Help Notes

Julius Caesar is a largely male-driven play. Calpurnia and Portia are the two main female characters, and they are both wives of major characters. Calpurnia is Julius Caesar’s wife. She makes public appearances with him, but there may be some awkwardness between them because of her inability to have children. He publicly tells Antony to touch Calpurnia to cure her of barrenness when he runs the Lupercal, a “holy race” and fertility festival. Calpurnia has... Julius Caesar is a largely male-driven play. Calpurnia and Portia are the two main female characters, and they are both wives of major characters. Calpurnia is Julius Caesar’s wife. She makes public appearances with him, but there may be some awkwardness between them because of her inability to have children. He publicly tells Antony to touch Calpurnia to cure her of barrenness when he runs the Lupercal, a “holy race” and fertility festival. Calpurnia has nightmares about Caesar’s death. She claims that she is not naturally super...

At the end of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet the Prince has entered Capulet's tomb, learning of Romeo and Juliet's fate. Friar Lawrence details the couple's plans and his role in their actions. His story is corroborated by Romeo's suicide letter. The Prince ultimately becomes quite angry and addresses Lord Capulet and Lord Montague, blaming them for not only the deaths of their daughter and son but also for the deaths of Mercutio and Paris: See... At the end of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet the Prince has entered Capulet's tomb, learning of Romeo and Juliet's fate. Friar Lawrence details the couple's plans and his role in their actions. His story is corroborated by Romeo's suicide letter. The Prince ultimately becomes quite angry and addresses Lord Capulet and Lord Montague, blaming them for not only the deaths of their daughter and son but also for the deaths of Mercutio and Paris: See what a scourge is laid upon your hate, That heaven finds ...

Shakespeare, of course, was not generally a creator of original narratives - his plays were usually adapted from existing sources, and the core of his genius lay in the creation of profoundly original, textured, and multifaceted character psychologies expressed and sculpted through their unique voices and imaginative use of language.  A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of only two known plays by Shakespeare - along with  The Tempest , another magical, dreamlike romp - not... Shakespeare, of course, was not generally a creator of original narratives - his plays were usually adapted from existing sources, and the core of his genius lay in the creation of profoundly original, textured, and multifaceted character psychologies expressed and sculpted through their unique voices and imaginative use of language.  A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of only two known plays by Shakespeare - along with  The Tempest , another magical, dreamlike romp - not to be narratively adapted from any id...

The Mexican Cession of 1848 was taken after the Mexican War.  James K. Polk, an expansionist Democrat, took advantage of a border dispute between Mexico and Texas that came after Texas's war of independence.  Under the Treaty of San Jacinto, both Mexico and Texas claimed the land between the Rio and Nuecces Rivers.  When Polk sent General Zachary Taylor to the disputed region and Mexico predictably fired upon them as trespassers, Polk had the reason... The Mexican Cession of 1848 was taken after the Mexican War.  James K. Polk, an expansionist Democrat, took advantage of a border dispute between Mexico and Texas that came after Texas's war of independence.  Under the Treaty of San Jacinto, both Mexico and Texas claimed the land between the Rio and Nuecces Rivers.  When Polk sent General Zachary Taylor to the disputed region and Mexico predictably fired upon them as trespassers, Polk had the reason to go to war.  The war went disastrously for Mexico due to logistical reasons and...

"Huswifery" is a classic Taylor poem in that it sets up a conceit, or an extended metaphor.  Throughout this conceit, Taylor uses first the parts of a spinning wheel and then the cloth spun with the thread from that wheel to ask God to use Taylor as an instrument for God's will.   In the first stanza, Taylor asks God to use his "Holy Word" to charge Taylor's "Affections," "Soul," and "Conversation" with the will... "Huswifery" is a classic Taylor poem in that it sets up a conceit, or an extended metaphor.  Throughout this conceit, Taylor uses first the parts of a spinning wheel and then the cloth spun with the thread from that wheel to ask God to use Taylor as an instrument for God's will.   In the first stanza, Taylor asks God to use his "Holy Word" to charge Taylor's "Affections," "Soul," and "Conversation" with the will of God.  It is in this stanza that Taylor uses th...

