What figurative language describes Simon in The Lord of the Flies?

Figurative language is plentiful in William Golding's novel The Lord of the Flies. Simon's role as the book's moral compass is especially prominent in the personification, imagery, and metaphors Golding assigns to both descriptions of and dialogue spoken by Simon. Perhaps the most striking examples of figurative language in Simon's plot line are in Chapter 8, as this portion of the novel details Simon's chilling separation from the boys.

Personification: The boys have another...

Figurative language is plentiful in William Golding's novel The Lord of the Flies. Simon's role as the book's moral compass is especially prominent in the personification, imagery, and metaphors Golding assigns to both descriptions of and dialogue spoken by Simon. Perhaps the most striking examples of figurative language in Simon's plot line are in Chapter 8, as this portion of the novel details Simon's chilling separation from the boys.

Personification: The boys have another meeting early in Chapter 8. In an attempt to offer advice, Simon takes the conch, but "the pressure of the assembly took [Simon's] voice away." By personifying the animosity of the boys toward Simon, Golding emphasizes Simon's separation from the violence that characterizes the group. 

Imagery: Later in Chapter 8, after Simon has wandered to where the Lord of the Flies sits, he begins to become affected by the heat. The imagery that "in Simon's right temple, a pulse began to beat on the brain" hints at the later intensity of his hallucinations. Later descriptions of Simon's physical covering by the flies is similarly abundant with vivid imagery.

Metaphor: At the end of Chapter 8, Simon's hallucinations become more severe. In the final lines of the chapter Simon is said to move "inside the mouth" of the Lord of the Flies. This metaphor that Simon was overtaken and is now "inside" the Pig's "mouth" shows readers that Simon is from this point on removed from the natural world of the boys on the island and cannot return. 

According to the speaker in "The Seafarer," what qualities might earn a person a place in heaven?

The speaker talks about how the days of the warrior society and its great rulers has come to an end. In doing so, he notes the transition from a warrior society to a Christian culture. The speaker is bittersweet about this, and he uses this transition to make his own transition in the poem. After lamenting his hardships at sea and making this struggle an allegory for struggles in life, the speaker begins talking more...

The speaker talks about how the days of the warrior society and its great rulers has come to an end. In doing so, he notes the transition from a warrior society to a Christian culture. The speaker is bittersweet about this, and he uses this transition to make his own transition in the poem. After lamenting his hardships at sea and making this struggle an allegory for struggles in life, the speaker begins talking more spiritually. He notes that any fame and riches a ruler or warrior might obtain in life will mean nothing to God. He therefore warns people that if they have lived a sinful life, fame and fortune will not help them get into heaven:

Opens his palms, and pours down gold

On his kinsman's grave, strewing his coffin

With treasures intended for Heaven, but nothing

Golden shakes the wrath of God 

For a soul overflowing with sin, and nothing 

Hidden on earth rises to Heaven.

The speaker goes on to list virtues that will help one get into heaven. "He who lives humbly has angels from Heaven / To carry him courage and strength and belief." In other words, humility will manifest in courage and belief (faith).

The speaker then offers a seemingly less generous version of the Golden Rule with "Treat all the world as the world deserves." This might be a combination of the warrior society's "eye for an eye" philosophy and the Golden Rule characterized in Christian teachings. However, the speaker follows this by encouraging people to practice peace, calling on them to treat others with love or with hate but "never with harm." He concludes that people should direct their thoughts to "where our home is." Here, home means Heaven, God, and/or the afterlife. In other words, people should live their lives according to God's purpose and spiritual teachings.

In the Odyssey, why did Odysseus tell Polyphemus his name was Nobody?

Odysseus tells Polyphemus his name is "Nobody" to prevent Polyphemus from being able to successfully call for help when Odysseus enacts his escape plan. 

When Odysseus and his men are trapped in Polyphemus's cave, he's horrified as the cyclops eats some of his men. To escape, he sharpens a large wooden club and then he convinces Polyphemus to get drunk. Odysseus relates the story, saying, "Three times I poured some out and gave it to him,...

Odysseus tells Polyphemus his name is "Nobody" to prevent Polyphemus from being able to successfully call for help when Odysseus enacts his escape plan. 

When Odysseus and his men are trapped in Polyphemus's cave, he's horrified as the cyclops eats some of his men. To escape, he sharpens a large wooden club and then he convinces Polyphemus to get drunk. Odysseus relates the story, saying, "Three times I poured some out and gave it to him, and, like a fool, he swilled it down."

When Polyphemus is drunk, Odysseus claims his name is Nobody. He says:

"Cyclops, you asked about my famous name.
I’ll tell you. Then you can offer me a gift,
as your guest. My name is Nobody.
My father and mother, all my other friends—
they call me Nobody."

That’s what I said.

His pitiless heart replied:
"Well, Nobody,
I’ll eat all your companions before you
and have you at the end—my gift to you,
since you’re my guest."

Polyphemus then passes out from the wine, vomiting wine and parts of dead men. Odysseus and his crew use the wooden stake to blind him. Then Polyphemus calls for help -- which Odysseus anticipated and which was the reason Odysseus gave Polyphemus a fake name. 

Polyphemus's friends come in response to his screaming and when they ask what's wrong, he says, "Nobody is killing me, my friends, by treachery, not using any force." His friends, therefore, think he's just ill and go away, leaving him in his cave and allowing Odysseus and his friends to escape by clinging to the bottom of sheep exiting the cave so Polyphemus can't feel them.

After he's successfully escaped, though, Odysseus is reckless and admits his true name to Polyphemus. The result of this is Polyphemus's father Poseidon sending a storm to wreck Odysseus's ship as revenge. 

Is it significant that the story begins and ends with Mrs. Freeman? Why or why not?

Bookending her story "Good Country People" with Mrs. Freeman allows author Flannery O'Connor to reinforce the irony of the story, a key technique she uses to communicate her themes. At the beginning of the story, readers meet Mrs. Freeman, Mrs. Hopewell's hired hand, and learn about her three expressions: neutral, forward, and reverse. Mrs. Freeman has strong opinions about nearly everything and rarely reverses them. Despite her employee's quirks, Mrs. Hopewell is confident that Mrs....

Bookending her story "Good Country People" with Mrs. Freeman allows author Flannery O'Connor to reinforce the irony of the story, a key technique she uses to communicate her themes. At the beginning of the story, readers meet Mrs. Freeman, Mrs. Hopewell's hired hand, and learn about her three expressions: neutral, forward, and reverse. Mrs. Freeman has strong opinions about nearly everything and rarely reverses them. Despite her employee's quirks, Mrs. Hopewell is confident that Mrs. Freeman's family are "good country people."

Similarly, Mrs. Hopewell believes Manley Pointer, the Bible salesman, to be "good country people." That is not the only thing Mrs. Freeman and Manley Pointer have in common. As it turns out, both of them share a fascination with Hulga/Joy's wooden leg. Mrs. Freeman never tires of hearing about the hunting accident that resulted in the amputation of Joy's leg, and Manley Pointer ends up seducing Hulga for the express purpose of purloining her prosthesis.

In the final paragraph of the story, as Mrs. Freeman unearths an "evil-smelling onion shoot," she remarks in reference to the fleeing Manley Pointer that "some can't be that simple. ... I know I never could." There are many layers of irony captured in this ending, just as the onion Mrs. Freeman holds has many layers. One is that Mrs. Freeman's morbid curiosity is ill-mannered and hurtful--maybe not to the degree Manley Pointer's was, but it bore a similar pungency. Another is that Mrs. Freeman's lack of insight into others is matched only by her lack of insight into herself. And another is that good country people cannot necessarily be taken at face value--one never knows what is under the surface until one has the chance to unearth the bitter fruit. As usual, Flannery O'Connor chooses her story's elements with great skill to convey a caustic view of the human condition.

`int_0^(pi/6) sqrt(1 + cos(2x)) dx` Evaluate the integral

`int_0^(pi/6)sqrt(1+cos(2x))dx`

Rewrite the integrand by using the identity:`cos(2x)=2cos^2(x)-1`

`=int_0^(pi/6)sqrt(1+2cos^2(x)-1)dx`

`=int_0^(pi/6)sqrt(2cos^2(x))dx`

`=sqrt(2)int_0^(pi/6)|cos(x)|dx`

`=sqrt(2)int_0^(pi/6)cos(x)dx` (as `0<=x<=pi/6=>cos(x)>=0=>|cos(x)|=cos(x)` )

`=sqrt(2)[sin(x)]_0^(pi/6)`

`=sqrt(2)[sin(pi/6)-sin(0)]`

`=sqrt(2)[1/2-0]`

`=sqrt(2)/2`

`=1/sqrt(2)`

`int_0^(pi/6)sqrt(1+cos(2x))dx`

Rewrite the integrand by using the identity:`cos(2x)=2cos^2(x)-1`

`=int_0^(pi/6)sqrt(1+2cos^2(x)-1)dx`

`=int_0^(pi/6)sqrt(2cos^2(x))dx`

`=sqrt(2)int_0^(pi/6)|cos(x)|dx`

`=sqrt(2)int_0^(pi/6)cos(x)dx` (as `0<=x<=pi/6=>cos(x)>=0=>|cos(x)|=cos(x)` )

`=sqrt(2)[sin(x)]_0^(pi/6)`

`=sqrt(2)[sin(pi/6)-sin(0)]`

`=sqrt(2)[1/2-0]`

`=sqrt(2)/2`

`=1/sqrt(2)`

How does Atticus say he feels about Mayella Ewell?

