What is one example of a question with an answer for "The Gift of the Magi"?
- THE GIFT OF THE MAGI
What is one example of a question with an answer for “The Gift of the Magi”?
Your original question did not meet enotes standards because of its lack of clarity and also because you actually asked more than one question – remember to just ask one, clear question per day!…
1 educator answer
- HOW MUCH LAND DOES A MAN NEED?
Why does Tolstoy give this story a rural setting and choose a paesant for the protagonist?
To understand the story it is important to know a bit more about the setting – historically and culturally. The story is set in a time just after feudalism was abandoned. Feudalism was a way of…
1 educator answer
- THE SCARLET IBIS
What song would go with “The Scarlet Ibis”?What song would go with “The Scarlet Ibis”?
For me, one way of thinking through questions like this is to consider the themes or message of the story and then to pick a song based on one of those themes. One obvious theme of this excellent…
1 educator answer
- CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD
Why do bear and crispin become close?
Crispin becomes close to Bear because of hunger and an oath he swore that made Bear hiss master in the eyes of God. Crispin is so religious that he would not violate the oath and risk going to…
1 educator answer
- CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD
What is the relationship between Lord Douglas and Lady Furnival?
Lord Douglas sent his youngest daughter to be a lady in waiting to Lady Furnival. The young girl, known as Asta in the village where she ended up, must have been attractive to Lord Furnival. Lords…
1 educator answer
- THE LIFE YOU SAVE MAY BE YOUR OWN
What is the meaning of the title in the short story “The Life You Save May Be Your Own?”
Like many of Flannery O’Connor’s stories, this reflects her ideas about salvation and redemption. The title can apply equally to Shiftlet or Mrs. Crater, and can be seen as a warning or reminder to…
1 educator answer
- THE LEAP
In The Leap, what caused the disaster at the circus,and what happened to the Flying Avalons?
In the days of the Flying Avalons, circuses performed in tents — not like they do today in colliseums and arenas. The tents would be like the pictures you see in books — with a pole holding it…
1 educator answer
- THE GREAT GATSBY
What careless act happens at the end of the party in Chapter 3?
In Chapter 3 of The Great Gatsby, Nick (the narrator) attends his first party given by his neighbor, Jay Gastby. The incident of carelessness that occurs at the end of the evening involves drunken…
1 educator answer
- THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME
In “The Most Dangerous Game”, what does the author want us to realize?
The author wants you to realize that there is a very thin veneer of civilization in all of us. According to Connell, it doesn’t take much provocation to make someone become savage. At the end of…
3 educator answers
- TREASURE ISLAND
In Treasure Island, what does Captain Billy Bones mean when he says, “If it comes to swinging,…
This quotation is uttered by the captain Billy Bones (Chapter II, “Black Dog Appears and Disappears”) during his loud and eventful meeting with the mysterious Black Dog. Missing two fingers on his…
2 educator answers
- SWEAT
After 15 years of marriage, what ultimately drives Delia to her decision to let Sykes die in…
The impetus for Delia’s decision is really a compilation of years of abuse from Sykes. His cheating, his disregard for her feelings, his misuse of her hard-earned money, and his condescension…
1 educator answer
- THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND
Please can you give an example of a metaphor in The Witch of Blackbird Pond?
If you are looking for metaphors and other examples of figurative language, a great place to start is the description provided of the changing seasons in America. The author uses a number of…
1 educator answer
- BAD CHARACTERS
What is an important detail in the short story “Bad Characters?”
One important detail in the story is the difference in mindset between upper- and lower-class people. Lottie, being lower-class, thinks that all her actions are justified because she is poor; she…
1 educator answer
- THE GREAT GATSBY
Does Fitzgerald’s description of the clothing worn by his characters in The Great Gatsby…
Fitzgerald’s descriptions of his characters’ clothing does accurately fit into the novel’s Roaring 20s setting. Fitzgerald is, after all, the “Chronicler of the Jazz Age,” and his and his wife’s…
1 educator answer
- THE CASK OF AMONTILLADO
In “The Cask of Amontillado” can you find any evidence of humor in the story?
Although a very disturbing tale of revenge gone too far, there are elements of humor to “The Cask of Amontillado.” First of all, Poe puts the bumbling Fortunado in a jester’s outfit. Court…
3 educator answers
- ANTIGONE
What are some important symbols in Sophocles’ Antigone?
One important symbol in Sophocles’ Antigone is the stone tomb to which Creon condemns her. His decree ordered a punishment of death by stoning if any one buried Polynices’. When Creon learned…
1 educator answer
- THE GREAT GILLY HOPKINS
Explain why Mrs.Trotter got angry with Gilly concerning William Ernest in the book “The Great…
Mrs. Trotter warned Gilly not to be mean to William Ernest because he was smaller, shy, and appeared more fragile than Gilly. He was younger than Gilly, and she could be both sharp spoken and…
1 educator answer
- REBECCA
What is a motif throughout Rebecca, at least in chapter 1?
