Help Notes

Brutus does possess power in Shakespeare's play, the power that political influence wields; however, he loses this power because of his ineffective idealism. Brutus is considered a very influential senator, and for this reason Cassius "courts" him in order to gain his support in the plot to assassinate Julius Caesar. For, in gaining the support of Brutus, Cassius knows that others joining in the conspiracy will then follow through with action. Inflamed by idealism, Brutus... Brutus does possess power in Shakespeare's play, the power that political influence wields; however, he loses this power because of his ineffective idealism. Brutus is considered a very influential senator, and for this reason Cassius "courts" him in order to gain his support in the plot to assassinate Julius Caesar. For, in gaining the support of Brutus, Cassius knows that others joining in the conspiracy will then follow through with action. Inflamed by idealism, Brutus is convinced by...

Being the boss's son, Curley does have power. He can essentially do whatever he wants without the fear of being fired. However, this power is indirect. It is actually his father's power. But Curley uses it nonetheless.  Curley is a small man and he is insecure. He tries to be intimidating in order to compensate for his insecurities. His insecurity is his weakness. In other words, he tries to appear more powerful than he really... Being the boss's son, Curley does have power. He can essentially do whatever he wants without the fear of being fired. However, this power is indirect. It is actually his father's power. But Curley uses it nonetheless.  Curley is a small man and he is insecure. He tries to be intimidating in order to compensate for his insecurities. His insecurity is his weakness. In other words, he tries to appear more powerful than he really is. The swamper describes Curley's behavior and strategy:  S’pose Curley jumps a big guy an’ licks him. Ever’body s...

Since the jury for the Tom Robinson trial is composed of twelve white men who reside in the town of Maycomb or in the county, choosing one man from the town and Mr. Walter Cunningham may provide an interesting debate.  With one of the townspeople, this juror should be acquainted with Bob Ewell, having probably heard about him, or even seen him in town. Mr. Cunningham can provide some counterarguments to the man from town, who like the other jurors will vote "guilty." If you have read the play Twelve Angry Men  by Reginal Rose [the script is available on the internet], you can organize your script as is done with this drama. There is also a Foreman of the jury, whose role is to ensure that the discussions are relevant and that no one bullies any other juror. Also, he ensures that any juror may be able to ask any question relevant to the trial. [http://definitions.uslegal.com/j/jury-foreman/] So, if it is all right with your teacher, you may want to have the foreman intervene i...

Binding energy is the energy that binds the nucleus together. It can computed using Einstein's famous mass-energy equivalency equation:  E = mc^2 where, m is the mass defect and c is the speed of light (approximately 3 x 10^8 m/s) Mass defect is calculated as the difference between actual mass of the nucleons and the measured mass of nucleus. In other words, mass defect, m = number of protons x mass of proton + number... Binding energy is the energy that binds the nucleus together. It can computed using Einstein's famous mass-energy equivalency equation:  E = mc^2 where, m is the mass defect and c is the speed of light (approximately 3 x 10^8 m/s) Mass defect is calculated as the difference between actual mass of the nucleons and the measured mass of nucleus. In other words, mass defect, m = number of protons x mass of proton + number of neutrons x mass of neutrons - actual mass of nucleus = 7 x 1.00783 + 8 x 1.00867 - 15.00011 = 0.1241 g/mol = 1.241 x 10^-4 kg/mol Thus, bindin...

Sleep and sleeplessness in  Macbeth  represent peace of mind and the lack of it. As Macbeth spirals further into a cycle of guilt, he finds that sleep no longer comes easily to him; at the same time, he is keenly aware that perhaps sleep, which "knits up the ravell'd sleeve of care," is exactly what he needs to try to calm his nerves. Macbeth "does murder sleep" in the sense that he has destroyed his... Sleep and sleeplessness in  Macbeth  represent peace of mind and the lack of it. As Macbeth spirals further into a cycle of guilt, he finds that sleep no longer comes easily to him; at the same time, he is keenly aware that perhaps sleep, which "knits up the ravell'd sleeve of care," is exactly what he needs to try to calm his nerves. Macbeth "does murder sleep" in the sense that he has destroyed his own chances of resting easily forever, but this line also recalls the fact that he has also--with the help of Lady Macbeth--murdered Duncan, ...