The whole of the first chapter is one of Steinbeck's intercalary chapters that describes the great dust storm of 1934. So, naturally, the word "dust" dominates the chapter.  Some of the most important quotes: "In the roads where the teams moved, where the wheels milled the ground and the hooves of the horses beat the ground, the dirt crust broke and the dust formed. Every moving thing lifted the dust into the air: a walking man lifted a thin layer as high as his waist, and a wagon lifted the dust as high as the fence tops, and an automobile boiled a cloud behind it. The dust was long in settling back again." In this first quote, Steinbeck describes how the drought hit the Plains states and how the dust began to form in the farming countryside.  The imagery here shows the reader just how enveloping that dust could be with just the slightest movement. "A gentle wind followed the rain clouds, driving them on northward, a wind that softly clashed the drying cor...

Like many empires throughout history, the Ottoman Empire conquered many people and sought to convert them to their own religion. Those that did not convert were given second-class status, called zimmis, granted some limited autonomy but still subject to Ottoman rule and Islamic law. This was better than religious minorities were treated in many other parts of the world, but hardly equality.The Ottoman Sultan Marad I formed the Janissary from captured Christians who were... Like many empires throughout history, the Ottoman Empire conquered many people and sought to convert them to their own religion. Those that did not convert were given second-class status, called zimmis, granted some limited autonomy but still subject to Ottoman rule and Islamic law. This was better than religious minorities were treated in many other parts of the world, but hardly equality. The Ottoman Sultan Marad I formed the Janissary from captured Christians who were pressed into service as a personal bodyguard f...

Race does not play a major role in The Bell Jar , but it does figure in as a subject for Esther's judgment, to some extent. In a novel about a character's conflicts of perception (pointedly including self-perception) and values, Esther's observations of race can be noted as one of many examples of her embattled sense of her place in the world. Race, as so many other labels, can be seen as part of Esther's tendency to look at the world categorically.  Outside of her early comments on Peruvians, perhaps the most notable episode in the text relating to race comes relatively late in the novel. In it we see Esther using language that distances her racially from an attendant in the hospital.  While at the private hospital (where Doctor Nolan treats her), Esther has an encounter with an African American staff member who she refers to as "the Negro." During a dinner scene, Esther remarks on the fact that the meal includes two kinds of beans:  "Now I knew perfectl...

While the Cold War was often characterized as a period of confrontations and competitions between the United States and the Soviet Union, there were times when both sides cooperated on various issues. In the 1970s, a policy of détente, or a relaxation of tensions, was followed by both countries. To some degree, the growing friendship between the United States and Communist China helped promote better relations with the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union was concerned... While the Cold War was often characterized as a period of confrontations and competitions between the United States and the Soviet Union, there were times when both sides cooperated on various issues. In the 1970s, a policy of détente, or a relaxation of tensions, was followed by both countries. To some degree, the growing friendship between the United States and Communist China helped promote better relations with the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union was concerned we would be more friendly with the Chinese Communists than we...

Perhaps the most significant theme in Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 is that of the government's control over freedom of thought. In the novel, members of society are not allowed to read books because it promotes freethinking and original thought. Anyone who is found hiding books is taken into custody, and their books and home burned to the ground. It is not without irony that one of the story's strongest rebels against this process is found in Guy Montag. At the beginning, he is a fireman who burns books and houses. He muses, "It was a pleasure to burn." However, he receives guidance in the form of Clarisse McClellan's challenging questions, as well as witnessing the woman at 11 N. Elm Street who is willing to die rather than live in a world without her books. In response, Montag's once-unquestioned perceptions (based on the government's dumbing-down propaganda) begin to change. Beatty provides a glimpse not only of what the fireman's job is, but also...

There are many factors that would affect an individual’s choice of occupation. One is socioeconomic status and economic history. Some people have more options open to them than others do. If your family can afford to send you to college, you have a chance to pursue careers that require post-secondary education. Without parental assistance, you may also be able to get a career that requires a degree if you work and earn scholarships, but it... There are many factors that would affect an individual’s choice of occupation. One is socioeconomic status and economic history. Some people have more options open to them than others do. If your family can afford to send you to college, you have a chance to pursue careers that require post-secondary education. Without parental assistance, you may also be able to get a career that requires a degree if you work and earn scholarships, but it will be more difficult. Aside from money and education, career choices are often dictated by family. You may ...

