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Showing posts from July, 2017

What is the theme of "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker?

One major theme of this story is that one's heritage is meant to be used and made a part of daily life, not preserved and put on a shelf or a wall.  Although mama and Maggie still regularly use their butter churn, Dee wants to take the dasher and the churn top as souvenirs of her heritage.  She doesn't intend to use them, as she says, "'I can use the churn top as a centerpiece... One major theme of this story is that one's heritage is meant to be used and made a part of daily life, not preserved and put on a shelf or a wall.  Although mama and Maggie still regularly use their butter churn, Dee wants to take the dasher and the churn top as souvenirs of her heritage.  She doesn't intend to use them, as she says, "'I can use the churn top as a centerpiece for the alcove table, [...] and I’ll think of something artistic to do with the dasher.'"  Dee happily takes the items that her family uses to prepare their food on a daily basis because they ha

Is there a way to compare the theme of revenge in Mibelungenlied with the theme of revenge in Kill Bill?

The simplest comparisons that can be made between these two sagas are the consistent threat of violence throughout the plot and the over-arching theme of revenge. Within Kill Bill Vols. 1&2, the protagonist Beatrix Kiddo (aka The Bride and/or Black Mamba) seeks revenge against the titular Bill (aka Snake Charmer), her former lover and head of the assassination squad of which she was a member. Her quest begins after she awakens from a coma and... The simplest comparisons that can be made between these two sagas are the consistent threat of violence throughout the plot and the over-arching theme of revenge. Within Kill Bill Vols. 1&2, the protagonist Beatrix Kiddo (aka The Bride and/or Black Mamba) seeks revenge against the titular Bill (aka Snake Charmer), her former lover and head of the assassination squad of which she was a member. Her quest begins after she awakens from a coma and seeks out her former comrades by any means necessary in order to draw closer to Bill himself. K

What is the difference between a rift valley and a mid-oceanic ridge?

As tectonic plates move they sometimes move away from each other at divergent plate boundaries. The space left behind opens a large hole between the plates that is either filled with sediment, magma flowing from the mantle, or water. The major difference between different types is what type of plate the divergent boundary is between.  If the boundary is found between two continental plates you are left with a rift valley. This leads to steep... As tectonic plates move they sometimes move away from each other at divergent plate boundaries. The space left behind opens a large hole between the plates that is either filled with sediment, magma flowing from the mantle, or water. The major difference between different types is what type of plate the divergent boundary is between.  If the boundary is found between two continental plates you are left with a rift valley. This leads to steep mountainsides spreading apart from a widening valley. In the center of the valley either large gaps can f

Who are the Ewells and why do they get special privileges?

In Maycomb, Bob Ewell and his family are considered "white trash," the lowest stratum of white society in the town. Since there is little that motivates Bob Ewell, there is not much that Maycomb authorities can do about his misconduct that would be effective without harming the children at the same time. Since the Ewell family has no lower stratum of society to which the members can drop among the citizenry of Maycomb, it is... In Maycomb, Bob Ewell and his family are considered "white trash," the lowest stratum of white society in the town. Since there is little that motivates Bob Ewell, there is not much that Maycomb authorities can do about his misconduct that would be effective without harming the children at the same time. Since the Ewell family has no lower stratum of society to which the members can drop among the citizenry of Maycomb, it is impossible to shame them. Also, since they have neither shame nor money, legal measures against them are virtually inef

An article published last Fall titled "Is Algebra Necessary?" sparked a lively debate on the blogs. One of my favorite "yes" responses, "Make Us Do...

Those who know while in high school how the rest of their lives will develop are possibly fortunate. There may be some comfort in knowing exactly what one will be doing ten or twenty years down the road. For most of us however, we are not so gifted with certainty with regard to our futures. We enroll in colleges and universities with the expectation and the hope of being inspired by some academic discipline. Then we will be able to begin to shape our future accordingly. And if we do not know what the future holds, then we do not know what types of knowledge we will or will not require during the course of the next 50 years.  The question asked routinely among high school students -- why do I have to take algebra -- has been around for many decades, if not longer. There are two main reasons why it is important for students to study algebra. The first is the uncertainty regarding our future. Many students who attend college do not know what they want to study during their freshman and th

How can the Bob Dylan song "Blowin' in the Wind" be transformed into another genre—for example, a short story?