Kenny Kane kidnaps his son Max from the grandparents' house in chapter 16 of Philbrick's  Freak the Mighty . From the onset, Kane continually tells the young teenager that Max's grandparents poisoned his mind against his father. These comments are Kane's way of trying to get Max to know that he cares about him, but it's not very effective coming from a kidnapper. Kane also vows that he never killed anyone. By informing his son... Kenny Kane kidnaps his son Max from the grandparents' house in chapter 16 of Philbrick's  Freak the Mighty . From the onset, Kane continually tells the young teenager that Max's grandparents poisoned his mind against his father. These comments are Kane's way of trying to get Max to know that he cares about him, but it's not very effective coming from a kidnapper. Kane also vows that he never killed anyone. By informing his son that he isn't a killer, he is trying to comfort his son and make Max believe he is a good m...

Macbeth is a tragic hero because he started the play as a good man, but the manipulations of the Weird Sisters and his wife brought out his baser qualities. This leads to Macbeth's moral corruption and downfall by the play's end.   It is clear Macbeth begins the play as a loyal friend and decent man.  When the Captain speaks about the battle, Macbeth is described as "brave," even as "Valor's minion" (Act I, Scene 2, lines 18, 21).  As a result of Macbeth's great loyalty and service to the crown, Duncan describes him as "valiant" and "worthy" (Act I, Scene 2, line 26).  In addition, Macbeth's wife, the person who would likely know him best, describes him as "full o' th' milk of human kindness" (Act I, Scene 5, line 17).  Macbeth tries to get out of the plan to kill Duncan, telling Lady Macbeth, "We will proceed no further in this business" because his own ambition is not enough to compel him to murde...

Adolf Hitler was born in Austria in 1889 and spent his early childhood living in both Austria and Germany. Adolf is said to have been a very withdrawn and morose child who was disobedient in school, and he even mentions in  Mein Kampf  that he intentionally did poorly in school to antagonize his father. Hitler's relationship with his father was a troubled one because he did not want to take on his father's career working... Adolf Hitler was born in Austria in 1889 and spent his early childhood living in both Austria and Germany. Adolf is said to have been a very withdrawn and morose child who was disobedient in school, and he even mentions in  Mein Kampf  that he intentionally did poorly in school to antagonize his father. Hitler's relationship with his father was a troubled one because he did not want to take on his father's career working in customs. At age 16, he took final examinations to leave school and moved to Vienna. For many years he was homeless and lived in ...

Bromden is a character for whom silence acts as a sort of power within One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest . While he has lived on the ward silently for a great period of time and cannot make deep connections with its residents, he nevertheless experiences a form of personal power in the ability to remain relatively unnoticed by staff. As such, he overhears their conversations and meetings and is privy to information he might otherwise not have. Yet, when McMurphy proposes a fishing trip within the novel, Bromden feels a sense of deep inner conflict. He wants to put his name on the sign-up sheet for the boating trip, but realizes that doing so will signal to both patients and staff that his deafness/muteness is not genuine. Kesey writes of Bromden's inner-debate: "I didn't have the money, but I kept getting this notion that I wanted to sign the list. And the more [McMurphy] talked about fishing for Chinook salmon the more I wanted to go. I knew it was a fool thing to want;...

The Chief Justice referred to in this question was John Marshall. Marshall was a Federalist, who believed in strengthening the powers of the federal government relative to the states. Jefferson, a Republican, believed in the opposite. Many of Marshall's decisions played a major role in consolidating the powers of the federal government. McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) ruled that Congress had the power, due to the Necessary and Proper Clause, to establish a national bank and... The Chief Justice referred to in this question was John Marshall. Marshall was a Federalist, who believed in strengthening the powers of the federal government relative to the states. Jefferson, a Republican, believed in the opposite. Many of Marshall's decisions played a major role in consolidating the powers of the federal government. McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) ruled that Congress had the power, due to the Necessary and Proper Clause, to establish a national bank and that the Supremacy Clause prevented ...

