Describe the political and social revolutions that occurred in the Atlantic world between 1750 and 1850 and the ideas that inspired these changes.

The social and political changes of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries have their roots in the devastating religious wars that wracked Europe in the seventeenth century. With the rise of Protestantism and the fracturing of the old uniformity of religion, in which the Catholic Church allied with Christian monarchs to create a ubiquitous system of power, Protestant countries began to clash with Catholic ones and people within countries with official religions began to emigrate or demand the right to follow the dictates of their own consciences. This was expressed by John Locke in his  "A Letter Concerning Toleration: Humbly Submitted" as follows:

No peace and security among mankind—let alone common friendship — can ever exist as long as people think that governments get their authority from God and that religion is to be propagated by force of arms.

The demand for religious freedom was tied to the concept of political liberty. If the king was not an agent of God, part of an alliance of throne and altar, then the legitimacy of rulers was increasingly seen as a sort of contract with the citizens of a country. This notion of a contractual relationship between ruler and ruled, in which the ruler becomes an administrator who maintains order and other public goods in response to the wishes of the people, mandates mechanisms by which the ruler is constrained by the people's will in the form of elections to select parliaments or assemblies that express the people's will. 

These liberal political and religious ideas were the essence of a movement called the Enlightenment, which called for political and religious liberty and toleration of diverse views. The Enlightenment was a fundamentally optimistic movement that believed that reason and science could cure social ills and help construct a fair and just society. The major British thinkers of the Enlightenment included John Locke, David Hume, and Adam Smith. Among the notable thinkers of the French Enlightenment were Voltaire, Denis Diderot, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The "Founding Fathers" of the United States were also part of the Enlightenment. 

Political reform in Britain during this period was gradual. Although Britain was the earliest and perhaps most dramatic exemplar of the Industrial Revolution, and its ensuing economic changes and urbanization, rather than undergoing a revolution, it gradually passed a series of Reform Bills extending the voting franchise and a series of acts that allowed increasing religious freedom.

In France, the Ancien Régime remained allied with the Roman Catholic Church, and social change came in the form of the French Revolution of 1789 to 1799, which overthrew the king and established the foundations of a secular, liberal democracy. In the United States, the change to a modern, secular democracy occurred in concert with separation from British rule. 

How are limits used in daily life? Please solve limit questions and relate them to daily life.

Hello!

You gave no specific questions, I think I should formulate them myself.

1. Alpha decay. Some types of atoms randomly emit alpha particles with the constant probability. For a large collection of such (identical) atoms a half of atoms will decay after some constant time, called half-life. After two half-life periods, 1/4 of the initial amount of atoms will remain, then 1/8 and so on.

So the number of initial atoms of that collection...

Hello!

You gave no specific questions, I think I should formulate them myself.

1. Alpha decay. Some types of atoms randomly emit alpha particles with the constant probability. For a large collection of such (identical) atoms a half of atoms will decay after some constant time, called half-life. After two half-life periods, 1/4 of the initial amount of atoms will remain, then 1/8 and so on.

So the number of initial atoms of that collection will decrease up to zero.
`lim 1/2^n = 0.`

2. Atmosphere free falling. Any fixed object which falls in atmosphere asymptotically reaches its terminal velocity. This is an example of a finite nonzero limit in real life. The value of this limit depends on the horizontal surface area of an object and some other factors.

2.1. Warming. A frozen object pulled from a refrigerator slowly reaches the ambient temperature. In other words, the limit of an object's temperature is the ambient temperature.

3. (not from real life but a good limit:)
Imagine that we have a large pie and `n` successive guests, and we give each next guest an `1/n` of the remaining part of a pie. Then the part which remains to you will be `(1-1/n)^n.` Imagine that `n` tends to infinity or simply is large (the total number of guests goes up and the one's part goes down correspondingly).

Then the remaining part will be about `1/e` because

`lim_(n->oo) (1-1/n)^n=1/e.`

Here `e=2.71828...` is the base of natural logarithms.

3.1. Compound interest.

`lim_(n-gtoo) (1+r/n)^n=e^r` occurs when we consider compound interest with the large compounding frequency `n` (`r` is the nominal interest rate).

In CLOSET SPACE, Melinda tries to enhance her environment. How does she do this? What does she use the space for?

The first thing Melinda does to feel more comfortable in her new space is to remove the mirror from the wall. This is significant, as avoiding mirrors is a motif that comes up time and again in the novel. Melinda does not want to face what happened to her and that is represented in an almost literal way by her reluctance to face herself in a mirror. 

Since she can't unscrew the mirror from the...

The first thing Melinda does to feel more comfortable in her new space is to remove the mirror from the wall. This is significant, as avoiding mirrors is a motif that comes up time and again in the novel. Melinda does not want to face what happened to her and that is represented in an almost literal way by her reluctance to face herself in a mirror. 

Since she can't unscrew the mirror from the wall, she covers it with a poster of Maya Angelou. This is important too, as Angelou becomes an encouraging force for Melinda. Her presence in the novel is also an allusion to Angelou's own past: raped at a young age, Angelou stopped speaking for a period of time herself and, like Melinda, found her voice again through art.

Melinda also does a bit of house-keeping in her closet, saying, "I sweep and mop the floor, [...] scrub the shelves, [...] chase the spiders out of the corners" (pg 49). Melinda compares the work she is doing on her closet to building a fort, which is a telling comparison. The closet acts as a safe retreat from the world, a place where Melinda can hide and nap and read and escape the responsibilities of her young adult life. It provides her with a place to be a little girl again. 

What happens when the relative humidity is 100%?

When the relative humidity is 100%, the air is saturated with water. This means that the air cannot hold anymore water. When this happens, we will find that our sweat will not evaporate. Human beings sweat and get a cooling sensation when the sweat  evaporates. However, at 100% relative humidity, evaporation of sweat will not happen and we will feel very hot. That is why we like lower relative humidity, when the sweat can evaporate...

When the relative humidity is 100%, the air is saturated with water. This means that the air cannot hold anymore water. When this happens, we will find that our sweat will not evaporate. Human beings sweat and get a cooling sensation when the sweat  evaporates. However, at 100% relative humidity, evaporation of sweat will not happen and we will feel very hot. That is why we like lower relative humidity, when the sweat can evaporate readily and keep us cooler. Another aspect of 100% relative humidity is the potential for precipitation. If the air at 100% relative humidity rises up, its temperature will drop and it will no longer be able to hold as many water vapors. If this happens near a surface, we will see water droplets condensing on the surface. If this happens at higher altitudes, clouds are formed and we get rainfall.

Hope this helps. 

Why does the boy prefer staying with Sam and Bill to going home in "The Ransom of Red Chief"?

In O. Henry's story "The Ransom of Red Chief," the kidnapped boy is having the time of his life. He has never camped out before, so he enjoys the hideout that Sam and Bill have up on the mountain. When Sam asks him whether he wants to go home, he says, "What for?" He explains that he doesn't like going to school and that he doesn't have any fun at home. While he is being...

In O. Henry's story "The Ransom of Red Chief," the kidnapped boy is having the time of his life. He has never camped out before, so he enjoys the hideout that Sam and Bill have up on the mountain. When Sam asks him whether he wants to go home, he says, "What for?" He explains that he doesn't like going to school and that he doesn't have any fun at home. While he is being held for ransom, however, Bill is his constant playmate. Despite how rough he is with Bill, Bill must keep him quiet and happy until they can arrange for the ransom. Red Chief proclaims that he has never had so much fun in all his life.

At one point, Bill boxes his ears, but the boy gets back at him by hitting him in the head with a rock. Bill then has to serve as Red Chief's "hoss" for the day while Red Chief becomes the Black Scout. Bill can't take it anymore and sends the boy home, but he comes back to their camp. When they finally take him back to his father's home, the boy clings to Bill's leg and doesn't want to return. One can speculate that even though the boy seems to be strong-willed, he probably doesn't get away with quite as much mischief at home. He has taken advantage of the two men to get his own way for the entire time they have had him in their custody. For a "rowdy" boy like Red Chief, getting his own way seems to be his favorite way to live.

Of course, one could also speculate that the boy was wise enough to realize that the more obnoxious he made himself, the sooner he would return to his own home, which may indeed have been his motive the whole time. Since the story is told from Sam's point of view, we only know what Sam has told us. It's possible the boy and his father had a very happy reunion after the two petty criminals sprinted away.

Why does Johnny give Ponyboy the advice of staying gold in The Outsiders?

Johnny told Ponyboy to stay gold to remind him that he did not need to stay in the gang life.

Although Pony describes the greasers as protecting each other like family and assures the reader that the kids in his town divide their affiliation by socioeconomic status, the greasers are still a gang.  The often get into trouble, with the law or with the other gang, the Socs.

Pony tells us that greasers are poorer...

Johnny told Ponyboy to stay gold to remind him that he did not need to stay in the gang life.

Although Pony describes the greasers as protecting each other like family and assures the reader that the kids in his town divide their affiliation by socioeconomic status, the greasers are still a gang.  The often get into trouble, with the law or with the other gang, the Socs.

Pony tells us that greasers are poorer than Socs, and also “wilder.”

Not like the Socs, who jump greasers and wreck houses and throw beer blasts for kicks … Greasers are almost like hoods; we steal things and drive old souped-up cars and hold up gas stations and have a gang fight once in a while. (Ch. 1)

Although he says he does not do those things, they are part of the life of a greaser.  Pony is expected to participate in these activities eventually, especially fighting.  He says that greasers can’t walk alone for fear they will be jumped by Socs.  

Pony is different from the other Socs.  He does well in school and likes to read.  He is just a deep thinker overall.  Johnny is aware of this.  When he and Pony spend time on the run after Johnny accidentally kills a Soc, Johnny brings Pony a book and the two spend their time discussing the novel and poetry.

