Help Notes

On the final page of the book Scout says about Boo Radley, "Atticus, he was real nice." To this, Atticus replies, "Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them." This comment is representative of the way Atticus treats everyone in the novel and the way he encourages his children to treat others. Atticus is a kind man and he believes that people, at their core, are good and that we should try our best... On the final page of the book Scout says about Boo Radley, "Atticus, he was real nice." To this, Atticus replies, "Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them." This comment is representative of the way Atticus treats everyone in the novel and the way he encourages his children to treat others. Atticus is a kind man and he believes that people, at their core, are good and that we should try our best to understand them. In this quote we are reminded of a scene from the beginning of the book where he told Scout that to truly know someone ...

The part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Second New Deal that provided retirement insurance to people over 65 years of age is called Social Security.  This is a very famous program that continues to exist to this day. One thing that President Roosevelt wanted to do with the New Deal was to set the US economy up in such a way that there could never be another terrible economic downturn like the Great Depression.  Social... The part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Second New Deal that provided retirement insurance to people over 65 years of age is called Social Security.  This is a very famous program that continues to exist to this day. One thing that President Roosevelt wanted to do with the New Deal was to set the US economy up in such a way that there could never be another terrible economic downturn like the Great Depression.  Social Security was one part of this effort.  Social Security would help prevent depressions because it would make sure that elderly people had mone...

In the opening act of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet a fight breaks out in the streets of Verona sparked by the insults of the Capulet servants, exacerbated by Tybalt who claims he hates peace and the Montagues as he threatens to kill Benvolio. The brawl spreads as Lord Capulet and Lord Montague call for their swords. Soon, Prince Escalus, the sovereign of Verona, comes on the scene and breaks up the violence. He is obviously... In the opening act of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet a fight breaks out in the streets of Verona sparked by the insults of the Capulet servants, exacerbated by Tybalt who claims he hates peace and the Montagues as he threatens to kill Benvolio. The brawl spreads as Lord Capulet and Lord Montague call for their swords. Soon, Prince Escalus, the sovereign of Verona, comes on the scene and breaks up the violence. He is obviously angry at his unruly subjects and tells them that he will impose the death penalty on any who "disturb our streets again....

Prior to Abraham Lincoln’s election in 1860, the southern states had already threatened to secede. The southern states were not ready for a Republican president especially one who raised serious questions about slavery. Lincoln was against the spread of slavery, and he made his position public. After the elections, and by the time he was giving his inauguration speech in 1861, seven southern states lived up to their threats and seceded. The seven southern states... Prior to Abraham Lincoln’s election in 1860, the southern states had already threatened to secede. The southern states were not ready for a Republican president especially one who raised serious questions about slavery. Lincoln was against the spread of slavery, and he made his position public. After the elections, and by the time he was giving his inauguration speech in 1861, seven southern states lived up to their threats and seceded. The seven southern states officially instituted the Confederate States of America and ele...

The narrator judges the blind man because he is uncomfortable with having a blind stranger in his home. And since the blind man has a past relationship with is wife, the narrator is also jealous. Note that his wife says that he (the narrator) does not have any friends. The narrator also mentions that he smokes marijuana every night until he can't stay awake and that he and his wife never go to bed at... The narrator judges the blind man because he is uncomfortable with having a blind stranger in his home. And since the blind man has a past relationship with is wife, the narrator is also jealous. Note that his wife says that he (the narrator) does not have any friends. The narrator also mentions that he smokes marijuana every night until he can't stay awake and that he and his wife never go to bed at the same time. So, we might presume that the narrator is in a rut. When the blind man asks him about spiritual matters, the narrator says he does not believe in anything. There is n...

Foreshadowing is a literary technique an author uses early in a piece of literature to give the reader ideas or clues as to what will happen deeper in the plot. In “Contents the of a Dead Man’s Pockets,” Jack Finney uses the title as foreshadowing to add suspense to the story. Before you read the story, you are being asked to think about how the title is being used as foreshadowing. There are a number... Foreshadowing is a literary technique an author uses early in a piece of literature to give the reader ideas or clues as to what will happen deeper in the plot. In “Contents the of a Dead Man’s Pockets,” Jack Finney uses the title as foreshadowing to add suspense to the story. Before you read the story, you are being asked to think about how the title is being used as foreshadowing. There are a number of scenarios that come to mind. The reader might think there is a crime scene in which the authorities examine the items found in the pockets of a victim. The family of a dead man may f...