There were many consequences as cities grew rapidly in the 1800s. Cities grew for several reasons. Immigrants were coming to the United States, and they settled in the cities. Also, people were moving to the cities from the rural areas in search of jobs and in search of an opportunity to do more things that weren’t available in the rural areas. As the population of the cities increased, problems arose. There was an increase in... There were many consequences as cities grew rapidly in the 1800s. Cities grew for several reasons. Immigrants were coming to the United States, and they settled in the cities. Also, people were moving to the cities from the rural areas in search of jobs and in search of an opportunity to do more things that weren’t available in the rural areas. As the population of the cities increased, problems arose. There was an increase in both crime and pollution. Many factories were located in the cities. This contributed to the pollution. Cities struggled with the dispo...

The narrator of The Devil's Arithmetic often focuses on eye color, probably to help us imagine more clearly what the characters look like, but also as a way of establishing connections among characters. However, to answer your question, only Aaron and Shmuel are the blue-eyed people mentioned anywhere within the first six chapters. Hannah focuses on this connection, realizing that Shmuel feels familiar to her because his blue eyes are so much like her own... The narrator of The Devil's Arithmetic often focuses on eye color, probably to help us imagine more clearly what the characters look like, but also as a way of establishing connections among characters. However, to answer your question, only Aaron and Shmuel are the blue-eyed people mentioned anywhere within the first six chapters. Hannah focuses on this connection, realizing that Shmuel feels familiar to her because his blue eyes are so much like her own brother's. Let's consider each of the first six chapters an...

First, the hunter calls Phoenix "Granny." She is very old and this might have been a term of endearment. But given the hunter's overall treatment of Phoenix, the term "Granny" is probably intended with condescension. He does help her up, but he also belittles her. He treats her like a child:  I know you old colored people! Wouldn't miss going to town to see Santa Claus!  In his ignorance, he assumes she is simple-minded. It... First, the hunter calls Phoenix "Granny." She is very old and this might have been a term of endearment. But given the hunter's overall treatment of Phoenix, the term "Granny" is probably intended with condescension. He does help her up, but he also belittles her. He treats her like a child:  I know you old colored people! Wouldn't miss going to town to see Santa Claus!  In his ignorance, he assumes she is simple-minded. It would never occur to him that she is a clever, determined individual. Phoenix manages...

Seed dispersal is the process by which seeds are transported away from the parent plant. There are several advantages of seed dispersal.  Less competition from parent plant: If the seeds are not dispersed, they will fall close to the parent plant and will grow. The new daughter plants will compete with the parent plant for nutrients, sunlight, water, etc. and hence will have lesser chances of successful growth. Safety against predation and diseases/infection: If the daughter plants grow close to the parent plant and the parent is infected by some disease, the disease will infect the daughter plants as well. Similarly, if similar plants are available in a small region, predators who eat that plant will target that area. In all these scenarios the chances of survival and growth are less. Colonization: Seed dispersal also provides chances for the colonization of regions where the plant species did not grow earlier. Thus, this will help the species spread geographically.  Increased chances...

In Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” Banquo is a foil for Macbeth.  The definition of a foil is a character who provides a contrast to another character in order to show that character’s flaws. Banquo is an excellent example of a foil. Both Macbeth and Banquo are brave soldiers, members of the nobility, and respected by the king. Shakespeare shows key differences between the two, though. When the men meet the witches, Macbeth is immediately interested in them. Banquo, on the other hand, is suspicious of them. Instead of immediately accepting them, he laughs at and dismisses them. When the witches give Macbeth a prophecy, Macbeth is both fearful and intrigued. Banquo, on the other hand, is skeptical. He tells them that if they are able to make predictions, they should make one for him. When they do, he makes light of their cryptic remarks. While Macbeth is inclined to believe them, Banquo is more cautious, warning his friend that witches cannot be trusted. “Oftentimes, to win us to our harm/ the...

Meiosis is a reduction division that produces haploid (n) gametes with half the chromosomes as seen in a diploid (2n) body cell. Meiosis occurs in the gonads or sex organs and produces gametes or sex cells. In sexually reproducing organisms, it is the fusion of the sperm nucleus which is haploid and the egg nucleus which is also haploid that will produce a diploid fertilized egg or zygote. To observe an example of the ending... Meiosis is a reduction division that produces haploid (n) gametes with half the chromosomes as seen in a diploid (2n) body cell. Meiosis occurs in the gonads or sex organs and produces gametes or sex cells. In sexually reproducing organisms, it is the fusion of the sperm nucleus which is haploid and the egg nucleus which is also haploid that will produce a diploid fertilized egg or zygote. To observe an example of the ending number of chromosomes after meiosis we can use the chromosome number of 46 which is the diploid number found in human body cells. After ...

