List 3 social/cultural factors that may have contributed to the reception of the writer's work. If you copy notes, you must use them appropriately...

Most importantly is the issue of prejudice and race.  Walter's family is black and has moved into a white neighborhood.  The neighbors have sent emissaries to "buy" away their home so they will move to some other neighborhood.  Pride keeps Walter and his family from taking the money.  They will stick it out in this unfriendly neighborhood.

Aside from the issue of racism, the play addresses the issue of poverty and wealth.  Even though the play suggests that the family is doing well and that Beneatha will be able to go to school and marry well and they have moved into a nice house in a nice neighborhood, many people in the USA were still living in poverty.  The wealthiest were able to afford attorneys to avoid paying taxes on their wealth and the burden fell to the working class to pick up the slack.  The loss of the money Walter is playing with effects the entire family's livlihood.

In "A Rose for Emily", how is Miss Emily's house symbolic?

Miss Emily's house, like Miss Emily, is a symbol both Emily and the decaying South. Her house, is described as once being a "grand house" ‘‘set on what had once been our most select street.’’ However, by the end of the story her house and the neighborhood it is in have deteriorated. The narrator notes that prior to her death, the house “had once been white,” and now it is the only house left on the block. It has become “an eyesore among eyesores". This mirrors Emily's deterioration and with it the deterioration of the "Old South" and its way of life. Emily's father had been once of the most respected men in the town. However, he left Emily virtually penniless with only her family reputation behind her. As the story unfolds, we see Emily's deterioration into delusion and, probably, madness. By the end of the story, Emily, like her house, has become a "fallen monument" to the people of the town and to the old Southern lifestyle.

In The Westing Game, why is everyone surprised when Otis Amber testifies?

The answer to the question can be found on page 163 where
Otis comes out and testifies. The reason why everyone is shocked is because they all
thought that Otis was just some simpleton who worked at the soup kitchen, and they may
have overestimated him. They did not know he was a hired private investigator who was
hired precisely to find out the truth of the heirs. That came to them as a huge
surprise.

In The Westing Game, why is everyone surprised when Otis Amber testifies?

The answer to the question can be found on page 163 where Otis comes out and testifies. The reason why everyone is shocked is because they all thought that Otis was just some simpleton who worked at the soup kitchen, and they may have overestimated him. They did not know he was a hired private investigator who was hired precisely to find out the truth of the heirs. That came to them as a huge surprise.

What does the boy give up for Sheila in "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant"? What does he learn from the experience?

The boy gives up the chance to catch "the biggest bass
(he) had ever hooked" for Sheila Mant. The bass is so huge that it is able "to draw a
fully loaded canoe backward - the thought of it (makes the boy) feel faint." Sadly,
Sheila has just expressed an antipathy towards fishing, and the boy is intent on
impressing her and keeping her happy. The boy almost has the bass, all he needs to do is
to grab the rod and reel it in, but in his determination not to do anything that might
ruin his chances with the girl of his dreams, he lets the fish
go.

The boy's date with Sheila ends in disaster. After
paying little, if any, attention to him during the dance, she comes over when the music
has stopped and announces that she is going home with another boy, Eric Caswell. This
conclusion had been evident to all but the narrator, as Sheila had shown no interest
in him throughout the narrative, and had even mentioned Eric twice on their ride to the
dance. When Sheila announces her intention to go home "in Eric Caswell's Corvette," she
looks at the boy for the first time that night and tells him he's "a funny
kid."

After the dance, the boy reflects on what has
happened, and says, "it was these secret, hidden tuggings in the night that claimed me."
The tuggings of which he speaks are the physical and romantic longings set off by a
beautiful woman, which caused him in this instance to sacrifice the chance to catch the
biggest fish he had ever come across. From his experience, the boy has learned that the
allure of a woman is fleeting, but that being true to himself and his own nature is a
call which must be recognized. The boy is a fisherman through and through, and he
regrets his decision to sacrifice the bass for the attentions of a woman who does not
even, in the end, care about him. The boy gives a name to the "tuggings" on his heart,
and resolves never to make "the same mistake again."

What does the boy give up for Sheila in "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant"? What does he learn from the experience?

The boy gives up the chance to catch "the biggest bass (he) had ever hooked" for Sheila Mant. The bass is so huge that it is able "to draw a fully loaded canoe backward - the thought of it (makes the boy) feel faint." Sadly, Sheila has just expressed an antipathy towards fishing, and the boy is intent on impressing her and keeping her happy. The boy almost has the bass, all he needs to do is to grab the rod and reel it in, but in his determination not to do anything that might ruin his chances with the girl of his dreams, he lets the fish go.

The boy's date with Sheila ends in disaster. After paying little, if any, attention to him during the dance, she comes over when the music has stopped and announces that she is going home with another boy, Eric Caswell. This conclusion had been evident to all but the narrator, as Sheila had shown no interest in him throughout the narrative, and had even mentioned Eric twice on their ride to the dance. When Sheila announces her intention to go home "in Eric Caswell's Corvette," she looks at the boy for the first time that night and tells him he's "a funny kid."

After the dance, the boy reflects on what has happened, and says, "it was these secret, hidden tuggings in the night that claimed me." The tuggings of which he speaks are the physical and romantic longings set off by a beautiful woman, which caused him in this instance to sacrifice the chance to catch the biggest fish he had ever come across. From his experience, the boy has learned that the allure of a woman is fleeting, but that being true to himself and his own nature is a call which must be recognized. The boy is a fisherman through and through, and he regrets his decision to sacrifice the bass for the attentions of a woman who does not even, in the end, care about him. The boy gives a name to the "tuggings" on his heart, and resolves never to make "the same mistake again."

What are some things that make Beowulf a legendary hero?

Legendary heroes of old, like Beowulf, have a lot in common with modern day heroes.  In fact, in my media studies class, I show students exactly how much Beowulf has contributed to modern day heroes.  Your question could have asked about any number of currently popular comic book heroes, and their characteristics are strikingly similar to Beowulf's characteristics.  

One key feature to a legendary hero is that the hero has to look like a hero.  Big, strong, young, and handsome.  Think Captain America or Thor for this one.  A legendary hero has to look the part.  They have to look like a warrior.  This absolutely applies to Beowulf.  Near the beginning of the poem, Beowulf is on his way to see Hrothgar.  A guard stops him and demands to know what Beowulf's purpose is.  The guard gives a brief description of what Beowulf looks like.  

Nor have I seen

A mightier man-at-arms on this earth

Than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken,

He is truly noble.  This is no mere                             

Hanger-on in a hero’s armour.

That clearly shows Beowulf as looking the part of a mighty warrior.   Beowulf is also very strong as evidenced by the following quote.  

Who valuable gift-gems of the Geatmen carried

As peace-offering thither, that he thirty men’s grapple

Has in his hand, the hero-in-battle.

Plus, don't forget that Beowulf literally tore the arms off of Grendel.  

Another character trait of legendary heroes is that they are brave.  Beowulf is clearly a very brave warrior.  He chooses to fight Grendel.  It's not like he is doing it out of self-defense.  Grendel is not a small fight either.  Not a single warrior has been able to defeat him yet.  Plus, Grendel is scary.  He's said to be demon possessed, and he eats humans.  

Other traits of legendary heroes are that they are victorious while still being humble.  That's true of Beowulf.  He defeats both Grendel and Grendel's mom.  At one point, as a reward, Beowulf is offered the Danish throne and immense riches.  Essentially, Beowulf is offered fame and fortune, but he turns in all down and returns home the same way that he left.  

I think the last defining characteristic of a truly legendary hero is that a legendary hero ultimately dies in battle.  Beowulf does defeat Grendel's mother, but he is mortally wounded in the fight.  He dies as a legendary hero. This is probably single greatest difference between Beowulf and modern day comic book heroes.  They hardly ever die.  

Describe the writing and artwork of Emmeline Grangerford. What does Huck think of her pictures and poems?

Basically, the late Emmeline Grangerford's art and poetry
was all completely morbid and sad.  As Huck says about her
poetry,

she
could write about anything you choose to give her to write about just so it was
sadful.

All of her pictures
are of dead or dying things.  She has one of a woman mourning at a grave.  She has one
of a woman mourning a dead bird.  The one she was working on when she died was a woman
about to commit suicide.  Her poetry was also about dead
people.

Huck says that he thinks all of her work is nice
but that he can't "take to it.  It is all too sad and it depresses him to see any of
it.

You can find more details in Chapter
17.

Describe the writing and artwork of Emmeline Grangerford. What does Huck think of her pictures and poems?

Basically, the late Emmeline Grangerford's art and poetry was all completely morbid and sad.  As Huck says about her poetry,

she could write about anything you choose to give her to write about just so it was sadful.

All of her pictures are of dead or dying things.  She has one of a woman mourning at a grave.  She has one of a woman mourning a dead bird.  The one she was working on when she died was a woman about to commit suicide.  Her poetry was also about dead people.

Huck says that he thinks all of her work is nice but that he can't "take to it.  It is all too sad and it depresses him to see any of it.

You can find more details in Chapter 17.

Why did Candide and Cacambo leave El Dorado?

That's an interesting question. Eldorado was a place where even the mud was made of gold and the stones were jewels. The society is technologically advanced, and the people are peaceful. There are no religious conflicts, and they don't even have a court system because there is no crime. You would think Candide would consider himself in heaven.

However, Candide is in love with Cunegonde. He has vowed to marry her, and so he longs to be with her. Even in a place full of riches, he has nothing because he doesn't have her. So he and Cacambo decide to leave Eldorado--but not without loads of jewels!

I love the theme tune from the movie "The Elephant Man". What is it?

The song is also titled "Adagio for Strings",Opus 11 by the American composer Samuel Barber. It was also used in the Oliver Stone film "Platoon". If you go to iTunes and search for "Adagio for Strings" you will see many versions of this piece. It's also known as "Barber's Adagio.

In what genre does "Lamb to the Slaughter" belong and how does it meet that genre's criteria?

This short story by Dahl crosses a very fine line between two genres, that of comedy, more in the sense of black humor, and that of crime fiction. Mary "giggles" at the end of the story when she has actually succeeded in getting away with the murder. Of course, the crime is the killing of her husband, Patrick, with the frozen leg of lamb. The reader is forced to see the humor in the situation as the murder is investigated and the detective is stumped, for how bizarre would it be to discover  frozen meat as a murder weapon? 

