Why is Dracula such a great horror story? Essay -- English Literature

Why is Dracula such a great annoyance story?In my opinion Dracula is a great horror story because it is highlyentertaining in its idea of vampirism, its atmospheric descriptions,powerful characterisation and the horrific death of Lucy. The novel isalso interesting because of the religious perspectives, such as theuse of garlic, holy water and the crucifix as weapons against evil.Jonathan Harkers journeying to Count Draculas home is described ingreat detail. The atmosphere not still adds to the dangerous ride toDraculas Castle, but also comes alive as were reading it. Theatmosphere surrounding Harker is incredibly frightening but the detailand descriptions used ar so astounding that we can feel the strangechills. I felt like I was sitting beside Jonathan Harker. I sharedhis fear.Harker is travelling in a Caleche, a small, open, knight drawn carriagewhich is obviously dangerous. It adds suspense to the story, whichmakes the contributor automatically think something terrible is g oing tooccur. The long, agonized wailing of the dogs seem to go on forever.As the journey takes longer it becomes more fearsome. Harker feelslonely. Harkers driver is a strange, mysterious character, with hisgleaming smile as he steers the Caleche without revealing his faceto Harker, or talking much. At this point the reader is thrilled andexcited, feeling like a character in the story.The historical detail of the journey is also what makes this novelbrilliant. Harker is actually uncomfortable, caught my arm in a grip ofsteel. I didnt realise how dangerous and uncomfortable the Calecheswere back a hundred years ago until I read Harkers account of hisjourney. As the horses began to strain and... ...hough to move up out what people used to believe in.Stoker has used imaginative and gruesome details, which interested mea lot. I think this novel is wonderful in the main because of Lucys deathand how her fianc killed her. It shows how much Arthur loved Lucy. Hekilled her vampire form and bought back Lucys soul so it could go toheaven. This dreadful part of the story is brilliant. I frame itheartbreaking but I was amazed at Arthurs strong character.I think the novel was fascinating but it dragged and became boring inplaces. The journey to Transylvania, for example, was very welldescribed and extremely spooky. However, this section could beshortened to maintain tension. I also think some of the charactersdiary entries could have been more pore on moving the story forwardrather than offering lots of information, which we didnt really need.

Parties in Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby Essay -- essays research pape

Gatsbys house serves as a key symbol of aspiration, reflecting both Gatsbys success as an American self-made man and the mirage of an individuation he has created to win Daisys love. Gatsby follows his American dream as he buys the house to be across the bay from Daisy, and has parties to gain wide-spread recognition in order to touch on her. In the beginning of the novel, Fitzgerald sets the scene describing how the party was prep atomic number 18d and when the entertainment arrived. At these parties, an extreme amount of preparation went into the food. According to the account of Nick Carra instruction, Jays neighbor, the caterers rolled come to the fore numbers of tables with load upon load of e precise variety of food imaginable. Each table was delicately stacked with all different and exotic types of foods. Few of the guests sleep together the host or are even invited at all. This chapter builds on the idea that thither is some matter not only mysterious, but sinister, ab verboten Gatsby. As Nick makes his right smart to the party he sees A whole pit full of oboes and trombones and saxophones and viols and cornets? Fitzgerald uses polysyndeton, the repetition of conjunctions. He chooses a technique to put emphases on how important Gatsby?s parties are to others, like Nick, who?s pretended by Gatsby?s turn outs but mostly e veryone shows up to make a agnizen appearance to put their name out in other industries of businesses. Cars are lined up five deep in the drive and everyone has on extravagant attire to impress one another. If there are masses of bulk trying to find a parking space just to get into the party, this shows that Gatsby is a well-known person and that he is very generous when it comes to public events. It also drew communitys attention to come a check out what was going o... ...re stable.? This concludes that even though most women were intoxicated, it seems as if they did it on purpose to get more attention from themselve s. While the married women weaving to and fro, the other women would look for their husbands to possibly find a new mate to get them through their hard times as well. Everyone at this party was corrupt and if you looked deep enough into their personal lives, you could see it was no intimacy but hollowness. The only thing that mattered to them was their appearance and how they can achieve their own American dream by climbing the social latter. This passage also relates to recklessness, ignorance and greed. All of these qualities represented to fake people who showed up to party jus to be seen. All in all, Fitzgerald gave a wonderful description on how Gatsby?s party scene affected him and others around him. Parties in Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby Essay -- essays research papeGatsbys house serves as a key symbol of aspiration, reflecting both Gatsbys success as an American self-made man and the mirage of an identity operator he has created to win Daisys love. Gat sby follows his American dream as he buys the house to be across the bay from Daisy, and has parties to gain wide-spread recognition in order to impress her. In the beginning of the novel, Fitzgerald sets the scene describing how the party was prepared and when the entertainment arrived. At these parties, an extreme amount of preparation went into the food. According to the account of Nick Carraway, Jays neighbor, the caterers rolled out numbers of tables with load upon load of every variety of food imaginable. Each table was delicately stacked with all different and exotic types of foods. Few of the guests know the host or are even invited at all. This chapter builds on the idea that there is something not only mysterious, but sinister, about Gatsby. As Nick makes his way to the party he sees A whole pit full of oboes and trombones and saxophones and viols and cornets? Fitzgerald uses polysyndeton, the repetition of conjunctions. He chooses a technique to put emphases on how imp ortant Gatsby?s parties are to others, like Nick, who?s impressed by Gatsby?s turnouts but mostly everyone shows up to make a known appearance to put their name out in other industries of businesses. Cars are lined up five deep in the drive and everyone has on extravagant attire to impress one another. If there are masses of people trying to find a parking space just to get into the party, this shows that Gatsby is a well-known person and that he is very generous when it comes to public events. It also drew peoples attention to come a check out what was going o... ...re stable.? This concludes that even though most women were intoxicated, it seems as if they did it on purpose to get more attention from themselves. While the married women weaving to and fro, the other women would look for their husbands to possibly find a new mate to stick up them through their hard times as well. Everyone at this party was corrupt and if you looked deep enough into their personal lives, you could see it was nothing but hollowness. The only thing that mattered to them was their appearance and how they can achieve their own American dream by climbing the social latter. This passage also relates to recklessness, ignorance and greed. All of these qualities represented to fake people who showed up to party jus to be seen. All in all, Fitzgerald gave a wonderful description on how Gatsby?s party scene affected him and others around him.

On Wartime and Postwar Commemoration :: essays research papers fc

Commemorating the actions of those who served in WorldWar I took many forms in its attempt to ease the sufferingand losses inflicted by the state of war. The creation of memorialsserved several purposes and with time, the meaningsassociated with them changed, as did the purposes withwhich they served. Support groups were formed to aidthose in need whose lives became radically changed by thewar, and in an effort to commemorate their service.Without aleving the pain completely, commemorationserved to ease the tremendous burden of guilt, sorrow, andresponsibility to those whose lives were now changedforever.World War I memorials generally roughshod into three separatecategories based upon the time of their creation. The firsttype of memorials were those which were created in theyears preceding 1918. These memorials scattered thelandscape and were created and developed at thecommunity level. The hard-on of commemorativememorials to the war served as a unifying symbol of thecommunity spirit and as a centerpiece with which to rallyaround. They also served as a physical statement againstthose who may offer dissenting opinions as to thecommunities involvement in the war effort. The moral highground was thus established in the symbolism of a unitedeffort. They also served to support the communitys braveyoung men who were off fighting gallantly for the securityand preservation of its ideals and in vegetable marrow the communityitself. Local memorials also served to inspire and motivatethose who labored in industry dedicated to the war effort.It created a sense of purpose and a recognition that whatthey were working for had a larger meaning and purpose.Local war memorials also served asrallying points for the enlistment of soldiers. The statuesquesoldier brazenly dashing to war was accompanied withlistings of locals who had enlisted. This inspired evengreater enlistment while creating a public record of scorn tothose who chose to ignore their "duty." As the war continued ancient a glorious moment and quickvictory, the memorials took on more of a role of a museum.The collection of combat memorabilia increased.Photographs, books, and art describing the war continued.Descriptions of the weapons of war and the port ofwarfare that was taking place on the front lines wasrequested, however in order to preserve the dignity of thewar, a good deal of censorship was practiced. Accounts ofthe barbarism were circulating back to the homefront throughletters and personal accounts of those who had returned.Government regulation of the memorials however,determined that in order to maintain support for the warand to quell ambition to the countries war efforts, the

The Second Amendment - The Right To Bear Arms Essay -- Constituton Bil

The spot AmendmentFew issues incite americans more than the issue of emanation crime andviolence. This hassle can easily be linked to the availability of natural gass."Thedebate over whether guns ar a hallowed tradition and a right guaranteed by theSecond Ammendment of the U.S.constitution or whether they are a fearful dangercontributing to crime and violence." ("gun control") Due to the outbreak ofviolence in our society, some bulk feel that repealing the Second Ammendmentwould solve the problem. These muckle feel that repealing the Second Ammendmentwould solve the problem. These pot feel that there are two reasons for therepeal One is the rising of violence among teenagers, the second reason istheir interpertation of the Second Ammendment which could be considered a strict unrivalled. The side opposing these views use arguments like how it would beimmpossible to repeal the Second Ammendment, and a long western civilizationshistory with a right to keep bac k arms. Finally one can see the conflict of viewsdealing with the Second Ammenment, but one would also see that repealing theammendment wouldnt solve the problem facing our society. The contriversy ofthis issue that has the potential to pulverise this country is why it is such agood topic to discuss, people should be better informed and make a decisionbased on fact and not fiction. Many advocates of thelimitations of guns can quote numerous examples of change magnitude violence andhomicide crimes. But the area which hits the closest to home is the issue ofviolence among the teenagers of our society. The years have changed on howstudents deal with their problems "Twenty-five or thirty years ago, when teenageboys got into a fight... it usually meant a fist fight. In more and moreneighborhoods... it now means a shoot out" ("Gun affirm"320). Violence likethat is a major problem on our streets and even in our schools. Almosteverywhere now "youngsters are packing we apons, Some are involved in drugs organgs others carry them for self-defense... One study says at least one inevery three male juveniles is armed"(Muller 2). at a time more than ever before an"increasing number of children under the age of 18 arrested each year for murderhas jumped 55% in the past decade,... juvenile person arrests for aggravated assaultare rising dramatically" (Henkoff 2... ...dment mostpeople are unaware that the 14th or Civil Rights Ammendment also guarantees theright of freedmen to bear arms. Do advocates against the Second Ammendmentsuggest that we repeal this ammendment too? Many Americans would not go for that.Furthermore it is obvious that it would be impossible to repeal the SecondAmmendment there are otherways to deal with rising crime and violence. Obviouslymilitary type weapons should not be available to the public, they are designedwith one thing in mind, to kill people. There should also be limits on semi-automatic handguns because they are not even suitable for sport and it onlytakes one shot to deter off someone attaking you not 14 as many weapons can hold.Even though steps must be taken to curb gun violence people must get moreinvolved with the system to insure that limits do not go too far. It is afterall the people who control politics, not politicians.In conclusion the Constitution holds the basic rights for which weexercise each day. Our basic rights are guarenteed by the Constitution, and ifthey abolish the Second Ammendment we would not have it off the result, no crime butat the cost of a police state. This is not America.

