In your own opinion, what biological, psychological, and/or sociological elements account for a serial killer's behavior or actions across cultures?

There is enough research on the topic of serial killers to establish a very informed opinion about the issue. It is the question of nature vs. nurture. Does the killer's action reflect a biological factor at play or is it the social environment in which the subject is raised that makes them behave the way the do.

The study of serial killers has netted a number of biological issues at play. First, the brain of...

There is enough research on the topic of serial killers to establish a very informed opinion about the issue. It is the question of nature vs. nurture. Does the killer's action reflect a biological factor at play or is it the social environment in which the subject is raised that makes them behave the way the do.

The study of serial killers has netted a number of biological issues at play. First, the brain of psychopaths and sociopaths does not function properly. Through brain scans, a malfunction of the low orbital cortex has been identified in killers. This is the area of the brain that it responsible for impulse control and the ability to regulate morality and ethics. Killers have brains that show low or no levels of activity in that part of the brain. Dr. Helen Morrison has also discovered a chromosome abnormality in serial killers that may act as a trigger. There has been evidence of killers having an extra x or y chromosome, but the study of this area is in its infancy. Most experts feel that these factors are only predispositions and do not guarantee that somebody will end up killing.

A number of psychological disorders are identified in serial killers as well. Their failure to develop a sense of attachment to the world as an adolescent is one trait. The most common psychological disorder associated with serial killers is antisocial personality disorder, which is a developmental disorder. People with this disorder lack empathy and are plagued with illusions of grandeur. Borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder are also quite common. All three of these disorders can be brought on by social conditions, so it is important to look at the "nurture" part of the equation.

An important similarity of serial killers is they had a tough time in their early childhood. Many were adopted, which points to potential neglect. Nearly 70% of serial killers report some kind of abuse, with over half reporting psychological abuse. When you consider that abuse can cause a number of psychological disorders, it should be considered an important social factor of psychopaths. Also, new research suggests that abuse and neglect can alter the brain's chemistry and function. Having said this, child abuse seems to be a very important factor in the development of serial killer.

What are three arguments to support the idea that in the play Romeo and Juliet, the rivalry between the Montagues and the Capulets represents the...

There are many examples for you to choose from. You could argue that, in addition to the deaths of the two protagonists, the feud also leads to Mercutio's death, who is neither a Montague nor a Capulet, and thus a relative outsider. Tybalt is killed by Romeo as a result of the same confrontation; Romeo also kills Count Paris when he comes to mourn Juliet's "death." Last, it is possible that Friar Laurence will face punishment...

There are many examples for you to choose from. You could argue that, in addition to the deaths of the two protagonists, the feud also leads to Mercutio's death, who is neither a Montague nor a Capulet, and thus a relative outsider. Tybalt is killed by Romeo as a result of the same confrontation; Romeo also kills Count Paris when he comes to mourn Juliet's "death." Last, it is possible that Friar Laurence will face punishment of some sort due to his involvement in the potion plot. Thus, many people, some of whom were not even related to the Montagues or Capulets, have their lives destroyed as a result of the feud. 

Why did the author include the conversation about sunsets at the end of Chapter 8? What is the conversation really about?

At the end of Chapter 8, Ponyboy asks Cherry the question, "can you see the sunset real good from the West Side?" (Hinton 129) Cherry says that she can see it real good, and Pony says he can see it good too from the East Side. S.E. Hinton includes this comment about sunsets at the end of an intense conversation with Ponyboy and Cherry to create a connection between the two characters.Sunsets...

At the end of Chapter 8, Ponyboy asks Cherry the question, "can you see the sunset real good from the West Side?" (Hinton 129) Cherry says that she can see it real good, and Pony says he can see it good too from the East Side. S.E. Hinton includes this comment about sunsets at the end of an intense conversation with Ponyboy and Cherry to create a connection between the two characters. Sunsets are more than just a symbol for seeing the natural world and time passing throughout the novel. When Ponyboy first meets Cherry they have a connection and both mention that they enjoy watching sunsets. In Chapter 8, Ponyboy criticizes Cherry for not wanting to see Johnny, and there is a rift between the two characters. After Ponyboy sees that Cherry is about to cry, he feels compassion and remembers that they are both similar. Even though Pony is a greaser and Cherry is a Soc they are both experiencing similar types of pain. Cherry reminds Ponyboy that she is only trying to help and tells him that he is a nice kid. Ponyboy remembers that despite their differences they share a lot of things in common, including sunsets. Hinton uses Ponyboy and Cherry's similar interests in sunsets to connect the two characters. Cherry and Ponyboy's ability to view the sunsets from either side of town creates a bond between the two and sends the message that "things are not so different after all."

State 2 changes that occur to the image when the object is moved towards focal length?

Hello!

Denote a distance between an object and a lens as O, and the distance between an image and a lens as I. It is known that

`1/F=1/O+1/I.`

[From this formula we see that, as stated on the picture, when O is between F and 2F, I is greater than 2F (2F for O=2F and more for a smaller O).]

Therefore `I=1/(1/F-1/O).`

When O becomes smaller, I becomes larger. This is the first change that...

Hello!

Denote a distance between an object and a lens as O, and the distance between an image and a lens as I. It is known that

`1/F=1/O+1/I.`

[From this formula we see that, as stated on the picture, when O is between F and 2F, I is greater than 2F (2F for O=2F and more for a smaller O).]

Therefore `I=1/(1/F-1/O).`

When O becomes smaller, I becomes larger. This is the first change that occurs.

The second change is that the size of an image also increases when the distance between an image and a lens increases. As you may see from the given picture, when an object moves towards a lens, the ray which goes from the upper point of an object through the lens' center becomes more inclined to the lens' axis. And the point of intersection moves not only further but also down.

How will servant leadership style positively impact the following variables: managers behavior towards subordinates communication motivating...

The concept of a servant leadership style in business management was first articulated in modern times by mathematician and AT&T management trainer, Robert Greenleaf. Though articulated by Greenleaf for modern business management in 1970 in his essay "The Servant as Leader," the idea of a servant leader is an ancient one, with the earliest recorded roots in the thinking of the Indian and Chinese leaders Chanakya and Lao-Tzu. Jesus of Nazareth followed later in expressing the same concept of the servant-leader, a concept powerfully illustrated in the New Testament in Mark 10.

The power of servant leadership is that it is focused on caring about and attending to the needs of employees as much as on executing the goals and needs of the business. Greenleaf described this concept of mutuality by saying: "The organization exists for the person as much as the person exists for the organization." With this understanding of the servant leadership style, the ten characteristics of a servant-leader, as identified by Larry Spears, can be applied to management variables to predict positive impacts.

The ten characteristics Spears extracted from the writings of Greenleaf are:

listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of others, and building community. (Larry Spears, "Character and Servant Leadership: Ten Characteristics")

Managers behavior towards subordinates: The positive impact of servant leadership on managerial behavior will, ideally, be that managers act with understanding and compassion, listening with empathy, resolving negative issues with even-handed interventions instead of retributive or punitive interventions; and certainly all managerial interactions with subordinates will reflect respect for the other's dignity and humanity (which will be reciprocated by the subordinate to the manager because of the absence of intimidation or careless disregard of human or personal needs).

Communication: Communication will be a fruitful exercise in listening to a genuine exchange of ideas, opinions, concerns, goals and objectives with a mutual aim expressed and sought after for the positive impact of the advancement of the business (which provides employment, inspiration and opportunity) through the development and growth of all parties communicating.

Motivating subordinates: A combination of employee aspirations plus persuasive goals and aims for the business, the department and the individual employee, serves as the optimal motivational factors when augmented by foresight and by caring stewardship of resources and relationships. The positive impact of motivation stemming from servant leadership is that individuals and the company mutually reach goals and achieve aspirations.

Group and team behavior and culture: Group and team behavior are integrally related to the company culture. The best of collaborative cooperation derives from servant leadership because respect and caring through empathetic understanding and insightful listening provides the positive impact of efficiently, creatively and effectively run and completed projects. These dynamics are the result of a culture of acceptance, tolerance, patience, forgiveness (who doesn't make mistakes or where are there not personal conflicts?), respect and acknowledgement of human dignity that derive from a servant leadership style.

Decision making: When company culture, group and team behavior, goal and project dynamics, motivation and communication are optimally operating under the insightful, intuitive care of a servant-leader, then decision making can develop more efficiently and effectively because not distracted or disturbed by miscommunication, contentiousness, self-serving rivalry, under-appreciation, disrespect, hostility or disregard. Decision making can proceed along ethical lines that are defined by a servant culture and that, ideally, envision an expansion of the company culture to encompass the larger consumer culture affected by the company. 

In Lord of the Flies, how does Golding use Simon to depict changes in chronological order in the story? How do these changes help to demonstrate a...

Simon's character is essential to understanding how the society the boys inhabit turns from logical, reasonable, and essentially good to illogical, unreasonable, and overcome by evil.

Initially Simon's character is introduced as the fainting choir boy. His fainting spells make him unique, and he is unlike the other choir boys because he does not blindly follow Jack's leadership. Simon is then chosen as the only other boy to accompany Jack and Ralph to explore the...

Simon's character is essential to understanding how the society the boys inhabit turns from logical, reasonable, and essentially good to illogical, unreasonable, and overcome by evil.

Initially Simon's character is introduced as the fainting choir boy. His fainting spells make him unique, and he is unlike the other choir boys because he does not blindly follow Jack's leadership. Simon is then chosen as the only other boy to accompany Jack and Ralph to explore the island. This again separates him from the herd. 

