What are the best and worst aspects of the city in Sandburg's poem "Chicago"?

The worst comes in the form of judgments passed on the city.  Sandburg refers to these judgments, listing them as someone speaking them out loud:  "They tell me you are wicked...crooked...brutal."  He admits that "they" are in fact correct; he doesn't deny it.  Chicago is wicked, crooked and brutal.  He describes those traits in more detail:

"painted women under the gas lamps luring the farm boys...gunman kill to go free and kill again...the marks of wanton hunger" on the "faces of women and children."

So, those traits are the worst of the city.  However, despite this, Sandburg also describes much about the city that he loves.  The best sides of it is its

"lifted head singing/so proud to be alive and coarse and strong and cunning."

He emphasizes that even in the dire, poverty-stricken misery of the city that people are "strong", "fierce", "laughing", "bragging", and happy to be alive. He emphasizes the strength of the working class of Chicago, and how they are proud to be who they are, and happy in their station, full of vivacity and life. So, Chicago is a lively, strong, intense city, and those are its best traits, mixed right in there with its worst.

Were the reformers of the late 19th century and feminists of the early 20th century one in the same? Explain?

The short answer to your question is "yes". The feminist movement began with a group of reformers who saw that women were treated differently under the law and wanted to reform the legal status of women under the law.

The women of the late 19th Century attended an organized feminist gathering in 1848 at Seneca Falls, New York. John Stuart Mill brought the subjection of women to light in his work titled "The Subjugation of Women". Many women in the late 18th Century were jailed for being involved in the Women's Movement.

Women's issues ranged from voting rights, divorce rights,  labor rights, and rights to family planning and birth control. Notable feminists of the 19th Century were: Emma Goldman, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Margaret Sanger.

The feminist movement in Egypt gained ground in 1899 in a book written by Qasim Amin, the author of the 1899  Women's Liberation (Tahrir al-Mar'a). In his book, he criticized some practices regarding the treatment of women in the Arab world as un-Islamic.

In the United States, Woodrow Wilson's 14 points helped the women's movement gain ground in the rights of self-determination. These 14 points propelled the states toward granting women the vote and right to property.

During the 1920s women lost the jobs that they had previously held during WWI. The pendulum swung back during WWII when the iconic "Rosie the Riveter" was the image of the woman who went to the factory while her husband went off to war.

After WWII ended, women were more reluctant to leave the workplace and go back into their homes and be good domestic partners. Socialistic and Communistic philosophies furthered the cause of feminist movements by holding up the cause of the "worker". Women had learned to be wage earners as well as housekeepers.

Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of Franklin D. Roosevelt,  was awarded a posthumous Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegians refused and she was never so honored. In 1968 she was awarded one of the Human Rights Prizes. Mrs. Roosevelt did more as First Lady during the 1930s and 1940s to advance the cause of women, but she stopped short of supporting the "Equal Rights Movement".

The battle cry of the 1970s feminist was "equal pay for equal work." During the 1940s women had proved they could do any job that a man could do, but they were paid less than men were typically paid for the same job.

During the 1960s and 1970s women had access to modern birth control that was more reliable than any previous birth control method. Public education and family planning freed women from their roles as wife and mother.  However, the turbulent 1960s and 1970s also accelerated the rise of single parent families often with a female head of household.

So while women had more freedom, rights, and access to reproductive health care; the plight of women regarding their ability to advance economically has not progressed as much as many feminists would like.

What are three hints Montresor gives to Fortunato for what he intends to do in a "The Cask of Amontillado"?

In the beginning, Fortunato says, “I shall not die of a cough.” Montressor answers him with the words, “True-true.” Montressor knows exactly how Fortunato is going to die- starvation and dehydration behind the wall that he intends to build. Later Fortunato makes a secret sign of the Masons. Montressor does not know the hand sigh, but he tells Fortunato that he is a “mason” and shows him his trowel. They are going to look at a cask of wine. Why would Montressor need a trowel? Then, before they enter the catacombs, Montressor puts on a black silk mask and a cape which represents the devil or death.  Also of interest is the family crest of Montressor. It showsa human foot crushing a serpent whose fangs are imbedded in the heel of the foot. The motto is “Nemo me impune lacessit” which means, “No on wounds me with impunity.” In the eyes of Montressor, the heel is his and the serpent is Fortunato. Montressor believes that he has been wronged and that he must have revenge.

What is the main conflict in "Roman Fever"?

The main conflict in "Roman Fever" is between Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley over Delphin Slade.  When the two women were young they were both in love with the same man, even though he was engaged to Alida, Mrs. Slade.  The story takes us back to a winter the two women spent in Rome.

Mrs. Ansley was in love with Delphin Slade and Alida thought she was going to try to steal him away from her.  So she sets up a rouse, writing a phony letter to Grace, Mrs. Ansley, from Delphin, but the letter was really written by Alida, Mrs. Slade.

Grace, Mrs. Ansley, actually responded to the letter, writing to Delphin Slade, who arranged for the two of them to be let into the Collesium.  Mrs. Slade did not know about this, and she accuses her of lying. The twist to the story is that Mrs. Ansley's daughter, Barbara, is actually Mr. Slade's daughter.

Alida married Delphin Slade as planned, but Mrs. Ansley, who had a brief affair with him, had his daughter.

How does the theme of honesty answer the question “What is The Great Gatsby really about”? Explain the importance of this theme and why it...

Although I'm not sure that any one theme in Gatsby should take over the others, I think I can help with this question! And perhaps maybe the theme is better stated as, "DIShonesty is the root of all tragic events".

In this book, everyone lies. There is no honesty or truth anywhere, even in Nick, the narrator.

The lack of honesty leads both Daisy and Tom to have affairs, leads Nick to set up Daisy with Gatsby all these years, leads Tom to kill Gatsby and leads Gatsby to suffer the consequences of Daisy's actions.

This book is about the importance of honesty for anyone that is wants to avoide tragedy being invited into their life.

In Siddhartha, what lessons do the Samanas teach Siddhartha?

Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha is about a young man who, growing up as privileged person, feels a discontent with the lifestyle of his family and with his potential future. Although he could live the life of the upper class if he wished, he decides to go off with his friend Govinda in search of meaning. This search will take him down several roads and on several philosophical journeys.

