6 Strategies to Successfully Pass a School Bond

6 Strategies to Successfully Pass a School Bond A school bond provides a financial avenue for school districts to meet an immediate specified need. These specified needs can range from a new school, classroom building, gymnasium, or cafeteria to repairing an existing building, new buses, upgrades in classroom technology or security, etc. A school bond issue must be voted on by the members of the community in which the school is located. Most states require a three-fifths (60%) super-majority vote to pass a bond. If the school bond passes, property owners in the community will foot the bill for the bond issue through increased property taxes. This can create a dilemma for voters in the community and is why many proposed bond issues do not receive enough â€Å"yes† votes to pass. It takes a lot of dedication, time, and hard work to pass a bond issue. When it passes it was well worth it, but when it fails it can be extremely disappointing. There is no exact science for passing a bond issue. However, there are strategies that when implemented can help improve the chances that the bond issue will pass. Build a Foundation The district superintendent and the school board are often the driving forces behind a school bond issue. They are also responsible for getting out into the community, building relationships, and keeping people informed about what is happening with the district. It is vital to have good standing relationships with powerful civic groups and key business owners within a community if you want your bond to be passed. This process should be continuous and ongoing over time. It should not happen just because you’re trying to pass a bond. A strong superintendent will make their school the focal point of the community. They will work hard to forge those relationships that will pay off in times of need. They will make community involvement a priority inviting members into the school not only see what is going on but to become a part of the process themselves. Potentially passing a bond issue is just one of the many rewards that come with this holistic approach to community involvement. Organize and Plan Perhaps the most crucial aspect of passing a school bond is to be well organized and to have a solid plan in place. This begins with forming a committee that is as dedicated to seeing the bond passed as you are. It is necessary to note that most states prohibit schools from using their own resources or time to lobby on behalf of a bond issue. If teachers or administrators are to participate on the committee, it must be on their own time. A strong committee will consist of school board members, administrators, teachers, advisory councils, business leaders, parents, and students. The committee should be kept as small as possible so that a consensus can be reached easier. The committee should discuss and create a detailed plan on all aspects of the bond including timing, finances, and campaigning. A specific task should be given to each committee member to carry out according to their individual strengths. A school bond campaign should start approximately two months before the vote is scheduled to occur. Everything occurring in those two months should be well thought out and planned in advance. No two bond campaigns are the same. It is likely that parts of the plan will have to be abandoned or changed after realizing that the approach is not working. Establish a Need It is essential to establish a real need in your bond campaign. Most districts have a list of projects that they believe need to be completed. When deciding what you are going to put in the bond it is vital to look at two factors: immediate need and investment in your student body. In other words, put projects on the ballot that will resonate with voters who understand the value of education and show them there is a need. Make those connections apart of your campaign and bundle things where appropriate. If you are trying to build a new gymnasium, package it as a multipurpose facility that will not only serve as a gymnasium but as a community center and auditorium so that it can be used by all students and not just a select few. If you are trying to pass a bond for new buses, be prepared to explain how much money you are currently spending to maintain your bus fleet that is outdated and run down. You can even use a deteriorated bus in your campaign by parking it in front of the school with information about the bond. Be Honest It is essential to be honest with the constituents in your district. Property owners want to know how much their taxes are going to go up if the bond issue is passed. You should not skirt around this issue. Be direct and honest with them and always use the opportunity to explain to them what their investment will do for students in the district. If you are not honest with them, you may pass the first bond issue, but it will be more difficult when you try to pass the next one. Campaign! Campaign! Campaign! When campaigning begins it is beneficial to keep the message simple. Be specific with your message including the voting date, how much the bond is for, and some simple highlights of what it will be used for. If a voter asks for more information, then be prepared with more details. Campaigning efforts should be holistic with a goal of getting the word out to every registered voter in the district. Campaigning occurs in many different forms, and each form may reach a different subset of constituents. Some of the most popular forms of campaigning include: Build a Website – Create a website that gives voters detailed information about the bond issue.Campaign Signs/Posters – Put campaign signs in supporters’ yards and posters in high traffic locations such as the post office.Speaking Engagements – Schedule speaking engagements with civic groups in the community such as the Senior Citizen Center, Masonic Lodge, etc.Organize a Voter Registration Drive – A voter registration drive allows you to recruit newcomers and potential supporters who might not vote otherwise.Door to Door Canvassing – Simple word of mouth campaigning may make the difference especially in reminding voters to get to the polls.Telephone Committee – A simple way to poll voters in the community as well as to inform them about the bond issue and to remind them to vote.Direct Mail – Send flyers highlighting the bond issue out a few days before the vote.Media – Use the media to get the message out when possible. Focus on Uncertainty There are some constituents that have their minds made up on a bond issue before you even decide to do it. Some people always vote yes, and some people always vote no. Do not waste time on trying to convince the â€Å"no† votes that they should vote â€Å"yes†. Instead, focus on getting those â€Å"yes† votes to the polls. However, it is most valuable to invest your time and effort on those in the community that have not decided. Visit with those on the fence 3-4 times throughout the campaign to try and sway them to vote â€Å"yes†. They are the people who will ultimately decide whether the bond passes or fails.