Virginia Woolf’s Between the Acts Essay examples -- Between the Acts E

Virginia Woolfs amidst the actsVirginia Woolf uses many images in the Between the Acts. corresponding the other novels I read in the class, the images in the Between the Acts cannot be separated with the story development, and the images themselves construct the story in the book by rase the conventional expectation for the novel. However, Woolf uses common and conventional words and images with an experimental way in this novel. This novel constructs the images and the representation with their conventional words and actions of the characters. I think pick explores how the communal use of the words like songs and clich makes another meaning or another reversion in their daily life here. The characters in the novel be in the between representative words and their intentions which argon overlapped into the words or erased and hidden by the words. The acts in the title of the novel are not provided the acts in the play, but also the motion which the characters make and expect, a nd the motion of the natural sounds and the silence which the people cannot control the interruption from them. I want to look at how Virginia Woolf uses the words from the people, sounds from the things, and the images of clothes and history for her story in her last novel, Between the Acts. Virginia Woolfs words are not just the tools for her writing but the words themselves are constructing and de-constructing a main plot of the novel. And I think to look the gap between the words and the characters representations who is using the words is the one of the ways to read this novel. Especially, in this novel, she uses words and actions for showing and erasing the gap between the absence and the presence which is prevalent in this novel.Between th... ... Newman, Fashioning Femininity & English Renaissance Drama , from the indite of chapter 6,(Chicago, Chicago University Press) I think the concept of heteroglossia is the good word for this book. The characters voice is not only disp ersed, but the dispersed voice is making the novel. Works CitedVirginia Woolf, Between the acts, (Oxford Oxford University Press, 1992)Jacques Derrida, Structure, sign, and play in the discourse of the human science, Modern criticism and theory, ed. David Lodge (New York Longman Inc.,1988)Michel Serres, Platonic Dialogue, Hermes, Literature, Science, Philosophy, ed. Josu V. Harari and David F., Bell (Baltimore The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1982), 67.Karen Newman, Chapter 6, Englishing the other Le tiers exclu & Shakespeares Henry V, Fashioning Femininity, (Chicago, University of Chicago Press, 1991)

Virginia Woolf’s Between the Acts Essay examples -- Between the Acts E

Virginia Woolfs Between the actsVirginia Woolf workouts many images in the Between the Acts. Like the other novels I read in the class, the images in the Between the Acts cannot be separated with the story development, and the images themselves construct the story in the book by dismantling the conventional expected value for the novel. However, Woolf uses common and conventional words and images with an experimental way in this novel. This novel constructs the images and the representation with their conventional words and actions of the characters. I think Woof explores how the communal use of the words like songs and clich makes another meaning or another reversion in their daily life here. The characters in the novel are in the among representative words and their intentions which are overlapped into the words or erased and hidden by the words. The acts in the title of the novel are not only the acts in the play, however also the motion which the characters make and expect, and the motion of the natural sounds and the silence which the people cannot control the interruption from them. I want to look at how Virginia Woolf uses the words from the people, sounds from the things, and the images of habiliments and history for her story in her last novel, Between the Acts. Virginia Woolfs words are not just the tools for her writing but the words themselves are constructing and de-constructing a main plot of the novel. And I think to look the gap between the words and the characters representations who is using the words is the one of the ways to read this novel. Especially, in this novel, she uses words and actions for video display and erasing the gap between the absence and the presence which is prevalent in this novel.Between th... ... Newman, Fashioning Femininity & English Renaissance Drama , from the footnote of chapter 6,(Chicago, Chicago University Press) I think the concept of heteroglossia is the good word for this book. The characters voice i s not only dispersed, but the dispersed voice is making the novel. Works CitedVirginia Woolf, Between the acts, (Oxford Oxford University Press, 1992)Jacques Derrida, Structure, sign, and play in the discourse of the human science, Modern criticism and theory, ed. David Lodge (New York Longman Inc.,1988)Michel Serres, Platonic Dialogue, Hermes, Literature, Science, Philosophy, ed. Josu V. Harari and David F., Bell (Baltimore The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1982), 67.Karen Newman, Chapter 6, Englishing the other Le tiers exclu & Shakespeares Henry V, Fashioning Femininity, (Chicago, University of Chicago Press, 1991)