Mary outsmarts the detectives and is absolved of the crime. The absurdity is highlighted by the title of this work, "Lamb to the Slaughter." Ironically, one must question whether Patrick is also the metaphorical lamb which would make Mary's choice of murder weapon, the leg of lamb, even more ridiculous!

In Lord of the Flies, what offer does Jack make on behalf of himself and his hunters? Please help me. lolthanks a bunch-lauren =]

In chapter eight of Lord of the Flies, Jack and his "hunters" kill a wild sow and paint their bodies like savages. Underneath his painted face, Jack becomes bolder and invites Ralph, Piggy, and the other boys to join their feast. At the feast in chapter nine, Jack also offers those who join his tribe his protection from the "beast" in the jungle. Jack's deterioration into savagery and his separation from Ralph and Piggy's group is finalized in these scenes.

In Romeo and Juliet, what sorts of food and drink were on the menu at the great feast?

What a feast it would have been! Appearance was just as important as taste, so dishes would have been "sculpted." For instance, the Elizabethan nobility were fond of eating swan. The bird would have been plucked, cleaned, and roasted. Then the feathers would have been put back on the cooked bird. Many foods would have been covered with gold as well. City water wasn't very clean, so most people drank wine or ale or sometimes cider.

Elizabethan-era.org.uk (linked below) describes a multi-course royal banquet:

The first course consisted of a civet of hare, a quarter of stag which had been a night in salt, a stuffed chicken, and a loin of veal. The two last dishes were covered with a German sauce, with gilt sugar-plums, and pomegranate seeds.... At each end, outside the green lawn, was an enormous pie, surmounted with smaller pies, which formed a crown. The crust of the large ones was silvered all round and gilt at the top; each contained a whole roe-deer, a gosling, three capons, six chickens, ten pigeons, one young rabbit. To serve as seasoning or stuffing, a minced loin of veal, two pounds of fat, and twenty-six hard-boiled eggs, covered with saffron and flavoured with cloves.

That's just the first course! Foodtimeline.org actually uses the banquet scene in Romeo and Juliet to describe an Italian renaissance meal. It even includes recipes of foods they might have eaten.

Where is the play An Ideal Husband - by Oscar Wilde set?

Oscar Wilde wrote An Ideal Husband during the decade known as the "Naughty Nineties," the twilight years of England's Victorian era. This period was distinguished by England's growth as an industrial and imperial giant and an increasing conservatism in social mores. Imperial expansion, foreign speculation and the period's rigid system of mores -- involving, for example, notions of familial devotion, propriety and duty both public and personal --provide the backdrop for Wilde's play.

The play dramatizes a clash in value systems rather explicitly, continually posing the figure of the dandy -- a thinly veiled double of Wilde himself -- against a set of more respectable, "ideal" characters.

The action of An Ideal Husband takes place within about twenty four hours. While Wilde has a serious plot and message in An Ideal Husband, the play is mostly comic. As such, it is close to a form of dramatic comedy known as the comedy of manners. Comedies of manners are mostly associated with eighteenth century Europe, although they date back to the beginnings of European drama.

A comedy of manners is a play whose purpose is to satirize human vagaries. They focus on a particular stratum of society and make fun of that group’s pettiness, hypocrisies, vanities, failings, and so forth. In An Ideal Husband, for example, Wilde satirizes the hypocrisy of the English ruling classes through his portrait of Sir Robert Chiltern.

Will somebody please explain the ending of "A Rose for Emily" to me? I must have not been paying attention to certain key parts of the story, but I...

At the end of the story, the narrator is describing the state of Miss Emily's house after her death.  The townspeople, particularly townswomen, have gone in to clean out the house in the wake of Emily's passing.  This is the first time in years that anyone has been inside the house, with the exception of Miss Emily's servant. 

When the women go into Miss Emily's bedroom, they find the skeleton of a man that has been long dead.  They also find the toiletry kit of the man that has been etched with the initials "HB".  This confirms that the dead body is that of Homer Barron, Miss Emily's beau from long ago.  The townspeople had believed that Homer had left Miss Emily because he suddenly stopped being seen.  They had even believed that Emily was going to commit suicide, because she had purchased arsenic at the time of his disappearance.  However, this body tells us that Emily had used the arsenic on Homer, killing him and keeping his body in the house - which explains the smell from the house that the townspeople had been concerned about years before. 

Beside Homer on the bed is a strand of iron-gray hair - Miss Emily's hair.  She was so attached to Homer that not only did she kill him to prevent him from leaving, but she also lay in a bed with his dead body.

Creepy, huh?

What are some of Snowball's and Napoleon's character traits in Animal Farm?

Just put something about how the characters tie in to the
Russian Revolution and the roles of each. Napoleon is Stalin and Snowball is Trotsky.
You could also put your opinion on how evil they both are and which you think is more
evil than the
other.

Napoleon:

has
the "secret police" (the dogs)

took Snowball's idea on the
windmill

Squealer is his personal
servant

has gone against or changed every rule that started
Animal Farm

drove Snowball
out

blames anything bad that happens to the farm on
Snowball

tricks people into dying to prove a
point

needs everyone to love him... otherwise they
die

Snowball:

extremely
smart

based everything that he did off of what Old Major
would have wanted

fought in the battle of the
cowshed

risked his life for everyone on the
farm

helped found Animal
Farm

If you search in Google the ties between
the Russian Revolution and Animal Farm that should be enough to write at least two
pages. I wrote 10 pages on just this topic and I had 22 other questions to also
do. 

What are some of Snowball's and Napoleon's character traits in Animal Farm?

Just put something about how the characters tie in to the Russian Revolution and the roles of each. Napoleon is Stalin and Snowball is Trotsky. You could also put your opinion on how evil they both are and which you think is more evil than the other.

Napoleon:

has the "secret police" (the dogs)

took Snowball's idea on the windmill

Squealer is his personal servant

has gone against or changed every rule that started Animal Farm

drove Snowball out

blames anything bad that happens to the farm on Snowball

tricks people into dying to prove a point

needs everyone to love him... otherwise they die

Snowball:

extremely smart

based everything that he did off of what Old Major would have wanted

fought in the battle of the cowshed

risked his life for everyone on the farm

helped found Animal Farm

If you search in Google the ties between the Russian Revolution and Animal Farm that should be enough to write at least two pages. I wrote 10 pages on just this topic and I had 22 other questions to also do. 

What effect does Macbeths behavior have on the feast?How does this reflect the situation of scotland

The feast that Macbeth disrupts in Shakespeare's
Macbeth occurs in Act 4.3.  Macbeth puts an abrupt end to the feast
and once again brings his wife's wrath down on
himself.

Macbeth in lines 41-45 continues his strategy of
giving the appearance to others that he doesn't know Banquo is probably dead by now, by
announcing that he wishes all of the "country's honor [were] roofed" at the feast:  all
the honorable men in Scotland were together at this feast.  He specifically mentions
Banquo, saying that he will rebuke Banquo for his unkindness in not being
present. 

Unknown to Macbeth, Banquo is present, in the
form of a ghost, having entered according to the stage directions between the split
parts of line 38.  When Macbeth does notice him a few lines after his speech, the
ghost's presence, in effect, rebukes Macbeth. 

Macbeth
shouts and shrieks and the honors that are present--in bodily
form--"start to rise" according to the stage direction between lines
54-55. 

Lady Macbeth tries to calm the men by lying to
them, saying that her husband is often this way, and has been since his youth.  It is
just an illness, she claims.

Lady Macbeth chastises her
husband--telling him his vision is nonsense, and that it's just like the bloody dagger
he saw just before he killed Duncan (imaginary)--and the feast settles down once the
ghost disappears.

When the ghost reappears, however,
Macbeth panics again, and in Lady Macbeth's words:

readability="6">

You have displaced the mirth, broke the good
meeting

readability="5">

With most admired [amazing] disorder.  (Act
4.3.110-111)

Lady Macbeth
then dismisses the men, telling them to exit quickly and not to worry about exiting in
an orderly manner--just to go. 

Once again, Macbeth has
behaved in a way his wife keeps warning him against--in a way that draws attention to
their guilt.

What effect does Macbeths behavior have on the feast?How does this reflect the situation of scotland

The feast that Macbeth disrupts in Shakespeare's Macbeth occurs in Act 4.3.  Macbeth puts an abrupt end to the feast and once again brings his wife's wrath down on himself.

Macbeth in lines 41-45 continues his strategy of giving the appearance to others that he doesn't know Banquo is probably dead by now, by announcing that he wishes all of the "country's honor [were] roofed" at the feast:  all the honorable men in Scotland were together at this feast.  He specifically mentions Banquo, saying that he will rebuke Banquo for his unkindness in not being present. 

Unknown to Macbeth, Banquo is present, in the form of a ghost, having entered according to the stage directions between the split parts of line 38.  When Macbeth does notice him a few lines after his speech, the ghost's presence, in effect, rebukes Macbeth. 

Macbeth shouts and shrieks and the honors that are present--in bodily form--"start to rise" according to the stage direction between lines 54-55. 

Lady Macbeth tries to calm the men by lying to them, saying that her husband is often this way, and has been since his youth.  It is just an illness, she claims.

Lady Macbeth chastises her husband--telling him his vision is nonsense, and that it's just like the bloody dagger he saw just before he killed Duncan (imaginary)--and the feast settles down once the ghost disappears.

When the ghost reappears, however, Macbeth panics again, and in Lady Macbeth's words:

You have displaced the mirth, broke the good meeting

With most admired [amazing] disorder.  (Act 4.3.110-111)

Lady Macbeth then dismisses the men, telling them to exit quickly and not to worry about exiting in an orderly manner--just to go. 

Once again, Macbeth has behaved in a way his wife keeps warning him against--in a way that draws attention to their guilt.

In "Fahrenheit 451", what did Montag believe had been done to the mechanical hound?

In Fahrenheit 451Montag is very uncomfortable with the mechanical hound.  He believes they have been specifically programed to zone in on his chemical smell.  The hound had to be programed and then they would try to destroy the subject they had been programed to attack.