Early in the story he joins a group called the Samanas. Samanas are Buddhists who are learning how to live according to the Buddhist philosophy. Their philosophy, at least as it is presented in the novel, requires its adherents give up most worldly pursuits and desires. The novel describes Siddhartha’s learning this way:

Instructed by the oldest of the Samanas, Siddhartha practised self-denial, practised meditation, according to new Samana rules.

While that doesn’t sound particularly exciting, Hesse does give some vivid examples of what Siddhartha did during this process:

 A dead jackal was lying on the sandy bank, and Siddhartha's soul slipped inside the body, was the dead jackal, lay on the banks, got bloated, stank, decayed, was dismembered by hyaenas, was skinned by vultures, turned into a skeleton, turned to dust, was blown across the fields. And Siddhartha's soul returned, had died, had decayed, was scattered as dust, had tasted the gloomy intoxication of the cycle, awaited in new thirst like a hunter in the gap, where he could escape from the cycle, where the end of the causes, where an eternity without suffering began.

Though Siddhartha stayed with the Samanas for several years and became very accomplished and even met Gotama, the perfected one, he still felt something missing and decided to leave the Samanas and head off on his own.

In Oedipus Rex, how is Oedipus led to commit the sin of killing his father and marrying his mother?

Oedipus is a victim or a tool of fate, a destiny that he cannot escape.

Oedipus, who is abandoned to die by his real parents, is rescued by a herdsman and given to the King and Queen of Corinth.  Growing up a Prince, Oedipus learns that the King and Queen are not his birth parents.  Seeking the help of the oracle at Delphi, he learns of the prophecy of killing his father and marrying his mother and is so horrified, that he is determined to outwit the prophecy.  He leaves Corinth.  

As he travels near Thebes, he is assaulted by an old man and his servants, he strikes back, killing the man.  Oedipus does not know that the old man is Laius, his real father.

He confronts the monster Sphinx, answers the riddle and is hailed as a champion.  Approaching the widow, Jocasta, Oedipus seeks advice about the prophecy.  She does not believe in prophecies, since the one told to her did not come true, her child died.

When he discovers that his father, the King of Corinth has died from natural causes, Jocasta tells him that it is proof that the prophecy is never going to come true. The two marry and have four children.  Oedipus has married his mother.

Events in the story unfold to make Oedipus believe that he has avoided fulfilling the prophecy, when in fact, his fate is a set path, a road he cannot avoid.     

What is the falling action of "The Rocking Horse Winner?"

It depends on what you label as the climax of the story.  In my opinion, the climax of the story is when little Paul rides and rides and finally has the winner to The Derby.  His mother rushes home, unusually concerned for him, to find Paul, "in his green pyjamas, madly surging on the rocking-horse."  After he calls out that the horse will be Malabar,

"His eyes blazed at her for one strange and senseless second, as he ceased urging his wooden horse.  Then he fell with a crash to the ground."

This climax brings Paul down with illness, the name of the much sought-after winner of the Derby, and brings on the falling action of the story.

The falling action in this story is quick; the gardener and Bassett put money on Malabar and win, Paul spends several days very, very ill, and then dies.  There isn't much in the way of falling action, but we do see that his horse was the winner, and the end, disasterous results of Paul's obsession with being lucky.  His last words on earth speak of that matter:  "Mother, did I ever tell you?  I am lucky!"  This falling action wraps up where the entire story had been leading, and is an tragic statement on the devastating impact that greed can have on a family.

What examples of personification are found in the book "Pride and Prejudice"?

Austen does not focus on personification, but she does use this technique in her great novel. One of my favorite examples comes in the first page or so of the novel, when Mr. Bennett says, "You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends…"

There is a more subtle example, more representative of Austen (and Lizzy's wit) in Chapter IV: "He is also handsome,'' replied Elizabeth, "which a young man ought likewise to be, if he possibly can. His character is thereby complete.''

This makes good looks seem representative of will, which personifies it ever so gracefully.

Who are called "my tan faced children" in "Pioneers! O Pioneers!" by Walt Whitman, and why?

The "tan faced children" that Whitman is referring to covers several different possibilities.  Whitman was a great champion of the working man, the laborer, the farmer out in his field, the sailor out at sea-those people who went out every day and sweated hard for their daily bread.  So, the tan-faced children could be referring to that entire working class of people who, through exposure to the harsh elements, are browned, wrinkled, leathered, and toughened.  Much of the poem does address hard-working people who are laying the foundation for this great country.

It could also apply directly to the title, which is repeated throughout the entire poem, to the actual pioneers who settled, cultivated, and civilized the country as a whole.  Again, exposure from working hard on farmland, or crossing the plains to settle the west, made these people tan-faced and tough.

Using children as a descriptor refers to the large number of immigrant children who ended being in these positions.  Also, it is a way for Whitman to express affinity with them, to feel like he has a connection to them.  He isn't passively describing them and their labor, he is one with them, related, there with them the entire way.  Whitman loved to feel a part of all people, and often described himself as related to humankind through nature and their work.

Those are a couple possible interpretations, and I hope that it helps!

In The Awakening, discuss the imagery of darkness, shadows, and night.

In The Awakening, it appears that Edna's transformation begins to take place at night, specifically when she finds that she can swim.  She has a moment of elation at the freedom she feels, and her moment of enlightenment tells her that she is her own person and that no one owns her; that she need not sacrifice who she is for anyone.

The imagery of darkness, night and shadows supports the sense of the mysterious, what is hidden from view, and a time when secretive things take place; it also seems to support her growth as a free-thinking woman, a new creation, that much of what she does when she is exploring these new sensations occurs at night: in the hammock after swimming, at her dinner party, with Arobin, returning to Robert after sitting with Adele, etc.

As Edna has been living until now in a world of shadows, being someone's daughter, wife and mother, she has not fully realized who she is and what she has the right to expect from life.

