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

Symbolism of Settings in The Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter, a historical fiction masterpiece by Nathaniel Hawthorne, uses setting to powerfully connect fact and fiction. The diverse settings, such as the marketplace, the forest, the scaffold, and Hester's cottage, serve as symbols supporting the novel's themes.

The Marketplace: A Symbol of Puritan Society

The marketplace represents the austere Puritan society. As a main gathering place, it was always populated, and all laws were strictly enforced. Every action was observed and judged, reflecting the rigid nature of Puritan life.

The Forest: A Place of Autonomy and Truth

In contrast, the forest is the antithesis of the Puritan world. Here, individuals are autonomous, governed only by their own... Continue reading "Symbolism of Settings in The Scarlet Letter" »

The English Language and People

Caedmon

The history of the English language and people is a biography, focusing on Caedmon. This narrative account, written by The Venerable Bede, informs readers about Caedmon's life, teachings, and beliefs, highlighting his importance as a historical figure during the Anglo-Saxon and Medieval periods. Bede's writing style reveals his purpose: to teach readers about Caedmon's contributions.

Caedmon's influence on the community stemmed from his hymns, songs, and poems, which he used to preach the word of the Lord. He embodied the idea that dreams can become reality, inspiring others to pursue their aspirations. By continuing God's vision of evangelization through his compositions, Caedmon shared his experiences... Continue reading "Caedmon, Chaucer, and Shakespeare: A Literary Journey" »

In my opinion, Hamlet is a very good work because it expresses all the feelings of a real son. Life and death are two prevalent themes in the work, as well as in our daily lives. I liked the way Hamlet's ideas are portrayed as he seeks to avenge the death of his father. He is truly a clever man, which is evident throughout the story.

I highly recommend this book. It's a captivating story that keeps you engaged and eager to find out whether Hamlet will ultimately succeed in avenging his father's death. It is a tragic tale that explores relevant topics of our time and will leave a lasting impact. It is truly a remarkable work that I highly recommend.

The Lost Sheep

If some man has a hundred sheep, and one of them is lost for him, does not abandon he the ninety-nine in the mountain, and go and seek that one that he lost? And if he finds it, truly I tell you that he rejoices more for that one than over the ninety-nine that he has never lost.

Old Testament: Book of Genesis. Abraham and Isaac

1. God wanted to test Abraham's obedience and called his name.
2. And said to him in this manner.

The Elephant and the Fox

A Good Lesson from Moral Stories

2 min read

Aug 25, 2023

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There were a fox and an elephant in a forest. The two lived very intimately, so much so that one could not leave the other. Across the river was a sugarcane field. One day, the elephant wanted to eat sugarcane.

The elephant said to the fox, "Today I want to eat sugarcane."

The fox replied, "Yes, I also want to eat. It has been a long day, and I have not eaten."

"But how do we cross the river? I can't swim," said the fox.

The elephant said, "I will carry you on my back."

The elephant carried the fox on his back and crossed the river. Together, they went to the sugarcane field. The fox ate quickly and got full, but the elephant's stomach did not get full. The... Continue reading "The Elephant and the Fox: A Story of Friendship and Revenge" »

Daisy Miller: An Analysis

The Narrator and Gossip

The narrator of Daisy Miller presents the events as a "true" story that took place "three or four years ago." The story is framed as a piece of gossip, told by a distant, first-person narrator who is interested but not involved. This narrative strategy is ironic, as the story itself revolves around gossip, assumptions, and the difficulty of judging character based on hearsay.

Themes and Contrasts

The opening paragraph establishes several key themes, including the contrast between old and young, history and novelty, movement and stillness, and American vibrancy and European dignity. The narrator describes the variety of hotels in Vevey, from the grand and new to the classical and mature. The bustling... Continue reading "Daisy Miller: A Study of American Innocence and European Sophistication" »

1. Option Payoffs:

• Call Option: (S_T − K)⁺ = max(S_T − K, 0)
• Put Option: (K − S_T)⁺ = max(K − S_T, 0)
• Call Binary Option: 1 or Q$ when S_T > K, 0 otherwise.

2. Profit and Loss (P&L) Diagrams:

• An asset.
• A Future.
• Call option.
• Put option.
• A Binary option.
• An asset (current value 50 euros) and a Put option on the same asset with Strike 30. This strategy is used to cover potential losses, limiting them to 20 euros plus the option fee.
• Long Call + Put Option with the same Strike and Maturity. This strategy is used when a significant price movement is expected, but the direction is uncertain.
• Long position in a Call option with Strike 50 and Short Position in a Call option with Strike 60. Selling the call option reduces the overall cost of the strategy,

Due to the sheer effort it has to put in to move its hulking body, and the image of fish bellies for eyes is a disturbing image that makes me think of a dead or soulless creature, as eyes are supposedly the window to the soul. The quote his stall narrows to rage is also quite a frightening quote, as I would not like to be around such a colossal creature when it is enraged. To add to the aggression of the bull, Clarke describes the smell of a heifer's fear sweet (from the point of view of the bull). The fact the bull knows the smell of fear makes the reader even more afraid of this absolute monster of an animal that relishes its counterpart's fear.

But the poem ends with an empathetic view of the bull describing his aggressive behaviour as a... Continue reading "Analysis of Aggression and Empathy in the Friesian Bull Poem" »

Common Mistakes and Corrections

Instead of:

• The lifts were SO old that: Use: The lifts were so old that...
• the..photocopied some copies for me: Use: I had some copies photocopied.
• She takes 1min: Use: It takes her 1 minute.
• Althoug: Use: Although
• Too+adj: Use: Not + adjective + enough
• If he doesnt: Use: Unless he...
• I would prefer to+inf: Use: I'd rather + infinitive

Remember:

• Use the -ing form after "remember".
• Use "regret to" + infinitive.
• Use the -ing form after "try".
• Use "had better not" instead of "shouldn't/ought to".
• Use "on the point of" + gerund instead of "be about to" + infinitive.

Other Useful Tips:

• Instead of "It's time + past simple", use present perfect continuous: "They have worked here for... years."
• Use "like + gerund" instead of "to be fond

Words for Predicting the Future

Prescient - knowing or suggesting what will happen in the future

Prognosticate - to foretell from signs or symptoms

Prophecy - a prediction of what will happen in the future

Speculate - form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence

People Who Make Predictions

Town Planner - a professional involved in the planning and control of the construction, growth, and development of a town or other urban area

Weather Forecaster - someone whose job is to study the weather and predict what it will be like in the future

Career Advisor - someone who gives information about education and work opportunities to children and youths

Financial Advisor - a person whose job is to provide financial advice to clients

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