Help Notes

Corporal punishment in the U.S. is still legal in 19 states (as of 2014; it was banned in 2009 in Ohio and New Mexico in 2011), though that does not mean that the practice is widely employed in the states that allow it. A state like Texas employs corporal punishment more frequently than others. Most of the states that allow the practice are located in the South, with states like Idaho, Wyoming, Indiana, Arizona and others... Corporal punishment in the U.S. is still legal in 19 states (as of 2014; it was banned in 2009 in Ohio and New Mexico in 2011), though that does not mean that the practice is widely employed in the states that allow it. A state like Texas employs corporal punishment more frequently than others. Most of the states that allow the practice are located in the South, with states like Idaho, Wyoming, Indiana, Arizona and others on the list as well. Corporal punishment allows teachers and principals to hit students, often repeatedly, and often without the consent of paren...

At the end of Act II, Scene 1, Iago provides a few reasons why he despizes Othello so much. First, Iago acknowledges that, even though he cannot stand Otehllo, Iago knows Othello is of a constant, loving, noble nature,And I dare think he'll prove to DesdemonaA most dear husband. This, of course, gives him all the more reason to hate Othello, as he has qualities Iago obviously does not possess. Furthermore, the fact... At the end of Act II, Scene 1, Iago provides a few reasons why he despizes Othello so much. First, Iago acknowledges that, even though he cannot stand Otehllo, Iago knows Othello is of a constant, loving, noble nature, And I dare think he'll prove to Desdemona A most dear husband. This, of course, gives him all the more reason to hate Othello, as he has qualities Iago obviously does not possess. Furthermore, the fact that Othello deserves Desdemona's love because he has these attributes gives Iago more reason to dislike him so intensely for, as he says, Now, I...

Common Pathogens Found in Wounds Staph. aureus, Beta hemolytic Strep. (S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae), E. coli, Proteus, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Stenotrophomonas, anaerobic bacteria Wound Infection Progress and Gram Test Results Particular types of bacteria may be suspected based on the age of the wound and the gram test results. Early Acute Wound : Normal skin flora, followed by Staph. Aureus and Beta-hemolytic Strep.; mostly gram positive bacteria About Four Weeks : facultative anaerobic gram negative... Common Pathogens Found in Wounds Staph. aureus, Beta hemolytic Strep. (S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae), E. coli, Proteus, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Stenotrophomonas, anaerobic bacteria Wound Infection Progress and Gram Test Results Particular types of bacteria may be suspected based on the age of the wound and the gram test results. Early Acute Wound : Normal skin flora, followed by Staph. Aureus and Beta-hemolytic Strep.; mostly gram positive bacteria About Fo...

The relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is fascinating, and it is generally based on mutual respect and, as the play progresses, a mutual desire for power. As such, it would be most accurate to say both characters are ambitious and work together to secure the throne of Scotland, although Macbeth could not have gone through with the bloody plot without his wife's encouragement and help. Macbeth is intrigued by the Weird Sisters' prophecy and... The relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is fascinating, and it is generally based on mutual respect and, as the play progresses, a mutual desire for power. As such, it would be most accurate to say both characters are ambitious and work together to secure the throne of Scotland, although Macbeth could not have gone through with the bloody plot without his wife's encouragement and help. Macbeth is intrigued by the Weird Sisters' prophecy and wants to kill Duncan to gain power, but he lacks the conviction to go t...

Dexter's real reason for quitting his caddying job is that he's deeply affected by his first encounter with the young Judy, and he has to do something about these strong feelings right away: But he had received a strong emotional shock, and his perturbation required a violent and immediate outlet. Judy's overwhelming beauty and charm, along with her brutal and bratty behavior, have captivated Dexter. He can't properly express his feelings of shock and bewilderment,... Dexter's real reason for quitting his caddying job is that he's deeply affected by his first encounter with the young Judy, and he has to do something about these strong feelings right away: But he had received a strong emotional shock, and his perturbation required a violent and immediate outlet. Judy's overwhelming beauty and charm, along with her brutal and bratty behavior, have captivated Dexter. He can't properly express his feelings of shock and bewilderment, so he channels those feel...