In Chapter 20, Atticus gives his summation at the end of the trial. He says that he pities Mayella, but does not condone the lies she has told about Tom: 

I have nothing but pity in my heart for the chief witness for the state, but my pity does not extend so far as to her putting a man’s life at stake, which she has done in an effort to get rid of her own...

In Chapter 20, Atticus gives his summation at the end of the trial. He says that he pities Mayella, but does not condone the lies she has told about Tom: 

I have nothing but pity in my heart for the chief witness for the state, but my pity does not extend so far as to her putting a man’s life at stake, which she has done in an effort to get rid of her own guilt. 

Atticus goes on to discuss the "code" that Mayella broke. She, a white girl, attempted to seduce a black man. This went against the racist code of the south in the 1930s, the time in which this novel is set. Mayella, feeling embarrassed and guilty for breaking this code, chose to incriminate Tom instead of telling the truth about what she did. Atticus recognizes the guilt she felt, but he says it doesn't justify putting Tom's life in jeopardy. Atticus also blames the society itself for allowing such a code to continue to exist.

In the end, even though Mayella and Bob conspired to ruin Tom, Atticus still has pity for Mayella. She is the victim of a poor, ignorant father who mentally and physically abuses her. In Chapter 23, we learn that Bob Ewell has spit in Atticus' face. When Jem asks him if he's worried about more retaliation from Bob, Atticus explains how his refusal to fight back is based upon sympathy for Mayella:

Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial, if he had any to begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always does. So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that’s something I’ll gladly take. He had to take it out on somebody and I’d rather it be me than that houseful of children out there.

What is the overall mentality and "national character" of poetry in modern American literature?

I always hesitate to generalize art. Most movements are categorized more by time period than style, since even within close literary movements there are massive differences. Please be mindful that generalizations are dangerous and often inaccurate. That said, academics sometimes use generalizations to talk about periods of literature in broad strokes. Another thing to keep in mind is that the word "modern" means something different in literature than in daily life. It does not mean...

I always hesitate to generalize art. Most movements are categorized more by time period than style, since even within close literary movements there are massive differences. Please be mindful that generalizations are dangerous and often inaccurate. That said, academics sometimes use generalizations to talk about periods of literature in broad strokes. Another thing to keep in mind is that the word "modern" means something different in literature than in daily life. It does not mean current. It refers to a very specific period of the 20th Century. Today we are no longer in the Modern Period.

Modernism was characterized as a loss of the values represented in the prewar period. Contrary to the previous answer, I would actually say it was a rejection of early poets such as Whitman, who wrote about unity and American Exceptionalism. Modernism borrowed from thinkers such a Freud and Darwin to paint a word devoid of objective reality. The most important poet of this period would probably be T.S. Elliot. He  alluded to the great Western traditional while also abandoning the starry-eyed romanticism of the time before.

The Modern Period of American poetry was deeply intellectual, subjective, allusive, and difficult. Poets like Gertrude Stein abandoned earlier use of language as patriarchal. Poets like Pound turned to the past, and even looked to extremist politics as a solution to a world they say as crumbling. Despite large differences, most of the major writers seemed to question the very notion of American culture after the First World War. Artists rejected the early ways of seeing things, and painted a cynical America, where there was no clear difference between right and wrong. Many of these writers even left the country to work abroad. Once again, broad strokes are dangerous and inaccurate. Pound and Stein are in many ways as different as two writer can be. These are the sorts of traits that scholars typically use to discuss the time, however.

What was the relationship between the US and the USSR during Cold War?

The relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union was very tense and confrontational during most of the Cold War. The Soviet Union wanted to spread communism around the world. We wanted to prevent communism from spreading. This led to a series of challenges between the two countries.

We opposed the spread of communism in Europe. We challenged the Berlin Blockade by developing the Berlin Airlift. The Soviet Union wanted to force us out of West Berlin. We were determined to prevent that from happening. We prevailed when the blockade was eventually lifted. We also offered aid to European countries fighting communism with the European Recovery Program. Turkey and Greece were countries that benefited from our aid.

We also opposed the spread of communism in Asia. We went to the United Nations to help South Korea when North Korea invaded South Korea in order to make it a communist country. We were successful in keeping South Korea as a noncommunist country.

We challenged the Soviet expansion into Cuba. When we discovered the Soviet Union had built missile sites in Cuba and had placed missiles there, we demanded that the missiles should be removed and the missiles sites be should be dismantled. The crisis, known as the Cuban Missile Crisis, ended peacefully when we agreed not to invade Cuba, the Soviets agreed to remove the missiles in Cuba as well as dismantle the missile sites, and we agreed to remove our missiles in Turkey.

We competed with the Soviet Union in other areas. There was a competition to see which country would be the first to launch a satellite into space. The Soviet Union won that competition, but we were the first nation to land an astronaut on the moon. Both countries tried to stockpile nuclear weapons, with each side trying to have more nuclear weapons than the other side had. We competed against each other in the Olympic games. Each country wanted to have more medals than the other country when each Olympic games ended.

The Cold War is a period of confrontation and competition between countries. This definition certainly describes the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union after World War II ended.

What is the theme of The Wizard of Oz?

This story is a combination of fantasy and Bildungsroman and moral lesson, in that, while the main action takes place in a fantasy world, the dramatic action begins when the child Dorothy is removed from her childhood environment by a storm and “grows up” as she seeks to return home (to Kansas). By personifying the character traits required in an adult world -- courage, intelligence, and "humanity” (a heart) -- the author has Dorothy acquire these...

This story is a combination of fantasy and Bildungsroman and moral lesson, in that, while the main action takes place in a fantasy world, the dramatic action begins when the child Dorothy is removed from her childhood environment by a storm and “grows up” as she seeks to return home (to Kansas). By personifying the character traits required in an adult world -- courage, intelligence, and "humanity” (a heart) -- the author has Dorothy acquire these traits to “carry on” to her destination. Part of what makes the piece so interesting is that she discovers that there is “good” and “evil” in the world and that the Wizard himself is sort of a fraud (meaning that as an adult she must mentally “look behind the curtain” at what is real and what is illusion in the adult world.) Finally, an adult must “follow the yellow brick road” (the path of life) without knowing where it leads. The theme, then, is “growing from childhood to adulthood, encountering the dangers (real and imagined), the friendly companions, the opportunities, the experiences, and the character traits as one matures."

Why did Brian build a raft and what were Brian's problems at the end of chapter 17 of Hatchet?

In chapter 17, Brian works to recover from a moose attack and a tornado that touched down on top of his shelter. After repairing the shelter and gathering wood, Brian turns his attention to the tail of his plane sticking up out of the lake. He is sure that a survival pack is stored in the plane that would yield him many useful items. However, Brian must build a raft to reach the plane and...

In chapter 17, Brian works to recover from a moose attack and a tornado that touched down on top of his shelter. After repairing the shelter and gathering wood, Brian turns his attention to the tail of his plane sticking up out of the lake. He is sure that a survival pack is stored in the plane that would yield him many useful items. However, Brian must build a raft to reach the plane and retrieve the survival pack. Building the raft proves a difficult, long, tedious task of gathering and weaving branches. In his injured state, everything takes longer.

Eventually he finishes the raft. After sleeping and eating, Brian swims, pushing the raft out to the plane. This takes much longer than he thought. He is again exhausted. Though exhausted, he begins to search for a way into the plane. Again Brian faces obstacles. The chapter ends with Brian still trying to figure out a safe way into the plane.

In Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, who does Candy express his feelings to?

Candy mostly expresses his feelings to George. When he first meets George and Lennie, he tells them all about each of the characters on the ranch and his feelings about the various workers. He informs George that he thinks Curley's wife is a "tart" and Curley a bully.

In Chapter Three, after Carlson shoots his dog, he reveals his fears to George about what will happen to him when he can't swamp out the bunks...

Candy mostly expresses his feelings to George. When he first meets George and Lennie, he tells them all about each of the characters on the ranch and his feelings about the various workers. He informs George that he thinks Curley's wife is a "tart" and Curley a bully.

In Chapter Three, after Carlson shoots his dog, he reveals his fears to George about what will happen to him when he can't swamp out the bunks anymore. He even offers to contribute all of his money to the farm which George dreams of buying. He tells George,

“I got hurt four year ago,” he said. “They’ll can me purty soon. Jus’ as soon as I can’t swamp out no bunk houses they’ll put me on the county. Maybe if I give you guys my money, you’ll let me hoe in the garden even after I ain’t no good at it. An’ I’ll wash dishes an’ little chicken stuff like that. But I’ll be on our own place, an’ I’ll be let to work on our own place.” He said miserably, “You seen what they done to my dog tonight? They says he wasn’t no good to himself nor nobody else. When they can me here I wisht somebody’d shoot me. But they won’t do nothing like that. I won’t have no place to go, an’ I can’t get no more jobs. I’ll have thirty dollars more comin’, time you guys is ready to quit.” 

In an example of foreshadowing, Candy also admits to George that he should have shot his dog himself rather than let Carlson do it. These words must be on George's mind after Curley's wife is discovered dead.

In Chapter Four, while Candy is in the barn with Crooks and Lennie, Curley's wife enters. When she won't leave and has nothing but insults for the men, Candy explodes and expresses his hopes for his future with George and Lennie as well as his feelings about the girl. He says,

“You ain’t wanted here. We told you you ain’t. An’ I tell ya, you got floozy idears about what us guys amounts to. You ain’t got sense enough in that chicken head to even see that we ain’t stiffs. S’pose you get us canned. S’pose you do. You think we’ll hit the highway an’ look for another lousy two-bit job like this. You don’t know that we got our own ranch to go to, an’ our own house. We ain’t got to stay here. We gotta house and chickens an’ fruit trees an’ a place a hunderd time prettier than this. An’ we got fren’s, that’s what we got. Maybe there was a time when we was scared of gettin’ canned, but we ain’t no more. We got our own lan’, and it’s ours, an’ we c’n go to it.” 

