What do you think Fudge might do to Peter's new pet in Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume?

In the book, Fudge is Peter's toddler brother. He's mischievous and often gets into trouble at home.

In Chapter 10, we discover Fudge has swallowed Peter's pet turtle, Dribble. Frantic with fear and worry, the boys' mother takes Fudge to the hospital. At the hospital, Fudge is given castor oil, milk of magnesia, and prune juice. The idea is to ensure Fudge will pass Peter's turtle out in his stools. In the meantime, Peter worries...

In the book, Fudge is Peter's toddler brother. He's mischievous and often gets into trouble at home.

In Chapter 10, we discover Fudge has swallowed Peter's pet turtle, Dribble. Frantic with fear and worry, the boys' mother takes Fudge to the hospital. At the hospital, Fudge is given castor oil, milk of magnesia, and prune juice. The idea is to ensure Fudge will pass Peter's turtle out in his stools. In the meantime, Peter worries about Dribble; he's pretty angry Fudge once again managed to make life difficult for him.

In the end, Dribble is passed out in Fudge's stools; however, the turtle is dead, and Peter is upset about the whole affair. There is a silver lining to the whole mishap, however, when Peter gets a surprise from his parents. Because Peter has been a relatively good sport about the loss of his turtle, his parents buy him his own dog. Since Fudge is expected to try to appropriate (seize or take) Peter's new pet for his own, Peter's parents joke they chose a pet for Peter which can't be easily swallowed. That way, Peter won't have to worry about Fudge taking away his new pet.

So, yes, if given the opportunity, Fudge will likely take Peter's new pet for his own. Also, since he's only a baby, he will likely physically treat the dog less carefully. We already see evidence for this when Fudge first spies Peter's new pet. He immediately walks over to the dog and grabs its tail. Fortunately, Peter's father manages to free the dog from Fudge's grasp and tells the toddler in no uncertain terms that the dog belongs to Peter.

How do tone and characterization in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi" contribute to the central idea that love...

Both Shakespeare, in Romeo and Juliet, and O. Henry, in his short story "The Gift of the Magi," use very different tones to relay the theme that love comes with sacrifices. Tone is the author's attitude toward the subject matter. It varies from the mood, which is the emotions the author makes the reader feel. While mood varies throughout long works, the author's tone is usually consistent throughout, because the author's judgements and attitude usually remain the same.

In "The Gift of the Magi," though O. Henry opens the story describing a sad situation in which Della does not have much money saved to spend on Christmas gifts, he actually uses a very witty, humorous tone that he maintains throughout. We see humor in the fact that Della notes 60 cents worth of her savings is in pennies; we see humor in the fact that O. Henry does not describe Della as sobbing or weeping but rather as "howl[ing]." We further see humor when O. Henry interrupts the narrative to reflect on the setting. He particularly notes that, while their shabby flat rented at $8 a week may not be the most splendid place to live, it is certainly not the poorest place to live, especially since it's fully furnished.

O. Henry's humor serves to lend perspective to the story. The true perspective is that, though Della may feel they are in a terrible situation because they cannot currently afford to buy the things they want, the reality is that their married life could be worse--they are not yet "beggars." We know they are not yet beggars because they actually do possess items of wealth they feel they are able to sacrifice for each other to show their love. Della sacrifices her hair to buy her husband a fob chain for his gold watch, whereas Jim sacrifices his gold watch to buy his wife expensive combs for her hair.

Since their sacrifices are absurd because neither can use the gift each bought each other, O. Henry maintains a witty, ironic tone. Yet he ends with the moral lesson that Della and Jim are the wisest gift givers in the world simply because of what they were willing to sacrifice for each other.

In contrast, Shakespeare maintains a very serious, critical tone when developing his theme that love comes with sacrifices, and this tone befits his very tragic story. Romeo and Juliet equally made very useless sacrifices for each other. Juliet sacrificed her life by faking her death to be with Romeo; then, Romeo sacrificed his life to be with Juliet in death, and Juliet soon followed suit. The result is that, just like Della and Jim, neither character is really left with anything by the end of the play. However, Shakespeare does not judge Romeo and Juliet for their foolish sacrifices. Instead, he blames their families for causing their deaths with their own foolish, irrational behavior. Since Shakespeare takes their foolish, irrational behavior very seriously, his tone on the subject of sacrifice and love is critical, in contrast to O. Henry's lighter, more ironic tone.

Using an illustration, discuss the relationship between work, leisure, recreation and tourism.

Work and tourism are relatively simple to define. Work is what you do because you have to (or you're supposed to), instead of because you want to. Tourism is the practice of traveling to other places for enjoyment.The difference between leisure and recreation is subtler. Leisure is the free time you have, recreation is what you do for fun during that free time. Leisure also includes rest, where recreation is inherently active.How are...

Work and tourism are relatively simple to define. Work is what you do because you have to (or you're supposed to), instead of because you want to. Tourism is the practice of traveling to other places for enjoyment.

The difference between leisure and recreation is subtler. Leisure is the free time you have, recreation is what you do for fun during that free time. Leisure also includes rest, where recreation is inherently active.

How are all these concepts connected?

Tourism is a form of recreation which occurs during leisure; but it also requires someone else to do a great deal of work. When you travel to visit another country, there are people working to provide the transportation, people working to serve you food, and people working to maintain your lodgings---not to mention anyone who worked to produce souvenirs or whatever sights you've come to see.

This becomes important when we realize that, with rare exceptions, one person's recreation almost always requires another person's work. For me to vacation in Paris, someone else has to fly the plane, maintain the hotel, drive the taxi. I repay this by doing my own work, which benefits others and may help them have leisure. Work is effectively the price we pay for leisure.

What could be seen as "the muddiest point" in the first chapter of Zinn's A People's History of the United States?

The "muddiest point" in any work is where the greatest amount of questions or confusion arise.  Since it is based on an individual's perception, the best I can do is to offer potential areas of complexity in Zinn's first chapter.

One "muddiest point" might be in Zinn's retelling of Columbus.  For so long, Columbus had been seen as heroic.  His vaulted position had been a part of the traditional historical narrative.  However, it might be...

The "muddiest point" in any work is where the greatest amount of questions or confusion arise.  Since it is based on an individual's perception, the best I can do is to offer potential areas of complexity in Zinn's first chapter.

One "muddiest point" might be in Zinn's retelling of Columbus.  For so long, Columbus had been seen as heroic.  His vaulted position had been a part of the traditional historical narrative.  However, it might be "muddy" to have to reconfigure his position in the face of so much evidence.  A "muddy" element in Zinn's treatment of Columbus is how someone who did so many bad things to so many people could be seen as glorious by so many. Analyzing this disconnect between historical reality and historical mythologizing could be one of the "muddiest" points in chapter one.  The lack of simple and concrete answers makes this a very difficult process. 

Another point that might be "the muddiest" could be when Zinn submits his thesis.  The purpose of the book is outlined in its first chapter.  In the midst of his analysis on Columbus, Zinn puts forth his methodology of how he interprets history:

My viewpoint, in telling the history of the United States, is different: that we must not accept the memory of states as our own. Nations are not communities and never have been, The history of any country, presented as the history of a family, conceals fierce conflicts of interest (sometimes exploding, most often repressed) between conquerors and conquered, masters and slaves, capitalists and workers, dominators and dominated in race and sex. And in such a world of conflict, a world of victims and executioners, it is the job of thinking people, as Albert Camus suggested, not to be on the side of the executioners.

This could be seen as a "muddy point" because we have to consider other motivations in the retelling of history. Readers have to see the difference between the "history of people" and the "history of nations."  This can be seen as "muddy."

There is a tendency to see history as "objective truth." Zinn believes there is no such thing as pure objectivity. Seen and unseen biases infect our telling of history. Analyzing these presuppositions reveals political implications.  The way we teach and learn history reflects these understandings, a revelation that might be "muddy." Tangentially, it might be challenging for us to figure out when we have been "on the side of executioners."  Zinn forces us to reevaluate our own positions.  There might have been instances where we clearly believed something and Zinn is asking us to dissect the underlying ideas behind such convictions. Doing this can be a "muddy" and challenging exercise.

In the final analysis, the "muddiest point" of chapter one is dependent on the reader.  It is reflective of what they feel and understand as they interpret the ideas that Zinn puts forth.  I think two areas where this process could start would be in Zinn's analysis of Columbus and his thesis regarding his construction of the historical narrative.

Please discuss "The Tyger" by William Blake.

William Blake's "The Tyger" is a profound and subtly disturbing work that, at its essence, seeks to understand the nature of God and whether or not He is responsible for creating the destructive forces represented by the tiger.

The key lines here are as follows:

What immortal hand or eye, 

Could frame thy fearful symmetry? (3-4)

These lines appear twice, once at the end of the first stanza, and then again at the end of...

William Blake's "The Tyger" is a profound and subtly disturbing work that, at its essence, seeks to understand the nature of God and whether or not He is responsible for creating the destructive forces represented by the tiger.

The key lines here are as follows:

What immortal hand or eye, 

Could frame thy fearful symmetry? (3-4)

These lines appear twice, once at the end of the first stanza, and then again at the end of the poem. On the surface level, Blake is asking what kind of power (be it the traditional God or something else entirely) made the tiger. On another, more abstract, interpretive level, Blake is wondering what is responsible for the "fearful symmetry" of the world. Throughout the poem, Blake grapples with this "fearful symmetry," referencing chaotic events such as the fall of the angels following Satan's failed rebellion (alluded to in the fifth stanza by "When the stars threw down their spears / And water'd heaven with their tears" (17-18)). As such, though Blake is ostensibly discussing a tiger, he's also struggling to come to terms with the concept of God, and he questions whether God is responsible for the destructive, chaotic events of the world. This question is never resolved, and the final ambiguity of the poem (which returns once more to the ominous "fearful symmetry") leaves the reader with a brilliantly subtle sense of unease. 