Prescribing of Medication by Psychologists For and Against

Prescribing of Medication by Psychologists For and Against Psychologists and psychiatrists are important professionals that the society depends on for several concerns. Whereas psychologists are concerned with offering psychological therapy to mentally disturbed persons, physicians offer both curative and social treatment for various diseases (Harding, 2002). The training underwent also differs considerably. Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Prescribing of Medication by Psychologists: For and Against specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Psychologists undergo a more theory-based training as opposed to a practical medicine-based training. The fact that both professionals are important in the mental healthcare is true. However, endless debates that aim at empowering psychologists to prescribe medication are common (Harding, 2002). The journal ‘Should Psychologists Prescribe Medication’ gives supporting views by Robert Resnick. On the contrary, William Robiner o pposes the idea. This paper critically examines the position held by the two authors. Facts Robert Resnick asserts that the available psychopharmacological aid is limited. On the contrary, the mental health cases have drastically increased. It is reported that over 450 counties in America lack psychiatrists in residence. How then will mental problems be addressed in such counties? It is true that granting prescription privileges to psychologists will reduce this patient-psychiatrist deficit. In addition, psychological medical prescription will ensure that quality mental healthcare is offered in time (Resnick Robiner, 2003). Cost reduction is also assured because only one profession is involved. Robiner is correct when he asserts that the mode of training between a psychologist and a psychiatrist differs. Psychiatrists undergo intense medical training in a medical school. Subjects such as biology, chemistry and pharmacology are taught at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral le vels of training. Psychologists on the other hand do not undergo this kind of training at all levels of training (Resnick Robiner, 2003). The lack of medical training provides a platform for increased collaboration between the psychologists and the psychiatrists. This is the best tool for increased efficiency in service delivery. Opinions Resnick is of the view that psychologists should be given prescription privileges too. He argues that psychologists are more informed on mental health issues than other non-psychiatry professionals. Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The realization that 85% of mental prescriptions are written by the non-psychiatry professionals is criticized. He is of the opinion that granting psychologists the power to prescribe would offer better choices and informed referrals. The need to have psychologists prescribe will be solved by training more professionals (Resnick Robiner, 2003). The success of the Psychopharmacology Demonstration Project (PDP) is a good example of early training programs. Robiner on the other hand is of the view that most patients find more comfort in sharing their mental problems with physicians than with psychologists. It is for this reason that prescription privileges are enjoyed by the psychiatrists. The duplication of the PDP success is uncertain (Resnick Robiner, 2003). Robiner is of the opinion that the military psychologists were exposed to a specific group of patients and conditions. He therefore doubts the practicality of the same in more diverse conditions. Resnick’s Strengths and Weaknesses Resnick argument is cemented by the fact that he uses a previous case to support his position. The success of the PDP is an important development. In fact the same approach can be used to address the prescription debate. The fact that he advocates for the bridging of the patient-professi onal gap is clear. He emphasizes on the need for psychologists to undergo medical training, just as the ten military psychologists did. He also insists that revoking previous prescriptions is also a means of giving medical prescription. Resnick’s argument is however limited in scope. It is true that New Mexico was the first state to grant prescription privileges to psychologists (Resnick Robiner, 2003). He affirms that 32 more states are on the way to adopting laws that grant prescription rights. He fails to give the time frame required to achieve this. In addition he fails to specify the medical concerns within the jurisdiction of the psychologists and psychiatrists as far prescription rights are concerned. Robiner’s Strengths and Weaknesses Robiner asserts that training 10 psychologists under specific and customized conditions should not be viewed as an obvious case under general conditions. Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Presc ribing of Medication by Psychologists: For and Against specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is true that diverse mental problems are encountered. Assuming the PDP success would be duplicated in other training programs is wrong according to Robiner. In addition he presents a report by the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology that revealed that PDP graduates were indeed weak both medically and psychiatrically. They were indeed supervised by physicians. Most psychologists have admitted receiving improper pharmacological training (Resnick Robiner, 2003). How can proponents of psychologists prescription purport that the latter can medically prescribe yet the psychologists admit incompetency? Robiner provides enough literature that proves that the quality of mental health care will be compromised. It is clear that there exists a great discrepancy of training between the psychologist and the psychiatrist. Medicine-based training model is a dapted by the latter while the former adopts a theory-based model. Subjects such as biology, chemistry and pharmacology are taught in medical schools (Resnick Robiner, 2003). This discrepancy widens from the under graduate to the graduate training levels. Regulatory and legal issues are well captured. The granting of prescription privileges would mean restructuring of the regulatory systems. The claim that psychologists may reject offers to work with undeserved groups is unfounded. Credibility of the Authors Both Resnick and Robiner are appreciating the fact that psychologists are equally important in mental healthcare sector. Resnick however is limited in scope. He assumes that psychologists can also give prescriptions as physicians do. He fails to consider the negative health risks, legal effects and ineffective care associated with the move. He applies economic reasoning to assert that if psychologists offer medical prescription, the patient can save more. He fails to understa nd that indeed, he/she may end up paying more due to incorrect prescriptions. He also fails to conduct intensive review of existing research to support his position. Robiner’s argument is well supported. He is clear of the fact that medicine is a growing field that requires regular knowledge updates. He insists that the training methods adopted by the psychologists may have far reaching consequences to patients if prescriptions are given by psychologists. His argument covers a wide scope to include the legal, quality management and efficiency of mental health care. The fact that he calls for collaboration between the psychologists and psychiatrists is a clear attestation that he values the roles played by each.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Personal View The information provided by Robiner indicates that proper literature review was conducted. Robiner is categorical of the fact that psychologists and psychiatrists should work together for the good of the mental patients. He is well aware of the risks posed by psychoactive drugs. The prescription privileges enjoyed by psychologists would be cause of serious mental and other health complications. The PDP success cannot be solely relied upon for the effective medical prescription in diverse mental problems (Resnick Robiner, 2003). The medical profession is sensitive field that requires mastery of the human anatomy. The understanding of how different types of medicine react in the humans is vitally important. The knowledge and training discrepancy that exists between psychologists and psychiatrists is a matter of concern. It is difficult for a psychologist to understand which medicine is obsolete and which should be used under certain conditions. Rendering them incompe tent to prescribe medicine is important. In this regard the state governments should not give psychologists prescription rights. Contemporary Research The American Medical Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Psychiatric Association and the American Society for Geriatric Psychiatry have opposed efforts to empowering psychologists offer medical prescription (Harding, 2002). These associations have asserted that psychologists are not medically trained to offer prescription. Patients’ safety is the prime consideration in medical prescription. Psychologists are at a higher risk of administering the wrong prescription because they lack the medical knowledge (Harding, 2002). The theory-based model training by psychologists is useless in medical prescription. Medically trained professionals are superior to psychologists as far as medical prescription is concerned. The fact that psychiatrists undergo fulltime four-year training in bioche mistry, pharmacology, physiology and diagnosis is worthwhile to note (Harding, 2002). In addition, they undergo a full-time tree year postgraduate psychiatric training. Practical prescription of drugs is performed during this time. The part-time one year psychopharmacological course undergone by the psychologists is insufficient and incomparable to that of a psychiatrist. Psychologists should therefore not prescribe medication. References Harding, R. K. (2002). New Mexico Psychologists Prescribing Law: Bad Medicine for Patients. American Psychiatric Association Media Advisory. Resnick, R. Robiner, W. (2003). Should Psychologist Prescribe Medication? British Psychologist Society. The Psychologist, 16 (4), 251-264.

