Why does Faulkner use this particular narrator in "A Rose For Emily"?

The narrator in “A Rose for Emily” is a fascinating creation. It is the collective voice of the townspeople, sometimes admiring Emily, sometimes disliking her, and sometimes pitying her.

So why would Faulkner choose this unusual style of narration for the story? First, the ‘we’ pulls the reader into the story and creates a connection. In addition, the south is going through a period of great social change throughout Emily’s life. This collective town voice...

The narrator in “A Rose for Emily” is a fascinating creation. It is the collective voice of the townspeople, sometimes admiring Emily, sometimes disliking her, and sometimes pitying her.

So why would Faulkner choose this unusual style of narration for the story? First, the ‘we’ pulls the reader into the story and creates a connection. In addition, the south is going through a period of great social change throughout Emily’s life. This collective town voice can recognize, explain, and comment on it. At the beginning of the story, the narrator sounds young, but this collective voice goes all the way back three generations to Emily’s grandfather’s time. Emily is a throwback to a high social class that does not exist anymore in the New South. She holds herself above and apart from the town, who see her as “a tradition, a duty, and a care; a sort of hereditary obligation.” The townspeople both admire and resent her.

Because this narrator spans such a long time period and is not identified as male or female, we can see the change in society reflected by Emily and her relationship to the town. When the narrator talks about Colonel Sartoris remitting Emily’s taxes, it comments: “Only a man of Colonel Sartoris' generation and thought could have invented it, and only a woman could have believed it.”

The modern townspeople are not quite so gracious. They are glad when they discover Emily is left very little money because it takes her off her pedestal: “Being left alone, and a pauper, she had become humanized. Now she too would know the old thrill and the old despair of a penny more or less.”

The unique narrative voice in the story enables the reader to see the changes in southern society and attitudes over time as it reflects on the life of one of its preeminent citizens.

How do clouds form, starting from the absorption of heat by the earth to rainfall?

The process that covers cloud formation starting from the earth absorbing heat and culminating in rainfall is known as the water or hydrologic cycle. The water cycle refers to the continuous motion of water below the earth’s surface, on the earth’s surface and in its surrounding atmosphere. Water moves from below the earth and on its surface into the atmosphere; it then goes back to earth in the form of rainfall. For this to occur,...

The process that covers cloud formation starting from the earth absorbing heat and culminating in rainfall is known as the water or hydrologic cycle. The water cycle refers to the continuous motion of water below the earth’s surface, on the earth’s surface and in its surrounding atmosphere. Water moves from below the earth and on its surface into the atmosphere; it then goes back to earth in the form of rainfall. For this to occur, water goes through a variety of processes which change its state. Water changes state into liquid, vapor, and ice as it goes through different processes. The processes include evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff.

Clouds form after water from the earth is exposed to heat and evaporates into the atmosphere. The rising water vapor then begins to condense at high altitudes because of the drop in temperature (the higher you go, the cooler it becomes). When a large body of the vapor condenses and concentrates in the atmosphere, it forms visible clouds. When the clouds become dense enough, the water droplets collide and fall as precipitation (rain, snow and hail among others).

In Frankenstein, how is the setting of the story significant to the plot? How does the setting help further the story?

One of the major themes in Frankensteinby Mary Shelley is the relationship between nature and nurture. Victor Frankenstein is almost prototypically urbane and sophisticated, a typical man of the Enlightenment, well traveled and a product of upper class European city culture. Although his monster is a creation of this culture, it is also a tabula rasa (blank slate), an emblem of humanity in the state of nature. As such, the monster shows how humanity...

One of the major themes in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is the relationship between nature and nurture. Victor Frankenstein is almost prototypically urbane and sophisticated, a typical man of the Enlightenment, well traveled and a product of upper class European city culture. Although his monster is a creation of this culture, it is also a tabula rasa (blank slate), an emblem of humanity in the state of nature. As such, the monster shows how humanity is influenced by three different types of settings.

The first setting is "civilized" Ingolstadt, a university town. In this setting, of a sophisticated "modern" environment, two things happen. First, a monstrosity is created, suggesting that Shelley is warning us that scientific culture run amok can produce monsters. Second, the creator, Victor, acts with inhumanity towards his creation, not properly nurturing it. This suggests that urban Enlightenment culture may be losing its moral compass.

The rural setting to which the monster escapes allows for the monster to remain alive and undiscovered, and learn human language and manners. This is meant in part to show how the monster's character is formed by its interaction with others -- that it responds to the experience of kindness by learning generous behavior and to enmity by acts of revenge. 

The third setting and frame of the novel is the Arctic, an area of pure nature, in which humans exist only precariously. Despite the harshness of this setting, it is also Edenic, and the monster's escape into it shows him being welcomed in nature in a way he is not in civilization. Also, the setting has the sort of exoticism that works well for an adventure story.

Why does Joanna eat in the kitchen?

This is a very good question! If Joanna is part of the family, why doesn't she eat with them? Why does she eat with the servants in a different room?

Sadly, her family treats Joanna as if they're ashamed of her because of her physical deformity.Look in Chapter 24 when Joanna is being discussed. We find out that she's about fourteen years old, and that she has a hare-lip. It means that when she...

This is a very good question! If Joanna is part of the family, why doesn't she eat with them? Why does she eat with the servants in a different room?

Sadly, her family treats Joanna as if they're ashamed of her because of her physical deformity. Look in Chapter 24 when Joanna is being discussed. We find out that she's about fourteen years old, and that she has a hare-lip. It means that when she was born, her face was slightly deformed. For that reason, people actually call her "hare-lip" or "the hare-lip."

In fact, throughout the rest of the story, the narrator refers to her mostly by that cruel nickname.

Then we find out in Chapter 26 about where she eats:

"And when it was all done me and the hare-lip had supper in the kitchen off of the leavings, whilst the others was helping the n*****s clean up the things."

Although we're never told exactly that she eats away from the family because they're ashamed of her abnormal appearance, that's probably exactly what's going on. We know that people who have a cleft palate, especially if they're young, might have a harder time eating neatly, so any messes might inconvenience and embarrass her family.

Notice, too, that she eats the leftovers; she doesn't even get her own full plate like the rest of the family.

Considering how Joanna's family treats her differently because of how she looks helps you understand the larger issue of discrimination that the novel explores.

How can you tell a mixture is not a solution?

A mixture is a combination of compounds or substances that can be separated back into individual components by physical methods. A mixture can be homogeneous, where the components are the same throughout, such as a chocolate ice cream. The mixture can also be heterogeneous, where components are non-uniformly mixed. An example is trail mix.

A solution consists of a solute mixed in a solvent, such as sugar in water, etc. A solution can be thought of as a homogeneous mixture where the mixture is a single phase. We can also have a suspension, where the solute and solvent separate, like oil in water, and there would be multiple phases.

Thus, if a mixture has a single phase and is homogeneous, it is a solution. If we observe different phases in a mixture, we can determine the mixture to be not a solution.

Hope this helps. 

Who are the main characters in "A Christmas Memory"?

There are two main characters in Truman Capote’s poignant short story “A Christmas Memory.” The first of whom is the adult narrator as he reminisces about Christmas when he was seven years old. In the story, he is called Buddy, after the deceased friend of his cousin. Based on his emotions and actions, Buddy is an empathetic child who enjoys participating in adventures with his elderly cousin. He is an intuitive child, who realizes the...

There are two main characters in Truman Capote’s poignant short story “A Christmas Memory.” The first of whom is the adult narrator as he reminisces about Christmas when he was seven years old. In the story, he is called Buddy, after the deceased friend of his cousin. Based on his emotions and actions, Buddy is an empathetic child who enjoys participating in adventures with his elderly cousin. He is an intuitive child, who realizes the special bond he forms with his cousin.

The second main character is Buddy’s mentally and physically disabled cousin, who is also his best friend. Although she is an adult, her reasoning abilities are often child-like but are profound in a number of ways.

My friend has never been to a picture show, nor does she intend to: "I'd rather hear you tell the story, Buddy. That way I can imagine it more. Besides, a person my age shouldn't squander their eyes. When the Lord comes, let me see him clear."

The two, who make an interesting pair, share adventures in the home they share with other relatives, and its local environs. In spite of her disabilities and quirky nature, the cousin is filled with an adventurous spirit, which Buddy finds infectious and heart-warming. The two understand each other as no one else can. She is Buddy’s greatest companion and he is hers because the other family members have no interest in them, or patience for their endeavors such as making fruitcakes for a list of people, including the President.

After they spend one last Christmas together, Buddy is sent off to military school, but the bond between the two remains in the form of letters. When the letters cease, and the cousin passes away, Buddy feels a piece of his heart slip away.

In the scene involving Curley's wife's death, Steinbeck includes many allusions to animals. What are these allusions, and what significance do they...

The allusions to animals in connection to Curley's wife's death are part of the Naturalism of Steinbeck's narrative.

Naturalism is a literary movement in which writers depict humans as having their fates determined by their environment. The naturalistic trope of Of Mice and Men—which is even suggested in the title—is that of the condition of the many dispossessed men of the Great Depression as being in a state no better than that of animals whose fates are determined by forces other than their own.

Certainly, Steinbeck foreshadows the accidental death of Curley's wife from the unwitting brute force of Lennie with the similar description of the death of the puppy by Lennie's hand. Suggestive of this naturalistic likening of Curley's wife's death to the puppy's death are the parallel descriptions of the two victims of fate after Lennie inadvertently kills them:

...he shoveled hay over the puppy with his hands.