Candy also expresses his profound disappointment when George indicates that the dream of the farm is over in Chapter Five. He asks George,

“You an’ me can get that little place, can’t we, George? You an’ me can go there an’ live nice, can’t we, George? Can’t we?” 

George's response is basically that without Lennie he wouldn't want to go to the farm. Candy's hopes and dreams, like George's, are dashed by the irrational acts of the mentally challenged Lennie. The reader may presume that Candy lives out his life in loneliness on the ranch.

Why is it unsafe to collect too much hydrogen in a test tube before testing it with a lit splint?

Hydrogen gas (`~H_2` ) is very explosive in air. The reaction for the combustion of hydrogen in air is:

`~2H_2` + `~O_2`  -> `~2H_2O`

Energy is released from this reaction in the form of heat, light, sound, and kinetic energy. The "pop" heard during a positive hydrogen splint test is a tiny explosion of hydrogen gas. If there is a high concentration of hydrogen gas in the tube, the amount of energy produced by the...

Hydrogen gas (`~H_2` ) is very explosive in air. The reaction for the combustion of hydrogen in air is:

`~2H_2` + `~O_2`  -> `~2H_2O`

Energy is released from this reaction in the form of heat, light, sound, and kinetic energy. The "pop" heard during a positive hydrogen splint test is a tiny explosion of hydrogen gas. If there is a high concentration of hydrogen gas in the tube, the amount of energy produced by the reaction will be greater. This may result in an unsafe explosion of hydrogen gas. 

The best "pop" is usually achieved from a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen that contains 20% - 40% hydrogen by volume.

Splint tests can also be used to test for other types of gases including oxygen, nitrogen, and water vapor. 

What are the significant changes in the transformation of the Church's power from the Reformation to the Enlightenment?

According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, the Enlightenment was "characterized by dramatic revolutions in science, philosophy, society and politics; these revolutions swept away the medieval world-view and ushered in our modern western world."

This was a period in history where science and rationality came into full power. Western culture began to see factual knowledge as the culmination of human society, not faith. During the Reformation period, despite the famous split between the Protestant Church...

According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, the Enlightenment was "characterized by dramatic revolutions in science, philosophy, society and politics; these revolutions swept away the medieval world-view and ushered in our modern western world."

This was a period in history where science and rationality came into full power. Western culture began to see factual knowledge as the culmination of human society, not faith. During the Reformation period, despite the famous split between the Protestant Church and the Catholic Church, Christianity still held most of the power in society. Not only were positions of public authority, like royalty, the heads of the church, but Christianity held power over the very souls of the people. 

The Enlightenment ushered in a different world. One area to see that is the field of philosophy. Prior to the Enlightenment, philosophical studies were simply small pieces in the study of theology. However, "the dramatic success of the new science in explaining the natural world... promotes philosophy... from a handmaiden of theology, constrained by its purposes and methods, to an independent force with the power and authority to challenge the old and construct the new" (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). At the time, philosophy would have also included the natural sciences. Yes, that's right, prior to the Enlightenment even the study of science was under the control of the church. 

This all culminates in the physical overthrow of church power in France. The famous French Revolution took place as a means for the people to overcome traditional social authorities like the the class system, the nobility, and, of course, the Catholic Church. 

In France, the Church held enormous political and social power. And this was normal for the time. Christianity and political power were virtually synonymous for Reformers. But Enlightenment thinking led to a violent disavowing of that kind of relationship between faith and authority. 

This final quote will illustrate how the Enlightenment changed the Church's power over the individual as well: 

"Enlightenment philosophy tends to stand in tension with established religion, insofar as... daring to think for oneself, awakening one's intellectual powers, generally requires opposing the role of established religion in directing thought and action. The faith of the Enlightenment – if one may call it that – is that the process of enlightenment, of becoming progressively self-directed in thought and action through the awakening of one's intellectual powers, leads ultimately to a better, more fulfilled human existence." (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)

What are four "fences" people build in their minds and/or hearts?

As people, one of our main concerns is survival. A prominent type of survival is self-preservation—keeping oneself safe from outside forces that may otherwise be damaging. A specific way to do so is by "building fences" in our hearts and/or minds. By definition, fences are barriers, and barriers are meant to keep things out.

One type of fence that is often used in an attempt at keeping reality out is denial. As humans, we have the amazing capability to convince ourselves...

As people, one of our main concerns is survival. A prominent type of survival is self-preservation—keeping oneself safe from outside forces that may otherwise be damaging. A specific way to do so is by "building fences" in our hearts and/or minds. By definition, fences are barriers, and barriers are meant to keep things out.

One type of fence that is often used in an attempt at keeping reality out is denial. As humans, we have the amazing capability to convince ourselves of almost anything, including that what we see with our eyes is not really happening the way it appears to be happening. This is the basic premise of denial. In using denial, we make it possible to move past the situation (or to remain submersed in it) without actually dealing with it.

Another type of "fence" that is often powerful is humor. Humor allows one to deflect any possible pain that may be present by joking around. Making jokes is one way to circumvent the real issue at hand and redirect focus. Redirecting focus can be successful in creating a barrier and effectively protecting oneself. The humorous approach can also create an almost-invisible fence, rendering it a formidable barrier.

An extension of humor, especially in the world of "fence-building," is sarcasm. As a society, we have become wholly adept at using irony to convey contempt. In fact, sarcasm is used so frequently in our general conversations that we often don't even realize we are using it. However, sarcasm can provide an advantageous barrier because when employed correctly, it can be off-putting. By nature, putting someone off keeps them out, which is the very basis of a fence.

Lastly, withdrawal represents a plausible type of "fence" in our hearts and minds because it is essentially the practice of removing oneself by turning inward. Withdrawal from a situation is a potent barrier because it is generally immutable. Once the decision has been made to leave (or withdraw from) a situation, it is cogent because it renders the withdrawer unreachable. Putting oneself out of reach is arguably the best form of self-preservation; if one is alone all the time, it's virtually impossible to be put in danger by another.

To survive in this world, it may be necessary to build a few fences in our hearts and/or minds. There are many dangerous elements in our society; some of which can be life-shattering if not kept out. Therefore, denial, humor, sarcasm and withdrawal are efficacious approaches to creating barriers. It would also be wise to follow the advice of G. K. Chesterton: "Don't ever take a fence down until you know the reason why it was put up."

Are there allusions to other texts or allegorical characters in The Picture of Dorian Gray?

In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wilde refers to a number of other texts and allegorical characters as he develops the novel's key themes and characters. In fact, this process starts as early as Chapter One when Wilde (through Lord Henry) likens Dorian Gray to Adonis, a figure in Greek mythology. This likeness is important in the characterization of Dorian because it demonstrates his extreme beauty and also foreshadows the conflict between Basil and...

In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wilde refers to a number of other texts and allegorical characters as he develops the novel's key themes and characters. In fact, this process starts as early as Chapter One when Wilde (through Lord Henry) likens Dorian Gray to Adonis, a figure in Greek mythology. This likeness is important in the characterization of Dorian because it demonstrates his extreme beauty and also foreshadows the conflict between Basil and Lord Henry as they vie for Dorian's attentions (just like Aphrodite and Persephone in the Greek myth). Similarly, a further Greek reference to Narcissus, again made by Lord Henry, foreshadows the corruption of Dorian's soul as he comes to recognize his own beauty.

In addition, with the Yellow Book, academics believe that Wilde makes a reference to a contemporary text called A Rebours (Against Nature) which was written by Joris-Karl Huysmans in 1884. A Rebours tells the story of a man who rejects society and creates his own world filled with personal pleasures and desires. Like A Rebours, the Yellow Book inspires Dorian's hedonistic and self-indulgent lifestyle. In turn, this propels Dorian to the depths of moral corruption while simultaneously causing his portrait to physically degrade.

(You can find more information about A Rebours and its influence on Oscar Wilde in the second reference link provided.)

What economic resources would PEI bring to a Maritime Union?

A Maritime Union of Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick has been long discussed, but has yet to come to fruition.  If a Maritime Union were to exist, Prince Edward Island would contribute economically with a variety of resources.  Historically, the economy of Prince Edward Island has relied on farming and fishing.  Farming and fishing are still important industries in PEI.  Almost all of the island's soil is rich, making it ideal for...

A Maritime Union of Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick has been long discussed, but has yet to come to fruition.  If a Maritime Union were to exist, Prince Edward Island would contribute economically with a variety of resources.  Historically, the economy of Prince Edward Island has relied on farming and fishing.  Farming and fishing are still important industries in PEI.  Almost all of the island's soil is rich, making it ideal for farming.  Potatoes are a common crop grown in PEI.  Other vegetables and grains also grow well on the island.  Dairy and cattle farms flourish there.  The commercial fishing industry is important in Prince Edward Island, except during the winter months.  Lobster, scallops, mackerel, crabs, and mussels are among some of the types of seafood that are produced through the commercial fishing industry.  Tourism is another important industry in PEI, and it provides a significant revenue stream.  The picturesque scenery, historical sites, and popular attractions in places such as Cavendish draw in tourists from all over the world.  The island is popular among tourists from Asia who enjoy the Anne of Green Gables books.  Wind energy is a more recent natural resource in Prince Edward Island.  The location of the island and the proximity of a large portion of the land to the water makes the production of wind energy ideal.

