Help Notes

Your post presents two distinct ideas regarding William Shakespeare's tragedy  Hamlet . I'll address each individually:  Compare Laertes and Hamlet as sons.  Hamlet and Laertes have a startling amount in common, which is not immediately apparent to the reader given Hamlet's immediate presentation as somewhat insane, which contrasts sharply against Laertes' apparent success and composure. However, each son is desperately loyal to his father, which in turn motivates many of their respective actions. Where the two men differ is in their philosophical reflection; Laertes, upon the news of first his father's and then Ophelia's deaths, is intent on revenge. This is unlike Hamlet, who agonizes over the certainty of his father's killer's identity, the morality of revenge, and the mortality of man.  What is the nature of Claudius' questions?  I'm assuming you're referring to IV.vii, in which Claudius asks Laertes a series of questions. His questions a...

In Chapter 13, Aunt Alexandra moves into the Finch residence. Scout comments that Alexandra is obsessed with heredity and learns about her theory regarding family background. Alexandra believes the longer a family has lived on a plot of land, the finer that family is. Scout becomes aware of Maycomb's caste system, and Alexandra convinces Atticus to teach Jem and Scout about their family background. Atticus attempts to explain to Jem and Scout their family's proud... In Chapter 13, Aunt Alexandra moves into the Finch residence. Scout comments that Alexandra is obsessed with heredity and learns about her theory regarding family background. Alexandra believes the longer a family has lived on a plot of land, the finer that family is. Scout becomes aware of Maycomb's caste system, and Alexandra convinces Atticus to teach Jem and Scout about their family background. Atticus attempts to explain to Jem and Scout their family's proud history, but gives up because he finds it rid...

The point of view of the story is third-person omniscient.   Point of view is the perspective a story is told from, or which character is telling the story. The third-person omniscient point of view is a perspective that distances itself from a specific character, instead telling us about multiple characters. No one character tells the story, even though the story focuses on Jimmy Valentine. A third-person narrator knows what other characters, such as Ben... The point of view of the story is third-person omniscient.   Point of view is the perspective a story is told from, or which character is telling the story. The third-person omniscient point of view is a perspective that distances itself from a specific character, instead telling us about multiple characters. No one character tells the story, even though the story focuses on Jimmy Valentine. A third-person narrator knows what other characters, such as Ben Price, are thinking.  Third-person narration uses third-person pronouns and n...

Plato's ideal society, as outlined in his Republic, is primarily composed of two classes. The guardians are responsible for protecting the state, and are divided into two sub-classes: the rulers and auxiliaries. Rulers are the wisest of the guardians, and establish laws for the rest of society to follow. The auxiliaries are soldiers who defend the state, but also preserve order inside the state and serve as an example for the rest of the citizenry to follow. The second class is the citizenry, or those who perform basic societal roles. For Plato, the education of the guardians is central in his discussion of the ideal state. His theory of education rests on the notion of "mimesis," or imitation. In order to characterize the four classical virtues of courage, wisdom, justice, and temperance, the guardians are to imitate heroes found in poetry and those of a superior rank. However, the guardians may only read poetry that depicts heroes acting virtuously; otherwise, the guard...

The enemy sniper is able to get a clear shot at the sniper because the sniper exposes himself long enough to shoot the man in the armored car and the old woman.  The sniper is a fairly brave man because he takes his two kill shots knowing that he is exposed to the enemy sniper.  The enemy sniper knows the protagonist's location because the "good guy" sniper gave away his position by smoking his cigarette.... The enemy sniper is able to get a clear shot at the sniper because the sniper exposes himself long enough to shoot the man in the armored car and the old woman.  The sniper is a fairly brave man because he takes his two kill shots knowing that he is exposed to the enemy sniper.  The enemy sniper knows the protagonist's location because the "good guy" sniper gave away his position by smoking his cigarette.  The enemy sniper has already taken two shots at the sniper by the time the armored car and the old woman arrive.  The main sniper knows that he is out...

