Thursday, February 28, 2013

How is the attitude of the townspeople toward Hester changed during the seven years since her "crime" was committed?

The attitude of the town is much changed in regards to Hester Prynne. Hawthorne says that while hatred can exist in humans, it may also change to love if there's no further irritation, and in the case of Hester, there was no further irritation. She takes her punishment with grace and lives piously. She helps the sick and offers council and advice to others. Her kind and compassionate nature causes the town's people to look on her in a much more positive light, often saying that the letter upon her chest better suited the word 'Able', as she was an excellent example of women's strength.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

What symbol or item could be used to represent Cassius's qualities in Julius Caesar?

In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Cassius possesses much aplomb as well as a duality to his personality, so, prehaps, he can be symbolized by a sword.  In the first act of the play, like a new, shiny weapon, Cassius seduces Brutus into joining the conspirators against Caesar--Act I, Scene 2 has, in fact, been called "the seduction scene."   Then, in the next scene, Cassius with drawn sword as a phallic symbol, declares his manliness in challenging the gods as he walks about the streets during "the perilous night" that has much thunder and lightning.  He criticizes the fearful Casca:



You are dull, Casca, and those sparks of life/That should be in a roman you do want,/Or else you use not. (I,iii,



Similarly, with Brutus in the previous scene, Cassius has  shown his disdain for the heavens as he tells Brutus,



Men at some time are masters of their fates:/The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,/But in ourselves, that we are underlings. (I,ii,139-142)



That he finds use for his sword is evident in the third act of Julius Caesar as Cassius uses his sword to slay Caesar and suggests that Marc Antony be slain, as well, thus eliminating anything dissenters against their rule.  This advice proves to be wise; however, Brutus does not follow it, reasoning that the crowd will understand his motives.


Later in the play, it is Cassius who acquiesces to Brutus--even against his better judgment.  Critics say that Cassius loves Brutus and wants to be thought honorable like Brutus, so he listens to his friend.  It is in Act IV that Brutus and Caesar argue: the sword turns to its other edge, as it were. For, Cassius becomes the more reasonable one.  Brutus refuses to wait and let his troops rest at Phillippi, declaring that



There is a tide in the affairs of men/Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;/Omitted, all the voyage of their life/Is bound in shallows and in miseries./On such a full sea are we now afloat,/And we must take the current when it serves,/Or lose our ventures. (IV,iii,244-250)



In a strange turn of character, Cassius puts away his sword of bravado and military acumen, and falls prey to supersitition.  Once a Rationalist and an Epicurean who did not believe in the stars, as he has told Brutus, Cassius now speaks of the presence of omens and hopes that the gods "will be friendly" (V,i,93).  His vision of what happens in the battle distorted by his "sight ever thick" (V,ii,21), his sharp sword serves only as the weapon for him to have an honorable death, rather than being taken prisoner.  The sword is taken out, but the second edge is used, his symbol turned upon himself.

How is religion treated in My Antonia, and which religion is shown in a better light?

My Antonia is a book loaded with religious symbolism. The morals in the book are strongly grounded in religious ideas and many symbolic moments are achieved via allusions to the bible.

One such example is in Chapter 7 Book 1, where Antonia and Jim are digging and playing innocently in a garden. A snake appears and Jim kills it with a spade. One could compare this scene to Genesis chapter 2, the story of Adam and Eve. In Genesis the snake causes Adam and Eve to lose their innocence. However when Jim kills the snake it symbolizes that Jim and Antonia will not lose their innocence, at least in their relationship with each other. It will remain pure.

As to which religion is shown in a better light? That is difficult to say. My Antonia is a story that is profoundly about the founding of America and the immigrant's tale. It deals with the roots of American heritage and so those ideas that first founded America are the most purely American. Therefore, I would say the Shimerdas' orthodox beliefs are considered more favorably and more pure by the book then the "socially accepted" beliefs of the Burdens.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

In The Outsiders, why doesn't Ponyboy like referring to Sodapop as a drop out?

In addition, Ponyboy is still stubborn in his beliefs.  He refuses to accept that Soda wasn't good at school, just as he refuses to accept that Darry had to make strong sacrifices for the brothers.  In one particular scene, Soda uncharacteristically yells at Ponyboy, explaining that school was beyond him.  Pony assumes that, since he likes school and he likes Soda, that Soda must like school.  Part of his coming of age in the story is realizing that not all things are so black and white.

Hiltler, just give your idea about the followingI would look at Hitler's impact on WWII. Would Germany have lost the war if he had not been the...

There are three separate issues raised in the question. I will try to answer each in turn.


Would Germany have lost the war if Hitler had not been the leader or would they have won?


There is no doubt that Hitler was a great Military genius, and it would have been very difficult for any other person to equal his initial successes in the World War II. However, Hitler lost the war because his war objectives of achieving a dominant position in the entire world were too ambitious and and unattainable by any person. Any person following pursuing, Hitlers objectives in World War II, would have lost the war.


Would WWII have started if not for Hitler?


One of the main planks used by Hitler to gain Political power in Germany was to set right the Humiliation and losses suffered by Germany, because of the unequal Treaty of Versailles imposed upon it after World War I. The resentment of German people against this unjust treaty would not have remained dormant for long, even without Hitler raising the Issues. However, we cannot say that expression of this resentment and the action to revers the effect of the treaty would have taken the form of World War II, without Hitler. Most certainly Hitler was no ordinary man, and it is difficult to think of another person with either the inclination or the ability of start and wage a war like World War II.


What made Hitler such a charismatic leader in the first place. For instance, why were so many people willing to follow him?


