Which literary device is "brown beetles"?

The two words, “brown beetles,” show the use of alliteration.  Alliteration is the repetition of like consonant sounds most often used at the beginning of words. The use of alliteration can create a rhythm or mood to a passage or line of poetry, and it is usually used for effect or creative meaning. 

For example, this sentence uses alliteration through the repetition of the “r” sound: "The rainstorm relentlessly rattled the ranch style house." The...

The two words, “brown beetles,” show the use of alliteration.  Alliteration is the repetition of like consonant sounds most often used at the beginning of words. The use of alliteration can create a rhythm or mood to a passage or line of poetry, and it is usually used for effect or creative meaning. 

For example, this sentence uses alliteration through the repetition of the “r” sound: "The rainstorm relentlessly rattled the ranch style house." The use of alliteration in this instance gives the reader a visual description, a description of sound, and perhaps, an idea that the house isn’t in good repair or standing up well to the rainstorm. 

Alliteration’s “cousin”, assonance is the repetition of like vowel sounds.  Here’s an example: "Anna ate the apple all the way down to the core." The “a” sound is being repeated.

For fun, let's extend "brown beetles" to, "The brown beetles burrowed between the basement wall and the box elder bushes."

In "The Catbird Seat," what was the main reason Mr. Martin wanted to kill Mrs. Barrows?

Mr. Fitweiler hired Mrs. Barrows at his special assistant without knowing anything about her. Fitweiler, who is head of the big New York-based F&S company, is getting old and seems to be gradually losing his mind. He is going to a psychiatrist for help. His hiring Ulgine Barrows as his assistant was obviously a big mistake. Mr. Martin reflects:

A week later he had introduced her as his special adviser. On that day confusion got its foot in the door.

She has created disruption throughout the executive offices by her reorganization schemes. In order to show her irrationality, the narrator keeps quoting the "gibberish" Mrs. Barrows is always spouting . She repeats phrases she has heard on the radio spoken by a popular baseball sportscaster named Red Barber. They include the following:

"Are you lifting the oxcart out of the ditch? Are you tearing up the pea patch? Are you hollering down the rain barrel?: Are you scraping around the bottom of the pickle barrel? Are you sitting in the catbird seat?"

"Sitting in the catbird seat" meant "sitting pretty, like a batter with three balls and no strikes on him." Ulgine Barrows has been driving Martin crazy with these mindless questions. She seems to be trying to learn to be "one of the boys" in an era in which women were entering the American workforce in large numbers and moving up to positions of power. But Martin treats her with friendly tolerance until it appears that she has her eye on his filing department. On the afternoon of Monday, November 2, 1941 she had bounced into Mr. Martin's office and asked, "Do you really need all these filing cabinets?"

Mr. Martin could no longer doubt that the finger was on his beloved department. 

He addresses an imaginary jury in his head:

"Gentlemen of the jury," he said to himself, "I demand the death penalty for this horrible person."

The reader expects to be reading a perfect-crime murder story; but Mr. Martin eventually thinks of a more subtle way of getting rid of Mrs. Barrows. Mr. Fitweileer discharges her because she thinks the staid and loyal company man Mr. Martin could have said and done the things of which she accuses him, including getting "coked to the gills" on heroin, and therefore the woman must be mad. It turns out that Mr. Martin was correct in foreseeing that, "Her pickaxe was on the upswing, poised for the first blow." After Mrs. Barrows is dragged forcefully out of Mr. Fitweiler's office, he tells Martin:

"You may not know, Martin, but Mrs. Barrows had planned a reorganization of your department--subject to my approval, of course, subject to my approval. This brought you, rather than anyone else, to her mind--but again that is a phenomenon for Dr. Fitch and not for us."

Why does the size of a particle not affect its porosity?

First off, I will define porosity here as the amount of a solid's volume that is occupied by empty space. As an example of empty space in solid objects and particles, think of the nooks and crannies in a sponge. The reason that the porosity of a particle is not affected by its "size" (total volume) is because in most applications, and especially in all types of engineering, porosity is described by something called the...

First off, I will define porosity here as the amount of a solid's volume that is occupied by empty space. As an example of empty space in solid objects and particles, think of the nooks and crannies in a sponge. The reason that the porosity of a particle is not affected by its "size" (total volume) is because in most applications, and especially in all types of engineering, porosity is described by something called the void fraction. In fact, often times scientists and engineers use the terms void fraction and porosity interchangeably. The void fraction (or porosity) of a particle is defined as the total volume of empty space within divided by the total volume of the particle. Void fraction is often represented by the Greek letter phi:

` phi=(V_E_m_p_t_y)/(V_T_o_t_a_l)`

Thus, no matter how big or small a particle gets the porosity is always gauged by the ratio of empty space to total space occupied. This means that so long as the particle remains made of the same material with the same distribution of empty space, its porosity will not change regardless of total volume. In fact, this is how you should think of porosity: a physical property of a given material and the environmental conditions in which is exists that does not change with the system size (much like density). Properties like porosity and density are called intensive properties. The opposite of an intensive property is an extensive property, which does change with system size (e.g. volume, mass, etc.).

What is the major similarity between the 2 societies, the Lilliputians and the Brobdingnagian in Gulliver’s Travels?

In creating the two very different societies who populate "Gulliver's Travels," Swift uses size to great effect in making his satirical points about each group of people.

The Brobdingnagians are gigantic compared to Gulliver. They're human in every way except their size, and so they frighten, even disgust Gulliver, since he sees all aspects of their physiology close up. Though the Brobdingnagians are somewhat terrifying to him, they are, in action, a fair and reasonable...

In creating the two very different societies who populate "Gulliver's Travels," Swift uses size to great effect in making his satirical points about each group of people.

The Brobdingnagians are gigantic compared to Gulliver. They're human in every way except their size, and so they frighten, even disgust Gulliver, since he sees all aspects of their physiology close up. Though the Brobdingnagians are somewhat terrifying to him, they are, in action, a fair and reasonable people, with sensible laws. They are Big, then, as drawn by Swift - a large-hearted people with noble aspirations.

The Lilliputians, in contrast, are Small, in size and character - and Swift portrays them as having the worst characteristics of human beings. They're mean, vain, petty - they reach positions of power by performing absurd acts. They're also very technically adept, in terms of machinery, armaments and legalities. In other words, much like the worst aspects of modern, post-agrarian society.

The Brobdingnagians represent relatively civil, rural, "small town" ethics, while the Lilliputians represent the ethics of survival of the fittest, with a Napoleonic complex thrown in. They regard self interest and political machinations as an accepted way of life. The Lilliputian ethos is, 'learn to swim with the sharks,' a code of ethics most associated today with large cities and centralization of power.

How can I define and analyze the concept of "dreams" in the novel The Great Gatsby?

When defining and analyzing the concept of dreams in The Great Gatsby, it's important to consider a character's perspective. However, whichever character you ultimately choose can lead to deep analysis. 

• Gatsby: In essence, Gatsby's dream is to relieve his past by recapturing Daisy Buchanan's heart and starting things over - just like they were before. Whether he was actually in love with Daisy, his idea of Daisy, or the past is certainly up for...

When defining and analyzing the concept of dreams in The Great Gatsby, it's important to consider a character's perspective. However, whichever character you ultimately choose can lead to deep analysis. 

• Gatsby: In essence, Gatsby's dream is to relieve his past by recapturing Daisy Buchanan's heart and starting things over - just like they were before. Whether he was actually in love with Daisy, his idea of Daisy, or the past is certainly up for debate based on how he speaks of her throughout the novel. His dream is iconically symbolized by the green light at the end of his dock. Beyond representing the American Dream filled with opportunity, it mirrors Gatsby's own struggle of obtaining his dream. While he's so close, his ultimate goal (Daisy) is just across the bay. The idea of Gatsby being so close plays out in other facets, too, such as how he attempts to fit in with the "old" money, but eventually fails. 


• Daisy: On the other hand, Daisy's concept of dream ultimately leads to Gatsby's downward spiral. She craves social status, money, and attention - the very same reasons she married Tom instead of Gatsby in the first place. While Tom delivers on social status and money, ever so briefly, Gatsby provides her attention (even though she's clearly attracted to his money, as well). This leads to the rekindling of their love affair, but their relationship really never had a chance of working out because of Gatsby's "new" money status. She returns to Tom for his money and Gatsby suffers the consequences. 

Do you think journalists should be allowed to break some laws to expose wrongdoing?

This is, of course, a matter of personal opinion.  My own view is that journalists should be able to break a few laws, but only ones that are relatively minor and which are aimed at preserving people’s privacy.

There is no doubt in my mind that we should not allow journalists to break important laws.  A journalist should not, for example, be allowed to break into the offices of a government agency or a big...

This is, of course, a matter of personal opinion.  My own view is that journalists should be able to break a few laws, but only ones that are relatively minor and which are aimed at preserving people’s privacy.

There is no doubt in my mind that we should not allow journalists to break important laws.  A journalist should not, for example, be allowed to break into the offices of a government agency or a big business in order to try to find evidence of wrongdoing.  That sort of crime is too serious to allow journalists to get away with simply because they say that they are trying to serve the public interest.

However, it may be okay to let journalists break a few laws that have to do with protecting people’s privacy.  For example, let us say that there is a state where it is illegal to videotape someone without their consent.  Journalists should not be forced to obey this law.  If a journalist needs to secretly videotape someone so they can catch that person taking a bribe, they should be able to do so.  The public’s need to prevent wrongdoing overrides, in my mind, the right to privacy of the person committing the crime.  Of course, we would need to severely punish journalists who used secret video or audio tapes to embarrass people rather than to expose important wrongdoing. 

