.... for him to lie in order to keep himself alive because he believed that if he died, he wouldn't die saintly. However, when they gave him papers to sign, which stated his confession and the names of people who are accused of witchcraft, it became important to him that he does not lie. If he had signed the papers, he would have blackened the names of the people who are innocent. He believed that he shouldn't have to blacken the names of the accused people in order to keep his life. Through this sacrifice, he has balanced all the sins he has made. Therefore, he has redeemed himself and kept his soul. Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale sacrificed his reputation in order to gain ....

.... purpose to his state of nature philosophy was to describe human nature. He argues that, in the absence of social condition, every action we perform, no matter how charitable or benevolent, is done for reasons which are ultimately self-serving (p.43-47). For example, if I were to donate to charity, I am actually taking delight in demonstrating my power. Hobbes believes that any account of human action, including morality, must be consistent with the fact that we are all self-serving. His theory notes that humans are essentially equal, both mentally and physically, so that even the weakest person has the strength to kill the strongest (p.44). Given our equal standing, Hobb ....

.... her house while supporting Sykes’ habits and taking all the abuse he could dish out. On many occasions Sykes has cut down Delia and her kind nature, even to her religious beliefs, accusing her of being a “hipocrite” because she worked on the Sabbath day. Sykes not only abused Delia emotionally but also physically. One night after an argument between the two where Delia actually had the courage to stand up to him, Sykes got into to bed and threatened that, “[he] oughter mash [her] in [her] mouf fuh drawing dat skillet [on him].” After they been married only a short few months he gave her the first beating. Others in town knew of the abuse ....

.... the author understands his subject and feels comfortable and passionate about it are the most interesting. When an author’s writing has been influenced by his or her personal history and cultural background, the writer understands it. It’s also much easier for an author to write about something having to do with their personal history or cultural background. If we are familiar with a subject it is much easier to convince our reader of the ‘experience’ or ‘story’ that is being written about. Although Nathaniel Hawthorne’s allegory, The House of Seven Gables, was not entirely true, the incomparable part of it had to do with his per ....

.... go though, she takes her and her baby down into the bayou, and ends their life. Weeks later, as Armand is destroying the last remnants of Desiree's life with him, he stumbles upon a letter written to his father, from his mother. In this letter, he discovers that it was his mother that was black. He seems appalled at discovering his child is mixed, but several details show that Armand may have already known that it was his mother was black. The true origin of Desiree was unknown. She was adopted at a young age and her true parents are a mystery. It is quite possible that in an effort to hide the fact that that he was of a mixed race, he would marry a woman of questionable o ....

.... The soldier then explains to King Duncan of Macbeth’s heroics in battle. One assumes that Macbeth is bloody just like the soldier. The soldier describes Macbeth in action “Disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel, / Which smoked with bloody execution.” (I,ii,17-18) This line connects Macbeth with killing, and hints at the future. The evil deed of murdering the king becomes too much of a burden on the Macbeths. The blood represents their crime, and they can not escape the sin of their actions. Macbeth realizes that in time he would get what he deserves. Since he can not ride himself of his guilt by washing the blood away, his fate may have been sea ....

.... were a place for devil worshipping and evil acts; even the most religious people such as the Minister and Deacon would be overcome in the woods. Brown himself was also a religious man, but he would question his religion as the devil tried to pursue him as the devil did to Goody Clause, the Minister, the Deacon, Brown’s wife, and others. The devil would immediately approach anyone who entered the woods and try to recruit them into his ways. The woods in the Brown story are definitely nowhere anyone would want to journey off into, as they may never leave in the same state of mind. The woods, in my story are creepy in appearance as most woods are, but are very safe and cal ....

.... He understood the workings of a ship and the skills required for its operation. Daniel Defoe, an intelligent man who is knowledgeable in self defense and military tactics, which is reflected in the actions of Robinson Crusoe who insists on always one step ahead of his opponent, whether it be an enemy, nature or himself. Robinson Crusoe is the know all, does all type of person. He becomes stranded on a remote island and does whatever is necessary to survive. After being on the island for several years Crusoe learns to adapt to his surroundings, an important feature in becoming a good soldier; and lives with what he has. In the 17th century, the Catholic reform was sw ....