While on the run, in addition to reading Gone with the Wind, they discuss the Robert Frost poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay.”  The poem is about young things in nature not lasting, but it also has a metaphorical quality for Pony.  It means that as you get older, you get more corrupt.  In the hospital, Johnny tells Pony to stay gold.

"We told him about beatin' the Socs and... I don't know, he just died." He told me to stay gold, I remembered.  What was he talking about? (Ch. 10)

Johnny means that Pony has the potential to get out of the gang life. He can get an education, leave town, and become a responsible and contributing member of society.  With Johnny’s last words, he reminds Pony that the gang life is dangerous and while not all greasers have a choice, he does.

What was the basis for The Seven Commandments in Animal Farm?

The Commandments have their origin in the message Old Major, Mr Jones' prize boar and the most respected animal on the farm, had conveyed to the other animals during a secret meeting in the big barn. During the gathering he had informed the animals about a dream he had had and why it was so important.

In his message, Old Major mentioned, in part, the following:

No animal in England knows the meaning of happiness or leisure after he is a year old. No animal in England is free. The life of an animal is misery and slavery: that is the plain truth...

"But is this simply part of the order of nature? Is it because this land of ours is so poor that it cannot afford a decent life to those who dwell upon it? No, comrades, a thousand times no! ...

Why then do we continue in this miserable condition? Because nearly the whole of the produce of our labour is stolen from us by human beings. There, comrades, is the answer to all our problems. It is summed up in a single word--Man. Man is the only real enemy we have. Remove Man from the scene, and the root cause of hunger and overwork is abolished for ever.

"Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is lord of all the animals. He sets them to work, he gives back to them the bare minimum that will prevent them from starving, and the rest he keeps for himself. Our labour tills the soil, our dung fertilises it, and yet there is not one of us that owns more than his bare skin ..."

The old boar then urged the animals to fight against Man's tyranny and prepare for rebellion. He stated that he did not know when the revolution would happen but that when it did, the animals should be careful not to become like their vanquished masters. He, furthermore, stated:

"... And among us animals let there be perfect unity, perfect comradeship in the struggle. All men are enemies. All animals are comrades."

and

"... Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend. And remember also that in fighting against Man, we must not come to resemble him. Even when you have conquered him, do not adopt his vices. No animal must ever live in a house, or sleep in a bed, or wear clothes, or drink alcohol, or smoke tobacco, or touch money, or engage in trade. All the habits of Man are evil. And, above all, no animal must ever tyrannise over his own kind. Weak or strong, clever or simple, we are all brothers. No animal must ever kill any other animal. All animals are equal."

Old Major completed his speech by then telling the animals about the dream he had had which related to the anthem, 'Beasts of England' that conveyed the utopian existence the animals would enjoy once Man had been removed.

The pigs then developed what Old Major had said into a system of thought which they called Animalism. From this, they fashioned the seven commandments which were written on the wall of the barn in big white letters by Snowball. The commandments would form the basis of their conduct on the farm and would be unalterable.

Ironically, exactly the opposite happened. The pigs, through a process of propaganda, manipulation, abuse and terror, managed to enslave the other animals and systematically convert the commandments to justify their greed and tyranny until only one amazingly fatuous rule was left:

All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.

What was the outcome of the Trail of Tears?

The outcome of the Trail of Tears was that the Native Americans were essentially removed from the Southeast and relocated to what was then Indian Territory across the Mississippi.  They were not able to keep all of Indian Territory in the long run as whites moved out across the continent.  Regardless of what happened with Indian Territory, the Trail of Tears resulted in the removal of Native Americans from the Southeast.  During this removal, thousands...

The outcome of the Trail of Tears was that the Native Americans were essentially removed from the Southeast and relocated to what was then Indian Territory across the Mississippi.  They were not able to keep all of Indian Territory in the long run as whites moved out across the continent.  Regardless of what happened with Indian Territory, the Trail of Tears resulted in the removal of Native Americans from the Southeast.  During this removal, thousands of Indians died due to harsh conditions along the way.

As white settlers spread out across the Southeast, they came to covet lands that the Native Americans owned.  The Native Americans of the Southeast had become relatively settled and “civilized” and were, in fact, known as the “Five Civilized Tribes.”  Even though these tribes had become sedentary and had adopted many European ways, the white settlers still wanted them off the land. They wanted to appropriate the land for themselves.  Therefore, they pushed the government to move the Indians out of the Southeast.  The government eventually did this, forcing the tribes to move to what is now Oklahoma.  Thousands died along the way, giving rise to the name “Trail of Tears.”

The outcome of this event was that the Native Americans were removed from the South and white settlers (and their black slaves) had the land all to themselves.

Was the bombing of Hiroshima necessary?

Whether one considers the atomic bombing of Hiroshima necessary is dependent upon whether one agrees that U.S. policy towards Japan should have been one of demanding unconditional surrender of the Japanese. If one believes that that demand was justified, then the atomic bombing of Hiroshima was justified. The reason for this is that the most compelling argument for the use of the bomb code-named "Little Boy," a 15-kiloton (or, roughly 15,000 tons of TNT) weapon, was that its use would convince Japan's Emperor Hirohito and his military commanders of the futility of resisting the overwhelming power the United States could bring to bear against Japan. The alternative to using the atomic bombs was a full-scale invasion of the Japanese mainland, an operation that, it was calculated, would result in as many as one million American casualties. If the use of the bombs against Hiroshima and Nagasaki--and the debate over the use of "Fat Man" to destroy the latter city a few days after the Hiroshima bombing is far more intriguing than the debate over the Hiroshima bombing--would convince the emperor to surrender and accept the U.S. occupation that would entail, then the costs in Japanese lives would be far lower than would be the case if the U.S. did launch an invasion, and the United States would also be spared the enormous losses of life that would have resulted from an invasion. In other words, the use of the atomic bombs saved untold millions of lives, as an invasion would have been much bloodier and far more protracted.

Lost in much of the debate surrounding the justification for the Hiroshima bombing was the toll in lives and property destroyed in conventional and fire-bombings of cities, not all of which may have been militarily necessary, although second-guessing war-time commanders in the midst of the most horrific conflagration in human history is an exercise of dubious morality. For example, the firebombing of the German city of Dresden killed around 135,000 people, while the firebombing of Tokyo killed around 100,000 Japanese with hundreds of thousands of more people wounded. These bombings killed more people than the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Again, though, the central question is whether the U.S. policy of unconditional surrender was justified. The answer to that question--and many Japanese agree--is yes, the policy was justified. Japanese militarism under the leadership of Hideki Tojo, an army general and prime minister of Japan during the war, was extremely well-entrenched in Japanese society. The fanaticism displayed by Japanese troops during the War in the Pacific had convinced American leaders of the necessity of totally destroying Japan's governing institutions. Only through the total defeat of Japan could Japanese society be demilitarized, and in this the late U.S. Army General Douglas MacArthur, who would govern post-war Japan, was absolutely correct. The United States was able to impose a liberal, democratic constitution upon the Japanese that banned offensive military capabilities such as those that had enabled that country's imperialist expansionism during the 1930s and early-1940s. Absent a policy of unconditional surrender, such an accomplishment, still felt today, would have been impossible.

In conclusion, then, the policy of unconditional surrender was correct, and the bombing of Hiroshima, then, was also correct.

What is the organizational structure of the story "There Will Come Soft Rains"?

For approximately the first two-thirds of Ray Bradbury's "There Will Come Soft Rains," the story is organized chronologically, as the "voice-clock" sings out the time of day. At seven, it is time to get up, and at eight it is time to go to school. Despite the fact no humans appear, the automated house goes through its routine. It makes breakfast, cleans, waters the lawn and sets up for the afternoon card games. This organization...

For approximately the first two-thirds of Ray Bradbury's "There Will Come Soft Rains," the story is organized chronologically, as the "voice-clock" sings out the time of day. At seven, it is time to get up, and at eight it is time to go to school. Despite the fact no humans appear, the automated house goes through its routine. It makes breakfast, cleans, waters the lawn and sets up for the afternoon card games. This organization helps build suspense as the reader wonders why no people are there to hear the house's messages or eat the prepared food. For its part, the house goes on completely normally as if nothing were amiss, as it tells the time and stays on its schedule.

It's at ten o'clock that the reader is alerted as to why no humans are around. The text tells us that the house is the only one left standing in a "city of rubble and ashes." At ten-fifteen, the reader discovers the burnt shadows of the parents and children on an outside wall (the same kinds of shadows that were seen in Hiroshima in 1945). Obviously, the city has been the target of a nuclear attack.

The reader may assume that this mechanized routine might go on forever since the house takes no notice of its absent inhabitants. It even chooses a poem to be read aloud when no selection is given. This reading of Sara Teasdale's "There Will Come Soft Rains" begins an organizational change in the story. The poem is about a world with no people which seems to get along perfectly fine without the human element. Unfortunately, the serene itinerary of the house is interrupted at this point.

Bradbury writes, "At ten o'clock the house began to die." A fire breaks out as a tree limb crashes through a kitchen window, igniting cleaning chemicals and setting that part of the house ablaze. The singing out of the time of day ceases as the house goes into action to avert disaster. The organization in the final two-thirds of the story abandons the chronological theme. The house has bigger problems as it does everything within its means to fight the fire. It eventually loses the battle and most of the house is reduced to ashes. One wall remains and, as if to show its robotic resilience, a voice is heard reciting the date over and over.

What is the main conflict and theme of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"?

In "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," the main conflict is that of the Individual's Desires against Reality; the main theme is A Person's Dreams for Life vs. Society. 