Unlike his relationship with his oldest brother Darry, Ponyboy is very close with his other brother, Sodapop. Soda is Pony's happy-go-lucky older brother who works at the local gas station. Ponyboy gets along with Soda because Soda is very supportive of him. Soda acts as the mediator between Ponyboy and Darry when the two boys begin to argue. There are several scenes throughout the novel that depict Soda defending Ponyboy in front of Darry. Pony... Unlike his relationship with his oldest brother Darry, Ponyboy is very close with his other brother, Sodapop. Soda is Pony's happy-go-lucky older brother who works at the local gas station. Ponyboy gets along with Soda because Soda is very supportive of him. Soda acts as the mediator between Ponyboy and Darry when the two boys begin to argue. There are several scenes throughout the novel that depict Soda defending Ponyboy in front of Darry. Pony also mentions that Soda understands him and says that he loves Soda more than any...

A mutagen is a chemical or physical substance that corrupts genetic material, such as DNA or RNA. Mutagens create genetic mutations and increase an organism's risk for cancers and cell death. The two main types of mutagens are physical and chemical. A physical mutagen is in the form of a physical substance. The main physical mutagen is short wave rays which penetrate living cells and alter genetic material. Examples of this type of mutagen include... A mutagen is a chemical or physical substance that corrupts genetic material, such as DNA or RNA. Mutagens create genetic mutations and increase an organism's risk for cancers and cell death. The two main types of mutagens are physical and chemical. A physical mutagen is in the form of a physical substance. The main physical mutagen is short wave rays which penetrate living cells and alter genetic material. Examples of this type of mutagen include ultraviolet rays and X-rays. A chemical mutagen is a mutating agent in the form of a ...

Maycomb is a quiet Southern town where friendly neighbors live side by side, and interesting events take place. Scout and Jem are fortunate to live in a community where everyone knows each other and individuals are often magnanimous. Their neighbor, Miss Maudie, is a kind soul who supports Atticus and his children. Maudie lets the children play in her yard and takes time out of her day to speak with Scout. When Maudie's house catches... Maycomb is a quiet Southern town where friendly neighbors live side by side, and interesting events take place. Scout and Jem are fortunate to live in a community where everyone knows each other and individuals are often magnanimous. Their neighbor, Miss Maudie, is a kind soul who supports Atticus and his children. Maudie lets the children play in her yard and takes time out of her day to speak with Scout. When Maudie's house catches on fire, all of the neighbors are quick to lend a helping hand. Scout and Jem get a rare opportunity to witness ...

When Romeo first approaches Friar Lawrence, asking him to consent to marrying him and Juliet, the friar is, at first, taken aback because Romeo had professed to love Rosaline just the day before.  He believes that Romeo's "love" must not really be love but lust or infatuation or something like it.  However, Romeo explains that Juliet actually loves him in return and that the reason he'd been so miserable before was that Rosaline did not... When Romeo first approaches Friar Lawrence, asking him to consent to marrying him and Juliet, the friar is, at first, taken aback because Romeo had professed to love Rosaline just the day before.  He believes that Romeo's "love" must not really be love but lust or infatuation or something like it.  However, Romeo explains that Juliet actually loves him in return and that the reason he'd been so miserable before was that Rosaline did not return his feelings.  Though the Friar doesn't really believe that what Rom...

Aristotle says that the tragic hero is any protagonist who meets his or her downfall "through some combination of hubris, fate, and the will of the gods" ("Aristotle on Tragedy," paragraph 1). 
If we suspend a postcolonial reading of Things Fall Apart to substitute an Aristotelian reading, we may consider Okonkwo the tragic hero of the piece. Okonkwo's hubris is integral to his role in Igbo society. He lives his life to prove that he... Aristotle says that the tragic hero is any protagonist who meets his or her downfall "through some combination of hubris, fate, and the will of the gods" ("Aristotle on Tragedy," paragraph 1). 
If we suspend a postcolonial reading of Things Fall Apart to substitute an Aristotelian reading, we may consider Okonkwo the tragic hero of the piece. Okonkwo's hubris is integral to his role in Igbo society. He lives his life to prove that he is a strong man, unlike his father, whose memory is a constant humiliat...

Wind power and water power (or hydropower) have been used for a very long time, for tasks such as milling grains. They are now mostly being used to generate electricity. Wind power is dependent on the flow of air, which is ultimately created by the heat from the sun. Even in the most windy areas, there are times when the conditions are really calm and the wind speed is very low. In such times, the... Wind power and water power (or hydropower) have been used for a very long time, for tasks such as milling grains. They are now mostly being used to generate electricity. Wind power is dependent on the flow of air, which is ultimately created by the heat from the sun. Even in the most windy areas, there are times when the conditions are really calm and the wind speed is very low. In such times, the power output from a wind mill or wind turbine is low.  In comparison, water power or hydropower is dependent on the fall of water from a storage. In other words, we collect the water of a stream ...