I do not think Hitler was a charismatic leader. Initial Successes of Hitler were more the result of his ability to rouse the emotions of non-Jewish German by his stand against unequal treaty forced upon Germany, and his promises of their future prosperity. For convincing people he used the tactics of arousing hatred against Jewish, and making the non Jewish Germans believe that their poor condition was result of Jewish. Thus his power flowed from his ability to convince people of his false promise of bright future. This was supported by highly manipulative and dishonest political manoeuvres to gain power. Once he gained power it was sustained only by brutal suppression of all opposition.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Who are the protagonist and antagonist of this story?

In addition to both of the fine answers above, I would also argue that two of the social forces Tthakker speaks of as antagonists are poverty and youth.  The name of the couple is a tip-off here:  Young.  These two protagonists love each other very much, but have not yet learned to communicate well.  Furthermore, their immaturity and inexperience also leaves them vulnerable to manipulative people like Madame Sofronie.

Poverty is also working against the pair.  They want to share their love for one another in the traditional way at Christmas time, with gifts.  I don't think it is so much about their own materialism, but society's emphasis on demonstrating love during this holiday with gifts, thus spoiling the "true meaning" of Christmas.  The sacrifices each made for the other will ultimately be what the pair can hold on to.  Combs go out of fashion, gold watches lose their luster.  Love, however, is the real gift Jim and Delia can give. 

Sunday, February 24, 2013

How do you write an Introduction to Shakespeare's Sonnet 18?

If you have been assigned to write an explication to this sonnet by William Shakespeare, you may wish to introduce your interpretive explanation by placing the sonnet in its context with others.  For instance, you may wish to mention that it carries a similar theme, tone, subject, etc. to previous sonnets. 


For instance, in Sonnet XVII, Shakespeare, as the speaker, writes in his couplet that the object of his love "should live twice;--in it [life], and in my rhyme."  Now, in Sonnet XVIII, the speaker contends that his love will again live forever in "eternal lines."  While there are several other parallels which you can use to introduce the sonnet, as well, theme is often a strong idea and works well as you lead into your explication.

Describe Nick. Why do you see him this way?

Nick in The Great Gatsby is not as he first appears, or as he would have the reader believe.


When he opens the novel telling the reader that he reserves judgement of others, because others may not have had the advantages that he had, he is demonstrating that he has feelings of superiority--he thinks he is superior to others.  And he gets this from his Midwestern father.  He wouldn't have to try so hard to not judge others, if he didn't judge others.


Nick is also extremely opinionated.  Note these examples:


  • In college, Tom's "freedom with money was a matter for reproach--..." (10). 

  • Miss Baker, the first time Nick sees her, "...was extended full length at her end of the divan, completely motionless and with her chin raised a little as if she were balancing something on it which was quite likely to fall.  If she saw me out of the corner of her eyes she gave no hint of it--indeed I was almost surprised into murmuring an apology for having disturbed her by coming in" (13).  This characterizes Jordan as lethargic and stuck up, and this is a first impression, which Nick earlier says he never uses.

  • After Tom expounds on his theories about "Nordics," Nick writes:  "There was something pathetic in his concentration as if his complacency, more acute than of old, was not enough to him any more" (18).

Nick's natural tendency is to judge others.  He may well be accurate in most of his judgements, but we don't really know, because his is the only voice we get in the novel.  Everything is filtered through Nick.


Thus, you can write whatever you decide for your assignment, but don't assume Nick is nonjudgmental and objectively observes what goes on around him.  Nick is extremely subjective.

Act IV:Why does Proctor confess? Why will he not name names? Why will he not let Danforth have his signed paper?

John Proctor initially confesses to protect his wife. Just as she lied to try to save his, neither is successful. Proctor does not want to leave his wife and make her unhappy again, but in the end he cannot go through with it.

Proctor refuses to name names to help take the heat off of him. He has had scorn for those who have done this, and he refuses to participate in any further harm to innocent people, even to save his own life.

Proctor cannot give the paper to Danforth because all he has left is his name, or reputation. He has spent most of the play as a lost soul because of his infidelity with Abigail, but he has a chance at redemption by not giving in to the temptation to save his life.

Proctor makes the choice that will end his life, but will save his soul.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Why does Teiresias hesitate to tell Oedpius the truth of his identity? What is the signiface of Oedipus slow coming awareness of that identity?...

Oedipus is king, and has already in his life killed at least one man due to his pride and temper. Would you want to tell such an angry, powerful man that he has committed extreme sin? That he killed his own father? That he is responsible for the plague?Teiresias hesitates for a blend of humane and practical reasons: Who would want to give such news? And what about the consequences?That Oedipus slowly comes to an awareness of this truth on his own blends dramatic impact (it makes a better play) with spiritual/psychological realities: it takes a long time to accept difficult truths.

Why does Cheever want to confiscate Elizabeth's poppet, and what is significant about the poppet?

Cheever takes the poppet because when he looks closely at it he discovers a needle stuck through the belly of the doll. At dinner that evening, Abigail collapsed from pain, and it was discovered that she had a needle stuck in her. She claims that it was Elizabeth's spirit that attacked her. The poppet is going to be evidence.

Proctor forces Mary Warren to reveal that she made the doll and therefore left the needle in it. But, as Proctor's anger grew, it was impossible to avoid the warrant. It had been sworn out for Elizabeth, and he could not stop them from taking her.

Abigail has set Elizabeth up to make it seem as if Elizabeth is practicing witchcraft on the doll to affect Abigail.

What did Akiba Drumer and the rabbi from Poland have in common?

