Geography Homework Help 4 Introduction Hooks to Make Your Audience Listen to You

Geography Homework Help 4 Introduction Hooks to Make Your Audience Listen to You Geography Homework Help: 4 Introduction Hooks to Make Your Audience Listen to You What is the most important part of an essay? A hook! The introduction to an essay must be interesting and leave a reader wanting to know more. So, they will keep reading to the end. If you’ve come for some geography homework help with this matter, then, keep on reading! Have you ever read the first page of a book or the first paragraph of a story and stopped understanding if it was destined for you? We all have! This is why the first part of your essay is so important. If your professor doesn’t feel this way and is intrigued to keep going, then, you will earn a better grade! There are a few good ways to attract readers grab some examples! 1.   Use an Interesting Stat That Relates to Your Topic ‘Canada has 561 lakes.’ The fact that draws readers’ attention must be impactful or surprising. Many things that we don’t know are surprising. You want your reader to know that they will learn something new. Giving them a fact stirs up their interest and leaves them wanting to see where you are going with your data. 2. Say Something Controversial ‘China needs to abolish their one-child policy in order for their cultural survival.’ Bringing up an issue that seems controversial will undoubtedly meet with a reaction. It really doesn’t matter what kind of reaction it is because that reaction is something that will make your audience listen to you. They will want to hear your arguments in order to solidify their beliefs or hear them find loopholes to argue against. Either way, you’ve won! 3. Be Blunt ‘In this essay, you will discover the little-known mystery of how North America came into being.’ Sometimes, stating a content of your paper will be good enough to make everyone want to listen. In this case, the hook is already taken care of! Just state what you intend to talk about, and you can also add what you expect a reader to gain from it. 4. Make it Personal ‘Seeing a washed-up bag during my latest visit to the beach got me thinking about how items can travel across oceans and what that means for different civilizations. Although it is rare in academic writing, you can get away with using the first person if you do it very seldom. A bit of a personal anecdote or background can be a great hook because it makes readers connect with an author. It is an unusual way to begin a formal homework assignment. Do it carefully and make sure it fully corresponds! Though there are many ways to grab attention. Using a statistic, a strong opinion, being upfront, or speaking from the heart are all good ways of guiding your reader naturally into what you really want to say. They will soon be captivated! There is no better feeling than writing something that people truly enjoy reading. As a matter of fact, our expert writers can provide you with outstanding-quality custom homework writing on any geography topic.

Murders of Czar Nicholas II of Russia and His Family

Murders of Czar Nicholas II of Russia and His Family The tumultuous reign of Nicholas II, the last czar of Russia, was tarnished by his ineptitude in both foreign and domestic affairs that helped to bring about the Russian Revolution. The Romanov Dynasty, which had ruled Russia for three centuries, came to an abrupt and bloody end in July 1918, when Nicholas and his family, who had been held under house arrest for more than a year, were brutally executed by Bolshevik soldiers. Who Was Nicholas II? Young Nicholas, known as the tsesarevich, or heir apparent to the throne, was born on May 18, 1868, the first child of Czar Alexander III and Empress Marie Feodorovna. He and his siblings grew up in Tsarskoye Selo, one of the residences of the imperial family located outside of St. Petersburg. Nicholas was schooled not only in academics, but also in gentlemanly pursuits such as shooting, horsemanship, and even dancing. Unfortunately, his father, Czar Alexander III, did not devote a great deal of time to preparing his son to one day become the leader of the massive Russian Empire. As a young man, Nicholas enjoyed several years of relative ease, during which he embarked upon world tours and attended countless parties and balls. After seeking a suitable wife, he became engaged to Princess Alix of Germany in the summer of 1894. But the carefree lifestyle that Nicholas had enjoyed came to an abrupt end on November 1, 1894, when Czar Alexander III died of nephritis (a kidney disease). Virtually overnight, Nicholas II- inexperienced and ill-equipped for the task- became the new czar of Russia. The period of mourning was briefly suspended on November 26, 1894, when Nicholas and Alix were married in a private ceremony. The following year, daughter Olga was born, followed by three more daughters- Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia- over a period of five years. (The long-awaited male heir, Alexei, would be born in 1904.) Delayed during the long period of formal mourning, Czar Nicholas coronation was held in May 1896. But the joyous celebration was