.... aristocracy is still a powerful social class. Austen’s exploration of usefulness vs. uselessness allows the reader to gain a glimpse of the true purpose of Persuasion. That being that happiness and self-fulfillment can only be achieved when one refuses the shackles of the ineffectual aristocracy. Austen seems to be expounding on Richard’s uselessness and his failure to live up to the promise of his birth and entitlement. This is a very important point. It seems that in the world of Persuasion, it is the qualities of usefulness, resourcefulness and capability that are attractive to the reader. To the aristocracy, what one does with one’s day is .....

.... who they are, and expect nothing more of them. Only when this point has been reached, true love will be present. As the story begins, Narcissus and Goldmund already have a very special relationship is growing and changing as the novel goes on. However, I believe that neither of them ever really experiences the bonds of unwavering love and equality until the very end. The relationship begins innocently enough. Goldmund is a young student, while Narcissus is his older mentor at the Mariabronn cloister. Goldmund admires the learned mind and discerning wit of Narcissus, while Narcissus respects the "strong, delicate senses" that Goldmund possesses. Howeve .....

.... A microcosm representing the world The "Scar" Man's destruction, destructive forces The Beast The evil residing within everyone, the dark side of human nature. Lord of the Flies The Devil, great danger or evil There are many other aspects in the story that may be considered symbolism, but the several above are probably the most significant. Another good example of symbolism, brought to my attention by a site visitor, is the shape of the island. The boat shape of the island is an ancient symbol of civilization. The water current around the island seems to be "flowing backwards," givi .....

.... Along the way the boys have their first encounter with the island's pigs. They see a piglet caught in some of the plants. Quickly Jack draws his knife so as to kill the piglet. Instead of completing the act, however, Jack hesitates. Golding states that, "The pause was only long enough for them to realize the enormity of what the downward stroke would be." Golding is suggesting that the societal taboos placed on killing are still ingrained within Jack. The next significant encounter in Jack's progression is his first killing of a pig. There is a description of a great celebration. The boys chant "Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood." It i .....

.... plot. It can help define the mood and can give some aspects of where the story is headed. The majority of the story takes place in “East and West Egg” of Long Island, New York. These locations were where the majority of the main characters lived and interacted with one another. That was until chapter seven of the novel. Nick Carraway and Jay Gatsby have been invited to tea at Tom and Daisy Buchanan’s home. This was a very critical portion of the plot due to the increasing pressures Gatsby and Daisy are feeling about their relationship, and when they will tell Tom of their affair. It was very hot and all present were obviously uncomfortable. Suddenly Daisy ask .....

.... everything in his life, Wang Lung depended on his land. Upon it he grew his food, and from it he made his house. From surpluses of food, he made profits of silver. Without it, he would’ve had to become a beggar, or a worker for someone else. Farming was all Wang Lung knew how to do, and his land was all he needed to live. If, during work, Wang Lung became tired, he would lie down in a furrow and sleep for a while. While he slept, Wang Lung absorbed strength from the earth. It healed his spirit and he awoke ready to work. Wang Lung’s first experience away from his land was troubling for him. He had worked the land since the beginning of his life. He depe .....

.... as the reader?" Holden's representation of the complex teenage mind allows an insight of how an average 15-17 year old thinks. Holden is troubled by the perplexed ways society is working around him. Take for example, his obsession with the ducks in the pond, and his constant worry for them, and constant want to protect them. What is this telling us? Holden doesn't like the way society works, and wants to be the "catcher in the rye," protecting society's children from it's evilness and corruption, keeping them safe. Holden has an ephiphany during the novel as he passes the elementary school halls and notices the obscenities scribbled on the walls. His attempt to .....

.... story. For instance when Oedipus pronounces his curse upon the head of King Laius’s murderer in the opening scenes of the play : So will I fight on the gods’ side, And on the side of the slain man! But my curse be on the one who did this, whether he is alone Or conceals his share in it with others. Let him be free of no misery if he share my house Or sit at my hearth and I have knowledge of it. On myself may it fall, as I have called it down! -Oedipus from Oedipus Rex When Oedipus pronounces this sentence he has already unwittingly judged himself, and to the excitement of the crowd foreshadowed later events to come. This statement, is a classic ex .....