What role do the minor characters play in the novel Of Mice and Men?

The majority of the minor characters in Of Mice and Men play rather large roles in the story. Characters such as Curley's wife and Carlson are instrumental in moving the story along and demonstrating the beliefs of the particular time. 

Curley's wife is a good example of how women were viewed during the Great Depression era. It was a difficult time period, as both jobs and money were scarce. Curley's wife has dreams too, dreams...

The majority of the minor characters in Of Mice and Men play rather large roles in the story. Characters such as Curley's wife and Carlson are instrumental in moving the story along and demonstrating the beliefs of the particular time. 

Curley's wife is a good example of how women were viewed during the Great Depression era. It was a difficult time period, as both jobs and money were scarce. Curley's wife has dreams too, dreams that she shares about making it big, going to Hollywood, and starring in the movies. We never do learn her name though, despite the fact that her death drives George's decision to euthanize Lennie. Women fall into two categories in this text: "good" and "bad". We're really not given any examples of women who fall into the "good" category, with the possible exception of the girl whose dress is torn by Lennie in Weed. Despite her minor character status, Curley's wife is an instrumental and integral piece in understanding the thought processes of the main characters. 

Carlson is another minor character that is essential to understanding the text. He represents an "every man" type of character. He's the classic migrant worker, not too much of a thinker, not necessarily mean spirited, but definitely self-involved. Who isn't self-involved these days? It's the Great Depression and you've got to look after yourself. No one else will look out for you. Unless, of course, you're Lennie and George. That's part of what sets them apart. They've got each other. It's also what further illustrates the sadness of what George has to do in euthanizing Lennie at the end of the text. Carlson's thoughtlessness and lack of tact is demonstrated with how he behaves in the euthanization of Candy's dog and again at the end of the text in his behavior with George. 

What is the most interesting feature in the story "The Last Leaf"?

The most interesting feature of O. Henry's "The Last Leaf" is the ironic reversal of the story and the manner in which it is achieved.

When Sue first asks Mr. Behrman if he will pose, as well as informing him of Johnsy's "fancy" that she will also die when the last ivy leaf falls outside her window, the little curmudgeon "shout[s] his contempt and derision for such idiotic imaginings." He exclaims that it is foolish to think that one should die just because the leaves all fall from "a confounded vine." Furthermore, he refuses to pose for Sue.

Apparently, Mr. Behrman is an irascible little man. However, he does change his mind after Sue calls him an "old fibbertigibbet," an old-fashioned word which means one who is overly talkative and flighty. Perhaps Behrman resents being called this because he agrees to come upstairs and pose after all. Or, perhaps he lets his veneer of gruffness down; for he then exclaims that their lodging in Greenwich Village is no place for someone as good as Johnsy to lie sick. He exclaims with dramatic irony that he will paint his masterpiece and they will all move away.

When Sue and Behrman reach Johnsy's room, they peer out the window with trepidation. Then they look at each other momentarily without speaking. Behrman quietly poses; later, he returns to his apartment. The next morning Johnsy asks Sue to pull up the shade. "Wearily Sue obey[s]." Surprisingly, the ivy leaf remains there against the window; nevertheless, Johnsy insists that it will fall and she will then die. Yet the next day it is still there. With resolve after this occurrence, Johnsy tells her loving friend,

"I've been a bad girl, Sudie....Something has made that last leaf stay there to show me how wicked I was. It is a sin to want to die. You may bring me a little broth now...."

With Johnsy's will to live revitalized, the doctor gives her "even chances" to recover. But, he informs Sue, he must go downstairs to Mr. Behrman who has contracted pneumonia and is going to be taken to the hospital to be made more comfortable though he has no chance of recovery.
After Johnsy gets stronger, Sue tells her of Behrman's heroic deed:

"...it's Behrman's masterpiece—he painted it there the night that the last leaf fell." 

This moving statement of Sue's provides the surprise ending and adds great poignancy to this ironic reversal in O. Henry's "The Last Leaf."

Preheating a crucible prior to strong heating prevents?

Preheating a crucible before strong heating can be done for a number of reasons depending on the application for which the crucible will be used. Firstly, preheating of a crucible before use is important for reducing thermal stress on the crucible. This is extremely important when using a crucible for the first time, as it will keep it from cracking thanks to a slow controlled heating, ensuring it will last longer. It...

Preheating a crucible before strong heating can be done for a number of reasons depending on the application for which the crucible will be used. Firstly, preheating of a crucible before use is important for reducing thermal stress on the crucible. This is extremely important when using a crucible for the first time, as it will keep it from cracking thanks to a slow controlled heating, ensuring it will last longer. It is also important in applications where very high levels of heat are necessary, such as in smelting, where high levels of heat are used to isolate various metals based on their melting points.

A second reason to preheat a crucible is to ensure accurate measurements. If a crucible is weighed cold, or below room temperature, it is possible that moisture may become trapped in the material of the crucible. This moisture leads to variable amounts of excess weight. By using a series of preheating and cooling steps each time a measurement is taken, one can extract this moisture reliability, and repeatably, and get a more accurate measurement of the crucibles weight before the substance is placed inside. This is critical when exact measurements down to ten-thousandths of a gram must be made. Without proper preheating before measurements, not only is accuracy decreased, but replicability in measurement as well. Hope this helps!  

What signs do we see in the text of Young Goodman Brown that this destination is a frightening one on this particular night of the year?

One of the things about Young Goodman Brown is the way reality and dream interpenetrate. The story begins with Goodman Brown leaving on a mysterious journey; his wife, Faith, asks him not to go, and he thinks to himself that it is good she does not know what "work is to be done tonight," and the thought of her purity makes him want to hurry and be finished with his current "evil purpose."

We don't...

One of the things about Young Goodman Brown is the way reality and dream interpenetrate. The story begins with Goodman Brown leaving on a mysterious journey; his wife, Faith, asks him not to go, and he thinks to himself that it is good she does not know what "work is to be done tonight," and the thought of her purity makes him want to hurry and be finished with his current "evil purpose."

We don't know what his "purpose" is, but there is plenty to suggest that Goodman Brown is into some scary stuff. Goodman Brown enters the forest where he fears there might be "a devilish Indian behind every tree." The man he is to meet in the forest has a strange resemblance to Goodman Brown -- could he be his father? He carries a staff worked into the shape of a snake, which seems to move, though it must be an "ocular deception." Later they overtake Goody Cloyse, Goodman Brown's old teacher and spiritual advisor, on the path. Goody Cloyse talks about the "meeting" and how "a nice young man is to be taken into communion tonight." She complains how her broomstick has "disappeared," and about having to walk, and the old man throws his snake-staff down before her, which causes her to vanish.

Clearly, at this point, though we do not know exactly with the meeting might be, we have left the daylight world of Salem village and have entered shadow world in which people who we presumed to be good are in fact just the opposite. This insight is brought home to Him when he reaches the meeting and finds that he himself, and his wife Faith, are the ones to be baptized in evil!

In The Importance of Being Earnest, why did Lady Bracknell say, "When I married Lord Bracknell I had no fortune of any kind"? Analyze the quote.

Lady Bracknell has just learned the the woman her nephew, Algernon, wishes to marry, Cecily Cardew, is very rich, and though she first opposed the match, when she finds out how wealthy Cecily is she begins to think it a good idea.  However, she tells Cecily, that "Algernon has nothing but his debts to depend upon."  In other words, he has no money of his own.  Then she says,

But I do not approve of...

Lady Bracknell has just learned the the woman her nephew, Algernon, wishes to marry, Cecily Cardew, is very rich, and though she first opposed the match, when she finds out how wealthy Cecily is she begins to think it a good idea.  However, she tells Cecily, that "Algernon has nothing but his debts to depend upon."  In other words, he has no money of his own.  Then she says,

But I do not approve of mercenary marriages.  When I married Lord Bracknell, I had no fortune of any kind.  But I never dreamed for a moment of allowing that to stand in my way. 

A "mercenary marriage" is one in which one partner marries a much richer partner, and the richer partner's money often makes them a great deal more desirable a marriage partner than they would otherwise be.  So, a person who claims not to believe in mercenary marriages would not be in favor of Algernon's marriage to Cecily (because she has a great deal more money), and that person would not marry someone so very much richer than themselves, either.  Therefore, when Lady Bracknell says that she had no fortune and never let that stand in her way when pursuing Lord Bracknell, she is directly contradicting her statement that she does not approve of mercenary marriages!  This contradiction, however, is in keeping with much of her character's other "principled" beliefs.  Just prior to this, when inspecting Cecily, she'd actually said, "We live, I regret to say, in an age of surfaces," and this is precisely what her contradiction shows us.  She claims, on the surface, not to approve of mercenary marriages because that is the socially-appropriate opinion for a woman of her status; however, she really does approve of them.  Further, she enjoys such high status that she need not even be concerned about this contradiction between appearance and reality; however, Wilde masterfully employs irony of all kinds to point out society's double standards in this play.

Why did people move to America?

Over the years, people have tended to move to the United States for one (or both) of two main reasons.  They have moved to the US to find greater economic opportunities or they have moved to have greater personal and political liberty.

America has long been seen as the “land of opportunity.”  People have moved here when jobs seemed scarce in their home countries.  They have moved here when bad economic times have hit their...

Over the years, people have tended to move to the United States for one (or both) of two main reasons.  They have moved to the US to find greater economic opportunities or they have moved to have greater personal and political liberty.

America has long been seen as the “land of opportunity.”  People have moved here when jobs seemed scarce in their home countries.  They have moved here when bad economic times have hit their countries, as with the Irish potato famine of the 1840s.  Today, immigrants come from Latin America (whether legally or illegally) because they feel that they can get better jobs here in the US.