In a Maritime Union, Prince Edward Island would contribute seafood, crops, and energy from wind energy resources to the region.  It would also draw tourists to the region.

What are the waste products of respiration?

By your question I have to assume you are referring to cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is the process by which a cell converts energy from glucose to adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is then used by cells for all sorts of biochemical reactions involved in life processes. 

The overall chemical equation for cellular respiration is:

C6H12O6 + 6O2 ---> 6H2O + 6CO2 + Energy

Throughout this process, energy is converted to electron carriers that work to...

By your question I have to assume you are referring to cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is the process by which a cell converts energy from glucose to adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is then used by cells for all sorts of biochemical reactions involved in life processes. 

The overall chemical equation for cellular respiration is:

C6H12O6 + 6O2 ---> 6H2O + 6CO2 + Energy

Throughout this process, energy is converted to electron carriers that work to create an electrochemical gradient which powers the production of ATP. This is all in the process of oxidative chemiosmosis. 

The products of cellular respiration are water and carbon dioxide, as can be seen in the equation. Although water is a product, it is not necessarily a waste product, because the cell can reuse that water as needed. However, this is a pretty insignificant amount of water in the grand scheme of things. The main waste product, then, is carbon dioxide. In mammals, the carbon dioxide leaves the cell through diffusion, enters the blood stream, and then leaves our body through our lungs when we exhale. 

1. How did Starbucks initially use segmentation to targeted coffee markets? 2. Did the Starbucks customer or the Starbucks Experience change...

1. Market segmentation is a very common strategy where instead of trying to appeal to the whole mass market which requires a sort of "least common denominator" approach that is acceptable to all but ideal to none, a company instead targets a specific group of people and tries to give them exactly what they want.

Starbucks did this expertly, targeting specifically young-adult to middle-aged upper-middle class urban professionals. While most of their competitors (e.g. Dunkin' Donuts, Tim Hortons) were simply offering coffee as cheap and fast as possible, Starbucks instead offered what they called the "Starbucks Experience": a comfortable coffee shop environment, standardized so it would be familiar and consistent when people travel (as this demographic travels extensively), with high-quality coffee that appeals to socially responsible customers by being organic, Fair Trade, and locally sourced. To pay for this, Starbucks needed to charge higher prices, but they knew this demographic has a lot of spending money and would be willing to pay a higher price if they could enjoy higher quality and a better overall experience.

2. This is a bit of a chicken-or-egg problem. While Starbucks targeted their market at an existing demographic, as they grew they also began to create pressure on our whole society, changing expectations about what coffee shops are or are supposed to be. Customers who had previously been accustomed to buying the cheapest coffee they found remotely palatable began to spend a bit more to try coffee of higher quality. Customer habits began to change, and more people began seeking out high-quality coffee -- a wave Starbucks was quite happy to ride.

3. Starbucks has now shifted their strategy to China, where they hope to capture the market of the new rising Chinese middle class. This means substantially changing their strategy; instead of the high-quality coffee they provide in the US, they will need to focus on low prices for the Chinese market because there simply aren't as many people with a lot of discretionary funds. Instead, Starbucks is trying to provide slightly better coffee than what is otherwise available, at a price low enough that people will be willing to stop making coffee at home and start buying it from Starbucks.

4. I don't think Starbucks will ever be able to restore the profit margins they had when they first established themselves in the United States. In the United States, Starbucks' successful strategy has drawn competitors to the market -- just as is supposed to happen under monopolistic competition in an efficient capitalist system. In China, they are already forced to adopt a strategy that is very competitive on price, simply because most of the population can't afford to pay any more. It's possible Starbucks could devise some new strategy or expand to some new market that would raise their profits back to that high level, but it's quite unlikely. For the foreseeable future, Starbucks will be a typical established blue-chip company: small but consistent profits, providing a low return at a low risk.

How does the song "Big Time" by Peter Gabriel relate to The Great Gatsby's theme of the American Dream?

The lyrics for this song reflect the common understanding of the "American Dream": amass wealth at any price in order to gain the respect of others and all the creature comforts money can buy.

The opening lines seem like something Gatsby himself would sing:

"I'm on my way I'm making it, huh!
I've got to make it show yeah, hey!
So much larger than life."

Think of how Gatsby was so determined to gain wealth in order to show it to Daisy and prove he was worthy of her love. 

The second stanza addresses the idea of poor, small towns being somehow inferior to the big city and wealth. Having a lot of money means you must be smart. Poor people must not have the brains to be able to achieve wealth and status. Compare this to the way Gatsby created an elaborate lie about his past in order to conceal the fact he was from a poor family in a small town:

"The place where I come from is a small town
They think so small, they use small words
But not me, I'm smarter than that,
I worked it out..."

The lyrics also refer to owning a lot of material possessions, which is often an aspect of the American Dream and Gatsby's, Tom's, and Daisy's life:

"I've had enough, I'm getting out
to the city, the big big city
I'll be a big noise with all the big boys, so much stuff I will own..."

But the lyrics don't actually praise this attitude, just as Fitzgerald doesn't esteem the excesses of the Roaring 20's:

"My parties have all the big names and I greet them with the widest smile. Tell them how my life is one big adventure and always they're amazed when I show them 'round my house to my bed I had it made like a mountain range with a snow white pillow for my big fat head."

Although the beginning of this verse brings to mind Gatsby showing Daisy and Nick around his house, the last line about "my big fat head" is actually insulting the speaker. Someone with a 'fat head' is self-centered and vain. That doesn't apply to Gatsby, but it certainly could apply to Tom or even to Daisy.

By the end of the song, the speaker is out of control with the desire for 'big' everything: his car gets bigger, his house gets bigger, his eyes get bigger, his mouth gets bigger, his stomach gets bigger. The idea of eyes getting bigger refers to constantly wanting more and not being satisfied; a person with a big mouth is usually obnoxious; a big belly shows the physical deterioration of his body because of his excesses.

So the lyrics relate to the American Dream because they refer to the overwhelming desire to gain money and power, but they also show the inherent shallowness and discontent that may accompany that dream.

How did World War II affect America's political affiliation?

The situation in America after the Second World War was highly optimistic. The country and its allies emerged from the war victorious against a formidable opposition. The economy was growing exponentially supported by the production of military and consumer goods. Farmers were also doing well, with the segment mass producing for internal consumption and for export. Veterans back home were extended the opportunity to improve their living standards through the purchase of homes, farms and...

The situation in America after the Second World War was highly optimistic. The country and its allies emerged from the war victorious against a formidable opposition. The economy was growing exponentially supported by the production of military and consumer goods. Farmers were also doing well, with the segment mass producing for internal consumption and for export. Veterans back home were extended the opportunity to improve their living standards through the purchase of homes, farms and attending school. However, as people were beginning to enjoy the new opportunities, a new threat emerged fueled by military activities and political differences. Cold War ushered a state of tension and conflict between the U.S. and its allies and the Soviet Union and its allies.

Communism became a major issue between the two opposing factions. The Soviet Union sought to take advantage of the postwar weakness to spread the ideology. On the other hand, the U.S. viewed communism as a threat not only in the global arena but also back home. President Truman supported liberal views which formed the middle ground between communism and Jim Crow in the American political arena. He campaigned against communism and secured an election victory over Wallace, who supported communism. His victory during the election confirmed American political affiliation, which leaned towards anti-communism views and beliefs.

Truman’s expansive vision of opportunity in American society went hand-in-hand with strong intolerance toward radicalism. The President sold his “fair deal” as a liberal alternative to the violence of fascism and Jim Crow on the political right, and the fanaticism of communism and socialism on the political left. (Gilderlehrman)

In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, what are some quotes that show that Romeo has anger issues?

Like many teenagers, Romeo has a lot of angst. He argues with his friends and loses his temper quickly. Most importantly, he becomes so enraged at the death of Mercutio that he fights with Tybalt without thinking about the consequences. You can read the , along with modern translation and explanations of some of the confusing words/phrases. 

In the following exchange from Act I scene I, Benvolio is talking to Romeo about his unrequited love for Rosaline. Benvolio gives Romeo some good advice, but Romeo just snaps at his friend:

BEN: Be rul'd by me: forget to think of her.

ROM: O, teach me how I should forget to think!

BEN: By giving liberty unto thine eyes.
Examine other beauties.(230)

ROM: 'Tis the way
To call hers, exquisite, in question more.
These happy masks that kiss fair ladies’ brows,
Being black puts us in mind they hide the fair.
He that is strucken blind cannot forget(235)
The precious treasure of his eyesight lost.
Show me a mistress that is passing fair,
What doth her beauty serve but as a note
Where I may read who pass'd that passing fair?
Farewell. Thou canst not teach me to forget.(240)

     Romeo asks Benvolio to teach him how to forget to think of Rosaline, but then he argues with Benvolio's advice and in the last line, tells Benvolio to go away ("Farewell.")

     In Act I scene IV, as they make their way to the Capulet ball, Romeo and Mercutio talk about love. Again, Romeo snaps at his friend and says angry words when his friend is merely trying to give him good advice:

MER: And, to sink in it, should you burden love—
Too great oppression for a tender thing.(25)

ROM: Is love a tender thing? It is too rough,
Too rude, too boist'rous, and it pricks like thorn.