"Blowin' in the Wind" really inaugurates in some ways the rich vein of powerfully evocative, sometimes surrealist imagery that runs through Dylan's lyrics. Many of his songs are narrative works which detail fairly intelligible, linear stories, and they run a gamut of tones and attitudes from romantic to fatalistic, mythic to slapstick. Dylan and storytelling are a natural fit. So are Dylan and irreverent adaptation; he has always freely and habitually lifted allusions and images from sources classical, contemporary, and everywhere in between, remixing them in ironic and playful ways, so I would say that the guiding principle for adapting Dylan into a new form should be a sense of fearlessness and imaginative possibility. I once wrote a short screenplay which adapted both the Dylan song "Visions of Johanna" and the Jorge Luis Borges story "The Aleph." My advice would be not to worry about "translating" the song into another medium. The wor

What is the true story of Christopher Columbus compared to the legend?

The legend of Christopher Columbus is that he believed, against everyone else in the world at the time, that the Earth was round.  He therefore believed that he could sail to Asia from Europe by going west.  He bravely set sail into the unknown and thereby discovered the New World.  For this reason, he is a hero of world history. As to what is true, there is a great deal of controversy today and different... The legend of Christopher Columbus is that he believed, against everyone else in the world at the time, that the Earth was round.  He therefore believed that he could sail to Asia from Europe by going west.  He bravely set sail into the unknown and thereby discovered the New World.  For this reason, he is a hero of world history. As to what is true, there is a great deal of controversy today and different people will give you different versions of the truth about Columbus.  My own view is that Columbus was a brave man, but not necessarily a hero.  First, it is clearly not true that

How does Darry treat Ponyboy in The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton?

Darry is very strict, and Pony feels Darry does not understand him. The Curtis brothers lost their parents to a car accident. Darry, the oldest brother, became the father figure. Still, Pony considers Soda more loving and caring than Darry.  [Soda is] never hollering at me all the time the way Darry is, or treating me as if I was six instead of fourteen. I love Soda more than I've ever loved anyone, even Mom... Darry is very strict, and Pony feels Darry does not understand him. The Curtis brothers lost their parents to a car accident. Darry, the oldest brother, became the father figure. Still, Pony considers Soda more loving and caring than Darry.  [Soda is] never hollering at me all the time the way Darry is, or treating me as if I was six instead of fourteen. I love Soda more than I've ever loved anyone, even Mom and Dad. He's always happy-go-lucky and grinning, while Darry's hard and firm and rarely grins at all (Chapter 1). Pony’s relationship with Darry is strained

What conditions gave rise to India's decolonization?

India, once the jewel of the British empire, had by the twentieth century become less profitable and more expensive to manage than it had once been. It's important to note that during the first part of the twentieth century, England had been hammered by two worlds wars that exhausted it financially. World War II was especially hard on Britain. By the end of the war, the country had to acknowledge that it no longer would... India, once the jewel of the British empire, had by the twentieth century become less profitable and more expensive to manage than it had once been. It's important to note that during the first part of the twentieth century, England had been hammered by two worlds wars that exhausted it financially. World War II was especially hard on Britain. By the end of the war, the country had to acknowledge that it no longer would be, as it had been for more than a century, the world's preeminent superpower. It passed that baton to the United States and began to pul

What does the stranger in Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt say he was looking for?

The stranger is the man in the yellow suit. He tells Winnie in Chapter Four that he is looking for a family.  The man lifted his eyebrows. "Oh," he said, "I'm looking for someone. A family." The family that the man in the yellow suit is looking for is the Tuck family, but the stranger does not know who exactly they are.  All that the man in the yellow suit knows is the story that... The stranger is the man in the yellow suit. He tells Winnie in Chapter Four that he is looking for a family.  The man lifted his eyebrows. "Oh," he said, "I'm looking for someone. A family." The family that the man in the yellow suit is looking for is the Tuck family, but the stranger does not know who exactly they are.  All that the man in the yellow suit knows is the story that his grandmother told him.  That story was about a family that supposedly had the ability to live forever.  They never changed.   "I was born west of here," he began, "a

In David Copperfield, how has David's home changed when he returns from school?

