... The Fountainhead, Howard Roarke consistently demonstrates that he is an altruistic yet complex character. Roarke's personality is a unique one. Although he does not let anyone stand in his way, he always assists people, especially when it comes to his true passion, architecture. An example of this begins with the first part of the novel. Peter Keating is reminiscing about Roarke's expulsion. Peter Keating is ... one of those characters that dislikes Howard Roarke. During this reminiscing, Keating remembers that "Roarke had been very nice ... to his ideals. Roarke aids Keating so much tha...

• Word Count: 492
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... for people to have a second chance. Throughout history, many people have showed compassion, one main figure being Gandhi. The love he showed for all of the people of India, and tolerating all their beliefs to fight for a greater good. His compassion has left a mark on Indian culture. Also in literature there are examples ... of compassion shown in many works, an example is Robin Hood. A fictional character that steals from the rich, and gives to the poor keeping none for himself, he like Gandhi looks for a way to help ... which he applied it to the Indian citizens to gain their liberty....

• Word Count: 540
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... entire book, Lennie's personality and life seem based on three things: soft things, devotion to his protector (George) and his dream of one day owning a farm. Within the novel, Lennie shows no significant changes, development, or growth; yet is a favorite character by most readers. To start with, Lennie is protected. Lennie is protected by Slim, but mostly by George. Slim keeps Lennie ... during this time period with a dream like that that comes so close to coming true makes them so different from other men. Lennie shows enthusiasm for his dream, spreading it contagiously to the other m...

• Word Count: 389
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

Catcher in the Rye: Main Character Conflicts In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield is a teenage boy whose conscience and personality somewhat conflict with the social and moral values of his society. In the novel, he over-reacts to many everyday problems by over analyzing situations, placing blame and passing judgment. Through conflicts such as arrogance, sexual ignorance, and compulsive ... lying, Holden realizes that he does not fit into the basic standards of society. One of Holden's problems is his tendency to lie about everything even when unnecessary. "I am the most terrific liar ...

• Word Count: 504
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... and integrity through her interactions with other people and even in her everyday living. The author establishes Jane's character early in the novel through her confrontations with John and Mrs. Reed. The development of her character is central to the novel; meaning, practically the entire theme revolves around her personality and her coming ... at him with her fists clenched ready to kill. The two begin fighting and are rolling around on the floor when Mrs. Reed "comes to John's rescue". He, of course, lies and blames the entire thing on Jane, causing her to be scolded and sent to the re...

• Word Count: 1179
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... and integrity through her interactions with other people and even in her everyday living. The author establishes Jane's character early in the novel through her confrontations with John and Mrs. Reed. The development of her character is central to the novel; meaning, practically the entire theme revolves around her personality and her coming ... at him with her fists clenched ready to kill. The two begin fighting and are rolling around on the floor when Mrs. Reed "comes to John's rescue". He, of course, lies and blames the entire thing on Jane, causing her to be scolded and sent to the re...

• Word Count: 1180
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... , he no longer cares about himself but is part of the bigger picture he is a vital part of the "fighting machine-. As Henry forgets about the immature fantasies of a reputation he begins to earn one and quite a good one. Many of the officers are even offering their compliments and praise. Henry's character comes full circle when he let go of his earlier mistakes and abandons the hope ... of a great heroism and trades it all for the more gratifying ... understanding of what it is to be a man. 2. Discuss the religious imagery in the novel. How does Crane ... ...

• Word Count: 2113
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

... three fates will be examined, and this question shall be answered. From the moment Alec d"Urverville stepped up to the plate, there was an air of mischief around him. He was suave, debonair and extremely greasy. His character continued to head into a downward spiral throughout the entire novel. However, in the end the reader finds him dead on the bed with a knife ... been nothing but a thorn in Tess" side. He raped her, mentally broke her down twice, and prevented her from having the true love of Angel. Ethically Alec should have been hanged for all of his actions. This statement also c...

• Word Count: 907
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... about Madame Bovary as a title is; who is Madame Bovary? , How old is she? This question could be very significant as the age of the character can play a big part in how the reader may approach and read the novel. Their expectations would change. For instance, the novel could be about ... an older woman we possibly would not expect seduction and adultery to play such a large part in the novel. The actual word `Madame` brings a certain air of mystery to the title; much more sophisticated than `Emma Bovary` would be. The name `Emma` brings to mind a young girl, it is quite a simple ... th...

