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The mood of "Miss Brill" is fairly whimsical and imaginative in the beginning. The first line of the story and the initial description of the setting is quite pretty and cheerful, introducing this mood, with "the blue sky powdered with gold and great spots of light like white wine splashed over the Jardins Publiques." The connotation of words like powdered and gold are quite positive, and the simile which compares the light to splashes of... The mood of "Miss Brill" is fairly whimsical and imaginative in the beginning. The first line of the story and the initial description of the setting is quite pretty and cheerful, introducing this mood, with "the blue sky powdered with gold and great spots of light like white wine splashed over the Jardins Publiques." The connotation of words like powdered and gold are quite positive, and the simile which compares the light to splashes of white wine feels both fun and sophisticated. Further, Miss Brill...

I answer this question with some trepidation, because the Austrian school bears roughly the same relation to economics as geocentrism does to astrophysics. It is a thoroughly debunked pseudoscience with absolutely no basis in empirical fact. Certain Austrian economists have contributed worthwhile ideas to modern economics (much as geocentrists did contribute to mathematics, geometry, and physics in their day), but continuing to believe in Austrian economics in today's era of experimental cognitive economics is irresponsible. That said, it may still be worthwhile to try to understand what the Austrian school says,  if only to understand where it went wrong. So, I've gone and cited the Austrian Economics Wiki about what  they  think causes business cycles and how one should respond to them, which is almost completely wrong and in many ways literally backward.  Austrians argue that the business cycle is caused by excessive intervention of the central bank in monetary policy, that ...

At first glance, Peter Quince is not a central character in Shakespeare's  A Midsummer Night's Dream.  After all, he's not part of the Athenian relationship debacle, nor does he have a central comedic role like Bottom. That said, Quince is more important than many readers might think, as he's the director and writer of the play-within-a-play, the centerpiece of Act 5. Indeed, it seems that Quince is in charge of the bulk of the rude... At first glance, Peter Quince is not a central character in Shakespeare's  A Midsummer Night's Dream.  After all, he's not part of the Athenian relationship debacle, nor does he have a central comedic role like Bottom. That said, Quince is more important than many readers might think, as he's the director and writer of the play-within-a-play, the centerpiece of Act 5. Indeed, it seems that Quince is in charge of the bulk of the rude mechanicals' theatrical exercise, as he assigns the roles and generally seems to manage...

There are a number of clues that a chemical reaction has taken place. If any of them are observed, we can surmise that a chemical reaction has taken place. Some of these clues are: Production of gas: a number of chemical reactions result in the generation of gas (or gases). Thus, a visual observation of gas generation is a clue to a chemical reaction. Heat change: A number of chemical reactions either need energy for completion or generate energy upon completion. Thus, if the reaction container gets hot or cold, this change in temperature of the container is a clue that a reaction has taken place. Change in color: A number of chemical reactions are accompanied by a color change, which is another clue. Smell or odor: A number of chemical reactions result in compounds that produce a smell, which can be used as another clue. Precipitate formation: A number of chemical reactions produce precipitates. Thus, if we observe some precipitate formation and settling, we can be sure that a chemica...

Dr. King believed that nonviolent civil disobedience would end injustice. Dr. King believed that people had a moral duty to oppose injustice.  He was not passive in suggesting that individuals must respond to evil in the world.  He proposed that individuals embrace nonviolence as a means to end injustice.  Nonviolent civil disobedience would transform the souls of individuals who perpetrate injustice: I do not want to give the impression that non- violence will work miracles... Dr. King believed that nonviolent civil disobedience would end injustice. Dr. King believed that people had a moral duty to oppose injustice.  He was not passive in suggesting that individuals must respond to evil in the world.  He proposed that individuals embrace nonviolence as a means to end injustice.  Nonviolent civil disobedience would transform the souls of individuals who perpetrate injustice: I do not want to give the impression that non- violence will work miracles overnight. Men are not easily moved f...

The beginning of Act I, Scene 1 is a prime example of the hatred and disorder which is prevalent on the streets of Verona because of the bitter feud between the Montagues and Capulets. The Capulet servants, Gregory and Sampson, have nothing better to do than walk the streets describing how they would like to rape the Montague women and, when they come across the Montague servants, are quick to resort to demeaning insults (biting... The beginning of Act I, Scene 1 is a prime example of the hatred and disorder which is prevalent on the streets of Verona because of the bitter feud between the Montagues and Capulets. The Capulet servants, Gregory and Sampson, have nothing better to do than walk the streets describing how they would like to rape the Montague women and, when they come across the Montague servants, are quick to resort to demeaning insults (biting their thumbs) in order to instigate a fight. The hatred is increased when Tybalt, Juliet's cousin, comes on the scene and threa...

