Help Notes

Every reader will give a different answer to this question, and many of them will be perfectly valid. In  Stargirl , you can think of light as a symbol of joy, friendship and love, truth and knowledge, honesty, a beneficial connection with nature, and more. The important thing about analyzing the potential symbolism of light in this novel (or in any novel) is to find passages where light is mentioned, consider what they literally mean, and then consider carefully what they could figuratively mean. Let's check out some examples: 1. "And each night in bed I thought of [Stargirl] as the moon came through my window... I liked the feeling the moonlight gave me, as if it wasn't the opposite of day, but its underside, its private side..." For Leo, we see that he enjoys the light of the moon while he thinks about his strange new classmate. So perhaps for him, the muted, less intense light of the moon (compared to the sun’s light) symbolizes life’s mysteries to be explored. We...

This is a great question, and there's at least two ways of answering it: an explanation of what we know about the physics underlying electromagnetic interactions, and a philosophical answer.  As far as the philosophical answer, i.e. "why does anything do X," the answer is that this is the way our universe works. It's entirely possible that, in other "universes" at other times or under other conditions in our own universe, this would change. Without... This is a great question, and there's at least two ways of answering it: an explanation of what we know about the physics underlying electromagnetic interactions, and a philosophical answer.  As far as the philosophical answer, i.e. "why does anything do X," the answer is that this is the way our universe works. It's entirely possible that, in other "universes" at other times or under other conditions in our own universe, this would change. Without a deeper understanding of why the p...

Hydrogen and nitrogen react to form ammonia. The relevant chemical equation can be written as: `N_2 + 3H_2 -> 2NH_3` Here 1 mole of nitrogen reacts with 3 moles of hydrogen to form 2 moles of ammonia.  In the first case, excess nitrogen is present. Using stoichiometry, 2 moles ammonia requires 3 moles hydrogen, 1 mole of ammonia will require 3/2 moles of hydrogen and 10 moles of ammonia will require 3/2 x 10 =... Hydrogen and nitrogen react to form ammonia. The relevant chemical equation can be written as: `N_2 + 3H_2 -> 2NH_3` Here 1 mole of nitrogen reacts with 3 moles of hydrogen to form 2 moles of ammonia.  In the first case, excess nitrogen is present. Using stoichiometry, 2 moles ammonia requires 3 moles hydrogen, 1 mole of ammonia will require 3/2 moles of hydrogen and 10 moles of ammonia will require 3/2 x 10 = 15 moles of hydrogen. The molar mass of hydrogen is 2 g. Thus, 15 moles x 2 g/mole = 30 g of hydrogen is required to make 10 moles of ammonia. Molar mass of nitro...

We can deduce the exact date of Tom Robinson's death based on context clues author Harper Lee leaves for us in chapters 24 and 25 of To Kill a Mockingbird . Chapter 24 opens with Scout having been invited to join Aunt Alexandra and her missionary circle for refreshments while Jem is off teaching Dill how to swim at Barker's Eddy. The first important clue we are told at the start of this chapter is that summer is almost over and "Dill would be leaving for Meridian tomorrow." It is on the exact same day Scout announces Dill's upcoming departure that Tom Robinson is killed. More importantly, we know the day takes place at the end of August since Scout also describes, "August was on the brink of September." On the same day in August that Scout joins the ladies for refreshments, Atticus rushes home and interrupts the meeting to inform Calpurnia and others of Robinson's death.    Later, in Chapter 25 , Dill has already left for the summer, and Scout...

At the beginning of the novel, Bud is sent to live with the Amoses. Bud and Todd Amos have an altercation after Todd sticks a pencil up Bud's nose while he is sleeping. Bud slaps Todd in the face, and Todd proceeds to beat Bud ruthlessly. However, when Todd's mother walks into the room, Todd acts like he's having an asthma attack and blames Bud for his "dire condition." Mr. and Mrs. Amos send Bud... At the beginning of the novel, Bud is sent to live with the Amoses. Bud and Todd Amos have an altercation after Todd sticks a pencil up Bud's nose while he is sleeping. Bud slaps Todd in the face, and Todd proceeds to beat Bud ruthlessly. However, when Todd's mother walks into the room, Todd acts like he's having an asthma attack and blames Bud for his "dire condition." Mr. and Mrs. Amos send Bud to sleep in their raggedy shed as punishment. Bud manages to escape from the locked shed and decides to seek revenge on Todd. Bud then sneaks back into t...

