In The Great Gatsby, why does Nick become offended and refuse Gatsby’s business offer?
- THE GREAT GATSBY
In The Great Gatsby, why does Nick become offended and refuse Gatsby’s business offer?
At the beginning of Chapter 5 in The Great Gatsby, Nick becomes offended and refuses Gatsby’s offer to share in his “little business” because “the offer was obviously and tactlessly for a service…
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- OZYMANDIAS
What do these lines from Shelley’s “Ozymandias” mean? Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!…
Shelley, in these lines, is pointing out how the pride, egotism, and powerful feeling of immortality possessed by this ruler has turned to dust, and how “nothing beside remains” of his majestic…
2 educator answers
- HATCHET
What is the main idea of Hatchet?
Hatchet is a book about a boy, Brian Robeson, who gets stranded in the Canadian wilderness on his way to visit his father. Left alone, Brian has to figure out how to survive. He has no training and…
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- A LONG WAY FROM CHICAGO
In the book A Long Way from Chicago, who was Mrs. L.J. Weidenbach?
Mrs. L.J. Weidenbach, the banker’s wife, is a neighbor of Grandma Dowdel. She is a pompous lady, and each time she appears in the narrative, Grandma shrewdly tries to turn her lofty attitude to…
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- LITERATURE
What is the theme of Mary, Lady Chudleigh’s poem “To the Ladies”?
It’s an interesting poem, I think. And it’s theme is set out in its first couplet: WIFE and servant are the same,But only differ in the name… A wife and a servant are the same thing,…
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- AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERATURE
What is the coding of this spiritual?When the Sun comes back And the first quail callsFollow the…
There is a debate about the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd” and the possiblity that it contains a coded message. Let me answer your question first and then go on to briefly outline the controversy…
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- THE CRUCIBLE
In regard to “The Crucible,” is there a prodigious danger in the seeking out of lost spirits?In…
The answer to the question really depends on the belief system of the person giving the answer. In my opinion, yes, there is a danger in seeking contact with spirits. I believe in spirits, both…
2 educator answers
- THE SIGN OF THE BEAVER
What is the difference between the signs Matt’s father and Attean make to show their way in the…
Attean’s method, the Indian way of making signs to show their way in the woods, is much more subtle than the method Matt’s father uses. Matt recalls that when his father wanted to mark his path…
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- AN OCCURRENCE AT OWL CREEK BRIDGE
How can I compare the family fighting in my life and wanting to escape to Peyton Farquhar’s false…
Two areas come to mind that can form the basis for comparison. First of all is Farquhar’s heightened sensitivity, for example hearing his watch ticking unnaturally loudly. Everything hits the…
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- GREAT EXPECTATIONS
What are 3 effects Magwitch has on Pip in “Great Expectations”?i need this for an essay so if…
There are three important ways in which Magwitch affects the life of Pip. The first is the fact that Magwitch is Pip’s benefactor. As he says to Pip in an unannounced visit, ““Yes, Pip, dear…
1 educator answer
- ELIZABETH BISHOP
What is a biography of Elizabeth Bishop?
Elizabeth Bishop was a poet. She was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1911. Her father died when she was a child and her mother was emotionally unwell. She had a childhood where she lived…
1 educator answer
- BARTLEBY THE SCRIVENER, A TALE OF WALL STREET
What role do Turkey, Ginger Nut, and Nippers play in the story of Bartleby’s life in “Bartleby…
One role that Turkey, Ginger Nut, and Nippers play in “Bartleby the Scrivener, A Tale of Wall Street” is to present a contrast to Bartleby’s characteristics. First, they are industrious and willing…
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- SHARON OLDS
Sharon Olds was born in 1942. That would make her 67 years old some time this year. She was born in SanFrancisco, CA. She is a popular poet and writes about family turmoil, war, political…
1 educator answer
- HAMLET
What are the three reasons for man’s becoming corrupted in Hamlet’s “dram of evil” speech?
I’m not sure Hamlet gives us three clear reasons for evil in this speech. It’s one main idea of how men can become evil – and lots of examples of that same idea. I’ll paraphrase the speech for you…
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- THE GREAT GATSBY
I would like to use an important person to this time.Rothschild, Rockfellers, in contrast Henry…
The biggest difference between the old rich and new (or nouveau) rich is the length of time their families had money. The Rothschilds, Rockefellers and Fords were all new rich at one time. This…
1 educator answer
- LORD OF THE FLIES
In “Lord of the Flies”, what is the connection between Ralph, the conch, and the glasses?