When David returned home from school, he found that his mother and Mr. Murdstone had a new baby. Before, David had been the sole child and sole focus of attention from the adults. Now he has been replaced (at least in the eyes of Mr. Murdstone). The focus will be on his new sibling. David has become expendable, since Mr. Murdstone has a child of his own, his heir. David is now seen as a... When David returned home from school, he found that his mother and Mr. Murdstone had a new baby. Before, David had been the sole child and sole focus of attention from the adults. Now he has been replaced (at least in the eyes of Mr. Murdstone). The focus will be on his new sibling. David has become expendable, since Mr. Murdstone has a child of his own, his heir. David is now seen as a threat to the child, not only in the possibility that he might harm the baby but in taking any financial legacy or property that might have come to him from his father, though this would most like go to Mr. Murdstone

Why did Macbeth think that time went so slowly?

In Act V, Scene 5, just after being informed that the Queen is dead, Macbeth speaks a famous soliloquy containing these lines: Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrowCreeps in this petty pace from day to day The word "creeps" and the words "petty pace" suggest that Macbeth thinks time is passing very slowly. But why does he perceive time in this way? The answer seems to be contained in the same soliloquy. A few lines... In Act V, Scene 5, just after being informed that the Queen is dead, Macbeth speaks a famous soliloquy containing these lines: Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow Creeps in this petty pace from day to day The word "creeps" and the words "petty pace" suggest that Macbeth thinks time is passing very slowly. But why does he perceive time in this way? The answer seems to be contained in the same soliloquy. A few lines later Macbeth says: Out, out, brief candle Macbeth feels that life is meaningless. This explains why he feels that time

Was Salvador DalĂ­ a significant artist?

Salvador Felipe Jacinto Dalí Domènech (normally referred to as Salvador Dalí) was a well-known twentieth-century artist whose work is displayed in many major museums and who is discussed in most works about art history concerning his period. Although the question of whether his work will prove to have the sort of enduring interest as artists often compared to him like Miró and Magritte remains open, Dalí will definitely remain important for those concerned with the... Salvador Felipe Jacinto Dalí Domènech (normally referred to as Salvador Dalí) was a well-known twentieth-century artist whose work is displayed in many major museums and who is discussed in most works about art history concerning his period. Although the question of whether his work will prove to have the sort of enduring interest as artists often compared to him like Miró and Magritte remains open, Dalí will definitely remain important for those concerned with the surrealist movement in art and its role in international

How are the deaths of Romeo and Juliet a series of "missed opportunities"? Explain. Be specific.

The deaths--and even, ultimately, the love--of Romeo and Juliet can be chalked up to missed opportunities. If we first look at the meeting of Romeo and Juliet, this, too, was a matter of missed opportunity! At the beginning of Act One, Romeo is madly, foolishly in love with Rosaline, a niece of Lord Capulet. Romeo, however, has also missed his "opportunity" to engage in an actual relationship with Rosaline; she has "forsworn to love," or... The deaths--and even, ultimately, the love--of Romeo and Juliet can be chalked up to missed opportunities. If we first look at the meeting of Romeo and Juliet, this, too, was a matter of missed opportunity! At the beginning of Act One, Romeo is madly, foolishly in love with Rosaline, a niece of Lord Capulet. Romeo, however, has also missed his "opportunity" to engage in an actual relationship with Rosaline; she has "forsworn to love," or taken a vow of chastity. Romeo's over-emotional reaction to this reje

Why can't Willy Loman grow plants from seeds in Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller?

In Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman , Willy Loman can't grow plants from seeds because he has an inability to succeed. Throughout the play, Willy tries to be successful at the things he does (including being a salesman, a father, a good provider, and a well-liked person), but he fails at each of these. He is misguided in his expectations and cannot face reality; this causes his ultimate downfall and can be considered his... In Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman , Willy Loman can't grow plants from seeds because he has an inability to succeed. Throughout the play, Willy tries to be successful at the things he does (including being a salesman, a father, a good provider, and a well-liked person), but he fails at each of these. He is misguided in his expectations and cannot face reality; this causes his ultimate downfall and can be considered his fatal flaw. Growing plants from seeds is symbolic of Willy's flaws. Growth of a plant represents prosperity and new life.

