Why did Brian's mother give him a hatchet?

Brian's mother gives him a hatchet because she thinks he might be able to use it while out in the woods with his father.  

When the story begins, Brian is on his way to Canada, where his father now lives. His mother and father recently went through a divorce, and the courts set up a system that has Brian living with his mom during the school year and with his dad during the summer....

Brian's mother gives him a hatchet because she thinks he might be able to use it while out in the woods with his father.  

When the story begins, Brian is on his way to Canada, where his father now lives. His mother and father recently went through a divorce, and the courts set up a system that has Brian living with his mom during the school year and with his dad during the summer. Dad now lives in a remote, wooded area. Brian's mom buys Brian the hatchet as a going-away present. She tells Brian he might be able to use it while out with his dad in the woods.

Brian took the sack and opened the top. Inside there was a hatchet, the kind with a steel handle and a rubber handgrip. The head was in a stout leather case that had a brass-riveted belt loop.

"It goes on your belt." His mother spoke now without looking at him. There were some farm trucks on the road now and she had to weave through them and watch traffic. "The man at the store said you could use it. You know. In the woods with your father."

Unfortunately for Brian, the plane crashes, and he never makes it to his father's place. Fortunately for Brian, he has the hatchet. 

How does the past impinge on the present in a tragic manner in Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller.

In Death of a Salesman the past continuously impinges upon the present. This is because the entire play is based on Willy Loman's final reckoning; the last episode of his long life of mistakes, where he finally comes to terms with what he has done, and makes his first (and last)  attempt to redeem himself. 

Willy's life story comes to us as flashbacks. Since Willy is a sickly, tired, aging man, these flashbacks from life serve as a way to tell the audience that life is, literally, "flashing in front of his eyes". This concept is often attributed to an imminent death, which is what ends up happening in the end. 

Aside from presenting itself in the form of flashbacks, the past has also made a massive dent in Willy's life. It is because of his past that Willy's life is as empty, shallow, unfruitful, and inconsequential as it is now. 

This is why.

Willy had choices that he did not want to make. He had many opportunities to join his brother, Ben, and go get the riches that Ben had acquired by going to the mines. Willy, ever second guessing himself, chose to listen to his wife Linda and decline the invitation. However, now in his twilight years, this indecision comes back to haunt him. What if he had taken the risk? Would he be as hard for money as he is now, in his sixties? Would life have been easier?

Willy's bad choice-making also comes in the form of the career choice that he picks. Willy does not like selling; otherwise he would be good at it. He claims to be a good salesman, but he is probably quite average. Regardless, the only reason why Willy becomes a salesman is to follow the steps of another salesman named Dave Singleman, a myth of a man whose funeral was attended by everyone.

The problem is that this is like chasing a waterfall: no one must plan a life based on the life of someone else. The path of each individual must be walked alone. Willy's choice to follow the life of Singleman leaves him in a job in which he does not succeed nor excel. He does not even leave anything for his family to reap any benefits from. 

The past also comes to haunt the present in the form of Biff's unproductive life. His once popular and successful life as a potential football player comes crashing down when he accidentally discovers that Willy had a mistress. While Willy continuously blocked this incident, and blamed Biff for his own problems, it is clear that this crass mistake on Willy's part definitely ended up hurting the entire family, altogether. 

In all, Willy's past demons come to haunt him now that he is in his very last days of life. Perhaps these flashback serve as one last attempt to ask Willy to come out and redeem himself before the end. 

How did church leaders deal with the challenges in the 14th century?

Christian leaders in the 14th century faced a number of challenges, including the Western Schism, the Spanish Inquisition, and the Hesychast Controversy. The Western Schism refers to a conflict within the Catholic church over who the next Pope would be; in response, two factions developed and elected two different popes, one residing traditionally in Rome and the other in Avignon, France. This was not resolved until the 15th century, when the Council of Constance asked...

Christian leaders in the 14th century faced a number of challenges, including the Western Schism, the Spanish Inquisition, and the Hesychast Controversy. The Western Schism refers to a conflict within the Catholic church over who the next Pope would be; in response, two factions developed and elected two different popes, one residing traditionally in Rome and the other in Avignon, France. This was not resolved until the 15th century, when the Council of Constance asked all those claiming the papacy to resign so that a new election could be held. Martin V was declared Pope in 1417, ending the schism. Additionally, the Spanish Inquisition began in the 14th century, but was not addressed by church leadership until its height in the 15th century; Pope Sixtus IV condemned the inquisition in 1482, and was the first major Catholic leader to do so. Finally, another theological scism developed over Heychasm, a tradition based in mysticism that promoted prayer as a personal experience with God. Some church leaders found this heretical and condemned the practice, especially a monk named Barlaam, who wrote and lectured against it. This created conflict between theological scholars, and Barlaam was condemned by the Roman Empire. The conflict was resolved when, in 1351, Emperor John VI Cantacuzenus declared that Hesychast doctrine would become the official doctrine of the Greek Orthodox Church, and Barlaam was named bishop of the Roman Catholic Church.

Why does Dracula want to move to England? What do you make of his collection of English books, maps, etc., and his desire to speak like an English...

Dracula wants to move to England because it was, at the time, the center of the world's most powerful empire. Britain was the most admired and feared superpower in the world, and its culture was envied and emulated. For someone as ambitious as Count Dracula, it would be the natural place to move. It would also be natural for someone with his large ego to want to be that most admired of figures, a learned and cultured English gentleman. Further, ships went all over the world to and from England's ports, which would help him with his plans for spreading vampirism.

Victorian readers might have perceived Dracula's move to England as preparation for war for two reasons. First, we as readers are explicitly told through Harker's and Seward's journals that Dracula is coming to England to create an army of vampires and wage war. From Harker's journal we read the following:

This was the being I was helping to transfer to London, where, perhaps, for centuries to come he might, amongst its  teeming millions, satiate his lust for blood, and create a new and ever-widening circle of semi-demons to batten on the helpless. 

We further learn from Dr. Seward's diary: 

So he [Dracula] came to London to invade a new land. He was beaten, and when all hope of success was lost, and his existence in danger, he fled back over the sea to his home; just as formerly he had fled back over the Danube from Turkey Land.

This idea of vampires from an exotic land invading played on people's fear at the time of the seemingly strange, unnatural foreigner invading. Britain was at the height of empire at this period but also increasingly beginning to worry about being headed for decline. Also, like France and the United States, England feared being swamped by non-Nordic immigrants. For example, as Latour argues persuasively in his The Pasteurization of France, France took Lister's ideas of bacteria seriously because the country was worried that white French people would be wiped out by the periodic disease epidemics that hit and the nation then swamped by darker-skinned foreigners. And a quick glance at the racist Tom Buchanan's sentiments in The Great Gatsby shows that fears of the non-Nordic foreigner invading were still prevalent in the 1920s. In Dracula, we see the same anxieties in English culture. Count Dracula is fought by doctors as a disease.

These fears of pollution and invasion morphed into fears of sexual union with the foreigner. As we know from Dracula, the bite of the vampire, with its sexual implications, is what pollutes the blood of pure English women and turns them into something alien and fearful. 

The average Slovaks who live near Dracula's castle are described as exotic. Harker writes:

The strangest figures we saw were the Slovaks, who were more barbarian than the rest, with their big cow-boy hats, great baggy dirty-white trousers, white linen shirts, and enormous heavy leather belts, nearly a foot wide, all studded over with brass nails. They wore high boots, with their trousers tucked into them, and had long black hair and heavy black moustaches. They are very picturesque, but do not look prepossessing. On the stage they would be set down at once as some old Oriental band of brigands. They are, however, I am told, very harmless and rather wanting in natural self-assertion.

Even such "harmless" people, because they are different, can hide a malevolent invader like Dracula. It is easy to see, therefore, how Dracula's move to England would play on Victorian anxieties.

What are some characteristics of Miranda?

When Katherine Anne Porter's short story "Old Mortality" opens, one of the characters, Miranda, is just eight years old. But she feels much older:

 Maria and Miranda, aged twelve and eight years, knew they were young, though they felt they had lived a long time. They had lived not only their own years; but their memories, it seemed to them, began years before they were born, in the lives of the grown-ups around them, old people above forty, most of them, who had a way of insisting that they too had been young once. It was hard to believe.

Right off the bat, we can see that Miranda is mature  beyond her years, that she is highly observant, and that she knows how to behave around adults. 

We see these characteristics quite clearly in another scene, in which the two sisters watch their grandmother crying over old keepsakes during one of her periodic spells of sentimentality:

If Maria and Miranda were very quiet, and touched nothing until it was offered, they might sit by her at these times, or come and go. There was a tacit understanding that her grief was strictly her own, and must not be noticed or mentioned.

We also see that Miranda aspires to great beauty, and that she is concerned with outward image:

Miranda persisted through her childhood in believing, in spite of her smallness, thinness, her little snubby nose saddled with freckles, her speckled gray eyes and habitual tantrums, that by some miracle she would grow into a tall, cream-colored brunette, like Cousin Isabel; she decided always to wear a trailing white satin gown.

Later, when she's a bit older, Miranda is an avid reader:

During vacation on their grandmother’s farm, Maria and Miranda, who read as naturally and constantly as ponies crop grass...

And we learn that she's ambitious:

Her hope of being a beauty died hard, until the notion of being a jockey came suddenly and filled all her thoughts. Quietly, blissfully, at night before she slept, and too often in the daytime when she should have been studying, she planned her career as a jockey. It was dim in detail, but brilliant at the right distance. 

Again and again, we'll see examples of how detail-oriented Miranda is, and how much she pays attention to things that might escape others' notice:

The jockeys sat bowed and relaxed, their faces calm, moving a little at the waist with the movement of their horses. Miranda noted this for future use; that was the way you came in from a race, easy and quiet, whether you had won or lost. 

Write a note on Katherine Mansfield as a short story writer.

