Why does the speaker identify so intensely with the wind?

The speaker, who we can interpret as Shelley himself, wants to be like the west wind. He interprets the power of the wind as a metaphor for poetic inspiration and as a catalyst of social change. This idea of the wind inspiring and powering flight lends itself to ideas of being uplifted:

If I were a dead leaf thou mightest bear;
If I were a swift cloud to fly with thee...

He wants to be lifted to new poetic heights. And in terms of Shelley's ideas about social change, he wants to see a powerful movement. He hopes that his poetry, like the power of the west wind, might power a social change and/or movement.

The final stanza really sums up these ideas. He is literally saying to the wind, "be me." Just as the wind scatters leaves and seeds all over the world to go into the ground and be born again, Shelley wants his own poetry to be scattered all over the world in the hopes that his lines might grow, inspire, and uplift those who read them:

Be thou, Spirit fierce,
My spirit! Be thou me, impetuous one! Drive my dead thoughts over the universe
Like withered leaves to quicken a new birth!
And, by the incantation of this verse, Scatter, as from an unextinguished hearth
Ashes and sparks, my words among mankind!

What are delusions?

Causes and Symptoms

Clinical delusion is defined as the presence of one or more nonbizarre false beliefs, persisting for a period of at least one month. To avoid confusion, delusions are not typically linked to the direct physiological effects of a substance or a general medical condition. Whether a false belief can be classified as nonbizarre may be difficult to determine. Usually “nonbizarre” refers to situations that could occur in real life; “bizarre” refers to situations that could not occur in real life.

Life management with delusions varies. Some individuals may appear relatively unimpaired in their interpersonal and occupational roles. In others, life-management issues may be so severe that isolation and withdrawal are common results. In general, however, life-management functions are more likely to be adversely affected than cognitive or vocational activities.

Treatment and Therapy

Options for treatment and therapy vary depending on the severity of the delusions, the degrading effects on life-management issues, and the theoretical orientation of the mental-health professional consulted. A thorough evaluation should begin the process. Clinical interviews should be combined with appropriate psychological testing and corroborative data collection. Therapy may be in the form of pharmacological therapy or talk therapies, either in individual or group sessions, and may take place on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Delusions tend to wax and wane in intensity and degrees of severity. Maintaining good general physical health is an important part of managing delusions. Maintenance of neurochemical systems, especially neurotransmitters, with vitamin-B complex foods is an important consideration. Caregivers of persons suffering from delusions should avoid arguing with the patient about their deluded beliefs and should reassure the patient if he or she is scared.

Perspective and Prospects

Delusions in and of themselves may not prevent successful life-management functioning in most individuals. When the delusion represents a life-management issue as a result of a loss of contact with reality, intervention and treatment are in the patient’s best interest. Although popular media and common myths suggest otherwise, individuals with delusions are no more dangerous or aggressive than the general population. While they may be the targets of ridicule, challenge, and harassment, individuals with delusions may also reorient successfully with appropriate intervention.

Bibliography

"Alzheimer's Caregiving Tips: Hallucinations, Delusions, and Paranoia." National Institute on Aging. Natl. Insts. of Health, July 2012. Web. 16 Feb. 2015.

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5. 5th ed. Arlington: APA, 2013. Print.

Bortolotti, Lisa. Delusions and Other Irrational Beliefs. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2010. Print.

Brems, Christiane. Basic Skills in Psychotherapy and Counseling. Belmont: Brooks, 2001. Print.

Bruno, Frank J. Psychological Symptoms. New York: Wiley, 1993. Print.

Freeman, Daniel, Richard Bentall, and Philippa Garety, eds. Persecutory Delusions: Assessment, Theory and Treatment. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2008. Print.

"Hallucinations, Delusions, and Paranoia." Alzheimer's Association. Alzheimer's Assn., Feb. 2014. Web. 16 Feb. 2015.

