Who was at fault for starting the Korean War?

The Korean War is an interesting case study in early Cold War policy in that both China and the United States were used by the leaders of North and South Korea in their own political goals.  Korea was divided after WWII into two spheres of influence--the North governed with aid from the Soviet Union and China and the South governed with aid from America and the West.  The leader of North Korea, Kim Il-sung wanted to unite the country under his banner.  The Soviet Union would not help him, as they thought that this would touch off a nuclear WWIII with the West, and Stalin was not ready for that.  Il-sung appealed to China for backing, and North Korea successfully invaded South Korea.  The leader of South Korea, Syngman Rhee said that this was communist aggression and America and the U.N. should help his nation.  After the Communists were beaten back out of South Korea, Rhee wanted to invade North Korea and put the nation under his control.  Ultimately, the war would end in a stalemate; since it was an armistice that ended the conflict and not a peace treaty, technically America and North Korea are still at war today.  

To answer your question in the shortest manner possible, North Korea is responsible for starting the Korean War, but they received aid and encouragement from China, so they are somewhat culpable as well.  

In William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, what does Caesar believe about power?

Julius Caesar proves from the onset of the play that he thirsts for power and feels that he should possess it.

In the first scene, Caesar returns to Rome from Spain after having defeated Pompey's sons who have tried to avenge the death of Pompey that occurred in Egypt some time earlier when Caesar defeated him. Now, Caesar is a single power as the triumvirate of which he was once part has been reduced to just him who believes that he can seize power himself.

Because it is the feast of Lupercal. Marc Antony prepares to run in a customary race. Also according to custom, Caesar has Antony touch Calpurnia's clothing to shake off the sterility from which she suffers. As the Romans assemble to watch this opening event, a soothsayer steps up to address Caesar, saying before the Roman leader, "Beware the Ideas of March." But, the arrogant Caesar ignores him. Later, Cassius tells Brutus that Caesar is in awe of himself:

                                   And this man
Is now become a god, and Cassius is
A wretch creature, and must bend his body
If Caesar carelessly but nod on him. (1.2. 118-121)

Further, Cassius says that Caesar sees himself as a Colossus who stands over the "petty men." During the ceremonies of Lupercal, Caesar and his train enter. With great dramatic effect the crown of coronets is offered Caesar and he pushes it away, but each time it is offered, he pushes it away with increasing reluctance. Cassius tells Brutus and Casca,

  ....Then he [Antony] offered it to him again; then he put it by again: but to my thinking, he was very loath to lay his fingers off it. (1.2.244-246)

Of course, since Cassius is envious of Caesar, his opinions may not be objective, but Brutus ponders long and hard whether Caesar will continue to be just and honorable if he is given the power and authority of kingship. Certainly, Brutus understands what a much later philosopher, Jeremy Bentham, wrote, "Tyranny and anarchy are never far asunder."Caesar seems greedy for power.

In Lord of the Flies, what is the significance of Jack saying "we're going to forget the beast?"

Jack’s leadership depends on his ability to manage the fear the boys have. Ralph’s attempts to have them find comfort and shelter in organized attempts to be rescued is failing because of the drudgery and hard work required. Jack offers something more exciting, namely the opportunity to hunt. He has gathered the remnants of his choir, still wearing the remains of their uniforms and hats, and is now selling them on his version of the future for the island.

By suggesting that they forget about the beast in order to focus on hunting and killing, he gives the boys something far more exciting than meetings and watching a fire. He also offers the idea that they might be able to share some of their kill with the beast. Especially because this attempt is successful, this moment is significant as it really marks the beginning of Jack’s success as a leader.

In Lord of the Flies, how can the narrator be mature?

One of the ways that the narrator can be mature is in their diction. A child or immature person would never use phrases like the following sentence: “The fair boy said this solemnly; but then the delight of a realized ambition overcame him.” Just as a child would never say “the delight of a realized ambition,” an immature narrator also could not do so.

This same phrasing implies an ability to understand the boys better than they understand themselves. The narrator can understand and recognize the emotions and thoughts of the boys in a way that would be impossible for someone at their same level.

The narrator also describes the actions of the boys and the developments on the island in a very mature, thoughtful way. For example when describing Bill at the end of the story, he says “this was a savage whose image refused to blend with that ancient picture of a boy in shorts and shirt.” There is an understanding of the changes that have taken place that only a mature and wise narrator could understand and describe.

What do Lord Montague and Lord Capulet build in memory of their children and to mark the end of their feud in Romeo and Juliet?

Lord Montague promises to have a statue of Juliet built in pure gold; similarly, Lord Capulet vows to have one fashioned like Romeo. These statues will be a tribute of their love for one another.