• Conflict - Individual's Desires vs. Society

No matter who talks with Mitty, he seems to be in conflict with her or him because he is subjected to defeat in his encounters. Not only does he have recurring conflicts, the boundaries for Mitty between fantasy and reality...

In "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," the main conflict is that of the Individual's Desires against Reality; the main theme is A Person's Dreams for Life vs. Society. 

• Conflict - Individual's Desires vs. Society

No matter who talks with Mitty, he seems to be in conflict with her or him because he is subjected to defeat in his encounters. Not only does he have recurring conflicts, the boundaries for Mitty between fantasy and reality are too often porous. Thus, he is pulled from one daydream to another by his ineffective dealings in real-life society.
That Mitty wants to be strong is evinced in his daydreams--"The Old Man ain't afraid of Hell!" the crew shouts in his imagining of himself as a Commander of a Navy hydroplane. In fact, in every daydream, Mitty places himself in roles of command and authority. However, in real life Mitty is irresolute and subservient to his wife, who embodies the authority of society. In fact, Mitty succumbs to the questionable authority of even a parking lot attendant.

• Theme - Dreams for Life vs. Reality 

Judging from the content of his daydreams, it is apparent that Walter Mitty desires to be a strong and self-reliant man; however, it is only in dreams that he can be effective. For this reason, he repeatedly retreats into these dreams. In the end of the narrative, at the hotel, he certainly has found refuge in his daydream as he sits in the winged chair, shielding himself from public view. For, when his wife accosts him, demanding to know why he hides in the old chair, in his effort to assert himself, Mitty replies,

"I was thinking....Does it ever occur to you that I am sometimes thinking?"

With no respect for her husband's feelings, Mrs. Mitty speaks to Walter as though he were a child: "I'm going to take your temperature when I get you home." Then, when she has him wait outside the drugstore while she runs in for something she has forgotten, Mitty stands against the wall, imagining himself as facing a firing squad as even his dreams are defeated.

What does Piggy symbolize? What does Simon symbolize?

The character of Piggy symbolizes intellect, science, innovation, rationality, and civility throughout the novel Lord of the Flies. Despite Piggy's physical weaknesses, he is by far the most intelligent boy on the island. He is the first to identify the conch and attempts to gather the names of all the boys. He is Ralph's advisor and is continually reminding Ralph about the importance of maintaining the signal fire and being rescued. He is also...

The character of Piggy symbolizes intellect, science, innovation, rationality, and civility throughout the novel Lord of the Flies. Despite Piggy's physical weaknesses, he is by far the most intelligent boy on the island. He is the first to identify the conch and attempts to gather the names of all the boys. He is Ralph's advisor and is continually reminding Ralph about the importance of maintaining the signal fire and being rescued. He is also the voice of reason throughout the novel. Piggy is continually arguing against Jack's tyrannical ideas and offers unyielding support for Ralph despite his unpopularity. Piggy attempts to build a sundial and makes the suggestion to build the fire on the lower platform. These two innovations represent aspects of civilization, which Piggy clearly favors. Piggy attempts to deal with the identity of the beast pragmatically by searching for a scientific explanation. He concludes that the only thing the boys should fear is each other. Despite Piggy's support for civility, he becomes a victim of the savage nature of the boys when he is brutally murdered.

Simon symbolizes existential understanding and the inherent positive qualities humans possess. Simon displays selflessness, courage, and sympathy for others throughout the novel. He cares for the littluns by building them shelters and picking fruit for them. Simon even walks through the forest alone to let them know the status of the boys' expedition because no one else will go. He is the only boy on the island who truly understands the nature of the beast. He realizes that the beast is inside each individual and is the wickedness present in all human beings. Simon transcends rational thinking by concluding that the beast is an inherent quality that cannot be destroyed. He is portrayed as the "Christ-figure" throughout the novel, and his meeting with the Lord of Flies parallels Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. Before he can share the truth about the beast he is brutally beaten to death by the group of boys.

What are the consequences of injustice which are inherent in the society in "Master Harold". . . and the boys?

"Master Harold". . .and the boyssuggests that the consequences of injustice in South African society are the loss of dignity and humanity. In the play, Hally recounts his best memory: the flying of the handmade kite with Sam. Hally was only a young boy at the time they flew the kite, so he only remembers the wonderful moments of that day—the freedom and awe that he felt seeing that makeshift kite fly. But in...

"Master Harold". . .and the boys suggests that the consequences of injustice in South African society are the loss of dignity and humanity. In the play, Hally recounts his best memory: the flying of the handmade kite with Sam. Hally was only a young boy at the time they flew the kite, so he only remembers the wonderful moments of that day—the freedom and awe that he felt seeing that makeshift kite fly. But in the present time of the play (1950), Sam fills in the details that Hally doesn't remember: Sam could not stay in the park and fly the kite with Hally because there was a "Whites Only" bench there. Sam and Hally have a father-son type relationship, and once Hally recognizes that his race gives him privilege in their society, he is torn on whether or not to exert his privilege. He wants Sam to call him Master Harold like Willie does, but Sam warns him that once he crosses that line, their relationship will never be the same. When Sam drops his pants and Hally spits on him, the play reveals the humiliating and devastating nature of segregation under apartheid—a system that hurts black and white South Africans alike. Under such a system, the consequences are loss of dignity and humanity.

Examine Shylock's rhetoric. Pay attention to the quality of his language-his use of metaphor & repetition, for instance. How do his speeches...

Shylock does have a distinctive speaking style. When Bassanio asks to borrow three thousand ducats, Shylock repeats, “Three thousand ducats; well.” He continues to copy Bassanio’s words, adding “well” to the end of each sentence: “For three months; well.” Shylock does not answer Bassanio right away, suggesting that he is contemplating this business deal before making a decision. This indicates that Shylock is a calculated individual.

Shylock also uses much repetitive and colorful language, referring...

Shylock does have a distinctive speaking style. When Bassanio asks to borrow three thousand ducats, Shylock repeats, “Three thousand ducats; well.” He continues to copy Bassanio’s words, adding “well” to the end of each sentence: “For three months; well.” Shylock does not answer Bassanio right away, suggesting that he is contemplating this business deal before making a decision. This indicates that Shylock is a calculated individual.

Shylock also uses much repetitive and colorful language, referring to pirates as “land-rats and water-rats, water-thieves and land-thieves,” again indicating that he thinks as he speaks and spins a web of language for listeners to figure out. He draws from the Bible to justify his actions, such as why usury should be allowed. Shylock explains in detail why Jacob actually profited from interest by breeding his sheep and thus increasing his fold. His measured, systematic speeches not only make Shylock a gripping storyteller, they make his arguments difficult to dispute.

Shylock’s most famous monologue defends his existence as a Jewish man. He asks a series of questions leading up to an answer: “Hath not a Jew eyes?” he asks, listing the similarities between Christians and Jews until he gets to his point, “If a Jew wrong a Christian, what is his humility? Revenge.” His rationalization for his revenge is that Jews and Christians are alike in both good and bad ways, so of course they both seek vengeance when they are wronged.

It is important to note that many of Shylock’s qualities arise from antisemitic stereotypes. He represents the crafty, clever Jew, sinister but well-versed in religious texts. His language, which differs from other characters’ more straightforward syntax, suggests that he is an outsider, an “alien,” as Portia observes. Interestingly, Shylock’s use of rhetoric makes him perhaps the most compelling character in the play, and it makes his speech about Jews so powerful.

What is the symbolic meaning of the shaking of the harness bells in "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"?

The shaking of the harness bells is an example of auditory imagery. Along with the sweeping sound of “easy wind and downy flake,” the tinkle of the bells was the only sound that could be heard in the woods.

This underscores the point that absolute silence gripped the woods on that wintry evening. It was, perhaps, the soothing silence that had caused the speaker to forget his promises momentarily.

Moreover, the poem can be read...

The shaking of the harness bells is an example of auditory imagery. Along with the sweeping sound of “easy wind and downy flake,” the tinkle of the bells was the only sound that could be heard in the woods.

This underscores the point that absolute silence gripped the woods on that wintry evening. It was, perhaps, the soothing silence that had caused the speaker to forget his promises momentarily.

Moreover, the poem can be read as an allegory to a man’s journey towards his goal. On his way, several impediments in the form of difficulties or enticements await him to lead him astray. It’s only when he’s able to overcome all such barriers, he will be able to reach his destination.

In the poem, the speaker had "promises to keep.” At no cost, he should stop midway through his journey. But, the mesmerizing beauty and the peaceful ambience of the woods seduced him to prolong his journey.

While he was lost in reveling in the comforting splendor of the woods, his horse shook the harness bells.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake

Figuratively, the harness bell can be interpreted as the voice of one's conscience. One always knows when one does something wrong. It is one's inner voice that alarms one against the improper or wrong decision one is about to make or has already made.

Prolonging his stay in the woods would be tantamount to giving in to the sensual enticements offered by the place. As soon as the traveler began to gratify himself, his conscience warned him by asking him “if there is some mistake.”

So, we see that on the surface level, the auditory image of the ringing of the harness bells accentuates the sense of silence pervading the woods. At the allegorical level, it indicates the inner voice of conscience that is always right.

How is Curley's wife a predatory character?

Curley's wife can be read as a predatory character in her use of her sexual allure to get what she wants. She clearly feels trapped and confined by her small life after her marriage to Curley, and so she uses her looks and sensuality to flirt with the ranch hands in order to make Curley jealous. This also allows her to exert some control over other people, as Curley tends to beat up anyone who...

