beliefs indirectly caused the witchcraft hysteria to reach its p eak during the Salem Witch Trials. Prominent and influential among the colonies, mainly Massachusetts, Puritanism was not only a religion, but a lifestyle. Puritans left England in 1630, with the intent to reform the Church of England. These English Protestants were discontent on how the Church of England was run and they made it their mission to â€Å"purify† and eliminate the church of Catholic influences, as well as â€Å"invigorate daily practices of religion.† Overall, Puritans desired â€Å"England to be reformed as John Calvin (1509-1564) had reformed Geneva (Hall, 21).† By moving to New England, Puritans had the freedom to establish their own religious authority. Puritanism controlled every activity in order to maintain a constant unity between people and Go... ...ities. â€Å"Young women at that time had nothing at all to feed their imaginations. There were no fairy tales or stories, no art, theater, or classical music (Kallen 23).† In addition to restrictions of childhood, extreme pressure was placed on children to remain pure or suffer the potential punishments from the Devil. At young ages, fear was planted in children’s minds causing hyperawareness of Satan’s wrath to frighten a child’s consciousness (Hall 23). The combination of fear, lack of imaginative outlets, and pressures on children were catalysts to the uproar of witches and witchcraft. With little ability and opportunity to express any behavior other than obedience, it was understandable that young Abigail Williams and Betty Paris claimed that they were possessed by witches, and in turn, these accusations engulfed the entire settlement of Salem into the hysteria.

The Influence of John Locke Essay -- Empiricists, Empiricism

John Locke was someone more than just an ordinary man. He was the son of a country attorney and born on August 29, 1632. He grew up during the civil war and later entered the Church of Christ, Oxford, where he remained as a student and teacher for many years. (Rivitch 23) With a wide variety of political and religious views, he expressed most of his personnel views on education and social and political philosophies. Once he noted the five lasting pleasures throughout his career were health, good news, knowledge, doing good, and eternal paradise. Many of his views both political and religious were found to be famous throughout history in many countries. Locke was one of the first people that thought religion and state should be separated. (Jenkins 123) Locke considered the formation of government from man’s own nature, whether or not government is formed because man is a social animal or if government is formed to preserve society. According to Locke, man must not think that all government in the world is the product only of force and violence, and that men live together by no other rules but that of beasts. Locke also felt that to understand political power right, and derive it from its origin. We must also consider what state all men are naturally in, and that is, a state of perfect freedom to order their actions, and dispose of their possessions and persons, as they think fit, within the bounds of the law of nature. Locke later published anonymously his Two Treaties of Government, and the essay Concerning Human Understanding. These writings were immediately successful and they both exerted a vast of influence. Between the both of these works, they made the dominant view of English thought through the greater part of the eighteenth century. J. Mathis 3 (Jenkins 56) John Locke’s Two Treatises of Government (1690) was a well-known and respected document. In the paper, he attacked the theory of diving right of kings and the nature of the state as conceived by the English philosopher and political theorist Thomas Hobbes. He did not believe that a king should become king because â€Å"God told him to be†, but rather, because he was qualified for the position, and also because the people felt he should be there. Locke argued that sovereignty did not reside in t... ...d be no connection between the state and the church, and neither could make laws concerning the other. John Locke’s influence of our forefathers has been profound and, with his application of experimental analysis to ethics, politics, and religion, he remains one of the most important and controversial philosophers of all time. His ideas and writings lived way beyond his time, and have proven to be the reason the colonies broke away from there mother country and learned to expect certain rights from their government.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Maybe if it wasn't for John Locke our government might not exist for his influential thinking. John Locke was and still is a very important part of our history. J. Mathis 5 Biography   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Squadrito, Kathleen John Locke, Twayne Publishers  © 1979   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jenkins, John Understanding Locke, Edinburgh, Edinburgh   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  University Press  © 1983   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Eisenach, Eldon Two Worlds of Liberalism, Chicago, The   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  University of Chicago Press  © 1981   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Rivitch, Daine and Thernstorm, Abigail the Democracy reader,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  New York, Harpercollins publishers  © 1992 pg 31-39   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 97 ,  © 1993-1996

Interpretation of Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet :: Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

