Why do scientists think the fossil record is incomplete?

The incompleteness of the fossil record is a result of the unusual conditions necessary to make a fossil. Normally when an animal or plant dies, decay eliminates the remains entirely. Soft materials decay by bacterial and fungal action while harder materials like bone and enamel may require additional action of weathering, but by and large most organisms decay completely.

Once in awhile, though, a dead animal or plant is prevented from decomposing by some aspect...

The incompleteness of the fossil record is a result of the unusual conditions necessary to make a fossil. Normally when an animal or plant dies, decay eliminates the remains entirely. Soft materials decay by bacterial and fungal action while harder materials like bone and enamel may require additional action of weathering, but by and large most organisms decay completely.

Once in awhile, though, a dead animal or plant is prevented from decomposing by some aspect in the environment. For instance, if a tree falls in a peat bog, the low oxygen concentration of the bog will prevent the microbial action that would lead to decay. This first stage of fossilization, protection from the environment and biota that might degrade the body, is reasonably rare just on its own. Most animals are killed and eaten by other animals, not sealed under a protective layer of thick mud when they die. Simple protection is enough to preserve a trace fossil (footprints, etc) for millions of years if mud hardens into sedimentary rock. Body fossils (bones) generally only survive tens or hundreds of thousands of years if all they have is this level of protection.  

For long-term preservation of body fossils, mineralization is necessary, and there are several kinds. Most require the fossil to be exposed to ground water with a high concentration of minerals. The minerals precipitate out in the empty spaces of the bones, and as the bones degrade, the minerals fill the voids and form hard crystals. This is rare on its own, and only a fraction of the protected body fossils will mineralize.

Finally the third chance event that must take place is that the fossil must be found and recognized. Most of the bones that have ever fossilized have been broken into chips by time and natural erosion. For those that have not been ground to powder, it almost always takes an expert to recognize them in the field.

That is why the fossil record has gaps. While every ancient animal or homonid must have died, only a small fraction were protected from decay, a smaller fraction yet had their bones mineralized, and only a tiny fraction has been dug up and classified by a paleontologist. As such, the majority of ancient species have never been found in the fossil record and classified.

In The Outsiders, what did Cherry mean when she said,"Things are rough all over"?

In Chapter Two, Johnny tells everyone what happened the night four Socs beat him up. It is an emotional moment for Johnny, and Pony relates that the beating has left Johnny habitually nervous in his daily life.

After Johnny finishes his story, Cherry pipes up that not all Socs are as indiscriminately violent as the ones who beat up Johnny. She implores Pony to believe her assertions, proclaiming that Pony would be surprised if he...

In Chapter Two, Johnny tells everyone what happened the night four Socs beat him up. It is an emotional moment for Johnny, and Pony relates that the beating has left Johnny habitually nervous in his daily life.

After Johnny finishes his story, Cherry pipes up that not all Socs are as indiscriminately violent as the ones who beat up Johnny. She implores Pony to believe her assertions, proclaiming that Pony would be surprised if he knew the real state of affairs. She maintains that, even though the Socs come from the well-to-do West side of town, they have their own problems to deal with, problems that Pony would never even guess at. This is when she pronounces that 'things are rough all over,' meaning that each community has its own set of problems, no matter which side of town it's situated in.

Later, in Chapter Seven, Pony finally comes to understand what Cherry's words mean when he converses with Randy, a Soc. In the conversation, Randy admits that he is tired of all of the fighting and killing that occurs between Socs and Greasers. He contends that the fighting will never solve anything in the long term. In an emotional confession, he divulges that Bob's mother had a nervous breakdown after her son's death. Randy relates that Bob needed his parents to set limits on his behavior and to hold him accountable for his actions when he was alive. However, his parents never rose to the occasion; they were too afraid that they were to blame for their son's incorrigible behavior.

Randy maintains that Bob might still be alive if his parents had laid down consistent boundaries. After Randy's anguished confession, Pony realizes that wealth doesn't erase the very human challenges individuals and families face in their respective communities; life is rough no matter which side of town one resides in.

In The Hunger Games, how does Katniss overcome her situation?

In the book, The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, the character Katniss must face numerous obstacles. For example, she must grow up without a father, provide for her family, and even confront the horrifying “hunger games.” Katniss accomplishes these challenges by utilizing her personal strengths, such as determination and innovation.

Foremost, Katniss overcomes the hardships in her life through determination. As she confronts each struggle, Katniss utilizes her own determination to accomplish tasks...

In the book, The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, the character Katniss must face numerous obstacles. For example, she must grow up without a father, provide for her family, and even confront the horrifying “hunger games.” Katniss accomplishes these challenges by utilizing her personal strengths, such as determination and innovation.

Foremost, Katniss overcomes the hardships in her life through determination. As she confronts each struggle, Katniss utilizes her own determination to accomplish tasks even when she does not feel like trying. For example, Katniss utilizes determination to clean Peeta's wound, despite how gruesome it appears. Additionally, Katniss utilizes determination after Rue’s death to win the hunger games. As her own thoughts reveal:

Now I am determined to revenge her [Rue], to make her loss unforgettable, and I can only do that by winning and thereby making myself unforgettable.

Subsequently, Katniss also utilized innovation to overcome her unfortunate circumstances. Throughout the book, Katniss utilizes innovation in numerous ways, such as hunting in the restricted area and having herself and Peeta eat the poisonous berries to end the games. Without this innovation, she would not have the creativity or ability to survive.

Although Katniss also utilizes other factors (such as the help of others) to overcome her struggles, she utilizes determination and innovation frequently throughout the book. By demonstrating these two characteristics, Katniss overcomes all of her struggles and even helps others along the way.

What does Vonnegut seem to say about individuality in "Harrison Bergeron"?

In "Harrison Bergeron," Vonnegut suggests that equality achieved by means of violence can be no true equality; moreover, without superior individuals in a society, there can be no advancements made in a culture.

Vonnegut's message about individuality is that it must be fostered because there are dangerous forces in a society that wishes to exert control upon all its citizens even with the best intentions. Certainly, the society of Vonnegut's narrative is forcibly mediocre so that...

In "Harrison Bergeron," Vonnegut suggests that equality achieved by means of violence can be no true equality; moreover, without superior individuals in a society, there can be no advancements made in a culture.

Vonnegut's message about individuality is that it must be fostered because there are dangerous forces in a society that wishes to exert control upon all its citizens even with the best intentions. Certainly, the society of Vonnegut's narrative is forcibly mediocre so that no one is a threat to others or to the governing powers. This safe mediocrity is achieved with masks and other disfiguring devices placed on beautiful faces, as well as cruel handicaps that either weigh down the agile and athletically superior. Intelligent and creative thoughts are stifled through painful jolts of loud, discordant noises that scatter ideas. Furthermore, if these means are not effective, then those who would yet exert their individuality are imprisoned.

It is disturbing that Diana Moon Glampers bears a close resemblance to Hazel Bergeron, who is so perfectly "average" that she does not wear one single handicap. That she is the Handicapper General suggests that Glampers resents anyone who has more talent or intelligence than she; therefore, she makes certain that these people are controlled. Moreover, she is not opposed to exerting this control through violence. For, when Harrison breaks into the television station, the ultimate media of mind control, Glampers fires a double-barreled ten-gauge shotgun twice, killing both Harrison and the beautiful ballerina.

Vonnegut leads the reader to wonder when people are all forcibly reduced to the mediocre level of Diana Moon Glampers, who will be a real leader, an inventor, an artist, a composer, or a scientist who finds a cure for a disease? 

What is the theme of "Raymond's Run"? [Please cite textual evidence from the story to support the theme identified.]

One theme of "Raymond's Run" is that disabled people should not be demeaned or underestimated. 

In this delightful short story about an independent girl and her endearing brother Raymond, the reader is provided an important insight into those who are considered mentally disabled. Throughout most of the narrative Squeaky feels that she must be concerned about her brother Raymond's physical safety; for instance, when she runs down Broadway, she keeps Raymond on the inside of her and watches that he does not chase the pigeons that could disturb the older people sitting outside. She is also protective of him since he is often the target of insults and ridicule:

But now, if anybody has anything to say to Raymond, anything to say about his big head, they have to come by me. 

On one run, Squeaky encounters some girls with whom she is familiar. One of them, named Rosie, who usually says derogatory things about Raymond asks him,“What grade you in now, Raymond?”  But, Squeaky does not allow them to demean Raymond and retorts,

“You got anything to say to my brother, you say it to me, Mary Louise Williams of Raggedy Town, Baltimore.”
“What are you, his mother?” sasses Rosie.
“That’s right, Fatso. And the next word out of anybody and I’ll be their mother too.”

While Squeaky is very protective and does not allow anyone to insult her brother, she is not, however, beyond learning something about Raymond herself. When she participates in the track meet on May Day, and, as she races down the designated path, she notices that Raymond is running with her on the outside of the fence, running in his own unique way. Nevertheless, he is keeping up with her fairly well.

And on the other side of the fence is Raymond with his arms down to his side and the palms tucked up behind him, running in his very own style, and it’s the first time I ever saw that and I almost stop to watch my brother Raymond on his first run.

After she wins the race, Squeaky is not so concerned about her own winning; she reflects,

And I’m smiling to beat the band cause if I’ve lost this race, or if me and Gretchen tied, or even if I’ve won, I can always retire as a runner and begin a whole new career as a coach with Raymond as my champion.

Raymond has found a new place in her heart as Squeaky realizes that she has underestimated her brother, who now has talents she has not been aware of, talents that he can develop without protection from her. She need [subjunctive mood of this verb] only stop insults and watch for his safety while he leads the charge down the track. 

From Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, please provide a few examples on how Jem develops the trait of courage.

Jem's courage is first challenged by Dill Harris regarding the Radley house:

"'You're scared,' Dill said, the first day. 'Ain't scared, just respectful,' Jem said. The next day Dill said, 'You're too scared even to put your big toe in the front yard'"(13).

Little did Jem know that he was going to be challenged to do more than just put his toe in the yard. Eventually Dill eggs him on enough that the following happened:

"Jem threw open the gate and sped to the side of the house, slapped it with his palm and ran back past us, not waiting to see if his foray was successful" (15).

The next summer after this first trial of manhood, the kids decide to roll Scout in a tire for fun. They misjudge their aim and she rolls right up to the front porch of the Radley house. Jem screams at Scout to bring back the tire, but she runs out of there without it. Dill reminds Jem that he had touched the house the previous summer, so it shouldn't be hard for him a year later.

"Jem looked at me furiously, could not decline, ran down the sidewalk, treaded water at the gate, then dashed in and retrieved the tire. 'See there?' Jem was scowling triumphantly. 'Nothin' to it'"(38).

Another frightful situation that Jem must use courage to endure is Mrs. Dubose. She is an old woman who is rumored to have a SCA pistol with her at all times--but that's not the half of it. She yells at the children as they pass her home and even calls Atticus some very bad names. Jem flips out and beats up her roses with Scout's baton. The consequence is he has to go over and read to the old woman every day until she says stop. Jem bravely goes over on the first day with Scout.

"'So you brought that dirty little sister of yours, did you?' was her greeting.

Jem said quietly, 'My sister ain't dirty and I ain't scared of you,' although I noticed his knees shaking"(106).

That was certainly a brave thing to say; and luckily, Mrs. Dubose doesn't scold him for it.

Jem's courage is ultimately tested far above and beyond running up to touch a person's house, or dealing with a grumpy old woman, when he stands up for his father in front of a lynch mob. Atticus tells Jem to go home two or three times and Jem doesn't move an inch, as follows:

"Jem shook his head. As Atticus's fists went to his hips, so did Jem's, and as they faced each other I could see little resemblance between them. . . Mutual defiance made them alike.

'Son, I said go home.'

Jem shook his head" (152).

Jem faces more intense situations as the story moves forward. First Jem faces the Radley house, then Mrs. Dubose, and then the lynch mob. By the end, Jem faces a few life-threatening situations. As Jem bravely conquers each challenge, he is ready for the next one and his courage stands ready to help him.

In Lord of the Flies, why does Jack's name change?

Throughout the novel, Jack's character develops from a boy who has feelings of grandeur to a leader of a band of vicious hunters.

Jack is desperate to be leader and exert his authority from the moment he is introduced in the text. Because of his ability to sing a "high c" and probably due to his age, he is leader of the choirboys. Although it is extremely hot on the island and the boys have just survived a plane crash, Jack has the choirboys wear their robes. This act distinguishes the choirboys from the others and, in a sense, elevates them (and by default Jack).

Although the boys do not elect Jack as the "leader," Jack insists on some type of leadership role. He asks that Ralph name him leader of the hunters. Initially, this idea is more about fun and games than actually tracking and killing. However, as the boys remain on the island and detached from civilization, the hunting aids in developing Jack's predatory and leadership skills that are exemplified earlier in the text. As time goes on, Jack is less afraid to kill the pig and becomes determined to kill the pig with his homemade spear. The killing of the pig symbolizes Jack's ability to lead, to provide, and to be superior to Ralph. 

Once the boys, a.k.a. the hunters, successfully kill a pig on the island, they have  bloodlust. When they return to Ralph and the others with the pig, Jack speaks first. He announces, "'I cut the pig's throat,' said Jack, proudly, and yet twitched as he said it" (97). This indicates that he is not comfortable with taking a life, but he is more amenable to the power that killing the pig affords him.

As time goes on, Jack's desire to hunt and dominate grows. He uses his ability to hunt and provide food to manipulate the others on the island. His argument: Jack can provide them with food and help them survive. What can Ralph provide them? Therefore he takes his followers (any boy who would rather play and hunt than work to survive) and sets up camp on Castle Rock. This is where Jack transitions from Jack to "Chief."

When he is designated as "Chief," Jack's persona changes. He is no longer afraid and more domineering. He allows other boys to be tied up and tortured. They fantasize about recreating pig hunts and using a littleun as a stand in for the pig. He steals Piggy's specs in order to control the fire, and ultimately wants to eliminate Ralph from the island. 

The transition from Jack to Chief is symbolic of the change in his character. It also reflects the changes on the island: loss of Simon, loss of Piggy, destruction of the environment, and a loss of civilization. 

How does Dickens use literary devices in "The Signal-Man"?

Charles Dickens makes effective use of literary devices to generate a mood of uncertainty and a disturbing sense of dislocation, loneliness, and even powerlessness.

Using visual imagery and personification, Dickens describes the narrator's first sight of the signal-man. The narrator remarks from his vantage point that, as he looks below, the signal-man seems "foreshortened and shadowed." He is high above this man, standing in the "glow of an angry sunset." This attribution of human...

Charles Dickens makes effective use of literary devices to generate a mood of uncertainty and a disturbing sense of dislocation, loneliness, and even powerlessness.

Using visual imagery and personification, Dickens describes the narrator's first sight of the signal-man. The narrator remarks from his vantage point that, as he looks below, the signal-man seems "foreshortened and shadowed." He is high above this man, standing in the "glow of an angry sunset." This attribution of human qualities to the sunset initiates the sense of preternatural powers in this setting.

As the narrator descends to meet the signal-man, he reflects upon the man's "air of reluctance or compulsion with which he had pointed out the path. . . . His attitude was one of such expectation and watchfulness. (This is a particularly poignant example of mood.)

When he arrives at the level of the signal-man, the narrator encounters the "dark sallow man" (visual imagery), and he notices what a dismal place the man's post is.

On either side, a dripping-wet wall (visual and aural imagery) of jagged stone, excluding all view but a strip of sky; the perspective one way only a crooked prolongation of this great dungeon(visual imagery). . . .  This was a lonesome post.

Further, the tunnel is described as having a "dismal mouth" (personification).

This imagery, as well as Dickens's diction ("crooked prolongation," "dungeon," and "lonesome"), creates an atmosphere/mood of gloom. 

In addition, the mood of powerlessness is developed bt the signal-man's description of the ghost that he sees:

"For God's sake, clear the way. . . . Below there! Look out!" It stands waving to me. It rings my little bell." 

This vision also acts as foreshadowing of future events in the narrative. The signal-man's presentiment, coupled with his helplessness against preventing anything, points to the powerlessness of man against technological progress, as symbolized by the train.

How does the “heavy slab” fall in Great Expectations?

The heavy slab in the story falls when the sultan cuts the rope.

Pip uses the metaphor of the heavy slab to demonstrate that he has entirely lost his life to Estella.  He is completely in love with her, and he has no control over what happens to him.  In other words, he is lost to his heart.

All being made ready with much labor, and the hour come, the sultan was aroused in the...

The heavy slab in the story falls when the sultan cuts the rope.

Pip uses the metaphor of the heavy slab to demonstrate that he has entirely lost his life to Estella.  He is completely in love with her, and he has no control over what happens to him.  In other words, he is lost to his heart.

All being made ready with much labor, and the hour come, the sultan was aroused in the dead of the night, and the sharpened axe that was to sever the rope from the great iron ring was put into his hand, and he struck with it, and the rope parted and rushed away, and the ceiling fell. (Ch. 38)

The story that Pip is referring to is Tales of the Genii, which is also about a man who lost his head over a woman.  Pip comments that both he and Estella have been affected by Miss Havisham.  She has influenced both of their abilities to love.

So, in my case; all the work, near and afar, that tended to the end, had been accomplished; and in an instant the blow was struck, and the roof of my stronghold dropped upon me. (Ch. 38)

Pip has known Estella since he was young and impressionable.  He fell in love with her when they were both children.  When he says that the roof came down on him, he is speaking metaphorically.  He is saying that he is completely and hopelessly in love.

Miss Havisham did not just destroy Estella's life with her games.  She created in Estella a weapon to use against men, and she used Pip as a training device.  The end result was successful in that Pip fell in love with Estella, and Estella was incapable of falling in love with anyone.  Both of them were tied together for life.

What is the importance of the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves in "Things Fall Apart"?

In Umuofia, the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves is also revered for her clairvoyance or supernatural insight into the future. She is a kind of prophet, foretelling what Umuofia's future will hold.

In the novel, Chielo is the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves; she is also the priestess of Agbala. In ordinary life, she is a widow with two children, extremely friendly with Ekwefi (Okonkwo's second wife), and immensely fond of...

In Umuofia, the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves is also revered for her clairvoyance or supernatural insight into the future. She is a kind of prophet, foretelling what Umuofia's future will hold.

In the novel, Chielo is the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves; she is also the priestess of Agbala. In ordinary life, she is a widow with two children, extremely friendly with Ekwefi (Okonkwo's second wife), and immensely fond of Ezinma (Ekwefi's only daughter). It is said that when the spirit of Agbala descends upon Chielo, she becomes a formidable prophet.

