In The Merchant of Venice, what is the pun Portia uses to explain the plight her father has left her in?

Portia says, in part, the following to Nerissa:

... O me, the word 'choose!' I mayneither choose whom I would nor refuse whom Idislike; so is the will of a living daughter curbedby the will of a dead father. Is it not hard,Nerissa, that I cannot choose one nor refuse none?

The pun is on the word, 'will.' Portia means that her father's will - a legal document in...

Portia says, in part, the following to Nerissa:

... O me, the word 'choose!' I may
neither choose whom I would nor refuse whom I
dislike; so is the will of a living daughter curbed
by the will of a dead father. Is it not hard,
Nerissa, that I cannot choose one nor refuse none?

The pun is on the word, 'will.' Portia means that her father's will - a legal document in which a testator leaves a bequest or an estate to an heir or heirs - restricts her own will. In her instance, will refers to her desire. Her father's testament (synonym for will) forbids her to choose a husband. If she wishes to become the sole owner of her father's deceased estate, she has to meet the conditions of his will.

It is clear that Portia's father wished to rule his daughter from the grave. His will states that she should only marry the man who chooses the right casket from three: gold, silver or lead. She has no choice in the matter and cannot assist a suitor who wishes to take a chance. If she should do so, her inheritance is forfeit.

Portia has no affection for any of her suitors, except one, Bassanio, who has not yet arrived at this point. She is much displeased with the current collection of visitors and is quite critical of, for example,  their bad manners and poor dress sense. The poor girl is quite flustered but has decided to respect her father's wishes. In fact, she has to whether she likes it or not if she wishes to be an heiress.  

What are the differences between the three poleis of Athens, Sparta, and Miletus?

Because of how the Greek city-states developed independently of one another, there are significant differences between them. Athens and Sparta were very different in many regards. Athens was interested in the individual and Sparta was interested in the state. As a result, Athens developed a strong education and training system that developed some of the best scientists, political thinkers, philosophers, and artists in the world. Athens also developed into a direct democracy where all citizens...

Because of how the Greek city-states developed independently of one another, there are significant differences between them. Athens and Sparta were very different in many regards. Athens was interested in the individual and Sparta was interested in the state. As a result, Athens developed a strong education and training system that developed some of the best scientists, political thinkers, philosophers, and artists in the world. Athens also developed into a direct democracy where all citizens participated in decisions in the political realm. Athens also developed into the best naval power and leveraged this strength into the formation of the Delian League, of which it became the dominant partner.  With this dominant position in the league, it became quite wealthy and used this money to build great works of architecture and sculpting.  

Sparta, on the other hand, was much more militaristic than Athens, having the best army in Greece. Sparta conquered its neighbors by sheer military brute and opted not to build colonies like Athens and Miletus. Spartans trained their youth to be furious fighters and the military commitment of men lasted for over fifty years. Spartans were wary of outside influence and did not allow its citizens to travel abroad. Visitors were also not allowed into Sparta. The Spartans had a very complex political structure that combined elements of a republic, monarchy, and oligarchy.

Miletus was a Greek city-state that was located away from mainland Greece in Asia Minor. It operated as an oligarchy with an elected tyrant as its leader. Miletus had a number of colonies throughout the Aegean and was a very well developed commercial city. Its location on the coast allowed it to send many trade goods from within Turkey to locations throughout the Mediterranean. Miletus was not as respected for its military prowess as the other two city-states, but its commercial success made up for that deficiency. Unlike Sparta, Miletus was an important center of learning, science, and art.

What is Juliet's relationship to Romeo?

Juliet's relationship to Romeo changes throughout the play.  In the beginning, the two do not know each other, but are enemies by virtue of the hatred that their respective families share.  They meet toward the end of Act 1; after that meeting, they fall madly in love (or in lust, depending on who you ask!) and their relationship changes to one of infatuated teenagers.

When they agree to, and carry out, a secret wedding the...

Juliet's relationship to Romeo changes throughout the play.  In the beginning, the two do not know each other, but are enemies by virtue of the hatred that their respective families share.  They meet toward the end of Act 1; after that meeting, they fall madly in love (or in lust, depending on who you ask!) and their relationship changes to one of infatuated teenagers.

When they agree to, and carry out, a secret wedding the following day, their relationship changes once more to that of husband and wife.  Unfortunately, other than consummating the marriage, they have little interaction as husband and wife.  After Romeo kills Juliet's cousin, Tybalt, to avenge Tybalt's murder of Romeo's best friend, Romeo and Juliet move to extremely-forbidden lovers.  After a night spent together, they must depart, as Romeo is now banished from the town in which both were raised. At this point, their relationship changes to that of separated lovers.  

The Friar works with Juliet to hatch a plan to return the duo to each other, but, unfortunately, the plan does not work.  In the end, they end up killing themselves -- here, they are both partners in a double suicide. Thus, the relationship between Romeo and Juliet evolves and morphs several times over the course of their several-day courtship, marriage, and death.

Why are cells and cell processes important to humans and the environment?

According to the cell theory, cell is the basic unit of life and all living things are composed of cells. Cells are capable of carrying out all the life processes, though maybe not as complex as higher organisms. All of our bodily functions are carried out by cells. Human beings are complex organisms and require complex systems (such as circulatory, respiratory, reproductive, etc.) to carry out the tasks required for maintenance and growth of human...