When Edna begins to change, only Mademoiselle Reisz knows why, as Edna tells no one else about Robert.  Certainly it is not necessary that she has changed because of Robert, but that once she is "awakened," she sees the world, herself, and life's possibilities that were until now hidden from her sight, including some kind of life with Robert--except that not even Robert can see this.  She is enlightened; he is not.

Even so, it is not until the story's end at the beach, while she is standing at the water's edge, naked and fully exposed to the sunshine that everything becomes clear to her.  Feeling both "strange and awful," as well as "delicious," she faces the light, leaving the shadows and darkness behind and chooses to face her fate on her own terms because of the woman she has become.

In "Twelfth Night", Viola dresses up as Cesario. Why is this?

In Act 1, Scene 2, Viola sees herself in what the Captain describes of Olivia:

A virtuous maid, the daughter of a count
That died some twelvemonth since; then leaving her
In the protection of his son, her brother,
Who shortly also died: for whose dear love
They say, she hath abjured the company
And sight of men.

Viola too has lost her father: and she has just lost her brother, so she thinks. The sorrow at these two losses leads Olivia to foreswear men altogether: and Viola completely empathises with her situation:

O that I served that lady
And might not be delivered to the world,
Till I had made mine own occasion mellow,
What my estate is!

How can she serve that lady? By serving Orsino, who constantly sends men to plead his love to her. And that's what she does:

I prithee, and I'll pay thee bounteously,
Conceal me what I am, and be my aid
For such disguise as haply shall become
The form of my intent. I'll serve this duke:
Thou shalt present me as an eunuch to him:
It may be worth thy pains; for I can sing
And speak to him in many sorts of music
That will allow me very worth his service.

Why does Viola dress as a boy? Partly because she is trying to keep her brother alive, who she fears might be dead (she tells us later in the play that she wears his clothes, and in his fashion - and Cesario sounds quite like Sebastian). Partly because Orsino seems to run an all-male court, and it will allow her to be a man-servant (and earn a wage so she can support herself). But she never actually says directly why she decides to cross-dress. It's open to interpretation.  

Hope it helps!

What is Claudius and Laertes' three part plan to kill Hamlet?

OK. It's the fencing match. And I think it's actually a two-point plan. First of all, Laertes once to cut Hamlet's throat in the church, but Claudius persuades him there's a better way. To somehow rig the fencing match so that Hamlet ends up dead. Laertes agrees:

I will do't!
And for that purpose I'll anoint my sword.
I bought an unction of a mountebank,
So mortal that but dip a knife in it,
Where it draws blood no cataplasm so rare,
Collected from all simples that have virtue
Under the moon, can save the thing from death
This is but scratch'd withal. I'll touch my point
With this contagion, that, if I gall him slightly,
It may be death.

So, the poison on the rapier will kill Hamlet. But Claudius organises a back up plan:

Therefore this project
Should have a back or second, that might hold
If this did blast in proof. Soft! let me see.
We'll make a solemn wager on your cunnings—
I ha't!
When in your motion you are hot and dry—
As make your bouts more violent to that end—
And that he calls for drink, I'll have prepared him
A chalice for the nonce; whereon but sipping,
If he by chance escape your venom'd stuck,
Our purpose may hold there.

Claudius will put poison into a chalice, and offer it to Hamlet as a toast, if the rapier plan fails to work. So it's a two-point plan for killing him off.

Hope it helps!

Describe the incident involving Sam Gardiner and Guy Wortman in Across Five Aprils.

Sam Gardiner is the owner of the general store in town.  He is kind to Jethro when the young boy comes in alone, having been sent to get supplies for his family.  There are a number of other men loitering in the store, however, and some of them, Guy Wortman in particular, begin to give Jethro a hard time.

Wortman, who has been drinking, asks Jethro insinuatingly if his pa is "good and down on Bill...does he teach you yore brother is a skunk that deserves shootin' fer goin' aginst his country?"  When Jeb responds that his father teaches him nothing at all on the matter of Bill joining the Confederates, Wortman accuses Matt Creighton of being as much of a traitor as his son, and a heated discussion ensues.  Sam Gardiner speaks up in defense of Jethro, and suggests that instead of spending his days "loafin' 'round drunk in (his) store", Guy Wortman should join up himself.  He agrees with another speaker that it is easy to "kick up...mob violence", because that way "your own hide is safe"; it is much harder to join up and do one's "patriotic duty".  Wortman tells Sam to keep his mouth shut, but leaves the store with a threat to do something about the matter. 

When Wortman has gone, Sam tells Jethro that he is sorry that the boy had to hear talk like that.  Sam himself does not like what Bill has done, but he thinks that Jethro was right to stand up for his brother (Chapter 5).

According to John Stuart Mill, why should we choose pleasure or pain as the arbiters of morality?human developed that self esteem if not relate to...

Well, let me start by stating that I don't think we should. However, using Mill's reasoning, there are certain solid reasons we should. First, doing so provides a universal binary scale: you can appraise just two factors, pleasure and pain, rather than duty, religious imperative, etc. This provides a strong universal reference. Second, this unified scale would seem to escape the conflicting claims that so trouble people: what happens when two duties clash? When legal duty and religion clash? This scale dissolves those. Third, it allows for a kind of universal calculus of ethics—a hope of objectivity.

In "Fahrenheit 451" when Montag returns to work, what is ironic about the first call he answers? Use quotes if possible.

If you are referring to when he returns to work after staying home sick, then the irony in the first call that he answers is in the fact that the call is for his own home.  This is ironic (the opposite of what is expected) because first of all, he's a fireman.  So, you don't expect a fireman's house to be torched, or a fireman, who is the person doing the burning most of the time, to be the one who breaks the rules, because they know the consequences better than anyone.  Also, it is his own wife that turns in the alarm; typically, you wouldn't expect such betrayal.  Montag asks, "was it my wife turned in the alarm?" and Beatty nodded.  It is also ironic because Montag and Faber had just gotten done planning on planting books in firemen's homes so that those firemen's houses would be burnt:  "Plant the books, turnin an alarm, and see the firemen's houses burn."   We don't expect Montag's home to fall to the same fate that he was plotting against other firemen's houses.  The third reason it is ironic is because he actually returned to work; that is supposed to be a show of trust, a show of loyalty to Beatty and their society.  As soon as he gets there, Beatty "put his hand to one side, palm up, for a gift.  Montag put the book in it."  So, he even returned the book.  So, he's going back to work, right?  He's trying to be a good citizen, right?  Well, if he was, then his house wouldn't be burned.