As the novel progresses, it is evident that Simon is symbolic of good. When in retaliation Jack denies Piggy meat because he did not hunt, "Simon, sitting between the twins and Piggy, wiped his mouth and shoved his piece of meat over the rocks to Piggy, who grabbed it" (104).  

When the divide between the hunters, led by Jack, and Ralph's group increases, Simon is keenly aware that the island and their isolation is simply a factor, but not the cause of their poor behavior. The boys believe in a "beastie" on the island. The beastie is a source of fear and is an impetus for Jack to hunt and kill. Although Piggy refuses to believe in something so illogical, and Ralph does not want to cause a panic among the littleuns and the remaining older boys, Simon's suggestion is far more frightening. He suggests the beastie, "...maybe it’s only us." Simon senses how the absence of adults symbolizes the systematic loss of rules and order. He also knows that civilization has a tenuous hold on the boys; their true natures will emerge eventually.

When Simon speaks to the pig's head on a stick, it is evident that his presence will not be welcome on the island much longer. The primal nature and inherent evil that resides in the hunters (mainly Roger) is overtaking the logic and reasoning needed to sustain the goodness on the island. The pig's head warns Simon 

“I’m warning you. I’m going to get angry. D’you see? You’re not wanted. Understand? We are going to have fun on this island. Un- derstand? We are going to have fun on this island! So don’t try it on, my poor misguided boy, or else—” (207).

This is the first time the pig's head (a sacrifice for the beast by the "chief" Jack and his hunters) is referred to as the Lord of the Flies. This name is another name for the Devil. Although this dialogue between Simon and the Lord of the Flies may be a hallucination, it symbolizes the stand off between good and evil. By producing a sacrifice for the beast, rather than hunting it, the boys are now worshipping the beast and what it symbolizes. While Simon is still on the island, evil cannot fully envelop the boys. Simon and the good he symbolizes must be removed from the island.

This occurs during the feast on the beach. The hunters lead the other boys (including Ralph and Piggy) in a dance to celebrate the killing of a pig. The boys are lost in the dance, the thunderstorm, and the power they feel as they chant, "Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!" (218). Simultaneously, Simon discovers there is no beast: it is the body of a pilot who died parachuting from his plane. Ironically as Simon returns to the beach to inform the boys that there is no beast, he is mistakenly identified as the beast. He is surrounded by the boys who "tear" into Simon's flesh with their teeth. What begins as a case of mistaken identity and an attack driven by fear, ends as a purposeful attack on Simon. It is evident that they know it was not a beast but a boy they attacked. 

In chapter ten, Ralph and Piggy confirm what the group did the night before. Ralph states, "That was murder" (224). Once Simon is dead and his body floats out to sea, the island is devoid of all good (and hope). As predicted by the Lord of Flies, Simon will not prevent the remaining boys from "having fun." Without good, evil will rule. 

How old does the Englishman say the alchemist is? How has he come to be that old?

The Englishman is obsessed with alchemy. The text tells readers that he spent most of his father's fortune in pursuit of learning the secrets of that mysterious art. In one of the textbooks about alchemy and the Philosopher's Stone, the Englishman read about a very old and knowledgeable alchemist. The alchemist is supposedly more than two hundred years old.  

He had spent enormous amounts of time at the great libraries of the world, and...

The Englishman is obsessed with alchemy. The text tells readers that he spent most of his father's fortune in pursuit of learning the secrets of that mysterious art. In one of the textbooks about alchemy and the Philosopher's Stone, the Englishman read about a very old and knowledgeable alchemist. The alchemist is supposedly more than two hundred years old.  

He had spent enormous amounts of time at the great libraries of the world, and had purchased all the rarest and most important volumes on alchemy. In one he had read that, many years ago, a famous Arabian alchemist had visited Europe. It was said that he was more than two hundred years old, and that he had discovered the Philosopher's Stone and the Elixir of Life.

The text is not more specific than "more than two hundred years old," unfortunately.

It's important for him to be that old though, because it guarantees that people consider him wise. "With age comes wisdom" is what people say, so being more than two hundred years old gives a lot of wisdom-building years. His age also gives him credibility. It is rumored that he found the Elixir of Life. Combine that with his age, and a person would definitely believe that the alchemist indeed must have found it.

What waste is produced as a result of obtaining or using geothermal energy?

Using geothermal energy may cause emissions of gases into the atmosphere. The amount of gases emitted into the atmosphere depends on the technology used within a hydrothermal energy plant. Hydrothermal plants produce geothermal energy.

Geothermal energy is produced by heat energy stored within the Earth (“geo” = Earth, "thermal" = heat). Hydrothermal energy plants reside over or near locations where molten rock heats water that is close to the Earth’s crust. Although the technology used...

Using geothermal energy may cause emissions of gases into the atmosphere. The amount of gases emitted into the atmosphere depends on the technology used within a hydrothermal energy plant. Hydrothermal plants produce geothermal energy.

Geothermal energy is produced by heat energy stored within the Earth (“geo” = Earth, "thermal" = heat). Hydrothermal energy plants reside over or near locations where molten rock heats water that is close to the Earth’s crust. Although the technology used amongst various hydrothermal energy plants varies, most use this hot water to spin a turbine that generates energy.

Hydrothermal plants can have closed-loop or open-loop water systems. Closed-loop systems contain the water and steam that is extracted from the geothermal reservoir within steel casings. Therefore, closed-loop systems do not expose gases that are extracted from the reservoir to the atmosphere. Instead, the gases and water are returned back to the ground after the heat is used for energy.

Open-loop systems do not contain the water and steam as well. As a result, carbon dioxide, methane, boron, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and other gases are emitted into the atmosphere. Such emissions may contribute to global warming and/or acid rain.

What are some introductory questions for student feedback of this text?

Introductory questions for student feedback: 

Marius calls his approach to Luther “essentially nonreligious.” What strengths and weaknesses do you find in this approach to a religious figure? In other words, what agendas might be shed and what agendas acquired?

Is Martin Luther, as Marius contends, a “catastrophe” for Western civilization? Why or why not? Another way of putting this: can one man be responsible for a civilization’s “catastrophe” or is this a result of trends...

Introductory questions for student feedback: 

Marius calls his approach to Luther “essentially nonreligious.” What strengths and weaknesses do you find in this approach to a religious figure? In other words, what agendas might be shed and what agendas acquired?

Is Martin Luther, as Marius contends, a “catastrophe” for Western civilization? Why or why not? Another way of putting this: can one man be responsible for a civilization’s “catastrophe” or is this a result of trends larger than any one person can control?

Marius contends that what drove Luther was the question of whether God really can raise us from death. How does this relate to the apostle Paul? How does it relate to our own times? To you? 

Related to the question above, discuss how Luther’s fear of death drove his theology. It has been said the personal is the political: is the personal also the theological?

Do you agree with Marius that Luther’s sense of doubt was deeper than most have acknowledged? To what extent might Marius’s “nonreligious” viewpoint color his interpretation?

How does Marius characterize Luther’s relationship with Erasmus?

Do you blame Luther, as Marius does, for opposing Erasmus’s humanism?

Is Luther to blame for the religious wars of the sixteenth century, as Marius contends? Why or why not.

Marius says very little about Luther after 1527. What is your reaction to that?

Could the events in The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 take place today?

The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963, a novel by Christopher Paul Curtis takes place at a time when Birmingham, Alabama was very violent. In the novel, the Watson family leaves their home in Flint, Michigan, and visits their grandmother in Birmingham, Alabama. Their goal is to leave their older son, Byron, in Birmingham so that he can improve his behavior. However, while they are in Birmingham, they witness the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church. This...

The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963, a novel by Christopher Paul Curtis takes place at a time when Birmingham, Alabama was very violent. In the novel, the Watson family leaves their home in Flint, Michigan, and visits their grandmother in Birmingham, Alabama. Their goal is to leave their older son, Byron, in Birmingham so that he can improve his behavior. However, while they are in Birmingham, they witness the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church. This was a real event that sadly killed four African-American girls. 

These events could likely not take place today, nor would anyone want them to. In 1963, the Civil Rights Movement launched a campaign to desegregate Birmingham, considered then to be one of the most segregated cities in the U.S. The movement used sit-ins, boycotts, and marches in an attempt to desegregate the city, and movement leaders recruited high school, college, and younger students to march in the campaign. Many African-American children were subjected to violence, as they were arrested and attacked with fire hoses and dogs. Images from this campaign were broadcast around the world and helped turn public opinion against segregation. All of these events form the backdrop of the part of The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 that takes place in the south, and they explain why the Watsons are on edge while they are in Birmingham and why they return with Byron and their other children to Michigan. 

In the play The Merchant of Venice, how does mercy or charity relate to the central concerns?

Mercy, charity, and the Christian faith all play huge thematic roles in this play. In the start of the play, Antonio lends money to his friend Bassanio in an act of charitable friendship. He does this to help his young friend court Portia, the woman Basannio later marries. Antonio is a wealthy merchant. Since most of his wealth is invested in ships, however, he must take a loan from the moneylender Shylock in order to...

Mercy, charity, and the Christian faith all play huge thematic roles in this play. In the start of the play, Antonio lends money to his friend Bassanio in an act of charitable friendship. He does this to help his young friend court Portia, the woman Basannio later marries. Antonio is a wealthy merchant. Since most of his wealth is invested in ships, however, he must take a loan from the moneylender Shylock in order to get the funds. Shylock gives him the money with the hopes of making a profit when Antonio's ships return. Bad lucks eventually leaves Antonio without the money he needs. This leaves Shylock in a position where he may extract a pound of flesh from Antonio, which would of course kill the merchant.