Why did author John Collier choose the title “The Chaser”?

The term "chaser," as used by drinkers, is getting to be somewhat outdated. It means a drink of something bland or sweet to follow-up a straight shot of something like whiskey, gin, rum, or tequila. It is called a chaser because it is drunk quickly after the initial strong shot of liquor, which has a high alcohol content. When John Collier used the word in his title in The New Yorkerin 1940, almost all...

The term "chaser," as used by drinkers, is getting to be somewhat outdated. It means a drink of something bland or sweet to follow-up a straight shot of something like whiskey, gin, rum, or tequila. It is called a chaser because it is drunk quickly after the initial strong shot of liquor, which has a high alcohol content. When John Collier used the word in his title in The New Yorker in 1940, almost all readers would have understood his reference. Some contemporary readers do not understood the connotation of the word, however, likely because they think it has something to do with chasing after women, which is definitely what Alan Austen is doing.

The term as used in Collier's story means the old man who sells love potions also has a follow-up potion for sale which acts as an undetectable poison. The old man assumes a young man who is so anxious to get a girl to fall in love with him will get tired of her clinging and possessiveness and will be a good customer for the much more expensive "chaser," which will get rid of her. 

The story is an example of "black humor." It is not to be taken too seriously, although it contains a truth, which is that the honeymoon period of romance does not last forever. The old man warns Alan Austen:

"She will want to know all you do," said the old man. All that has happened to you during the day. Every word of it. She will want to know what you are thinking about, why you smile suddenly, why you are looking sad. . . How carefully she will look after you! She will never allow you to be tired, to sit in a draught, to neglect your food. If you are an hour late, she will be terrified. She will think you are killed, or that some siren has caught you. . . And, by the way, since there are always sirens, if by any chance you should, later on, slip a little, you need not worry. She will forgive you, in the end. She will be terribly hurt, of course, but she will forgive you-in the end. She would never divorce you. Oh, no! And, of course, she will never give you the least, the very least, grounds for-uneasiness."

Alan buys the love potion believing he will never return for a "chaser." When he says goodbye, the old man says, "Au revoir," which means, "I'll be seeing you."

How is Antony a wiser leader than Brutus?

This is a great question. While Brutus is often considered the tragic hero of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, many readers and audiences of the play have insightfully noted that Brutus, for all his honor, is not always the best leader. Indeed, it could be argued that Antony is the wiser leader, as he is able to skillfully navigate and manipulate the complex political climate of Rome while also increasing his own power simultaneously.

Let's compare...

This is a great question. While Brutus is often considered the tragic hero of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, many readers and audiences of the play have insightfully noted that Brutus, for all his honor, is not always the best leader. Indeed, it could be argued that Antony is the wiser leader, as he is able to skillfully navigate and manipulate the complex political climate of Rome while also increasing his own power simultaneously.

Let's compare the two men: Brutus is famous for his honor and nobility, and he ultimately joins the conspirators to protect Rome's republican politics from a tyrannical dictator. These sentiments are entirely honorable and admirable to be sure, but they also illustrate a fatal flaw. Since he is so wrapped up in honor and justice, Brutus naively assumes that other individuals will act with the same selfless attitude. This assumption ultimately proves to be the downfall of both himself and his fellow conspirators. By foolishly letting Antony speak at Caesar's funeral, Brutus inadvertently gives Antony the chance to manipulate the passions of the mob against the conspirators. Indeed, Antony proves to be a cunning politician, as he is able to use carefully crafted rhetoric to influence the masses of Rome and many prominent politicians to turn against Brutus and his companions. As such, though he is less honorable, Antony proves to be the better leader, as he skillfully manipulates Rome's political system to amass personal power.

What are quotes in the second part of Great Expectations that show Pip is unhappy?

Pip is really a fish out of water in London. When he first gets there, he finds the city dirty and disturbing. It does not at all live up to his expectations. 

We Britons had at that time particularly settled that it was treasonable to doubt our having and our being the best of everything: otherwise, while I was scared by the immensity of London, I think I might have had some faint doubts whether it was not rather ugly, crooked, narrow, and dirty (Chapter 20). 

Pip has other disappointments. Pip finds Jaggers and Wemmick confusing. Jaggers refuses to tell him anything, and Wemmick is enigmatic and contradictory. Off work, Wemmick does give Pip some guidance, but he basically just lets Pip dig himself into a hole. 

So now, as an infallible way of making little ease great ease, I began to contract a quantity of debt. I could hardly begin but Herbert must begin too, so he soon followed (Chapter 34). 

Pip and Herbert are helpless when it comes to money.  Never having had any, Pip does not know how to manage it. Wemmick and Jaggers do not intervene. Pip really should not have debts since he can get money from Wemmick. Still, he just keeps buying things on credit. 

By far the greatest misery Pip has is related to Estella. He assumes that, when he was elevated to a gentleman, he was designed for her. This relationship never really materializes, though. Estella tells Pip she likes him more than most people, as a friend, but can never love him or anyone else. When Drummle says he is with Estella, Pip gets angry. It turns out to be true, though. 

But, Estella, do hear me speak. It makes me wretched that you should encourage a man so generally despised as Drummle. You know he is despised (Chapter 38).

Ultimately, Pip will lose everything he gained or thought he had gained. Estella marries Drummle. Magwitch turns out to be his benefactor, not Miss Havisham. He loses the money and Magwitch, and ends up in debtors' prison.

Would our legal system work better if our punishments resembled those in the Code of Hammurabi?

I think our legal system likely would not work better if our punishments resembled the Code of Hammurabi, or we would have stuck with that code. The Code of Hammurabi was the basis of many legal systems around the world for centuries, but we changed to modern systems for a reason.

There are some things modern legal codes share with the Code of Hammurabi. One is clearly delineated laws formally spelled out in writing. That was probably the Code of Hammurabi's central innovation; instead of rules being vague social norms people more or less learned by assimilation, Hammurabi's rules were explicit, codified laws that were written down and couldn't be argued with. It established a system of land ownership and taxation not too different from what we use now.

Many aspects of Hammurabi's code are appalling today. For one, the Code explicitly defines people into upper, middle, and lower classes, and explicitly grants more legal rights to the upper class. The Code includes a number of regulations on slavery, meaning slavery was allowed and considered a legitimate institution. It grants extreme power to the king (who wrote it, after all)—essentially the authority to override any rule or property right at will.

The only part I can see anyone really wanting to go back to today is the criminal justice system, specifically its very harsh punishments which are specifically tailored to the crime. It is what we call a lex talionis, a law of retaliation, under which the way things work is that if someone does something to you, you can do it back to them. If someone punches you, you can punch that person back. If someone pokes out your eye, you poke out that person's eye.

This didn't really work for more abstract crimes like fraud; if he defrauds you, can you really defraud him? Instead, the Code prescribed physical punishments for non-physical crimes. Theft and fraud resulted in your hand being cut off (something still done on occasion in Saudi Arabia). Indeed, a great many crimes were assigned the death penalty, ranging from kidnapping and murder to trespassing and selling unlicensed alcohol.

What would happen if we did this today? Revolution. Violent revolution is essentially the only logical result of such a legal system. Historically, that is ultimately what happened, although Hammurabi conquering a whole bunch of neighboring countries clearly contributed to that.

Why? Because almost everyone breaks some laws on occasion—often for fairly low-risk crimes such as parking improperly, speeding, and jaywalking. If the penalty for all crimes was death, then once you've committed a small crime, what's your incentive not to commit a larger one? If you're going to be executed for jaywalking, why not go ahead and aim for treason, since the punishment is no worse? Treason at least offers the potential for an escape: If you overthrow the government, the government can't enforce its rules on you. Since everyone breaks some laws, the revolution will have a huge amount of popular support.

Modern legal systems are lenient on purpose, because they retain their legitimacy by making punishments feel fair even to most of the people being punished. A $50 parking ticket is annoying, but if you did really park illegally you can't really argue with it, and the legitimacy of the fine or the government executing it is not really in question. If parking in a fire lane carried a sentence of hanging instead, everyone who has ever parked in a fire lane would rise up against the government, because we'd have little to lose and no real other way to try to survive.

There's a proverb about this, usually told as a Chinese general:

"General, we are late for the rendezvous with the Emperor!"

"What is the penalty for tardiness before the Emperor, Lieutenant?"

"Death, sir."

"I see. And what is the penalty for revolution, Lieutenant?"

"Also death, sir."

"I see. Revolution it is, then. We march on the palace at dawn."

What are examples of dramatic and situational irony in "The Daydreams of a Drunk Woman" by Clarice Lispector?

There are definitely examples of situational irony in the story. In The Daydreams of a Drunk Woman, Maria Quitera is a bored housewife who despises her life.

Because of her inner discontent, Maria is hypercritical of her husband. Her constant focus on her unhappiness causes her judgment to become increasingly flawed as the days go by, but she's unaware of her danger. At the beginning of the story, she addresses herself "coquettishly with her hand on her hip." Her solipsism escapes her notice. Maria is too busy dreaming about a better life with a more sophisticated man at her side to recognize the danger of her apathy. When her husband reaches over to kiss her before he leaves for work, Maria rebuffs him angrily and accuses him of pawing her like an "old tomcat."