I hope those reasons helped, and I hope that I got the right part of the book for you.  Good luck!

Analysis for "The Whitsun Weddings" By Philip Larkin? Thank You :)Would anybody happen to know or have an analysis for the poem called "The...

I imagine it will not be easy for someone young and (probably) American to relate to this poem as it is quintessentially English. Whitsun weddings - I think there were tax reasons for so many marriages at a particular time of year (there's romance for you!) - possibly lasted up till the early 1960s but certainly not far beyond. I am not going to attempt an analysis here for space reasons but if you google 'whitsun weddings analysis' you will find some useful sites. I found a thoughtful and quite detailed one on page 2 of a site called Philip Larkin / Whitsun Wedding Comments.

My own feeling about the poem is that, beyond all the sensuous imagery and the apparently happy, jolly occasions that all these marriages and new lives now revel in, there is an underlying sense of pessimism, that somehow these weddings mark a watershed, a transition to a stage of life that will now proceed towards death. Look for the subtle references to this, even the apparently frivolous 'I nearly died', which presumably one of the girls says in reference to some embarrassing moment during the ceremony.

I hope you enjoy the poem eventually: it takes a bit of work but I think you'll find the sensuous description and the poet's detached wistfulness worth it.

How has George and Lennie's relationship changed over the years and who is listening to them while they talk about their dreams?

George tells Slim that he used to tease Lennie a lot.

Used to play jokes on ‘im ‘cause he was too dumb to take care of ‘imself. But he was too dumb even to know he had a joke played on him.

George says he even beat him up.

I’ve beat the hell outa him, and he coulda bust every bone in my body jus’ with his han’s, but he never lifted a finger against me.

George says he’s given all that up. Once he told Lennie to jump in a river. He couldn’t swim, and Lennie and other men were barely able to save him. George felt badly about nearly killing Lennie, and he felt sheepish because Lennie was so grateful for be saved.

Since then, they have become quite dependent on each other. Lennie is physically dependent, as he probably couldn’t survive on his own. But he also is completely dependent emotionally. The mere thought of leaving George causes Lennie to panic.

George often complains that Lennie is a nuisance and keeps him from having a good life. However, it becomes clear that George cares deeply for Lennie and depends on his companionship. Lennie's work capacity is also a source of money and pride for George. We learn near the end that Lennie’s desire for rabbits kept George’s own dream alive.

As for who was listening, the old man Candy listened to them talking in the bunk house. His desire to join them and contribute his savings made the dream actually seem to be within reach. Crooks, the black stable hand, also hears Lennie and Candy speak of their plans.

What is the point of conditoning Huxley's "Brave New World"?

The world controller conditions the embryos and the young children of Brave New World because conditioning certain castes to fit into their designated roles, the society is stable. Conditioning is a valuable tool in the name of social stability. Conditioning occurs as early as the embryonic stage as the embryos travel down a conveyor belt. Alphas are given more oxygen so that they develop into intellectual leaders, and the Epsilons are deprived of oxygen or alcohol is given to make the individual less intellectual and more of a hearty worker. Hypnopaedia is another valuable tool for social stability because it keeps all of the classes in line and behaving correctly in their social roles. When Lenina repeats her hypnopaedic sayings almost mindlessly, she's demonstrating the almost unconscious and very strong role of conditioning.

In "To Kill a Mockingbird" how does Harper Lee convey her major theme?

There are several possible themes for this novel, so I am not sure which one you have in mind for your question.  I provided a link below that discusses different possible themes, and maybe that can help you out a bit if you don't have one in mind.  In general though, to progress a theme, an author uses several different tactics.  The first is the plot; they create a setting and plot that furthers their theme.  The second is characters; they use the characters to exemplify their theme.  The third is the use of symbolism; they create symbols and layers to their novel that can be tied into the theme.

So, let's say that the major theme of this book is prejudice, and how people's prejudices can cause a lot of harm.  Harper Lee set the book in the south, in a time period and place where a lot of racism existed.  This is the perfect setting to talk about racism and prejudice.  Then, she created a plot where that theme would be brought front-and-center.  There is  the trial of a black man accused of raping a white woman.  Racism and prejudice are the key components of such a trial.  She also has the plotline of Boo Radley to talk about prejudice on a smaller scale; prejudice against people in society who are different.  She then created characters that would promoter her beliefs on prejudice (Atticus, a noble lawyer defending a black man in a hopeless case; Tom, a good black man victimized and killed because of prejudice; Boo, a social recluse who turns out being the hero).   Lee also used symbolism with the mockingbird; it represented the innocent Tom Robinson and Boo Radley who were brutally destroyed because of prejudice, just as killing a mockingibird is to destroy an innocent creature.

Through these techniques, Lee promotes her theme of racism and prejudice.  All of those techniques can be applied to any theme that you have in mind; good luck!

In Death of a Salesman, why does Biff steal Bill Oliver's pen?

Biff stole while growing up and he steals as an adult. He takes what he wants without hesitation. He blames his father for this habit because Willy did not punish him for stealing when he was young and instill in him a sense of integrity.

Biff had gone to see Bill Oliver to pitch a deal and borrow money. Oliver keeps him waiting for hours, which Biff surely resented, and then dismisses him quickly. Biff, left alone, goes into Oliver's office, where he certainly does not belong, and takes the expensive pen. In one regard, sneaking into Oliver's office and stealing his pen is a petty, angry reaction to having been kept waiting and then rejected by Oliver. Biff tells his brother Happy, "[H]e gave me one look and--I realized what a ridiculous lie my whole life has been!" Oliver's success reminds Biff of his own life's failure. Taking the pen was also an impulse, a crime of opportunity in which Biff's basic character asserts itself.

Always one to avoid responsibility, Biff enlists Happy's aid in lying to Willy about stealing the pen. Without any hesitation, Happy covers for Biff with their father, making up a story to make Biff seem innocent of any misdeed.