Then:

Curley's wife lay with a half-covering of yellow hay.

Curley's wife dies after she enters the environment of the stall in which the huge man, whose arms swing at his side, sits with his dead puppy. This place is but an animal environment controlled only by naturalistic forces. Further, when Lennie is killed, it is a mercy killing by George that is not unlike Whitson's shooting of the dog, underscoring the naturalistic trope.

In "The Diary of Anne Frank," what are Mr. Frank's views regarding the upbringing of children?

Mr. Frank is a gentle man who avoids conflict. He is never one to start an argument and he maintains his temper at all times. Anne loves her father because of his patient and loving nature. The way Mr. Frank lovingly and respectfully speaks with Margot and Anne shows that he believes that this is the best way to bring up children. However, when Anne discusses with him how she doesn't love her mother, this...

Mr. Frank is a gentle man who avoids conflict. He is never one to start an argument and he maintains his temper at all times. Anne loves her father because of his patient and loving nature. The way Mr. Frank lovingly and respectfully speaks with Margot and Anne shows that he believes that this is the best way to bring up children. However, when Anne discusses with him how she doesn't love her mother, this greatly concerns him. He does not take sides with Anne even though she says that she loves him the most in the whole world. Mr. Frank supports his wife by telling his daughter that it isn't right for her to make her mother cry. In fact, Mr. Frank's advice as she matures and grows is as follows:

"There is so little that we parents can do to help our children. We can only try to set a good example . . . point the way. The rest you must do yourself. You must build your own character."

As shown in the above passage, Mr. Frank believes that parents must set a good example and children must learn by watching and following as they see fit. This relieves him of some responsibility and places it upon Anne's shoulders. If Anne wants to be a good person, then she can watch her parents and decide what that means for herself. Only she can make the changes in her behavior if she so chooses.

If a parent cell has 24 chromosomes how many does each daughter cell have?

The answer to your question depends on whether cells are dividing after mitosis or meiosis.  I will give explanations for both.

During mitosis, the nuclear content of the cells divides just prior to cytokinesis when the cell itself divides.  Prior to mitosis, the DNA contained in the parent cell is duplicated.  This happens during the S (synthesis) phase of interphase.  When mitosis starts the cell still has 24 chromosomes, but there is an extra copy of each.  You can see these as each chromosome, once condensed, appears as an "X".  Each side of the X, is a sister chromatid.  Sister chromatids are exact copies of each other.  

During the process of mitosis the nuclear envelope disappears, chromosomes condense, line up along the metaphase plate, sister chromatids are pulled to opposite sides of the cell, and the nuclear envelope reforms.  After mitosis, the cell splits by cytokinesis.  Because the nuclear content had been copied prior to mitosis, the combination of mitosis and cytokinesis results in 2 identical daughter cells.  After mitosis, the daughter cells would still each have 24 chromosomes.

Nuclear content is also copied prior to meiosis, but the ultimate goal of meiosis is to create sex cells (eggs and sperm) so two rounds of meiosis occur in order to reduce the nuclear content by the end of the process.  During the first round, meiosis I, the nuclear envelope disappears, chromosomes condense and exchange homologous content, homologous chromosomes pair and line up at the metaphase plate, homologous chromosomes are pulled to opposite poles of the cell, the nuclear envelope reforms, and then cytokinesis occurs.  During meiosis II the process is very similar to mitosis.  The nuclear envelope disappears, chromosomes condense, chromosomes line up along the metaphase plate, sister chromatids are pulled to opposite sides of the cell, and the nuclear envelope reforms.  Cytokinesis follows in both daughter cells resulting after meiosis I.  

Because there are two rounds of division without duplication in between, the genetic content is cut in half.  Each of the 4 daughter cells will only end up with half of the genetic content of the parent cell.  Therefore, after meiosis, the daughter cells would have only 12 chromosomes each.  This makes sense because as sex cells they can combine with the sex cell of the opposite sex (each having 12 chromosomes) to create a zygote which would again have the 24 chromosomes.

How have military and societal needs impacted the education of engineers since the start of the 20th century?

Engineering is a very practical field, much more so than say art history or classical literature. This doesn't necessarily make it more important, but it does tend to make it more responsive to changes in politics and culture.War often drives the training of engineers, because modern warfare requires many skilled engineers to build more and better war machines---tanks, ships, airplanes, guns, missiles. The World Wars especially created a huge demand for skilled engineers, and...

Engineering is a very practical field, much more so than say art history or classical literature. This doesn't necessarily make it more important, but it does tend to make it more responsive to changes in politics and culture.

War often drives the training of engineers, because modern warfare requires many skilled engineers to build more and better war machines---tanks, ships, airplanes, guns, missiles. The World Wars especially created a huge demand for skilled engineers, and also for scientists as well, particularly physicists and chemists. It is often argued that physicists won WW2, by developing the atom bomb; but in fact military engineers of all sorts were vital to the success of the war effort.

After WW2, the world entered a period of peace, but initially this peace was overshadowed by the constant threat of nuclear war---the Cold War. Perhaps because of how important science and technology had been in WW2, in the Cold War both the US and the USSR dramatically increased their investment in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and research. Part of their goal was to invent better war machines before the other side could; part of it was a more general sense that technological superiority (such as the Space Race) would prove the superiority of their economic ideology (capitalism and Communism respectively). This increased investment was very expensive, but also had many long-run benefits, contributing to the rise of transistors, computers, and the Internet later on.

Now that the USSR has collapsed and the Cold War is over, investment in STEM has been somewhat rolled back, but only partially. People saw the large civilian benefits of heavy STEM investment, and sought to preserve them. One of the primary goals of the various educational reforms that are often implemented is usually to improve outcomes in STEM and make more people into scientists and engineers. While during the Cold War that education was expressly focused on inventing better military technology than the opposing side, today it has broader goals, often aiming for improvements in innovation and economic prosperity more generally. This has likely been influenced by the meteoric success of a handful of multi-billionaire computer engineers in the 1990s Web boom, such as Bill Gates and Steve Wozniack. Where previously we trained engineers with the goal of beating the Soviet Union, now we train them with the goal of making the next Bill Gates. (Whether this will actually work remains to be seen.)

How did Mayella Ewell ruin Tom Robinson's life and harm his family in To Kill a Mockingbird?

When Scout and Jem go to church with Calpurnia in Chapter 12, they learn that the Robinsons are struggling financially. 

Tom Robinson is a family man.  He has a wife and children.  When he is accused of rape by Mayella Ewell, obviously this ruins his life because he loses his liberty and is falsely accused of a terrible crime.  His life is also in danger because there are people in town who want to...

When Scout and Jem go to church with Calpurnia in Chapter 12, they learn that the Robinsons are struggling financially. 

Tom Robinson is a family man.  He has a wife and children.  When he is accused of rape by Mayella Ewell, obviously this ruins his life because he loses his liberty and is falsely accused of a terrible crime.  His life is also in danger because there are people in town who want to skip the trial in favor of lynching because he is black and Mayella is white.

When the children go to church with Calpurnia, they get another perspective on how Tom’s arrest has affected his family, especially his wife.  Reverend Sikes asks for the congregation to take up a collection to help Tom’s wife, Helen. 

“You all know of Brother Tom Robinson’s trouble.  He has been a faithful member of First Purchase since he was a boy. The collection taken up today and for the next three Sundays will go to Helen—his wife, to help her out at home.” (Ch. 12) 

Mr. Sykes says that Helen can’t leave her children to go work.  When Scout asks him why Helen doesn’t just take the children with her, as is customary for field workers, he tells her that there is actually more to the story. 

Reverend Sykes hesitated. “To tell you the truth, Miss Jean Louise, Helen’s finding it hard to get work these days… when it’s picking time, I think Mr. Link Deas’ll take her.” (Ch. 12) 

The ostracizing of Tom Robinson’s family is not unexpected, given how Atticus is being treated for just defending Tom Robinson. Calpurnia tells Scout that folks “aren’t anxious to—to have anything to do with any of his family” because Tom Robinson was accused of rape.

For 1 mole of H2 (g) produced, how many moles of electrons are transferred in the electrolysis of water?

In the electrolysis of water, it breaks down into oxygen and hydrogen. The well-balanced chemical equation for this reaction can be written as:

`2H_2O (l) -> 2H_2 (g) + O_2 (g)`

Using stoichiometry, 2 moles of water produces 2 moles of hydrogen gas and 1 mole of oxygen gas. 

This reaction takes place in an electrolytic cell. 

Hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1 in water and after electrolysis, it attains an oxidation state of...

In the electrolysis of water, it breaks down into oxygen and hydrogen. The well-balanced chemical equation for this reaction can be written as:

`2H_2O (l) -> 2H_2 (g) + O_2 (g)`

Using stoichiometry, 2 moles of water produces 2 moles of hydrogen gas and 1 mole of oxygen gas. 

This reaction takes place in an electrolytic cell. 

Hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1 in water and after electrolysis, it attains an oxidation state of 0, that is, it gains an electron. The half-cell reaction for hydrogen reduction can be written as:

`2H^+ + 2e^(-) -> H_2`

That is, 2 electrons are transferred for making 1 molecules of hydrogen gas, from protons. In other words, 2 moles of electrons are transferred for making 1 mole of hydrogen gas. 

