Describe 'in detail' the moral and ethical issues that are associated with 'cell phones'?

If the previous answers were not enough, another aspect to consider is health hazards and the ethical issue of the privacy of self and others.

Morally speaking, it would not be correct for a person to make a strange audience participant in their private conversations. Therefore, opening a dialogue on the phone in a place where other people can hear you evades the privacy of the talker, and the rights of others are violated by having to be around a talker.

Ethically, there is a supposed danger connected to cell phones: First, radiation may cause brain tumors, although this has not been openly proven. Second, it may make you lose control of the vehicle. So,the most ethical thing to do is to make the right choice of leaving cell phone use to emergencies, or privately without disturbing others.

What does Paul's room represent to him in All Quiet on the Western Front?It's somewhere in Chapter 7.... I can't find it though.

Paul's room represents to him the "Life of (his) Youth." When he comes home on leave, he sits in his room, waiting for his old life "who are care-free, beautiful," to take him up again, but tragically, he discovers that he cannot find his way back.

Paul's room is filled with the accoutrements of his old life. He had been but a youth when he became involved in the war; he had been only a student. Paul sits on the old "brown leather sofa" in his room and his eyes peruse the pictures he once cut out of newspapers and pinned on the walls, drawings and postcards "that have pleased (him)," and shelves and shelves of books. Paul reminisces that he "used to live in this room before (he) was a soldier," and strives desperately to "think (him)self back into that time." As he looks out the window and sees the idyllic scene accented by "the rising spire of the church," he senses that here, "nothing is changed;" peace and tranquility remain.

Paul wants more than anything to experience the "quiet rapture" that he used to feel, epecially when turning to the books he loves in this room, to recapture "the lost eagerness of (his) youth." Despite his longing, however, he finds only "a terrible feeling of foreignness," and realizes to his dismay that his experiences in the war have changed him so much that he will never again be able to recapture his old life, and the carefree innocence that once was his (Chapter 7).

How is the pearl earring a symbol that allows the reader to gain insight into the changes and life journey of Griet? What does is represent/symbolize?

According to the author, the pearl earring "is important as a symbol because it represents the world Griet gets drawn into and ultimately rejected from."  Her father's blindness leads to her family's poverty which then leads to Griet's exposure to a whole other world. Griet is cast into the Vermeer household where she must endure jealousy and suspicion. When Griet is allowed into Vermeer's studio, a place even his wife cannot enter, she struggles with the moral values with which she's been raised. This is a world that is totally foreign to her, but it's also one that she's drawn to because she's allowed to participate in Vermeer's artistic creations. Both she and Vermeer know it will be disastrous for her to pose for him, but Griet does it anyway. I think she realizes this will be her only opportunity to be a part of something she knows is special. The earrings belong to Vermeer's wife, and they represent the wealth and prestige of the Vermeer family, but they also represent Griet's purity.

I have posted the link to the interview with Chevalier below.

What is the summary of the poem, "If", by Rudyard Kipling?

Rudyard Kipling's popular poem, "If," details specific traits necessary to become a good leader, a good man, and a wise person. The first stanza is concerned with the dealing of conceit and righteousness, suggesting that men "don't look too good, nor talk too wise." The second stanza warns about the realities of life, to "... not make dreams your master; / ... and not make thoughts your aim." The third stanza advises the reader about the complex decisions a man must make during his life. In the fourth stanza, Kipling discusses the importance of not losing "the common touch" with fellow man, and to fill each minute of every day with "sixty seconds' worth of distance run."

These guidelines, if followed, according to Kipling, will make you "a Man, my son!" 

In Act II of Romeo and Juliet, what is an example of forshadowing of more sinister events in Act II? For example when Romeo and Juliet get...

There are many examples.  First, the Friar's opening monolgue is foreshadows bad things that can happen from good. In talking about the qualities of the plants, he mentions that some plants might smell good, but when tasted they can be poisonous.  He says, "For naught so vile that on the earth doth live But to the earth some special good doth give; Nor aught so good but, strain'd from that fair use, Revolts from true birth, stumbling on abuse: Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied." Act II, scene iii

At the end of the scene, the Friar foreshadows the negative consequences of acting quickly.  He says: "Wisely, and slowly. They stumble that run fast."  Romeo is rushing forward to marry Juliet, but that increases the danger that their marriage will "stumble".

In Act II, scene iv, Mercutio makes a joke about Romeo's love for Rosaline having overpowered him. Mercution says: "Alas, poor Romeo, he is already dead! stabbed with a white wench's black eye."  This joke hints that Romeo will die.  After that, we learn Tybalt has challenged Romeo to a duel. Danger is pending.

These scenes leave the reader feeling unsettled.  Although we should be happy about the marriage, small words and small events (like Tybalt's challenge) keep interfering and making us doubt that happiness can last.

Analyze Faulkner’s depiction and use of nature in “The Bear.”

In Faulkner's innovative third-person narrative story "The Bear" nature is symbolized by the presence of Old Ben the bear while a contrast to the primeval forest of Old Ben's life is established by the presence of the Commissary. On the one hand, in association to Old Ben and to Isaac's refusal to accept his inherited "birthright," Faulkner depicts nature as regal, triumphant, unconquerable. First, Old Ben has defied capture and has devastated human habitations. Second, Isaac protests that nature cannot be owned.

Faulkner uses nature to pose the question of whether humankind ought to attempt to try to control nature. He demonstrates that nature can be controlled when Boon Hogganbeck kills Old Ben but he then poses the corollary question of what the cost of conquering nature is. He suggests this question through the sequel to Old Ben's death, the squirrels gone on a rampage. Faulkner seems to suggest that even though nature can be controlled to make way for human innovation and progress, the smallest and most insignificant parts of nature may still retaliate and turn humankind's conquest plans to naught. [Isn't this in fact what has occurred and which the present day ecological discussion is all about?]

What does Shylock mean in his Act 3, Scene 1 speech ("To bait fish withal... will better the instruction.")?

"To bait fish withal: if it will feed nothing else, 
it will feed my revenge. He hath disgraced me, and 
hindered me half a million; laughed at my losses, 
mocked at my gains, scorned my nation, thwarted my 
bargains, cooled my friends, heated mine 
enemies; and what's his reason? I am a Jew. Hath 
not a Jew eyes? hath not a Jew hands, organs, 
dimensions, senses, affections, passions? fed with 
the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject 
to the same diseases, healed by the same means, 
warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer, as 
a Christian is? If you prick us, do we not bleed? 
if you tickle us, do we not laugh? if you poison 
us, do we not die? and if you wrong us, shall we not 
revenge? If we are like you in the rest, we will 
resemble you in that. If a Jew wrong a Christian, 
what is his humility? Revenge. If a Christian 
wrong a Jew, what should his sufferance be by 
Christian example? Why, revenge. The villany you 
teach me, I will execute, and it shall go hard but I 
will better the instruction."

Shylock speaks tersely in prose, not verse. He says he really doesn’t care if he has a “use” for Antonio’s flesh (he’ll use it for “bait” if nothing else)—“use” is not the point, as certainly Salarino should understand. Shylock also plays on the word “use” in the sense that as a money lender, he is a usurer, and so in not having use for Antonio’s pound of flesh, taking it becomes pleasure, not business. The pleasure is revenge, which he repeats four times: taking a pound of Antonio’s flesh enables him to get back at Antonio and all Christians for the way they have treated him. Shylock provides a list of his grievances in the form of very strong verbs, all in parallel order: Antonio has “disgraced,” “laughed at,” “mocked,” “scorned,” “thwarted,” “cooled,” and “heated” Shylock “for [he is]a Jew.” He follows this with series of ten rhetorical questions to argue that he, a Jew, is also a human being, having the physical features of a human (eyes, hands organs, dimensions, subject to diseases) as well as the emotional aspects of a human (senses, affections, passions). He then turns to the subject at hand, why he wants Antonio’s pound of flesh: “If you wrong us, shall we not revenge? If we are like you in the rest, we will resemble you in that.” It is human to seek revenge, he suggests; Christians do it and so does he, a Jew.