Her husband firmly proclaims that she's "ill," and the reader is similarly aware that Maria's self-absorption is enervating and destructive. Maria doesn't seem aware her constant focus on her misery is self-defeating; this is an example of dramatic irony, where the reader knows something about a main character that the character seems oblivious to.

When Maria accompanies her husband to a tavern at the invitation of a wealthy businessman, she ends up getting drunk. Her inebriation clouds her judgment, but again, she's oblivious to the results of her actions. Here, we have a bit of situational irony. This is when a character's actions result in a completely different outcome than he/ she expected. Instead of appearing sophisticated and elegant, Maria essentially makes an embarrassing spectacle of herself at the tavern. While she believes she can preserve her self-respect in the face of her intoxication, we know this isn't the case.

Maria becomes so drunk she can barely stand; her husband (who she despises and who she thinks looks foolish in his suit) must physically support her. Maria is determined to prove she's no "provincial ninny," but her lack of self-control obliterates any semblance of elegance and refinement in her. Her judgment of other people becomes more crass and disparaging as she becomes more inebriated. She imagines another female patron is "flat-chested," a "pious ninny," and one of a number of "shameless sluts" and that she's "nothing more than a fishwife trying to pass herself off as a duchess."

The irony is that Maria is inwardly criticizing the other woman for something she's guilty of herself. Maria wants her husband's client to be attracted to her, and she thinks that, by appearing sophisticated, she's capable of attracting a better man into her life. She's not actually very confident in her ability to do so, though. This causes her to drink copiously in a social setting to mask her inadequacies. Her actions only make matters worse; instead of appearing elegant and refined, she embarrasses herself. Sadly, she only recognizes this the next day when she reminisces about the previous evening. That's situational irony: when events don't turn out the way a character imagines they will.

When her husband's friend saw her so plump and pretty he had immediately felt respect for her. And when she started to get embarrassed she did not know which way to look. Such misery! What was one to do? Seated on the edge of the bed, blinking in resignation.

In The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz, what is the relationship like between Lola and Max?

Lola is the sister of Oscar, the main character in The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. Lola is Oscar's older sister and, as such, she is very protective of him. This behavior is a stark contrast to the way she interacts with other characters in the story, including the minor character of her ex-boyfriend, Max.

At the beginning of the narrative, Lola announces that she broke up with her boyfriend Max at...

Lola is the sister of Oscar, the main character in The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. Lola is Oscar's older sister and, as such, she is very protective of him. This behavior is a stark contrast to the way she interacts with other characters in the story, including the minor character of her ex-boyfriend, Max.

At the beginning of the narrative, Lola announces that she broke up with her boyfriend Max at the same time that she chose to drop out of school. Although she does not go into detail about the breakup, it is the beginning of a self-destructive period for her character. Soon after the breakup, she sleeps with the father of one of her classmates for $2,000. Lola's conflicted feelings about Max become evident after his death. Max is killed in a jaywalking accident and Lola gives the $2,000 to his family to help them after the loss.

Despite his relatively minor role in the story, Lola's relationship with Max gives the reader significant insight into her character. When Lola breaks down on a plane after Max's death, her facade of strength is momentarily broken, revealing the vulnerability underneath.

What are five quotes from Part One of To Kill a Mockingbird that reveal Scout's character development?

In Chapter 2, Scout displays her lack of perspective when she tries to stick up for Walter Cunningham. She tells her teacher,

"You're shamin' him, Miss Caroline. Walter hasn't got a quarter at home to bring you, and you can't use any stovewood" (Lee 15).

Later on in the day, Scout laments her rough first day of school and Atticus teaches her an important lesson in perspective. After Atticus tells Scout that she'll never really...

In Chapter 2, Scout displays her lack of perspective when she tries to stick up for Walter Cunningham. She tells her teacher,

"You're shamin' him, Miss Caroline. Walter hasn't got a quarter at home to bring you, and you can't use any stovewood" (Lee 15).

Later on in the day, Scout laments her rough first day of school and Atticus teaches her an important lesson in perspective. After Atticus tells Scout that she'll never really understand a person until she considers things from their point of view, Scout says, "I'll be dogged" (Lee 19).

Viewing situations from other people's perspective is an important lesson in Scout's moral development.

In Chapter 3, Jem tells Scout and Dill the infamous rumors surrounding their reclusive neighbor Boo Radley. Scout fears Boo Radley and does not want to play the game where they reenact his life stories. Scout says,

"He can get out at night when we're all asleep..." (Lee 25).

In Chapter 5, Scout sits on the porch with Maudie and learns the truth about Boo Radley. Maudie tells Scout that Boo's real name is Arthur and says that he is still alive. Scout asks Maudie, "Do you think they're true, all those things they say about B--Mr. Arthur?" (Lee 29). Maudie responds by telling Scout,

"that is a sad house. I remember Arthur Radley when he was a boy. He always spoke nicely to me, no matter what folks said he did. Spoke as nicely as he knew how" (Lee 29).

Maudie goes on to explain that Boo's parents were foot-washing Baptists who believed that any type of pleasure was a sin. Maudie tells Scout,

"They thought I spent too much time in God's outdoors and not enough time inside the house reading the Bible" (Lee 28).

Scout is shocked to hear this and mentions,

"How so reasonable a creature could live in peril of everlasting torment was incomprehensible" (Lee 28).

Maudie teaches Scout several important lessons regarding the identity of their reclusive neighbor and the negatives attached to being radically religious.

Describe the central tenets of Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism. What similarities can be found among these three religions?

It would be quite presumptuous to think I could do full justice to the details of three major world religions in a single post, but I think I can at least give you some of the broad strokes about their similarities and differences.

All three religions are found primarily in India and East Asia, and have existed for at least 2000 years.  All three are very complex and have a variety of different traditions---especially Hinduism, which is probably the most diverse religion in the world. All three religions share the common basic moral values that are found in almost every human culture, such as prohibitions on murder, theft, and fraud. All three religions involve belief in reincarnation and karma in at least some of their sects. In addition, all three religions emphasize meditation and nonviolence as paths to enlightenment.

Jainism takes nonviolence particularly seriously, as many Jain are strict vegans who believe that all living things have souls, and seek to minimize their harmful impact on all things, even the plants and the soil. Buddhists and Hindus are also often vegetarians, but a significant number are not.

Sexuality is viewed quite differently in Hinduism compared to the other two religions; there is a strong tradition of Hinduism viewing sexuality as an important part of enlightenment (such as the Kama Sutra, which is actually a Hindu sacred text as well as a sex manual). Buddhism and Jainism generally view sexuality as a form of personal indulgence that is to be generally minimized if not avoided altogether. Due to the great diversity of beliefs within these religions, there are many exceptions to both of these broad patterns.

Buddhism and Jainism are both more codified than Hinduism.

Hinduism has no one particular text or set of laws that all Hindus believe in.

Almost all Buddhists follow the Three Practices (virtue, meditation, enlightenment) and the Four Noble Truths (suffering exists, suffering is caused, suffering can be ended, suffering is ended by following the eightfold path).

Almost all Jain believe in the Three Jewels (right belief, right knowledge, right conduct), as well as the Five Great Vows.

Then we come to the thorny question of how many gods. Buddhists may believe in no god, one god, or many gods. Hindus generally believe in many gods, but often have one god that they believe all other gods come from. Jain generally believe in no gods at all.

Given the decline of extended family influence and other developments described in Mothers and Others, what does the changing nature of American...

According to Hrdy, as elaborated upon in her conclusion, advancing technological society has caused splintering of child-rearing support groups. These groups of related or nearly-related individuals are identified as alloparenting and allomothering groups. This splintering has resulted in changes to child-rearing, leaving human young with few individuals to identify with, be empathetic with and mind read with. The consequence of this change in child-rearing culture is already traceable in the diminishment of qualities that are...

According to Hrdy, as elaborated upon in her conclusion, advancing technological society has caused splintering of child-rearing support groups. These groups of related or nearly-related individuals are identified as alloparenting and allomothering groups. This splintering has resulted in changes to child-rearing, leaving human young with few individuals to identify with, be empathetic with and mind read with. The consequence of this change in child-rearing culture is already traceable in the diminishment of qualities that are distinctly, definitively human, a claim Hrdy backs up with contemporary studies. 

Further loss of these qualities due to, as Hrdy says, rapid continuing human evolution wherein traits that are not used are lost may lead to a future of humans who lack the altruistic, intersubjective qualities that make our species empathetic, mind-reading, and collaborative--that make us, as we now define it, human. Some of these losses would be to such qualities as these:

• mind reading


• empathy and compassion


• intimacy


• giving rituals


• altruism


• collaboration

The loss of these qualities in the evolutionary process would result in humans who are still human, but would they be "human in ways we now think of as distinguishing our species—that is, empathetic and curious about the emotions of others, shaped by our ancient heritage of communal care"?

In Hrdy's view and in my own, such intimate identification as comes from the development of intense mind reading and collaboration makes a woman's mother a better alloparent than her mother-in-law. In alloparenting, the greater affinity of a mother to a close blood relative (kin) than to a marriage relative (near-kin) may suggest that collaboration is limited to groups and individuals closely bound by empathy, intense mind-reading affinities, intense interest in and caring about the others' thoughts, and to those who are gift-givers rather than taking-competitors.

What are some quotes throughout the novel that depict prejudice against Tom Robinson?

In Chapter 12, Scout attends Sunday service at First Purchase African M.E. Scout watches as Reverend Sykes takes up a collection for Helen Robinson and she asks Calpurnia why the congregation is giving money to Tom's wife. Calpurnia says that Helen has three children and can't take them to work. Reverend Sykes then tells Scout that Helen's having a hard time finding work. When Scout asks Cal why folks won't hire Helen, Cal says,

"...