These electrons are donated by oxygen during its oxidation, as per the following reaction:

`H_2O -> 1/2 O_2 + 2H^(+) + 2e^-`

Adding the two half reactions together, we get:

`H_2O -> 1/2 O_2 + H_2`

which is the same as the equation for electrolysis of water. 

Thus, 2 moles of electrons are transferred from oxygen to hydrogen for each mole of hydrogen gas produced.

Hope this helps.

Could Nick Carraway from The Great Gatsby be seen as a potential gold digger because he only associates with those who have money?

No, one cannot say that Nick is a gold digger or even potentially so. Firstly, his association with the very wealthy Tom and Daisy Buchanan is a result of his kinship with Daisy. She is his cousin and it is, therefore, only natural that he should have a relationship with her. Furthermore, Nick has moved East, which is totally foreign to him, and it is common practice for relatives to seek the company of family or associates when they are in an unfamiliar place.

Secondly, Nick's association with Jay Gatsby, who is fabulously wealthy as well, arose as a matter of chance, as he himself states in chapter one:

It was a matter of chance that I should have rented a house in one of the strangest communities in North America.

This means that he did not rent a house next to Jay Gatsby's on purpose so that he may improve his chance of forming a friendship with him. In fact, Nick only discovered later who his neighbor was. Furthermore, it was Jay who sought his company and not the other way around, as suggested in the following extracts from chapter three:

I believe that on the first night I went to Gatsby’s house I was one of the few guests who had actually been invited.

I had been actually invited. A chauffeur in a uniform of robin’s-egg blue crossed my lawn early that Saturday morning with a surprisingly formal note from his employer: the honor would be entirely Gatsby’s, it said, if I would attend his “little party” that night. He had seen me several times, and had intended to call on me long before, but a peculiar combination of circumstances had prevented it — signed Jay Gatsby, in a majestic hand.

Further evidence that Nick was not a gold digger lies in the fact that when Jay introduced him to Meyer Wolfsheim, the latter confused him with someone who was looking for, as he called it, a 'business gonnegtion.' If Nick had sought wealth, he would have jumped at the first suggestion that there was much money to be made from his association with the gentleman, for he could see that Jay's relationship with him had brought him much wealth, but he did not.

More proof that Nick did not seek wealth because of his association with the rich, is found in the fact that Jay offered him an opportunity to make money, which Nick refused outright. Jay felt that he was returning Nick's favor for arranging his meeting with Daisy. The following extracts from chapter five relate the two men's discussion about the matter:

“I thought you didn’t, if you’ll pardon my — You see, I carry on a little business on the side, a sort of side line, you understand. And I thought that if you don’t make very much — You’re selling bonds, aren’t you, old sport?”

“Trying to.”

“Well, this would interest you. It wouldn’t take up much of your time and you might pick up a nice bit of money. It happens to be a rather confidential sort of thing.”

I realize now that under different circumstances that conversation might have been one of the crises of my life. But, because the offer was obviously and tactlessly for a service to be rendered, I had no choice except to cut him off there.

“I’ve got my hands full,” I said. “I’m much obliged but I couldn’t take on any more work.”

“You wouldn’t have to do any business with Wolfsheim.” Evidently he thought that I was shying away from the “gonnegtion” mentioned at lunch, but I assured him he was wrong. He waited a moment longer, hoping I’d begin a conversation, but I was too absorbed to be responsive, so he went unwillingly home.

Finally, Nick grew to despise the wealthy for their carelessness and would not want to associate with them. In the final chapter, he is quite offhanded with Tom when he meets him after Gatsby's funeral and, on a previous occasion, he had also called them a 'rotten crowd,' just before Gatsby's murder, further suggesting that he did not want to have anything to do with them. His musings in this regard pertinently indicate his scorn:

They were careless people, Tom and Daisy — they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made. . . .

How does Golding present the breakdown in order amongst the boys on the island in Lord of the Flies?

The breakdown in order begins when Ralph and Jack first argue; then, it accelerates once the boys split into two factions, one of which has complete moral degeneration.

William Golding held that a breakdown in the social order causes moral deterioration in the individual. This breakdown is suggested symbolically early in the narrative when Ralph and Piggy pull off their clothes, the trappings of society, and swim in the pool. But once Ralph is given the conch and he blows it, calling the others to him, he is recognized for having authority. However, as the boys begin to decide who will be their chief, there is dissension after Jack asks,

"Who wants Jack for chief?" 
With dreary obedience the choir raised their hands.

Still Ralph wins the majority. From this point on, there is a rivalry between Ralph and Jack. So, in order for Jack to assert himself, he forms a group of hunters out of the choir. At first, however, they cannot kill "because of the unbearable blood." Also, they still believe in rules. In fact, early on, Jack concurs with Ralph that rules are necessary and must be obeyed.

"After all, we're not savages. We're English and the English are best at everything. So we've got to do the right things."

But, while their intentions are initially good, the inherent evil in mankind begins to surface in the boys. After they light the rescue fire, for instance,

Ralph realized that the boys were falling still and silent, feeling the beginnings of awe at the power set free below them. The knowledge and the awe made him savage.

The others are also excited by the blazing fire. Piggy, the voice of reason, tries to talk and loses his temper. He scolds the others, saying that shelters should have been built first. "How can you expect to be rescued if you don't put first things first and act proper?"
Then, Jack turns on Ralph and they argue. Disorder begins because Jack feels a compulsion to track and kill prey, and Ralph wants shelters built and the rescue fire tended. He and Jack argue,

"You wouldn't care to help with the shelters, I suppose?"
We want meat--"
"And we don't get it."
Now the antagonism was audible.

When Ralph essays to get the boys to build shelters, they run away despite the meetings in which everyone has agreed to work hard until the shelters are finished. Only Simon remains to offer his help and solicitude; however, at times he goes off on his own, much like the ascetic who seeks inner truths. In fact, among all the boys there is an intuitive sense of some presence, a presence that they later call "the beast." This is the emerging evil within them.

In Chapter Four, changes begin to occur in the boys. For instance, while a littl'un named Henry plays on the beach, the sadistic Roger throws stones near him.

Here, invisible yet strong, was the taboo of the old life. Round the squatting child was the protection of parents and school and policemen and the law. Roger's arm was conditioned by a civilization that knew nothing of him and was in ruins.

Shortly after this incident, Roger looks at Jack and

...a darker shadow crept beneath the swarthiness of his skin; but Jack noticed nothing.

This "darker shadow" comes upon the others in Jack's group as they paint their faces with charcoal stick and patches of red and white. Hidden behind these masks, the boys feel released from inhibitions learned in society--"liberated from shame and self-consciousness."

• Jack forms a separate group of hunters

Once Jack and the other hunters break from the group, they paint themselves and delight in hunting and killing the feral pigs on the island. "We don't need the conch anymore," shouts Jack. After they kill one pig, they impale its head on a stick. Later, Simon happens upon a dead parachutist that the boys have imagined to be "the beast." He also happens upon the Lord of the Flies, who reveals to Simon the evil that is inherent in mankind.

Then, Simon comes down the mountain in order to tell the boys what he has found and what he has learned. But, he somehow finds himself in the middle of the circle in which the boys dance in a frenzy. Even Ralph and Piggy are there, having been drawn into the circle. Unfortunately, Simon is bludgeoned to death as the boys dance in a frenzy, shouting "Kill the beast!" His body is washed out to sea.

Jack continues his reign of terror. He declares there is no need for a conch, and he has a boy named Wilifred beaten. When Jack suggests a feast the next day, he is asked how they will make a fire; Jack replies that they will steal the fire from Ralph and the others. Later, they set upon Ralph's camp and steal Piggy's glasses. The next day Ralph, Piggy, and others climb to Jack's camp and demand Piggy's glasses. But Jack attacks and he and Ralph begin to fight. However, Piggy, who holds the conch, demands to be heard. Jack pauses momentarily, but the sadistic Roger lets a boulder fall upon Piggy who is sent careening down the mountain, into the sea, symbolizing the end of rationality.
Ralph manages to escape, but SamnEric are captured and forced to reveal where Ralph is hiding.  In his maniacal desire to kill Ralph, Jack sets the entire island on fire. A desperate Ralph races to an opening and he finds himself on the beach where there are sailors and a Naval officer. The naval officer looks around at the devastation wrought by the boys. He remarks that the English boys should have put up a better show of behavior. Ralph says, "It was like that at first, before things----"

Ralph looks around and weeps for

...the end of innocence, the darkness of man's heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy.

How did the lawyer feel when he finds out that he has successfully learned six languages in "The Bet"?

If I successfully learned six languages, I would feel ecstatic, thrilled, and probably quite proud.  A reader would assume that the lawyer would feel the same way.  Perhaps he does, but the text doesn't seem to indicate that he felt those feelings.  

The lawyer made a bet to prove that capital punishment is less humane than life in prison.  In order to defend his opinion, he agreed to spend fifteen years in solitary confinement....

If I successfully learned six languages, I would feel ecstatic, thrilled, and probably quite proud.  A reader would assume that the lawyer would feel the same way.  Perhaps he does, but the text doesn't seem to indicate that he felt those feelings.  

The lawyer made a bet to prove that capital punishment is less humane than life in prison.  In order to defend his opinion, he agreed to spend fifteen years in solitary confinement.  He is not allowed contact with anybody, but he is allowed to read and study as much as he wants.  During his sixth year in prison, the lawyer begins ravenously studying languages.  