Magnetic reversal or geomagnetic reversal is the process in which a planet's magnetic poles reverse their polarity. That is, the magnetic reversal on Earth will mean that our magnetic North pole will become the magnetic south pole and magnetic south pole will become the magnetic north pole. It also means that our compasses will be off by 180 degrees and will point in exactly the opposite direction (north instead of south and vice-versa).  It is... Magnetic reversal or geomagnetic reversal is the process in which a planet's magnetic poles reverse their polarity. That is, the magnetic reversal on Earth will mean that our magnetic North pole will become the magnetic south pole and magnetic south pole will become the magnetic north pole. It also means that our compasses will be off by 180 degrees and will point in exactly the opposite direction (north instead of south and vice-versa).  It is a fact that magnetic reversal is a common process and has taken place several times during ...

The Cold War was an ideological clash between democratic capitalism and socialism. Each side had a large nation which took the role of figurehead; the United States served as the figurehead for democratic capitalism, as did the Soviet Union for socialism. This role pervaded both international and domestic affairs. Internationally, the United States did much to promote global democracy. Both the Korean and Vietnam wars were fought to prevent the spread of socialism into new... The Cold War was an ideological clash between democratic capitalism and socialism. Each side had a large nation which took the role of figurehead; the United States served as the figurehead for democratic capitalism, as did the Soviet Union for socialism. This role pervaded both international and domestic affairs. Internationally, the United States did much to promote global democracy. Both the Korean and Vietnam wars were fought to prevent the spread of socialism into new nations, and the U.S. provided copious am...

One evening, Atticus stands guard outside the jail where Tom Robinson is being held.  An angry mob of men approaches.  Jem, Scout, and Dill, who had sneaked out, also approach.  Scout speaks to Mr. Cunningham, one of the men in the mob.  She brings up casual topics of conversation, such as telling his son she says hello.  Mr. Cunningham softens and tells the mob to leave. The next morning, Jem and Scout bring up the... One evening, Atticus stands guard outside the jail where Tom Robinson is being held.  An angry mob of men approaches.  Jem, Scout, and Dill, who had sneaked out, also approach.  Scout speaks to Mr. Cunningham, one of the men in the mob.  She brings up casual topics of conversation, such as telling his son she says hello.  Mr. Cunningham softens and tells the mob to leave. The next morning, Jem and Scout bring up the mob from the previous evening.  Atticus gives his opinion on the topic: "A mob's always made up of people, no matter what.  Mr. Cunningham was part ...

The hunters and Jack have changed in chapter 9 by considering themselves a new tribe, Jack's tribe, rather than part of the entire group of boys of which Ralph is chief. This new tribe operates differently from the original group. Instead of being a democratic organization where each boy has the right to speak his mind on equal footing, this tribe is a pure dictatorship with Jack as its head. The boys have set up... The hunters and Jack have changed in chapter 9 by considering themselves a new tribe, Jack's tribe, rather than part of the entire group of boys of which Ralph is chief. This new tribe operates differently from the original group. Instead of being a democratic organization where each boy has the right to speak his mind on equal footing, this tribe is a pure dictatorship with Jack as its head. The boys have set up a log as a throne for their leader, and "Jack, painted and garlanded, sat there like an idol." Jack gives orders with a wave of his spear, and bo...

Syntax refers to word order in a sentence or clause or phrase.  Cummings is famous for his variations on “normal” syntax.  Every language has its own “rules” or “habits” of syntax; for example, in English an adjective usually goes before the noun it modifies (white wine), but in French the modifier follows the noun (vin blanc).  The same is true of adverbs and verbs – “normative” syntax puts the adverb after the verb (“moves gracefully”). ... Syntax refers to word order in a sentence or clause or phrase.  Cummings is famous for his variations on “normal” syntax.  Every language has its own “rules” or “habits” of syntax; for example, in English an adjective usually goes before the noun it modifies (white wine), but in French the modifier follows the noun (vin blanc).  The same is true of adverbs and verbs – “normative” syntax puts the adverb after the verb (“moves gracefully”).  In Cummings’ poem, an example of “normative” syntax might be “small hands,” while Cummings’ variation of synt...