marred by a horrible incident when 1,400 revelers were killed during a stampede at Khodynka Field in Moscow. The new czar, however, refused to cancel any of the ensuing celebrations, giving the impression to his people that he was indifferent to the loss of so many lives. Growing Resentment of the Czar In a series of further missteps, Nicholas proved himself unskilled in both foreign and domestic affairs. In a 1903 dispute with the Japanese over territory in Manchuria, Nicholas resisted any opportunity for diplomacy. Frustrated by Nicholas refusal to negotiate, the Japanese took action in February 1904, bombing Russian ships in the harbor at Port Arthur in southern Manchuria. The Russo-Japanese War continued for another year and a half and ended with the czars forced surrender in September 1905. Given a large number of Russian casualties and the humiliating defeat, the war failed to draw the support of the Russian people. Russians were dissatisfied about more than just the Russo-Japanese War. Inadequate housing, poor wages, and widespread hunger among the working class created hostility toward the government. In protest of their abysmal living conditions, tens of thousands of protestors marched peacefully upon the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg on January 22, 1905. Without any provocation from the crowd, the czars soldiers opened fire on the protestors, killing and wounding hundreds. The event came to be known as Bloody Sunday, and further stirred up anti-czarist sentiment among the Russian people. Although the czar was not at the palace at the time of the incident, his people held him responsible. The massacre enraged the Russian people, leading to strikes and protests throughout the country, and culminating in the 1905 Russian Revolution. No longer able to ignore his peoples discontent, Nicholas II was forced to act. On October 30, 1905, he signed the October Manifesto, which created a constitutional monarchy as well as an elected legislature, known as the Duma. Yet the czar maintained control by limiting the powers of the Duma and maintaining veto power. Birth of Alexei During that time of great turmoil, the royal couple welcomed the birth of a male heir, Alexei Nikolaevich, on August 12, 1904. Apparently healthy at birth, young Alexei was soon found to be suffering from hemophilia, an inherited condition that causes severe, sometimes fatal hemorrhaging. The royal couple chose to keep their sons diagnosis a secret, fearing it would create uncertainty about the future of the monarchy. Distraught about her sons illness, Empress Alexandra doted upon him and isolated herself and her son from the public. She desperately searched for a cure or any kind of treatment that would keep her son out of danger. In 1905, Alexandra found an unlikely source of help- the crude, unkempt, self-proclaimed healer, Grigori Rasputin. Rasputin became a trusted confidante of the empress because he could do what no one else had been capable of- he kept young Alexei calm during his bleeding episodes, thereby reducing their severity. Unaware of Alexeis medical condition, the Russian people were suspicious of the relationship between the empress and Rasputin. Beyond his role of providing comfort to Alexei, Rasputin had also become an adviser to Alexandra and even influenced her opinions on affairs of state. WWI and the Murder of Rasputin Following the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand in June 1914, Russia became embroiled in the First World War, as Austria declared war on Serbia. Stepping in to support Serbia, a fellow Slavic nation, Nicholas mobilized the Russian army in August 1914. The Germans soon joined the conflict, in support of Austria-Hungary. Although he had initially received the support of the Russian people in waging a war, Nicholas found that support dwindling as the war dragged on. The poorly-managed and ill-equipped Russian Army- led by Nicholas himself- suffered considerable casualties. Nearly two million were killed over the duration of the war. Adding to the discontent, Nicholas had left his wife in charge of affairs while he was away at war. Yet because Alexandra was German-born, many Russians distrusted her; they also remained suspicious about her alliance with Rasputin. General loathing and mistrust of Rasputin culminated in a plot by several members of the aristocracy to murder him. They did so, with great difficulty, in December 1916. Rasputin was poisoned, shot, then bound and thrown into the river. Russian Revolution and the Czars Abdication All across Russia, the situation grew increasingly desperate for the working class, which struggled with low wages and rising inflation. As they had done before, the people took to the streets in protest of the governments failure to provide for its citizens. On February 23, 1917, a group of nearly 90,000 women marched through the streets of Petrograd (formerly St. Petersburg) to protest their plight. These women, many of whose husbands had left to fight in the war, struggled to make enough money to feed their families. The following day, several thousand more protesters joined them. People walked away from their jobs, bringing the city to a