In the second half of the sixth year the prisoner began zealously studying languages, philosophy, and history. He threw himself eagerly into these studies -- so much so that the banker had enough to do to get him the books he ordered.

After four years of studying, the lawyer feels that he has mastered six languages.  He writes the banker a letter in six languages and asks to have the letter proofread by experts.  If the letters are error free, the banker is to fire a pistol shot in verification.  The lawyer wrote in is letter that if his letter is error free, he will feel that his efforts have not been wasted.  

That shot will show me that my efforts have not been thrown away. 

Based on that, when the banker has the shot fired, I believe that the lawyer mostly felt affirmed.  He set out a goal for himself, and he achieved that goal.  There might be some pride there, but I don't believe that there is much pride.  I also believe that there might be some relief.  The lawyer was obviously curious to know information about how well he was learning.  When he learned that he was successful, I'm sure there was relief.  I'm always relieved when my teacher evaluation comes back and says good things about what I do in the classroom.  I believe the lawyer feels the same way.  

Is this passage from Chapter 15 of To Kill a Mockingbird an example of dramatic irony? "Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he's not...

As you already know, dramatic irony results when we as the readers actually know more about what's going on than one or more of the characters do.

Because Scout is so young and naive throughout this novel, and because her older self is narrating the story, we experience lots of dramatic irony throughout the novel. Any time we know what's going on and Scout doesn't, that's dramatic irony in play.

So let's take a look...

As you already know, dramatic irony results when we as the readers actually know more about what's going on than one or more of the characters do.

Because Scout is so young and naive throughout this novel, and because her older self is narrating the story, we experience lots of dramatic irony throughout the novel. Any time we know what's going on and Scout doesn't, that's dramatic irony in play.

So let's take a look at that quote from Chapter 15 and make some sense of it. Assuming we've been paying sharp attention as readers, what is it that we know that Scout doesn't know?

That conversation takes place at the Finch home. Mr. Heck Tate and Mr. Link Deas, among other men, have come to talk to Atticus. The curious kids (Scout, Jem, and their friend Dill) spy on the conversation through the window.

The men are worried that the townspeople will get drunk and violent toward Tom while he is being moved to the county jail.

When Link asks Atticus why he even took on such a terrible case, that's when Atticus responds that Tom might be put to death, but people will hear the truth first.

And what Scout doesn't realize--but we do realize--is what the truth is. Tom is innocent. He didn't commit the rape he's been accused of. Further, we know that Atticus is acknowledging that he could lose and that his client could die, and still he’s going to make the truth known, because it’s the right thing to do. Of course, Scout doesn't understand the situation right then. She's a small child, curious as can be and eager to pay attention, but she doesn't have all the details of the trial. 

How did Gatsby behave prior to meeting with Daisy? What did his choice of clothing indicate about his feelings for her?

Gatsby goes to extreme lengths to manage his reunion with Daisy at Nick's bungalow in West Egg.  Without considering the potential offensiveness of his actions, Gatsby arranges to have Nick's grass cut, sends over "a greenhouse" of flowers for a simple tea party, and even offers Nick a lucrative job for agreeing to provide a place for him to see Daisy again.  That afternoon, Gatsby hovers nervously in Nick's kitchen and parlor, miserably predicting that...

Gatsby goes to extreme lengths to manage his reunion with Daisy at Nick's bungalow in West Egg.  Without considering the potential offensiveness of his actions, Gatsby arranges to have Nick's grass cut, sends over "a greenhouse" of flowers for a simple tea party, and even offers Nick a lucrative job for agreeing to provide a place for him to see Daisy again.  That afternoon, Gatsby hovers nervously in Nick's kitchen and parlor, miserably predicting that Daisy won't show up. When she arrives, he slips out the back door.

Once Daisy has settled in, Gatsby knocks at the front door of the bungalow and pretends he is just arriving.  The clothing he has selected for the day of the reunion he has waited five years for is deeply symbolic.  His stylish flannel suit is white, Daisy's signature color.  His shirt is gold and his tie is silver, both emblematic of the precious metals that back American currency.  Gatsby wants Daisy to recognize that he intends to please her and that he has the means to give her all the things that he imagines she wants. 

Fitzgerald, F. Scott.  The Great Gatsby.  Charles Scribner's Sons, 1925.

To what extent does a country engaging in more international trade lead to a higher rate of economic growth in that country?

Engaging in international trade can greatly promote a country's economic growth. Economic growth is defined as "an increase in the capacity of an economy to produce goods and services, compared from one period of time to another" (investopedia.com).

In other words, a country must find ways to obtain more goods and services than before to grow economically. In order to conceptualize the extent to which international trade can aid in this growth, it will be beneficial to examine a greatly simplified, fictitious scenario:

Say two countries called Greensville and Icetown open up their borders to trade with each other. Greensville can produce 100 bushels of wheat in an hour and only 20 snowcones per hour. Icetown, on the other hand, can produce 20 bushels of wheat per hour and 100 snowcones per hour. Let's say there are 8 hours of work available to these countries per day. If both countries were to spend 4 hours producing each good per day, Greensville would end up with 400 bushels of wheat and 80 snowcones per day, while Icetown would have 80 bushels of wheat and 400 snowcones every day.

If Greensville were to only produce wheat, while Icetown produces snowcones, they would have 800 bushels of wheat and 800 snowcones respectively. At first glance, this may seem like an issue, since now each country only has one good. This is where international trade comes in: Let's imagine that Greensville decides to trade 400 bushels of wheat for 400 of Icetown's snowcones. At the end of this transaction, each country now has 400 of each good. Let's compare the economies of these two countries with and without trade:

                        

                                             Without Trade

                         Greensville                                    Icetown

Wheat:                  400                                              80

Snowcones:           80                                              400

                     

                                              With Trade

                           Greensville                               Icetown

Wheat:                     400                                        400

Snowcones:             400                                        400

Clearly, engaging in international trade has made both Greensville and Icetown substantially better off. The same concept can be applied to the global economy, where some countries may not have the resources to produce one good as efficiently as another. By specializing in goods for which they have a comparative advantage and then trading their excess goods, countries can greatly increase their rates of economic growth.

I hope this helps!

How do I write a P.E.E. paragraph on the character of Macbeth?

The P.E.E. paragraph is a method of literary analysis.  The “P.E.E.” usually stands from “point, evidence, explanation.”  What this means is that your first sentence, your topic sentence, states your main point.  Your second sentence contains evidence, usually a textual reference (a quotation), and then your last few sentences are explanation.  You explain the evidence and how it relates to your point. 

Since you are writing about Macbeth, you might be focusing on characterization.  I would characterize Macbeth as overly ambitious.  His ambition is his downfall.  So let’s say our point sentence is something like this. 

In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Macbeth’s ambition leads to self-destruction. 

This sentence is straight to the point.  It tells us a character trait of Macbeth and the result of that trait.  The trait is that Macbeth is ambitious.  The result is that he self-destructs.  I included the title and author, but that may not be necessary, especially if this is one paragraph of a larger essay.  In that case you would not need it. 

That leads us to the evidence.  First, explain that the witches led Macbeth to believe he was going to be king. 

After hearing the witches’ prophecy, Macbeth is convinced he will become king.  

There are many examples that you could use, but in this case let’s use a quote from the beginning of the play where Macbeth essentially tells the audience that he will do anything to become king, and he does not care who stands in his way.  You could use this quote from Act 1, Scene 4. 

[Aside] The Prince of Cumberland! that is a step
On which I must fall down, or else o'erleap,
For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires;
Let not light see my black and deep desires… (Act 1, Scene 4) 

If you do not want to use a block quote, I would say something like this. 

When Duncan chooses Malcolm as his heir, Macbeth says to the audience in an aside that Malcolm “is a step/On which I must fall down, or else o'erleap,/For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires;/Let not light see my black and deep desires” (Act 1, Scene 4). 

The slashes just indicate where the line breaks are.  Notice how I introduced the quote with the lead-in phrase. 

After you have written your evidence sentence, you need to explain it.  In this case, you may want to repeat the evidence/explanation part of the paragraph.  To explain what this quote means, you might say something like this. 

Macbeth is willing to do anything to become king.  Since he was not chosen as Duncan’s successor, that leaves him only one other choice: kill the king.  He clearly fears the results of his ambition, and wants to hide it from everyone else. 

After this explanation of the quote, you need to take the final step of explaining how this is connected to the last part of the point, which is that for Macbeth, ambition leads to downfall. 

Macbeth makes many rash decisions even after killing the king, and by the time he makes his last stand all he cares about is staying in power at any cost.  He is fairly easily defeated because he is so easily manipulated by the witches’ visions. 

To simplify things, I will put it all together into one paragraph for you. 

In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Macbeth’s ambition leads to self-destruction.  After hearing the witches’ prophecy, Macbeth is convinced he will become king.  When Duncan chooses Malcolm as his heir, Macbeth says to the audience in an aside that Malcolm “is a step/On which I must fall down, or else o'erleap,/For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires;/Let not light see my black and deep desires” (Act 1, Scene 4).  Macbeth is willing to do anything to become king.  Since he was not chosen as Duncan’s successor, that leaves him only one other choice: kill the king.  He clearly fears the results of his ambition, and wants to hide it from everyone else.  Macbeth makes many rash decisions even after killing the king, and by the time he makes his last stand all he cares about is staying in power at any cost.  He is fairly easily defeated because he is so easily manipulated by the witches’ visions.