What is the significance of Montag's being "fully aware of his entire body"

This quote is found near the end of the book, as Montag and the other survivors experience the contrasts of the wilderness. Montag reflects on how Mildred would not have been able to tolerate the lack of stimulation, but that Montag, by contrast, is now "waking up" to the sensations of his own body. This is a reference to some of what Faber spoke about when he and Montag discussed the elements necessary for their... This quote is found near the end of the book, as Montag and the other survivors experience the contrasts of the wilderness. Montag reflects on how Mildred would not have been able to tolerate the lack of stimulation, but that Montag, by contrast, is now "waking up" to the sensations of his own body. This is a reference to some of what Faber spoke about when he and Montag discussed the elements necessary for their society to recover from its self-induced stupor. One element was the ability to reflect on what had been learned - but this was impossible, acc

How does darkness in "Araby" change from initially bringing the narrator happiness to bringing him unhappiness at the end?

At the beginning of the story, the narrator seems to associate night with his feelings for Mangan's sister. If the night brings him happiness, it's because that's the time of day when he gets to see her. When it is "dusk" and the street lamps are lit, the children play in the dark, pretending, hiding, and running around. Sometimes, Mangan's sister comes out to look for her brother, "her figure defined by the light" of... At the beginning of the story, the narrator seems to associate night with his feelings for Mangan's sister. If the night brings him happiness, it's because that's the time of day when he gets to see her. When it is "dusk" and the street lamps are lit, the children play in the dark, pretending, hiding, and running around. Sometimes, Mangan's sister comes out to look for her brother, "her figure defined by the light" of the doorway. When Mangan's sister finally does speak to the narrator, the lig

Was a declaration written for the Civil War?

Technically, the answer to this question is no. Because Lincoln did not recognize the Confederate States as a nation, he could not legally ask Congress to declare war against them. Doing so would constitute recognition in the eyes of European nations, in particular. But Lincoln did issue what amounted to a declaration of war in the aftermath of the attack on Fort Sumter by Confederate forces. He ordered a blockade of Southern ports, declared the... Technically, the answer to this question is no. Because Lincoln did not recognize the Confederate States as a nation, he could not legally ask Congress to declare war against them. Doing so would constitute recognition in the eyes of European nations, in particular. But Lincoln did issue what amounted to a declaration of war in the aftermath of the attack on Fort Sumter by Confederate forces. He ordered a blockade of Southern ports, declared the southern states in a state of rebellion, and called for 75,000 men to crush the rebellion. This a

How did Florence Nightingale become famous?

Florence Nightingale, who lived from 1820 to 1910, was a statistician and the founder of modern nursing practice. Many people know of her as, "The Lady With the Lamp," as she would carry a lamp while making nighttime rounds to tend to wounded soldiers. Several works of art depicting such a scene have been created, popularizing her image to this day. During the Crimean War, Nightingale worked in Turkey as a manager of British nurses.... Florence Nightingale, who lived from 1820 to 1910, was a statistician and the founder of modern nursing practice. Many people know of her as, "The Lady With the Lamp," as she would carry a lamp while making nighttime rounds to tend to wounded soldiers. Several works of art depicting such a scene have been created, popularizing her image to this day. During the Crimean War, Nightingale worked in Turkey as a manager of British nurses. Nightingale had arrived to find the medical care for soldiers in a terrible state. She totally restruct

What is the purpose of the servants in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet?

In Act 1, Scene 1, the audience witnesses an altercation between two servants of the house of Capulet -- Sampson and Gregory -- and two servants of the house of Montague -- Abram and another without name.  It takes place for no reason other than family pride and honor: Gregory frowns at the others and Sampson bites his thumb at them, a gesture of defiance.  When Abram asks if the gesture was meant for them,... In Act 1, Scene 1, the audience witnesses an altercation between two servants of the house of Capulet -- Sampson and Gregory -- and two servants of the house of Montague -- Abram and another without name.  It takes place for no reason other than family pride and honor: Gregory frowns at the others and Sampson bites his thumb at them, a gesture of defiance.  When Abram asks if the gesture was meant for them, Sampson replies in the negative because the law is not on their side (the families have been warned by the Prince about their violence).  After a short exchange, Benvolio appr

Why does Winston call his and Julia's sexual encounter a political act?