Katherine Mansfield, born Kathleen Mansfield Beauchamp, left her native New Zealand for London when she was nineteen and lived in Europe for most of her life until she died in 1923, at 34, from tuberculosis.

Her early exposure to the Maori led her to write sympathetically of them in her later years. Stories like "Prelude" and "How Pearl Button was Kidnapped" observe the repressive nature of colonialism.

Mansfield lived as a bohemian and was influenced...

Katherine Mansfield, born Kathleen Mansfield Beauchamp, left her native New Zealand for London when she was nineteen and lived in Europe for most of her life until she died in 1923, at 34, from tuberculosis.

Her early exposure to the Maori led her to write sympathetically of them in her later years. Stories like "Prelude" and "How Pearl Button was Kidnapped" observe the repressive nature of colonialism.

Mansfield lived as a bohemian and was influenced by artistic movements like Fauvism, with its emphasis on individual expression, and the literary movement of Modernism, which rejected traditional structural aspects of stories like expositions and conclusions and sought to capture the disillusionment of life after WWI.

One of her most famous stories, "The Garden Party," revisits and refines themes found in her earlier works, especially the divisions of social class along both racial and economic lines. Despite a comfortable upbringing, Mansfield was sensitive to people whose circumstances were reduced through no fault of their own.

B. F. Skinner (the behaviorist) contends that all human behavior is controlled by rewards and/or punishments. Therefore, he claims everything we...

Skinner believed that behaviors are reinforced by rewards, including positive and negative reinforcement. However, some behaviors aren't reinforced by positive reinforcement or the removal of negative reinforcements. There are some self-sacrificing or altruistic behaviors, for example, in which the person does not expect a reward and might even experience punishment. An example is sharing your food with a hungry person who you will never see again. You don't expect a reward or recognition for that...

Skinner believed that behaviors are reinforced by rewards, including positive and negative reinforcement. However, some behaviors aren't reinforced by positive reinforcement or the removal of negative reinforcements. There are some self-sacrificing or altruistic behaviors, for example, in which the person does not expect a reward and might even experience punishment. An example is sharing your food with a hungry person who you will never see again. You don't expect a reward or recognition for that behavior, but you do it anyway. You don't experience any external rewards, and you might even suffer as a result of going hungry. Another example is providing help to a hurt animal along the side of the road. In this example, you might arrive late to your destination or even brave the elements to help the animal, which causes you to suffer. A final example is giving money to a charity (without wanting the recognition that results). You might have less money to spend on yourself as a result, which is punishing, but you do it anyway. In each case, there might be no recognition or reward; instead, you are motivated by a sense of altruism rather than a desire to be rewarded or to avoid punishment. 

In A Complicated Kindness, despite the strictness of the Mennonite community, most of the teenagers in East Village act pretty typically. Consider...

In several places in A Complicated Kindness, Nomi remarks upon the staged enactments of Mennonite life in the village created for the tourists and how this staged village does not truly represent the real community of East Village. Certainly, Travis and Adeline Ratzlaff, who once "brought brass knuckles to school and beat another girl" for wearing clothes in her style, are anything but the devout and simplistic Mennonites they pretend to be when they are dressed as a woman who rocks a baby and her husband who reads a Bible as they stage an exhibition for tourists. For instance, in Chapter 22, when Nomi drives up to see Travis, she finds Adeline and Travis on their break and not acting like Mennonites at all:

Travis and his fake wife were smoking a joint behind the sod hut and laughing as though they were enjoying themselves.

At the beginning of Chapter 23, Nomi simply narrates,

They threw my mother out. Gave her the old heave-ho. The term is excommunicated. She was excommunicated said my dad.

Excommunication is a punishment handed to those who go against the regulations and rules of the sect as they were set forth by the leadership of the church. Those who are excommunicated are shunned by family and friends and the other members of the church; they are only allowed back if they return to the same church that handed out the excommunication.

What exactly the mother has done is not known to everyone; however, Nomi knows that she was caught with a radio on in the children's room of the church, and she supposedly was going on a daily basis to dress the leg of a very elderly Mrs. Klippenstein at her house. One day Nomi sees the woman at the Rest Haven home for the elderly where she lives, so her mother was obviously going somewhere else and doing something that may have violated the rules of the sect, but she does not know what. She later learns the truth and she finds letters from Mr. Quiring in her mother's drawer.

Apparently Nomi's mother, Trudie, was having an affair with Mr. Quiring, Nomi's teacher. When she tried to end this affair, Quiring fabricated tales of her having had sexual relations with other members of the community. He then aligned himself with Hans Rosenfeldt, the powerful minister (referred to as "Big Mouth") of the community and brother of Trudie. In order to preserve the lifestyle of the Mennonite community, the two men felt that Trudie must be shunned. Knowing that they have conspired against her, Trudie left the community, and the hypocrisy of Quiring was not revealed.

The Mennonite religious community proves to be nearly as flawed as other communities because it is ridden with hypocrisy; those who wield power arrange that they remain in this position even if it means sacrificing the truth. 

How does Harper Lee structure the first eight chapters of To Kill a Mockingbird to create mystery and/or suspense?

When we analyze a narrative, or story, for structure, we are looking at the basic elements needed to tell a story. Those basic elements are setting, characters, conflict, actions, and resolution. If we look only at Harper Lee's first eight chapters of To Kill a Mockingbird, we see that the first conflictin the story emerges, which is the children's struggle to accept and understand their neighbor Arthur (Boo) Radley. We can call...

When we analyze a narrative, or story, for structure, we are looking at the basic elements needed to tell a story. Those basic elements are setting, characters, conflict, actions, and resolution. If we look only at Harper Lee's first eight chapters of To Kill a Mockingbird, we see that the first conflict in the story emerges, which is the children's struggle to accept and understand their neighbor Arthur (Boo) Radley. We can call this a character vs. character conflict. As Lee develops this conflict, she surrounds Arthur Radley with an air of mystery and suspense by using other characters to relay rumored stories about Arthur and by using actions.

One of the key characters who helps develop the suspense surrounding Arthur Radley is Miss Stephanie Crawford, since it is only through Miss Stephanie that the children learn anything about Arthur such as of his arrest in his youth while hanging out with the "wrong crowd," of the rumor he stabbed his father with scissors later in life, and of his house arrest (Ch. 1). But, it is important to note that the children have not learned about Arthur from a reliable source as Miss Stephanie is recognized to be a major gossip and "neighborhood scold"; information coming from gossips and scolds is rarely reliable. Therefore, neither the children nor the reader truly know the history of Arthur Radley or of the reasons why he stays in his house. Hence, Miss Stephanie's disinformation creates suspense not only because it characterizes Arthur as an insane and dangerous individual but also because the reader can tell it is not reliable information; suspense is created when truth is not fully known.

In the first eight chapters, actions create even more suspense than characters, especially actions the children are involved in. Because the children say things and do things to show they are frightened of Arthur, the reader feels frightened of him too within these early chapters. One of the most important actions that feeds fright is Jem's response at the end of Chapter 6 to finding his pants. In this chapter, Jem and Dill, followed by a reluctant Scout, decide to sneak onto the Radleys' property at night to try and get a glimpse of Arthur through a window. When shots ring out, they must flee for their lives, and Jem gets his pants caught on the barbed wire fence, forcing him to abandon them in order to escape. However, Jem decides he must return for them at 2 o'clock in the morning in order to prevent Atticus from discovering their misdeed. When Jem goes back to the fence, he finds his pants lying neatly folded on the fence and having had been mended by someone without any mending skills. While the gesture of mending and folding Jem's pants is obviously a benevolent gesture, Jem is frightened by the experience, which leaves the reader feeling frightened too. We are first able to tell that Jem is frightened because, after he returns with his pants, Scout describes him as laying down on his cot and "trembling" for a long time (Ch. 6). Later, in Chapter 7, Jem relays to Scout for the first time the story of the condition he found his pants in and of what he felt at the moment:

It's almost like-- ... Like somebody was readin' my mind ... like somebody could tell what I was gonna do. Can't anybody tell what I'm gonna do lest they know me, can they, Scout? (Ch. 7)

Jem's reflection shows that he feels like he has been being spied upon and most likely being spied upon by Arthur Radley. The idea that Arthur is spying on the children, which obviously frightens the children, frightens the reader, thereby creating suspense.

What does Scrooge think has caused Marley's ghost to appear?

Initially, Scrooge believes that the appearance of Marley's ghost is a result of indigestion. However, once the ghost has gotten Scrooge to take the first steps toward understanding that the ghost is indeed "real," Scrooge begins to think of other reasons as to why it has appeared.

As he continues to talk with Marley's ghost, it says, “I am here to-night to warn you, that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my...

Initially, Scrooge believes that the appearance of Marley's ghost is a result of indigestion. However, once the ghost has gotten Scrooge to take the first steps toward understanding that the ghost is indeed "real," Scrooge begins to think of other reasons as to why it has appeared.

As he continues to talk with Marley's ghost, it says, “I am here to-night to warn you, that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate. A chance and hope of my procuring, Ebenezer.” To which Scrooge replies "You were always a good friend to me . . . Thank’ee!”

Here Scrooge discerns another reason for the presence: his old friendship with Marley. In this moment, Marley's desire to help out his old friend has caused the ghost to appear. However, when the ghost tells him about the three spirits yet to come, "Scrooge’s countenance fell almost as low as the Ghost’s had done." Scrooge's understanding begins to shift again. This is no kind act of friendship; this is something more. However, Scrooge's new understanding holds for only a brief moment, as in stave 2 Scrooge's perspective again shifts as his mind again attempts to rationalize the ghost away.

Scrooge went to bed again, and thought, and thought, and thought it over and over and over, and could make nothing of it. The more he thought, the more perplexed he was; and the more he endeavoured not to think, the more he thought.