In Chapter 12, Scout attends Sunday service at First Purchase African M.E. Scout watches as Reverend Sykes takes up a collection for Helen Robinson and she asks Calpurnia why the congregation is giving money to Tom's wife. Calpurnia says that Helen has three children and can't take them to work. Reverend Sykes then tells Scout that Helen's having a hard time finding work. When Scout asks Cal why folks won't hire Helen, Cal says,

"It's because of what folks say Tom done...Folks aren't anxious to---to have anything to do with any of his family" (Lee 75).

The community of Maycomb's prejudiced feelings toward Tom negatively affects his family. They feel that Tom Robinson is guilty before he even goes to court and refuse to associate with anyone related to him.

Following Tom's death, Scout describes the Maycomb community's reaction to his attempted escape. She says,

"To Maycomb, Tom's death was Typical. Typical of a nigger to cut and run. Typical of a nigger's mentality to have no plan, no thought for the future, just run blind the first chance he saw...Easy come, easy go. Just shows you, that Robinson boy was legally married, they say he kept himself clean, went to church and all that, but when it comes down to the line the veneer's mighty thin. Nigger always comes out in 'em" (Lee 147).

The community's comments about Tom Robinson reveal their prejudice towards him. Although Tom was respected throughout the African American community, the white citizens of Maycomb still viewed him with contempt because he was black. They saw Tom Robinson as a "nigger" like the rest of the African Americans in Macomb and refused to believe that he was a sensible person.

A junior member of staff has just returned to work after taking a special leave to care for her elderly mother. For financial reasons she needs to...

Compassion and empathy should be inherent in managers.  As such, they ought to modify working arrangements when applicable to meet the needs of the organization and employees. In the difficult situation described here, there are a few areas the manager can review to see what options are available. Organizations differ on the regulations regarding the following suggestions, but it should be assumed the manager has the authority to authorize such accommodations.

First, the employee and...

Compassion and empathy should be inherent in managers.  As such, they ought to modify working arrangements when applicable to meet the needs of the organization and employees. In the difficult situation described here, there are a few areas the manager can review to see what options are available. Organizations differ on the regulations regarding the following suggestions, but it should be assumed the manager has the authority to authorize such accommodations.

First, the employee and manager need to discuss the vital roles of the job which require the employee to be at the business location. The manager may have suggestions for adjusting meeting times or other blocks of responsibility to narrow down a window for the employee. As an example, after discussion it is deemed the employee must be present from 10 AM to 2 PM every day but can work at different, more flexible times the rest of the day.

Responsibilities that can be accomplished off-site should be reviewed as well. E-mails, documentation, research, and other tasks may be handled at any number of locations and may not require physical presence in the office. Reviewing hardware and software requirements for these tasks will help determine if the employee can telework, meaning they work from home part of the day.

With a work schedule created to accommodate the employee, the manager must set guidelines to evaluate the accommodations. A review might be conducted one month, three months, and then six months after the arrangements begin to ensure work products are not suffering and the arrangement can be handled by both parties. The managers must take care to demonstrate to the employee the flexibility is a show of good faith on the company's part, but if the arrangement no longer is effective then the employee may be expected to return to normal duty hours or face termination.

The remainder of the office needs to be alerted to the change, and this notification should come from the manager. The announcement should include the new schedule and note the arrangement was made with the full support of the management team. Any problems that arise should be brought to the manager's attention to be addressed. This lets other employees know management supports the new arrangement, but will also be receptive to concerns about the matter should they arise.

The last part is to address the male co-worker in private. He does not need a formal reprimand, but should be given a friendly reminder that comments such as the ones you noted could place him and the company in the position to defend a hostile work environment complaint from any number of female employees.

Create an organization chart for the company that you currently work for, or for a company that you have worked for in the past. Alternatively,...

An organizational chart shows the relationships between people who work at a company, as well as the relationships between the departments or functions of the company. It is usually completed in a hierarchical fashion, with the head of the organization at the top, followed by the people who are close to the top in the hierarchy and working its way down to the people who have lower levels in the organization.

For example, a manufacturing...

An organizational chart shows the relationships between people who work at a company, as well as the relationships between the departments or functions of the company. It is usually completed in a hierarchical fashion, with the head of the organization at the top, followed by the people who are close to the top in the hierarchy and working its way down to the people who have lower levels in the organization.

For example, a manufacturing company's organizational chart might show the Board of Directors at the top, at the same level as the chairperson or president of the company. Beneath that person might be branches to different functions or departments of the company. The vice-presidents in charge of sales, manufacturing, human resources, and accounting might all be at the same level. Within each of those departments, there might be further divisions, such as into different regional sales departments (East Coast, Midwest, West Coast, South, etc.), and into the different positions in each department. For example, the human resources department might include a vice-president, human resource generalists below that person, and a person who conducts training below that person or people. Generally, people who share the same position are at the same level. To figure out the organizational chart for the company you choose, you might have to interview someone who works there or someone who works in the human resources department to fill you in about the different positions in the company and how they are ranked and organized.  

In Bud, Not Buddy by Curtis, what are the names of Mrs. Sleet's children?

In Chapter 11, Lefty Lewis sees Bud hitchhiking and offers him a ride to Grand Rapids. Lefty then tells Bud that he needs to drive back to Flint so he can drop off blood at the Hurley Hospital. While they are driving, Bud falls asleep, and Lefty Lewis takes Bud to his daughter's home to spend the night. When Bud wakes up, he joins Lefty's family for breakfast. Mrs. Sleet is the name of Lefty's...

In Chapter 11, Lefty Lewis sees Bud hitchhiking and offers him a ride to Grand Rapids. Lefty then tells Bud that he needs to drive back to Flint so he can drop off blood at the Hurley Hospital. While they are driving, Bud falls asleep, and Lefty Lewis takes Bud to his daughter's home to spend the night. When Bud wakes up, he joins Lefty's family for breakfast. Mrs. Sleet is the name of Lefty's daughter, and she has two children, Kim and Scott. Bud is introduced to Kim and Scott during breakfast, and they bicker with each other like typical siblings. Scott is curious to learn about Bud's situation and asks Bud several questions about why he decided to run away. Kim then offers Bud a deal. She tells Bud that she will sing a song that she made up if he promises to answer one question. Bud agrees to the deal, Kim sings, then asks Bud how his mother died. Bud explains that his mother was ill and passed away without any pain. Kim and Scott then begin to argue again before Lefty Lewis and Mrs. Sleet return from the kitchen.

In The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, what is the psychology of either Tom or Laura? What internal conflict is the character dealing...

Laura's conflict is that she wants to be loved, but she also fears interaction with the world. She is emotionally fragile, as fragile as the glass collection she is always washing and polishing. She suffers from something akin to a social phobia and a form of anxiety, as she can't even stand going to the business class she was attending and instead prefers walking by herself. She blames her social isolation on being crippled, but...

Laura's conflict is that she wants to be loved, but she also fears interaction with the world. She is emotionally fragile, as fragile as the glass collection she is always washing and polishing. She suffers from something akin to a social phobia and a form of anxiety, as she can't even stand going to the business class she was attending and instead prefers walking by herself. She blames her social isolation on being crippled, but her mother insists that Laura is not crippled. Instead of trying to connect with other people, Laura prefers, like the glass she cherishes, to be put on a shelf by herself. She looks back nostalgically on high school and one boy, Jim, who she used to like. 

When Jim shows up at the door with Laura's brother, Tom, Laura feels sick and refuses to open the door, again showing her retreat into social isolation. When Jim and Laura finally speak, he diagnoses her with an "inferiority complex," which is his way of saying that she needs more confidence in herself and needs to interact with the wider world. While dancing, Jim breaks Laura's glass unicorn, which is symbolic of the way that he convinces her that she isn't so fragile and can get out in the world. She refers to this accident as "a blessing in disguise" because for one moment, the unicorn, who is much like her, is just a normal horse and fits in with other creatures. At the end of the play, Laura's anxiety and social phobia cause her to probably always stay with her mother, Amanda, or to live a socially isolated life, after her brother Tom has left. 

What is the theme of "Harrison Bergeron"?

The primary theme in Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron" is that human beings will always reject control and oppression of their individuality. The handicapper general, a woman by the name of Diana Moon Glampers, enforces this desire to reduce individuals to a generic person without individual thoughts in the name of "equality." However, the eponymous Harrison Bergeron rejects and strips himself of the "handicaps" placed on him by Glampers, but ends up dead.

In this story,...

The primary theme in Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron" is that human beings will always reject control and oppression of their individuality. The handicapper general, a woman by the name of Diana Moon Glampers, enforces this desire to reduce individuals to a generic person without individual thoughts in the name of "equality." However, the eponymous Harrison Bergeron rejects and strips himself of the "handicaps" placed on him by Glampers, but ends up dead.

In this story, Vonnegut is successfully able to weave two competing ideas: the human desire to be an individual and the political desire for control. Despite the fact that citizens seem to prefer control in order to be "equal" (George Bergeron tells his wife this when she suggests removing some of his handicaps: "If I tried to get away with it ... then other people'd get away with it—and pretty soon we'd be right back to the dark ages again, with everybody competing against everybody else. You wouldn't like that, would you?"), there also seems to be the incorrigible human desire to express oneself. When Harrison arrives in the TV studio, he finds a dancer and musicians willing to remove their handicaps in order to create something beautiful. Even Hazel Bergeron, who has no handicaps because she is already at the lowest common denominator, cries when Harrison is shot because she understands that something "sad" has just occurred.