The first paragraph foreshadows the ending of the narrator's tale. To fully understand where he is and what he is doing, readers must read to the end of the story. The second-to-last sentence explains that the narrator's actions have "consigned [him] to the hangman." Thus we know that in the beginning of the story, as he starts writing his narrative, he must be in a jail cell. This is why he says that he will... The first paragraph foreshadows the ending of the narrator's tale. To fully understand where he is and what he is doing, readers must read to the end of the story. The second-to-last sentence explains that the narrator's actions have "consigned [him] to the hangman." Thus we know that in the beginning of the story, as he starts writing his narrative, he must be in a jail cell. This is why he says that he will be dying "tomorrow." This word is meant literally, not in the metaphoric sense of "sometime in the future." The man...

In order to answer this question, we must first examine the term "social justice" and establish its meaning. "Social Justice," although a concrete definition is never really given when its used in conversation, can be described as complete economic equality for all individuals who are members of that society. Through Communism, this is essentially achieved when money is collected and evenly distributed to everyone by the government. Marx believed that the right to own private... In order to answer this question, we must first examine the term "social justice" and establish its meaning. "Social Justice," although a concrete definition is never really given when its used in conversation, can be described as complete economic equality for all individuals who are members of that society. Through Communism, this is essentially achieved when money is collected and evenly distributed to everyone by the government. Marx believed that the right to own pri...

In Nothing But the Truth by Avi, the first time Philip hums in class is his first day with Miss Narwin as his new homeroom teacher. He has just told his friend, Ken Barchet, that he is going to find a way to get out of both Miss Narwin's English class and her homeroom.  As always, at the end of the morning announcements, the speaker says,  "Please all rise and stand at respectful, silent attention... In Nothing But the Truth by Avi, the first time Philip hums in class is his first day with Miss Narwin as his new homeroom teacher. He has just told his friend, Ken Barchet, that he is going to find a way to get out of both Miss Narwin's English class and her homeroom.  As always, at the end of the morning announcements, the speaker says,  "Please all rise and stand at respectful, silent attention for the playing of our national anthem" (Avi 34). Philip ignores the rule and begins to hum loudly enough for Miss Narwin to hear him. She asks Philip if he's the one...

Maitre Hauchecorne finds a piece of string on the street. Being relatively poor and inclined to save things that might be useful, he picks up the string. However, he notes that he is spotted by his enemy, M. Malandain. Hauchecorne is embarrassed to be seen picking up something as small and trivial as a piece of string. So, he decides to at least give the appearance (to M. Malandain) that he is actually looking for... Maitre Hauchecorne finds a piece of string on the street. Being relatively poor and inclined to save things that might be useful, he picks up the string. However, he notes that he is spotted by his enemy, M. Malandain. Hauchecorne is embarrassed to be seen picking up something as small and trivial as a piece of string. So, he decides to at least give the appearance (to M. Malandain) that he is actually looking for something more valuable. He doesn't want Malandain to think that he is so poor and needy that finding a piece of string is like finding a small treasure.  Ma...

Macbeth is experiencing an inner conflict about killing King Duncan; his soliloquy reflects that.  He thinks through the consequences of killing the king step by step.  The first, and most important, consequence is his immortal soul.  Macbeth knows that murder, no matter how secret, will not escape God’s notice “Bloody instructions, which being taught, return/To plague th’ inventor” (Act I, Scene vii).  Macbeth knows that although he may not face consequences on earth, he will... Macbeth is experiencing an inner conflict about killing King Duncan; his soliloquy reflects that.  He thinks through the consequences of killing the king step by step.  The first, and most important, consequence is his immortal soul.  Macbeth knows that murder, no matter how secret, will not escape God’s notice “Bloody instructions, which being taught, return/To plague th’ inventor” (Act I, Scene vii).  Macbeth knows that although he may not face consequences on earth, he will face them in the afterlife.  He i...