The Golden Lily Chapter 7

I SPENT MOST OF THE NEXT DAY grappling iron with my refusal to help Sonya, ruminating over the decision as I went from class to class. on that point was a s a lot of me that felt bad approximately non giving short letter for the experiments. After entirely(prenominal), I knew what they were doing was enforceful. If thither was a way to protect Moroi from becoming Strigoi, then that could theoretic eachy be applied to humans as well as. That could revolutionize the way the Alchemists operated. mountain like that creepy guy Liam world held at the bunker would no longer be a threat. He could be sterilized and released, with no panic of him f aloneing prey to the corruption of Strigoi. I knew also that Sonya and the others were running into walls with their research. They couldnt find any reason for what had made Lee impervious to turning Strigoi.At the identical age, despite the worthiness of the cause, I stock-still felt staunchly opposed to giving up my own blood. I unfeignedly was afraid that doing so would caseful me to to a greater extent and more experiments.And I just couldnt face that. There was nothing special ab come out me. I hadnt underg genius a massive transformation via spirit. Lee and I hadnt had anything in unwashed. I was the same as any other human, any other Alchemist. I just appargonntly had bad tasting blood, which was fine by me.Tell me about the charm whirl, Ms. Terwilliger state one afterwardnoon. It was a a few(prenominal) days after Clarences, and I was still mulling over those events even while plainly doing work in her independent study.I beliefed up from the book in front of me. Which variant? The charisma one or the meta one?She was sitting at her desk and pull a faced at me. For nighone so over once against all of this, you certainly apprize well. The meta one.That had been a recent spell Id had to learn. It was fresh in my mind, besides I made certain(a) to sigh heavily and let her fare in a passi ve aggressive way how inconvenient this was for me.It allows the genus Castor to have short- destination control of someone. The put downer has to create a physical amulet that he or she wears I frowned as I considered that part of the spell. And then recite a short thaumaturgy on the person being controlled. Ms. Terwilliger pushed her glasses up her nose. Why the hesitation? She noticed ein truth slip. I didnt sine qua non to engage in this, but she was my teacher, and this was part of my as markment so long as I was stuck in this miserable school term. It doesnt cultivate sense. Well, none of it makes sense, of course. however logically, Id sound run into you pack something tangible to use on the vict subject. by chance theyd have to wear an amulet. Or drink something. Its hard for me to believe the caster is the only one who needs enhancement. I feel like they would need to connect with the subject.You touched on the key word, she verbalise. Enhancement. The amulet en hances the spell casters will, as does the in piece of asstation. If thats been done correctly and the caster is advanced and strong enough thatll push the cause of command on to the subject. Perhaps it doesnt jawm tangible, but the mind is a powerful tool.Power of command, I muttered. Without studying about it, I made the Alchemist sign against evil. That doesnt seem right.Is it any different from the kind of compulsion your vampire friends do? I froze. Ms. Terwilliger had long since admitted to knowing about the world of Moroi and Strigoi, but it was still a topic I avoided with her. My tattoos fancy wouldnt stop me from discussing the vampire world with those who knew about it, but I didnt regard to accidentally reveal any details about my specific mission with Jill. Nonetheless(prenominal), her words were inciteling.This spell was very much like compulsion, very much like what Id seen Sonya do to soothe Clarence. Vampires could simply wield it unaided. This spell require d a physical component, but Ms. Terwilliger had told me that was normal for humans. She verbalize magic was inborn for Moroi but that we had to w remnant it from the world. To me, that just seemed like more reason wherefore humans had no business dabbling in such affairs.What they do isnt right either, I said, in a rare acknowledgment of the Moroi with her. I didnt like that the abilities I found so twisted and wrong were allegedly within human reach too. No one should have that kind of power over another. Her lips quirked. Youre very haughty about something you have no experience with.You dont always need experience. Ive neer killed anyone, but I know murder is wrong.Dont discount these spells. They could be a useful defense, she said with a shrug.Perhaps it depends on whos using it much like a gun or other weapon. I grimaced. I dont really like guns either.Then you may find magical means to be a advance woof. She made a small, graceful motion with her hands, and a frame pot on the windowsill suddenly exploded. Sharp fragments fell to the floor. I jumped out of my desk and arseed up a few feet. Was that something shed been able to do this whole time? It had seemed effortless. What kind of damage could she do if she really tried? She smiled. See? Very efficient. Efficient and simple, as easy as a vampire wielding elemental magic with a thought. After all the painstaking spells Id seen in these books, I was stunned to see such easy magic. It kicked what Ms. Terwilliger had been advocating up to a whole new and dangerous level.My whole consistence tensed as I waited for some other horrific act, but judging from the serene waitress on her face, that was the only turn up of power she had in mind for now. Feeling a puny foolish at my reaction, I sat linchpin down.I took a deep wind and chose my words carefully, keeping my anger and fear pushed down. It wouldnt do to have an outburst in front of a teacher. Maam, why do you keep doing this?Ms. Ter williger tilted her moderate like a bird. Doing what, dear?This. I jabbed the book in front of me. Why do you keep making me work on this against my will? I hate this, and you know it. I dont want anything to do with it Why do you want me to learn it at all? What do you produce out of it? Is there some witch club where you get a finders fee if you bring in a new recruit?That quirky smile of hers re morose. We prefer the term coven, not witch club. Though that does have a nice ring. but, to answer your question, I dont get anything out of it at least(prenominal), not in the way youre thinking. My coven can always use strong members, and you have the potential for greatness. Its bigger than that, however. Your perennial argument is that its wrong for humans to have this kind of power, right?Right, I said through gritted teeth. Id made that argument a million times.Well, thats absolutely true for some humans. You worry this power will be abused?Youre right. It happens all the tim e, which is why we need good, moral passel who can counter those who would use the magic for selfish and nefarious reasons. The bell rang, freeing me. I stood up and gathered my things unneurotic. Sorry, Ms. Terwilliger.Im flattered that you think Im such an up stand person, but Im already caught up in one epic battle of good versus evil. I dont need another. I left our session feeling both troubled and angry and hoped the next two months of this semester would speed by. If this Alchemist mission continued into next year, then creative writing or some other elective would become a very viable choice for my schedule. It was a shame too because Id really loved Ms. Terwilliger when I first met her. She was smart as a whip and knew her subject area history, not magic and had encouraged me in that. If shed shown the same enthusiasm for teaching me history as she did magic, we wouldnt have ended up in this mess.My dinners were usually spent with Julia and Kristin or the family. Tonig ht was a family night. I found Eddie and Angeline already at a table when I entered Easts cafeteria, and as usual, he seemed refreshing for my presence.Well, why not? Angeline was saying as I sat down with my tray. It was Chinese food night, and she held chopsticks, which seemed like a bad idea. Id tried to teach her how to use them once, with no luck. Shed gotten angry and stabbed an eggroll so hard that the sticks had broken.I just well, its not my thing, Eddie said, clearly groping for an answer to whatever her question was about. Im not going at all. With anyone.Jill will be there with Micah, pointed out Angeline slyly. Wont you need to come keep an eye on her since its not at the school?Eddies answer was a pained look.What are you talking about? I finally asked.The vestibuleoween Dance, said Angeline.That was news to me. Theres a Halloween Dance?Eddie dragged himself from his misery to give me a surprised look. How do you not know? There are signs everywhere.I stirred around my steamed vegetables. They must not be anywhere Ive been. Eddie gestured with his fork to something behind me. Turning, I looked back toward the food line Id just been in. There, hanging above it on the wall, was an enormous banner that read HALLOWEEN DANCE. It listed the date and time and was alter with badly drawn pumpkins.Huh, I said.How can you memorize entire books but miss something like that? asked Angeline.Because Sydneys brain only records useful information, Eddie said with a smile. I didnt deny it.Dont you think Eddie should go? pushed Angeline. He needs to watch out for Jill. And if he goes, we might as well go together.Eddie shot me a desperate look, and I tried to find him a way out of this. Well, yeah, of course hell go peculiarly if its despatch-site. The banner mentioned some venue Id never heard of. Wed seen no sign of the Moroi who were after Jill, but an terra incognita place presented new dangers. Inspiration hit. But thats the thing. Hell be on-duty. Hell spend the whole time checking the place out, watching for mysterious people. Itd be a waste for him to, uh, go with you. You probably wouldnt have much fun. Better to go with someone else.But I should be protecting Jill too, she argued. Isnt that why Im here? I need to learn what to do.Well, yeah, he said, obviously trapped by her logic. Youll have to go with me in order to look after her.Angeline brightened. Really? Then we can go together Eddies look of pain returned. No. Were going together. Not together. Angeline didnt seem to be fazed by the nuances. Ive never been to a dance, she admitted.Well, I mean, back home, we have them all the time. But I dont think theyll be like the ones here.That I agreed with. Id seen the types of social events the Keepers had. They involved raucous music and dancing around bonfires, along with some kind of toxic homemade alcohol that probably even Adrian wouldnt touch. The Keepers also didnt think a social event was a success if at least one fight didnt break out. It was actually kind of amazing that Angeline hadnt gotten into one yet here at Amberwood. I should have counted myself lucky that her only transgressions were cut down code violations and talking back to teachers.Probably not, I said neutrally. I dont know. Ive never been to a dance either.Youre going to this one, arent you? asked Eddie. With Brody?Brayden. And I dont know. We havent even had our second date. I dont want things to move too fast.Right, Eddie said. Because theres no bigger sign of commitment than a Halloween dance.I was about to get him back by suggesting maybe he and Angeline should go together after all when Jill and Micah joined us. Both were laughing and had a hard time settling down to explain what was so funny.Janna Hall finished a mens suit in sewing club tonight, said Jill between giggles. Once again, I felt a rush of gratification at seeing her so happy. Miss Yamani said its the only guys outfit shes seen in there in flipper years. Of cou rse, Janna needed a model, and theres only one guy in thereMicah attempted a tormented look but was quickly smiling again. Yeah, yeah. I did the manly thing and stepped up. That suit was awful.Aw, said Jill. It wasnt that awful okay, it really was. Janna didnt try to go by any size guidelines, so the pants were huge. Like, tents. And since she didnt make any belt loops, he had to hold it all up with a sash.Which barely held when they made me do a runway walk, said Micah, shaking his head.Jill gave him a playful nudge. Everyone probably wouldve loved if it hadnt held.Remind me to never ever sign up for an all-girls club again, said Micah. Next semester, Im taking something like shop or karate.You wont do it again? Not even for me? Jill managed a look that was amazingly both pouty and alluring. That, I realized, was more effective than any charm spell or compulsion.Micah groaned. Im helpless.I didnt consider myself particularly sentimental and still disapproved of their timid romanc e but even I smiled at their antics. At least, I did until I caught sight of Eddies face. He wasnt giving away much, to be fair. Maybe hanging around Dimitri had provided some tips on the guardian poker face. But Eddie wasnt Dimitri yet, and I could see the faintest signs of pain and longing.Why did he do this to himself? Hed refused to tell Jill how he felt. He took the noble stance that he was her protector and nothing more. Some part of me could understand that.What I couldnt understand was why he kept agony himself by endorsing her going out with his roommate, of all people. Even with his hang-up over Micah and Mason, Eddie was forcing himself to constantly watch the girl he wanted with someone else. I had no relatable experience, but it had to be agonizing.Eddie caught my eye and gave a small shake of his head. Let it go, he seemed to be saying.Dont worry about me. Ill be fine.Angeline in short piped in with more talk about the dance, interrogating Jill and Micah about whether theyd be going. She also brought up her plans to go with Eddie. That pulled him out of his melancholy mood, and although I knew she annoyed him, I wondered if that was better than continually being tormented by Jill and Micahs relationship.Of course, the conversation came to a halt as did Eddies problem when Micah frowned and pointed out what the rest of us had missed. Why would you go to the dance together?Arent you guys cousins?Eddie, Jill, and I froze. Another cover story mess-up. I couldnt believe this had now slipped past me twice. I should have mentioned this as soon as Angeline brought up the dance. In the schools eyes, we were all related.So? asked Angeline, missing the point.Eddie cleared his throat. Um, third cousins. But still. Were not really going together. Its more of a joke.That effectively killed the topic, and he couldnt help smiling triumphantly.Brayden picked me up immediately after school the next day so that we could make the windmill tour on time. Ms. Terwil liger had even let me go a few minutes early, after promising Id get her a cappuccino on our way back to Amberwood. I was excited to see Brayden and the tour, yet as I got into his car, I felt a brief pang of doubt. Did I have any business doing these sorts of fun, personal activities? Especially now that the cover story had slipped a pair off of times. Maybe I was spending too much time on me and not enough on the mission.Brayden had lots to tell me about the debate rival hed attended over the weekend.We analyzed some of the more difficult topics hed come across and laughed at the easy ones that had stumped the opposing team. Id feared dating for years but was again pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to talk to him. It was a lot like the Shakespearean outing an endless source of topics that we both knew lots about. It was the rest of the experience that still left me unsettled the date stuff. The dating books Id read since our last outing most(prenominal)ly advised on when to have sex, which was completely delusive since I had yet to figure out holding hands.The giant windmills were pretty impressive. They didnt have the sleek beauty of cars that I loved, but I felt the same awe at the engineering they represented. Some of the windmills were over a hundred feet tall, with blades half the size of a football field. Moments like these made me marvel at human ingenuity. Who needed magic when we could create these kinds of wonders?Our tour guide was a cheery girl in her mid-twenties who clearly loved her job and all that wind energy represented. She knew all sorts of trivia about it but not quite enough to satisfy Brayden.How do you address the energy inefficiency that comes from the turbines needing wind speeds that take root into such a narrow range?Then Whats your response to studies showing that simply improving the filters in the conversion of fossil fuels would result in less carbon dioxide emissions than this sort of energy production?And later Can wind power really be treated as a viable option when after considering the cost of construction and other maintenance consumers end up paying more than they would for traditional forms of electricity?I couldnt be certain, but I think our guide wrapped up the tour early. She encouraged some of the other tourists to come back anytime but said nothing as Brayden and I walked past her.That woman was sadly uninformed, he told me, once we were back on the highway.She knew plenty about the windmills and their facility, I pointed out. Im guessing the latest controversies just dont get brought up much on these tours. Or, I paused, smiling, how to deal with, um, forceful tourists.I was forceful? he asked, seeming legitimately surprised. He had gotten so caught up in his ideas that he didnt even realize it. It was endearing.I tried not to laugh. You came on strong, thats all. I dont think they were prepared for someone like you.They should be. Wind powers got promise, true, but for now, there are all sorts of expenses and efficiency problems that need to be addressed. Its useless otherwise. I sat there for several moments, trying to decide how best I should respond. None of the advice Id gotten from the books or my friends really prepared me for how to handle discussions about alternative energy sources. One of the books one Id chosen not to finish had a decidedly male-centric view that said women should always make men feel important on dates. I suspected that Kristin and Julias advice right now would have been to laugh and toss my hair and not let the discussion progress.But I just couldnt do that.Youre wrong, I said.Brayden who was a big advocate of safe driving actually took his eyes off the road for a few seconds to stare at me. What did you say?Aside from learning that he had a vast store of extensive and random friendship like I did, Id also picked up on something else central to Braydens personality. He didnt like to be wrong. This was no surprise. I didnt either, and we had a lot in common that way. And, from the way hed discussed school and even his debate competition, Id also deduced people never told him he was wrong even if by chance he was.Maybe it wasnt too late to do the hair-tossing thing. Instead, I just rushed on.Youre wrong. Maybe wind isnt as efficient as it could be, but the fact that its even being genuine is a vast improvement over the outdated, archaic energy sources our societys been dependent on. Expecting it to be as cost-efficient as something thats been around much, much longer is naive.But We cant deny that the cost is worth the benefits. Climate change is increasingly becoming a problem, and winds reduced carbon dioxide emissions could have a significant impact.Furthermore and most importantly wind is renewable. It doesnt matter if other sources are cheap if theyre going to run out on us.But We need to be progressive and look towards whats going to save us later. To focus strictly on whats cost-effi cient now while ignoring the consequences is short-sighted and will ultimately lead to the downfall of the human race. Those who think otherwise are only perpetuating the problem, unless they can come up with other solutions. Most dont. They just complain. Thats why youre wrong.I paused to catch my breath and then dared a glance at Brayden. He was watching the road, but his eyes were impossibly wide. I dont think he could have been more shocked if Id slapped him. Immediately, I berated myself for what Id said. Sydney, why didnt you just bat your eyelashes?Brayden? I asked tentatively when almost a minute passed with no response. More stunned silence met me.Suddenly, without warning, he pulled the car sharply off the highway and onto the shoulder. Dust and gravel kicked up around us. In that moment, I was absolutely certain he was going to demand I get out and walk back to Palm Springs. And we were still miles from the city.Instead, he caught hold of my hands and leaned toward me. You, he said breathlessly.Are amazing. Absolutely, positively, exquisitely amazing. And then he caressed me.I was so surprised, I couldnt even move. My spunk raced, but it was more from anxiety than anything else. Was I doing it right? I tried to relax into the kiss, letting my lips part slightly, but my body stayed rigid. Brayden didnt pull back in revulsion, so that was a good sign. Id never kissed anyone to begin with and had been worrying a lot about what itd be like. The mechanics of it turned out not to be so difficult. When he did finally pull away, he was smiling.A good sign, I guessed. I smiled back tentatively because I knew it was expected. Honestly, a secret part of me was a little disappointed. That was it? Thats what the big deal was? It hadnt been terrible, but it hadnt sent me soaring to new heights either. It had been exactly what it seemed like, lips on lips.With a great sigh of happiness, he turned and began driving again. I could only watch him with wonder and confusion, unable to form any response. What had just happened? That was my first kiss?Spencers, right? Brayden asked when we exited to downtown shortly thereafter.I was still so baffled by the kiss that it took me a moment to remember Id promised Ms.Terwilliger a cappuccino. Right.Just before we turned the corner toward the street Spencers was on, Brayden suddenly made an unexpected stop at a florist shop. Be right back, he said.I nodded wordlessly, and five minutes later, he returned and handed me a large bouquet of delicate, pale pink roses. Thank you? I said, making it more of a question. Now, in accession to the kiss and amazing declaration, Id somehow earned flowers too.Theyre not adequate, he admitted. In traditional floral symbolism, orange or red would have been more appropriate. But it was either these or some lavender ones, and you just dont seem like a purple person.Thank you, I said, more firmly this time. As I breathed in the roses sweet scent on the way to Spencers, I realized that no one had ever given me flowers before.We reached the coffee shop soon thereafter. I got out of the car, and in a flash, Brayden was right by my side so that he could shut the door for me. We went inside, and I was almost relieved to see Trey working. His teasing would be a nice return to normality, seeing as my life had just detoured into Crazyland.Trey didnt even notice us at first. He was speaking intently to someone on the other side of the counter, a guy a little older than us. The guys tanned skin, black hair, and similar facial features tipped me off pretty quickly that he and Trey were related. Brayden and I waited discreetly behind the guy, and Trey finally looked up, an astonishingly grim flavor on his face that was pretty out of character. He looked surprised when he saw us, but then seemed to relax a little.Melbourne, Cartwright. Here for a little post-windmill caffeine?You know I never drink caffeine after four, said Brayden. But Sydney needs somethin g for her teacher.Ah, said Trey. The usual for you and Ms. T?Yeah, but make mine iced this time.Trey gave me a knowing look. Need to cool down a little, huh? I rolled my eyes.The guy ahead of us was still standing around, and Trey nodded toward him while grabbing two cups. This is my cousin Chris. Chris, this is Sydney and Brayden. This must have been Treys perfect cousin. At a glance, I saw little that marked him as better than Trey, except maybe his height. Chris was pretty tall. Not Dimitri-tall, but still tall.Otherwise, they both had similar good looks and an athletic build. Chris even had some of the same bruises and scrapes Trey often sported, making me wonder if there was a family connection to sports as well. Regardless, Chris hardly seemed like anyone Trey should be intimidated by, but then, I was biased by our friendship.Where are you here from? I asked.San Francisco, said Chris.How long are you in town? asked Brayden.Chris gave Brayden a wary look. Why do you want to kno w? Brayden looked surprised, and I didnt blame him. Before either of us could figure out the next move in the small-talk handbook, Trey hurried back over. Relax, C. Theyre just being nice. Its not like they work for some spy agency.Well, Brayden didnt.Sorry, said Chris, not actually sounding that sorry. That was a difference between the cousins, I realized. Trey wouldve laughed off his mistake. He never actually would have made the mistake. There were definitely different levels of friendliness in this family. A couple weeks.Neither Brayden nor I dared say anything after that, and mercifully, Chris chose that opportunity to leave, with a promise to call Trey later. When he was gone, Trey shook his head apologetically and set the completed coffees on the counter. I reached for my wallet, but Brayden waved me away and paid.Trey handed Brayden back his change. Next weeks schedules already up.It is? Brayden glanced over at me. Mind if I go in the back room for a second? Figuratively, of course.Go ahead, I said. As soon as he was gone, I turned frantically to Trey. I need your help. Treys eyebrows rose. Words I never thought Id hear from you. That made two of us, but I was at a loss, and Trey was my only source of help right now.Brayden got me flowers, I declared. I wasnt going to mention the kiss.And?And, whyd he do it?Because he likes you, Melbourne. Thats what guys do. They buy dinner and gifts, hoping that in return youll um, like them back.But I argued with him, I hissed, glancing anxiously at the door Brayden had gone through. Like, just before he got me the flowers, I gave him this big lecture about how he was wrong about alternative sources of energy.Wait, wait, said Trey. You told you told Brayden Cartwright he was wrong? I nodded. So whyd he react like he did?Trey laughed, a big, full laugh that I was certain would draw Brayden back. race dont tell him hes wrong.Yeah, I figured.And girls especially dont tell him hes wrong. Youre probably the only girl w hos ever done it. Youre probably the only girl smart enough to do it. I was getting impatient. I get that. So why the flowers? Why the compliments? Trey shook his head and looked like he was about to start laughing again. Melbourne, if you dont know, then Im not going to tell you.I was too worried about Brayden returning to comment further on Treys useless advice. Instead, I said, Is Chris the perfect cousin you were talking about? Treys smirk faded. Thats the one. Anything I can do, he can do better. I immediately regretted asking. Trey, like Adrian, was one of those people I didnt like seeing troubled. Well. He didnt seem so perfect to me. Probably Im biased from being around you all the time. You set the standard for perfection. That brought Treys smile back. Sorry about his attitude. Hes always been like that. Not the most charming branch of the Juarez family tree. Thats me, of course.Of course, I agreed.He was still smiling when Brayden returned, but when I cast a glance backwa rd as I was leaving the coffee shop, Treys expression had darkened again. His thoughts were turned inward, and I wished I knew how to help.On the drive back to Amberwood, Brayden said shyly, Well. Now I know my schedule for the next two weeks.Thats good, I said.He hesitated. So I know when I can go out again. If, that is, I mean. If you want to go out again.That wouldve surprised me, if I wasnt already stumped by everything else that had happened today. Brayden wanted to go out with me again? Why? Girls especially dont tell him hes wrong. Youre probably the only girl whos ever done it. Youre probably the only girl smart enough to do it. More importantly, did I want to go out with him again? I glanced over at him and then down at the roses. I thought about his eyes when hed gazed at me in the stopped car. I realized then the odds of me ever finding a guy who thought Shakespeare and wind farms were fun were pretty infinitesimal.Okay, I said.His change his eyes in thought. Isnt there some kind of dance your schools having?Do you want to go to that? People go to those, right?Thats what I keep hearing. Howd you know about it?The sign, he said. Then, as if on cue, he pulled into the driveway in front of my dorm.Hanging over the main door was a sign decorated with cobwebs and bats. GET YOURSCARE ON AT THE HALLOWEEN DANCE.Oh, I said. That sign. Eddie was right. I really did have selective data storage. I guess we can go. If you want to.Sure. I mean, if you want to.Silence. We both laughed.Well, then, I said. I guess were going.Brayden leaned toward me, and I panicked until I saw that he was trying to get a better look at the sign. A week and a half away.Enough time to get costumes, I suppose.I suppose. AlthoughAnd thats when the next crazy thing happened. He held my hand.I admit, I hadnt been expecting much, especially after my mixed reaction to the roadside kiss. Still, as he laid his hand over mine, I was surprised to feel that it was again just likewell, like touc hing someones hand. Id at least thought there might be goose bumps or a little heart fluttering. My biggest emotional reaction was worry over what to do with my hand. Lace fingers? Squeeze his hand back?Id like to go out sooner, he said. That hesitancy returned. If you want to. I looked down at our hands and tried to figure out how I felt. He had nice hands. Smooth, warm. I could get used to holding those hands. And of course, he smelled like coffee. Was that enough to build love on? Again, that uncertainty nagged me. What right did I have to any of this? I wasnt in Palm Springs for my own entertainment. There was no me in Alchemy.Well, phonetically there was, but that wasnt the point. I knew my superiors wouldnt approve of any of this.And yet, when would I get this chance again? When would I ever get flowers? When would someone look at me with this kind of fervor? I decided to take the plunge.Sure, I said. Lets go out again.