I think the main connection is about the idea of democracy and fairness they represent. Ralph, as chief, represents an idea of democracy and fairness. It’s significant, I think, that in the first…
2 educator answers
- LORD OF THE FLIES
What does Simon mean, when he tells Ralph. “You will get back where you came from”?
Simon is the one character throughout the story who is able to see everything clearly. He can see that the beast is really within them. He knows that the beast on the hill is just a dead pilot….
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- LORD OF THE FLIES
For the first time in Lord of the Flies, Ralph knows fear, recognizing that the savagery of the…
It is more than a little difficult to figure out what you are asking, but this point in the book comes as Ralph starts to see how the boys are changing and how they are drawn to Jack’s “tribe” as…
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- LORD OF THE FLIES
When does Ralph realize that rational thought has been beaten as he and Piggy have lost their…
Initially, the boys see Ralph as their leader. He is rational. With him, there is order and it is this that makes their situation easier to bear. But the longer they are on the island and the more…
1 educator answer
- MY ANTONIA
Compare the situation of Antonia Shimerda (at the beginning of the novel) with Antonia Cuzak (at…
This is a really interesting question, specifically if you look at the book from more of an American Studies standpoint in terms of Frederick Jackson Turner’s Fronteir Thesis. Antonia at the…
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- 1984
In the novel “1984”, what are the various forms of privacy invasion in Oceania?
There is total invasion of privacy. No matter where you are in Oceania there are cameras, or people watching, listening, and reading what you do, say, and write. Even the bathroom facilities have…
3 educator answers
- WILLIAM WORDSWORTH
What are the figures of speech in “My Heart Leaps Up”?
Lines 3-5 are an example of anaphora, a device where sucessive phrases begin with the same or similar words: So was it when my life began, / So is it now I am a man, / So be it when I shall grow…
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- JULIUS CAESAR
How does Portia prove her strength to Brutus?
Here’s Portia, answering your question: I grant I am a woman, but withal A woman that Lord Brutus took to wife.I grant I am a woman, but withal A woman well reputed, Cato’s daughter. Think you I…
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- TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
What is the book To Kill a Mockingbird about?
This question has already been asked and answered. Further information can be found at the link provided below.
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- THE CATCHER IN THE RYE
In chapter 2 when references to Holden’s red hunting hat begin, how might Salinger use this hat…
The hat, first mentioned in chapter 3 when Holden returns to his room after visiting his professor, symbolizes several of Holden’s internal struggles within the novel. The color red, a color that…
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- HAMLET
Who tells the king and queen that they have been unable to find the cause of Hamlet’s madness?
The bringers of this unfortunate news are the two hired “friends” of Hamlet’s from school: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. They have been called to Denmark for the purpose of ferreting out the…
2 educator answers
- MACBETH
Whats are the two main motifs in “Macbeth” that deal with objects or obsessions?Can’t think of…
There are four different words I focus on when teaching this unit: blood, night, sleep and hand. These words are used more than any other word in the entire play (other than names being stated)….
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- 1984
How would you explain both Parson’s and Syme’s acceptance of obvious propaganda in “1984”?…
Both Parson and Syme are loyal to the Party but for different reasons and it is this loyalty that causes them to accept overt propaganda with no questions. Tom Parson is unintelligent and accepts…
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- ROMEO AND JULIET
What are three good and bad qualities of the characters in “Romeo & Juliet”?all the characters.
Here’s a start: Pros Cons Romeo– Loyal Rebellious Sense of Humor Flighty…
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- THE CRUCIBLE
When Danforth hears that Elizabeth is pregnant, what does he allow in “The Crucible”?
Danforth allows Elizabeth a stay of execution until her unborn baby is born. She is set free from prison until the birth. Unfortunately, the same does not apply to John Proctor, Elizabeth’s…
1 educator answer
- THE ODYSSEY
In Greek mythology, there are 9 muses, or goddesses, who presided over the arts and sciences and who were said to be the inspiration for such works. Their names and the areas they represent are:…
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- OZYMANDIAS
How does the romantic period relate to the poem “Ozymandias”?
Romantic writers believed in the strength and beauty of nature. The poem “Ozymandias” is a haunting reminder that man made things and earthly glory pale in comparison to nature. Ozymandias had…
3 educator answers
- FRANKENSTEIN
What are some quotes from Frankenstein said by The Creature showing his view of the natural world?