What was the resolution of An American Tragedy?

The novel is influenced by the philosophy and literary movement called “Realism and Naturalism,” which means that it tries to depict life in an unsentimental way.  It shows characters developing as a result of their circumstances in life so that those who are strong succeed, and those who are not fail or are trampled upon by the strong. “Strength” proceeds from stability in wealth, social position, family ties, and so on. The resolution of the novel is consistent with this. Clyde acquires wealth not by working for it but by circumstance, not understanding responsibility and hard work.  Although he did not in fact murder Roberta, he intended to, and he is eventually electrocuted for a crime he wanted to but did not commit. He dies as he lived, not taking responsibility for his life or death.  His background, poor, destined him for such a miserable end.

Why does the black guy lie to the cops when they asked about Manny in Parrot in the Oven?

The newspaper guy lies to the cops when they ask if Manny is "the one chasing (the) guy who stole the lady's purse" because he feels a sense of kinship with him. As a black man, he sympathizes with Manny, as a fellow person of color. Both blacks and Latinos are frequently victims of racism at the hands of the white establishment. Since the purse-snatching which has just occurred involved a white man and a white woman, the newspaper man says of the cops, "let them deal with their own kind as they see fit.

Eddie, a white guy who had at one time been Manny's sister's irresponsible boyfriend, snatches a woman's purse, injuring the woman in the process. Manny and some of his friends had been with Eddie just before he committed the crime, and in the confusion that follows, Manny is separated from the group and asks the newspaper man where his companions have gone. At that moment, a police car drives up, and one of the cops in the car asks Manny if he was the guy chasing the person who stole the woman's purse. The newspaper man interjects, telling the policeman that Manny is indeed that heroic person, and points them in the direction in which the suspect has gone. When the policemen leave, the newspaper guy tells Manny that he knows Manny was with the gang, but that the cops "don't have to know everything." Having been on the receiving end of racism and oppression himself, the black newspaper guy feels that, as a person of color, even if he is innocent, Manny may not get a fair shake. Because of this sense of kinship he feels for Manny, the newspaper guy lies to the cops so that Manny will not be involved in a difficult situation where the odds may be stacked against him (Chapter 11).

Could someone find 2 quotes from Act 3 from Danforth (see below for more details)1. When he is questioning mary, and says something about telling...

The second quote you are looking for is actually in Act III. Danforth says, 

             "Now hear me and beguile yourselves no more. I will not receive a single plea for pardon or postponement. Them that will not confess will hang. Twelve are already executed; the names these seven are given out, and the village expects to see them die this morning."

He goes on talking about God's law and the fact that if they were to postpone, people might question the executions that have already happened.

Please explain some of the symbolism in "The Pit and the Pendulum."

This story is full of symbolism.  One could view the entire story as one man's descent into hell (the pit functions as a symbol obviously), then his progression into purgatory (the pendulum serving as a way to pass time or work off his sins), and then finally his ascension into heaven (the French soldiers freeing him symbolic of heaven by the sudden light shining into the gloom and the sound of horns heralding his release).

Why do we sympathize with Macbeth?Please include some quotes.

Do we?  Ok, I guess Shakespeare does do a very complete job in order to create some sympathy for Macbeth.  To start, Macbeth himself knows that his murderous intentions are not correct.  He asks the universe to cover up his desire for the crown:

Stars, hide your fires/let not light see my black and deep desires.

He wrestles with the decision after Lady Macbeth has pushed him to do it, listing Duncan's virtues:

Besides, this Duncan/Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been/So clear in his great office, that his virtues/Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against/The deep damnation of his taking-off

And by admitting that it his own ambition that is leading him to do this:

I have no spur/To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition

Then we see Macbeth taken in by Lady Macbeth's very convincing arguments.  Shakespeare shows that Macbeth doesn't decide to kill the king, but only gives in to her demands. 

The Shakespeare shows Macbeth's remorse after Duncan has been murdered:

I'll go no more:
I am afraid to think what I have done;
Look on't again I dare not.

And again after the killing of Banquo, when he is so troubled by the sight of Banquo's ghost:

or be alive again,
And dare me to the desert with thy sword;

And finally at the end, Macbeth tells us that his actions were not worth it:

Life's but a walking shadow; a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more

What is " a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing"?

"Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player, That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more.  It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."

Macbeth has just heard the news of his wife's death (suicide), and is voicing the pointlessness of existence (his and his wife's, at this point).

What was your reaction to the surprise ending?

 I do believe that inside each one of us there is that feeling of showing off. Thus, in many cases of our life experience we mistake reality for appearance. This surprise ending comes to awaken us, to shock us, to tell us that nothing in the world equals a moment of being honest to ourselves. This ending teaches us also to plan for our dreams and not to run after our tricky ambitions. Happiness never built upon deception; deception of ourselves and of others and that achieving our goals by ignoring others' can not result in self-satification. On the contrary, it leads to miseries that Mme and Mr Loisel. This ending also lays stress on the role of the community in shaping or adapting its individuals' ambitions. I think if Mme Loisel had found in herband a wise character she might have been convinced to go to the party without that damned necklace and their life might have been changed to better instead of spending ten years in utmost suffering thinking ridiculously thinking they are heroes!!!!!! 

Why did European nations form alliances?

Same reason nations form alliances at any time - there is strength and security in numbers.  The nationalist empires at the beginning of World War I allied themselves with other empires and countries that were culturally similar, or had similar goals, or if they simply shared an enemy.

Russia and France had little in common, but were both fighting Germany, for example.  While Germany and Austria-Hungary shared a border, and enemies on the eastern front.  Serbia and Russia share a religion - Eastern Orthodox.

In the modern day, alliances like NATO are great for smaller nations.  Luxembourg, which fell in 40 minutes to Hitler's tanks during World War II, is now allied with three nuclear-armed countries, and is unlikely ever to be attacked again.

Do the images of witches contribute to the evil atmosphere in Macbeth?

The Witches or the Weird Sisters certainly contribute to the evil atmosphere in the play. But not in its entirety.

The Elizabethans always believed in the existence of the Witches and therefore, when Shakeseare wrote the play, he was only keeping in mind the requirements of his audience, like any other playwright.

However, when we come to think of it in a different perpective, the actions that the witches caused were indeed, quite evil. The prohpecies made by the Witches accelerated an already scheming-mind in Macbeth, and led him to do what ultimately kills him in the end. Moreover, we must also understand that you cannot make a person do something, if he hasnt already been thinking about doing it sub-consciously. Macbeth obviously had very big dreams, that of being the King of Scotland one day, which is why when he heard the Witches prophecies, he saw an outlet from which his dreams could actually come true. This, along with the deep influence of his unscrupolous wife, led him to the timely murders, ths earning him the name of a 'tyrant' and a 'dwarfish theif' who is unable to fit into a 'giat's robe' by his once-adoring and admiring public.