Marley’s Ghost bothered him exceedingly. Every time he resolved within himself, after mature inquiry, that it was all a dream, his mind flew back again, like a strong spring released, to its first position, and presented the same problem to be worked all through, “Was it a dream or not?”

Here Scrooge again has trouble believing that the ghost has even appeared at all, in some ways returning to his initial belief that the vision was all the result of indigestion. However, this perspective is soon obliterated once and for all as Scrooge meets the first of the three spirits and revisits his own past.

How does Langston Hughes use symbolism in "Salvation"? What are some examples of it, and how would one write a paper on this topic?

"Salvation" by Langston Hughes is actually an excerpt from his autobiography, The Big Sea. It describes a religious service within an African American charismatic Christian tradition, in which being "born again" is considered necessary for salvation. 

The introduction to your paper should summarize the main point of your paper, which should be Hughes' appropriation of Christian symbolism. The final few sentences of your introduction should be transition sentences pointing forward to what you will cover in the body paragraphs of your paper.

The first body section of your paper should give some historical and theological background to the tradition of tent revivals. It should discuss what would be implied by "being saved" in such a context, and especially the emphasis on personal visionary experience and deep emotional connection to Jesus.

Next, you might discuss color symbolism. The participants in the revival, and Hughes himself, are black; Hughes uses the phrase "jet-black faces" to describe the crowd. The evening outside is dark. The process of salvation, though, is referred to as experiencing light. The children are also referred to as "lambs" in multiple places. In Jewish and Christian iconography, Jesus himself is treated as the equivalent of an unblemished white lamb and church elders and Jesus himself are compared to shepherds tending flocks of sheep (of which the youngest would be lambs). Visually, the lambs are normally portrayed as white. Thus in this passage, we get the sense of conversion to Christianity, even in a black Christian community, as a form of assimilation to whiteness.

The second major body section of your paper could discuss the way the attendees are portrayed as becoming a collective acting as a primal force rather than individuals, as in the sentence:  "The whole congregation prayed for me alone, in a mighty wail of moans and voices." Salvation, and the concomitant conversion are symbolized by Hughes' physical situation, initially being part of a group of young people on a bench, then being one of two people, next being alone on the bench, and finally sacrificing his individual will to become part of the collective at the altar.

For your third major section, you might look at sea imagery, as it appears in such phrases as  "sea of shouting" and "waves of rejoicing", phrases that evoke the "sea of faith".

Your conclusion could examine the irony that Hughes did in fact experience a conversion at the revival, but it was a conversion to atheism. You might look at what his tears symbolize, both for him (regret for his lie and betrayal of self) and his aunt (the descent of the Holy Ghost). Finally, you might think of this in light of the Gospel of John 11:35, in which Jesus weeps.

What is missing in the routine of activity that the house performs in Ray Bradbury's "There Will Come Soft Rains"?

Humans are missing from the house's routine in Ray Bradbury's "There Will Come Soft Rains." The story's entire premise is based on the idea of what would happen to an automated house meant to make life easier if human life disappeared. To make sure the reader understand the story's premise, Bradbury includes a Sara Teasdale poem, which explores how nature would not mind if "mankind perished utterly."

Throughout the story, it's clear that the house...

Humans are missing from the house's routine in Ray Bradbury's "There Will Come Soft Rains." The story's entire premise is based on the idea of what would happen to an automated house meant to make life easier if human life disappeared. To make sure the reader understand the story's premise, Bradbury includes a Sara Teasdale poem, which explores how nature would not mind if "mankind perished utterly."

Throughout the story, it's clear that the house is there to serve humans and the humans are missing. After nearly five paragraphs of the house performing several actions—preparing breakfast, reading the daily agenda, etc.—the narrator reveals that the house is, in fact, empty. The garage door opens to let the car out, but nothing happens. The prepared breakfast sits untouched and "the eggs were shriveled and the toast was like stone."

Eventually, the narrator reveals what has happened to the people who lived in the house, which is the only one left standing in the "ruined city" that "gave off a radioactive glow." The narrator describes the four who used to living in the house as silhouettes caught mid-action when a nuclear strike occurred: the father mowing the lawn, the mother picking flowers, and son and daughter playing catch. 

Using only chapters 1–4 of Freak the Mighty, answer the following question: how does Maxwell's sarcasm contribute to the reader's understanding...

Sarcasm is one of Max's most notable characteristics. Primarily, he uses it as a defense mechanism. As a huge, ungainly kid living in his grandparents' basement, he is pretty much one of society's outcasts. Sarcasm is a way for him to cope in a hostile, uncomprehending world. However, Max's sarcasm is not just directed at others, he also uses it against himself. There are numerous examples of different kinds of sarcasm in the first four chapters of Freak the Mighty.

Max starts right away in the very first line of the story:

I never had a brain until Freak came along and let me borrow his for a while, and that's the truth, the whole truth.

Of course, Max does have a brain, but, in comparison to Freak, he is not very smart. He is using sarcasm to exaggerate just how amazing he finds Freak's brain, how much he knows, and how incredibly wide-ranging his knowledge is.

Gram and Grim, bless their pointed little heads, they're my mother's people, her parents, and they figured whoa! better put this little critter with other little critters his own age, maybe it will improve his temper (Ch.1 p.1).

Max is showing us here how he feels about his grandparents. By referring to their "pointed heads," Max is suggesting that sure they are bright and they had the right motives in sending Max to the day care center, but they were making a big mistake in thinking it would curb his temper.

Grim has it fixed in his head I'm at a dangerous age and they need to keep me under observation. Like I might make bombs or start a fire. Or whack out the local pets with my trusty slingshot or whatever—except I never had a slingshot, it was Grim who had one when he was my age (Ch.2 p.5).

Max's grandpa is kind of worried that he might turn into some kind of psychopath, sitting down there in the basement all day, up to no good. Even worse, he might end up like his old man, and that is just way too horrible to contemplate. Max's use of sarcasm here gives us an insight into his lifestyle and character, as well as the relationship between him and his grandparents. Additionally, how does Max know that Grim used to use a slingshot when he was his age?

The proof is right there in the family photo album. You can see this blurry little miniature Grim with no front teeth, grinning at the camera and yanking back on this prehistoric slingshot. Good for whacking mastodons, probably (Ch.2 pp.5–6).

Mastodons are an extinct species of prehistoric elephants. Max is making a snarky reference to his grandpa's age and making him seem kind of hypocritical for using slingshots when he was around the same age as Max.

My brain is vacant, okay? I'm just this critter hiding out in the basement, drooling in my comic books or whatever. All right, I never actually drool, but you get the picture (Ch.2 p.6).

This is the image that Max has of himself. It is probably the same image that most other people would have too. Again, he is drawing attention to the fact that, before Freak came along, he was just this fat, slobby kid spending all day down in his grandparents' basement. He is highlighting the contrast in his character before and after he met Freak. After a while, though, Max gets bored with hanging out in the basement:

So finally I get bored in the down under and I'm hanging out in 'the so-calledback yard, your basic chunk of chain-link heaven (Ch.2 p.6).

Max's grandparents do not have a lot of money. They have a fairly ordinary house with just a small chunk of a backyard with a chain-link fence. Max seems almost embarrassed at his folks' place. However, he tries to minimize the embarrassment by the sarcastic use of the word "heaven" to describe the backyard.

Down in the basement, Max chats with Freak, overawed by his amazing erudition and knowledge. Max feels like a complete idiot, but he does not want to let it show, particularly when Freak tells him that books are a kind of truth serum that help you figure out what is real:

This time I don't say huh because then I might have to explain how I'm an L.D., and reading books is the last thing I want to do, right after trimming my toenails with a lawn mower, gargling nails, and eating worms for breakfast (Ch.4 p.19).

Once again, Max is using sarcasm as a protective shield. He knows he is not the brightest kid in the world; he knows he has learning disabilities, but he still does not want to come off like a complete idiot in the awesome presence of the mighty Freak and his even mightier brain.

When did the US enter WW1?

Although President Woodrow Wilson had pledged to keep America out of the war during his presidential campaign in 1916, he quickly changed his mind and asked Congress for a declaration of war on April 2, 1917. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate unanimously agreed with Wilson, and the United States promptly entered the war on April 6.

There were several reasons for Wilson's change of heart. First, Germany had resumed unrestricted submarine warfare...

Although President Woodrow Wilson had pledged to keep America out of the war during his presidential campaign in 1916, he quickly changed his mind and asked Congress for a declaration of war on April 2, 1917. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate unanimously agreed with Wilson, and the United States promptly entered the war on April 6.

There were several reasons for Wilson's change of heart. First, Germany had resumed unrestricted submarine warfare after promising the United States, in the "Sussex Pledge," not to attack non-combatant merchant vessels without warning. Second, the Zimmerman Telegram, intercepted by the British, indicated that Germany was aligning with Mexico in the event of American involvement in the war. Third, public opinion had been swayed by stories of the atrocities committed during Germany's invasion of Belgium. While many of the stories were simply British propaganda, they whipped up anti-German sentiment in the United States. Another (less recorded) reason for the war was economic. By 1917 American banks had loaned Britain and France $2.25 billion and risked losing that money in the event of a German victory.

American troops led by General John J. Pershing reached Europe in June 1917 but only saw limited action that year. Full participation by American troops didn't occur until the summer of 1918 at the battles of Chateau-Thierry, Belleau Wood, and Saint Mihiel, all allied victories. Most historians agree that the weight of the American forces, as well as the naval blockade of the German homeland, caused Germany's ultimate defeat. 

According to Jared Diamond, what are the forces that allow some societies to survive, and others to fail?

In his book Collapse, Diamond argues that inability to adapt to environmental changes, the inability to adapt to the loss of trading partners, and the strains put on the environment due to overpopulation are factors that lead societies to collapse. His underlying message is that failure to adapt to change, especially environmental change, can be lethal. One example he uses is the fate of the Norse, who successfully settled for some centuries in Greenland and...