If you are maximizing output for fixed cost or minimizing cost for fixed output (there is a duality that makes these two optimization problems equivalent), the price you pay for a given amount of marginal product will be the same. So if they were maximizing profit, they would be paying the same rate for marginal product of capital as for marginal product of labor. I can prove this using a Lagrangian; I will as a sort of "appendix" below. If that's too advanced for what you're familiar with, just don't worry about that appendix and take it as given that price of marginal product should be equal for maximizing profit. But they are not; they have too much labor, not enough capital. Since their marginal product of labor is 40 units per day, for which they are paying a wage w of $20 per day, this is how much they're paying for marginal product of labor: w/MPL = 20/40 = $0.50 per unit Since their marginal product of capital is 120 units per day, for which they are p...

The most striking aspect of Flowers for Algernon is the astonishing character development that Charlie undergoes throughout the book. In many areas, his development is not only continuing, but beginning for the first time. Below are four of the advantages Charlie had pre-surgery that he no longer had the same way after his surgery--his simplistic approach, trust, repression, and belief in people. Simplistic Approach Even though Charlie is 32, he still functions like a child.... The most striking aspect of Flowers for Algernon is the astonishing character development that Charlie undergoes throughout the book. In many areas, his development is not only continuing, but beginning for the first time. Below are four of the advantages Charlie had pre-surgery that he no longer had the same way after his surgery--his simplistic approach, trust, repression, and belief in people. Simplistic Approach Even though Charlie is 32, he still functions like a child. His simplemindedness allows him to tr...

The narrator felt 'triumphant, yet strangely saddened' after winning the argument because she had hurt her grandmother and made her sad. According to the story, the narrator's grandmother had taken her into a part of the gully she had never visited before; the purpose of the trip was to allow the narrator to see a very tall palm tree situated in a clearing amidst the densest foliage. When the narrator's grandmother asked whether there was... The narrator felt 'triumphant, yet strangely saddened' after winning the argument because she had hurt her grandmother and made her sad. According to the story, the narrator's grandmother had taken her into a part of the gully she had never visited before; the purpose of the trip was to allow the narrator to see a very tall palm tree situated in a clearing amidst the densest foliage. When the narrator's grandmother asked whether there was anything taller than the palm tree in New York City, the narrator asserted that...

The prince of Morocco chooses the golden casket because he believes that the caskets reflect Portia's physical beauty. He also believes that picking the lead casket is too risky and thinks that he is too esteemed to waste his time with a casket of such low value. The prince of Morocco does not appreciate Portia's inner beauty more than he does her physical beauty. In contrast, Portia is a magnanimous individual who is more concerned... The prince of Morocco chooses the golden casket because he believes that the caskets reflect Portia's physical beauty. He also believes that picking the lead casket is too risky and thinks that he is too esteemed to waste his time with a casket of such low value. The prince of Morocco does not appreciate Portia's inner beauty more than he does her physical beauty. In contrast, Portia is a magnanimous individual who is more concerned with inherent goodness than she is with outward appearance, which makes him an unsuitable candidate. The p...

As he travels with the old man who resembles his grandfather, Goodman Brown is surprised to see the highly esteemed members of the Puritan community. As he walks on a path leading deeper into the forest primeval, his faith is shaken when he recognizes Goody Cloyse, a "Christian woman" who was his catechism teacher, along with Deacon Gookin and the minister. Goodman Brown is shaken by his encounter with Goody Cloyse, who is well-acquainted with... As he travels with the old man who resembles his grandfather, Goodman Brown is surprised to see the highly esteemed members of the Puritan community. As he walks on a path leading deeper into the forest primeval, his faith is shaken when he recognizes Goody Cloyse, a "Christian woman" who was his catechism teacher, along with Deacon Gookin and the minister. Goodman Brown is shaken by his encounter with Goody Cloyse, who is well-acquainted with the Goodman's companion—the Devil disguised in the likeness of Goodman's ...