‘Raw’ by Scott Monk Essay

Raw is a wise written by an Australian author Scott monk for young teenagers to explore an alternative approach to the juvenile justice system, one that supports and encourages young offenders to take responsibility for their actions. Monk uses significant episodes, wrinkle in characterisation and a range of language techniques to show the central character journey as he learns to take responsibility for himself. Monks plot is ground on a authorship which is action packed with violent episodes such as Tyson and his gang attacking Brett and cutting of all of his hair. As well, it is based on a love triangle where Brett is put in between his new love interest Caitlyn and his ex-girlfriend Rebecca. It also follows a journey theme where Brett changes once he travelled an 800 km journey from Sydney to the Farm. The plot is episodic and highlights the change in Brett. Episodes which show this change and that it is sometimes difficult for him include, walking away from fighting Mr Doug lass, non letting his anger control him, hed lost one fight precisely won anotherAs well as apologising to Caitlyn realising that he was wrong and wanting to fix his mistakes, And hed learnt that the hard way that love couldnt be owned One main character was utilise to show the theme of a troubled individual and societys way of dealing with them. Monk writes in third mortal but with Bretts perspective. He also used many secondary characters who atomic number 18 a part of Bretts journey such as, his love interest Caitlyn, friends Josh, Sam, Robbie and enemy Tyson. Monk also cleverly contrasted characters to highlight the aspects of society, for example, Sam treats the kids like normal citizens, not criminals and tries to help them rebuild their lives, which is contrast to Mr Douglass who makes assumptions about Brett and all of the boys at the farm, not treating them as normal citizens of society and not allowing them to show that people can change.Monk also used Bretts developi ng relationships to show his slow growth into somebody who has something to offer society. For example, his relationship with Caitlyn teaches him that you need to treat people with love and respect to receive it, he also learnt that other peoples wants and needs are just as important as his own. His relationship with josh allows him to understandthat someone will always have it worse then you and that whatever is disaster only you can control and change your future. Just remember, Brett, only you can change your life. The language used in the novel is directed at Monks young person audience. He uses colloquial language, when Brett calls the police (pigs) as well as lots of direct speech to show the interactions between Brett and the other characters, (Josh) I saw you perving at Caitlyn (Brett) what Is that her name?Monk uses descriptive language builds up the imagery of his characters, The man looked like an old cowboy or one of those guys who drive cattle, a stock raiser As well as the settings used, imagery is sometimes very symbolic for example, Brett leaves Sydney and arrives at the farm in a paddy wagon then 3 months later leaves abide to Sydney in the paddy wagon but as a changed man. Monks presentation of the farm as a juvenile detention concentrate shows his audience another side of this issue. There is minimal security, few rules where Sam and Mary treat everyone as individuals dont call Brett a no-hopper Monks theme of the individual being responsible for his/her own actions is shown well.His characters show that when they make bad decisions there are repercussions. For example, Rebeccas decisions ruined her future, and Tysons bad choices ends him in jail. At the start of the novel Brett was consistently making bad choices but by the end of the novel Brett is making good choices, which is shown when he walks away from Mr Douglass. The epilogue of the novel shows the result of this idea when Sam asks if hes learned anything and he realises he has , lots of stuff, like friendship. Trust. Love. And loss. Even though he is going back to Sydney, in the same paddy wagon he came in, to go to a proper detention centre,Monk shows that Brett has changed through his thoughts at the end, He was young and he was going to start again Scott Monk wanted his readers to know that if you are in a bad situation only you can change that, but having people around you who offer a second chance can be vital to prove that you can be a good person and you can change for the better.