America has also long been seen as the “land of the free.” People have moved here in hopes of escaping persecution of various sorts at home.  Germans fled to the US after the failed revolution in their country in the 1840s.  Jews came to the US in the late 1800s in part because of pogroms in Eastern Europe.  Cubans and Vietnamese came to the US after their countries each fell to communism.  The idea that the US is a country in which people have personal and political liberties is a major draw.

Thus, there are two main reasons why people have “moved to America.”  They have done so partly for economic reasons and partly for reasons having to do with freedom.

Why is Barton shocked upon first discovering the identity of the stowaway in Tom Godwin's short story "The Cold Equations"?

In Tom Godwin's short story "The Cold Equations," Barton is shocked upon discovering the stowaway is a young girl because most people exploring and colonizing outer space are men. Therefore, he expects the stowaway to be a man.Having been first written and published in 1954, Godwin's short story still reflects the biased notion that the hardest work is done by men. Exploring and colonizing outer space are extremely dangerous jobs because the...

In Tom Godwin's short story "The Cold Equations," Barton is shocked upon discovering the stowaway is a young girl because most people exploring and colonizing outer space are men. Therefore, he expects the stowaway to be a man.

Having been first written and published in 1954, Godwin's short story still reflects the biased notion that the hardest work is done by men. Exploring and colonizing outer space are extremely dangerous jobs because the explorers and colonizers face many unknowns. In addition, the colonies on separate planets are so spread out that it becomes challenging to deliver emergency supplies and assistance to those in need, which further limits the chances of survival. Since most people working in outer space are men, Barton is very accustomed to the sight of men's deaths and accepts death as an inevitable consequence of being at the mercy of the laws of nature. He is even accustomed to associating many of the men in outer space with ulterior motives, such as criminals escaping justice or opportunists trying to "find golden fleece for the taking." As a result, he feels prepared to take the life of a male stowaway, but completely unprepared to take the life of a young, innocent, naive girl. Hence, Barton is shocked to find the stowaway is a girl because she stands in stark contrast to everything else he has experienced and witnessed in outer space.

In To Kill a Mockingbird, how does Scout Finch's impulsiveness help her throughout the novel?

In general, Scout's impulsive behavior gets her into trouble at times, but in the end, it helps her to learn new things. She always wants to voice her opinion and always wants to know what is going on. As a result, she is always involved in talking about things and learns in the process. She, Jem, and Dill are impulsive (and calculating) in their preoccupation with Boo Radley. As a result, Boo actually interacts with...

In general, Scout's impulsive behavior gets her into trouble at times, but in the end, it helps her to learn new things. She always wants to voice her opinion and always wants to know what is going on. As a result, she is always involved in talking about things and learns in the process. She, Jem, and Dill are impulsive (and calculating) in their preoccupation with Boo Radley. As a result, Boo actually interacts with them in secret, even finding it humorous when they mock him. This actually leads to an odd type of indirect friendship which ends up saving Scout's and Jem's lives. 

For a more specific example of Scout's impulsiveness that is fortuitous, look to Chapter 15. Atticus has gone to guard the jail to protect Tom Robinson. As he'd feared, a mob shows up to attack Tom. Scout, Jem, and Dill follow Atticus down to the jail without his knowledge. When the mob confronts Atticus, Scout runs to him with Jem and Dill following. Atticus demands that the children go home. Jem refuses. In an attempt to be friendly, Scout impulsively starts talking to Walter Cunningham Sr. about entailments. She mentions how his son is a nice boy and to say hello for her. Atticus, Jem, and the entire mob are dumbfounded when Scout goes into this monologue. Finally, Walter Sr. tells Scout he will inform Walter Jr. that she said hello. Then he orders the mob to go home. Scout's impulsive behavior inadvertently (although maybe it was partially deliberate) causes the mob to go home. The threat of violence is averted. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of single entry bookkeeping?

Single entry bookkeeping is a simple accounting system that allows only a single entry of each of the accounting transactions into the record.  It is used in small businesses or simple applications and it does not call for the keeping of ledgers or journals.

Advantages:

• Single entry bookkeeping is not only easy to understand but also easy to implement, track and maintain. There are no fixed principles to be followed when performing financial transactions.


• Single entry bookkeeping is an economical accounting system as the recording of financial transactions does not call for the hiring of highly skilled accounting professionals.


• Profits can be easily determined in single entry bookkeeping by a comparison between the closing and the opening balance of the given period.

Disadvantages:

• Single entry bookkeeping is prone to error and fraud, as it does not aid in the checking of arithmetical accuracy of financial information.


• The lack of a guiding set of principles for performing financial transactions make single entry bookkeeping unsystematic and therefore unscientific as it is not standardized.


• The recording of only one aspect of the financial transactions makes single entry bookkeeping an incomplete system.

Why is "Hedda Gabler" a realistic play? Consider the difference between "Hedda Gabler" and "Hamlet."

Hedda Gabler, a play by Henrik Ibsen, could be considered "realistic" in two different major ways. First, the play is considered a realism, which is a style of theater. Many people believe Henrik Ibsen perfected the style of realism, although this is debated. However, his plays are considered realisms because there are four aspects in his plays that exist:

1. They make problems in society the subject of debate.


2. They have a socio-critical perspective.


3. The action...

Hedda Gabler, a play by Henrik Ibsen, could be considered "realistic" in two different major ways. First, the play is considered a realism, which is a style of theater. Many people believe Henrik Ibsen perfected the style of realism, although this is debated. However, his plays are considered realisms because there are four aspects in his plays that exist:

1. They make problems in society the subject of debate.


2. They have a socio-critical perspective.


3. The action is in a contemporary setting.


4. They present everyday people and situations. (From the Library of Norway)

Hedda Gabler is concerned with problems within society, and the characters in the play are frequently concerned about their role within society. While it is character-based, the play is also interested in systemic problems. This is a classic definition of dramatic realism.

Secondly, the play is acted in the style of realism, meaning the actors are concerned about being perceived as "realistic." The acting style of realism is not always the same as the form of realism. This is sometimes hard to understand, as most contemporary acting styles are based in realism (think of movies). However, there are many different acting styles in the history of theater.

Hedda Gabler and Hamlet are often compared to each other, as Hamlet is considered to be the hardest male role to play and Hedda Gabler is considered to be the hardest female role to play. However, the plays' styles are radically different. Hedda Gabler is a realism play, while Hamlet is created in a classical Elizabethan style. Today, Hamlet is often performed in the style of realism, but it is not a realism play. 

In Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," is the lottery a collective act of murder?

The lottery is collective murder because everyone in the town acts as a mob, choosing one person at random to kill a year.

There is no one person who is the evil genius at work in this village.  No serial killer is preying on these poor people.  They consent to the entire thing.  The people of this village are so beholden to tradition that it is stronger than both human dignity and common sense.  They value tradition over life.

The lottery is a fundamental part of the fabric of village life.  Consider Old Man Warner’s response to the rumor that nearby villages are discontinuing their lottery.

Old Man Warner snorted. "Pack of crazy fools," he said. "Listening to the young folks, nothing's good enough for them. Next thing you know, they'll be wanting to go back to living in caves, nobody work any more, live hat way for a while. …. There's always been a lottery… 

He never gives a reason why there should be a lottery, or the purpose for it.  He never questions the killing. He just says that there has always been a lottery, and that means there should always be one.

The town is even afraid to replace the black box and the three-legged stool.  Everything must remain exactly the same.  Even when Tessie’s name is called, the complaints she makes are not that the lottery is wrong, but that the process was somehow unfair this time. 

People began to look around to see the Hutchinsons. Bill Hutchinson was standing quiet, staring down at the paper in his hand. Suddenly. Tessie Hutchinson shouted to Mr. Summers. "You didn't give him time enough to take any paper he wanted. I saw you. It wasn't fair!" 

Tessie is told to be a “good sport.”  If that isn’t crazy enough, they even give her very young son pebbles to throw at her so he can take part in the public stoning of his mother.  No one avoids the lottery.  Both the very young and the very old participate and no one asks questions.  That is state-sanctioned collective murder for no reason at all.

What do Scrooges's books represent in "A Christmas Carol"?

In A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, there are two types of books mentioned. The first are those used in his counting house, where he treats Bob Cratchit like a slave. Those books represent the greed and selfishness of the upper class in general and of Ebenezer Scrooge specifically. 

Later, in Stave II, the Ghost of Christmas Past takes Mr. Scrooge to the boarding school where Scrooge spent much of his childhood. Scrooge sees his...

In A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, there are two types of books mentioned. The first are those used in his counting house, where he treats Bob Cratchit like a slave. Those books represent the greed and selfishness of the upper class in general and of Ebenezer Scrooge specifically. 

Later, in Stave II, the Ghost of Christmas Past takes Mr. Scrooge to the boarding school where Scrooge spent much of his childhood. Scrooge sees his younger self sitting all alone at a desk reading. These books represent his imagination and joy. He remembers how the books of his childhood came alive for him especially when he was lonely. 

"'Why, it's Ali Baba!" Scrooge exclaimed in ecstasy. It's dear old honest Ali Baba!  Yes, yes, I know!  One Christmastime, when yonder solitary child was left here all alone, he did come, for the first time, just like that. Poor boy! And Valentine,' said Scrooge, 'and his wild brother Orson; there they go!'" (Dickens 37)

He goes on to talk about the adventures of Robinson Crusoe, and other beloved books he read as a boy. They represent his innocent self from a time before money took over his life--a self, who despite his loneliness, found joy.

How do the use of bird images in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre impact the plot?