In my view, then, there should be a few laws that journalists are allowed to break in pursuing an important story that would expose wrongdoing.  However, these laws must be relatively minor and unimportant.

What was Thomas Hobbes’ idea for the government?

Thomas Hobbes was an english philosopher who lived predominately in the 1600's. His idea for government was that in order for people to be able to live together and survive, they needed to be governed by a single sovereign ruler. This idea was put forth in his book, Leviathan, where Hobbes states that if people are left to rule themselves, they will only focus on self-preservation. He counters this argument by saying that while...

Thomas Hobbes was an english philosopher who lived predominately in the 1600's. His idea for government was that in order for people to be able to live together and survive, they needed to be governed by a single sovereign ruler. This idea was put forth in his book, Leviathan, where Hobbes states that if people are left to rule themselves, they will only focus on self-preservation. He counters this argument by saying that while living under a sovereign ruler the people in society will enter into a "social contract" with one another, and the sovereign. In this social contract, all people of the society give up their "right to all things", except for the sovereign, who is in control of all. By entering into the social contract, the people are able to coexist with one another based on the rules, regulations, and laws the sovereign puts forth. It is important to note that Hobbes never stated that this sovereign should be one person. He argues that in addition to a single ruler such as a King or Queen, small groups, such as those seen in a democracy, or the British parliament, could also serve as the sovereign to govern a nation.

Hope this helps!

How did Great Britain change with the Industrial Revolution?

The Industrial Revolution had an enormous impact on Great Britain. Cities and towns grew in a process that is known as urbanization. Urban areas grew in population and importance because the factories were located in the larger population centers so that labor and transportation needs could be met. As agricultural techniques improved, the number of farmers needed decreased. Naturally, many migrated towards urban centers to find work.

The Industrial Revolution also improved transportation networks. Manufactured...

The Industrial Revolution had an enormous impact on Great Britain. Cities and towns grew in a process that is known as urbanization. Urban areas grew in population and importance because the factories were located in the larger population centers so that labor and transportation needs could be met. As agricultural techniques improved, the number of farmers needed decreased. Naturally, many migrated towards urban centers to find work.

The Industrial Revolution also improved transportation networks. Manufactured goods need to be transported to markets to be sold. As a result, Britain improved its transportation infrastructure. This is especially true of the development of rail lines to connect the different towns and ports. New canals were constructed for river travel in order to connect the industrial cities with the necessary inputs for goods. Communication networks were also improved as a necessity for the new industrial economy.

Unfortunately, there were negative consequences to industrialism. The system created stark social class lines with some acquiring vast sums of wealth while others  suffered. Laborers were required to work long hours in dangerous conditions with very little rights. Children were utilized as laborers which ultimately hurt their ability to seek a better future. Women increasingly left the home to seek employment.  As a result of these inequalities, many demanded social and political change to improve the conditions of the lower classes.

How do characters such as Scout Finch and Atticus Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee influence others in the novel?

Scout and Atticus Finch are two of the main characters throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Both characters have a tremendous influence on others and play significant roles throughout the novel. Scout, Atticus' daughter, has influence over her brother, friends, and adults living in the community of Maycomb. Scout influences her friend Dill by encouraging him to tell the truth and express his feelings about his home life. Dill opens up to Scout about...

Scout and Atticus Finch are two of the main characters throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Both characters have a tremendous influence on others and play significant roles throughout the novel. Scout, Atticus' daughter, has influence over her brother, friends, and adults living in the community of Maycomb. Scout influences her friend Dill by encouraging him to tell the truth and express his feelings about his home life. Dill opens up to Scout about his issues, and when Scout takes him outside of the courthouse, both characters learn an important lesson about prejudice from Dolphus Raymond. Scout also influences Jem's character throughout the novel. Jem educates Scout and serves as her caretaker. Jem discusses his feelings about humanity and shares his perspective on Maycomb's community members with her. Scout also influences Walter Cunningham during the mob scene by making him aware of his actions when she attempts to have a conversation with him. Scout influences her Uncle Jack by teaching him a lesson on how to speak with children and is the reason why Aunt Alexandra has moved in with the family. Scout's "tomboy" persona influences Alexandra to teach her how to become a proper Southern Bell. Scout influences the character of Boo Radley throughout the novel by entertaining him and encouraging him to form relationships by communicating via gifts in the knothole of the tree. At the end of the novel, Boo Radley leaves his home to save Scout and Jem, which allows him the opportunity to interact with the children.

Atticus predominately influences his children by teaching them important life lessons which advance their moral development and understanding. Scout learns how to gain perspective on situations and how to compromise from listening to Atticus. Atticus also teaches his children lessons in courage and morality. One of the underlying themes throughout the novel is how to treat innocent beings. Atticus teaches his children that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. Atticus also influences the character of Tom Robinson by choosing to defend him during his trial. Atticus influences the way in which community members view racial issues and is the catalyst for social change in Maycomb County throughout the novel.

I have to write a letter to Curley from the book Of Mice and Men with advice. What should I write about?

Curley is the belligerent and insensitive boss's son in Steinbeck's novella Of Mice and Men. When the reader first meets Curley he is looking for his wife and throughout the novel there is a disconnect between the two. It is revealed in chapters four and five that his wife doesn't even like him. The reader can assume that he is authoritarian and maybe even abusive toward her. We also know that he sometimes goes into town on Saturday nights without her, maybe even to a whorehouse. When she is found dead he flies into a rage and seeks revenge against Lennie. The reader may assume that his quest for revenge is more a product of the humiliation he suffered at Lennie's hands in the bunkhouse fight than any true feeling of sorrow over his wife's death.

If I were to write a letter to Curley I would tell him to pay more attention to his wife. After all, we know that she is quite pretty, and it is revealed in chapter five that she has dreams and is really not the terrible "floozy" or "tart" that the men on the ranch thinks she is. Instead of going into town with the men on Saturday night he should take his wife out instead of leaving her behind in their "two-by-four house." His wife is obviously lonely, but that could be solved if he spent time with her and wasn't always looking to pick a fight with one of his workers.

Curley should treat his workers with respect. They seem to hate him and there is no sympathy when Lennie crushes his hand in chapter three. He has good workers, including the skinner and leader of the men, Slim. Instead of accusing Slim of trying to be with his wife, Curley should develop a relationship with him in order to improve the sometimes hostile atmosphere on the ranch. He should avoid picking fights and look to control his naturally angry disposition. If Curley were to improve communication with his wife and treat his men more amiably the problems on the ranch might go away.

Can someone help me create an editorial title for the Boston Massacre?

There could be a variety of editorial titles you could use in reference to the Boston Massacre. While it is clear the British soldiers fired at the colonists and killed five of them, the colonists had some role causing the events at the Custom House to occur that evening. The colonists were pressing closer to the soldiers guarding the building. They were throwing snowballs at the soldiers as well as yelling insults at them. Thus,...

There could be a variety of editorial titles you could use in reference to the Boston Massacre. While it is clear the British soldiers fired at the colonists and killed five of them, the colonists had some role causing the events at the Custom House to occur that evening. The colonists were pressing closer to the soldiers guarding the building. They were throwing snowballs at the soldiers as well as yelling insults at them. Thus, both the British soldiers and the colonists share in some of the blame for the events that evening.

Your editorial title will depend on what side your editorial is supporting. If you are writing in support of the colonists, your title might read “Massacre in Boston Means its Time for a Change” or “There Is No Looking Back After the Bloody Massacre.” You might even say “Bloody Murder Is Now A Turning Point.” Then you would write an editorial in support of the colonists.

If you are supporting the British, your title will look very different. You title might read “Mob Action Forces The British Hand” or “Wild Colonists Must Be Tamed.” You might even write an editorial with a title of  “Unruly Colonists Cause Violent Confrontation.” You then would go ahead and write an editorial supporting the British government and the British soldiers.

With suggested titles like these, you should now be able to write an editorial supporting one side or the other.

What does Ebenezer Dorset do in the story?

Ebenezer Dorset, the father of the kidnapped boy who calls himself Red Chief, takes a few actions in the story. Some of them we must assume because we see the result of the action but aren't actually told of it when it happens. Since Sam is the narrator, we see and know only what he sees and knows.

Dorset receives the letter Sam sends that demands ransom. Upon receiving it, he scribbles back a note...

Ebenezer Dorset, the father of the kidnapped boy who calls himself Red Chief, takes a few actions in the story. Some of them we must assume because we see the result of the action but aren't actually told of it when it happens. Since Sam is the narrator, we see and know only what he sees and knows.

Dorset receives the letter Sam sends that demands ransom. Upon receiving it, he scribbles back a note in a "crabbed hand" that makes a counter proposition. He states he will take Red Chief off the hands of the kidnappers if they pay him $250 and bring the child that night after dark. He sends a boy on a bicycle to put the note into the place Sam had instructed him to put the ransom money.

When Sam and Bill come to return Red Chief, Dorset comes to the door. He accepts the money from Sam into his outstretched hand. He peels his son off the leg of Bill and warns him that he should flee quickly because he can only hold the boy about ten minutes since he is not as strong as he used to be. 

My answers are -33g of butane and -99 g of CO2. I'm looking at other answers and their numbers are positive. Why?

I've calculated the amounts and got positive numbers, but otherwise the same values that you arrived at:

-1500 kJ/-2658 kJ/mol of butane = 0.56 moles butane

(0.56 mol butane)(58.5 g/mol) = 33 grams butane

(0.56 mol butane)(4 moles CO2/1 mol butane)(44 grams/mol) = 99 grams CO2

Your error was most likely in not labeling the 1500 J of heat liberated as negative. The `Delta` H per mole of reaction is given as a negative value,...

