As I've grown older, I've argued with myself with what love is and why we fall in love. ... We know that love often leads to loss, heartbreak, and unexplainable pain; so why would we try and find someone to love and in turn, someone to love us? Along with these complex questions, I've wondered if love in any state is a selfless act that compels us to put others before ourselves or if it is actually a selfish and egotistic pretense to mask our own problems. "The April Witch" by Ray Bradbury explores a multitude of questions that pop up when it comes to the perplexing puzzle th...

• Word Count: 1907
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

It is difficult to understand why some chose to live in fear of the person they love and stay in abusive relationships and/or marriages. Whether it be for love, finances, religious beliefs, low self-esteem, fear, shame or isolation; these emotions have led the abuse victim to making a poor choice to stay in such a situation. ... Although the act of selflessness in some circumstances is that to be admired, in this cause it proves to be most unhealthy. ... An abuse victim might believe that they are sacrificing for a selfless act and maybe that fact just makes them feel good. ... This is why peo...

• Word Count: 1776
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

As Andrew learns of this ancient text, his professor states that Kieu, '"says everything about the Vietnamese She is a prostitute, The things she has done are not commendable[but] they are selfless acts. ... Andrew understands that survival and selflessness are linked to prostitution within Vietnam. ... Andrew writes that he wishes he "could tell her of the warmth and respect" he feels towards her because he appreciates her, "selfless devotion to her family," (135). ... He is overrun with regret about his past because he feels party responsible for Chi's dea...

• Word Count: 2179
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: Undergraduate