When Romeo attends the Capulet ball, he sees Juliet from a short distance and feels the proverbial "love at first sight" because of her stunning beauty. Romeo's reaction upon seeing Juliet—"Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!" (1.5.45-46)—is shortly followed by more intense outbursts of emotion. Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night. (1.5.50-51) These "violent delights," as Friar Lawrence calls Romeo's passionate feelings for Juliet, are what he warns Romeo to control: These violent delights have violent ends, And in their triumph die, like fire and powder, Which as they kiss consume. (2. 6. 9-11) However, when the friar realizes that Romeo will not be patient, he feels that he cannot allow the two young lovers to be alone together until they are married. So he performs the marriage ceremony of Romeo and Juliet secretly in his cell. Unfortunately, their "violent delights" ...

There are two types of electrical connections: series connection and parallel connection. In a series connection, as the name suggests, all the devices are in a "series" and hence the circuit is only complete if all of them are controlled at once. This means that in a series connection, either all the devices would be switched on or switched off at the same time. There is no independent control of any device. In other words,... There are two types of electrical connections: series connection and parallel connection. In a series connection, as the name suggests, all the devices are in a "series" and hence the circuit is only complete if all of them are controlled at once. This means that in a series connection, either all the devices would be switched on or switched off at the same time. There is no independent control of any device. In other words, a single switch will power on everything at home, which means the television, microwave, refrigerator, washing machine,...

Edgar Allan Poe's short story "Ligeia" contains many of the tropes that define Poe as a master of the macabre: the story focuses on a man's reflection on his mysterious, frail wife Ligeia and her tragic death. After she passes, the narrator marries Lady Rowena Trevanion, of Tremaine. They coexist in a loveless marriage until she too falls ill and dies. The narrator prepares her body, but witnesses a miraculous transformation as she comes back to life as Lady Ligeia. This work has much in common with "Morella," another Poe short story. Both stories have an unreliable narrator discussing his fixation on a beautiful, frail, brilliant, and ultimately supernatural woman. Many critics attribute this archetypal female figure in Poe's fiction to his relationships with his mother and his wife. Both women died young, and this had an obvious impact on the writer. Critic Alvaro Salas Chacón aptly characterizes this archetypal figure in Poe's fiction:   "An ...

First, Myrtle Wilson and her husband, George Wilson, are both just trying to get ahead in a world that really doesn't allow people who come from little to end up with a lot.  George badly desires to buy Tom Buchanan's older car from him so that he can sell it for a profit, but Tom just keeps stringing him along.  Myrtle badly desires to supplant Tom's wife, Daisy, but Tom keeps stringing her along knowing... First, Myrtle Wilson and her husband, George Wilson, are both just trying to get ahead in a world that really doesn't allow people who come from little to end up with a lot.  George badly desires to buy Tom Buchanan's older car from him so that he can sell it for a profit, but Tom just keeps stringing him along.  Myrtle badly desires to supplant Tom's wife, Daisy, but Tom keeps stringing her along knowing that he'll never give her what she wants.  In his interactions with George, Tom can feel superior and in control.  In his interactions with Myrtle, he ...

In chapter 2 ("Our Gang's Dark Oath") of Mark Twain's  The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , Huck and Tom Sawyer sneak out in the middle of the night and encounter Jim, Miss Watson's slave. Tom plays a prank on the sleeping Jim, stealing his hat and hanging it on a tree, and Jim later explains this strange experience by claiming that witches put a spell on him. This story is significant for a couple of... In chapter 2 ("Our Gang's Dark Oath") of Mark Twain's  The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , Huck and Tom Sawyer sneak out in the middle of the night and encounter Jim, Miss Watson's slave. Tom plays a prank on the sleeping Jim, stealing his hat and hanging it on a tree, and Jim later explains this strange experience by claiming that witches put a spell on him. This story is significant for a couple of reasons. First, it displays Jim's superstitious nature, a characteristic that proves to be prominent as the novel progresses. Second, it sh...