As Umuofia's revered prophet, Chielo plays an important role in guiding the tribe and deciding the fate of villagers. When the spirit of Agbala falls upon her one night, she demands the right to take Ezinma to the sacred shrine of Agbala in the caves. Ezinma's parents, however, are disturbed by Chielo's demands. Ezinma herself is reported to be dying, and Chielo's sudden, imperious order unsettles them. Yet, despite Okonkwo and Ekwefi's discomfort, Chielo is not to be denied; acting independently under the sole authority of Agbala, she retrieves Ezinma from her mother's hut. With Ezinma on her back, Chielo makes the rounds of the nine villages before coming to the caves. On the way to the caves, Chielo proclaims a special blessing upon Ezinma: "Life to you, my daughter."

In the sacred caves, Chielo greets her god in a variety of names: "the owner of the future, the messenger of earth, the god who cut a man down when his life was sweetest to him." Here, it can be seen that, as the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves, Chielo is the intermediary between the people of Umuofia and the gods. There is a strong suggestion that she takes Ezinma into temporary custody to heal her. Within the informal ecclesiastical construct of Umuofian religion, Chielo is the sole earthly authority. Even Okonkwo has to obey her.

In the story, Chielo's prophetic abilities are definitely central to Umuofian life. When a band of fugitives from Abame flee to Umuofia and their Oracle prophecies the eventual dissolution of the Abame tribe, Chielo concurs. Like the Abame Oracle, Chielo sees how the white missionaries will fracture existing socio-religious ties among the tribes. So, she characterizes the new converts of the white man's religion as "the excrement of the clan" and the new faith as a "mad dog that had come to eat it up." As the prophet of Umuofia, Chielo sees the threat of colonialism long before the other villagers do.

So, the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves serves as the religious authority of Umuofia; her word must be obeyed because she is the representative of the gods. Additionally, she is the prophet and healer the people depend on.

How is Curley's wife treated with disrespect in Of Mice and Men?

The first indication that Curley’s wife is treated with disrespect is that she is never given a name. She is simply known as “Curley’s wife.” The contempt with which the ranch hands view her is due to the fact that she is desperately seeking attention, perhaps companionship at some level. Curley seems to be inadequate. They never seem to be in the same room at the same time. Throughout the novel they are constantly seeking...

The first indication that Curley’s wife is treated with disrespect is that she is never given a name. She is simply known as “Curley’s wife.” The contempt with which the ranch hands view her is due to the fact that she is desperately seeking attention, perhaps companionship at some level. Curley seems to be inadequate. They never seem to be in the same room at the same time. Throughout the novel they are constantly seeking each other. Yet Curley does not trust her around men, perhaps with good reason. The ranch hands view her as a “tramp,” seeking to be unfaithful to Curley. She tells Candy and Lennie that she wanted to be an actress, but her mother thought she was too young. Since then, she has been looking for her identity. Perhaps she does not want what the men think she wants. Yet they view her as trouble looking for an opportunity. When she comes around, they almost immediately push her aside to get rid of her. She is the only female in the novel in a masculine environment. The men may not be so much misogynists as self-defensive. They view women only as sexual objects (such as the prostitutes in the brothel in town), and thus Curley’s wife fits in that category. There is no attempt to reveal her as a fully developed character, worthy of respect or even understanding.

How does Hardy convey Marty's sense of despair in "The Pine Planters"?

Hardy conveys Marty's sense of despair through descriptive imagery and other literary devices.

In the poem, Marty laments that the man she is infatuated with is oblivious to her state of mind and physical presence. He does not notice that she is chilled from standing still; to him, she is no more sentient than the 'woodland' which 'holds him alone.' This is because 'he has seen one fairer;' Marty knows that she is helpless against...

Hardy conveys Marty's sense of despair through descriptive imagery and other literary devices.

In the poem, Marty laments that the man she is infatuated with is oblivious to her state of mind and physical presence. He does not notice that she is chilled from standing still; to him, she is no more sentient than the 'woodland' which 'holds him alone.' This is because 'he has seen one fairer;' Marty knows that she is helpless against a competitor who holds a man so powerfully that he has become insensible to sexual cues from other women.

The sense of despair is amplified with the repetition of the phrase 'so many' in the sixth stanza. Marty's anguish is palpable, because no matter how hard she tries to prove to her co-worker that she is a worthy woman, he is impervious to her efforts. A sense of loss is conveyed in the words 'hope is gone,' further reinforcing the despair Marty fails. She will 'bear it ever/And make no sign' of her desperation; this imagery of a silent martyr highlights forbearance in the face of suffering and despair. The mood conveyed is that there will be no change to Marty's circumstances no matter what she does.

In Part II of the poem, Hardy extends the sense of despair through the use of personification. The repetition of the word 'sigh' indicates that the trees share the same miserable existence as Marty. Like Marty, the trees are helpless to change their personal circumstances. They are 'voiceless' even though they sigh. Since Fate has not decreed that they remain seeds, they must daily face the relentless power of nature 'in this bleak spot;' the trees must 'grieve' through 'storm and drought,' 'unable to leave' or 'change its clime.' Here, the sense of permanent impotence reinforces the despairing mood of the poem. The last lines of the poem hint that even the prospect of death will provide no solace.

Why is Atticus becoming stressed about the trial?

Atticus is becoming stressed out about the trial because he is about to embark on the difficult task of defending a black man in front of a predominantly prejudiced community. Atticus knows that he will lose the case, but has to display courage in the face of adversity. Atticus is aware that his defense of Tom Robinson opens his family to criticism and possible danger throughout the community. His sister, Alexandra, has become somewhat annoying...

Atticus is becoming stressed out about the trial because he is about to embark on the difficult task of defending a black man in front of a predominantly prejudiced community. Atticus knows that he will lose the case, but has to display courage in the face of adversity. Atticus is aware that his defense of Tom Robinson opens his family to criticism and possible danger throughout the community. His sister, Alexandra, has become somewhat annoying with her constant criticism and disapproval of Atticus' choice to defend Tom. Following the mob scene, Scout notices the "subtle change" in Atticus' behavior. Perhaps Atticus is becoming less patient with the racist comments and attitudes throughout Maycomb's community. Atticus is under a lot of pressure and feels that he needs to maintain his integrity by defending Tom. It is not easy choosing to defend an African American in 1930s Alabama, and Atticus is beginning to show signs of fatigue and stress leading up the trial. 

How do the sisters' conversation at the beginning of Tolstoy's story "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" foreshadow what happens later?

As my colleague rightly explains, the sisters argue passionately about the ramifications of their different lifestyles. Each remains convinced that her way of life is much safer, more dependable, and more satisfying. The sisters' argument centers on the theme of contentment.

Pahom, the husband of the younger sister, thinks that more land will ensure his security to the point that he wouldn't have to fear the Devil himself. His wife's assertion that the land is...

As my colleague rightly explains, the sisters argue passionately about the ramifications of their different lifestyles. Each remains convinced that her way of life is much safer, more dependable, and more satisfying. The sisters' argument centers on the theme of contentment.

Pahom, the husband of the younger sister, thinks that more land will ensure his security to the point that he wouldn't have to fear the Devil himself. His wife's assertion that the land is the center of the peasant's security prompts Pahom to covet more land. In due time, Pahom becomes a landowner, and he is justly proud of everything he manages to accomplish on his land. However, Pahom discovers that ownership comes with sundry annoyances and trials he would rather do without. His neighbors encroach on his land and test his patience. Pahom finds himself quarreling with them and imagines that he would be happier if he had even more land.

Here, we begin to see how the sisters' argument foreshadows Pahom's eventual downfall. The younger sister accuses her older sister of living a decadent and covetous lifestyle. She asserts that city life comes with too many temptations and uncertainties; she claims to be contented with a simple peasant's life. However, it is her own husband who faces ruin and eventual death because of his covetousness. Pahom never realizes that the temptations in his path will ultimately destroy him.

The author foreshadows Pahom's downfall beautifully by shining a spotlight on questions regarding temptation and covetousness. The sisters' argument sets the stage for Pahom's story to unfold. When he thinks that he has gotten a good bargain at the expense of the Bashkirs, Pahom is ecstatic. He imagines that he can get as much land as he wants for a trivial price. But, how much land does a man really need? If he loses his life in the act of procurement, has he really gained anything? The sisters' conversation foreshadows Pahom's destruction, but it also highlights a main theme of the story: discernment is lacking in someone who is covetous. The unfolding story clearly shows that a man is not exempt from temptation, whether he lives in the country or the city.

The story ends on an ironic note, but does answer the question posed in the title:

His servant picked up the spade and dug a grave long enough for Pahom to lie in, and buried him in it. Six feet from his head to his heels was all he needed.

How will muscle failure affect the muscular system or skeletal system?

All the muscles in the body make up the muscular system. All the bones of the body make up the skeletal system. There are three types of muscle - skeletal, heart and smooth muscle. Skeletal muscles are anchored on either end by tendons to bones. Skeletal muscle is voluntary muscle - this means contraction (shortening) of the muscle occurs at will. When a skeletal muscle contracts, it pulls on the bones, resulting in movement of...

All the muscles in the body make up the muscular system. All the bones of the body make up the skeletal system. There are three types of muscle - skeletal, heart and smooth muscle. Skeletal muscles are anchored on either end by tendons to bones. Skeletal muscle is voluntary muscle - this means contraction (shortening) of the muscle occurs at will. When a skeletal muscle contracts, it pulls on the bones, resulting in movement of the body. 

Skeletal muscles are responsible for body movements and posture control. If the skeletal muscles were to fail (stop working) a person would not be able to move their body in any way - no walking, jumping, etc. Even simple things like sitting upright or standing in place could not be done. It may not feel like sitting up requires much work, but a great number of skeletal muscles are involved. 