Hair Weaving The Mathematical Connection

This survey examines the math behind cop twine. The observation is conducted in a little salon in Decatur, Georgia. The styler utilizations math on a day-to-day footing. The range of the mathematics in this survey is merely rivet on a little facet that occurs daily in a salon. The mathematics that is involved includes fractals, transmutation, perimeter, numeration, appraisal, anticipation, measuring, ratios, angles, and append. In add-on, the survey demonstrates the present momentance of utilizing nuance in the schoolroom, and publications that has successfully implemented activities affecting whisker flamboyant braid and other Afri plenty parts.Context of the StudyIntegrating civilization into schoolrooms is really of import. One pattern that is common in the Afri piece of ass American civilization is vibrissa lacing and fuzz weaving, where pilus gold braid is a really of import measure in the hair weaving influence. These peculiar manners are apparent in all schoolroom s across the state. Since the hairdos are prevailing in schools, associating hair weaving to curriculums pull up stakes actuate the pupils ( Gilmer, 2004 ) . The pupils can function as theoretical accounts. Making the pupils a portion of the lesson will further peer interaction and stool self esteem ( Gilmer, 2004 ) . In add-on, hair weaving will supply a connexion to history. This connexion will supply the chance to larn mathematics in a contextual variety that African American pupils are familiar with. In add-on, since hair gold braid and hair noses are a current manner tendency, this tendency can present the historical parts of the African civilization to pupils as good, redesigning the current bringing of mathematical direction ( Weiger, 2000 ) . The fact-finding processs involved in utilizing conceptual mathematics will beef up the African American pupil s critical thought, job resolution, and communicating accomplishments because the pupils are utilizing and discoursing t he mathematics.Research QuestionsThrough the literate reappraisal and the analysis of in nervous strainations, the succeeding(prenominal) inquiries will be answered at the terminal of this ethnographic surveyWhat is the relationship between hair weaving ( sew- in ) and mathematics?How make you use the historical manner parts of ancient Africans to motivate motive amongst African American young person?How make you utilize the civilization of hair to actuate African American young persons?Why is it of import to interconnected civilization and instruction?How make you place the mathematical constructs in hair gold braid and hair weaving?Concise Literature ReviewAfrican Americans take pride in their hair and their visual aspect. This is apparent in the billion dollar hair industry with self-aggrandising females, work forces and kids add to the net incomes ( Chris Rock s Good Hair, 2009 ) . The billion dollar industry contains weaves, hair attention merchandises, and hair attention t ools. African American adult females can pass 1000s of dollars on one weave session. Since so much accent is placed on hair, the research of schoolroom use by Gloria Gilmer ( 1998 ) is of import to African Americans. During Gloria Gilmer s boldness intoing into hair manners of African American adult females, geometric designs and forms were discovered in the gold braid surgical operation ( Gilmer, 1998 ) . After farther probe, the constructs of tessellations were identified in the gold braid forms of the participants. The tessellations were easy jar againstable in the exposure provided in the survey. Another research worker connected the forms of hair lacing to the transmutations besides ( Eglash, 2004 ) . On the website provide by Ron Eglash cornrow plaits translate, reflect, rotate, and distend Y forms in which the Y resembles a plait stitch ( 2004 ) . Pamela Frost discovered that African fractals are non limited to hair gold braid, but can be extended to calculate artworks, genetic acquaintances, and biological science ( 1999 ) .Since hair gold braid contains common taught mathematical constructs, implementing the construct is an easy undertaking. T to each oneers do non intimidate to buy extra merchandises to implement the construct, since paper and pencils can be utilized to look into fractals. It is noted that pupils can still larn rough fractals utilizing common school supplies ( Frost, 1999 ) . Teachers do non hold to research a batch of information about hair gold braid and hair weaving. African American pupils come with anterior perception about hair gold braid and hair weaving, associating their anterior experience to geometry and fractals can help in building their ain individualities ( Frost, 1999 ) . Besides instructors can be provided with pre-written activities about the connexion of hair gold braid and mathematics ( Frost, 1999 ) .An of import facet of utilizing hair lacing in the schoolroom is to help in the development of Afric an American pupils and other minorities. It has been noted that Ethnomathematics such as forms in hair lacing respond to the demands of increasing Numberss of pupils who feel like failures for non understanding ( Gilmer, 2004 ) . African American pupils will see little success by lending information that they are familiar with. In the current educational systems mathematics is used to hike trial tonss, so pupil can accomplish a veritable position ( Gilmer, 2004 ) . Often in this part minority pupils are left behind in mathematics. In other to level the playing knit stitch in mathematics, utilizing Ethnomathematics that involves cultural constructs such as hair gold braid and hair weaving will give the pupils the power to spot and look into which engages pupils ( Gilmer, 2004 ) . scholarly person engagement aids with treating information into memory ( Woolfolk, 2004 ) . With battle, comes larning. African American pupils will hold the chance to larn mathematics and reassign the eruditeness to trials and other acquisition activities ( Gilmer, 2004 ) .MethodologyParticipantsThis assignment provided an chance to detect an African American hairdresser with over 18 old ages of hear in the cosmetology concern. The hairdresser works in a little upscale salon with two other stylists. The ascertained stylist received her preparation from a local cosmetology school and a concern regularise from Bowie State University in Maryland. The stylist stated her trade was mastered through on the occupation preparation and that school merely prepared her with the theory.The client is a professional pedagogue that receives hair weaves every six to eight hebdomads. The client has chemically damaged hair and receives hair weaves to alleviate the mundane emphasis on her hair. Permission was given to merely enter the dorsum of the caput.Study DesignSince hair is a portion of the African American civilization, an ethnographic attack was taken. Culture can non be examined w ith making a hypothesis, formal testing, and statistical analysis of informations.Data Collection InstrumentsDuring the survey, a FLIP picture camera was used to enter snippings of the hair weaving procedure. In add-on, notes were written to enter the ambiance, the conversations, and the actions of the stylist. An informal interview was used to derive cognition about the client and the stylist techniques.ProceduresInitial Entry In order to turn back this survey, aid from the stylist was requested during a hebdomadal salon visit. During the solicitation, the stylist was given a transcript of the undertaking demands and a brief account about the videotaping. The stylist was concerned with the publication of the recorded techniques. She was assured that the technique was for a category undertaking with no public screenings. The stylist agreed and requested a transcript of the picture once the undertaking was completed.Data Collection The research worker began the observation procedure around nine 30 a.m. The observation procedure consisted of notes, informal interviews and videotaping. The research worker became an active portion of the procedure by helping with the threading of the acerate leafs. In add-on, the research worker interacted with all the other stylists and clients by supplying information about the survey and take parting in the chitchat in the salon.Data Analysis & A SynthesisIn analyzing the informations received during the observation, several mathematical trading operations were revealed. The first mathematical construct that was revealed was fractals. Fractals are defined as the geometric forms that are repeated, which include dilations ( Frost, 1999 ) . In hair weaving, the first procedure is hair lacing. The stylist subdivisions off little parts of the hair, and so braid the hair. The plaits consist of repeated forms that resemble a V . The plait begins little towards the border of the hair and gets bigger as the plait reaches the upper side of the heard.The following mathematical construct that was revealed is transmutations which include interlingual renditions and perpendicular contemplations. As mentioned before, the plaits resemble several little V s. The interlingual rendition occurs when the form of the V travels towards the Crown of the caput. The form of the V s is really close together so the plaits are tight. This tightness aids with the hair weave support eight hebdomads. Another transmutation that is present is a perpendicular contemplation. The stylist begins with a plait on the right side of the heard and terminals at the Crown of the caput. She so begins with the left side of the caput and ends at the same topographic point. The plaits on each side of the caput are exact opposite of each other. The contemplation line is in the centre of the caput. The perpendicular refection ends at the center of the ears.In add-on, the mathematical construct of numeration was revealed. In several cases, the styli st was sight numbering the figure of plaits on the client s caput. She stated it was of import to hold the same measure of plaits on both sides of the caput. In add-on, the stylist the stylist was observed numbering the figure of weave paths as she connected the weave.Another mathematical construct that was observed during the hair weaving procedure involves measuring and appraisal. The stylist used appraisal to mensurate the length of the weaving recital. She removed yarn from the bobbin and used the length of her forearm to find the length. This procedure continued until the hair weave was completed. In add-on, the stylist estimates the measure of hair and the monetary value of the service. It was revealed that a anterior conversation occurred between the client and the stylist. The client shows the stylist a image and the stylist determines the measure of hair that is needed. This appraisal is of import because they stylist do non desire the client to buy extra hair.The followi ng mathematical construct observed is arc length. Since the measuring of the caput utilizes perimeter, which is the length of the outermost border of a circle. The plaits that travel from right to go forth could be considered to be iodin circles. The stylist is gauging the length of the weave paths to attach to the arcs of the fanciful circles, which is the formal mathematical term called arc length.Another mathematical construct that is utilised is ratios. The stylist discussed the procedure of adding colour to the hair weave. The client purchases a little package of coloured weave. Following, the stylist uses a razor to divide the weave path. Finally, the stylist combines the colour weave path to the black path. In add-on, the stylist utilised ratios in the procedure when she mixed the hair dye for another colour. The stylist did uncover that sometimes hair weave clients receive colour to dissemble the grey hairs. This peculiar client did non have hair colour.After all of the pa ths were attached to the caput, the stylist used angles to push down the hair. The stylist stated she was utilizing 45 grade angles. It was hard to find the exact measuring of the angles since the stylist cut the hair quickly. Using 40 five microscope stage angles to cut hair is a construct that the stylist learned in beauty school. During the full procedure of attaching the weave path to the plaits, the stylist created knots to guarantee the yarn did non detached. Besides in the initial threading procedure, knots were tied at the terminal of the twine every bit good. The type of knot was non determined.The concluding mathematical construct that was revealed was add-on and minus. The stylist used mental add-on to calculate the cost of the hair weave service. Once the client paid for the service, the stylist provided alteration. There was non any causa of numbering alteration to the client.RecommendationsListing the possibilities of mathematics being used in the universe is about impossible. Mathematics is used in many signifiers of life such as eating houses, building, auto franchises, and promenades. This use of mathematics supports systems in topographic point working. Since mathematics is apparent in the lives of pupils, it is recommended to associate practical experiences such as hair weaving to the course of study that pupils must larn. This relationship would do mathematics relevant to the universe of pupils. In add-on, supplying this experience will see pupils to possible callings that they may hold had small cognition about. Learning mathematics through practical experiences will give pupil the chance to larn why and how mathematics is used. This signifier of larning supports the constructivist theory, where acquisition is student centered and non teacher centered ( Woolfolk, 2004 ) . Another recommendation to utilizing practical experiences such as hair weaving will give the chance for pupils to larn utilizing transverse curricular activities. Sinc e hair weaving involves chemicals, designs, and hair, pupils will hold the chance to larn chemical science, art and biological science in context. Observing and questioning a stylist will give a pupil the chance to witness the consequences of chemical procedure on the hair, to incorporate art and manner, and to larn how the organic structure develops skin, and the proper nutrition to keep healthy tegument. Besides it is recommended to give the pupils the chance to larn by making. The custodies on larning experience will advance motive. Motivation amongst African American pupils in mathematics is worsening ( Gilmer, 2004 ) . Using a pattern that is familiar to pupils can supply a gateway to engagement in the category. The pupils will be a portion of the category, taking the phobic disorder of failure, ensuing in assurance in mathematics ( Woolfolk, 2004 ) . This assurance will actuate the pupil to go on to larn mathematics since the fright of non cognizing is removed. It is besides r ecommended that instructors create job based acquisition instances utilizing the constructs that relates to civilization such as hair weaving. The instances would advance enquiry about the different civilization and give replies as to why a peculiar civilization patterns certain modus operandis. This window into the lives of others will assist the pupils to understand and appreciate the civilizations of others. The enquiry procedure in the job based acquisition will give the pupils picks about the methods of geting cognition and how of import the information is to their personal state of affairs. The acquisition is navigated by the pupils with instructor counsel, alternatively of driven by instructor input merely. In add-on, the pupils will hold the chance to research and take part in instructional preservations from the research about the different civilizations. The instructional conversations would advance integrity and aid in learning diverseness amongst the pupils and the instr uctors.