Curley's wife can be read as a predatory character in her use of her sexual allure to get what she wants. She clearly feels trapped and confined by her small life after her marriage to Curley, and so she uses her looks and sensuality to flirt with the ranch hands in order to make Curley jealous. This also allows her to exert some control over other people, as Curley tends to beat up anyone who looks too long at his wife. She is also not afraid to verbally prey on the weaker members of the ranch, saying cringe-worthy things to them, like when she tells Crooks, "I could get you strung up on a tree so easily it ain't even funny." Clearly, she makes herself feel better by putting others down.

Still, a critique of this analysis is that, for a predatory character, Curley's wife has no real power in the novel. Like most of the other characters, she is a beaten-down person, clinging to old dreams. In Curley's wife's case, the old dream is to be a Hollywood star, something that she may have accomplished with her good looks but which is now way out of her reach. She has no power over her circumstances and no control over her life; she doesn't even have her own name, as she is simply referred to as Curley's possession. So, even though she is a temptress, she is also preyed on by the cruel social circumstances that keep the other characters down.

How do the events of the 1930's effect the people of Maycomb County in To Kill a Mockingbird?

The Great Depression has hit the town of Maycomb hard. It has also hit the people of the town hard. Maycomb is mostly made up of farmers, therefore the whole town is affected by the tragedy of the stock market crash. Most people in Maycomb work off the land, and when these people had no money, it was difficult for them to pay for other services. In chapter one, Scout describes how the town has...

The Great Depression has hit the town of Maycomb hard. It has also hit the people of the town hard. Maycomb is mostly made up of farmers, therefore the whole town is affected by the tragedy of the stock market crash. Most people in Maycomb work off the land, and when these people had no money, it was difficult for them to pay for other services. In chapter one, Scout describes how the town has been affected.

There was no hurry, for there nowhere to go, nothing to buy and no money to buy it with, nothing to see outside the boundaries of Maycomb County.

Scout even asks Atticus if they were poor and Atticus tells her that they were and they were just as poor as the Cunninghams. 

Atticus said professional people were poor because the farmers were poor. As Maycomb County was farm county, nickles and dimes were hard to come by for doctors and dentists and lawyers.

Most of the people in Maycomb had to take jobs as day laborers, this meant that they had to find jobs to do by the day and hope there was enough work for them. This is what Tom Robinson did. His willingness to work and take care of his family, led him to make a tragic error in judgement and eventually it cost him his life. The Ewell family, however, were poor and would always be poor. The economy had no affect on them. No matter the change that was brought on by the Great Depression, Bob Ewell and his family were exactly the same and would be. They were hard at heart and had no compassion for anyone else.

In Anita Desai's short story "Games At Twilight," how does the writer vividly present the children in the story's opening?

The author effectively uses a number of various descriptors and figures of speech to indicate the children's emotions and actions and to graphically convey what they looked like. In effect, she appeals to the reader's senses and wishes us to indulge in these frantic and frenzied moments just before the children's release from the stuffy and stifling interior of the house into the exhilarating freedom outside.

In the second sentence, we learn that the children had been fed and groomed. They "had had their tea, they had been washed and had their hair brushed." The children were fed and clean, ready to face the challenges and excitement outside. They had been confined to the house the entire day since it had been too hot to play outside. They were impatient since the basics had been attended to. They were brimming with energy and ready to get dirty, as it were.

The author tells us that "the children strained to get out." The sentence conveys their impatience. They had been restricted for so long that they were, at that moment, striving hard to go outside, even to the point of exertion. The words "red" and "bloated" emphasize the effort the children put into their attempts to get out. They were like caged animals striving for freedom. 

Furthermore, the author expresses how stifling the atmosphere was inside by mentioning that the children found it hard to breathe. It "made them feel that their lungs were stuffed with cotton wool and their noses with dust." The only way it which they would feel comfortable would be if "they burst out into the light and see the sun and feel the air." The word "burst" suggests an explosive action. Once the children are let go, they will explode into the outside. If not, they will "choke."

The author makes it clear that the children do not even consider the mother's concern to safeguard them from the harsh sun. They just want to be out and beg her to let them go, making a promise that they will obviously be unlikely to keep, even though they counter the mother's unfinished phrase by stating that they will not leave the porch, as she evidently believes they will. 

Their pleading culminates in a what the writer describes as horrendous wailing. One can imagine the sound as being akin to the caterwauling of cats during the dead of night. Their terrible crying is what convinces the mother to let them out. Once the door is open, the children rush out "like seeds from a crackling, over-ripe pod into the veranda." The simile is quite apt and effectively describes their frenzied and uncontrolled rush to the outside. Once they are in the open, the children express their delight by screaming wildly and loudly, like a bunch of maniacs. They are ecstatic. 

The introductory paragraph evocatively conveys the exuberant nature of children. They possess a vitality that adults find difficult to understand. The introduction distinctly indicates how keen they are to be active and how much they despise being restricted. They wish to enjoy the freedom of the outside where they can truly indulge themselves. In addition, the introduction also establishes a contrast to the much more subdued situation conveyed later in the story, where the focus is more singular.

Why does the crowd appear at the jailhouse in To Kill a Mockingbird?

In chapter 15 of To Kill a Mockingbird, we see that Sheriff Tate has come to warn Atticus that Tom Robinson my be in danger. Jem and Scout are worried about their father, though the children are still innocent at this point. Scout hears her father talking to the group of men who had come to warn Atticus. Mr. Link Deas is asking why Atticus would take on this case, and Atticus gives him the most honest answer he can.

"Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he's not going till the truth's told." Atticus's voice was even. "And you know what the truth is."

Bob Ewell, Walter Cunnigham and some of the other men from town, are forming a group to go to the jail. Bob Ewell's daughter, Mayella, is the one who has accused Tom of the crime. Bob wants revenge, although he is the one who is guilty. 

In Maycomb, black people were considered the lowest of the low on the social ladder, and if a white person accused a black person of a crime, that black person was going to found guilty. The group of men who come to the jail want to take justice into their own hands. They are at the jailhouse to do harm to Tom. Atticus is quite aware of how these men think. He goes to the jail, knowing what he might have to face. 

"A long extension cord ran between the bars of a second-floor window and down the side of the building. In the light from its bare buld, Atticus was sitting propped against the front door. He was sitting in one of his office chairs, and he was reading, oblivious of the nightbugs dancing over his head."

Atticus did not want Jem and Scout there, but when they run over to him, he soon realizes that Scout is the one who saves them all. Scout with all of her innocence, is the one who breaks up the group. By being kind and showing a genuine interest in the people there, Scout shows the men that this is not the best way to deal with the situation. This chapter begins to show us the real danger that Atticus, Tom, Jem and Scout are going to have to face very soon.

How could you argue that Gertrude is an exemplary woman in Shakespeare's Hamlet?

Gertrude is a complicated character who is often viewed in a negative light. She hurts Hamlet in many ways, including (but not limited to) marrying Claudius, potentially being complicitous in the murder of Hamlet's father, and her quick forgetting of Hamlet's father after his death. These actions cause many audience members and readers of Hamletto dislike Gertrude. It doesn't help that Gertrude does not speak much during the play, and so she has little...

Gertrude is a complicated character who is often viewed in a negative light. She hurts Hamlet in many ways, including (but not limited to) marrying Claudius, potentially being complicitous in the murder of Hamlet's father, and her quick forgetting of Hamlet's father after his death. These actions cause many audience members and readers of Hamlet to dislike Gertrude. It doesn't help that Gertrude does not speak much during the play, and so she has little text that defends her actions.

Many of these traditional viewings of Gertrude are through the context of Hamlet's perception of his mother. Yet, there are two frameworks that reveal Gertrude as a sympathetic and, arguably, exemplary woman. 

If viewing Gertrude under a patriarchal framework, she is an exemplary woman. Gertrude is faithful to her initial husband, Hamlet's father, but then she quickly moves on to her next husband after Hamlet's father's death. In this way, Gertrude is a faithful wife, and potentially an exemplary woman.

One could also argue, oddly enough, that Gertrude is an exemplary woman if they view her actions through a feminist framework. Gertrude does what she needs in order to survive. During this time period, where women were essentially property to men, Gertrude was surviving (and thriving) in a political climate that could have become increasingly dangerous for her survival. While some of her actions may seem ruthless, this is only coming from Hamlet's perspective. 

In "War" by Luigi Pirandello, what was the last message sent by the old man's son? Did he believe it?

The message that the old man's son sends to him justifies his participation in the war.  While his father believes the son's words, it does not ease the pain over his death.

The old man carries himself with a great deal of confidence as he speaks to his fellow train passengers.  He hears the sad discussion from the passengers about the sacrifices their children are making.  The old man affirms that "everyone should stop crying"...

The message that the old man's son sends to him justifies his participation in the war.  While his father believes the son's words, it does not ease the pain over his death.

The old man carries himself with a great deal of confidence as he speaks to his fellow train passengers.  He hears the sad discussion from the passengers about the sacrifices their children are making.  The old man affirms that "everyone should stop crying" because these are "good boys" answering the call of their country.  The old man references his own son as evidence.  He tells his fellow passengers that his son "before dying, sent me a message that he was dying satisfied at having ended his life in the best way he could have wished."  As further proof of this, he shows the passengers that he does not "even wear mourning."  The old man solidly believes that his son died for a proper cause.  The old man believes this sacrifice is not a source of sadness as much as it is a source of pride.

While the old man believes the words his son wrote, it is clear that he has not fully processed the boy's death. When the woman asks him if his son is "really dead," it triggers powerful feelings.  His "harrowing, heart-breaking, uncontrollable sobs" show that while the old man might believe the words his son wrote, they do not provide consolation.  He has lost his boy.  The war took his child.  No amount of justification can lessen that hurt. As a result, the ending to Pirandello's story speaks to the unending pain that is a part of the war experience.  While claims of nationalism and patriotic duty can be used to justify it, nothing can mask the pain that war brings on those who have to experience it, something the old man demonstrates.  