I've calculated the amounts and got positive numbers, but otherwise the same values that you arrived at:

-1500 kJ/-2658 kJ/mol of butane = 0.56 moles butane

(0.56 mol butane)(58.5 g/mol) = 33 grams butane

(0.56 mol butane)(4 moles CO2/1 mol butane)(44 grams/mol) = 99 grams CO2

Your error was most likely in not labeling the 1500 J of heat liberated as negative. The `Delta` H per mole of reaction is given as a negative value, -2658 kJ, because the reaction is exothermic. Similarly, the heat evolved for an amount of butane other than one mole will have a negative value. The negative signs cancel out in the first step when -1500 is divided by -2658. 

An exothermic reaction has a negative  `Delta` H and an endothermic reaction has a positive  `Delta` H because the  `Delta` H describes the energy change of the substances reacting. When heat is released, the surroundings gain heat and warm up. That heat came from the reaction, and was released because the products have less chemical potential energy than the reactants. Since energy was lost by the reacting substances the  `Delta` H is negative.

What kind of character is Jeffery? (From Maniac Magee the book)

Jeffrey, better known as Maniac Magee, is one cool character.  He is that kid that can do anything and everything, make it look easy, but not make you jealous, angry, or spiteful while doing it.  The kid can run, jump, throw, hit, etc. better than just about anybody else, and on top of that, he doesn't have a judgmental bone in his body.  For example after showing up John McNab by hitting homerun after homerun,...

Jeffrey, better known as Maniac Magee, is one cool character.  He is that kid that can do anything and everything, make it look easy, but not make you jealous, angry, or spiteful while doing it.  The kid can run, jump, throw, hit, etc. better than just about anybody else, and on top of that, he doesn't have a judgmental bone in his body.  For example after showing up John McNab by hitting homerun after homerun, McNab tries to beat up Maniac with his gang of delinquents. But Maniac is not the type of person to hold a grudge.  In fact, in chapter 35 Maniac brings John's brothers back home and helps out John by showing him how to throw the stopball.  Further evidence for Maniac not being judgmental is his blindness to color.  No I don't mean that Maniac is colorblind.  I mean that Maniac is incapable of seeing how skin color on a person can make a difference.  Of course not everybody in the book is as gracious as Maniac, and that is why he is eventually forced to leave the Beale home.  Maniac is a very loving and caring character as well.  The best evidence for this is his relationship with Grayson.  Maniac gives Grayson friendship, and takes the time to teach the old man to read.  The book continually refers to Maniac as a sort of legend, and with how amazing he is at just about everything, it is easy to see why.   

What is the function of the boy in Waiting for Godot?

The boy stands for hope and anticipation. Didi and Gogo, as they wait (patiently) for Godot to arrive, hope for some “messenger” to assure them that Godot is still coming, and the boy’s arrival in Act I is some assurance that they are still in “Godot's” plans. Symbolically, he stands for our own belief that we have some purpose in life, that we are in fact part of a larger plan; the boy is like...

The boy stands for hope and anticipation. Didi and Gogo, as they wait (patiently) for Godot to arrive, hope for some “messenger” to assure them that Godot is still coming, and the boy’s arrival in Act I is some assurance that they are still in “Godot's” plans. Symbolically, he stands for our own belief that we have some purpose in life, that we are in fact part of a larger plan; the boy is like our moments of complete faith, our “religious” hope: most religions call for faith without proof. His arrival is a false epiphany, some sort of event that we, as humans, interpret as proof that our waiting for a purpose is not in vain. The very vagueness, the ambiguity, of the boy’s message is further evidence that Beckett is dramatizing these moments of (for him) false hope. His genius is having the boy (or a brother?) appear again at the end of the play (usually played by the same actor).  An important line is (paraphrased)
 "You did see us -- you won't come back here and say you didn't see us?"

Who is Bolden in Monster?

Wendell Bolden is one of the witnesses that the prosecutor, Petrocelli, brings to the stand in Steve Harmon's murder trial. Like Salvatore Zinzi, who testifies before him, Bolden is a guy who has already served some prison time. One of Petrocelli's "dirty tricks" as a lawyer is to link guys like Zinzi and Bolden with Steve in the eyes of the jury, so they'll think that Steve is a lowlife and a criminal too.

Bolden...

Wendell Bolden is one of the witnesses that the prosecutor, Petrocelli, brings to the stand in Steve Harmon's murder trial. Like Salvatore Zinzi, who testifies before him, Bolden is a guy who has already served some prison time. One of Petrocelli's "dirty tricks" as a lawyer is to link guys like Zinzi and Bolden with Steve in the eyes of the jury, so they'll think that Steve is a lowlife and a criminal too.

Bolden is in court to testify to a conversation he had with Bobo (who was probably the dumbest of the 4 people involved in the convenience store robbery, as his own testimony shows). Bolden claims that after the robbery, Bobo sold him some cigarettes, and basically blabbed enough for Bolden to figure out that Bobo was part of the robbery Bolden had heard about, where someone was killed. Knowing that information could be useful, Bolden pulled it out when he next went to jail – too bad he had already mentioned it to Sal Zinzi, who used it himself. 

Bolden's testimony shows readers a good deal of his character. He says that he's done jail time for breaking and entering and for drug possession. He also admits that he would have done jail time for assault, but those charges will be dropped if he testifies for Steve's case. This ulterior motive is something that both defense lawyers seize on, insisting that someone like Bolden would have no trouble lying to avoid more jail time. Even though he insists that he is just "trying to do the right thing," it's pretty clear that he's only testifying to look out for himself. 

How does religion promote social change?

Religions promote social change by guiding their followers to share or "live" their views. By encouraging the outward expression of religious views, the views become a vehicle for social change. The acceptance or rejection of the social changes are often tied to personal belief as well. Many examples of religion causing social change can be found throughout the world and throughout history. 

In the Middle Ages in Europe, churches did not just direct social change, but...

Religions promote social change by guiding their followers to share or "live" their views. By encouraging the outward expression of religious views, the views become a vehicle for social change. The acceptance or rejection of the social changes are often tied to personal belief as well. Many examples of religion causing social change can be found throughout the world and throughout history. 

In the Middle Ages in Europe, churches did not just direct social change, but directed society as a whole. When King Henry VIII paved the way for the Church of England to be the new official religion of England instead of Catholicism, it completely changed how divorce was viewed in society. Before, divorce was rarely heard of, but now, it is fairly commonplace and the change can be traced to that point in history.

Why most people tend to think of social change as a positive force, it is not always. What is occurring in the middle east, specifically the formation of ISIS and their occupation, is also social change. Based on an extreme version of Islam, the leaders of ISIS have lessened the freedoms of women, restricted the movements of all citizens and promoted violence in their society in their efforts to spread and live what they believe. The destruction of several historic sites in the area has been connected to a belief about idolatry taken to an extreme.

America is home to an interesting case of the same religion promoting and fighting the same social changes. According to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the majority of Americans are Christian. Christian beliefs have been used both for and against social changes such as marriage equality, welfare and abortion rights. In each case, scriptures are quoted and traditions looked to as absolute truths that must be followed to avoid condemnation or judgement.

Many religions promote social action, and in doing so create and promote social change. The beliefs and calls to action inherent in these faiths are a recipe for social change whether it be in a positive direction, negative direction or anywhere in between.

Explain why the working men are celebrating in the first scene in Julius Caesar. Why does Marulles reproach them?

The workmen are celebrating having a day off for Caesar’s celebration.

The plebeians of Rome are celebrating a holiday from work.  This holiday is a result of the Feast of Lupercal celebration that Julius Caesar is officiating.  Due to the celebration, the ordinary workers have the day off.  Flavius takes note of this. 

Hence! home, you idle creatures get you home:Is this a holiday? what! know you not,Being mechanical, you ought not walk...

The workmen are celebrating having a day off for Caesar’s celebration.

The plebeians of Rome are celebrating a holiday from work.  This holiday is a result of the Feast of Lupercal celebration that Julius Caesar is officiating.  Due to the celebration, the ordinary workers have the day off.  Flavius takes note of this. 

Hence! home, you idle creatures get you home:
Is this a holiday? what! know you not,
Being mechanical, you ought not walk
Upon a labouring day without the sign
Of your profession? (Act 1, Scene 1)

The workmen are not overly political.  They are just happy that they do not have to go to work.  Marullus and Flavius are not supporters of Caesar.  They chide the workmen for celebrating Caesar’s victory against Pompey.  Pompey was a Roman consul too, but Caesar was victorious against him in a civil war.  Marullus scolds the men for changing allegiances. 

Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home?
What tributaries follow him to Rome,
To grace in captive bonds his chariot-wheels?
You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things!
O you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome,
Knew you not Pompey? (Act 1, Scene 1)

Marullus and Flavius are part of a faction that opposes Caesar.  He was aggressive in pursuing the war against Pompey and the other Romans.  Some of the members of the Patrician class felt that he was overly ambitious.  This is the same reason a conspiracy of senators rose up to assassinate him in the first place.

Shakespeare uses this scene for two reasons.  First, it establishes comic relief through the workmen’s puns.  Second, it demonstrates the political unrest in Rome.  Caesar came to power and became dictator under very unusual circumstances.  Not everyone in Rome appreciated it.  This scene also gives us some background information on Pompey and those who were still supportive of him.

How do the two songs at the end represent the characters and character progression?