What does the story imply about traditions and ceremonies?The story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson.

The story implies that traditions and ceremonies are extremely important to the survival of the town as a whole.  Even though no one remembers the origins of the lottery, they cannot imagine not holding it on a yearly basis.  It is an ingrained ritual that will not be easily abandoned.  The older members of the town, such as Old Man Warner, who has witnessed 77 lotteries, is adamant about continuing to hold the lottery.  He is an example of how a meaningless tradition is clung to just because it has always been that way.

This town is superstitious about doing away with the lottery, afraid that if they abandon it that something bad will happen to the town.

According to the following passages, the lottery has taken on a life all its own, no one is willing to challenge the authority of the lottery.  There isn't anyone who wants to make such a decision as to why the lottery is important, or when and if it should be done away with, but there are plenty of people in the town who are uncomfortable with the ritual.

"The original paraphernalia for the lottery had been lost long ago, and the black box now resting on the stool had been put into use even before Old Man Warner, the oldest man in town, was born. Mr. Summers spoke frequently to the villagers about making a new box, but no one liked to upset even as much tradition as was represented by the black box." (Jackson) 

"There was a story that the present box had been made with some pieces of the box that had preceded it, the one that had been constructed when the first people settled down to make a village here." (Jackson)

Tessie Hutchinson, who is chosen as the winner of the lottery questions the legitimacy of the whole process, but no one cares.  Mrs. Dunbar, one of her neighbors, shows her disdain for the tradition by choosing only small stones.  While Mrs. Delacroix, another neighbor, shows her primitive instincts, by picking up the biggest and heaviest stones flinging them upon Tessie Hutchinson with enthusiasm.

How do Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth respond differently to the sense of sin borne in the harsh light of Puritan justice?

Hester gracefully accepts the judgement put on her by the people. She acknowledges her sin, and doesn't fight the public punishment given to her, in fact, she grows out of it into a stronger person, positively affecting society. Dimmesdale keeps his sin hidden, knowing that if it is brought to light, he will lose his position in the town. Dimmesdale's response is to cause his own suffering, inflicting physical punishment upon himself in secret. His continued success in the eyes of the public adds to his inward suffering. Chillinworth ignores the public sense of justice and pursues his own revenge instead. He becomes overwhelmed by a desire to harm Dimmesdale, which is his own sin to bear. Because of this, Chillingworth loses purpose and eventually his life after Dimmesdale confesses and dies.

In The Canterbury Tales, what "good," or honorable, Church people does Chaucer include to balance his satire of the Church of his time?

Among Chaucer's characters of the Church, the Prioress and the Parson are most admirable. Although the Prioress is a bit affected in her manners, perhaps in an attempt to live up to the dignity of her position, she is nevertheless a sweet personality whose motto is "Love conquers all." Chaucer describes her as "pleasant and friendly," a woman with a heart so tender she would weep at the sight of an animal suffering, even a mouse in a trap.

The Parson, unlike the greedy Pardoner, is poor in worldly goods but "rich in holy thought and work." The Parson lives his faith:

He also was a learned man, a clerk,

Who truly knew Christ's gospel and would preach it

Devoutly to parishioners, and teach it.

Furthermore, the Parson did not like to take money from his poor parishioners; he instead gave to them from what little he had. Even though his parish was large, the Parson never failed to call upon those "in sickness or in grief," despite "rain or thunder." Chaucer sums up the goodness of the Parson in these lines:

Christ and His Twelve Apostles and their lore

He taught, but followed it himself before.

Unlike the despicable Pardoner, the Parson practices what he preaches. He is truly a devout Christian among the pilgrims.

In "The Lottery," what normal law of probability has been suspended in the story? Granting this initial implausibility, does the story proceed...

A fine question. Given the size of the town (as indicated in the story), I'd have to say that it is the fact that Old Man Warner hasn't been chosen.

At one point, we're told the following:

"Seventy-seventh year I been in the lottery," Old Man Warner said as he went through the crowd. "Seventy-seventh time."

Given the limited number of names called, he should have been stoned to death a long time ago.

Now, emotionally, the chance that seems least likely is Mrs. Hutchinson first forgetting, then getting chosen.

What does William Golding's Lord of the Flies actually say about when the story takes place?

William Golding published Lord of the Flies in 1954, and it is clear the story is not set in the future, so 1954 is the starting point in answering this question. As someone mentioned above, the first several chapters of the novel indicate that there is a war going on which involves England, as these are English schoolboys and Ralph's father is a naval commander. That suggests the story is set either during World War I or World War II. The most compelling evidence suggests it is World War II.

First, Piggy mentions a significant detail when he and Ralph are talking in chapter one. He says, "Didn’t you hear what the pilot said? About the atom bomb? They’re all dead.” Whether Piggy thinks everyone is dead or just those in the path of the bomb, he reveals that an atom bomb has been dropped. This clearly sets the story in World War II.

Second, too many references in the story are later than World War I. The boys want to build televisions, for example; televisions were not available early in the century.

Third, this is a tropical island and we know that the battle is nearby because at least two military vessels come by (only one of which stops), and the parachutist in chapter three falls to the island after his plane is shot down in a battle less than ten miles away. None of this is likely to have happened during World War I; in fact all of this points to a World War II time frame.

Finally, Golding was a naval officer during World War II, and we can presume he is writing from some experience here.

The evidence clearly points to the conclusion that Lord of the Flies is set during World War II.

How did the architecture of Roman Colosseum contribute to the rise of Ancient Rome?

The magnificent Roman Colosseum was a symbol of the power of Ancient Rome and its Emperors. A remarkable example of Roman architecture and achievement, it was built by Emperor Vespasian, the structure took 10 years to complete.  It was given its name to reference the size, colossal, next to a huge statue of Nero also enormous.

It could hold up to 50,000 people and there were many events held there, including gladiator fights, simulated navy battles, part of the lower arena could be flooded with water for ships to sail and do battle for the crowds. It was both a source of entertainment for the Roman public and a way for the Emperor to express his absolute power to his people.  There were executions, that were also considered entertainment, in the arena. 