To save Antonio, Portia dresses up as a judge and gives a speech on the value of mercy. She argues that Shylock is wrong to take vengeance. She claims that "the quality of mercy is not strained," and argues that forgiveness is a higher value than justice. This aligns with the teaching of the Christian New Testament, in which Jesus also preaches forgiveness over justice. Modern scholars often find this solution disturbing, however, since Shylock, the jewish character, is not only deprived of his payment, but also forced to convert to Christianity. This does not appear especially merciful for a man of his faith. Many consider this an act of injustice rather than an act of true mercy.

How does the setting have an impact on the interaction of the characters in the story "Boys and Girls" by Alice Munro?

“Boys and Girls” by Alice Munro is set on a fox farm in the early twentieth century, where a young girl lives with her parents and younger brother Laird.  On a traditional farmstead, the roles for men and women are very sharply divided, and it is before this backdrop that the narrator must discover what it means to be a “girl” in such a society.  This setting is ideal to display such a contrast, due...

“Boys and Girls” by Alice Munro is set on a fox farm in the early twentieth century, where a young girl lives with her parents and younger brother Laird.  On a traditional farmstead, the roles for men and women are very sharply divided, and it is before this backdrop that the narrator must discover what it means to be a “girl” in such a society.  This setting is ideal to display such a contrast, due to these fixed, gender-dependent responsibilities, and the narrator learns over the course of the story that these conventions are non-negotiable. 

At the beginning of the story the narrator is a bit of a tomboy – she much prefers helping her father outside around the farm to assisting with domestic matters inside with her mother, much to the latter’s chagrin.  Her mother is overheard complaining that “It’s not like I had a girl in the family at all.”  This statement confuses the narrator, not yet understanding that certain things are expected of her as a female, rather than a male, child.  This relationship with her mother – one of resentment and maybe even jealousy on the part of the parent, due to the fact that the daughter wants nothing to do with her domestic world – is indicative of the general atmosphere throughout the story.  Most of the other characters as well expect the narrator to behave as a girl should, a feeling which becomes more defined and universal as she and Laird get older.

At the end of the story, when Laird tells on his sister for allowing the horse Flora to escape, she is ashamed and begins to cry, and while her father is initially angry, she is soon dismissed with the casual yet loaded phrase, “she’s only a girl.”  This comment from her father, who until this moment has taken no part in the gender categorization in the story, can be seen as the final, solidifying proponent of convention.  And to a certain extent this convention is within the narrator, as well.  On a farm, where men do men’s chores and women do women’s, there is no possibility for an unevenly divided soul – the narrator can’t have her feminine nighttime fantasies and decorate her room in lace while also toiling outside with her father.  She must choose, and unfortunately for her, society has done the choosing for her.

Throughout Suzanne Collins' novel The Hunger Games, how does the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, change?

In Suzanne Collins' novel The Hunger Games, the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, undergoes a number of changes over the course of the story.  At the beginning of the novel, Katniss is fearful and unsure of herself. While she illustrates bravery when she volunteers as tribute in place of her younger sister, Prim, she doesn't think she's going to survive and has little confidence in her abilities. She feels almost like she's a pawn in the...

In Suzanne Collins' novel The Hunger Games, the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, undergoes a number of changes over the course of the story. 
 
At the beginning of the novel, Katniss is fearful and unsure of herself. While she illustrates bravery when she volunteers as tribute in place of her younger sister, Prim, she doesn't think she's going to survive and has little confidence in her abilities. She feels almost like she's a pawn in the Capitol's games and she's basically already accepted that she's most likely going to die. 
 
Before she takes the train to the Capitol, she pleads with her mother to take care of Prim. Katniss reminds her that she'll be the only one Prim has once she dies. On page 37, Katniss even says, "I can't win. Prim must know that in her heart. The competition will be far beyond my abilities" (Collins, 37).
 
However, once she's actually participating in the Games, Katniss is able to hold her own for a long time. She escapes the Careers by cutting down a tracker jacker nest but she's stung in the process and ends up blacking out. When she wakes up, she finds that Rue, a young tribute who reminds her of Prim, has tended to her wounds. Katniss takes a liking to her and the two form an alliance.
 
Things go well until Katniss and Rue decide to separate in order carry out a plan to blow up some of the Careers' food and supplies. After blowing up the food, Katniss is on her way back to their meeting spot when she hears Rue screaming her name. She finds Rue trapped in a net and before she can free her, a boy from District 1 plunges a spear into her. 
 
Katniss kills the boy and stays with Rue as she dies. Rue tells her that she has to win and Katniss responds, "'I'm going to. Going to win for both of us now,' I promise" (Collins, 230). At that moment, Katniss regains her will to fight, for both Rue and herself. She sings to Rue until she finally passes away and then covers her body in beautiful flowers, signifying a proper burial. Then, she salutes Rue with a "goodbye" gesture that's unique to District 12. 
 
By that point in the novel, Katniss has changed significantly. While she's still afraid, she's now angry. She no longer feels like she can afford to lose the Games and will do anything to come out on top for Rue. Though she's still technically a player in the Capitol's games, she rebels against them and everything they stand for by honoring another fallen tribute. 
 
She even says, "I want to do something, right here, right now, to shame them, to make them accountable, to show the Capitol that whatever they do or force us to do there is a part of every tribute they can't own. That Rue was more than a piece in their Games. And so am I" (Collins, 233-234). 
 
That said, Katniss is no longer the cynical, passive girl she was when the novel first started. Now, she's angry, determined, resilient, and most importantly, defiant.

What is a summary of chapters 11-12 of Frindle?

Nick had invented the word “frindle” to test the theory that if everyone agreed on the meaning of the word, then it becomes a word.  Mrs. Granger and the school fought the students in this endeavor.  In chapter 11, a writer for The Westfield Gazette was looking for a new, interesting story.  Being a small town, Westfield did not have a lot of exciting news.  She published a story on the front page that read,

“Local 5th grader says, “Move over, Mr. Webster’” (pg 67)

She goes on to explain the war of words, and that Nick Allen was responsible for this event.  The day before, she had received a copy of the fifth grade group picture with all the students holding “frindles.” She included this picture in her article.  The reaction was immediate.  The superintendent contacted the principal, and the principal contacted Mrs. Granger.  Mrs. Chatham says,

“It’ll be a wonder if we don’t all get fired!” (pg 69)

In chapter twelve, Nick has suddenly become a hero, and he isn’t very comfortable in that role.  

“Kids at school started expecting him to be clever and funny all the time, and even for a kid as smart as Nick, that was asking a lot.” (pg 70)

Bud Lawrence, a businessman in town, filed a preliminary trademark claim on the word “frindle.”  He sold three thousand “frindles” in one week.  The sales began to slow, until a reporter in the larger town of Carrington, Alice Lunderson, from a local CBS-TV station picked up the story.   The story went from Carrington to Boston to New York and was on the national news.  Twenty million viewers would view it. Alice Lunderson interviewed Mrs. Granger and the Allen family.  Nick’s mother sat right next to him and made sure that he didn’t say anything inappropriate. 

“…..these reporters are just looking for a quick story that will make some excitement.  But you have to stay here and live in this town.  So mind your Ps and Qs” (pg 75)

Nick complimented Mrs. Granger during the interview.

“…. I learned a lot about words, and without her, I wouldn’t have.” (pg 76)

Twenty million people saw that interview, and the producer of The Late Show with David Letterman, a writer for People magazine, and a writer for 3-2-1 Contact magazine for kids were among the viewers.  Nick was a celebrity, and kids all over the United States started using the word, “frindle."

Bud Lawrence’s little enterprise in frindles suddenly skyrocketed.  This alarmed his attorney.

“The whole country knows that that little kid made up the word, and unless you make a deal with his dad, you’re going to end up with nothing, maybe even a big fat lawsuit.  That kid owns that word.” (pg 78)

Bud Lawrence calls Nick’s father and offers to give Nick thirty percent of whatever profits he makes selling "frindle” merchandise.  They sign a contract and set up a trust fund for Nick.  Mr. Allen asks that Nick not be told of this arrangement, and Mr. Lawrence agrees. 

What is "thoughtcrime" in 1984?

George Orwell, in his futuristic dystopian novel 1984, creates a language called "newspeak" which epitomizes the style and manner of thinking of totalitarian regimes. The goal of "newspeak" within the novel is to create a language in which it is impossible to think subversive thoughts that might destabilize Big Brother and the government of Oceania. Syme, a friend of Winston, the protagonist of the novel, states:

Don't you see that the whole aim of...

George Orwell, in his futuristic dystopian novel 1984, creates a language called "newspeak" which epitomizes the style and manner of thinking of totalitarian regimes. The goal of "newspeak" within the novel is to create a language in which it is impossible to think subversive thoughts that might destabilize Big Brother and the government of Oceania. Syme, a friend of Winston, the protagonist of the novel, states:

Don't you see that the whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought? In the end we shall make thoughtcrime literally impossible, because there will be no words in which to express it.

"Crimethink" is any form of criminal or subversive thinking. A "thoughtcrime" is a thought which is forbidden. By means of a system of ubiquitous cameras and microphones, Big Brother monitors not just what people say and write, but also their facial expressions and tones of voice for any possible subversive thoughts. Simply having such thoughts is a crime. In a sense, the notion of a thoughtcrime is an apocalyptic vision of technologically enabled totalitarianism.