For many Holocaust survivors like Elie Wiesel, the Holocaust was the most transformative event of their lives. The concentration camps’ torturous conditions left mental and physical scars that lasted a lifetime. In Night , these events make a tremendous impact on Elie, who is only fifteen when he and his family are deported to Auschwitz. Before deportation, Elie is a loyal, if somewhat timid, young man. He follows his parents’ wishes, but has a small... For many Holocaust survivors like Elie Wiesel, the Holocaust was the most transformative event of their lives. The concentration camps’ torturous conditions left mental and physical scars that lasted a lifetime. In Night , these events make a tremendous impact on Elie, who is only fifteen when he and his family are deported to Auschwitz. Before deportation, Elie is a loyal, if somewhat timid, young man. He follows his parents’ wishes, but has a small rebellious streak, as shown by his friendship with Moshe the Beadle. Elie’s first night...

The span of poet Robert Frost's life (1874–1963) affected his poetry, as both his life and the forms of his poetry embraced both 19th century and more modern 20th century styles. For example, while maintaining the traditional meters of poetry, he embraced a more modern, direct style. He used the traditional meter of poetry, not free verse as modern poets did, and he also kept to traditional line lengths. However, like modern poets, he included... The span of poet Robert Frost's life (1874–1963) affected his poetry, as both his life and the forms of his poetry embraced both 19th century and more modern 20th century styles. For example, while maintaining the traditional meters of poetry, he embraced a more modern, direct style. He used the traditional meter of poetry, not free verse as modern poets did, and he also kept to traditional line lengths. However, like modern poets, he included dialogue in his poems, in works such as "The Housekeeper," in New England vernacula...

A paradox is an apparent contradiction that is nonetheless true.  A situation can be paradoxical, as can a statement.  Further, an oxymoron is basically a compact paradox, the combination of incongruous or opposing words.  In the first scene, Romeo gives voice to a great many paradoxes and oxymorons in an attempt to capture his warring feelings about love.  He says, in part, Why then, O brawling love, O loving hate, O anything of nothing first... A paradox is an apparent contradiction that is nonetheless true.  A situation can be paradoxical, as can a statement.  Further, an oxymoron is basically a compact paradox, the combination of incongruous or opposing words.  In the first scene, Romeo gives voice to a great many paradoxes and oxymorons in an attempt to capture his warring feelings about love.  He says, in part, Why then, O brawling love, O loving hate, O anything of nothing first created! O heavy lightness, serious vanity, Misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms! Feather of lead, b...

As is true with all the Sherlock Holmes stories, the narrator is Holmes's close friend, Dr. John Watson. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle established the premise that Watson assisted Holmes with his cases and then wrote narratives detailing the problem and its solution. In "The Red Headed League," Holmes addresses Watson immediately. The first person narration indicates Watson is telling the story and Holmes is speaking to him.  'I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock... As is true with all the Sherlock Holmes stories, the narrator is Holmes's close friend, Dr. John Watson. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle established the premise that Watson assisted Holmes with his cases and then wrote narratives detailing the problem and its solution. In "The Red Headed League," Holmes addresses Watson immediately. The first person narration indicates Watson is telling the story and Holmes is speaking to him.  'I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the autumn...

States of Matter The three most commonly observed states of matter on Earth are: solids, liquids, and gases: Solids : Solids are composed of particles that are close together. Liquids : Liquids are composed of particles that are further apart and are able to slide past one another. Gases : Gases are composed of particles that are very far apart and have a lot of kinetic energy. State Changes When sufficient heat energy is added to a solid, the intermolecular forces between the particles are disrupted and the substance is able to transition into the liquid state. This is called  melting. When sufficient heat energy is added to a liquid, the intermolecular forces between the particles are disrupted and the substance is able to transition into the gas state. This is called  vaporization. When heat energy is removed from a liquid, the particles become more strongly attracted to one another and the substance transitions into the solid state. This is called  freezing . When heat energy is re...

After the assassination of President Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson became President. Lyndon Johnson wanted to be known as a great president. He wanted a reputation similar to the reputation Franklin D. Roosevelt had. President Johnson wanted to do a great deal to help people who were in need. President Johnson declared a war on poverty after he became President. The Economic Opportunity Act created jobs for young, unemployed people. The Job Corps tried to get jobs... After the assassination of President Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson became President. Lyndon Johnson wanted to be known as a great president. He wanted a reputation similar to the reputation Franklin D. Roosevelt had. President Johnson wanted to do a great deal to help people who were in need. President Johnson declared a war on poverty after he became President. The Economic Opportunity Act created jobs for young, unemployed people. The Job Corps tried to get jobs for young, unemployed people. The Neighborhood Youth Corps did the same...