In his book Collapse, Diamond argues that inability to adapt to environmental changes, the inability to adapt to the loss of trading partners, and the strains put on the environment due to overpopulation are factors that lead societies to collapse. His underlying message is that failure to adapt to change, especially environmental change, can be lethal. One example he uses is the fate of the Norse, who successfully settled for some centuries in Greenland and succeeded for a time as farmers. When climate problems arose and ships that brought supplies from the homeland stopped coming, these European settlers couldn't adapt. The irony is that they had examples all around them in the form of indigenous Native peoples who had adapted to Greenland through, for example, fishing in kayaks to obtain the food they needed in the harsh winter months. The Norse could have followed suit, but simply refused to change their way of living. Instead, they gradually disappeared. Diamond warns the same could happen to us if we don't start taking population and climate concerns more seriously. Societies that survive are those like the indigenous people in Greenland who lived in harmony with their environment.

What does Lennie like to touch?

Lennie Small is one of the main characters in John Steinbeck's novella Of Mice and Men. He travels as a migrant farmworker with his friend and caretaker George Milton. Lennie is mentally challenged and often fixates on certain things, such as a girl's red dress, making rings in a pool or having ketchup on his beans. His biggest fixation is on petting soft things, especially the rabbits he associates with the ranch he and...

Lennie Small is one of the main characters in John Steinbeck's novella Of Mice and Men. He travels as a migrant farmworker with his friend and caretaker George Milton. Lennie is mentally challenged and often fixates on certain things, such as a girl's red dress, making rings in a pool or having ketchup on his beans. His biggest fixation is on petting soft things, especially the rabbits he associates with the ranch he and George are hoping to buy. He is absolutely obsessed with the feel of something soft in his hand, even the dead mouse that George takes away from him in Chapter One.

Lennie expresses this overwhelming desire several times in the book. In Chapter One he explains to George about the dead mouse: "I wasn't doin' nothing bad with it, George. Jus' strokin' it" (p. 9). In Chapter Two, Lennie pleads with George to ask Slim for a puppy, and in Chapter Three Lennie smuggles the puppy into the bunk house against George's orders. Lennie says, "I'll take him back. I didn't mean no harm, George. Honest I didn't it. I just wanted to pet him a little" (p. 43).

Maybe the best explanation comes in Chapter Five when Lennie is alone with Curley's wife. While trying to explain to her about his hopes to "tend rabbits," he says, "I like to pet nice things. Once at a fair I seen some of them long-hair rabbits. An' they was nice, you bet. Sometimes I've even pet mice, but not when I could get something better" (p. 90). When Curley's wife contends that he is crazy, he goes on, "No I ain't...George says I ain't. I like to pet nice things with my fingers, sof' things" (p. 90). This statement reassures Curley's wife, and she allows Lennie to stroke her hair. This, of course, leads to tragedy and Lennie's ultimate demise. 

Why did Europeans, and not Asians, undertake the voyages of discovery connecting Old World with New World?

The answer is quite simply that the Asians had goods Europeans wanted very badly, and not vice versa. The Europeans were especially hungry for the spices the Asians could cultivate and they could not, such as pepper and cinnamon. In earlier years, the Europeans had made the overland journey to the Far East, but by the fifteenth century the Turkish Empire had gained control of those overland routes. They charged high tariffs for passage through...

The answer is quite simply that the Asians had goods Europeans wanted very badly, and not vice versa. The Europeans were especially hungry for the spices the Asians could cultivate and they could not, such as pepper and cinnamon. In earlier years, the Europeans had made the overland journey to the Far East, but by the fifteenth century the Turkish Empire had gained control of those overland routes. They charged high tariffs for passage through their lands, and the Europeans also ran a higher risk of encountering pirates and bandits. An already costly overland journey became prohibitively expensive, taking much of the profit out of the spice trade.

Countries such as Portugal had been developing their navigational technology and improving their shipbuilding techniques. They wished to find a sea route to India by sailing around the tip of Africa, so as to circumvent dealing with the Turks. When they were able to successfully do this, it unleashed a frenzy of exploring activity as other countries also sought alternative overseas routes, seeking profits in trade with Asia. 

In the process of trying to find ways to Asia, the Europeans stumbled on the North and South American continents, and almost immediately realized the huge potential existing there in raw materials. This created competition for the New World's resources among European nations and thus more exploration. 

Why did Adams sign the Alien and Sedition Acts?

As a staunch Federalist, President Adams was a firm believer in a strong federal government. To him, the United States was no longer a loose collection of states (as had been the case under the Articles of Confederation). Rather it was one country, bound by common laws and interests. America was becoming a nation, taking its place in the world alongside others, and, inevitably, it began to identify threats, both internal and external, to its...

As a staunch Federalist, President Adams was a firm believer in a strong federal government. To him, the United States was no longer a loose collection of states (as had been the case under the Articles of Confederation). Rather it was one country, bound by common laws and interests. America was becoming a nation, taking its place in the world alongside others, and, inevitably, it began to identify threats, both internal and external, to its newly-forged status. This is the background against which Adams signed the Alien and Sedition Acts into law.

The measures contained in the Acts were incredibly draconian. The Sedition Act, for example, cracked down sharply on any public opinion critical of the federal government. This led to the prosecution, and sometimes imprisonment, of prominent government opponents such as newspaper editors and politicians.

The Naturalization and Alien Acts dealt with the perceived threat of hostile foreigners. This legislation made it harder to become an American citizen and easier to deport those foreigners deemed to constitute a threat to the new nation.

Adams and other Federalists justified these measures on grounds of national security. At the time, American ships were under constant threat from French vessels. Also, the government was deeply disturbed by what it saw as growing outbreaks of domestic anarchy, namely, as the Whiskey Rebellion.

Not surprisingly, the opposition Democratic-Republicans were outraged. They regarded these punitive measures as a clear violation, not just of the Constitution, but of the spirit of 1776 and the fundamental concept of liberty on which the Declaration of Independence had been founded. As the Supreme Court had not yet arrogated to itself the right of judicial review, there was little it could do to hold back the growing authoritarian tide.

Although most of the legislation was repealed within a relatively short space of time, the spirit it embodied remained. The authoritarianism of the Adams administration has lived on in American history ever since, manifesting itself in egregious violations of civil liberties such as the Red Scare of 1919, McCarthyism, and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Indeed, it is instructive that the FDR Administration used the provisions of the still unrepealed Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to carry out this fundamentally unjust policy.

`27^(4x-1)=9^(3x+8)` Solve the equation.

`27^(4x-1)=9^(3x+8)`

To solve, factor the 9 and 27.

`(3^3)^(4x-1)=(3^2)^(3x+8)`

To simplify each side, apply the exponent rule `(a^m)^n=a^(m*n)` .

`3^(3*(4x-1))=3^(2*(3x+8))`

`3^(12x-3)=3^(6x+16)`

Since both sides have the same base, to solve for the value of x, set the exponent at the left equal to the exponent at the right.

`12x-3=6x+16`

`12x-6x=3+16`

`6x=19`

`x=19/6`

Therefore, the solution is  `x = 19/6` .

`27^(4x-1)=9^(3x+8)`

To solve, factor the 9 and 27.

`(3^3)^(4x-1)=(3^2)^(3x+8)`

To simplify each side, apply the exponent rule `(a^m)^n=a^(m*n)` .

`3^(3*(4x-1))=3^(2*(3x+8))`

`3^(12x-3)=3^(6x+16)`

Since both sides have the same base, to solve for the value of x, set the exponent at the left equal to the exponent at the right.

`12x-3=6x+16`

`12x-6x=3+16`

`6x=19`

`x=19/6`

Therefore, the solution is  `x = 19/6` .

What was unusual about the telescreen in Winston's apartment?

To answer this question, take a look at Part One, Chapter One. First of all, you'll notice that it's not called a television. In Oceania, this television is, in fact, called a telescreen. Secondly, it does not have the same purpose as modern televisions. That is, it's not about providing news and entertainment to the viewers. In Winston's world, the telescreen transmits messages directly from the Party.

In addition, there is something else rather unusual...

To answer this question, take a look at Part One, Chapter One. First of all, you'll notice that it's not called a television. In Oceania, this television is, in fact, called a telescreen. Secondly, it does not have the same purpose as modern televisions. That is, it's not about providing news and entertainment to the viewers. In Winston's world, the telescreen transmits messages directly from the Party.

In addition, there is something else rather unusual about the telescreen, as Winston describes:

The instrument (the telescreen, it was called) could be dimmed, but there was no way of shutting it off completely. 

The telescreen cannot be turned off for an unusual, and rather sinister, reason: the Party uses it to monitor the every moment and conversation of Party members. It is like having a CCTV camera in Winston's apartment which live streams his every move to the Inner Party members.

The telescreen is, therefore, an important tool in keeping control of the people of Oceania, which explains its unusual functions.

http://web.williams.edu/Psychology/Faculty/Kassin/files/White%20Paper%20-%20LHB%20(2010).pdf Please write a summary of the...

This white paper examines how interrogation tactics, influential factors, and the phenomenology of innocence lead to false confessions. It concludes with strong recommendations for reforming the interrogative process.

In recent years, post-conviction DNA tests and subsequent exonerations have established that faulty forensic science, flawed eyewitness/ informant testimonies, and false confessions have led to wrongful convictions. Adding to the problem is the fact that the actual rate of false confessions cannot be determined, as neither governmental nor private organizations keep track of such data.

In the paper, the authors examine past and present interrogation techniques in America. They describe "third degree" practices, used from the 19th century to the 1930s, where police employed physical and psychological tortures to coerce confessions from suspects. Today, interrogators use the "Reid technique," where the suspect is isolated in a small space and subjected to a nine-step interrogatory process. The psychological stress induced by isolation and a prolonged interrogation process are situational factors that often contribute to higher rates of false confessions

In recent years, the American legal system instituted the Miranda Rights process to decrease the rate of false confessions. However, the process is not without its flaws. For example, vulnerable suspect populations such as adolescents and persons with disabilities often misjudge their accessibility to legal counsel and misunderstand the implications of waiving their rights. 