There are nine chapters in the novel Whirligig. Chapter Eight is titled San Diego, California. As the chapter begins, Jenny is portrayed as a typical fifteen year old teenager. It is her task to make sure that her grandmother is safe while her mother runs errands. Although Jenny loves her grandmother, she feels emotionally overwhelmed by the responsibility. Her grandmother's cancer is debilitating, and the Holocaust survivor often suffers from nausea as a result of... There are nine chapters in the novel Whirligig. Chapter Eight is titled San Diego, California. As the chapter begins, Jenny is portrayed as a typical fifteen year old teenager. It is her task to make sure that her grandmother is safe while her mother runs errands. Although Jenny loves her grandmother, she feels emotionally overwhelmed by the responsibility. Her grandmother's cancer is debilitating, and the Holocaust survivor often suffers from nausea as a result of the chemotherapy treatments. So, when her grandmo...

The dwarves' response to Bilbo's request for volunteers provides an interesting and rare insight into the nature of dwarves as a species. When Bilbo asks for volunteers to enter the mountain with him, he did not have high hopes that there would be many takers. Most of the dwarves do not offer to enter the mountain with Bilbo; Balin, Fili and Kili have the grace to look uncomfortable, but also do not offer their services. It is interesting to note that the two youngest of the group and the eldest are the only ones who seem uncomfortable with asking Bilbo to undertake this, the most dangerous task of the journey (confronting a grumpy, fire-breathing dragon) all alone. Perhaps this is Tolkien's way of commenting that youth and the elderly can both have a certain kind of compassion that the age groups in between can sometimes lack. Fili and Kili seem to feel bad about leaving the job to Bilbo, and Balin, the kindly elder of the group, offers to enter the mountain part way with ...

Perhaps the best example to support the question of individual interpretations of revenge and justice is in the relationship of Madame Therese Defarge and her husband, Ernest Defarge. In Chapter XII of Book the Third, Sydney Carton has entered the wine shop in St. Antoine, and Madame Defarge recognizes him as a Evremonde (remember that Charles Darnay and he look alike). Her husband concurs that there is a resemblance, but he feels that in her... Perhaps the best example to support the question of individual interpretations of revenge and justice is in the relationship of Madame Therese Defarge and her husband, Ernest Defarge. In Chapter XII of Book the Third, Sydney Carton has entered the wine shop in St. Antoine, and Madame Defarge recognizes him as a Evremonde (remember that Charles Darnay and he look alike). Her husband concurs that there is a resemblance, but he feels that in her vengeance against the uncles Evremonde, the brothers who are responsible for the death of Therese Defar...

Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with... Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with Jim if that’s what it takes to protect him.  Atticus tells the men that he will make sure his client gets his fair shake at the law.  “Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he’s not going till ...

One reason we might feel sympathetic for the villainous Macbeth at the end of the play is the fact that he has clearly been manipulated by the witches. By revealing to him a series of half-truths, they have goaded him into destroying everything around him, including himself. When he realizes that their prophecy that only a man "not of woman born" could kill him was in fact about to be fulfilled by Macduff, who was... One reason we might feel sympathetic for the villainous Macbeth at the end of the play is the fact that he has clearly been manipulated by the witches. By revealing to him a series of half-truths, they have goaded him into destroying everything around him, including himself. When he realizes that their prophecy that only a man "not of woman born" could kill him was in fact about to be fulfilled by Macduff, who was born by Caesarian section, he knows that he has been duped.  Another reason we might feel sympathy for Macbeth is that once he realizes he is...

Scout is surprised to hear Alexandra call Atticus “Brother.” Scout does not get along with her Aunt Alexandra, who is her father’s sister. She feels her aunt is harsh and exacting. She also thinks Alexandra is unsupportive of Atticus’s defending Tom Robinson because Scout’s cousin Francis repreated some racist comments Alexandra made. At Christmastime, Scout and her family are visiting Finches’ Landing when her deplorable cousin Frances begins teasing her about her father taking Tom Robinson’s case.  It is an unpopular case in Maycomb because Robinson is a black man accused of raping a white woman. Frances’s comments about what Alexandra said are harsh and dripping with racism: If Uncle Atticus lets you run around with stray dogs, that’s his own business, like Grandma says, so it ain’t your fault. I guess it ain’t your fault if Uncle Atticus is a nigger-lover besides, but I’m here to tell you it certainly does mortify the rest of the family (Chapter 9). This angers Scout, and she gets ...