     Romeo argues with Mercutio and in this quote, says a string of angry observations about love ("too rough, too rude, too boisterous..."). Later on in the same scene, Mercutio gives his Queen Mab speech, which is meant in fun, and Romeo basically tells him to shut up: "Peace, peace, Mercutio, peace! / Thou talk'st of nothing." Today we would say, "Shut up, Mercutio! You're just babbling nonsense." This seems angry for someone whose friend is just trying to cheer him up.

     Romeo really blows up in Act III scene I, after Tybalt kills Mercutio. Until Mercutio's death, Romeo has refused to fight Tybalt because he is now married to Juliet and therefore they are family, but when Tybalt kills Mercutio, Romeo loses his temper. He says,

Alive in triumph, and Mercutio slain?

Away to heaven respective lenity,

And fire-ey'd fury be my conduct now!(125)

By line 125, he means he will conduct himself according to extreme anger now. Then he shouts at Tybalt, "Either thou or I, or both, must go with him." (130) By this, Romeo means that Mercutio has gone to heaven and he will not give up fighting until either Tybalt, himself, or both of them have joined Mercutio in heaven.

     After he kills Tybalt, Romeo realizes that his anger has put him in a terrible situation. He says, "O, I am fortune's fool!" in line 138, meaning that Fate is playing with him and caused him to make a bad decision in his anger. By killing Tybalt, Romeo has signed his own death certificate, as far as he knows, because the Prince has earlier said that anyone else who fights in the streets of Verona will pay the penalty of death. At this point, Romeo is likely angry with himself for letting his anger get the better of him and control his actions.

     I hope this helps. You can read more about .

Which word fits the blank? Luther responded by b------------ the letter in public.

The word that fits this blank is "burning." The question is referring to the papal proclamation, or "bull" by Pope Leo X that excommunicated Luther from the Catholic Church in 1520. This was a serious matter in the sixteenth century, as Church doctrine held that one had to receive sacraments to gain grace, or forgiveness for one's sins. Since the sacraments were essential to salvation, an excommunication, it was believed, sentenced one's soul to hell....

The word that fits this blank is "burning." The question is referring to the papal proclamation, or "bull" by Pope Leo X that excommunicated Luther from the Catholic Church in 1520. This was a serious matter in the sixteenth century, as Church doctrine held that one had to receive sacraments to gain grace, or forgiveness for one's sins. Since the sacraments were essential to salvation, an excommunication, it was believed, sentenced one's soul to hell. Luther was being excommunicated for his repeated and strident criticisms of the Church and its officials, most notably in the 95 Theses he published in 1517. His main issue was the sale of indulgences, or forgiveness for sins, by Church representatives. In any case, Luther showed his contempt for Pope Leo by publicly burning the proclamation (the text of which is included in a link below) in Wittenburg in December. Shortly thereafter, he was called before the Diet of Worms to defend himself before Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. When he refused to recant at the Diet (an imperial council), he entered into the protection of German princes, whose political concerns dovetailed with Luther's religious message.

How did Jefferson and Madison differ on questions of central importance to the American Constitution?

The key debate between Jefferson and Madison (which was generally quite amiable; I've attached a letter Jefferson wrote to Madison which shows very little sign of animosity) was on the question of central authority: How much power should be vested in the central government, versus granted to the people at large? It was in a sense asking: "Just how democratic do we really want this democracy to be?"

Madison was distrustful of pure or direct democracy, and as such sought to establish a system of government that would represent the people, but was sufficiently removed from the direct control of the population as to avoid the possibility of mob rule or "tyranny of the majority".

Jefferson on the other hand believed in democracy all the way, and wanted the system to be as responsive to popular opinion as it could feasibly be made. He recognized that pure direct democracy was not sustainable on a national scale (Yet? With modern communication technology, it might be now!), but nonetheless felt that the closer we could get to that ideal, the better.

While Madison believed that the general population was not to be trusted, too easily swayed by demagoguery and factionalism, Jefferson had faith in the people, believing that if power were extended to everyone it would be used wisely in the common interest of all. For Jefferson the great fear was not demagoguery but corruption and tyranny; he did not worry that the people would make the wrong decisions by accident but that those in power would make the wrong decisions on purpose.

In the end, the Constitution was written as a compromise; while it did grant substantial power to the people---more so than really any system of government that had ever existed on this scale up to that point---it also contained a number of provisions designed to separate decision-makers from the direct will of the people. This is why we have things like the Electoral College, for example; it is also why the Senate was originally elected by state governments rather than popular vote.

Why did neither Japan or China become a democracy until the 20th century?

I corrected your question; Japan did become a democracy in the mid 20th century, as a result of the US occupation after WW2. Technically they are a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system---but so are the UK and Sweden, which we widely recognize as democratic states. Japan does have what's called a dominant-party system where a single political party (the Liberal Democratic Party) generally wins most of the seats; but as far as we can tell this isn't because the government of Japan represses other parties, it's simply because the Liberal Democratic Party is extremely popular and keeps winning the most votes.

China really still hasn't become a democracy, however; while they do hold elections, these elections are tightly controlled by the government and limited to Communist Party candidates. Their human rights record is quite bad, they censor most media heavily, and they have been criticized by the UN for holding sham elections instead of establishing a true democracy.

Of course, the question you asked is why---why did Japan take so long to establish democracy, and why has China still not?

One theory is that there are some sort of "Asian values"---cultural norms in Asia, particularly in China, that teach people to think in terms of the community rather than themselves, sometimes called communitarian as opposed to individualist values. These values seem to be reinforced by the major religions of the region, namely Buddhism (in both countries), Confucianism (in China) and Shinto (in Japan).

Yet this theory is not all that well-supported; nobody has been able to clearly define and document these alleged differences in cultural values.

But in fact, I think the question is backward: It is not hard to explain why Asian countries didn't become democratic---it is hard to explain why European countries did.

Even Europe didn't really have all that much democracy until the end of 18th century. While some countries had constitutional monarchies that gradually expanded power for their people (particularly the UK and Nordic countries such as Sweden and Denmark), no country in Europe really had a democracy in the modern sense until after the French Revolution (which didn't really end until 1799).

Living in First World countries today, we often think of democracy as though it is the obvious default, but in fact it is quite aberrant. Monarchy, oligarchy, theocracy, and dictatorship are much more common systems of government throughout history. Indeed, true universal suffrage was not present even in the US until the 20th century---specifically 1920 and the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote. With this in mind, it should not seem so baffling that Japan did not have a democracy until 1945; that's only one generation behind.

The reason Asia did not democratize quickly can then be explained by the fact that democracy spread like a contagion from its roots in the United States and France, first changing countries that were nearby and culturally similar, and only later spreading to most distant and culturally different countries via trade (and warfare). If this theory is right, then we should expect democracy to continue to spread as it shows itself to be a superior system, perhaps eventually taking hold around the world. We can hope, anyway.

Why do the elders choose your spouse in The Giver?

The Elders choose a spouse for you in order to ensure perfect family units.

In Jonas’s community, people do not create their own families.  A family unit in Jonas’s community is not the same as a family as we know it.  This is because the community wants to create what they call Sameness, which means that everyone in the community is as similar as possible.  There are many rules and regulations that have been established to make this happen.

Family units consist of a man, a woman, a boy, and a girl.  The family unit is created for the purpose of raising children, and dissolves as soon as the youngest child grows up.  Family units reinforce community values and rules. They are child-rearing and socialization units.

An adult applies for a spouse when he or she feels ready to create a family unit.  Spouses are matched based on compatibility, meaning that they will work together or fit together well.  This might be based on temperament, intelligence, and interest.  We learn that not everyone is given a spouse.

Most of the people on the night crew had not even been given spouses because they lacked, somehow, the essential capacity to connect to others, which was required for the creation of a family unit. (Ch. 1) 

The Matching of Spouses is given “weighty consideration” to ensure that the family unit will function well.  The spouses act as parents, and the main focus is on the children.  They are not in love or married like spouses are in our understanding.  Matches are monitored for three years.  Then the couple can apply for a child.  When the children grow up, the parents go to live with the Childless Adults. 

Jonas discusses the spouse situation with The Giver later, as part of his training.  The Giver tells him it is harder for the Receiver of Memory to have a spouse, because he will have to keep things from her.  Jonas realizes that he will not live with his parents forever. 

"As long as they're still working and contributing to the community, they'll go and live with the other Childless Adults. And they won't be part of my life anymore. (Ch. 16) 

Jonas realizes that he won’t even know when his parents are released, because he will have moved on with his life by then.  His parents won’t be together either.  Jonas comments that it “seems to work pretty well that way,” but he also liked the memory of a real family he saw. 

By having family units, the community keeps things stable.  There are no divorces.  There are no broken homes.  As long as the children are children, they will always have parents.  However, there is no emotional connection to their parents, and their parents have no connection with each other.  As soon as the children grow, everyone just goes on.

To what extent did the powers of the government in Britain increase during the First World War?

The English government during World War One increased its power over both domestic policy and foreign policy in many ways. First and foremost, Lord Kitchener’s army had vast power to conscript soldiers from everywhere in the British Empire. Additionally, the armed forces, under the civilian command and oversight of first H. H. Asquith and then Lloyd George's government, took direct control over the British economy, turning its vast manufacturing power toward the aim of arming, clothing and feeding British soldiers. Moreover, with the knowledge of senior government officials in parliament, Downing Street and the army and navy, the civilian government set up a completely off-the-books domestic surveillance program that supplemented and at times over-rode military intelligence. This secret service, into which academics and wealthy aristocrats were drafted, was engaged in all manner of domestic and foreign spying, most of it unlawful, in the sense that neither the House of Lords nor the House of Commons had created any such service, or given oversight mechanisms to regulate what would later become MI5 and MI6.