First, look at how the Cold War affected the U.S. government in terms of foreign policy.  Due to a threat of nuclear war with the Soviet Union, America had to always have nuclear preparedness plans with the capacity to deliver these weapons, whether through bombers, missiles, or naval delivery systems.  This was money that could have been spent elsewhere, such as on domestic programs.  Also, America got itself into foreign entanglements such as Vietnam and... First, look at how the Cold War affected the U.S. government in terms of foreign policy.  Due to a threat of nuclear war with the Soviet Union, America had to always have nuclear preparedness plans with the capacity to deliver these weapons, whether through bombers, missiles, or naval delivery systems.  This was money that could have been spent elsewhere, such as on domestic programs.  Also, America got itself into foreign entanglements such as Vietnam and Korea in order to contain communism, killing thousands of young men and inj...

In Part 2 of The Pilgrim's Progress, Christiana decides to follow her husband and join him in heaven. People warn her that the journey will be dangerous, but she is determined to go. She and her four sons begin following Christian’s example. As Christiana is leaving the City of Destructions, a pretty woman, named Mercy, from the town joins the travelers. They go through the Slough of Despond to reach the Wicket Gate, which is the entrance to the Holy Way. This narrow and straight path will take them to Mount Zion. Christiana and the young men are admitted, but Mercy temporarily is left outside. Finally the gatekeeper admits her as well, and the six start on the Holy Way. Christiana and Mercy are attacked by men who try to rape them, but they are rescued by some other visitors at the Wicket Gate. The attackers escape to Satan’s garden. When they reach the Interpreter’s House, the Interpreter has Great-heart, a powerful Christian warrior, join them in order to protect them on the re...

The devil promises that potential communicants will learn how women, eager to become widows, give "[their] husband[s] a drink at bedtime."  In other words, these women poison their spouses in order to seize independence for themselves.  Moreover, communicants will learn of "beardless youths" who have killed their fathers so that they can inherit their wealth early.  Further, communicants will learn about "fair damsels" who have "dug little graves in the garden" and asked the devil... The devil promises that potential communicants will learn how women, eager to become widows, give "[their] husband[s] a drink at bedtime."  In other words, these women poison their spouses in order to seize independence for themselves.  Moreover, communicants will learn of "beardless youths" who have killed their fathers so that they can inherit their wealth early.  Further, communicants will learn about "fair damsels" who have "dug...

Milton's poem "On His Blindness" is an autobiographical poem written in the first person, responding to Milton's having lost his sight in middle age. It is written in the form of an Italian sonnet. The speaker displays one attitude in the octave and a different attitude in the sestet. In the octave, Milton expresses frustration with his blindness, because it prevents him from serving God through his writing. He does not understand why God would... Milton's poem "On His Blindness" is an autobiographical poem written in the first person, responding to Milton's having lost his sight in middle age. It is written in the form of an Italian sonnet. The speaker displays one attitude in the octave and a different attitude in the sestet. In the octave, Milton expresses frustration with his blindness, because it prevents him from serving God through his writing. He does not understand why God would take away the sight that has enabled Milton to write poems such...

The trial is perhaps the most crucial scene in the play. In Act IV, Scene I, Shylock demands the right to cut a pound of flesh from Antonio’s body. The court’s decision determines Antonio’s fate. The duke appeals to Shylock’s sense of compassion, to no avail. Shylock says he will stick to his promise: “And by our holy Sabbath have I sworn / To have the due and forfeit of my bond.” Antonio has willingly signed an agreement to allow Shylock a pound of his flesh if he did not repay Shylock on time. The duke believes there is nothing to be done. Bassanio attempts to offer money, which Shylock refuses. Antonio’s friends hurl insults at Shylock and cry for their friend, but Shylock does not yield. Portia, disguised as a lawyer, arrives and describes to Shylock the wonders of mercy: “it is twice blest; / It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.” She declines to simply pardon Antonio because that will set a flawed precedent. Portia eventually manages to find a loophole in Shylock’s argum...

Let's first get a better understanding of where this quote occurs within the play's narrative. Romeo and Juliet have just met for the first time at the Capulet ball, and, although they did not have a long time to converse there due to the oppressive, ever-watching eye of Juliet's family, they were both equally struck by the force of love.  In Act Two, Scene Two, Romeo sneaks into the Capulets' gardens to admire Juliet from... Let's first get a better understanding of where this quote occurs within the play's narrative. Romeo and Juliet have just met for the first time at the Capulet ball, and, although they did not have a long time to converse there due to the oppressive, ever-watching eye of Juliet's family, they were both equally struck by the force of love.  In Act Two, Scene Two, Romeo sneaks into the Capulets' gardens to admire Juliet from afar. He climbs up to her balcony to proclaim his love for her, swearing his affection by the "blessèd moo...