In Paul Fleischman's novel Seedfolks,  Ana is the second character introduced. Her character vignette is only five pages long. Ana is an older woman and doesn't plant anything in the garden. Her role in the story is that of a watcher and one who can chronicle the many changes in the neighborhood over the years. Following are some quotes that show her character traits.   "I do love to sit and look out the window. Why do I need a TV when I have forty-eight apartment windows to watch across the vacant lot, and a sliver of Lake Erie? I've seen history out this window. So much."  This is the opening line in Ana's character vignette. From this, we understand that she is an observer, that she has a long history in the neighborhood, and that she lives in the apartments that overlook the vacant lot where the garden will be established. In the following quote, Ana describes the neighborhood. "This has always been a working class neighborhood. It's like a cheap ...

This is a valid question; O. Henry must have thought about it himself. O. Henry wanted Jimmy to stop in front of Bob without Bob recognizing him, so he invented several reasons to explain why Bob would not do so. For one thing, when we are meeting someone we haven't seen in twenty years, it is easy not to recognize that person because we expect to see the same person we last saw twenty years... This is a valid question; O. Henry must have thought about it himself. O. Henry wanted Jimmy to stop in front of Bob without Bob recognizing him, so he invented several reasons to explain why Bob would not do so. For one thing, when we are meeting someone we haven't seen in twenty years, it is easy not to recognize that person because we expect to see the same person we last saw twenty years ago. One of O. Henry's points in the story is that people change a lot in twenty years. In fact, everything changes. The whole neighborhood has changed, and Bob is standing in the doorway of a cl...

Macduff has fled to England to escape Macbeth's wrath, and he seeks out Malcolm there. When the two meet, Macduff is hoping that Malcolm, the rightful heir to the throne as Duncan's son, will return to overthrow Macbeth and rescue Scotland from the tyrannical rule of Macbeth. But Malcolm tells him that he is actually a worse man than Macbeth in many ways. He is a drunkard, a womanizer, and corrupt. He says that he... Macduff has fled to England to escape Macbeth's wrath, and he seeks out Malcolm there. When the two meet, Macduff is hoping that Malcolm, the rightful heir to the throne as Duncan's son, will return to overthrow Macbeth and rescue Scotland from the tyrannical rule of Macbeth. But Malcolm tells him that he is actually a worse man than Macbeth in many ways. He is a drunkard, a womanizer, and corrupt. He says that he has a "stanches avarice" that would lead him to steal from the nobles were he made King. He concludes that he has none of what he calls...

Nafisi and her female students find empowerment in supporting each other through a reading group. What they explore and interpret together is literature that the fundamentalist Islamic regime fears as decadent: for example:  The Great Gatsby , Pride and Prejudice , Daisy Miller , and  Lolita . They also find empowerment in the survival of the female storyteller in A Thousand and One Nights . These books may seem pedestrian to us (with the possible exception of Lolita )   but are daring reads in Iran at that time. For instance, Nafisi's fundamentalist students at the university (while she is still teaching there) object to Jay Gatsby as an adulterer. Yet on the other hand, in a society that is trying to erase individuality, the women find empowerment in understanding Gatsby as a fully realized character full of very personal hopes and dreams. In the privacy of Nafisi's apartment, the women continuously explore their womanhood in ways forbidden by the regime, questioning, for ins...

Italy in the 15th century was unique in comparison to other European nations like France or Great Britain, which were united under one monarch and divided into strict class systems.  Under these class systems it was virtually impossible to increase your wealth or social status, since the classes had strictly assigned roles.  Italy, however, was instead divided into independent, self-governing “city-states.”  The Renaissance began in one such city-state, the independent republic of Florence, where the... Italy in the 15th century was unique in comparison to other European nations like France or Great Britain, which were united under one monarch and divided into strict class systems.  Under these class systems it was virtually impossible to increase your wealth or social status, since the classes had strictly assigned roles.  Italy, however, was instead divided into independent, self-governing “city-states.”  The Renaissance began in one such city-state, the independent republic of Flore...