At the end of Part Two, Chapter Two of 1984 , Winston and Julia have their first sexual encounter. For Winston, this act is as much about politics as it is about passion: It was a blow struck against the Party. It was a political act. The reason for this attitude lies in the nature of life under the Party. Party members, like Winston and Julia, for instance, are not allowed to have sexual relations with... At the end of Part Two, Chapter Two of 1984 , Winston and Julia have their first sexual encounter. For Winston, this act is as much about politics as it is about passion: It was a blow struck against the Party. It was a political act. The reason for this attitude lies in the nature of life under the Party. Party members, like Winston and Julia, for instance, are not allowed to have sexual relations with each other, unless it is for the purposes of procreation and is approved by a committee. Failure to abide by this rule can result in imprisonment in the Ministry of Love which Winston

Can you help me develop a critical appreciation of Amiri Baraka's "Somebody Blew Up America" from the perspective of Postcolonialism?

As you probably know, the postcolonial perspective analyzes the effects of economic and physical control over the native inhabitants and the resources of an area. The poem "Somebody Blew Up America" provides a response to the 9/11/2001 terrorist attack in America. Baraka's speaker takes a stance that terrorism can be a reaction to all the oppression that white men have been handing down for centuries to the rest of the world. The poem is structured... As you probably know, the postcolonial perspective analyzes the effects of economic and physical control over the native inhabitants and the resources of an area. The poem "Somebody Blew Up America" provides a response to the 9/11/2001 terrorist attack in America. Baraka's speaker takes a stance that terrorism can be a reaction to all the oppression that white men have been handing down for centuries to the rest of the world. The poem is structured around the central question of "Who?" In the first st

I need to write an essay in which I imagine the philosophers Descartes and Locke having dinner together. What would be some key topics for them to...

The most important step you need to take to outline this conversation is to establish what beliefs both men had in common, and how Descartes' modes of thinking about and perceiving the world might lead organically to Locke's political philosophy. In other words, because Descartes was the first major rationalist of the Enlightenment, who paved the way for all other Enlightenment philosophers with his brilliant use of thought experiments, you would first want to get Descartes and Locke to discuss their shared view of how to understand the world: through careful analysis and a the refusal to take accept any statement of fact on faith (also known as Skepticism). Descartes and Locke could easily discuss Descartes contributions to mathematics, as well as his attempt to reconstitute humans'  understanding of the world through logic and methodical thought experimentation. Locke could very easily claim that Descartes' attempt to re-conceptualize the world led directly to Locke&#

What is Animal Farm an allegory for?

Animal Farm  is an allegory for the Russian/Bolshevik Revolution in particular, and for the rise of totalitarian dictatorships based on communist principles in general. Orwell was a democratic socialist, and like many European (and American) leftists during the Great Depression, he viewed the Bolshevik Revolution and the establishment of a communist state with great interest and even hope. But as the decade wore on, he found himself deeply disillusioned as news of the brutality of... Animal Farm  is an allegory for the Russian/Bolshevik Revolution in particular, and for the rise of totalitarian dictatorships based on communist principles in general. Orwell was a democratic socialist, and like many European (and American) leftists during the Great Depression, he viewed the Bolshevik Revolution and the establishment of a communist state with great interest and even hope. But as the decade wore on, he found himself deeply disillusioned as news of the brutality of Stalin's regime leake

In "The Diary of Anne Frank," why does the man from the storeroom request extra money?

In act 2, scene 1, Mr. Kraler asks to discuss something with Mr. Frank alone. Rather than keep the matter secret, Mr. Frank has Mr. Kraler tell everyone what is going on. He reveals that a workman from the warehouse asked about the Franks' well-being a couple of weeks ago. Then yesterday the man approached Mr. Kraler again and asked about the bookcase and if there weren't stairs leading to a loft behind it. Then... In act 2, scene 1, Mr. Kraler asks to discuss something with Mr. Frank alone. Rather than keep the matter secret, Mr. Frank has Mr. Kraler tell everyone what is going on. He reveals that a workman from the warehouse asked about the Franks' well-being a couple of weeks ago. Then yesterday the man approached Mr. Kraler again and asked about the bookcase and if there weren't stairs leading to a loft behind it. Then he asked for twenty guilders more a week. Based on the workman's behavior, Mr. Van Daan is first to say what everyone else is thinking, "Bla

In Martel's Life of Pi, how does writing a diary help Pi Patel build on his leadership skills?