Sadock, Benjamin James, Virginia Alcott Sadock, and Pedro Ruiz. Kaplan and Sadock’s Synopsis of Psychiatry: Behavioral Sciences/Clinical Psychiatry. 11th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters, 2015. Print.

Torrey, E. Fuller. Surviving Schizophrenia: A Family Manual. 6th ed. New York: Harper, 2013. Print.

How can I write an essay in three paragraphs that describes and portrays Johnny Cade as being a hero in the novel The Outsiders?

I would begin your essay by describing the characteristics of a hero, and mentioning how those same traits are portrayed in the character of Johnny Cade from the novel The Outsiders. In the first paragraph, I would write about Johnny's troubled childhood and background, as well as comment on how he was viewed as everyone's younger brother in the gang. You could also mention Johnny's unique ability to listen and understand each person's struggles. I would suggest you connect his capacity to help others with a hero's goal to aid society.

In the following two paragraphs, I would discuss how Johnny specifically saves various people's lives throughout the novel. Begin by describing how Johnny saves Ponyboy's life by stabbing Bob Sheldon, which prevents Ponyboy from drowning. Then, discuss how Johnny plans on turning himself into the authorities. Johnny's selfless act and decision to do the right thing correlate with how a hero would make the morally conscious decision. I would then describe how Johnny courageously enters the burning church and saves the group children trapped inside. Also, comment on how the media portrays Johnny as a hero in the newspapers.

In the final paragraph, describe the scene where Johnny tells Dally that fighting is useless and says, "Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold..." (Hinton 126). Also, include what Johnny says in the letter he writes to Pony found in Chapter 12. Johnny mentions that saving the children was worth it, describes what he meant by telling Ponyboy to stay gold, and also encourages Ponyboy to tell Dally to look at a sunset. Johnny's message to Ponyboy is his way of attempting to save Ponyboy from a meaningless existence. In his letter, he also ventures to save Dally's life by sharing the positive aspects of the world with him. Johnny's selfless personality and willingness to risk his life for others can be described as heroic.

On the basis of the works of Beowulf, Paradise Lost, Gulliver's Travels, and Heart of Darkness, what view does English literature offer on the...

English literature reflects the view that civilization has declined in its morality over the centuries, even as it's made progress technologically. In Beowulf (written down around 1000 CE), the noble Hrothgar and his well-kept and cheery hall are the only bright spots of civilization in a world that is menaced by monsters like Grendel and hemmed in by darkness. Only the mead-hall where Hrothgar and his community dwell is pleasant because it is a beacon of civilization; the rest of the world is dark and dismal.

Paradise Lost (published in 1667) explains the fall of man that forever tainted civilization. While Adam and Eve were born perfect in God's image, Satan in the form of a serpent duped Eve into tasting fruit from the tree of knowledge. While her hasty decision gave humans more knowledge and perhaps the means to construct a more advanced civilization, humans were forever corrupted. In this epic, civilization is linked to the downfall of man. Human advancement can only be seen as an extension of their corruption.

Gulliver's Travels, published in 1726, is a critique of civilization and its advancement of science. For example, on the island of Laputa, the people work to advance science but can't figure out how to do so with any effective results. They ridiculously devote themselves to experiments such as turning marble into pillows and other pointless efforts that poke fun at the use of science to better society. No matter where Gulliver travels, or what the society is like in that place, it is inherently foolish. Therefore, there is no form of society that is ideal.

Finally, in Heart of Darkness, civilization is totally corrupted. The ivory company that controls the Congo uses technology, such as steamships and guns, to slaughter the local people and extract ivory to make themselves rich. There is nothing redeeming or noble about their technological superiority over the local people. Conrad, who published this novella in 1899, suggests that civilization is bent on evil.

What are hematomas?

Causes and Symptoms

A hematoma is caused by blood leakage through the wall of an artery, capillary, or vein; subsequent pooling in surrounding tissue; and resultant coagulation in a semisolid mass. This leakage may occur spontaneously due to fragility of a vessel wall or due to an aneurysm. Leakage may also occur posttrauma due to events ranging from a violent sneeze to bodily injury. Symptoms usually consist of localized edema, inflammation, and pain.