I was scheduled for sentencing for a criminal offense a month before I was supposed to go to prison to serve 3-10 years when I became disabled.I am...

You might consider asking the judge for a deferred sentence if you have not already, I'm not quite sure what you mean by "postponing". A deferred sentence might allow you to have your medical problems taken care of at the end of which you would then serve your sentence. Deferred sentences are simply those sentences that for some reason cannot be immediately served and so the sentence is served at a later date, but it is still served in full. You might suggest that you be placed on a monitoring device while undergoing treatment. Most monitoring devices come with restrictions like curfews and restricted movement like going to and from home and work or school, in your case perhaps the treatment center. If this is possible it may also count toward time served.

By law the prison system has to offer you health care, they cannot deny that because you have been convicted of a crime. More often than not the health care provided is not the most comprehensive, but it is available.

Ultimately it is up to the judge to decide whether or not to allow you a deferred or alternate form of sentencing. If the medical condition is not life threatening you will most likely be told that you will have to begin serving the sentence

Why is music so important to Connie and to the story as a whole in "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?"

This is a very good question. My version of the story has a dedication to Bob Dylan, and I wondered why.

First, music is important to all teenagers. As Oates says in the story, music "made everything so good: the music was always in the background, like music at a church service; it was something to depend upon." Can't you picture where you were the first time you heard a certain song?

The program Connie is listening to, XYZ Sunday Jamboree, is a dedication show: "An' look here you girls at Napoleon's--Son and Charley want you to pay real close attention to this song coming up!" It was a way for people to send messages to each other. By listening to these dedications, Connie could imagine they were for her--the "trashy daydreams" her mother accuses her of having.

In answering your question, I just had to find out why she dedicated this story to Bob Dylan. In an interview, Oates said that Dylan's song "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" happened to be playing while she was writing, which "struck Joyce as 'hauntingly elegiac,' similar in tone to the story she had written." Isn't it interesting that Arthur Friend calls Connie his "sweet little blue-eyed girl" at the end?

In "Mending Wall", how does each neighbor respond to the wall?

1. Frost, the poet speaker, is the  observant and enlightened neighbor. Every spring he realises that both nature (the melting snow) and man (the hunters) together make gaps in the wall. A combination of logical reasoning (apple trees grow in his plot of land and pine trees in his neighbor's) and intuition ("Something there is that doesn't love a wall") convince him of the futility of this annual ritual  of trying to 'mend' this particular wall. But at the same time he is a perceptive person who knows when to build and when not to build a wall:"But here there are no cows...to give offence."

2. His neighbor, in direct contrast, is a conservative who will not listen to reason and is ofcourse completely immune to any sudden flash of intuition. All that he can do is merely repeat parrot like "Good fences make good neighbors." He is a  prisoner of dogmatic traditionalism whose thought process and actions are bound in chains by the cliched formulas of his forefathers. Consequently, Frost is unable to convince him of the futility of 'mending' the wall. Frost very aptly sums up his character by comparing him to "an old stone- savage armed/ He moves in darkness as it seems to me."  'Darkness' ofcourse refers to his ignorance, his inability to see reason or receive wisdom and enlightenment intuitively.

I wanted to know what are two similarities and two differences between our involvement in Vietnam and our 2003 involvement in iraq.

This is a very powerful question whose answers will have
to examined through the lens of political affiliation.  On one hand, some differences
between both conflicts would be that the military escalation of forces is not the same. 
In Vietnam, the conflict experienced a wide escalation or swelling of military personnel
before a deescalation.  In Iraq, this is not present.  The President has committed to
withdraw troops with somewhat of a timetable, but the noticeable escalation of military
presence that was such a part of the Vietnam war is not there with the Iraq conflict. 
Another major difference is the casualty count.  Any and all loss of military life is
extremely painful for which to account.  Yet, the casualty number in Iraq is nowhere
near the count for Vietnam.  When such a number far exceeds 50,000, the situations are
not entirely the same.

Some similarities are present.  The
first would be that the wars experienced an increased in unpopularity.  The Iraq
Conflict and Vietnam Wars were and are unpopular.  The large scale of increased support
from the body politic are not as present in analyzing both conflicts.  Another
similarity would be that each conflict proved to be more difficult than originally
envisioned.  The Vietnam Conflict was seen as the mighty power of America against a
"bunch of people in black pajamas."  Yet, once the war had continued, there was a
distinct complexity that forced America's hand in being trapped between options that
were undesirable.  The same situation presented itself in the immediate stages of the
Iraq conflict.  The notion that America would be "greeted as liberators," that there
would be an immediate reality of a lower price of oil, and that once Saddam Hussein
would be removed from office, democracy could take a quick hold were all false
assertions.  The removal of Hussein and anti- American fervor that developed ended up
allowing multipolar tensions to surface, making "the enemy" that much more difficult to
identify.  Additionally, the removal of Saddam Hussein actually helped to allow Al-
Qaeda operatives to enter the region, causing even more
instability.

I wanted to know what are two similarities and two differences between our involvement in Vietnam and our 2003 involvement in iraq.

This is a very powerful question whose answers will have to examined through the lens of political affiliation.  On one hand, some differences between both conflicts would be that the military escalation of forces is not the same.  In Vietnam, the conflict experienced a wide escalation or swelling of military personnel before a deescalation.  In Iraq, this is not present.  The President has committed to withdraw troops with somewhat of a timetable, but the noticeable escalation of military presence that was such a part of the Vietnam war is not there with the Iraq conflict.  Another major difference is the casualty count.  Any and all loss of military life is extremely painful for which to account.  Yet, the casualty number in Iraq is nowhere near the count for Vietnam.  When such a number far exceeds 50,000, the situations are not entirely the same.

Some similarities are present.  The first would be that the wars experienced an increased in unpopularity.  The Iraq Conflict and Vietnam Wars were and are unpopular.  The large scale of increased support from the body politic are not as present in analyzing both conflicts.  Another similarity would be that each conflict proved to be more difficult than originally envisioned.  The Vietnam Conflict was seen as the mighty power of America against a "bunch of people in black pajamas."  Yet, once the war had continued, there was a distinct complexity that forced America's hand in being trapped between options that were undesirable.  The same situation presented itself in the immediate stages of the Iraq conflict.  The notion that America would be "greeted as liberators," that there would be an immediate reality of a lower price of oil, and that once Saddam Hussein would be removed from office, democracy could take a quick hold were all false assertions.  The removal of Hussein and anti- American fervor that developed ended up allowing multipolar tensions to surface, making "the enemy" that much more difficult to identify.  Additionally, the removal of Saddam Hussein actually helped to allow Al- Qaeda operatives to enter the region, causing even more instability.

In the book "Guns, Germs, and Steel", how did Diamond reword the major question which inspired his book?

In Guns, Germs, and Steel, Diamond says he wrote the book in response to a question from a New Guinean named Yali.  Yali's question was this: 

"Why is it that you white people developed so much cargo and brought it to New Guinea, but we black people had little cargo of our own"(Diamond, 14). 

After thinking about the question for a while, Diamond saw that the true question was much more broad and universal than Yali's initial question. He reworded the question as follows: 

 "Why did wealth and power become distributed as they now are rather than in some other way?" or "...why weren't Native Americans, Africans, and Aboriginal Australians the ones who decimated, subjugated, or exterminated Europeans and Asians" (Diamond, 15).

This question is what Diamond's book attempts to answer.

What are two external conflicts in Marked, from the House of Night series, by P. C. Cast, and name the conflicts?

Zoe Redbird is the protagonist in
Marked from the House of Night series by P.C.
Cast and Kristin Cast.  She has a conflict with Aphrodite who is an older vampire
fledgling and leader of the Dark Daughters, an elite group at the House of Night. 
Aphrodite wants to be the center of attention and is a bully. Zoe also ends up with
dating Erik, Aphrodite's ex-boyfriend who dumped her.

In
the end, Zoe is given Aphrodite's post as the leader of the Dark Daughters because of a
conflict with an evil spirit that Aphrodite mistakenly summons. It attacks Zoe's
ex-human-boyfriend. Zoe is able to send it back with the help of her friends in a circle
she casts.

What are two external conflicts in Marked, from the House of Night series, by P. C. Cast, and name the conflicts?

Zoe Redbird is the protagonist in Marked from the House of Night series by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast.  She has a conflict with Aphrodite who is an older vampire fledgling and leader of the Dark Daughters, an elite group at the House of Night.  Aphrodite wants to be the center of attention and is a bully. Zoe also ends up with dating Erik, Aphrodite's ex-boyfriend who dumped her.

In the end, Zoe is given Aphrodite's post as the leader of the Dark Daughters because of a conflict with an evil spirit that Aphrodite mistakenly summons. It attacks Zoe's ex-human-boyfriend. Zoe is able to send it back with the help of her friends in a circle she casts.

When Macbeth receives his new title, Banquo reacts with what mood?

Banquo responds with suspicion.  In Act III, scene i, lines 1-3, he says, "Thou hast it now:  king, Cawdor, Glamis, all.  As the weird women promised, and I fear thou play'dst most foully for't."

There is a definite rift forming between the former friends, and even Macbeth realizes it which is why he hires three murderers to kill both Banquo and his son, Fleance.

Of course, Banquo takes some comfort in the truth of the prophecy from the witches.  Macbeth has been said to be king, and he is.  They also, however, said that Macbeth would not have sons on the throne...that honor passes to Banquo.  So, Banquo continues with, "It should not stand in thy posterity, but that myself should be the root and father of many kings" (Act III, sc i, lines 4-6).

His reaction is one of suspicion and expectation of honor for his children and grandchildren as future kings of Scotland.

I need help summarizing "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor.It needs to be about 1-1 1/2 pages.

When I ask students to summarize the plot of a novel, I tell them to list the most important events in the order they happened. I usually give them the first couple of events, and then the last event.  I have them fill in between the beginning events and the final event.

The first major event is that Paul and his family move to Florida from Houston, requiring Paul, who is legally blind, to try and adjust to new surroundings, a new school, and new people. Introduce the remaining members of the family, giving only the most important information about them, especially Paul's brother, Erik, who mistreats him.  Focus on what life is like for Paul until he transfers to Tangerine Middle School, explaining how Tangerine is different from everywhere else. It should be easy from that point to describe the events leading up to Paul attending the Catholic school and attempting to create some kind of relationship with his dad.