The first two paragraphs describe the island in a much more hostile and forbidding manner than in some of the descriptions of the island that come later in the book. Its strangeness is conveyed through the mention of the enigmatic "long scar" and through the "creepers and broken trunks" that the boy clambers over. Bright primary colors are often considered cheerful, but here the red and yellow feathers of the birds provide a stark contrast... The first two paragraphs describe the island in a much more hostile and forbidding manner than in some of the descriptions of the island that come later in the book. Its strangeness is conveyed through the mention of the enigmatic "long scar" and through the "creepers and broken trunks" that the boy clambers over. Bright primary colors are often considered cheerful, but here the red and yellow feathers of the birds provide a stark contrast to the rest of the unusual scene and contradict their own eerie, witc...

In  1984  the reader easily understands why the Party acts as it does. The motivations for the Party's actions are not entirely clear from page one, but more astute readers may be able to decern the psychological ramifications of certain Party doctrines. Concepts introduced early on in  1984 ,   such as the thought police and the constant monitoring of all Party members, are easily seen to be instruments the Party uses to control its constituents. It can... In  1984  the reader easily understands why the Party acts as it does. The motivations for the Party's actions are not entirely clear from page one, but more astute readers may be able to decern the psychological ramifications of certain Party doctrines. Concepts introduced early on in  1984 ,   such as the thought police and the constant monitoring of all Party members, are easily seen to be instruments the Party uses to control its constituents. It can be extrapolated that even if Party members are not always monitored, th...

The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass provides information about the ways in which slaves' families were broken up. Douglass writes, "I never saw my mother, to know her as such, more than four or five times in my life" (page 2 in the Dover edition). As a result of being taken away from their families, slaves developed close relationships with other slaves who they regarded as extended family, even if they weren't actually... The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass provides information about the ways in which slaves' families were broken up. Douglass writes, "I never saw my mother, to know her as such, more than four or five times in my life" (page 2 in the Dover edition). As a result of being taken away from their families, slaves developed close relationships with other slaves who they regarded as extended family, even if they weren't actually related. The book also provides insight into the lives of urban slaves, as Douglass was...

This kind of question invites you to make a connection between the music you enjoy and the themes and images in the story. It's a fun way of finding some universal idea or common feeling, a way to discover that musicians today give voice to the same struggles and emotions that the authors of novels like this one have done. In Chapter 29 of the novel, the mood is one of intense relief, wonder, and reflection as Scout recounts what happened to her and Jem when they were attacked by Bob Ewell and saved by Boo Radley. The chapter ends on an especially poignant note as Scout sees Mr. Radley clearly for the first time and manages to greet him politely. So, we're looking for songs that express either the feelings prominent in this chapter (a mixture of relief and sadness at Ewell's death, gratitude for being alive, a release of tension, etc.) or the images or sensations  important in the chapter (Atticus suddenly appearing as though he is aging, the costume crushed to a pulp, the...

Great question! In Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, chapter 6 (sections 1-6) includes monumental events! During this section, Johnny learns more about the dreaded taxation on tea. Although the tax was very small, the colonists did not want to be taxed without representation. In this chapter, a ship arrives in the harbor with tea. Subsequently, the Observers have a meeting to discuss how to handle the situation. Although the tax is low, the Observers do... Great question! In Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, chapter 6 (sections 1-6) includes monumental events! During this section, Johnny learns more about the dreaded taxation on tea. Although the tax was very small, the colonists did not want to be taxed without representation. In this chapter, a ship arrives in the harbor with tea. Subsequently, the Observers have a meeting to discuss how to handle the situation. Although the tax is low, the Observers do not want to succumb to England’s demands. The Observers decide to throw over the te...

James Madison faced the events that eventually led the United States to war during his presidency.  According to his beliefs, he preferred to take a diplomatic approach, especially in regards to the Orders in Council.  The Orders in Council were decrees from the government of England.  The Orders in Council greatly impacted trade because they set blockades in place.  Public opinion began to shift and some thought that Madison should declare war on England.  He... James Madison faced the events that eventually led the United States to war during his presidency.  According to his beliefs, he preferred to take a diplomatic approach, especially in regards to the Orders in Council.  The Orders in Council were decrees from the government of England.  The Orders in Council greatly impacted trade because they set blockades in place.  Public opinion began to shift and some thought that Madison should declare war on England.  He still preferred a diplomatic route to address the blockade issue.  ...