Interesting question! In the book My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George, Sam made a tent before eventually making his tree home. When Sam arrived in the wilderness, he made a tent for his first night there. He made his first tent by leaning old limbs against a boulder that he found in the wilderness. Subsequently, he also covered the limbs with more limbs from a hemlock tree. Although this initial attempt possessed... Interesting question! In the book My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George, Sam made a tent before eventually making his tree home. When Sam arrived in the wilderness, he made a tent for his first night there. He made his first tent by leaning old limbs against a boulder that he found in the wilderness. Subsequently, he also covered the limbs with more limbs from a hemlock tree. Although this initial attempt possessed some inadequacies, he felt quite enthusiastic. As the text reveals: “I leaned some dead limbs against the boulder and covered them with h...

You are speaking about the chapters entitled “A Friend of the Family” and “Spinning Wheels, Seeking Traction.”  During chapter 16 (called “A Friend of the Family”) the narrator is questioning Siekevitz and Morrell as they eat at a restaurant and trying to gain access to Regine Mauger (the gossip columnist of the Herald-Star ), who could possibly provide ample information about the case.  Everyone admits that they continually come into the situation “from the outside.” ... You are speaking about the chapters entitled “A Friend of the Family” and “Spinning Wheels, Seeking Traction.”  During chapter 16 (called “A Friend of the Family”) the narrator is questioning Siekevitz and Morrell as they eat at a restaurant and trying to gain access to Regine Mauger (the gossip columnist of the Herald-Star ), who could possibly provide ample information about the case.  Everyone admits that they continually come into the situation “from the outside.”  They have quite a conversation about refugees and...

In Chapter 16, Thacia, Joel, and Daniel are discussing how Thacia will disguise herself as Joel in order for them to fulfill Rosh's assignment. Thacia mentions that she would feel ashamed to meet Jesus while she is disguised as Joel because she doesn't "want to face Jesus with a lie." Daniel responds by saying that in war, a lie is considered a weapon. Thacia disagrees, then asks Daniel and Joel what makes them so sure... In Chapter 16, Thacia, Joel, and Daniel are discussing how Thacia will disguise herself as Joel in order for them to fulfill Rosh's assignment. Thacia mentions that she would feel ashamed to meet Jesus while she is disguised as Joel because she doesn't "want to face Jesus with a lie." Daniel responds by saying that in war, a lie is considered a weapon. Thacia disagrees, then asks Daniel and Joel what makes them so sure Jesus wants war. They assume that when Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, he is referring to an upco...

In the last line of chapter twenty-seven, Scout stated: "Thus began our longest journey together." She was referring to a journey that she and Jem took together. The reader does not know what she was referring to until chapter twenty-eight. Scout and Jem left the Halloween pageant at school on a dark autumn evening. A passerby warned them to "'be careful of haints.'" This was a warning to watch out for ghosts. Scout was wearing... In the last line of chapter twenty-seven, Scout stated: "Thus began our longest journey together." She was referring to a journey that she and Jem took together. The reader does not know what she was referring to until chapter twenty-eight. Scout and Jem left the Halloween pageant at school on a dark autumn evening. A passerby warned them to "'be careful of haints.'" This was a warning to watch out for ghosts. Scout was wearing a ham costume, which had been made for a performance during the pageant. Jem ...

The usual routine of the speaker and his horse is to hurry from one spot to another without stopping to watch the snowfall. We know this for several reasons. First is the behavior of the horse. Not only does the speaker surmise that the horse will think it "queer," or unusual, to stop, the horse himself ... gives his harness bells a shake    To ask if there is some mistake.   The horse thinks it... The usual routine of the speaker and his horse is to hurry from one spot to another without stopping to watch the snowfall. We know this for several reasons. First is the behavior of the horse. Not only does the speaker surmise that the horse will think it "queer," or unusual, to stop, the horse himself ... gives his harness bells a shake    To ask if there is some mistake.   The horse thinks it is a "mistake" that they are stopping.  While the speaker does stop to take a moment and enjoy the snowfall on this "darkest evening of the year," he emphasize...