The above answer is a very good one, but I wanted to add that both these men are forgotten by their friends and loved ones in the camps.  The rabbi's son runs ahead of him and actively attempts to lose his old father who is a drain on his energy and thus his survival.  The rabbi is forgotten by his son while still living, and therefore speeds the rabbi's death along.

Akiba is forgotten after his death.  He knows he is going to die and asks his friends to say the Kaddish for him after he is gone from them.  They promise they will, but in their struggle for survival among the squalid conditions and other ragged souls, they forget to actually say the prayer.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Various doubles, or pairings of antithetical character and plot elements in the novel contribute to the enduring popularity of The Call of the...

What this is asking you is what things there are in the book that show two characters that are opposed to each other in some important ways.  These oppositions help to make the points that the author is trying to show us.


I can think of two examples right off that migh help you.


First, there is the pairing of Buck and Spitz.  These two dogs have different character traits.  Mainly Buck is just and Spitz is not.  We see this when he is so amused when Curly is killed.  That is why the two of them come in conflict.


Second, there is the contrast between John Thornton and the three people who owned Buck just before Thornton got him.  Charles and Hal and Mercedes totally don't care about the dogs.  This is directly opposite of what Thornton is like.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

What is Giles Corey's role in the play? Give 3 areas of discussion with examples.

Here are several roles that Giles Corey serves in The Crucible.


1. He represents the inhabitants of Salem who unwittingly bring harm to their family or neighbors (unlike the Putnams or Abigail who knowingly accuse their enemies or opponents).  Example: When Rev. Hale first arrives in town, Giles thinks nothing of talking to Hale about his wife's "reading strange books" or his inability to pray around his wife sometimes.  Giles does not tell Hale this information to accuse his wife, he is simply curious and fascinated with the "expert" who as newly come to Salem.  Giles's situation is not exclusive.  Other characters in the play unknowingly help the court falsely arrest members of the Salem community (Mary Warren makes the poppet for Elizabeth, not knowing that Abigail will use it against Elizabeth. Rev. Hale's questioning of the Proctors helps lead to Elizabeth's arrest, when he most likely wanted to establish that she and John were "good people.").


2. Giles represents a loyal friend and husband.  Example: Even though Giles innocently makes suspect comments about his wife, when she is arrested, he does everything in his power to free her and their friends and neighbors.  He is so loyal to whoever his informant was (the person who told him that Mr. Putnam was making his daughter accuse specific people so that he could easily get their land) that he goes to his death with that person's name because he knows that the court or Putnam will go after the informant if he snitches.  In reality, Giles Corey is pressed to death because he will not give up the name, but in doing so, he ensures that his children get his land because he was not accused of neither did he confess to witchcraft which would have blackened his name permanently.


3.  Finally, I think that the most important role that Giles Corey plays is that of a common man demonstrating more common sense than the "learned," all-powerful judges.  Example: Giles naively talks about how many times he has been in court, but even Judge Danforth cannot deny the logic behind some of Giles's arguments.  Giles is similar to John Proctor in this aspect.  While Proctor's character represents that an "imperfect" soul still has the right and sense to cry out against moral injustice, Corey's character illustrates the fact that a high education and obssession for power cannot silence the tenacity of a sensible person who speaks the truth. In the end, Corey establishes the legacy of a strong-willed, simple but honorable man, while the audience views Judge Danforth deservedly as a villain.

Explain how the last two sentences of this chapter continue the theme of Gatsby's dream."He put his hands in his coat pockets and turned back...

In The Great Gatsby, Nick is the narrator and his version of events is what is revealed to the reader.  His judgement that Gatsby is watching over nothing is his judgement, not Gatsby's.  Nick's perception is accurate in terms of the big picture in the novel, and seen as so by readers, but he does not here speak for Gatsby. 


The beauty of Gatsby's love is partly due to his devotion, his single-mindedness, his relentlessness.  He doesn't give up even the next day when he spends it still hoping for a phone call from Daisy.  This vigil is sacred to Gatsby, and he has not lost hope. 


This is quintessential Gatsby, and his actions contribute to the theme of Gatsby's dream by keeping it alive. 

Please explain duality in The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.It's for an essay. Thanks!

The underlying duality is Victorian social duality. The transformation of English society realized in the rise of a new type of middle class as a result of industrialization led to a resultant transformation that was realized by increased crime, violence and immorality of all kinds due to the absence of the governing constraints of small communities that had censured behavior and encouraged religious and moral deportment. The counterpressure to this disintegration of the moral side of English society was the Crown's emphasis on moral purity that so epitomizes Victorian life, an image that fails however to show the underlying social duality between decay and pursuit of purity. This is the social and cultural background to Stevenson's Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.


Within the text there are many dualities that Stevenson develops and explores. The primary one, of course, is the duality within Dr. Jekyll that manifests itself in the dramatic duality between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Who should have stayed hidden, eh?). This is a struggle between good and evil, virtuous impulses and base impulses, humanity and inhumanity. Dr. Jekyll, ostensibly an honorable public servant through the good of medicine, struggles with darker impulses that he wants separate from his nobler impulses: He actively wishes to create a duality of his inner psychology. Once this desire is manifest, the greatest duality occurs in the persons of the Dr.'s self, rendered unconscious, therefore belying the possibility of effective manifestation of dual tendencies, and Mr. Hyde's self, a self which eventually overpowers Dr. Jekyll's self, further belying the possibility of the manifestation of independent dual tendencies.