There are many sub-themes here, including the questions surrounding this idea of equality, but the primary theme is definitely the human desire to express one's individuality and talents regardless of oppression.

How do you know if your duckling is healthy?

A healthy duckling is an active duckling. Baby ducks do not "quack." They "chirp" in a way similar to chickens. One duckling is miserable by itself—the duckling will stay with its flock. Ducklings hatched under a hen will naturally have the oil on their down to allow them to get wet, but ducklings hatched in an incubator should not get wet until they lose their down, usually within four to six weeks. In a brooder,...

A healthy duckling is an active duckling. Baby ducks do not "quack." They "chirp" in a way similar to chickens. One duckling is miserable by itself—the duckling will stay with its flock. Ducklings hatched under a hen will naturally have the oil on their down to allow them to get wet, but ducklings hatched in an incubator should not get wet until they lose their down, usually within four to six weeks. In a brooder, the healthy ducklings should be evenly spread throughout; if the ducklings bunch in one corner, it may mean there is a draft or the ducklings are too hot or cold. Ducklings have a healthy appetite and will eat all the commercial duck starter food you provide them. They also need fresh water to drink, but not enough to allow the duckling to remain wet. A healthy duckling should also have healthy, semi-solid stools. Ducklings' bedding should be changed daily, as they tend to get intestinal parasites, such as coccidia, which can kill an entire flock in a short period of time.

In The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton, who are the Socs? Who are the Greasers? What does Cherry explain to Ponyboy as the difference between the Socs...

The Socs and the Greasers are two different gangs in S. E. Hinton's The Outsiders.  

Early in the novel, Ponyboy thinks that the Greasers and Socs are nothing alike.  On the surface of things, a reader would tend to agree with Ponyboy, too.  A difference between the Greasers and the Socs is their socioeconomic status.  The Greasers are all poor teenagers, and they are coming from poor families.  In addition to being poor, most...

The Socs and the Greasers are two different gangs in S. E. Hinton's The Outsiders.  

Early in the novel, Ponyboy thinks that the Greasers and Socs are nothing alike.  On the surface of things, a reader would tend to agree with Ponyboy, too.  A difference between the Greasers and the Socs is their socioeconomic status.  The Greasers are all poor teenagers, and they are coming from poor families.  In addition to being poor, most of the Greasers are from broken or abusive families.  Johnny's father beats him.  Ponyboy and his brothers do not even have parents around anymore.  On the other hand, the Socs are from the rich side of town.  Their parents are wealthy; therefore, the Socs have all of the fancy clothes.  Some of the Socs even have cars. Ponyboy absolutely believes that the main difference between the Greasers and the Socs is financial.

I really couldn't see what Socs would have to sweat about--- good grades, good cars, good girls, madras and Mustangs and Corvairs--- Man, I thought, if I had worries like that I'd consider myself lucky.  

During Chapters Two and Three, Cherry explains to Ponyboy that he is wrong.  Cherry correctly identifies that the main difference between Greasers and Socs is how each group feels.  Specifically, the Socs don't feel anything and the Greasers feel too much.  Cherry elaborates by explaining that in order to maintain a constant state of cool aloofness, the Socs are forced to be emotionless voids.  This emotionlessness can be contrasted with the Greasers, who are typically hot tempered and react to every little emotion that they feel.  

I thought maybe it was money that separated us.

"No," Cherry said slowly when I said this. "It's not just money. Part of it is, but not all. You greasers have a different set of values. You're more emotional. We're sophisticated--cool to the point of not feeling anything. Nothing is real with us. . ."

"That's why we're separated," I said. "It's not money, it's feeling--you don't feel anything and we feel too violently."

Which has more atoms: one mole of `H_2` or two moles of `Na?`

By the definition, a mole of some objects contains fixed number of these objects. This number is called Avogadro number, is denoted `N_A` and is about `6*10^(23).` It is usually applied to collections of atoms or molecules, therefore mass of one mole usually isn't so great as one may suppose. Although we can speak about a mole of raindrops, or stars, or whatever.

This way one mole of hydrogen `H_2` moleculeshas exactly twice less molecules...

By the definition, a mole of some objects contains fixed number of these objects. This number is called Avogadro number, is denoted `N_A` and is about `6*10^(23).` It is usually applied to collections of atoms or molecules, therefore mass of one mole usually isn't so great as one may suppose. Although we can speak about a mole of raindrops, or stars, or whatever.

This way one mole of hydrogen `H_2` molecules has exactly twice less molecules than two moles of sodium `Na.` But the question is about the number of atoms. Because each molecule of `H_2` contains two atoms (the index `2` means this), the quantity of atoms is the same.

The answer: one mole of `H_2` has the same number of atoms as two moles of `Na.`

What does an irrational number mean?

An irrational number is a (real) number which is not rational, this is the definition. A rational number, by the definition, may be expressed as `m/n,` where `m` is an integer and `n` is a natural number. Hence an irrational number may not be expressed this way.

Some irrational numbers occur naturally from Pythagorean theorem, for example if a right triangle has both legs of length `1,` then the length of its hypotenuse is `sqrt(2),`...

An irrational number is a (real) number which is not rational, this is the definition. A rational number, by the definition, may be expressed as `m/n,` where `m` is an integer and `n` is a natural number. Hence an irrational number may not be expressed this way.

Some irrational numbers occur naturally from Pythagorean theorem, for example if a right triangle has both legs of length `1,` then the length of its hypotenuse is `sqrt(2),` an irrational number (ask me for proof if needed).

Written in decimal form, an irrational number has infinitely many digits after the decimal dot, and there is no period in them. This is also in contrast with rational numbers.

From the set theory point of view, there are much more irrational numbers than rational: the set of rational numbers is countable and the set of irrational numbers has the cardinality of continuum.

Despite of this, there are enough rational numbers to approximate any irrational number with any accuracy. In other words, the set of rational numbers is dense everywhere in the set of real numbers.

Assume that it is 5 years in the future. The Armstrong suits are settled. 1. What major business law issues do you believe Lance Armstrong faced?...

Armstrong's fraud against USPS might be seen as having caused USPS to violate major US marketing and advertising laws prohibiting deception, illegal activity in marketing and untested claims of health benefits.

Imagining that USPS loses its suit against Armstrong because Armstrong himself was not a signatoryof the marketing/sponsorship agreement USPS had with Tailwind Sports, then Armstrong might be rightly sued for causing USPS to violate US marketing and advertising laws requiring truthful claims that...

Armstrong's fraud against USPS might be seen as having caused USPS to violate major US marketing and advertising laws prohibiting deception, illegal activity in marketing and untested claims of health benefits.

Imagining that USPS loses its suit against Armstrong because Armstrong himself was not a signatory of the marketing/sponsorship agreement USPS had with Tailwind Sports, then Armstrong might be rightly sued for causing USPS to violate US marketing and advertising laws requiring truthful claims that are not deceptive: Armstrong, associated with the USPS brand, deceived USPS and the public by hiding sports doping. 

US marketing and advertising laws prohibit doing anything illegal in the course of marketing. It might be said that the fact that Armstrong broke doping laws (according to the Department of Justice) while acting as part of USPS brand advertising--which they associated with "Lance Armstrong: American hero"--provides significant grounds for action against Armstrong since he admittedly violated US drug and doping laws.

Armstrong may also be connected to violation of US marketing and advertising laws regulating advertised health benefits since association with Armstrong--cancer survivor and founder of Livestrong--may imply health benefits even without overtly claiming health benefits.

In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, what does the nurse's reaction to Juliet's death show?

The nurse's reaction shows that she is tremendously affected by Juliet's apparent death.

She calls the day of Juliet's death a "woeful," "hateful," and "lamentable" day; to her, it's one of the worst days she's seen so far. Her emotional reaction, similar to the one she displays upon Tybalt's death, shows that she feels her sorrows deeply. In the play, the nurse is a mother-figure to Juliet; it is she who raises the young Juliet...

The nurse's reaction shows that she is tremendously affected by Juliet's apparent death.

She calls the day of Juliet's death a "woeful," "hateful," and "lamentable" day; to her, it's one of the worst days she's seen so far. Her emotional reaction, similar to the one she displays upon Tybalt's death, shows that she feels her sorrows deeply. In the play, the nurse is a mother-figure to Juliet; it is she who raises the young Juliet in Lady Capulet's absence. As a confidante and trusted maternal presence in Juliet's life, the nurse is well-loved by her young charge; she's also Juliet's messenger.

In the play, the nurse brings messages from Juliet to Romeo and vice versa. Although she loves Juliet, she's first and foremost a conformist. When Juliet is urged by her family to marry Paris, the nurse advises her young charge to submit to her parents' wishes. For her part, Juliet is deeply hurt by what she considers her nurse's betrayal. However, the nurse is only doing what she thinks is best for her beloved surrogate daughter. To her, romantic love should be subordinated to material considerations.

Despite this, the nurse's regard for Juliet is very real; when she thinks that Juliet has died, she is overcome with grief and pain. Her reaction to Juliet's apparent death shows her deep love and abiding affection for her young charge.

How do the characters Claudio and Benedick compare and contrast in Shakespeare's Much Ado about Nothing?

In Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, one major difference between Claudio and Benedick is that Claudio is depicted as a much more typical hero. He is characterized as valiant, handsome, and as falling in love easily with Hero. In contrast, Benedick, though equally valiant in the war they have just returned from, claims to be a "professed tyrant" of women (1.1.155). He claims to despise women and objects to the idea of marriage....

In Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, one major difference between Claudio and Benedick is that Claudio is depicted as a much more typical hero. He is characterized as valiant, handsome, and as falling in love easily with Hero. In contrast, Benedick, though equally valiant in the war they have just returned from, claims to be a "professed tyrant" of women (1.1.155). He claims to despise women and objects to the idea of marriage. He continues to illustrate his claim when, in the first scene, he keeps protesting against Hero being worthy of Claudio's love, or of any man's love. He further illustrates his claim by swearing he shall forever live as a bachelor.

Yet, Benedick shares more similarities with Claudio when it comes to matters of the heart than he cares to admit. While Benedick protests against love and marriage, the reality is that he easily sees Beatrice as beautiful, even more beautiful than Hero, is easily hurt by her when at the masquerade ball she calls him the "prince's jester; a very dull fool" (2.1.122), and very quickly admits he loves her when he is led to believe she loves him. Therefore, as the play progresses, Benedick proves to be just as much of a lover as Claudio.

But one more difference between them that remains constant throughout the play is that Claudio proves to be very distrusting of others, and his distrusting nature makes him easily feel jealous. We first see him feel jealous when Don John easily tricks Claudio into believing Don Pedro is courting Hero for himself. His next and most dangerous bout of jealousy is stirred when Don John tricks him into believing Hero is not a virtuous bride. In contrast, when Claudio disgraces Hero on their wedding day, Benedick is very quick to believe that Claudio wrongly accused Hero. He is also quick to see that Don John purposefully misled Claudio into believing Hero was unfaithful. Benedick's ability to see what really happened and to challenge his dear friend saves the day.

I need a three-part thesis for my essay on the Persian Gulf War. The essay is for an AP U.S. History class, so it should be more focused on the...

The thesis for your essay could be something along the lines of the following: The Persian Gulf War began after Iraq under Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990 and the U.S. spearheaded a campaign called Operation Desert Storm that appeared to achieve success; however, the war left behind unresolved issues that in part led to a second war in the region in 2003. 

Here is some additional background information: Accusing Kuwait of taking oil from...

The thesis for your essay could be something along the lines of the following: The Persian Gulf War began after Iraq under Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990 and the U.S. spearheaded a campaign called Operation Desert Storm that appeared to achieve success; however, the war left behind unresolved issues that in part led to a second war in the region in 2003. 

Here is some additional background information: Accusing Kuwait of taking oil from Iraqi oilfields, Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in August of 1990. He fully expected that other Arab states would back his actions. However, most of the countries condemned Iraq for its actions and called on the U.S. and NATO for help. In November of 1990, the U.N. resolved to carry out action against Iraq if it did not remove its troops from Kuwait, and the first U.S. air raids began in January of 1991. Using laser-guided missiles and night-bombing technology, the U.S. air attacks quickly disposed of Iraqi opposition, and the American troops moved on to a ground war in which they rapidly rid Kuwait of Iraqi forces. While Iraq abandoned its claims on Kuwait, massive damage resulted from the war. The success of the war became more controversial when Hussein, who was left in power, began mounting attacks against Kurds and Shi'ites in his country. Frustrated by the Iraqis' failure to submit to weapons inspections and to observe no-fly zones, the U.S. under the second President Bush attacked Iraq in 2003, starting the Iraq War. 

How could I compare Catherine Petkoff's description of a cavalry charge with that of the fugitive Swiss soldier?

The first thing you should do as you work on this assignment is think about the differences between the two characters.

Catherine Petkoff is an upperclass Bulgarian woman with no personal experience of military conflicts. As you discuss her background, you should pay particular attention to the ways the arts and patriotic enthusiasm may have colored her understanding of the events she describes. Her understanding of Sergius leading the charge and its magnificence is based...

The first thing you should do as you work on this assignment is think about the differences between the two characters.

Catherine Petkoff is an upperclass Bulgarian woman with no personal experience of military conflicts. As you discuss her background, you should pay particular attention to the ways the arts and patriotic enthusiasm may have colored her understanding of the events she describes. Her understanding of Sergius leading the charge and its magnificence is based on second or thirdhand evidence.

Captain Bluntschli is a Swiss mercenary. As you discuss his understanding of the charge, you should explain that he was an eyewitness and evaluating it from a purely professional perspective, in terms of its tactical effectiveness. You should also note that while Petkoff is romantic, metaphorical, and enthusiastic, the Swiss is literal, pragmatic and cynical.

Another key point you discuss is the difference between the breathless, disconnected hyperbolic language of Petkoff and the dry understatement of the soldier. Petkoff describes:

... our gallant splendid Bulgarians with their swords and eyes flashing, thundering down like an avalanche and scattering the wretched Servian dandies like chaff ...

Her language is redolent of Romantic poetry rather than of literal precision.

Why can we measure the volume of a liquid directly, but not a solid?

Matter has 3 main states or forms: solid, liquid and gas (plasma is another form of matter, but it is not commonly observed). Solids, liquids and gases are classified based on their intermolecular attraction. Solids have the highest intermolecular attraction among all the states of matter. This is the reason solids are so compact and rigid. Liquids have less intermolecular attraction as compared to solids. They find it easier to flow and occupy the shape...

Matter has 3 main states or forms: solid, liquid and gas (plasma is another form of matter, but it is not commonly observed). Solids, liquids and gases are classified based on their intermolecular attraction. Solids have the highest intermolecular attraction among all the states of matter. This is the reason solids are so compact and rigid. Liquids have less intermolecular attraction as compared to solids. They find it easier to flow and occupy the shape of the container they are in. Gases have the least intermolecular attraction (when compared to other forms of matter).

The ability to flow makes the volumetric measurement of liquids easy. If we need to measure the volume of a given liquid, we can transfer it to a measuring cup or cylinder or beaker and calculate its volume using the graduations on the vessel. In comparison, solids cannot flow and hence cannot be transferred to measuring vessels (beaker, cup, etc.). To determine the volume of a solid, we have to measure its dimensions and use geometry to calculate its volume. We could also submerge the solid into a known amount of water and measure the volume of water that it displaces.

Hope this helps. 

Do pheromones only trigger positive responses among organisms of the same species? Are there negative responses across different species?

Pheromones by definition are chemical molecules released by a living organism to trigger a response or to elicit specific behavioural expressions in organisms of the same species. They are signalling molecules which may be contained in body fluids.

The term pheromone comes from the Greek words pheran which means to transfer and horman which means to excite. Pheromones essentially trigger response in organisms of the same species.

Examples of this abound among insects. Ants and honey bees...

Pheromones by definition are chemical molecules released by a living organism to trigger a response or to elicit specific behavioural expressions in organisms of the same species. They are signalling molecules which may be contained in body fluids.

The term pheromone comes from the Greek words pheran which means to transfer and horman which means to excite. Pheromones essentially trigger response in organisms of the same species.

Examples of this abound among insects. Ants and honey bees release alarm pheromones to warn other insects of their own species of impending danger in a particular location. Some species of insects, usually the female, release pheromones to attract mates of opposite sex. 

Studies however reveal that a certain species of spider, mastophora cornigera, mimics the sex pheromone of the moth by releasing a mixture of volatile compounds with which it attracts male moths upon which it preys. So, even though pheromones trigger responses among organisms of the same species, it may be used deceptively across other species.

What is Roe v. Wade?

Roe v. Wadewas an important Supreme Court case decided in 1973 that allowed women across the United States the right to an abortion during the first two trimesters of pregnancy. At that time, many states restricted abortion rights. The court based its decision on the right of privacy, given under the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. The justices felt that a woman's right to privacy was more compelling than...

Roe v. Wade was an important Supreme Court case decided in 1973 that allowed women across the United States the right to an abortion during the first two trimesters of pregnancy. At that time, many states restricted abortion rights. The court based its decision on the right of privacy, given under the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. The justices felt that a woman's right to privacy was more compelling than the right of states to regulate that right during the first and second trimester of pregnancy. Around the third trimester of pregnancy, which the court determined to be the point of viability (or when the fetus could survive on its own), the court determined that the states can regulate or restrict a woman's rights to an abortion, with exceptions to protect the life or health of the mother. 

This case has been contentious since the Supreme Court passed down its decision in 1973. Supporters believe a woman's right to choose whether or not to have an abortion is a fundamental right, protected by the Constitution, and they believe a woman has a right to privacy. Opponents believe that the decision does not reflect a constitutional right and assert that the unborn fetus has a right to life. 

What are the changes that happen to the summer sun according to "Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day" (Sonnet 18)?

In Sonnet XVIII, Shakespeare writes that the summer sun can be too short, too hot, and sometimes it only shines dimly.

In this sonnet of Shakespeare's, which is written in the Petrarchan form, the first four lines interrelate in order to form an argument that the last few lines will answer. In these first lines, the poet states that comparing his beloved to a summer's day lends his love only a temporal nature. So,...

In Sonnet XVIII, Shakespeare writes that the summer sun can be too short, too hot, and sometimes it only shines dimly.

In this sonnet of Shakespeare's, which is written in the Petrarchan form, the first four lines interrelate in order to form an argument that the last few lines will answer. In these first lines, the poet states that comparing his beloved to a summer's day lends his love only a temporal nature. So, in his argument against the summer sun, the poet states that

1. Summer does not last long enough since it "hath all too short a date."


2. Often the sun is unbearably hot when it shines upon the earth: "sometimes too hot the eye of heaven shines."


3. The summer sun often loses its brilliance because of clouds and such: "and often is his gold complexion dimm'd . . ."

For these reasons, the poet decides to preserve his beloved's beauty, not in a comparison to the sun, but in the written verse: "when in eternal lines to time thou growest." As long as people live and read, the beloved's beauty will be preserved in the poet's verse.