In Beverly Cleary's Dear Mr. Henshaw , we learn Leigh's mother is a very hard worker with a lot of integrity , which means she is very dedicated to doing what's right. We know Leigh's mother is a hard worker because, in the letter dated November 23rd, Leigh tells Mr. Henshaw that his "mom works part time for Catering by Katy," a catering business his mother's friend runs. His mother has known Katy since they... In Beverly Cleary's Dear Mr. Henshaw , we learn Leigh's mother is a very hard worker with a lot of integrity , which means she is very dedicated to doing what's right. We know Leigh's mother is a hard worker because, in the letter dated November 23rd, Leigh tells Mr. Henshaw that his "mom works part time for Catering by Katy," a catering business his mother's friend runs. His mother has known Katy since they were kids. His mom only works part time because she also takes a "couple of courses at the community coll...

Self-reliance, like almost any personal or societal concept, carries with it a raft of both positive and negative attributes. In the United States, self-reliance has been the dominant theme since the beginnings of the nation, as the first settlers were forced, by the mere need to survive, to be self-reliant. As the earliest settlers were setting foot on utterly unfamiliar territory and were uncertain of what type of human presence they might encounter, they had to quickly rely... Self-reliance, like almost any personal or societal concept, carries with it a raft of both positive and negative attributes. In the United States, self-reliance has been the dominant theme since the beginnings of the nation, as the first settlers were forced, by the mere need to survive, to be self-reliant. As the earliest settlers were setting foot on utterly unfamiliar territory and were uncertain of what type of human presence they might encounter, they had to quickly rely on their own skills at providing ...

The way algebra is taught should be geared to the students in the class. This is the basic tenet of differentiated instruction, which the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development describes in practice as "offering several different learning experiences in response to students' varied needs" (see the link below for more information). Some students need to reinforce the basic skills involved in algebra. If, for example, they are solving a one-step equation, they will struggle... The way algebra is taught should be geared to the students in the class. This is the basic tenet of differentiated instruction, which the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development describes in practice as "offering several different learning experiences in response to students' varied needs" (see the link below for more information). Some students need to reinforce the basic skills involved in algebra. If, for example, they are solving a one-step equation, th...

At first, under the rule of Farmer Jones and his men, the pigs and the dogs are in the same situation as all the other animals on the farm. Their lives, says Old Major, are miserable, filled with hard labor, and short. They, like the other animals, are given as little as the owners can get away with offering them. Also like all the other animals, the pigs and dogs will be killed when it... At first, under the rule of Farmer Jones and his men, the pigs and the dogs are in the same situation as all the other animals on the farm. Their lives, says Old Major, are miserable, filled with hard labor, and short. They, like the other animals, are given as little as the owners can get away with offering them. Also like all the other animals, the pigs and dogs will be killed when it is more useful for the owners to end their lives. As Old Major puts it:  You young porkers who are sitting in front of me, every one of you will scream your lives out at the block within a year. To that horror we all ...

In simple terms, a particle that has a positive surface charge is known as a positively charged particle. Similarly, any particle that has a negative charge on its surface is known as a negatively charged particle.  There are some fundamental particles: neutrons, protons and electrons and these make up all the atoms. Neutrons and protons are neutrally and positively charged, respectively, while an electron is negatively charged. The nucleus of an atom consists of neutrons... In simple terms, a particle that has a positive surface charge is known as a positively charged particle. Similarly, any particle that has a negative charge on its surface is known as a negatively charged particle.  There are some fundamental particles: neutrons, protons and electrons and these make up all the atoms. Neutrons and protons are neutrally and positively charged, respectively, while an electron is negatively charged. The nucleus of an atom consists of neutrons and protons, while the electrons are found ...