Interpretation of Romeo and Juliet What would cause young lovers to mysteriously commit suicide so they can be together? Is it their parents who forbid them to see one another, or is it themselves? William Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet, tells about two young "star-crossed lovers" whose deaths were caused by fate, not their parents or themselves. First of all, Romeo and Juliet were from feuding families: Romeo a Montague, and Juliet a Capulet. Romeo was so depressed about his unrequited love for Rosaline when it just so happens, he goes to a masquerade party. There, he falls for Juliet, the daughter of Lord Capulet, and forgot about Rosaline. When they're finally torn apart, that's when both Romeo and Juliet realize they are from enemy families. Their love, of course, brings down their immediate marriage and Friar Lawrence agrees in hope to stop the feuding families. Unfortunately, Tybalt and Mercutio are killed and Romeo gets banished leaving Juliet without a husband or a cousin. "O, I am a fortune's fool," (Act III, Scene I) explains how Romeo felt at the moment of Tybalt's death. He felt that he fell into one of fate's many cruel games and it was too late to get out. When things are just getting worst, Lord Capulet arranges for Juliet to marry Paris causing Juliet to panic. She then has to hurry and do something to stop the wedding and of course fate would just happen to guide her back to Friar Lawrence. Fate wouldn't just stop there. He just kept on going. He has it arranged that Friar John, the messenger who was suppose to deliver the news of Juliet's fake death, quarantined. Romeo finds out that Juliet is dead from Balthazar and screams out, "Is it e'en so?--Then I defy you, stars!" (Act 5, scene 1, pg. 213). He blames Juliet's death on fate and returns to Verona with poison to join her. He leaves a little before Friar John tells Friar Lawrence about his failure to deliver the message. Still, fate didn't stop there. He then makes Friar Lawrence leave his cell and rush to the Capulet vault . Unfortunately, Friar Lawrence is just a little too late and Romeo gets there before he