Deception is a key strategy the pigs use to gain and maintain power. Deception means deliberately tricking someone.  It often involves making a person think one thing while actually doing something else.  This is the tactic used by the pigs, especially Napoleon.  The pigs use Old Major’s philosophy to get all of the other animals to give them power.  They pretend that they have the animals’ best interests in mind. Napoleon and the other pigs call Old Major’s dreams Animalism.  Under these principles, all animals will be equal and they will live a much better life than when they were under the humans’ control.  As far as the pigs are concerned, Old Major gave them an opening and they used it to their advantage. The pigs use manipulation and deception from the very beginning.  A good example is the disappearing milk and apples.  These foodstuffs are considered luxuries to the animals and they look forward to enjoying them now that the humans will not be taking everything from them.  Howe...

Entrepreneurship is now such a popular buzzword that its actual meaning can get lost in the conversation. An entrepreneur is someone who starts a new business. While contractors and freelancers get paid for their own work, an entrepreneur invests money (either their own money or investors' money) in building a business that scales up and uses labor other than their own. The difference isn't simply size of the business. A solo freelance graphic designer with... Entrepreneurship is now such a popular buzzword that its actual meaning can get lost in the conversation. An entrepreneur is someone who starts a new business. While contractors and freelancers get paid for their own work, an entrepreneur invests money (either their own money or investors' money) in building a business that scales up and uses labor other than their own. The difference isn't simply size of the business. A solo freelance graphic designer with a few assistants might have a larger revenue than an entr...

The most obvious use of hyperbole in "The Gift of the Magi" occurs when the narrator describes Della's and Jim's evaluations of their two treasures—her long, luxuriant hair and his gold watch. Had the Queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty's jewels and gifts. Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his... The most obvious use of hyperbole in "The Gift of the Magi" occurs when the narrator describes Della's and Jim's evaluations of their two treasures—her long, luxuriant hair and his gold watch. Had the Queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty's jewels and gifts. Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his treasures piled up in the basement, Jim would have pulled out his watch every time he passed, just to see him plu...

In town, word gets around the Maitre Houlbreque's pocketbook, containing five hundred francs and business papers, has been lost. Earlier, Maitre Hauchecorne had bent down to pick up a piece of string. He was embarrassed to be seen picking up something so cheap and small. Noting that his enemy, Maitre Malandain was watching him, Maitre Hauchecorne pretended to be looking for something else. When Houlbreque's pocketbook goes missing, Malandain uses this as an opportunity to... In town, word gets around the Maitre Houlbreque's pocketbook, containing five hundred francs and business papers, has been lost. Earlier, Maitre Hauchecorne had bent down to pick up a piece of string. He was embarrassed to be seen picking up something so cheap and small. Noting that his enemy, Maitre Malandain was watching him, Maitre Hauchecorne pretended to be looking for something else. When Houlbreque's pocketbook goes missing, Malandain uses this as an opportunity to accuse Hauchecorne of the c...

In Sherman Alexie's "Reservation Blues," Father Arnold dreams about missionaries approaching him and promising him a method for holding his congregation's attention. In the dream, the missionaries watch Father Arnold preach to an uncaring audience for hours before walking in with black boxes full of smallpox and threatening to open them on inattentive people. Father Arnold protests, but the missionaries assure him that religion should be about fear, because "fear is just another word for... In Sherman Alexie's "Reservation Blues," Father Arnold dreams about missionaries approaching him and promising him a method for holding his congregation's attention. In the dream, the missionaries watch Father Arnold preach to an uncaring audience for hours before walking in with black boxes full of smallpox and threatening to open them on inattentive people. Father Arnold protests, but the missionaries assure him that religion should be about fear, because ...

The major relationship between the Cold War and the Civil Rights Movement was that the Cold War caused American leaders to support civil rights more than they might otherwise have done. The Cold War was, of course, a struggle between the US and the Soviet Union.  Both sides wanted to dominate the world and spread their ideology as widely as possible.  What this meant was that the two sides had to compete to gain the... The major relationship between the Cold War and the Civil Rights Movement was that the Cold War caused American leaders to support civil rights more than they might otherwise have done. The Cold War was, of course, a struggle between the US and the Soviet Union.  Both sides wanted to dominate the world and spread their ideology as widely as possible.  What this meant was that the two sides had to compete to gain the favor of various countries around the world.  Civil rights was one issue that affected, or could affect, the way the other countries viewed the US.  The Sovi...