What does Held mean when she asks for a "feminist transformation of ethics"?

Virginia Held is a leading feminist philosopher who was born October 28, 1929. She is making a feminist argument for including a gendered understanding of ethical decisions and theory. She argues that ethics or moral theory has been lacking a feminine point of view. She claims that male ideals such as reason, logic and a lack of emotion have become valued and female ideals such as emotion and compassion have been devalued through a history...

Virginia Held is a leading feminist philosopher who was born October 28, 1929. She is making a feminist argument for including a gendered understanding of ethical decisions and theory. She argues that ethics or moral theory has been lacking a feminine point of view. She claims that male ideals such as reason, logic and a lack of emotion have become valued and female ideals such as emotion and compassion have been devalued through a history of excluding female voices, historians, and theorists throughout the Western World. She argues for an inclusion of women in the field of theory to help us form a new ethics.

"Feminist reconceptualization and recommendations concerning the relation between reason and emotion, the distinction between private, and the concept of the self, are providing insights deeply challenging to standard moral theory. The implications of this work are that we need an almost total reconstruction of social and political and economic and legal theory in all their traditions..."

Virginia Held is arguing for an ethics that is unique and focuses on care. It is distinctly different from Kantian, utilitarian and virtue-based ethical programs.

Held, Virginia. Feminist Transformations of Moral Theory. Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, Vol. 50, Supplement (Autumn, 1990), pp. 321-344.

I have three questions about the novel Animal Farm. First, how according to Old Major are the animals exploited by man? Second, who in Russian...

George Orwell's novel Animal Farm is an allegory about the Russian Revolution and the evils of communism. The animals are like the Russian workers and Farmer Jones is representative of the ruling class of Russia, specifically Czar Nicholas II, who was overthrown by the communists in 1917. The aging boar, Old Major, is the German philosopher Karl Marx who recounted the exploitation of the working class and the revolution that promised to cure their ills...

George Orwell's novel Animal Farm is an allegory about the Russian Revolution and the evils of communism. The animals are like the Russian workers and Farmer Jones is representative of the ruling class of Russia, specifically Czar Nicholas II, who was overthrown by the communists in 1917. The aging boar, Old Major, is the German philosopher Karl Marx who recounted the exploitation of the working class and the revolution that promised to cure their ills in his book The Communist Manifesto.

In his speech at the beginning of the book Old Major explains that while the animals do all the work the farmer is the one who benefits. The cows give milk, the chickens lay eggs, and the horses plow the fields, yet their lives are still miserable. According to Old Major only one thing will change the animals' plight and that is rebellion. By overthrowing the farmer, Old Major promises, the animals' problems will be solved and they will be both free and rich.

Unfortunately the revolution never quite delivers the freedom the animals want. The pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, eventually become similar in their repression to Farmer Jones. Napoleon is the Bolshevik leader Lenin, and Snowball, who is ousted from the farm, is Leon Trotsky, who was exiled from Russia and later murdered in Mexico. Squealer represents the communist propaganda machine and the dogs are representative of the communist secret police, the KGB.

In the book Maniac Magee, in chapter 25, how does Jeffrey make Grayson feel special and important?

Chapter 25 is not exactly a happy chapter in this book. Most of the chapter is taken up with Grayson telling Maniac Magee stories from his earlier days as a minor league pitcher. Some of the stories are sad, some are happy, and some are funny. The chapter ends on a big downer because the final story that Grayson tells is how he pitched the worst game of his life in front of a scout...

Chapter 25 is not exactly a happy chapter in this book. Most of the chapter is taken up with Grayson telling Maniac Magee stories from his earlier days as a minor league pitcher. Some of the stories are sad, some are happy, and some are funny. The chapter ends on a big downer because the final story that Grayson tells is how he pitched the worst game of his life in front of a scout and blew his chance at playing major league baseball. The question seems to indicate that it is looking for a specific thing that Maniac does to make Grayson feel better. I think that occurs early in the chapter. This is when Maniac begins probing Grayson for some details about his baseball career. When Grayson admits that he was a minor league pitcher, Maniac is in awe of Grayson and tells Grayson that he must have been a great pitcher to make it in the minors:

"You wanted to be a baseball player."

"That ain't no story."

"Well, did you become one!" Grayson drank half his orange juice. "Just the minors," he muttered.

Maniac yelped, "The minors!"

"Couldn't never make it to the majors." There was a frayed weariness in the old man's words, as though they had long since worn out.

"Grayson—the minors. Man, you must have been good."

Grayson probably is not used to this kind of flattery anymore, but Maniac's encouraging words are enough to warm Grayson up to tell more baseball stories.

In Chapter Three of Animal Farm by George Orwell, how do certain events suggest to the reader that the rebellion will not work out as well as it...

Soon after the animals of Animal Farm get rid of Farmer Jones and take over the farm for themselves, they begin to run the farm quite well. As a matter of fact, they bring in the harvest faster and better than they had ever done under Jones. However, some of the animals also start to notice a few things that foreshadow for the reader what is to come. For one, the milk starts disappearing, and...

Soon after the animals of Animal Farm get rid of Farmer Jones and take over the farm for themselves, they begin to run the farm quite well. As a matter of fact, they bring in the harvest faster and better than they had ever done under Jones. However, some of the animals also start to notice a few things that foreshadow for the reader what is to come. For one, the milk starts disappearing, and for another, the windfall of early apples from the trees also disappears. The animals had thought they would all share in the apples, and suddenly they were gone.

They soon find out that the pigs have taken both the milk and the apples for themselves. When questioned, Squealer tells the other animals that the pigs need apples and milk because they are "brainworkers," and it's important for everyone that they are properly nourished.

At this early point in the book, the pigs are already setting themselves above the other animals--something that should not have happened when "All animals are equal." (Orwell 43)

How is culture communicated? |

Have you ever heard the phrase, "Monkey see, monkey do?" Although humans aren't monkeys, this phrase applies very well to our process of learning culture. Culture is kind of hard to define, but Anthropologists like to say that anything humans do that isn't biology (eating, drinking, sleeping, and reproducing) is culture. Culture is made up of language, food practices, art, beliefs about the world, styles of communication, architecture, bodily adornment, a collective history, gender and...

Have you ever heard the phrase, "Monkey see, monkey do?" Although humans aren't monkeys, this phrase applies very well to our process of learning culture. Culture is kind of hard to define, but Anthropologists like to say that anything humans do that isn't biology (eating, drinking, sleeping, and reproducing) is culture. Culture is made up of language, food practices, art, beliefs about the world, styles of communication, architecture, bodily adornment, a collective history, gender and age roles, and so on. Culture may be communicated both implicitly and explicitly. As we grow up, we go through the process of enculturation, meaning we learn our culture from the people around us. Sometimes these cultural lessons may be very explicitly communicated, such as when a parent teaches a child table manners. Other times, it's quite implicit, like learning how to interact in a particular social situation based on observations of how others are behaving. 

At any point in our lives, we may also experience acculturation on the micro or macro scale. Acculturation is a process were we learn another's culture. On the micro scale, if a friend teaches you how to make a traditional family dish, you're learning a part of your friend's culture. On the macro scale, an entire culture may learn something about another—consider the popularity of Mexican food in the United States. Acculturation is different from assimilation because it's not an active attempt to make one element of an "outside" culture fit neatly into a new, "inside" culture. Of course, assimilation involves learning a new culture through acculturation. 

With that in mind, there's really very few things humans do that don't communicate culture because it makes up such a large, integral part of our lives. We create and re-create our culture through our actions, our speech, the food we eat, the homes we live in, and especially the media we engage with.

In the book The Giver they mention assignments and I wanted to know more information on the Engineer assignment.

The assignment itself is not really detailed, but we do know a little bit about what engineers in the community do as a result of other conversations that go on in the book.

We know that one of Jonas's father's friends was an engineer who designed a bridge there in the community, so that indicates that engineers have some or most of the same duties in this community as in any other. They would be...

The assignment itself is not really detailed, but we do know a little bit about what engineers in the community do as a result of other conversations that go on in the book.

We know that one of Jonas's father's friends was an engineer who designed a bridge there in the community, so that indicates that engineers have some or most of the same duties in this community as in any other. They would be responsible for creating the plans for buildings and infrastructure. Although the assignment of Engineer is not specifically mentioned in regards to Benjamin, in Ch. 7the Council of Elders "describes this year's group [of twelves] and its variety of personalities..." and in doing this they talk about a boy with "unusual scientific aptitude" and Jonas assumes,

"Probably the one with scientific aptitude was Benjamin, the male who had devised new, important equipment for the Rehabilitation Center" (Ch.7).

This falls in line with the qualities one would need for being an Engineer and seems to describe some of the duties one in that a assignment would need to do.

We also know that the community has genetic engineers who they call genetic scientists. We learn of them in Ch. 12 when Jonas and the Giver are talking about the community no longer having color. The Giver explains that when they went to Sameness they gave up color, and that "hair like Fiona's must drive them [the genetic scientists] crazy." In our world the duties that the Giver describes their genetic scientists having are the duties of our genetic engineers, so you could actually use them as an example of engineers as well. In Jonas's society they are responsible for making everything look the same by manipulating their genes.

In the play Othello, why was Cassio unfairly treated?