 "wild animal hunts were held at the Coliseum. During the staged fights as many as 10,000 people were killed. Fighters were slaves, prisoners or volunteers. Spectators saw persecuted Christians killed by lions. After 404 AD gladiatorial battles were no longer held, but animals such as lions, elephants, snakes and panthers continued to be massacred in the name of sport until the 6th century."

In Act 2 of Romeo and Juliet, when Juliet discovers Romeo below her balcony, what does she fear?

I think this bit is great. You expect some sort of huge romantic moment when Romeo and Juliet finally meet at the balcony. Actually, Juliet is terrified:

What man art thou that, thus bescreen'd in night,
So stumblest on my counsel?

She's terrified. She doesn't know who this man is, as he's covered by the darkness of night. She does know that he's stumbled on her admissions about being in love with Romeo (her "counsel" - her information). But then, when she realises it is Romeo, there is another fear altogether:

How cam'st thou hither, tell me, and wherefore?
The orchard walls are high and hard to climb,
And the place death, considering who thou art,
If any of my kinsmen find thee here.

She is terrified that Capulet's men will kill him if they discover him on their property. The Capulets and Montagues, remember, hold an "ancient grudge" against each other.

Hope it helps!

In To Kill a Mockingbird, why had Atticus not brought a chair for the man in the corner? Who might this man be?

Atticus didn't bring a chair for the man in the corner, because that man was Arthur "Boo" Radley, one known for staying to himself.  Despite the children's hypothesis that he was a raving lunatic surviving on the blood of raw squirrels, in reality he was a shy intraverted fellow who kept to himself due to having been shunned by the town years ago. 

Boo would've felt uncomfortable talking much with anyone, even Atticus and the Sheriff.  In fact, Boo never says a word; he just sort've motions and uses facial expressions.  From the years of confinement, it's possible he hasn't said a word in a very long time. 

This is just another example of the respect Atticus shows his neighbors and fellow townspeople, due to his keen sense of perception of others.

How does Hurston's "The Gilded Six-Bits" parallel the Garden of Eden story (paradise story) in the Bible?

Numerous similarities exist between the story of Adam and Eve in the Bible and the story of Missie May and Joe in Zora Neale Hurston’s short story “The Gilded Six-Bits.” Among those similarities are the following:

• Just as the biblical story of Adam and Eve begins by emphasizing the garden in which they live (Genesis 2:8-9; King James Version) so Hurston begins “The Gilded Six-Bits,” by emphasizing the natural beauty surrounding the home of Joe and Missie May:

A mess of homey flowers planted without a plan but blooming cheerily from their helter-skelter places.

• Just as the biblical story mentions that Adam and Eve were not ashamed of their nakedness (Genesis 2:25), so Hurston, without flinching, describes the bathing, naked Missie May.


• Just as the biblical story features a subtle tempter (Genesis 3:1) who tempts Eve, so Hurston’s story features another subtle tempter – Otis D. Slemmons.


• Just as the temptation of Eve in the Bible results in a kind of shame (Genesis 3:7, 10), so a similar transformation occurs in the story of Joe and Missie May.


• Just as God punishes the serpent for tempting Eve by making him crawl on his belly, so Joe punishes Slemmons by knocking him to the ground:

Slemmons was knocked a somersault into the kitchen and fled through the open door.

• In the Bible, Eve, after the fall, is told by God that “thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.” Similarly, in Hurston’s story, Joe definitely has power over Missie May after her transgression, and her only desire at that point is to please him.


• After the fall in the Bible, Eve becomes pregnant and delivers a son (Genesis 4:1). A similar pregnancy and birth occur in Hurston’s story.

Many more similarities exist between Hurston’s story and the Biblical story as it is recounted in John Milton’s Paradise Lost. However, despite the similarities between the Bible’s account of Adam and Eve and Hurston’s account of Joe and Missie May, numerous differences also exist between the two stories, and these differences may be at least as important as (if not more important than) the similarities.

"It is not Lear's weakness, but his strength that makes the story a tragedy." Discuss this in relation to The Tragedy of King Lear.

Like Shakespeare's other tragic heroes, Lear suffers from a fault, a fatal flaw in his character. His is vanity and pride--hubris. Despite this weakness, however, it is Lear's strength that makes his downfall tragic. Shakespeare establishes Lear as an exceptional king and an exemplary ruler. The kingdom has flourished under his rule. Lear is introduced in the play at the height of his power, coming onto the stage with all the rich trappings of royalty. He sees himself as one of limitless power. In deciding to divide his kingdom among his daughters so that he can enjoy a pleasant old age, he believes he can give up his throne while retaining authority. Hubris.

The facts of Lear's downfall consume most of the play. His strength is tested. He sinks into madness. He recovers his senses. He is reconciled with Cordelia. He is changed by what he experiences. The hubris is replaced by humility--or not. Criticism disputes the exact dynamics of Lear's character.

However, the Lear who rages against the storm is a man who refuses to accept his own destruction in progress. When Lear reaches the end of his life holding the lifeless body of the one daughter who loved him, his destruction is realized. Lear's undoing would not have been so tragic if he had not had so far to fall and had not endured such profound suffering on his way to total despair.

Can a motel owner hold a guest's belongings for due payments?

Yes, most every state in the US has a law that allows a motel or hotel operator to keep a guest's personal property until payment is made.  These are called innkeeper's laws and under the facts you describe the motel legally has what is called an innkeeper's lien.  What I would suggest you do is locate the web site that has the laws for your state and search for "innkeeper" or for "inkeeper's lien".  That way you will know exactly what are the requirements under the law for your state, and what you need to do to have your property released.  The law will probably also include a provision that the motel will have to keep your property secure and safe.  This is because you and the motel owner have what is called a "bailment" under the law.

One more thing.  Normally the back of the door in guest room a motel/hotel will have a sign that lists the details of that particular state's innkeeper law.

Mention hints given along the narration that prove that Farquhar's escape is an illusionAt what part of the story does the illusion begin?

As Peyton Farquhar is getting executed, by hanging, as the noose is put around his neck he begins to dream about the possibility of escape.  There are several clues in the narration that give the reader an idea that the escape is a fantasy.  Once he drops into the water, he magically escapes the bullets that are fired at him.  All the soldiers are shooting at him, and he does not get hit.  He manages to swim a great distance with superhuman strength, he doesn't tire.