At the end of chapter 73, Pi first divulges the fact that he had started a diary after about a week alone at sea. Pi claims that he wrote about "practical stuff" (208) such as what he caught for food, foreseeable problems and solutions, Richard Parker, and reflections about specific events that occurred. In a sense, Pi is the captain of his ship; therefore, he must take responsibility for himself and his crew. He can... At the end of chapter 73, Pi first divulges the fact that he had started a diary after about a week alone at sea. Pi claims that he wrote about "practical stuff" (208) such as what he caught for food, foreseeable problems and solutions, Richard Parker, and reflections about specific events that occurred. In a sense, Pi is the captain of his ship; therefore, he must take responsibility for himself and his crew. He can do this by writing down events, problems and solutions, and reflections to look back on when confronted with repeated problems. It can

What do you think the idea of freedom means to Thoreau in Walden?

Thoreau supports freedom of thought, freedom of action, and freedom to live as one sees fit. These topics arise in many, if not all, of his writings. He and his family members participated in the antislavery movement and housed at least one or two runaway slaves temporarily in their home. Thoreau went to jail for one night to prove that he had the freedom to not pay a state tax that was irrelevant to him.... Thoreau supports freedom of thought, freedom of action, and freedom to live as one sees fit. These topics arise in many, if not all, of his writings. He and his family members participated in the antislavery movement and housed at least one or two runaway slaves temporarily in their home. Thoreau went to jail for one night to prove that he had the freedom to not pay a state tax that was irrelevant to him. He felt free enough to devise his own method of employment and finances: “I found, that by working about six weeks in a year, I could meet all the expenses of living. The whole of

How can I remove moles (on the skin) at home?

I am not a physician, so my input should not be taken as medical advice. In fact, if you are concerned about the color, size, or shape of any moles or freckles on your skin, I urge you to speak to a dermatologist or your general practitioner. I can tell you a few ways that some people  have successfully removed their moles at home, but I suggest you check with your general practitioner before attempting... I am not a physician, so my input should not be taken as medical advice. In fact, if you are concerned about the color, size, or shape of any moles or freckles on your skin, I urge you to speak to a dermatologist or your general practitioner. I can tell you a few ways that some people  have successfully removed their moles at home, but I suggest you check with your general practitioner before attempting any of these home remedies. One thing you will need to consider is whether the moles on your skin are raised or flat. If you have a raised mole, this remedy uses apple cider vinegar

How does the monster help the DeLacey family in Frankenstein?

After the creature observes the family's sadness, wondering at the cause of it, he discovers that their emotional hardship is, in part, directly related to their financial hardship.  They live in poverty, though it does not seem so to him because they have each other's company, having only the vegetables from their garden and the milk produced by their one cow.  At this point, he stops taking food from their stores for his own subsistence... After the creature observes the family's sadness, wondering at the cause of it, he discovers that their emotional hardship is, in part, directly related to their financial hardship.  They live in poverty, though it does not seem so to him because they have each other's company, having only the vegetables from their garden and the milk produced by their one cow.  At this point, he stops taking food from their stores for his own subsistence and begins to feed himself with nuts and berries from the woods.  Further, he realizes that Fel

In The Crucible who does Mrs. Putnam blame for the death of three of her children?

I am glad that you put in the part about "three of her children."  The specificity is good, because the answer changes with that added information.   Ann Putnam has lost seven total children.  She has one surviving child.  That child is Ruth.  Rebecca Nurse was Ann Putnam's midwife for all of those births, so Ann Putnam is a bit suspicious of Rebecca Nurse.  Putnam is also slightly resentful of Nurse, because Rebecca Nurse has... I am glad that you put in the part about "three of her children."  The specificity is good, because the answer changes with that added information.   Ann Putnam has lost seven total children.  She has one surviving child.  That child is Ruth.  Rebecca Nurse was Ann Putnam's midwife for all of those births, so Ann Putnam is a bit suspicious of Rebecca Nurse.  Putnam is also slightly resentful of Nurse, because Rebecca Nurse has successfully given birth to many children and has many grandchildren.   However, Ann Putnam does openly lay

How does the novel To Kill a Mockingbird reveal that prejudice is a destructive force in society?

Throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird , there are numerous tragic events that are caused by the community's prejudiced beliefs and attitudes. Harper Lee reveals that prejudice is a destructive force by examining how it negatively affects the lives of innocent individuals and divides a community. Maycomb's prejudiced jury wrongly convicts Tom Robinson simply because he is black. Tom eventually loses his life in prison after he attempts to escape, leaving his wife and... Throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird , there are numerous tragic events that are caused by the community's prejudiced beliefs and attitudes. Harper Lee reveals that prejudice is a destructive force by examining how it negatively affects the lives of innocent individuals and divides a community. Maycomb's prejudiced jury wrongly convicts Tom Robinson simply because he is black. Tom eventually loses his life in prison after he attempts to escape, leaving his wife and children behind. The Robins

What could be a possible essay question on these documents all together?

Actually, there are several ways you can look at this:  one question could be "According to the documents, who would you blame for the Cold War--the West or the Soviet Union?"  Another question could be, "How did each side justify its actions in the beginning of the Cold War?"  Still another question could be, "How did America and the Soviet Union see its responsibilities in maintaining a new world order after WWII?"  Yet another fine... Actually, there are several ways you can look at this:  one question could be "According to the documents, who would you blame for the Cold War--the West or the Soviet Union?"  Another question could be, "How did each side justify its actions in the beginning of the Cold War?"  Still another question could be, "How did America and the Soviet Union see its responsibilities in maintaining a new world order after WWII?"  Yet another fine question could be "Given the rhetoric in Britain, the

What are Daisy's characteristics in The Great Gatsby?

Daisy Buchanan from F. Scott Fitzgerald's  The Great Gatsby  is an intriguing character. She is, of course, beautiful, as she's commanded devotion from Gatsby for the greater part of his adult life. However, Daisy is also an extremely privileged woman and, because she is privileged, tends to be shallow and careless as well. Overall, it would appear that Daisy's chiefest concern is her own happiness, and she is hardly ever held accountable for her actions.... Daisy Buchanan from F. Scott Fitzgerald's  The Great Gatsby  is an intriguing character. She is, of course, beautiful, as she's commanded devotion from Gatsby for the greater part of his adult life. However, Daisy is also an extremely privileged woman and, because she is privileged, tends to be shallow and careless as well. Overall, it would appear that Daisy's chiefest concern is her own happiness, and she is hardly ever held accountable for her actions. For instance, when Daisy hits Myrtle Wilson with Gats

What are the ingredients in Crayola washable products?

The Crayola company makes art materials for children. Because of this, most of their products are not permanent, though some pigments  may be more likely to stain skin, clothing, or surfaces. To address this issue, the company offers a number of art supplies like markers, crayons, and paints which are formulated to be easier to wash off.  Unfortunately, Crayola does not share the specific formulations of their products. However, they do share on their website's... The Crayola company makes art materials for children. Because of this, most of their products are not permanent, though some pigments  may be more likely to stain skin, clothing, or surfaces. To address this issue, the company offers a number of art supplies like markers, crayons, and paints which are formulated to be easier to wash off.  Unfortunately, Crayola does not share the specific formulations of their products. However, they do share on their website's Frequently Asked Questions that the main ingredients in C

How does incarceration shape the outcomes of the children of the incarcerated, and the prospects of the children when they become adults? Please...

In Children of the Prison Boom , Wakefield and Wildeman present statistics that show that children of the incarcerated face poor outcomes. For example, children with imprisoned parents are more likely to suffer from infant mortality. They are also more likely to face homelessness, as only one parent has to contend with supporting them and with the resulting economic instability. As a result, these children can suffer from restricted access to healthcare and be faced... In Children of the Prison Boom , Wakefield and Wildeman present statistics that show that children of the incarcerated face poor outcomes. For example, children with imprisoned parents are more likely to suffer from infant mortality. They are also more likely to face homelessness, as only one parent has to contend with supporting them and with the resulting economic instability. As a result, these children can suffer from restricted access to healthcare and be faced with interrupted or deficient educational opportunities

What is the plot of "American History" by Judith Ortiz Cofer?