Art Of Cinema Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Art Of Cinema - Essay Example The comedy in Young Frankenstein ranges from slapstick and farce to dirty, bawdy humor and irreverent satire. The film is an homage to the classical American horror films of the 1930’s and 40’s, however, it is a modern satire. In the early 1930s, American film producers began the tradition of popularizing the genre of the horror film with such American Gothic features as Dracula (1931), The Mummy (1933) and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1932), films that originated from Gothic literature. These evolved into a blending of science fiction with Gothic horror, films that were about scientists experimented with the human form, The Invisible Man (1933), The Wolf Man ( 1941) and, of course, Frankenstein (1910), which spawned a slew of re-makes and sequels, including Bride of Frankenstein (1935), Son of Frankenstein (1939) and Ghost of Frankenstein (1942). As the complexity of horror films grew in the evolution of the genre, a sub-genre called for the study of specific â€Å"thrillers† and the psychology of them, including the films of director Alfred Hitchcock ( Psycho (1960) and The Birds(1963) ), as well as the development of the sub-genre of the serial killer films, (M (1931), Peeping Tom (1960), Silence of the Lambs (1991). Yet there still remains a basic formula that is inherent to the horror genre. As Bruce Kawin points out in his essay, â€Å"Children of the Light,† there is a need for a distinguishing between â€Å"good† horror films and â€Å"bad† horror films. Kawain’s discusses the components of a â€Å"good† horror film: â€Å"A good horror film takes you down into the depths and shows you something about the landscape†¦The seeker, who is often the survivor, confronts his or her own fallibility, vulnerability, and culpability as an aspect of confronting the horror object, and either matures or dies. (Matures in this sense refers to the adult act of making peace with the discrepancy

Art History Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Art History - Research Paper Example What world did they see in the early 1860s, when Impressionism stormed into their lives as the wind of change? Social disruptions at the end of the 18th century, revolutions in France and America, transformed the very essence of Western culture, which cannot but affect the role of art in a rapidly changing society. Accustomed to some social orders from the ruling dynasties or the church, artists suddenly found that all the customers left them. The nobility and clergy experienced serious financial and social troubles. The era of capitalism came, which changed the art rules and priorities totally. Gradually established republics and democratic powers witnessed the growth of the middle class and this growth caused the development of the new art market. Unfortunately, entrepreneurs and traders usually lacked hereditary culture and education, without which it was impossible to understand the diversity of allegories or skillful mastery, which charmed the aristocracy. Without any aristocratic upbringing and education, the middle-class representatives, who suddenly became the art consumers, had to rely on the opinion of professionals - newspaper critics and official experts. The artistic academies, the watchers of the classical canons, became the central arbiters in the issue of artistic preferences. So, it’s not a paradox that some young and talented artists rebelled against the conformity and dominance of the formal academism in art. The major strongholds of the academicism at that time were state patronized exhibitions of contemporary art – the Salons. Participation in the Salon was the only chance to attract attention of the press and customers. The Salon was a unique opportunity to acquire a customer, to build a career in art. Auguste Renoir, in his letter to his dealer Durand-Ruel, criticizes status quo: â€Å"In Paris there are scarcely fifteen people who capable of liking a painter who doesn’t show at

Mekong delta Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Mekong delta - Essay Example In 1802, it became part of French colony and became part of Vietnam when it gained independence from France (Brocheux, 1995). Mekong delta is 39000 km in area. It was initially a forest area and marshland having diverse landscape with mountains, highland and plain region. The marshland makes it very fertile land. It has moderate climate. Due to its low lying area, it is susceptible to flash floods. Lunar new year and mid autumn festival are major cultural events. During the festival, children float lighted candles on skiffs on the river. The multicultural society comprises of Vietnamese, Khmer, Chinese, Cambodians and Cham tribe. The main religions are Buddhism, Catholicism, Cao Dai, Hoa Hao and Islam (vietscape.com, 2004). Agriculture is major source of income for the people. Rice is major agricultural crop followed by fruits and vegetables. It is second largest producer and exporter of rice in the world. Acquaculture is another industry which facilitates export of fish like shrimps, cat fish etc. In recent times, tourism has also emerged as important industry. Boats and ferries are major transport systems across the provinces and cities. Bus, light and heavy vehicles are used on the roadways along with motorbikes, and bicycles. Recently a cable stayed bridge was constructed that connects Long province with Can Tho city. The bridge is expected to reduce the reliance on ferries for commutation. Some of the provinces of Mekong are also connected by air-flight. Mekong Delta has two main floating markets: Cai Rang and Phong Dien, where villagers bring their produce like vegetables, fruits, fish etc. on the boats. All its businesses are conducted on the banks. They have bamboo houses and cultivate fisheries under them. Goods are bought by local traders who sell them in the big cities at great profit. It also has floating

Localize your product to globalize your business