Once he reaches land, he runs and runs tirelessly trying to get home.  He is chased and shot at, he does get shot, but is not seriously wounded, it is a miracle.

The biggest clue that he is dreaming is the fact that when he finally reaches his wife, he goes to wrap his arms around her, he does not get to feel her embrace, he is jolted back to the reality of the situation.  He is dead, dangling from Owl Creek Bridge.   

Was the American society depicted more by division than unity during the colonial times?I would like to know what factors united Americans and what...

There were many divisions in American colonial society, but there was one major similarity that in the end made a new nation out of those colonies.

Some divisions were those of class, of course, which developed as time went on and the economies of the colonies developed.  Masters and apprentices; rich, poor and middle-class (ie, small businesses); farmers and townspeople, etc. were all divisions which were common to the society in Britain, also.  But unlike Britain, in which the rich and poor were almost equal in population, the majority of colonists were more in the middle.

There were differences between regions, also.  In New England, there was what was termed the "leveling spirit" in which men tended to the opinion, "I'm as good as anyone else, and maybe better."  In the South, there was a hierarchy of agriculture, with a patrician class of plantation owners at the top.  Partly this was because of the conditions of rural life in the South, but there were also more immigrants in Virginia from upper-class families in Britain, including Catholics and others who fled the Cromwellian wars.

There were also regional differences between the seaboard and the "West," which at the time meant the mountain chains just inland from the seaboard.  Those in the West were more self-supporting and lived rougher lives, "taming the wilderness" as we might say.

The thing which tied these colonists together was their desire to escape whatever they felt was oppressing them in the Old World- social and financial difficulties, class struggle, poverty, a desire to avoid war and make a better life for themselves and to own land.  The action of leaving home and building a new society in a new land gave these people a bond that transcended their regional and social differences.

Do you think Hamlet was in love with Ophelia?

Yes. In fact, most of the keys to this very complex relationship comes in the "To be or not to be" scene, Act 3, Scene 1.

Ophelia, remember, has been told by Polonius that she can't see Hamlet - though she admits that he has been making advances towards her. In that scene, though, she makes out that it's all been one-sided, when, in fact, it clearly hasn't. There has been a realtionship, as she reveals when she gives him back his love tokens, his "remembrances", which he claims he never gave her.

My honour'd lord, you know right well you did,
And with them words of so sweet breath compos'd
As made the things more rich. Their perfume lost,
Take these again; for to the noble mind
Rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkind.

How has he proved unkind? Is it because, since seeing the ghost, he hasn't seen her or spent any time with her - or called it off? Is it because she hasn't been anywhere near him? We're not sure. But, just as Hamlet becomes hugely, hysterically emotional at the graveyard scene, Ophelia seems to provoke or elicit a massive angry, emotional response from Hamlet even in this scene:

God hath given you one face, and you make yourselves another. You jig, you amble, and you lisp; and nickname God's creatures and make your wantonness your ignorance.

There's a lot of baggage in this scene, and the language is charged and emotional. What specifically happened in the relationship is unclear and difficult to tease out of the text - there are lots of possibilities for interpretation. But one thing is clear:

HAMLET
I did love you once.

OPHELIA
Indeed my lord, you made me believe so.

How did the greed of the 1980s affect the political climate?

The ascendency of Ronald Regan in the 1980's and the reinvented brand of Republican policies were ones that favored deregulation and the growth of business.  These ideas were in stark contrast to the governmental inteventionist policies of the late 1960s and 1970s.  In bringing to light such ideas, Regan hoped to decrease government involvement and heavy taxes.  His hopes of tax cuts to businesses to spawn "trickle down economics" (by empowering businesses and encouraging their growth, everyone ends up benefiting) were welcome news to Republicans and "lunch bucket Democrats," working class democrats who were moderate on social issues and felt ignored by the policies of Regan' predecessor, Jimmy Carter.   This naturally led to a slashing cut of governmental services provided and created the idea that "government was part of the problem."  Many Republicans encouraged that individuals do good for themselves because government would not do good for them.

In this encouragement of business growth and economic prosperity for as many people as possible, individualism became a tenet of the 1980's.  The acquisition of wealth, and the social indicators of it, drove the decade.  The decade of the 1980s welcomed the idea of business growth and material prosperity.  Popular culture reflected this, as well.  Madonna's "Material Girl" is a homage to greed and gaining more of it.  Gordon Gekko, the fictional business tycoon in the film "Wall Street," stands up at a board meeting to stress:  "Greed is good.... Greed will not only fix this malfunctioning corporation called Teldar Paper, but also the other malfunctioning corporation called the U.S. of A."  Even in sports, we can see this.  Pete Rose's greed for singles and doubles, stolen bases, and, of course, gambling, highlighted baseball at this time.  Once the policies of the Republicans trickled down to popular culture, it was almost a validation of such politics.  In a very weird "chicken and egg" situation, the Republican ascendancy to power spawned the culture of greed. When it was actively embraced by American society, the very same politicians were able to say that they are merely acting in accordance to public wishes and sentiments.

While Regan's success is evident in terms of being the captain of the ship when America began to reassert herself on the world stage after a challenging 1970s, and he will be largely credited with America's victory in the Cold War, his legacy will also be that he was able to transform in the minds of Americans the vision of America.  What we now call "greed", he and other Republicans of the time were able to call prosperity and success.

What does this statement from chapter XVIII mean? Sin "had been a sin of passion, not of principle, not even purpose"Near the beginning of chapter...

Since this follows the chapter where Hester and Dimmesdale get together for the first time in 7 years, it provides an interesting comment on their sin as compared to Chillingworth's.  Hester has just suggested that "what we did" (no mention of sin or even of something that was wrong, just what we did) had a "consecration" of its own.  She is speaking of an act of adultery in religious terms of the sacred act in a Catholic Mass.  Sins of passion tend to be things that we are "hard wired" for, that are part of our chemistry, and adultery is one of these.