Michael Cassio was unfairly treated as a result of Iago's manipulation. Iago hated him because he had been appointed as Othello's lieutenant, a post he desired and felt he was entitled to since he had been so loyal to Othello. Furthermore, to add insult to injury, Michael was an outsider, a Florentine, and according to Iago, he had no military knowledge or experience and had only book knowledge. Iago felt insulted and humiliated that Othello dared to appoint him and swore revenge on both.

Iago also resented Michael's good looks and charm. He was young and had a way with women, whilst he had none of those qualities. Iago was, in contrast, manipulative and scheming. He, therefore, felt it his duty to do whatever he could do hurt the unsuspecting lieutenant. It was for this reason that he plotted with Roderigo to have Cassio, firstly, dismissed, and secondly, killed.

What made Iago's resentment and treatment of Cassio unfair is that Cassio did not choose to be what he was. The traits he possessed were ones he was born with. Secondly, it was not his decision that Othello chose him as his lieutenant. He only applied for the position and was appointed. Whatever reason Othello had for commissioning him was the general's decision and Michael could not be held accountable for that.

Cassio's only mistake was the fact that he did not resist Iago's urge for him to take another drink. His resolve was not strong enough even though he knew he had already had one drink and did not have the constitution to resist the effects of the intoxicant. By the time he took the second drink, he was already a bit drunk. Iago wanted him to imbibe so that he would be easily affected by Roderigo's taunts and his challenge.

This was all part of Iago's scheme. With Cassio intoxicated, it would be easy for Roderigo to provoke him into doing something wrong and earn Othello's ire. Iago had already prepared the way forward by telling Montano that Cassio had a drinking habit. He drank every day before going to bed. Montano then said that he should inform Othello about Cassio's weakness, but Iago ironically asserted that he would never harm Cassio.

Iago's plan worked perfectly. Cassio went off to bed insisting that he was not drunk. On the way he was confronted by Roderigo who picked a fight with him. The obviously inebriated Cassio reacted and the two men started a brawl. They re-entered the scene and Cassio threatened Montano when he intervened. The two men fought and Montano was seriously wounded. Roderigo ran off at Iago's instruction and raised the alarm, waking Othello in the process. On arrival Othello asked Cassio:

How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot?

Othello wished to know how Michael had lost his composure. Since he was Othello's lieutenant, he was supposed to keep the peace and be well-behaved, given the conditions in Cyprus with the threat of an attack from the Turks. Cassio was too overwhelmed to speak and said:

I pray you, pardon me; I cannot speak.

On his inquiry about how the brawl began and who had been responsible, Iago gave all the details about what he had witnessed. Othello, without giving Michael an opportunity to defend himself (probably because he had become mute from shock) summarily dismissed him saying:

I know, Iago,
Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter,
Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee
But never more be officer of mine.

And thus, the innocent Michael Cassio becomes a victim of Iago's evil deception. His attempts to counsel with Desdemona (on Iago's advice) in order to regain his position, were slyly used by the evil master manipulator to convince Othello that Michael and Desdemona were having an affair making Othello a cuckold. Othello and Iago later make an oath to kill the two supposed lovers. 

In To Kill A Mockingbird, why does Scout cry after returning home from the jail?

A lot is changing for the Finch family in To Kill a Mockingbird. Jem is growing moody and even unpleasant. Aunt Alexander has come to stay, and does not share Scout's outlook on life. As Scout reflects in chapter thirteen:

Aunt Alexandra was of the opinion, obliquely expressed, that the longer a family had been squatting on one patch of land the finer it was.

Aunt Alexander is very critical of Scout and her...

A lot is changing for the Finch family in To Kill a Mockingbird. Jem is growing moody and even unpleasant. Aunt Alexander has come to stay, and does not share Scout's outlook on life. As Scout reflects in chapter thirteen:

Aunt Alexandra was of the opinion, obliquely expressed, that the longer a family had been squatting on one patch of land the finer it was.

Aunt Alexander is very critical of Scout and her tomboyishness, and even persuades Atticus to berate his children for improper behavior. Scout is not prone to crying but this makes her cry, more from her confusion because she would never expect Atticus to worry about keeping up appearances. She has always thought that as long as people "did the best they could with the sense they had" that that would be good enough.

In chapter fifteen, when Atticus goes out one evening in his car (which is an unusual occurrence), the children follow him because Jem is worried about him. They see that he is sitting in front of the jail, and Scout runs to him interrupting a volatile situation unintentionally. The children become part of the interaction, and Scout fortunately defuses the situation without even being aware of it. Back at home, she is able to process "the full meaning of the night's events" (chapter sixteen), and realizes that Atticus' calm demeanor had hidden any real fear. This is when she begins to cry, as she realizes that her father had been in grave danger. 

What does Waller do to Mammy in Chapter 5 of Nightjohn?

In Chapter 5, Waller chains Mammy up, whips her clothes off her, forces her to wear a horse harness, and subsequently whips her until her back is raw.

As the chapter begins, Sarny talks about the excitement of learning her letters and numbers from John, another slave. The young girl is so happy to learn that she scratches out her first word ('bag') on every piece of dirt she can find. Eventually, the plantation owner,...

In Chapter 5, Waller chains Mammy up, whips her clothes off her, forces her to wear a horse harness, and subsequently whips her until her back is raw.

As the chapter begins, Sarny talks about the excitement of learning her letters and numbers from John, another slave. The young girl is so happy to learn that she scratches out her first word ('bag') on every piece of dirt she can find. Eventually, the plantation owner, Waller, catches her in the act of writing.

Waller is furious and proceeds to physically attack Sarny, who just manages to get away from him. Sarny runs to Mammy in fear. Eventually, Waller catches up to Sarny and demands to know the identity of the person who has been teaching Sarny how to read and write. Mammy doesn't give him a name, and Waller soon turns his fury on her. He has her shackled to the walls of the spring house and leaves her there in great pain for most of the day. When he does finally emerge from the house, he demands an answer to his original question, but Mammy still remains stubborn. At that, Waller tears her from her chains, rips her clothes off her, and orders her to put the horse harness around her neck. He then proceeds to whip her back mercilessly while she desperately tries to pull the buggy he is on. Due to his sadistic nature, Waller also makes all the field slaves witness Mammy's humiliation.

Unable to bear it any longer, John finally speaks up and admits to teaching Sarny how to read and write. Upon hearing that, Waller has both of John's middle toes hacked off with a chisel and hammer. Chapter 5 ends with Sarny wishing the worse kind of hell there is on Waller.

Why do you think Candy allowed Carlson to kill his dog? How does candy feel about incident? How do others react during the incident and why?

Candy is set apart from the other workers on the ranch by his advanced age, his physical handicap, and his extended work in the same location.  But nothing distinguishes him quite like his companion, his old, crippled, mangy, half-blind dog.  Like George, Candy has a friend.  He does not have to travel through life without the solace of someone (or something) to share it with.  Carlson seems resentful of the dog's presence in the bunkhouse:...

Candy is set apart from the other workers on the ranch by his advanced age, his physical handicap, and his extended work in the same location.  But nothing distinguishes him quite like his companion, his old, crippled, mangy, half-blind dog.  Like George, Candy has a friend.  He does not have to travel through life without the solace of someone (or something) to share it with.  Carlson seems resentful of the dog's presence in the bunkhouse:  

"Well, I can’t stand him in here,” said Carlson. “That stink hangs around even after he’s gone.” He walked over with his heavy-legged stride and looked down at the dog. “Got no teeth,” he said. “He’s all stiff with rheumatism. He ain’t no good to you, Candy. An’ he ain’t no good to himself. Why’n’t you shoot him, Candy?”

Shoot him?  Seems a bit drastic, doesn't it?  If the dog smells, why not just put him outside?  Candy explains that he has had the dog since he was a pup, that he doesn't mind taking care of him, that shooting him might hurt him--but none of these reasons sway Carlson from his mission.  Both men look to Slim for the final decision without actually asking him aloud.  Slim, who is seen as the leader among the workers, does not give Candy the reprieve he hoped for:

Candy looked a long time at Slim to try to find some reversal. And Slim gave him none. At last Candy said softly and hopelessly, “Awright—take ‘im.” He did not look down at the dog at all. He lay back on his bunk and crossed his arms behind his head and stared at the ceiling.

At this point, Candy does not feel he has any option.  He tells Carlson to go ahead and take his best friend out to his death.

The other characters, strangely, seem to be completely indifferent to the events transporting between Carlson and Candy.  They play cards and discuss the letter to the editor that Whit found in a magazine, which has its own symbolic value.  But they are largely uncaring about Candy's plight.

How does Golding use characterization to present the theme of power in Lord of the Flies?

Golding uses characterization several ways to present the theme of power in this novel.

The first way he does this is through selecting characters who are themselves, but who also symbolize different positions in the debate.

Ralph represents the forces of civilization, restraint, and order. He's the son of a navy officer, and tries to convince the boys to keep a fire going, both as a symbol of civilization and to signal rescue.

Jack leads...

Golding uses characterization several ways to present the theme of power in this novel.

The first way he does this is through selecting characters who are themselves, but who also symbolize different positions in the debate.

Ralph represents the forces of civilization, restraint, and order. He's the son of a navy officer, and tries to convince the boys to keep a fire going, both as a symbol of civilization and to signal rescue.

Jack leads the other group of boys. Jack embraces the wildness of the island, and seizes power through violence and ritual. The novel essentially sets up a choice here: you can take the quick and easy route to power (like the dark side of the force in Star Wars) or be responsible and civilized.