Localize your product to globalize your business LOCALIZE YOUR PRODUCT TO GLOBALIZE YOUR BUSINESS. OBJECTIVES:- Analyze how should be the Structure and Capacity of Firm to explore a localized product to global market Evaluate the Demand of the product in the particular country where the firm wants to explore. To Know the benefits from the global business that placing the placing the actual importance of a product. To Understand the Local and Global legal terms and conditions to access or for trading a product to global market. Analyzing the Local and global Market competitors and upcoming problems with similar products in Price, Reliability and quality. Critically analyze the Barriers to growth for small firms. 3. Context :- The main purpose to choose this topic because, as the Author is from a Business background family, owning a group called RGS GROUP FIRMS which deals with Manufacturing Micro nutrient and Fertilizers products with fully fledged and localized in the Indian Market, Author main aim is to Explore the Business which is presently in INDIA to other countries with help of there Localized products to global Market for which author is taking the help of this Dissertation. The intention of doing this study is to grab the information is how to launch a localized product outside the country and Author personal interest is to improve his business status to globe with the help of this research on above topic. Literature Review:- The literature review is focused in areas related to innovative product development for sustainable competitive advantage. The essentials for the product development would involve market segmentation, innovation, capacity of the firm, need for skill (Knowledge) and research and development to globalize a product. The literature review aims to conclude with a framework for business strategy intending to enhance product development. Some people are given a survey to complete to gauge their reaction on globalization of a localized product to other countries, who have placed different importance in there concepts. Which are as below. According to KENECHI OHMAE in his book THE NEXT GLOBAL STAGE published in 2005 he said that Effective communication always depend on the non existence of borders. It was one thing when communication was predominantly physical. If a person wanted to go from A to B or send something there, be it is a letter or product , the inter force of gravity often slowed the process down. Slowness of movement was futured added to by border checkpoints, the need for visas and passport control not to mention custom exercise inspection. People viewed these as obstacles and deterrents. Critical points in the process of Expansion of a Firm:- According to EDITH PENROSE in his book THE THEORY OF THE GROWTH OF THE FIRM, when a firm is relatively small the division of managerial labor will not be extensively and the most important decision are sometimes made by only one man. As the firm grows it reaches a point where a change in its managerial structure must take place because of the necessity, if growth is to continue of subdividing the managerial tasks and especially of decentralizing managerial decision making. The Small Firm and international Business Strategy decisions:- Market Entry:- Dawes (1995) acknowledges that for small business moving from the confines of a domestic market to market across national boundaries which may comprise one or more international markets can be a daunting prospect. He acknowledges that there are a number of reasons why companies do decide to internationalize their operations and the reasons are identified. Johnson and wiedersheim -Paul (1975), Bikey and Teaser (1977), Cavusgil (1980) and Czinkota (1982) all put forward export development models, discussed. Which they see as the export behaviour theories of small firms PRODUCT:-. The architecture of the product is defined not only by the decomposition of the complete product into elemental components, but also by the interaction between these components. The interactions, System architecture design principles suggest ways to plan architectures with minimal interactions across sub-systems, maximizing architecture interactions has been accomplished using matrix—based methods. Analysis such of such patterns may be used to suggest clusters forming effective product modules. (Alexander 1964). EXPORTING:- In its basic form exporting can be defined as selling goods or services from one country to another. There is distinction with in the exporting approach between an indirect handling of product and services involving export houses and joint marketing methods and direct handling of product and services agents and distributors. Indirect exporting of a product involves the use of intermediaries, usually in the firms own country and in response to requests for the firms product or services from abroad. For small firm with little experience if international business, this usually the beginning of a firms move to direct exporting. The handling of the export order may then be carried out by export houses whose business is handling or financing or international trade (Hibbert 1989). The houses provide a comprehensive export service which covers principal involvement in the export activities namely arranging the sale of the product or services and dealing with paperwork and administration. ENTRY ANALYSIS:- If the small firm is to approach exporting in an entry strategy basis the small firm will need to determine sales projections with the detailed costing information. The costing will need to cover existing operation in the business that will be involved in an exporting programme. The costing may well involve sensitivity analysis to determine effect on sale trends etc given specific scenarios Eg Currency fluctuations, (Chuck C Y Kwok 1987). MAKING GLOBAL PRODUCT:- Robin.K and Beebe.N in order to make products that appeal to customers in different parts of the world many companies are finding that they need to develop a deep under standing of consumers in the different parts of the world. (Robin.K and Beebe. N). GOING GLOBAL TO ADD CAPACITY TO A FIRM:- Perhaps the most common reason companies â€Å"go global† with product development to expand their capacity in other words , to add skill , Knowledge, expertise and the infrastructure that can help them develop more and better products. The following below