How is the theme of glory portrayed in Julius Caesar?

In ancient Rome, ambition was the pursuit of glory and honor. The primary way to achieve these traits was through military leadership in conquest. In fact, failure to achieve glory usually resulted in the honorable path of suicide.

Julius Caesar achieved glory through his military conquests of Gaul (modern France). He expanded Roman control beyond present-day Italy to the rest of Europe. Often, defeated enemies were brought back to Rome and paraded through the streets...

In ancient Rome, ambition was the pursuit of glory and honor. The primary way to achieve these traits was through military leadership in conquest. In fact, failure to achieve glory usually resulted in the honorable path of suicide.

Julius Caesar achieved glory through his military conquests of Gaul (modern France). He expanded Roman control beyond present-day Italy to the rest of Europe. Often, defeated enemies were brought back to Rome and paraded through the streets in what was termed a “triumph,” a parade of victory for the glory of the victor. Because Julius Caesar was the sole leader left of the First Triumvirate, he was the focus of much attention. This disturbed the Senate, who feared a military conquest of Rome. Dictatorships were a common practice, but they were temporary, lasting only six months. They were afraid that Julius Caesar was ambitious in the worst sense, feeding off the adulation of the public and making himself the sole emperor of Rome. Therefore, Brutus and Cassius believed their path to glory and honor was the assassination of Caesar, thus saving Rome from the dissolution of the Republic. Their actions, however, paved the way for Octavius to establish himself as Caesar Augustus, the first emperor of the Roman Empire, which would last another five hundred years.

What are the social backgrounds of Prince Edward Tudor and the pauper Tom Canty in Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper?

Prince Edward Tudor comes from a royal background; as a prince, he lives a privileged lifestyle of grandeur and ease. Tom Canty is born into poverty; as a member of the impoverished class, his social standing is far beneath that of the prince's.

Tom Canty's family shares a dilapidated house with other "wretchedly poor families" at Offal Court. The whole family lives in a room on the third floor of the house. While his father...

Prince Edward Tudor comes from a royal background; as a prince, he lives a privileged lifestyle of grandeur and ease. Tom Canty is born into poverty; as a member of the impoverished class, his social standing is far beneath that of the prince's.

Tom Canty's family shares a dilapidated house with other "wretchedly poor families" at Offal Court. The whole family lives in a room on the third floor of the house. While his father and mother sleep on a bed of sorts, Tom, his grandmother, and his two sisters must made do with haphazard piles of straw on the floor. Tom's father, John Canty, is a thief, while the grandmother and the children work as beggars. Tom is regularly beaten by his father and grandmother for returning home empty-handed at night. Even Tom's mother is beaten by his father if she is caught slipping Tom small morsels of food.

Meanwhile, drunken brawls and riots regularly occur at Offal Court; in all, it is an unpleasant place to live. In the midst of such daily misery, Tom dreams of becoming a prince and rising above his circumstances.

His royal counterpart, Prince Edward, lives in luxury. He has his own servants and is always clothed in silks and satins. While Tom is the "Prince of Poverty," Edward is the "Prince of Limitless Plenty." When Prince Edward speaks, his servants obey him and his subjects stand in awe of him. Because of their social backgrounds, Tom and Edward live diametrically-opposed lives.

What is Grim's opinion of Maxwell's father in Freak the Mighty?

Some of the first things the reader hears about Max's father come from the character of Grim. Grim, of course, is the nickname Max gives to his grandfather who has taken him in. Grim's opinions about Max's father all revolve around fear of Killer Kane as a dangerous criminal.

First, Grim says that Max's father's name is “too scary to say.” As the plot moves on to the rising action, the reader learns that Max's...

Some of the first things the reader hears about Max's father come from the character of Grim. Grim, of course, is the nickname Max gives to his grandfather who has taken him in. Grim's opinions about Max's father all revolve around fear of Killer Kane as a dangerous criminal.

First, Grim says that Max's father's name is “too scary to say.” As the plot moves on to the rising action, the reader learns that Max's Father (Killer Kane) is being released from prison. As a result, Grim reacts further. Grim wants to obtain a gun, but Gram is against it. Finally, Grim's opinion of Killer Kane is confirmed when Grim obtains a restraining order against Kane.

If [Killer Kane] does try to come here, they’ll send him back to prison. ... Everything is going to be okay.

Although this statement is designed to make Max feel safe, Grim still insists that Max stay inside for days. Of course, Grim's opinions are confirmed when Max's dad shows up and ties Max to a boiler.

I have an exam for English, and I will have to write an essay on Hamlet within about 42 minutes. How can I study effectively to be prepared for...

The best way to prepare for an essay test on a book or play is to know the book or play well. You have taken the first step in coming to . On the Hamlet page there are summaries, character analyses, and discussions of the play. In order to immerse yourself in the play, you should read all of these carefully.

As part of this careful review of the play, make sure that you...

The best way to prepare for an essay test on a book or play is to know the book or play well. You have taken the first step in coming to . On the Hamlet page there are summaries, character analyses, and discussions of the play. In order to immerse yourself in the play, you should read all of these carefully.

As part of this careful review of the play, make sure that you re-read the play itself. I suggest a systematic approach. We have act by act summaries here. Read a summary of the act, and then read the act (or vice versa). The version of the text, to which I have provided a link, has a side-by-side modern English translation. Reading both versions will give you a more nuanced understanding of the play.

The best way to really understand a play is to see a performance of it. If this is possible, do it. If not, try finding a video. Even if you just watch clips of speeches online, watching videos of actors performing scenes will help you understand the play.

Finally, the best way to prepare for an essay is to practice. There are sample essay outlines, sample essays, and sample essay topics here under the Critical Essays tab. I have provided a link. Even if you do not write an entire essay, practicing your thesis and points will be helpful.

Make sure you are familiar with key scenes and quotations. There is also a Quotes tab. Without knowing the essay prompt ahead of time, it can be helpful to understand key quotes so that you can use them to discuss whatever prompt is assigned to you.

You have a short period of time. Make sure that you write your thesis first, and check it against the prompt to ensure that it addresses it. A thesis should be clear and specific. Also be sure to leave a little room to proofread, because even though your teacher will not expect a perfect essay, you will want to make sure that it is readable, your thoughts are clear, and there are no glaring mistakes.

How do I put copyright information into MLA format?

MLA format refers to the guidelines put out by the Modern Language Association concerning citing sources and bibliographic information in a paper. MLA is used most frequently in humanities disciplines, such as English, Philosophy, and the like. MLA format has guidelines for citations, formatting, bibliographic information, and paper layout.

 The list of all bibliographic sources used in your paper should be listed on the “Works Cited” page. It should be the last page of your...

MLA format refers to the guidelines put out by the Modern Language Association concerning citing sources and bibliographic information in a paper. MLA is used most frequently in humanities disciplines, such as English, Philosophy, and the like. MLA format has guidelines for citations, formatting, bibliographic information, and paper layout.

 The list of all bibliographic sources used in your paper should be listed on the “Works Cited” page. It should be the last page of your paper and should be on a separate page. It should be entitled “Works Cited,” centered on the page, no quotes around it, and not written in italics.

 The way you format each bibliographic entry will depend on what kind of source it is. Articles are formatted differently than books, for instance. However, to cite a book written by one author, such as To Kill a Mockingbird, the entry would look like this:

Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. City of Publication: Publisher, Year Published. Medium of Publication (such as Print).

So, from this example, you can see that each entry will also depend upon the edition of the book you have.

My personal copy of To Kill a Mockingbird would be entered on the “Works Cited” page like this:

Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. New York: Harper Collins, 1960. Print.

In the novel Fifth Business what is the importance of the theme of sainthood?

In Fifth Business, the importance of the theme of sainthood has to do with two specific characters: Dunstable (Dunstan) Ramsay and Mary Dempster.  

Dunstable Ramsay (who is later referred to as Dunstan or Dunny) has to do with the theme of sainthood due to his study of saints. The irony is that Ramsay is not even a Roman Catholic, but his obsession with saints eventually brings him all over Europe. Ramsay's true interest in...

In Fifth Business, the importance of the theme of sainthood has to do with two specific characters: Dunstable (Dunstan) Ramsay and Mary Dempster.  

Dunstable Ramsay (who is later referred to as Dunstan or Dunny) has to do with the theme of sainthood due to his study of saints. The irony is that Ramsay is not even a Roman Catholic, but his obsession with saints eventually brings him all over Europe. Ramsay's true interest in sainthood has more to do with the supernatural aspect of sainthood than the religious aspect of sainthood. Ramsay proves this when he begins to pursue magic as a career. As further proof, the reader finds Ramsay comparing the New Testament to the Arabian Nights and comparing Mary Magdalene to mythological archetypes. Dunstable Ramsay finally receives the name of Dunstan after he returns from the war as a crippled hero. As a kind of martyr for the cause, Dunstan's name was taken from a saint who supposedly caused the deformity in the devil's nose. It is at this point that Dunstan's obsession with saints takes over. Dunstan visits shrine after shrine in Europe, writes many books on saints, and is eventually considered a hagiographer. The other irony is that Dunstan does not act very holy, especially when he tries to convince Staunton to take the blame for causing the ill-fated snowball incident from their youth.