The character of Piggy also plays a role in dramatizing the theme of power. Piggy's essentially an intellectual, not a leader. He's made fun of and his glasses are broken before he is killed. These actions show that in a struggle for power, the rational mind is diminished, blinded, and killed.

How can "My Last Duchess" by Robert Browning be viewed as an example of a dramatic monologue? Why has the poet chosen to use this form?

A dramatic monologue typically has a couple of key features.  First, it is in poetry format.  If it were not, then it would be a theatrical monologue.  "My Last Duchess" has that characteristic.  

Second, the poem/speech is one person's speech.  It is not a conversation.  The speaker is also an assumed character.  It is not simply the internal thoughts of the poet.  A characteris speaking.  In "My Last Duchess" the speaking character is...

A dramatic monologue typically has a couple of key features.  First, it is in poetry format.  If it were not, then it would be a theatrical monologue.  "My Last Duchess" has that characteristic.  

Second, the poem/speech is one person's speech.  It is not a conversation.  The speaker is also an assumed character.  It is not simply the internal thoughts of the poet.  A character is speaking.  In "My Last Duchess" the speaking character is the Duke.  

I think the reason that Browning chose this format is that the format leaves much of the character interpretation up to the audience.  In a normal third person narration, the narrator can tell audience members that a character is "this" or "that" type of character. The narrator can tell the audience what personality traits somebody has.  But by creating a dramatic monologue, Browning has shown readers exactly what the Duke is like.  We get a much better feel for the character, because the poem is spoken through that character. 

What is Sherlock Holmes' outlook on life?

"The Red-Headed League" was one of the earliest Sherlock Holmes stories Sir Arthur Conan Doyle published. As such, it contains more direct characterization of Holmes than later stories. Direct characterization is when an author directly describes a character to the reader. Doyle also lets Holmes describe himself in this story; this is considered indirect characterization because the reader learns about the character from something the character does or says, or what others say to him or do in response to him.

The direct characterization gives us some hints about Holmes' view of life. When Watson is contemplating his friend's "dual nature," he states, "the swing of his nature took him from extreme languor to devouring energy." He attributes this to the battle between Holmes' exacting rational side and his "poetic and contemplative" side. We get a feeling that Holmes swings between dreaming and doing, between nourishing his inner life and making a difference in the outer world.

At the end of the story Watson compliments Holmes profusely. Holmes yawns and says it saved him from "ennui," or boredom. Then he states, "My life is spent in one long effort to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little problems help me to do so." We get from this that Holmes thinks life is too drab, which seems like the view of someone who has no grounding beliefs about the purpose of life, perhaps no view of the ultimate flow of history toward good or evil, and no confidence in his role in that greater drama. Life overall seems boring and purposeless to him, and solving crimes is but a brief respite from the dullness of that rudderless boat ride he is taking on a sea of meaninglessness. 

Watson tries to encourage Holmes to take a more hopeful view by telling him he is a benefactor of mankind. Holmes accepts the compliment but demurs with the French aphorism, "The man is nothing; the work is all." Although this is a refreshingly humble admission from a man who can at times appear annoyingly arrogant, it nevertheless reflects an abdication of his personal responsibility to fully embrace his role in life. He does not seem to believe that he himself has been put on earth to benefit mankind, but he acknowledges that his work can be beneficial, can be "of some little use."

What is the exposition to "The Monkey's Paw"?

Exposition is the beginning of a story.  In the exposition, the characters, setting, and inciting incident are introduced.  The inciting incident is the conflict that gets the plot rolling.

The setting is important in this story.  A story’s setting is the time and place where the story occurs.  The setting of this story is in the early 1900’s or late 1800’s.  It is a windy night on an isolated street where most of the houses are empty.

Without, the night was cold and wet, but in the small parlour of Laburnam Villa the blinds were drawn and the fire burned brightly. Father and son were at chess, the former … putting his king into such sharp and unnecessary perils that it even provoked comment from the white-haired old lady knitting placidly by the fire.

There are many important aspects of this setting.  In addition to the importance of the isolation and the weather, the fire and the chess game are part of the setting.  They foreshadow the fact that something is going to happen, and that there will be tension.

The characters are the Whites.  There is a mother, father, and son, Herbert.  The parents are not given names.  They get a visit from an old friend of Mr. White’s, Seargent-Major Morris.  He has been in India, and that is where he got the Monkey’s Paw.

The appearance of the sergeant and the paw are the inciting incident.  This is the problem that the rest of the story’s events are based on.

"And has anybody else wished?" persisted the old lady.

"The first man had his three wishes. Yes," was the reply; "I don't know what the first two were, but the third was for death. That's how I got the paw."

The story continues from here, and this is the end of the exposition.  The next stage is the rising action, where the story develops as the Whites wish, followed by the climax where they face the consequences of their wishes, which is the most exciting part, and then the falling action where the story folds up.  The resolution is the ending, where they have to wish their son dead again.

What are ways the tiger might have helped Pi stay alive?

There are many times that Pi refers to Richard Parker saving him either mentally, emotionally, or physically. There are times on the lifeboat that Pi experiences stress and strain with each facet of survival. For example, in chapter 56, Pi discusses the effects of fear on a person in his circumstances. Fear can be both mentally and emotionally draining, but in chapter 57, he says the following:

"It was Richard Parker who calmed me down....

There are many times that Pi refers to Richard Parker saving him either mentally, emotionally, or physically. There are times on the lifeboat that Pi experiences stress and strain with each facet of survival. For example, in chapter 56, Pi discusses the effects of fear on a person in his circumstances. Fear can be both mentally and emotionally draining, but in chapter 57, he says the following:

"It was Richard Parker who calmed me down. It is the irony of this story that the one who scared me witless to start with was the very same who brought me peace, purpose, I dare say even wholeness" (162).

Remaining calm or finding a calming trigger helps Pi to endure each day of such a traumatic experience. Another emotional factor that helps to save Pi, and directly relates to the tiger, is when Pi tells the tiger he loves him:

"I love you, Richard Parker. If I didn't have you now, I don't know what I would do. I don't think I would make it. No, I wouldn't. I would die of hopelessness" (236).

Love is a feeling that can override hopelessness and loneliness. By feeling love for the tiger, Pi makes a needed connection that strengthens him emotionally. Another way Richard Parker is mentally helpful to Pi is that he needs to be taken care of. Pi feeds him and cleans up after him. This gives Pi something to do and to think about other than his tragic situation. Pi explains as follows:

"If I still had the will to live, it was thanks to Richard Parker. He kept me from thinking too much about my family and my tragic circumstances. He pushed me to go on living" (164).

Finally, Richard Parker saves Pi physically by killing the Frenchman who tries to kill him. In chapter 90, Pi explains how it happened:

". . . the next moment my dear brother shrieked in my face like I've never heard a man shriek before. . . . This was the terrible cost of Richard Parker. He gave me a life, my own, but at the expense of taking one. He ripped the flesh off the man's frame and cracked his bones" (255).

Based on the evidence, Richard Parker physically saves Pi's life, but he also helps Pi to stay focused and calm through his seven months at sea.

Why should Abigail's escapades worry Reverend Parris?

From the beginning of The Crucible, Arthur Miller makes it clear that Reverend Parris is concerned about his reputation above all else. If it is found out that his niece, Abigail, was dancing in the woods, he would be subjected to a great deal of criticism and possibly lose his position. Even worse, though would be the discovery that the girls were taking part in witchcraft. In Act I, he says to Abigail,

Now...

From the beginning of The Crucible, Arthur Miller makes it clear that Reverend Parris is concerned about his reputation above all else. If it is found out that his niece, Abigail, was dancing in the woods, he would be subjected to a great deal of criticism and possibly lose his position. Even worse, though would be the discovery that the girls were taking part in witchcraft. In Act I, he says to Abigail,

Now look you, child, your punishment will come in its time. But if you trafficked with spirits in the forest I must know it now, for surely my enemies will, and they will ruin me with it.

Parris’s concern clearly is focused on his own status in Salem. He needs to know exactly what Abigail was up to because he knows her actions will reflect on him. Parris knows that Abigail’s reputation is already questionable. He asks her if her name in the town is “entirely white,” implying that the people already know she is not the best example of morality by Salem’s standards. At this point, Parris is desperately trying to gain control of the situation in order to keep his status intact. As the play goes on, it is Abigail who gains control of the situation and leads the charge in accusing innocent people of witchcraft. Parris goes along with this, thinking it will work to his advantage, but when the more respected people of the town, including John Proctor and Rebecca Nurse, become accused, people start making death threats to Parris. This, again, shows the effect Abigail’s actions have on his reputation and his status in Salem.

How are things that we take to be natural socially constructed?

There are two ways in which we take things to be natural: either because a) something has become so normal, so commonsensical, so taken for granted, that it has become naturalized, or b) the object is considered natural, from nature, the stuff of the life sciences. Let's work through two examples to address this question: first, the state-citizen relationship, and secondly, the idea of wilderness.

Nationalities have become naturalized identity categories because power (on the...

There are two ways in which we take things to be natural: either because a) something has become so normal, so commonsensical, so taken for granted, that it has become naturalized, or b) the object is considered natural, from nature, the stuff of the life sciences. Let's work through two examples to address this question: first, the state-citizen relationship, and secondly, the idea of wilderness.

Nationalities have become naturalized identity categories because power (on the world stage) is organized in the form of nation-states. Although we are born as citizens of particular countries as opposed to others and carry this designation with us, constitutively as part of our selves, whether we wear it proudly or implicitly, this mode of being in the world - as citizens - is a historical effect of the socially constructed idea of the nation-state that became universalized (as the only legitimate mode of organizing politics) through both rationalization and brute force.