One of the most difficult things to do with poetry is to analyze its meter. In fact, meter is rarely even taught in high school anymore, and not many college classes concern themselves with it either. Unless you are an English major you have probably never had to work with terms like iambic, trochaic, spondiac, anapestic or dactylic. Yes, those words really mean something. They refer to the pattern and number of stressed and unstressed... One of the most difficult things to do with poetry is to analyze its meter. In fact, meter is rarely even taught in high school anymore, and not many college classes concern themselves with it either. Unless you are an English major you have probably never had to work with terms like iambic, trochaic, spondiac, anapestic or dactylic. Yes, those words really mean something. They refer to the pattern and number of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry, the units of sound that give poetry its rhythm. “Mending Wall” is obviously a poem. Bu...

The revolution is inspired by Old Major’s dream, which becomes the tenets of Animalism.   Old Major is an old respected boar.  One day, he gathers the animals to hear his dream of the future.  He tells the animals that they are being exploited by humans, and they would be better off without them.  He proposes a method for living that will become Animalism.  Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy. Whatever goes upon... The revolution is inspired by Old Major’s dream, which becomes the tenets of Animalism.   Old Major is an old respected boar.  One day, he gathers the animals to hear his dream of the future.  He tells the animals that they are being exploited by humans, and they would be better off without them.  He proposes a method for living that will become Animalism.  Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend. And remember also that in fighting against Man, we must not come to resemble him. Even when you have conquered him, do ...

George Bergeron has intelligence that is considered "way above normal," with normal intelligence being defined as the intellectual capacity to think only in short bursts. Because his society requires everyone to be equal, George's intelligence must be artificially reduced to match that of the average person. George therefore wears tiny radio receivers in his ear that are tuned to a government transmitter that sends out some type of sharp noise every twenty seconds or so.... George Bergeron has intelligence that is considered "way above normal," with normal intelligence being defined as the intellectual capacity to think only in short bursts. Because his society requires everyone to be equal, George's intelligence must be artificially reduced to match that of the average person. George therefore wears tiny radio receivers in his ear that are tuned to a government transmitter that sends out some type of sharp noise every twenty seconds or so. This noise is so ...

When drafting the Declaration of Independence—and, it underwent major revisions before its final version was issued, the first draft having drawn comments from Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and others—Thomas Jefferson provided a list of grievances against the British Crown that collectively, he argued, justified revolution. Drawing from the writings of English philosopher John Locke and Virginia farmer/delegate to the Constitutional Convention George Mason, Jefferson prefaced his list of grievances with an affirmation of general principles... When drafting the Declaration of Independence—and, it underwent major revisions before its final version was issued, the first draft having drawn comments from Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and others—Thomas Jefferson provided a list of grievances against the British Crown that collectively, he argued, justified revolution. Drawing from the writings of English philosopher John Locke and Virginia farmer/delegate to the Constitutional Convention G...

By alluding to this famous poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Mary Shelley creates a mood of foreboding, but ultimately it is optimistic. Early on, Captain Walton writes to his sister, saying, "I am going to unexplored regions, to 'the land of mist and snow;' but I shall kill no albatross, therefore do not be alarmed for my safety." "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" tells the story of an old sailor who, on a long... By alluding to this famous poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Mary Shelley creates a mood of foreboding, but ultimately it is optimistic. Early on, Captain Walton writes to his sister, saying, "I am going to unexplored regions, to 'the land of mist and snow;' but I shall kill no albatross, therefore do not be alarmed for my safety." "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" tells the story of an old sailor who, on a long voyage, killed an albatross and brought down a curse upon himself and the crew of his ship.  He tells the story...

The cross or crucifix is a reminder of the suffering Jesus of Nazareth experienced during his lifetime through being persecuted and treated as a heretic, and finally in his death by crucifixion. When most people who have experience with Christianity see the cross, they are reminded of his death. In fast, some crucifixes bear the image of Jesus of Nazareth as he was nailed and bound to the wood of the cross. This is a very powerful image even beyond the immediate connotations of violent punishment and suffering. We must consider  why Jesus of Nazareth was put to death by crucifixion, and what that means for people who seek the spiritual guidance of Jesus of Nazareth through one of the many Christian churches. So, why was Jesus of Nazareth put to death by crucifixion? Jesus had grown up in the Jewish faith and became a Rabbi as an adult. Scripture tells us that Jesus also had a unique course in life as the Son of God. The story goes that he was sent in human form to encourage the humans...