• Word Count: 515
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... major characters, themes, and general plot are provided. Robinson Crusoe, as the title may foreshadow, is the main character. He is a young man who has a dream of becoming a sailor. His adventures lead him all over the world. Friday is also a main character during the ending of the book. He is a savage rescued by Crusoe, who civilizes him into a gentleman Christian. There is a significant amount ... of minor characters that Robinson Crusoe comes into contact with. Only a few will be discussed as important to the plot and themes. There is Crusoe's father, who refuses ... permission for ...

• Word Count: 1752
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... argument Regarding Kiwanis's name change. This displeases her mother. Gloria Naylor has created a character in Kiswana Browne who is representative of the young population of black women in America. She wishes to find her roots and to be supportive to the pains and struggles of the Women of Brewster Place. The last theme comes chapter of Mattie. Mattie, is the mother in the novel. she gives a source ... world war one and the Ones unable to leave. The third generation belonged to the African American inhabitants like many of the Characters, the central character, Mattie came from the Sou...

• Word Count: 1933
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

... . It is interesting to note, therefore, that the meaning of the name, "Ralph- symbolizes: good, positive leadership, responsibility, dedication, survival, and means counsel'. Another character in the novel seen as "good- is Simon. Simon comes from the Hebrew for "listener- and was one of the apostles, Simon Peter. These direct hints at the spiritual meaning of his name come through in the role he plays ... in the novel. Simon is the only character in the novel to have a grasp on the ... bigger picture of what goes on. He is described by Golding ... ...

• Word Count: 1386
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... ;, written by Isabel Allende, Esteban Trueba acts as selfish person who for the most part has no respect for people's lives. Toward the end of the novel through his own reflections, does the good of his presence come out. The goodness that comes out from Esteban's presence mitigates the bad in his younger years, since he realizes his actions to be selfish and ... comes to a self-understanding of himself. Despite the fact that Esteban's connection with his family had many atrocities, the outcomes of his actions do lessen the acts he committed in his younger years. Esteban works to insure ...

• Word Count: 958
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... at in the first part of the novel, Tom is only concerned with his own wants and desires. These attributes of Tom Joad can be seen through his interactions with some of his family members and some of the other families he comes in contact with along their trek to California, and with his negative attitude and character. However, towards the end of this journey, the reader ... sees a different, more caring side of Tom. Tom evolves to become a better ... character towards the end of the truck trip across America. Tom's interactions ... ...

• Word Count: 953
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

The novella One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey tells the story of patients living in a mental institution. Of all the characters in the novel, the most enticing is Randle Patrick McMurphy. McMurphy is transferred to the institution from a work camp for misbehaving. Shortly after arriving at the institution, he begins causing problems in the ward. McMurphy is a charming and handsome man, with long red sideburns and a tangle of curls. He is used to having his way and is a natural leader. He tells the patients that he is used to being "top man" and quickly assumes that role within the w...

• Word Count: 668
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... mother's teachings in becoming a wealthy, married women, and will give way to the fate of an outcast. The character of Lily is dragged down and out of society by cruel and devilish people, whom care of nothing but themselves, and the materialistic objects that they own. Lily grew and changed throughout the ... novel, while learning there is more to life than money and objects. She learns to see what is on the inside instead of the outside, however she comes ... came to despise her, and she was soon left with no one and nothing. From the beginning of the book to the end, Lily's character ...

• Word Count: 1119
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... officer turns his back so that the boys may regain their composure. Character List Ralph Ralph is the athletic, charismatic protagonist of Lord of the Flies. Elected the leader of the boys at the beginning of the novel, Ralph is the primary representative of order, civilization, and productive leadership in the novel. While most of the other boys initially are concerned with playing, having fun, and avoiding ... given to the sow's head that Jack's gang impales on a stake and erects in the forest as an offering to the "beast." The Lord of the Flies comes to symbolize the primordial ins...