The authors next explore how courts handle confessions. Judicial efforts to curb wrongful convictions have resulted in the institution of two sets of legal rules: corroboration rules (where death or injury must be proven) and the voluntariness rules (where involuntary confessions obtained through torture must be rejected). The corroboration rule was eventually replaced by the trustworthiness rule, where only the confession (not the crime) needed to be corroborated. These rules are not without their flaws, as courts often used arbitrary means to decide whether a confession was voluntary or otherwise.

Interrogation tactics also contribute to high incidences of false confessions. For example, investigators sometimes use maximization techniques, where the futility of denial is stressed, to pressure suspects into a confession. Others use minimization tactics, where they normalize the crime and promise leniency in sentencing. Still others use the "false evidence" ploy, a deception to induce confessions.

In contrast to the United States, confession evidence and interrogations are strictly regulated in England and Wales under the PACE Act of 1984. There, vulnerable suspects such as juveniles and mentally-disabled adults are protected by the "fitness to be interviewed" provision in the 2003 Codes of Practice.

The authors document three types of false confessions: voluntary, coerced-compliant, and coerced-internalized. Voluntary confessors act of their own free will, compliant confessors act according to what they perceive are the expectations of interrogators, and internalized confessors (susceptible to pressure) fabricate false memories of their guilt. Still others who believe in the strength of their innocence to acquit them are led to make false confessions. The authors call this the "phenomenology of innocence."

False confessions can have unintended and dangerous consequences in the courtroom. They may taint the judgment and assessments of juries, judges, eyewitnesses, and forensic experts. The difficulties are compounded by the fact that it is almost impossible to determine the validity or truth of a confession.

Thus, to decrease the incidences of false confessions, the authors recommend recording all interrogations, changing the American interrogative process from an adversarial, confrontational one to an investigative one, imposing time limits on interrogations, re-examining the "false evidence" ploy, recalibrating minimization tactics, and instituting measures to protect vulnerable suspect populations.

What is the irony in A Modest Proposal?

Irony exists when there is a discrepancy between what we expect to happen and what actually happens.  In "A Modest Proposal," it is certainly ironic that, though the speaker purports to have been working on and researching his plan for a long time, his "statistics" regarding babies are wrong.  He says that "a child just born will weigh 12 pounds, and in a solar year, if tolerably nursed, increases to 28 pounds."  Even in this day and age, when mothers are in so much better health than they were during Swift's time, most newborn babies do not weigh twelve pounds.  Furthermore, the speaker says that most of these babies are born to mothers who are forced to beg in order to support themselves (and so probably do not have enough to eat), which makes the likelihood that they have giant, twelve-pound babies that much less.  Similarly, most one-year-old children do not weigh anywhere near twenty-eight pounds.  We would expect someone who claimed to have done his research on a problem to at least have his facts straight.

Likewise, the speaker describes his American friend, a person who originally conceived the germ of this idea, as a "very worthy person, a true lover of his country. . . whose virtues [the speaker] highly esteem[s]."  Again, we would not expect a "worthy" individual, full of wonderful virtues, who truly loves his countrymen and women to propose a scheme in which they sell and eat babies.  Cannibalism is not something we expect from a virtuous person.  

Finally, the speaker discusses the

Vast number of poor people, who are aged, diseased, or maimed; and [he has] been desired to employ [his] thoughts what course may be taken to ease the nation of so grievous an encumbrance.  But [he is] not in the least pain upon that matter, because it is very well known, that they are every day dying, and rotting, by cold and famine, and filth, and vermin, as fast as can be reasonably expected.  And as to the young laborers, they are now in almost as hopeful a condition.  (emphasis mine) 

In other words, then, the speaker talks about the older, poor population, assuring readers that they do not present a long-term concern because they will die soon anyway.  He then says that the younger people among the poor are in "almost as hopeful a condition"—I would hardly describe the condition of "dying and rotting" as a "hopeful condition," would you?  Here, our expectations of how a compassionate and thoughtful person, which is how the narrator presents himself, would not lead us to believe that he would look on "dying and rotting" as a "hopeful condition"—such a comment betrays his true character.

How, in Animal Farm, does Napoleon's use of of obedience tactics help the farm?

In a general sense, Napoleon's tactics lead to greater productivity on the farm. His insistence that the animals follow instructions and remain loyal guarantees that the animals remain committed and unquestioning. In such a system, more focused and productive labor ensures greater returns and bigger profits. Furthermore, the tactic guarantees a servile attitude and minimizes the risk of recalcitrance and rebellion.

Napoleon ensures that the animals remain obedient not only through propaganda, misinformation, and deceit,...

In a general sense, Napoleon's tactics lead to greater productivity on the farm. His insistence that the animals follow instructions and remain loyal guarantees that the animals remain committed and unquestioning. In such a system, more focused and productive labor ensures greater returns and bigger profits. Furthermore, the tactic guarantees a servile attitude and minimizes the risk of recalcitrance and rebellion.

Napoleon ensures that the animals remain obedient not only through propaganda, misinformation, and deceit, but also brutally enforces control by slaughtering those who dare rebel against him. The best example of this occurs in chapter seven, when the three hens who resisted his instruction to sacrifice their eggs are executed by his dogs. Animals who supposedly plotted against him also suffer the same fate. In this manner, Napoleon establishes a merciless tyranny. He becomes supreme leader and his authority cannot not be questioned.

The success of this strategy is proven by the successful completion of the windmill after it had been destroyed, the lack of wastage on the farm, and the general air of commitment, although enforced, that exists. This is best encapsulated by Boxer's two maxims: "I will work harder" and "Napoleon is always right." These statements reflect the overall sentiment on the farm, with the exclusion, to a certain extent, of Benjamin. Although he is quite cynical and recalcitrant, Benjamin does what is asked of him.

Although Napoleon's strategy leads to the successful running of the farm, it is, sadly and ironically, only the pigs and Napoleon's dogs who truly benefit. They live lives of luxury whilst the other animals are always tired, hungry, cold, and miserable.

The greatest irony lies in the fact that the gullible general animal populace believe they have achieved utopia when, in fact, their dream has resulted in a dystopian reality that is worse than the one they experienced under Jones's rule.

Why is a motor car not considered a living thing?

The best way to answer this question is to list out the characteristics of living things and then decide which of those characteristics an automobile doesn't have.  

The six characteristics of living things are as follows:

1. Living things are made of cells


2. Living things have DNA


3. Living things respond to their environment


4. Living things obtain and use energy


5. Living things can reproduce


6. Living things grow and develop

Based on those characteristics, an automobile is...

The best way to answer this question is to list out the characteristics of living things and then decide which of those characteristics an automobile doesn't have.  

The six characteristics of living things are as follows:

1. Living things are made of cells


2. Living things have DNA


3. Living things respond to their environment


4. Living things obtain and use energy


5. Living things can reproduce


6. Living things grow and develop

Based on those characteristics, an automobile is not a living thing, because it is not capable of reproducing. Vehicles can be reproduced through manufacturing, but the vehicle itself isn't capable of creating a new car or a copy of itself through sexual or asexual reproduction.

Vehicles are not made of cells, nor do they contain DNA. 

Vehicles are not capable of responding to the environment. The environment may provide various stimuli to the vehicle, but the vehicle will not respond unless given a command by an operator. 

Vehicles do use energy, but they are not capable of obtaining their own energy. An operator must provide the fuel for the car. 

Vehicles also do not grow and develop. They don't get bigger, nor do they become more complex by developing new or altered systems. 

In the book Moral Disorder, Margaret Atwood depicts the theme of fractured identities, of filial relationships and gender roles. Nell is the...

In Moral Disorder, the central character, Nell, makes a variety of difficult choices about whether to have a family, her relationship with a married man, and managing her relationship with the man's family after he leaves his wife and marries Nell. Margaret Atwood traces her growth by breaking down Nell's story into different short stories and presenting them to the reader in a non-chronological order.

Nell ultimately takes responsibility for her choices by caring for her family members, renting a house for Oona, and learning to adapt to Tig's children—even if she can't help but beat them at Monopoly. Despite her tendency to daydream and fantasize about other lives, Nell grows from the little girl who resented her mother's pregnancy and yearned for freedom to a woman who has strong social ties and sacrifices to meet the needs of those in her life.

Atwood presents the stories in an intriguing way. The book opens with Nell and Tig in the morning, elderly and contemplating the news. The next story focuses on Nell at 11. Atwood switches perspectives, times, and narrators to chart Nell's growth—showing that she's changed in many ways as she's gotten older. In this way, Atwood can show Nell's anxiety over the responsibilities of a family, her guilt over her parents' and sister's health problems, and the burden placed on her to care for so many, including the ex-wife of her husband.

What is the main point or purpose of The Man Who Turned Into a Stick, by Kobo Abe?

Kobo Abe wrote The Man Who Turned into a Stick as part of a series of plays intended to serve as a commentary on the nature of dehumanization.

Exploitation and dehumanization are central themes in the play based on Abe's short works. Abe uses this story to explore the idea of one group exploiting another due to perceived differences between them. The play also focuses heavily on the theme of alienation or the separation and...

Kobo Abe wrote The Man Who Turned into a Stick as part of a series of plays intended to serve as a commentary on the nature of dehumanization.

Exploitation and dehumanization are central themes in the play based on Abe's short works. Abe uses this story to explore the idea of one group exploiting another due to perceived differences between them. The play also focuses heavily on the theme of alienation or the separation and isolation of the individual within modern society. The story follows a man who physically resembles a stick and whose only meaning in life seems to be serving as a pawn for others. This character faces both internal and external punishments due to his passive nature. Over time, in a transformation similar to that of the main character in The Metamorphosis, he actually turns into a stick.