The two songs at the end of "Two Kinds" are called "Pleading Child" and "Perfectly Contented." During the story, Jing-mei is pleading with her mother for her mother to love her for who she is, not for some prodigy that she might become. Jing-mei's mother fails to hear the pleading for unconditional love that emanates from her daughter; instead, she expects obedience. This leads to a confrontation where Jing-mei lashes out at her mother with cruel and hurtful words. Jing-mei's mother is stunned, but she never understands how she has hurt Jing-mei. Even years later, when Jing-mei is an adult, her mother tries to give her the piano as a way of a peace offering between them. Still, she ends up insulting Jing-mei again with the words, "You could been genius if you want to. ... You just not trying."

Years before, however, while she was still a child, Jing-mei realized that if she was ever going to be happy, she was going to have to rebel against her mother's drive to turn her into someone she was not. She decided that if she could not have her mother's unconditional love, she would nevertheless be true to herself. She begins that process when she takes advantage of Mr. Chong's hearing loss to not pursue her piano practices conscientiously. After embarrassing herself and her mother at the talent show, she refuses to practice anymore, and in asserting herself, she feels "as if my true self had finally emerged." Summarizing her years of schooling, she explains her conclusion that "I could only be me." She has come to believe that she must satisfy herself and not others if she wants to be "Perfectly Contented." 

In reflecting on the fact that both pieces of music were "two halves of the same song," the narrator suggests that she had to pass through the pleading child phase, including her rebellion against her mother, to arrive at a place where she was happy with herself, where as an adult she was able to be "perfectly contented." 

Can I get a detailed summary of The End of Poverty?

The End of Povertyby Jeffrey D. Sachs argues from an economic perspective that globalization offers a possible solution to global poverty. The book provides a road map to how the world might, given the political will to do so, end global poverty by 2025. He supports the eight United Nations Millennium Development Goals to end extreme poverty and recommends a methodology he term "clinical economics", which begins with a diagnosis of the specific causes of...

The End of Poverty by Jeffrey D. Sachs argues from an economic perspective that globalization offers a possible solution to global poverty. The book provides a road map to how the world might, given the political will to do so, end global poverty by 2025. He supports the eight United Nations Millennium Development Goals to end extreme poverty and recommends a methodology he term "clinical economics", which begins with a diagnosis of the specific causes of poverty in individual countries.

The first chapter of the book analyzes four nations which he suggests typify four major patterns of development, Malawi, Bangladesh, India, and China which represent four rungs on the climb out of global poverty, with Malawi at the bottom rung and China at the top, having moved from the lower rungs to a position of a middle-income nation in a short time period.

Next, Sachs surveys the geographical distribution of extreme poverty, showing that it clusters unequally across the globe, with the highest proportion of the extreme poor living in Africa, and the next highest in South Asia. His third chapter looks at the historical causes of the rise of prosperity in Europe. Next he investigates why some countries have remained trapped in poverty. 

After diagnosing the causes of poverty, he offers a detailed plan to end global poverty, emphasizing financial commitments by the rich world to stimulate economic growth. 

What are some ways in which capitalism inflicts corporeal pain onto bodies?

Capitalism inflicts corporeal pain on the body in several ways. Foremost, its logic demands maximizing profit to the greatest degree. This means, in a variety of forms, subjecting and subordinating the natural rhythms of the human body to the dictates of the machine. In essence, Marx said, profit came through dehumanizing the body by making it a part of the machine.

This led to pain as human bodies, which Marx said were naturally set to...

Capitalism inflicts corporeal pain on the body in several ways. Foremost, its logic demands maximizing profit to the greatest degree. This means, in a variety of forms, subjecting and subordinating the natural rhythms of the human body to the dictates of the machine. In essence, Marx said, profit came through dehumanizing the body by making it a part of the machine.

This led to pain as human bodies, which Marx said were naturally set to work eight hours a day, were forced into ever longer work days to accommodate the rigidities of the 24-hour factory. Work days stretched to as long as 15 and 16 hours. Marx, in Capital, quotes several observers:

 "Cruelty was, of course, the consequence...In many of the manufacturing districts, but particularly, I am afraid, in the guilty county to which I belong [Lancashire], cruelties the most heart-rending were practised upon the unoffending and friendless creatures who were thus consigned to the charge of master manufacturers; they were harassed to the brink of death by excess of labour...were flogged, fettered and tortured in the most exquisite refinement of cruelty;...they were in many cases starved to the bone while flogged to their work and...The beautiful and romantic valleys of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lancashire, secluded from the public eye, became the dismal solitudes of torture, and of many a murder. The profits of manufactures were enormous; but this only whetted the appetite that it should have satisfied, and therefore the manufacturers had recourse to an expedient that seemed to secure to them those profits without any possibility of limit; they began the practice of what is termed "night-working," that is, having tired one set of hands, by working them throughout the day, they had another set ready to go on working throughout the night; the day-set getting into the beds that the night-set had just quitted, and in their turn again, the night-set getting into the beds that the day-set quitted in the morning. It is a common tradition in Lancashire, that the beds never get cold."

... Mr. Broughton Charlton, county magistrate, declared as chairman of a meeting held at the Assembly Rooms, Nottingham, on the 14th of January, 1860, 'that there was an amount of privation and suffering among that portion of the population connected with the lace trade, unknown in other parts of the kingdom, indeed, in the civilized world...Children of nine or ten years are dragged from their squalid beds at two, three, or four o'clock in the morning and compelled to work for a bare subsistence until ten, eleven, or twelve at night, their limbs wearing away, their frames dwindling, their faces whitening ...'

Division of labor also dehumanized the laborer, according to Marx, leading to a withering of mental and physical attributes as people performed repetitive tasks over and over without producing any specific thing, only one tiny part of a larger whole. He deplored the loss of the artisan, who controlled the fruits of his labor. Once again, profit and the machine dictated that human bodies became separated or alienated from what they were producing.

How could Frank Norris' McTeague be analyzed?

Frank Norris’ McTeaguewas published in 1899 and focuses on McTeague, a not-so-intelligent dentist, and Trina Sieppe, a young woman he becomes infatuated with, steals away from her boyfriend, and eventually marries. The central conflict of the story is focused on money. Trina wins money, but is too thrifty to share with McTeague, who has become her husband. Later he takes her money, then returns and wants more. He winds up beating her to death...

Frank Norris’ McTeague was published in 1899 and focuses on McTeague, a not-so-intelligent dentist, and Trina Sieppe, a young woman he becomes infatuated with, steals away from her boyfriend, and eventually marries. The central conflict of the story is focused on money. Trina wins money, but is too thrifty to share with McTeague, who has become her husband. Later he takes her money, then returns and wants more. He winds up beating her to death and taking all of her fortune. On the run, then, he ends up fighting Trina’s first beau, Marcus, in the middle of Death Valley and is left handcuffed to Marcus’ corpse with no more water.

One approach to analyze this story would be to explore the conflict of man vs. man and the role money plays in the conflict. For each character, money is a means of control and power. Each character who has the money also has the power in the relationship. As the money shifts from one character to another, the reader can see the ill effects of trying to gain control through ill-gotten means. Greed, then, is a central theme of the novel. Norris tries to depict the dangers of greed as it is seen through the moral deterioration of his characters.

What were the reasons why the American colonies rebelled against England?

Basically, the American colonies rebelled against Great Britain because they felt that changes in the imperial relationship that took place after the French and Indian War represented an attack on their liberties. After the war, which was very expensive (if also very successful) for the British, they attempted several measures that angered the colonists. The Proclamation of 1763, for examples, outraged both ordinary farmers and large land speculators by forbidding settlement in lands west of...

Basically, the American colonies rebelled against Great Britain because they felt that changes in the imperial relationship that took place after the French and Indian War represented an attack on their liberties. After the war, which was very expensive (if also very successful) for the British, they attempted several measures that angered the colonists. The Proclamation of 1763, for examples, outraged both ordinary farmers and large land speculators by forbidding settlement in lands west of the Appalachian Mountains. The Stamp Act, which placed a small tax on legal documents, outraged colonists who argued that direct taxes on individuals were a violation of the principle of representative government. A series of duties on imported goods were equally unpopular, and the British government angered Bostonians in particular by stationing a large body of troops there. The Tea Act, which granted a monopoly on tea to the British East India Company, angered colonial merchants, and the "Boston Tea Party" in response led to the "Intolerable Acts" that were viewed throughout the colonies as a measure worthy of serious resistance. Overall, the colonists viewed each of these events as a "long train of abuses," to quote the Declaration of Independence, and they worried that without colonial resistance, they would become second-class subjects within the British Empire. Their efforts at resistance, and British responses, led to the outbreak of armed conflict by the spring of 1775.

`f(t) = e^sin(t) cos(t), [0, pi/2]` Find the average value of the function on the given interval.

The average value is the integral of a function over an interval divided by the length of this interval. The length of interval is `pi/2` here, to find the integral start from the indefinite integral.

Make the substitution `u=sin(t),` then `du=cos(t)dt` and the integral is

`int e^u du=e^u+C=e^(sin(t))+C.`

So the definite integral is

`e^(sin(t))|_(t=0)^(pi/2)=e^1-e^0=e-1.`

And the average is `(2(e-1))/pi.`

The average value is the integral of a function over an interval divided by the length of this interval. The length of interval is `pi/2` here, to find the integral start from the indefinite integral.

Make the substitution `u=sin(t),` then `du=cos(t)dt` and the integral is

`int e^u du=e^u+C=e^(sin(t))+C.`

So the definite integral is

`e^(sin(t))|_(t=0)^(pi/2)=e^1-e^0=e-1.`

And the average is `(2(e-1))/pi.`

How is sperm transferred to the egg?