Verona is located in Northern Italy. It has a present-day population of around 250,000. It looks like many other Italian cities of that size--old, peaceful, quiet, picturesque. The buildings are mostly one- and two-stories with tile roofs. The colors are predominantly those of the white stucco walls and red tile roofs. Many of the streets are still paved with cobblestones. There is, of course, much sunshine. It is visited by many foreign tourists because of... Verona is located in Northern Italy. It has a present-day population of around 250,000. It looks like many other Italian cities of that size--old, peaceful, quiet, picturesque. The buildings are mostly one- and two-stories with tile roofs. The colors are predominantly those of the white stucco walls and red tile roofs. Many of the streets are still paved with cobblestones. There is, of course, much sunshine. It is visited by many foreign tourists because of the city's association with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet . This...

We're specifically asked to draw the diagram in Excel charts. To do that, we need to first make a spreadsheet in Excel, then use the charting function to actually make our charts. Excel likes to draw charts as scatter plot graphs; so we need to find a way to draw our supply and demand curves as scatter plots. A good way to do that is to first make a column of values for our independent variable (quantity), over a suitable range. Since the demand is P = 50 - 5 Q, it makes sense to go from Q = 0 to Q = 10, and steps of 1 make sense. (If it had been 500 - 5 Q for example, we might have wanted to do Q = 0 to Q = 100 in steps of 10 instead.) Let's make that column A. Then make a column for supply and a column for demand, and enter the supply and demand curves as formulas, and copy those into each cell in the appropriate column. For supply the equation "P = 5 Q" becomes the Excel formula "= 5*A2". For demand the equation "P = 50 - 5 Q" becomes the Excel ...

In 1789, the French produced a document that paved their path to the future. In the Declaration of the Rights of Man,  the importance of the principals of liberty, equality, and fraternity are evident throughout the document.   Liberty is defined as the condition of people who are able to act and speak freely.  Liberty is demonstrated when a government provides its citizens with important freedoms.  The  Declaration of the Rights of Man  provides for a fair justice system, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion.  Liberty is referenced directly in Articles 2 and 4: 2.  The aim of all political association is the preservation of the natural and imprescriptible rights of man. These rights are liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression. 4.  Liberty consists in the freedom to do everything which injures no one else; hence the exercise of the natural rights of each man has no limits except those which assure to the other members of the society the enjoyment of the same rig...

If the question is referring to the combat between Macbeth and Macduff in the final scene of the play, then the answer is one of two things, depending on your interpretation of the play's major themes. Either Macduff was simply a better warrior and fighter than Macbeth, and therefore bested him in combat, or Macbeth was fated to die at the hands of Macduff. This seems to be Macbeth's view as soon as he finds... If the question is referring to the combat between Macbeth and Macduff in the final scene of the play, then the answer is one of two things, depending on your interpretation of the play's major themes. Either Macduff was simply a better warrior and fighter than Macbeth, and therefore bested him in combat, or Macbeth was fated to die at the hands of Macduff. This seems to be Macbeth's view as soon as he finds out that Macduff was "not of woman born." However, if the question is referring to his intent to murder Macduff in Act IV, then the answer is simpl...

Abraham and Balthasar start a fight with Sampson and Gregory as part of the Montague-Capulet Feud. Sampson and Gregory represent the House of Capulet, and Abraham and Balthasar represent the House of Montague.  The two families are in a feud that affects everyone even remotely related to them.  For this reason, apparently you can’t even walk on the street in Verona without a brawl starting. Abraham and Balthasar’s brawl starts pretty innocently.   They are walking along in the street (with swords, of course), when Sampson insults them.  He does so slyly and silently, with what would be the equivalent of the modern middle finger.  Abraham calls him out on it. Enter ABRAHAM and BALTHASAR ABRAHAM Do you bite your thumb at us, sir? SAMPSON I do bite my thumb, sir. ABRAHAM Do you bite your thumb at us, sir? SAMPSON [Aside to GREGORY] Is the law of our side, if I say ay? GREGORY No. (Act 1, Scene 1)  Balthasar doesn’t say anything, but he seems to engage in the fight.  Benvolio, another Mont...