are some of the Globalization strategy to shape the firm. Finding more skilled hands to do the routine work. Finding resources that can extend and complement your product development work. Increasing your access to special competencies. Acquiring special skills that out or in source vendors may do better than you. DECIDING WHERE TO GO WHEN YOU GO GLOBAL:- Most firms began to globalize their product development activities in order to exploit low cost suppliers or global markets. They stick with the globalization to reap the benefits of additional skills and capacities. (Robin.K and Beebe. N). Knowledge of the country and its international context:- (Thinking Globally and Managing globally) The implementation of localised management is dependent upon effective local knowledge. National geography and history, local political and economic management, technological development and socio cultural features. The international context within which the country may be placed; for instance: Whether the country is categorized as traditional or Third World; developing, or a lesser Developed Country (LDC), or industrialized. (Tony morden, (European Business Review). Standardizations and Product Category:- (Brand Globally but Advertise locally) Several of the reported empirical studies have noted that brand and advertising Standardization is a function of product category. Still and Hill (1984) found brand standardization in 76 percent of pharmaceutical products, but in only 60 percent of the food products. Boddewyn and Hansen (1976) found standardized branding practice to be highest for consumer durables. (Dennis M. Sandler and David Shani). Developing Local Product to a Global Market:- A firm can take advantage of large scale production and distribution and a global reputation yet successfully accommodate local market idiosyncrasies. The key to an effective marketing strategy is to understand and capitalize upon unique market characteristics of different cultures and sub-cultures. Successful development of international product and marketing strategies lies in being global and acting local. The proponents of global marketing strategy have displayed a strong insensitively to largely varying local needs, wants and behaviors. The implementation of being global and acting local begins with understanding consumer behaviors and at the macro level, international markets. (James Wills, A. Coskun Samll and Laurence Jacobs). Research in international new product development Current understanding and future imperatives:- This has been an observable trend that has posed both difficulties and opportunities for host of the business in both product manufacturing and service sectors. In the context of innovation and more specially, localized product development , organizations have had a grapple with more demanding regional and global customers and rising a level of international competition , suppliers and global customers and rising the level of international competition, suppliers and resource markets , Realistically firms that seek to excel cannot ignore these challenges. Instead they can ensure survival by capitalizing on internationalization opportunities. In order to create value for international or global customers need to formulate and implement appropriate product development strategies and process to meet the needs and demands of international markets. There is growing concern that strategies, structures and processes for developing and commercializing new technologies for domestic market may not be entirely suitable to meet the demands of the business serving international market.

John Miltons Paradise Lost Essay: Allegory of Sin and Death :: Milton Paradise Lost Essays

Allegory of Sin and Death in Paradise Lost  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   That Milton's Paradise Lost is unsurpassed--and hardly equaled--in English literature is generally accepted by critics and scholars. Whether it may have serious flaws, however, and what they may be, is less certain, for it is here that opinion varies. Of particular interest to some is the allegory of Sin and Death (II. 648-883). Robert C. Fox wonders that it has not been the subject of much more critical discussion, asking "Is it that Milton's readers are puzzled by this episode and, unable to explain its significance, prefer to pass it over in silence? Or do they regard it as so obvious in meaning that no interpretive remarks are necessary?" ("The Allegory" 354). Whatever the answer to Fox's query, his point is well taken; in a survey of the bibliography of the Modern Language Association from 1950-1980, fewer than twenty references specifically devoted to this allegory can be located, and many of these, rather than pursuing the question of its appropriateness and/or it s importance within the total work, simply investigate its tradition and sources.    Merritt Y. Hughes, in referring to those scholars who have commented on the allegory, writes that "for two centuries critics agreed that the step into pure allegory in Sin and Death was a blemish on the poem and an external incrustation. Recently they have been wondering whether it is not a part of the structural irony of the whole design" (177). It is this latter view on which this paper focuses; the allegory is indeed an integral part of the whole of Paradise Lost, not an error of judgment on Milton's part, as some critics believe. It is defensible on two levels, both in terms of structure and in terms of content.    Since it is the presence of allegorical figures--abstractions--in the epic to which some critics object, it is necessary here to discuss both allegory and epic form. Allegory, according to William Flint Thrall and Addison Hibbard, is defined as "an extended metaphor in which objects and persons in a narrative . . . are equated with meanings that lie outside [it]," uses characters that "are usually personifications of abstract qualities, the action and the setting representative of the relationships among these abstractions. Allegory attempts to evoke a dual interest, one in the events, characters, and setting presented, and the other in the ideas they are intended to convey or the significance they bear" (7-8).