During intercourse, a male may deposit his sperm in the vaginal cavity of a female. Each ejaculation contains an average of 280 million sperm cells, any less than 20 million indicates there is an issue with the man's fertility. Such a high number of sperm cells per ejaculation is an evolutionary advantage, because not many of the cells will actually reach the egg. And even out of that small number, only one (and in some rare circumstances, two) sperm cells will unite with the egg.

The sperm cells have about 24 to 48 hours to reach the egg before they begin to break down and are incapable of reproduction. At the top of the vaginal cavity is a small ring of muscle called the cervix, which separates the uterus from the vaginal cavity. When women experience cramping before and during menstruation, the feeling is often caused by the cervix flexing and relaxing to release blood and tissue. When a male ejaculates inside a female, the ideal scenario for fertilization involves the sperm being released right up by the cervix. Sperm are suspended in a fluid called semen, which begins to mix and coagulate with the vaginal fluids. This mixing does two things: it allows the sperm to begin swimming a little farther, including up into the cervix and uterus, and it also initiates a coagulation of the semen, which for a short time makes the sperm "stick" in the vaginal cavity. Because the vagina is naturally a little acidic, the coagulated semen is broken down again and will leave the vaginal cavity on its own. Around the time of ovulation, cervical mucous actually changes in its chemical makeup so that it is thinner and more slippery to allow sperm to have an easier swim up into the uterus.

Here's an idea for an experiment that demonstrates how semen and vaginal fluids create a buffer for sperm to travel up the vaginal cavity and into the uterus. It has to do with cohesive and capillary action. First, put a few drops of food coloring into a glass filled halfway with water and give it a stir. Next, gently dampen a paper towel or napkin with plain water. Then, lower the napkin or paper towel into the glass until it just touches the water- you should see the pigment of the food coloring travel up the napkin! The reason it travels so easily is because the napkin is already wet. For the same reason, sperm have a pretty easy time of getting around in the mucosal membranes of the vagina, cervix, and uterus.

Though the cervix is a very tight ring of muscle, it does have a small opening which allows some of the sperm cells into the uterus. Here's the really tricky part: the sperm cells now have to keep swimming upwards until they reach the egg, nestled in the fallopian tube. It's quite a swim and really depends on how strong a sperm cell is. Sperm cells propel themselves with tails that eventually will begin to break down, so the strongest swimmers are more likely to get to the egg. When sperm cells reach the egg, they must burrow through a thick outer layer, aided by enzymes the sperm release. Hundreds of sperm may push against the egg before one cell breaks through and fertilization begins.

How did the westward movement of people impact the United States?

The westward migration of people affected the United States in a number of ways. Let us look at a few of them. 

First, one historian named Frederick Jackson Turner argued that the availability of land in the west, and the fact that Americans moved onto it, made the United States more democratic. There were no masses of poor people in American cities, Turner argued in his "frontier thesis," because people could always move west onto...

The westward migration of people affected the United States in a number of ways. Let us look at a few of them. 

First, one historian named Frederick Jackson Turner argued that the availability of land in the west, and the fact that Americans moved onto it, made the United States more democratic. There were no masses of poor people in American cities, Turner argued in his "frontier thesis," because people could always move west onto cheap land. This thesis has been mostly rejected by historians for a number of reasons, but there is no doubt that westward migration created very real economic opportunities for millions of Americans. 

Second, westward migration secured for the United States the vast lands and natural resources of the West. American businessmen were quick in exploiting the timber, precious metals, and energy resources of the west, not to mention the vast lands that were put to farming. These lands, of course, were conquered from Mexico and Native Americans. 

A third effect of westward expansion was the near-destruction of Native peoples. This process, which began in the colonial period, is one of the great tragedies of American history. From Narragansetts in Massachusetts to Shawnees in the Ohio Valley to Tuscaroras in North Carolina to Apaches in the Southwest, Native peoples were driven from their lands to make way for white expansion.

Finally, westward expansion proved to be very politically divisive in the mid-nineteenth century. This was because westward expansion became intertwined with the toxic political issue of slavery. As the United States took lands from Mexico, the issue of whether slavery would be allowed in these territories quickly emerged, and political compromise proved powerless to resolve it. The issues of slavery and westward expansion would ultimately be a major factor contributing to the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861.

I hope that you can help with my homework! I have some questions that are difficult for me. Its about the story "My Son The Fanatic." a) What...

a)To answer this question, try to think about the kinds of things fathers do to secure a better life for their children. This can be a little difficult if you are not a father; however, you can still answer this question by referring to what you know of the fathers you see on a daily basis. Then, refer to the story to see if any of your observations correspond to the text. If I may say so, the sort of things good fathers do are pretty universal.

Remember that Parvez is an immigrant. Many immigrants  deeply cherish the economic and political freedoms accorded to them in their adopted country, and Parvez is no exception. He is intent on working hard to secure a better future for his family. So, the economic perspective is key. We can see this in the text.

And so, for Ali, he had worked long hours and spent a lot of money paying for his education as an accountant. He had bought him good suits, all the books he required, and a computer. 

Parvez has worked long hours in order to afford a good education for Ali. To Parvez, success in the academic arena will lead to better economic opportunities and a good life for his son.

b)This question has a key word: 'past.' So, in order to answer this question, we have to figure out what is different about Ali at present and then find a contrast to that. From the text, we can see that Ali has given away many of his possessions, has taken to praying five times a day, and has resorted to outright rudeness to his father when questioned about his activities. This state of affairs is distressing to Parvez, so we have to ask ourselves how Ali's behavior was different before.

Instead of the usual tangle of clothes, books, cricket bats, video games, the room was becoming neat and ordered; spaces began appearing where before there had been only mess. Initially Parvez had been pleased: his son was outgrowing his teenage attitudes. But one day, beside the dustbin, Parvez found a torn bag which contained not only old toys, but computer disks, video tapes, new books and fashionable clothes the boy had bought just a few months before. Also without explanation, Ali had parted from the English girlfriend who used to come often to the house. His old friends had stopped ringing.

From this passage, we can see that this is the way Ali used to live. His room used to resemble that of a typical teenager's, and he possessed the usual items many teenagers owned. From this passage, we can see that Ali accepted his father's sacrifices as a matter of course. In other words, he took them for granted; he held the usual 'teenage attitudes' and enjoyed the typical life of a teenager in a free society. He lived this way until he chose to act differently.

c)To answer this question, look at the benefits inherent in Parvez' job:

Parvez had been a taxi driver for twenty years. Half that time he'd worked for the same firm. Like him, most of the other drivers were Punjabis. They preferred to work at night, the roads were clearer and the money better. They slept during the day, avoiding their wives. Together they led almost a boy's life in the cabbies' office, playing cards and practical jokes, exchanging lewd stories, eating together and discussing politics and their problems.

Parvez finds his job attractive because he can choose to drive at night when the roads are clearer and the pay better. In other words, the most attractive thing about his job is the freedom to choose when he will work. His job also affords him other benefits, and this is described in the text above.

d)To answer this question, we will try to ascertain what Parvez's philosophy is. Usually, our philosophy is greatly affected by our background. Parvez has a great love for his adopted country because he gets to decide his fate there; it is not decided for him by religious leaders. If you look at the text, you can see that Parvez's bad experience with religion has forever left a bad taste in his mouth. So, his dream of doing well in England must center on his philosophy about life. We can see this in the text. Parvez' dream of doing well centers on his desire to enjoy life to the fullest and to leave a good legacy for his descendants before he dies.

In his view this life was all there was and when you died you rotted in the earth. 'Grass and flowers will grow out of me, but something of me will live on ... 'In other people.'...'But while I am here on earth I want to make the best of it.'

How does Dickens present the Crachit family in "A Christmas Carol"?

With the presentation of the Crachit family, Charles Dickens dispels the notion that poverty makes people worthless and demeaned. He presents a sentimental depiction of a family, portraying their love and affection for one another as well as the harsh reality of their poverty.

In an effort to expose Victorian class prejudice, and inform his readers that poverty is no crime, Dickens presents a poignant scene with the Crachit family's celebration of Christmas. When the Spirit of Christmas Present takes Scrooge to the Crachit home where he witnesses the joy and excitement of the children and parents alike, Scrooge cannot help being drawn into their exuberance. This family is a loving one, filled with individuals of distinct and worthy personalities, especially Tiny Tim, whose little spirit is cheerful and kind, despite his misfortune.

The loving family of the Crachits becomes Dickens's defensive argument against the Poor Laws of England, in which families, like his own, were separated as parents were imprisoned for debt. Moreover, Dickens uses the scenes with the Crachits to argue against the prevalent theory of Thomas Robert Malthus in Essay on the Principle of Population (1798), who contended that population growth would supersede food supply, so the poor had no right to live if they could not contribute to the economy and sustain themselves.
Especially moving is Bob Crachit's telling of how Tiny Tim hoped people in the church would see him and recall that Jesus cured the lame and the sick. Even Scrooge is moved by this frail little boy and asks the Spirit if Tiny Tim will live; however, the Spirit informs Scrooge that without the necessary care he needs, Tim will die. He then uses Scrooge's own words about decreasing the surplus population, which echo those of Malthus. When an ashamed Scrooge hangs his head, the Spirit scolds him,

"Will you decide what men shall live, what men shall die? It may be that in the sight of Heaven, you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man's child."