The trajectory and distance a golf ball travels after being hit depends on a few different factors. These include the force of the swing, the air resistance felt by the ball, and the gravitational force on the ball. The force of the swing won't change by a large amount on the Moon or Earth, so we will focus on the other two factors.  As things travel through our atmosphere they are constantly running into air... The trajectory and distance a golf ball travels after being hit depends on a few different factors. These include the force of the swing, the air resistance felt by the ball, and the gravitational force on the ball. The force of the swing won't change by a large amount on the Moon or Earth, so we will focus on the other two factors.  As things travel through our atmosphere they are constantly running into air molecules. These molecules slow down the object and we refer to this friction as "air resistance". On Earth this would cause a negative acceleration in w...

The monster is superior to humans, in part, because he learns faster.  Just from observing Safie's lessons, he is able to learn to read and write and speak, and he learns more quickly and more thoroughly than she does.  Remember, he is less than two years old at that point!  Thus, he is intellectually far superior to us. Further, the creature is physically superior to humans as well.  He is shot when he saves a... The monster is superior to humans, in part, because he learns faster.  Just from observing Safie's lessons, he is able to learn to read and write and speak, and he learns more quickly and more thoroughly than she does.  Remember, he is less than two years old at that point!  Thus, he is intellectually far superior to us. Further, the creature is physically superior to humans as well.  He is shot when he saves a little girl from drowning, and though it pains him, he survives and is not materially affected by his wound.  Moreover, when Victor first sees him, he is ...

William Shakespeare's Macbeth presents two of drama's all-time villains: Macbeth and his wife, Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth becomes obsessed with the desire for power when she learns that witches have prophesied Macbeth's ascension to the throne of Scotland. When Macbeth tries to back out of their plan to assassinate King Duncan, Lady Macbeth chillingly declares: I have given suck, and know How tender ’tis to love the babe that milks me. I would, while it... William Shakespeare's Macbeth presents two of drama's all-time villains: Macbeth and his wife, Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth becomes obsessed with the desire for power when she learns that witches have prophesied Macbeth's ascension to the throne of Scotland. When Macbeth tries to back out of their plan to assassinate King Duncan, Lady Macbeth chillingly declares: I have given suck, and know How tender ’tis to love the babe that milks me. I would, while it was smiling in my face, Have plucked my nipple from his...

The muckrakers exposed, in dramatic and visceral ways, the many social ills that plagued the nation during the Gilded Age. While the effects of their efforts are difficult to measure, they created considerable popular and political momentum for reform. For example, Lincoln Steffens, in his collection of articles entitled The Shame of the Cities , described the political corruption that accompanied the rise of political machines in many American cities. Ida Tarbell exposed the abuses... The muckrakers exposed, in dramatic and visceral ways, the many social ills that plagued the nation during the Gilded Age. While the effects of their efforts are difficult to measure, they created considerable popular and political momentum for reform. For example, Lincoln Steffens, in his collection of articles entitled The Shame of the Cities , described the political corruption that accompanied the rise of political machines in many American cities. Ida Tarbell exposed the abuses of John D. Rockefelle...

Probation officers are specially trained officials who normally hold a degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, or a related field. They are normally employed either by the federal government or a law enforcement agency. Their job is to supervise criminal offenders who have been sentenced to a period of probation rather than imprisonment. The officer consults with a variety of agencies in law enforcement, social services, and others. The officer also holds regular meetings with the offenders and sometimes with their families. It is the officer's duty to monitor the offender to ensure compliance with the terms of their sentence. The advantages of being a probation officer. Probation officers play a significant role in society and in the law enforcement process. They help offenders to assimilate back into society and, in so doing, also help the community. Officers help offenders rehabilitate and assist them in becoming productive and law-abiding members of their communitie...

According to Atticus, taking a stand for what is right is always worth doing. Not standing up for what is right only perpetuates problems. Standing up for oneself and for others is a major theme in  To Kill a Mockingbird , and there are many examples of characters doing just that. One character who stands up for herself is Mrs. Dubose. She's a mouthy old lady who doesn't filter her opinion around Jem and Scout, but Atticus tells the children that she is one of the bravest people he ever knew because of what she stood up to—her morphine addiction. Atticus believes Mrs. Dubose stood up for what was right for herself and showed courage at the same time. He describes what she did as follows: "It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do" (112). This quote also seems to pertain to Atticus when he takes the Tom Robinson case. Atticus knows he will lose the case, but...