I would argue that the character most responsible for the Reverend Dimmesdale's suffering is Dimmesdale, himself.  He whips himself with a scourge, fasts, keeps late-night vigils, and wrestles with his conscience again and again throughout the novel, but he never does the one thing that will end his suffering until the book's conclusion: confess that he is Hester's co-sinner.  He sort of confesses to his congregation, saying that he is "utterly a pollution and a... I would argue that the character most responsible for the Reverend Dimmesdale's suffering is Dimmesdale, himself.  He whips himself with a scourge, fasts, keeps late-night vigils, and wrestles with his conscience again and again throughout the novel, but he never does the one thing that will end his suffering until the book's conclusion: confess that he is Hester's co-sinner.  He sort of confesses to his congregation, saying that he is "utterly a pollution and a lie," but these terms a...

In Chapter 22, Jem speaks with Miss Maudie about the outcome of the trial. He is distraught that Tom Robinson was found guilty and convicted. At the beginning of the chapter, he is crying and telling Atticus that it "ain't right." This is shocking for Jem who, prior to the trial, held the assumption that the world (namely the adult world) generally made sense and was fair. With the incorrect decision of the biased jurors,... In Chapter 22, Jem speaks with Miss Maudie about the outcome of the trial. He is distraught that Tom Robinson was found guilty and convicted. At the beginning of the chapter, he is crying and telling Atticus that it "ain't right." This is shocking for Jem who, prior to the trial, held the assumption that the world (namely the adult world) generally made sense and was fair. With the incorrect decision of the biased jurors, Jem learns that the world is not always fair. Speaking with Miss Maudie, he uses an analogy of a caterpillar to descr...

I argue that Khaled Hosseini has an important position within the literary canon in part because his fiction presents a marginalized voice that is rarely encountered in Western literature. Indeed, as an Afghan-American author, Hosseini set his novels The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns in Afghanistan and addresses the issues that individuals face in that country. He presents the culture in a strikingly singular manner that warrants his position in this imagined Literary Hall of Fame. I like your approach in examining The Kite Runner . Favoritism and bullying are certainly important aspects of the novel. I would suggest probing Amir’s relationship with his father for examples of favoritism. Amir seeks his father’s approval, and resents the fact that Hassan receives his father’s affection. The scenes involving Assef are the most striking instances of bullying in the novel. More specifically, the harrowing scene in which Assef rapes Hassan is by far the most devastating scene in ...

Elements are made of atoms, which are the smallest form of matter that still retains the properties of the matter. Atoms consist of protons, neutrons and electrons. Protons and neutrons exist within the nucleus of the atom, while the electrons are found outside the nucleus.  Each element has a different number of protons, neutrons and electrons and thus their atoms are different. The number of protons and neutrons of an element can be found by... Elements are made of atoms, which are the smallest form of matter that still retains the properties of the matter. Atoms consist of protons, neutrons and electrons. Protons and neutrons exist within the nucleus of the atom, while the electrons are found outside the nucleus.  Each element has a different number of protons, neutrons and electrons and thus their atoms are different. The number of protons and neutrons of an element can be found by using its atomic number and mass number.  Knowing this much about an atom, we can compare atoms of di...

Your question is asking about complete conservation of energy within a machine. Whenever there are moving parts in a machine, this is an impossibility. Although the First Law of Thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed in an isolated system, a machine isn't capable of retaining this energy (at least not with today's technology).  The problem lies with non-conservative forces--those that are path-dependent.  A common example of this is friction.  The amount of... Your question is asking about complete conservation of energy within a machine. Whenever there are moving parts in a machine, this is an impossibility. Although the First Law of Thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed in an isolated system, a machine isn't capable of retaining this energy (at least not with today's technology).  The problem lies with non-conservative forces--those that are path-dependent.  A common example of this is friction.  The amount of work ...

In the poem "Mending Wall," the speaker thinks that the long stone wall between his property and that of his neighbor's gets destroyed regularly by two things: 1. When it's springtime and the ground thaws out from being frozen, it swells upward. This swelling of the ground ruptures the wall and leaves very large gaps in it.   (Refer to lines 1-4 in the poem.) 2. When hunters come by and have a reckless disregard... In the poem "Mending Wall," the speaker thinks that the long stone wall between his property and that of his neighbor's gets destroyed regularly by two things: 1. When it's springtime and the ground thaws out from being frozen, it swells upward. This swelling of the ground ruptures the wall and leaves very large gaps in it.   (Refer to lines 1-4 in the poem.) 2. When hunters come by and have a reckless disregard for other people's property, they end up smashing bits of the wall as they're trying to drive out animals from their hi...