Then, after the meal in which all have delighted, they gather around the fire with chestnuts and fill their cups with the "compound from the jug." Bob Crachit makes a toast to Mr. Scrooge and suddenly the delight leaves the faces of everyone. Mrs. Crachit does not want to toast him, but Bob insists "It's Christmas," so she does, although adding some of her thoughts. The children, too, begrudgingly toast their father's employer. But, soon the gloom cast upon them by Scrooge's name is dispelled and the family joyous once again.
As the Spirit whisks Scrooge away, 

...they faded, and looked happier yet in the bright sprinklings of the Spirit's torch at parting, Scrooge had his eye upon them, and especially on Tiny Tim, until the last.

Truly, Scrooge is moved both by the love and happiness in the Crachit family despite their material needs, and by the goodness of all, especially Tiny Tim. whose little frail body does not impair his Christian charity and love for all. 

What is the significance of Robert Frost's poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" in S.E. Hinton's novel The Outsiders?

Frost's poem is about lost innocence. The poet says gold, which represents youth, is hard to hold onto. It lasts only a short time, like flowers that whither in a vase. He also refers to Eden, the paradise where Adam and Eve lived before evil entered. Once the couple taste the forbidden fruit they lose Eden forever.

In The Outsiders, two events might symbolize the loss of innocence for the main characters, Ponyboy and...

Frost's poem is about lost innocence. The poet says gold, which represents youth, is hard to hold onto. It lasts only a short time, like flowers that whither in a vase. He also refers to Eden, the paradise where Adam and Eve lived before evil entered. Once the couple taste the forbidden fruit they lose Eden forever.

In The Outsiders, two events might symbolize the loss of innocence for the main characters, Ponyboy and Johnny. Johnny's life is cut short as he literally tries to save the young children in the burning church. It is symbolic of his attempt to hold onto a youth that is slipping away after he has been involved in a violent incident which ends with him accidentally stabbing one of the Socs.

A symbol for Ponyboy's youth, which also relates to Frost's poem, is his blonde hair. After the incident in the park where Johnny stabs Bob, Ponyboy cuts and dyes his hair. Sodapop, Ponyboy's brother, asks what has happened to the boy's "tuff hair." It is, for Ponyboy, a symbolic relinquishing of his youth, which he can never truly regain after the death of his best friend.

At the end of novel, Ponyboy writes an essay about the events surrounding Johnny's death. His essay is inspired by a note Johnny placed in Ponyboy's copy of Gone With the Wind. The note reads, "stay gold," meaning to never forget the innocence of youth.

Please see the attached links for more interpretations relating to your question.

How does the novel highlight the futility of the European presence in Africa?

This is a great question because one of the primary themes of Conrad's Heart of Darkness is that, for all their supposed strength, the European powers in Africa, especially the Belgian Congo, are actually pursuing a futile enterprise doomed to fail. This fact is most completely exemplified by the utter degradation of Kurtz, the former ivory trader driven mad by isolation in the wilderness.

Isolated at his remote trading station for a considerable length of...

This is a great question because one of the primary themes of Conrad's Heart of Darkness is that, for all their supposed strength, the European powers in Africa, especially the Belgian Congo, are actually pursuing a futile enterprise doomed to fail. This fact is most completely exemplified by the utter degradation of Kurtz, the former ivory trader driven mad by isolation in the wilderness.

Isolated at his remote trading station for a considerable length of time, Kurtz descends into madness and chaos, shirking his civilized past and promoting himself to godlike status. Kurtz' downfall is most classically illustrated by the severed heads he keeps on stakes around his dwelling place in the heart of the Congo. It is clear that, instead of gaining wealth and "civilizing" the natives (which, it must be noted, is a fairly pompous, racist, and patronizing goal in and of itself), Kurtz is ruined, his hold on reality disintegrates, and he ultimately dies a miserable death, but not before he recognizes "the horror" of existence.

Kurtz grisly end can be interpreted as a lot of different things, but, for our purposes, it's best to focus on the implications it has for the European occupation of the Congo as a whole. Kurtz' demise suggests that European powers do not, in fact, have the power to completely dominate Africa, as white men are clearly unprepared for the trials of living in the wilderness far from the cities of Europe. Moreover, it's clear that Conrad is suggesting the attempt to control African regions will only lead to a brutal and disturbing defeat. As such, we can view Kurtz' downfall as an example of the fate that awaits European powers attempting to conquer the Congo and other African regions.

Why does Malcolm hesitate to accept Macduff's offer of assistance?

In Act Four, Scene 3, Macduff travels to England to get military support and convince Malcolm to return to Scotland with him. However, Malcolm is not sure that Macduff has pure intentions and does not fully trust him. Malcolm has every right to be cautious considering his father was murdered by someone who was trusted.Malcolm thinks that Macduff may be attempting to gain Macbeth's favor by getting him to return to Scotland.Despite the...

In Act Four, Scene 3, Macduff travels to England to get military support and convince Malcolm to return to Scotland with him. However, Malcolm is not sure that Macduff has pure intentions and does not fully trust him. Malcolm has every right to be cautious considering his father was murdered by someone who was trusted. Malcolm thinks that Macduff may be attempting to gain Macbeth's favor by getting him to return to Scotland. Despite the fact that Macduff insists that he is not a traitor and is loyal to Malcolm, Malcolm continues to test Macduff's loyalty by lying to him. Malcolm lies by saying that he has so many vices that the people of Scotland will think that Macbeth is as pure as snow compared to him. Malcolm also claims that he has insatiable lust and greed that will ruin his country. After hearing this, Macduff expresses his agony and reveals his honest emotions. Macduff's passionate outburst proves to Malcolm that he is a loyal, trustworthy man. Malcolm then agrees to follow and trust Macduff. 

Why is there no mention of the people in London in the poem 'Composed upon Westminster Bridge' by William Wordsworth?

Wordsworth does not speak of the peopled bustling city because his subject is the comparison of the city’s calm in the early morning (before people are out of bed) to the calm of nature: "Earth has not anything to show more fair...." He is struck by the way the city’s structures (“domes, theatres, and temples”) are like Nature’s own creations--“valley, rock, or hill”--and how the calm river Thames seems to have a will of its...

Wordsworth does not speak of the peopled bustling city because his subject is the comparison of the city’s calm in the early morning (before people are out of bed) to the calm of nature: "Earth has not anything to show more fair...." He is struck by the way the city’s structures (“domes, theatres, and temples”) are like Nature’s own creations--“valley, rock, or hill”--and how the calm river Thames seems to have a will of its own. In this fourteen-line personification of the city (“that mighty heart”), Wordsworth is tying humanity’s existence to Nature, a primary Romantic observation.

In other poems Wordsworth does treat the city population in considerable detail (see The Prelude and "London, 1802"); for example, in The Prelude, "Residence in London" (639-649), the blind beggar on the street seems to admonish him as if "from another world”: "I gazed, / As if admonished from another world." Note: In analyzing poetry it is always dangerous to inquire into what is not dealt with. Remember Eliot's admonishment: "A poem must not mean, but be."

What does the author foreshadow will happen to Carlé in the beginning of the story "And of Clay Are We Created"?

This is a fairly straightforward question, alluding to the final line of the first paragraph of the story:

“And every time we saw her on the screen, right behind her was Rolf Carlé, who had gone there on assignment, never suspecting that he would find a fragment of his past, lost thirty years before.”

Foreshadowingis a literary device in which an author hints at events that will occur later on in a narrative –...

This is a fairly straightforward question, alluding to the final line of the first paragraph of the story:

“And every time we saw her on the screen, right behind her was Rolf Carlé, who had gone there on assignment, never suspecting that he would find a fragment of his past, lost thirty years before.”

Foreshadowing is a literary device in which an author hints at events that will occur later on in a narrative – here, Allende gives the reader a hint at Carlé’s transformation over the course of the story.  This particular line makes us aware that Rolf’s time spent with Azucena will awaken memories of his own life at her age.  In addition, his struggle to keep her happy during the last days of her life, and his obstinate denial that they are indeed the last days of her life, will forever change him – it will draw him closer to an understanding of himself, of how and why he became the man he is.

Near the end of the story the narrator confirms this suggestion as she watches the story unfold on the news:

“On the evening news broadcast, he was still in the same position; and I, glued to the screen like a fortuneteller to her crystal ball, could tell that something fundamental had changed in him. I knew somehow that during the night his defenses had crumbled and he had given in to grief; finally he was vulnerable. The girl had touched a part of him that he himself had no access to, a part he had never shared with me. Rolf had wanted to console her, but it was Azucena who had given him consolation.”

As he told Azucena stories of his own life and fairy tales from his homeland, the memory of old traumas and broken relationships flooded back to him in an overwhelming tide.  Things that he had forcibly forgotten were remembered, and he realized that his own occupation as a reporter was merely a way to distance himself from the intense drama of living, to hide behind a camera lens and view the world once-removed.  These realizations and recollections brought on by his desperate relationship with Azucena forced the transformation foreshadowed in the first paragraph, and establish him as a dynamic character; the persona he has created to shield himself from the past becomes a secondary casualty amid the fallout of the catastrophic earthquake that serves as the setting for the story.

Summarize Squeaky's thoughts about the way girls act toward one another in "Raymond's Run."

In Toni Cade Bambara’s short story “Raymond’s Run, the protagonist, Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker, known as Squeaky, feels that many girls are superfluous. She is a girl who does not have to do housework, her mother does that, but she is charged with caring for her disabled brother.

She is particularly troubled by the girls in her class who put up false pretenses. For example, she describes how Cynthia Procter pretends not to care about...

In Toni Cade Bambara’s short story “Raymond’s Run, the protagonist, Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker, known as Squeaky, feels that many girls are superfluous. She is a girl who does not have to do housework, her mother does that, but she is charged with caring for her disabled brother.