Smooth and cardiac muscle are involuntary muscle. Involuntary means that you cannot consciously cause this muscle to contract. Cardiac muscle composes the heart. Smooth muscle is present in many organs (such as the stomach and intestines) and the circulatory system. Neither smooth muscle nor cardiac muscle are involved with the skeletal system. 

What role did African slavery play in the development of north and South America and the Caribbean in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries?

The want and need for slave labor to work sugar cane, cotton, and tobacco plantations prevalent in the Americas set up the Triangular Trade route in the 16th and 17th centuries. From England, Spain, and other countries like Portugal, slave traders would make the voyage to Africa to pick up slaves as the first leg of the route. The second leg of the trade route started in Africa with the capturing and enslavement of Africans...

The want and need for slave labor to work sugar cane, cotton, and tobacco plantations prevalent in the Americas set up the Triangular Trade route in the 16th and 17th centuries. From England, Spain, and other countries like Portugal, slave traders would make the voyage to Africa to pick up slaves as the first leg of the route. The second leg of the trade route started in Africa with the capturing and enslavement of Africans where they were taken onboard ships and transferred to islands in the Caribbean and to countries in South America.  This is historically called the Middle Passage in the trade route.  From there, slaves were sold and forced to work in sugar cane plantations (and later cotton plantations) to make rum and other goods to be shipped to England and other European countries (the 3rd leg of the Triangular Trade route).

As slave trade continued in the 1600’s, it wasn’t long before the demand for slave labor included the newly settled North American continent.  Tobacco and cotton soon became the “cash crops” that demanded slaves to cultivate them. Unable to enslave Native Americans, the United States quickly turned to the slave trade to fill its plantations with free labor.  The majority of slaves brought to the United States originated from the Caribbean Islands and the Middle Passage in the Triangular Trade route. 

The slave trade developed many countries of today into the economical powers they are.  The statement that many countries were built on the backs of slaves rings true.  

Name five animals that belong to the fish group.

Fish are the first vertebrates that evolved on Earth. A vertebrate is an animal that has a backbone. Fish include animals with backbones that are adapted to live in water using specialized gills to breathe.

Gills are filamentous and contain many capillaries. This provides a thin, moist environment for gas exchange--oxygen in and carbon dioxide out. Water enters the mouth of the fish and is then pumped over its gills where gas exchange occurs. Then,...

Fish are the first vertebrates that evolved on Earth. A vertebrate is an animal that has a backbone. Fish include animals with backbones that are adapted to live in water using specialized gills to breathe.

Gills are filamentous and contain many capillaries. This provides a thin, moist environment for gas exchange--oxygen in and carbon dioxide out. Water enters the mouth of the fish and is then pumped over its gills where gas exchange occurs. Then, the water exits through openings on the sides of its pharynx.

Most fish have paired fins to help stabilize their movements as they swim. Fish are ectothermic and their bodies are covered by scales. 

Jaws, another adaptation that evolved in fish provide the opportunity to feed on many different types of foods. Some fish are herbivores and eat algae, some are carnivores and are predators of other organisms, some eat detritus and others can be parasitic.

Fish have a closed circulatory system with a single loop for the blood to follow in a pathway that is pumped by the heart. Fish can remove the nitrogenous waste ammonia by the action of kidneys. Fish have a well-developed brain and nervous system that can process smell, sight, sound, touch and vibrations. 

Fish reproduce sexually. Some have external fertilization and development and some species can have their eggs fertilized internally and develop internally where the embryos feed on a yolk sac. Still others have internal fertilization and the young receive nourishment from the mother's body. 

One of the two main groups of fish are cartilaginous fish including sharks, skates and rays. They contain a skeleton made from cartilage and have tooth-like scales on their skin. The other main group is the bony fish which  have skeletons consisting of bone. Most have fins that are spiny and thin and are called ray-- finned fish.  Some examples include salmon, trout, bluefish, seahorse and tuna.

These are just a few examples of the variety of fish that exist in freshwater or salt water habitats.

What is Thomas Paine's overall message to the troops in the field in The Crisis?

The Crisis was a series of essays by Paine intended to, in short, rally the Continental troops who had suffered a series of defeats at the hands of the British. The army seemed likely to disintegrate through both expired enlistments and desertions, not to mention the ever-present possibility that they would be destroyed by the British Army. Philadelphia had been captured, and the future of George Washington as commander of the Continental Army seemed in...

The Crisis was a series of essays by Paine intended to, in short, rally the Continental troops who had suffered a series of defeats at the hands of the British. The army seemed likely to disintegrate through both expired enlistments and desertions, not to mention the ever-present possibility that they would be destroyed by the British Army. Philadelphia had been captured, and the future of George Washington as commander of the Continental Army seemed in doubt. Paine argued that the British army was nowhere near as strong as people believed, and that the privations and hardships suffered by the Continental Army were worth it when considering the ultimate prize of liberty:

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. 

The Crisis consisted of several essays, but the first, written in the winter of 1776, is the most famous. It was in this piece that he laid out the basic themes of the rest. He accused Tories of cowardice, argued that the British government, like all monarchies, was thoroughly corrupt, and continued to paint the conflict as a contest between good and evil in which the Americans would inevitably prevail, if only they would persist in the struggle.

Could the reader predict that Jem fought Bob Ewell at the end of the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, and if so where is it located in the text?

In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the reader could predict an attack from Bob Ewell after reading Chapter 27, but not that Jem would fight him.At the beginning of Chapter 27, Scout mentions three things that Bob Ewell does that indirectly concerns their family. Bob Ewell loses his job, attempts to break into Judge Taylor's house, and threatens Helen Robinson. Harper Lee uses these incidents to foreshadow his attack. At the end of...

In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the reader could predict an attack from Bob Ewell after reading Chapter 27, but not that Jem would fight him. At the beginning of Chapter 27, Scout mentions three things that Bob Ewell does that indirectly concerns their family. Bob Ewell loses his job, attempts to break into Judge Taylor's house, and threatens Helen Robinson. Harper Lee uses these incidents to foreshadow his attack. At the end of Chapter 27, Scout practices her part in the Maycomb Pageant and says, "After that, it didn't matter whether we went or not. Jem said he would take me. Thus began our longest journey together." (Lee 340) The reader can predict that something dramatic will happen that involves Jem and Scout. The fact that Scout mentions that Jem would "take her," and they would embark on the journey "together" suggests that Jem could possibly take on a leading role in the climax of the novel. Nowhere in the text does it directly mention or foreshadow Jem fighting Bob Ewell. Lee uses imagery in the text to set the mood of the spooky, dark Haloween night and the reader can sense that something ominous will happen. Bob's attack is rather sudden and Jem yells for Scout to run. Even during the attack scene, it is not obvious to the reader that Jem is fighting Bob Ewell. Harper Lee uses Scout's confused state of mind to leave the reader wondering what actually happened in the midst of the attack. Later on in the novel, Lee reveals that Boo Radley came to the defense of the children and stabbed Bob Ewell while Jem was injured.  

What did John O'Sullivan mean when he used the phrase "manifest destiny"?

John O'Sullivan first used the term in 1845 in an article for the Democratic Review. In his article, he argued for the United States to annex the Republic of Texas because the United States had a divine purpose to spread across the entire continent. At the time, the nation was in the midst of a fierce debate over the direction of the nation. Many Democrats, of which O'Sullivan was one, advocated a vision first...

John O'Sullivan first used the term in 1845 in an article for the Democratic Review. In his article, he argued for the United States to annex the Republic of Texas because the United States had a divine purpose to spread across the entire continent. At the time, the nation was in the midst of a fierce debate over the direction of the nation. Many Democrats, of which O'Sullivan was one, advocated a vision first articulated by Andrew Jackson which was rooted in conquest and territorial expansion. On the other side, Whigs advocated moral and social reform, not imperialism, and therefore opposed annexing Texas and the war with Mexico. Abraham Lincoln, who was a young lawyer at the time, fell into this camp.

O'Sullivan believed the United States had a destiny not only to spread its borders but to bring its people and to "civilize" the lands inhabited by Indians and Mexicans by spreading liberty through representative government. 

In "Paul's Case", how do you think Paul's father reacted to Paul's death? What about Charley Edwards?

Let's part from this excerpt from part I of the story, which basically summarizes the main problem and also offers good insight.

The members of the stock company were vastly amused [... but] agreed with the faculty, and with his father, that Paul's was a bad case.

Now that we know that Paul’s issue is officially in the open, and known by Charley, his father, and everyone else connected to him, let’s explore how his father and Charley may have felt, or could have felt, after Paul’s death.

Charley

Charley Edwards is a young member of the stock company; the same stock company which, according to the quote discussed above, is now aware of Paul’s “bad case.” Nobody suspected anything strange about Paul, “least of all, Charley Edwards,” until after Paul is removed from Carnegie Hall. Therefore, Paul’s death should have been a huge shock to Charley, particularly after learning about his own role in the strange set of circumstances that conspicuously led to it. Paul had seen the theater as his only source of happiness. Paul also made up stories about the members of the stock company, and he felt most comfortable in the presence of Charley. Being so close all the time, Charley and Paul developed strong connections; a death would have been a huge, sad blow to Charley.

Aside from shock, Charley may have also felt a lot of guilt. After all, he and Paul “had gone over every detail” of Paul’s visit to New York. Yet, it is never clarified whether Charley was seriously helping in the planning of this, or just sharing a fantasy with his friend. Regardless, Charley unknowingly supported Paul in a dream that led to Paul’s commission of a crime, and then to his death. This would be sad news to anyone involved in the planning, or even in the suggestion, of the dream itself.

Charley

 recognized in Paul something akin to what Churchmen term 'vocation.'