What happened to the Curtis brothers' parents in The Outsiders?

The Curtis brothers are Darry, Sodapop, and Ponyboy. Their parents died in a car crash, and 20-year-old Darry gave up a football scholarship to take care of his brothers.

Visit the link below for more information about The Outsiders. It is a fan-created web site that includes info about the book, the movie, and the actors.

In "The Dead", what was the cause of Gabriel's quarrel with his mother and who was proven right?

Gabriel quarrels with his mother over a conception of
Gretta, Gabriel's wife. 

Gabriel's mother is described as a
person with some ambitions for her children and some considerable
pride. 

readability="8">

Gabriel remembers that she opposed his marriage
to Gretta and that she called Gretta, in a derogatory way, "country
cute.''

This is
the source of the dispute between Gabriel and his mother. Though the text leaves open
the possibility that Gabriel truly disagrees with his mother, it also leaves open the
possibility that Gabriel is upset with his mother's epithet because he believes it to be
true. 

At the end of the story it is the dead who "win".
Gretta's young lover, Michael Furey, died when he was seventeen. Though years have
passed, Michael still seems to own Gretta's affections as demonstrated when Gretta
refuses Gabriel's advances in deferral to a feeling of mourning for Michael. In this
choice, Gretta may prove Gabriel's mother correct. She does belong in the
country. 

To use a common phrase, we might say that her
heart has never left the country. 

In "The Dead", what was the cause of Gabriel's quarrel with his mother and who was proven right?

Gabriel quarrels with his mother over a conception of Gretta, Gabriel's wife. 

Gabriel's mother is described as a person with some ambitions for her children and some considerable pride. 

Gabriel remembers that she opposed his marriage to Gretta and that she called Gretta, in a derogatory way, "country cute.''

This is the source of the dispute between Gabriel and his mother. Though the text leaves open the possibility that Gabriel truly disagrees with his mother, it also leaves open the possibility that Gabriel is upset with his mother's epithet because he believes it to be true. 

At the end of the story it is the dead who "win". Gretta's young lover, Michael Furey, died when he was seventeen. Though years have passed, Michael still seems to own Gretta's affections as demonstrated when Gretta refuses Gabriel's advances in deferral to a feeling of mourning for Michael. In this choice, Gretta may prove Gabriel's mother correct. She does belong in the country. 

To use a common phrase, we might say that her heart has never left the country. 

In "Of Mice and Men", what did Slim find funny in Chapter 3?

In Chapter 3, Slim says to George, "Funny how you an' (Lenny) string along together".  By using the word "funny", Slim means "unusual" rather than "humorous", and his comment is a "calm invitation to confidence", an encouragement to George to share his feelings on his relationship with Lenny.

George responds defensively at first to Slim's observation, but Slim explains himself, saying, "Oh, I dunno.  Hardly none of the guys ever travel together.  I hardly never seen two guys travel together.  You know how the hands are, they just come in and get their bunk and work a month and then they quit and go out alone.  Never seem to give a damn about nobody.  It jus' seems kinda funny a cuckoo like him and a smart little guy like you travelin' together".

Slim's comment and his quiet and receptive demeanor actually do encourage George to explore and talk about his relationship with Lennie.  George reveals how he promised Lennie's Aunt Clara that he would take care of him, and how Lennie got in a scrape over in Weed.  George says that Lennie is a lot of trouble, but appreciates the companionship they provide for each other.  He realizes they are both lucky not to be alone.  Slim listens to George's musings, and understands the situatioin, repeating several times that although Lennie isn't bright, despite whatever he has done, "He ain't mean" (Chapter 3). 

How does Ralph show the quality of keeping cooperation in relation to the theme of leadership in "Lord of the Flies"?

Related to the theme of leadership, Ralph shows how leadership and cooperation relate, what qualities a leader has to have in order to produce cooperation, and what the limits of cooperation are. When he organizes the boys, he shows how leadership can work with cooperative principles to build a society. This works for him because he's intelligent, good-looking, and charming. However, raw animal passion can overwhelm and disrupt cooperation, and when that happens, the leader's charisma is useless.

What are some examples of symbolism in "Jonathan Livingston Seagull"?How we can identify the symbolism in the Jonathan Livingston Seagull?

A symbol or metaphor is a concrete thing which represents a concept more abstract. It can be intrinsic or explicit (implied or explained). Also, its degree of interpretation (relation between symbol and concept) can be restricted to a particular culture or it can be universally understood. It often has multiple meanings. For example, a flower could represent fragility, love or life; the sea could be seen as the source of things (return to the womb); its horizon, broadmindedness or the call to adventure. Such is the case in this story.

In Johnathan Livingston Seagull, the metaphors used are implicit; they are suggested rather than explained. They are also universal by nature. (This is one reason this book has been so popular.)

At first Johnathan is part of the crowd; he is indistinguishable from the other birds on the beach but at least he belongs. His yearning for flight, though, makes him leave the group and finally fly. Johnathan represents the individual and the flock of seagulls, collectivity or society. The beach - conformity and its limitations. His distancing from the others represents his need for individuality and the other birds' mocking of him, his subsequent alienation.

When Johnathan finally learns how to fly, he just doesn't take off - he soars. The euphoria and power he feels at this point compensate fully for all his effort, loneliness, even the rejection of others. His flight represents freedom; the limitless sea, his new horizon.

Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, What is the significance of this event?

As you should probably know, this bombing got the United
States into World War II.  It led, therefore, to the defeat of Japan, but also to the
defeat of Germany.

Before Pearl Harbor, Americans were dead
set against getting involved in this war.  They felt it did not have to do with them. 
But once Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, Americans were gung ho to join the war and get
revenge.

The Pearl Harbor attack led to Germany declaring
war on the US and that really hurt Germany because US production capabilities (as well
as soldiers) were a large part of defeating Germany.

Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, What is the significance of this event?

As you should probably know, this bombing got the United States into World War II.  It led, therefore, to the defeat of Japan, but also to the defeat of Germany.

Before Pearl Harbor, Americans were dead set against getting involved in this war.  They felt it did not have to do with them.  But once Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, Americans were gung ho to join the war and get revenge.

The Pearl Harbor attack led to Germany declaring war on the US and that really hurt Germany because US production capabilities (as well as soldiers) were a large part of defeating Germany.

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, what is Gatsby's real first and last name?

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, we learn that the titular character was born with the name "James Gatz," and known as "Jimmy Gatz" for much of his life, but changed it to Jay Gatsby. 

The reason he changed his name is because he wanted a new identity to reflect his new lifestyle. To him, "Jimmy Gatz" was a lower-class farm boy who had been dumped by the love of his life. However, if the name changed form, to "Jay Gatsby," it could be the name of a millionaire who deserved to win someone like Daisy Buchanan. 

Daisy's cousin and the narrator of the novel, Nick Carraway, believes that that Gatsby had his new name ready for a long time. It came from his "Platonic" representation of himself, meaning that he saw himself in a certain "perfect" way and was conforming however he could to become that ideal self. Instead of James Gatz of some unnamed farm in the middle of nowhere, he becomes Jay Gatsby of West Egg, Long Island, one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in America. "James Gatz" could never live in West Egg.

He changes his name the very moment he sees his first opportunity to make money: helping a man called Dan Cody to smuggle alcohol into American from Canada through Lake Superior. Thus, when he is just seventeen years old, Jay Gatsby earns a fortune through illegal means, and leaves Jimmy Gatz behind forever. 

It is also the effect of Gatsby's wild and vivid imagination. He always saw himself as this type of man: wealthy, refined, respected. Because of this, he never accepted his parents as his own, or his background and heritage as his own. Gatsby's dreams are a reflection of the so-called American Dream in many ways. He had a romanticized vision of his own future, which was at odds with his upbringing. Thus, to become a successful and rich magnate, he had to leave a lot of things behind--including his name. He wanted to be someone else so badly, that he changed his entire identity in order to leave his root behind. His imagination is an important part of his character. It is what keeps him pining for Daisy all those years, and what allows him to finally make a fortune and recreate himself in order to get her back. The name change is simply a reflection of this. 

In Chapter 2 of "Lord of the Flies", what are two similes to describe the flames?

For yards round the fire the heat was like a blow, and the breeze was a river of sparks. 

The heat from the initial flames is "like a blow" which is to say it is like a wind current. This is a gentle, warming comparison.

The flames, as noted in the previous answer, are also compared in similes to animals. With these symbols, the fire/heat is compared to things in nature. But not the transition of comparisons: from the wind to a squirrel to a jaguar. The sequence suggests a progression beginning with something harmless (even welcomed - a warm breeze) and ends with something predatory. At the end of the chapter, the complete progression of these symbols parallels the boys' progression as well: from civilized to savage, from innocent to warlike. 

A tree exploded in the fire like a bomb. 

This simile does compare the tree (not the flames) to a bomb. But it is the fire that initially brought heat and warmth - now described as something destructive - a bomb, killing something natural and innocent (tree). The sequence of comparisons parallels the boys' descent from innocence to violence: breeze, squirrel, jaguar, bomb. 

In "To Build a Fire," how does London's style (particularly imagery) serve to establish and intensify the story's mood?

The tone is definitely a detached, matter-of-fact one.  The narrator is clearly detached from the story, focusing on only the series of events, punctuated by terrific imagery/description.  

London's narrator's detachment is important to the story because it allows the reader to focus on only the man and the dog and what is happening to them and around them.  When reading this story, the reader does not focus on who the narrator is because London does such a marvelous job of keeping the focus on the man's journey to find the camp. 

Despite the detached, matter-of-fact tone, the story is totally engrossing and keeps the reader on the edge of his or her seat!  As things begin to look bleak for the protagonist, the reader cannot help but wonder if he will actually make it back to camp or simply die due to his lack of preparedness and inexperience with cold of this magnitude.

In 1984, how, according to O'Brien, does the party as an oligarchy differ from Nazism or Russian Communism?

I would add that the key difference between the Party and Nazism/Communism is that the Party explicitly denies that there will come a time when human society is happy, or that this is their aim, even in the distant future. For the Party, torture and repression are what affirms its power.