standstill. The czars army did little to stop them; in fact, some soldiers even joined the protest. Other soldiers, loyal to the czar, did fire into the crowd, but they were clearly outnumbered. The protestors soon gained control of the city during the February/March 1917 Russian Revolution. With the capital city in the hands of revolutionaries, Nicholas finally had to concede that his reign was over. He signed his abdication statement on March 15, 1917, bringing an end to the 304-year-old Romanov Dynasty. The royal family was allowed to stay on at the Tsarskoye Selo palace while officials decided their fate. They learned to subsist on soldiers rations and to make do with fewer servants. The four girls had all recently had their heads shaved during a bout of measles; oddly, their baldness gave them the appearance of prisoners. Royal Family Exiled to Siberia For a brief time, the Romanovs had hoped they would be granted asylum in England, where the czars cousin, King George V, was reigning monarch. But the plan- unpopular with British politicians who deemed Nicholas a tyrant- was quickly abandoned. By the summer of 1917, the situation in St. Petersburg had become increasingly unstable, with Bolsheviks threatening to overrun the provisional government. The czar and his family were quietly moved to western Siberia for their own protection, first to Tobolsk, then finally to Ekaterinburg. The home where they spent their final days was a far cry from the extravagant palaces they had been accustomed to, but they were grateful to be together. In October 1917, the Bolsheviks, under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin, finally gained control of the government following the second Russian Revolution. Thus the royal family also came under the control of the Bolsheviks, with fifty men assigned to guard the house and its occupants. The Romanovs adapted as best they could to their new living quarters, as they awaited what they prayed would be their liberation. Nicholas faithfully made entries in his diary, the empress worked on her embroidery, and the children read books and put on plays for their parents. The four girls learned from the family cook how to bake bread. During June 1918, their captors repeatedly told the royal family that they would soon be moved to Moscow and should be prepared to leave at any time. Each time, however, the trip was delayed and rescheduled for a few days later. Brutal Murders of the Romanovs While the royal family waited for a rescue that would never take place, civil war raged throughout Russia between the Communists and the White Army, which opposed Communism. As the White Army gained ground and headed for Ekaterinburg, the Bolsheviks decided they must act swiftly. The Romanovs must not be rescued. At 2:00 a.m. in the morning on July 17, 1918, Nicholas, his wife, and their five children, along with four servants, were awakened and told to prepare for departure. The group, led by Nicholas, who carried his son, was escorted to a small room downstairs. Eleven men (later reported to have been drunk) came into the room and began firing shots. The czar and his wife were first to die. None of the children died outright, probably because all wore hidden jewels sewn inside their clothing, which deflected the bullets. The soldiers finished the job with bayonets and more gunfire. The grisly massacre had taken 20 minutes. At the time of death, the czar was 50 years old and the empress 46. Daughter Olga was 22 years old, Tatiana was 21, Maria was 19, Anastasia was 17, and Alexei was 13 years old. The bodies were removed, and taken to the site of an old mine, where the executioners did their best to hide the identities of the corpses. They chopped them up with axes, and doused them with acid and gasoline, setting them afire. The remains were buried at two separate sites. An investigation soon after the murders failed to turn up the bodies of the Romanovs and their servants. (For many years afterward, it was rumored that Anastasia, the czars youngest daughter, had survived the execution and was living somewhere in Europe. Several women over the years claimed to be Anastasia, most notably Anna Anderson, a German woman with a history of mental illness. Anderson died in 1984; DNA testing later proved she was not related to the Romanovs.) Final Resting Place of the Romanovs Another 73 years would pass before the bodies were found. In 1991, the remains of nine people were excavated at Ekaterinburg. DNA testing confirmed they were the bodies of the czar and his wife, three of their daughters, and four servants. A second grave, containing the remains of Alexei and one of his sisters (either Maria or Anastasia), was discovered in 2007. Sentiment toward the royal family- once demonized in Communist society- had changed in post-Soviet Russia. The Romanovs, canonized as saints by the Russian Orthodox church, were remembered at a religious ceremony on July 17, 1998 (eighty years to the date of their murders), and reburied in the imperial family vault at the Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg. Nearly 50 descendants of the Romanov dynasty attended the service, as did Russian President Boris Yeltsin.