• Word Count: 11237
• Approx Pages: 45
• Grade Level: High School

... , Chad and Daisy. In the next level, something known as "The Navidson Record," " becomes the subject of the second level in the novel. The second level of this novel is told by Zampano, a blind man who recalls his findings of "The Navidson Record." " Then comes the third level of the novel. This is when Zampano's book notes are found by a man named Johnny Truant who ... within. This house does not affect only those characters captured on film in "The Navidson Record,"" however. The reader also learns about the psyches of Zampano and Truant. " Next Johnny Truant has his own labyrinth thro...

• Word Count: 3245
• Approx Pages: 13
• Grade Level: High School

... of Minor Characters A minor character in a short story often plays an important role. Amy Tan proves this in the short story "Two Kinds". Mr. Chong, the old, strange and deaf music teacher plays a very small role, yet is so vital in this story. Suyuan, Jing-Mei's mother, has always seen America as a land of hope ... and fulfillment wanting her daughter to have every advantage in this land of opportunity, she gave her various lessons, such as piano and acting, and encouraged her to apply herself in school so she ... Like Beethoven!" (p. 503). Though he was deaf, he did hear the music, b...

• Word Count: 501
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... narrators in As I Lay Dying? Death is the one thing that comes to us all. It cannot be persuaded, dodged, delayed, or escaped. Consequently, it is one of the greatest mysteries known to man. Some fear it, some embrace it, and some refuse even to acknowledge it. ... very difficult to swallow. Having three different characters narrate the river scene reveals how each person notices something different. One character may be worried only of himself, another may think of the drowned team of mules, while the third may be worried about keeping his tools safe. This unique multiple view helps th...

• Word Count: 2124
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

... find out if William Golding uses symbolism to reveal the main themes of his novel. One of the main characters in the novel is Ralph and the symbol, which he is associated, is the conch. The conch is a large shell which Piggy, another main character of the novel, finds and explains that it can be used as a ... horn if a small hole is made in the side of it. With the conch, Ralph blows it and everyone stranded on the island comes around towards the sound of the horn. With everyone crowded around, Ralph ... they are not as saintly as Simon is. Simon is a Jesus like character and has a ver...

• Word Count: 1012
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... expose their true selves and lack of total principles during their participation in the hunt dance. Simon also has common sense- he is the first person to realize that the beast is not tangent, but is a manifestation of their imaginations brought on by their natural savagery. This realization comes to him during his hallucination about the Lord of the Flies. Although Simon is bewilderingly ... and naturally kind, the want of this trait and the overwhelming abundance of evil is demonstrated when he is diabolically murdered by the other boys. Ralph ... at the hunt dance. Jack is signific...

• Word Count: 1095
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... 1-5, Lennie says," "Tell how it's gonna be. Go on, how its gonna be. We gonna get a little place- Curley's wife is another character with dreams in mind. Her fantasy of taking part in movies and having a life of luxury covers part of her illusions. "Page 124, paragraph 3, line 1-7, Curley's wife says," "I went out to the Riverside Dance Palace with him. He says he was ... call it friendship? Lennie would call George a friend, but sadly George would perhaps find difficulties to admit the same of Lennie. George actually tells Slim, he has simply become so used to having Lennie around that...

• Word Count: 1235
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... The progression from a civil society to a savage society can be expressed through symbols in the novel Lord of the Flies. Firstly, the conch showed the negative shift towards savagery. Secondly, Piggy's character was very symbolic in representing the change from civil to savage. Finally, the fire was symbolic in showing ... savagery. The conch has portrayed the gradual change from a civil society to a society of complete savagery in the novel. Piggy was undoubtedly the most symbolic character in the novel; he represented the changing of society through his character. Piggy symbolized the ...

• Word Count: 1198
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... will fulfill his needs, the limitations that once restricted his potential soon diminish. At the beginning of the story, Stephen's last name Dedalus is the first example of symbolic flight applied (p.10, 246). Daedalus, a character from Greek mythology, designs a labyrinth for the king. Daedalus and the king's son, Icarus, are imprisoned, so Daedalus makes plans to escape by making wings for himself. He ... company as they call to me, their kinsman, making ready to go, shaking the wings of their exultant and terrible youth" (p. 244, 2782-2784). He now observes others and determines thei...

• Word Count: 1228
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School