Dr. Jekyll's name represents another level of duality. "Jekyll" is an imperfect rhyme with "jackal," an individual who "performs dishonest or base deeds as the follower or accomplice of another" (Random House Dictionary on Dictionary.com). This is perhaps the saddest duality of all because even while Dr. Jekyll had un-experimented integrity of self and humanity, his name indicates that he was already--and seemingly always had been--the "handmaid," so to speak, of that which was base and dishonest, which is confirmed by his own reasons for undergoing the experiments. This raises a question about the nature of humanity: is there within each person a possibility for choosing between humanity and inhumanity or is it only present in some, and if some, then whom?


This leads to another level of duality that is embodied in Mr. Utterson himself and reinforced in his relationship with Mr. Enfield. Stevenson's description of Utterson sounds, upon an informed second reading, a lot like a description of Mr. Hyde (albeit at Hyde's best...) with the exception that Utterson had something eminently human, "a beacon," shinning from his eyes, which sets him far apart from Hyde, the embodiment of inhumanity. Utterson is Stevenson's contrast to Hyde. Similarly, the relationship between Utterson and Enfield, who is another one with Utterson's traits plus sociability and adventuresomeness, underscores through this doubling of dark characteristics that humanity may dwell within dark natures, dramatizing the duality of humanity versus inhumanity.


Other dualities are the thematic issues of the dual aspects of freedom: Hyde's freedom versus Utterson's and Enfield's freedom; and the duality of integrity versus transformation, which dovetails with the freedom theme.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Who are the protagonist and antagonist in the story, "A Jury of Her Peers"?

There are two interpretations that respond to your question.  In one reading, the absent, imprisoned Mrs. Minnie Foster is the protagonist for the meaning and action  revolve principally around her:  it is her story that her neighbors, Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale tell. She functions beyond herself as a character; she represents the women who figure out her story, because in many ways her life is theirs—which is why they understand it. The antagonist would be her dead husband, for it is he and all the forces of society—a patriarchal power structure—that he represents that repressed her to such a degree that she murdered him.  It could also be argued, however, that Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters are the protagonists, heroically protecting Mrs. Foster by figuring out the details of the murder. Their husbands would then be the antagonists because they function in direct opposition to them. Although these men appear so  inept in their actions and ideas that they are little match for the women. in the story, they nevertheless represent a power structure against which the women must contend.

Please describe Joan of Arc's personality.

Saint Jeanne d'Arc, Joan of Arc in English, was born of simple parents; her father was a peasant farmer. Having never learned to read or write, Jeanne did become accomplished at sewing.  As a child she was serious and very pious, kneeling in church for long periods of time, absorbed in prayer.  Her tender heart reached out to the poor.


At the age of thirteen, Jeanne became away of the manifestations which she called her "voices," or her "counsel."  These manifestations were also accompanied by light; later on she recognized certain saints such as St. Michael the Archangel, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret and others.  These voices are what caused Jeanne's patriotic exaltation.  By May 1428, she was convinced that she was bidden to go to the help of the king.  She presented herself to Robert Baudricourt who commanded for King Charles II of France.  Rudely, Baudricourt sent her home.  However, Jeanne persisted and returned.  Because of her persistence, Baudricourt finally gave her some attention.  On February 17, 1429 she predicted a great defeat in the Battle of Herrings.  As this proved true, Jeanne was later given admission to the presence of the king.


Although the king was disguised, Jeanne immediately saluted him.  She had a "secret sign" disclosed to her by her saints, and King Charles gave credibility to her mission.  She was then tested by clergy and physicians, and made a favorable impression.  The theologians found nothing heretical in her claims to supernatural guidance. After her questioning, Jeanne was allowed to make preparations to enter into battle; for a sword, she asked that the ancient sword buried in the chapel of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois.  It was found exactly where Jeanne had indicated.


Before the Battle of Orleans, Jeanne d'Arc predicted that she would save Orleans, compeling the English to withdraw, she would be wounded by a shaft, but would not die; the King would be crowned at Reims.  These all came true.


But, Jeanne had her enemies, the apathy of the king and his court.  Finally, in a mistaken manuever of pulling down a drawbridge when she and others were on the other side, Jeanne d'Arc was taken as the prisoner of John of Luxembourg.  Again the apathy of the court of Charles II kept the King from responding to this injustice.  And, because the British were determined to find something to use against Jeanne, they ruled that Jeanne d'Arc was charged with heresy and chained by the neck, hands, and feet.  Jeanne d'Arc refused to answer anything about her visions, demonstrating great faith and courage.  She was burned as a witch on May 30,1431, in Rouen, France, calling upon the name of Jesus and insisting that her voices came from God and had not deceived her. Ste. Jeanne d'Arc was a young woman of great faith and courage, simple and pure of nature. 

Explain the point of view in "The Lottery".

The third person point of view allows readers to be a fly on the wall of a story. This is of extreme value in Jackson's The Lottery because of the dramatic contrast between the normal routine of society and the actual outcome of the purpose of the lottery. If the point of view was different, for example a first person point of view, value or bias or judgment would be involved and inserted in their narration. This would potentially give away what the lottery is, and that is not Jackson's intention, she relies on the element of surprise.

Explain the significance of Larry's tree falling in "All My Sons."

Larry's tree falling is directly related to the confirmation of his death.  The tree falls in the month of his birth, August.  It falls when Ann, Larry's fiance, is sleeping in his room, having come for a visit to the Kellers' home.

Additionally, the fallen tree sits in the middle of the backyard, as a symbol of the presence of Larry in the middle of this play.  Larry is present in the action in the presence of this tree.  The characters, Joe, Kate, Chris and the neighbors have no choice but to talk about Larry. 