A hematoma can occur anywhere along the circulatory system pathway and may be given a descriptive label indicative of its location. Superficial hematomas include aural, intramuscular, scalp, septal, subcutaneous, and subungual hematomas. An aural (ear) hematoma is a blood mass that accumulates between the ear cartilage and the periphondrium (connective tissue) as a result of blunt force trauma to the external ear. Symptoms include ecchymosis (discoloration to the area) and swelling. An intramuscular hematoma is a blood mass that accumulates within a muscle, often in the forearm or lower leg, as a result of blunt force trauma that leaves skin intact but damages muscle fibers and connective tissue. Symptoms include ecchymosis and swelling. A scalp hematoma is a blood mass that accumulates in the skin and muscle layer covering the skull as a result of head injury. Although not usually serious, it nonetheless could be indicative of bleeding within the skull. A septal hematoma is a blood mass that accumulates
in the nasal septum, usually in conjunction with a broken nose or injury to nearby soft tissue. Symptoms include nasal congestion, septal swelling, and resultant difficulty breathing. A subcutaneous hematoma is a blood mass that accumulates under the skin as a result of damage to superficial blood vessels. It occurs more frequently to those who take anticoagulants. Symptoms include ecchymosis and swelling. A subungual hematoma is a blood mass that accumulates under the nail plate of a finger or toe. Symptoms include pain due to pressure buildup in the nail bed.

Internal hematomas include cranial, fracture site, and intraabdominal hematomas. Cranial hematomas can be epidural, subdural, or intracerebral; all are potentially life threatening. An epidural hematoma (also called extradural hematoma) is a blood mass that accumulates in the epidural space (inside the skull but outside the dura mater, the membrane that covers the brain), often as a result of damage to the middle meningeal artery, located in the temple area, following skull fracture. Symptoms include asthenia (weakness), confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, severe headache, unmatched pupil size, and often intermittent loss of consciousness.

An acute, subacute, or chronic subdural hematoma
(also called subdural hemorrhage) is a blood mass that accumulates in the subdural space (inside the dura mater but outside the brain tissue) as a result of damage to cerebral veins, most often due to head injury. Symptoms in adults include asthenia, balance difficulties, confusion or lethargy, headache, nausea and vomiting, seizures, speech difficulties, and visual disturbances. Symptoms in infants include bulging fontanelles, high-pitched crying, increased head circumference, seizures, and vomiting. Symptom onset is more gradual than for epidural hematoma due to a slower leakage rate for venous blood compared to arterial blood and a larger space for blood to fill before pressure buildup is sufficient to affect brain function. For an acute-onset hematoma, which is associated with the highest rate of death or permanent injury, symptoms usually occur immediately after severe head injury. For a subacute-onset hematoma, symptoms may occur days or weeks after injury occurrence. For a chronic-onset hematoma, symptoms may occur weeks after a less severe head injury.

An intracerebral hematoma (also called intraparenchymal hematoma) is a blood mass that accumulates in the brain tissue as a result of aneurysm, anticoagulant use, arteriovenous malformation, autoimmune diseases, bleeding disorders, brain tumor, drug abuse (amphetamines, cocaine), encephalitis (central nervous system
infection), or uncontrolled chronic hypertension. It may be accompanied by shear injury—tearing of the axon portion of the cranial nerves located in the substantia alba (white matter of the brain)—resulting in severe brain damage due to loss of ability to transmit neural impulses from the brain to the body. A fracture site hematoma is a blood mass that accumulates near a fracture, especially that of the femur (thigh), humerus (upper arm), or pelvis, all of which can result in significant internal hemorrhage. An intraabdominal hematoma is a blood mass that accumulates somewhere within the abdomen—in any of the abdominal organs, in any abdominal component of the gastrointestinal tract, in the peritoneum, or in the retroperitoneal space.