In Sue Monk Kidd’s The Secret Life of Bees , June Boatwright proves to be a very complex character. One of these complications revolves around her relationship with Neil. Despite Neil being a supportive and caring partner, June consistently rejects his marriage proposals. The largest reason for her rejections (and the only motive that readers are explicitly told) is that when June was younger she was left at the altar by a former love. Understandably,... In Sue Monk Kidd’s The Secret Life of Bees , June Boatwright proves to be a very complex character. One of these complications revolves around her relationship with Neil. Despite Neil being a supportive and caring partner, June consistently rejects his marriage proposals. The largest reason for her rejections (and the only motive that readers are explicitly told) is that when June was younger she was left at the altar by a former love. Understandably, June’s negative experience makes her wary of future romantic relationships. Another p...

If by inferiorities, you mean weaknesses or inferiority complexes, it is true that every character in the play has insecurities and flaws. One of Cassio’s weaknesses is alcohol: “I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking.” Iago uses this against him, insisting that he drink at a party. Cassio then becomes belligerent and gets into a fight, a mistake that loses him his job. In turn, he asks Desdemona to help convince Othello to... If by inferiorities, you mean weaknesses or inferiority complexes, it is true that every character in the play has insecurities and flaws. One of Cassio’s weaknesses is alcohol: “I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking.” Iago uses this against him, insisting that he drink at a party. Cassio then becomes belligerent and gets into a fight, a mistake that loses him his job. In turn, he asks Desdemona to help convince Othello to forgive him. Iago pretends that Cassio and Desdemona’s “conspiring” is actually proof that they are having an affair, whi...

Here's one possible thesis statement: Frost shows, in his poem "The Road Not Taken," that there is no road less traveled, that it is ultimately impossible to make a totally unique choice, because others have always made each choice available to us many times before.  He says that the second road is "just as fair" as the first, though it is somewhat grassier.  However, "as for that the passing there / Had worn them really... Here's one possible thesis statement: Frost shows, in his poem "The Road Not Taken," that there is no road less traveled, that it is ultimately impossible to make a totally unique choice, because others have always made each choice available to us many times before.  He says that the second road is "just as fair" as the first, though it is somewhat grassier.  However, "as for that the passing there / Had worn them really about the same."  In other words, about the same number of people have taken each of...

At the beginning of the story, Miss Brill is old fashioned but whimsical.  She clearly has a ritual where she walks to the park and listens to the band play each Sunday, and she decides to wear her old fox fur, a very old fashioned accessory.  Moreover, her bygone-era formality is further indicated by her appellation: we aren't told her first name; we can only call her "Miss."  Despite her age, she is somewhat playful,... At the beginning of the story, Miss Brill is old fashioned but whimsical.  She clearly has a ritual where she walks to the park and listens to the band play each Sunday, and she decides to wear her old fox fur, a very old fashioned accessory.  Moreover, her bygone-era formality is further indicated by her appellation: we aren't told her first name; we can only call her "Miss."  Despite her age, she is somewhat playful, thinking of her fox fur as a "little rogue."  The narrator's descriptions of her perception are also whimsica...

The United States military was impacted by technological and economic factors during World War II. New forms of technology were used to help our military accomplish its goals. The navy was able to use sonar and radar to spot the German submarines. This helped to make it safer for Allied ships crossing the ocean. We also used radar to spot enemy airplanes. We developed the atomic bomb as a new weapon using newer forms of... The United States military was impacted by technological and economic factors during World War II. New forms of technology were used to help our military accomplish its goals. The navy was able to use sonar and radar to spot the German submarines. This helped to make it safer for Allied ships crossing the ocean. We also used radar to spot enemy airplanes. We developed the atomic bomb as a new weapon using newer forms of technology. This bomb helped bring World War II to an end. There were economic factors that helped our military during the war. Because Great Britain...