This is just an example paragraph.  Follow this process to write your own.

Why does Beatrice not defend her cousin from Claudio's accusation in Much Ado About Nothing?

Beatrice does not defend Hero because she is a woman, so she asks Benedick to do it.

Beatrice does defend her cousin, but not in the way you are thinking.  She does not jump up and shout during the wedding that Claudio is wrong.  That would be unladylike.  You have to remember that things were different in those days. A woman just did not have the same clout as a man.  He won't listen to her.

What Don John did was terrible, but so was what Claudio did.  Claudio defamed Hero publicly.  He destroyed her reputation.  They fake her death, but he might as well have killed her.  That was it.  For a woman in those days, your reputation was your life.

Beatrice is a woman.  Nothing she said at the wedding would have made any difference.  Not only did Beatrice not stand up for Hero when Claudio spoke up, you notice that no one did.  Her father didn’t stand up for her, and neither did Benedick.  Hero’s character had been spotless up until this point, but the moment it was in doubt no one questioned it.  Everyone took Claudio at his word.

The friar believes Hero, and for some reason he seems to be the only one.  Benedick is willing to go along with it.  After all, he is in love with Beatrice and will want to make her happy. 

BENEDICK

Sir, sir, be patient.
For my part, I am so attired in wonder,
I know not what to say.

BEATRICE

O, on my soul, my cousin is belied!

BENEDICK

Lady, were you her bedfellow last night?

BEATRICE

No, truly not; although, until last night,
I have this twelvemonth been her bedfellow. (Act 4, Scene 1)

Beatrice is feisty.  There may have been nothing she could do at that point, but that does not mean she will do nothing at all.  She has a card to play.  She has a man that she can manipulate—Benedick.  Beatrice gets Benedick to defend Hero’s honor.

Beatrice tells Benedick that he needs to do something about this.  She tells him that she wants him to get satisfaction from Claudio.  Claudio, you must remember, really does believe that he is the one in the wrong here.  Oh yes, it is a tangled mess.  However, Claudio did not sufficiently investigate the situation before publicly denouncing his bride, so the blame lies with him.

How does Macbeth's informed decision to sin affect him during the play?

After hearing the prophecy that he will one day be king, Macbeth is encouraged by his wife to murder King Duncan. Leading up to the murder of Duncan, Macbeth experiences feelings of trepidation and gradually shows signs of insanity. After he kills Duncan, Macbeth loses his mind and realizes that he has tainted his soul. Macbeth can no longer sleep, becomes anxious, and feels terrified. He realizes that murdering King Duncan will only lead to...

After hearing the prophecy that he will one day be king, Macbeth is encouraged by his wife to murder King Duncan. Leading up to the murder of Duncan, Macbeth experiences feelings of trepidation and gradually shows signs of insanity. After he kills Duncan, Macbeth loses his mind and realizes that he has tainted his soul. Macbeth can no longer sleep, becomes anxious, and feels terrified. He realizes that murdering King Duncan will only lead to more bloodshed and sends assassins to kill Banquo and Fleance. His ambition and anxiety drive him to make rash decisions and commit more atrocities. As the play progresses, Macbeth becomes more ruthless as he descends deeper into madness. Macbeth also becomes an insomniac who is obsessed with defending his title as king. Macbeth eventually comes to terms with his fate in his famous lines, 

"Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing" (Shakespeare 5.5.20-28). 

How were the Truman Doctrine and policy of containment implemented in the period 1947-61?

After World War II ended, the United States entered into a period of time where there were many conflicts and confrontations with the Soviet Union. These confrontations often dealt with the spread of communism. In what became known as the Cold War, the United States tried to prevent communism from spreading.

One way we tried to prevent communism from spreading was to help countries to keep their economies strong. As a result of the Truman...

After World War II ended, the United States entered into a period of time where there were many conflicts and confrontations with the Soviet Union. These confrontations often dealt with the spread of communism. In what became known as the Cold War, the United States tried to prevent communism from spreading.

One way we tried to prevent communism from spreading was to help countries to keep their economies strong. As a result of the Truman Doctrine, we provided aid to Greece and Turkey to keep them from becoming communist. This aid was successful in accomplishing this goal. We also developed the European Recovery Program, which offered aid to any countries that were fighting the spread of communism.

We also used the policy of containment to stop the spread of communism to other places. When the Soviet Union imposed the Berlin Blockade to try to force us out of West Berlin by cutting off all land routes into West Berlin, we developed the Berlin Airlift to fly supplies into West Berlin. We continued the Berlin Airlift until the blockade was removed. We went to the United Nations after North Korea invaded South Korea in June 1950 in an attempt to unite Korea into one communist nation. The United Nations created a multi-national military force, led by the United States, to help South Korea. With this help, South Korea remained noncommunist.

When President Eisenhower took office, he modified the containment policy by developing the policies of massive retaliation and brinksmanship. These policies relied on a nuclear deterrent to keep communism from spreading. We built up our nuclear arsenal and threatened to use atomic weapons to prevent communism expansion into Taiwan and to end a conflict in the Middle East. Eisenhower also used these concepts to help bring a negotiated peace agreement to end the conflict in Korea.

There were several actions that were used to prevent the spread of communism from 1947-1961.

What was the impact of war on Modernism?

Arguably, the Modernist era began after the First World War. Every aspect of society changed. First, industry developed, particularly with the introduction of the assembly line in the United States. This allowed women to work, which expanded their economic power and brought in a new era of consumerism and -- for better or worse -- advertising. Women also gained the right to vote in the United States in 1920 and, in Britain, full suffrage was...

Arguably, the Modernist era began after the First World War. Every aspect of society changed. First, industry developed, particularly with the introduction of the assembly line in the United States. This allowed women to work, which expanded their economic power and brought in a new era of consumerism and -- for better or worse -- advertising. Women also gained the right to vote in the United States in 1920 and, in Britain, full suffrage was granted in 1928. 

Social mores changed. Strict propriety was demanded, particularly of the upper- and middle-classes in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. It did not matter, really, if one engaged in "immoral" acts privately, as long as they were not found out. This hypocrisy did not survive well into the twentieth century without being questioned or criticized. 

There was something about the First World War that was especially cataclysmic to the human spirit. It raised existential questions: Was there any certifiable meaning to life? Is there any such thing as the "truth" of existence? The answers from artists and writers of the period was "no" to both questions. Morality became an individual thing. In his novels and short stories, Hemingway promotes the idea of every man (in some ways, he was rather chauvinist) having his own moral code. Suicide is no longer regarded as an unspeakable sin but a real consideration in the face of existential crises. This is something that Virginia Woolf explores in Mrs. Dalloway. Finally, sexuality is no longer unspeakable, it is celebrated in Ulysses; and aspects of female autonomy, such as the right to an abortion, are addressed in Dubliners. 

In visual art, Cubism is probably the most important movement. Though Georges Braque and Francis Picabia should not be neglected from any discussion, Picasso is clearly the most important. Picasso presents figures that are distorted and dismembered. They are flat shapes in the canvas, illuminated only by color. Depending on the period in which we regard Picasso's work, that color could have been either red or blue.

His paintings appear to be a comment on what it meant to be human at this time. The notion of being "modern," as wonderful as it sounds in some respects, is also disorienting. There is no longer a clear sense of right and wrong, no longer any rules on what is to be done and what is not to be done to survive in the world. Much of this is due to what people learned in the aftermath of the First World War: that death was far closer than any of us had realized. It was, therefore, important to live an honest and meaningful life.

What does Mildred reveal about society?

In Fahrenheit 451, Bradbury uses the character of Mildred to make some important points about the nature of the book's society. 

Firstly, Mildred's addiction to technology reveals the dangers of censorship and government control. Mildred is so dependent on the Seashell radio, for example, that she has become an "expert at lip-reading" and cannot sleep without its presence. This addiction has turned Mildred into an empty shell: she rarely expresses feelings and prefers to...

In Fahrenheit 451, Bradbury uses the character of Mildred to make some important points about the nature of the book's society. 

Firstly, Mildred's addiction to technology reveals the dangers of censorship and government control. Mildred is so dependent on the Seashell radio, for example, that she has become an "expert at lip-reading" and cannot sleep without its presence. This addiction has turned Mildred into an empty shell: she rarely expresses feelings and prefers to immerse herself in the world of the parlour walls.

In addition, Mildred does not make any emotional connection with the people around her, not even her own husband, Montag. She cannot remember, for instance, how she met her husband. Furthermore, the conversations she has with Mrs Phelps and Mrs Bowles reflect the nature of her friendships: they are shallow and based purely on a mutual love of television. 

But Mildred's true significance in the book lies in her unhappiness. Her suicide attempt, for example, reveals the extent of Mildred's misery and the fact that she denies it to Montag shows that she is unable to face her demons. Ultimately, Bradbury uses Mildred to show that a dependence on technology and the pursuit of mindless entertainment will never make a person happy. We see this most clearly in Mildred's imagined, yet incredibly violent, death:

It was such a wildly empty face...she recognized it as her own and looked quickly up at the ceiling as it and the entire structure of the hotel blasted down upon her.

In what type of substance do the particles move the fastest?

Matter is composed of tiny particles. The particles of solids, liquids, and gases are composed of atoms and molecules. The particles of plasmas are composed of negatively charged electrons and positively charged ions. 