Business analysis of an artist's career Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Business analysis of an artist's career - Essay Example The Eagles Band has remained active in Music Business for the periods of 1971-1980 and from 1994 to present. They have worked under the Labels of Asylum, Geffen Records, Lost Highway, Universal and collaborated on business ventures with Poco, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Dillard & Clark, James Gang.The band consists of Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit.Some of the Band’s former member’s include Don Felder, Randy Meisner and Bernie Leadon. The American Rock Band is a very successful business venture in terms of strategy and revenues and originates from in California.The Band currently boasts of five Number 1 singles and four Number 1 albums.The band gained immense popularity in the 1970s and its album was rated number 37 on the Rolling Stone list "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time".The business success of the band also reflects the fact that the band was ranked number 75 on Rolling Stone's 2004 list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. The Alb um â€Å"Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975† has been their most profitable business venture to date.Since its break up in the eighties, the band does not make any new albums but tours together often. However this year in 2007 they have released their first album in three decades called the Long Road out of Eden and it is currently on of UK’s top 40 Albums.The first album, Eagles, was one of the Top 40 singles of its era. Rolling Stone magazine's 2003 list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" ranked Eagles at number 374.... History of business ventures: Success and Failure. The first album, Eagles, was one of the Top 40 singles of its era.. Rolling Stone magazine's 2003 list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" ranked Eagles at number 374.The next album , Desperado, an experimental venture in conceptual song writing did not match the success of their former work and the Album only did business in the U.S pop charts ,with only two major hits.The third venture ,On the Border involved Henley and Frey's wish to employ a new business strategy and move towards hard rock. They had a change of producers from Glyn Johns to Bill Szymczyk for this purpose.The venture proved successful and this Album yielded a lot of profits with the Eagles' becoming the first of five chart toppers. The next album (One of These Nights) was a further experiment in hard rock and the business collaboration between Henley/Frey as lyricists was getting stronger as the album received a hit No. 1 on the Billboard chart in 1975.2However this new business strategy ultimately cost the band its unity as the hiring of Don Felder meant that Leadon's role was being underplayed.In 1976 with the release of "Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)"(29 million copies sold),the band prepared for yet another phenomenal success with " Hotel California", which was also an instant hit on the Billboard in 1977.The single " Hotel California" was a major source of profits and royalties for the band in the years to come as since its release it has appeared on several lists of the best albums of all time.This album remains to date their best-selling studio album, with over 16 million copies sold within America..3 The late 70's saw the disintegration of this phenomenal band

Importance of the acquisition of strategies Essay

Importance of the acquisition of strategies - Essay Example So with the blend of the personal strategic itinerary I must now consider myself to acquire the confidence of a winner and play well in an arena where just a few personal strategies will make a whole lot of difference. My enthusiasm to work hard, avoid procrastination and go beyond goals; goals that I set for myself and the ones that are organizational. The goals of life and career would have to be closely integrated, and always kept in mind and referred to time and again like bible. Personal mission statement should keep my spirit up, and aspiring to become someone or something far greater than what I am today will give me the vision to be on the right track. Persistence and determination, amounting at times to fervent endurance, should pick me out of despair and de-motivation. When there is a will there is always a way, sure enough the wonders of the world should make me keep motivated; after all they all look like miracles to us now, but they were built with the, perhaps mad determination of one man in his time! My inclination to take risks that are sometimes large gambles, but the win is worth the try. Interpersonal skills is the ability "to work wonders with", the confidence building measures adopted through this strategy will boost me every step of the way. The way I inspire enthusiasm of those whose cooperation and assistance are essential will give me the credibility to be a leader and manager. Bearing excellent interpersonal skills will always find me dealing with challenges like an accomplished expert, who will deal with problems very easily, resolve team building and social issues inside the organization and in the community I live in, respectively. Maintaining Good interpersonal skills will make me the "getting along well with everyone" kind of a person, who