At first glance, you would think there would not be many: Dickinson wrote comparatively tiny poems that fiercely articulated a turbulent internal life; her intended audience, if there was one beside herself, was surely very small. Whitman's work, on the other hand, is epic in scope, expansive in theme, and all-encompassing in the audience he hoped to reach. Dickinson was all but unknown in her life; Whitman, on the other hand, courted a kind of... At first glance, you would think there would not be many: Dickinson wrote comparatively tiny poems that fiercely articulated a turbulent internal life; her intended audience, if there was one beside herself, was surely very small. Whitman's work, on the other hand, is epic in scope, expansive in theme, and all-encompassing in the audience he hoped to reach. Dickinson was all but unknown in her life; Whitman, on the other hand, courted a kind of celebrity, styling himself the “good gray poet.” Dickinson knew about Whitman, but (as far ...

Macbeth's tragic flaw is his ambition. What tempts him is the desire for power, which is whetted by the three witches prophesying that he will become King of Scotland. The scenario unfolds as follows: Macbeth helps win a battle in support of King Duncan, and unbeknownst to him, the King declares him Thane of Cawdor as his reward. Macbeth, with Banquo, then encounters the witches on a wild heath and they address Macbeth as Thane... Macbeth's tragic flaw is his ambition. What tempts him is the desire for power, which is whetted by the three witches prophesying that he will become King of Scotland. The scenario unfolds as follows: Macbeth helps win a battle in support of King Duncan, and unbeknownst to him, the King declares him Thane of Cawdor as his reward. Macbeth, with Banquo, then encounters the witches on a wild heath and they address Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor. They also say he "shalt be king hereafter." Macbeth is startled and questions the witches, but they disa...

Ghana is a poor country by global standards, but not compared to many of its neighbors in Sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, their economy has been growing fairly rapidly lately; per capita GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP) has grown almost 50% in the last decade, about 4% per year. They have recently undergone debt forgiveness and a currency redenomination that seem to have yielded significant benefits. Their government is moderately democratic, which is very good by African standards. Ghana has a relatively strong manufacturing base, but it has been too focused on import substitution instead of exports; that needs to change. Historically, the way countries such as Korea and Japan have lifted themselves from Third World to near First World status has been by manufacturing for export, starting with relatively low-tech goods such as textiles and then rising into higher levels of technology such as electronics.  Eventually they reach the level of full high-tech capital-intensive manufactur...

In Chapter 4, when Daniel sees Jesus for the first time, he mentions that his figure was "not in any way arresting" and that he could see from Jesus' arms and shoulders that he had worked hard labor as a child. Daniel says, " He was not regal or commanding " (Speare 46). When Jesus turns and faces the crowd, Daniel is startled. Daniel mentions that his face was vital and radiant. Daniel notices that... In Chapter 4, when Daniel sees Jesus for the first time, he mentions that his figure was "not in any way arresting" and that he could see from Jesus' arms and shoulders that he had worked hard labor as a child. Daniel says, " He was not regal or commanding " (Speare 46). When Jesus turns and faces the crowd, Daniel is startled. Daniel mentions that his face was vital and radiant. Daniel notices that Jesus' face burned with the intensity of the spirit. When he hears Jesus speak, Daniel feels a certain gentleness and promise in Jesus...

"There Will Come Soft Rains" is a poem by Sara Teasdale first published in 1920, in the immediate aftermath of the first world war. The poem expresses an apocalyptic vision of war and the possibility that the human race will annihilate itself in a tsunami of global conflict. In the wake of the development of the atom bomb, the poem was regarded as prescient, foreshadowing the possibility that humanity would develop the means to completely... "There Will Come Soft Rains" is a poem by Sara Teasdale first published in 1920, in the immediate aftermath of the first world war. The poem expresses an apocalyptic vision of war and the possibility that the human race will annihilate itself in a tsunami of global conflict. In the wake of the development of the atom bomb, the poem was regarded as prescient, foreshadowing the possibility that humanity would develop the means to completely annihilate itself. In Teasdale's vision, the destructiveness of humanity is contrasted ...