The particles of solid substances contain very little energy. When enough heat energy is added to a solid substance, it becomes a liquid. With incresed energy, liquid particles are able to move faster than solid particles. As additional heat energy is added...

Matter is composed of tiny particles. The particles of solids, liquids, and gases are composed of atoms and molecules. The particles of plasmas are composed of negatively charged electrons and positively charged ions. 

The particles of solid substances contain very little energy. When enough heat energy is added to a solid substance, it becomes a liquid. With incresed energy, liquid particles are able to move faster than solid particles. As additional heat energy is added to a liquid substance, it becomes a gas. Gas particles have higher energy and can move quicker than liquid particles. If enough heat energy is added, electrons are pulled away from the atoms in a substance. This results in particles that are composed of electrons and positively charged ions. The particles of a plasma substance have the most energy and therefore, move the fastest.  

 

What are three facts about Native American culture and/or life today that connect with the short story "The Red Convertible"?

Louise Erdrich illustrates a number of issues facing Native people today, particularly younger people in her short story, "The Red Convertible."

I would point out the effect of war on returning veterans, for one. This is of course an issue that extends beyond the Native community, but it is also true that throughout our modern history Native peoples have played an extremely important role in US war efforts. Lyman Lamartine and his brother, Henry, were...

Louise Erdrich illustrates a number of issues facing Native people today, particularly younger people in her short story, "The Red Convertible."

I would point out the effect of war on returning veterans, for one. This is of course an issue that extends beyond the Native community, but it is also true that throughout our modern history Native peoples have played an extremely important role in US war efforts. Lyman Lamartine and his brother, Henry, were close before the Vietnam War returned Henry a changed person. We would now call it PTSD. Lyman goes to great lengths to try and bring his brother back, even to the point of destroying the story's namesake, which they both loved, in order to try and get Henry to come back to himself by forcing him to restore the damaged car (much like how Lyman hoped Henry would restore himself to his pre-war state). It almost works, too. I see this as allegorical of the way many families affected by war, including in the Native community, try and bring their loved ones back, and the pain everyone experiences when a veteran returns damaged.

Another theme in contemporary Native cultures is the desire to preserve a connection to their traditions while at the same time navigating the modern world. This is evidenced in the history the brothers shared of touring the country in the convertible following the pow wow circuit. This was a highlight of the brothers' relationship and shows how they wanted to maintain a connection to their roots while at the same time be cool teenagers just like any other young person of any background wants to be cool--such as by traveling the country in a red convertible and meeting up with girls.

I would also point out the sad rate of suicide in the Native community. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts and even when he thought he had succeeded in pulling Henry back, Henry drowns himself right in front of Lyman. This also is not a tragedy unique to the Native community, but it does occur at a higher rate than mainstream Anglo society.

I hope I have given you some ideas to use.

Why does Sugar, from Walk Two Moons, decide to take a trip to Idaho?

Because Walk Two Moons is written from Sal's perspective, we only have what Sal knows to go off of, so it's impossible to know the exact reason why Sal's mother, Chanhassen or Sugar, decided to take her trip to Idaho. However, we can piece together a pretty good idea from Sal's memories and observations of Sugar. 

Before she leaves, Sugar tells her family that she needs to leave to "clear her head and to clear...

Because Walk Two Moons is written from Sal's perspective, we only have what Sal knows to go off of, so it's impossible to know the exact reason why Sal's mother, Chanhassen or Sugar, decided to take her trip to Idaho. However, we can piece together a pretty good idea from Sal's memories and observations of Sugar. 

Before she leaves, Sugar tells her family that she needs to leave to "clear her head and to clear her heart of all the bad things" and to "learn about what she was." She tells her family that this is something she has to do on her own. She specifically chooses to go to Idaho because she has a cousin there who she hasn't seen in 15 years. Sugar thinks that since her cousin only knows her from the past, her cousin will be able to tell her what she's really like, and who Chanhassen truly is, aside from being a mother and wife. 

Those are the reasons that are clearly stated for Sugar's trip in Walk Two Moons, but there are other factors that play into the story as well. We find out that Sugar wanted to fill their home with children and also that she lost a pregnancy and had to undergo a hysterectomy, which Sal blames herself for. Losing a child is always a tragedy and for someone who wanted a large family, the hysterectomy at the same time is an added blow. This, combined with Sal's memories of her mother wandering the fields, her distraction, and her decision to cut her hair out of the blue are clues to Sugar's depression. 

Something that is repeated throughout the book is Sugar feeling that she's not good compared to the Hiddles. She tells Sal's father before she leaves that she feels "rotten in comparison." Sal says that it seems like Sugar wishes her husband were meaner and less good. Sometimes when people are depressed, they don't feel that they deserve kindness. In Sugar's case, her husband's kindness and "goodness" serve as a constant reminder that she isn't good and she can no longer provide the large family they dreamed of. All of this factors into the reason why Sugar feels the need to get away and clear her head on her trip to Idaho. 

Who is nicer, Demetrius or Lysander?

Lysander seems to be the nicer of the two. Demetrius insists on marrying Hermia, even though she and Lysander wish to marry. In fact, because her father approves of Demetrius and not Lysander, she must marry Demetrius or face execution. Hermia would rather never marry than be wed to Demetrius, but Demetrius still persists.

On top of this, Lysander calls Demetrius a “spotted and inconstant man” for wooing Helena before throwing her over for...

Lysander seems to be the nicer of the two. Demetrius insists on marrying Hermia, even though she and Lysander wish to marry. In fact, because her father approves of Demetrius and not Lysander, she must marry Demetrius or face execution. Hermia would rather never marry than be wed to Demetrius, but Demetrius still persists.

On top of this, Lysander calls Demetrius a “spotted and inconstant man” for wooing Helena before throwing her over for Hermia. Helena still desperately loves him. When Helena follows him into the woods, Demetrius warns, “Tempt not too much the hatred of my spirit; / For I am sick when I do look on thee.” He even suggests that he would “do [her] mischief in the wood,” implying that he might take her by force:

You do impeach your modesty too much,
To leave the city and commit yourself
Into the hands of one that loves you not;
To trust the opportunity of night
And the ill counsel of a desert place
With the rich worth of your virginity.

Lysander, on the other hand, loves Hermia against her father’s wishes, runs off with her, and misbehaves when under the power of magic. Other than that, he seems to be a sincere man. Demetrius appears to remain under the love spell in order to stay in love with Helena. This way, he and Helena can be happy as can Hermia and Lysander. Unlike Demetrius, Lysander does not need a love potion to make a suitable match.

What point was Shakespeare trying to make in Romeo and Juliet?

Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Julietrelatively early in his career as he was establishing himself in London, so he was obviously aiming at writing a crowd pleaser which would bring in large audiences. After all, Shakespeare was not only a great artist but also a businessman who became quite wealthy during his lifetime. For this play he chose a story which was well known to Elizabethan audiences who would have already known most of the...

Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet relatively early in his career as he was establishing himself in London, so he was obviously aiming at writing a crowd pleaser which would bring in large audiences. After all, Shakespeare was not only a great artist but also a businessman who became quite wealthy during his lifetime. For this play he chose a story which was well known to Elizabethan audiences who would have already known most of the details of the love affair between the two youngsters from the Arthur Brooke poem.

Besides commercial success Shakespeare was also attempting to make artistic and philosophical points. Artistically, he was literally reinventing the English language and Elizabethan audiences delighted in his word play which included lofty metaphors and personifications about love:

It is the East, and Juliet is the sun.
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief
That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she.

Act II, Scene 2

And biting, often sexually fused jokes:

’Tis no less, I tell you, for the bawdy hand of
the dial is now upon the prick of noon.

Act II, Scene 4

Shakespeare also presents a philosophy of man in the play. In Act II, Scene 3, as he works in his garden, Friar Lawrence notes that the flowers and weeds he picks have the ability to provide both medicine and poison:

Within the infant rind of this weak flower
Poison hath residence and medicine power:

He goes on to say that men are the same way. They have the capacity for great love but also the ability to behave maliciously:

Two such opposèd kings encamp them still
In man as well as herbs—grace and rude will

This philosophy plays out as seemingly good people get caught up in destructive behavior. Mercutio fights Tybalt over a supposed insult. Romeo kills Tybalt in revenge. Lord Capulet berates his daughter when she disagrees with him. Romeo kills Paris for no good reason at all other than his self-destructive urges. Even Friar Lawrence and the Prince, who seem the wisest individuals in the play, cannot keep men from destroying themselves over an "ancient grudge" which Shakespeare never even explains. 

What are the similarities and differences between character Montag and Truman from the Truman Show?- How do their similar struggles influence...

Montag and Truman both undergo a radical change in perspective over the course of their narratives, moving from acceptance of their society and their place in it to a critique of the social order they have grown up in, followed by a complete breaking away. Both characters are influenced to do this in part by unsatisfactory marriages and in part by other women who prod them to listen to questions they have been suppressing about what...

Montag and Truman both undergo a radical change in perspective over the course of their narratives, moving from acceptance of their society and their place in it to a critique of the social order they have grown up in, followed by a complete breaking away. Both characters are influenced to do this in part by unsatisfactory marriages and in part by other women who prod them to listen to questions they have been suppressing about what is really going on. In Montag's case, his young neighbor Clarisse encourages him to live more in reality and see the natural world around him. In Truman's case, it's Lauren who tries to explain to him that he is living in a reality show. A chief difference between Montag and Truman is that Montag is not the object of a mass deception in the way that Truman is.  