can lead a team and make them perform even in the most challenging environment. This surely will make my way to become the lead auditor in one of the biggest financial institution of the world. Robust outlook in my professional capacity, amounting in some cases to ruthlessness, is a strategy that would lead to good and timely decision making. The best personal strategy to develop would be to cope with change. I should never resist any change as a week trait of my personality. I have to go for any change that is for the better because that change can be the means to my objectives in life and career, not a hindrance to them. The more I am ready to accept and clasp the change the more are my chances for my continued success, the more I show adoptability the bigger is my probability to reach to the highest of levels. (Singleton, Steve 2005). Another very important indicator to evaluate best practices in being a strategist and attaining outclassed performance and accomplished career path is through learning and feedback. (HR Monthly: 2005) Constant performance evaluation through my supervisors providing direct feedback to me and giving due consideration to that not only proves to be a good confidence building measure but it clearly provides an insight into any unforeseen problem and helps to deal with it

The Gold Rush of California :: The California Gold Rush

In the United States, there would be a new overhaul to its identity. By 1848, businesses would eventually see a new and prosperous way to make money. The U.S. also began to see a few cultures begin to spark and the attitudes of people would change, especially their views about taking risks. This overhaul is known as the Gold Rush of California. The Gold Rush made an impact on American society through diversity and people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The traditional beginning of the Gold Rush was the story of James Marshall. Marshall was instructed by John Sutter, a business man, to find an area to build a sawmill. Marshall, traveled with a few workers, it took him a while to find the right spot because: "nothing but a mule could climb the hills; and when I would find a spot where the hills were not steep, there was no timber to be had" (Holliday 56). Marshall had finally found an area where he could build a sawmill, and managed to get his team through the steep hills of California. One morning he came upon an area of the camp to check the status of the camp. When he was observing the water flow, he noticed something really shiny. Marshall picked up the gold pieces, assuming that this was a fluke, but as the day grew older, he found a few more pieces of gold. Then there was that famous quote that people tend to still say today: "Boys, by God I believe I have found a gold mine. (Holliday 58)†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This story was taken in to account as the first story to hit the globe about gold being found in California. Actually, there is another story. This one is about a Mexican, who found gold in the hills of California, long before news had spread about gold being found by James Marshall. His name was Francisco Lopez. He was traveling in the San Fernando Valley, in 1842, during the time California was still a territory. Lopez was taking a rest, when he found a few pieces of gold, as he continued to dig, he found more gold. Ironically enough, the gold mines that Lopez had discovered were in the south of California towards Los Angeles and the gold that was found by Marshall was in the north towards present-day San Francisco. Also the mines that were used to dig up the gold found by Lopez were rarely used during the great Gold Rush in the north, despite a rush The Gold Rush of California :: The California Gold Rush In the United States, there would be a new overhaul to its identity. By 1848, businesses would eventually see a new and prosperous way to make money. The U.S. also began to see a few cultures begin to spark and the attitudes of people would change, especially their views about taking risks. This overhaul is known as the Gold Rush of California. The Gold Rush made an impact on American society through diversity and people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The traditional beginning of the Gold Rush was the story of James Marshall. Marshall was instructed by John Sutter, a business man, to find an area to build a sawmill. Marshall, traveled with a few workers, it took him a while to find the right spot because: "nothing but a mule could climb the hills; and when I would find a spot where the hills were not steep, there was no timber to be had" (Holliday 56). Marshall had finally found an area where he could build a sawmill, and managed to get his team through the steep hills of California. One morning he came upon an area of the camp to check the status of the camp. When he was observing the water flow, he noticed something really shiny. Marshall picked up the gold pieces, assuming that this was a fluke, but as the day grew older, he found a few more pieces of gold. Then there was that famous quote that people tend to still say today: "Boys, by God I believe I have found a gold mine. (Holliday 58)†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This story was taken in to account as the first story to hit the globe about gold being found in California. Actually, there is another story. This one is about a Mexican, who found gold in the hills of California, long before news had spread about gold being found by James Marshall. His name was Francisco Lopez. He was traveling in the San Fernando Valley, in 1842, during the time California was still a territory. Lopez was taking a rest, when he found a few pieces of gold, as he continued to dig, he found more gold. Ironically enough, the gold mines that Lopez had discovered were in the south of California towards Los Angeles and the gold that was found by Marshall was in the north towards present-day San Francisco. Also the mines that were used to dig up the gold found by Lopez were rarely used during the great Gold Rush in the north, despite a rush