Kevin is amazing because he doesn't believe that his friend Max can't learn. In an effort to help Max to believe in himself, Kevin appoints himself as Max's tutor. First, Kevin introduces Max to the dictionary and shows him how to look up words that he doesn't understand. Then, because Maxwell helps Kevin by traveling on his shoulders, they are allowed to go to the smart classes together. Max is excited to get out of... Kevin is amazing because he doesn't believe that his friend Max can't learn. In an effort to help Max to believe in himself, Kevin appoints himself as Max's tutor. First, Kevin introduces Max to the dictionary and shows him how to look up words that he doesn't understand. Then, because Maxwell helps Kevin by traveling on his shoulders, they are allowed to go to the smart classes together. Max is excited to get out of the learning disabled classes and Kevin promises to help him as well. Next, Kevin makes Max his own personal dictionary for...

The general philosophical term for this is "determinism." Philosophers have, since the very origin of the discipline in classical Greece, debated the question of the degree to which we are determined by external circumstances or some fixed aspects of our natures versus the degree to which we are autonomous and have free will. Religious thinkers are also concerned with the problem of how humans can have free will if God or gods are omnipotent and... The general philosophical term for this is "determinism." Philosophers have, since the very origin of the discipline in classical Greece, debated the question of the degree to which we are determined by external circumstances or some fixed aspects of our natures versus the degree to which we are autonomous and have free will. Religious thinkers are also concerned with the problem of how humans can have free will if God or gods are omnipotent and omniscient and predestine us to salvation or damnation.  The question of free...

The rumors about Gatsby at the beginning of Chapter IV of The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald) are quite different in nature.  The first is that Gatsby is a bootlegger.  To put this in some context, selling or producing alcoholic beverages was illegal during this period in the United States, an era we call "Prohibition." This in no way stopped people from drinking, and bootleggers were there to help them do so, smuggling in alcohol from other... The rumors about Gatsby at the beginning of Chapter IV of The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald) are quite different in nature.  The first is that Gatsby is a bootlegger.  To put this in some context, selling or producing alcoholic beverages was illegal during this period in the United States, an era we call "Prohibition." This in no way stopped people from drinking, and bootleggers were there to help them do so, smuggling in alcohol from other countries, such as Canada. The notion of Gatsby as bootlegger was consistent with the times, his...

When the men come to Atticus’s house because they are worried about his safety and the safety of his client, Atticus tells them he will not back down.  He says even in hard times people should accept that he needs work.  He is also determined to get his client his day in court, because he is innocent. “Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he’s not going till the truth’s told.” Atticus’s voice was even. “And you know what the truth is.” (Ch. 15, p. 195) Atticus also explains to his children about the concept of reasonable doubt, and he says he will use that to help acquit his client.  As long as there is some doubt that the client is guilty, then a jury is not supposed to convict him.  That may be the legal truth, but when there is race involved it gets more complex. Note: All book editions vary, but I have given you page numbers for the anniversary edition and the chapters, so you can find these quotes in your book. At the trial, Atticus creates a defense based on the physical evi...

Emily rarely lets anyone inside because she is reclusive and eccentric, but she has a definite reason to keep them out after she has a body in her house. Emily is not a social butterfly. She very rarely has anyone enter her house. When the town tried desperately to get her to pay her taxes, she refused and kept insisting that she paid no taxes because of her father. They were persistent, but so was... Emily rarely lets anyone inside because she is reclusive and eccentric, but she has a definite reason to keep them out after she has a body in her house. Emily is not a social butterfly. She very rarely has anyone enter her house. When the town tried desperately to get her to pay her taxes, she refused and kept insisting that she paid no taxes because of her father. They were persistent, but so was she. Even when she let someone in, it was reluctantly, and he didn’t get far. A deputation waited upon her, knocked at the door through which no visitor had passed since she ceased giving china...