As for freedom of press and speech, although neither of these rights are guaranteed in England even today under law, there had long existed a good deal of tolerance for those who spoke out against the government and in favor of socialism, unions and against the aristocracy. Publications that engaged in these kinds of criticisms were often stifled during the war and those deemed to be engaged in subversive activities were jailed. Strikes at mines, which had been quite common before the war, were banned during the war, because the government declared coal mining an essential service, and took indirect control of that industry. In fact, when they were strikes or even the hint of labor unrest during the war, scabs or strikebreakers, often foreigners, were brought in to work the mines. 

Perhaps the most serious and flagrant expansion of government authority came in response to the Ulster Rebellion, when British Soldiers, many of them Irish, were ordered to occupy and violently suppress the Irish Catholic uprisings that begin in 1916. The occupation of Northern Ireland by British Soldiers began during the war but lasted until the end of the 20th century, circa 1999.  Lastly, no discussion of increased British War powers could be complete without the mention of the complete whitewashing of the terrible realities that British soldiers fighting the war faced. The propaganda machine that Britain put into place heavily censored all soldier's letters home, tolerated only positive (mostly false or highly misleading and selective) news from the front, so that those back at home were for a long time under the false impression that the war was going well and that victory was assured and would come soon. Those who reported the reality of the war, especially if they were soldiers, were imprisoned and or executed, and labeled traitors. No distinction was made between telling the truth about the conditions on the front and directly spying for the Germans. This was a moral and legal outrage, but it was not unique to England. 

The gravity of the war made it possible for the British government to expand the scope of it war powers inward and to blanket the home front in a very tight, all encompassing, and not altogether benevolent embrace.

Explain what made the U.S the most powerful nation on the planet in the late 1940s. Describe two different ways that U.S power and influence...

The United States became the most powerful nation in the world in the 1940s. There were reasons for this. Other countries were impacted by the development of our world power status.

After World War II ended, our economy did really well. People wanted to buy products that they were unable to buy during the war. The government also helped the economy grow by passing the GI Bill of Rights. This gave benefits to many veterans. They were able to further their education, buy homes, and invest in businesses. These factors also helped our economy grow.

The United States had developed a strong military, which grew stronger after the war ended. Unlike European countries that had been ravaged by two world wars from start to finish, the United States joined both wars after they began. We were able to build up and strengthen our military during and after these wars. We developed new technologies, such as atomic weapons, that gave us more power and influence. By the end of the war, it was clear we were the leader of the free world.

Our power was felt in many ways in many continents. We helped other countries remain noncommunist. The United States took the lead with the United Nations forces in helping keep South Korea free from communist rule. We led the United Nations forces in driving North Korea out of South Korea.

We also showed our influence in the Middle East. The United States backed Israel in its many disputes with Egypt. We gave both economic aid and military aid to Israel. Israel remains the only democracy in the region, partially as a result of this aid.

We have also been involved in helping bring communism to an end in Eastern Europe. Through economic pressure and diplomacy, President Reagan worked closely with the Soviet Union to encourage allowing more freedoms in the regions the Soviet Union controlled in Eastern Europe. As a result of the Soviet policies under Mikhail Gorbachev of Glasnost and Perestroika, changes began to occur in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union couldn’t keep up with our increased military spending. The Soviet economy began to falter, and these changes in policies under Mikhail Gorbachev led to movements that led to an end of communism in many Eastern European countries as well as in the Soviet Union.

The might of the United States was very clearly seen after World War II ended in many ways and in many places.

What happens to a meal of bread and fried eggs as it travels from the mouth to the stomach of a man?

Mouth/Teeth/Tongue

In the mouth, saliva adds moisture, while teeth tear and grind the bread and eggs into small pieces. The enzyme amylase is found in saliva. Amylase breaks down starches in the food. The tongue condenses the food particles into a ball that can be swallowed.  

Esophagus

Swallowing food closes the epiglottis in the throat so that the windpipe is blocked as the food particles travel by. Food is moved towards the stomach by the...

Mouth/Teeth/Tongue

In the mouth, saliva adds moisture, while teeth tear and grind the bread and eggs into small pieces. The enzyme amylase is found in saliva. Amylase breaks down starches in the food. The tongue condenses the food particles into a ball that can be swallowed.  

Esophagus

Swallowing food closes the epiglottis in the throat so that the windpipe is blocked as the food particles travel by. Food is moved towards the stomach by the contraction and relaxation of muscles in the esophagus. This process is called peristalsis. 

Stomach

Once the food reaches the stomach, chemicals such as hydrochloric acid and enzymes continue to break down the food particles for three to four hours. This turns the food particles into a substance called chyme. The chyme then moves through a valve at the bottom of the stomach and travels to the liver and gall bladder.

What is a line by line explanation of the poem "The Sign-Post" by Edward Thomas?

This poem is about how a person's perceptions change over time. It is about the choices we make and in the end, how one should appreciate life. 

The opening four lines illustrate a wintry setting. The "dim sea glints chill." This suggests that the light ("glints") is dim and cold. The sun is "shy" which indicates it is hiding behind clouds. It is "white" and with those clouds, the sky might be overcast. The grass is covered in frost. It is a cold, maybe even melancholy scene. 

The traveler, perhaps smoking a pipe, comes upon a "finger-post." This is simply a horizontal sign that points in a certain direction, perhaps towards a town. However, this idea of the "finger-post" or "sign-post" is metaphoric. It has to do with choices in life.

He reads the sign and wonders which way to go. He hears a few voices but one interpretation is that these are his own voices speaking to him from different times in his life. One voice notes that at twenty years old, he would have known which way to go immediately. However, at that age, he was so pessimistic that he wished he'd never been born. 

In the next section, the hazel shrub loses a leaf of gold. This image shows the passage of time. He wonders what choice he would make at sixty years old. Another voice tells him "You shall see" and they laugh together. The more mature voice explains that no matter what may happen, every life ends in death. "A mouthful of earth to remedy all / Regrets and wishes shall freely be given." Reminding himself of his own death, he tries to use this to find a way to appreciate the time he has on earth. 

If there is some flaw in heaven, he (speaking to himself) will wish to be back on earth no matter what the weather or the circumstances are. This more mature voice criticizes the speaker's pessimistic view of things when he was twenty. He is saying that even if he goes to heaven, he will want to be back on earth. Thus, the poem ends with the speaker admonishing his younger, pessimistic self to appreciate all aspects of life and to embrace and appreciate even having the free will to choose his own paths in life: 

To see what day or night can be,

The sun and the frost, the land and the sea,

Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring,—

With a poor man of any sort, down to a king,

Standing upright out in the air

Wondering where he shall journey, O where?” 

What is the significance of the quote "to prevent one death you will actually make other death?" Why is this statement important in understanding...

Imagine, if you will, that you have no allegiance to any country in the world. Imagine that you are an impartial, third-party observer, like an alien or a god. Imagine watching humans fight with each other across history. In order for humans from one empire to thrive, humans from another empire must die. It seems silly when you don't have any allegiances. 

When cultures collide (militarily, economically, socially, or whatever the case may be) one...

Imagine, if you will, that you have no allegiance to any country in the world. Imagine that you are an impartial, third-party observer, like an alien or a god. Imagine watching humans fight with each other across history. In order for humans from one empire to thrive, humans from another empire must die. It seems silly when you don't have any allegiances. 

When cultures collide (militarily, economically, socially, or whatever the case may be) one always has to prevail at the expense of the other. In preventing the death of one's own culture, another culture must die. 

In his book The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order, Samuel Huntington says this: "Every civilization sees itself as the center of the world and writes its history as the central drama of human history." Any civilization does what it must to prevent its own death. It is the good guy in its own history. This nearly always means the death of another culture or another culture's citizens. 

In order to get a grasp on this, let's examine a well known and violent culture clash from today's world: The West vs. ISIS. 

ISIS continues its terrorist attacks against Western culture. Western countries, feeling threatened and claiming self-defense, firebomb a known ISIS base. Western leaders believe they are preventing the death of Western citizens, but at the cost of causing other deaths, in this case ISIS members. 

To look at it even more metaphysically, ISIS and the West are two fundamentally incompatible cultures. One is theocratic and fascist, the other is secular (in theory) and democratic. The continued existence of Islamic States and ISIS is a threat to the continued existence of the West, and vice versa. 

Being citizens of a Western culture, ISIS seems the bad guy and us the good guys, bravely doing whatever is necessary to prevent the deaths of good, innocent people. 

But, to return to Huntington, "The West won the world not by the superiority of its ideas or values or religion… but rather by its superiority in applying organized violence. Westerners often forget this fact; non-Westerners never do."

In "The Bet," the banker says, "On my part it was the caprice of a pampered man, and on his part simple greed for money." Please explain to me why...

"Caprice" means sudden or impulsive.  Stores always put things like candy in the checkout lane, because they want customers to impulse buy.  They are trying to get customers to act capriciously.  

The banker believes that his making the bet was a capricious action, because the bet won't actually answer the question of whether or not the death penalty is better than life in prison.  He made the bet and wagered that much money, because...

"Caprice" means sudden or impulsive.  Stores always put things like candy in the checkout lane, because they want customers to impulse buy.  They are trying to get customers to act capriciously.  

The banker believes that his making the bet was a capricious action, because the bet won't actually answer the question of whether or not the death penalty is better than life in prison.  He made the bet and wagered that much money, because at the time, the money was a trivial amount.  

"To me two millions are a trifle, . . ."