After the newly transformed stick falls from the roof of a department store, two other characters in the story are tasked with transporting it to Hell. In Hell, it is revealed that there is no shortage of human beings who have been turned into sticks due to societal pressures. Through this unusual, symbolic work, Abe criticizes the tendency within society to use people as objects. By transforming human characters into literal objects, the author presents a dramatic metaphor for the gradual transformation of people into tools to be used by the masses. Throughout the course of the play, it is made clear that the subtle objectification that occurs in reality is just as dangerous as the surreal transformation that occurs in the work.

Although the play is short, The Man Who Turned into a Stick delivers a powerful message. There are many layers of meaning to the play that critics continue to discuss to this day. At the conclusion of the play, one of the characters remarks accusatorily that the members of the audience resemble sticks as well. The central point of the story is that no one is exempt from objectification. In a world that sees humans as objects to be used for material gain, anyone could be dehumanized next.

Is the American Dream real and achievable? To what degree/extent? How can I use these sources to make an argument? The sources are: Wilson -...

This is a fairly complex assignment. In your first paragraph, you should set out a discussion of what your paper will be addressing. Perhaps the best issue to talk about is the decline in social mobility and increase in income inequality of the past few decades. Once you make a basic statement that the "American Dream" is less possible for many Americans due to these changes, you should set out what you intend to discuss in the following sections. Issues you might address are:

Definition of American Dream:
The phrase was first defined by 1931. Historian James Truslow Adams in his book 1931 volume Epic of America. in the following passage: "The American Dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement." After this definition, you might talk about how these ideals existed before the phrase itself and how they are embodied in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. You can then trace the degree to which these ideals compare with the historical changes in social inequality and social mobility.

Gatsby:
The first main body section of your essay should discuss Gatsby and his self-invention as an embodiment of the American Dream, both its successes (Gatsby does get rich) and failures (he is a criminal; he is not accepted by upper class society). You might look at this in light of the "robber barons" and the brief period of massive creation of wealth and the subsequent collapse into the Great Depression.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt:
In his Fireside Chats, Roosevelt was concerned with offering Americans a "New Deal" that promised economic opportunity and home ownership on a wide scale, creating vast public works projects and widespread economic security.

The Hard Path to Citizenship:
The United States was originally a country of immigrants who arrived believing in a promise of economic opportunity in a vibrant New World. Rawls argues that immigrants now face a harder path, although the Obama administration had taken steps to ensure that a path to the American Dream would be accessible to "Dreamers," an effort that may well be rolled back by his successor.

Since When is it a Crime to be Poor:
In this essay, Ehrenreich argues that our legal system almost seems designed to keep poor people in poverty.

Conclusion:
Your conclusion should discuss how this history of the American Dream shows a difference between our ideals and the reality of growing inequality and lack of social mobility.

Find the arc length from (0,3) clockwise to `(2,sqrt(5))` along the circle `x^2+y^2 = 9`

Use the arc length formula,

`L=intds`

`ds=sqrt(1+(dy/dx)^2)dx` , if y=f(x), a`<=` x`<=` b

Given `x^2+y^2=9`

`=>y^2=9-x^2`

`y=(9-x^2)^(1/2)`

`dy/dx=1/2(9-x^2)^(1/2-1)*(-2x)`

`=-x/sqrt(9-x^2)`

Plug in the above in ds,

`ds=sqrt(1+(-x/sqrt(9-x^2)))^2dx`

`ds=sqrt(1+x^2/(9-x^2))dx`

`ds=sqrt((9-x^2+x^2)/(9-x^2))dx`

`ds=3/sqrt(9-x^2)dx`

The limits are x=0 and x=2,

`L=int_0^2 3/sqrt(9-x^2)dx`

`=3int_0^2 1/sqrt(9-x^2)dx`

Now let's first evaluate the indefinite integral by using integral substitution,

Let `x=3sin(u)`

`dx=3cos(u)du`

`int1/sqrt(9-x^2)dx=int1/sqrt(9-(3sin(u))^2)3cos(u)du`

`=int(3cos(u))/sqrt(9-9sin^2(u))du`

`=int(3cos(u))/(sqrt(9)sqrt(1-sin^2(u)))du`

`=int(3cos(u))/(3cos(u))du`

`=int1du`

`=u`

substitute back u and add a constant C to the solution,

`=arcsin(x/3)+C`

`L=3[arcsin(x/3)]_0^2`

`L=3[arcsin(2/3)-arcsin(0)]`

`L=3arcsin(2/3)`

`~~2.19`

Use the arc length formula,

`L=intds`

`ds=sqrt(1+(dy/dx)^2)dx` , if y=f(x), a`<=` x`<=` b

Given `x^2+y^2=9`

`=>y^2=9-x^2`

`y=(9-x^2)^(1/2)`

`dy/dx=1/2(9-x^2)^(1/2-1)*(-2x)`

`=-x/sqrt(9-x^2)`

Plug in the above in ds,

`ds=sqrt(1+(-x/sqrt(9-x^2)))^2dx`

`ds=sqrt(1+x^2/(9-x^2))dx`

`ds=sqrt((9-x^2+x^2)/(9-x^2))dx`

`ds=3/sqrt(9-x^2)dx`

The limits are x=0 and x=2,

`L=int_0^2 3/sqrt(9-x^2)dx`

`=3int_0^2 1/sqrt(9-x^2)dx`

Now let's first evaluate the indefinite integral by using integral substitution,

Let `x=3sin(u)`

`dx=3cos(u)du`

`int1/sqrt(9-x^2)dx=int1/sqrt(9-(3sin(u))^2)3cos(u)du`

`=int(3cos(u))/sqrt(9-9sin^2(u))du`

`=int(3cos(u))/(sqrt(9)sqrt(1-sin^2(u)))du`

`=int(3cos(u))/(3cos(u))du`

`=int1du`

`=u`

substitute back u and add a constant C to the solution,

`=arcsin(x/3)+C`

`L=3[arcsin(x/3)]_0^2`

`L=3[arcsin(2/3)-arcsin(0)]`

`L=3arcsin(2/3)`

`~~2.19`

Define kidney reabsorption.

In the nephrons, fluid is filtered through the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule.  This filtrate is similar to blood plasma minus the proteins.  It does not resemble urine at all.  If this filtrate were to go straight to the bladder and out of your body, you would be losing far too much fluid from your body.  This is why reabsorption is important.  Kidney reabsorption is the process that moves solutes (like sodium) and water out of...

In the nephrons, fluid is filtered through the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule.  This filtrate is similar to blood plasma minus the proteins.  It does not resemble urine at all.  If this filtrate were to go straight to the bladder and out of your body, you would be losing far too much fluid from your body.  This is why reabsorption is important.  Kidney reabsorption is the process that moves solutes (like sodium) and water out of the filtrate and back into your bloodstream.  It is called "reabsorption" because it is technically the second time that these items are being absorbed into the bloodstream.  The first time that they were absorbed happened in the digestive tract after being consumed in a meal of some kind.  

Do you agree with criticism that Hamlet should take action against Claudius sooner than he does?

As a matter of fact, I do agree with this criticism. Hamlet decides to act mad, and then waits for months before taking any other "action." Then, he seems only to make a plan once the traveling troupe of actors happens to show up at Elsinore. It surprises me that he would not be quicker to act, given the awful grief Hamlet feels upon the death of his father, the terrible way in which his...

As a matter of fact, I do agree with this criticism. Hamlet decides to act mad, and then waits for months before taking any other "action." Then, he seems only to make a plan once the traveling troupe of actors happens to show up at Elsinore. It surprises me that he would not be quicker to act, given the awful grief Hamlet feels upon the death of his father, the terrible way in which his father was murdered, and the fact that revenge means so much to to his father that his ghost returns to charge Hamlet with the responsibility of avenging him. 

Also damning, for me, is the way Hamlet feels about himself. If he were making progress and pleased with that progress, I might feel less critical of him. Hamlet thinks he's not acting the way he should, though. Consider his speech after he watches an actor emote during a performance: he asks himself, "Am I a coward?": a seemingly rhetorical question whose answer is, evidently, yes (Act II, Scene 2, line 598). He also calls himself a

dull and muddy-mettled rascal, [who] peak[s]
Like John-a-dreams, unpregnant of my cause,
And can say nothing—no, not for a king
Upon whose property and most dear life
A damned defeat was made (Act II, Scene 2, lines 594-598).

Hamlet criticizes and characterizes himself as someone without courage who is, at best, an absent-minded dreamer who accomplishes nothing, despite the fact that he loved his dear father who was defeated in such a despicable way.

What is a logo?

The word "logo" is a shortening of the full word "logotype," which is a graphic emblem or symbol; a logo can also contain text or numbers.

Logos are used by individuals, groups, or commercial corporations for purposes of identification and branding because they can become widely recognized. Today, logos are associated with brands or trademarks for goods, services, agencies, and products of all kinds.  The Apple computer logo is instantly recognizable as a simplified, stylized...

The word "logo" is a shortening of the full word "logotype," which is a graphic emblem or symbol; a logo can also contain text or numbers.

Logos are used by individuals, groups, or commercial corporations for purposes of identification and branding because they can become widely recognized. Today, logos are associated with brands or trademarks for goods, services, agencies, and products of all kinds.  The Apple computer logo is instantly recognizable as a simplified, stylized apple with a bite taken out of its right side.  A logo with a white, lowercase "f" in a blue square represents Facebook. .com, for example, uses a square with lines on it, like lined paper for schoolwork, on which a red, lowercase "e" rests, followed by the word "notes."

Of historical note, the first logo to be trademarked was created for Bass Brewery in England in 1876.  It combined the red cursive writing of "Bass" with a flourish, also in red, underneath it, and a red triangle topping the word.

Why is it important to study history?

There are several reasons why we study history. One important reason is so we can learn from the past to guide us in the present and in the future. Many events in history repeat themselves to some degree. While the places and names may vary, the basic events are similar. If we can learn from past mistakes, we should be able to avoid making those mistakes now and in the future. Conversely, if we learn...

