What is the function of the description of the "Great Irish Elk" skeleton and the butter?

The Great Irish Elk and butter description serves to illustrate the archaeological value of the bog in terms of Irish identity, culture, and history.

In the poem, the reference to the Great Irish Elk also highlights Heaney's own childhood memory of an elk fossil found in a bog near his hometown. To Heaney, the archaeological find is evidence that the bog is a repository of memories gleaned from centuries of Irish culture and history. The...

The Great Irish Elk and butter description serves to illustrate the archaeological value of the bog in terms of Irish identity, culture, and history.

In the poem, the reference to the Great Irish Elk also highlights Heaney's own childhood memory of an elk fossil found in a bog near his hometown. To Heaney, the archaeological find is evidence that the bog is a repository of memories gleaned from centuries of Irish culture and history. The Great Irish Elk is at present time extinct; however, skeletons and fossils of these elks have been found in numerous locations around the world. The elk skeleton serves to underline the vastness and depth of Irish history; centuries upon centuries of Irish history lie in the bogs of Heaney's poem.

Additionally, the preserved butter in the poem ("sunk under/ More than a hundred years/...recovered salty and white") references the social practice of preserving or storing food in peat bogs for extended periods of time. It is remarkable that the hundred-year old butter is so well preserved that it emerges "white" from the bog.

So, Heaney uses the two items to describe how bogs are able to preserve generations of rich Irish history within the depths of their "kind, black butter."

How does the hotel scene enhance the conflict between classes in chapter 7 of The Great Gatsby?

At the Plaza Hotel, Gatsby and Tom Buchanan face off over Daisy. Tom does everything he can to press his class advantage over his rival. First, Tom, a Yale graduate, taunts Gatsby over allegedly being an "Oxford man," which Tom does not believe for a minute. When Gatsby explains that he was only there for five months as part of a World War I armistice opportunity that allowed some officers to study at Oxford, Nick's...

At the Plaza Hotel, Gatsby and Tom Buchanan face off over Daisy. Tom does everything he can to press his class advantage over his rival. First, Tom, a Yale graduate, taunts Gatsby over allegedly being an "Oxford man," which Tom does not believe for a minute. When Gatsby explains that he was only there for five months as part of a World War I armistice opportunity that allowed some officers to study at Oxford, Nick's faith in Gatsby is restored. But upper crust Tom keeps on relentlessly pushing the "class warfare" theme, saying that if Gatsby can make love to Daisy, the next thing will be "intermarriage between black and white." Finally, he says that someone like Gatsby should not be allowed "within a mile" of Daisy unless he is delivering groceries to the back door like a servant. We've known from the beginning that Tom is a snob, but here he openly uses his conviction that Gatsby is lower class to try to separate Daisy and Gatsby. 

Who would the antagonist be in "A Piece of Steak"?

At first glance, it may seem as though Sandel, the fighter who opposes Tom King, is the antagonist of the story. Roughly two-thirds into the story, it even states 

The third round began as usual, with Sandel doing all the leading, and delivering all the punishment. 

However, even though Tom King does not fight back, it turns out Sandel is not the true antagonist of "A Piece of Steak," as evidenced by this quote a...

At first glance, it may seem as though Sandel, the fighter who opposes Tom King, is the antagonist of the story. Roughly two-thirds into the story, it even states 

The third round began as usual, with Sandel doing all the leading, and delivering all the punishment. 

However, even though Tom King does not fight back, it turns out Sandel is not the true antagonist of "A Piece of Steak," as evidenced by this quote a little bit further on:

His gloves had already been removed, and Sandel, bending over him, was shaking his hand. He bore no ill-will toward the man who had put him out and he returned the grip with a heartiness that made his battered knuckles protest.

"A Piece of Steak" is atypical of many stories because it does not have a person who is the antagonist; instead, the antagonist is simply old age. In the beginning of the story, Tom King sees Stowsher Bill crying in the dressing room and cannot fathom why such a prized fighter would be bent over in tears. 

As the story continues, however, it becomes evident that Tom King is no longer in his prime. Though he was once the best fighter in the world, age and time have caught up to him. Toward the end of the story, it states:

King did not attempt to free himself. He had shot his bolt. He was gone. And Youth had been served. Even in the clinch he could feel Sandel growing stronger against him. When the referee thrust them apart, there, before his eyes, he saw Youth recuperate.

This shows that it doesn't really matter who the opponent is—youth will always prevail. The fact that the word "Youth" is capitalized throughout the story shows that it holds a place of reverence, and Tom King realizes that he has lost his somewhere along the way. It is his turn to become the once-prized fighter, bent over in the dressing room in tears. 

1. How do you think the training as Receiver will affect Jonas’s relationships? How will it affect his future relationships, such as applying for...