Generally speaking, the setting of a story is the time and physical location.   The text of "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" never gives an actual date to the story. The reader is able to know that the story must be taking place between April 1861 and April 1865, because those are the dates of the American Civil War. Interestingly enough, Bierce's original text opened the story by stating that it took place during... Generally speaking, the setting of a story is the time and physical location.   The text of "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" never gives an actual date to the story. The reader is able to know that the story must be taking place between April 1861 and April 1865, because those are the dates of the American Civil War. Interestingly enough, Bierce's original text opened the story by stating that it took place during the summer of 1862. As for the physical location of the events in the story, the reader is told that the story happens in north...

To her great surprise, Leslie finds Janice Avery , the well-known bully, crying in the bathroom. Janice's father beats her, and when Janice finally confided this sad truth in her friends Wilma and Bobby Sue, they revealed her secret to everyone--and now, even the teachers know about Janice's sad situation. This betrayal of trust and the subsequent possible destruction of Janice's tough reputation are what make her cry in the bathroom. All this happens in... To her great surprise, Leslie finds Janice Avery , the well-known bully, crying in the bathroom. Janice's father beats her, and when Janice finally confided this sad truth in her friends Wilma and Bobby Sue, they revealed her secret to everyone--and now, even the teachers know about Janice's sad situation. This betrayal of trust and the subsequent possible destruction of Janice's tough reputation are what make her cry in the bathroom. All this happens in Chapter 7, an important turning point in Jess and Lesli...

This could be argued either way, but I am going to say the poet's sigh indicates regret, and I will explain my reasons for saying so. The most common interpretation of the last line of the poem is that the poet is probably content to have taken the road less travelled. That is why we often advise people—particularly young people—to take the "road less travelled," or the more unconventional choice, to live a rich life. The poem itself, however, is ambiguous on this point, meaning one can read the last lines as either approving or disapproving of the less-travelled road: I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. Was the difference positive or negative? We don't know. We only know it has made "all" the difference, for better or for worse. Assuming taking this road made a negative difference and the poet knows he definitely should have taken the other road, then the "sigh" would surely be one of regret. The poet says at the...

At the end of Chapter 30, Sheriff Tate tells Atticus that he would consider it a crime to tell the community of Maycomb that Boo Radley saved the children because it would bring unwanted attention to Boo. Tate realizes that Boo is a very shy individual, and making him the center of the community's attention would be harmful. Sheriff Tate tells Atticus that he will tell the community that Bob Ewell fell on his own... At the end of Chapter 30, Sheriff Tate tells Atticus that he would consider it a crime to tell the community of Maycomb that Boo Radley saved the children because it would bring unwanted attention to Boo. Tate realizes that Boo is a very shy individual, and making him the center of the community's attention would be harmful. Sheriff Tate tells Atticus that he will tell the community that Bob Ewell fell on his own knife and died. Atticus looks down at Scout and says, " Mr. Ewell fell on his knife. Can you possibly understand? " (Lee 370). Scout tells her fa...

Love and hate are antipodal--direct opposites--yet they both signify passionate emotions toward something or someone. Some say that one cannot hate without love. Romeo and Juliet is filled with both of these passions and shows how one can cancel out the other. Romeo and Juliet’s love is drowned by hate and leads to their deaths, but, after death, their love for one another quenches the hate between their families. Something else central to the play... Love and hate are antipodal--direct opposites--yet they both signify passionate emotions toward something or someone. Some say that one cannot hate without love. Romeo and Juliet is filled with both of these passions and shows how one can cancel out the other. Romeo and Juliet’s love is drowned by hate and leads to their deaths, but, after death, their love for one another quenches the hate between their families. Something else central to the play is sexual attraction. In Shakespearean English, the word “die” could mean both to climax ...