There are several reasons why we study history. One important reason is so we can learn from the past to guide us in the present and in the future. Many events in history repeat themselves to some degree. While the places and names may vary, the basic events are similar. If we can learn from past mistakes, we should be able to avoid making those mistakes now and in the future. Conversely, if we learn from what worked in the past, we can use those ideas to some degree now and in the future.

Many of the causes of World War I were also causes of World War II. The growth of nationalism, the desire for land, and the building of military forces were some of the causes of World War I. After World War I ended, a harsh treaty was implemented that would fuel these issues again within fifteen years after the end of World War I. Instead of learning from the events that led to the start of World War I, similar mistakes were made that ultimately led to the start of World War II.

History also helps us understand people and how they operate. For example, there have been many attempts made by nations to limit immigration. If we can understand when and why societies have tried to do this, we can then anticipate when these issues may resurface. For example, when the United States economy has slipped and unemployment has risen, it is not unusual to hear for calls of placing limits on immigration.

History can teach us many things, which is why it is important to study it.

Does Steve’s father believe Him when he said he did nothing wrong ?

No. Steve Harmon's dad suspects that his son participated in the robbery, which is revealed by his behavior towards his son in jail during his visit, and Steve's commentary regarding his father's opinion of him.  

When Mr. Harmon visits his son in jail, he is apprehensive to believe his son after Steve mentions that he is going to take the stand and tell the truth, which is that he did not participate in the robbery. Interestingly, Steve's father never comments on his son's innocence and simply assures Steve that everything will work out. After Mr. Harmon leaves, Steve says,

What was going on between us, me being his son and him being my dad, is pushed down and something else is moving up in its place. It's like a man looking down to see his son and seeing a monster instead (Myers, 119).

Steve then mentions that Miss O'Brien said things were looking bad and was afraid that the jury would not be able to differentiate between him and all the "bad guys" taking the stand. Steve then mentions,

I think my dad thinks the same thing (Myers, 119).

Steve's commentary regarding his father's opinion indicates that Mr. Harmon does not believe that his son is innocent.

Following the trial, Steve mentions that his father hugged him and said that he was thankful that he didn't have to go to prison. Afterwards, Steve's father ended up moving away, and the distance between them grew. Steve says,

My father is no longer sure of who I am. He doesn't understand me even knowing people like King or Bobo or Osvaldo. He wonders what else he doesn't know (Myers, 284).

Mr. Harmon's actions and behavior following the trial again reveal that he does not believe his son is innocent.

What is an example of jargon from the story "The Cold Equations" by Tom Godwin?

As a literary device, jargon consists of words that are broadly used within an occupation, subject, or business. For example, we have legal jargon, which may consist of stock phrases, definitions, or specific words that are used in courts or law offices. In the story, The Cold Equations, we can deduce that since the genre is science fiction, we will likely come across specific phrases or words indicative of such a designation.

An example...

As a literary device, jargon consists of words that are broadly used within an occupation, subject, or business. For example, we have legal jargon, which may consist of stock phrases, definitions, or specific words that are used in courts or law offices. In the story, The Cold Equations, we can deduce that since the genre is science fiction, we will likely come across specific phrases or words indicative of such a designation.

An example of science fiction jargon in the story is the word "hyperspace." This is a reference to a region in an alternative universe (coexisting with our own), where it is possible to travel faster than the speed of light. In Star Trek, we would call hyperspace travel "warp speed travel." Of course, neither hyperspace travel nor warp speed travel exists in our current universe. However, the concept is extremely popular in science fiction stories.

Another example of jargon in the story is "hyperspace drive." This is a reference to technology that allows spaceships and other types of space vehicles to travel faster than the speed of light. So, in a science fiction world like the one on Star Trek, the battleships and space cruisers have been equipped with hyperspace drive technology, which allows them to travel at warp speed. In The Cold Equations, hyperspace technology has allowed Earth to install new colonies across space frontiers:

Galactic expansion had followed the development of the hyperspace drive, and as men scattered wide across the frontier, there had come the problem of contact with the isolated first colonies and exploration parties. The huge hyperspace cruisers were the product of the combined genius and effort of Earth and were long and expensive in the building.

What are the similarities and differences between unicellular and multicellular organisms?

Unicellular and multicellular organisms are similar in many ways, but the main difference comes in the form of their cellular makeup. 

Unicellular organisms are made up of only one cell (the prefix "uni" means one). All life processes are carried out in one single cell! Unicellular organisms are often considered simple creatures and are far less complex than most multicellular organisms. Examples of unicellular organisms include bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella, etc.), yeast (Candida), and amoebas.

...

Unicellular and multicellular organisms are similar in many ways, but the main difference comes in the form of their cellular makeup. 

Unicellular organisms are made up of only one cell (the prefix "uni" means one). All life processes are carried out in one single cell! Unicellular organisms are often considered simple creatures and are far less complex than most multicellular organisms. Examples of unicellular organisms include bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella, etc.), yeast (Candida), and amoebas.

Multicellular organisms are made up of more than one cell (the prefix "multi" means many). Multicellular organisms are often composed of millions or trillions of cells (in the case of animals and humans) and are considered to be more advanced on an evolutionary scale. 

It is an advantage for an organism to be multicellular rather than unicellular. Multicellular organisms have the ability to grow larger, to be more complex, and to differentiate cells. This means multicellular organisms have different types of cells used for specialized purposes (Ex: nerve cells, muscle cells, brain cells, etc.).

Even though unicellular organisms differ from multicellular organisms in terms of cellular makeup, they do have quite a few things in common. Both unicellular and multicellular organisms share the characteristics of life: they grow, respond to stimuli, maintain homeostasis (an internal balance), reproduce, pass on genetic material to offspring, and obtain or use energy. 

`y=x^2, y=x^3` Find the x and y moments of inertia and center of mass for the laminas of uniform density `p` bounded by the graphs of the...

For an irregularly shaped planar lamina of uniform density `(rho)` bounded by graphs `y=f(x),y=g(x)` and `a<=x<=b` , the mass `(m)` of this region is given by,

`m=rhoint_a^b[f(x)-g(x)]dx`

`m=rhoA`  , where A is the area of the region

The moments about the x- and y-axes are,

`M_x=rhoint_a^b 1/2([f(x)]^2-[g(x)]^2)dx`

`M_y=rhoint_a^bx(f(x)-g(x))dx`

The center of mass `(barx,bary)` is given by,

`barx=M_y/m`

`bary=M_x/m`

Now we are given `y=x^2,y=x^3`

Refer the attached image. Plot in red color is of `y=x^2` and blue...

For an irregularly shaped planar lamina of uniform density `(rho)` bounded by graphs `y=f(x),y=g(x)` and `a<=x<=b` , the mass `(m)` of this region is given by,

`m=rhoint_a^b[f(x)-g(x)]dx`

`m=rhoA`  , where A is the area of the region

The moments about the x- and y-axes are,

`M_x=rhoint_a^b 1/2([f(x)]^2-[g(x)]^2)dx`

`M_y=rhoint_a^bx(f(x)-g(x))dx`

The center of mass `(barx,bary)` is given by,

`barx=M_y/m`

`bary=M_x/m`

Now we are given `y=x^2,y=x^3`

Refer the attached image. Plot in red color is of `y=x^2` and blue color is of `y=x^3`

Curves intersect at (1,1)

Now let's evaluate the area of the region,

`A=int_0^1(x^2-x^3)dx`

`A=[x^3/3-x^4/4]_0^1`

`A=[1^3/3-1^4/4]`

`A=(1/3-1/4)=(4-3)/12`

`A=1/12`

Now let's evaluate the moments about the x- and y-axes,

`M_x=rhoint_0^1 1/2[(x^2)^2-(x^3)^2]dx`

`M_x=rho/2int_0^1(x^4-x^6)dx`

`M_x=rho/2[x^5/5-x^7/7]_0^1`

`M_x=rho/2[1^5/5-1^7/7]`

`M_x=rho/2(1/5-1/7)`

`M_x=rho/2(7-5)/(35)`

`M_x=rho/35`

`M_y=rhoint_0^1x(x^2-x^3)dx`

`M_y=rhoint_0^1(x^3-x^4)dx`

`M_y=rho[x^4/4-x^5/5]_0^1`

`M_y=rho[1^4/4-1^5/5]`

`M_y=rho[5-4)/(20)`

`M_y=rho/20`

`barx=M_y/m=M_y/(rhoA)`

Plug in the values of `M_y` and `A` ,

`barx=(rho/20)/(rho1/12)`

`barx=12/20`

`barx=3/5`

`bary=M_x/m=M_x/(rhoA)`

`bary=(rho/35)/(rho1/12)`

`bary=12/35`

The coordinates of the center of mass are `(3/5,12/35)`

What does the king of Brobdingnag discuss with Gulliver?

The king of Brobdingnag discusses England, Gulliver's home, with Gulliver at great length.  Gulliver delights in telling him about the British government, about British courts and laws, and even British weaponry.  The Brobdingnagian king, however, is utterly horrified to learn of the behavior of individuals in the government, the way people seem to abuse the courts, the way people lie and cheat, and so forth.  He is most disgusted to learn of gunpowder, though.  When...

The king of Brobdingnag discusses England, Gulliver's home, with Gulliver at great length.  Gulliver delights in telling him about the British government, about British courts and laws, and even British weaponry.  The Brobdingnagian king, however, is utterly horrified to learn of the behavior of individuals in the government, the way people seem to abuse the courts, the way people lie and cheat, and so forth.  He is most disgusted to learn of gunpowder, though.  When Gulliver explains the effects of gunpowder and offers to tell the king the recipe, the king rebuffs him in no uncertain terms.  He calls Gulliver and his entire species odious vermin who really do not deserve to live at all.  As a peace-loving king who sees his office as a duty to protect the citizens of Brobdingnag, the king of Brobdingnag wants nothing to do with the ways and customs of England or humanity.