Many things were designed by the Union to defeat the Confederacy, though the Confederacy was able to acquire many of the same things.  One thing that the Union had a near-monopoly on was the Monitor, which was modeled after the  U.S.S. Monitor  that fought at the battle of Hampton Roads, Virginia in the first battle of ironclads.  This ship was low on the waterline and had a gun turret, while traditional naval ships of the... Many things were designed by the Union to defeat the Confederacy, though the Confederacy was able to acquire many of the same things.  One thing that the Union had a near-monopoly on was the Monitor, which was modeled after the  U.S.S. Monitor  that fought at the battle of Hampton Roads, Virginia in the first battle of ironclads.  This ship was low on the waterline and had a gun turret, while traditional naval ships of the time had to fire broadsides into their enemies and often board them for hand-to-hand combat.  These Monitors had such a shallow draft that they...

In chapter 9, Cecil Jacobs tells Scout at school that her father "defends ni***rs". When Scout asks her father about what Cecil meant by that, he says that some people around town don't believe that he should defend Tom Robinson. Scout wonders why he is doing it if people say he shouldn't. Atticus responds with the following: "For a number of reasons. . . The main one is, if I didn't I couldn't hold up... In chapter 9, Cecil Jacobs tells Scout at school that her father "defends ni***rs". When Scout asks her father about what Cecil meant by that, he says that some people around town don't believe that he should defend Tom Robinson. Scout wonders why he is doing it if people say he shouldn't. Atticus responds with the following: "For a number of reasons. . . The main one is, if I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do som...

"Imperial power" is a bit of a vague label. It tends to mean several things at once, so let's unpack it. In the sense of "this country was built on conquest by force," the "imperial power" part of America actually predates the United States proper. The territories that would become the United States were imperial colonies, established by the great European empires of the 17th and 18th centuries. Much of the US Constitution and American governance generally goes back to England, history's largest and most successful imperial power, but vital aspects of American culture come from other imperial powers, such as France and Spain. Much of American culture comes from sources other than the old empires, but they were key influences on what the United States became. In the sense of "this country treats conquest by force as a fundamental component of its culture, economy and politics," the United States has always been an imperial power. Even earl...

Renaissance Italy was full of noble families feuding with one another for honor, fame, glory, influence, and wealth! Families like the Medici, Borgia, and Pazzi used their wealth to buy favors in government, have people killed, pay off the Church to forgive or forget sins, and commission new buildings and works of art to earn public approval. This fighting was primarily carried out by trying to one-up each other in the public eye, but sometimes... Renaissance Italy was full of noble families feuding with one another for honor, fame, glory, influence, and wealth! Families like the Medici, Borgia, and Pazzi used their wealth to buy favors in government, have people killed, pay off the Church to forgive or forget sins, and commission new buildings and works of art to earn public approval. This fighting was primarily carried out by trying to one-up each other in the public eye, but sometimes it spilled over into literal bloodshed. Especially where young noblemen were concerned, fights occa...

The play begins as the village belle, Sidi, walks past the school as the teacher, Lakunle, professes his love for her. Sidi tells him that she will marry him, but only if he pays the bride-price. Lakunle refuses to pay the bride-price, claiming that it is a savage custom. In the middle of their conversation, a village girl runs to Sidi and tells her that the stranger has returned with a magazine full of images... The play begins as the village belle, Sidi, walks past the school as the teacher, Lakunle, professes his love for her. Sidi tells him that she will marry him, but only if he pays the bride-price. Lakunle refuses to pay the bride-price, claiming that it is a savage custom. In the middle of their conversation, a village girl runs to Sidi and tells her that the stranger has returned with a magazine full of images from Ilujinle. Other girls tell Sidi that her pictures look beautiful and that her image is found throughout the entire magazine. Sidi asks if Baroka's image is in ...