I think you mean to ask whether Hassan's biological father is Ali or Hassan. Amir's paternity is never in question. However, Baba does tell Rahim Khan once that he wouldn't believe Amir was his son if he hadn't seen Amir pulled from his wife's body when she gave birth. Baba says this because he thinks that Amir and he have nothing in common; Baba is the legend who supposedly wrestled a bear, and Amir is a sensitive, introspective writer who cannot defend himself or Hassan. Despite this comment, we know that Baba is Amir's biological father. Hassan's paternity, on the other hand, comes into question later in the novel, when Amir returns to the Middle East as an adult at Rahim Khan's request. Rahim Khan is dying and wants to give Amir the opportunity to redeem himself ("There is a way to be good again."). During this conversation in Chapters 16 and 17, Rahim Khan reveals that both Ali and Hassan are now dead, but that Hassan's son Sohrab is i...

Fra Lippo Lippi was a real-life 15th century painter and Florentine monk. Browning’s poem of the same name, written in blank verse with mostly unrhymed lines, is a dramatic monologue and a colloquial speech rant. Browning throws the reader immediately into the deep end because here we have a monk who is seen in an alley where the prostitutes advertise their wares by leaving open their doors. What?  A monk?  Aren’t they the ones who take a vow of celibacy?  The monk is being interrogated by Medici watchmen, but because his patron lives three streets away, Lippo admonishes them to be careful. Then he reveals himself to be a painter and seeks comradeship with his interrogators to “sit and set things straight”.  And what he sets them straight about is, first, that he’s been shut up painting for three weeks, that he has let his lover, Lisa, go, and that Lippo has devised a ladder to follow women.  He was on his way back when the watchmen stopped him.  Then he tells his life story: his paren...

Macbeth's ambition was not merely a desire to become king of Scotland but was an overriding ambition, meaning he was not prepared to wait for the normal rules of succession to apply for him to become king. This would have meant King Duncan and his heirs would have to die before Macbeth could even be considered. Macbeth wanted to bypass this tedious and lengthy process. This meant Macbeth had to assassinate all those who would stand in his way, which leads to his downfall.   Obviously, usurpation of the throne meant Macbeth had to do evil. He was encouraged in this malicious venture by the witches' favorable predictions that he would be thane of Cawdor and "king hereafter." When the first part of their prediction is realized, Macbeth feels confident the second will naturally follow.  Lady Macbeth also shares her husband's lust for power and urges him to act. Macbeth initially expresses doubt about the success of such a malevolent enterprise, but Lady Macbeth was re...

In Walden , Thoreau states that capitalism destroys the working man. He says: "Actually, the laboring man has not leisure for a true integrity day by day; he cannot afford to sustain the manliest relations to men; his labor would be depreciated in the market. He has no time to be anything but a machine" (page 3 in the Dover edition).  Thoreau believes that capitalism degrades people by making them toil incessantly so that they can no longer exercise integrity or show the marks of their humanity. Instead, their constant need for work makes them into beings who are like machines in their relentless completion of tasks. He compares working in the northern factories and farms to labor that is akin to slavery. He says, "there are so many keen and subtle masters that enslave both north and south" (page 4). The worst situation, he says, is when people become their own slave masters and work themselves into a state of ruin.  Unlike capitalism and the free market, which advo...

Oxygen is one of the products of photosynthesis in plants and algae. The particular step occurs in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. Water is split to release electrons, protons (H+), and oxygen. The electrons are then excited by sunlight within photosystem II and then passed along the electron transport chain toward photosystem I in the thylakoid membrane. Along the way, more protons (H+) are pumped to the side of the membrane where the water is... Oxygen is one of the products of photosynthesis in plants and algae. The particular step occurs in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. Water is split to release electrons, protons (H+), and oxygen. The electrons are then excited by sunlight within photosystem II and then passed along the electron transport chain toward photosystem I in the thylakoid membrane. Along the way, more protons (H+) are pumped to the side of the membrane where the water is split, creating a proton gradient. The gradient is used to make A...

Find a power series representation for f, and graph several partial sums sn(x) on the same screen for f(x)=tan^-1(2x). What happens as n increases? (Yes it gets more accurate) As per homework solutions #24 section 11.9 8th edition Probably somewhere in the 7th edition too: Yes that is the derivative above^ What did they do to get here^? (Definitions, words, series tests) Again what did they do to get here^? If it is a mistake that is okay just fix it. (Definitions, words, series tests) Again what did they do to get here^? (Definitions, words, series tests) Again what did they do to get here^? (Definitions, words, series tests) I DO see^ that simplication that is clear and makes sense. "This series converges when  What did they do to get here^? (Definitions, words, series tests) I think it is the ratio test but usually below like you did for the alternating series test you should say by the ratio test the series converges. "So the interval of convergence is [-1/2, 1/2] because...