There are several other factors that contribute to the evil facets in the play. The atmosphere itself, was quite dark, gloomy and mysterious. The daylight did not bring any new hope, and continued to contribute to the gloomy theme of the play. The unnatural incidents that occur, may also be considered reponsible.

What action does Caesar refuse to take just before he is murdered? How would you describe his behavior in refusing?

Caesar seems very annoyed that these men are fawning all over him concerning this one request. to readmit Publius, whom he had banished, to Rome. I think he distrusts “These couchings and these  lowly courtesies” displayed by these men who ask this of him. Caesar goes on to characterize the supplications of Metellus and the rest as “sweet words, / Low-crooked curtsies, and base spaniel fawning” (3.1 48-49). He asserts he banished Publius for a purpose (and we don’t know what that is), and will not reverse it based on such behavior of these men, which he seems to find embarrassing. While it is true he compares himself to a star to describe and valorize his constancy, we can also understand that as a leader he is trying to be fair rather than play favorites with his friends. Does he lack compassion? Probably. Does he act like a strong leader? Definitely. He says (paraphrasing this passage), “give me good reason and I’ll think about it, otherwise I won’t change my mind” (39-79).

What does finsterwallies mean in Maniac Magee?

If you are the unfortunate victim of a "finsterwallie," a bully has pushed you, much against your will, onto the property of the feared Finsterwald's.  Rumor has it that the inhabitants will kill any intruder who dares set foot on their private property. 

The legend of Maniac Magee revolves around the Finsterwalds.  It was said that he went into the backyard and never returned. The speculation about what became of him grew and grew:  some claimed he was eaten, others that the whole story was made up and that "Maniac Magee" never even existed.  Those who are the "shov-ees" rather than the "shov-ers" would prefer not to have to find out.  Nobody, but nobody, wanted a "finsterwallie"!   

In Harrison Bergeron, why does George choose to not remove some birdshot from the canvas bag around his neck to lighten his load? When he is...

George does not remove some of the pellets from the fourty seven pound bag of bird-shot around his neck while he is at home because the thought really doesn't occur to him. Even if the thought did occur to him it would be driven from his mind almost immediately by the mental handicap he was given by Diana Moon Glampers, the Handicapper General. The reason the thought never occurs to him is because this is the society in which they live. The rules of the society are simple, everyone must be equal in every way. In order to make George equally strong as every other person, he must bear the burden of the 47 pound bag. These various handicaps are cultural norms in this society, like shaking hands to greet someone or saying, "Excuse me," when you burp, the handicaps are automatic and George even says when Hazel offers to let their equality slide so he can rest that he doesn't even notice the bag anymore because it's become such a part of him.

In the book King Solomon's Mines, what are the main characteristics of the character Allan Quatermain?

Quatermain is one of the good guys in the story. He and his companions represent the side of good in the "good vs. evil" conflict. Based on the belief that humans live in a violent world, Quatermain feels men must live by a strict moral code, behaving honorably, bravely, and justly. He doesn't kill except in self-defense. He respects integrity, honesty, and bravery in other men, so he shows these same traits as well. He is a hero in a world that struggles against violent forces.

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Why is the story of Troy and the Trojan horse contained in Hamlet’s recitation to the players?the question is in act 2 scene 2.

In addition to, or perhaps as enrichment of, cybil's answer above, we might add that Hamlet is filled to the brim with sons avenging the murder of their fathers. The play begins with discussion in Act I, scene 1, about why Denmark is preparing for war.  And the reason given is in part that "Young Fortinbras" is out to avenge the death in combat of his father who died at the hands of Hamlet's father.  Later we can contrast the urgent forcefulness of Laertes in his desire for instant revenge against whomever is responsible for the death of his father Polonius. Initially, Laertes reenters the court thinking Claudias is to blame in Act IV, scene 5, until Claudias convinces him that Hamlet was responsible, which is true enough.  But what matters is the urgency, the need for action of these other sons.  For instance, Laertes tells the Queen, when she urges him to be calm over the death of his father: "That drop of blood that's calm proclaims me bastard, Cries cuckold to my father, brands the harlot Even here between the chaste unsmirched brow Of my true mother" (IV.v.117).  In more conventional language: If I am not filled with rage at this outrage [if I try to be calm] then I am NOT my father's true son; ergo, I must be a bastard [someone else's son] and my father must be a cuckold [a man whose wife cheated on him, also a fool] and my mother must be a harlot, whore, unfaithful wife--which she is not!  

And as discussed earlier, we now add in the Play within the Play, yet another son who takes direct action is seeking revenge for the death of his father.  The point of course is to contrast Hamlet's inaction, often called the problem of Hamlet, with the more forceful actions of these other characters.  

What are the climax and resolution of Lord of the Flies?

The climax can be defined in two ways. First, it can be the turning point in the action where the conflict begins to resolve itself, either positively or negatively. Second, it can be the high point of the action, the final and most exciting event in a series of events. The shattering of the conch and the death of Piggy is the event that meets both definitions in Lord of the Flies. Up until the point where Piggy dies, Ralph still believes he can reason with Jack, that there is a hope of re-establishing order and civilization on the island. He has come to Jack's base to "call an assembly" and to confront Jack about stealing Piggy's glasses. When the conch, the symbol of rules, authority, and civilization, smashes to bits, every hope Ralph has had is demolished as well. Without Piggy's assistance, Jack is significantly weakened; he has been having cloudy thinking, and Piggy has had to remind him several times of the goal of fire and rescue. Certainly this event is the high point of the action. It even occurs at the high point of the island. The tension of the near-blind Piggy clinging frantically to the rock ledge while Roger pummels him with rocks is nail-biting. When he falls to his death, it's all downhill (literally and figuratively) from there. Samneric get captured, leaving Ralph on his own to run and hide for survival, which seems unlikely with the fire raging across the island. 

The resolution of the conflict occurs when the naval captain appears on the beach and talks to first Ralph and the other boys. His remark that "I should have thought that a pack of British boys . . . would have been able to put up a better show than that" drives home the resolution of the conflict. Ralph has been unable to maintain civilized society on the island; order has failed, chaos has triumphed. Golding spares us the horror of the natural end the conflict would have produced by having the boys "rescued" just in time. Yet we also know that the outside world itself is wracked with nuclear war, so the boys' rescue is ironic, and the resolution of the triumph of savagery over civilization stands. 

In Chapter 9 of The Time of the Butterflies, what is a powerful quotation and why?

The chapter concludes with: “A dark night was falling, one of a different order from the soft, large, kind ones of childhood under the anacahuita tree, Papa parceling out futures and Mama fussing at this drinking.  This one was something else, the center of hell maybe, the premonition of which made Dede draw closer to Jaimito until she, too, fell asleep.”  This is important because it refers back to Dede’s story in Chapter One, which talks about the time before “the darkness” fell, the time when things were still good, characterized by the family sitting outside, under the anacahuita tree,  talking about the future, just a little conscious but not overly worried about the stranglehold Trujillo held over the country. In this present scene Dede is frightened because the SIM have arrested many in her family, and her own marriage almost broke up, although now she feels somewhat safe lying in bed next to her husband. In bed next to him she feels a moment of safety that she knows is not safe at all, because she realizes the extent of the revolution, is afraid of the events that will inevitably happen, and she feels helpless to hold back the terrifying future.

What is the plot of the story?