“The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” is, perhaps, not a traditional love song—Prufrock’s longing runs throughout the poem but is neatly concealed, his despair projected elsewhere. The beginning of the poem begins in an expected manner: Let us go then, you and I, When the evening is spread out against the sky And yet the lovely beginning is instantly put to rest by the following comparison: “Like a patient etherised upon a table.” Instantly... “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” is, perhaps, not a traditional love song—Prufrock’s longing runs throughout the poem but is neatly concealed, his despair projected elsewhere. The beginning of the poem begins in an expected manner: Let us go then, you and I, When the evening is spread out against the sky And yet the lovely beginning is instantly put to rest by the following comparison: “Like a patient etherised upon a table.” Instantly the poem is dampened and expectations subverted. The high-flown language of the opening succumbs to the dre...

The most shocking secret is probably the fact that Eric had made Eva Smith pregnant and that he had, out of desperation, stolen money from his father's business in order to support her.  The reason why the revelation is so powerful is because firstly, Eric is the youngest member of the Birling family and that one would expect that he would, due to his youth, have had the least involvement with the unfortunate young woman. He appears, from the outset, to be quite upset about inspector Goole's assertions and, at one time, accuses him of having spoilt their little get-together. He is quite uncomfortable and promises to leave. He blurts out toward the end of act one, "Look here, I've had enough of this." He then informs the inspector that he had a little too much to drink and feels that he is in the way and wishes to go to bed. Eric is also strongly critical of those he believes had done Eva Smith an injustice and continuously makes derisive comments in this regard. W...

Right before Max is kidnapped by his father, Killer Kane says the following to his son on Christmas Eve: “I know what they told you. It’s all a big lie, you understand? I never killed anybody, and that’s the truth, so help me God” (101). There is certainly an element of hope behind hearing these words. Many convicts say that they are innocent, but the evidence says otherwise. For children like Max, who must endure... Right before Max is kidnapped by his father, Killer Kane says the following to his son on Christmas Eve: “I know what they told you. It’s all a big lie, you understand? I never killed anybody, and that’s the truth, so help me God” (101). There is certainly an element of hope behind hearing these words. Many convicts say that they are innocent, but the evidence says otherwise. For children like Max, who must endure life without parents because of incarceration, it would be very tempting to want to believe that his father is not guilty. There are so many red flags, though, t...

Duncan, the king, speaks these words after his forces have won the day and secured his throne and Scotland against Norway and traitors at home. Duncan is so pleased with Macbeth's victories that he's given him the title Thane of Cawdor as a reward and had the old thane executed for treason. Therefore, when Duncan says, "My plenteous joys, / Wanton in fullness, seek to hide themselves / In drops of sorrow," he means that he is... Duncan, the king, speaks these words after his forces have won the day and secured his throne and Scotland against Norway and traitors at home. Duncan is so pleased with Macbeth's victories that he's given him the title Thane of Cawdor as a reward and had the old thane executed for treason. Therefore, when Duncan says, "My plenteous joys, / Wanton in fullness, seek to hide themselves / In drops of sorrow," he means that he is so happy, so pleased, that it threatens to make him cry. Next, he speaks to all those loyal nobles wh...

In Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 , conversation between Montag and Mildred is similar to the program she watches on the "parlor walls." Montag has become accustomed to referring to characters in the television program Mildred watches by their characters' names, as if they were members of the family, as with "Uncle Louis" or "Aunt Maude." Montag comes to despise the very thing that so engages his wife's attention throughout each day. She lives vicariously through the experiences of closely scripted actors on the screen, but when they speak, they say virtually nothing of importance; Mildred is so passively engaged that she cannot even answer questions about what is going on with the characters. She has no idea. Montag takes a hard look at the programming that is constantly pouring into his living room: And the uncles, the aunts, the cousins, the nieces, the nephews, that lived in those walls, the gibbering pace of tree apes that said nothing, nothing...