As each character wakes up to the reality that all is not well in their canned, dumbed-down world, each begins to push back against the limitations built into their culture. For Montag, this manifests as a desire to read books. In Truman, it expresses itself as a desire to travel. In both cases, what they desire is forbidden fruit. 

As they struggle to embrace themselves, each character grows on the inside and finds the courage to seek freedom. Both have to take risks to break free of their cultures and both do so through a dangerous physical journey that tests their mettle. 

What is the significance of the key songs and key scenes in Good Morning Vietnam? Why were they chosen?

There is a historical and thematic significance to the songs selected in Good Morning, Vietnam.

Given how Cronauer is depicted, the use of Rock and Roll music is historically significant.  Set in 1965, Cronauer wanted to feature timely music that would appeal to the tastes of the soldiers who tuned into his radio show.  For this reason, the music selected is from the mid 1960s and represents the preferences that mirror the youth of the...

There is a historical and thematic significance to the songs selected in Good Morning, Vietnam.

Given how Cronauer is depicted, the use of Rock and Roll music is historically significant.  Set in 1965, Cronauer wanted to feature timely music that would appeal to the tastes of the soldiers who tuned into his radio show.  For this reason, the music selected is from the mid 1960s and represents the preferences that mirror the youth of the soldiers.  For example, songs like Them's "Baby, Please Don't Go," "I Get Around" by the Beach Boys, and The Rivieras's "California Sun" all come from the mid- 1960s.  This selection of music is historically accurate because it captures the feel of the music in the time period. Cronauer appealed to a "Rock and Roll" vibe with his listeners, and so he would feature music appropriate to it.  It is for this reason that he would not play music from artists like Ray Conniff and Lawrence Welk, selections that mirror the musical taste of Lieutenant Hauk.  

The selection of music in Good Morning, Vietnam is thematically significant.  For example, when Cronauer plays Armstrong's "Wonderful World," he selects a song that aspires to what the world should be.  The condition of Vietnam presents an emotional and political contrast to the song's lyrics.  The selection of Martha and the Vandellas's "Nowhere to Hide" is another example of a song that features thematic meaning.  The song's idea of "nowhere to run" and "nowhere to hide" reflects the escalation of the Vietnam conflict that serves as a backdrop to the film.  The thematic significance of the music enhances its meaning.

How was Antony's speech more effective than Brutus' in Julius Caesar

Brutus and Antony are two different types. Brutus is philosophical and rational. He wants peace and order. Antony is a notorious hedonist and fun-lover. It is natural that each man should have a different objective. Brutus wants everybody to listen to reason. Antony wants chaos. Antony actually tells the crowd that it is only reasonable to express their emotions--and he probably really believes this, since he is so emotional himself.

I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke,
But here I am to speak what I do know.
You all did love him once, not without cause;
What cause withholds you then to mourn for him?
O judgement, thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason. Bear with me;
My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar,
And I must pause till it come back to me.

Antony is suggesting that they are not showing the good judgement which Brutus was appealing to because they are not venting their emotions. He then pauses because he is supposedly overcome with his own emotions, and he is thereby setting an example.

Antony's speech is more effective because he is trying his best to stir up the crowd, whereas Brutus's speech ia less effective because he ia trying to calm them down. Antony also has an ace-in-the-hole. He has Caesar's will which he brings out and waves at the mob, and then, when he gets them to force him to read it, he first shows them Caesar's mutilated body. This is actual history recorded by Plutarch. Brutus has told the people that he loved Caesar, and earlier he had told the other conspirators:

Let us be sacrificers, but not butchers
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Let's kill him boldly, but not wrathfully;
Let's carve him as a dish fit for the gods,
Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds;      II.1

But the condition of the corpse tells a different story. Caesar looks as if he had been crudely butchered by dozens of savage, impassioned men motivated by envy, hatred, and fear. Only Brutus stabbed Caesar in the spirit of making a sacrifice.

Antony succeeds in creating total chaos. He has to do this because he is all alone against an organized group of conspirators headed by a highly respected man. Antony proves to be more eloquent than anyone, including anyone in Shakespeare's audience, might have expected. Although he calls himself a plain, blunt man, Antony comes up with dazzling oratory in Shakespeare's best iambic pentameter. It is noteworthy that Antony speaks in poetry while Brutus speaks entirely in prose. Antony is telling the mob he has no power of speech and at the same time exhibiting power that Brutus himself, a trained orator, was incapable of matching.

I am no orator, as Brutus is;
But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man,
That love my friend, and that they know full well
That gave me public leave to speak of him.
For I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth,
Action, nor utterance, nor the power of speech,
To stir men's blood. I only speak right on;
I tell you that which you yourselves do know;
Show you sweet Caesar's wounds, poor poor dumb mouths,
And bid them speak for me. But were I Brutus,
And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony
Would ruffle up your spirits and put a tongue
In every wound of Caesar that should move
The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny.

Caesar's wounds appear to be calling for the citizens to mutiny. Brutus himself seems to be calling for them to mutiny because Brutus has figuratively traded places with Antony. And finally the very stones of Rome seem to have acquired arms and legs and are all arising, figuratively speaking, to take part in a universal mutiny. There is no comparison between the speeches of Antony and Brutus. Later when the generals are holding a parley before the battle of Philippi, Cassius will say to Antony, partly in praise and partly to embarrass Brutus:

The posture of your blows are yet unknown;
But for your words, they rob the Hybla bees,
And leave them honeyless.           V.1           

Shakespeare must have coveted the opportunity to render Antony's historic funeral speech in English iambic pentameter, and Shakespeare's version was probably the best thing he ever wrote.

How can I compare Shakespeare's play Macbeth to its screen version by Rupert Goold?

First, you can examine the role played by the Weird Sisters in each.  In the play, they only appear in a few select scenes; however, in Goold's film, the sisters are much more pervasive and active.  For example, they show up in the scene where the captain speaks to Duncan to tell him about Macbeth's bravery in the field.  In this scene, they appear as nurses who then kill the captain when no one is...

First, you can examine the role played by the Weird Sisters in each.  In the play, they only appear in a few select scenes; however, in Goold's film, the sisters are much more pervasive and active.  For example, they show up in the scene where the captain speaks to Duncan to tell him about Macbeth's bravery in the field.  In this scene, they appear as nurses who then kill the captain when no one is watching.  Further, they appear in Macbeth's kitchen, helping to prepare the foods for the dinner with Duncan, and they reappear as servants at the dinner party where Banquo's ghost shows up.  They seem a great deal more evil, even more malicious than they do in the play, and their influence on Macbeth feels that much more omnipresent. 

Second, you could discuss the way the play has been updated in the film adaptation.  Instead of being set in Scotland in the eleventh century, the movie takes place in what seems like a twentieth century totalitarian country like Communist Russia or Nazi Germany.  This makes it feel somewhat more understandable to a modern audience, as we are a great deal more familiar with the way this symbolism and propaganda looks than we could be with Scotland of a millennium ago.  

In Macbeth, who is captured and then sentenced to death? Why?

The Thane of Cawdor is captured and sentenced to death.

At the very beginning of the play, we learn about a big battle.  Macbeth fought in this battle, and fought valiantly.  This is the same battle where the Thane of Cawdor distinguished himself by committing treason.

The thane of Cawdor, began a dismal conflict;Till that Bellona's bridegroom, lapp'd in proof,Confronted him with self-comparisons,Point against point rebellious, arm 'gainst arm.Curbing his lavish...

The Thane of Cawdor is captured and sentenced to death.

At the very beginning of the play, we learn about a big battle.  Macbeth fought in this battle, and fought valiantly.  This is the same battle where the Thane of Cawdor distinguished himself by committing treason.

The thane of Cawdor, began a dismal conflict;
Till that Bellona's bridegroom, lapp'd in proof,
Confronted him with self-comparisons,
Point against point rebellious, arm 'gainst arm.
Curbing his lavish spirit: and, to conclude,
The victory fell on us. (Act 1, Scene 2)

King Duncan knows what to do about this act of treachery.  He is going to reward the valiant Macbeth, and punish the cowardly traitor, the Thane of Cawdor.  He is pleased to learn that the battle finally went in their favor.  He decides to give Macbeth the title that once belonged to the Thane of Cawdor.

DUNCAN

No more that thane of Cawdor shall deceive
Our bosom interest: go pronounce his present death,
And with his former title greet Macbeth. (Act 1, Scene 2)

Either this is some coincidence, irony, or that title is cursed.  The former Thane of Cawdor betrayed Duncan and Scotland, and Macbeth is about to do the same thing.  Macbeth has been told by three witches that he will become Thane of Cawdor and king.  When Duncan does not name him king, Macbeth thinks about taking matters into his own hands.  He really wants to be king.

Macbeth never gave Duncan any reason to doubt him before.  As far as Duncan knew, he was a valiant and honest soldier, loyal to king and country.  Yet the witches have lit a fire under Macbeth.  He wants to become king, and if that means he has to kill Duncan to do it, he will.  Apparently, Duncan will be betrayed by two Thanes of Cawdor in a row!

What point is Robert Frost trying to make in the last two lines of his poem "Out, Out—"

Life goes on. The boy made a fatal mistake and Frost says "No more to build on there" meaning the boy is now useless to his family. He can't be taught anything else and so those who are left must move on since "they Were not the one dead". While it seems a harsh verdict and a brutal way to think of death, it is realistic in a rural setting where work continues. The boy's...