Dad and Momma, as the Watson children call their parents, are determined to raise respectful, well-behaved children who make good choices and possess high moral standards. Realizing they have been unable to instill fully their standards in their oldest child, Dad and Momma decide to take By to Birmingham and leave him with his Grandma Sands, a strong woman who will bring him to his senses. They know there is some violence in the South with the beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement, but have been assured by Grandma Sands that it is quiet around her.

In Birmingham, Grandma Sands meets them with arms open wide and a home filled with love for her daughter and family. By's only recollection of Grandma Sands is when he was four years old, and he has convinced Kenny and their kindergarten sister, Joetta, that she is a mean old woman. Kenny and Joetta have never met her prior to their visit in the summer of 1963, and By's description of Grandma Sands has scared Kenny. Kenny and By both take her measure and decide By can easily take this mean old woman down.

Kenny and his family have gone to Birmingham just as the violence moves into Grandma Sands neighborhood. First, Kenny nearly drowns and By saves him, then the nearby Baptist Church is bombed on Sunday morning. In the remainder of the story, Kenny must deal with his emotions that are tangled up with the "Wool Pooh" he meets first in his near drowning experience and then a second time in the bombed church.

Why is the beach an important symbol and what does it represent in Lord of the Flies?

In Lord of the Flies, the reader is introduced to Ralph and Piggy as they climb through creepers and tree branches until they can reach the shore of the lagoon. From there, they can survey the area and the narrator notes that the beach is "endless apparently." Behind the boys lies "the darkness of the forest" creating a stark contrast with the "bright" beach where Ralph "swept a double armful of sand...with bright, excited eyes." The beach therefore has the capacity to symbolize the endless possibilities or infinite potential of the island. The beach is between the sea from which rescue will come and the forest and jungle which hold many shadows and secrets and which will ultimately create an irrational fear of the beast in the boys.

When Ralph blows the conch for the first time, the boys congregate on the beach and it is interesting that Jack's party of boys is described as "a creature" as they (it) emerge(s) from "mirage onto clear sand." It is as if, away from the beach, Jack and his hunters can transform themselves but the beach exposes them for what they are, which is just a group of choir boys.  

The beach is one of the settings in the story along with the forest and jungle, the mountain and Castle Rock. Each of these has a unique backdrop which is significant and contributes to the understanding and flow of the story. The conch shell is found in the water at the beach and therefore ties the beach to its own symbolism as it represents good order and democracy. The boys build shelters on the beach and chapter 3 is entitled "Huts on the Beach." The shelters give the boys a feeling of "Home" and the beach and the swimming create unity rather than division and are "just sufficient to being them together again." Later, Jack will form his own separate tribe and in chapter 8, he will run away along the beach "until he dived into the forest..." His leaving the beach in favor of the forest signifies the end of any attempts at unity. 

By the end of the novel, Ralph has been hiding away in the undergrowth, in fear of his life and he stumbles onto the beach in his desperate attempts to survive. This is where he encounters the naval officer and it signifies the end of Ralph's terror. A motor boat is on the beach and as the other boys appear, the naval officer perceives a group of boys having "fun and games." The beach has exposed the boys as simply that although Ralph's responses indicate something far more sinister. 

In The Road why do we not learn much about the characters? What does that achieve for the reader?

The only characters that take up most of the storyline are the father and the son, and what they are trying to do is survive in the dreary world that has been presented to them.  Knowing a lot about the father's past wouldn't change the fact that every single day, he has to get up and survive, find food for himself and his son, fend off barbarians, and search for hope in the hopeless world that they live in.  Not revealing a lot about the backstory of the father keeps the reader in that very dreary present; to go back to a better time would be a respite from the difficulty of his trial.  By not revealing more, the reader feels the strain, the every day brutality of trying to maintain hope in their world.  McCormac is merciless to the reader in this sense; we are thrust, as the father is, into this world where your past doesn't matter.  Your personality doesn't matter.  Nothing matters except for surviving.

As for the son, there is nothing more to know about him than this life--he was born into it, and has lived it from birth.  He has no other memories to dwell on.  We learn all we need to know about him through his reactions to strangers, his fear of the barbarians, and his concern from his dad.   If we piece together those aspects, his character is full and intriguing.

As far as other characters go, they are not sigficant to the main themes of survival, and a father's love for his son.  The mother is no longer in the picture; we get glimpses of her, but not a full image, since dwelling on her is not useful.  We are only presented with the father's perspective of other characters that they encounter, once again putting the reader right into his reality.

I hope that helps; good luck!

What is the plot fo "The Invalid's Story"? What is the climax, the falling action and resolution?

This is a humorous story that deals with both mortality and human ingenuity - and how that ingenuity can get in the way.  Twain was known for his belief that the human brain could be a dangerous object.  In this story, the narrator and the expressman, Thompson, are intelligent enough to connect the smell of the cheese to the smell of the rotting corpse.  Of course, that connection is inaccurate.  They are intelligent enough to come up with ideas to battle the smell.  Of course, each idea they have actually makes the smell worse.  They are intelligent enough to know that staying out on the platform is unhealthy.  Of course, they make a decision that it is better to stay out there than to suffer the smell of the cheese.  The climax of the story is the decision to remain outside, because it is that decision that leads to their downfall.  They have caused their own mortality in their conviction that they are better off cold than dealing with the smell.  The falling action of the story is short and involves only the removal of the two men from the platform and the sickness that follows for the narrator.  The resolution of the story is the death of the narrator - although he doesn't actually die before the end of the narration, he lets readers know that he is going home to die.

What was the scariest part of Goodman Brown's nightmare?

I'm not sure if you're asking what is the scariest part of the story for Goodman Brown or what's the scariest part for the reader. If you're asking the latter question, that is certainly a personal question only you could answer. It would depend on what scares you. Remember, Goodman Brown isn't sure that his night in the forest really happened or if he dreamed it. He allows that night, whether real or a nightmare, to change his life forever.

If you're asking what the scariest part was for Goodman Brown, I would say it was when he saw his wife going to the devil's meeting in the forest. At the beginning, Goodman believes his wife is an "angel" and is one of the few who will be chosen to go to heaven. When he sees Faith, his wife, in the forest, it changes his life forever. Goodman Brown loses his Puritan faith and never gets it back. He lives the remainder of his life alienated from his wife and the rest of the people. In this respect, he becomes the symbolism of Hawthorne's belief in the isolation of the human spirit. Goodman Brown resists evil and retains his faith, but he loses all hope, living isolated from everyone.

What do you think was author Lewis Carroll's purpose in writing Alice's Adventures in Wonderland?

Lewis Carroll himself identified his purpose as simply to entertain a young girl, Alice Liddell who was the daughter of the Dean of Christ Church College.  He told this story to Alice and her two sisters during an outing, and for years later, Alice begged him to write it down.  Others read it, and encouraged him to publish the fairy tale.

Since that time, critics have analyzed and re-analyzed Carroll's fantastical creatures, plot, and language, and have develop multiple meanings. Many critics agree that the story is a subconcious reaction to the strict Victorian time period. 

What is the meaning of the last line of the play, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf"?

Martha is afraid of Virginia Woolf - George, Nick, and Honey are not necessarily afraid of Virginia Woolf, just tired of dealing with Martha's behaviours due to her unsubstantiated fear - absurd - illusionary, and maybe deluded - alcohol abuse must be considered as a factor in Martha's behaviours.

Virginia Woolf is a very intellectual author - a pioneer of the literary term and device referred to as stream of consciousness. The author has license to enter into the characters thoughts and reveal them to the reader/audience.