In Act V, Scene 3, Prince Escalus of Verona calls upon Lord Montague to "see thy son and heir more early down" (5.3.223-224). Lord Montague reveals that his wife has just died in the night as the grief over Romeo's exile has overcome her spirit. Now he must be confronted with the death of his son. Then, as he sees Romeo's body, Lord Montague is overcome with his second loss. But, he soon learns that Paris and Juliet are also dead. Therefore, after shaking hands with Lord Capulet, he promises to have a statue constructed for Juliet,

...I will raise her statue in pure gold....
There shall no figure at such rate be set
As that of true and faithful Juliet. (5.3.315-317)

Hearing this, Lord Capulet then promises to have a likeness of Romeo constructed, also.

Furthermore, these statues will serve as eternal reminders of the tragedy of the young lovers who secretly wed and loved while the villainous violence of the feud between the Montagues and Capulets escalated around them. Indeed, this animosity between the two families is what caused the two youths to hide their love in the darkness 

In what ways does the character Luzhin from "Crime and Punishment" reveal something about Raskolnikov?

Luzhin, Dunya’s wealthy fiancé, has a unique relationship to Raskolnikov (Rodya). Unlike Rodya’s more apparent foils (Razumikhin portraying his “good” side and Svidrigailov portraying his “bad” side), Luzhin doesn’t share particular qualities with the protagonist.

Upon first hearing about Luzhin through Pulcheria’s letter, Rodya despises Luzhin for his brash, disrespectful, and pitiful treatment of his beloved sister. Seeing Rodya’s vivid reaction to this letter demonstrates the humanity Rodya still has in him despite murdering Alyona; he genuinely loves his sister and seeks to protect her from this evil man.

Rodya’s view of Luzhin remains negatively skewed after meeting in person as they continue to disagree with one another. After quarrels, like when Luzhin asks Rodya to not attend a meal with Dunya and Pulcheria, Rodya “teams up” with Svidragailov, who shares his similar interests in breaking up Dunya’s engagement. Although first characterized as a caring and loving act, Rodya’s agreement with Svidragailov on this matter taints his goodwill towards his sister.

Once Dunya and Luzhin are finally separated, Luzhin only appears one final time, framing Sonya (Rodya’s true love) for stealing. This weak attempt at embarrassing Rodya shows how Luzhin has hit rock-bottom. This disgraceful act reveals the disgrace plaguing Rodya for murdering Alyona. In the end, however, Rodya is able to repent for his sins through Christianity and Sonya’s love as opposed to Luzhin, who leaves in shame.

In "A Retrieved Reformation" by O. Henry, what does Ben Price represent to Jimmy Valentine?

Ben Price is Jimmy's nemesis. Jimmy would have no problems in the world if it were not for Ben Price, the detective. Jimmy has become so successful at his profession as a safecracker, so adept, so notorious, that someone had to devote his attention to catching and convicting him. Price was the man responsible for sending Jimmy to the prison, where we first meet him. When Jimmy gets his release from the warden and returns to his rented room the next day

Everything was just as he had left it. There on the floor was still Ben Price's collar-button that had been torn from that eminent detective's shirt-band when they had overpowered Jimmy to arrest him.

It is because of his fear of Ben Price that Jimmy makes the fateful decision to move clear out of his present sphere of operations, assume a new identity as Ralph Spencer, and establish a shoe business in a small town as a "front." He has been made to realize that too many people in his present territory know too much about him. That is the price of success. And Ben Price may be thought of as Jimmy's price of success. Unfortunately, Jimmy has committed four serious crimes since his release from prison. This is already enough to put his nemesis back on his track.

 Ben Price investigated the scenes of the robberies, and was heard to remark: “That's Dandy Jim Valentine's autograph. He's resumed business. Look at that combination knob—jerked out as easy as pulling up a radish in wet weather. He's got the only clamps that can do it. And look how clean those tumblers were punched out! Jimmy never has to drill but one hole. Yes, I guess I want Mr. Valentine. He'll do his bit next time without any short-time or clemency foolishness.”

So Ben Price becomes an even worse antagonist. Jimmy falls in love, decides to become respectable, becomes a successful businessman in Elmore, Arkansas and one of the most popular men in that community. Now Ben could not only send him to prison but could destroy all his dreams of happiness. If Jimmy lost Annabel, nothing else would matter to him. And on the day the little girl gets accidentally locked in the bank vault, which only Jimmy has the skill and the tools to open, there stands Ben Price in the main room waiting to arrest him. 

Jimmy shows his love for his fiancee and his strength of character by deciding to go ahead and crack the bank vault in spite of everything. He will be revealing his identity as a master safecracker, not only to Ben Price, but to Annabel and her entire family. He will be disgraced. He will be headed for a long stretch in prison--but it hardly matters if he has lost everything he had gained through his reformation. It turns out to his surprise that by cracking the vault he "retrieves" everything, whereas by not cracking the vault, and letting little Agatha perish, he would have lost everything and gone to prison. Ben Price is human, after all. He realizes that Jimmy is no long a threat but an asset to society, so he uses his own discretion to let him go.