In chapter one of “Rebecca,” a strong motif that comes through is that of wild, untamed nature that is overpowering and taking over the once domesticated and trimmed property of Manderly. The…
1 educator answer
- WILLIAM WORDSWORTH
Do you consider William Wordsworth to be more a romantic poet than a poet of nature?refer to…
If the question posed attempts to make a choice, I would have to try to split the child on this one. I believe that Wordsworth is a Romantic poet, of whom the love of nature is a critical element….
1 educator answer
- THE DRUNKARD
In “The Drunkard,” from what does the story’s pathos arise?
Pathos is the quality or power of evoking (bringing out) pity, compassion, sympathy, tenderness, and/or sorrow. Frank O’Connor has a light touch in telling about Larry’s misadventures in helping…
2 educator answers
- THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME
Identify a character who is round and dynamic in The Most Dangerous Game. Explain how that…
Rainsford is an excellent example of a character who is both round and dynamic. A round characters shows many different traits, which may include both faults and virtues. Rainsford is…
1 educator answer
- THE MINISTER’S BLACK VEIL
In the story, “The Minister’s Black Veil”, how does the world outside the town react to the veil?
Very interesting question. It is clear that the black veil has both a positive and a negative impact on Mr. Hooper. We are told how the black veil distances him from his own village, and of course,…
1 educator answer
- A SEPARATE PEACE
How does the theme of wisdom apply to “A Separate Peace”?John Knowles’s “A Separate Peace”
The theme of wisdom is very relevant to “A Separate Peace.” As the older Gene returns to Devon School and reviews his life there, he recalls his early belief that Finny wishes to keep him from…
1 educator answer
- SCIENCE
What is the mole in chemistry and what are some common household objects that have mole?I really…
As sure as a “dozen” is 12; a score is 20; a gross is 144; a MOLE is ALWAYS: 6.02 X 10^23. A mole of eggs is 6.02X10^23 eggs. Different Moles have different masses but always the same number. (12…
1 educator answer
- THE UNKNOWN CITIZEN
What is the historical significance of Wounded Knee, South Dakota and how has it become a symbol…
Wounded Knee is a symbolic moment in the relationship between Native Americans and White Settlers. In 1890, the forced relocation of Native Americans had become governmental policy. The United…
1 educator answer
- HISTORY
What is Hillary Clinton’s race?What is her background in race?
Dorothy and Hugh Rodham’s first child was Hillary Diane Rodham. She was born on October 26, 1947, and has two brothers. Hillary’s race is Caucasian. She was raised in a small town in Illinois….
1 educator answer
- BEOWULF
Describe the conflict between spiritual and material values in the poem Beowulf.
Beowulf is a very conflicted poem in many ways. This is most likely due to the fact that it is the product of an oral tradition. It was a story sung and passed down through talk, rather than…
1 educator answer
- LORD OF THE FLIES
In Chapter 4, what is Henry doing by the lagoon, when Roger is following him?So the three…
Henry is indeed playing with the “transparancies” at the water’s edge-most likely some kind of small jellyfish, or perhaps some species of clear crustaceans found near the island. He is poking them…
1 educator answer
- HISTORY
Would anyone give as much information as possible can regarding The Crisis and The Declaration of…
In terms of The Declaration of Independence, Jefferson was heavily influenced by the theories of John Locke and his classically liberal views. The notion of creating a zone where government…
2 educator answers
- RABINDRANATH TAGORE
What is a critical appreciation of the poem “Where the Mind Is Without Fear” by Rabindranath Tagore?
Rabindranath Tagore, who died in 1941, lived and wrote this poem while India, his country, was still a colony under the rule of the British. This short, simple poem is directed to his fellow…
2 educator answers
- THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM—1963
What the resolution of The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963?
The resolution of this great novel comes after the climax, which comes in Chapter 15 when Kenny, with Byron’s help, is finally able to express his emotions about what he has seen and observed…
1 educator answer
- HISTORY
what role did vinice play in the renaissance What role did Venice play in the Renaissance. Please…
Briefly, Venice was the seat of cosmopolitan trade during the Renaissance. It’s rather central location on the water made it ideal for traders/ships traveling back and forth from the Renaissance…
2 educator answers
- ANGELA’S ASHES
In Angela’s Ashes, what disease does Frank have and what are its symptoms/effects?