For whatever reason - existentialism/absurdity, Martha is afraid of Virginia Woolf. As anyone with a borderline personality disorder does so does Martha draw attention to herself in anyway that she can - an imaginary son - George exorcises her illusion... does he - probably not but he does by tolerating Martha's belief purge the pent-up emotions of Nick and Honey when they reveal that they are unhappy because they were married for reasons other than true love.

So, when George asks Martha who is afraid of Virginia Woolf and Martha says that she is - the game will continue.

I know that the Great Gatsby has numerous uses of irony but I am looking for a specific quote that demonstrates irony. Can you help?

Here's another for you.  In Chapter 8, Nick (speaking to Gatsby, then internally) even tells the reader that he is speaking ironically:

“You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together.” I’ve always been glad I said that. It was the only compliment I ever gave him, because I disapproved of him from beginning to end."  First he nodded politely, and then his face broke into that radiant and understanding smile, as if we’d been in ecstatic cahoots on that fact all the time.

Furthermore, you might consider the title itself as ironic.  Gatsby is hardly great in any way; even his wealth is ill-gotten. 

In To Kill a Mockingbird, why does Calpurnia speak differently at her church than she does with the children in their home?What is Lee illustrating...

In To Kill a Mockingbird, Calpurnia is one of the fortunate African Americans in Maycomb County in that she is able to read.  She also works for Atticus Finch, a lawyer and single father who treats Calpurnia as if she was one of the family.  As such, she speaks much like the members of the Finch family when she is there.  However, while she is with the members of her own community, Calpurnia uses the dialect of her people so that she will be more readily accepted.  She does not want her people, especially members of her church, to think that she is under the impression that she is better than them because of the way they speak.  It is a matter of assimilation on Calpurnia's part so that she will be accepted in both communities.

In Hamlet, many of the characters are deceptive, with their behavior hiding their true selves or motives. Which characters in Hamlet do so?I know...

Concerning Shakespeare's Hamlet, I'll add the one character that isn't mentioned in the previous answer:  Hamlet himself.

Though he resents his mother asking him why he seems to still be so troubled by his father's death--he goes on a bit of a rant because, he says, he just doesn't seem to be depressed, he is depressed (Act 1.2)--he actually does plenty of acting and pretending in the play himself.

Most notably, he announces that he will put an antic disposition on (pretend to be mad or insane), and then he does it.  His mistreatment of Polonius, Ophelia, Ros. and Guil., are all done under the guise of madness.   

Plus, he arranges for the players to perform a murder scene that mimics what the Ghost has told him about his father's murder, then watches intently the king's reaction, in order to determine the king's guilt or innocence. 

He also, presumably, acts like nothing has changed, to Ros. and Guil. once he turns the king's plot to have him executed against Ros. and Guil.

Hamlet, who seems to detest the deception others would employ against him, certainly practices his share.

What is possible to learn from Charlotte's Web? What are specific examples?My teacher asks some queastions that I cannot answer for some reason....

E B White's reasons for writing "Charlotte's Web" are complex, but the best lesson it teaches is to live. Not just live day-to-day but live life well, full, and free. If anyone is bored or lonely, the book carries an important message that you should do all you can to avoid loneliness and boredom. Make friends, but more importantly is to fill your life with activities that can sustain you even in your darkest hour. Friends may come and go, but a fulfilling activity can last a lifetime.

In Chapter 3, Wilbur says,

I’m less than two months old and I’m tired of living.

A few pages later in Chapter 4, it says,

He didn’t know whether he could endure the awful loneliness any more.

As much as anything, the story has a great lesson that since we are mortal and must die, what do we do with our lives? Are we passive and lead a dull life, or do we face our own death and live life head-on? White says the latter.

How do you compare and contrast realism and naturalism using In the Shadow of the Glen?

realism is more about the relations between people sociologically, plays such as isbens centre on this

When looking at naturalism the character will be effected directly by their environment. Refer to Woyzeck by Buchner.

Naturalism devotes to darwinisms theories and is more obsessed with the philosophy that our environment shapes us, look for lengthy scientific prose or scientific ramblings.

Realism will show up more when characters are more centred on themselves as a person and their direct actions, taking responsibility for themselves, relating to one another quite logically.

I dont know the play you are asking about but pay particular notice to the ways in which different characters speakto one another.

not an authority onthe subject but am myself inthe middle of an essay making a distinction between realism andnaturalism in plays by Buchner, Isben and Wedekind. (Woyzeck, Buchner;A Doll's House, Isben; Springs Awakening, Wedekind)

The two can often show up in oe play so focus on logic for realism and environmental and heriditory influence over actions for Naturalism.

Realism= the person, and the aaction;

Naturlism= Character manipulated by environmental, hereditory factors, not completely responsible  for their actions.

Realism as with  Naturalism focus on sociology strongly. specifically the social structureof the burgoise.

Good luck

From "The Village Schoolmaster" by Oliver Goldsmith, list one onomatopoeia and one simile found in the poem.

Onomatopoeia is defined as words that are used to imitate sounds they describe. There are two usages of onomatopoeia. One is fairly easy to recognize. It is easily illustrated by Batman's "Biff! Pow! Bam!" It is also illustrated in nursery rhyme language like "Baa, baa black sheep."

The other usage is more difficult to spot. According to Robert DiYanni writing for McGraw-Hill's Online Learning Center Glossary of Poetic Terms, the second usage of onomatopoeia is illustrated in Alexander Pope's poem "Sound and Sense": "When Ajax strives some rock's vast weight to throw, / The line too labors, and the words move slow."

By applying the characteristics of the second usage, an instance of onomatopoeia can be identified in "The Village Schoolmaster" by Oliver Goldsmith:

For e'en though vanquish'd he could argue still;
While words of learned length and thund'ring sound
Amazed the gazing rustics rang'd around;

The words the schoolmaster uses in his arguments are onomatopoetically described as having "learned length and thundering sound."

A simile is different from a metaphor in that a simile is a comparison of one noun with another noun that uses the word "like" or "as" or "as though" to trigger the comparison, for instance, the sound of running water was like a kitten's purr or a peach in summer is as a cool wind of taste or the meeting was as though by Fate. Each of these examples of simile has the word "like" or "as" or "as though" to trigger the comparison.

A metaphor differs from a simile in that it simply names one noun to be another noun, for instance, the roses are honey or the song is angel's words. Neither of these examples employs "like," "as" or "as though" after the verb be (are, is, were, was). Therefore, by these definitions, there are no similes in "The Village Schoolmaster" because there are no comparisons build with "like," "as," or "as though."

Metaphor, you recall, is a comparison of two nouns constructed without "like" etc., using only the verb be (are,  is, were, was), for instance, love is lollipops. In "The Village Schoolmaster," the word is appears twice but it is functioning as a linking verb from a noun to an adjective. One sentence is inverted and in restored SVO order would read "All his fame is past (adjective)." The other is, "The very spot . . . is forgot[ten] (adjective)." Therefore, Goldsmith uses neither simile nor metaphor in "The Village Schoolmaster" because the verb is doesn't trigger a comparison of one noun to another noun.

[SVO order: Subject, Verb, Object]

In Chapter 2, how does Harper Lee use the school setting to give the reader important exposition about Southern culture?

Lee cleverly uses the character of Miss Caroline as an outsider's perspective to show readers a full picture of Maycomb, and through Maycomb, Southern culture.  Seeing Miss Caroline interact with the kids is like looking through a television or at a picture.  Her misunderstandings help Scout as narrator to better explain her world.