I'm a bit unsure of what exactly you mean by main idea. The question might be asking for a general summary or a general theme. I will briefly go over both.   Chapter seven begins with Bud going to the library. He is attempting to find Miss Hill. Bud searches the entire library, but he can't find her. Bud is forced to ask a different librarian where Miss Hill is. The librarian responds by saying, "Miss Hill? My goodness, hadn't you heard?" Bud immediately informs his readers of rule number 16. If a Grown-up Ever Starts a Sentence by Saying "Haven't You Heard," Get Ready, 'Cause What's About to Come Out of Their Mouth Is Gonna Drop You Headfirst into a Boiling Tragedy. It seems like the answer to "Haven't you heard" always has something to do with someone kicking the bucket. Bud assumes that Miss Hill has died in some gruesome and tragic way. Fortunately that is not the case. Miss Hill is now a Mrs. She got married and moved to Ch...

Mr. Pignati is an older gentleman who lives alone on Howard Avenue. His wife died awhile back, but he tells people that she is on vacation in California. He has a fun and interesting personality and he doesn't mind smiling a lot. He is also generous because when two teenagers, John and Lorraine, ask him for ten dollars for a fake charity, he willingly gives it to them. He invites the teenagers to get to... Mr. Pignati is an older gentleman who lives alone on Howard Avenue. His wife died awhile back, but he tells people that she is on vacation in California. He has a fun and interesting personality and he doesn't mind smiling a lot. He is also generous because when two teenagers, John and Lorraine, ask him for ten dollars for a fake charity, he willingly gives it to them. He invites the teenagers to get to know him better by joining him at his favorite place--the zoo. He introduces them to his best friend, Bobo, a baboon. Mr. Pignati is also generous because he buys the kids ska...

The Supreme Court's decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford greatly enflamed sectional tensions between the North and the South. By declaring that Dred Scott was not entitled to his freedom, even though he had lived in Wisconsin territory for a time, the Court basically invalidated the Missouri Compromise, which declared territories north of the 36'30 line closed to slavery. This decision thus outraged many Northerners, who were convinced that a "slave power" conspired to spread... The Supreme Court's decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford greatly enflamed sectional tensions between the North and the South. By declaring that Dred Scott was not entitled to his freedom, even though he had lived in Wisconsin territory for a time, the Court basically invalidated the Missouri Compromise, which declared territories north of the 36'30 line closed to slavery. This decision thus outraged many Northerners, who were convinced that a "slave power" conspired to spread th...

Erik and Arthur are laughing after Mike Costello's death because they are such insensitive, cruel boys that they find humor in Mike's little brother's reaction to the death. Joey, Mike's little brother, quite understandably panicked and behaved strangely when his brother was suddenly killed. Joey became fixated on taking off Mike's shoes for him; in the process, he was getting in the way of the paramedics who were trying to resuscitate Mike. On page 51... Erik and Arthur are laughing after Mike Costello's death because they are such insensitive, cruel boys that they find humor in Mike's little brother's reaction to the death. Joey, Mike's little brother, quite understandably panicked and behaved strangely when his brother was suddenly killed. Joey became fixated on taking off Mike's shoes for him; in the process, he was getting in the way of the paramedics who were trying to resuscitate Mike. On page 51 of the book (in the chapter called "Tu...

In A Christmas Carol, the setting provides an accurate description of life in Industrial London during the mid-19th century when wealth was unevenly distributed and the poor experienced much discrimination. Arguably, the strongest evidence of this theme appears in Stave Four when Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come visit Joe's shop. Here, the setting illustrates the poverty and filth of the neighbourhoods of London's industrial poor: In this den of infamous resort,... In A Christmas Carol, the setting provides an accurate description of life in Industrial London during the mid-19th century when wealth was unevenly distributed and the poor experienced much discrimination. Arguably, the strongest evidence of this theme appears in Stave Four when Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come visit Joe's shop. Here, the setting illustrates the poverty and filth of the neighbourhoods of London's industrial poor: In this den of infamous resort, there was a low-bro...