Who are the 2016 presidential candidates and what are their strengths and weaknesses?

This question is actually a bit easier to answer today than it was a few weeks ago, because several of the candidates have dropped out. 

The Republican candidates who are still running are Donald Trump, a businessman from New York; Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator from Texas; Marco Rubio, U.S. Senator from Florida; John Kasich, the governor of Ohio; and Ben Carson, a surgeon from Michigan.

The Democrat candidates are Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State; and...

This question is actually a bit easier to answer today than it was a few weeks ago, because several of the candidates have dropped out. 

The Republican candidates who are still running are Donald Trump, a businessman from New York; Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator from Texas; Marco Rubio, U.S. Senator from Florida; John Kasich, the governor of Ohio; and Ben Carson, a surgeon from Michigan.

The Democrat candidates are Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State; and Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator from Vermont.

Obviously, the strengths and weaknesses of each is a very subjective question, and supporters of the various candidates would give very different opinions.  I will try to list a few strengths and weaknesses of each, as neutrally as I can.

Donald Trump - Strengths:  successful businessman, with a large amount of money to spend.  He appeals to people for his frank discussion of issues and a straightforward approach toward problems.  Weaknesses:  limited political experience and a tendency to make outlandish, brash statements that can offend groups of people.

Ted Cruz - Strengths:  experience in the U.S. Senate.  Intelligent individual who seems to know how to say "the right thing."  Weaknesses: limited time in politics, not highly charismatic

Marco Rubio - Strengths: experience in the U.S. Senate.  Charismatic and engaging individual with some fresh ideas.  Weaknesses:  youth, and limited leadership experience

John Kasich -- Strengths:  experience as a state Governor, which requires more individual leadership than membership in Congress.  Knows how to make decisions and get things accomplished.  Weaknesses:  less charismatic and compelling as a candidate than the others, he is less able to attract followers.

Ben Carson - Strengths:  very intelligent individual, with thoughtful, fresh ideas for change.  Weaknesses: no experience in politics, so he is having difficulty getting his message heard against the other candidates

Hillary Clinton - Strengths: a life in political service, she has been First Lady, U.S. Senator, U.S. Secretary of State.  She probably has the most experience closely related to the Presidency than any other candidate.  Weaknesses: if elected, she would be the first female President, which is an unfair challenge, but is a challenge nevertheless.  She is also connected to former President Bill Clinton, whose turbulent Presidency may be a challenge for her.  She is seen by many as being too closely tied to the current administration and therefore less likely to bring about positive change.

Bernie Sanders - Strengths: a long career as a U.S. Senator, he understands Washington politics and he is very familiar with the important issues facing our country.  Weaknesses: he is from a very small, very liberal state (Vermont), so getting his message out is an uphill climb.  He expresses great desires for positive change, but is criticized for not having a feasible plan to accomplish his ideas.

How does Harper Lee use language and imagery (in the description of the Ewell property in Chapter 17) to convey a sense of the Ewell family life?

Harper Lee employs words that denote poverty and other words and images that connote slovenliness and dirt as she describes the Ewell dwelling. 

That the Ewell home is a "former Negro cabin" situated near the town dump indicates the lowly lives of the Ewells. There are no panes in the windows to keep out the bad weather or any of the "varmints" that might wander inside. In the summer the Ewells put "greasy strips of...

Harper Lee employs words that denote poverty and other words and images that connote slovenliness and dirt as she describes the Ewell dwelling. 

That the Ewell home is a "former Negro cabin" situated near the town dump indicates the lowly lives of the Ewells. There are no panes in the windows to keep out the bad weather or any of the "varmints" that might wander inside. In the summer the Ewells put "greasy strips of cheesecloth" to keep these varmits out. The exterior of the building is covered with corrugated iron, and the roof is formed out of tin cans from the dump, cans that have been hammered flat by hand. There is no foundation; the house sits merely on "lumps of limestone."

The debris from the dump makes the yard, a mere plot of bare ground where no grass will grow, look "like the playhouse of an insane child." To denote the appearance of the yard, Lee employs images such as "snaggle-toothed rake heads"and all sorts of broken garden tools, and from around all this some "scrawny orange chickens pecked hopefully." Most noticeable, however, is one corner of the yard where bright red geraniums  sit. These geraniums evince a tender hand having cared for them, one as experienced as Miss Maudie. Rumors in town are that these anachronistic beauties belong to Mayella Ewell.

The children of Bob Ewell are neglected. No one knows how many children Ewell has; some say six, others nine. Social pariahs, no one has occasion to go to their shack by the dump except after Christmas when they discard their Christmas trees. In contrast to this slovenly house and yard, the "small Negro settlement" is neat and comfortable with pale smoke billowing from their chimneys and delicious odors emanating from their doorways.

In the novel The Bronze Bow, what are some similarities between Hezron and Daniel?

Despite their many differences, Hezron and Daniel are surprisingly similar throughout the novel The Bronze Bow. Daniel and Hezron are both passionate about the Roman occupation of Galilee. In Chapter 5, Daniel asks Hezron if he has forgotten the plight of the Jewish people, and Hezron replies by saying, "we have not forgotten. We feel as you do. In his heart every Jew grieves at our captivity" (Speare 67). Daniel and...

Despite their many differences, Hezron and Daniel are surprisingly similar throughout the novel The Bronze Bow. Daniel and Hezron are both passionate about the Roman occupation of Galilee. In Chapter 5, Daniel asks Hezron if he has forgotten the plight of the Jewish people, and Hezron replies by saying, "we have not forgotten. We feel as you do. In his heart every Jew grieves at our captivity" (Speare 67). Daniel and Hezron both are dismayed that they are subjects of Rome, and they both are waiting for the day God will judge their captors. Both Hezron and Daniel share an affinity for their traditional Jewish roots, but choose to defend their culture differently. When Joel jokingly comments that Daniel would be a sensation in the gymnasium, Daniel says that he would never set foot in it. Hezron shares the same feelings about the Roman gymnasium as Daniel does and comments that it is a shame that some Jewish youths take part in the games. Hezron and Daniel both believe that the Jews should remain separate from Romans and not be influenced by Roman culture. They are also both fiercely loyal individuals. Daniel is loyal to Rosh's clan on the mountain and his vow, while Hezron is loyal to the Law.

What lesson did Fleance say that he learned from his father, Banquo, in the play Macbeth?

What lessons does Fleance learn from his father, Banquo, in Shakespeare’s Macbeth?

Fleance only physically appears twice in the play, yet he plays an important role as future king of Scotland, if the three witches’ prophesy is to be believed.  Whether his father tells him of it, we don’t know, but we can analyze his interaction with his father to glean some possible father/son lessons.

At Inverness shortly before Macbeth murders Duncan, Fleance and...

What lessons does Fleance learn from his father, Banquo, in Shakespeare’s Macbeth?

Fleance only physically appears twice in the play, yet he plays an important role as future king of Scotland, if the three witches’ prophesy is to be believed.  Whether his father tells him of it, we don’t know, but we can analyze his interaction with his father to glean some possible father/son lessons.

At Inverness shortly before Macbeth murders Duncan, Fleance and Banquo walk about the castle at night by aid of a torch.  Banquo teaches his son how to judge the time of night by the fact that the moon has already gone down, an event he says happens at midnight.  This small exchange reveals that Banquo is in the habit of frequently instructing his young son, who willingly accepts his guidance.  

In this same scene, Banquo reveals to his son that his mind is troubled to the point of sleeplessness, uttering aloud the prayer, “Merciful powers, / Restrain in me the  cursed thoughts that nature / gives way to in repose!”  He also gives the boy his sword for protection in the dark.  This interaction allows readers to see their closeness, and suggests that it is possible he has told Fleance of the witches’ prophecy that his sons will be kings. Certainly the boy overhears his father speak to Macbeth of the three witches’ predictions coming true so far.  Fleance also hears his father’s heartfelt wish to remain honorable and keep his “bosom franchised and allegiance clear.”  Banquo is telling his friend Macbeth that he will only take his advice if it allows his own heart to remain innocent and his loyalty spotless. Fleance is soon to lose his father, and it is human nature to hold in our hearts the lessons of loved ones lost.  Banquo has clearly taught his son to value moral uprightness and loyalty in all circumstances.

The second and last time that we see Fleance in the play is when Macbeth’s three hired assassins attack them.  Banquo essentially gives his life to save his son, holding the killers off so Fleance can escape.  His last words to his son are, “O, treachery!  Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! / Thou mayst revenge.  O slave!”  In 11th century Scotland, upholding the honor of one’s clan, or family, was of primary importance, especially for the first-born male.  Surely in witnessing his father’s murder, Fleance learns not to blindly trust others, not even someone considered a friend. Banquo demonstrates that one’s own honor, loyalty to your superiors, and family come first, even to the point of revenge.

Based on his autobiography The Long Walk to Freedom, how did Nelson Mandela oppose racism?

In his autobiography A Long Walk to Freedom, Nelson Mandela narrates his life as he fought for freedom of Africans in South Africa. As a political activist, Mandela participated in many ways to fight for equality by opposing racism, all of which are detailed in part three of his autobiography, titled "Birth of a Freedom Fighter."

Mandela begins part three of his book by stating that there was not one moment in his life in which he said to himself, "From henceforth I will devote myself to the liberation of my people" (Ch. 11). On the contrary, he merely found himself involved in the fight and "could not do otherwise" (Ch. 11). He further explains that, under the guidance of Walter Sisulu, one of his mentors, he became a proud member of the African National Congress (ANC), an organization Sisulu also supported and was a member of. Hence, becoming involved in the ANC is one way in which Mandela opposed racism.