1. Jonas's training will alienate him from his friends and family since he will not be allowed to discuss it with them. He will be afraid that he might mistakenly do or say something that he is not supposed to, thus putting them in an uncomfortable predicament.  Although Jonas will know that he may lie if such a situation does occur, he would apparently not feel comfortable with the idea of lying. Furthermore, since his position is such an esteemed one, he will be viewed in a different light by everyone else. They will not perceive him in the same manner they did when he was still just Jonas. This fact will create further division between him and others. Jonas will also feel different about himself because he will also be allowed certain privileges (such as the exemption from rudeness) that others do not have. This differentiation, in itself, will undoubtedly create a sense of separateness because Sameness requires that they are all equal. 

Also, the Chief Elder emphasizes the fact that Jonas is to be treated differently because of his new status.

But the Receiver-in-training cannot be observed, cannot be modified. That is stated quite clearly in the rules. He is to be alone, apart, while he is prepared by the current Receiver for the job which is the most honored in our community. 

Jonas will not only be physically isolated from his family, friends, and others, his training will also require that he cuts himself off emotionally and psychologically to prevent the sort of quandary mentioned earlier. 

Jonas does not see his training as beneficial at first. He is overcome with dread and discomfort that he will be separated from those he cares about and that he has been weighed down with such a huge responsibility. His initial reaction is adverse.

For a moment he froze, consumed with despair. He didn't have it, the whatever-she-had-said. He didn't know what it was. Now was the moment when he would have to confess, to say, "No, I don't. I can't," and throw himself on their mercy, ask their forgiveness, to explain that he had been wrongly chosen, that he was not the right one at all.

Jonas's inceptive sentiments will, however, progressively change. He will become more comfortable in his role and will soon realize that he can do something to change his society for the better even if it should be at significant risk. 

Jonas will be able to apply for a spouse and have a family, just as the Giver had had when he was the Receiver Of Memory. Jonas will, however, have to make different living arrangements because he and The Giver are the only ones allowed access to books. Jonas will, as a rule, be separated from his family for most of the time.

2. Most of the negative aspects of being The Receiver have been mentioned above. The positives are that The Receiver knows the history of the community and can share insights with the Elders and prepare them for any eventuality since he knows how an issue was resolved in the past. Furthermore, The Receiver can acquire information from other citizens without having to be courteous and respectful. Since they cannot lie, they will have to acquiesce to his requests. The Receiver also has access to all the records and may ask to view whatever recorded incident or event that piques his interest. Jonas's feelings of isolation are the result of his actual separation from his family and friends. Because he has to learn so much, he has very little time to socialize and cannot interact with Fiona or Asher. They have also been appointed duties, and there is not much time for leisure.

Jonas is dumbfounded by the fact that he can see color. He is fascinated by the fact that things have different, definitive hues. He thinks that the first color he sees—red—is beautiful. Jonas is upset that because of Sameness the ability to see color was removed. He believes that removing the ability was a mistake.

3. Giving Gabriel pleasant memories was a wise choice indeed. The memories helped the restless Gabriel calm down and fall into peaceful slumber. If Jonas had not given him these memories, Gabriel would have been released for being difficult and unmanageable. Jonas saved the infant's life in this way. This act also enables him to rescue Gabriel from certain death when he later escapes from the community, taking the doomed infant with him.  

How does Gretel portray innocence throughout the novel The Boy in the Striped Pajamas?

Perhaps, Gretel is more naïve than she is innocent as she lacks judgment and does not deduce what goes on behind the wire fences, the kind of person Lieutenant Kotler is, what transpires between her mother and the lieutenant, and what her father's role is in the German government. 

In Chapter 3, after Bruno's family arrives at "Out-With," Bruno talks to his sister about how unpleasant their new home is, and she agrees. Being three years older,...

Perhaps, Gretel is more naïve than she is innocent as she lacks judgment and does not deduce what goes on behind the wire fences, the kind of person Lieutenant Kotler is, what transpires between her mother and the lieutenant, and what her father's role is in the German government. 

In Chapter 3, after Bruno's family arrives at "Out-With," Bruno talks to his sister about how unpleasant their new home is, and she agrees. Being three years older, she explains to her younger brother that Out-With is the name of the house in which they now will live. "Out with the people who lived here before us."

"It must have to do with the fact that he [the former commandant] did not do a very good job, and someone said 'out with him and let's get a man in here who can do it right,'" (Ch.3) she tells Bruno.

As they talk, Bruno mentions that the children do not look very good, either. Gretel has no idea what he means, so Bruno invites her to look out his window. When she does, Gretel does not like what she sees. There are wire and sharp spikes all around the fence. While Gretel wonders why anyone would build such "a nasty place," she concludes that it must be the countryside where food is raised somewhere. When Bruno questions her, she tells her brother that she learned in school about the countryside where there is so much land. So, this is where they must be. Then, she "shivers and turns away" and tells her brother that she is going back to her dolls in her room where the view is much nicer.