However unrealistic it may seem to us now, both Nazis and Communists believed and proclaimed that some sort of ultimate happiness and peace for society were their goals (at least, happiness and peace for those worthy to enjoy them, the "master race" or the "proletariat"). In other words, they were non-religious quests for the New Jerusalem. O'Brien flatly and angrily denies that anything like this is the case for the Party:

"Power is in inflicting pain and humiliation....Do you begin to see, then, what kind of world we are creating? It is the exact opposite of the stupid hedonistic Utopias that the old reformers imagined....Progress in our world will be progress towards more pain....If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face -- for ever." (Part III, Chapter 3)

In short, the Party can only feel its power if it exercises it against resistance. There must always be dissidents to be tortured and tried, otherwise the Party's rule will become unreal to its members.

This unpleasant picture was inspired partly by Orwell's distaste for the hedonism of many contemporary social reformers such as H. G. Wells. 

If the Light of Grace is at the top of the hill, why must Dante go down in order to reach it?

Dante has to go down through the Inferno because he has to acknowledge his own sinfulness and weakness before he can be forgiven and strengthened. The main message Dante poet is trying to tell us is that man cannot redeem himself, but he must take responsibliity for his sinfulness.

Describe Jem and Scout's relationship through these chapters as Jem matures. Why did Dill run away from home back to Maycomb?

As Jem enters puberty, he becomes more distant and
short-tempered with Scout. When he tells his sister to "start bein' a girl and acting
right!", Scout bursts into tears and seeks solace with Calpurnia. Scout also misses
Dill, who has not arrived yet for his regular summer stay. Jem and Scout are able to
agree on their dislike for Aunt Alexandra, who unites them when she comes to stay with
them at the end of Chapter 12. But the two get into a fistfight in Chapter 14, and
Atticus has to step in. Things get better later that night when Dill makes his
appearance--from underneath Scout's bed. Dill has run away from home, and he claims it
is because of his "new father," who has chained him and left him to die in their
Meridian basement. Since Dill has exaggerated so often about his father, it's hard to
get a straight story about what happened. We do know that he feels unloved by his
parents, who

readability="6">

"ain't mean. They buy me everything I want...
They kiss you and hug you good night and good mornin' and goodbye and tell you they love
you--"

But Dill's parents
never spend any time with him, so he decides to head to Maycomb where he feels love and
companionship from Jem and Scout.

Describe Jem and Scout's relationship through these chapters as Jem matures. Why did Dill run away from home back to Maycomb?

As Jem enters puberty, he becomes more distant and short-tempered with Scout. When he tells his sister to "start bein' a girl and acting right!", Scout bursts into tears and seeks solace with Calpurnia. Scout also misses Dill, who has not arrived yet for his regular summer stay. Jem and Scout are able to agree on their dislike for Aunt Alexandra, who unites them when she comes to stay with them at the end of Chapter 12. But the two get into a fistfight in Chapter 14, and Atticus has to step in. Things get better later that night when Dill makes his appearance--from underneath Scout's bed. Dill has run away from home, and he claims it is because of his "new father," who has chained him and left him to die in their Meridian basement. Since Dill has exaggerated so often about his father, it's hard to get a straight story about what happened. We do know that he feels unloved by his parents, who

"ain't mean. They buy me everything I want... They kiss you and hug you good night and good mornin' and goodbye and tell you they love you--"

But Dill's parents never spend any time with him, so he decides to head to Maycomb where he feels love and companionship from Jem and Scout.

Who is the winner in The Lion and the Jewel?

At least on a simple level, the Lion is the winner since
he eventually wins the hand of Sidi, the woman for whome he and Lakunle are competing. 
He has to try a variety of tricks before he is able to finally convince her that she
ought to accept his proposal, but in the end, his final ruse succeeds.  Lakunle is very
well spoken but lacks the ability to follow through on much of what he says, eventually
helping Sidi in her decision to marry the Bale.

Who is the winner in The Lion and the Jewel?

At least on a simple level, the Lion is the winner since he eventually wins the hand of Sidi, the woman for whome he and Lakunle are competing.  He has to try a variety of tricks before he is able to finally convince her that she ought to accept his proposal, but in the end, his final ruse succeeds.  Lakunle is very well spoken but lacks the ability to follow through on much of what he says, eventually helping Sidi in her decision to marry the Bale.

Why would the man who doesn't want the wall ask the neighbor to rebuild it? Might he want something more than just a hand with repair work?

The speaker asks his neighbor to help him mend the wall.
It's something they do together every year. It seems that the speaker doesn't see any
point in mending the wall, but his neighbor remains behind his old
saying:

He
only says, 'Good fences make good neighbors'. 
Spring is the mischief in me,
and I wonder 
If I could put a notion in his head: 
'Why do they
make good neighbors? Isn't it 
Where there are cows? 
But here there
are no cows. 
Before I built a wall I'd ask to know 
What I was
walling in or walling out, 
And to whom I was like to give
offence. 
Something there is that doesn't love a wall, 
That wants
it down.'

Yes, it looks like
the speaker would want something more, or, at least, he would like to stop mending a
wall which, from his point of view, serves no purpose.

The
poem is a comment on isolation and being stuck with ideas that may have had some purpose
in the past but no longer hold in the present. The speaker sees his neighbor as a
"savage" who moves in "darkness," as someone who is ruled by outmoded thoughts and lack
of originality. It should be noted, though, that most of my students, when we read the
poem in class, side with the neighbor. They agree that "good fences make good
neighbors."

Why would the man who doesn't want the wall ask the neighbor to rebuild it? Might he want something more than just a hand with repair work?

The speaker asks his neighbor to help him mend the wall. It's something they do together every year. It seems that the speaker doesn't see any point in mending the wall, but his neighbor remains behind his old saying:

He only says, 'Good fences make good neighbors'. 
Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder 
If I could put a notion in his head: 
'Why do they make good neighbors? Isn't it 
Where there are cows? 
But here there are no cows. 
Before I built a wall I'd ask to know 
What I was walling in or walling out, 
And to whom I was like to give offence. 
Something there is that doesn't love a wall, 
That wants it down.'

Yes, it looks like the speaker would want something more, or, at least, he would like to stop mending a wall which, from his point of view, serves no purpose.

The poem is a comment on isolation and being stuck with ideas that may have had some purpose in the past but no longer hold in the present. The speaker sees his neighbor as a "savage" who moves in "darkness," as someone who is ruled by outmoded thoughts and lack of originality. It should be noted, though, that most of my students, when we read the poem in class, side with the neighbor. They agree that "good fences make good neighbors."

A progressive wave is travelling. How far apart are 2 points (i.e. situated at minimum distance) 60 degree out of phase?Wave Frequency is 500 Hz...

We know that  frequency *wavelength = volcity.
Or

n*L = v.  But frequency n = 500  and  v =
360m/s,

Therfore wave length L = v/n = (360)/500 = 0.72
m.

Therefore in a cycle (one full osciilation of ) 360
degree the wave progress 0.72m. The points onthe a wave with aphase difference of 60
degree are at a distance  of (60/360)*(0.72m) = 0.12 meter
apart.

A progressive wave is travelling. How far apart are 2 points (i.e. situated at minimum distance) 60 degree out of phase?Wave Frequency is 500 Hz...

We know that  frequency *wavelength = volcity. Or

n*L = v.  But frequency n = 500  and  v = 360m/s,

Therfore wave length L = v/n = (360)/500 = 0.72 m.

Therefore in a cycle (one full osciilation of ) 360 degree the wave progress 0.72m. The points onthe a wave with aphase difference of 60 degree are at a distance  of (60/360)*(0.72m) = 0.12 meter apart.

What other symbols are used throughout "Fever 1793" other than the color yellow?

The flowers that Nathaniel gives to Mattie represent hope. Nathaniel doesn't want Mattie to forget him, and it's Mattie's memories prior to the breakout of yellow fever that keep her going through the hard times.  When Mattie's mom, Lucinda, contracts yellow fever, she's brought to the coffeehouse in a wheelbarrow, representing the fear people felt during this epidemic. For some, a crisis such as this brings out the worst in society, such as throwing the dead bodies in the streets.

This story is about Mattie's maturation into adulthood, and some of the characters help Mattie to become a woman. Although Lucinda, Mattie's mom, is hard on her, Lucinda gives Mattie perseverance, the ability to never give up, to keep going no matter what the odds are. Mattie's grandfather symbolizes self-confidence, giving Mattie the power to believe in herself and to do what's right. Eliza, Lucinda's friend, picks up where Mattie's grandfather left off, allowing Mattie to realize her own value to those around her. Nell, the little girl Mattie finds and decides to take care of, symbolizes a better future for all of them. She depends on Mattie as a mother, and this symbolizes Mattie's completion of her journey into adulthood.

Explain the line "With time they'd have thought of axes" from Margaret Atwood's poem "Half Hanged Mary."

The poem "Half Hanged Mary" deals with the botched execution of Mary Webster of the 17th century who was accused of being a witch. The lines "The rope was an improvisation/With time they'd have thought of axes" occurs in the second section of the poem.

It was a lot easier hanging Mary: all you needed was a rope and a tree to hang her from. It was done readily  without any preparation. The greatest advantage of death by hanging is that no blood is spilt and hence  the execution is not messy.

On the contrary, execution by beheading with an axe would require the trained services of a professional executioner who should be able to accurately chop her head off with one neat stroke. It cannot be done with an ordinary axe which is used to cut wood. A particularly heavy axe had to be manufactured specially for this gruesome purpose. Needless to say it would have been very messy with blood splattering all around the place.

But, as Atwood remarks very grimly, this was only the beginning and  that eventually as the people became more and more bloodthirsty they would institutionalize  the execution of 'witches' by beheading.

Why is the first book of A Tale of Two Cities called "Recalled to Life"? Please use examples including characters and instances.

The title of the first book, "Recalled to Life", refers to the character of Dr. Alexandre Manette, who has been imprisoned in France's Bastille for eighteen years.  The old Doctor is finally being released, so in a physical sense he is being set free from "death", as represented by his incarceration, and being given a chance to resume his "life".  Indeed, the text of the cryptic message affirming his release is "Recalled to Life".