For example, Miss Caroline tries hard to discipline the Ewell boy and to bring him in as a part of the class.  This allows Scout to explain that the Ewell's don't go to school and that the school accepts this.  She also explains the nature of the Ewell family.  Readers understand that part of the Southern culture includes both poverty and ignorance, people trapped into past behaviors who are unwilling to expand their horizons and change their ways.  The situation with Walter Cunningham shows also demonstrates the past.  Walter is a victim of poverty.  Walter's father uses the barter system, which is accepted by the town members, in order to pay his bills.  This situation also demonstrates Southern pride.  Walter is proud and honest.  He can not pay back the quarter Miss Caroline tries to lend him and so refuses to accept it.

Overall, Miss Caroline is pitied by the children because she doesn't understand the culture of Maycomb - which proves how important culture and tradition are in Southern communities.

Why does Rufus like both Dana and Alice in "Kindred"?

Well, on the level of plot and symbolism, Rufus likes them both because they are related. This gives Dana a direct stake in what's happening in her past (rather than just being a sort of confused spectator).  Physically, they look similar, so it is fair to say that Rufus has a type. 

On a deeper emotional level, he likes both of them for some of the same reasons he gets angry at them at times: because there is something deep in their hearts and minds that challenges him, that makes him want to be, in the words of a contemporary movie, a better man, and something that he wants to conquer and possess.

How does Aunt Alexandra react to her brother's defeat? What does it show you about her? (Chapter 22)

Atticus' defeat gives us all an opportunity to understand Alexandra as more than the strict aunt who is absorbed with her family's social standing and with Scout growing up to be a proper lady. She shows empathy, compassion, and respect for her brother; in fact, she calls him "brother," something she doesn't do often. She shows concern for Jem's worry and sorrow over the defeat, asking if he is alright. Later, at the tea party with her mission group, Alexandra, we learn seems to see through their hypocrisy every bit as much as the narrator, Scout.

How is the church an easy target for satire in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?What are some examples of satire that Twain uses on the church...

In Mark Twain's classic, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, satire abounds.  As he humorously criticizes religion, Twain often focuses on the hypocrisy of the "good Christians."  In one instance, Huck relates how the Widow Douglas coerces him into going to church, she teaches him Bible verses, and chastises him severely for smoking even though, as Huck relates,

...she took snuff, too; of course, that was all right because she done it herself.

In another instance, when Huck stays with the Grangerfords, the men attend church, but bring their guns, symbolic, of course, of violence and murder.  

Further in the novel, the Dauphin easily deceives the religious crowd of mourners in Chapter XX.  After the preacher cries out,

Oh, come to the mourners' bench! come, black with sin! (amen!) come, sick and sore! (amen!)...

With hilarious irony, the king responds to the call and asks the preacer if he can be allowed to speak.  Then, he fabricates a story of how he has been a pirate, but now he is a changed man thanks to a preacher in a tent in Pokeville, "the truest friend a pirate ever had!" 

When the king feigns tears, "so did everybody." The so easily emotionally swayed crowd cries. Then someone "sings out,'Take up a collection!'"  And, another encourages with "Let him pass the hat around!"  Thus, in this instance, Twain satires the unthinking and religious fools that are so easily swayed and duped by one of the greatest hypocrites of the novel.

Well equiped classrooom and size affect performance of the students and teachers.how/explain?thanks

The single-most important factor of a classroom is the teacher. I don't say this because I am a teacher, but because I've seen the good and the bad. I've seen what teachers can do with little and what they can do with a lot.

The teacher who is a good steward of resources they have will always find the greatest possible successes with students. For example, I often have resorted to making students use their bodies just to show or demonstrate answers. I have them regularly show me with their hands on a scale of 1-10 how well they understand a concept. They know I will reteach if necessary, and caring about their education and enjoying my class, they do make me reteach sometimes.

A well equipped classroom and a nice size is beneficial, no doubt. I currently have one. I can have my students check out laptops for use in the room and I have wireless internet in my room. I have classroom sets of novels, grammar books, literature books and dictionaries but cannot check them out to students. I have a projector and a computer that is loaded with software programs. These are all great features, but I honestly do not use all of them everyday.

Teachers often need training on the technology toys they receive for these types of equipment to be beneficial. Students benefit only when a teacher knows how to use what they have.

Quite often, in times of contract negotiations, teachers cry out for these features: class size and supplies. While relevant, teachers can and should be survivors.

Coolidge was known as a supporter of big business; what are three examples?

President Calvin Coolidge has been quoted as saying that the "the business of America is business."  A firm supporter of  laissez-faire, Coolidge 's policies were aggresssivlely pro-business.  For instance, through his appointees, he transformed the Federal Trade Commission from an agency meant to regulate corporations into one dominated by big business.  Twice vetoing the McNary-Haugen bill to aid agriculture (1927 and 1928), and pocket-vetoing a bill for government operation of the Muscle Shoals hydroelectric plant, Coolidge further demonstrated his belief in laissez-faire.

In addition, the presence of such men as Herbert Hoover and Andrew Mellon added to the business tone of President Coolidge's administration.  For, Coolidge supported Mellon's program of tax cuts--which, of course, helped business--and economy in government.  And, through his public remarks, unfortunately, he encouraged the reckless stock market speculation that became his nemesis and that of the nation as it was unprepared for the economic collapse that followed.

What are the internal conflicts in Lady Macbeth and Macduff?

Macduff's conflicts are primarily external.  He leaves his family and goes to England in hopes of convincing Malcolm to return to Scotland and take back the Scottish throne by force. Clearly Macduff's conflict is with Macbeth.  Macduff views Macbeth as the enemy who is destroying his country.  He describes the damage Macbeth has done to Scotland:

Each new morn

New widows howl, new orphans cry, new sorrows

Strike heaven on the face . . .

Later, Macduff learns that his wife, children and servants have all been killed by Macbeth.  Again, his conflict is external.  Macbeth vows to fight Macbeth "front to front." Since Macduff has no soliloquies, it is difficult to determine whether or not he has internal conflicts.  However, it might be assumed that he may have struggled with leaving the family he clearly loves and going to Scotland.  In other words, when he had to choose between his country and his family, he chose his country.  When he finds out that his family is dead, he blames himself:

Sinful Macduff,

They were all struck for thee! Naught that I am.

Not for heir own demerits but for mine

Fell slaughter on their souls.

Macduff feels responsible for their deaths, and struggles in this scene between his guilt over leaving them, his extreme grief, and his need to revenge.  In fact, his emotions quite overcome him as he tells Malcolm that before he can act, he must grieve:

I must also feel it as a man.

In this powerful scene, Shakespeare realistically portrays a strong, good man made weak with grief and despair.  But this grief is soon converted to action as he converts his grief to anger, and the conflict becomes external once again.

In "The Rocking-Horse Winner" by D.H. Lawerence what is the symbolism and irony of the story?

There are a lot of different possible symbols throughout this story.  The main one, of course, is the rocking-horse itself; it symbolizes the love that Paul wishes he had from his mother.  It symbolizes his fruitless search for her affection.  A rocking-horse is not real; it can never actually transport Paul, just as getting money can never actually give his mother happiness, or Paul her love.  It is just a fake, plastic toy, just as money is a fake reassurance of love and happiness.  So that is the main symbol in the story, and the most powerful one.

Another symbol could be the whispering in the house; it is a representation of how greed is never satisfied, and always demanding.  The more money they got, the louder the whispers were.  They were never quiet, as long as money and wealth were the focus.