This is evidence that, upon hearing of Paul’s death, Charley would have also been quite grieved. Charley and Paul had a connection. They shared a dream, and they essentially loved the same things. To hear that someone so close is gone, is certainly a sad event in every context.  

The father

Paul’s father would have felt guilty, angry, and completely devastated by the loss of his only son. He would have thought that he, in some way, drove Paul to being the way that he was. After all, he was his father, and entirely responsible for Paul’s well-being.  He may have also felt that he was not a good father, since he was a widower trying to raise growing children the best way he could.  As much as he tried, Paul would still not change. No parent, however, feels that their children are on their own in life completely. It is part of the paternal instinct born out of having children.

Yet, being Paul’s father is clearly a very hard thing to do. Having a problematic child is not a sought-after event in the life of any parent, ever. Paul is oppositional in school, socially awkward, makes up stories, is indifferent to the dreams and interests of kids of his own age, is very much hated by his teachers, and physically annoys people by dressing up awkwardly, and behaving in a way that makes other people feel uneasy.

Still, Paul’s Dad is an involved parent. He speaks to the teachers, takes action when Paul misbehaves, questions where Paul has been, and even shows Paul some role models to follow. He does all of this without a wife that could share the responsibilities of parenting with him. Paul’s dad is alone raising a family the best way that he can. Therefore, the father would have always thought that there was something else he could have done to fix Paul, somehow. He would have thought that Paul was derailed and needed guidance. He would have wanted a second chance with Paul. It is what any other parent would want and pray for, as this would be a tragedy of major proportions to any family.

Why do you disagree that Macbeth's character is that of a "tool"?

I'm not sure I do disagree with the statement that Macbeth in William Shakespeare's play is a "tool", although being a professor, I would probably use more formal language to describe him.

If you wanted to write a sort of defense for Macbeth for an assignment, you might emphasize the opening of the play, where he is portrayed as a genuine hero, helping King Duncan suppress a rebellion by the traitorous Thane of Cawdor. In...

I'm not sure I do disagree with the statement that Macbeth in William Shakespeare's play is a "tool", although being a professor, I would probably use more formal language to describe him.

If you wanted to write a sort of defense for Macbeth for an assignment, you might emphasize the opening of the play, where he is portrayed as a genuine hero, helping King Duncan suppress a rebellion by the traitorous Thane of Cawdor. In this part of the play, the Sergeant states:

For brave Macbeth--well he deserves that name--

Disdaining fortune, with his brandish'd steel, ...

 Like valour's minion carved out his passage 

This passage shows Macbeth as a brave and valiant warrior.

Next, you might argue that it is the three evil witches who tempt Macbeth to rebellion, stoking his ambitious, and planting in him the thoughts that will lead to his becoming a murderer and tyrant. Next, you could argue that Macbeth wavered initially on his path to murdering Duncan and probably would not have done so had not his wife, Lady Macbeth, strengthened his resolve. While this certainly justifies neither murder nor tyranny, you can argue that the decline of his character was not entirely his fault and that he did display a certain bravery even when he realized that Macduff would triumph.

How would you describe the style of narration in Langston Hughes' "Thank You, M'am"?

Langston Hughes’ 1958 short story is written from the point of view of a third-person narrator. The story begins with a rather objective narration style that could be described as a “fly on the wall” technique. The narrator tells the story in almost a journalistic or documentary style; the report is seemingly fact-based and free of opinion statements.

This narration technique has several effects. If the story had been narrated by the teen boy Roger,...

Langston Hughes’ 1958 short story is written from the point of view of a third-person narrator. The story begins with a rather objective narration style that could be described as a “fly on the wall” technique. The narrator tells the story in almost a journalistic or documentary style; the report is seemingly fact-based and free of opinion statements.

This narration technique has several effects. If the story had been narrated by the teen boy Roger, the reader would have a clearer idea of his motives. Instead, the reader must infer aspects of his character from details provided in the text about Roger’s appearance and actions. For example, Roger’s thin and dirty appearance and the fact that he is out alone late at night imply that he may be neglected and likely living in poverty. Similarly, if the story had been written from the point of view of Mrs. Jones, the reader may feel greater sympathy for her and better understand her motives in helping Roger. The objective narration style means we learn about Mrs. Jones through her words and actions. She feeds Roger dinner and share with him that she too has made mistakes and has regrets. Later in the story as Mrs. Jones is preparing their meal, the narration shifts slightly to a third person limited point of view, revealing Roger's thoughts: “He did not want to be mistrusted now.” This shift gives the reader an insight that Mrs. Jones’ kindness may be affecting Roger for the better.

The third-person narration creates a somewhat removed, objective effect, which adds realism and allows the reader to determine the characters’ motives. This technique relates to a theme of the story: you can’t really understand others until you know their circumstances.

Why are Rip's political views suddenly so unfavorable?

When Rip falls asleep, the colonies are firmly under British control, the situation seems unlikely to change, life is slow-moving, and Rip enjoys visiting the Inn, where he can hang out on a bench under a portrait of George III and chit-chat about nothing in particular. By the time Rip wakes up again twenty years later, the Americans have fought a revolution and wrested control of the country from England. 

When Rip gets back home,...

When Rip falls asleep, the colonies are firmly under British control, the situation seems unlikely to change, life is slow-moving, and Rip enjoys visiting the Inn, where he can hang out on a bench under a portrait of George III and chit-chat about nothing in particular. By the time Rip wakes up again twenty years later, the Americans have fought a revolution and wrested control of the country from England. 

When Rip gets back home, he finds everything has changed. He tries to return to his old haunt, the Inn, but discovers it is now the Union Hotel and filled with political activity. When a man asks him why he showed up at the "election" with "a gun on his shoulder," Rip is bewildered. He declares he is a loyal subject of the king. This makes the crowd turn on him in fury, denouncing him as a Tory and a spy. They are angry at him because they are now part of a Republic and don't serve the king. It is only when they understand that he is the long lost Rip Van Winkle that they start to understand that he is out of sync with the times. 

What events influenced and were a part of John Steinbeck's early life?

John Steinbeck had numerous experiences in his early life that had a clear impact on his career as an author. Steinbeck lived in a very rural town located in a highly fertile area of California and found early work on a series of beet farms. Here he came in close contact with many migrant workers and developed a sense of the hardships of their lives. This time spent as a farm employee directly contributed to...

John Steinbeck had numerous experiences in his early life that had a clear impact on his career as an author. Steinbeck lived in a very rural town located in a highly fertile area of California and found early work on a series of beet farms. Here he came in close contact with many migrant workers and developed a sense of the hardships of their lives. This time spent as a farm employee directly contributed to several of his works, most notably Of Mice and Men. It is also noteworthy that he was afforded time throughout his youth to write; thus he began to develop his craft. His mother had formerly been a schoolteacher and it is likely that she was a major source of his love for reading and writing. Steinbeck himself suffered a fair deal of hardship, having failed at his attempts to make a living as a businessman, and then living with little means as the Great Depression gripped the nation. His success as an author directly depended on the support that he received from his family and his wife—they enabled him to continue to write instead of toiling in a menial labor position.

In Fahrenheit 451, what does the firehouse look like?

It would seem, by Bradbury's descriptions, that the firehouse in his futuristic setting is much like the same as one would find in today's world. On page 4, Montag is shown cleaning his helmet and hanging up his fireproof jacket and clothes. Then he showers on the upper floor and descends by way of a golden fire pole down the hole to the lower level. The next time the pole is mentioned, it is described...

It would seem, by Bradbury's descriptions, that the firehouse in his futuristic setting is much like the same as one would find in today's world. On page 4, Montag is shown cleaning his helmet and hanging up his fireproof jacket and clothes. Then he showers on the upper floor and descends by way of a golden fire pole down the hole to the lower level. The next time the pole is mentioned, it is described as a brass pole (24).

When the reader is introduced to the firemen's Mechanical Hound, Montag comes in from having a cigarette and looks at it in its kennel on the ground floor. Then it describes how the men let the Hound kill rats and other small animals in the "firehouse areaway" (25). This suggests that there is a large space on the ground floor, which is probably more like a garage that houses the fire vehicles along with the Mechanical Hound.

Montag then turns from the kennel of the Hound and the following is described:

"Behind him, four men at a card table under a green-lidded light in the corner glanced briefly but said nothing" (26).

Based on the evidence, the card-playing table is on the ground floor along with the hound and the vehicles. The firehouse even has a bell in the ceiling that "kicked itself two hundred times" when an alarm rang out (35). On this page, too, it says that Beatty reminds Montag to remember to get his helmet which is near the Mechanical Hound; so, the fireproof clothing and helmets are on the ground floor as well.

What is the tone of The Cask of Amontillado? What words does the author use to create that tone?

"The Cask of Amontillado" has an incredibly sinister and creepy tone about it.  What's odd for me though is how that tone is delivered.  Montresor is the narrator of the story, and he is a chillingly effective narrator, because his narration is incredibly matter of fact.  He just doesn't spout off and have emotional outbursts.    

Right from the start of the story, the reader is alerted to the overall ominous tone, because Montresor...

"The Cask of Amontillado" has an incredibly sinister and creepy tone about it.  What's odd for me though is how that tone is delivered.  Montresor is the narrator of the story, and he is a chillingly effective narrator, because his narration is incredibly matter of fact.  He just doesn't spout off and have emotional outbursts.    

Right from the start of the story, the reader is alerted to the overall ominous tone, because Montresor tells his readers that he seeks revenge.  

THE thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could; but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge.