Life goes on. The boy made a fatal mistake and Frost says "No more to build on there" meaning the boy is now useless to his family. He can't be taught anything else and so those who are left must move on since "they Were not the one dead". While it seems a harsh verdict and a brutal way to think of death, it is realistic in a rural setting where work continues. The boy's relations and friends have their own "affairs" to look after and cannot dwell on the boy's death. Death is a way of life for working people in the country. Animals die, crops whither and a new cycle starts. They cannot stop to ponder the seemingly meaningless death of the boy. Frost suggests that life is meaningless in the allusion he uses for the title of the poem which comes from Shakespeare's MacBeth:

Out, out, brief candle!

Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage

And then is heard no more. It is a tale

Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,

Signifying nothing.

The final lines of Frost's poem represent the family's moving on. Since the death seems irrational, they seek meaning and rationality in the chores of the farm. Life offers no intrinsic meaning other than labor and looking after one's affairs.

How do stereotypes limit us from achieving our great potential?

The idea of harming your potential due to the impact of stereotypes is known as stereotype threat. Stereotype threat is closely linked to the a phenomenon known in psychology as the self-fulfilling prophecy. The self-fulfilling prophecy is when somebody inadvertently causes a prediction or stereotype to come true because of the simple fact that they expect it to come true. In other words, if a person is aware of a stereotype, they may act...

The idea of harming your potential due to the impact of stereotypes is known as stereotype threat. Stereotype threat is closely linked to the a phenomenon known in psychology as the self-fulfilling prophecy. The self-fulfilling prophecy is when somebody inadvertently causes a prediction or stereotype to come true because of the simple fact that they expect it to come true. In other words, if a person is aware of a stereotype, they may act in a certain way that unwittingly brings the stereotype to fruition. This can work as a positive and a negative and psychologists have identified both in action. When somebody has positive expectations for outcomes, there is a greater likelihood that a positive outcome will occur. This is known as the Rosenthal, or more commonly, the Pygmalion Effect.

Naturally, the reverse is true and more relevant to this question. If there are negative expectations that a subject harbors, it is most likely that the subject will act in a way that makes this expectation come true as well. In psychology, this is known as the Golem Effect. So if a person is part of a group in which there are negative stereotypes about that group, the person is likely to act on these low expectations. Psychology has proven that acting on low expectations will result in lower performance.

The twins play many tricks on the ghost, to the great delight of the readers. Which incident do you find the funniest? Narrate in your own words.

The tricks the twins play on the ghost border on cruelty and are "funny" in a slapstick, pie-in-the-face way. This humor is perhaps most reminiscent of the old "Three Stooges" show that has more or less been taken out of circulation, in which the "stooges" are endlessly poking each other in the eyes, twisting each others' noses, hitting each other, etc. But taking this all as good fun--and the ghost is arguably a fair target...

The tricks the twins play on the ghost border on cruelty and are "funny" in a slapstick, pie-in-the-face way. This humor is perhaps most reminiscent of the old "Three Stooges" show that has more or less been taken out of circulation, in which the "stooges" are endlessly poking each other in the eyes, twisting each others' noses, hitting each other, etc. But taking this all as good fun--and the ghost is arguably a fair target as he is trying to scare the family--perhaps the funniest scene in Canterville is the one in which  the ghost dresses up as Reckless Rupert or the Headless Earl. He spends a good deal of time on this costume, three hours we are told, donning tall boots and pistol. He is completely determined to scare the twins, so he dramatically swings the door to their room open to reveal himself, only to have a jug of water fall down on him, getting him wet and just missing hitting his shoulder. Luckily, he doesn't have his head with him, or as he thinks, the consequences could have been serious. The water does give him a cold and he decides not to try to scare the twins again. The story is funny because of the headless aspect and because of how the twins once again outwit the ghost.  

In his "I Have a Dream" speech, Martin Luther King, Jr., uses the fact that he is a father to build rapport with his audience. Find an example of...

Building rapport with an audience helps listeners pay attention to the speaker, and it increases the persuasiveness of the message. This is part of an ethos appeal, or an appeal based on the speaker's or the message's credibility. A good way to build rapport is to find a connection with the audience--something the speaker has in common with his listeners. In his speech, King wanted to connect with fellow blacks who were listening, and he...

Building rapport with an audience helps listeners pay attention to the speaker, and it increases the persuasiveness of the message. This is part of an ethos appeal, or an appeal based on the speaker's or the message's credibility. A good way to build rapport is to find a connection with the audience--something the speaker has in common with his listeners. In his speech, King wanted to connect with fellow blacks who were listening, and he did so by acknowledging some of the hardships that discrimination caused them, such as being denied a room in a hotel or suffering from police brutality. But he also wanted to connect with his white listeners. He did that by referencing concepts that both blacks and whites revered, namely the Declaration of Independence and the "American Dream."

As he begins to outline how his dream for America fits into the American Dream that both blacks and whites hold dear, he mentions his role as a father to his four children. 

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

This is a powerful part of his speech because fatherhood is a role shared by all races. Any man listening who was a father, hoped to be a father, or had a father would be able to identify with King's words. Indeed, any woman who was a mother, hoped to be a mother, or had a mother would also agree with the desire for children to be treated fairly. By gaining this rapport with both men and women, blacks and whites, King was able to argue persuasively for a common goal, a day 

where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers.

When making decisions, does Friar Laurence in Romeo and Juliet, rely on logic or emotion?

Friar Laurence generally chooses logic over emotion, but he is not devoid of feelings. He is quite wise, observing that “Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied,” unwittingly predicting how his good intentions will lead to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. He tells Romeo to take his time and think: “Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast.” The friar is thoughtful and observant, correctly assuming that Romeo has been awake all night when he...

Friar Laurence generally chooses logic over emotion, but he is not devoid of feelings. He is quite wise, observing that “Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied,” unwittingly predicting how his good intentions will lead to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. He tells Romeo to take his time and think: “Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast.” The friar is thoughtful and observant, correctly assuming that Romeo has been awake all night when he greets him at such an early hour. Even his decision to wed Romeo and Juliet is not purely driven by sentiment but by a desire to unite the Capulets and Montagues: “For this alliance may so happy prove, / To turn your households' rancour to pure love.”

However, the friar also exhibits emotions. When Romeo tells him his love has abruptly shifted from Rosaline to Juliet, the friar exclaims, “Holy Saint Francis, what a change is here!” and “Jesu Maria!” He appears to lose his temper when Romeo attempts to stab himself, declaring, “Hold thy desperate hand: / Art thou a man?” Another time when instinct overrules logic is when Friar Laurence finds Romeo’s and Paris’s dead bodies. He panics, suggests that Juliet become a nun, and flees without Juliet when she resists. A watchman says that the friar “trembles, sighs and weeps.” Friar Laurence then begs the prince for death. Therefore, even though the friar is a very logical individual, he cannot help but be overcome with emotion from time to time.

If the angle of reflection is 90 degrees for a light ray, what is its angle of incidence?

According to the law of reflection, angle of incidence and angle of reflection are equal. Angle of incidence is the angle an incident light ray makes with a normal drawn to the surface. Similarly, angle of reflection is the angle made by the reflected ray with a normal drawn to the reflecting surface.

In other words, angle of incidence = angle of reflection

Since, the angle of reflection in the given case is 90 degrees,...

According to the law of reflection, angle of incidence and angle of reflection are equal. Angle of incidence is the angle an incident light ray makes with a normal drawn to the surface. Similarly, angle of reflection is the angle made by the reflected ray with a normal drawn to the reflecting surface.

In other words, angle of incidence = angle of reflection

Since, the angle of reflection in the given case is 90 degrees, the angle of incidence can be calculated as:

angle of incidence = angle of reflection = 90 degrees.

Thus, an angle of reflection of 90 degrees is caused by an incident ray that has an angle of incidence of 90 degrees.

An angle of reflection of 90 degrees means that the reflected ray travels along the surface. This is because the incident ray is also traveling along the reflecting surface. 

Hope this helps. 

What are the contrasting settings of the poem, "To the Doctor Who Treated a Raped baby and Felt Such Despair."

The poem juxtaposes scenes in a hospital room and a doctor performing necessary procedures on the raped baby to scenes of normal, natural scenes of parenting.  For example, “when the bleeding baby was admitted to [the doctor’s] care,” a “Karoo shepherd crooned a ramkietje lullaby.”  Throughout the poem, these opposite scenes play out to comfort the doctor who is in despair over the baby’s condition.  To comfort the doctor, the poet reminds him of the...

The poem juxtaposes scenes in a hospital room and a doctor performing necessary procedures on the raped baby to scenes of normal, natural scenes of parenting.  For example, “when the bleeding baby was admitted to [the doctor’s] care,” a “Karoo shepherd crooned a ramkietje lullaby.”  Throughout the poem, these opposite scenes play out to comfort the doctor who is in despair over the baby’s condition.  To comfort the doctor, the poet reminds him of the good in the world.  As the doctor is giving the baby an opiate, a mother gently breastfeeds her baby. When he is stitching up the baby, a parent is reading another chapter of a story to a baby. When the doctor exclaimed, “Where is God?” a father sits watch over his sleeping child. 

All of these scenes of parenthood and love are added to ease the pain the doctor feels for the baby.  They are used to remind and assure the doctor that what he is witnessing is not normal and that “all of us” thank him for his gentle, kind service to the baby.