Irony exists in the fact that Paul actually does win money from riding the horse; that is totally unexpected.  Also, it exists in the fact that once the mother has money, even after living without it for a while, she does not use it wisely and soon runs out again.  Then, the ending--for the first time the mother has shown actual concern and love for Paul, and that is when he dies.  It is a very sad story, and one that can teach valuable lessons about what is truly meaningful in life.  I hope that helped; good luck!

What is the significance of Bianca's character in Othello?

Bianca is Cassio's mistress in Shakespeare's Othello. Although Cassio is married (the only reference to this occurs at the beginning of the play, when Iago describes Cassio as "a fellow almost damned in a fair wife" (1.1.21)), audiences come to understand that he is having an affair with Bianca on the island of Cyprus. 

With regard to the play's plot, Bianca functions to call Michael Cassio's credibility into question.  Though Cassio is relatively respectful to Bianca, we see evidence that he doesn't take her seriously.  As Othello watches from his hiding spot, he watches Iago question Cassio about Bianca (although Othello thinks they're talking about Desdemona), and Cassio laughs when Iago asks if he plans to marry Bianca.  When she shows up, she throws Desdemona's handkerchief, which Iago had planed in Cassio's room, at Cassio, and Othello sees it. 

Logistically, Cassio's plans with Bianca in Act 5 allow Iago and Roderigo to attack him, as they know he is having dinner with her late at night.  After the plot to kill Cassio goes sour, Iago, in the presence of the Cyprus officials, accuses Bianca of being a whore and tries to implicate her in the attack.  Obviously, though, the truth comes out at the end of the play.

When George ask why Whitey quit, what does the swamper, Candy, give him?no

Just because.  Candy says that Whitey picked up his check and moved on - gave a couple token excuses, but just wanted to move on down the road.

These men are part of a pretty transient society always looking for the greener grass.  It was pretty common for them to move from job to job for no reason other than to just keep moving.  This is actually in stark contrast to Lennie and George who wish to stay in one place for a while to build up a stake but have to keep moving on because of the bad things that Lenny does.

Describe how the change of the day represent the cycle of the season and cycle of human life.

Let's talk first about how to divide the day into four stages, which we can then use to talk about life stages and seasons. First is morning, from sunrise until the sun peaks in the sky.  Second is afternoon, perhaps until about 4:00 pm. From that point until twilight we have late afternoon and early evening third.  Finally, when the sun is gone, it is night. 

The morning corresponds to spring. There is dew upon the grass and the world seems to have a fresh energy, a sense of renewal. There is a sense of possibility in the spring, as there is in the morning, and birds seem to sing more in the morning, much as they seem to in the spring.

The afternoon corresponds to summer.  There is growth in the day, work to be accomplished, and not yet a feeling of tiredness, although at the peak of summer, on those very hot days, a siesta is a good thing.

The late afternoon and early evening is autumn. There should be a kind of harvest feeling to the day, a reaping of the rewards for a day of work, a way to enjoy the fruits of one's labor.  Of course, the day has peaked and energy is waning. The air is cooling, and the year is beginning to wind down.  People are closing up their day with various rituals, much as nature is beginning to shut down for its long winter sleep. 

Finally, in winter and at nighttime, we and nature sleep, restoring energy for the spring, healing any harms done by the day.

Dividing our lives into only four stages is somewhat arbitrary, but I would say that from infancy to perhaps late adolescence would be morning. This is a time of great energy and growth. Second might be the early twenties to the fifties, a time of work and consolidation of growth, just as the afternoon is.  The late afternoon until twilight is the time in our lives when we reap the benefit of our labors and then begin to wind down our lives as death or night comes to us.     

What special features of the "Elegy" made it so popular?

The poem was Thomas Gray's most influential poem, and has earned him respect as a poet of the time.  The poem is relatively simple, describing a country churhyard at sunset, and calling to mind the mortality of all human beings in the study of the graves being examined.

One of the main reasons it is as popular as it is revolves around the fact that it centers not on popular or heroic figures of the time, but on the common man.  Gray connects the common to the extraordinary man in death, thereby connecting all humans to one another because we are all mortal.

In addition, Gray demonstrates a mixing of two very distinct literary periods.  The poem was written at the end of the Augustan Age and at the beginning of the Romantic period, and the poem has characteristics associated with both literary periods. On the one hand, it has the ordered, balanced phrasing and rational sentiments of Neoclassical poetry. Using heroic quatrains, four line stanzas with an abab rhyme scheme, keeps the poem on the balanced and traditional level.

On the other hand, it tends toward the emotionalism and individualism of the Romantic poets.  Natural imagery of the smallest type is used, references to birds and bettles and such.  In using this style, Gray idealizes and elevates the common man.

From the point of view of a boy on the island,a letter from Jack telling Ralph to step down as their leader. please explain and include quotes...

I do not disagree with the first answer, but I do not think it is the only way to go (and it is not the first way that comes to mind for me).  From the point of view of one of the other boys, I would center my letter on the idea that Ralph's way is only important if we think we're going to be rescued and we need to be civilized.

I would be talking about the idea that we are stuck on this island and will live the rest of our lives here.  I would talk about how civilization and stuff like that is for adults and school and not for times when we are on our own and don't have to act like the adults.

To me, this would be like a letter to someone who keeps wanting us to study during vacation.  It would be something like "calm down already and stop being such an overachiever.  It's time to have fun so stop nagging at us..."

What were some of the things that influenced Billy Collins' works?

Billy Collins has reported that he was influenced by the "contemporary" poets he was able to read in Poetry magazine growing up, people like Karl Shapiro, Howard Nemerov and Reed Whittemore. Along with them, he credits the movement and spirit of the cultural group the "Beats", or Beat Generation, from the late 1950's and early 1960's. This generation of people and writers valued spontaneity and open emotion, as well as a struggle against social conformity. They fought against organized religion and organized schooling, and are often referred to as the inspiration for the "hippies".

Besides those modern influences, Collins also reports that he wanted to be a newer Wallace Stevens, one of the first modernist poets. Stevens emphasized consciousness in his poetry, and wrote with little attention to conformed styles. Instead, he used obscure allusions and and attention to emotion.

What is a quote that shows Pip's contentment toward his money and future?

In Ch.18 Jaggers announces that Pip has 'great expectations' and that he has to go to London to become a gentleman. In Ch.19 Pip decides to buy himself a new suit of clothes and visits Mr. Trabb the tailor. Trabb is having his breakfast and initially doesn't consider Pip to be a prospective customer, but the moment Pip casually displays hard cash to him Trabb becomes very deferential and even addresses him as 'sir' :

`I am going up to my guardian in London,' said I, casually drawing some guineas out of my pocket and looking at them; `and I want a fashionable suit of clothes to go in. I wish to pay for them,' I added -- otherwise I thought he might only pretend to make them -- `with ready money.'

`My dear sir,' said Mr Trabb, as he respectfully bent his body, opened his arms, and took the liberty of touching me on the out- side of each elbow, `don't hurt me by mentioning that.

A little later, Trabb's shop assistant a very cheeky boy -  "Mr Trabb's boy was the most audacious boy in all that country side" -  who would always insult Pip is scolded by Trabb; and it is then that Pip is fully satisfied in knowing the power of money:

"my [Pip] first decided experience of the stupendous power of money, was, that it had morally laid upon his back, Trabb's boy."

In Chapter 12 of All Quiet on the Western Front, do you think Paul was, in fact, "almost glad the end had come?"