During the Romantic period, authors sought inspiration in nature. Bronte uses many descriptions of nature to demonstrate the connection Jane has with it and that she watches it for omens. Many times throughout the novel Jane will stop to listen and to observe what is going on in nature. She binds herself to god and religion when it comes to making moral choices, but she also sees omens in nature that help her to understand what is going on in her own life. If the storms are raging, so is her life. If she is happy, then nature will be also. Jane's perception is as follows:

"Nature must be gladsome when I was so happy" (261).

The birds sing and bring a quality of happiness and peace to life. Jane recognizes them singing when she is in a state of peace. Jane is happiest when she is with Mr. Rochester, so the birds are generally singing when they are together, as in the following passage:

". . . the birds sang in the tree-tops; but their son, however sweet, was inarticulate. . . the birds went on carolling, the leaves lightly rustling. I almost wondered they did not check their songs and whispers to catch the suspended revelation. . ." (222).

This passage is at a time when Jane is uncertain about Mr. Rochester's feelings for her and he was sending mixed messages. The birds' songs were also indecipherable to Jane which shows the connection between what Jane's is experiencing and the birds. This drives the plot because in this case there is suspense and wonder to what will happen between them.

Jane's relationship with birds starts very young as she finds a book about them at Mrs. Reed's house. While reading the book about birds, she imagines them flying all around the world and visiting different places. This symbolizes her desire to be independent and to be able to go and do what she would like, without having mean adults dictate to her what to do. Birds later show up in her paintings and signal to the reader when something happy is going on or how Jane is feeling at the time of the painting. The only other time Jane describes birds outside of nature or her paintings is when she compares the women guests at Thornfield to them, as follows:

"They dispersed about the room; reminding me, by the lightness and buoyancy of their movements, of a flock of white plumy birds. Some of them threw themselves in half-reclining positions on the sofas and the ottomans: some bent over the tables and examined the flowers and books: the rest gathered in a group round the fire. . ." (173).

There are many other descriptions of birds throughout the book, but they move the plot forward because of how Jane observes, listens and responds to their songs. When birds are not around, and there is a storm brewing, Jane usually takes that as an omen of something bad will happen soon; or as otherwise stated, it is a mirror of what is actually happening in her life. 

What actions illustrated Odysseus's confidence on Circe's island?

As an epic hero, Odysseus displayed self-assurance constantly throughout his return trip home. However, on Circe's island of Aeaea, his confidence is illustrated through his words and actions, and his success is highlighted by his ability to convince the sorceress to return his men from pigs back into soldiers.

The first crew (led by Eurylochus) to scout the island had the unfortunate luck of being lured to her palace by Circe's beautiful singing voice. After calling to her, the...

As an epic hero, Odysseus displayed self-assurance constantly throughout his return trip home. However, on Circe's island of Aeaea, his confidence is illustrated through his words and actions, and his success is highlighted by his ability to convince the sorceress to return his men from pigs back into soldiers.

The first crew (led by Eurylochus) to scout the island had the unfortunate luck of being lured to her palace by Circe's beautiful singing voice. After calling to her, the sorceress appeared to the men and invited them in for food and drink. However, their acceptance of her offer was a grave mistake: "When they had swallowed it, she gave them a tap of her wand at once and herded them into pens; for they now had pigs' heads and grunts and bristles, pigs all over except their minds were the same as before," (Book X).

When Odysseus received word of these events, (from Eurylochus who stayed back from the palace fearing a trap) he immediately knew what he had to do, "at once, I slung my sword over my shoulders, the large one, bronze with silver knobs, and the bow with it, and told [Eurylochus] to go back with me and show me the way," (Book X). However, Eurylochus refused because he feared for his own and his master's life.

Odysseus never backed down, and his confidence as a leader dictated his responsibility and supported his bravery and self-assuredness. He drove on, allowing Eurylochus to stay behind, "...you may stay here in this place...but as for me, go I must, and go I will," (Book X).

As he enters the vicinity of Circe's palace, Odysseus was worried for his own men (and the lives of those surrounding him in the bodies of animals), but he rose to the occasion, thanks in part to the advice of Hermes whom he'd met along his way there. Upon accepting her hospitality, Odysseus rushed at Circe with his sword and leapt at her as if to kill her. Circe immediately cowered to Odysseus's demand that she swear a solemn oath not to cause him or his men any more harm. "She swore the oath at once; and when she had sworn the oath fully and fairly, I entered the bed of Circe," (Book X).

Thus, Odysseus succeeds in having his men returned to soldiers. A less confident man may have cut his losses and sailed away from the island at once.

Structural defense policy has to do with A. plan for deployment of troops in times of war B. the development of a collective security arrangement...

The best way to answer this question is to say that structural defense policy has to do with budgeting for the military.  This means that Option C is the best answer.

Structural defense policy can be defined as policy that has to do with what the military spends its money on.  Structural defense policy has to do with things like deciding which weapons systems or platforms to keep spending money on.  It has to do...

The best way to answer this question is to say that structural defense policy has to do with budgeting for the military.  This means that Option C is the best answer.

Structural defense policy can be defined as policy that has to do with what the military spends its money on.  Structural defense policy has to do with things like deciding which weapons systems or platforms to keep spending money on.  It has to do with deciding what bases to keep open and what bases to close.  In other words, it has to do with the structure of the military.  It has to do with deciding what the “bones” of the military will look like.  With this in mind, Option C is really the only possibility. 

In The Crucible, why does Francis Nurse believe he has caused trouble for the 91 people who signed a deposition?

After their wives were arrested, Corey, Francis and John sought the help of the people. They obtained a signed deposition testifying to their wives' innocence. They presented this evidence in court much to the irritation of Parris, who believed such a move would lead the court to the truth.

Parris together with Judge Hathorne made malicious allegations as to the motives of the people who signed the document. Danforth sought to call the 91 individuals...

After their wives were arrested, Corey, Francis and John sought the help of the people. They obtained a signed deposition testifying to their wives' innocence. They presented this evidence in court much to the irritation of Parris, who believed such a move would lead the court to the truth.

Parris together with Judge Hathorne made malicious allegations as to the motives of the people who signed the document. Danforth sought to call the 91 individuals who signed the document to appear in court and testify personally. However, Francis noticed the mischief and objected to this, stating that he had promised the participants that no harm would come to them.

As expected and because of the prejudiced court process, Danforth ordered the arrest of all those who signed the document. Francis was horrified at the turn of events and was convinced that everyone who tried to help would suffer at the hands of the court.

Mr. Nurse believed this because the court was already biased and was only relying on evidence provided by the girls, going by the arrests made and the entire process. Those who had been arrested, prosecuted and condemned were innocent and it was highly likely that the 91 would also suffer a similar fate.

Danforth: Then I am sure they may have nothing to fear. Hands Cheever the paper. Mr. Cheever, have warrants drawn for all of these - arrest for examination. To Proctor: Now, Mister, what other information do you have for us? Francis is still standing, horrified. You may sit, Mr. Nurse.

Francis: I have brought trouble on these people...

What is the difference between Freak the Mighty the book and the movie?

Well, the first difference is the title: the book Freak the Mighty becomes the movie The Mighty. This shows that there are other changes as well. Much of the movie follows the book fairly well, until the ending.

At the ending of the book, Kevin has another seizure on his birthday. This is the seizure that puts Kevin in the hospital for the last time. Max visits Kevin and, during that visit, asks Max...

Well, the first difference is the title: the book Freak the Mighty becomes the movie The Mighty. This shows that there are other changes as well. Much of the movie follows the book fairly well, until the ending.

At the ending of the book, Kevin has another seizure on his birthday. This is the seizure that puts Kevin in the hospital for the last time. Max visits Kevin and, during that visit, asks Max to write down their adventures. Kevin dies in the hospital after Max visits (and after Kevin has yet another seizure).

At the ending of the movie, it is the Christmas holiday that brings the boys together. Kevin actually gives Max a blank book in order for Max to write their stories. Instead of dying in the hospital, Kevin then dies in his sleep due to his heart issues. When Max learns that Kevin has died, Max chases the ambulance. This is how Max ends up at the hospital in the movie.

In conclusion, the movie and the book do end the same way: Max writes the adventures of “Freak the Mighty.”

What do these objects suggest to you? Why is the black box described as "battered"? Are there any other symbols in the story?

Your question hints that there are other objects in question, but only the black box is listed.  I will attempt to name another symbolic object in addition to the black box.  

The black box is obviously symbolic of the lottery itself and of the death that it brings.  The fact that it is described as "battered" tells the reader that the lottery has been happening for a very long time in that village.  The...

Your question hints that there are other objects in question, but only the black box is listed.  I will attempt to name another symbolic object in addition to the black box.  

The black box is obviously symbolic of the lottery itself and of the death that it brings.  The fact that it is described as "battered" tells the reader that the lottery has been happening for a very long time in that village.  The stoning of the lottery winner is a very old tradition.  

A second symbol in the story is the stones.  When the story begins, the narrator mentions that the children are busy collecting stones.  

Bobby Martin had already stuffed his pockets full of stones, and the other boys soon followed his example, selecting the smoothest and roundest stones; Bobby and Harry Jones and Dickie Delacroix-- the villagers pronounced this name "Dellacroy"--eventually made a great pile of stones in one corner of the square and guarded it against the raids of the other boys.

It seems completely innocuous at the time, but by the end of the story, the reader realizes the importance of the stones.  The box symbolizes death in one way.  It is the "decider" of who dies.  The stones symbolize death in another way.  They are the actual instruments of death.  And as long as people are willing to cast their stones, they are essentially showing that they are casting their votes in favor of the lottery system.   

What were some important political achievements of ancient Rome?

Rome’s prolonged success was largely due to their political innovation and their ability to effectuate it on such a large geographic scale. Both the governments of the Republic and the Empire enjoyed a massive array of political achievements—but their unparalleled defense system and their general knack for foreign diplomacy were important components to their overall success.