So the tree acts as a catalyst for a deeper, more meaningful discussion of Larry and his fate.  It precipitates Frank getting the horoscope for Larry in order to confirm if Larry is dead.  So it is intrinsically related to the revelation that Joe Keller sent faulty parts to the military and is responsible for many deaths.  The sad reality of Larry's suicide is linked to the falling of the tree. 

Saturday, February 16, 2013

What exposition is provided in this scene of Hamlet? Include an explanation of the quarrel with Norway.

In your question concerning Shakespeare's Hamlet, you don't name the scene you're asking about, but you do mention the quarrel with Norway.  I'll assume, then, that you're referring to Act 1.2.


In this scene, Claudius reveals much exposition in his opening speech.  He reveals that his brother, the king, has recently died, that Claudius has married his dead brother's wife, and that young Fortinbras from Norway is after land that his father lost to the former Danish king, Claudius's brother.


Concerning Norway, the former King Hamlet defeated the former King Norway and won a bit of land from him.  Norway was killed in the battle.  Norway's brother also took over the throne of Norway, as Claudius has taken the throne of Denmark. Norway's son, Fortinbras, now wants the lost land back.


To prevent this conflict, Claudius sends messengers to the new king of Norway, informing him of Fortinbras's behavior.  He assumes the new king will stop Fortinbras.

For what aim does the Party create the new language "NEWSPEAK" ? I need the answer as soon as possible, cause I'm studying 1984.. thanks!

When I first saw this question, part of it asked about Big Brother's efforts to prevent personal relationships but still allow people to participate in what we usually categorize as  inappropriate behavior.

In short, Big Brother seeks to destroy all human relationships that are based on emotion (specifically, those based on love or something akin to it).  In the world of 1984, those who have been forced (due to fear, paranoia, torture, etc.) to severe relationship ties that existed due to emotion turn their devotion and passion to being model citizens in Big Brother's eyes.  Their love for others becomes love for Big Brother.  With enough people devoted to him, Big Brother's role as dictator is safe; he has nothing to fear if enough people support him.  If citizens trust no one but Big Brother, they are willing to do anything to suport him, so he is guaranteed a continued future as the controller of that society.

What are example of hyperbole, understatement, irony, satire, pun, sarcasm, and parody in As You Like It?

If you are looking for examples of all of these elements within As You Like It, a good place to start would be with the lines of Touchstone and Jacques. These characters use each of the elements you listed above a great deal, and I think you'll find it easy to pick examples if you focus on their lines.

Check the links below for more information. Good luck!

What is Hamlet’s first act of “madness” and why do you think he chooses this incident as his first display of insanity?The question is in Act...

Hamlet's first act is to grab Ophelia's wrist, stare seriously at her, and walk away.  This act is not specifically "mad", but unusual.  It is a good place to start because it does not call attention to his concerns over Claudius and Gertrude, and because it is subtle.  He can build slowly from here and get worse as he goes. 

I think he also chooses this because it allows him to express himself in some ways towards Ophelia.  He is clearly uncertain about how to handle the "relationship" that is in flux between him and Ophelia.  Focusing on her first could be a manifestation of that uncertainty.

Friday, February 15, 2013

act 3 What is the inclusion of the play within the play?

The "play within the play" refers to the play that Hamlet has the players present in front of Claudius and the rest of the court.  A traveling troupe of players has arrived at Elsinore, and Hamlet orchestrates a play for them to perform which exactly mirrors the circumstances of his father's death, as told to him by the ghost.  This is Hamlet's chance to see what reaction Claudius has - If he doesn't react at all, Hamlet will know the ghost has been misleading him.

At what point does acute wound become chronic wound?

An acute wound is a wound that usually heals in about two weeks. When healing does not occur around this time frame the wound becomes chronic. Chronic wounds can take up to, and over, four to six weeks for the healing process to occur.


Acute wounds may turn into chronic wounds when healing becomes  problematic for a variety of reasons such as: burns which cause tissue and vascular damage lessening the amount of blood flow and nutrients needed for healing as well as open sores that become infected causing tissue damage. Repeated trauma to the wound area can also hamper the healing process and turn what was acute into a chronic condition.


Cancer and cancer treatments, a poor immune system and various diseases may also expidite the movement of a wound from acute to chronic.

In Chapter 2 what are 2 main conflicts that happen?please tell the type of conflict and describe the conflicts. does not have to be a long...

I guess I would say that the two main conflicts that actually happen in the chapter (as opposed to the flashback to Johnny getting beaten up) are the conflict between Dally and the girls and the conflict within Pony himself.


Towards the beginning of the chapter, Dally gets into a conflict with Cherry and her friend.  This is an external conflict as two people are arguing with each other.


The second conflict is within Pony as he talks to the Soc girls.  There is a conflict going on within him as to how he should think of the Socs -- does he hate them or are they essentially like him?

Thursday, February 14, 2013

How does Golding use light and dark imagery to convey the deeper meanings of the novel?

One way  he uses light and dark is that the jungle is dark.  This underlies a sense of danger and the idea that in the jungle lurks evil.  In contrast, the beach and especially our initial description of the island seen through the eyes of Ralph is full of light.  

Also, the need for a fire is significant.  Fire is a symbol of light and more importantly, the fire must be made, watched over and never allowed to go out.  The boys want the fire to be seen so that they may be rescued.  Additionally it adds warmth and light in the darkness.  Fire could be read as a symbol of civilization and the fear that they might lose the fire could symbolize the fear of the wild.   

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Effect of destroying ozone layer lead to radiation of more heat to earth,why can't water absorb the excess heat as water occupies 75% of land...