In 1941, when the US entered World War II, US President Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Churchill signed into effect the Atlantic Charter to declare the two countries' war aims, both during and after the war. Inspired by the the 1941 Atlantic Charter, the ANC signed its own charter, titled the African Claims, calling for "full citizenship of all Africans, the right to buy land, and the repeal of all discriminatory legislation" (Ch. 11).

While in the ANC, Mandela took part in organizing the ANC Youth League, a second way through which he opposed racism. In 1942, the aim of the Youth League was to rally African youths to more actively protest against inequalities. The Youth League rallied for the "creation of one nation out of many tribes, the overthrow of white supremacy, and the establishment of a truly democratic government" (Ch. 11). In 1946, the Youth League drew inspiration for their own activities from the Natal Indian Congress, an organization that strove to fight discrimination against Indians living in South Africa. The Natal Indian Congress launched a protest against white restriction of freedoms for Indians that became the model of protests for the Youth League. Thousands of the Indian community held mass rallies, picketed on white property, and went to jail. Mandela began to see the fight for freedom as requiring "meticulous organization, militant mass action, and, above all, the willingness to suffer and sacrifice" (Ch. 12). When apartheid started in 1948 under Prime Minister Daniel Malan of the National Party, the Youth League created the Program of Action, which "called for boycotts, strikes, stay-at-homes, passive resistance, protest demonstrations, and other forms of mass action" (Ch. 13). In conjunction with the Transvaal ANC, the Transvaal Indian Congress, the African People's Organization, and the District Committee of the Communist Party, ten thousand people gathered in Johannesburg's Market Square in March 1950 for the "Defend Free Speech Convention" (Ch. 13). The convention also declared May 1st to be Freedom Day, a day of general strikes. Other mass action events were organized, such as the Day of Protest on June 26, a day of "political strike on a national scale" (Ch. 13).

In addition, under the Youth League, he also helped organize the Defiance Campaign of June 26, 1952, the largest-scale, non-violence protest ever to occur in South Africa. On this day, groups of over 250 volunteers marched into Johannesburg, defying apartheid laws and singing freedom songs, and were arrested. Over a period of 5 months, 8,500 participated in the campaign. Though the campaign led to many arrests and failed to overturn apartheid laws, the campaign also drew the attention of the United Nations, leading to a UN investigation. The UN determined that the injustice of apartheid laws was of international concern, marking the beginning of the international fight against apartheid ("Defiance Campaign 1952," South African History Online). These among many other activities are ways in which Mandela oppose racism.

What word from A Midsummer Night's Dream describes Puck's humor?

If I had to choose one word used in A Midsummer Night's Dream to describe Puck, it would be "merry." Puck appropriately describes himself with that word, calling himself a "merry wanderer." He is both the spirit that can whizz around the earth in a rapid-fire 40 minutes, and also the merry sprite who wanders at a slower pace through the forest, thoroughly enjoying the mischief and hi-jinks caused by love gone awry.

Puck, also...

If I had to choose one word used in A Midsummer Night's Dream to describe Puck, it would be "merry." Puck appropriately describes himself with that word, calling himself a "merry wanderer." He is both the spirit that can whizz around the earth in a rapid-fire 40 minutes, and also the merry sprite who wanders at a slower pace through the forest, thoroughly enjoying the mischief and hi-jinks caused by love gone awry.

Puck, also known as Robin Goodfellow, would have been a familiar character to contemporary audiences. A mischievous figure from English folklore, he is as connected to Midsummer's Eve as Santa Claus is today to Christmas. Puck is the ultimate prankster who enjoys the tricks he plays. He is the embodiment of the idea that life doesn't always work out as we plan or, as Lysander puts it, that "the course of true love never did run smooth." 

Merry Puck enjoys turning Bottom's head into an ass's head and finds merriment when Titania, a queen, falls in love with Bottom. Although he doesn't mean to put the love potion in the wrong person's eyes, the mistake makes him merry. As he says: "then will two at once woo one / that must needs be sport alone."

He laughs at taking love too seriously, saying one of the most famous lines in the play: "Lord, what fools these mortals be."

Scout reflects: “Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.” What comparison is Lee suggesting in...

It seemed that Scout Finch was always reading.  She had started to read at a young age.  Long before starting school, reading seemed natural to Scout.  It was simply a part of her life.  

On Scout's first day of school, however, her teacher told her to stop reading.  Miss Caroline said that Scout should no longer read with her father each night.  Instead, she wanted Scout to learn how to read the "right" way....

It seemed that Scout Finch was always reading.  She had started to read at a young age.  Long before starting school, reading seemed natural to Scout.  It was simply a part of her life.  

On Scout's first day of school, however, her teacher told her to stop reading.  Miss Caroline said that Scout should no longer read with her father each night.  Instead, she wanted Scout to learn how to read the "right" way.  It was after this scene that Scout made the following statement:

Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read.  One does not love breathing (To Kill a Mockingbird, Chapter 2).

After Miss Caroline's new command, Scout gained a new appreciation for reading.  She realized that she valued reading.  It was important to her.  She also realized that reading was so essential to her life that it was like breathing.  She did not pay attention to it, but yet it was a necessary part of daily life.

How did Europe change socially, politically, and in education during the Medieval Period?

The Medieval Period, or Middle Ages, refers to the era between the fall of the Roman Empire in the West and the cultural transformations of the Renaissance. Historians generally agree that the Medieval Period began in the fifth century and ended in the fifteenth. Throughout this Period, many changes occurred, laying the foundations for Modern European society.

Medieval society was organized into three classes or Orders- oratores, laboratores, and bellatores. In Modern English, that is...

The Medieval Period, or Middle Ages, refers to the era between the fall of the Roman Empire in the West and the cultural transformations of the Renaissance. Historians generally agree that the Medieval Period began in the fifth century and ended in the fifteenth. Throughout this Period, many changes occurred, laying the foundations for Modern European society.

Medieval society was organized into three classes or Orders- oratores, laboratores, and bellatores. In Modern English, that is the people who pray (clergy,) people who work (peasantry,) and people who fight (nobility.) After the fall of the Roman Empire, society and power became far more localized and gave way to the Feudal System. In the Early period, society was primarily composed of subsistence farmers, who may have been ruled over by a king. In the Feudal System (which crystallized in the Middle and Late Periods,) land was owned by a king (as a kingdom) and divided up among noble families in return for their military service. The noble families then divided their parcel of land further among less-powerful families in return for their military service. (It was sort of a complex process of recruitment!) These land-holders, or vassals, would then manage their parcel of land, which was worked by peasants who lived on it. Over the Medieval Period, this system became increasingly complex, with one vassal potentially being obligated to many superiors. Conflict of interests were common, and the peasantry often revolted at unfair taxation and treatment.

Politics and government changed both drastically and rapidly throughout the Middle Ages. In the wake of the fall of Roman power, authority was "returned" to local warlord kings. Essentially, whoever was strongest or had the most fighters on their side won control over land. Kings often made war on each other in order to take more land and resources as their own. During the eighth and ninth centuries, much of Europe was unified under Charlemagne- Charles the Great. Charlemagne re-unified the secular and religious powers in his empire when he was coronated in 800 by the Pope. This gave way to many kings who ruled on divine authority. By the 11th century, the Carolingian Empire was dismantled by Viking and Magyar invasions, and power returned to local kings once again.

The Medieval Period had an increasing trend towards literacy and improvements in education. During the Early Middle Ages, infrastructure suffered, and Latin scholarship fell out of fashion. Most people had a religious education, but only clergy and nobility were literate, and very few people had any schooling in mathematics or the sciences. Charlemagne instituted a number of reforms of education, and was an avid student himself. He encouraged his family and members of court to study mathematics, astronomy, and logic, in addition to their religious education. During his legacy- the Carolingian Dynasty- a form of standardized script was developed. The Caroline Miniscule was implemented as a common means of writing and language so that texts produced in one area would be understood when read in another. Dialects and scripts varied widely throughout Europe, so the development of a uniform style of writing was a great benefit to education during the Middle Ages. In fact, the Modern English script I am using right now is based on Caroline Miniscule! 

During the Middle and Late periods of the Middle Ages, there was a significant population boom due to advancements in agriculture. However, most of the population were still peasants and had limited access to education. Study of the sciences and mathematics were considered primarily for the nobility, but the invention of the printing press enabled a slow rise in literacy rates among the peasantry.

What is a brief summary of "Berry" by Langston Hughes?

As the story opens, an employment office in Jersey City has sent a worker, Milberry Jones, to a large home near the beach that houses disabled children for the summer. It's run in part by Mrs. Osborn, the housekeeper. She's surprised to see that the new worker is black, and his race creates problems for her because the other servants might not like it. She has him wash dishes, and then, trying to figure out...

As the story opens, an employment office in Jersey City has sent a worker, Milberry Jones, to a large home near the beach that houses disabled children for the summer. It's run in part by Mrs. Osborn, the housekeeper. She's surprised to see that the new worker is black, and his race creates problems for her because the other servants might not like it. She has him wash dishes, and then, trying to figure out where he can sleep that night (because the other servants won't want him near them), she walks over to Dr. Renfield's house.

This Dr. Renfield is the one who owns the whole facility. But he's not at home at his cottage at the moment; his wife answers the door, and it's a bit awkward because Mrs. Osborn has a crush on Dr. Renfield.

He stops by Mrs. Osborn's office later and finds out from her what's going on. (She refers to Milberry as a "Negro," and Dr. Renfield refers to him as "the darkie.") They decide that Milberry will sleep alone in the attic and that, because he's black, he'll earn $8 a week instead of $10.

Milberry is described as uneducated but quick-witted, grateful for his new job, but a little annoyed that the employers are working him to death because he's "just" a black kid. He senses something "phoney" about the whole facility, though: all the adults complain and gossip a lot, and the disabled kids aren't treated very well.