The Double V campaign was a part of World War II. African-Americans used the Double V campaign because they believed they were fighting in World War II to end racism in Europe and to end discrimination in the United States. Adolf Hitler had expressed his ideas about the superiority of the Aryan race. Those who weren’t of the Aryan race were viewed negatively. Some people, such as the Jewish people, were imprisoned and killed. African-Americans... The Double V campaign was a part of World War II. African-Americans used the Double V campaign because they believed they were fighting in World War II to end racism in Europe and to end discrimination in the United States. Adolf Hitler had expressed his ideas about the superiority of the Aryan race. Those who weren’t of the Aryan race were viewed negatively. Some people, such as the Jewish people, were imprisoned and killed. African-Americans were fighting to defeat these racist ideas as well as to bring democratic government to Germany and t...

In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story “Winter Dreams,” the links at Sherry Island represent the hopes, dreams, and ambitions of Dexter Green. Sherry Island is significant because it is the place where the rich and privileged spend their summers socializing and playing golf. It is an exclusive group to which Dexter aspires to join. Each Autumn, Dexter allows himself to dream about becoming a golf champion on the links, a masterful swimmer, and a member... In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story “Winter Dreams,” the links at Sherry Island represent the hopes, dreams, and ambitions of Dexter Green. Sherry Island is significant because it is the place where the rich and privileged spend their summers socializing and playing golf. It is an exclusive group to which Dexter aspires to join. Each Autumn, Dexter allows himself to dream about becoming a golf champion on the links, a masterful swimmer, and a member of the ranks of those who he caddied for. He would be respected and admired for his ath...

In Elie Wiesel’s memoir, Night , chapter one goes into detail about what Elie’s life was like in the two years leading up to the German invasion of Hungary. From these pages the reader learns that Sighet’s Jewish community is not worried about the rumors of what Hitler is doing to the Jewish people. Even the horrific story told by Moshe the Beadle seems to have no effect on them. Even when the Nazi’s invade... In Elie Wiesel’s memoir, Night , chapter one goes into detail about what Elie’s life was like in the two years leading up to the German invasion of Hungary. From these pages the reader learns that Sighet’s Jewish community is not worried about the rumors of what Hitler is doing to the Jewish people. Even the horrific story told by Moshe the Beadle seems to have no effect on them. Even when the Nazi’s invade in the spring of 1944, no one Elie knows attempts to flee. There are many reasons why the Jews of Sighet are optimistic until the very end. First of all, the radio reports sug...

Yes. At the beginning of the novel, Amir sits idly by and witnesses Hassan get raped, then plants money and a watch underneath Hassan's bed to make it look like Hassan stole from him. Amir's actions force Ali and Hassan to leave their home which ends Baba's long friendship with Ali. Throughout his life, Amir is plagued with guilt for his actions until he gets a call from Rahim Khan telling him that there is... Yes. At the beginning of the novel, Amir sits idly by and witnesses Hassan get raped, then plants money and a watch underneath Hassan's bed to make it look like Hassan stole from him. Amir's actions force Ali and Hassan to leave their home which ends Baba's long friendship with Ali. Throughout his life, Amir is plagued with guilt for his actions until he gets a call from Rahim Khan telling him that there is a way to be good again. When Amir travels to Pakistan to speak with Rahim Khan, Rahim tells him about Hassan's son, Sohrab. Amir accepts the chall...

Dally and Johnny have a unique relationship throughout the novel, and each of them displays mutual respect and admiration for one another. They both come from broken homes and Dally sees Johnny as a younger brother. Johnny looks up to Dally and views Dally as his hero. Johnny thinks Dally is a "gallant" individual because Dally selflessly sticks up for his friends in the most desperate situations. While Johnny openly voices his admiration for Dally,... Dally and Johnny have a unique relationship throughout the novel, and each of them displays mutual respect and admiration for one another. They both come from broken homes and Dally sees Johnny as a younger brother. Johnny looks up to Dally and views Dally as his hero. Johnny thinks Dally is a "gallant" individual because Dally selflessly sticks up for his friends in the most desperate situations. While Johnny openly voices his admiration for Dally, Dally lets his actions depict his feelings for his friend. In chapt...