Further, Gretel enjoys feeling older as Lt. Kotler flirts with her; as a result, she naively believes that he is nice because she lets her emotions rule her. In fact, she does not really assess what a cruel, sadistic young man he is. When Gretel is with Lt. Kotler, she "...laughed hysterically and twirled her hair around her fingers...." (Ch.9)

Gretel's mother talks privately with Lt. Kotler, calling him affectionate terms, but Gretel does not seem to notice, while Bruno catches her.

"Oh, Kurt, precious, you're still here," said Mother....I have a little free time now if--Oh! Bruno! What are you doing here?" (Ch. 15)

Of course, Gretel knows nothing of mother's "afternoon naps" and is also innocent of why Lt. Kotler is transferred. Also, she does not know what lice is when she finds an egg in her hair. Later, when her father finally decides that the children must depart from "Out-With," but it is mainly because Mother wishes to return to Berlin, Gretel is unaware of this, as well.

Why does Alcott call “Transcendental Wild Oats” a fable? Do you think she is arguing against Transcendentalism?

Alcott's short story "Transcendental Wild Oats" is based on the time she spent with her family in a Transcendental community called Fruitlands in Harvard, Massachusetts. She described her experiences as a fable, or a story that has a moral, because it conveyed the impracticality and gender inequality of the utopian living that the Transcendental movement envisioned. 

Rather than using her family's real names, she refers to them in the story (written many years after her...

Alcott's short story "Transcendental Wild Oats" is based on the time she spent with her family in a Transcendental community called Fruitlands in Harvard, Massachusetts. She described her experiences as a fable, or a story that has a moral, because it conveyed the impracticality and gender inequality of the utopian living that the Transcendental movement envisioned. 

Rather than using her family's real names, she refers to them in the story (written many years after her experiences in the 1840s) with pseudonyms. For example, her father, Bronson Alcott, is referred to as "Abel Lamb," and the other characters have allegorical names such as "Sister Hope." The male heads of the farm, Abel Lamb and Timon Lion (Lion represented the real-life Charles Lamb), start the Transcendental community with idealistic hopes that they describe in the following way:

The inner nature of each member of the Family is at no time neglected. Our plan contemplates all such disciplines, cultures, and habits as evidently conduce to the purifying of the inmates.

The male leaders of the community concentrate only on abstract, philosophical concepts rather than on how they will survive.

The women in the community, on the other hand, are faced with the difficulty of making a living and cooking for the community's members. Upon realizing how few provisions she has to provide for the members of the community, Sister Hope thinks:

No milk, butter, cheese, tea, or meat appeared. Even salt was considered a useless luxury and spice entirely forbidden by these lovers of Spartan simplicity. A ten years' experience of vegetarian vagaries had been good training for this new freak, and her sense of the ludicrous supported her through many trying scenes.

In other words, while the men are concentrating on philosophy, the women are forced to deal the reality of how hard it is to provide for themselves. The men, called to Transcendental abstractions, do not even harvest the grain. As Alcott writes, "About the time the grain was ready to house, some call of the Oversoul wafted all the men away."

In the end, the community, faced with a harsh New England winter, must abandon the farm. Alcott seems to be arguing against Transcendentalism, particularly its impracticality and inherent sexism. While the men in the community are committed to building an ideal society, they don't carry out the practical tasks necessary to sustain their lives. Instead, the men make their families shoulder the burden, and everyone must leave the community when they realize it cannot sustain itself.

How does the narrator feel about revenge in "The Cask of Amontillado"?

In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado," the narrator feels that revenge is justified, particularly when one has been personally humiliated or in the event that a word or action endangers the good name of the individual or his family. 

Notice that, according to the narrator, he had been hurt (verbally, we assume) "one thousand times" by Fortunato. He would put up with it, but then Fortunato apparently insults him directly. This is when...

In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado," the narrator feels that revenge is justified, particularly when one has been personally humiliated or in the event that a word or action endangers the good name of the individual or his family. 

Notice that, according to the narrator, he had been hurt (verbally, we assume) "one thousand times" by Fortunato. He would put up with it, but then Fortunato apparently insults him directly. This is when the issue gets real for Montresor. 

In Montresor's own words:

A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong.

Basically, what he is saying is that, for every wrong someone does to you, there must be payback. He is a vengeful man.

Hence, in the narrator's perspective, revenge is fair, justified, and necessary when the one thing that defined a man of his time, that is, his good name, is in any danger of being disrespected or has flatly been disrespected by someone else. 

Another thing to note is that Montresor's family's coat of arms and motto are quite telling:

"A huge human foot d'or, in a field azure; the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded in the heel."

The family motto is as follows:

"Nemo me impune lacessit." This can also be understood as "Nobody provokes me with impunity."

All of this tells us that Montresor is a man who would have taken revenge no matter what the offense may have been. He has a fixation for retribution in his head, and it is clear that his family shares the same point of view.