Unfortunately, by the time the banker is telling his readers about his impulsive bet, he has come to regret it.  The reason for that is because the banker realizes that he is about to lose the bet.  Over the last fifteen years, he has lost most of his fortune, and now the two million rubles is all that he has left.  Losing his impulsive bet will now complete his financial ruin.  

"By our agreement I ought to pay him two millions. If I do pay him, it is all over with me: I shall be utterly ruined."

How were the Native Americans treated during the European expansion?

For the most part, the Native Americans were not treated well during European expansion. When the Europeans expanded to lands where the Native Americans lived, they often brought diseases with them to which the Native Americans had no immunity. The Native Americans got sick and often died from these diseases. Additionally, at times, the Europeans also enslaved the Native Americans.

The Europeans often exploited the minerals from the lands on which the Native Americans lived....

For the most part, the Native Americans were not treated well during European expansion. When the Europeans expanded to lands where the Native Americans lived, they often brought diseases with them to which the Native Americans had no immunity. The Native Americans got sick and often died from these diseases. Additionally, at times, the Europeans also enslaved the Native Americans.

The Europeans often exploited the minerals from the lands on which the Native Americans lived. Gold and silver were often sent back to Europe after the Europeans arrived. The Europeans had little to no regard for the Native Americans once the Europeans knew that minerals were found in these lands. More European explorations were launched with the hope of finding more minerals.

European expansion, for the most part, was not good for the Native Americans.

What are the reactions of Benvolio and Tybalt when they come upon the servants fighting?

The two men have opposite reactions. Benvolio, the first to encounter them, attempts to stop them from fighting. He tells them that they "know not what you do," and that, essentially, they will be in a great deal of trouble if they get caught. This is in keeping with Benvolio's personality throughout the play. He is loyal to the house of Montague, but he attempts to talk sense into the belligerents, including Mercurio later in...

The two men have opposite reactions. Benvolio, the first to encounter them, attempts to stop them from fighting. He tells them that they "know not what you do," and that, essentially, they will be in a great deal of trouble if they get caught. This is in keeping with Benvolio's personality throughout the play. He is loyal to the house of Montague, but he attempts to talk sense into the belligerents, including Mercurio later in the play. Tybalt, on the other hand, steps into the fight, and immediately challenges Benvolio to a duel. When Benvolio tells him that his sword was drawn in an attempt to keep the peace, Tybalt retorts that he hates the word peace, as much as he hates "hell, all Montagues, and thee." Tybalt is hot-headed and totally consumed by hatred for the Montagues and his desire to protect his own honor, which is seemingly constantly under threat. The Prince arrives, averting a duel and validating Benvolio's concern--he decrees death to whoever from the two families disturbs the peace.

Does Montesquieu believe that monarchy is always the best form of government? Why or why not?

In The Spirit of the Laws, Montesquieu discussed political theory and the three types of governments. He further described the merits of a constitutional system of government and the need for separation of powers.

Montesquieu acknowledged the existence of three types of governments: a republic, a monarchy, and despotism. A republic is considered democratic when it extends wider citizen rights and aristocratic when some of these rights are restricted. In a monarchy, there are...

In The Spirit of the Laws, Montesquieu discussed political theory and the three types of governments. He further described the merits of a constitutional system of government and the need for separation of powers.

Montesquieu acknowledged the existence of three types of governments: a republic, a monarchy, and despotism. A republic is considered democratic when it extends wider citizen rights and aristocratic when some of these rights are restricted. In a monarchy, there are fixed laws, but authority is vested in a king or queen. In a despotic government, authority is vested in a despot and the system has no fixed laws.

Montesquieu advocated for the separation of powers where the government is made up of three separate arms: the executive, legislature, and judiciary. The three arms are expected to check the powers of each other preventing the concentration of power around a particular individual or group. He further, suggested that separation of powers would be achieved in a democratic government.

Although his work was not an attack on the monarchical or despotic systems of government, Montesquieu asserted that a republic, especially a democracy, was a better form of governance. This was because a democracy would only succeed if founded on strong virtues.

THERE is no great share of probity necessary to support a monarchical or despotic government: the force of laws, in one, and the prince’s arm, in the other, are sufficient to direct and maintain the whole: but, in a popular state, one spring more is necessary, namely, virtue.

In addition, over-reliance on a despot places the government in a precarious position. When the individual fails, the state crumbles.

A moderate government may, whenever it pleases, and without the least danger, relax its springs: it supports itself by the laws and by its own internal strength. But, when a despotic prince ceases one single moment to lift up his arm, when he cannot instantly demolish those whom he has intrusted with the first employments, all is over: for, as fear, the spring of this government, no longer subsists, the people are left without a protector.

What was unusual about the way the tenants were chosen to live at Sunset Towers in The Westing Game?

The tenants of Sunset Towers were hand-picked. 

The first unusual thing about the Sunset Towers tenants is that the person who delivers the advertisement, Barney Northrup, is sixty-two years old.  He is riding around town hand-delivering letters.  The description of Sunset Towers makes it perfect for the people who get the letters.  For example, there is space for a dentist, a coffee shop, and a restaurant.  Also unusual is the fact that everyone who...

The tenants of Sunset Towers were hand-picked. 

The first unusual thing about the Sunset Towers tenants is that the person who delivers the advertisement, Barney Northrup, is sixty-two years old.  He is riding around town hand-delivering letters.  The description of Sunset Towers makes it perfect for the people who get the letters.  For example, there is space for a dentist, a coffee shop, and a restaurant.  Also unusual is the fact that everyone who gets a letter makes an appointment to see the place. 

When showing the Wexlers their apartment, Northrup knows exactly what to say to impress them. 

“You’re really in luck,” Barney Northrup said. “There’s only one apartment left, but you’ll love it. It was meant for you.” He flung open the door to 3D. “Now, is that breathtaking, or is that breathtaking?” (Ch. 1) 

Realtors often say that a place is meant for you when showing it to you, but in this case he means it.  Each tenant was hand-picked, and a letter hand-delivered.  There is an apartment for each of them.  They are Westing family heirs.  However, as we are told, there is just one problem. 

Who were these people, these specially selected tenants? They were mothers and fathers and children. A dressmaker, a secretary, an inventor, a doctor, a judge. And, oh yes, one was a bookie, one was a burglar, one was a bomber, and one was a mistake. Barney Northrup had rented one of the apartments to the wrong person. (Ch. 1) 

It turns out that Sydelle Pulaski was chosen by mistake.  The private investigator who was supposed to find everyone, Otis Amber, found Sydelle Pulaski instead of Sybil Pulaski.  Other than that, everyone was hand-picked by Sam Westing to play the Westing Game.  He wanted to get to know his heirs, and find out what kind of people they were.  Westing was an eccentric man.

What is the significance of killing a mockingbird in To Kill a Mockingbird?

The meaning of the phrase is that innocents deserve protection. 

The mockingbird is symbolic to the story. Book titles often come from a meaningful message said by a character.  In this book, when Jem and Scout get guns for Christmas, their father tells them to be careful where they point them. 

Atticus said to Jem one day, “I’d rather you shot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know you’ll go after birds....

The meaning of the phrase is that innocents deserve protection. 

The mockingbird is symbolic to the story. Book titles often come from a meaningful message said by a character.  In this book, when Jem and Scout get guns for Christmas, their father tells them to be careful where they point them. 

Atticus said to Jem one day, “I’d rather you shot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know you’ll go after birds. Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” (Ch. 10)

Scout is puzzled, because she has never really heard her father say it is a sin to do anything. She asks Miss Maudie, a neighbor woman who is a good friend of Scout’s and does not talk down to her even though she is a little girl. Miss Maudie explains what Atticus meant by saying you should not shoot mockingbirds.

“Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” (Ch. 10) 

Scout ponders this for a while.  She realizes that some people target others who are vulnerable.  She notices that there are several people in her society who are mockingbirds. Mr. Underwood compares Tom Robinson to a mockingbird when he is shot escaping prison. Underwood is a racist, but doesn’t approve of shooting a crippled, unarmed man. 

Scout also compares Boo Radley to a mockingbird at the end of the book, when she realizes that he has been a victim too, and deserves protection. Scout has gone from seeing Boo as a monster to understanding that he is one of society's outcasts, a victim of a cruel world.

What changes do the villagers want to make in honor of Esteban in the short story "The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World"?

Despite the fact he is dead, the drowned man who is discovered washed up in a small seaside village is considered like a superman in Gabriel García Márquez's short story "The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World." He is a very large man and the women of the village who sew new clothes for him believe him to be beautiful. One of the women gives him the name Esteban and they all agree it suits...

Despite the fact he is dead, the drowned man who is discovered washed up in a small seaside village is considered like a superman in Gabriel García Márquez's short story "The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World." He is a very large man and the women of the village who sew new clothes for him believe him to be beautiful. One of the women gives him the name Esteban and they all agree it suits the drowned man quite well.

Esteban becomes a hero for the villagers and they prepare a splendid funeral for the man, whose identity is never discovered. Márquez tells the reader that in Esteban's honor the villagers widen the doors of their houses and build the ceilings higher so his "memory could go everywhere." They planned to paint their house fronts bright colors, dig for springs on the cliffs and plant flowers which could be seen by the passengers on passing ships. When the captain would see the flowers, he would tell all that it was Esteban's village.