In terms of wilderness, we can think of the way objects understood to be natural, such as national parks, are also the product of social constructions. To begin with, national parks or places of wilderness are produced through state policies that designate particular parcels of land for particular social purposes (site-seeing, hiking, taking pictures, camping, etc) accessible to those who have the time and money to escape their everyday lives (in the non- natural world). Moreover, to create wilderness as a space that is completely "natural," there cannot be human inhabitants or settlements. Thus, the bordering of places deemed natural can also be understood as socially constructed through the policies that removed all of the indigenous populations that supposedly "contaminated" the purity or authenticity of wilderness. So, even the idea of nature - as juxtaposed with the social and the human - is a socially constructed conception that has its origins in Western philosophical thought. 

What attitude do Ulrich and Georg have in the story "The Interlopers?"

In the beginning, and for most of the story, Ulrich and Georg are both stubborn and vindictive. They have inherited a quarrel that is not really theirs. Yes, technically Ulrich owns the land and Georg is therefore trespassing. But to take this argument over an insignificant piece of land to the point of wishing death upon one's opponent is quite ridiculous. It shows how Ulrich and Georg both have reactionary attitudes. In other words, both...

In the beginning, and for most of the story, Ulrich and Georg are both stubborn and vindictive. They have inherited a quarrel that is not really theirs. Yes, technically Ulrich owns the land and Georg is therefore trespassing. But to take this argument over an insignificant piece of land to the point of wishing death upon one's opponent is quite ridiculous. It shows how Ulrich and Georg both have reactionary attitudes. In other words, both men are set in their ways and refuse to reconsider things. This is especially evident in how they accept, embrace, and perpetuate the feud they have inherited. 

Their attitudes do change, however. When they find themselves with something in common, the opportunity for change presents itself. While both men are fighting for their lives, trapped under the tree, they are initially stuck in their reactionary ways. But after an initial gesture by Ulrich and momentary resistance from Georg, a friendship begins. They end their allegiance to the feud and they become united in trying to survive. The shift is complete, going from narrow-minded to open-minded, from blindly following tradition to embracing the new. 

What 5 character traits describe Nag in the story "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" by Rudyard Kipling?

Nag is the male cobra in this story. When readers first meet him, they find out that he has brought great grief to the tailorbird family by eating a baby bird that fell out of their nest. This establishes him as a cruel villain. He continues to demonstrate his cruelty by plotting to kill the man, woman, and boy. 

Nag is also crafty. In his first meeting with Rikki, he tries to keep him...

Nag is the male cobra in this story. When readers first meet him, they find out that he has brought great grief to the tailorbird family by eating a baby bird that fell out of their nest. This establishes him as a cruel villain. He continues to demonstrate his cruelty by plotting to kill the man, woman, and boy. 

Nag is also crafty. In his first meeting with Rikki, he tries to keep him talking so that Nagaina can sneak up behind the mongoose and strike. He decides to kill the man by lying in wait for him in the bathroom of the bungalow so that the man will be unarmed and taken by surprise. 

Despite how cruel and crafty he is, Nag is fearful. Upon first seeing Rikki, because he understands how deadly mongooses are for snakes, "he was afraid." When he questions Nagaina about the necessity of killing the humans, it is doubtful he does so from any kindness in his heart toward them. Rather, he saw the man beat Kurait with a stick, and he does not want to receive the same treatment. Therefore, he hides in the bathroom because "when he comes in to bathe in the morning he will not have a stick." He sees that ridding the house of humans will keep him from having to face Rikki in battle: "There is no need that we should hunt for Rikki-Tikki afterward.... The bungalow will be empty, and Rikki-Tikki will go."

The snake is also pompous. To introduce himself to Rikki, he makes a self-important speech about the "great god Brahm" who made him to look as imposing as he does. He then challenges Rikki to "look, and be afraid!" 

Finally, the snake is unethical. When Rikki challenges him on the ethics of eating "fledglings out of a nest," Nag responds, "Let us talk. ... You eat eggs. Why should not I eat birds?" His reticence about killing people is easily overcome by his wife when she points out that killing them will mean that they will become "king and queen of the garden." 

Nag's negative character traits contrast with the positive traits of Rikki, who is ethical, brave, humble, smart, and protective of the humans and the other animals.

In Freak the Mighty, when Max takes a time out, where does he go?

In Chapter 5 of Freak the Mighty, Max takes a “timeout” so to speak. Max just got done showing Freak his bedroom when the Fair Gwen began looking for him. Gwen spots the wagon they were using in Max’s backyard, so she heads towards Max’s bedroom. When she sees Max, she is immediately frightened and runs away with Freak (20):

. . . and the Fair Gwen grabs Freak and puts him in the wagon...

In Chapter 5 of Freak the Mighty, Max takes a “timeout” so to speak. Max just got done showing Freak his bedroom when the Fair Gwen began looking for him. Gwen spots the wagon they were using in Max’s backyard, so she heads towards Max’s bedroom. When she sees Max, she is immediately frightened and runs away with Freak (20):

. . . and the Fair Gwen grabs Freak and puts him in the wagon and I swear, she almost runs home, like if she doesn’t get away quick something really bad is going to happen.

After this incident, Max explains that he drifts off in sort of a dreamlike state sometimes. From what he says, he implies that this happens quite frequently. This may be another reason why he like his bedroom in the basement so much - it gives him the freedom to go into this dreamlike state without being bothered.

As a reader, we can infer that this dreamlike state happens when something scares Max, he feels uncomfortable, or he feels stressed. To seek comfort, he goes under his bed (21):

What I do is lie on the floor under my bed, where you can just barely see the bedsprings and stuff because it’s so dark, and before long I’m somewhere else, sort of floating, and it’s so cool and empty in there, you don’t have to think about anything. You’re nothing, you’re nobody, nothing matters, you’re not even there. Time out.

In other words, this time out isn’t the traditional way in which we think of time outs. Instead, it’s a way for Max to escape reality and reflect on his experiences. 

What type of stage would be used for A Doll's House?

A Doll's Houseis a simplistic and minimal play in terms of set design requirements. This allows for a good deal of flexibility in each individual production. There is no reason why it couldn't be performed on a typical proscenium stage, also known as a window stage. However, there might be several advantages to performing such a play on a thrust stage, which juts out into the audience and is surrounded by seats on three...

A Doll's House is a simplistic and minimal play in terms of set design requirements. This allows for a good deal of flexibility in each individual production. There is no reason why it couldn't be performed on a typical proscenium stage, also known as a window stage. However, there might be several advantages to performing such a play on a thrust stage, which juts out into the audience and is surrounded by seats on three sides. A thrust stage has many of the same strengths as a proscenium stage, but in addition it provides a 3-D effect to the audience, especially for those sitting in the front of the theater. A Doll's House is a play that is very light on physical action and heavy in conversation and emotional dialogue. Using a thrust stage would help engage the audience in conversations that might be less visually appealing than a well-choreographed fight scene or dance sequence. There is no absolute need for a thrust stage instead of a proscenium for this play, but many individual productions may consider it worthwhile to project their actors into the audience by using a thrust stage.

Why does the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture in a collection bulb not react as soon as it's collected?

When hydrogen and oxygen are collected together in the same vessel they don't immediately react unless the gas mixture is in contact with a surface that's above the autoignition temperature. This is the lowest temperature at which a substance will spontaneously ignite at standard pressure. The autoignition temperature of hydrogen is about 530 degrees C.

In order to start burning at a temperature below the autoignition temperature, flammable materials need a source of ignition such as...

When hydrogen and oxygen are collected together in the same vessel they don't immediately react unless the gas mixture is in contact with a surface that's above the autoignition temperature. This is the lowest temperature at which a substance will spontaneously ignite at standard pressure. The autoignition temperature of hydrogen is about 530 degrees C.

In order to start burning at a temperature below the autoignition temperature, flammable materials need a source of ignition such as a flame from a match or a spark from an electric igniter. The energy that must be provided to initiate a chemical reaction is called the activation energy. Once the activation energy is provided by the ignition source an exothermic reaction is sustained by the heat being released. 

Flammable gas mixtures are unstable even at temperatures below their autoignition temperature. They can be accidently ignited by a discharge of static electricity. It's also possible that, even at a lower temperature, a collision between molecules could occur at a speed sufficient to initiate a reaction. 

The link below gives autoignition temperatures of various gases.

How can I write a 5,000 word essay about my own utopia?

Whether you are referring to Elizabeth Mann Borghese's My Own Utopia, or your own idea of what an utopia should constitute, there are some basic ways to approach your essay. Please remember that the structure of your essay will depend upon your own thesis statement.

1)First, if you are referring to Borghese's feminist utopia, state whether you agree with the idea of a society based on a gender-fluid construct. If, on the other hand, you have your own idea of an utopia, state what this is in your thesis statement. Will it be an utopia based on certain economic or social values? For instance, will capitalism, socialism, or anarchism rule your utopia? Are you more interested in Thomas More's idea of an utopian society or Machiavelli's idea of utopia that is encapsulated in his work The Prince?

So, the first step is to decide on a thesis statement. This will guide the rest of your essay. Remember that, for a feminist utopia (or any other utopia), you will still need to decide how it is to be run and what it will look like. You may like some things in a feminist utopia while disliking others. It's worth exploring your thoughts in this area in your essay.