The major sources of oil pollution in the oceans are: Natural seeps: A large fraction of oil that is present in our oceans has seeped into them from the underground reservoirs of oil (the same ones that we drill into to obtain oil). This may account for almost 40% of all the oil in the oceans. In many locations, microbes present in the oceans can consume much of this oil, thereby keeping our oceans clean. From automobiles: Automobiles generally drip some oil on the road. This oil is washed off by rainfall and from there it finds its way to the oceans. Oil spills: These are a significant contributor to oil pollution. These may take place due to accidents in the ships carrying oils or at oil drilling rigs. Disposal from luxury ships/cruise ships: A significant fraction of oil pollution is also caused by the disposal of oil by luxury ships or cruise ships into the ocean water. Hope this helps. 

In Chapter 8, Miss Maudie's house catches on fire. During the night, many people help put the fire out. Boo Radley had placed a blanket on Scout's shoulders while she watched the fire, but she didn't notice. This is an instance that shows Boo's bravery (helping out with the fire) but it also shows his shy nature. He puts the blanket on Scout but avoids being noticed.  We’d better keep this and the blanket to... In Chapter 8, Miss Maudie's house catches on fire. During the night, many people help put the fire out. Boo Radley had placed a blanket on Scout's shoulders while she watched the fire, but she didn't notice. This is an instance that shows Boo's bravery (helping out with the fire) but it also shows his shy nature. He puts the blanket on Scout but avoids being noticed.  We’d better keep this and the blanket to ourselves. Someday, maybe, Scout can thank him for covering her up.” “Thank who?” I asked. “Boo Radley. You were so busy looking at the fire ...

When someone runs away from a crime scene, it usually suggests that he or she feels guilty about something, doesn't want to get caught, or both. But being black in the South in 1935 doesn't award any benefit of the doubt in any criminally difficult situation--especially the one Tom finds himself in on the night of the alleged rape. In other words, no matter what Tom decides to do, run or stay to face the consequences, he... When someone runs away from a crime scene, it usually suggests that he or she feels guilty about something, doesn't want to get caught, or both. But being black in the South in 1935 doesn't award any benefit of the doubt in any criminally difficult situation--especially the one Tom finds himself in on the night of the alleged rape. In other words, no matter what Tom decides to do, run or stay to face the consequences, he would have ended up arrested, in jail, and standing trial for rape anyway. This topic is discussed between Tom and Mr. Gilmer in ch...

In her autobiography, Helen Keller wrote that she did not remember when she came to the realization that she "was different from other people."  She did realize this fact before Anne Sullivan, her teacher, came to stay when Helen was almost seven-years-old. Helen used hand signs to communicate with her family and others in the household.  Even though she was blind and deaf, she was an incredibly intelligent and observant little girl.  At some point,... In her autobiography, Helen Keller wrote that she did not remember when she came to the realization that she "was different from other people."  She did realize this fact before Anne Sullivan, her teacher, came to stay when Helen was almost seven-years-old. Helen used hand signs to communicate with her family and others in the household.  Even though she was blind and deaf, she was an incredibly intelligent and observant little girl.  At some point, young Helen "noticed that [her] mother and [her] friends did not...

Granny and Grandaddy Cain demonstrate their self-respect in the manner that they do not permit the interlopers on their property to film and exploit them. When the camera man and his companion trespass onto the Cain property, Granny comes out her screen door. The companion, referred to by the narrator/grandchild as Smilin' Man, says to Granny, "We thought we'd get a shot or two of the house and everything and then--" But, he is cut off by Granny, who says, "Good mornin," implying that the men could, at least, be polite. When the man observes, "Nice place you got here, Aunty," she contradicts his patronizing attitude with "Your mama and I are not related." Then, she remains silent as the Smilin' Man continues to talk to Granny, explaining why they are filming and asking if she wants to say anything. Granny goes back into the house because she will not remain outside and allow these men to be disrespectful. When the men do not retreat f...