Revenge is not an emotionless word.  Had Montresor told his readers that he sought judgment, I could believe that he would confront his "friend" in respectable, adult-like manner.  Or I would even consider that Montresor might use the law.  But that is not what revenge connotes.  Revenge tells readers that Montresor has a dark and evil plan to punish Fortunato.  And not just punish, but he will be punished with impunity.

I must not only punish, but punish with impunity.

Every time I read that line, I picture in my head some Marvel Comics uber villain finishing his plan and giving a maniacal laugh.  

The ominous and creepy tone continues throughout Montresor's narration.  He tells his readers that he sets his plans into motion at dusk.  Not sunset.  Not evening.  Dusk.  Who says that?  Dusk is when the zombies climb out of graves and people make deals with the devil.  Dusk is an eerie word.  

Then Poe really ups the creepy factor by this paragraph:

I took from their sconces two flambeaux, and giving one to Fortunato, bowed him through several suites of rooms to the archway that led into the vaults. I passed down a long and winding staircase, requesting him to be cautious as he followed. We came at length to the foot of the descent, and stood together on the damp ground of the catacombs of the Montresors.

It's a good thing for Montresor that Fortunato is drunk, because he obviously doesn't pick up on the ominous situation.  He's being led down into a vault, which is where things are hidden and locked away.  It's also not just any staircase to a basement.  It's a long and winding staircase.  Then Poe uses the word "catacombs."  That's where dead people are.  Why on Earth is the wine down there?  Especially since Montresor stated that he had it and wanted Fortunato to try some.  If it were anybody else, the wine would have been brought up to the main level earlier in the evening. 

Then Poe drops words like "crypt" and "mason."  Crypt is creepy for the same reason catacomb is creepy.  Dead people are there.  As for Montresor being a mason, I've read enough history and conspiracy theories to know that all kinds of questionable deeds have been done by the masons.  It's at this point in the story when the reader's intuition starts screaming at Fortunato to get out of there quickly.  But of course he doesn't, and Montresor casually buries him alive.  It hasn't bothered him in fifty years either. 

What is Ponyboy's initial attitude toward Dally in S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders?

Ponyboy Curtis, the narrator of S. E. Hinton's novel The Outsiders, is very clear about his feelings regarding Dally. Early in the story, in the opening chapter, Ponyboy describes his hardscrabble life as an orphaned child being raised by his two older brothers amid a perpetual cycle of violence between the poorer boys of the city, the Greasers, and the more affluent ones, the Socs. Once this basic setting is established, Hinton's young narrator...

Ponyboy Curtis, the narrator of S. E. Hinton's novel The Outsiders, is very clear about his feelings regarding Dally. Early in the story, in the opening chapter, Ponyboy describes his hardscrabble life as an orphaned child being raised by his two older brothers amid a perpetual cycle of violence between the poorer boys of the city, the Greasers, and the more affluent ones, the Socs. Once this basic setting is established, Hinton's young narrator begins to describe important figures in his life, including Dally:

"If I had to pick the real character of the gang, it would be Dallas Winston—Dally. I used to like to draw his picture when he was in a dangerous mood, for then I could get his personality down in a few lines. . .He was tougher than the rest of us—tougher, colder, meaner."

As Ponyboy's description continues, he emphasizes the hardened nature of Dally's character. Dally is the one among the group who is regularly in trouble with the law and who is more than just a Greaser; he is, for all intents and purposes, a criminal. Dally, Ponyboy relates, has been arrested at least once and is seriously lacking in any degree of fealty to the conventions of society. Ponyboy is not, at this point in the story, a fan. As he notes, "I didn't like him, but he was smart and you had to respect him."

This, then, is how Ponyboy views Dally early in The Outsiders. As the story progresses, however, Dally's importance in Ponyboy's life increases, and Ponyboy develops a considerable measure of respect and fondness for the older, tougher, and infinitely loyal Dallas Winston. As readers of Hinton's novel know, Dally will die towards the end of the story, but only after helping Ponyboy and Johnny, and only after suffering emotionally at Johnny's death. Ponyboy learns not only to respect Dally for the latter's fearlessness but to love his now-deceased friend despite his conviction that Dally was a doomed figure:

"Don't think of Dally breaking up in the hospital, crumpling under the street light. Try to think that Johnny is better off now, try to remember that Dally would have ended up like that sooner or later."

Ponyboy mourns his friend and protector's loss, even while knowing inside that Dally was heading down a dangerous path from which there was no return.

What are two effective vocal strategies Martin Luther King, Jr. uses in the second half of his "I Have a Dream" speech? How were these strategies...

Beginning with his rhetorical repetition of "I have a dream," two effective vocal strategies Martin Luther King, Jr. uses in his "I Have a Dream" speech are pause and pitch inflection.Effective public speakers use pauses between points to emphasize them and let their points sink into the minds of the audience. King effectively uses pauses after each time he says the word dream and even varies the lengthof the pauses. For example,...

Beginning with his rhetorical repetition of "I have a dream," two effective vocal strategies Martin Luther King, Jr. uses in his "I Have a Dream" speech are pause and pitch inflection.

Effective public speakers use pauses between points to emphasize them and let their points sink into the minds of the audience. King effectively uses pauses after each time he says the word dream and even varies the length of the pauses. For example, the pause between the words dream and that in the sentence beginning with "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up" is twice the length of the pause after he says the clause, "I still have a dream." Both pauses create dramatic emphasis, but the second pause is even more dramatic because it falls where there is no punctuation. The dramatic second pause gives him time to accumulate the breath support he needs to powerfully rise in pitch inflection upon the word one.

Aside from pauses, King also uses rises and drops in pitch inflection to create emphasis and emotional impact. One example of varied pitch inflection can be seen in the sentence, "It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream." In the word American, King rises in inflection at the syllable -mer; he then begins dropping in inflection starting at the syllables -i and -can. King's greatest drop in inflection occurs at the word dream. His rise during the word American helps capture the fact that, despite Americans' failings, King values and has faith in his country. His dramatic drop at the word dream helps capture his sorrow that African American's own dreams for freedom still have not yet been fulfilled in America, despite the fact that their dreams are deeply "rooted in the American dream."

Is the Nautilus like a sovereign nation?

In Captain Nemo, Jules Verne created one of the most fascinating characters in literature. One of the reasons Captain Nemo has fascinated generations of readers is that he is fully sovereign over himself and his crew. In this way, he represents an ultimate freedom that most people cannot have—the freedom to completely decide one’s own destiny.

The Nautilusis Captain Nemo’s domain, and as he is sovereign, the vessel itself is akin to a sovereign...

In Captain Nemo, Jules Verne created one of the most fascinating characters in literature. One of the reasons Captain Nemo has fascinated generations of readers is that he is fully sovereign over himself and his crew. In this way, he represents an ultimate freedom that most people cannot have—the freedom to completely decide one’s own destiny.

The Nautilus is Captain Nemo’s domain, and as he is sovereign, the vessel itself is akin to a sovereign nation. It neither sails under the flag of nor recognizes the law of any nation. It has its own laws and tradition, and its own means of defending itself. Further, the crew are loyal to the ship and its captain above any nation, all of them, like Nemo, having chosen to live apart from the nations of the world.

Finally, it is worth noting that the Nautilus rarely ventures into the waters of other nations, even for supplies. It mainly keeps to international waters, where its captain and crew do not have to submit to the laws of any nation. Further, the crew of the Nautilus are able to derive most of their subsistence from the ocean, making them and the ship beholden to no nation for support, other than through trade.

How does Kit describe Barbados?

In Chapter 1, Kit describes Barbados nostalgically. She misses the "shimmering green and white that fringed the turquoise bay of Barbados." To her mind, the bleak shoreline of Saybrook pales in comparison to the exotic beauty of Barbados' ocean harbors.

She tells John Holbrook that Barbados is "as civilized as England with a famous town and fine streets and shops." To Kit, Barbados represents everything that is joyous, warm, and inviting. In Chapter 9, she...

In Chapter 1, Kit describes Barbados nostalgically. She misses the "shimmering green and white that fringed the turquoise bay of Barbados." To her mind, the bleak shoreline of Saybrook pales in comparison to the exotic beauty of Barbados' ocean harbors.

She tells John Holbrook that Barbados is "as civilized as England with a famous town and fine streets and shops." To Kit, Barbados represents everything that is joyous, warm, and inviting. In Chapter 9, she tells Hannah that Barbados is indeed, Paradise, filled with the scent of flowers every day of the year. In fact, Hannah's seafaring friend, Nat, brings Hannah Barbados molasses and firewood as gifts from his travels. Barbados is well-known for its natural resources, and to Kit, the island represents a land teeming with life, growth, and hope.

Later in the novel, Kit tells of feeling homesick when she remembers a wedding she attended in Barbados only a year ago.

She could shut her eyes and see the long damask-covered table, set with gold and silver plate. The banquet had lasted for four hours. Light from crystal chandeliers had twinkled back from gold braid and jewels. Deep windows had opened out on curving formal gardens, and the sea breezes had filled the room with the scent of flowers. An almost intolerable loneliness wrapped Kit away from the joyous crowd.

To Kit, Barbados represents all the "warmth and color and fragrance and beauty that her heart craved."

What were the Axis controlled countries during the World War II time period?

The three main Axis powers were Germany, Japan, and Italy.  These countries worked as an alliance throughout most of World War II.  Initially, Germany was the only country of the three to fight in what would become World War II, which began in 1939.  Nearly one year later, Italy joined the fight with Germany against the Allies in 1940.  Japan was the last of the three to join.

Other countries joined the Axis powers, but...