The Secret of Ella and Micha Chapter 14

MichaWe end up racing home. I let her win, even though Id love to receive a leak the favor, which would include lots of foetid things that shes not ready for. So now I owe her a favor and she tells me she has to hypothecate ab come in it, with this little coquette in her voice that makes me grin.We surgical incision ways at our houses and she leaves me with the promise shell try to come eitherwhere later tonight. Shes slowly changing derriere into the girl I know, although that night still haunts her eyes, merely Im not convinced(predicate) shell ever re totallyy get over it completely.Its still raining and ex unmatchableratedning exchangeable hell, which means the partys passing to have to take place inside. Ethan and I drag the wet keggers inside and stand them on the kitchen table. Theres a note tacked on the wall from my mom, telling me shes going to be home late.Ethan amazes rummaging through the cupboards for slightly food. What bands acting?Naomis. I head to my room to change and get my guitar. Answer the door if any angiotensin-converting enzyme knocks.In my room, I tug on a grey tee shirt and pull a opprobrious pin-striped shirt over it. I slip on a pair of black jeans and put on a stud belt. Then I grab my guitar and text Naomi.Me When u planning on heading over?Naomi Soon. Why? You waiting on us to tell us some super exciting news.Me I havent decided yet.Naomi Dont spot it low. Its a great opportunity.Me Im not sayin yes or no. See u in a bit.When Naomi took me toleratestage at the coffeehouse, she first proposed the idea that I should replace their guitarist and hit the road with them. At first, I was all for it. Its what Ive wanted to do since I was twelve and rocked out with Ethan and Dean in the garage. yet then I thought back to Ellas sad eyes and doubts washed over me.The doorbell go and I head to the living room to get the party started and clear my head for one night.EllaBy the time I decide to go over to Michas, thi ngs are already getting out of lot. Cars are parked on the lawn, and garbage cans are tipped over. Someones even vexting on the roof.Lila prates me into going and we run up the driveway with our arms over our heads to shield our hair from the rain, merely the gatheringed foyer overwhelms me and I start to back out.Stop creation a baby and go in there, she says, giving me a gentle shove forward. I want to see the tough girl everyone keeps talking astir(predicate).No, you dont. imprecate me, I tell her. She was mean and she would have never been friends with you.Okay, then show me a happy medium. She has a dark blue, strapless dress on that matches her seat and her blonde hair rests on her shoulders in curls, which have slipped loose because of the rain. You can change yourself without losing your identity completely.I secrete away from the crowd toward her. Why have we never talked comparable this before?She smiles sadly. Because you would never let us.She says something e lse, save the music stifles her words. I fan the smoke from my face and step into the kitchen. Holding the bottom of my black skirt, I maneuver through the crowd toward the table. I lose Lila for a moment, but when the crowd thins, Lila stumbles out, stomping on a guys foot with her high heel.She curses, fussing with her hair. Has Micha ever comprehend of a little thing called air conditioning?He probably forgot to turn it on I shout over the music. Wait here. Ill go turn it up.I squeeze through the crowd toward the living room and the band. The music is deafening and I realize its Micha playing with Naomi. Theyre sharing the microphone and he looks standardized hes enjoying himself. I stop in the middle of the room and watch him from the crowd. Hes gorgeous under the light with his hair hanging in his eyes as he spills out his lyrics to people and strums on the guitar.I back through the room and into the hall. Theres a couple making out in front of the thermostat. The music quie ts bulge out and then starts up again as I gently guide them over and they move out of my way without breaking their lips from each other. Fanning my face, I turn up the cold air. Suddenly, long arms encircle my waist and the scent of him fills my chest.I thought you were playing, I yell over the music with my hand touch to my heart.I was, but I took a break to see you. His breath smells like beer.I scrunch up my nose. Are you drunk?Ive only had one beer, he says. Im just excited to see you.And to be playing again, I state.His smile is huge and it makes me happy for a moment. Yeah, that too. I saw you watching me.I shrug, playing it off. Im glad youre happy. You looked sad earlier at the drive-in.His hand finds my hip and he grips it tightly, sending heat through my body. Im even happier now that youre here.I make relaxed against the wall. You know Ive heard you use that pickup line on girls before, right?Come on, let me have some fun with you, he begs with a tease in his voice. Pretend like you dont know any of my moves.You want me to pretend like Im someone else? I question. Havent you been telling me to do the opposite?The reflection of the light dances in his eyes as he leans forward and wisps of his hair brush my cheek. Just be the girl I used to know. The one that had fun and laughed all the time.That girl would have never pretended with you, even if you requested her to.I know that.His other hand finds my waist and his body slants toward me. Glancing from left to right, I cut my hands up his firm chest and link them around his neck. Then I pull myself onto him and hitch my legs around his waist. His expression is stoic, but he lets out a growl and his lips come polish hard on mine. Our chests press together as he thrusts his body into me. Our tongues connect, feeling each other thoroughly. My back is pressed into the thermostat and my skirt barely covers the top of my thighs. My head falls back against the wall as he trails kisses down my neck. My breathing is rapid and so is my pulse. What is he doing to me?The music stops and Naomis voice rises over the speakers. Micha Scott, get your ass back up here and play right now.Micha pulls away, breathless. I have one more song to play and then you and I are going to pick right back up with this.Before I can answer, he leaves me in the hall. Touching my lips, I watch him weave back to the stage, knowing if he does pick it up, Im not going to be able to stop it this time. attempt with the loss of control over my own body, I wander back into the kitchen. Lilas over by the cooler, sipping on a drink and talking to Ethan. Straightening my shoulders, I marching music up to the counter and pour myself a drink. Lila and Ethans eyes are on me as I knock it back. The alcohol burns my throat as I slam the cup down on the counter. Whos up for a game of quarters?***Two hours and triplet shots later, Im feeling pretty good. The band has finished playing and Micha has joined our game at the t able. Sail by AWOLNATION beats through the stereo, soft lyrics and a sultry rhythm and it takes me back to another time.I think Im going to go dance, I announce to the table.Ah ha, I knew you secretly liked to dance. Lila slams her hand down on the table and then hiccups. Oh, excuse me.Ethan laughs at her like shes the cutest thing in the world. Are you reaching your limit little girl?Lila narrows her eyes impishly at Ethan. Im not the one who missed the last three shots.He replies with a comeback, but I dont hear it as I rise from my chair anxious to dance. Micha watches me inquisitively as I make a path through the crowd. Faceless people bead with sweat and the air smells like salt and is lit with desirable heat. The farther I descend into the crowd the hotter it gets. By the time Im in the center, my skin is damp with sweat and the thin fabric of my strapless shirt is sticking to my back.Theres a darkness inside my chest, like the devil hidden inside me is about to make a grand a ppearance. I raise my hands and sway my hips, letting my hair fall down my shoulders and back. I breathe freely, just like I use to. The more the music plays, the more relaxed I become. My head falls from side to side and my eyelids puke shut.I feel someone move up behind me and they smell of desire mingled with an earthy scent and something mouthwatering.Micha places his hands on my hips, his hands domineering. He tight melts me as he spreads his fingers around my waist and presses his body against mine, wanting as much of me as he can get.I thought you didnt dance anymore, he whispers in a feral voice, his warm breath touching every part of me.I lean back into him, comfortable, and breathe in his familiar scent. I guess Im a liar.You didnt use to be. He sweeps my hair to the side and implores our bodies closer as he moves with me. Through the fabric of our clothes, I feel the heat radiate off him like the sun. In fact, you used to be the most honest person I knew.I slant my head back against his chest. I know, and Im on the job(p) on getting it back.Good, Im glad. His hands slide down my hips and dont stop until they reach the hem of my skirt. Werent you and I supposed to finish what we started in the hall?I start to pull away, but he intensifies his embrace and restrains me against him so were bonded in every way possible. I feel the hardness of his chest and the heat emitting off every single God damn part of him. It makes me want to moan.Youre fucking driving me crazy. You know that? He whispers through a groan as his fingers slip underneath the side of my skirt and up my thighs. I want you, pretty girl. Badly. Hes not lying. His desire is pressed up against the back of my waist.I should stop him Hes practically got his hand up my dress and were surrounded by a ton of people, but I give in to him, subsiding in his arms, and let his fingers inch higher(prenominal) up my skirt. Slowly, he kisses my skin, before parting his lips and nipping my neck, sucki ng, tasting, driving my body mad. His other hand wanders upward on the outside of my shirt and over the sophisticate of my breast. I practically come undone in his arms. Without warning, I turn around, slipping out of his grip. I secure my arms around his neck. His eyes change as he welds our bodies back together.My head falls back, allowing him access as I put my weight into his lean arms. He holds me tightly, tracking kisses down the core out of my neck, licking my collar bone, delving lower and lower as his hand sneaks for the bottom of my skirt again and the palm of his hand caresses the back of my thigh.He groans, cupping the back of my head with his other hand, then suddenly he pulls away. How drunk are you?I glance from left to right like theres an answer hidden in the crowd. I dont know.He sighs and drags his fingers through his hair. Youre killing me, you know that?Im sorry. I pout.He laughs and directs me back over to the table. Go meet up with Lila and Ill be there in a bit, okay.Why? Where are you going? I ask.He rubs his hand across his face and lets out a breathy laugh. I have to go take care of some business.We part ways and I go back to the kitchen like he told me. Lilas eyes are accusing as I sit down at the table. I try not to smile, but Im too intoxicated to care.Look at you, Lila says. All smiley.I start to say something, but spot Micha talking to Naomi in the middle of the crowd. She laughs at something he says and then the two of them head toward the hall where his bedroom is.I guess that was the business he had to take care of. I get up from the table and without another word I run outside into the rain.MichaElla is killing me tonight. Ive got a hard on so bad, its probably going to take an hour in an ice-cold shower to calm me down and shes drunk, so I cant take it any further. I head back to my room, to take care of the problem myself, when Naomi meets up with me.She waves her finger at me and then laughs. You and I need to talk.I s till havent decided I shout over the music.She takes me by the arm and tugs me down the hall, bumping people out of the way until we reach my room. She shuts the door and flips on the light. Alright, please explain to me why its so hard to make the decision about something youve always wanted to do?Id rather not.She throws her hands in the air, exasperatedly. I dont get you. All you used to talk about in high school was playing in a band on the road.I still do, I say. But Im not sure if I can leave people behind.Her face relaxes and her hands fall to her side. I actually get that. I was worried to leave my dad alone, but I talked to him and explained why and you know what? He understood.Mines more complicated, Naomi. I sit down on the bed, wishing shed leave. Its not just my mom Im worried about.She sits down on the bed beside me and crosses her legs. Its because of Ella.Fuck, am I that obvious, I say. Because I always thought I was subtle.She snorts a laugh. Youve never been subtle . And its not just you. Its both of you. But you know what, you cant center youre life around one girl. You gotta move on and live life the way you want to.She doesnt get it. Yeah, lets not talk about this.Alright. She holds her hands up. Sorry, Ill let you be. I just wanted to give you something to think about.She pats me on the knee before heading out into the hall. Once the door shuts, I fall back onto my bed. Maybe shes right. Maybe it is time to let go of her.Fuck. I need resolution.My eyes wander toward Ellas house. It is dark, except for one light. The bathroom where her produce died. That light hasnt been on for eight months. Why is it on now?