It would be nice and convenient if a positive correlation between human intelligence and racist thought existed to the extent that one can ascribe a history of racism to a lack of opportunities in the area of education. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. Racism can surely be taught through words and examples, and it does indeed exist most prominently among the less-educated within society. Others have pointed out instances throughout American and world history that refute, to a certain extent, the assertion that racism grows from ignorance by listing prominent highly intelligent individuals who harbored racist sentiments, although some of the examples directly correlate slave holdings with racism. Ownership of slaves by esteemed and well-educated individuals in American history like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington would clearly suggest that these men whose intellectual and philosophical inclinations provided the world one of its greatest democracies also harbored racist views...

One way to help make sense of this play is to look at the resources located on this site. If you are struggling (as many students do) with Shakespeare's use of language, you'll find an annotated version here, and if the problem is understanding the plot, there are an abundance of summaries, critical essays, thematic analyses, and other reading and study aids right here.  Beyond that, one thing I can suggest to help you understand the plot of the play is to focus on the way that the most important characters--Macbeth and his wife--are transformed throughout the play, and the events that cause the changes in their lives. Macbeth, as you'll remember, is a respected Scottish noble at the beginning of the play, but as soon as he encounters the witches and hears their prophecy, he is consumed by ambition, and he is willing to listen to them, and his wife, because they continuously push him (in very different ways) to carry out the bloody deeds that get him in power. By the end of...

Scout is a very complex character, so an analysis of her should be fairly focused. For example, what kind of a person do you think she is? By answering that question, you can begin to analyze the ways she demonstrates those specific characteristics in the book. Scout is often viewed as young, innocent, brave, tough, honest, intelligent, and precocious. In order to analyze her more closely, consider choosing one of those character traits, or another... Scout is a very complex character, so an analysis of her should be fairly focused. For example, what kind of a person do you think she is? By answering that question, you can begin to analyze the ways she demonstrates those specific characteristics in the book. Scout is often viewed as young, innocent, brave, tough, honest, intelligent, and precocious. In order to analyze her more closely, consider choosing one of those character traits, or another that you have noticed yourself that is not listed here, and begin to find quotes from the b...

The result of the French and Indian War had some positive and some negative effects on Great Britain. On the positive side, the British victory weakened France, which was one of their rivals. France gave up all of its lands in North America, either to Great Britain or to Spain. However, their victory in the French and Indian War also caused some problems. Many of the Native American tribes didn’t trust the British. As a... The result of the French and Indian War had some positive and some negative effects on Great Britain. On the positive side, the British victory weakened France, which was one of their rivals. France gave up all of its lands in North America, either to Great Britain or to Spain. However, their victory in the French and Indian War also caused some problems. Many of the Native American tribes didn’t trust the British. As a result, there was the constant threat of attack by the Native Americans. The British decided that the colonists shouldn’t go to the lands Great Brita...

This is a penetrating question.  Of course, the main emphasis is the non-movement, the inertia of inactivity in the plot (emphasized by the important last line: “They do not move.”)  But there are two other “movements” in any stage performance.  “Blocking” (the changes of position by the actors) and “gesture” (the language of stage gestures, both realistic and artificial, of the actors’ hands, head, posture, etc.)  In blocking, Beckett has prescribed much of it:  Pozzo... This is a penetrating question.  Of course, the main emphasis is the non-movement, the inertia of inactivity in the plot (emphasized by the important last line: “They do not move.”)  But there are two other “movements” in any stage performance.  “Blocking” (the changes of position by the actors) and “gesture” (the language of stage gestures, both realistic and artificial, of the actors’ hands, head, posture, etc.)  In blocking, Beckett has prescribed much of it:  Pozzo and Lucky’s entrance, for example. But the direct...

The occupants of the Secret Annex were discovered on August 4, 1944, when SS sergeant Karl Josef Silberbauer and three members of the Security Police arrested the Franks, van Daans (real name, van Pels), and Mr. Dussel (real name, Fritz Pfeffer), as well as Victor Kugler and Johannes Kleiman. All that is ultimately known about the betrayal is that someone contacted the German Security Police to inform them that Jews were hiding in the warehouse.... The occupants of the Secret Annex were discovered on August 4, 1944, when SS sergeant Karl Josef Silberbauer and three members of the Security Police arrested the Franks, van Daans (real name, van Pels), and Mr. Dussel (real name, Fritz Pfeffer), as well as Victor Kugler and Johannes Kleiman. All that is ultimately known about the betrayal is that someone contacted the German Security Police to inform them that Jews were hiding in the warehouse. There is still no definitive answer as to who betrayed the occupants, although several suspects h...