According to the National Center for Children in Poverty (see the link below), 22% of American children live in poverty. That means they live below the federal poverty level of $23,550 a year for a family of four. Many of their parents work but earn too little to support their children or have interrupted employment. According to UNICEF (see the link below), the U.S. ranks 36 out of 41 among industrialized nations for its rate... According to the National Center for Children in Poverty (see the link below), 22% of American children live in poverty. That means they live below the federal poverty level of $23,550 a year for a family of four. Many of their parents work but earn too little to support their children or have interrupted employment. According to UNICEF (see the link below), the U.S. ranks 36 out of 41 among industrialized nations for its rate of childhood poverty. In other words, childhood poverty is worse in the U.S. than in most industrialized nations. In Norway, only 5.3% ...

in his poem “Ballad of Birmingham," Dudley Randall creates a memorial for four young girls and a reminder of the violent race relations in America during the 1960’s. He accomplishes this by writing the poem as a dialogue between a mother and daughter prior to the 1963 bombing of the Seventeenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. The little girl in the poem requests her mother's permission to participate in the Civil Rights march taking... in his poem “Ballad of Birmingham," Dudley Randall creates a memorial for four young girls and a reminder of the violent race relations in America during the 1960’s. He accomplishes this by writing the poem as a dialogue between a mother and daughter prior to the 1963 bombing of the Seventeenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. The little girl in the poem requests her mother's permission to participate in the Civil Rights march taking place on that Sunday, but her mother, who is concerned for her child’s safety...

At the beginning of the play, Sidi is open to the possibility of marrying Lakunle. She says that she is willing to marry him if he will simply pay the bride-price. Lakunle refuses to pay the bride-price by claiming that it is a savage custom. Sidi is attracted to aspects of Lakunle's personality but essentially tolerates his behavior. She criticizes Lakunle about his affinity for Western culture and questions why they let him run the... At the beginning of the play, Sidi is open to the possibility of marrying Lakunle. She says that she is willing to marry him if he will simply pay the bride-price. Lakunle refuses to pay the bride-price by claiming that it is a savage custom. Sidi is attracted to aspects of Lakunle's personality but essentially tolerates his behavior. She criticizes Lakunle about his affinity for Western culture and questions why they let him run the school. After Sidi learns that her image is everywhere in a popular magazine, she becomes conceited and tells ...

Is the "gamification" of education a passing fad or the tip of the iceberg?   I'm going to say both, but I need to explain why.  Ultimately, it will be a passing fad, but the fad may last for many decades.  I've been teaching long enough to have seen and been through styles of teaching that have been around for many, many years, and I have seen long standing, traditional styles of education begin to... Is the "gamification" of education a passing fad or the tip of the iceberg?   I'm going to say both, but I need to explain why.  Ultimately, it will be a passing fad, but the fad may last for many decades.  I've been teaching long enough to have seen and been through styles of teaching that have been around for many, many years, and I have seen long standing, traditional styles of education begin to fade out.  I believe that given enough time, any current style of teaching and learning has the ability to go away.  Games to learn math through isn't ...

"High temperature and rainfall year-round" describes the tropical rainforest biome. Tropical rainforests are recognized as supporting the largest diversity of animal life known to science, including a huge array of anthropod species, as well as many vertebrates, including small mammals, birds, and amphibians.  In some cases, the moisture and high temperatures of the tropical rainforest have a direct influence on what types of animals live there. For instance, frogs require moist, warm conditions, and there is... "High temperature and rainfall year-round" describes the tropical rainforest biome. Tropical rainforests are recognized as supporting the largest diversity of animal life known to science, including a huge array of anthropod species, as well as many vertebrates, including small mammals, birds, and amphibians.  In some cases, the moisture and high temperatures of the tropical rainforest have a direct influence on what types of animals live there. For instance...

In Act IV, Scene 6, there is a pathetic and funny meeting between two old men, Lear and Gloucester, who have lost everything because they trusted their children. Gloucester says: O, let me kiss that hand. This is when Lear says: Let me wipe it first: it smells of mortality. Lear has been living out in the open country for a long time. He is ragged and dirty, but still has some courtly manners. He... In Act IV, Scene 6, there is a pathetic and funny meeting between two old men, Lear and Gloucester, who have lost everything because they trusted their children. Gloucester says: O, let me kiss that hand. This is when Lear says: Let me wipe it first: it smells of mortality. Lear has been living out in the open country for a long time. He is ragged and dirty, but still has some courtly manners. He is still concerned about how he looks and how he smells. Shakespeare intended this line, and the action that accompanies it, to get a laugh from his audience. Lear smells his own hand first and the...

I believe the types of organism classifications you are looking for are producers, consumers, and decomposers. Producers are autotrophs such as plants, and some types of protists. These are the organisms that are capable of taking the light energy of the sun and transforming/storing it as chemical energy in the form of sugars. That is, they perform photosynthesis (carbon dioxide + water ---> sugars and oxygen). Without this group, the rest of the living things... I believe the types of organism classifications you are looking for are producers, consumers, and decomposers. Producers are autotrophs such as plants, and some types of protists. These are the organisms that are capable of taking the light energy of the sun and transforming/storing it as chemical energy in the form of sugars. That is, they perform photosynthesis (carbon dioxide + water ---> sugars and oxygen). Without this group, the rest of the living things on earth would quickly die out. There are some producers that...