The three main Axis powers were Germany, Japan, and Italy.  These countries worked as an alliance throughout most of World War II.  Initially, Germany was the only country of the three to fight in what would become World War II, which began in 1939.  Nearly one year later, Italy joined the fight with Germany against the Allies in 1940.  Japan was the last of the three to join.

Other countries joined the Axis powers, but they contributed much less militarily.  Among these countries were Hungary, Bulgaria, and Romania.  

The Axis powers invaded many countries and controlled them throughout the war.  Many of these countries were in Europe, though some were in the Pacific.  Among them were Austria, Poland, Czechoslovakia, China, and many others.  The Germans occupied other countries, such as Denmark, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

Working together, the Axis powers fought both in the Pacific and in Europe.  In 1943, Italy surrendered to the Allied powers.  In an unexpected turn of events, Italy decided to join the Allies shortly after their surrender to them.

Germany surrendered to the Allies in May of 1945.  Japan surrendered in September of 1945, which was the official end of the war.

What powerful thoughts and feelings are conveyed in the William Butler Yeats' poem "The Lake Isle of Innisfree?"

Yearning for peace in the company of nature is the most powerful thought in the poem.

The poet is a man of city. What troubles him in the city is not specified. However, it’s understood that the poet wants to escape from the drab urban setting to a pristine world of nature.

The poem takes up the common Romantic theme of return to nature. The period around 1888, when this poem was composed, saw rapid...

Yearning for peace in the company of nature is the most powerful thought in the poem.

The poet is a man of city. What troubles him in the city is not specified. However, it’s understood that the poet wants to escape from the drab urban setting to a pristine world of nature.

The poem takes up the common Romantic theme of return to nature. The period around 1888, when this poem was composed, saw rapid industrialization and urbanization all over England and Europe. It resulted in man's distancing away from the idyllic natural world.

The poet desires to transcend all the worries that saddle and depress him in the city. Nature seems to be the only refuge that could guarantee him the solace he’s seeking.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet’s wings.

For the upsetting urban environment, the poet turns to Innisfree, a small island at Lough Gill in Sligo County. It had been Yeats’ childhood haven. He would frequently visit the place with his family and enjoy a lot.

So, we see nostalgia is another significant feeling expressed in the poem. Innisfree is a symbol for perfect idyllic setting, where the poet is sure to discover internal peace.

Besides, the strong dislike for modern settlement is another very important feeling expressed in the poem. The description of his imagined cabin suggests his distaste for modern lifestyle.

And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;

The cabin that he would set up would be made of "clay and wattles," both of which are naturally available. There’s no mention of anything that’s factory-made.

The only image borrowed from the city is that of “roadway” and “pavements,” and interestingly, they look “grey.” The choice of color speaks amply about the poet’s opinion about urban lifestyle.

So, we see that the poet wants to run away from the stifling city life and seclude himself in the soothing world of nature.

When the man writes "Blood" on the wall, what literary devices are being used in Chapter 5, Book I of A Tale of Two Cities?

When the citizen of St. Antoine writes the word "Blood" on the wall with his finger dipped in the muddy wine of the street, his is a symbolic act. The wine symbolizes the bloodshed and foreshadows the violence to soon take place during the French Revolution.

In addition, there is foreshadowing of the forthcoming rebellion with the symbolic imagery of the wine/"blood" flowing everywhere in the street. Then, too, the desperate soaking of cloths and...

When the citizen of St. Antoine writes the word "Blood" on the wall with his finger dipped in the muddy wine of the street, his is a symbolic act. The wine symbolizes the bloodshed and foreshadows the violence to soon take place during the French Revolution.

In addition, there is foreshadowing of the forthcoming rebellion with the symbolic imagery of the wine/"blood" flowing everywhere in the street. Then, too, the desperate soaking of cloths and whatever the citizens could find with the symbolically flowing wine in order to obtain a few drops of this drink, followed by a mother's squeezing of the "lee-dye cloth," the wine-soaked cloth, in the desperate hope that her starving baby would obtain some nourishment from the drops of wine suggests the terrible conditions of the generations of starving people, symbolically shown conditions that are ripe for revolution.

That this flow of blood/wine takes place in St. Antoine is also significant for symbolism and foreshadowing since the wine-shop is owned by Monsieur and Madame Defarge, revolutionaries themselves who meet with others--all called "Jacques"--and who shelter an old prisoner of the Bastille.

What are good techniques for effective studying?

Studying is hard work.  And there is no magic way that works for every single person out there.  The way that you study can depend on the subject matter as well.  For math, I believe that the best way to study is through repetition of the types of problems that you will encounter.  The repetition will help build and instill confidence in your ability to solve problems, and you eventually develop habitual skills about what actions need to be taken next depending on the types of problems being asked.  

If you are studying for a literature test, you need to spend time going over the "guts" of stories.  That means for any possible story/poem that might be on the test, you need to know what the overall plot is, who the main characters are, what the conflict is, where the setting takes place, and what the themes are.  In addition to knowing the themes, be sure to take time reviewing and finding sections of the text that support each theme.  Practice writing out compare and contrast lists of characters.  That will help you study, and it will point out gaps in your knowledge.  

For other subjects like history and science there is a lot of facts and vocabulary to know, so memorization of names, dates, and parts is critical.  Some people are good with that kind of thing, but many of my students find large amounts of success with flash cards.  Flashcards are an easy self quizzing tool, but they also have the benefit of being able to be handed to somebody else.  That person can quiz you.  

There are other subtle ways to help yourself study as well.  You want to study in an atmosphere similar to the atmosphere that you will be taking the test in.  That means you should study at a table or desk in a quiet room.  Without listening to music.  There are lots of studies out there that link memory recall ability to environmental ques.  Your testing environment and your studying environment should compliment each other in their similarity in order to trigger those ques.  One last weird one.  Study with a mint and take the test with a mint.  There are a number of studies that have linked mint to increasing cognitive function.  I've linked one of them.  

Where is the light-pole located in Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird? On what page can we find a passage describing the location of the light-pole?

In the very first chapter of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, we learn that a light-pole stands on the corner of the street near the Radley Place.

According to Scout's description of her neighborhood, her street continues south into a sharp curve. The Radley Place stands on that sharp curve so that, as one walks south, one "faced its porch." The sidewalk continues to curve around the property of the Radley Place, and the schoolyard is farther down the street, beyond that curve.

Scout further narrates that, as soon as she and Jem informed Dill of all the rumors and myths concerning Arthur (Boo) Radley, Dill became obsessed with the house. As Scout phrases it, the rumors and myths "drew [Dill] as the moon draws the water, but drew him no nearer than the light-pole on the corner, a safe distance from the Radley gate." She further describes that he would stand at the pole with "his arm around the fat pole, staring and wondering."

Based on this description, we know the light-pole stands on a corner. Plus, since Scout's street curves around the property of the Radley Place, we can assume that Scout is using the words "curve" and "corner" interchangeably in her descriptions. Therefore, the light-pole must stand on the curve of the sidewalk along the Radley Place.

Since page numbers will vary per published edition of the book, only an approximation of the page location can be given. The paragraphs describing where the Raedley Place is situated and Dill's fascination with the house are located in the first third of Chapter 1, approximately 5 to 6 pages from the start of the chapter.

How did Jim Crow laws contribute to social unrest in the United States and what role did the Supreme Court play?

The term Jim Crow refers to the systematic segregation of the black and white races, primarily in the South. Segregation was deemed legal by the Supreme Court in the 1896 Plessy vs. Ferguson Case. The case ruled that segregation was legal and established the "separate but equal" clause. This meant that segregation was legal as long as equal treatment was given to black people in the separate institutions. The fact that this equality rarely existed caused political and social unrest in the 1950's and 1960's.

It was during these two decades that protest and unrest were at its height in the area of race relations. Many highly publicized acts of rebellion were centered around the injustice of segregation. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott, that was sparked by the arrest of Rosa Parks, to the sit-ins at local diners, segregation was at the center of social unrest. Hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan were there with violence at every step of the way to stop any hint at ending segregation.

It was the federal government, through the courts, that would be the catalyst for ending segregation. A number of challenges to segregation would make their way to the Supreme Court in the period that followed World War II. Morgan vs. Virginia (1946) and Shelly vs. Kraemer (1948) outlawed discrimination in busing and housing respectively.   The greatest victory in the courts was the 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education case that outlawed segregation in public schools and effectively overturned the Plessy vs. Ferguson case. Despite these victories in court, social unrest did not come to a halt as some whites still challenged the authority of the courts. This time, though, the federal government could use the law, court decisions, and the National Guard to enforce integration.

In the play Macbeth, how did Lady Macbeth persuade her husband to carry out his evil plan?

Lady Macbeth comes across as more unscrupulous and ruthless than her husband, but since he had decided been connived by the witches into believing that he would become king by greeting him with the title 'thane of Cawdor' and saying that he shall be 'king hereafter,' it did not take too much for her to persuade him to commit the most grievous of crimes - the ultimate betrayal.

Macbeth expressed doubt about murdering his king and cousin since, as he reasoned, he was too close to him - Duncan was his kin. Added to that was the fact that Duncan was a guest in his castle and needed his protection, not his rancor. He had been such a good and noble king, that there would be a terrible outcry if he should be found murdered. Macbeth then told his wife: 'We will proceed no further in this business.' She however, was insistent.  

At first she asked what had happened to the hope that Macbeth expressed when he first decided to perform his evil. She rhetorically ask whether it was borne out of inebriation. Was he not at full composure when he declared that he would kill Duncan? She stated that she would henceforth adjudge his love on that basis. She thus placed him in a very uncomfortable situation: in order to prove his love for her, he had to carry through what he had promised.