What ended up happening to Bishop Morehouse?

Bishop Morehouse dies in the carnage of the Chicago battle between the mercenaries, the military, and the revolutionaries. 

Ernest explains that Bishop Morehouse "obeyed Christ's injunction" and was admitted to an insane asylum. Avis and Ernest try to get him out but are unsuccessful. They find out that he was admitted in a newspaper; the first asylum he is moved to is the Napa Asylum.

Avis explains that they tried to find him after he...

Bishop Morehouse dies in the carnage of the Chicago battle between the mercenaries, the military, and the revolutionaries. 

Ernest explains that Bishop Morehouse "obeyed Christ's injunction" and was admitted to an insane asylum. Avis and Ernest try to get him out but are unsuccessful. They find out that he was admitted in a newspaper; the first asylum he is moved to is the Napa Asylum.

Avis explains that they tried to find him after he was moved, but the search was in vain. Bishop Morehouse went from one asylum to another. They track him from Napa to Stockton to Santa Clara and then lose him entirely. Avis does mention that she did not see a record of his death and thus assumes that he escaped from the asylums. 

In Chicago, revolutionaries and soldiers battled each other. Many people died on both sides. Avis and Ernest are driving to get out of the city when they come across a large group of the dead—revolutionaries killed by machine guns and soldiers killed by a bomb. Avis says:

Ernest sprung out. A familiar pair of shoulders in a cotton shirt and a familiar fringe of white hair had caught his eye. I did not watch him, and it was not until he was back beside me and we were speeding on that he said:

"It was Bishop Morehouse."

Bishop Morehouse died during the fight in Chicago. It is impossible to trace what happened to him between his admission to the asylum in Napa the locale in which Ernest and Avis discover his body. 

What does Matt see in the Indian village?

In Chapter 16, Attean's village is having a feast, and he invites Matt to attend. Pleased that he will have an opportunity to savor bear meat, Matt consents to accompany Attean back to his village.

Both Matt and Attean have to take a canoe to the other side of the river. After they disembark, both boys walk through the woods until they come to a "solid wall of upright posts." They then enter the stockade...

In Chapter 16, Attean's village is having a feast, and he invites Matt to attend. Pleased that he will have an opportunity to savor bear meat, Matt consents to accompany Attean back to his village.

Both Matt and Attean have to take a canoe to the other side of the river. After they disembark, both boys walk through the woods until they come to a "solid wall of upright posts." They then enter the stockade through a gateway that opens up to a spacious area "filled with smoke and moving shadows and wavering patches of light cast by birchbark torches."

In the open space, Matt sees "cabins and cone-shaped wigwams" in a circle. In the middle of the circle, a fire burns between "walls of logs." Suspended upon timbers over the fire are three iron pots. Although at this point Matt can't tell what the pots hold, he thinks that he can smell boiling meat and herbs. The delicious smells make him feel hungry.

Then, he realizes that they are not alone. On either side of the fire sit Indian men clad in "an odd medley of garments, some in Englishmen's coats and jackets, others with bright blankets draping their shoulders." Some of the Indians also wear feathers in their headbands. Matt also sees Indian women in "bright cloth skirts and odd pointed caps." Everyone appears to be wearing jewelry of some sort. Matt concludes that the Indians have put on their best clothes for the occasion.

Matt enjoys a wonderful evening with Attean and his people. They feast, hear stories, and dance. Matt spends the night in one of the wigwams. The next morning, he notices that the village isn't as forbidding as it looked the night before. The wigwams are, for the most part, "ramshackle and flimsy." By each wigwam's side hangs "racks of untrimmed branches" holding rows of drying fish. There are discarded bones and clam shells littered all over the ground from the feast the night before.

In the daytime, Matt sees how busy an Indian village can be. Women pound corn, cook, or weave baskets. Meanwhile, the men have left for the day's hunt. Matt leaves the village happy with his experience and grateful for Attean's invitation.

How is Macbeth a statement of evil and how do others contribute to this?

Although Macbeth gradually embraces evil, viewing him only in terms of his criminal behavior is not a precise examination of his character. When we take a look at his soliloquies, which often reveal his fears and doubts, we can realize Macbeth is a complex character who has a conscience. Even when he tries to come across as brutal and evil, his conscience keeps haunting him. In his famous soliloquy when he proclaims life is futile,...

Although Macbeth gradually embraces evil, viewing him only in terms of his criminal behavior is not a precise examination of his character. When we take a look at his soliloquies, which often reveal his fears and doubts, we can realize Macbeth is a complex character who has a conscience. Even when he tries to come across as brutal and evil, his conscience keeps haunting him. In his famous soliloquy when he proclaims life is futile, Macbeth realizes our lives mean nothing in particular. We are mere shadows on the planet, and the power we gain is temporal. If Macbeth were wholly evil, he would be preoccupied with causing more harm and would not think about the futility of life and other philosophical issues. 

Although Macbeth alone is to blame for initiating his own downfall, his wife and the witches have an impact on him. Lady Macbeth's persuasive speech motivates Macbeth to go after his "black and deep desires." The witches' prophecy is another factor that influences Macbeth. He becomes obsessed with the prophecy and decides to take matters into his own hands.

What stylistic devices create the atmosphere of children's stories in "Once Upon a Time"?

Gordimer doesn't really get to these devices or her "children's story" until she begins to relate the bedtime story. She begins this story in a very general way, and this serves to suggest that this story is about "any" family in any place or time. It is therefore very accessible to many families:

In a house, in a suburb, in a city, there was a man and his wife who loved each other very much...

Gordimer doesn't really get to these devices or her "children's story" until she begins to relate the bedtime story. She begins this story in a very general way, and this serves to suggest that this story is about "any" family in any place or time. It is therefore very accessible to many families:

In a house, in a suburb, in a city, there was a man and his wife who loved each other very much and were living happily ever after. They had a little boy and they loved him very much. They had a cat and a dog that the little boy loved very much. 

Note the simplicity. This is a simple description of a loving family living "happily ever after." This phrase clearly echoes the most famous final line of many fairy tales. The most famous opening line, "once upon a time," only occurs as the story's title. Still, this opening paragraph about the family almost conjures that phrase in the reader's mind. There are typical fairy tale phrases and a simplistic style, both of which are designed for younger reading audiences.

The phrase "happily ever after" is repeated in this story. The family continually tries to live happily ever after. As they increasingly try to transform their house into a fortress, they believe the security the fortress provides will enable them to live happily ever after. The story does end with some gruesome, tragic irony. This seems contrary to what a children's story should be. There are classic fairy tales with gruesome events, even though many of these end with "happily ever after."

Gordimer is doing a lot more than presenting a children's story. She is indirectly addressing social tension in South Africa through this story and the country's uncertain future. She and other South Africans surely wondered about their future as the country struggled to end apartheid. They must have wondered if and when they would or could live happily ever after.

Think about the three families Bud has met so far in the story, the Amoses, Deza Malone and her mom, and Mr. Lewis and the sleets. What makes...

The Amos, Malone, and Sleet families each come from different social classes and treat Bud Caldwell differently when they meet him. The Amos family is financially secure but treats Bud with contempt. They are portrayed as strict and unsympathetic. Todd Amos bullies Bud by sticking a pencil up his nose and gets into a fight with him. Todd's parents also take Bud's suitcase and make him sleep in their shed. The Malone family occupies a...

The Amos, Malone, and Sleet families each come from different social classes and treat Bud Caldwell differently when they meet him. The Amos family is financially secure but treats Bud with contempt. They are portrayed as strict and unsympathetic. Todd Amos bullies Bud by sticking a pencil up his nose and gets into a fight with him. Todd's parents also take Bud's suitcase and make him sleep in their shed. The Malone family occupies a lower social class than the Amoses and live in a Hooverville because they do not have a home. Despite their rough financial situation, the Malones are welcoming and hospitable. They allow Bud and Bugs to eat with them and provide the orphans a place to stay the night. After Lefty Lewis picks Bud up, he takes him to his daughter's home. Bud is introduced to the Sleet family, who are financially stable and welcome Bud with open arms. Mrs. Sleet gives Bud a fresh pair of clothes, a place to spend the night, and a home cooked meal. Her children also entertain Bud and are kind to him. Overall, the three families have different financial situations and treat Bud differently.

What is the Silla Dynasty?

The Silla Dynasty (57 BC–935 AD) in ancient Korea was arguably one of the longest lasting dynasties on earth. 

In ancient Korea, the Silla kingdom (along with the Baekje and Goguryeo kingdom) formed what was called the Three Kingdoms. Silla was known for its centralized system of government and its strict adherence to a hierarchical social system. The kingdom was said to have been founded by King Hyeokgeose. 

The three kingdoms fought against each other...

The Silla Dynasty (57 BC–935 AD) in ancient Korea was arguably one of the longest lasting dynasties on earth. 

In ancient Korea, the Silla kingdom (along with the Baekje and Goguryeo kingdom) formed what was called the Three Kingdoms. Silla was known for its centralized system of government and its strict adherence to a hierarchical social system. The kingdom was said to have been founded by King Hyeokgeose. 

The three kingdoms fought against each other for control of the Korean peninsula. During a period of upheaval, Baekje and Goguryeo formed an alliance for the sole purpose of conquering Silla. Meanwhile, all three kingdoms tried to broker alliances with the Japanese and Chinese in order to defeat each other.

The Chinese Tang dynasty eventually chose to ally itself with Silla. The Tang-Silla alliance crushed the Baekje and Goguryeo kingdoms. However, Silla did not let matters rest. With Goguryeo and Baekje vanquished, Silla trained its sights on the Tang dynasty. Silla finally won control of Korea when it defeated China in the battles of Kibolpo and Maesosong. For more information, please refer to the two links below.