In Alice Walker's "Everyday Use," what are the quilts?

The quilts in the story symbolize Maggie and Dee's family heritage. Made by their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, each quilt was made from scraps of clothing once worn by the girls' ancestors, including pieces of their great-grandfather's Civil War uniform. The girls view these quilts quite differently. To Maggie, they represent her family; she still remembers with love her grandmother who made one of them. To Dee, however, the quilts have no emotional value. She regards them as a type of folk art that will look impressive hanging upon her walls. (Dee embraces her African heritage while rejecting her personal family history.) Their differing attitudes toward the quilts capture the sisters' conflicting values. 

What is the plot of "The Gift of The Magi"?

The story is about Della and Jim, a young couple that does not have very much money.  So, with Christmas coming Della is worried about buying a gift for Jim.  She has been saving and saving, but only has $1.87, not enough to buy anything with.  So, she decides to sell her hair-beautiful, long hair that is her pride and joy.  She does, and with the money is able to buy a chain for the gold watch that Jim loves so much.  Jim gets home and she presents her gift, only to discover that Jim has sold his gold watch to get her hair clips.  It is a sweet story about the love this couple has for each other, and what they are willing to sacrifice to show that love.

What are the eight steps to relieve suffering according to Hindus?

The eight steps to relieve suffering according to Hindus is actually known as the Eightfold path.  The Eightfold path was created in response to the Four Noble Truths set in place by Siddhartha Gautama, Buddha.  The Fourth installment of the Four Noble Truths was "The way to overcome desire is to follow the eightfold path."

Now the Eightfold path is as follows:

Right views, Right aspirations, Right speech, Right conduct, Right livelihood, Right effort, Right mindfulness, and Right contemplation.

To understand the Four Noble Truths there were two key steps:

1. Commit oneself to the Eightfold Path

2. Live a moral life, avoiding evil words and actions.

What was Dally's biggest fear in S.E. Hinton's "The Outsiders"?Chapters 6-8

Dally's biggest fear is that something will happen to Johnny.

Dally is "of the breed that (can) take anything, because he (is) hard and tough, and when he (isn't), he could turn hard and tough".  He grew up in the streets and was in jail the first time at the age of twelve; he is a hardened character who has learned that by not letting himself care about anyone or anything, he will not get hurt.  Dally has a soft spot for Johnny, however.  Recognizing that the younger boy has had a life every bit as hard as his own, Dally is uncharacteristically touched by the sensitivity Johnny still retains.  Dally cares about what happens to Johnny.

When Johnny tells Dally that he wants to turn himself in, Dally is concerned.  He tells Johnny, "I just don't want you to get hurt.  You don't know what a few months in jail can do to you...you get hardened in jail.  I don't want that to happen to you.  Like it happened to me".

Dally ordinarily doesn't "give a Yankee dime about anyone but himself...he (is) cold and hard and mean".  He has put down his guard only where Johnny is concerned, and his greatest fear is that something bad might happen to the only person he cares about in the world (Chapter 6).

What is the concept of hell in Dr Faustus?

The concept of hell in Faustus contradicts the traditional idea that hell is a physical place where suffering occurs. Instead, hell is constructed as a mental state of suffering which arises from a lack of opportunity to interact with God and heaven.

Mephostophilis appears to Faustus to be on earth with him and therefore, in his mind, ‘out’ of hell. The protagonist asks: “How comes it then that thou art out of hell?” Mephostophilis’ answer clearly dismisses the idea of hell as a place which ‘bad’ individuals are constricted to:

Why, this is hell, nor am I out of it
Think’st thou that I, who saw the face of God
And tasted the eternal joys of heaven
Am not tormented with ten thousand hells
In being depriv’d of everlasting bliss?

Firstly, Mephostophilis explodes any notion of a ‘local’ hell, defining hell instead as a state of mind. The ‘hell’ that he endures on a daily basis is being deprived of ‘everlasting bliss’ and the ‘eternal joys’ that being in heaven brings.