As a matter of fact water does absorb considerable part of the excess heat from the sun reaching the earth due to depletion of ozone layer. But the total quantity of excess heat is so much that it leads to rise in temperature of the oceans also, and it is this rise in ocean temperature that poses one of the biggest threats of global warming.


It is important that when we talk of global warming, it is not important to note that the catastrophe will strike much before the temperature of ocean rises to levels too uncomfortable for humans or most of other animals to bear. For the global warming to reach catastrophical levels it is enough for the average temperature of the oceans and the rest of the earth to increase by less than 2 degree from the present. This marginal rise in temperature is enough to melt the ice caps irreversibly, which will lead to submerging of coastal areas that is home to nearly 15 percent of the world population. This is the kind of catastrophe humanity is not in a position to deal with.

In what respects is the 'Play Scene' (III.ii) a turning point? How is this turn compounded by Hamlet's actions in the 'Closet Scene (III.iv)?

Act III is ALWAYS the climax of Shakespearean tragedy.  The play, as my collegue has stated, gives Hamlet the proof he has been needing in order to act out his vengence against the king. Up to this point, Hamlet has doubted the truthfulness of the ghost, whom he thinks might be the devil trying to damn him by tricking him into murdering Claudius.  Now he knows what action he must take. 

In his mother's closet, Hamlet mistakingly kills Polonius, thinking he is the king.  Instead of exacting his revenge, he complicates the situation.  Now he has committed the same sin as Claudius, though not intentionally.  This rash action leads to the deaths of a number of characters--including Hamlet, since now Leartes is justified in wanting his own revenge. 

Had Hamlet not been so moved by the ghost's accusation and Claudius' reaction to the play, he may have acted out his revenge more carefully.  It is ironic that Hamlet, who heretofore has been hesitant to act, now acts so suddenly and with such dire consequences.

Monday, February 11, 2013

how is the tree house a symbol

The tree house represents peace and childhood innocence.  It is hidden in the leaves away from all the evils of the world and allows the children to feel sheltered and safe in a "perfect" little world they create for themselves.  Nothing is ugly or revealed and naked/exposed there. 

In a way, the tree house is an extension of other mockingbird symbols, but isn't as prevelant and obvious as Boo or Tom and the relationships between people in the novel.  It is simply a temporary safe haven into which the children may escape for a brief hiatus.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Explain the strengths and weaknesses of using 'Participant and non participant observations' as a way of investigating crime by the media?'ONE'...

Using participant and non participant observations is a strong investigative tool because it gives the reporter access to a primary source that can provide insight and depth to the information. It is also a strong strategy because the information comes straight from the individual who took active part in a phenomenon, hence making it quite reliable.


The weaknesses that come from using this method, however, lay precisely on the sources: The media can only assume that the participants are re-telling the information objectively and without embellishment. If this is not the case, then the reporter would have to yet verify once more the information against other primary sources, and perhaps even get more secondary sources involved, making this a very tedious and unreliable strategy.

In the book 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell, what is the significance of Squealer's name?

Squealer is the smooth talker: the minister of propaganda: the one who spreads the (increasingly corrupt) philosophy of Napoleon's brand of Animalism, which eventually turns from socialism to an oppressive totalitarian state. Squealer is the talker and convinces all the animals of Napoleon's demands. Hence the name, he squeals propaganda. Think of Squealer as Joseph Goebbels, the minister of nazi propaganda. Since Animal Farmis Orwell's mockup of the Russian Revolution, Squealer is often compared to the newspaper Pravda. Squealer functions as this Soviet newspaper did, explaining and justifying tenets of the Revolution, and at times, even rewriting the past. 

Saturday, February 9, 2013

What else do Marullus and Flavius do to further hinder the celebration of Caesar's victory?

Murellus and Flavius use several verbal tactics. First, Flavius insults the plebeians, calling them "idle creatures." When, in return, the plebeians (such as the cobbler) mock the tribunes, Murellus uses more subtle verbal tactics, giving them a well-developed argument by asking them 8 rhetorical questions to redirect their thinking away from Caesar. Then he too insults them with "you blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things," but then changes his appeal again, treating them as caring, and appealing to the guilt they might feel:  "Knew you not Pompey?" He then acknowledges them as citizens of Rome (44-46). Altogether this causes the crowd to disperse, but whether they do so because they are ashamed or because they are resentful or because they are afraid--this we do not know (the director would have to decide). Regardless of how the two men dismiss the crowd, they do rouse their emotions and interfere with what is otherwise a carnival atmosphere when the play opens. Toying with the crowd not only shows us the audience how fickle the mob is but it also confuses them as to what they feel for their emotions shift one way and the other.

What are the historical implications of the play, Richard III?

Shakespeare's Richard III tells the story of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who was the brother of Edward the IV and the Duke of Clarence.


Upon the death of his brother the King, Richard and his wife Anne usurped the crown of England by placing the legitimate heir to the throne, the 12 year old Edward V, and his brother in the tower of London from where they disappeared.


Eventually Richard died after only two years of reigning after the wife of the dead King used the help of a little known exiled Welshman from the Lancastrian lineage, Henry Tudor, to battle down Richard, marry the heiress of the Duchy of York, and become King Henry VII, the first Tudor King.


The historical consequences of Richard III is that it created several myths and legends about him that supercede his virtues- albeit fairly-and told a very explosive story a la reality show of what went on.


First, Richard became known as the possible plotter and murderer of "the princes in the tower"- a scandal of the time basically stating that two children were murdered by their sick uncle who had already betrayed their father.


Second, it tells the story of how he was first a loyal duke that stood beside his brother in battle only to later on betray him, bastardize his children, and usurp the crown.