Rome’s political achievements were largely possible because of their unmatched military capacity. In their initial acquisition of land throughout...

Rome’s prolonged success was largely due to their political innovation and their ability to effectuate it on such a large geographic scale. Both the governments of the Republic and the Empire enjoyed a massive array of political achievements—but their unparalleled defense system and their general knack for foreign diplomacy were important components to their overall success.

Rome’s political achievements were largely possible because of their unmatched military capacity. In their initial acquisition of land throughout the Italian peninsula during the early Republic, they secured military manpower by recruiting conquered peoples to join the Roman alliance army in exchange for protection and a share in the profits from victories. Allies naturally turned to Rome whenever their interests were threatened, so they complied with this arrangement long enough for Rome’s military to acquire the necessary momentum for eventually dominating huge territories around the Mediterranean. Because of its highly evolved sustainability, the Roman army can be described as a self-perpetuating war machine that was very effective with protecting its people.

Earlier in history, the Romans were perceived as destructive bullies—but their diplomatic tactics later evolved to become more sophisticated to accommodate for the vast amount of conquered lands and peoples. By the time of the Empire, Rome had established such productive incentives for submitting to their dominion, that many kings were more or less content to be their subordinates. For example, Roman foreign policy became more focused on preserving a degree of power for domestic kings over their own people, allowing them to maintain their traditional culture. Over time, the cultural influence of Rome slowly filtered throughout conquered territories, thereby avoiding instant widespread foreign resistance. Thus, the Romans learned how to create a pragmatic and organized foreign diplomatic system that was very innovative for its time and arguably one of their most valuable political achievements.

FDR had three political foes during his presidency. He managed to neutralize them by simply repeating their names in a derisive manner. They may...

There were several people that would be considered political enemies of President Roosevelt. They were Huey Long, Father Charles Coughlin, and Francis Townsend. These men believed President Roosevelt wasn’t doing enough to end the Great Depression.

Huey Long and Father Coughlin believed in a program, developed by Huey Long, which was called Share the Wealth. This program wanted to take from the wealthy and give to the poor. The program supported having high taxes on...

There were several people that would be considered political enemies of President Roosevelt. They were Huey Long, Father Charles Coughlin, and Francis Townsend. These men believed President Roosevelt wasn’t doing enough to end the Great Depression.

Huey Long and Father Coughlin believed in a program, developed by Huey Long, which was called Share the Wealth. This program wanted to take from the wealthy and give to the poor. The program supported having high taxes on the rich. Huey Long also talked about free medical care and free college education. Father Coughlin wanted to have the government run the banks.

Francis Townsend proposed a plan that would give every person over the age of 60 a pension of $200 a month. They would have to retire, and they would have to spend the entire pension. Townsend believed this would create jobs for people because older people would leave the workforce, and increased spending would lead to increased demand for products and for workers to make those products.

These three men had President Roosevelt worried about his political future. Some of their ideas did influence some government policies, such as the development of the Social Security Act.

What is the role of the executive branch of the US government?

The executive branch plays an important role in our government. I will focus on the executive branch at the federal level.

The main job of the executive branch is to carry out or execute our laws. This means the executive branch is responsible for doing whatever the law says needs to be done. The head of the executive branch is the President. The Vice President is second in charge of this branch. There are many...

The executive branch plays an important role in our government. I will focus on the executive branch at the federal level.

The main job of the executive branch is to carry out or execute our laws. This means the executive branch is responsible for doing whatever the law says needs to be done. The head of the executive branch is the President. The Vice President is second in charge of this branch. There are many departments that help the President carry out his responsibilities. These departments, headed by people with the title of Secretary, are necessary because it would be impossible for the President to do everything by himself. The Secretary of the Treasury advises the President on financial matters. The Secretary of State advises the President on actions and relationships with other countries. The Attorney General advises the President on legal issues. The Secretary of Defense advises the President on military matters. These people, along with many more advisors, heads of departments, and regular federal workers help the President carry out the laws that are passed by Congress.

As leader of the executive branch, the President has other jobs and responsibilities. The President is Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He also has meetings and conversations with leaders of other countries. He may negotiate treaties that Congress must approve. He may appoint judges that need to be confirmed by the Senate.

Today, the executive branch has been able to expand its power somewhat. The President can suggest legislation for Congress to discuss. The President can threaten to veto a bill. A threatened veto can influence how a bill is actually worded. The President can send troops to other countries for a few months without the approval of Congress.

While the power of the executive branch has expanded over time, the main job of this branch is to carry out the laws as written.

What is Brown's purpose for going into the woods?

Young Goodman Brown gives his clinging, timid wife the impression that he has to go away on a business trip. However, there is considerable foreshadowing in the opening scene suggesting that he is deceiving her and has some entirely different destination in mind.

"Well, she's a blessed angel on earth; and after this one night I'll cling to her skirts and follow her to heaven.”

With this excellent resolve for the future, Goodman Brown felt himself justified in making more haste on his present evil purpose.

The author does not state what that evil purpose might be, but the story itself reveals what it is at the climax. Young Goodman Brown, whom everyone regards as a nearly perfect man and ideal husband, is on his way to a devil-worshipping ceremony to be held in the woods. At the high point of the story, the author Nathaniel Hawthorne describes the ceremony with his characteristic brilliance in painting word pictures of settings. We can imagine the big fire lighting up the tall trees and lighting up the faces of many of the people from Young Goodman Brown's village whom he recognizes in attendance.

The great irony in "Young Goodman Brown" is that the timid little wife he thought he had left behind seems to be leading the whole orgy herself. She was mistaken about her husband's morals, but he was also mistaken about hers. Both have very dark sides to their characters which they steadfastly keep hidden from the world. But evidently the evil in their natures is like the pressure building up inside an active volcano and has to come out occasionally. This orgy is that outburst for Brown, his wife, and most of their friends and neighbors.

How did Brown's wife get there ahead of Brown? He left town before she did. A clue is to be found in the story. Brown meets a sinister man on the road who accompanies him on the rest of his journey and tells him:

“You are late, Goodman Brown,” said he. “The clock of the Old South was striking as I came through Boston, and that is full fifteen minutes agone.”

The young man really lacks his wife's aggressiveness and fearlessness. He has been proceeding at a slow pace because he dreads reaching his destination and also because, as the narrator tells us, he is afraid there might be Indians behind every tree. Also, it is very dark out there among the trees, and his wife could easily have slipped past without his knowing it.

So Brown's purpose for going into the woods is to attend a devil-worshipping orgy far away from town and farther away from normal civilized morality. He may have thought he was the only one from his community who would be there, but he finds out that everyone, including his sweet little wife, has the same evil impulses as himself. Was it all a bad dream? Or did it really happen?

Be it so if you will; but, alas! It was a dream of evil omen for young Goodman Brown. A stern, a sad, a darkly meditative, a distrustful, if not a desperate man did he become from the night of that fearful dream. 

What is the social significance of The Great Gatsby?

The Great Gatsbyaddresses life in a very particular time and place.  The United States of America was a very different place in the 1920s, post-World War I, than it was prior to the war.  After the war, there was a sense of innocence having been lost.  The world seemed like a much bigger place than it was before. Even Nick returns feeling "restless" and no longer convinced that the Midwest was the "warm center"...

The Great Gatsby addresses life in a very particular time and place.  The United States of America was a very different place in the 1920s, post-World War I, than it was prior to the war.  After the war, there was a sense of innocence having been lost.  The world seemed like a much bigger place than it was before. Even Nick returns feeling "restless" and no longer convinced that the Midwest was the "warm center" of everything.  So, he goes east in search of employment and distraction.  The novel captures the sense of restlessness and disillusionment felt by so many Americans in the post-war era.

Further, with the advent of Prohibition, which made the distribution of alcohol illegal, the country's leaders hoped to curb crime.  Instead, crime actually increased during this period, as did the number of establishments where a person could purchase alcoholic beverages, and drinking in general.  Bootleggers like Gatsby could make a quick fortune by exploiting the public's desire for this forbidden fruit.  The novel captures the social significance of Prohibition as well.

Why is the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" divided into two parts and how does this relate to the overall theme of the book?

The novel is indeed divided into two parts: Part 1 consists of chapters 1-11 and Part II consists of chapters 12-31.

There are a few perspectives as to why the novel is divided into two parts. Part 1 delineates all the intricacies of small town society, all the little courtesies and aggravations of life, and all the many social customs common to a cautiously segregated South. In essence, Harper Lee uses the first part of the book to describe the innocence and rich vivacity of Southern living. The freshness of youth is depicted in the adventures of Jem, Scout, and Dill. Their quirky imaginations allow them to concoct fantastic stories about their boogeyman nemesis, Boo Radley. Like all young children, they are fascinated by what they do not understand.

Yet, all young children must learn certain life lessons eventually. Thus, Lee balances moments of sweet guilelessness with solemnity in the first part of the book. When Jem cuts down Mrs. Dubose's flowers in a fit of frustration at her harsh words about Atticus, he finds himself consigned to reading to the cantankerous old lady every afternoon. It is this first lesson in compassionate understanding which lends such import to how both Jem and Scout approach important events in the second part of the book.

The major events in the second part of the book involve Tom Robinson's trial, his eventual death, and Bob Ewell's disgraceful attack on both Jem and Scout. Part II is darker, with good reason. Beneath the surface hospitality and warmth of small town Maycomb lies all the peculiarities and ugliness that imperfect human nature often occasions. Despite the best of intentions, this fact of life cannot be ignored, and Harper Lee focuses her authorial voice on these matters with precision and grace.