Secondly, Mephostophilis makes it very clear that he suffers and that Faustus will too: "O Faustus, leave these frivolous demands!". Whilst Faustus disputes with Mephostophilis the metaphysics of hell, he declines to accept that he will suffer if he sells his soul to Lucifer. He exercises his fatal flaw – arrogance – and the declarative “I think hell’s a fable” epitomises his naïve nature. He underestimates the effect that the deprivation of the divine will have on him and his repeated ignorance of the good angel and, eventually, the Old Man will culminate in his demise. Faustus’ spiritual decline sees his descent into hell, as he realises the opportunity he has given up – “Damn’d art thou, Faustus, damn’d; despair and die!” – in bequeathing his soul to Lucifer for “four and twenty years” of mischief he has "lost eternal joy and felicity".

In such a way, the concept of hell is used by Marlowe to explore following the wrong path. It is also a critique of the Elizabethan attitude that hell was a physical place filled with brimstone where damned souls were banished to after death. Arguably the idea of the suffering the psyche may endure from deprivation of the divine - especially if you don't believe in the divine whilst alive - is far more chilling than any physical suffering one could be subjected to in a physical hell. 

In Julius Caesar, what are the similarities and differences between Brutus and Caesar? Who is the protagonist?

To find out the similarities and dissimilarities among Caesar and Brutus, we should first focus on the points that divide them in two characters and also classify them individually:

JULIUS CAESAR

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Character Overview: Julius Caesar is the central figure of this play. Yet he doesn’t play any important role that affects or influences the play in any way. Caesar is a character who is sometimes reasonable, sometimes superstitious, sometimes compassionate, and sometimes arrogantly unfriendly. Caesar openly displays a tendency to ignore superstitious warnings and signs that should alert a man of his beliefs. Caesar thinks himself a demigod. He even comes to think of himself older and more terrible even than "danger." His sense of superiority to his fellow humans, as well as his ambition to be a king, ultimately prevents him from observing and reasoning clearly. Caesar is a practicable character in the play who continues to be a role in the play even after his assassination as a warning spirit.

Some points(as questions) focusing on his character:

1 His strengths

(a) What were his achievements as a soldier, general, dictator, patrician, and a nobleman?

(b) How did most of the common folks of Rome look upon him?

2 His ambition

(a) What evidences are there to show that Caesar desired to become King of the Romans?

3 His weaknesses

(a)What physical illness did Caesar suffer from?

(b) How did Caesar allow himself to be persuaded by Decius to go to the capitol where he was murdered? Observe the points, below–

(i) He(Decius) dismissed his superstitious fears by interpreting Calphurnia’s dream in a flattering way.

(ii) He(Decius) appealed to his feelings by saying that he had heard about the Senate’s decision.

(iii) He(Decius) appealed to his pride by suggesting that Caesar would be called a coward.

BRUTUS

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Character Overview: Brutus is the most complex character in the play “Julius Caesar”. He is proud of his reputation for honor and nobleness, but he is not practical. He made his behavior to fit a strict moral and ethical code, but he took actions that are unconsciously hypocritical. While he loved Caesar, he opposed the ascension of any single man to the position of a dictator. He was a supporter of the republic who strongly believed in a government guided by the votes of senators. While all the other conspirators acted out of envy and rivalry, only Brutus truly believed that Caesar’s death would truly benefit Rome. Torn between his loyalty to Caesar and his obedience to the state, he became the tragic hero of this story.

Some points focusing on his character:

1 His strengths

(a) Brutus was thought to be a noble character by friends and enemies alike. Consider the following areas:

(i) How he treated his friends

(ii) Why the conspirators needed him

(iii) What Brutus himself wanted

(iv) How Caesar looked upon him

(v) What Antonio said of him at his death

2 His weaknesses

Though, still having some positive sides; however, he had serious weaknesses which brought about his downfall and also affected the outcome of the conspiracy. His idealism made him blind to political realities and he made many mistakes of judgement. His lack of political acumen caused him to make unfateful decisions. He overrode Cassius on many occasions although Cassius had a better sense of political reality. Observe some of more of his weak points, given below-

(a) A proud man in some areas like….