"American History" is a short story set in New Jersey in the 1960s. The story's protagonist, Elena, is a Puerto Rican girl who is largely an outcast in her school and has difficulty connecting with others. Other students call her "Skinny Bones" and ridicule her on a daily basis. Because of the struggles she faces as an outcast, she is attracted to others who—like her—don't fit in. This affinity for others who are also outcast... "American History" is a short story set in New Jersey in the 1960s. The story's protagonist, Elena, is a Puerto Rican girl who is largely an outcast in her school and has difficulty connecting with others. Other students call her "Skinny Bones" and ridicule her on a daily basis. Because of the struggles she faces as an outcast, she is attracted to others who—like her—don't fit in. This affinity for others who are also outcast leads her to Eugene, a transplant from Georgia who is quickly labeled to be a hic

How are masculinity and femininity presented and explored in Shakespeare's Macbeth?

The audience has a chance to see the way the Macbeths' society conceived of masculinity and femininity in the interactions that take place between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.  After Macbeth has decided not to go forward with the murder of Duncan in Act 1, scene 7, Lady Macbeth insults him, calling him "green and pale" and a "coward" (1.7.41, 1.7.47).  She claims that having made a promise to her, it shows weakness and a lack... The audience has a chance to see the way the Macbeths' society conceived of masculinity and femininity in the interactions that take place between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.  After Macbeth has decided not to go forward with the murder of Duncan in Act 1, scene 7, Lady Macbeth insults him, calling him "green and pale" and a "coward" (1.7.41, 1.7.47).  She claims that having made a promise to her, it shows weakness and a lack of masculinity for him to break it.  He understands that she means to insult his manhood in thi

Based on the description of the man at the doorway in the story "After Twenty Years" by O. Henry, do you think there was something strange about him?

The reader should sense that there was something strange about the man standing in the doorway because that was the effect O. Henry intended to produce. Here are the pertinent sentences: Now and then you might see the lights of a cigar store or of an all-night lunch counter; but the majority of the doors belonged to business places that had long since been closed. When about midway of a certain block the policeman suddenly slowed his walk. In the doorway of a darkened hardware store a man leaned, with an unlighted cigar in his mouth. It is ten o'clock on a cold, wet, windy night. Most of the business places have been closed for hours. A well-dressed man is standing in the doorway of a darkened hardware store. What would such a man be doing there at that hour? Why doesn't he light his cigar? His only reason for being inside the doorway would be to light the cigar out of the wind and rain. But if he lit the cigar, wouldn't he have to stay in the doorway until he had smoked it

What color is the trophy and what does this mean in "Death of a Salesman?"

In the stage directions at the beginning of the play, Miller specifies that "a silver athletic trophy" stands on a shelf above Willy's bed. The color specified for the trophy has several possible meanings related to the theme of the play. One might think that a silver trophy could signify coming in second rather than coming in first, which would be a gold medal or trophy. However, that doesn't seem to correlate well with the ideas in the play. The trophy was a first-place trophy; Biff, as captain of his high school football team, led his team to be the "All-Scholastic Championship Team of the City of New York" when they won the big game at Ebbets Field.  What's notable is that the trophy that Biff won is displayed in Willy's bedroom. Biff's success is Willy's "silver lining." Even if Willy is dissatisfied with his own skills and feels "kind of temporary" about himself, he clings to the hope that Biff will be a star. That

How did Romeo fall in love with Juliet just seconds after seeing her, and then forget all about Rosaline?

It seems a bit silly, doesn't it? That Romeo and Juliet have hardly known each other for minutes and they believe themselves to be in love? I think the best answer I can give you is that hormones easily make fools of us all. Romeo and Juliet are the teenage children of two noble Italian families. They have spent their lives in the sort of precious social isolation all noble children were subjected to in... It seems a bit silly, doesn't it? That Romeo and Juliet have hardly known each other for minutes and they believe themselves to be in love? I think the best answer I can give you is that hormones easily make fools of us all. Romeo and Juliet are the teenage children of two noble Italian families. They have spent their lives in the sort of precious social isolation all noble children were subjected to in order to keep them out of trouble. They have most likely not had a lot of opportunity to meet other people their age, and we already know that Romeo has become infatuated Rosa