In Part Two, Jem and Scout learn the importance of the lessons Atticus painstakingly teaches them in Part One. The children come to realize that they must try to look at matters from different perspectives if they hope to gain some measure of understanding and compassion for others during difficult situations. Yet, they also know that there is great store to be set by the courage of one's convictions. In this, Atticus' courage and resolve in the face of extreme societal pressure from Maycomb's white populace is demonstrated clearly in Part Two.

The Tom Robinson trial is the catalyst for strife in Maycomb; racism and bigotry creates division and conflict between the white and black citizens of Maycomb. As an example, Jem and Scout have to endure unfair scrutiny from their white neighbors as well as contemptuous rejection from a black parishioner in Calpurnia's church. In the meantime, Aunt Alexandra argues with Atticus about releasing Calpurnia from the household.

The overall theme of the book centers around the mockingbird. To kill a mockingbird is to kill senselessly. After all, the mockingbird does nothing but bring pleasure to everyone. So, the events in Part One converge in Part Two to support this basic theme: apart from the grievances between the white and black communities in Maycomb, the fact still remains that an innocent, black man's life was senselessly sacrificed to the altar of bigotry and injustice. Tom Robinson was a mockingbird figure, cut down in the prime of his life. In Part Two, Scout and Jem realize that the sin of killing a mockingbird isn't just literal; it's also symbolic. Good people come in all shapes and sizes.

This can be seen in Scout's eventual change in perspective regarding Boo Radley. By the end of the novel, she comes to understand Sheriff Tate's reluctance to expose Boo Radley's heroism to the whole town.

“Scout,” he said, “Mr. Ewell fell on his knife. Can you possibly understand?”

“Yes sir, I understand,” I reassured him. “Mr. Tate was right.” Atticus disengaged himself and looked at me. “What do you mean?” “Well, it’d be sort of like shootin‘ a mockingbird, wouldn’t it?

When Eckels returns from the world of dinosaurs, what is different from the past?

Eckels is the main character in Ray Bradbury's "A Sound of Thunder". He has paid a lot of money to a company, Time Safari Inc., to be sent back into the past so that he may hunt a dinosaur. The company has gone to great lengths to ensure that the past is not changed in any way as it is thought that even a minor change in the past could result in changes to the...

Eckels is the main character in Ray Bradbury's "A Sound of Thunder". He has paid a lot of money to a company, Time Safari Inc., to be sent back into the past so that he may hunt a dinosaur. The company has gone to great lengths to ensure that the past is not changed in any way as it is thought that even a minor change in the past could result in changes to the present. Eckels panics when he see the T. Rex and steps off the levitating path that the company has provided. He crushes a butterfly with his shoe. When he returns to the present, at first things appear to be the same, except for a faint, odd smell. He notices that a clerk in the office looks somehow different, but he can't pinpoint the difference. Eckels then sees that the signs in the office contain misspellings--but in this new "present", the signs are spelled the way they should be. The clerk, with whom he had had a discussion about the election scheduled to take place, now has the polar opposite opinion about who should be elected. 

These small differences are noticed only by those who traveled back in time with Eckels as the current world diverged from theirs as soon as Eckels killed the butterfly. This story is the source of the term "butterfly effect" to mean a very small, seemingly insignificant event that has unforeseen results.

Explain the relationship between George and Lennie in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck?

The relationship between George and Lennie is a complex one. 

First, George is like a father to Lennie.  George takes care of Lennie in various ways.  For instance, George makes Lennie throw away dead mice that might make him sick.  He also reprimands him when he drinks too much stagnant water, which might make him sick.  Also like a father, George takes pride in Lennie when Slim says that Lennie is a great worker. 

Second,...

The relationship between George and Lennie is a complex one. 

First, George is like a father to Lennie.  George takes care of Lennie in various ways.  For instance, George makes Lennie throw away dead mice that might make him sick.  He also reprimands him when he drinks too much stagnant water, which might make him sick.  Also like a father, George takes pride in Lennie when Slim says that Lennie is a great worker. 

Second, Lennie looks up to George and trusts him.  He probably does not see him as a father figure, but certainly as an older brother.  He knows that George will take care of him. 

Third, George and Lennie are friends.  This is the most profound point in the story.  One of the main points of the story is that loneliness reign over and pervades the lives of everyone.  Right from the beginning this note is struck. George says:

“Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no fambly.

George continues:

“With us it ain’t like that. We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us.

Even Lennie chimes in:

“But not us! An’ why? Because . . . . because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that’s why.” He laughed delightedly. “Go on now, George!”

In conclusion, George and Lennie care for each other.  This is the only bright spot in the whole story.  They are friends, true friends.  

In Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, what are 3 characteristics that show Holden being a good representation of a teenager?

The most striking characteristic of Holden Caulfield which makes him seem a good representation of a teenager is his use of language. This is evident in the very first sentence of the novel.

If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.

Here is another good example at the start of Chapter 12:

The cab I had was a real old one that smelled like someone'd just tossed his cookies in it.

He uses slang, profanity, hyperbole, sarcasm, and bad grammar. He affects a tone of boredom. He is obviously a bit of a rebel, subject to swings of mood and possessing other adolescent traits. Salinger has done a remarkable job of making this first-person narrator sound like a teenager, just as Mark Twain did a remarkable job of making Huckleberry Finn sound like a smart but uneducated youngster who is about thirteen or fourteen years old.

Another teenage characteristic of Holden Caulfield is his apparent search for an identity. He is always trying out various roles. He doesn't know who he is, or whether he is a kid or an adult. Holden wants his freedom, but he doesn't know what to do with it. He tries to order alcoholic drinks although he is only sixteen. He tells various people he is in his twenties, and nobody believes him.

Well, youth is the period of assumed personalities and disguises. It is the time of the sincerely insincere.
                                                                   V. S. Pritchett

A third teenage characteristic which is hard to overlook is Holden's interest in sex. Although there are no sex scenes in the entire novel, there are many references to girls. He tries calling one girl in the middle of the night. He keeps thinking about Jane Gallagher. He has a date with Sally Hayes. In Chapter 10 he picks up three girls from Seattle who are much older than he is. He keeps thinking about Jane Gallagher. At the start of Chapter 17 he is fascinated by all the girls in the lobby of the Biltmore Hotel.

A lot of schools were home for vacation already, and there were about a million girls sitting and standing around waiting for their dates to show up. Girls with their legs crossed, girls with their legs not crossed, girls with terrific legs, girls with lousy legs, girls that looked like swell girls, girls that looked like they'd be bitches if you knew them. It was really nice sightseeing, if you know what I mean.

His interest in sex gets him into trouble in Chapters 13 and 14, when he accepts Maurice's offer to send a girl up to his hotel room in what may be the best and funniest as well as saddest scene in the novel. Holden is trying to be "suave as hell," but he can't perform with Sunny and ends up paying twice the usual fee for a "throw" without getting thrown. He confesses to the reader that he is a virgin--something he would never confess to any of the boys at the three schools that have expelled him.

There are other teenage characteristics throughout the novel, such as loneliness, self-pity, existential angst, and curiosity about the world. But almost all his teenage traits are revealed or reflected in his use of language. Salinger convinces the reader that this is a real teenage boy writing the novel; and many readers ask questions about Holden which show they think he is not only a good representation of a teenager but a real person., a real teenager. This is a great achievement for a creative writer. It probably explains why The Catcher in the Rye has been such a phenomenal success. Many people who discovered Holden Caulfield when they were young are now teaching English classes and assigning The Catcher in the Rye to their students. It is a great American classic. 

Why does Paulo Coelho use "the boy" instead of "Santiago" in his novel The Alchemist?

Coelho's The Alchemist is the perfect bildungsroman; that is to say, it is a story of the main character's growth, education, and personal edification from novice to expert. Some may also say it is a novel about rites of passage--those rituals one goes through in order to become an adult. "The boy," as Coelho calls him, is just that, until he completes his personal journey to find his treasure and learns the skills he needs...

Coelho's The Alchemist is the perfect bildungsroman; that is to say, it is a story of the main character's growth, education, and personal edification from novice to expert. Some may also say it is a novel about rites of passage--those rituals one goes through in order to become an adult. "The boy," as Coelho calls him, is just that, until he completes his personal journey to find his treasure and learns the skills he needs to fulfill his personal legend. It is a story of growing from boy to man.

The narrator, however, seems to be one who perceives Santiago not unlike how a teacher or parent might speak about a son. For example, even after Santiago finds his treasure and fulfills his personal legend, the author/speaker still calls him "the boy" because he is still young and has his whole life ahead of him. Yet there still seems to be a certain parental/son relationship between the speaker and the boy, so "the boy" isn't dropped after all of the goals are achieved. Maybe another reason that "the boy" isn't dropped eventually is to remind the reader that even though he achieved his goals in many ways, he still wasn't completely a man until he returned to Fatima and started his next quest. 

During DNA replication,a DNA strand that has the bases CTAGGT will produce a strand with what bases?

During DNA replication, the original DNA strand "unzips" or splits where the two bases join together to form the rungs of the DNA ladder.  There are four nitrogenous bases, cytosine, thymine, adenine and guanine.  The sides of the unzipped DNA serve as a template for which other nitrogenous bases may be paired to make new strands of DNA.  The pairing goes like this:  adenine pairs to thymine, while guanine pairs to cytosine.  I teach my...

During DNA replication, the original DNA strand "unzips" or splits where the two bases join together to form the rungs of the DNA ladder.  There are four nitrogenous bases, cytosine, thymine, adenine and guanine.  The sides of the unzipped DNA serve as a template for which other nitrogenous bases may be paired to make new strands of DNA.  The pairing goes like this:  adenine pairs to thymine, while guanine pairs to cytosine.  I teach my students to remember the word "AT", since adenine pairs to thymine.  That leaves guanine to pair to cytosine.  The correct pairing for this DNA sequence , then, would be GATCCA.  Guanine would pair to cytosine, adenine to thymine, thymine to adenine.  Cytosine would pair to guanine, cytosine to guanine, and adenine to thymine.