Toni Morrison’s Beloved

Throughout Toni Morrison’s novel Beloved, there are many obvious themes and symbols. The story deals with slavery and the effects that the horrifying treatment of the slaves has on a community. Another major theme, apparent throughout the story, is the supernatural. The notion of haunting is very evident since the characters are not only haunted by Beloved at 124, but are also haunted by their past. The story of Beloved is not only about freeing oneself of a ghost, but also about releasing one’s hold on what happened in the past. Sethe is the most severely haunted throughout the book, both by her past and by Beloved. Her past haunts her with what happened to her and what she did. She was beaten so badly that her back has a permanent blossoming scar, one that she calls â€Å"A chokecherry tree. Trunk, branches, and even leaves. Tiny little chokecherry leaves. But that was eighteen years ago. Could have cherries too now for all I know† (pg 16). The great significance of the scar on her back is that it is just one more thing she cannot see, but knows it is always there, similar to her past. Also, the line â€Å"Could have cherries too now for all I know† shows that she understands how she is not only stuck with her past, but that it is growing and affecting her in many different ways. The story revolves around the haunting of 124. Beloved's presence is apparent to Sethe, Baby Suggs and Denver, and they live with it for some time. It is not until the day that Paul D steps into the house that things change. He wastes little time in antagonizing the spirit to leave. God damn it! Hush up! †¦ Leave the place alone! Get the Hell out! † (18). The spirit leaves, much to Paul D's delight. This may have occurred because Paul D is not only a figure from Sethe's past, but is also the first man to enter 124. Beloved is able to play off of Sethe's own haunting, that of her past, to get what she wants. Sethe's judgment was blurred as she focused primarily on the daughter she had murdered years ago. Beloved made ridiculous demands. Anything she wanted she got, and whe n Sethe ran out of things to give her, Beloved invented desire† (pg 240). Sethe wound up quitting her job, completely neglecting Denver, and completely neglecting herself as she dwindled away. Beloved, and her past, drained Sethe with their constant nagging. There is also significance to the word choices of the characters when talking of the past. It is clear they will never forget their past and what had happened to them. So rather than forget, they â€Å"disremember. † They push it to he back of their mind where they won't think about it, but it is always there, waiting for them to â€Å"rememory† it. This shows how they will always be haunted by their past. Through the addition of a supernatural dimension in Beloved, Morrison pushes the limits of usual interpretation. The characters settle into believing the supernatural is normal. To them ghosts and premonitions is a way to understand the world around them and through this, Morrison is able to draw a comparis on to one’s past and a troublesome ghost. ? Toni Morrison’s Beloved In Toni Morrison's Beloved, Denver is introduced to us as somewhat of a simple child, unnaturally reliant on her mother and unusually immature for a girl of eighteen years. Nevertheless, as the novel progresses, she undergoes a great amount of learning and personal growth. However, Denver's procurement of knowledge is not attained through her experiences with formal education at Lady Jones' school, rather, Denver learns through life's challenges. It is Denver's eventual entrance into the world of knowledge and maturity that saves Sethe's life and rids 124 of Beloved's vengeful spirit. Denver's initial experiences with the conventional education of Lady Jones' school are very positive. She finds herself intrigued by learning and looks forward to the two hours she spends every afternoon with Lady Jones. However, Denver extracts more from schooling than just book knowledge. She begins to realize that she can be independent from Sethe and looks forward to school because she does everything â€Å"on her own and [she] was pleased and surprised by the pleasure and surprise it created in her mother and her brothers† (102). This newfound learning is something that Denver can cherish as her own, thus acting as the impetus of Denver's self-confidence. However, Denver's love for learning does not last long. Although in the beginning, â€Å"she was so happy she didn't even know she was being avoided by her classmates,† (102) her oblivion does not last forever. Denver finds out the truth about Sethe's murderous past, and, as Morrison writes, â€Å"she