The Long-Suffering and Self-Pitying Odysseus Essay

What would it take to do Odysseus. the celebrated warrior and the pride of all Greece. call uncontrollably? Surely. he must be put through some kind of utmost physical hurting that no other person could last or possibly he is even forced to watch the awful slaughtering of his companions. But more frequently than non. it is merely mere words and memories. driven on by self-pity. non atrociousnesss committed against his crew. that make Odysseus call. Alternatively of moving as a compassionate leader who grieves for his lost friends. Odysseus calls to indulge his ain sense of sorrow at his jobs. and uses this to derive attending from others. By analyzing Odysseus’ eruptions of heartache. it becomes obvious that his selfishness and pride are at the very bosom of the obstructions he has faced on his journey place. Odysseus calls to fulfill his feelings of solitariness and desperation at being so hated by the Gods. When we foremost encounter Odysseus. he is sitting entirely on Calypso’s island. â€Å"weeping. his eyes ne'er dry. his sweet life fluxing off / with the cryings he wept for his defeated journey home† ( 5. 168-169 ) . At this point. Odysseus has been a captive on Calypso’s island for seven old ages. and has an intelligibly forlorn mentality sing his journey place. However. Odysseus spends every dark on the island moving as a lover to the beautiful goddess. whom he even admits is far more lovely and alluring than the married woman he yearns to return to. Though he pines for Penelope. his Acts of the Apostless of changeless unfaithfulness show that his guilt is non plagued by his actions. He is described as being an â€Å"unwilling lover† ( 5. 172 ) . but there is no grounds to propose that Odysseus feels he is perpetrating a offense against his married woman. Alternatively. Odysseus is described as being â€Å"no longer pleased† ( 5. 170 ) by Calypso. which suggests that at one point Odysseus may hold been really satisfied with his state of affairs. until he became homesick once more. It is an admirable trait that Odysseus so longs to travel place. but his self- commiseration twenty-four hours in and twenty-four hours out is anything but admirable. He seems to be holding his bar and eating it excessively. After seven old ages. he is still wallowing in unhappiness. unable to see that his destiny of being alive and good ( and seduced every night ) is still a much more favourable result than what his crew encountered. His selfishness merely lets him see â€Å"how long I have suffered! † ( 7. 181 ) . Odysseus besides uses his cryings to pull strings others into sympathising with him. When Odysseus eventually gets off Calypso’s island. he is beset by still more jobs. He finally finds shelter with Alcinous. the male monarch of Phaeacia. As is the usage. he is the receiver of great cordial reception and is made to experience at place. even though his hosts have no thought who he is. However. one dark after banqueting. the bard Demodocus sings about the struggle between Odysseus and Achilles during the Trojan War. At this point. Odysseus becomes so overwrought and overcome with emotion that he â€Å"hid his face and wept† ( 8. 109 ) . The text besides says that he is â€Å"ashamed his hosts might see him casting tears† ( 8. 103 ) . but why is he shouting in the first topographic point? The bard is non even singing about all that Odysseus has suffered. and is merely mentioning to his statement with Achilles. which was a prophesied triumph mark. It is really possible that Odysseus is shouting because he wants to be found out. These people evidently adore the Odysseus they know through narratives. so wouldn’t they worship the flesh and blood version if they were of all time to run into him? Alternatively of merely stating. â€Å"I am Odysseus† . he alternatively waits. calls a 2nd clip until his heartache is publically noticed. leting people to experience regretful for him and inquire what would do him so much hurting. This gives Odysseus the perfect chance to state the atrocious narrative of his trip place. which he does. full of the problems that could hold been avoided had Odysseus restrained his pride and selfishness. The shame that Odysseus might experience at openly shouting in forepart of aliens is outweighed by the satisfaction he gets out of stating his narrative. because wretchedness does so love company. Odysseus’s pride besides prevents him from demoing regard towards his work forces. by non minding their advice and by non decently mourning their ill-timed deceases. At Alcinous’ tribunal. Odysseus recounts his experience with the Cyclops. The whole problem with this one eyed monster begins when Odysseus decides to linger in the Cyclops’s cave after eating his nutrient. to see â€Å"what gifts he would give† ( 9. 258 ) . Alternatively of welcoming the Achaeans. the monster decides to eat the work forces who had impolitely eaten his nutrient. In sudden daze and horror. Odysseus and his work forces â€Å"wept and cried aloud† ( 9. 331 ) . Finally. through a clever program by Odysseus. he and his work forces escape. but about decease once more because of his pride. Teasing back to the Cyclops. Odysseus reveals who he is. which allows the monster to about fall in their ships. and besides to publish a ailment to Poseidon that he should non allow Odysseus return place. Poseidon hears this. and as a consequence. Odysseus and his crew are from so on beset by job after job. Had Odysseus listened to his crew who begged him to go forth the cave before the Cyclops returned and besides to non boast his individuality to the monster. the work forces would hold made it safely place. Even after witnessing the cannibalism of some of his crew. Odysseus is merely â€Å"glad to get away our decease / yet sick at bosom for the companions we had lost† ( 9. 630 ) . He does non look to be excessively devastated by everything that has merely happened to him. expletive and all. Possibly it is because he is surrounded by others who portion the same destiny. and aren’t as willing to be every bit sympathetic as a group of aliens hearing the narrative from a legendary hero would be. Odysseus besides tells the narrative of the Laestrygonians. who eat a high figure of Odysseus’ crew. Once once more. Odysseus is â€Å"sick at heart† ( 10. 147 ) . but feels small else for his dead friends and does non cry at all for their memory. When his crew begins to mourn for those lost. Odysseus about seems fed up and says â€Å"They explosion into calls. howling. streaming unrecorded cryings / that gained us nil – what good can come of heartache? † ( 10. 221 ) . At this point it becomes really obvious that Odysseus merely deems it necessary to shout. when he is the one being wept for. He has no job shouting in forepart of aliens who are unwittingly praising him. he sees nil incorrect with shouting mundane for seven old ages because he is marooned with a beautiful goddess. yet there is something uneconomical about crying for work forces who were viciously killed and eaten. all because he felt the demand to state the Cyclops that he. the great Odysseu s. was the 1 who blinded him. While pride may hold been the ruin of Odysseus. without it he would ne'er hold reached the position of a hero. His pride and desire for glorification were a major drive force behind all his great schemes and war attempts. Without his strong self-esteem. Odysseus would hold alternatively been merely another expendable member of his crew. Yes. the selfishness of the crew is besides evident when they open the bag of air currents and blow the ship off class. but actions like these are to be expected from work forces who are of such low importance in the heroic poem that they are non even named. But from Odysseus. the reader should demand a higher degree of criterions. and expect him to move responsible for the work forces whose lives are entrusted into his attention. When Odysseus does non shout after his work forces are slaughtered and alternatively goes on with his work. it appears that he is merely moving as a strong leader. But when you consider other minutes when he is really weak a nd does shout openly. it is apparent to see that he merely weeps for those deserving crying for. And to Odysseus. the lone one worth casting a tear for is himself. Thesis: Alternatively of moving as a compassionate leader who grieves for his lost friends. Odysseus calls to indulge his ain sense of sorrow at his jobs. and uses this to derive attending from others. By analyzing Odysseus’ eruptions of heartache. it becomes obvious that his selfishness and pride are at the very bosom of the obstructions he has faced on his journey place. Subordinate Ideas: 1. Cries out of ego commiseration and solitariness 2. Cries to pull strings others 3. Does non esteem shipmates a. Does non listen to their advice and suffers the effects B. Does non decently mourn them when they die partially because of his actions 4. Pride and selfishness allow Odysseus to go a hero