3. Third, it tells the story of a queen whom he hated and plotted agains, and how she in turn took her daughter, a powerful heiress, married her off to the first Tudor, and battled HIM down.


4.Fourth, it sets a foundation to the future plays Henry VII and Henry VIII which are quite hot as well.


In not so many words, the saga of the Tudors began with Richard III, the last Plantagenet King, and the protagonist of a series of salacious events that changed the history of England in only 24 months.

In the book "To Build a Fire," how do the dog's reactions differ from those of the man? How come the author includes the dog's reaction?Thanks soo...

Jack London in, "To Build a Fire," does contrast the dog to the man.  As a naturalist, London sees humans as biological creatures, the same as any other creatures.  In fact, humans, when pitted against natural forces, are inferior creatures.


The dog is built to withstand the cold and ice, etc.  It does not need a fire to survive.  The man does.  The only danger the dog faces is from the man when he tries to catch and kill the dog in order to warm himself inside of the dog's warm carcass.  But even here, the dog's superior instincts make it suspect something and move out of reach.


The dog is loyal to the man, and waits as long as it can once the man freezes to death.  But it doesn't need the man.  It eventually trots away on to the next camp, where food and shelter and warmth await.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

I need help to identify a CME values in Romeo and Juliet and how this CME value could have changed Romeo and Juliet's fate.The CME values refers...

I'm not familiar with the CME values you mention, but if you're asking how respect, responsibility, and integrity could have influenced the fate of Romeo and Juliet, I can give you an idea about that.


Romeo and Juliet suffer their fate in the play, because their families are feuding.  If their families weren't feuding, they could meet in public and not hide, court like couples normally do, etc.   None of the events in the later acts that lead to their demise would occur if they could be open about their relationship.


The feud that leads to their deaths has been going on for a long time and is senseless.  Respect would eliminate the feud between the families.  They fight for no reason.  The family members are bigoted, bullheaded, and closed-minded.  They go in search for members of the other family in order to start a fight.  They totally disrespect the other family. Respect would make a difference in Romeo and Juliet.


I'll let other editors handle responsibility and integrity.

Can anyone can help me analyse the character of Crusoe with examples?

There are several character traits which make Robinson Crusoe, the narrator, an interesting character.

First of all, he goes against the conventions of his society and his family by taking to the sea.  His family was middle class and would have imagined a different kind of lifestyle for him.  As the son of a middle class family, an education and later a job in business would have been more expected.

Another character trait is that he is not initially brave or courageous.  This helps the reader identify with him. Through the narrative, Crusoe tests his own strength and grows as a person. He must learn how to deal with his loneliness and his fear.  

Because he is a product of civilization, he is not prepared to deal with the harsh reality of his situation.  He must learn how to make weapons and procure food for himself.  The fact that he can do this shows us his intelligence and his ingenuity.  

At the end of the novel, he has become the hero and the most knowledgeable.  The reader sees this progression of helpless shipwrecked man to hero as he saves a crew and its mutineers from cannibals and eventually arrives back in Europe. 

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

In "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe, how does the speaker respond to the noise he hears?

If by "noise" you mean the rapping at his chamber door, initially the speaker ignores it, lost in thoughts of his lost Lenore. He eventually grows bold enough to answer it and opens the door - to find no one there at all.

A more careful read of the poem will help you understand the speaker and his actions a bit better.  Check the links below for more information on this great poem!

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

what does it mean to "live a year in a minute

Think of it in this way:  someone is involved in a serious accident and the story he tells after it is clear he will survive it is that his entire life passed before his eyes and he witnessed all those years, those events, those people within seconds.  It is the same with Rainsford.  He experiences much during the time he is being hunted by Zaroff.  Some of that is sentimental--family he'll miss, things he'll not do again--but much of it is every bit of survival knowledge he's ever picked up from books, friends, Discovery channel, or seasons of SURVIVOR.  These things not only help him to physically deal with his situation, but they also help him stay focused and sane.  Going insane at this moment and panicking would force him to make a fatal error...one he knows he can not afford to make.

What was the American role of defender of democracy in the Cold War? How did it effect Brown v. BOE?

The Cold War is the time period from 1945-1963.  The United States was a key player in what was believed to be the prevention of the spread of Communism.  It caused a series of events politically and socially that led to problems within the United Sates as well as world wide.


The Cold War began prior to the completion of World War II when armed forces worked together to over power Hitler's army and bring peace to Europe.  Harry S. Truman and Joseph Stalin had opposing views.


Stalin wanted to create pro-Soviet governments through-out Europe.  The United States industrialization and progress would help stabilize post war Germany and did not want Stalin's control through-out Europe.  Stalin supported the development of the United Nations but was in controversy over all the other issues and ideas presented by Stalin.  Stalin created the Eastern Block Wall to serve as a barrier between European commerce, The World Bank, and U.S. influence and the Western Block of Germany which was controlled by the communists.


Things served to get worse when the Soviet backed North Korea tried to over take South Korea.  The United States felt that we needed to step in and prevent Communism from spreading through-out Asia.  Military strength was increased.


Unfortunately the Red Scare became a common idea in America.  Americans were afraid of the spread of Communism in our homeland.  As a result people like McCarthy were able to persecute innocent Americans costing them jobs and creditability.


I have to allow my peers to decide about Brown Vs. Roe and the influence of the Cold War.

Monday, February 4, 2013

"All was ended for her." What does that statement from The Necklace mean? Is there more than one possible meaning?