The allegory of the cave was developed by the philosopher, Plato, to explain reality. In Plato's cave, a group of people are chained up, unable to turn their heads, and are facing a blank wall. Behind them, puppeteers move objects so that they cast shadows onto the blank wall. Unable to see the objects behind them, the prisoners believe that the shadows are real objects which make up the world. By creating this analogy, Plato... The allegory of the cave was developed by the philosopher, Plato, to explain reality. In Plato's cave, a group of people are chained up, unable to turn their heads, and are facing a blank wall. Behind them, puppeteers move objects so that they cast shadows onto the blank wall. Unable to see the objects behind them, the prisoners believe that the shadows are real objects which make up the world. By creating this analogy, Plato suggests that people are like these prisoners and are ignorant to the world around them. It is only by breaking free from their s...

A tonic syllable is the most important syllable in a tone unit; it is the syllable that is the main stress of that unit. That being said, an important distinction to understand here is that the tonic syllable, while being the most important stress, is not necessarily the most prominent stress. Tonic syllables and their placements can vary across different languages, but in English there can be only one tonic syllable per tone unit. English... A tonic syllable is the most important syllable in a tone unit; it is the syllable that is the main stress of that unit. That being said, an important distinction to understand here is that the tonic syllable, while being the most important stress, is not necessarily the most prominent stress. Tonic syllables and their placements can vary across different languages, but in English there can be only one tonic syllable per tone unit. English tone units may also include a head, pre-head, or a tail, all which reflect different components of the senten...

In 1984 , there is a strong contrast between the physical appearances of Winston and O'Brien. Winston has a small frame and weathered features, much like a typical worker: He moved over to the window: a smallish, frail figure, the meagreness of his body merely emphasised by his blue overalls... His hair was very fair, his face naturally sanguine, his skin roughened by coarse soap and blunt razors.  In contrast, O'Brien is a much larger... In 1984 , there is a strong contrast between the physical appearances of Winston and O'Brien. Winston has a small frame and weathered features, much like a typical worker: He moved over to the window: a smallish, frail figure, the meagreness of his body merely emphasised by his blue overalls... His hair was very fair, his face naturally sanguine, his skin roughened by coarse soap and blunt razors.  In contrast, O'Brien is a much larger and stronger-looking man, perhaps representative of his role in the Inner Party: O’Brien was a large,...

Nnaemeka is the main character in Chinua Achebe's short story "Marriage is a Private Affair." The story revolves around his father's objections to Nnaemeka's marriage to a girl outside of their ethnic group. In the beginning of the story, Nnaemeka is hesitant to tell his father about Nene, the Ibibio girl he has already proposed to. Because Nnaemeka is Ibo, he believes his father may not approve of the marriage. For the Ibo, it was... Nnaemeka is the main character in Chinua Achebe's short story "Marriage is a Private Affair." The story revolves around his father's objections to Nnaemeka's marriage to a girl outside of their ethnic group. In the beginning of the story, Nnaemeka is hesitant to tell his father about Nene, the Ibibio girl he has already proposed to. Because Nnaemeka is Ibo, he believes his father may not approve of the marriage. For the Ibo, it was common for the parents to pick out a suitable mate. In this case, Nnaemeka's ...

Conflict refers to the struggle a character has either with himself (internal conflict) or with someone or something else (external conflict). The conflict is resolved once the character finds a solution to his or her problem. In an external conflict, the struggle can be between characters (man versus man) or between the character and a natural force (man versus nature). In "The Most Dangerous Game," the kind of conflict that dominates is external. At the beginning of the story, the protagonist, Sanger Rainsford, first struggles against nature. He has to battle the ocean after he falls from the yacht: For a seemingly endless time he fought the sea. He began to count his strokes; he could do possibly a hundred more and then— He struggles to overcome the difficult environment he finds himself in once he reaches the shore: Jagged crags appeared to jut up into the opaqueness; he forced himself upward, hand over hand. He saw no sign of a trail through the closely knit web of weeds...