Treatment and Therapy

Initial treatment of superficial hematomas consists of rest-ice-compression-elevation (RICE) of the affected area, if possible, as well as oral administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other analgesics, if pain management is required.

For an aural hematoma, more aggressive treatment may be necessary due to the potential compromise of blood supply and subsequent cartilage atrophy resulting in a deformity of the pinna (outer ear) that is commonly known as cauliflower ear. Treatment consists of lancing and draining the hematoma followed by application of a compression bandage to enable reperfusion of the cartilage and to prevent hematoma reformation. This bandage is usually removed after three to seven days.

For intramuscular hematoma, more aggressive treatment may be necessary due to the potential compromise of blood supply and subsequent damage to the muscle, connective tissues, and nerves, a condition known as compartment syndrome. It most commonly occurs in muscles of the forearm and lower leg. Treatment consists of surgical intervention to drain the hematoma.

For septal hematoma, more aggressive treatment may be necessary due to the potential compromise of blood supply and subsequent cartilage atrophy resulting in perforation of the septum. Treatment consists of lancing and draining the hematoma followed by application of a gauze sponge or cotton ball in the nasal cavity.

For subungual hematoma, more aggressive treatment may be necessary to relieve pressure between the nail plate and the nail bed. Treatment consists of trephination (hole boring) of the nail plate and drainage of the hematoma.

Cranial hematomas (epidural, subdural, and intracerebral) are potentially life threatening and require immediate medical attention at the onset of signs or symptoms due to the risk of irreversible brain damage and possible death. Administration of anticonvulsant medication may be necessary to control or prevent seizures, and administration of corticosteroid medication may be necessary to reduce cerebral edema (brain swelling).

For epidural hematoma, diagnosis of increased intracranial pressure and location of hematoma are confirmed via computed tomography (CT) scan. Treatment consists of prompt surgical intervention to drain or remove the hematoma. For acute, subacute, and chronic subdural hematoma, diagnosis and location of the hematoma are confirmed via CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Increased risk factors include advanced age, alcohol abuse, and daily use of anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory medication, or aspirin. Treatment consists of prompt surgical intervention to drain or remove the hematoma.

For intracerebral hematoma, diagnosis of increased intracranial pressure and location of hematoma are confirmed via CT scan or MRI scan. Treatment may consist of surgical intervention to drain or remove the hematoma.

Perspective and Prospects

Although intrinsic factors—such as aneurysm, arteriovenous malformations, autoimmune diseases, bleeding disorders, brain tumor, encephalitis, or uncontrolled chronic hypertension—and extrinsic factors—such as anticoagulant use, alcohol abuse, or drug abuse (amphetamines, cocaine)—may increase the likelihood of hematoma formation, the most common cause is trauma. Minor traumas, ranging from a violent sneeze to a mild sports injury, as well as major traumas, including car accidents and severe falls, all have the potential to cause hematoma formation.

While the size, type, and severity of hematomas vary according to location and causality, a common complication is infection risk as a result of the colonization of bacteria in stagnant blood. Attenuation or avoidance of complications may be achieved by early diagnosis and, if warranted, prompt medical treatment.

As is the case with all undesirable medical conditions, prevention is preferable to treatment. Although trauma prevention may not always be possible, risk may be minimized via lifestyle choices and proper use of safety equipment.

Bibliography

Beers, M. H., ed. The Merck Manual of Medical Information. 2d ed. Whitehouse Station, N.J.: Merck, 2003.

Bluestone, C. D., S. E. Stool, and C. M. Alper, et al. Pediatric Otolaryngology. 4th ed. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders: 2002.

DeBerardino, Thomas, and Mark D. Miller. Blunt Trauma Injuries in the Athlete. Philadelphia: Elsevier, 2013.

Hockberger, R. S., R. M. Walls, and J. A. Marx. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia: Mosby/Elsevier, 2006.