Percy Jackson book report Essay

The book is funny and witty, effortlessly matching old mythology and tradition with modern culture in a way that makes the book engrossing and unpredictable. There is talk of gods having affairs with mortals, and quite a bit of married gods having affairs with other gods. In the following book report, I will first introduce the plot of the story. Then, I will talk about the writing of the author and the strengths and weaknesses of the books. After that, I will talk about the main character and other major character in the books and talk about what I have learnt after reading. At the end, I will share my overall response to the book and my recommendation. Percy Jackson, the main character, is 12 years old. He is a kid who lives with his single mother and is unsure of his dad’s identity. He has ADHD. He has a rep for getting in trouble. With help from his best friend Grover and his favourite teacher Mr. Brunner, he finds out that there is a perfectly good explanation for all of it, that he’s not a bad kid, and that he comes by everything quite naturally. He is actually a half-blood of a demigod. His father is Posiedon, God of the Seas, and Percy has some control over water. After a creepy math teacher transforms into a monster and tries to eat him, Percy’s friend Grover takes him to Camp Half-Blood. Soon after, he must go on a quest with Grover and Annabeth, daughter of Athena, to take back Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods. On the basis of this short description, you can see that there are a lot of superficial similarities to the Potter books. â€Å"The Lightning Thief† is all a little Harry Potter in concept – an orphan, with supernatural powers, who has two friends (one brainy girl and one geeky sidekick), several envious rival students. He goes to a special school and he is highly skilled at the school’s favorite sport, chariot racing. He is personally charged with a quest that, should he fail, will result in the ruin of the world. The author, Rick Riordan, spends the first half of the book exploring the nature of Camp Half-blood and the various demi-god kids, as well as dropping hints about Percy’s parentage. Although, given the number of times he makes water misbehave, you would think someone would have guessed. Fortunately the plot picks up about halfway through, when the whole matter of the bolt and thieving gods comes into play. I think the author has done a great job. Rick Riordan almost seems to be teasing the audience with these similarities to Harry Potter. But he’s having fun with it, and his style and humor are refreshing, humorous, and quite different from Rowling’s. He gets to the point much faster. The action starts on page 1 and never stops! Riordan has a snappy fast-moving style, and he peppers the story with plenty of plot twists and monstrous action. And he has quite a sharp-edged sense of humor. The snarkiness is a bit annoying in the first chapter, but after that, he has produced some fun dialogue. Also, he does a good job with the concept of gods and monster surviving over the center of the western world, as well as spooking some fun at the gods’ behavior. For example, Dionysius whining â€Å"Father loves to punish me. The first time, Prohibition. Ghastly! † Besides, I found Percy rather annoying in the first couple chapters, but Riordan slowly evolves him from a rather bratty, rebellious kid to a reluctant hero. Annabeth is an excellent counterpart to Percy, smart and measured if rather haughty in attitude, while Grover is a likable little sidekick who is chewing his nails over the possibility of losing his job. And the supporting cast of gods and demigods is pretty well-drawn, especially the paternal Chiron and embittered Luke. After reading this book, I appreciate to Percy’s courage. Although he is only twelve, he is powerful and strong. Percy Jackson has to protect himself and also his friends from the many monsters that dared to attack him. He tries his best to prevent a war between the gods and take back Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt. It reminds me that we always suppose that we are too young to make some great accomplishments, but, actually, we can do it if we believe we can! Even though the book doesn’t express its message obviously, through reading the story, I learn that we have to know about our weakness and strength. Also, we can’t finish something if there are only you. Just like the book, Percy defeats all the Greek monsters and prevents the war successfully with the help and support from his friends, Grover and Annabeth. We need our friend’s pleased help to overcome difficulties. All in all, I was amazed at how much I enjoyed this book. The book is full of magic, and mystery, and adventure. At first, I only began to read the stories because I had watched this book’s movie version at the cinema. The movie is marvelous. And to me, a book must be worth-seeing as it has to be good enough to put into a film. As I went farther along in the book, it became more exciting. I was constantly desired to read this book more and I found it hard to put down. It has so much going on. You could revolve your entire curriculum around for quite some time. I would immerse myself in completely. In fact, I was in tears at the end of the book not because the ending was depressing which went deep into my heart. It leaves the door open for more adventures from Percy Jackson. Anyway, I like this book as it has a little bit of everything: danger, heroes, villains, action, mystery, and adventure. It’s funny sometimes, and scary sometimes, and powerful sometimes, and even sad sometimes, but it’s a story that will keep you turning the pages as fast as your eyes can read the words. It is a whole new and fun way of looking at the Greek myths. I highly recommend this book to all of you!