The elephant was wreaking havoc in the town of Moulmein (now Mawlamyine, the fourth largest city of Myanmar), when the narrator was called for help. It wasn’t a wild elephant, but it was under the attack of “must.” It had broken the chains and fled the previous night. Since it reappeared in the town next morning, it had been causing damage to life and property.   Its mahout was the only person who could have... The elephant was wreaking havoc in the town of Moulmein (now Mawlamyine, the fourth largest city of Myanmar), when the narrator was called for help. It wasn’t a wild elephant, but it was under the attack of “must.” It had broken the chains and fled the previous night. Since it reappeared in the town next morning, it had been causing damage to life and property.   Its mahout was the only person who could have brought it under control. But, while chasing the animal, he had taken the wrong direction, and was much away from the town when the elephant was causing havoc. The natives w...

What you are discussing here is what is called the "trolley problem." It was first postulated by British philosopher Philippa Ruth Foot in 1967, but has been discussed by many other philosophers. It is based on a thought experiment. Imagine that you are driving a trolley and the brakes fail. Ahead of you, you see five workers on the track. You also notice a spur off to your right occupied by a single worker. Most people... What you are discussing here is what is called the "trolley problem." It was first postulated by British philosopher Philippa Ruth Foot in 1967, but has been discussed by many other philosophers. It is based on a thought experiment. Imagine that you are driving a trolley and the brakes fail. Ahead of you, you see five workers on the track. You also notice a spur off to your right occupied by a single worker. Most people would argue that the better ethical choice in this situation is to save the five workers. The choice to turn off on the spur has ...

In analyzing a quote like this one, you will want to comment on its face value meaning by providing a paraphrase or literal explanation; comment on any interesting use of words, literary devices, or syntax; and discuss the connotation, or deeper meaning, especially focusing on its relation to any themes in the story or to how it reflects the development of the character who speaks the line.  In this passage, Antigone is telling her sister,... In analyzing a quote like this one, you will want to comment on its face value meaning by providing a paraphrase or literal explanation; comment on any interesting use of words, literary devices, or syntax; and discuss the connotation, or deeper meaning, especially focusing on its relation to any themes in the story or to how it reflects the development of the character who speaks the line.  In this passage, Antigone is telling her sister, Ismene, that she plans to bury their brother with or without Ismene's help. She knows such an action will...

During both the events that take place in the play and the events that took place after 9/11, especially with the anthrax scare, paranoia and hysteria took over and overwhelmed some people's better judgment.  In the play, Mrs. Putnam is so sure that there is someone evil in her midst, someone on whom she can blame the deaths of her seven babies, that she is willing to believe anything, suspect anyone.  Therefore, when Abigail and... During both the events that take place in the play and the events that took place after 9/11, especially with the anthrax scare, paranoia and hysteria took over and overwhelmed some people's better judgment.  In the play, Mrs. Putnam is so sure that there is someone evil in her midst, someone on whom she can blame the deaths of her seven babies, that she is willing to believe anything, suspect anyone.  Therefore, when Abigail and Betty begin accusing people of witchcraft, Mrs. Putnam responds hysterically -- out of her fear -- convinced that the gir...

The answer to this question is, of course, a matter of personal opinion, as we do not have the ability to go out and do rigorous research on this issue. My own view is that culture can affect the distribution of wealth and power.  However, I would say that culture can affect this distribution within regions much more than it can affect the distribution between regions. In other words, I would argue that culture could... The answer to this question is, of course, a matter of personal opinion, as we do not have the ability to go out and do rigorous research on this issue. My own view is that culture can affect the distribution of wealth and power.  However, I would say that culture can affect this distribution within regions much more than it can affect the distribution between regions. In other words, I would argue that culture could cause differences in wealth and power between Germany and Poland, for example, much more than it could have caused differences in wealth and power between ...

Aging was commonly viewed as divided into three functional stages in the early modern period, although some written works from the period use more complex forms of categorization. The first stage was youth, when people were still training to become fully functional members of society; for women, this stage was that of being a "maid" or virgin. The next major life stage was maturity, or adulthood, during which one was generally married and a parent.... Aging was commonly viewed as divided into three functional stages in the early modern period, although some written works from the period use more complex forms of categorization. The first stage was youth, when people were still training to become fully functional members of society; for women, this stage was that of being a "maid" or virgin. The next major life stage was maturity, or adulthood, during which one was generally married and a parent. The third stage of life was old age, portrayed as a period of decline; ...