In the book To Kill a Mockingbird, how can Mrs. Dubose be compared to a camellia flower in a cardboard box?

The camellia flower inside the cardboard box symbolizes Mrs. Dubose's courage and integrity. Throughout the novel, Mrs. Dubose is characterized as the unapologetic racist who insults the Finch family every chance she gets. After Jem wreaks havoc on her camellia bush, Atticus forces him to read to her every afternoon, except on Sundays. Jem and Scout learn that Mrs. Dubose was battling a terminal illness, and her final goal in life was to break her...

The camellia flower inside the cardboard box symbolizes Mrs. Dubose's courage and integrity. Throughout the novel, Mrs. Dubose is characterized as the unapologetic racist who insults the Finch family every chance she gets. After Jem wreaks havoc on her camellia bush, Atticus forces him to read to her every afternoon, except on Sundays. Jem and Scout learn that Mrs. Dubose was battling a terminal illness, and her final goal in life was to break her morphine addiction. Jem's reading kept her occupied between doses of morphine until her tolerance was high enough that she could break her habit. Atticus tells the children that she was the bravest person he had ever met. As a token of appreciation and a symbol of remembrance, Mrs. Dubose leaves a candy box for Jem with a white camellia inside of it. The color of the camellia is significant because white symbolizes purity. Mrs. Dubose died a pure individual without an addiction, "beholden to nothing and nobody." (Lee 148) Unlike Mrs. Dubose's ruined bush, the perfect camellia in the cardboard box symbolizes her integrity and courage. Mrs. Dubose's integrity remained intact, just like the camellia she gave to Jem, despite her illness.

How do issues of race or gender and hegemonies between nationalities function in Tomson Highway's play Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing? Is...

"Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing" tells of hegemonies between the Native and non-Native Canadians. The play focuses on the men and women of the Wasaychigan Hill Indian Reserve in Ontario, Canada. Larger themes within the play hint at the inequalities between white and Native populations within Canada, but there are more overt hegemonies that take place within the reservation itself.

Most of the conflicts in the play involve seven Native men who live on...

"Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing" tells of hegemonies between the Native and non-Native Canadians. The play focuses on the men and women of the Wasaychigan Hill Indian Reserve in Ontario, Canada. Larger themes within the play hint at the inequalities between white and Native populations within Canada, but there are more overt hegemonies that take place within the reservation itself.

Most of the conflicts in the play involve seven Native men who live on the Wasaychigan Reserve. The men continually act out the frustration of their disempowerment through violence, alcoholism and other self-defeating acts. Their conflicts with each other mirror the larger conflict the entire reservation feels with non-Native society as it continues to take over.

Another primary conflict within the play lies between the Native spirituality practiced by the most devout inhabitants of "The Rez" and Christianity. Spooky is a local who has converted to Christianity and incites conflict within his community with his often aggressive attempts at proselytization. Spooky is a representative of the outside hegemonies between Native beliefs and the white male Christian power structure that has nearly erased them in this setting.

Who says "I am, sir, your literary admirer. You have informed me much about the darker passions" in Avi's The Man Who Was Poe?

In chapter 13, Mr. Arnold says the lines in question. Edgar Allan Poe is introduced to Mr. Arnold at Mrs. Whitman's home during a tea party given by Mrs. Whitman's mother, Mrs. Powers. Mr. Arnold is at the party because Mrs. Powers disapproves of her daughter's infatuation with Poe and  believes Mr. Arnold should marry her daughter instead, something Mr. Arnold wants very much because Mrs. Whitman is very wealthy. That same evening, Poe discovers Mr....

In chapter 13, Mr. Arnold says the lines in question. Edgar Allan Poe is introduced to Mr. Arnold at Mrs. Whitman's home during a tea party given by Mrs. Whitman's mother, Mrs. Powers. Mr. Arnold is at the party because Mrs. Powers disapproves of her daughter's infatuation with Poe and  believes Mr. Arnold should marry her daughter instead, something Mr. Arnold wants very much because Mrs. Whitman is very wealthy.

That same evening, Poe discovers Mr. Arnold is really the husband of Edmund's missing mother, Mr. Rachett. Therefore, Poe knows Mr. Arnold is being quite sincere when he tells Poe, "You have informed me much about the darker passions" (115). Mr. Arnold is sincere because he has just committed murder, kidnapping, and gold theft, all actions referred to in Poe's stories.

Poe figures out who Mr. Arnold really is the moment he sees Mr. Arnold's reaction to a story Poe relays about a man unexpectedly leaving a clothier's out of response to some unknown fear as an example of fear existing in all of us throughout the course of our daily lives:

If a man. . . if a man orders a coat, a fine coat, has it made and fitted, and yet, at the last moment chooses not to take it, might. . . might not the reason why he decides thus yield some important facts, so that what appears to be irrational becomes rational? (118)

Upon hearing this, Mr. Arnold turns red in the face and immediately leaves the party because the story fits the description of exactly what Mr. Arnold did at the clothier's the moment he saw Edmund, his stepson, walk into the store. Hence, Mr. Arnold's reaction to Poe's story helps Poe see that Mr. Arnold is really Edmund's stepfather, Mr. Rachett.

What are some of Piggy's characteristics?

Piggy is described in the novel, Lord of the Flies, as a short, heavy individual who suffers from asthma. Piggy is susceptible to verbal and physical abuse from the boys because of his unintimidating appearance and attitude. He is fearful of the other children on the island, especially Jack and Roger, and seeks protection from Ralph. He avoids physical labor whenever possible and is constantly quoting his aunt's opinions. Piggy is loyal to Ralph,...

Piggy is described in the novel, Lord of the Flies, as a short, heavy individual who suffers from asthma. Piggy is susceptible to verbal and physical abuse from the boys because of his unintimidating appearance and attitude. He is fearful of the other children on the island, especially Jack and Roger, and seeks protection from Ralph. He avoids physical labor whenever possible and is constantly quoting his aunt's opinions. Piggy is loyal to Ralph, and his character represents civility and knowledge. He is innovative and intelligent which is evident by his suggestion to build a sundial, explanation of the conch, and pragmatic approach to understanding the existence of the beast. Piggy is viewed as a strong-willed character who challenges Jack's authority during meetings, as well as reprimands the boys for not following Ralph's directives. Piggy is a rule-follower and reminds the children not to talk over one another at several assemblies. Piggy has a good memory and reminds Ralph of the importance of maintaining a signal fire and building shelters. One of Piggy's most notable characteristics is his poor eyesight. He wears glasses, which is a symbol for knowledge, and is constantly rubbing and cleaning them throughout the novel.

In Chapter 14 of To Kill a Mockingbird, why does Scout start fighting Jem?

In Chapter 14, Atticus is arguing with Aunt Alexandra over the role of Calpurnia in the Finch family when Jem motions to Scout to go to his room. Inside Jem's room, he tells Scout to stop antagonizing Aunt Alexandra. Scout gets defensive and says, "You tryin' to tell me what to do?" (Lee 183) Jem tries to explain to Scout that Atticus has a lot on his mind, particularly the Tom Robinson trial, and he...

In Chapter 14, Atticus is arguing with Aunt Alexandra over the role of Calpurnia in the Finch family when Jem motions to Scout to go to his room. Inside Jem's room, he tells Scout to stop antagonizing Aunt Alexandra. Scout gets defensive and says, "You tryin' to tell me what to do?" (Lee 183) Jem tries to explain to Scout that Atticus has a lot on his mind, particularly the Tom Robinson trial, and he doesn't need added stress worrying about them. Scout rebuttals, saying that Atticus doesn't worry about anything and cases never bothered him. Jem insults Scout by saying, "That's because you can't hold something in your mind but a little while...It's different with grown folks, we---." (Lee 184) Scout becomes upset at Jem's "maddening superiority" and finally punches him in the face after he threatens to spank her. Jem is forced to fight back, and the two brawl on the floor of Jem's room before Atticus breaks them apart.

Who are Romeo and Juliet?

Romeo and Juliet, the titular characters of William Shakespeare's play, are the children of two wealthy families of Renaissance Verona. Though they are only in their teenage years, these two are considered full adults and both are expected, by their parents, to be married soon. 

Romeo is a very introspective and dramatic young man. He is, "in love with love," or wishes to be in love. Early in the play, we learn that he is...

Romeo and Juliet, the titular characters of William Shakespeare's play, are the children of two wealthy families of Renaissance Verona. Though they are only in their teenage years, these two are considered full adults and both are expected, by their parents, to be married soon. 

Romeo is a very introspective and dramatic young man. He is, "in love with love," or wishes to be in love. Early in the play, we learn that he is infatuated with a girl called Rosaline. Nonetheless, he falls in love with Juliet upon sight. Perhaps his wish is really to appear to be in love without genuinely establishing a relationship with someone.

Juliet is a little naive, having little social experience outside her own family. Over the course of the play, she grows more sure of herself, but her desire to be with Romeo leads her to making hasty decisions.

The most important thing to know about Romeo and Juliet as characters is that they are the only children of two feuding families. They are expected to be sworn enemies, but they fall in love before ever learning one another's names. This is what makes their relationship so difficult- they can never tell their families that they are in love with the enemy! This conflict drives the play and ultimately leads to the two lovers taking their own lives.

In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian what happens at Junior's grandmother's wake?

A few important events happen at Junior's grandmother's wake. First, her wake is a testament to how beloved she was, as almost 2,000 Indians attend, so many that they had to move the wake from the tribal longhouse to the football field to accommodate everyone.  

Another important occurrence is that the bullying and abuse that Junior has been experiencing since he started going to school at Reardon finally ends. He suspects that the other...