She is particularly troubled by the girls in her class who put up false pretenses. For example, she describes how Cynthia Procter pretends not to care about practicing for spelling bees or her piano lessons. She says, “I could kill people like that.” Squeaky is proud of the time she spends practicing her running and makes no pretenses about it. She feels that girls should be honest with each other and proud of their accomplishments.

When she sees a group of girls walking toward her on the street she expresses her opinions about each of the girls and how difficult it is to have true relationships with them. As she thinks about it, she realizes that young women do not always have good examples set for them.

Gretchen smiles, but it’s not a smile, and I’m thinking that girls never really smile at each other because they don’t know how and don’t want to know how and there’s probably no one to teach us how, cause grown-up girls don’t know either.

It is not until after the May Day Race that Squeaky realizes that she can be true to herself while being friends with other girls. Gretchen gives her a run for her money in the race. Raymond strides with her step by step and she realizes that she is more than she gives herself credit for. In addition, Squeaky realizes that woman can be friends when they set their ideals on the more important things in life. She explains her encounter with Gretchen after the race.

And she nods to congratulate me and then she smiles. And I smile. We stand there with this big smile of respect between us. It’s about as real a smile as girls can do for each other, considering we don’t practice real smiling every day, you know, cause maybe we too busy being flowers or fairies or strawberries instead of something honest and worthy of respect . . . you know . . . like being people.

What are quotes about Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird, chapters 16-20?

Chapters 16-20 in To Kill a Mockingbird cover the the day after the mob visits Atticus outside the jail through most of the Tom Robinson trial.  During this time, Atticus is dealing with disapproval from many people in Maycomb.  Many people are appalled that Atticus is defending a black man who has been accused of attacking a white woman.  Despite popular opinion against his breaking of societal norms, Atticus does not waver.  He knows in his heart that he is doing the right thing in defending Tom.

Over breakfast the day after the mob encounter, Atticus talks to his children about Walter Cunningham.  Scout and Jem are concerned that Mr. Cunningham would be a part of a mob.  Atticus shares his opinion about mobs:

"A mob's always made up of people, no matter what.  Mr. Cunningham was part of a mob last night, but he was still a man.  Every mob in every little Southern town is always made up of people you know— doesn't say much for them, does it?" (Chapter 16)

Atticus believes in empathy.  Rather than be angry at Mr. Cunningham and the mob, he sees them as a group of friends and neighbors.  This quote reveals his desire to understand people.

In Chapter 20, Atticus addresses the jury.  They have already heard the evidence from the witnesses.  Scout observes her father and notes his calm, collected disposition.  She thinks that the jury appreciates it:

We looked down again.  Atticus was speaking easily, with the kind of detachment he used when he dictated a letter.  He walked slowly up and down in front of the jury, and the jury seemed to be attentive: their heads were up, and they followed Atticus's route with what seemed to be appreciation.  I guess it was because Atticus wasn't a thunderer.

The jury pays attention to Atticus because of the way he speaks to them.  He reminds them that the courts are made to give everyone a fair chance, despite societal inequalities:

"But there is one way in this country in which all men are created equal—there is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal of a Rockefeller, the stupid man the equal of an Einstein, and the ignorant man the equal of any college president.  That institution, gentlemen, is a court.  It can be the Supreme Court of the United States or the humblest J.P. court in the land, or this honorable court which you serve.  Our courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this country our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal."

Atticus notes that from the highest courts to the lowest, a fair trial gives everyone a chance to be equal.  He implores the jury to remember this as they deliberate.  This reveals the desire for justice and equality in his character.

Why do you think the Egypt gang found it so difficult to believe the Professor was the killer?

The belief that the children hold that the Professor could not be the murderer is based both on instinct and on wishful thinking. April is the only one of the children involved in the Egypt game who has actually ever spoken to the Professor in person. When she met him in his shop, she found herself prattling on and telling him things about herself that she normally wouldn't tell an adult stranger. April states more than once that she is good at reading grown-ups, and even Melanie believes April is pretty adept at understanding adults, even if she's not so good at understanding kids her own age. Because April has pretty reliable instincts about grown-ups, and because she found herself opening up to the Professor, she doesn't think he could be guilty of the unsolved murders.

The other children follow April's lead, as they do for much of their game. Beyond that, however, they simply don't want it to be true that the Professor could be a killer. Obviously, if he turned out to be guilty, that would put an end to the Egypt game. No one would want to play in the backyard of a brutal criminal. Because they believe the continuation of their game depends on the Professor's innocence, they engage in wishful thinking, convincing themselves that the Professor could not be the killer.

Because of their instincts and because of wishful thinking, the children refuse to entertain the possibility that the Professor could be the unknown killer.

How did the material used by the royal family in the film, Coming to America, separate them from the ordinary people?

Aside from the obvious wealth separating the royal family from ordinary people in Coming to America, there are several other things used in the movie that creates a divide. 

The rose bearers follow Eddie Murphy's character wherever he goes. As the royal family sees it, a son of a king should not have to walk on anything less than rose petals anywhere he goes. It puts the prince on a pedestal. He is seen as better than an ordinary person. 

In his arranged marriage, his "future wife" does whatever Murphy says on command. The woman had been trained for years to please the prince. It is all about his wants and desires, and her wants and desires are irrelevant. 

Murphy has servants in the movie, but the actions they perform treat him well above that of a normal person. While most people shower or bathe by themselves, Murphy is bathed by a staff of women. He is enthralled by everyday things people have to do when he goes to America. He only knew a life where everything was done for him. 

Of course, Murphy is also on the national currency. His family believes his face should be seen all over the country. 

Ultimately, the film humorously exaggerates the Royal family's wealth by depicting them as deserving of the best of everything and enjoying some of the stereotypical luxuries one would expect for a Royal family. This becomes a problem for the family when Eddie Murphy's character falls in love with a "commoner."

What is the significance of the marble staircase in A Separate Peace by John Knowles?

The marble staircase is located in the First Academy Building on the campus of the Devon School. Gene describes it as having a red brick exterior, swinging doors, and a marble foyer preceding the staircase. This is one of the buildings he visits when he returns to the school 15 years after his graduation. Upon examination of the stairs after so many years, Gene says the following:

". . . the worn moons in the...

The marble staircase is located in the First Academy Building on the campus of the Devon School. Gene describes it as having a red brick exterior, swinging doors, and a marble foyer preceding the staircase. This is one of the buildings he visits when he returns to the school 15 years after his graduation. Upon examination of the stairs after so many years, Gene says the following:

". . . the worn moons in the middle of each step were not very deep. The marble must be unusually hard. That seemed very likely, only too likely, although with all my thought about these stairs this exceptional hardness had not occurred to me. It was surprising that I had overlooked that, that crucial fact" (11).

Notice what the older Gene focuses on while describing these stairs years after his friend Phineas re-breaks a leg on them. He analyzes the unique hardness of the marble as almost an uncanny thought to him, now. And the "crucial fact," referring to marble being a hard surface, solidifies in his memory the terrifying and fatal moment when Finny broke his leg again on those stairs and died later because of it.

At the time of Finny's fall on those marble stairs, though, Gene describes the acoustics of the marble foyer as "admirable" (173). But when Gene describes what it sounded like to hear Finny fall on the marble stairs, it is as significant as Finny's life:

"The excellent exterior acoustics recorded his rushing steps and the quick rapping of his cane along the corridor and on the first steps of the marble stairway. Then these separate sounds collided into the tumult of his body falling clumsily down the white marble stairs" (177).

Thus, the staircase signifies the end of Phineas because that is where his final accident happens which causes him to die from surgical complications later. 

How can I determine whether or not an intervention is implemented successfully and what lessons public health practitioners can learn from that...

Once a public health intervention is implemented, the program, or intervention, should then be evaluated to determine its effectiveness.  When conducting a program evaluation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends following a framework for program evaluation. 

In the first step of program evaluation, the reviewer would like to engage stakeholders.  This can be accomplished through personal interviews and focus groups, for examples. Second, the evaluator should describe the program. In order to describe the...

Once a public health intervention is implemented, the program, or intervention, should then be evaluated to determine its effectiveness.  When conducting a program evaluation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends following a framework for program evaluation. 

In the first step of program evaluation, the reviewer would like to engage stakeholders.  This can be accomplished through personal interviews and focus groups, for examples. Second, the evaluator should describe the program. In order to describe the program, the evaluator may wish to observe the program in action or, if feasible, participate in the program to gain a better understanding of the intervention. Third, the reviewer should focus the evaluation design. The focus should determine what parts of the program specifically should be improved, removed, or stay the same. Fourth, the reviewer should gather credible evidence, or data.  Data can be gathered through analysis of existing data or collecting new data points through qualitative and quantitative surveys. Fifth, the evaluator should have a means to justify conclusions made. Typically, statistical analysis of valid data will demonstrate conclusions and areas for improvement. Finally, the evaluator should ensure use and share lessons learned. Sharing lessons learned may be done through presenting information to a leadership team or creating a report to be utilized by the program evaluated. 

When conducting the program evaluation, however, the reviewer should recognize that each step is not mutually exclusive of the next and many of the steps do overlap. 

What was President Carter's foreign policy?

There were several parts to President Carter’s foreign policy. One aspect dealt with the Middle East. President Carter was able to facilitate a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. These countries had been at war since Israel became a country in 1948. The Camp David Peace Agreement established peace between these countries. The United States also said it would use our military to protect our interests in the Persian Gulf. This statement, known as the Carter Doctrine, was issued to discourage the Soviet Union from expanding into this region after the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan.

Another aspect of his foreign policy dealt with Iran. The Iranian government, led by the Ayatollah Khomeini, had seized American hostages. The Iranian government held 52 Americans for 444 days. President Carter spent a good deal of the last part of his presidency trying to get them released. President Carter laid the groundwork for a deal that saw the hostages released as President Reagan was taking the oath of office.