The evening Myrtle is killed, Nick and Jordan return with Tom to his house. Jordan very much wants Nick to come in with them but Nick won't, even when she presses him by saying it's only 9:30 in the evening. Her need for him, as she is apparently shaken by Myrtle's death, is a contrast to her usually cool, self-possessed self. Yet he can't respond to her emotionally in the way she would like: he... The evening Myrtle is killed, Nick and Jordan return with Tom to his house. Jordan very much wants Nick to come in with them but Nick won't, even when she presses him by saying it's only 9:30 in the evening. Her need for him, as she is apparently shaken by Myrtle's death, is a contrast to her usually cool, self-possessed self. Yet he can't respond to her emotionally in the way she would like: he says he's sick of them all, including Jordan. When Jordan calls Nick the next day, she says he wasn't very nice to her the night before. She wants them to get ...

The Burkes, Leslie's parents in the novel, are the more involved of these two sets of rather self-absorbed parents in the novel Bridge to Terabithia . The Burkes are city people who have moved to the country to learn how to live a simpler, rural life. They are writers who are often involved in writing projects. Their parenting style could best be described as informal compared to the Aarons'. The Burkes share conversations with Leslie... The Burkes, Leslie's parents in the novel, are the more involved of these two sets of rather self-absorbed parents in the novel Bridge to Terabithia . The Burkes are city people who have moved to the country to learn how to live a simpler, rural life. They are writers who are often involved in writing projects. Their parenting style could best be described as informal compared to the Aarons'. The Burkes share conversations with Leslie about music, literature and politics. By comparison, the Aarons, Jess's parents, are more tradition...

The children are caught playing the Boo Radley game by Atticus in Chapter Five. Atticus gives them a lecture about people's right to their own privacy and how the kids should mind their own business. Then he draws an analogy for them by asking how they might feel if he barged into their bedrooms without knocking. By drawing a mental picture for the children to understand, they could then connect how they might feel in... The children are caught playing the Boo Radley game by Atticus in Chapter Five. Atticus gives them a lecture about people's right to their own privacy and how the kids should mind their own business. Then he draws an analogy for them by asking how they might feel if he barged into their bedrooms without knocking. By drawing a mental picture for the children to understand, they could then connect how they might feel in a similar situation with how they were acting towards their shy neighbor. This way of teaching the children goes back to Atticus's motto and ...

In Gary Schmidt's The Wednesday Wars , the greatest similarity in background Danny Hupfer and Mai Thi Huong share is that they both come from ethnic minority groups that are persecuted . Danny is Jewish, whereas Mai Thi is a Vietnamese refugee. Despite their background of persecution, or perhaps in part because of it, both prove to be very brave characters . Danny demonstrates bravery by devotedly practicing for and following through with his bar mitzvah. He is terrified of his bar mitzvah because he knows that if he makes a mistake, he'll bring shame to his whole family. Yet, because he knows it is such an important tradition in his heritage and because his friends are encouraging him, he follows through with devotedly practicing . By June, Holling reports that Danny sang at his bar mitzvah brilliantly, as if "God himself [was] leading the music" ("June"). In addition, Danny demonstrates bravery by standing up for Holling when Mickey Mantle insults him, r...

The only characters in this list who are related by family are Marshall and Melanie, who are brother and sister. Let's think of April as the main character and consider how the other characters relate to her. Melanie is April's best friend and neighbor. Both girls have active imaginations and enjoy pretending. They develop the Egypt game. In many ways they think alike; for instance, they both generally avoid hanging out with boys their age,... The only characters in this list who are related by family are Marshall and Melanie, who are brother and sister. Let's think of April as the main character and consider how the other characters relate to her. Melanie is April's best friend and neighbor. Both girls have active imaginations and enjoy pretending. They develop the Egypt game. In many ways they think alike; for instance, they both generally avoid hanging out with boys their age, but they think that Ken and Toby, of all the boys in their class, are the funniest and m...

The pigs, the most intelligent of the animals, change the tenets of animalism to serve their own interests. For example, though the animals all agree that they won't ever live in a house or use a bed, the pigs insist that they "absolutely" must have the quiet of the farmhouse to think and plan, and when they use human beds, they initially justify it because they are not using sheets. They always have a handy... The pigs, the most intelligent of the animals, change the tenets of animalism to serve their own interests. For example, though the animals all agree that they won't ever live in a house or use a bed, the pigs insist that they "absolutely" must have the quiet of the farmhouse to think and plan, and when they use human beds, they initially justify it because they are not using sheets. They always have a handy rationalization for breaking or bending the rules.   Napoleon says that the farm must engage in trade, though the animals had previously resolved...