2)After deciding on a thesis statement, summarize the story of Borghese's utopia (if that is the background you are using) or summarize the story of some other kind of utopia you have in mind. This section is important, as you will later wish to argue for why this particular utopia will contribute to a better world or why such an utopia is an ideal societal construct. Since this is a 5000 word essay, you have plenty of room to introduce your readers to your ideal world.

On the other hand, if you haven't decided what sort of utopia you like, here's a link which provides the names of works which discuss socialist utopias, eco-utopias, feminist utopias, etc. If you wish to discuss a capitalistic utopia, you might want to try Machiavelli's The Prince.

Lists of Utopian and Dystopian Fiction

3)After your summary on the background of the kind of utopia you deem most attractive, you may wish to delve into the reasons why.

a)What is government like in your utopia? Who will rule, and who will be subject to the laws in your idealized world? Will there be a monarch or will it be government by democracy? Will your rulers be chosen based on talent/ ability, racial and gender quotas, or both?

b)Will anyone own private property? Or will your idealized society practice communal responsibility as illustrated in Thomas More's Utopia? Again, if you have chosen to discuss Elizabeth Mann Borghese's feminist utopia, state whether she (and you) support the ownership of private property or not. Also, in Thomas More's society, everyone labored for the good of all; even the leaders. Most utopians in Thomas More's society also labored no less than six hours a day. Men and women were allowed to work in any and all areas which contributed to the good of the society they lived in. In other words, are there benefits to capitalism and to socialism?

c)Religion: will your utopia be based on religious tolerance? If so, why is this important? In your readings, can you state examples of why and when intolerance has led to problems? For example, Sir Thomas More was actually executed for treason because he refused to bow to King Henry VIII's demands to be recognized as the head of the new church of England.

d)How will your utopia be protected? Will there be conscription of young men and women for military duties? In Machiavelli's The Prince, conquest is the key to strength and peace. For this purpose, Machiavelli advises the use of domestic troops rather than mercenary troops, which he regarded as temperamental and untrustworthy due to their shifting allegiances. On the other hand, Thomas More's society is predicated on the desire to do away with war and conquests. The leaders in More's utopia favor bribery of the citizens of an enemy country to murder their own warring leaders. In Thomas More's society, the use of mercenaries is the last resort when all intellectual maneuvers fail.

e)Marriage: how will your ideal society recognize relationships? Will there be heterosexual and homosexual unions? Will there be laws defining when citizens are allowed to marry, as in Thomas More's Utopia? For example, women are allowed to marry at eighteen, and men at twenty-two in Thomas More's idealized world. Furthermore, divorce is not allowed unless there is physical abuse or adultery in play. Think about how you will structure your own utopia if you could, whether it is based on Borghese's feminist utopia or any other utopia you admire.

f)How will your society handle criminals? Will they be put to death (as in Machiavelli's The Prince) or will they be enslaved ( as in Thomas More's Utopia)? Which method is better in dealing with criminals?

g)How will your utopian society enjoy leisure activities? Or will leisure activities be allowed? Will leisure activities be simple and domestic in focus as in Thomas More's world? Or will you leave it up to your citizens to decide how they will spend their free time?

h)About death and sickness: how will the citizens in an idealized utopia be cared for? Will there be universal or private health care? Who will pay for either? Will those who suffer debilitating and chronic illness with no hope of a cure be permitted or advised to submit to euthanasia as in Thomas More's Utopia?

i)You can explore how your utopia compares favorably against any one of a number of dystopias described in literature (or even history). Examples of dystopian literature and movies include The Hunger Games, V for Vendetta, Brave New World, Fahrenheit 451, 1984, The Matrix, to name a few.

j)Remember to conclude with a reiteration and support of your earlier thesis statement, perhaps even expanding on your ideas. For example, state how your idea of an utopian society would fit into today's world, with its many challenges (climate change and terrorism, to name two examples).

What is indirect characterization? |

Indirect characterization is an excellent example of what we are taught about effective writing, which is "Show; don't tell."  How that is borne out in the treatment of characterization should be clear, I hope, with some examples.

If I want to have a villain in a short story, I can write,"He was a very bad man." That would be direct characterization. I am telling the reader, directly, that this is the villain of the story. ...

Indirect characterization is an excellent example of what we are taught about effective writing, which is "Show; don't tell."  How that is borne out in the treatment of characterization should be clear, I hope, with some examples.

If I want to have a villain in a short story, I can write,"He was a very bad man." That would be direct characterization. I am telling the reader, directly, that this is the villain of the story.  But if I show the reader that this character is behaving badly, that is indirect characterization. I might show him being cruel to his wife and children or to the people who work for him. I might show him committing some dishonest act, embezzling funds he is entrusted with. I might show him kicking the dog. I need not tell the reader he is the bad guy. I can show the reader, and this is generally far more effective.  I might dress the character in dark clothing, which is another form of indirect characterization.  I might give him dialogue that shows he is evil.  I might indirectly characterize him by showing how other characters respond to him, moving away from him in conversation. There is a movie, the name of which I cannot remember right now, in which the bad guy in the story dies, and everyone leaves him lying there, simply stepping over him and ignoring him.  That is indirect characterization at its finest! 

A novel that contains mostly indirect characterization of its hero is The Great Gatsby. In the first chapter, Nick describes his first sight of Gatsby as Gatsby "...stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way" (25).  We have no direct characterization of Gatsby here, but we know he is yearning for something, and this yearning quality defines him without our ever being told that directly.  We learn of Gatsby's character through his actions, through the responses of the other characters, and through details such as the descriptions of his parties. When Gatsby's father appears, at the end of the novel, and shares with Nick Gatsby's self-improvement list from Gatsby's childhood, we see Gatsby's character without anyone telling us anything direct. 

As you read, take note of which authors directly characterize their characters and which do so indirectly.  This is an important aspect of the appreciation of a literary text. It is also a valuable lesson in how to present characters in your own writing. Remember to show, not tell. 

Explain why would you test the test tubes with the saliva at different pH solutions with Fehling's or Benedict's solution

Saliva contains an enzyme called amylase--which begins the process of starch digestion in the mouth. Starch is a polysaccharide consisting entirely of monomers known as glucose sugars. Starch is an energy-- storage polysaccharide and when it is hydrolyzed to glucose, its energy will be available for use by cells. In the mouth, amylase converts starch into a dissaccharide known as malt sugar, consisting of two glucose molecules. Later on, starch will be completely digested in the small intestine to single glucose monomers.

The enzyme amylase is a protein that acts as a catalyst which speeds up the digestion of starch. In order to work well, enzymes require specific conditions including pH and temperature within a specific range. If the environment of an enzyme is not optimal, the enzyme may lose its functional shape in a process called denaturation and it will be unable to catalyze a chemical reaction at all, or not as well as if it were in an optimal environment.

When saliva is added to various test tubes each with a different pH, along with starch, the purpose of the test is to find out at which pH the enzyme amylase (in saliva) works best.

Fehling's solution can be used as a test for the presence of monosaccharides like glucose or even the dissacharide maltose. The test tube containing starch, saliva and blue Fehling's solution will be heated and if glucose is present, a red copper oxide will form as a precipitate in the bottom of the test tube. 

Benedict's solution which is blue, can be used to indicate the presence of sugar. Each test tube will have a different pH value, saliva and starch will be added and each will be heated. If glucose is present, the solution will change color in a specific order depending on the amount of glucose in the test tube. The color green (indicates a small amount of sugar), a little more is the color yellow, followed by orange and finally brick-red (indicating a large amount of sugar).

Either of these chemical indicators can be used in this experiment. By the presence of a red precipitate (Fehling's solution) or a color change (Benedict's solution) one could demonstrate at which pH enzyme amylase works best.

What are Holden's feelings toward money?

In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden has a very casual relationship with money. He often spends it easily and thoughtlessly, yet at the same time he often seems to feel scornful of money. Here is one passage we can look at where Holden extensively describes his feelings toward money:

"While I was in the cab, I took out my wallet and sort of counted my money. I don't remember exactly what I had...

In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden has a very casual relationship with money. He often spends it easily and thoughtlessly, yet at the same time he often seems to feel scornful of money. Here is one passage we can look at where Holden extensively describes his feelings toward money:

"While I was in the cab, I took out my wallet and sort of counted my money. I don't remember exactly what I had left, but it was no fortune or anything. I'd spent a king's ransom in about two lousy weeks. I really had. I'm a goddam spendthrift at heart. What I don't spend, I lose. Half the time I sort of even forget to pick up my change, at restaurants and night clubs and all. It drives my parents crazy. You can't blame them. My father's quite wealthy, though."

What we can gather from this passage is that Holden comes from a wealthy family and has always had what he needed and never wanted for anything; therefore, he doesn't need to worry about how much money he spends because he will always be able to get more. As he says, he is a "spendthrift," an extravagant squanderer of money. However, even though Holden doesn't need to worry about money, he recognizes that money doesn't necessarily make one happy. He says, "Goddam money. It always ends up making you blue as hell." It seems that whether Holden has money or doesn't or gives it away, it makes him sad.

Yet another example of Holden being careless with money is when he quite literally throws it away:

"I took out my dough and tried to count it in the lousy light from the street lamp. All I had was three singles and five quarters and a nickel left--boy, I spent a fortune since I left Pencey. Then what I did, I went down near the lagoon and I sort of skipped the quarters and the nickel across it, where it wasn't frozen. I don't know why I did it, but I did it."

He has almost no money left, yet from what he has, he throws the coins into the lake. Holden has a very immature and realistic relationship with money.