President Carter wanted to show the Latin American countries that he wanted to have improved relations with them. The signing of the Panama Canal Treaty, which gave Panama control of the Panama Canal at the turn of the century, was a signal that we wanted better relations with the Latin American countries.

Finally, President Carter had to deal with the invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union. We supported the rebels fighting against the Soviet Union. We also boycotted the 1980 Summer Olympic Games being held in Moscow.

In four short years, President Carter had an active foreign policy.

What inferences can be made about Gratiano's character in The Merchant of Venice?

Gratiano has a subordinate role in the play, but his presence helps establish the theme of rollicking bachelorhood. In addition, his voice speaks for the larger society of Shakespeare's time.

One of the first scenes in which we get a sense of Gratiano's character is during his discussion with Bassanio regarding a trip to Belmont. Gratiano has broached the topic, suggesting his assertive character, but Bassanio frustrates his intention to travel to Belmont by questioning...

Gratiano has a subordinate role in the play, but his presence helps establish the theme of rollicking bachelorhood. In addition, his voice speaks for the larger society of Shakespeare's time.

One of the first scenes in which we get a sense of Gratiano's character is during his discussion with Bassanio regarding a trip to Belmont. Gratiano has broached the topic, suggesting his assertive character, but Bassanio frustrates his intention to travel to Belmont by questioning the Venetian's character:

But hear the Gratiano; / Thou art too wild, too rude and bold of voice. (2.2.180)

Gratiano responds by promising to confine himself to good behavior (2.2.191-198). Thus, he comes across as playful and earnest in obtaining his desires. At the same time, he is revealed through Bassanio to be a bit of a knave.

In the engagement scene between Bassanio and Portia, we see Gratiano's impetuous character. Upon seeing his good friend hitched, Gratiano points to Portia's maidservant, Nerissa, and requests a marriage as well (3.2.210). In this impulsive act, we also see emphasized the theme of fraternity insofar as Gratiano wants to follow his "brother" into the married state.

Finally, in the court scene, we see the mockery Gratiano is capable of bringing against the minority character, Shylock:

A second Daniel! a Daniel, Jew! (4.1.333)

Just previously, Shylock had hailed Portia (disguised as a lawyer) as like the prophet Daniel, who was known for his sagacity and judgement. But the tables were quickly turned on Shylock, who suddenly found himself on the wrong side of the law. Gratiano's repetition of Shylock's triumphal use of this comparison mocks the money-lender and reveals Gratiano's inclination to strike when his opponent is weak. His voice in this scene melds with the sentiment that England at that time in history felt toward Jews, who, on account of their race, were denied the ability to earn an income in the guided trades, and consequently had to take up usury as their livelihood.

What is trailing Montag? What does this mean? Of what literary device is this an example of?

Montag has committed the worst crime in his society; he has taken and read some books. The irony of it all is he is a fireman--one whose job it is to burn books. After he sees a woman burn herself up for her books, Montag is physically and psychologically sick about his whole world. Before the woman burns herself, though, Montag steals a book from her hoard. Someone, probably his boss, Captain Beatty, must have...

Montag has committed the worst crime in his society; he has taken and read some books. The irony of it all is he is a fireman--one whose job it is to burn books. After he sees a woman burn herself up for her books, Montag is physically and psychologically sick about his whole world. Before the woman burns herself, though, Montag steals a book from her hoard. Someone, probably his boss, Captain Beatty, must have seen him do it because that night after the woman dies, Montag goes home and hears the Mechanical Hound outside his home. He describes it as follows:

"But there was something else in the silence that he heard. It was like a breath exhaled upon the window. It was like a faint drift of greenish luminescent smoke, the motion of a single huge October leaf blowing across the lawn and away. The Hound, he thought. It's out there tonight. It's out there now. If I opened the window. . ." (48).

Beatty comes over the next day to find out why Montag isn't at work and lectures him on the history of the firemen. He "teaches" Montag the reason books became outlawed is for the benefit and happiness of humanity. He also says that firemen do get curious about what they are burning sometimes, and that's natural. However, if a fireman takes a book, he has 24 hours to burn it or the other firemen will.

Montag does not heed Beatty's warning and pulls his wife into his secret about the books he has. He makes her read them with him while he's trying to make up his mind whether to go back to work or not. Then, he and Mildred both hear the Hound outside their house as they are reading. They hear a faint scratching at the door. Mildred says, "It's only a dog, that's what! You want me to shoo him away?" (72).

Both instances of the Hound sniffing around Montag's house are examples of literary devices called Foreshadowing. Montag knows what the Hound does, but his wife doesn't. Montag doesn't seem to grasp the hint of the dog sniffing around, though, because he is so engrossed in his reading. Later, Beatty says the following:

"Old Montag wanted to fly near the sun and now that he's burnt his damn wings, he wonders why. Didn't I hint enough when I sent the Hound around your place?" (113).

Foreshadowing is a hint or suspenseful clue about something that will happen later in the story. The Mechanical Hound is sent twice from Beatty as a hint to Montag that he's in trouble; but, it is also a hint for the reader to provide a suspenseful foreshadowing of what comes later. Eventually, Montag is viciously hunted down by the Mechanical Hound, who seeks to kill him.

What did Prometheus want to give to man and why?

In Greek mythology, the Titan Prometheus was tasked by the gods with providing mankind with the comforts that were needed to thrive.  Prometheus recognized that humans were suffering naked and afraid in the cold.  He decided to break into Mt. Olympus, the home of the gods and steal fire to help the humans.  Prometheus took the fire from the workshop of Athena.  Prometheus also gave metalworking to the humans as a gift, but fire was...

In Greek mythology, the Titan Prometheus was tasked by the gods with providing mankind with the comforts that were needed to thrive.  Prometheus recognized that humans were suffering naked and afraid in the cold.  He decided to break into Mt. Olympus, the home of the gods and steal fire to help the humans.  Prometheus took the fire from the workshop of Athena.  Prometheus also gave metalworking to the humans as a gift, but fire was the big coup. Zeus was so angered by the theft that he heavily punished the Titan. The punishment for the immortal Prometheus was that he was exiled by Zeus to the East.  The exile itself was not nearly as unsettling as the fact that Prometheus was to have his liver eaten by a bird of prey on a daily basis.  This was the cost of fire, according the Greek mythology.

In what way is the nightingale's song "welcome" and the cuckoo's song "thrilling?"

Wordsworth heard the solitary reaper's song on a trip he took the north of Scotland in 1803. As a traveler himself, it was only natural he would imagine the experiences of other travelers. The nightingale's song would be "welcome" to those crossing the "Arabian sands" because it would indicate they were arriving in a place of refuge. If we imagine them crossing the Sahara or another desert, coming to a "shady haunt" would indicate they...

Wordsworth heard the solitary reaper's song on a trip he took the north of Scotland in 1803. As a traveler himself, it was only natural he would imagine the experiences of other travelers. The nightingale's song would be "welcome" to those crossing the "Arabian sands" because it would indicate they were arriving in a place of refuge. If we imagine them crossing the Sahara or another desert, coming to a "shady haunt" would indicate they had arrived at an oasis, a place with enough water for trees to grow and provide shade. After the silence of the desert, the beautiful song of this night singing bird would not only have been a sign they were near water but also a welcome accompaniment to their rest in this haven. It suggests as well that the Scottish highlands felt as exotic to the poem's narrator as the Arabian desert.

Likewise, the cuckoo's song would be "thrilling" because it would break the silence of the seas and indicate that the sailors the narrator imagines are not far from land.

Although he does not say this explicitly, we can imagine that the narrator is weary, like the other travelers he describes, and has been in a silent place, far from human habitation, until he comes on the song of the solitary reaper. She, like the birds, is also a natural creature who suggests he has arrived at a place of rest. He does stop and listen, and like those crossing the desert or the sea, takes comfort in the song.

In The Giver, what is "seeing beyond"?

When Jonas is selected to be The Receiver, the Chief Elder explains why he is assigned such an important role in the community. She says that Jonas has all of the requirements needed to be The Receiver: intelligence, integrity, courage, wisdom (which will come with his training) and the capacity to See Beyond. To See Beyond means that Jonas can see differences, such as colors, and understand feelings on a deeper level than the average...

When Jonas is selected to be The Receiver, the Chief Elder explains why he is assigned such an important role in the community. She says that Jonas has all of the requirements needed to be The Receiver: intelligence, integrity, courage, wisdom (which will come with his training) and the capacity to See Beyond. To See Beyond means that Jonas can see differences, such as colors, and understand feelings on a deeper level than the average person. It's the capacity to gain wisdom through experiences, such as the memories that the Receiver gives him. Many times while discussing the memories, Jonas identifies difficult issues surrounding them and the community. He still needs the Giver's guidance, but his ability to discern between ideas, and other differences shows that Jonas has special skills to overcome Sameness. The Giver describes Seeing Beyond as follows:

"When you receive the memories, you have the capacity to see beyond. You'll gain wisdom, then, along with colors. And lots more. . . Our people made that choice, the choice to go to Sameness. . . we relinquished color when we relinquished sunshine and did away with differences" (95).

Jonas had the beginnings of Seeing Beyond when he first saw the color of the apple while playing catch with Asher. This proved that Jonas had the ability to identify differences and overcome Sameness. Again, that's mostly why he was chosen to be the next Receiver--because he can recognize differences. As he works with the Giver, he starts to gain more wisdom through different memories which also give him the power to conquer Sameness and see beyond it.