(i) When Casius compared him with Caesar, then he said that …..

(ii) He believed in his own judgements even when Cassius had better ones regarding Mark Antony as well as their battle strategy

(b) Too idealistic like….

(i) He saw the killing of Caesar as carving a dish for the gods.

(ii) He explained to the crowd that he killed Caesar because he was ambitious, without giving any supportive proofs.

(iii) He explained to his friends that killing Mark Antony is not necessary because he said that Mark Antony was only a limb of Caesar’s and when they have cut the head off then why cut limbs off, as well.

(c) Too honest – Thatswhy could be easily influenced by others

(d) Too trusty – for that he revealed his negative thoughts to Cassius and he on the other hand, betrayed him and played on his fears and weaknesses

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So, after observing their individual characters and some points focusing on their characteristics, I can summarize the similarities and dissimilarities among them

- -> Similarities between Brutus and Caesar

• Both are popular and influential - Brutus and Caesar both were similarly honored by the people of Rome. Though, Caesar was more popular and honored by the Romans. They had numerous loyal followers. They were enough powerful and were great politicians.

• Both have the disability of making correct decisions – Both Caesar and Brutus died in the last because of making unfateful decisions. Though; Caesar really was a very sensible person and usually made accurate decisions but, because of being a too realistic, he did not care much for superstitions and thus decides to disobey Calphurnia’s pleas; which resulted in his death. But, Brutus as we see from the beginning of the play, always keeps taking wrong decisions, in which resulted on his death.

• Both were deceived and manipulated by their trusted friends – This is one of their greatest similarities in the story that happens to them in the same degree (amount). Caesar is betrayed by Brutus-his trusty friend and other trusted ones (though, Antonio and his nephew-Octavius remain at his side). Brutus is betrayed by his much-loved wife’s brother-Cassius. Cassius destroyed his life by fooling him. He made him think that the people did not want Caesar as their leader and that he was ambitious and would make Rome miserable. In this way, he made him kill Caesar by making a conspiracy (against him) and also made him betray Caesar. At the end, when Brutus realizes it, however he fell into despair and after losing the battle with Antonio and Octavius; he took the choice of suicide. Really, Cassius is the main pulp (referring to the main cause) for these unwanted events to take place.

-> Dissimilarities between Brutus and Caesar

• Had different characteristics and mentality

• Had different interests

• Had different motives

How has the relationship between Macbeth and his wife changed since the death of Duncan? Why aren't they happy?

Actually, their relationship changes before King Duncan's murder. When Macbeth becomes Thane of Cawdor and begins to believe in the witches' prophecy, he writes to Lady Macbeth telling her his amazing news. The audience does not see Macbeth write the letter, but Scene Five begins with Lady Macbeth's reading it aloud. Macbeth's words make it clear he has embraced the prophecy. He calls her "my dearest partner of greatness" and speaks of their "rejoicing." Lady Macbeth's reaction to the letter shows that she and Macbeth share a strong desire for the crown. This is the last time they commune in harmony.

When Macbeth learns of his wife's murderous plans, he first puts them aside, telling her "We will speak further." When he tells her planning to murder Duncan will stop, she attacks him vehemently, even questioning his manhood. She grabs power in their relationship at that point and maintains it until her own emotional unraveling in Act Five. Thus, Macbeth's most tender feelings for his wife are destroyed early in the drama. He sees her as both incredibly cruel and unwomanly. Ironically, his tenderness toward her revives when her guilt destroys her.

Once crowned, Macbeth and his wife cannot enjoy their power; they guard it jealously. Macbeth kills Banquo to prevent Banquo's portion of the witches' prophecy from coming true, that his heirs would rule. Fleance's escape, however, makes Banquo's murder pointless. Murder follows murder until the final destruction of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.