According to the cell theory, cell is the basic unit of life and all living things are composed of cells. Cells are capable of carrying out all the life processes, though maybe not as complex as higher organisms. All of our bodily functions are carried out by cells. Human beings are complex organisms and require complex systems (such as circulatory, respiratory, reproductive, etc.) to carry out the tasks required for maintenance and growth of human body. Each of these complex systems is composed of organs, which are made up of tissues, which in themselves are made up of cells performing similar functions. Think about our nervous system, which is made up (ultimately) of nerve cells. Cells are also important for our environment. An example is the process of cellular respiration, during which cells break down glucose and generate carbon dioxide and ATP molecules. Through this process, cells generate carbon dioxide, which is a necessary ingredient of photosynthesis (the process which produces food and oxygen for us). Carbon dioxide also causes greenhouse effect and ensure the warm temperature on Earth. 

A number of other examples can also be thought of.

Hope this helps. 

Goodman Brown begins “doubting whether there really was a heaven above him”. Why? What events cause him to begin to doubt?

In the story, Goodman Brown starts to doubt the reality of Heaven after witnessing discrepancies in the actions of well-respected church leaders.

At the beginning of the story, we see that our protagonist approaches his 'evil purpose' with trepidation. He laments that he has gone as far as he has on this treacherous errand.

"My father never went into the woods on such an errand, nor his father before him. We have been a race of honest men and good Christians, since the days of the martyrs. And shall I be the first of the name of Brown, that ever took this path and kept--"

However, the Devil shocks Goodman Brown by telling him that he is well acquainted with his father and grandfather. After all, Goodman Brown's father participated in the Salem persecution of the Quakers, while his grandfather participated in torching Indian villages during King Phillip's War.

The Devil continues to torment Goodman Brown by stating that various well-respected church deacons, religious elders, town leaders, judges, and even the Governor of Massachusetts count him among their friends. Goodman Brown is deeply disturbed when he hears this, but he tries to make the excuse that, since he doesn't have any real interactions with these leaders, he cannot be expected to make a judgment on their motives. However, he balks at possibly meeting his priest or minister while out on his evil errand.

At this, the Devil laughs uproariously. We see why when both travelers come across Dame Goody Cloyse. This is the woman who has taught Goodman Brown his catechism. Goodman Brown is deeply dismayed when he hears this supposedly devout woman boast about being anointed with witches' herbs and 'the fat of a newborn babe.' When Goody Cloyse subsequently complains about another witch possibly appropriating her broom for her own use, Goodman Brown has heard quite enough. He loudly asserts that he will not take another step with his devilish companion.

The Devil, however, advises Goodman Brown to rest for a bit, stressing that he may change his mind as he contemplates his situation. While being left alone, Goodman Brown sees yet another scene which causes him to doubt the reality of God and heaven. As hoofs thunder towards his direction, he spies his minister and Deacon Gookin talking animatedly about their macabre errand. Both are on their way to the satanic congregation of witches and devils. What's more, Deacon Gookin exclaims excitedly about a 'goodly young woman to be taken into communion' at the convocation of sinners.

At this, Goodman Brown feels 'faint and overburthened with the heavy sickness of his heart.' He begins to doubt his senses and his own prevailing faith in everything he has ever been taught. If every devout religious leader he knows is really evil at heart, what hope does he have that heaven is real? Goodman Brown is so shaken that he finds it difficult to continue on his journey.

What is the latitude and longitude of Brazil when using Google Earth?

10 degrees, 00 minutes South latitude and 55 degrees, 00 minutes West longitude.  This is the location of Brazil on earth using latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates.  If you input these coordinates into the Google Earth locator, you will locate in the South American country of Brazil.

Latitude is measured north or south of the equator, which is 0 degrees. The northern most part of Brazil starts at the 10 degree South latitudinal marking, making the...

10 degrees, 00 minutes South latitude and 55 degrees, 00 minutes West longitude.  This is the location of Brazil on earth using latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates.  If you input these coordinates into the Google Earth locator, you will locate in the South American country of Brazil.

Latitude is measured north or south of the equator, which is 0 degrees. The northern most part of Brazil starts at the 10 degree South latitudinal marking, making the top part of the country a tropical rainforest biome.  It is home to the Amazon river, one of the longest river systems in the world.

Longitude is measured east or west of the prime meridian, which is 0 degrees.  The prime meridian is a line that extends from the north pole to the south pole and passes through Greenwich, England.  Brazil is 55 degrees West of the prime meridian.  It sits on the right side of the South American continent, flanked by the southern Atlantic Ocean.

What is a psychological contract?

A psychological contract refers to a set of informal expectations and responsibilities between the employer and employee. The psychological contract is different from the employment contract, which establishes a formal relationship between the employer and employee. Further, the employment contract outlines in writing the responsibilities and obligations of the employee and the employer during their engagement.

The psychological contract is dynamic and subject to change based on changing perceptions and communication between the two parties....

A psychological contract refers to a set of informal expectations and responsibilities between the employer and employee. The psychological contract is different from the employment contract, which establishes a formal relationship between the employer and employee. Further, the employment contract outlines in writing the responsibilities and obligations of the employee and the employer during their engagement.

The psychological contract is dynamic and subject to change based on changing perceptions and communication between the two parties. Psychological contracts are based on the equity theory, where each party expects fairness in order to sustain the relationship. Breach of fairness will lead to a deplorable state of the relationship. This will also impact on productivity and the general environment/ mood in the workplace. Thus, managing the expectation of the psychological contract is important to ensure the business's bottom-line is not negatively affected.