Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Language

Contrasts Between American and European Cultures in Daisy Miller

Innocence vs. Knowledge/Experience

Innocence vs. knowledge or experience
Utility vs. form and ceremony
Spontaneity vs. ritual
Action vs. inaction
Nature vs. art
Natural vs. artificial
Honesty vs. evil

Daisy Miller: A Representation of American Innocence

In Daisy Miller, Henry James focuses on the differences in behavior between Americans and Europeans. Daisy Miller embodies the American, while Mrs. Costello, Mrs. Walker, and Winterbourne represent the European perspective. Ironically, these "Europeans" are American-born but have adopted European views.

Sophistication and Prejudice: A Two-Fold Meaning

Europeans in James's novels are often portrayed as more sophisticated and art-conscious,... Continue reading "American vs. European: Innocence and Experience in Henry James's Daisy Miller" »

Problem 1: European Call Option Valuation

A stock price is currently at 40 euros. It is known that at month-end, the price will be either 42 euros or 38 euros. The risk-free interest rate is 8% per annum, continuously compounded. We have a call option with a strike price of 39 euros.

1. Shares for Riskless Portfolio: Calculate the number of shares to buy to create a riskless portfolio. Given Answer: 0.75 shares.
2. Cash for Replication: Determine the cash needed to replicate the portfolio at the end of the month. Given Answer: -57/2 euros.
3. One-Month European Call Value: What is the value of the one-month European Call option? Given Answer: 1.69 euros.
4. Put Option Value: What is the value of a corresponding put option? Given Answer: 0.43 euros.
5. Call-Put

Announcement: to announce something unrelated to a brand.

Advertisement: to promote something like an ad or a campaign.

Mark: a visible sign on the face.

Brand: a type of product manufactured by a company under a specific name.

Label: used for clothes.

Make: refers to electrical equipment, cars, and domestic appliances.

Trademark: a name, symbol, or design used by a company on its products, legally owned by the company, or something that characterizes a person, place, or product.

Audience: a group of people gathered in one place to listen to a concert, watch a movie, etc.

Public: ordinary people.

Viewers: people who watch TV, computers, etc.

Spectators: people who watch an activity, especially sports, without participating.

Grief: sorrow.

Bond: a connection.... Continue reading "Understanding the Difference: Announcement, Advertisement, Mark, Brand, and More" »

Themes of the Lost Generation

It was somewhat common that among members of this group to complain that American artists' culture lacked the breadth of European work. Nevertheless, this same period saw an explosion in American literature and art. Common themes in works of literature by members of the Lost Generation include:

• Decadence and the Frivolous Lifestyle of the Wealthy

  Consider the lavish parties of James Gatsby in Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby or those thrown by the characters in his Tales of the Jazz Age. Recall the aimless drinking and parties of the circles of expatriates in Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises and A Moveable Feast. With ideals of the war lost for many, hedonism was the result. The Lost Generation writers revealed the hollow

The Trophy

Hello I'm going to show this trophy and I'm going to explain why it's so special for me. But before that, I'm going to explain some characteristics about the trophy.

Well, as you can see, it's made of metal in this part, but here it's made of marble. It also has a plaque made of metal that shows some information about the trophy. It is in perfect condition. Since I have had it, it has been in my bedroom where I have created a small museum with all my trophies and medals from playing football. I want to make it bigger, of course.

The History

Now, let's talk about the history of my object. I have had it since 2011 when I received it in the auditorium of Alcobendas called 'La Esfera'. The mayor of Alcobendas was the person in charge of... Continue reading "The Story Behind My Special Trophy" »

Montag's Growing Unease

When Montag returns to work the next day, he touches the Mechanical Hound and hears a growl. The Mechanical Hound is best described as a device of terror, a machine that is perversely similar to a trained killer dog but has been improved by refined technology, which allows it to inexorably track down and capture criminals by stunning them with a tranquilizer. Montag fears that the dog can sense his growing unhappiness. He also fears that the Hound somehow knows that he has confiscated some books during one of his raids.

Captain Beatty's Suspicions

The fire chief, Captain Beatty, also senses Montag's unhappiness. Upon entering the upper level of the firehouse, Montag questions whether the Mechanical Hound can think. Beatty,... Continue reading "Fahrenheit 451: Montag's Rebellion and the Power of Books" »

PH-(O)H-N-T (Nuclear Tone)

Stress-Timed Language

Stress-timed language means there is an equal amount of time from one stressed syllable to the next.

Syllable-Timed Language

Syllable-timed language refers to the time to express a sentence, which will be determined by the number of syllables.

Isochrony

Isochrony in English rhythm tends to preserve equal intervals of time between stressed syllables, irrespective of the number of syllables that come between them.

Rhythm

Rhythm is determined by pitch, loudness, and speed.

Intonation

Intonation is how the pitch of a voice rises and falls, and how speakers use this pitch to convey linguistic and pragmatic meaning.

Tone Language

A tone language is one where the tone can determine the meaning of a word. For example,... Continue reading "English Pronunciation: Intonation, Rhythm, and Tone" »

Citizen Kane

Rosebud

Analyzing Short Stories

Commentary Structure

1. Introduction: Engage with a relevant observation about the modern world.
2. Beginning: State your opinion clearly (for or against).
3. Arguments: Present three arguments supporting or opposing the topic, using transition words like:
   • Firstly
   • Secondly
   • Further / Moreover / In addition
4. Conclusion: Provide concluding remarks.

Useful Phrases for Commentary

• Firstly, Secondly, Finally...
• In addition, Moreover...
• This brings us to the question of whether...
• To my mind, you can say that...
• The way I see it...
• I maintain that...
• Luckily / Fortunately / Unfortunately
• All the same (nevertheless)
• In spite of
• It is true that, but...

Understanding Short Stories

Key Characteristics

1. No long introduction; the reader is immediately immersed in