What is the probability that any two humans with the same parents will be identical (other than identical twins)? Show the calculations (a) for...

a. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes (because each human got one set of 23 chromosomes from mom and one set of 23 chromosomes from dad) that duplicate and then divide twice during meiosis. At the end of meiosis, each cell (whether that be an egg or a sperm) has only one of each of the 23 chromosomes, which is half of what the cell started with. It is random which chromosome of the original...

a. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes (because each human got one set of 23 chromosomes from mom and one set of 23 chromosomes from dad) that duplicate and then divide twice during meiosis. At the end of meiosis, each cell (whether that be an egg or a sperm) has only one of each of the 23 chromosomes, which is half of what the cell started with. It is random which chromosome of the original pair ends up in an individual egg or sperm. Because there are two possibilities for each chromosome and 23 different chromosomes, there are 
`2^23=8,388,608`

possible combinations of the 23 chromosomes for an egg or sperm. 

b. Now, to make an individual one sperm meets up with one egg. An individual has a `1/2^23` chance of getting a certain combination of chromosomes from dad and a `1/2^23` chance of getting a certain combination of chromosomes from mom. Rules of probability tell us to multiply those together when we want both events to occur, so that leaves a `1/2^46 = 1/70368744177664` chance of an individual getting the specific set of chromosomes they have.

In order for this to happen again for an identical sibling, we would then multiply this by itself (using the same rule of probability), and we have a `1/2^92 = 1/4951760157141521099596496896` chance of another individual having the identical combination of chromosomes. And if you take crossing over into account, the chances go lower still. This is why it is essentially impossible to have two identical individuals from the same parents (excluding identical twins of course).

` `

Does emotion or logic triumph in Sense and Sensibility?

It's easy to see Sense and Sensibility as a story in which logic ("sense," Elinor) is pitted against emotion ("sensibility," Marianne) but I think that is a misreading of the book. I think Austen's point is that both qualities are necessary for happiness and that both Elinor and Marianne suffer as a result of favoring one over the other.

In Marianne's case, her relationship with Willoughby is an example of an excess of sensibility. Marianne truly believes that she and Willoughby share a deep understanding that they discover by way of their mutual appreciation of art and literature. In Chapter 9, Austen writes of the pair:

Their taste was strikingly alike. The same books, the same passages were idolized by each—or if any difference appeared, any objection arose, it lasted no longer than till the force of her arguments and the brightness of her eyes could be displayed. He acquiesced in all her decisions, caught all her enthusiasm; and long before his visit concluded, they conversed with the familiarity of a long-established acquaintance.

It is an open question how much Willoughby might actually feel for Marianne; Austen's sly comment about how any disagreement was settled "by the brightness of her eyes" suggests that Marianne might be wrong about his enthusiasm for literature. Marianne and Willoughby seem to have a lot in common, but (we find) Marianne is wrong about him: Willoughby's subsequent actions—his cutting Marianne at the ball, and eventual marriage, and especially his desperate visit to the sick Marianne in Chapter 44—show that passion, however heartfelt, is not a firm basis for a relationship.

Elinor is similarly deceived by Edward. Unlike Marianne, who perhaps is too open with Willoughby, Elinor's struggle with Edward is to find a safe space in which they can talk. This "delicacy"—the guarded way of speaking that Marianne cannot stand—has its own costs. Edward also has a secret: even though he is attracted to Elinor (and pursuing her in his way), he actually is engaged to Lucy Steele. And also like Willoughby, Edward seems unaware of how his behavior affects others. In Chapter 49, Elinor tells him his behaviour was wrong, and he replies:

“I was simple enough to think, that because my FAITH was plighted to another, there could be no danger in my being with you; and that the consciousness of my engagement was to keep my heart as safe and sacred as my honour. I felt that I admired you, but I told myself it was only friendship; and till I began to make comparisons between yourself and Lucy, I did not know how far I was got. After that, I suppose, I WAS wrong in remaining so much in Sussex, and the arguments with which I reconciled myself to the expediency of it, were no better than these:—The danger is my own; I am doing no injury to anybody but myself."

Elinor smiled, and shook her head.

In fact, Edward caused a great deal of suffering. Elinor's mortification on finding out about Edward's engagement, and her determination to keep Lucy's secret despite the personal emotional cost, cost her dearly.

It can be argued that Marianne's marriage to Col Brandon shows that Austen values sense over sensibility, but to me all the characters are only able to fully connect with each other when they embrace both sense and sensibility: Marianne must learn the hard way about her openness with Willoughby, and Elinor is only happy when she can at long last unburden her heart to Edward.

How did the U.S. Constitution succeed when the Articles of Confederation failed?

America's first formal attempt to organize itself as an independent country commenced with the adoption of the Articles of Confederation in 1781. This document reflected America's wariness over centralized authority and the tendency for governments to control and tyrannize their member states.

After recently separating itself from the oppressive control of the British, American leaders were in no mood to relinquish control to a governing entity of their own country. When they drafted and passed...

America's first formal attempt to organize itself as an independent country commenced with the adoption of the Articles of Confederation in 1781. This document reflected America's wariness over centralized authority and the tendency for governments to control and tyrannize their member states.

After recently separating itself from the oppressive control of the British, American leaders were in no mood to relinquish control to a governing entity of their own country. When they drafted and passed the Articles of Confederation, they made the federal government weak. Unfortunately, they also made it ineffectual in several important respects.

Taxation: The federal government could not levy taxes. America was struggling to repay war debts and could not do so without money. The Constitution provided means to tax, although the U.S. still did not have a federal income tax for many years. 

Executive Leadership: The Articles did not authorize the election or appointment of a national leader—a position we now refer to as a president. Without a national leader, it is difficult to organize and motivate member states to act in the national interest. The Constitution provided for the election of a president.

Trade: The weak federal government could not regulate trade with foreign countries, leaving states to make their own treaties. States worked against each other in this respect. There was also no national currency, which impeded interstate economic activity. The Constitution gave the federal government the power to negotiate trade deals with other countries and establish a national monetary system. 

These are just a few of the major problems associated with the Articles of Confederation. In 1789, the Constitution as we now know it was enacted. It greatly increased the power of the central government in all the areas listed above. 

In Doris Lessing's story, "Through the Tunnel," what types of fear are described and analyzed?

First, Jerry's mother fears that she might be "keeping him too close" and failing to give him enough freedom. However, since he is only eleven, she fears giving him too much freedom as well.  This is a sort of quintessential parental fear, and her single-parent status may make her even more apprehensive about making a mistake than she would be if Jerry's father were alive to help guide him.

Then, there is Jerry's fear that...

First, Jerry's mother fears that she might be "keeping him too close" and failing to give him enough freedom. However, since he is only eleven, she fears giving him too much freedom as well.  This is a sort of quintessential parental fear, and her single-parent status may make her even more apprehensive about making a mistake than she would be if Jerry's father were alive to help guide him.

Then, there is Jerry's fear that he doesn't fit in with the older, local boys who are playing on the rocks.  Though they accept him at first, after they swim through the tunnel in the rock and he begins to panic, they leave him behind.  He is aware that they left to get away from him, because he recognized the look on their faces when he had clowned around, trying to get their attention.  He cries after they leave because his fear is confirmed.

Further, during the time when the boys are swimming through the tunnel, Jerry also fears that they are dying down under the water.  He is sure they can't be holding their breath for so long, and he grows frantic at the thought that they could be drowning.  He later fears, when he is swimming through the tunnel, that he will die there too.  He seems to actually lose consciousness once or twice, and becomes aware that he has lost count and has no idea how long he has been under water. 

How is wind turned into electricity?

Wind is converted into electricity by using a wind turbine or, more specifically, a generator. 

Wind is generated due to the uneven heating of Earth's atmosphere, irregularities of surface, etc. When wind blows, its molecules have kinetic energy. This kinetic energy is used to turn the blades of a turbine. This rotational motion of the blades turns the shaft of a generator, which produces electricity.

A modern wind turbine consists of blades, generator, a support...

Wind is converted into electricity by using a wind turbine or, more specifically, a generator. 

Wind is generated due to the uneven heating of Earth's atmosphere, irregularities of surface, etc. When wind blows, its molecules have kinetic energy. This kinetic energy is used to turn the blades of a turbine. This rotational motion of the blades turns the shaft of a generator, which produces electricity.

A modern wind turbine consists of blades, generator, a support structure, etc. These are deployed in windy regions and can generate a large amount of electricity, depending on their size and wind velocity, etc. The wind turbines can be horizontal-axis turbines or vertical-axis turbines. Most of the turbines we commonly see are of the former variety. 

Wind turbines are typically installed in large numbers in a given region, thus forming a wind farm.

Hope this helps.

What are the most important events in Chapters 17 and 18 of The Silver Sword?

Here are the important events from these two chapters in point form for you. 

In Chapter 17:

• Edek is still suffering from ill health so Ruth decides to stop travelling and rest for a week.


• The children camp in a meadow.


• Jan and Ruth find temporary work in a village nearby.


• Jan starts coming back with tins of food.


• Edek realizes Jan must be stealing the food.


• Edek follows Jan to the train track and discovers Jan cutting signal wires to stop trains.


• Edek is the one who gets in trouble for this stunt.

In Chapter 18:

• The American military charges Edek with being part of a local gang that has been robbing trains.


• Edek tries to explain what happened, and Ruth, Bronia, and Jan show up at the hearing.


• Ruth persuades Jan to admit that he was the one working with the gang.


• Captain Greenwood, the judge at the hearing, is understanding but tries to convince Jan of the unlawfulness of his actions.


• Jan promises to listen to Ruth in the future.


• Captain Greenwood gives Jan the choice of paying a fine or spending time in prison.


• Since the children don't have any money, Jan has to accept the prison term.

You can read more summaries and analyses of The Silver Sword .