Frank McCourt suffered from typhoid fever. A portion of the autobiography, “Typhoid Fever,” is often excerpted and anthologized. In this excerpt, Frank’s condition is discussed as well as his…
1 educator answer
- A SEPARATE PEACE
In A Separate Peace, how does John Knowles reveal that Gene has finally accepted what happened…
While Knowles does make it clear that Gene has accepted responsibility for what happened to Finny and that life would never be the same for him or the surviving Devon boys without Finny and because…
1 educator answer
- ROMEO AND JULIET
Who is the author of Romeo & Juliet? And do libraries in the community have copies available?
Romeo and Juliet was written by William Shakespeare. Any respectable library will have copies of this play. You can even get copies of the play free online. I’ve provided a link below to the etext…
1 educator answer
- A ROSE FOR EMILY
In what way is Emily a monument and what does she represent in “A Rose for Emily”? How is she…
The venerable old Miss Emily Grierson is referred to as “a fallen monument” in the first sentence of William Faulkner’s short story, “A Rose for Emily.” When Miss Emily Grierson died, our…
1 educator answer
- HISTORY
Can Middle School students understand Toynbee’s Study of History concepts?I’ve been teaching…
I think that there is a certain level of “plasticity” within the minds of younger learners which make them a bit open to complex ideas that embrace unique and distinctive approaches to learning….
2 educator answers
- BY THE WATERS OF BABYLON
In “By the Waters of Babylon”, why do you think it is forbidden for anyone but a priest to visit…
Your excellent question points towards the setting of the story, and in particular how the story shows that in this dystopian world man has slipped back into the dark ages – a time of ignorance,…
1 educator answer
- ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT
In Chapter 1 of All Quiet on the Western Front, which character represents ideas of patriotism…
Kantorek, the German schoolmaster, represents the ideas of patiorism and the glory of self-sacrifice in war. A diminutive man, Kantorek would give long lectures about duty and courage, until the…
1 educator answer
- MACBETH
What are 3 good quotes from Macbeth that describe blood imagery?I need 3 good quotes to describe…
Macbeth 2.2.57-60: “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood/ Clean from my hand? No; this my hand will rather /The multitudinous seas incarnadine, /Making the green one red” Macbeth feels…
1 educator answer
- LIFE OF PI
In “Life of Pi” how does Pi’s father unknowingly prepare him for the ordeal in the lifeboat?
Pi’s father, as the owner and manager of a zoo, taught Pi many lessons about the nature of animals. and about human interactions with him. The most memorable is when he leads Pi to the tiger cage…
1 educator answer
- THE BET
What is the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution of “The Bet”?
In Anton Chekhov’s “The Bet,” the exposition is the first paragraph, a frame, that sets the background for the conflict, which is suggested at the end of the paragraph and introduced in a flashback…
1 educator answer
- SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY
How did Oaks Tutt die in “Oaks Tutt” from Spoon River Anthology?
Masters’ Spoon River Anthology has a piece entitled, “Oaks Tutt.” However there is no mention of his death in this piece or anywhere else in the anthology. Oaks Tutt’s mother was a suffragette, it…
1 educator answer
- LORD OF THE FLIES
What lie did Jack tell the others at the assembly in Chapter 8?
Jack calls an assembly in chapter 8 after Ralph, Jack, and Roger see the “beast” at the top of the mountain. He begins by telling the group of boys that they have seen the beast and that they…
2 educator answers
- ARABY
“Araby” is studied as a short story most often because of the gripping epiphany that closes this tale. An epiphany can be defined as a moment of sudden revelation and insight that gives the…
1 educator answer
- THE KITE RUNNER
What are ten main events in chronological order for Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner?
The story opens with Amir talking to Rahim Khan, who is in Pakistan. The story then shifts to Amir and Hassan playing as children in Afghanistan. The opening talked about the close bond between…
1 educator answer
- SPEAK
In Speak, when Melinda reads The Scarlet Letter, which character does she believe symbolizes her?
This part of the novel includes a hilarious take from a student about an English class where the teacher is clearly obsessed about symbolism. Melinda’s narration of how Hairwoman (the nickname she…
1 educator answer
- TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
How does writer’s style change in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee?consider Scout’s narration
It does appear that the sentence style exhibited in the first part of “To Kill a Mockingbird” differs from the style in the second part. And, debate continues on whether Truman Capote, Harper…
1 educator answer
- WHERE ARE YOU GOING, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?
Why is Connie so complacent? What is so appealing about the dream world she exists in?
Oates suggests that Connie’s inaction (or complacency) in the story is due to a lack of moral “center” in her life. She does not have any strong convictions about anything except her own beauty…
1 educator answer
- THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE
What are the similarities between The Midwifes Apprentice and the 21st century?
The focus of similarities between Cushman’s work and the modern setting revolves around identity formation in young people. Alyce’s challenges, definition, and redefinition of self is a part of…