The kids love Milberry, though, and he enjoys playing, singing, and talking with them. They offer him warmth and affection and call him "Berry."

One August day, Berry is helping a child in a wheelchair head down to the beach, when the child leans out and falls, and the wheelchair breaks. Even though the child isn't really hurt, and even though he clings to Berry for comfort, Dr. Renfield and Mrs. Osborn blame Berry for the accident and make it a huge deal. Not only do they fire Berry, they also deduct his last week of pay to make up for the broken wheelchair. He has to go back to Jersey City.

How did FDR's bold moves to help Great Britain in the fight against Hitler affect the sharp disagreement that these efforts caused at home?

As Europe moved closer and closer to war in the 1930s, the U.S. clearly wanted to maintain its neutrality. The U.S. was embroiled in the Great Depression, and Americans widely felt that getting involved with another world war would only profit bankers and war profiteers. The U.S. Congress passed five neutrality acts in the years from 1935 to 1939 in an attempt to make sure that the U.S. did not become involved in the coming...

As Europe moved closer and closer to war in the 1930s, the U.S. clearly wanted to maintain its neutrality. The U.S. was embroiled in the Great Depression, and Americans widely felt that getting involved with another world war would only profit bankers and war profiteers. The U.S. Congress passed five neutrality acts in the years from 1935 to 1939 in an attempt to make sure that the U.S. did not become involved in the coming war.

After Hitler invaded Poland in September of 1939 and World War II began in Europe, Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) clearly wanted to help France and England, and he did so in a way that countered criticism at home. First, he was able to amend the Neutrality Acts in 1939 so that combatants in the war could buy American weapons if they paid in cash (rather than through loans) and carried the weapons themselves. This provision was referred to as "cash and carry." In addition, he was able to institute a "Lend-Lease Act" in 1941 that allowed him to lend or lease goods and materials to countries to help protect the U.S. This program provided immediate relief to Great Britain, which was then getting battered by the German Air Force (or Luftwaffe) in the 1940 Battle of Britain. This aid supported the British Royal Air Force (RAF) as they repelled the Germans in the Battle of Britain. By providing aid without declaring war, FDR was able to provide aid to Great Britain while maneuvering around the isolationist lobby at home.  

In "The Thief's Story," by Ruskin Bond, what was the thief's real name?

We never know the thief’s real name in this story – when he introduces himself to Arun, he lies and says his name is Deepak.  “Deepak was about my fifth name,” he confides to the readers, “I had earlier called myself Ranbir, Sudhir, Trilok and Surinder. “

The thief becomes a cook for Arun, even though he has no skills at cooking – Arun is a kind master and overlooks Arun’s inexperience, teaching him to cook as...

We never know the thief’s real name in this story – when he introduces himself to Arun, he lies and says his name is Deepak.  “Deepak was about my fifth name,” he confides to the readers, “I had earlier called myself Ranbir, Sudhir, Trilok and Surinder. “

The thief becomes a cook for Arun, even though he has no skills at cooking – Arun is a kind master and overlooks Arun’s inexperience, teaching him to cook as well as teaching him to write.  It is Arun’s trust, along with his newfound skill at writing, that sends Deepak back to return the money he steals from Arun one night.  He realizes that being able to write sentences opens the door to countless opportunities, and with this one honest gesture the reader can assume that he abandons thievery and adopts a resolution to live a better life.  Despite this change that comes over him, however, at the end of the story he still does not reveal to Arun his real name.  Perhaps we can imagine that he keeps the name Deepak – the name that he held when he became an honest person, with long-term goals and a trusting friend.

Why is it important to encounter the choragos throughout the entire scene?

As you haven't mentioned which particular scene you are referring to, I'll address how the choragos functions in the play as a whole and why his presence is significant.

The choragos is the leader of the Chorus, which consists of the elders of the city of Thebes. One feature of this chorus that is distinctly characteristic of Sophocles is that they are actually part of the debates in the play, rather than just performing odes...

As you haven't mentioned which particular scene you are referring to, I'll address how the choragos functions in the play as a whole and why his presence is significant.

The choragos is the leader of the Chorus, which consists of the elders of the city of Thebes. One feature of this chorus that is distinctly characteristic of Sophocles is that they are actually part of the debates in the play, rather than just performing odes in which they pray or reflect on the nature of life and fate.

The choragos is the only member of the chorus who speaks individually rather than dancing and singing as part of the group, and therefore his presence allows Sophocles to give voice to the opinions and view of the general populace.

The most interesting scene in terms of the role of the choragos begins at line 320, when he has a dialogue with Oedipus. The first thing the dialogue shows is that Oedipus is a good ruler rather than a tyrant; instead of simply giving commands, he asks for the opinions of his subjects and takes them seriously. We can see this in the following exchange:

OEDIPUS

You may indeed [make a suggestion], and if there is a third course, too, don’t hesitate to let me know.

CHORUS LEADER

Our lord Teiresias, I know, can see into things, like lord Apollo.

The choragos remains on stage to witness the words of the blind seer for two reasons.

First, there is no need for him to exit and he'll be leading a choral ode immediately after the dialogue; thus having him exit would be unnecessary and distracting to the audience. Next, his remaining on stage shows that the citizens of Thebes are active participants in the quest to locate the murderer, again showing Oedipus' leadership qualities.

How many oceans did the Hadean eon have?

Zero. A bit fat 0. The reason it's called the "Hadean eon" is after Hades, which is the Greek word for the underworld---it's meant to invoke fire and brimstone, because that's what the world was like.The Hadean was the very first period of the Earth's existence, during which the Earth was still being constantly hit by asteroids and planetesimals(basically chunks of planet that haven't finished becoming planets yet). These endless collisions at incredibly...

Zero. A bit fat 0. The reason it's called the "Hadean eon" is after Hades, which is the Greek word for the underworld---it's meant to invoke fire and brimstone, because that's what the world was like.

The Hadean was the very first period of the Earth's existence, during which the Earth was still being constantly hit by asteroids and planetesimals (basically chunks of planet that haven't finished becoming planets yet). These endless collisions at incredibly high energies (we're talking billions of megatons; one of them created the Moon) heated the whole Earth to temperatures high enough to melt most metals, and thus far too hot to sustain liquid water of any kind. Comets did hit, bringing water, but that water immediately flash-boiled away.

This epoch went on for about 500 million years, until finally the Earth began to cool to a more moderate temperature that solid rocks could form on the crust. (The core remained molten, of course, and still does today.) Not long (geologically) after that, it was even cool enough that water didn't boil away, so when water continued to arrive in comets it began to form what we now know as oceans.

Why does Slim have the respect of the men on the ranch in Of Mice and Men?

Slim has the respect of the other workers on the ranch because he is very skilled, wise, thoughtful, sympathetic, and, above all, fair. 

Slim is both large and tall. He is a "jerkline skinner" who is capable of driving as many as twenty mules with only a "single line to the leaders" (he has such skill handling the mules that he does not need as many reins as others do). He is so capable that...

Slim has the respect of the other workers on the ranch because he is very skilled, wise, thoughtful, sympathetic, and, above all, fair. 

Slim is both large and tall. He is a "jerkline skinner" who is capable of driving as many as twenty mules with only a "single line to the leaders" (he has such skill handling the mules that he does not need as many reins as others do). He is so capable that all the men admire him. He is impressive because of his size as well. Unlike many people, he listens conscientiously to others and actually hears more than is said; also, with his "God-like" eyes he sees beyond the surfaces of things. Further, he is placed above the other men because he

...moved with a majesty only achieved by royalty and master craftsmen. He was ...prince of the ranch...His authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love.

In Chapter 4, Slim is the only one in whom George feels comfortable enough to confide; furthermore, Slim commiserates with George regarding his care for Lennie. Slim understands that George must be patient with Lennie and allow for his handicaps, as well as be vigilant in keeping Lennie out of trouble. In the final chapter, it is Slim who consoles George, telling him, "You hadda, George. I swear, you hadda," and he walks George back with him up the trail.

It is also Slim who is sympathetic to old Candy. After Carlson suggests putting the dog out of his misery, Slim studies the old dog "with his calm eyes." he tells Candy that he can have one of the puppies born to his dog. Then, he explains calmly to Candy that his old dog is "no good to himself," meaning that the dog is in pain from being crippled by arthritis. "I wisht somebody'd shoot me if I got old an' a cripple," he sympathetically explains to Candy as the old man looks helplessly at him because "Slim's opinions were law."

Slim is always fair with everyone; he does not flirt with Curley's wife, yet he is nice to her. He maintains a certain standing among the men at all times as he is judicious and kind. Because he treats everyone equally and is skillful, wise, and kind, Slim is well respected by all.

What did The Jungle reveal about the meat-packing industry?

The Jungle revealed the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry. Although Sinclair wrote the novel to expose the brutal exploitation of poor immigrant workers, the public reacted most strongly to its depictions of filth in Chicago's meat-packing plants. Audiences were particularly horrified at Sinclair's description of workers falling into rendering vats and becoming part of the ground meat sold to the public as "pure beef lard." 

Though Sinclair hoped his novel would raise outrage over...

The Jungle revealed the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry. Although Sinclair wrote the novel to expose the brutal exploitation of poor immigrant workers, the public reacted most strongly to its depictions of filth in Chicago's meat-packing plants. Audiences were particularly horrified at Sinclair's description of workers falling into rendering vats and becoming part of the ground meat sold to the public as "pure beef lard." 

Though Sinclair hoped his novel would raise outrage over working conditions and treatment of the poor, readers were more concerned with sanitation. As Sinclair would say, he aimed for people's hearts and hit their stomachs. 