The Nazi Party gained power relatively quickly in post-World War I Germany. As late as 1928, the Nazis only received 2.6% of the vote in the Reichstag  elections (The  Reichstag was the German parliament). Most Germans viewed the Nazis as a radical group on the fringe of German politics. However, chaotic times often allow radical movements to prevail, and it was not long until such a crisis facilitated the rise of the Nazi Party. The... The Nazi Party gained power relatively quickly in post-World War I Germany. As late as 1928, the Nazis only received 2.6% of the vote in the Reichstag  elections (The  Reichstag was the German parliament). Most Germans viewed the Nazis as a radical group on the fringe of German politics. However, chaotic times often allow radical movements to prevail, and it was not long until such a crisis facilitated the rise of the Nazi Party. The outbreak of the Great Depression in 1929 and the German government's failure to manage the crisis allowed the Nazis...

After Samuel Hamilton dies, Adam attends his funeral in Salinas, and after a few drinks in a bar he decides to visit Kate’s brothel. Upon arriving, he finds that he can see her for the first time: he notes her “wide-set eyes narrowed with cruelty” and “protruding belly,” physical changes that seem to symbolize her evil nature coming to the surface. All around him is Kate’s domain, and what a place it is—the girls are... After Samuel Hamilton dies, Adam attends his funeral in Salinas, and after a few drinks in a bar he decides to visit Kate’s brothel. Upon arriving, he finds that he can see her for the first time: he notes her “wide-set eyes narrowed with cruelty” and “protruding belly,” physical changes that seem to symbolize her evil nature coming to the surface. All around him is Kate’s domain, and what a place it is—the girls are manipulated by drugs supplied by Kate, and the men who come are humiliated and blackmailed. Under the influence of alcohol, Kate toys with him; she simulta...

In this chapter, the narrator refers to Hester as "the people's victim and life-long bond-slave."  This is a metaphor that describes the way Hester feels and has felt for quite a long time; she very much feels victimized by their treatment of her.  Further, Hester's many years spent lonely and victimized lead the narrator to compare those painful years to a "draught of [...] wormwood and aloes," another metaphor to describe the bitterness of Hester's punishment and life since her sin was found out. Pearl's bright and colorful garments are also compared via metaphor to a "butterfly's wing" or a "bright flower," further strengthening her association with nature.  While Hester's brow is compared to "marble" (another metaphor ), Pearl is matched, via simile , with a "bird."   Pearl also uses personification to describe the "old trees" in the forest, trees which she says "can hear," a...

Josef Mengele makes only a small appearance in Elie Wiesel’s memoir, Night , but his story is one of the most shocking to come out of the Holocaust. Mengele was a physician and member of the SS. Originally a battlefield surgeon, he was transferred to Auschwitz in early 1943. While at Auschwitz he performed medical experimentation on Jewish prisoners, mainly children, to test his theories about heredity. These ‘experiments’ included infecting children with different diseases,... Josef Mengele makes only a small appearance in Elie Wiesel’s memoir, Night , but his story is one of the most shocking to come out of the Holocaust. Mengele was a physician and member of the SS. Originally a battlefield surgeon, he was transferred to Auschwitz in early 1943. While at Auschwitz he performed medical experimentation on Jewish prisoners, mainly children, to test his theories about heredity. These ‘experiments’ included infecting children with different diseases, amputating limbs, and dissection of s...

I believe that your question is asking about which traditions the people have continued to use regarding the lottery.   One tradition is the lottery itself.  The town still draws names out of a box in order to determine who is going to be stoned to death.  That's a disgusting and morbid tradition.  Mr. and Mrs. Adams indicate to the reader that the town must be one of the only remaining towns to continue the... I believe that your question is asking about which traditions the people have continued to use regarding the lottery.   One tradition is the lottery itself.  The town still draws names out of a box in order to determine who is going to be stoned to death.  That's a disgusting and morbid tradition.  Mr. and Mrs. Adams indicate to the reader that the town must be one of the only remaining towns to continue the tradition.   "They do say," Mr. Adams said to Old Man Warner, who stood next to him, "that over in the north village they're talking of giving up ...

After the Revolutionary War ended, we needed to develop a plan of government. That plan of government was called the Articles of Confederation. The American people were fearful of having a government that had too much power. As a result, the plan of government created by the Articles of Confederation was a weak one. The federal government was unable to levy taxes under this plan. It also couldn’t make people join the army. The federal... After the Revolutionary War ended, we needed to develop a plan of government. That plan of government was called the Articles of Confederation. The American people were fearful of having a government that had too much power. As a result, the plan of government created by the Articles of Confederation was a weak one. The federal government was unable to levy taxes under this plan. It also couldn’t make people join the army. The federal government also couldn’t control trade. As a result of these weaknesses, the federal government had many problems. We w...

Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing is fraught with attention to language, word play, and the act of communicating (or not communicating!). The title itself is a lighthearted play on words: "nothing" refers to "noting," a word which once meant "to gossip." It is through the power of language and communication that the story's protagonists, Benedick and Beatrice, come together; language is also what makes this reunion so comical and sweet due to the pair's obsessive,... Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing is fraught with attention to language, word play, and the act of communicating (or not communicating!). The title itself is a lighthearted play on words: "nothing" refers to "noting," a word which once meant "to gossip." It is through the power of language and communication that the story's protagonists, Benedick and Beatrice, come together; language is also what makes this reunion so comical and sweet ...

In  1984 , the Party claims it owns everything in Oceania for the "good of the majority" (Part Three, Chapter Three). In reality, the truth about the Party's ownership is far more sinister: the Party owns and controls everything, from housing to razors, to keep the people of Oceania in a state of dependence. This view is supported by O'Brien who, in Part Three, Chapter Three, reveals the reason why: Obedience is not enough. Unless... In  1984 , the Party claims it owns everything in Oceania for the "good of the majority" (Part Three, Chapter Three). In reality, the truth about the Party's ownership is far more sinister: the Party owns and controls everything, from housing to razors, to keep the people of Oceania in a state of dependence. This view is supported by O'Brien who, in Part Three, Chapter Three, reveals the reason why: Obedience is not enough. Unless he is suffering, how can you be sure that he is obeying your will and not his own?  In othe...

Scout and Jem receive air rifles for Christmas in chapter nine. In chapter ten, as the kids start using the rifles, Atticus says the following: "I'd rather you shot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know you'll go after birds. Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird" (90). This is where the book's title comes from. Specific elements in this passage foreshadow a motif, or extended the metaphor that can be applied to characters and events that Scout encounters in the text. First, the children's rifles symbolize power and strength over birds who cannot defend themselves against them. The rifles can be compared to white privilege, prejudice, gossip, or anything that hurts a weaker person. Next, the symbolism from the title of the book and Atticus's rule create a repeated lesson capable of being applied to different characters and situations. For example, Tom Robinson and Boo Radley represent ...

Mr. Otis has no doubt in his mind that there is no such thing as ghosts. In fact, he is so sure of his belief that he even mocks Lord Canterville's assertion that spirits exist. He states that he will take the Lord's claim in estimation but that if such a thing had, indeed, existed, an entrepreneurial and enterprising American would have long since taken such a being and either placed it in a museum... Mr. Otis has no doubt in his mind that there is no such thing as ghosts. In fact, he is so sure of his belief that he even mocks Lord Canterville's assertion that spirits exist. He states that he will take the Lord's claim in estimation but that if such a thing had, indeed, existed, an entrepreneurial and enterprising American would have long since taken such a being and either placed it in a museum for public view or would have put it on display as one of the draws in a traveling circus. Since this has not happened thus far, it means that these phantoms do not exist and ...

In the first stanza, the tiger is "fearful." The word "dread" is repeated three times in the poem. The tiger is associated with fear, dread, and terror. Clearly, the speaker is describing the tiger as something to be feared. This leads one to suppose other associations, such as violence or perhaps even evil.  Note that in the fifth stanza, Blake invokes fallen angels and/or The Fall of Adam and Eve. This suggests that the tiger... In the first stanza, the tiger is "fearful." The word "dread" is repeated three times in the poem. The tiger is associated with fear, dread, and terror. Clearly, the speaker is describing the tiger as something to be feared. This leads one to suppose other associations, such as violence or perhaps even evil.  Note that in the fifth stanza, Blake invokes fallen angels and/or The Fall of Adam and Eve. This suggests that the tiger was created with or after The Fall. Therefore, the tiger comes after the fall from paradise. ...