never went back† (102). Her conventional education is swiftly and effectively squelched. Instead of trying to overcome this severe loss in her life, Denver reacts to it by drawing back from the world around her. She is not mature enough to face her troubles and instead she walks â€Å"in a silence too solid for penetration† (103), thus extending her loss of an education to a loss of contact with the outside world. Denver's obvious failure to conquer her adversities in life show us that her conventional schooling has failed to educate her in the ways of the world. Even though it appears that Denver's education will never progress past the elementary level she reaches in Lady Jones' school, she eventually does experience a great amount of growth after the arrival of Beloved. When Beloved first enters 124, Denver is nothing short of obsessed with her. She craves Beloved's attention and companionship and childishly seeks out her approval. But as the novel progresses, â€Å"the job she started out with, protecting Beloved from Sethe, changed to protecting her mother from Beloved† (243). Denver, with the newfound responsibility of acting as the caretaker of 124 and Sethe, rises to the occasion. â€Å"Denver knew it was on her. She would have to leave the yard; step off the edge of the world† (243). Morrison's use of the phrase â€Å"off the edge of the world† tells us that Denver's actions are monumental for her. She â€Å"served them both. Washing, cooking, forcing, cajoling her mother to eat a little now and then, providing sweet things for Beloved as often as she could to calm her down† (250). Denver's acceptance of her responsibilities signifies an unprecedented amount of growth. She is educated through her experiences, rather than through traditional learning. It is Denver's search for her internal strength that leads to the eventual exorcism of Beloved and the restoration of Sethe's psyche. She is able to overcome the challenges life throws her way and succeeds in saving her life as well as her mother's. Denver's education is unattainable from traditional learning. She thrives in the face of adversity, showing us that she learns best from experience rather than study. Although it takes the actions of a malicious spirit to awaken Denver to her responsibilities in life, her pivotal growth signifies the great power in learning through experience. Denver's unconventional education proves to be much more worthy than her traditional education, especially for the life that she must lead. The stark difference between Denver's original self and the woman she becomes as she emerges in Beloved as the savior of both Sethe and 124 shows us just how truly and deeply one can be altered by learning.

Battle of Thermopylae in the Persian Wars

The Battle of Thermopylae is believed to have been fought in August 480 BC, during the Persian Wars (499 BC-449 BC). Having been turned back at Marathon in 490 BC, Persian forces returned to Greece ten years later to avenge their defeat and conquer the peninsula. Responding, an alliance of Greek city-states, led by Athens and Sparta, assembled a fleet and an army to oppose the invaders. While the former engaged the Persians at Artemisium, the latter assumed a defensive position at the narrow Pass of Thermopylae. At Thermopylae, the Greeks blocked the pass and beat back Persian assaults for two days. On the third, the Persians were able to flank the Greek position after being a shown a mountain path by a Trachinian traitor named Ephialtes. While the bulk of the Greek army retreated, a force of 300 Spartans led by Leonidas I as well as 400 Thebans and 700 Thespians remained to cover the withdrawal. Attacked by the Persians, the Spartans and Thespians famously fought to the death. Advancing south after their victory, the Persians captured Athens before being defeated at Salamis that September. Background Having been turned back by the Greeks in 490 BC at the Battle of Marathon, the Persians elected to begin preparing a larger expedition to subjugate Greece. Initially planned by Emperor Darius I, the mission fell to his son Xerxes when he died in 486. Intended as a full-scale invasion, the task of assembling the necessary troops and supplies consumed several years. Marching from Asia Minor, Xerxes intended to bridge the Hellespont and advance on Greece through Thrace. The army was to be supported by a large fleet which would move along the coast. As a previous Persian fleet had been wrecked off Mount Athos, Xerxes intended to build a canal across the mountains isthmus. Learning of Persian intentions, the Greek city-states began making preparations for war. Though possessing a weak army, Athens commenced building a large fleet of triremes under the guidance of Themistocles. In 481, Xerxes demanded tribute from the Greeks in an effort to avoid war. This was refused and the Greeks met that fall to form an alliance of the city-states under the leadership of Athens and Sparta. United, this congress would have the power to dispatch troops to defend the region. Greek Plans With war nearing, the Greek congress met again in the spring of 480. In the discussions, the Thessalians recommended establishing a defensive position at the Vale of Tempe to block the Persians advance. This was vetoed after Alexander I of Macedon informed the group that the position could be flanked through the Sarantoporo Pass. Receiving news that Xerxes had crossed the Hellespont, a second strategy was put forward by Themistocles which called for making at stand at the pass of Thermopylae. A narrow passage, with a cliff on one side and the sea on the other, the pass was the gateway to southern Greece. Battle of Thermopylae Conflict: Persian Wars (499-449 BC)Dates: 480 BCArmies Commanders:PersiansXerxesMardoniusapprox. 