1. Chapter 14 opens with a brief scene in town in which "countrywomen" and "a skinny gentleman" take note of Scout and Jem and mutter about them in vaguely rude ways. Scout doesn't realize that they are bitter about Atticus taking on Tom's case. 2. The next scene occurs after dinner in Scout's home. She asks Atticus what rape is, and he tries to explain it. When Scout talks about how she enjoyed going to... 1. Chapter 14 opens with a brief scene in town in which "countrywomen" and "a skinny gentleman" take note of Scout and Jem and mutter about them in vaguely rude ways. Scout doesn't realize that they are bitter about Atticus taking on Tom's case. 2. The next scene occurs after dinner in Scout's home. She asks Atticus what rape is, and he tries to explain it. When Scout talks about how she enjoyed going to Calpurnia's church, Aunt Alexandra interjects herself into the conversation and tells Scout that she can't go...

The Second Shepherds’ Play is a mystery play (so called because they dealt with the spiritual mysteries of Christ’s birth and death) and gains its name because in the Wakefield Cycle, of which it is a part, it immediately follows another play about the shepherds. In fact, Robinson (1991) hypothesizes that this play is actually a revision of the first and not a separate play at all. The Second Shepherds’ Play contains two stories: the first is that of the shepherds in the field watching their sheep when they are visited by Mak, a ne'er-do-well and thief who steals a sheep and takes it to his wife Gill. Gill hides the sheep wrapped in a blanket in the cradle in an attempt to fool the shepherds who come looking for it into believing it is her newborn child. Mak and Gill are found out and punished. The second story follows immediately on the heels of the first and is the familiar Biblical story of the angel informing the shepherds of the Christ-child’s birth and their subsequent visit ...

Although Ralph is not the most successful leader, he possesses several important attributes that qualify him as a good leader. One important trait that Ralph possesses is the ability to prioritize paramount issues, such as rescue and survival. He continually encourages the boys to maintain the signal fire and works tirelessly building shelters and collecting water. Ralph also tells the boys that there is a chance for rescue and establishes rules that allow everyone an... Although Ralph is not the most successful leader, he possesses several important attributes that qualify him as a good leader. One important trait that Ralph possesses is the ability to prioritize paramount issues, such as rescue and survival. He continually encourages the boys to maintain the signal fire and works tirelessly building shelters and collecting water. Ralph also tells the boys that there is a chance for rescue and establishes rules that allow everyone an equal chance to be heard. His democratic tendencie...

When Nick attends his first party at Gatsby's, he and Jordan go into the library and meet a drunk man wearing round glasses who is inspecting the books.  The man is amazed that the books on the shelves are real, and he refers to Gatsby as "a regular Belasco" (45). David Belasco was a theater producer, director, and playwright who lived from 1853 to 1931; thus, he would have been alive when the text was... When Nick attends his first party at Gatsby's, he and Jordan go into the library and meet a drunk man wearing round glasses who is inspecting the books.  The man is amazed that the books on the shelves are real, and he refers to Gatsby as "a regular Belasco" (45). David Belasco was a theater producer, director, and playwright who lived from 1853 to 1931; thus, he would have been alive when the text was written and set. In making such a comparison, the owl-eyed man implies that Gatsby is good at building a realistic set or stage; he's adept at creating b...

In the final scene of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet , Romeo arrives at the Capulet tomb to commit suicide inside the vault with Juliet. Outside the tomb he encounters Count Paris, who believes Romeo is disrespecting the Capulet monument. The two fight and Romeo kills Paris, dragging him inside next to the Capulet dead, including Tybalt and Juliet. As soon as Romeo sees Juliet he comments, as he has often done before, that she lights... In the final scene of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet , Romeo arrives at the Capulet tomb to commit suicide inside the vault with Juliet. Outside the tomb he encounters Count Paris, who believes Romeo is disrespecting the Capulet monument. The two fight and Romeo kills Paris, dragging him inside next to the Capulet dead, including Tybalt and Juliet. As soon as Romeo sees Juliet he comments, as he has often done before, that she lights up the darkness of the tomb. He further suggests that Juliet still appears to be quite alive, with red lips and c...