The Creature takes over the narrative voice, in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, in chapters eleven through sixteen. Given his recent “birth,” the Creature is relatively inexperienced. Although he…
1 educator answer
- LORD OF THE FLIES
Why doesn’t Simon believe in the beast? chapter 6
While Simon does not give credibility to the pig’s head on a stick or the “beast” that the littl’uns have seen, he does believe in the “beast” as the evil within the boys: “Maybe [the beast is]…
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- THROUGH THE TUNNEL
What is the purpose/function of the setting of “Through the Tennel”?i want to incorporate the…
The setting of the story allows Jerry a chance to grow up away from his well-meaning but somewhat over-protective mother. In his battle to be able to swim “Through the Tunnel” Jerry must fight his…
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- THE GREAT GATSBY
How does Nick Carraway in the Great Gatsy, perceive himself?
Nick is the moral center throughout this whole novel. Through his eyes and his narration, we are able to see how corrupt Daisy and Tom really are. We also see how attracted Nick is to Jordan…
1 educator answer
- THE CALL OF THE WILD
What kind of transaction was going on between Manuel and a man at College Park in Call of the Wild?
The transaction going on between Manuel and the man at College Park was the sale by Manuel of stolen goods – namely Buck – for eventual resale on the black market. Manuel, one of the gardener’s…
1 educator answer
- LORD OF THE FLIES
In “Lord of the Flies”, why was Jack so uncooperative with everyone?
From the first time we see Jack, we see him as one who wants to be the leader. He is dictatorial with the choir boys when then appear on the beach after Ralph blows the conch for the first time….
1 educator answer
- MACBETH
How and why does Macbeth go from war hero into evil murderer?please help me with this queston…
This question has already been asked and answered. Please see the link below.
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- SCIENCE
How long does human digestion take from the mouth to the toilet?it’s for my science project that…
According to wikipedia the process takes about 24 – 72 hours. I’ve attached a couple resources to look at to get a better idea.
1 educator answer
- HELEN EUSTIS
Where is Helen Eustis if she’s still alive? If not, when did she die, did she leave any family?
As of this year Helen Eustis will turn 93 years old. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1916. She was married twice and had one son. She was famous for “The Horizontal Man” and she was an…
1 educator answer
- DEATH OF A SALESMAN
In “Death of a Salesman” who does Willy victimize and how, and who is Willy victimized by and how?
Willy victimizes his family. He forces his wife into a stereotypical housewife role, constantly shooting down her suggestions, interrupting her, and verbally abusing her. He also cheats on her…
1 educator answer
- THE GLASS MENAGERIE
How did each of the characters escape from reality?Each of the characters feels trapped in some…
Amanda (their mother) often fantasizes about her past. This is her way to escape. She even most likely exaggerates her stories to make it seem even better (she was so popular?) Perhaps the way…
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- THE GIVER
What is the plan Jonas and The Giver come up with in The Giver? And how does it change?
In their original plan, The Giver and Jonas planned for Jonas to escape from the Community in two weeks, on the night before the December Ceremony. During those weeks, The Giver would transfer his…
2 educator answers
- ROMEO AND JULIET
In Romeo and Juliet, to which two characters is Prince Escalus related?
Good question. There are two kinsmen of the Prince in the play, though this fact is very regularly overlooked in production. The two members of the royal family are Mercutio (no, he’s not a…
3 educator answers
- THE SCARLET IBIS
“I did not know then that pride was a wonderful thing, terrible thing, a seed that bears two…
In the story, Brother had forced Doodle to learn many things that no one thought he could do. However, Brother’s motivation for helping Doodle was pride, because he did not want anyone to think of…
2 educator answers
- THE LADY OF SHALOTT
How is the poem a ballad? There is no tragedy in it.
I find it interesting that in your question you seem to think this poem is a ballad. A ballad is a story that is told in song. Most ballads feature simple language and two classic elements of…
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- THE ROAD NOT TAKEN
In the poem The Road Not Taken, how can you describe, if it is, or not symbolic, or what kind of…
I believe the poem is about choices. Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, The “yellow” wood indicates to me that we are talking about the fall, perhaps the fall of the writer’s life where choice…
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- SONG: TO CELIA
Does Jonson’s “To Celia” have regular rhyme or metre?
It’s written in alternating lines of tetrameter and trimeter (that is, a line with four stresses, and a line with three stresses). I’ve put the scansion below (x is a strong stress, and – is a weak…
1 educator answer
- A ROSE FOR EMILY
Why does William Faulkner title this story “A Rose for Emily”?
There are a couple reasons why the title includes a rose in it. First of all, two main subjects are apparent in this story: death and love. The opening scene has Emily after she has passed away….