I believe that a very good case can be made to support the opinion that Paul was indeed "almost glad the end had come." In Chapter 12, he notes the fact that of the seven classmates with whom he had joined the German army, he is the only one left. The war has decimated his generation, and even for those, like himself, who seem to have survived, Paul holds little hope. Paul hears the talk "of peace and armistice," and believes that this time, it is most likely true. He speaks with relief of the almost inconceivable thought of going home, but his thoughts stop there. He yearns to be delivered, but he has "no aims." The war has ruined the lives of the young men of his generation. Paul says,

"if we go back we will be weary, broken, burnt out, rootless, and without hope. We will not be able to find our way any more."

Paul believes that there will be no place in the world for the surviving soldiers of his age. If he had been a little older, he would have had a chance to establish a life before the war, and would have something to return to; if he were a little younger, he would be able to begin life anew. The tragedy of Paul's generation is that they had been taken by the war just at the point at which they were establishing their identity. The war is all they know; there will be no place for them in a world at peace.

Paul's last thoughts as expressed before he dies is that he is "so alone, and so without hope." He feels that the emptiness and despair that is his life "will seek its own way out, heedless of the will" he may have to make things turn out otherwise (Chapter 12).

verify: (1 + tan^2x)/(tan^2x) = csc^2x

We know the popular trigonometric identity,

Sin^2x+cos^2x = 1, Dividing by cos^2x both sides, we get:

(sinx/cosx)^2+1 = 1/cos^2. Or

tan^2x+1 = sec^2 x. Dividing both sides by tan^2x,

(tan^2x+1)/tan^2x = sec^2x/Tan^2x = (1/cos^2x)(cos^2x/sin^2x) = 1/sin^2x = sec^2x.

What does Crooks say is good about Leannie and George?no

Crooks admires the close, protective relationship that is shared by Lennie and George.  He says that he has never seen two guys travel together and look out for each other in this way. Unlike his feelings about fulfilling his own dreams, he admits that Lennie and George have a shot at obtaining their dream of owning land and being independent because they have each other, and Lennie and George are empowered because of this strong friendship. He eventually asks to become part of this dream of owning land because he is confident these two can make things happen.

In All Quiet on the Western Front, list what happens to at least five of the characters in Chapter 11.

In Chapter 11, the German forces are at the end of their endurance, and a number of the men meet their end.

Detering, who had always "kept himself to himself," sees a cherry tree in a garden. The sight brings upon him a sense of homesickness which is beyond reason, and he goes AWOL. Detering heads directly towards Germany, which is a hopeless course; he is caught by the field gendarmes, and his friends never hear from him again.

Berger, after surviving a brutal attack with his comrades, learns that a messenger-dog lies wounded a couple of hundred yards beyond the enemy barrage. Against all common sense, he goes to rescue the dog, or put it out of its misery. Berger suffers a serious wound in the pelvis during his misguided attempt to help the dog, and the last time his comrades see him, he is being carried away.

Muller dies after being shot point-blank in the stomach. Before he dies he gives his pocket-book and boots to Paul. The soldiers bury Muller, but Paul has little hope that his body will remain long undisturbed, as the German lines are falling back too quickly.

Bertinck, the Company Commander, sacrifices himself to save the company. He crawls out of the crater where they have taken shelter to cut down two approaching enemy soldiers who are carrying a flame thrower. Bertinck suffers a chest wound but manages to return to the crater. There, his face is blown away by shrapnel.

Leer's hip is torn open by the same piece of shrapnel that kills Bertinck. He quickly bleeds to death as the men look on helplessly.

Katczinsky is struck in the shin while trying to procure some food for himself and Paul. The wound bleeds freely; the bone is shattered. Paul carries Kat to the dressing station, but when they arrive, Kat is dead. Unbeknownst to Paul, Kat "has caught a splinter in the head" while Paul was carrying him on his back (Chapter 11).

Why is Curley always running around looking for his wife?no

Curley is concerned that his wife is cheating on him with other men. He leaves her alone a lot while he is working. There are no other women for her to become friends with, and the only company she has is the other men. However, because Curley treats her as a possession rather than a person, he always wants to know where she is, what she's doing and who she's with. He would feel much less of a man if she was flirting with the other men on the ranch, who he sees as socially inferior.

Please provide at least one example of assonance in act 2 and explain why it isRomeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Assonance is the repetition of similar vowel sounds, usually close together in a group of words.  Familiar example are "free and easy,"  Mad as a hatter," and so on.  Assonance is a poetic device, as is most sound repetition, that is used to please the ear and to emphasize certain sounds.

In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, an example of assonance is in the following lines of Juliet as the /o/ is emphasized:

And yet I wish but for the thing I have.

My bounty is as boundless as the sea,

My love as deep; the more I give to thee,

The more I have, for both are infinite.

I hear some noise within.  Dear love, adieu! (II,ii,132-136)

Likewise, the character of Romeo employs the poetic device of assonance in his life earlier to Juliet:

With love's light wings did I o'erperch these walls,

For stony limits cannot hold love out.

And what love can do, that dares love attempt,

Therefore thy kinsmen are no let to me (III,ii,66-69)

In fact, there is much repetition of the /o/ in Act II.  For one thing, the word love is repeatedly throughout the scene.

Compare and Contrast Sigmud Freud and Abraham Maslow theories.

Abraham Maslow proposes the theory of the Hierarchy of needs, which is a comprehensive and holistic view of human necessity accompanied by the emotional, physiological, physical, spiritual and social support systems that should be provided in order for the individual to become a better fit citizen. Contrary to Freud, Maslow created a "third choice" which went against Bandura's Social Learning, and Freud's psychoanalysis. He insisted that there had to be something in between the two schools of thought, and that society very well may feel the gaps that show up in the life of a person.

He was quoted as saying:

 “It is as if Freud supplied us the sick half of psychology and we must now fill it out with the healthy half.” (Toward a psychology of being, 1968)

Freud, in turn, is more scientific, and is the father of Psychoanalysis, that is, the uniquely cognitive study of human nature. Far from Maslow, Freud did not consider nurture as part of nature. To him, all that inhabits the brain will manifest unconsciously in the individual physiologically. Among Freud's ideas of overturning this issue, he proposed, hypnosis, the famously known psychotherapy, regression, dream work, and self analysis. Very little is given in his theory to the role of nature, support systems and society in the life of an individual.

Contrast Banquo's and Macbeth's reaction to the witches in Act 1.

Macbeth lets ambition corrupt him immediately upon learning that he has become the new Thane of Cawdor.  The fact that one of the witches' prophecies comes true makes him hungry for the rest.  His lines:

"Glamis, and Thane of Cawdor! The greatest is behind."

He then questions Banquo about those prophecies for his children.  Macbeth assumes that since he is excited about potentially becoming king, Banquo must be excited about his line becoming kings.  Banquo, however, is very distrusting of the witches' because they are evil beings.  He won't put much stock into what they have said just yet because he's concerned about the reprecussions.  His lines:

"And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,the instruments of darkness tell us truths, Win us with honest trifles, to betray's in deepest consequence."

What was the economic result of demobilization in 1920 America on war supply industries and cancelled arms contracts?

Right after World War I, the US economy went into a bit of a recession.  This was largely because of the fact that the war had ended.  So the result, I'd say, was the recession.

As you mention, the end of the war led to a number of problems.  Factories that had been working at full speed producing weapons and such were suddenly put out of business, for example.  And this loss was not made up for by other kinds of business, especially not right away.  This is partly because foreign countries were no longer so able to buy things from the US.