Macbeth is beginning to realize that the three witches have been deceiving him since he first encountered them. Like jugglers, they have kept changing their forecasts in order create confusion. This is particularly apparent when the Second Apparition they raise in Act IV,   Scene 1 tells him that no man of woman born can overcome him in hand-to-hand battle--and then Macbeth finds himself confronted by the one man he has been avoiding out of a... Macbeth is beginning to realize that the three witches have been deceiving him since he first encountered them. Like jugglers, they have kept changing their forecasts in order create confusion. This is particularly apparent when the Second Apparition they raise in Act IV,   Scene 1 tells him that no man of woman born can overcome him in hand-to-hand battle--and then Macbeth finds himself confronted by the one man he has been avoiding out of a sense of guilt, and that man tells him: Despair thy charm. And let the angel whom thou still hast serve...

The Twenty-One Balloons , by William Pene Dubois, opens in San Francisco, California, in October, 1883, as Professor Sherman makes a triumphant return to the city where he had launched his year of what he had planned to be a solitary and peaceful balloon voyage. As a returning hero, he tells the story of his voyage first to the Western American Explorers' Club, which he is an honorary member of. Professor Sherman, who has just... The Twenty-One Balloons , by William Pene Dubois, opens in San Francisco, California, in October, 1883, as Professor Sherman makes a triumphant return to the city where he had launched his year of what he had planned to be a solitary and peaceful balloon voyage. As a returning hero, he tells the story of his voyage first to the Western American Explorers' Club, which he is an honorary member of. Professor Sherman, who has just retired from forty years of teaching math to schoolboys, had set off from San Francisco in his balloon over the Pacific Ocean, ...

Gas thermometers are more sensitive because gas itself is, on average, more sensitive to changes in energy than liquids. That is to say, the same amount of energy will cause a greater amount of temperature change in a gas than in a liquid of the same substance. This is largely due to the nature of temperature itself. Temperature isn't a "real" property, and neither is heat. It's simply the name we've given to our measurement... Gas thermometers are more sensitive because gas itself is, on average, more sensitive to changes in energy than liquids. That is to say, the same amount of energy will cause a greater amount of temperature change in a gas than in a liquid of the same substance. This is largely due to the nature of temperature itself. Temperature isn't a "real" property, and neither is heat. It's simply the name we've given to our measurement of average kinetic energy of matter. All matter has a temperature, whether we're aware of i...

Sure! Siegfried Sassoon fought in World War I and was wounded in battle; he spent much of his life speaking out against war, and these pacifist feelings are easy to see in his poems. This one, "Absolution," was published in 1917, the same year that Sassoon was hospitalized for what we know today as post-traumatic stress disorder. "Absolution" is a short poem that contains three stanzas of four lines each. The word "absolution" means "forgiveness," and... Sure! Siegfried Sassoon fought in World War I and was wounded in battle; he spent much of his life speaking out against war, and these pacifist feelings are easy to see in his poems. This one, "Absolution," was published in 1917, the same year that Sassoon was hospitalized for what we know today as post-traumatic stress disorder. "Absolution" is a short poem that contains three stanzas of four lines each. The word "absolution" means "forgiveness," and the v...

That's a good question to ask! Although we know that Dexter is ambitious and even greedy, he also doesn't usually go around making a show of his success or telling people about it, unless it's for a good reason. This conversation of his with Judy takes place in Section III of the story, when they're having their first official date. They are talking on the porch after dinner, and Judy complains about being disappointed by... That's a good question to ask! Although we know that Dexter is ambitious and even greedy, he also doesn't usually go around making a show of his success or telling people about it, unless it's for a good reason. This conversation of his with Judy takes place in Section III of the story, when they're having their first official date. They are talking on the porch after dinner, and Judy complains about being disappointed by another guy. This other fellow had charmed Judy, and she cared about him, but then he revealed to her that he was...

Don John wants to hurt his brother’s reputation by causing a scandal, so he interferes with Claudio and Hero’s wedding.   Don John does not like his brother.  He is illegitimate, and he resents everything about his brother’s status and station.  Therefore, even though Don John comes to Don Pedro’s estate, he is not there to party.  He is there to cause trouble.  I had rather be a canker in a hedge than a rose... Don John wants to hurt his brother’s reputation by causing a scandal, so he interferes with Claudio and Hero’s wedding.   Don John does not like his brother.  He is illegitimate, and he resents everything about his brother’s status and station.  Therefore, even though Don John comes to Don Pedro’s estate, he is not there to party.  He is there to cause trouble.  I had rather be a canker in a hedge than a rose in his grace, and it better fits my blood to be disdained of all than to fashion a carriage to rob love from any: in this, though I cannot be said to be a flattering hones...