The literal meaning is as you have suggested. The party is over, and the wonderful night Madame Loisel has had with the wealthy is also over. This also foreshadows the scene that follows, however. Madame Loisel discovers the necklace isn't around her neck, and this means her life as she has known it up to now is also over. Her hopes and dreams of joining the wealthy elite are dashed since she and her husband will now have to work for ten years to pay for the lost necklace. By the end, Madame Loisel looks older than she should and has had a much more difficult life than she would have had if she had been honest.

Although openly criticized, Atticus is well respected in the town of Maycomb. Why is this true?

Atticus is well respected because of his character and the way he treats other people.  In every scene that involves Atticus, he remains calm, wise, and strong regardless of what is going on.  When the men come at night to lynch Tom, Atticus is there to defend him and he stands up to the group all alone.  Atticus does not speak badly about other people and he always tries to see things from their perspective.  He teaches Scout and Jem to do this when he talks to them about the Cunnighams, the Ewells, Mrs. Dubose and Tom Robinson.  He chooses to defend Tom Robinson even when most everyone disagrees with him.  People continue to respect him though for taking a strong stand without being negative toward those who are against him.  His integrity and strength win people over even when they might not agree with him.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

How is Their Eyes Were Watching God feminist?

This novel features the first strong, independent black woman in a novel to search for her identity and happiness. In those respects, Janie is a very forward-thinking, powerful female protagonist, something relatively advanced for the time period in which the book was published. Although she is a victim again and again of male repression/domination, Janie stands up for herself at several points throughout the novel.


For example, after essentially being forced into marriage with Logan Killicks, Janie leaves him when Jody Starks comes along. This would be practically unheard of in the 1930's: a woman simply picking up and leaving her husband behind. But Janie is searching for her true self, and for her life partner, and she's not going to let any man stop her. However, she soon finds herself in a very similar situation with Jody. One might expect her to up and leave, just as she did with Logan. But you need to take cultural context into consideration: she is a woman, a black woman, who has no rights to speak of in this society. She imagined that her life with Joe would be free and easy, & to some extent it is. That is the financial aspect of the relationship. Joe is a successful man, and Janie reaps the material benefits of that success. But I think that as soon as Janie realizes what her life has become, & how much Joe hurts her/oppresses her, she stands up for herself. She tells him off, in a way that is purposely emasculating (making fun of his genitalia) in front of the other men, no less. After that, she doesn't let Joe tell her what to do or control her in any way. In fact, the power in the relationship shifts from him to her, and she proves herself a strong woman of the times.


She finds her equal in Tea-Cake, although some argue that this novel cannot be feminist, in that Tea-Cake hits her and controls her in much of the same way as her first two husbands. However, there is a difference there; Janie respects Tea-Cake as an equal, and he treats her as one (for the most part). Not to make excuses for the abuse, but there's a different tone in their time together as opposed to the first two journeys of Janie's life.


It's important not to judge Janie according to our contemporary standards of feminism. We must understand that any attempt to lead an independent life was a strong statement for women in the 1930's.

In Animal Farm, what is Boxer’s personal motto?

Boxer actually adopts two mottoes. The first is, 'I will work harder.' He embraces this maxim as an answer to every problem or setback. His hard work inspires all the other animals and drives them to do more than they ever did. As such, work on the farm runs like clockwork. Boxer becomes the admiration of everybody on the farm.


This approach by Boxer becomes even more valuable at a time when his strength is needed in the construction of the windmill. He drags limestone to the top of the quarry for it to be dropped so that it may shatter into manageable pieces. The stones could then be used to build the windmill.


The second maxim he adopts is, 'Napoleon is always right.' Boxer displays unstinting loyalty to his leader and believes whatever he says. He hardly ever expresses doubt. When Napoleon, for example, declares that Snowball had been a traitor from the outset, Boxer accepts the truth of this statement merely on the basis of Napoleon having said it. His acquiescence and obedience are typical of the type of unquestioning loyalty displayed by those followers who are less educated or who lack the intelligence to question.


On the one occasion that Boxer does show some form of rebellion, such as when he questions Squealer about their victory over the humans after the windmill had been destroyed, he is regarded with suspicion. Not much later, Napoleon's dogs attack him but he easily drives them off, almost killing one, but letting it go on Napoleon's command. 


Tragically, Boxer's utter dedication and loyalty receive scant regard and appreciation from his ruthless leader. When he falls ill after overworking and sustaining an injury, Napoleon sells him to the knacker (horse slaughterer) and buys a case of whisky from the proceeds. The noble Boxer dies an ignoble death. 

Saturday, February 2, 2013

What type of narration is used in Eveline?

"Eveline" takes place within the heroine's mind, so there is little action.  The narration is therefore stream-of-consciousness.  The reader sees Eveline's thoughts as they wander to different places and times.  The story is not presented in a linear fashion.  Instead, the reader gains information about the story and the heroine through her thoughts and memory.

Friday, February 1, 2013

List one metaphor and one alliteration in the poem "If". How are they so effective and what do they mean and convey?"If" by Rudyard Kipling

One example of alliteration in this poem can be found in the second stanza.  Here, Kipling says



If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools



In these two lines, there six words that start with the letter "t."  I think that the hard sound of the "t" reinforces the negative feel of this.  The sounds of "twisted," "to," and "trap" sound a little violent, just like the action.


I think that a metaphor can be found in the last stanza.  There, Kipling says



If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run



He is using running as a metaphor for life.  He is saying that you have to try your hardest all the time, even if it leaves you exhausted, which is what running does.

Discuss at least two characteristics of Romanticism in John Keat's poem "Ode toa Nightingale".

The poet in Ode To A Nightingale  is an escapist .He escapes through imagination .On his way the bower of the bliss wher the nightingale is ...