On the other hand, the sin of Chillingworth is not tied to any chemistry, but is rather of principal and purpose --- it is the calculated decision to destroy another human being.  Dimmesdale, guilt ridden though he is, knows it:

That old man's revenge has been blacker than my sin. He has violated, in cold blood, the sanctity of a human heart. Thou and I, Hester, never did so!"

This distinction introduces two concepts.  One is that all sins are not the same, that sins of revenge, sins of calculation, are much worse than sins of passion.  It also introduces the concept of the individual making decisions about morality outside the "iron framework" of the church, separating church and state in a way that it is not at the start of the novel where they are identified as one and the same.

In Macbeth, Act II, what happens to Macbeth when Banquo leaves him alone after their late-night conversation in the first scene?

In Act II, Scene I of William Shakespeare's Macbeth, Macbeth has a conversation with his old friend Banquo and Banquo's son Fleance. Banquo and Fleance have not been able to sleep, presumably because they are very perceptive people who can sense the evil atmosphere of the night. When Macbeth shows up, Banquo asks him why he isn't in bed either. He mentions that King Duncan is in bed already, happily sleeping after the wonderful banquet at Macbeth's castle. King Duncan was so happy that he has sent a bunch of gifts to Macbeth's household, including a huge diamond for Lady Macbeth. Macbeth feigns humbleness, saying that the feast was not as good as it could have been because they were unprepared since Duncan had announced his arrival pretty late. Then, Banquo changes the subject to the three weird sisters, or witches, that the two of them had encountered earlier. He says he had a dream about them, so he started thinking about how their first prophecy (that Macbeth would become the Thane of Cawdor) had come true. Macbeth pretends that he has not thought about them at all, but he says to Banquo that they should find some time later to talk about the witches' prophecy. Banquo agrees and leaves. 

After this, Macbeth tells the servant to tell Lady Macbeth to strike the bell whenever his drink is ready. This is actually a secret signal that Duncan is asleep, and "ready" to be killed. Suddenly, he sees a floating dagger (small knife) in front of him. It is unclear whether this is a hallucination or the result of evil spirits. The handle is pointed towards his hand, as if indicating his agency and guilt in what he is about to do. He wonders if he is going mad because he is seeing visions, or if it is witchcraft. He wavers and hesitates, but in the middle of his emotional turmoil, he hears the bell ringing. The signal from Lady Macbeth makes his decision clearer: no matter what, he must murder Duncan that night. 

Does Jem still fear the gifts in the tree? Give reasons for your answer

Jem really has no fear of the gifts he finds in the knothole from Boo Radley. At first, he warns Scout about the chewing gum that she retrieves--the very first gift; he suggests that it may be poisoned, but Scout realizes later (since she is still alive) that there is no worry for that. Jem also worries that he may be taking someone else's belongings--that the gifts may be left for someone else, or that the knothole may be someone's secret hiding place. But he soon becomes enthralled with the gifts and their value for someone so young (and in such a time as the Great Depression). The real clincher is when he finds the carved soap figurines: They are likenesses of Jem and Scout, and then he knows for sure that the gifts are meant for him and his sister. 

In "Great Expectations", what are Pip's prospects, now that he can't accept money from Magwitch?

In Ch.41, Pip takes  Magwitch to a safe place in Essex street and then returns to his apartment. Once alone with Herbert, Pip tells him that he cannot take any more money from Magwitch and that he would like to immediately disassociate himself from Magwitch. Pip then remarks ruefully, "I am heavily in debt, and I have been bred to no calling, and I am fit for nothing." Herbert tries to comfort him but Pip says that all he is fit for and is capable of becoming is a soldier.

In those days, only those who were utterly desperate and have completely lost all hope in their future prosects will decide to join the army. Herbert comforts him by saying "soldiering won't do." He suggests very ironically that Pip join his firm 'Clarriker's.'

in Ch.58 Pip tells us that's exactly what he did, "within two months I was clerk to Clarriker and Co."

Describe the relationship between Mama and Walter in the play "A Raisin in the Sun"?

There is a power struggle going on between Mama and Walter that infuses the entire play with tension between the two. Walter is in his 30's and still lives with his mother along with his wife and son. He truly believes that no one really listens to him and he wants to be thought of as the man of the house. However, to Mama and, even to Ruth, Walter's actions seem immature and untrustworthy. Walter wants to invest the money from his father's insurance in a liquor store, something Mama is stubbornly opposed to. Mama says point blank, "I'm too old to have that [ the liquor story] on my ledger ( or list of sins). Mama controls the house and even her other child Beneatha. When Beneatha implies there is no God, Mama slaps her and makes her say, "In my Mama's house there is God." Mama has to learn to let her go enough so they can make decisions on their own. Walter desperately needs some practice making decisions. When Mama finally gives Walter some of the inheritance money, Walter foolishly loses it. However, realizing that Walter needs her support, she says to Beneatha, "When do you think the time to love someone is." She also wisely makes Travis stay when Lindner returns with his offer. Thus, Mama finally sees that the way to help Walter is to make him see the consequences of his actions through his son. Finally, Walter does "come into his manhood" when he rejects Lindner's offer and Mama finally feels she can trust her son.

What is a symbolic rule?

Mathematics is a very powerful symbolic language.

Here we use a variety of symbols.

Here use english letters for an indefinite numbers. Not sufficient , so we use greek letters.

x, y,z stands as an unkown value for the time being. But after solving an equation x, y,z has helped us to know a value hitherto not known.

0 to 9 are,as digits , mere symbols but they are numbers as well. You can represent a counting,rational,irrational real or imaginary numbers through them.. They are capable of giving us a sense of nothingness of the world to an infinite  vastness of the universe. They can  not only measure mere objective things but also value your  abstract and imaginary ideas.

There are symbols of relation to indicate less than, greater than  or equal to (<,> and =).

A symbolic rule can indicate how a set is built :  X is a set of all  numbers between 10 to 25 represented like {: 10<x<25}

A symbolic rule  can reprsent a relation or function:

f(x)=x^2+y^2-10^2 and f(x)=0 reprents a cicle.

A sumbolic rule like: d/dx{x^n} tells us to find the first derrivative in caculus.

And there are more and very much more. Please click any search engine you get a lot.