She then questioned his courage by asking him if he had more nerve to speak about murdering Duncan than in actually performing the act? She asked whether he would rather obtain the crown than live thinking about his cowardice. She compared him, in this sense, to the cat in the adage who desired to have fish but was too afraid to wet its feet. Macbeth, in his defense said that he would do everything that a man is supposed to do, and even more. There was none who would do more than he.

Lady Macbeth was unrelenting and asked him what 'beast' had possessed him to break his promise. She stated that when he had made the promise, he was more of a man than he was at that point, and for him daring to be more than what he had been, would make him more of a man. She mentioned that when he made the vow to kill Duncan, neither the time nor the place had been an issue, but now that the conditions were ideal, he suddenly relented. She said that his fear had made him a coward and, using a horrific metaphor to illustrate how strongly she felt about making a promise, she said that she would pluck a suckling babe from her nipple to bash out its brains if that is what she had promised to do. 

Macbeth still expressed doubt and she guaranteed that they would not fail. Lady Macbeth showed just how wicked and scheming she actually was by describing a carefully constructed plan for the king's murder. She told Macbeth that she would get Duncan's personal bodyguards drunk by plying them with wine and ale. They would then be indisposed and the king would be fast asleep after a long journey. This would give them the ideal opportunity to commit their treacherous deed.

Macbeth expressed pride in his wife's 'undaunted mettle' (bold resolve) and was finally convinced. He suggested that they smear Duncan's blood on the daggers of the sleeping guards to implicate them. His wife added that they would make a loud clamor at the discovery of Duncan's death so as to avoid suspicion falling on them. Macbeth then expressed his determination to proceed and asked her to put on an appearance of goodness and conviviality, for: 'False face must hide what the false heart doth know.' 

What is parallelism in a poem?

Parallelism is a literary technique where parts of a sentence are grammatically or structurally the same.  It could also include similarities in sound and rhythm.  Using parallelism is using repetition and balance in your writing to get across an idea.  A popular use of parallelism is called, antithesis, where opposite ideas are joined by the use of parallel structure.  For example, Alexander Pope uses antithesis when he writes, “To err is human; to forgive divine.” ...

Parallelism is a literary technique where parts of a sentence are grammatically or structurally the same.  It could also include similarities in sound and rhythm.  Using parallelism is using repetition and balance in your writing to get across an idea.  A popular use of parallelism is called, antithesis, where opposite ideas are joined by the use of parallel structure.  For example, Alexander Pope uses antithesis when he writes, “To err is human; to forgive divine.”  Both sides of the sentence separated by a semi-colon are very similar in structure, sound, and rhythm.  Their meanings are also opposites.

You see the use of parallelism in speeches, especially.  The use of this technique emphasizes an idea or supports a structure that the speaker uses to make his point.  It balances the flow of ideas and is often used as a way to persuade the audience.  This example in I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King uses parallelism very effectively.

“With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.”

Using parallelism in poetry has the same effect that it does in other types of literature.  The purpose is to establish ideas (sometimes conflicting), to create a rhythm and structure in the lines of poetry, and to use repetition to make a point.  (Hey!  That last sentence uses parallel structure!)

Is Arnold Friend actually Bob Dylan?

Although Arnold Friend is modeled after Bob Dylan, he is not Dylan; instead, Arnold, represents the pop culture, the edgy persona, and the disturbing quality of music that can seduce its unthinking listeners into dangerous areas.

The title question--"Where Are You Going"--of Joyce Carol Oates's story comes from a line of a song by Dylan: "It's All Over Now Baby"; further, she dedicated her story to him. Oates described this story as "very beautiful, very...

Although Arnold Friend is modeled after Bob Dylan, he is not Dylan; instead, Arnold, represents the pop culture, the edgy persona, and the disturbing quality of music that can seduce its unthinking listeners into dangerous areas.

The title question--"Where Are You Going"--of Joyce Carol Oates's story comes from a line of a song by Dylan: "It's All Over Now Baby"; further, she dedicated her story to him. Oates described this story as "very beautiful, very disturbing" because it reminded her of the legend of . With the disturbing seduction of music that fills Connie's head, the narrative of Oates's story transforms that which is real to a surrealistic state. 

Arnold Friend is a personification of Dylan's singing that Oates and others felt was both unsettling and an attraction. She wrote of Dylan that his voice sounded "as if sandpaper could sing"; its effect was "dramatic and electrifying." Like Dylan's voice, Arnold Friend [without the r's, his name reads An old Fiend] is unsettling and devilishly electrifying and frightening both.

When Connie sees Friend's car pulling up, she only worries about how she looks. Then, when she comes to the door, she speaks in a sulky manner, careful to not seem too interested. Then, when she hears the music, she recognizes it as the same that she is playing inside. In her naiveté Connie does not apprehend the underlying nature of this sexual predator who comes to her door, and she talks with him.

However, she begins to notice that his casualness is imitated, he looks much older than the eighteen that he says he is, and there is something very strange and disturbing about him. His car resembles Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man's" magic whirling ship, and Connie begins to feel dizzy as Arnold begins to sound like the man on the radio. She asks him to leave, but he refuses, laughing at her. More and more, things change, and the music on the radio underpins Connie's sense of terror. Her naiveté and the inauthenticity of the little world she has created around herself leaves her defenseless against the threats against her family and the mind control that Arnold, masked in the familiar to her, exhibits. He, thus, forces Connie out the door to drive away with him and never return.

What is the theme of Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder?

Little House on the Prairie follows author Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family as they move to the Kansas prairie. Family is the predominant theme of both this book and all others in the Little Houseseries. Throughout the story, the Ingalls struggle to survive as they cross the country in a covered wagon, build a house, fear the threat of local Native Americans, combat a prairie fire, and contract malaria, or “fever ’n’ ague" as...

Little House on the Prairie follows author Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family as they move to the Kansas prairie. Family is the predominant theme of both this book and all others in the Little House series. Throughout the story, the Ingalls struggle to survive as they cross the country in a covered wagon, build a house, fear the threat of local Native Americans, combat a prairie fire, and contract malaria, or “fever ’n’ ague" as it was known in the story.

These hardships would have been enough to drive many a family to despair, but the Ingalls family relied on and supported one another through each trial and tribulation. Neighbors and side characters appear in the story from time to time, and they often help the Ingalls when possible, but the primary theme remains the Ingalls family.

What is an example of passive transport?

Diffusion and facilitated diffusion are two examples of passive transport.Passive transport is transport through a cell membrane that does not require energy. In either diffusion or facilitated diffusion, particles move down a concentration gradient. In other words, the particles move from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration. The difference between diffusion and facilitated diffusion is that particles travel directly through the cell membrane in diffusion, whereas particles undergoing facilitated diffusion require...

Diffusion and facilitated diffusion are two examples of passive transport. Passive transport is transport through a cell membrane that does not require energy. In either diffusion or facilitated diffusion, particles move down a concentration gradient. In other words, the particles move from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration. The difference between diffusion and facilitated diffusion is that particles travel directly through the cell membrane in diffusion, whereas particles undergoing facilitated diffusion require specific transmembrane integral proteins.   

On the other hand, active transport does require energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Energy is required during active transport because particles are pushed against their concentration gradient. In other words, particles that under active transport move from areas of lower concentration to areas of higher concentration. As in facilitated diffusion, particles undergoing active transport also travel through a carrier protein.  

What happens to Boxer in Animal Farm? How are these events ironic?

Boxer is sent to the knackers to be slaughtered.  It is ironic because it was one of the abuses Old Major accused humans of perpetrating against animals.

Old Major sells the animals on a dream of equality and opportunity.  In his vision, no animals will ever be held hostage to humans.  Animals will work together to create an atmosphere of cooperation and comfort.

It does not take long for the dream to sour.  As soon...

Boxer is sent to the knackers to be slaughtered.  It is ironic because it was one of the abuses Old Major accused humans of perpetrating against animals.

Old Major sells the animals on a dream of equality and opportunity.  In his vision, no animals will ever be held hostage to humans.  Animals will work together to create an atmosphere of cooperation and comfort.

It does not take long for the dream to sour.  As soon as the animals kick the humans off the farm, the pigs take charge.  From that point on, they slowly gain more and more power at the expense of the other animals.

One of the promises made to the animals is that once they were too old to work, they would be able to retire.  Humans would have killed them, but in Animal Farm they would be blessed with a peaceful existence.

As yet no animal had actually retired on pension, but of late the subject had been discussed more and more. Now that the small field beyond the orchard had been set aside for barley, it was rumoured that a corner of the large pasture was to be fenced off and turned into a grazing−ground for superannuated animals. (Ch. 9)

Boxer very much wanted to finish the windmill before he retired.  He was one of the hardest working animals on the farm, and very loyal to Napoleon.  His two favorite expressions were “Napoleon is always right” and “I will work harder.”  He had no doubts about his leader.  Unfortunately, when Boxer injured himself on the job and was no longer useful, he was not sent into retirement.  He was sold for a profit.  Benjamin was able to read the words on the side of the truck.

" 'Alfred Simmonds, Horse Slaughterer and Glue Boiler, Willingdon. Dealer in Hides and Bone−Meal. Kennels Supplied.' Do you not understand what that means? They are taking Boxer to the knacker's! " (Ch. 9)

The fact that Napoleon sold Boxer to the slaughterhouse for profit is ironic because Boxer was his strongest supporter and because Old Major promised the animals a better life.  He told them that humans exploited them, and that they would be protected from this exploitation on Animal Farm.  This dream might have been real for Old Major, but it never was real for Napoleon.  He used the entire rebellion as an opportunity to gain power for himself.  He did not actually care about the animals.