Banquo isn’t that concerned when he first sees the witches talk to Macbeth. His reaction is a combination of puzzlement and amusement. He has a prophesy related to him, too, and he is not at all interested in taking it to heart. Banquo is only slightly concerned about Macbeth’s reaction because he doesn’t believe Macbeth will take the strange bearded women seriously, thinking only those who have "eaten on the insane root" would do so (Act I, Scene 3). Eventually, Banquo does start to suspect Macbeth. He has a dream about the witches. The king is killed. Things seem to go from bad to worse in Scotland, and Banquo thinks Macbeth is behind it all, saying, Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all, As the weird women promised, and, I fear, Thou play'dst most foully for't: yet it was said It should not stand in thy posterity, But that myself should be the root and father Of many kings (Act III, Scene 1). Macbeth and Banquo know each other well. Banquo is suspicious of Ma...

Milton wrote his sonnet "On His Blindness" after he went completely blind in middle age. The sonnet is autobiographical and written in the first person. Since Milton was a deeply religious writer, he tried to understand his blindness within the context of his faith. The octave of the sonnet laments Milton's loss of sight. As a writer, Milton strove to serve God by writing on various religious topics. His greatest work, Paradise Lost , tried... Milton wrote his sonnet "On His Blindness" after he went completely blind in middle age. The sonnet is autobiographical and written in the first person. Since Milton was a deeply religious writer, he tried to understand his blindness within the context of his faith. The octave of the sonnet laments Milton's loss of sight. As a writer, Milton strove to serve God by writing on various religious topics. His greatest work, Paradise Lost , tried to "justify the ways of God to men." In light of this, Milton feels h...

In general, natural ecosystems have far greater biodiversity than artificial ecosystems. Human intervention has usually lowered biodiversity in an area as humans settle there--grasslands and forests are paved over, and animal species that rely on the removed producers decrease in number. Humans plant farm crops, eliminate "problem" species of plants and animals, and create single-species crops. In order for an artificial, human-created ecosystem to have greater diversity than a natural one, there must be some... In general, natural ecosystems have far greater biodiversity than artificial ecosystems. Human intervention has usually lowered biodiversity in an area as humans settle there--grasslands and forests are paved over, and animal species that rely on the removed producers decrease in number. Humans plant farm crops, eliminate "problem" species of plants and animals, and create single-species crops. In order for an artificial, human-created ecosystem to have grea...

Depravity is defined as an action or series of actions that are morally corrupt or even wicked. In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Black Cat,” the narrator, who is never named, describes several actions which he himself identifies as “depraved.” The development of his depravity is both interesting and frightful; readers do see a true descent into depravity as the narrator, sentenced to be executed the next day, describes the events that brought him into his present state. A brief summary of the overall plot can help to illustrate how depravity plays into the story and its overall development. The story is told in flashbacks as the narrator is awaiting his execution. “But to-morrow I die, and to-day I would unburden my soul.” He narrates not only the events that led to his conviction; he also explains his childhood and the early years of his marriage. He describes himself as gentle to a fault. So gentle, in fact, that he was mocked for his kindness as a child. “My tenderness of heart was even so...

An opportunity cost is the cost you incur when you choose one path and forego another.  So, what needs to be examined is what path you are foregoing to go to school. Assuming that you would work instead, your opportunity cost is the wages you would earn if you chose to work, rather than attending school.  This could amount to a substantial sum of money, but there needs to be more to your consideration of... An opportunity cost is the cost you incur when you choose one path and forego another.  So, what needs to be examined is what path you are foregoing to go to school. Assuming that you would work instead, your opportunity cost is the wages you would earn if you chose to work, rather than attending school.  This could amount to a substantial sum of money, but there needs to be more to your consideration of this issue.  Let's assume that you will attend and graduate college in four years and that you could earn $25,000 per year if you worked instead.  That would be $100,000 that yo...