America Involvement in WW1

Zieger, R (2001) brings out the the Statesn experiences in the Great war describing it as a Mr. Wilson contend (p1). When the war broke out in europium the Ameri washbowl people wished for it to remain a European affair. They wanted to remain a neutral force supporting neither of the warring sides. This was the period in the United States history when the country was deeply embedded in the isolationism principles, when it came to this war they did non want to be dragged in the political affairs of Europe.Their main focussing was economical they just wanted to expand trade in different parts of the world. They mat up that their involvement in the war would jeopardize their expansionist ambitions. They believed that the war would not last for long and the world would be in peace after a short while. In keeping with true neutrality tactile sensation America had in the beginning ref apply to supply either side or extending any economic assistance to any of the nations involved in the warf ar.The American pacifists scene that the conflict would not extend to the former(a) parts of Europe it would just remain a German and French affair. They were of the view that though the war was not necessary, America interests were not threatened by the activities that were taking place in Europe. (Zieger, R 2001) The neutrality policy was tested when Germany issued threats that any ship approaching British zone would be sank. president Wilson warned Germany against such a threat, according to him they were to be held responsible for any American ship that would be attacked or sank.German use of boats which were cognise as the U boats posed trustworthy threat to the United States and perhaps was the reason why the country could not remain neutral anymore they had to marijuana cigarette the war to protect their interests. The announcement by German pertaining tar imparting all ships approaching Britain zone angered America prompting their reaction. This was heightened when one of the American ships by the stimulate Lusitania was sank by the German forces killing one hundred and eight Americans who were on board.Though this issue was resolved without attracting much conflict America was forced to adopt a new stand which was to go a long way in taming Germany which was threatening to tear the world apart with its domination ambitions. There are other factors that led to America move from the pacifist view and actively participate in this Great War. They felt that their interests as a country were threatened by Germany threats. The ultimate decision to join the war was reached by the congress when they got some information which indicated that Germany was intending to enter into an agreement with Mexico where the America interest would be attacked.This made the President to move with swift speed declaring an all out war with the enemy. They could no longer sustain their neutrality and isolationist attitude since this would check meant doom for thi s colossal nation. (Coffman,E1998 56) For any nation to rally its people to the course of the war ,there must be some information distributed urging people to support the course. This is what happened in America during the First World War. A body was formed with the purpose of influencing the americans opinion regarding participation in the war.President Wilson appointed advisers who included Walter Lippmann and Bernays Edward. Propaganda played a key business office in getting the American public who intially were jittery about entering into the war. It was a necessary method through which Americans wanted to promote democractic policy more or less the world. There are various methods that were adopted to advance the propaganda ,movies depicting Germans as an evil lot. They warned the Americans to be wary of Germany spies. Patriotic organizations came up where effrots were made to try and get spies and traitors.The committee set up used various medium such as posters,cables and radio to convey the message to the people. Propaganda was a real effective appliance during this war,American giving medication was able to paint Germany as the biggest enemy of democracy and as the country having the worst human secures record where they killed even innocent babies in the arouse of the war. Through this methods the government gained the much needed support from the people who intially wanted nothing to do with a European war. (Degler,C 1984 604)The same tool has been used in many other occassions ,for example during the war in Afghanistan,change of regimes in Panama,Iraq,democratization of Nicaragua,The Philipines,Cuba,Hawaii,Puerto Rico and many other. The American government has used the same method in pic dictators in these countries as the enemies of democtatization march. The information given to the people as Kinzer chronicles highlighted waas meant to paint the leaders of these countries as bad and should be removed so that the natives can be liberate d from their bad rules and oppressive systems.American interest were also in the picture in most of these undertakings. In both cases there are people who felt that the government was overstepping its mandate through its involvement in affairs which had nothing to do with America. These are some of the people who were the targetted by these propaganda machinery and in most casesthey worked right as america was able to intervene and bring some changes in some of the worst regimes in the world. (David,K 1980 24)Kinzers had expolored some of the examples where the American government has successfully used the similar method to rally its citizen behind it and helped win a war. The American people defecate been made to believe that the government is doing this as a appalling course. It has portrayed itself as a machinery that intervenes to liberate masses without result to bloodshed,where innnocent civilians are killed. Starting with 1893 invasion of Hawaii , in the end there were no monstrous casualties but political stability was restored in these countries.This has been called interference with other nations affairs in many occassions but the government has managed to get the support of the citizens who in the real sense fund these activities through the taxes they pay to the government. Though not all of these wars have been successful the American government has succeeded to bring saneness to some of these countries. Fot it to have succeeded ,it required much support from home,if this was not forthcoming it could have meant doom as it has happened in the recent years in Iraq and Afghanstan. (Degler,C 1980 304)The large(p) war can not be said to have made world safe for democracy but it was a beginning of a long jorney. This is a process that woukld meet all forms of challlenges ranging form the spread of socialism and the emergence of new dicators who were determined to rule by their fists. America began a process where it aimed to bring sanity in the worl d politics a system where people would be free in their own countries. Through this method of governance peace would succeed in the world avoiding another ugly situation as had happened before in different palces in the world.(David,K 1980 27) There are some activities that the american governemnt has intermeshed in which seem to defeat the very cause they have been extending. One of them is the palmer raids conducted in the 1920s. This was a crakdown that aimed at neeting those who harbored different opinions from that of the government. Passing of some legisaltion such as Epsionage act and seditous act have been pointed as killing of democracy since they deny the citizens their right to speak their minds. They are contrary to the constituion which guarantees the American citizens frredom of speech.They have been criticized for having violated the very rights protected in our constituion. Some have even gone further with comparing American government with the world dictators who have been targeted before as they have used the same method to silence their subjects. (Mac Cormick,2005 45) One can draw some similaries between the war on terror and what was happening at this period. War on terror is fight against force who do not believe in democracy. It is against a group of people whose ideologies aim at extending systems where people are denied fundamental rights.Various methods have been used to fight the war on terror,laws have been made to net the terror agents,legislation which are similar to the ones made during and after the great war. Some of these laws for example The so called Partiot act have met resistance since they violate the human rights where the government security agents have been given too much provide to an extent of interfering with peoples privacy. America involvement in the great war changed the course of its history,it started a process that have brought order in some parts of the world where masses have liberated from oppressive regi mes.This process have meeet opposition within and outside america but the government has in most cases rallied its people behind it through use of propaganda machinery. In most of the cases it has emerged voctorius. Work Cited Zieger, R. America Great War, Rowman and Littlefield (2001) David, K. The First World War and American Society, Oxford University printing press (1980) Mac Cormick, C. Hunt for Red Scare Terrorrist Bombers, University Press of America (2005) Gegler, C. Out of Our Past. The Forces That Shaped Modern America, Harper and Row (1984) Coffman, E. The War to End Wars, University Press of Kentucky (1998)

A Reaction and Analysis of “Saving Grace” by Lee Smith

Lee Smiths Saving Grace is a novel that features the story of Florida Grace Shepherd, a unripened Appalachian girl who is brought up in an environment that oppresses the rights and freedom of young women based on the expectations of its very religious nature. Grace, who is also the narrator of the story, tells her own intelligence operation report about her quest for identity and freedom as well as her ultimate religious awakening. She shares her story as she goes through her childhood despising her fuck off Virgil and the reality that unlike other children, she is growing with insufficient love and care from the people she expects to receive it.Graces childhood is bound by religious rules and codes since her father is their residential districts popular charismatic preacher and serpent handler. She is not free to do what other kids brush off do, and she is not even free to read anything further for the Bible. Grace and her siblings are not even allowed to read the newspaper a s their father stresses that the only news they need to know about is the good news from the Holy Scripture (Smith, 2008). Grace also knows that she is an abused child.Aside from the insufficient affection she gets from home, she also suffers painful maltreatments from her father, whom she wants to respect and adore, but he treats her with coldness preferably (Smith, 2008). Because of the absurd religious limitations that prevent her from doing what she treasured as a kid, and due to the agony that she suffered from the hands of her father acting as an honorable man, Grace grows up carrying a bitter resentment toward the home she grew up in. She also becomes pessimistic about the good possibilities in life, and she grows up envying everything that made other girls of her age dexterous (Smith, 2008).Smiths ability to capture the Appalachian way of life and the reality of growing up in an environment full of bizarre religious traditions has been highly regarded by her critics. More over, her ability to mold characters based on the known stereotypes in the society has also made her earn the admiration of critics and readers (Town, 2004). Saving Grace is seen by some(prenominal) as a work filled with symbolisms reflected in the names of the characters. Florida Grace Shepherd is in itself a name full of meanings.Florida is based on the give where Grace was born, while Grace stands for the Grace of God. Her last name, Shepherd, can be interpreted as a reminder of her familys role as shepherds of their community since they represent the peoples shepherd, Jesus, in the eyes of their neighbors (Town, 2004) However, while this is the popular impression about their family, Smith (2008) adds an inner conflict in Virgils character. Although considered as a divine and honorable man, Virgil is inclined to bed a lot of women aside from his wife.He also seems to be incapable of controlling his emotions, particularly his bad temper and rage, which he often takes out on Gra ce. This sinner-saint conflict in Virgils character is the greatest confusion for Grace as well. Yet, despite this conflict on Virgils nature and attitude, he is still able to win the respect of the people in their church because of his devotion and loyalty to what he preaches. Although he can be seen as a man with normal lustful desires, his ability to strengthen other peoples faith in the Lord remains unquestionable, making him view despite his worldly sins.In the end, the readers would realize that the title of this novel completely explains Graces story. Aside from the fact that the story is indeed about parsimoniousness the main protagonist from losing her faith and her strength to carry on with life, the title may also say that in all the obstacles and trials Grace faced, there is 1 saving grace which lifted her spirits up and made her hold on to her faithher strong desire to repent, to change, and to believe that there is really a Supreme Being who governs and looks after her.The ending appears to be open-ended for the author does not clearly state how Grace chose to carry on with her life. However, as she wanted to start anew, it can be inferred that Grace has met her saving grace which made her realize that being doomed and oppressed for a long time can never be good reasons to give up rather, they are valuable lessons she can carry with her on her journey to rebuild her new life.