Lawton, Michael T. Seven Aneurysms: Tenets and Techniques for Clipping. New York: Thieme Medical Publishers, 2011.

Neff, Deanna M. "Subdural Hematoma." Health Library, November 26, 2012.

Raimondi, Anthony J., Maurice Choux, and Concezio Di Rocco. Head Injuries in the Newborn and Infant. New York: Springer-Verlag, 2013.

Salazar, Misael F. Garza, and Araceli Ruiz Mendoza. Hematomas: Types, Treatments and Health Risks. New York: Nova Biomedical Publishers, 2012.

In Of Mice and Men, is Curley's wife's death inevitable?

I would say that Curley's wife's death is inevitable in Of Mice and Men.

The way Steinbeck constructs the narratives of Lennie and Curley's wife establishes what takes place in the barn. Lennie had problems with his last job in Weed because he grabbed a girl's dress.  He has also shown a penchant to want to touch "soft" things that feel "nice" to pet.  Finally, Lennie had already seen Curley's wife and remarked that she was "purty."  

For her part, Curley's wife enjoys being the center of attention.  The ranch hands continually comment on how Curley's wife appears in the bunk house so that she can be noticed by the other men.  Candy says that she has "the eye" in the way she interacts with Slim and Carlson. When she is alone with Lennie in the barn, she recognizes that she has an "audience" that could listen to her story of wanting to be in "pitchers."  The combination of Lennie seeking something he sees to be soft and beautiful and her wish to be noticed by others makes their contact inevitable.

As has been the case throughout the narrative, anytime Lennie comes into contact with "soft" creatures, death is inevitable.  Mice and puppies perish under Lennie's touch. Even Curley's hand is destroyed when it comes into contact with Lennie.  The moment Curley's wife allows Lennie to stroke her hair, her doom is inevitable.  When she gets scared and tries to pull away, Lennie's grip tightens.  He breaks her neck as her screams intensify. 

There could have been circumstances that might have averted Curley's wife's death.  Had she not been in the barn alone with Lennie, she might have lived. If she was not so insistent on having an audience, there is a chance she could have avoided a dangerous situation.  However, Steinbeck shows that if we are not careful, our desires can lead to bad things.  Her desire to be noticed and Lennie's compulsion to touch define both of their personalities and set the stage for her death.

In "A Jury of Her Peers," what are the reasons Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters might feel solidarity with Minnie Wright even though neither of them were...

Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters end up protecting Minnie Wright by hiding the strangled canary, which could be used as key evidence against her in her murder trial. Although Mrs. Peters is the sheriff's wife and "married to the law," she comes to the same conclusion as Mrs. Hale, Mrs. Wright's neighbor. Each woman has her own reason for sympathizing with Mrs. Wright and ultimately acting on her behalf.

Mrs. Hale knew Mrs. Wright many years previous to the day of the story--when she was Minnie Foster. Mrs. Hale remembers Minnie as being a bright and cheerful woman before her marriage, one who enjoyed singing in the choir. When Mrs. Hale realizes how lonely Mrs. Wright was in her marriage to the taciturn John Wright, and realizes with regret that she never visited Minnie or befriended her, she feels somewhat responsible for what has happened. Putting two and two together, understanding that Mr. Wright must have wrung the bird's neck, it dawns on Mrs. Hale that Mr. Wright "killed" the music and joy in his wife by his harsh and abusive actions.

Mrs. Peters is particularly won over to Minnie's defense when she sees the dead canary. She remembers a time in her childhood when a boy killed tortured a pet cat of hers with a hatchet, and how she would have harmed the boy if she could have. She also remembers how silent her house was after the death of her oldest child and commiserates with Minnie having had to live in the quiet, joyless house, made all the more somber after Mr. Wright killed the singing bird. Thus even though neither woman was a friend of Mrs. Wright's, they feel solidarity with her, either because of regret or empathy.