Mrs. Dempster, on the other hand, has her "sainthood" thrust upon her by a hard snowball that hits her and causes early labor. Mrs. Dempster already has her marriage to the Baptist minister going for her, and now her sainthood appears confirmed by many strange "miracles." First, Mrs. Dempster uses her "generosity" to give her body to people other than her husband (such as a vagrant). The vagrant then ceases his evil behavior and immediately becomes a missionary. Later, Mrs. Dempster "resurrects" Willy (who is on the verge of death) and eventually appears to Dunstan during the war in a kind of saintly apparition.

The theme of sainthood connects the two characters through the vision on the battlefield during World War I. It is this vision, more than any of the other "miracles," that makes Dunstan believe Mrs. Dempster is a saint. At this moment, Mrs. Dempster joins the throng of saints fueling Dunstan's obsession with saintly holiness.

Why does Rose love Oliver in Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist?

Rose Maylie, née Fleming, has been adopted. In reality, she is a sister to Oliver Twist's mother, Agnes Fleming. She comes to love Oliver after she learns of his tragic past, to which she may be more sympathetic, having been an orphan herself.

In Chapter XXX, after Oliver is discovered the day following the robbery attempt, the sensitive Miss Rose sees the sweet child, who has been shot, laid upon a bed, and she exclaims,

...

Rose Maylie, née Fleming, has been adopted. In reality, she is a sister to Oliver Twist's mother, Agnes Fleming. She comes to love Oliver after she learns of his tragic past, to which she may be more sympathetic, having been an orphan herself.

In Chapter XXX, after Oliver is discovered the day following the robbery attempt, the sensitive Miss Rose sees the sweet child, who has been shot, laid upon a bed, and she exclaims,

"But, can you-oh! can you really believe that this delicate boy has been the voluntary associate of the worst outcasts of society?"

"He cannot be hardened in vice,...It is impossible."

Rose and her foster mother Mrs. Maylie, who rescued Rose as a girl in Wales, believe that it is environment which has negatively affected Oliver's life, rather than his innate nature. Added to this, Rose probably has a certain tenderness in her heart for Oliver since she herself was orphaned as a child. In Chapter XXXII, after a grateful Oliver tries to thank her, Rose tells him,

...if you only take half the trouble to please us, that you promise now, you will make me very happy, indeed."

She adds that her aunt's rescuing him from "such sad misery as you have described" is an "unspeakable pleasure" to her. Moreover, knowing that Oliver is sincerely grateful and attached to her delights her, Rose tells Oliver.

Later, in Chapter XLI, Oliver reports to Rose that he has seen Mr. Brownlow, so she takes him to the gentleman's house. This visit results in the clarification of Oliver's and Rose's identities. For, Mr. Brownlow was a good friend of Mr. Edwin Leeford, who fell in love with Agnes Fleming, the older sister of Rose and the mother of Oliver. While Oliver says he must still think of Rose as his sister, this news certainly strengthens their bond of love as they now know that they truly are related.

How does the conflict evolve in Fahrenheit 451 through the quote "We have everything we need to be happy, but we aren't happy. Something's missing....

When Montag seeks Faber's advice about the texts he has read, Montag begins to lament his situation. When Faber asks Montag why he is so shaken up, Montag says,

"I don't know. We have everything we need to be happy, but we aren't happy. Something's missing. I looked around. The only thing I positively knew was gone was the books I'd burned in ten or twelve years. So I thought books might help" (Bradbury 78).

...

When Montag seeks Faber's advice about the texts he has read, Montag begins to lament his situation. When Faber asks Montag why he is so shaken up, Montag says,

"I don't know. We have everything we need to be happy, but we aren't happy. Something's missing. I looked around. The only thing I positively knew was gone was the books I'd burned in ten or twelve years. So I thought books might help" (Bradbury 78).

Faber then explains to Montag that Montag wasn't simply craving books as physical objects, but rather the books' contents. Faber elaborates by telling Montag that books provide insight into the quality of life in a detailed, fresh manner. He says books provided readers with leisure time to examine life and search for truth. Faber also comments that the third necessary thing books provided was "the right to carry out actions based on what we learn from the interaction of the first two" (Bradbury 81). After hearing Faber explain the importance of preserving life experiences in literature, Montag decides it is worth taking action. The conflict evolves from Montag's decision to defy society and continue his search for truth in literature. Montag is clearly unhappy about his current situation and vows to change the direction of his life. Faber agrees to join the cause and provides Montag with a two-way communication device. Soon after, Montag proceeds to read poetry to Mildred and her friends, confront Captain Beatty, and become an enemy of the state.

What does suspension of disbelief mean in the simplest terms? What are some movie examples?

Suspension of disbelief means that there are some unusual premises which normally you might not be willing to accept, but in order to enjoy the story you go along with it.

A good example of this is Harry Potter.  This is a story involving magic.  Magic does not exist.  However, it is a really fun story full of action and adventure, with themes like friendship and courage.  It is worth it to go along with...

Suspension of disbelief means that there are some unusual premises which normally you might not be willing to accept, but in order to enjoy the story you go along with it.

A good example of this is Harry Potter.  This is a story involving magic.  Magic does not exist.  However, it is a really fun story full of action and adventure, with themes like friendship and courage.  It is worth it to go along with the idea that magic exists so that you can enjoy the story.  It is also a lot of fun to think about magic.

Sometimes story lines stretch believability.  For example, some story lines have huge coincidences that you have to accept in order for the entire rest of the story to work.  If you don’t accept that coincidence as plausible, you will not enjoy the rest of the story.  For example, in Star Wars, what is the likelihood that Luke’s Uncle Ben would buy R2-D2 and C-3PO, the very droids that his father had owned?  This sets off a chain of events that leads Luke to Obi-Wan Kenobi and his destiny.

In movies, suspension of disbelief helps a viewer appreciate and enjoy a plot line.  Sometimes if you think too hard about something, it saps all of the fun out of it.  Just sit back and enjoy the ride.  Movies can be just entertainment.

In Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt, how is the movement of the pond's water meaningful to Winnie and Tuck's conversation about the life cycle?...

Angus Tuck uses the movement of the pond's water as a metaphor for the circle of life.  

The Tuck family is immortal.  They are stuck in their present age and physical bodies.  They don't age and change with time anymore.  Angus Tuck takes Winnie out onto the pond in Chapter Twelve.  He does this in order to have some alone time with her and explain why she must keep the spring a secret.  

Angus begins the entire conversation with Winnie by explaining to her that even though the pond's water looks stagnant and unchanging, it is actually changing all of the time.  It flows into the pond from one end, and it flows out of the pond at the other end.  

"This water, you look out at it every morning, and it looks the same, but it ain't. All night long it's been moving, coming in through the stream back there to the west, slipping out through the stream down east here, always quiet, always new, moving on."

The always new and moving on part is important for Angus, because he and his family can no longer do that.  They are stuck.  Angus goes on to further explain the entire water cycle to Winnie.  He doesn't say evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, but he does tell Winnie that the pond water eventually ends up in the ocean.  From there it will be transported via clouds to some other location and rained down.  

"Know what happens then?" said Tuck. "To the water? The sun sucks some of it up right out of the ocean and carries it back in clouds, and then it rains, and the rain falls into the stream, and the stream keeps moving on, taking it all back again."

Angus explains to Winnie that the entire thing is a cyclical "wheel."  He explains that an always turning and changing cycle is normal.  That's how life works.  He stresses that he wishes that he could get back on the wheel again.  He stresses it so much that he tells Winnie that the ability to die again would be the greatest thing in the world.  Angus explains that without dying he's not really living.  He just exists.  

"If I knowed how to climb back on the wheel, I'd do it in a minute. You can't have living without dying. So you can't call it living, what we got. We just are, we just be, like rocks beside the road."

How have the writer's environment and her society influenced aspects of To Kill a Mockingbird?

A native of Alabama, Harper Lee sets To Kill a Mockingbird in the time and place with which she is familiar. She also models her characters after real people with whom she was acquainted.

Born in 1926, Harper Lee sets the novel in the 1930s, the Depression era in which she lived as a child. This was also the time of the infamous Scottsboro Trials in Alabama, an interracial rape case, on which the...

A native of Alabama, Harper Lee sets To Kill a Mockingbird in the time and place with which she is familiar. She also models her characters after real people with whom she was acquainted.

Born in 1926, Harper Lee sets the novel in the 1930s, the Depression era in which she lived as a child. This was also the time of the infamous Scottsboro Trials in Alabama, an interracial rape case, on which the trial of Tom Robinson seems to be loosely based. Also, biographies of Lee state that there was an event near her hometown in 1936 when she was ten years old that affected her greatly:

Before A.C. Lee became a title lawyer, he once defended two black men accused of murdering a white storekeeper. Both clients, a father and son, were hanged.

Maycomb, Alabama, is the fictional name of Lee's hometown of Monroeville, Alabama. There is a courthouse in this town, where Lee's father handled cases as an attorney. Like Monroeville, Maycomb is in southern Alabama where Jim Crow laws were in effect in the 1930s. 

• Characterization

There is no question that Dill Baker is modeled after Lee's childhood friend Truman Capote, who was from Mississippi and felt he was too weak for the boys while Lee was too tough for the girls. Like Scout with Dill, Lee often defended Truman.

Atticus Finch is modeled after Lee's father, who served in state government and was an attorney with more liberal ideas than the majority of citizens in Monroeville. He was the greatest parental force in Lee's life because her mother suffered from mental illness and stayed in the home.

Boo Radley also is based upon a real man. Truman Capote depicted him in his novel Other Voices, Other Rooms. About this man, Capote stated that in his novel, 

I had that same man living in the house that used to leave things in the trees, and then I took that out. He was a real man, and he lived just down the road from us.