“The Lesson” is a story about economic inequality and education. It’s also a finely drawn psychological portrait of children growing up poor—particularly the narrator, Sylvia. While the physical setting of the story—New York City—helps bring out the difference between rich and poor, it is Sylvia’s inner state—how she thinks about things—that undergoes a radical change. The children and Miss Moore live in what she terms “the slums,” although Sylvia takes exception to that description. To... “The Lesson” is a story about economic inequality and education. It’s also a finely drawn psychological portrait of children growing up poor—particularly the narrator, Sylvia. While the physical setting of the story—New York City—helps bring out the difference between rich and poor, it is Sylvia’s inner state—how she thinks about things—that undergoes a radical change. The children and Miss Moore live in what she terms “the slums,” although Sylvia takes exception to that description. To Sylvia, her n...

In general, when you say this phrase, you mean  establishing boundaries between you and your neighbor helps you both know how to act and respect each other's space and privacy . For example, if you and your next door neighbor know for certain where your yard ends and his begins, then there won't be any disagreement about which of you is supposed to mow that bit in the middle. More generally, if you've established that it's... In general, when you say this phrase, you mean  establishing boundaries between you and your neighbor helps you both know how to act and respect each other's space and privacy . For example, if you and your next door neighbor know for certain where your yard ends and his begins, then there won't be any disagreement about which of you is supposed to mow that bit in the middle. More generally, if you've established that it's not okay for your neighbor's kids to come play on your trampoline and make lots of noise any time they want...

These chapters focus on the events following the trial.  One of the impacts of the trial is that Bob Ewell blames Atticus for ruining his reputation.  Even though Mayella accused Tom Robinson of rape and he was convicted, Ewell hates Atticus for his role in parading the family’s dirty laundry in front of the whole city.  Bob Ewell confronts Atticus in town and spits in his face.  This shows the depth of Ewell’s bitterness, but it also demonstrates Atticus’s personality.  Atticus remained calm and made a joke about the whole thing, and never took Ewell seriously.  Mr. Ewell was a veteran of an obscure war; that plus Atticus’s peaceful reaction probably prompted him to inquire, “Too proud to fight, you nigger-lovin‘ bastard?” Miss Stephanie said Atticus said, “No, too old,” put his hands in his pockets and strolled on. (Ch. 23, p. 291)  This quote is important because it demonstrates that Atticus is not willing to stoop to Bob Ewell’s level.  He is also not afraid. All he said was that h...

Viruses are difficult to classify because while they have several characteristics of living things, they do not have several others. They currently are not considered to be living organisms, although this is being reconsidered. Viruses are very simple organisms, usually consisting of a protein coat and either DNA or RNA. Having genetic material and the ability to produce more of themselves would seem to indicate a living thing. However, they are not involved in transforming... Viruses are difficult to classify because while they have several characteristics of living things, they do not have several others. They currently are not considered to be living organisms, although this is being reconsidered. Viruses are very simple organisms, usually consisting of a protein coat and either DNA or RNA. Having genetic material and the ability to produce more of themselves would seem to indicate a living thing. However, they are not involved in transforming energy (they do not perform cellular re...

The Doldrums are the regions of air directly above the Equator that extends about 10 degrees North and South. This region is characterized by having very little lateral movement of air and a large amount of precipitation. This is due to the fact that, as the Equator heats up year round, the air above is constantly being heated, creating a rising effect. Hotter air is less dense than colder air and is lifted up while... The Doldrums are the regions of air directly above the Equator that extends about 10 degrees North and South. This region is characterized by having very little lateral movement of air and a large amount of precipitation. This is due to the fact that, as the Equator heats up year round, the air above is constantly being heated, creating a rising effect. Hotter air is less dense than colder air and is lifted up while colder air rushes in to take its place. The rising hot air will blossom outward away from the equator, moving North and South before plummeting back down aro...

By the end of Act 1, Scene 5, Macbeth and his wife have met and figured out that they are both on board with a plan to eliminate Duncan.  However, Lady Macbeth is the one giving all the instruction to her husband.  She tells him, "Look like th' innocent / flower, / But be the serpent under 't" (1.5.76-78).  In other words, she tells him to appear loyal and kind as he has always done,... By the end of Act 1, Scene 5, Macbeth and his wife have met and figured out that they are both on board with a plan to eliminate Duncan.  However, Lady Macbeth is the one giving all the instruction to her husband.  She tells him, "Look like th' innocent / flower, / But be the serpent under 't" (1.5.76-78).  In other words, she tells him to appear loyal and kind as he has always done, but prepare his dark and disloyal thoughts beneath the friendly facade.  Further, when he says that he wants to speak more with her about their plan, she takes it all into her own hands, ...