Thematically, Doctor Manette is being "recalled to life" in more than just the physical sense.  Book the First, Chapter 6 presents a graphic picture of the toll the long imprisonment and isolation has taken on the Doctor's mind.  He is figuratively "dead" in that his mind is gone.  He has forgotten his identity, and spends his days fiddling absently at his workbench, and when asked for his name, replies "One Hundred and Five, North Tower".  Doctor Manette is described as a "buried man who (has) been dug out", and when asked if he is pleased about being recalled to life, he can only respond, "I can't say". 

How has Stevens has changed in Remains of the Day?

First, you need to be sure of your purpose in the paper.  Every paper you write should be your ideas--not just a bunch of quotes from elsewhere tied together with a few buts, ands, and therefores.

What is your main idea?  What are you trying to get across to the reader (are you saying that Stevens did or did not change)?

THEN, what are your reasons for saying this?  You should have a minimum of 2-3 strong reasons for believing your main idea is true.  What reasons are there to prove that Stevens changed? Didn't change? 

Once you have this basic outline in mind, then you should take a look at the quotes you want to use.  Keep in mind that you should never just fill up space in your paper with a quote that is 1/2 page long.  You don't have to use an entire quote, either.   Based on your main idea and the reasons you state for believing that main idea to be true, which quotes from the text in their entirity or in part, will most likely help you prove your point?

Check the following websites on flawlessly integrating quotes into your paper with the use of ellipses, etc.

How does the creature say he learned to live in the world in Frankenstein?

He learns the same way we learn-by
experience. Of course, he is at a disadvantage, having no parent there to
guide him through his trials. But he slowly learns to "distinguish [his]
sensations from each other": recognizing forms, light, sound, etc. He
also learns to use tools, wielding fire to his advantage after burning himself
once.

One
day, when I was oppressed by cold, I found a fire which had been left by some wandering
beggars, and was overcome with delight at the warmth I experienced from it. In my joy I
thrust my hand into the live embers, but quickly drew it out again with a cry of pain.
How strange, I thought, that the same cause should produce such opposite effects! I
examined the materials of the fire, and to my joy found it to be composed of
wood.

Essentially,
he learns scientifically, through observation. These chapters represent a
child taking his/her first steps in the world, slowly discerning each new
sensation.

How does the creature say he learned to live in the world in Frankenstein?

He learns the same way we learn-by experience. Of course, he is at a disadvantage, having no parent there to guide him through his trials. But he slowly learns to "distinguish [his] sensations from each other": recognizing forms, light, sound, etc. He also learns to use tools, wielding fire to his advantage after burning himself once.

One day, when I was oppressed by cold, I found a fire which had been left by some wandering beggars, and was overcome with delight at the warmth I experienced from it. In my joy I thrust my hand into the live embers, but quickly drew it out again with a cry of pain. How strange, I thought, that the same cause should produce such opposite effects! I examined the materials of the fire, and to my joy found it to be composed of wood.

Essentially, he learns scientifically, through observation. These chapters represent a child taking his/her first steps in the world, slowly discerning each new sensation.

What happens in Chapter 8 of To Kill a Mockingbird, and who put the blanket around Scout?describe Chapter 8

School is cancelled because of snow the day after Mrs. Radley dies.  The children play in the snow, making a figure that is a parody of Mr. Avery, who has told the children the bad weather has come about because of their misdeeds.  Atticus admires the Jem and Scout's sculpting skills, but makes them alter the snow-person's appearance, saying "you can't go around making caricatures of the neighbors". 

Later that night, Miss Maudie's house burns down, and Atticus brings the children outside because the flames are threatening the Finch house as well.  The children wait in the freezing cold until the conflagration is out and the firemen have left, and when Jem and Scout return home, she finds she is clutching an unfamiliar blanket.  She does not remember where she got it, but Atticus tells her that in all the confusion of the night before, the mysterious Arthur Radley (Boo) placed it gently over her. shoulders.

The next day, Miss Maudie, typically upbeat, makes plans to replace her house (Chapter 8).

In "Hamlet", who is Horatio, and what is his status in the Danish court?

Horatio is Hamlet's closest friend.  He comes to Elisnore from Wittenberg for the funeral of the King. Hamlet trusts Horatio, who tries to provide support and guidance to his friend during his time of grief and crisis.  He fears for Hamlet's sanity and health and worries that all the stress of the ghost's appearance and Ophelia's death will lead Hamlet to kill himself. 

"Hamlet professes his faith in Horatio and praises his qualities of judiciousness, patience, and equanimity."   

"Horatio enjoys the absolute trust of those who know him: it is Horatio whom the guards ask to witness the appearance of the ghost, it is Horatio with whom Hamlet trusts his suspicions regarding Claudius"

What is Charlie's main internal conflict throughout the story in "Flowers for Algernon"?

Charlie struggles so much with a need to be accepted and to be "normal".  He spent his childhood being abused by his mother because he was different and she couldn't face it.  As an adult, he hates that he is not equal to his "friends" and peers.  He wants the surgery because he wants to:

to be smart like other pepul so I can have lots of friends who like me.

Like all humans, he just wants to be a part of a group.  However, when he is "smart" enough to understand what his peers are really like, Charlie starts to understand that being accepted isn't necessarily a positive goal.  Why desire to be accepted by people who aren't humane in their treatment of others?  However, he still desires to be "like others" and tries desparately to research and discover the flaw in the operation.  It is only when he realizes that there is no fix that he must face up to his internal problem.  It is then that Charlie overcomes his conflict and accepts himself and understands that other people will and this is enough.  He also learns from his own internal conflict to be accepting of other people who might be:

not so smart like you once thot they were.

Based on Othello’s dialogue prior to Iago’s mischief, how might Othello’s ability to love his wife be described?

Othello didn't realize that Desdemona was falling for him when he started talking with her, so Desdemona actually had to make the first move.  Othello reports that she told him, "if I had a friend that loved her, /I should but teach him how to tell my story. / And that would woo her."  So, Othello might have been missing more subtle clues, making him a rather shy man in matters of love when most men of the day were more aggressive. However, even the Duke acknowledges that a woman would find this attractive, saying his own daughter would fall for that. Othello's honesty with Desdemona about his slavery and the wars, topics that other men of the day would have avoided as inappropriate, shows that his love is not based having a true friendship with her.

Beyond the unusual friendship hinted at, Othello also has incredible trust in Desdemona, putting his own life in her hands when he tells the Duke to "let her speak of me before her father" and that if she speaks badly of him, the Duke should take his life. Othello would have Desdemona to stay home during the war, but when she insists she wants to come, Othello yields to her request. This willingness to share power is reinforced when he calls her "fair warrior" after they're reunited in Cyprus. So, before Iago's manipulations, Othello is open, honest, and willing to share authority with the one he loves.

Define the difference between Political Culture and Political Ideology.

Political culture and political ideology are two different
ideas. Political culture is more of a general concept. It focuses on values, attitudes,
and ideas that many people have about the government of a country. We believe our
leaders should be elected as a result of a democratic process. In our country, we
believe in the concept of a democratic republic as the way our leaders should represent
us. Most people, regardless of their political ideology, support these
ideas.

Political ideology is much more specific and may
lead to disagreements between people and political parties. The Democratic Party has a
political ideology that is very different than the political ideology of the Republican
Party. The Democratic Party believes the government should have a larger and more active
role in society. They believe there should be many government programs or agencies to
help the needy and to regulate the actions of businesses. The Republican Party believes
the government should have a more limited role in our lives. They want taxes to be
lower, and they want fewer government regulations on businesses. These ideologies are
very different, and they clearly mark the differences between the political parties.
There is a significant difference between political culture and political
ideology.

Define the difference between Political Culture and Political Ideology.

Political culture and political ideology are two different ideas. Political culture is more of a general concept. It focuses on values, attitudes, and ideas that many people have about the government of a country. We believe our leaders should be elected as a result of a democratic process. In our country, we believe in the concept of a democratic republic as the way our leaders should represent us. Most people, regardless of their political ideology, support these ideas.

Political ideology is much more specific and may lead to disagreements between people and political parties. The Democratic Party has a political ideology that is very different than the political ideology of the Republican Party. The Democratic Party believes the government should have a larger and more active role in society. They believe there should be many government programs or agencies to help the needy and to regulate the actions of businesses. The Republican Party believes the government should have a more limited role in our lives. They want taxes to be lower, and they want fewer government regulations on businesses. These ideologies are very different, and they clearly mark the differences between the political parties. There is a significant difference between political culture and political ideology.

What is the general idea about the characters in Hemingway's "Indian Camp"?

Hemingway's story represents a clash of cultures. For example, as the natives lead Nick, his father, and uncle back to the encampment, the Objiwa and their white visitors walk "into the woods and followed a trail that led to the logging road as the timber was being cut away on both sides." The forest was the life of the Ojibwa; for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years, they took what they needed from the land at a gradual pace that sustained the people. When whites began clear cutting the ancient forests, it was the beginning of the end of their way of life.

Throughout the story we see these clashes occur. Another example comes in the rough treatment of the pregnant woman by the doctor (Nick's father.) Ojibwa and many other tribes observed strict blood and gender taboos. Men were never allowed into the birthing huts. The afterbirth, which the doctor disregards and disposes of, had many rituals associated with it to ensure the child a life of fortune and good health.

The man's suicide is understandable if one understands how he believed he, his wife, and his child were doomed. The white men are oblivious, Nick too young to do anything. Hemingway was documenting before our eyes a lifestyle on its way to oblivion.

What are the contents of the letter Pip receives in chapter 52 of "Great Expectations"?

Pip receives two letters in this chapter. The first is from Wemmick, and it concerns "you might do what you know." Then he is instructed to burn it. This letter is in reference to the plan for Provis. The second letter is dirty and unsigned and instructs Pip to be at the sluice-house at 9:00, and this also concerns Uncle Provis. However, the second letter serves as a trap by Orlick to wreak his revenge on Pip!

What quote best supports the theme of "The Most Dangerous Game?" There has to be a key point that shows the reader what the theme of the story is.

There are a number of quotes that you could use, depending on how you see the story.  The nice thing about literature is that there's rarely just one answer.

Rainsford: Be a realist. The world is made up of two classes--the hunters and the huntees.

Whitney: I rather think they [the prey] understand one thing--fear. The fear of pain and the fear of death.