70,000GreeksLeonidas IDemophilusThemistoclesapprox. 5,200-11,200 menCasualties:Greeks: approx. 4,000 (Herodotus)Persians: approx. 20,000 (Herodotus) The Greeks Move This approach was agreed to as it would negate the Persians overwhelming numerical superiority and the Greek fleet could provide support in the Straits of Artemisium. In August, word reached the Greeks that the Persian army was nearing. The timing proved problematic for the Spartans as it coincided with the feast of Carneia and the Olympic truce. Though the de facto leaders of the alliance, the Spartans were prohibited from engaging in military activity during these celebrations. Meeting, the leaders of Sparta decided that the situation was significantly urgent to dispatch troops under one of their kings, Leonidas. Moving north with 300 men from the royal guard, Leonidas gathered additional troops en route to Thermopylae. Arriving, he elected to establish a position at the middle gate where the pass was the narrowest and the Phocians had previously built a wall. Alerted that a mountain trail existed that could flank the position, Leonidas dispatched 1,000 Phocians to guard it. In mid-August, the Persian army was sighted across the Malian Gulf. Sending an emissary to negotiate with the Greeks, Xerxes offered freedom and better land in return for their obedience (Map). Fighting at the Pass Refusing this offer, the Greeks were then ordered to lay down their weapons. To this Leonidas reputedly replied, Come and get them. This reply made battle inevitable, though Xerxes took no action for four days. The constricted topography of Thermopylae was ideal for a defensive stand by the armored Greek hoplites as they could not be flanked and the more lightly armed Persians would be forced into a frontal assault. On the morning of the fifth day, Xerxes sent troops against Leonidas position with the goal of capturing the Allied army. Approaching, they had little choice but to attack the Greeks. Fighting in a tight phalanx in front of the Phocian wall, the Greeks inflicted massive losses on the attackers. As the Persians kept coming, Leonidas rotated units through the front to prevent fatigue. With the failure of the first assaults, Xerxes ordered an attack by his elite Immortals later in the day. Surging forward, they fared no better and were unable to move the Greeks. The next day, believing that the Greeks had been significantly weakened by their exertions, Xerxes attacked again. As on the first day, these efforts were turned back with heavy casualties. A Traitor Turns the Tide As a the second day was coming to a close, a Trachinian traitor named Ephialtes arrived in Xerxes camp and informed the Persian leader about the mountain trail around the pass. Taking advantage of this information, Xerxes ordered Hydarnes to take a large force, including the Immortals, on a flanking march over the trail. At daybreak on the third day, the Phocians guarding the path were stunned to see the advancing Persians. Attempting to make a stand, they formed on a nearby hill but were bypassed by Hydarnes. Alerted to the betrayal by a Phocian runner, Leonidas called a council of war. While most favored an immediate retreat, Leonidas decided to stay at the pass with his 300 Spartans. They were joined by 400 Thebans and 700 Thespians, while the remainder of the army fell back. While there are many theories regarding Leonidas choice, including the idea that Spartans never retreated, it was most likely a strategic decision as a rearguard was necessary to prevent the Persian cavalry from running down the retreating army. As the morning progressed, Xerxes began another frontal assault on the pass. Pushing forward, the Greeks met this attack at a wider point in the pass with the goal of inflicting maximum losses on the enemy. Fighting to the last, the battle saw Leonidas killed and the two sides struggle for his body. Increasingly overwhelmed, the surviving Greeks fell back behind the wall and made a last stand on a small hill. While the Thebans ultimately surrendered, the other Greeks fought to the death. With the elimination of Leonidas remaining force, the Persians claimed the pass and opened the road into southern Greece. Aftermath Casualties for the Battle of Thermopylae are not known with any certainty, but may have been as high as 20,000 for the Persians and around 2,000-4,000 for the Greeks. With the defeat on land, the Greek fleet withdrew south after the Battle of Artemisium. As the Persians advanced south, capturing Athens, the remaining Greek troops began fortifying the Isthmus of Corinth with the fleet in support. In September, Themistocles succeeded in winning a critical naval victory at the Battle of Salamis which forced the bulk of Persian troops to withdraw back to Asia. The invasion was brought to an end the following year after the Greek victory at the Battle of Plataea. One of the most famous battles of this time period, the story of Thermopylae has been recounted in numerous books and films through the years.