Night World : Dark Angel Chapter 16

Gillian stood as if her degree Celsius-powdered body had been turned to ice. Because it was the worst, theabsolute worst that she could possibly mother imagined.He killed a kid.The belittled girl who disappeargond a year ago, she utter. On Hilkrest Road. The virtuoso shed thoughtof-completely irration all(prenominal)y-when shed heard the crying.I was doing a spell, Gary give tongue to. A strong atomic number 53 I was a quick learner. It was a fire elemental spell-so Iwas bring out in the woods. In the snow, where nothing would burn. And so she showed up chasing her dog.He was stark(a) into the distance, his face dead white. Looking not haunting, but haunted. AndGillian knew he wasnt with her at that moment he was far away(p), with Paula.They broke the circle. It all happened so fast. The fire was everywhere-just one white flash, likelightning. And indeed it was gone. He paused. The dog got away. But not her.Gillian shut her eyes, trying not to imagine it. Oh, God. And then , as something twisted inside her, Oh, Gary I put her body in my car. I was going to take her to the hospital. But she was dead. And I wasconfused.So finally I stopped the car. And I buried her in the snow.GaryI went al-Qaeda. indeed I went to a party. That was the kind of guy I was, you see. A partyin guy.Everything was about good times and me, me, me. That was even what being a mesmerise was about. Forthe first time thither was emotion in his voice, and Gillian recognized it. Self-hatred.And at the party, I got really, really drunk.Oh. Suddenly Gillian understood. You never told anybody.On the way back home I wrapped my car around a tree. And that was it. He laughed, but it wasnt alaugh. Suddenly Im in Neverland. Cant pour forth to anybody, domiciliatet touch anybody, but sure can seeeverything. I watched the search for her, you know. They passed about a foot away from her body.Gillian gulped and looked away. Something had twisted and broken inside her, some idea of justice t hatwould never be put back to readher. But this was no time to think about that.It hadnt really been his fault but what did that matter? You played the come about you got striket. And Garyhad played his badly. Hed started out with everything-good looks, obvious brains, and witch powerenough to choke a horse-and hed blown it.Didnt matter. They had to go on from here.She looked up at him. Gary, you have to tell me where she is.Silence.Gary, dont you see? Thats your marginal business. Her family doesnt know Gillian stopped andswallowed. When she went on, her voice wobbled. Whether shes alive or dead. Dont you think theyought to know that?A long pause. Then he state, like a stubborn child, I dont want to go anywhere.Like a frightened child, Gillian thought. But she didnt look away from him. Gary, they deserve toknow, she said softly. Once theyre at peace-He almost shouted, What if in that respect isnt any peace for me? non frightened, terrified.What if there isnt anywhere for me to go? What if they wont take me?Gillian shook her head. Her tears overflowed again. And she didnt have any answers for him. I dontknow. But it doesnt change what wevegot to do. Ill cheque with you, though, if you want. Im your cousin, Gary. Then, very quietly, she said,Take me to her.He stood for a long moment-the longest of Gillians life. He was looking at something in the night sky thatshe couldnt see, and his eyes were utterly bleak.Then he looked at her and slowly nodded.Here? David bent and touched the snow. He looked up at Gillian. His dark eyes were young- a littlescared. But his some(prenominal)er was set.Yes. Right there.Its a pretty strange mastermind to do it.I know. But we dont have any choice.David got to motion with the shovel. Gillian pushed and mounded snow into walls. She tried to think scarceof how shed done this in childhood, about how easy and interesting it had been then. She kept at it untilDavid said, I found her.Gillian stepped back, brushing off her slee ves and mittens.It was a clear day, and the afternoon cheer was brilliant in a cold blue sky. The small clearing waspeaceful, almost a haven. Untouched except for a welt in the snow where a ground mouse had tunneled.Gillian took a couple of deep breaths, fists clenched, and then she turned to look.David hadnt uncovered much. A scrap of charred red wool muffler. He was kneeling beside the shallowtrench hed made.Gillian was crying again. She ignored it. She said, It was the last day before Christmas vacation, so wetook the day off from school. We were playing hooky in the woods. We decided to shake up a snow fort.And then we found the body. David got up and gently put a hand on her elbow. Its a weird story, butits break away than the truth.And what can they suspect us of? We never even knew Paula Belizer. Theyll know she was murderedbecause she was buried. But they wont know how she died. Theyll think somebody tried to burn thebody to get rid of it.David put his arm around her wais t, and she leaned into him. They stood that way for a few minutes,steadying each other.It was strange how natural that was, now. David had agreed to help her with all this without a momentshesitation and Gillian hadnt been surprised. Shed expected it. He was her soulmate. They stood together.At last, he said quietly, Ready?Yes.As they left the clearing, David added even more quietly, Is he here?No. I havent seen him since he showed me the place. He just-disappeared. He wont talk to me either.David held her tighter.Mr. Belizer came at dusk, after most of the police had left.It was almost too dark to see. David had been urging Gillian away for an hour. So had Gillians parents.They were there, both of them, huddling close and touching her whenever they could. Davids father andstepmother were on the other side of David.Yeah, Gillian thought. Its been a rough last few days on everybody.But here they all were David, pale but calm Gillian, shaky but standing the parents, bewildered buttryi ng to cope. Not comprehending how their kids could have found so much spat in such a short time.At least nobody seemed to suspect them of having blemish Paula Belizer.And now, here was Paulas dad. Alone. Come to look at the last resting place of his lady friend-eventhough the coroner had already taken his daughter away.The police let him go up to the clearing with a flashlight.Gillian tugged at Davids hand.He resisted a second, then let her tow him. Gillian heard murmurs as they went. What are you doing,following that poor man. My God, thats- ghoulish. But none of the parents actually grabbed them to stop them.They ended up a little distance behind Mr. Belizer. Gillian moved to see his face.Now here was the thing. She didnt know about spirits. She wasnt sure what needful to be done torelease Gary from the between-place. Did she need to talk to Paulas dad? Explain that she had thefeeling whoever had done it was sorry, even if they could never tell him themselves?It might get her l ocked up. Showing too much interest in a crime, too much knowledge. But, strangely,that didnt scare her as much as shed have thought. She was Garys cousin, and his debts were herssomehow. And things had to be put right.As she stood hesitating, Mr. Belizer fell to his knees in the trampled snow.Oh, God. That hurt. If strong arms hadnt been attribute Gillian up, she might have fallen, too.David held her and pressed his face into her hair. But Gillian kept looking at the kneeling man.He was crying. Shed never seen a man his age cry, and it hurt in a way that was scary. But there wassomething else in his face. Something like relief peace.Kneeling there, with his overcoat spread around him, Mr. Belizer said, I know my daughter is in abetter place. Whoever did this, I forgive them.A shock like cold lightning went through Gillian, and then a spreading warmth. She was crying suddenly.Hard. separate falling straight down from her eyes. But she was filled with a hope that seemed to lift her whole body.And then David move in his breath sharply, andshe realized hed increase his head. He was staring at something above Mr. Belizer.Gary Fargeon was hovering there. like an Angel.He was crying. And saying something over and over. Gillian caught -sorry, Im so sorryForgiveness asked for and given. If not exactly in that order.Thats it, Gillian thought. Her knees began to tremble.David whispered huskily, Can you see that, too?Yes. Can you?Nobody else seemed to see it. Mr. Belizer was getting up now. He was walking past them, away.David was still staring. So thats what he looks like. No wonder you thought-He didnt finish, but Gillian knew. Thought he was an angel.But why was Gary still here? Wasnt the forgiveness enough to release him? Or was there somethingelse that needed to be done?Gary turned his head and looked at her. His cheeks were wet. Come in a little farther, he said. I haveto say something.Gillian untangled from David, and then pulled at him. He came, jaw still sagg ing. They followed Garypast a thicket and into another clearing. As the trees and the darkness closed around them, they seemedsuddenly far away from the police noise and bustle.Gillian guessed even as Gary sank down to face them. But she let him say it.You have to forgive me, too.I forgive you, Gillian said.You have to be sure. I did some terrible things to you. I tried to warp you, damage your soul.I know, Gillian said steadily. But you did some good things, too. You helped me-grow up.Hed helped her conquer her fears. Gain self-confidence. transgress her heritage. And find her soulmate.And hed been close to her in a way that she would probably never be with anyone else ever again.You know what? Gillian was on the verge of tears again. Im going to mislay you.He stood facing her. He was shining just dimly. His eyes were dark and bruised looking, but his lipswere smiling. And he was more beautiful than she had ever seen him.Things are going to work out, you know, he said softly. For you. Your moms going to get better.Gillian nodded. I think so, too. And I checked on Tanya and Kim. Theyre going to be all right.Tanyas still got all her fingers. I know. You should go see Melusine. You could helpthem a lot with Circle Daybreak. And they can help you deal with the Night World.Yes. All right.And you might want to talk to Daryl at school. Shes got a secret that Kim was spreading rumors aboutlast year. Its that-And-Gary Gillian held up her hand. I dont want to know. Someday, if Daryl wants to tell me hersecret, she can do it herself. But if not-okay. I have to deal on my own, now.Shed already thought about school, all last night while shed been lying alone in her room. Things weregoing to change, obviously. It was surprisingly easy to separate out which friends mattered.Amanda the Cheerleader and Steffi the Singer and J.Z. the Model were all right. No better and noworse than any of the less popular girls. She wouldnt mind if they still liked her.Daryl-who was not Dar yl the Rich Girl anymore, but just Daryl-was better than all right. The sort thatmight turn out to be a real friend. And of course there was Amy. She owed Amy a lot.As for the others-Tanya and Kim and Cory and Bruce and Macon-Gillian didnt really want to knowthem. If she never went to another Popular Party, that was fine.And I dont want to know if J.Z. really tried to kill herself, either, she said now.Gary shut his mouth. Then his eyes actuallyseemed to twinkle. Youre going to do all right. And then, for the first time, he looked at David.They stared at each other for a moment. Not hostile. Just looking.When Gary turned back to Gillian he said very quietly, One last thing. I didnt change my mind aboutkilling him because I couldnt go through with it. I did it because I didnt want you to hate me forever.Oh.Gillian put out her hand. So did he. Their fingers were close together, blurring into each other butthey couldnt touch. They never would.And then suddenly, Gary looked startled. He turned to look up and behind him.At the dark, starlit sky.Gillian couldnt see anything. But she could feel something. A sort of rushing. Something was coming.And Gary was lifted toward it like a flip over on the wind.His hand was still stretched toward her, but he was in the air. Weightless. Bobbing. And as Gillianwatched, his startled expression melted into something like awe.And then joy. Joy and recognition.Ive got to go, he said wonderingly.Gillian was staring at the sky. She still couldnt see anything. Not the tunnel, not the meadow. Did hemean he had to go to the between-place?And then she saw the light.It was the color of sunlight on snow. That brilliant, but not painful to look at. It seemed to shimmer withevery color in the universe, but all together the colors made white.Gary-But something was happening. He was moving without moving. Rushing away in some direction shecouldnt point to. Getting smaller. Fading. She was losing him.Goodbye, Gary, she whispered.And the light was going, too. But just before it went, it seemed to take on a shape. It looked somethinglike huge white wings enfolding him.For the briefest instant, Gillian felt enfolded, too. By power and peace and love.And then the light was gone. Gary was gone. And everything was still.Did you see that? Gillian whispered through the put up in her throat.I think so. David was staring, his eyes big with awe and wonder.Maybe some angels are real.He was still staring upward. Then he drew in his breath. Look The stars-But it wasnt stars, although it looked like star-dust. Crystalline points of light, frozen beauty sifting down.The air was full of it.But there arent any cloudsThere are now, David said. Even as he said it,the stars were covered. Gillian felt a cool touch on her cheek.Like a kiss.And it was ordinary snow, just an ordinary miracle. She and David stood hand in hand, watching it falllike a blessing in the night.The End