Irony is when something happens that is the opposite of what you would expect. One irony is that Montresor decides to kill Fortunato during the Carnival, which is meant to be a happy occasion. This is one of the reasons Fortunato doesn’t suspect anything. He is drunk on wine and dressed up in a silly outfit. He is having a good time, while Montresor is planning a murder. The man wore motley. He had on... Irony is when something happens that is the opposite of what you would expect. One irony is that Montresor decides to kill Fortunato during the Carnival, which is meant to be a happy occasion. This is one of the reasons Fortunato doesn’t suspect anything. He is drunk on wine and dressed up in a silly outfit. He is having a good time, while Montresor is planning a murder. The man wore motley. He had on a tight-fitting parti-striped dress, and his head was surmounted by the conical cap and bells. I was so pleased to see him that I thought I should never have done wringing his hand. Anoth...

The Prohibition Act of 1920, which illegalized the sale, distribution, and manufacture of liquor, was repealed in 1933. The act was ratified as an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, becoming the Eighteenth Amendment. The Twenty-First Amendment then repealed the Eighteenth. Prohibition was repealed because it was very difficult to enact. The prohibition of the legal sale, distribution, and manufacture of liquor did not quell the public's appetite for it. On the contrary, that thirst was quenched by organized criminal syndicates. Many of history's best-known mobsters, including Al Capone, got a great deal of their business from selling liquor.  When criminals take over a trade that is as lucrative as the liquor business, they use violence to eliminate their competition. Their competitors became their murder victims. The St. Valentine's Day Massacre, led by Capone, is the most notorious example of a criminal syndicate trying to rid itself of competition in the liquor market. ...

Oedipus decides to search for the killer of Laius, both because the oracle has stated that it is the only way to rid Thebes of all its problems as well as because "in righting [Laius] [Oedipus] serves [him]self."  He figures that whoever slew Laius might return to slay him too.  Immediately after this, the Chorus prays to the gods and laments the sad times in Thebes.  When they are finished, Oedipus steps in, rather pridefully,... Oedipus decides to search for the killer of Laius, both because the oracle has stated that it is the only way to rid Thebes of all its problems as well as because "in righting [Laius] [Oedipus] serves [him]self."  He figures that whoever slew Laius might return to slay him too.  Immediately after this, the Chorus prays to the gods and laments the sad times in Thebes.  When they are finished, Oedipus steps in, rather pridefully, and assures them that he has the situation well in hand.  His pride while addressing them, and his assurance that...

Lady Macbeth, the main female character in the play, self-consciously understands herself in terms of her sex. Losing her "feminine" virtues becomes psychologically critical to her ability to ruthlessly pursue her ambitions for her husband. From her speeches, we as an audience understand Lady Macbeth perceives femininity as behaving in kind, compassionate, and merciful ways. Lady Macbeth wants to shed these perceived "weaknesses" so she can push Macbeth to murder.  She asks the spirits to... Lady Macbeth, the main female character in the play, self-consciously understands herself in terms of her sex. Losing her "feminine" virtues becomes psychologically critical to her ability to ruthlessly pursue her ambitions for her husband. From her speeches, we as an audience understand Lady Macbeth perceives femininity as behaving in kind, compassionate, and merciful ways. Lady Macbeth wants to shed these perceived "weaknesses" so she can push Macbeth to mu...

Vasco de Gama was an explorer of Portuguese ancestry. He was born in Sinnes, Portugal in 1460, the son of an explorer, and died of malaria in 1524, shortly after he arrived in India following his third voyage. Due to the difficulty of traversing the overland route to India, it was important to Europeans to find a more proficient way to access the spices and riches of India. The overland route was a long, arduous... Vasco de Gama was an explorer of Portuguese ancestry. He was born in Sinnes, Portugal in 1460, the son of an explorer, and died of malaria in 1524, shortly after he arrived in India following his third voyage. Due to the difficulty of traversing the overland route to India, it was important to Europeans to find a more proficient way to access the spices and riches of India. The overland route was a long, arduous journey fraught with the dangers of war and pillage. In 1497, King Henry of Portugal commissioned Vasco de Gama with four ships, and sponsored a sea expedition from ...