Zaroff--Life is for the strong, to be lived by the strong, and, if needs be, taken by the strong.

What events add to the plot or rising action of "By the Waters of Babylon"?

John believes that it is his destiny to go to the Place of the Gods to gain knowledge. The preparation rituals he goes through with his father and the other priests prepare John for his Rite of Passage in becoming a man and future priest. The rising action of a story contains the introduction of the main conflict, in which case, it is John vs. himself. He must trust his intuition as he journeys to the Place of the Gods, and he watches for signs to indicate that his is a "good" journey. He sees an eagle heading east, as well as a family of deer. He also is able to kill a jaguar with one arrow, which is a sign to him that he is blessed by the gods in continuing on his path. He east the flesh of the jaguar and strengthens himself. By facing his internal conflict (his desire for knowledge), he is rewarded with learning the truth about the gods... that they were not gods at all, but men. Civilization had destroyed itself with its advances in technology and left radiation residing in metallic objects. Hence, anyone who'd touched metal soon after the war died from radiation poisoning. It became a legend that anyone who touches metal dies, yet the reason had been forgotten over time. The gods were the men time forgot.

What are the elements of the story "The Pit and The Pendulum"?

The elements of a story are the setting, plot, conflict, characters, point of view and the theme.  In Pit and The Pendulum we have one lone character.  A man taken prisoner, tried, and convicted by unseen men in black robes.  The setting is in a prison, the conflict is how the man can get free from his all most certain death from the pendulum.  The story is written in the first person point of view and the theme is Life vs Death or the struggle for survival.  You can find more details in the link below.

For "The Crucible", when Elizabeth and John argue over Abigail, describe the causes and effects of the conflict. What actions have resulted in this...

This scene is Act II, scene i of the play and it is the first time we meet Elizabeth Proctor.  As an audience, we already know about John's affair, but have not had a chance to see how his wife is reacting to it.  In this scene, it is apparent that the two have not yet resolved the tension that the affair created.  They are stiff and uncomfortable around each other.  The stage directions actually have them placed at a distance from each other, as if they are not comfortable enough to stand close together.  Elizabeth is trying to convince John to go to court and prove that Abigail is lying about witchcraft.  John reveals that he was alone with Abigail and she confessed the deception.

This is where things turn into an argument.  Elizabeth is angry that John has been alone with Abigail.  She obviously does not yet trust him.  John feels that he has suffered enough.  He knows what he did is wrong, but he insists to Elizabeth that he needed a passion that she wasn't giving him.  She is offended at his suggestion that it is her fault that he had an affair.  John tries to explain that he isn't blaming her, only trying to explain to her.

The communication between these two is counterproductive.  When John tries to explain, Elizabeth feels injured.  When she tries to explain, he feels trapped and defensive.  This lack of communication will carry them to the courtroom, with disastrous consequences.

What role did Friar Lawrence play in uniting Romeo and Juliet? Was he successful?

If you were to consider Romeo and Juliet as united in death, the afterlife, I would have to say he was successful. However, the Friar far oversteps his bounds, especially as a man of God, when he meddles in Romeo's love affairs. He questions Romeo in Act II, Scene 3: "Was thou with Rosaline?" It is as if the Friar, in his bumbling way, is living vicariously through the teenager's life. In this same scene, Romeo confesses he no longer loves Rosaline, it is now a Capulet, Juliet, who hold his heart. The Friar, without question, immediately becomes part of their secret affair:"I'll thy assistant be" (2.3.90).

Later, as we know, the Friar uses his holy power to secretly marry the two lovers in hopes of joining the feuding houses: "...you shall not stay alone till Holy Church incorporate two in one" (2.6.37). Unfortunately for the Friar, he is instrumental in the deaths of Romeo and Paris, and his only solution for Juliet prior to her suicide is to "Come, come away...I'll dispose of thee among a sisterhood of holy nuns" (5.3.154-157). What young girl in love, with her lover dead before her, would choose to go to a nunnery? Thus, the Friar may be motivated by good intent, yet by meddling in the teenager's lives, he plays a large role in the death of the innocents!

What is the significance of the play that Bottom and his friends are rehearsing as scene 2 of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" opens?

The play the artisans are rehearsing is about Pyramus and Thisbe, two lovers whose families try to keep them apart, much like Romeo and Juliet's families.  Pyramus and Thisbe face many obstacles in order to try to be together and resort to meeting at the wall that separates their properties at night to avoid being seen.  Ultimately, Pyramus kills himself after believing that Thisbe has died.  However, Thisbe is still alive and awakes to find Pyramus dead, so she, too, kills herself to be with him in death. 

What makes the play significant is twofold:  this play will eventually be chosen to be performed at the wedding of the 3 couples (Helena and Demetrius, Lysander and Hermia, and Hippolyta and Theseus) later in the play; also, the couple in the play mirror Hermia and Lysander in many ways, including the fact that they, too, faced familial disapproval of their relationship (her father, Egeus, disapproved of Lysander).  The big difference is that Hermia and Lysander do not die, however.

In Fahrenheit 451, what was that place to ride a jet car?

I am not sure there is a specific "place" where they drove jet cars, but the reader does learn that driving jet cars extremely fast is a common stress reliever for their society. Early on in the novel, Clarisse describes that many of her classmates had been killed in car accidents due to reckless driving. Also, Mildred even tells Montag he should take the car out for a spin in the country. Mildred adds that she often goes out late at night herself, when she cannot sleep, just to drive, because it's fun. She drives so fast and recklessly, however, that she has hit rabbits and dogs. This too is fun for her; Mildred shows no remorse.

Since "Animal Farm" is full of symbolism and allegory, what does Boxer represent in the story?

Boxer, the hard working, loyal horse who stands by Napoleon and believes in his lies is a representation of the individual who accepted the propaganda from the leaders in Russia who told the people that life would be better for everyone after the Czar was gone.

After the Czar was gone, Lenin tried to institute a classless society, where everyone was equal.  Like in Animal Farm, when the animals take over the farm, getting rid of Mr. Jones, they believe that they will all benefit from the new leadership.  And, just like in Russia, the new leadership, Lenin, then Stalin, betray the people and their lives got harder, not better and the small elite class or rulers that emerged gained power and lived luxurious lives, while the peasants struggled to survive.

Just like in Russia, when Stalin staged the Great Purge, and millions of innocent people were executed, tortured or sent to Siberia, Boxer, is betrayed by Napoleon.  No animal is safe on the farm, clearly, Boxer, who was so loyal and worked so hard and was always willing to work harder, should be rewarded for his life of labor. 

He is therefore, a symbol of the baseless cruelty and indifference of Napoleon, who does not recognize the value of the devotion that he demanded from the animals and discards Boxer when he can no longer work.

 Clearly, absolute obedience does not protect you, all promises are lies, you have no individual worth, that is the message.

How does Tom get Huck to go back to the Widow in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"?

Tom tries to talk Huck into going back to the Widow by telling him that he and the gang are going to become robbers, and if Huck isn't "respectable", he will not be allowed into the gang.  Tom convinces Huck that, unlike pirates, robbers have a more "high-toned" reputation, and that if Huck were allowed to join he would reflect badly upon the whole operation.  All of Tom's other appeals have fallen on deaf ears; although he likes the Widow and feels badly about causing her trouble, Huck is firm in his insistence that the civilized life is something he can't stand.  It is only when he realizes that if he doesn't conform, he will be left out of Tom's great future adventures, that he decides he will "stick to the widder till (he) rot(s)", if only he is allowed to remain in the gang and "git(s) to be a reg'lar ripper of a robber" (Chapter XXXV).

What is the conflict in "The Open Window" and why?

The conflict of the story is both internal and external. Nuttel has been set to the country in order to settle his nerves. Internally, he is unstable. When Vera discovers this, she begins to challenge him externally by making up a story about the death of the husband in order to scare Nuttel when the husband returns. Nuttel is so frightened when he sees the husband that he bolts from the room, Internally, his nerves cannot stand the shock. Externally, Vera has been successful in scaring Nuttle and thereby getting him Nuttel to leave.

In The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, why does Injun Joe want to take revenge on the Widow and how?

Injun Joe wants to take revenge on the Widow Douglas because when her husband was alive he was "rough" on him.  A justice of the peace, the Widow's husband had had Injun Joe arrested for vagrancy, but the worst part of it was that he had had him  "horsewhipped...with all the town looking on".  The humiliation of this punishment has left Injun Joe bitter, and he resolves to take revenge on the Widow, since her husband "took advantage of (him) and died".  With cold-blooded calculation, Injun Joe says that when you get revenge on a woman, you don't kill her, you "go for her looks".  He plans a grisly mutilation - he will "slit her nostrils (and) notch her ears like a sow" (Chapter XXIX).

Why did the Soviet Union order the building of the Berlin Wall?The Kennedy Years 1961-1963

After the end of WWII, Germany was divided into four parts, each part to be controlled by one of the Allied countries: the U.S., Britain, France, and the Soviet Union.  As tension between the democratic countries and the communist USSR grew during the cold war, Germany was divided into just two parts: the Federal Republic of Germany, with West Berlin, and the German Democratic Republic, with East Berlin. 

The west was democratic and capitalist.  The east became an authoritarian government with a Soviet-styled economy.  The West Germans economy flourished, making many East Germans wanting to move into those areas.  To prevent this, the government established a clear border in Berlin, and stopped East Germans from moving into the west.

Stalin met with East German leaders and expressed his displeasure that westerners could still move freely in the east.  Stalin advised the East Germans as follows: "The demarcation line between East and West Germany should be considered a border – and not just any border, but a dangerous one ... The Germans will guard the line of defense with their lives."

The reason Stalin was so firm on this was a logical one.  He was trying to protect his power.  The more access citizens of authoritarian countries had with those of free countries, the more the feeling of unrest could grow, which would topple the dictators.  This did eventually happen - just not for another 20 + years.

How are Lord Capulet and the Nurse different in Romeo and Juliet?I need a personality/character trait of Capulet that CONTRASTS with a character...

To underscore the excellent answer above, the scene in
which the Nurse discovers Juliet "dead" is very telling of the natures of her and of
Lord Capulet.  In Scene 5 of Act IV, the Nurse enters and finds that she cannot rouse
Juliet.  She exclaims,

readability="20">

Alas, alas!  Help, help! My lady's
dead!