A few important events happen at Junior's grandmother's wake. First, her wake is a testament to how beloved she was, as almost 2,000 Indians attend, so many that they had to move the wake from the tribal longhouse to the football field to accommodate everyone.  

Another important occurrence is that the bullying and abuse that Junior has been experiencing since he started going to school at Reardon finally ends. He suspects that the other members of the rez realize he's been through enough already. "Or maybe they just realized they'd been cruel jerks" (pg 160).

The strangest thing that happens at Junior's grandmother's wake, though happens when people are telling stories about her. An eccentric white billionaire named Ted stands up to talk about how much of a connection with Indian culture he feels. He tells the story of an Indian who came to his Montana home to sell a powwow dance outfit. He says he bought it even though he suspected it was stolen, until he decided to track down its owner – Junior's grandmother. He presents the powwow outfit, very ceremoniously, to Junior's mother, who tells him that it couldn't be Junior's grandmother's outfit, as she was not a powwow dancer. She continues to say that it doesn't look Spokane at all, and his expert must not know what he's talking about. Embarrassed, the billionaire packs up and speeds off. 

The absurdity of this incident, and the offensiveness of the billionaire's attempts to have a meaningful moment with real Indians, causes all the Indian wake-goers to burst out laughing. Junior says,

"It was the most glorious noise I'd ever heard. And I realized that, sure, Indians were drunk and sad and displaced and crazy and mean, but, dang, we knew how to laugh. When it comes to death, we know that laughter and tears are pretty much the same thing" (pg 166)

What is one example of a motif in Fahrenheit 451?

Ray Bradbury’s 1953 sci fi novel, Fahrenheit 451, is chock full of highly prophetic themes. To help his readers really feel and contemplate his messages, Bradbury makes vivid use of motifs throughout the novel, which are images, objects, ideas, or phrases that occur regularly throughout the story to support and build on the themes. Perhaps the most pervasive motif throughout the novel is Bradbury’s recurring use of nature imagery to highlight the theme of artificiality.

Physically, the characters live in a completely urban, artificial world with cement under their feet, T.V. walls all around them, and theme parks filled with violent activities instead of nature. Emotionally, the effect on individuals is cold and isolating from nature and from each other. To compensate, they have named many of the objects in their lives after things in nature, creating an artificial sense of the natural world. For example, although Montag’s job is to destroy the homes of people who own books, he imagines that the fire looks like a “swarm of fireflies.” Also, the tiny radios that citizens constantly wear in their ears are called "Seashells," yet rather than being at the ocean communing with nature or sharing time with family, they are cutting themselves off from real human interaction to listen to their music and programs. Mildred doesn’t even take hers out at night, and Montag has a hard time getting her to talk to him because she is always tuned in to her Seashells. Using nature terminology to describe unnatural objects and behaviors serves to heighten our understanding of the artificial way of life Bradbury is warning us about.

More often, this nature motif is portrayed through animal imagery, which surfaces regularly throughout the novel. The story of a beautiful, mythological bird, the phoenix, appears several times, suggesting that humans must recreate ourselves time and again after self-destruction. Bradbury describes the burning pages of the books as “pigeon-winged,” portraying how this society is killing all that is natural. They call their cars “beetles” and their firetrucks “salamanders,” furthering the illusion of nature around them. Even the scarier things in life are given natural names. Montag refers to the stomach pump which is used to save his wife from her drug overdose as a “black cobra” with an eye that can peer down into Mildred’s emptiness. Even the death machine that hunts down and eliminates citizens who harbor books is given an animal name—“the Mechanical Hound.” It sleeps and moves and even growls like a dog. But we never hear of any actual pets in the novel (other than the poor critters the firemen set loose for their own entertainment as they watch the Hound practice killing). Although the characters use animal and nature words in their everyday language, there is no resulting warmth or connection to their world or each other, because they still live in an artificial manner.

Aside from a brief meeting with a girl who values nature, it is not until Montag escapes the empty urban existence, leaving the Hound and the helicopters and the cameras behind, that true nature imagery enters the novel. The cocooning river floats him to the safety of the countryside, while the stars overhead remind him of the power and importance of the natural world. “The river was very real; it held him comfortably and gave him the time at last, the leisure, to consider” what really matters in life.

What is the definition of Setting?

Setting is the time and place in which the action of narrative is set. In short stories, poetry, novels, and non-fiction, setting is generally created by description whereas in drama setting is usually established by stage directions and dialogue.

Setting in fiction is one of the five elements (Plot, Character, Point of View, Theme, and Setting), In addition to establishing the background in which the action takes place, setting can also create mood or emotional...

Setting is the time and place in which the action of narrative is set. In short stories, poetry, novels, and non-fiction, setting is generally created by description whereas in drama setting is usually established by stage directions and dialogue.

Setting in fiction is one of the five elements (Plot, Character, Point of View, Theme, and Setting), In addition to establishing the background in which the action takes place, setting can also create mood or emotional atmosphere.

Edgar Allan Poe makes great use of setting for creating an emotional atmosphere. For instance, in his story "The Fall of the House of Usher," the family mansion is a Gothic setting of a decaying mansion helps to underscore the decadence and disease within the Usher family itself. In another story of Poe's, "The Cask of Amontillado," the setting of the catacombs creates an eeriness and the suggestion of death that relates to the narrator's plot to kill another man.
Historical settings play important roles in narratives. In A Tale of Two Cities, for instance, the two settings of Paris and London play important roles in the plot that deals with the French Revolution as action pertinent to this upheaval takes place in Paris, actions involving aristocrats and peasants. other actions that connect to Paris are in the setting of London.

What gives Charles and Lucie the greatest pleasure ?

Charles and Lucie gain the greatest pleasure in their family and close friends. This small community huddles against the coming shadows in their home off of Soho, in which Doctor Manette, Mr. Lorry, Miss Pross, Sydney Carton, and even Jerry Cruncher play crucial roles in each other’s lives. The coming of their first-born child, little Lucie, gives them great joy, seeing the sweetness that has been denied them in their own childhoods. Even the death...

Charles and Lucie gain the greatest pleasure in their family and close friends. This small community huddles against the coming shadows in their home off of Soho, in which Doctor Manette, Mr. Lorry, Miss Pross, Sydney Carton, and even Jerry Cruncher play crucial roles in each other’s lives. The coming of their first-born child, little Lucie, gives them great joy, seeing the sweetness that has been denied them in their own childhoods. Even the death of a son cannot not fully dim their happiness, believing that he has gone to a better place of peace, perhaps referring to the idea that this world is nothing more than a “vale of tears” that must be overcome. Their close-knit group seems to have shut themselves off from the outside world that has treated them so cruelly. Nevertheless, the outside world breaks through, claiming their attention and their joy, in which not all of them will return. This thus becomes a major theme of the novel: family.

Where is the foreshadowing in "The Use of Force"?

Though the story is a very short one, we can find plenty of foreshadowing within the first few paragraphs. Let's take a look at each instance of foreshadowing in the order in which we encounter them:

"They were new patients to me, all I had was the name, Olson."

In this opening line, the fact that the family tends to withhold information foreshadows the daughter's eventual revelation that she has been keeping her sore throat a secret.

"The child was fully dressed and sitting on her father's lap near the kitchen table."

If the child is very sick, then why is she dressed like it's a normal day? Wouldn't she wear pajamas, or something comfortable, if she's running a high fever? Wouldn't she be lying down instead of sitting up? Why is she trying to present herself as a normal, healthy child? What is she hiding? Well, by the end of the story, we of course find out.

The fact that she's sitting on her father's lap is also a bit of foreshadowing: she's too big to be doing that on a regular basis, so is she manipulating her father with her affections somehow? Yes. If she's sitting in her father's lap, does that mean that she's subservient to him? No. All this is foreshadowing and invites us to consider the child's relationship with her parents and where the power lies in those relationships. Let's keep moving through the first few paragraphs of the story:

"...they weren't telling me more than they had to, it was up to me to tell them..."

Above is some more foreshadowing for that idea that at least one person in the family is withholding information from the doctor.

"The child was fairly eating me up with her cold, steady eyes, and no expression to her face whatever."

In the description above, it's clear that the child is like a master poker player: she's got secrets, and she's not telling them. Plus, she's analyzing the doctor, figuring out how their power struggle might occur.

"...an unusually attractive little thing, and as strong as a heifer in appearance."

As that description above continues, the description of the girl's strength provides a hint about how she might exert it later in the story.

"She had magnificent blonde hair, in profusion. One of those picture children often reproduced in advertising leaflets and the photogravure sections of the Sunday papers."

Here, when the narrator describes the child's physical beauty and compares her to a typical model child, we're invited to consider how and why she might diverge from the image of a "model" child. How will she misbehave? We'll see in a moment as she gets into the fight that makes up the story's conflict.

"No, she says her throat don't hurt her."

The parents say this in response to the doctor's questions. Why are they reporting what their daughter said instead of what their daughter felt? Do these parents know from experience that their daughter lies about her symptoms?

After that, the exam devolves into the fight, and we find out that Mathilda was hiding her sore throat that indicated she might have diphtheria.

What does Thoreau mean in "Civil Disobedience" when he says, "Can there not be a government in which majorities do not virtually decide right and...

In this quotation from "Civil Disobedience," Thoreau questions the benefit of the "majority rule" system of government and asks whether or not the human conscience can be the barometer by which we as a people decide on matters of law and justice.  Thoreau believes that citizens should not be required by a matter of legal course to submit themselves to the whims of elected legislators who claim to have their best interests at heart.  He...