There are two other tools that a central bank like the Federal Reserve can use to try to influence the money supply. When the Fed influences the supply of money, it is also influencing the levels of inflation or deflation. The other two tools the Fed can use are reserve requirements and open market operations. Reserve requirements have to do with banks and lending. When banks receive money as deposits, they do not simply keep... There are two other tools that a central bank like the Federal Reserve can use to try to influence the money supply. When the Fed influences the supply of money, it is also influencing the levels of inflation or deflation. The other two tools the Fed can use are reserve requirements and open market operations. Reserve requirements have to do with banks and lending. When banks receive money as deposits, they do not simply keep that money in their vaults.  Instead, they lend it out, thus making money for themselves. However, the banks are not allowed to loan out ...

The answer to this really depends on how you define “good” when it comes to your grades.  Is it acceptable to you (and/or your parents) if you have a relatively high grade point average (GPA) but are doing very poorly in one class?  Would it be better if you had decent, but not great, grades in all of your classes?  This is a matter of opinion. On the one hand, these grades would give you... The answer to this really depends on how you define “good” when it comes to your grades.  Is it acceptable to you (and/or your parents) if you have a relatively high grade point average (GPA) but are doing very poorly in one class?  Would it be better if you had decent, but not great, grades in all of your classes?  This is a matter of opinion. On the one hand, these grades would give you a pretty good GPA by most people’s standards.  I have never taught at a school that actually gave A+ as a grade that is different from an A.  However, if your school does, I imagine that each A+ is worth 4.3 grade...

In order to understand what makes our government democratic, let us look at what characteristics a democracy has. The first characteristic of a democracy is that it has to have popular sovereignty.  That is, the people have to have the ultimate power in the government. Our government has this because we have competitive elections for positions of real power. We participate in real elections to select people for offices like the president.  The government does... In order to understand what makes our government democratic, let us look at what characteristics a democracy has. The first characteristic of a democracy is that it has to have popular sovereignty.  That is, the people have to have the ultimate power in the government. Our government has this because we have competitive elections for positions of real power. We participate in real elections to select people for offices like the president.  The government does not control who gets to run in the elections, allowing candidates lik...

The significance of the opening paragraph of Elie Wiesel's Night only becomes apparent later in the chapter. By beginning his narrative with a brief description of a nondescript figure, Wiesel is preparing the reader for the full measure of Moshe the Beadle's importance as the story develops. The paragraph in question describes a seemingly innocuous figure in the small town in which Elie's family lives. Poor and idiosyncratic, Moshe is also among the more religiously observant in this town, and he would be an object of ridicule were he not so clearly harmless, pious and committed to his temple, or house of worship. While the paragraph that opens Chapter One, and that is the subject of the student's question, introduces the reader to Moshe the Beadle, it is the following paragraph that truly serves to emphasize this character's benign and optimistic nature: "Physically, he was as awkward as a clown. His waiflike shyness made people smile. As for me, I liked his...

Hemingway's short story "Hills Like White Elephants" focuses on the dialogue between a man and a woman while they are waiting for a train. The dialogue at first appears to be innocuous small talk while the couple passes time waiting. However, their discussion soon turns to a more troublesome topic, revealing tension between the man and the woman that centers around a condition about which they clearly do not want to speak directly -- the woman's pregnancy.   The initial dialogue between the man and the woman merely involves what they want to drink. While their conversation appears to be light and amiable, the woman makes an offhand remark about the hills they can see from their table looking like white elephants. His reaction to this remark reveals an underlying tension between them. This tension is further revealed when they discuss trying a type of drink the woman has never before tried. Although both the man and the woman claim they are trying to have a "fine ...

Although before the garden party began Laura was feeling great empathy toward the family of the dead man, after the party she is reluctant to take the basket of sandwiches to them. She is still basking in the "most successful" afternoon where she was complimented and praised, and "she had no room for anything else." Her own world is upper class, and the story is replete with symbols of the Sheridans' wealth: they live atop the hill; they hire a band; flowers are in the garden and flowers arrive from the florist; ten kinds of sandwiches with the crusts trimmed away show that they themselves are the upper crust of society. Laura's hat is the ultimate symbol of the ostentatious frivolity; Laurie's vacuous compliment, "What an absolutely topping hat!" encapsulates the emptiness of their way of life: aren't all hats "topping?" In contrast, the neighborhood where the Scotts live shows their lower socioeconomic status: It is at the botto...