Oh, welladay that ever I was
born!....

Oh, lamentable
day!....

Oh me, oh me! My child, my only
life.

Revive, look up, or I will die with thee.
(IV,v,15-22)

When Lord
Capulet enters, he claims that Death

readability="27">

...hath ta'en her hence to make me
wail,

Ties up my tongue and will not let me
speak....

Death is my heir,  I will
die,

And leave him all--life, living, all is
Death's....

O child!...My soul, and not my
child!

Dead art thou!  Alack, my child is
dead,

And with my child my joys are buried. (IV,
v,37-67)

So, while both the
Nurse and Lord Capulet cry that they, too, will die, Lord Capulet demonstrates more
selfishness in his laments, stating that his joys will now be gone as Juliet has died. 
He thinks of his lineage and how the wedding will now turn to a funeral:  "Our wedding
cheer to a sad burial feast."  All the sentiments of Lord Capulet contain his own
reflection in them.

On the other hand, the Nurse simply
expresses her deep sorrow and dismay, wishing herself dead if she no longer can be with
Juliet.  She thinks of nothing else, only "her child."

How are Lord Capulet and the Nurse different in Romeo and Juliet?I need a personality/character trait of Capulet that CONTRASTS with a character...

To underscore the excellent answer above, the scene in which the Nurse discovers Juliet "dead" is very telling of the natures of her and of Lord Capulet.  In Scene 5 of Act IV, the Nurse enters and finds that she cannot rouse Juliet.  She exclaims,

Alas, alas!  Help, help! My lady's dead!

Oh, welladay that ever I was born!....

Oh, lamentable day!....

Oh me, oh me! My child, my only life.

Revive, look up, or I will die with thee. (IV,v,15-22)

When Lord Capulet enters, he claims that Death

...hath ta'en her hence to make me wail,

Ties up my tongue and will not let me speak....

Death is my heir,  I will die,

And leave him all--life, living, all is Death's....

O child!...My soul, and not my child!

Dead art thou!  Alack, my child is dead,

And with my child my joys are buried. (IV, v,37-67)

So, while both the Nurse and Lord Capulet cry that they, too, will die, Lord Capulet demonstrates more selfishness in his laments, stating that his joys will now be gone as Juliet has died.  He thinks of his lineage and how the wedding will now turn to a funeral:  "Our wedding cheer to a sad burial feast."  All the sentiments of Lord Capulet contain his own reflection in them.

On the other hand, the Nurse simply expresses her deep sorrow and dismay, wishing herself dead if she no longer can be with Juliet.  She thinks of nothing else, only "her child."

Can you give me a brief summary of "The Man with the Hoe"?

You'll find an excellent summary of the poem at the link pasted below.

Markham was inspired to write this poem by Jean-Francois Millet's painting L'homme a la houe (Man with a Hoe). I've included a link to the Getty Museum web page, where you can see that painting. If you'll read the poem while looking at the painting, you might get a better understanding of what Markham was trying to say.

In the first four stanzas, Markham describes the man and speculates what made him look so gaunt and despairing. In the final stanza, he leaves a warning for the mighty and powerful who oppress such people as this man:

O masters, lords and rulers in all lands,
How will the future reckon with this Man?
How answer his brute question in that hour
When whirlwinds of rebellion shake all shores?
How will it be with kingdoms and with kings--
With those who shaped him to the thing he is--
When this dumb Terror shall rise to judge the world,
After the silence of the centuries?

What will happen when this man (and all like him) finally erupts in anger and frustration and rebels?

What is the complication in "The Cask of Amontillado"?

In Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado," nearly every part of
Montressor's plan of revenge goes according to schedule, so there are not too many
complications from his angle.  The only real snag is for the reader, as we are not in on
the plan from the beginning.  We are like Fortunato, oblivious to the plan of
revenge.

Getting Fortunato into his catacombs is easy: the
amontillado does the trick.  The complication, I guess, comes in making him walk deeper
and deeper into its dark passages.

For the reader, the
complication comes when Fortunato debates turning back. Fortunato is ill with a bad
cough, and the nitre of the catacombs only makes it worse.  Even Montressor beckons him
to return:

readability="16">

"Come," I said, with decision, "we will go back;
your health is precious. You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy, as
once I was. You are a man to be missed. For me it is no matter. We will go back; you
will be ill, and I cannot be responsible. Besides, there is
Luchesi-"

This, of course, is
really part of the plan, verbal irony by Montresor scripted to make it seem like he is a
friend who cares about his health.  This bit of reverse psychology is the only
complication I can see.

What is the complication in "The Cask of Amontillado"?

In Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado," nearly every part of Montressor's plan of revenge goes according to schedule, so there are not too many complications from his angle.  The only real snag is for the reader, as we are not in on the plan from the beginning.  We are like Fortunato, oblivious to the plan of revenge.

Getting Fortunato into his catacombs is easy: the amontillado does the trick.  The complication, I guess, comes in making him walk deeper and deeper into its dark passages.

For the reader, the complication comes when Fortunato debates turning back. Fortunato is ill with a bad cough, and the nitre of the catacombs only makes it worse.  Even Montressor beckons him to return:

"Come," I said, with decision, "we will go back; your health is precious. You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy, as once I was. You are a man to be missed. For me it is no matter. We will go back; you will be ill, and I cannot be responsible. Besides, there is Luchesi-"

This, of course, is really part of the plan, verbal irony by Montresor scripted to make it seem like he is a friend who cares about his health.  This bit of reverse psychology is the only complication I can see.

At the end of "Flowers for Algernon," does Charlie feel better or worse about himself?

Even though, at the end of the story, Charlie loses his new found intelligence, he retains a healthy sense of self-worth.

"Even after Charlie returns to his previous subnormal level of intelligence, he has learned to be understanding of the failings of others because they are "not so smart like you once thot they were." Although the experiment has failed, Charlie Gordon has not."

In "The Eve of St. Agnes," how does John Keats connect the beadsman to the main story of the poem?

The poem is one of antitheses: for instance, cold/heat and waking/dreaming. The central antithesis, however, is Madeline's spiritual passion for all things holy developed in contrast to Porphyro's physical passion for Madeline. The beadsman contributes to specific parts of these antitheses.

As the poem begins, the beadsman prays alone in the chapel surrounded by religious imagery, including a picture of the Virgin. His presence introduces into the poem the element of spirituality. Furthermore, the chapel is incredibly cold, so cold that even the chapel's statues seem to feel it. The idea of the cold, then, is also introduced very early. As the poem develops, spirituality is soon contrasted with physical desire and cold is contrasted with the warmth of Madeline's chamber. Finally, at the poem's conclusion, the beadsman sleeps, dreaming his own holy dreams forever, after the lovers have run away together.

Why is the story called "A Rose for Emily" even though there are no roses?

Roses need not be literally spoken of to have power.  Think of roses and their various roles in human life.  Roses are often present at weddings, a promise of love despite hardship, the combination of pain and beauty. 

However, roses because of their strong odor, are also used in funeral homes to cover the stench of decay.  In Faulkner's day as well, older ladies, those of the late 1800s, favored rose water parfumes as a means of hiding bodily odor (no deodorants then, you know.)  Emily tries hard to be something she is not...young, engaging, marriageable. 

The covering of stench could be applied to a variety of characters:  the town in its neglect of one of its own, Emily in covering the death of her lover, the dead flowers symbolic of Homer's apparently neglected promise. 

Additionally, it has been traditional for brides and lovers to press and preserve roses.  The rose of the title then, may symbolize Emily's stagnant dreams for a life with Homer.

Or, one could view the rose as the narrator's offer of friendship, extended too late.  Like a clipped rose, life itself is short and once it is gone, the rose can never be restored to its previous glory. 

What happened to Syme in the story?

IN this story, it appears that Syme ends up getting
killed.  We do not know this for absolutely sure, but it seems like it must have
happened.

First of all, Winston is absolutely sure that
Syme will end up getting killed.  That is because Syme is clearly too smart to stay
alive in this society.  He thinks too much and has too much insight.  So that implies
he's going to die.

At the start of Chapter 8, Syme is gone
from work.  And his name is gone from the list of people on the chess club.  That
implies he is dead.

Then, at start of Part 2, Chapter 6,
O'Brien seems to confirm it by talking about Syme to Winston, but saying he does not
remember his name.  This implies that Syme has become an unperson -- that he never
officially existed.

What happened to Syme in the story?

IN this story, it appears that Syme ends up getting killed.  We do not know this for absolutely sure, but it seems like it must have happened.

First of all, Winston is absolutely sure that Syme will end up getting killed.  That is because Syme is clearly too smart to stay alive in this society.  He thinks too much and has too much insight.  So that implies he's going to die.

At the start of Chapter 8, Syme is gone from work.  And his name is gone from the list of people on the chess club.  That implies he is dead.

Then, at start of Part 2, Chapter 6, O'Brien seems to confirm it by talking about Syme to Winston, but saying he does not remember his name.  This implies that Syme has become an unperson -- that he never officially existed.

What would you say is the predominant mood in "The Seafarer"?

The predominant mood is one of suffering and discomfort.  He has endured many hard winters on the cold seas.  The Seafarer speaks of the "frozen chains" and "icy bands" that hold him to the ship--a double meaning.  He loves the sea and would rather be there than anywhere, but he admits that when the weather turns and the sea is cold and uncalm, it is not the most fun.  He is aged prematurely because it is often cold and uncomfortable, but when he is on land among warm houses and female bodies and loads of food and drink, all he wants to do is return to the sea. Life on land is more comfortable, but there are no heros produced on land anymore...not enough dangers or challenges there for him.  He loves the danger and the challenge of the sea, it thrills him and calls to him when he is not sailing.

The ocean is a metaphor for life--he wants to live and longs to be in the thick of things, but it is not always going to be easy or comfortable.

Then the mood changes and moves from individual experience to encompass all people.  It becomes more of a prayer, and has a positive outlook.  The Seafarer thanks God for His love and protection and he tells all people that we should live modestly, control our pride, and hope for heaven.  He says, "Praise the Holy Grace of Him who honored us, Eternal, unchanging creator of earth. Amen."

Love God, who loves us for who we are and who is always there for us in danger and peace.