In this quotation from "Civil Disobedience," Thoreau questions the benefit of the "majority rule" system of government and asks whether or not the human conscience can be the barometer by which we as a people decide on matters of law and justice.  Thoreau believes that citizens should not be required by a matter of legal course to submit themselves to the whims of elected legislators who claim to have their best interests at heart.  He believes that the majority rule system allows for the voices of many underrepresented citizens to go unheard and that a true, better government would rule through acts of conscience, not through acts based on the ideas of the majority.  He goes on in the essay to address the institution of slavery that is supported by a majority rule system and argues that the human conscience would (or should) rule that such a system of slavery is morally denigrating to slaves and slave owners.  Thoreau challenges people to look at the ethical underpinnings of our system of government to decide whether or not a majority rule system really supports and calls for justice.

What are Baglioni's suspicions about Giovanni?

Baglioni first suspects that Giovanni's interest in Dr. Rappaccini proceeds from an interest in his daughter, Beatrice. She is famously rumored to be quite beautiful and knowledgeable, and her reputation is well known. When Baglioni next sees Giovanni on the street several weeks later, he remarks on how "'much altered'" Giovanni looks, and this also makes him worry for the young man. When Rappaccini happens to walk by on the street, looking pointedly at Giovanni,...

Baglioni first suspects that Giovanni's interest in Dr. Rappaccini proceeds from an interest in his daughter, Beatrice. She is famously rumored to be quite beautiful and knowledgeable, and her reputation is well known. When Baglioni next sees Giovanni on the street several weeks later, he remarks on how "'much altered'" Giovanni looks, and this also makes him worry for the young man. When Rappaccini happens to walk by on the street, looking pointedly at Giovanni, Baglioni instantly suspects that "'this man of science is making a study of [Giovanni]." He is absolutely sure now that Giovanni is in grave danger.

When Baglioni actually comes to Giovanni's home to check up on him, he tells Giovanni a story of an Indian prince who sent a beautiful woman to Alexander the Great, and this woman had developed a poisonous nature as a result of her upbringing. He goes on to tell Giovanni that he suspects Rappaccini has brought this story to life by subjecting his own daughter to such an upbringing. Because he seems to suspect that Giovanni has fallen in love with Beatrice, he gives the young man an "antidote" that he claims will rid her of her poisonous nature.

Describe the relationship between La Inca and Beli.

La Inca is the cousin of Beli's father, Abelard. So technically speaking, they would be considered second cousins. But of course, their true relationship is much more like mother and daughter. On page 259 Diaz writes that Beli found in La Inca "the mother she never had." La Inca rescued Beli when she was 9 years old from a horrible family that was supposed to be caring for her after all of Beli's family died...

La Inca is the cousin of Beli's father, Abelard. So technically speaking, they would be considered second cousins. But of course, their true relationship is much more like mother and daughter. On page 259 Diaz writes that Beli found in La Inca "the mother she never had." La Inca rescued Beli when she was 9 years old from a horrible family that was supposed to be caring for her after all of Beli's family died (thanks to Trujillo). They are only ever referred to as mother and daughter, "'hija' and 'madre,'" as it says on page 78. La Inca calls Beli "hija," which means daughter.

When Lola goes to the DR, La Inca says to her, "I'm your abuela, but you can call me La Inca" (Diaz 74).

La Inca and Beli are related, Beli is La Inca's adopted daughter.

What would Boyne's The Boy in the Striped Pajamas be like if it were told through an adult's eyes?

Please keep in mind that this is an opinion question that has no "right" answer.  However, in this Educator's opinion, this novel would lose all of its charm if told from an adult perspective.  The beauty of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is that Bruno gains wisdom precisely from his innocence.  Note the following quotation:

What exactly was the difference?  He wondered to himself. And who decided which people wore the striped pajamas...

Please keep in mind that this is an opinion question that has no "right" answer.  However, in this Educator's opinion, this novel would lose all of its charm if told from an adult perspective.  The beauty of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is that Bruno gains wisdom precisely from his innocence.  Note the following quotation:

What exactly was the difference?  He wondered to himself. And who decided which people wore the striped pajamas and which people wore the uniforms?

The excellence of this quotation is in the wisdom of knowing that both people in uniforms and people in "the striped pajamas" are all humans and should be treated kindly and with respect.  Bruno learns this bit of wisdom throughout the book.

The reader would also lose other aspects of the main character's innocence.  For example, the reader would lose Bruno's innocent misunderstanding of "Auschwitz" as "Out-With" and "the Führer" as "the Fury."  The reader would also lose the beauty of friendship between the two nine-year-old boys (one German and one Jewish), Bruno and Shmuel.  

Thus, even though it might be interesting to see both Berlin and Auschwitz through the eyes of a brainwashed German or a German who is against everything Hitler stands for, the reader would lose the beauty of the main character's innocence.

In the novel, A Christmas Carol, what is Scrooge's external conflict?

External conflict in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol exists due to Scrooge’s love of money, which he places above personal relationships. These conflicts manifested throughout his personal life leaving him a bitter, lonely man. Scrooge treats people in his life with distain using his miserly ways as a shield for his feelings therefore the external conflict is between Scrooge and his fellow man.

Nobody ever stopped him in the street to say, with gladsome looks, ``My...

External conflict in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol exists due to Scrooge’s love of money, which he places above personal relationships. These conflicts manifested throughout his personal life leaving him a bitter, lonely man. Scrooge treats people in his life with distain using his miserly ways as a shield for his feelings therefore the external conflict is between Scrooge and his fellow man.

Nobody ever stopped him in the street to say, with gladsome looks, ``My dear Scrooge, how are you. When will you come to see me?”

One example is when his nephew stops to wish him a Merry Christmas; they have a confrontation instead of a conversation. Scrooge treats his employee, Bob Cratchit cruelly, he loses the love of his life, and lives a solitary life so that he does not have to interact with people including taking his meals alone in a tavern. When the gentlemen come to his counting house to ask for a contribution for the poor, Scrooge says,

It's not my business,'' Scrooge returned. "It's enough for a man to understand his own business, and not to interfere with other people's. Mine occupies me constantly. Good afternoon, gentlemen!"

In the play, Hamlet, why is our lead character so critical of women?

Hamlet's critical attitude towards women stems from the disgust that he feels for his mother. He feels betrayed by her and believes that she was complicit in his father's heinous murder. By marrying his uncle, Claudius, and denying him access to the throne, Hamlet is of the contention that she has denied him his birthright and has committed an immoral act, incest. Furthermore, Lady Gertrude is constantly at Claudius' side, supporting him in his criticism of Hamlet. Hamlet deeply resents his mother for all the wrongs he feels she has done to him.

When Hamlet converses with his father's ghost, it requests that he does not turn against his mother:

... nor let thy soul contrive
Against thy mother aught: leave her to heaven
And to those thorns that in her bosom lodge,
To prick and sting her.

The ghost asks Hamlet not to judge her and leave it to heaven. She must be punished by her own conscience and guilt and endure its torment. In spite of this, Hamlet turns against her and confronts her in her chamber later in the play (Act 3, scene 4). He is quite rude and insulting, almost threatening, causing her to fear for her life and cry out:

HAMLET: Now, mother, what's the matter?

QUEEN GERTRUDE: Hamlet, thou hast thy father much offended.

HAMLET: Mother, you have my father much offended.

QUEEN GERTRUDE: Come, come, you answer with an idle tongue.

HAMLET: Go, go, you question with a wicked tongue.

QUEEN GERTRUDE: Why, how now, Hamlet!

HAMLET: What's the matter now?

QUEEN GERTRUDE: Have you forgot me?

HAMLET: No, by the rood, not so:
You are the queen, your husband's brother's wife;
And--would it were not so!--you are my mother.

QUEEN GERTRUDE: Nay, then, I'll set those to you that can speak.

HAMLET: Come, come, and sit you down; you shall not budge;You go not till I set you up a glass
Where you may see the inmost part of you.

QUEEN GERTRUDE: What wilt thou do?
thou wilt not murder me?
Help, help, ho!

In the wordplay between the two, Gertrude tells him that he has offended his father, Claudius, by presenting a play about a king's murder. Hamlet responds by saying that she has offended his father, King Hamlet, by having done what she did. When she reprimands him, he tells her that her tongue is wicked. She is shocked by this rude response and asks Hamlet whether he has forgotten to respect her. Her son swears on the cross that he has not, but expresses regret that she is his mother.

When Gertrude realizes that she cannot reason with Hamlet, she offers to have others talk to him. He then tells her that she will not budge for he intends to hold up a mirror so that she may see inside herself. Gertrude is anxious and fears that Hamlet will kill her. She cries out in distress.

This misogynistic display by Hamlet is transferred to Ophelia, Polonius' daughter. He confuses her by expressing his love, desire and affection for her at times and then rejecting her outright at others. This might also be part of his plot to make others believe that he has lost his mind. In one of their conversations he tells Ophelia:

I have heard of your paintings too, well enough; God
has given you one face, and you make yourselves
another: you jig, you amble, and you lisp, and
nick-name God's creatures, and make your wantonness
your ignorance. Go to, I'll no more on't; it hath
made me mad. I say, we will have no more marriages:
those that are married already, all but one, shall
live; the rest shall keep as they are. To a
nunnery, go.

He says that women are deceptive and they hide their true intentions, presenting themselves differently to their true nature. Women use their wiles to mislead and are flirtatious. He tells her that he has had enough of that, alluding to his mother, since it has angered him. He also tells her that there will be no more marriages, suggesting that he won't wed Ophelia. Only one marriage will not survive (the one between his mother and Claudius) and the rest will continue as they are. He tells Ophelia to become a nun where she would certainly have to make a vow of chastity.

Later, when they watch the play, he makes a number of saucy and suggestive remarks to Ophelia and asks if he could rest his head in her lap. It is this kind of behaviour which utterly confuses the poor girl and is partly the reason for her eventual suicide.