The public outcry over conditions in the meat-packing industry led to government inspections of meat-packing facilities and the passage of both the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906. Eventually, reaction to the novel would lead to the formation of the Food and Drug Administration. 

Describe Miss Maudie Atkinson in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Miss Maudie Atkinson is an important character in the novel because of her friendship with Scout and Jem and because she represents values opposite those of other ladies like Aunt Alexandra and Miss Stephanie. Although Miss Maudie is of old heritage in Maycomb, she has “new” values and beliefs.  She is not racist and agrees with Atticus’ intentions to defend Tom Robinson to the best of his ability.  Miss Maudie is a little feisty and...

Miss Maudie Atkinson is an important character in the novel because of her friendship with Scout and Jem and because she represents values opposite those of other ladies like Aunt Alexandra and Miss Stephanie. Although Miss Maudie is of old heritage in Maycomb, she has “new” values and beliefs.  She is not racist and agrees with Atticus’ intentions to defend Tom Robinson to the best of his ability.  Miss Maudie is a little feisty and speaks up to other people in town, especially when they are spreading rumors (like Miss Stephanie spreads about Boo) or when making disparaging remarks about others. 

Miss Maudie is also very wise and pragmatic. She is to the point, something Scout especially likes because she can count on Miss Maudie to be truthful. Scout and Jem also learn a lot from Miss Maudie.  She convinces them that Atticus is not boring but has many talents like shooting a shotgun, and she explains why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.  When Miss Maudie’s house burns down during the freak snowfall that hits Maycomb, her “devil may care” attitude that she will build a smaller house with a bigger garden shows her optimistic spirit.  Miss Maudie doesn’t seem to take life too seriously unless she sees injustice or ignorance.  She is the moral female character in the novel and compliments Atticus’ wisdom and intentions well. 

What is Piggy's appearance?

The very first thing we know about Piggy is his weight. While Ralph gets a name, Piggy is "the fat boy" for pages, and then gets stuck with a bullying nickname. He also wears glasses, as he is near-sighted. The only other thing we really learn about his appearance is that he is not athletic, and seems to have an awkwardness around his movements, as he is usually struggling to keep up with the others.

...

The very first thing we know about Piggy is his weight. While Ralph gets a name, Piggy is "the fat boy" for pages, and then gets stuck with a bullying nickname. He also wears glasses, as he is near-sighted. The only other thing we really learn about his appearance is that he is not athletic, and seems to have an awkwardness around his movements, as he is usually struggling to keep up with the others.

Despite his inferior and external weaknesses, Piggy is intellectually superior to the other boys. He looks at the world through a lens of science, literally, as his glasses are an indispensable tool that the boys use to make fire. He is also the only boy who seems to understand what is going on in the outside, adult world. He represents that rational adult world on the island and is able to act as Ralph's adviser and preserve that society for a time. Unfortunately, his intellect is a hindrance as well, as he cannot understand the boys' motivations, desires, and actions when they come from a baser, animal instinct. This leads to his death.

What happens to Hyde after Jekyll dies in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?

Mr. Hyde is the dark side of Dr. Jekyll; he is part of the same man, and the two share a body. In death, then, only one body is found.

The darker side of Dr. Jekyll eventually takes over and the man completely becomes Mr. Hyde. This is why in the end the dead body of Hyde is discovered wearing the clothes of Dr. Jekyll.

Earlier in the novel, Dr. Jekyll develops a chemical mixture...

Mr. Hyde is the dark side of Dr. Jekyll; he is part of the same man, and the two share a body. In death, then, only one body is found.

The darker side of Dr. Jekyll eventually takes over and the man completely becomes Mr. Hyde. This is why in the end the dead body of Hyde is discovered wearing the clothes of Dr. Jekyll.

Earlier in the novel, Dr. Jekyll develops a chemical mixture that allows him to separate his moral nature from his immoral one because he has wondered if he could indulge his dark side without the pangs of conscience. However, what Dr. Jekyll has not figured is the fact that with each action, the darker side develops, and soon the evil grows inside Mr. Hyde until he commits a murder. Then, when he attempts to return to his better self, he finds that he cannot. Desperate for more of his potion, in the persona of Mr. Hyde, he has Dr. Lanyon procure the drugs from his laboratory. When Hyde takes the potion and begins to transform right before Dr. Lanyon, Lanyon is horribly shocked. He dies shortly thereafter.

The horror, then, in this tale of the secret of Jekyll and Hyde is that both parts of this man are trapped; they each fight for dominance over the other.

This brief condescension to my evil finally destroyed the balance of my soul...

writes Jekyll in a letter. This is why Hyde/Jekyll dies when the good side tries to rid itself of the evil side. 

What are some passages found in chapters 1-5 of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird showing how curious Scout is? What are the page numbers?

Scout's curiosity is revealed in Chapter 2 of To Kill a Mockingbird as she reflects on her excitement to finally be starting school. She says that she "never looked forward more to anything in [her] life" than starting school. She further reflects that, in wintertime, she used to climb into the treehouse to spy on the children in the schoolyard. Through spying, she learned how to play their games and shared in "their misfortunes...

Scout's curiosity is revealed in Chapter 2 of To Kill a Mockingbird as she reflects on her excitement to finally be starting school. She says that she "never looked forward more to anything in [her] life" than starting school. She further reflects that, in wintertime, she used to climb into the treehouse to spy on the children in the schoolyard. Through spying, she learned how to play their games and shared in "their misfortunes and minor victories" (Ch. 2). The fact that she is so excited to start school and so interested in school that she used to spy on the schoolchildren shows us she is eager to learn anything that is available to her, even schoolyard games if that's all the knowledge she has access to. Since the desire to learn and curiosity go hand in hand, Scout's passion for learning also indicates she is a curious person.

Her curiosity is further revealed in Chapter 4 as she complains about how disappointing her first school year was. Her school's teaching methods are so structured and formalized that she is not being encouraged to learn anything above her first-grade level even though her knowledge already far surpasses first-grade level. As a result, she lived out her first-grade year in a constant state of boredom and sought as much knowledge as she could outside of school through reading. Scout reflects on her eagerness to acquire any knowledge she possibly can and on her disappointments in her school's teaching methods in the following:

As for me, I knew nothing except what I gathered from Time magazine and reading everything I could lay my hands on at home, but as I inched sluggishly along the treadmill of the Maycomb County school system, I could not help receiving the impression that I was being cheated out of something. (Ch. 4)

Her passion for reading shows us just how passionate she is about acquiring knowledge, which further shows us just how curious she is. Plus, her feeling that she is being cheated out of her education by her school further shows us just how much she wants to learn as a product of her curiosity.

Since page numbers will vary per version of the book, only estimated locations can be given. The above passages are found in the very beginnings of both chapters 2 and 4.

Why did Japan want to expand their empire in Asia? Explain in detail using ALL the documents provided in images below.

The desire of Japan to build a modern industrial civilization is what drove their desire at expansion.  Document 1A, which is the resource map of Japan, demonstrates that the country was limited with regards to vital materials necessary for industry.  This includes a lack of petroleum, limited iron ore, and scarce coal mines.  Nagai Ryutaro argues in Document 2 that four major powers have essentially shut Japan out of the global market through spheres of...

The desire of Japan to build a modern industrial civilization is what drove their desire at expansion.  Document 1A, which is the resource map of Japan, demonstrates that the country was limited with regards to vital materials necessary for industry.  This includes a lack of petroleum, limited iron ore, and scarce coal mines.  Nagai Ryutaro argues in Document 2 that four major powers have essentially shut Japan out of the global market through spheres of influence and high tariffs.  He feels that Japan's only response is to use force to gain access to materials and opportunities necessary to Japan's success.  Document 3 describes the designs that Japan had for colonizing Korea and the importance that it placed on the peninsula a decade before World War I.  This document seems to make the United States complicit in the early imperial ambitions of Japan because it was a conversation that involved the American Secretary of War.  In Document 4, the desire of Japan to create a new Asian order in China is communicated.  The Japanese feel that they are the only ones that can protect China from communism that could migrate from the Soviet Union.  The Japanese also want to eliminate Western influence in China to establish their own markets and influence.  Jiang Jieshi, the nationalist leader of China, does not feel that this patriarchal relationship will benefit his people.  

What are the pros and cons of offering a free college education to American students?

I don't think anyone would disagree that one of the best ways to build up our country is to build up the education level of our citizens.  People with higher levels of education are better able to earn a living, are better prepared to take active part in leadership of the country (i.e., politics and government), are less likely to become involved in criminal activity, and are less of a drain on social services (welfare,...

I don't think anyone would disagree that one of the best ways to build up our country is to build up the education level of our citizens.  People with higher levels of education are better able to earn a living, are better prepared to take active part in leadership of the country (i.e., politics and government), are less likely to become involved in criminal activity, and are less of a drain on social services (welfare, unemployment, social services, etc.). 

With this in mind, many people, including President Obama and a few of the current Presidential candidates, have expressed the opinion that we should find a way to offer a free college education for anybody who wants it.  This would most likely be through the community college system that we have in place. 

On the positive side, this would achieve all the goals I mentioned in my first paragraph.  However, a college tuition is not free, so the cost would have to come from somewhere -- most likely through increased taxes.  There is also a concern that by opening up the doors of higher education to all people, the quality of that college education is likely to get "watered down."  In short, if everyone starts getting a college degree, then the value of that degree will decline, and employers will start looking for more.

When my grandfather graduated from high school, that was a big accomplishment.  When my father graduated from college a generation later, THAT was a big accomplishment.  Now, many professions require not just a bachelor's degree but also a master's degree, for even an entry level position.  This problem would only become more enhanced if more and more people are earning degrees.

The concept is a good one.  But we need to be careful that it is executed properly.