How can I analyze Leonard Cohen's song "Dance Me to the End of Love"?

The song "Dance Me to the End of Love" depicts a cycle of traditional romantic (married), love but in this depiction the romance is intense. It is intensely felt and intensely needed from its youthful inception to its comforting final touch.

The intensity is expressed in part through the song's use of repetition, which along with rhyme is the most notable literary element in the poem. Not only does Cohen repeat the refrain "Dance me to the end of love," but he also repeats the opening phrases "Dance me to the wedding" and "burning violin," attaching these phrases to different moments in the life of the romance.

Using a connotative comparison to convey a lascivious notion of physical love in the second half of the first verse, Cohen connects physical intimacy with a notion of foreign-ness or taboo by linking sexuality to Babylon.  

"Oh let me see your beauty when the witnesses are gone
Let me feel you moving like they do in Babylon
Show me slowly what I only know the limits of"

As the song goes on, the romance moves from a wedding to the idea of having children and Cohen here uses figurative language to great effect. In this verse, we see a notion that the love affair/marriage has been one of enduring affection that has built a household and finally entered into a state of age wherein the two people have begun to wear down. 

"Dance me to the children who are asking to be born
Dance me through the curtains that our kisses have outworn
Raise a tent of shelter now, though every thread is torn"

The outworn curtains no longer provide a shield from what is outside and the shelter that the couple has built, metaphorically, is now reduced to tatters. The idea of what that tent stands for, however, remains intact. The metaphor of a "tent of shelter"might be taken as an important expression of the nature of love in this song - - love is a protective force.

The panic that haunts the speaker of the poem seems to relate to being alone. The relationship between the couple saves the speaker from suffering that fate, although the song presents this pseudo-narrative as a request. The cycle of the romantic affair is projected and, so, hypothetical; and it hypothetically functions as the fulfillment of a desire to love and to be loved. 

The need to escape his panic and to engage in an affair of true love is intense. The need is part of the exhortation, the demand, which is given again and again. 

"Dance me to the end of love."

What are neurotransmitters?

Introduction

In the late 1880s and the early 1900s, Santiago Ramón y Cajal and Charles Sherrington, respectively, demonstrated that there is a gap separating one neuron (nerve cells that transmit and store information) from another, which Sherrington called the synapse. Their work was extended by Otto Loewi, who proved in 1920 that neurons send messages across the synaptic gap using chemicals. By the 1950s, the principle that neurons communicate with one another through chemicals was well established, stimulating both a search for new neurotransmitters and new drugs for psychiatric and other medicinal uses.

The early view was that a presynaptic (sending) neuron discharges only one kind of neurotransmitter across the synaptic cleft to a postsynaptic (receiving) neuron. However, later researchers found that not only are multiple neurotransmitters released in most synapses, but neurotransmitters can be discharged from nonsynaptic neuronal membranes and postsynaptic neurons can send chemical messages to presynaptic cells. Furthermore, the idea that thoughts, feelings, and behavior can be reduced to specific neuronal chemicals is overly simplistic. Neurotransmitter effects depend on a combination of the type of neurotransmitter, what kind of receptor (a transmitter-activated protein molecule) picks up the neurotransmitter, and where in the nervous system the chemicals are released. For example, drug addiction has been linked with high amounts of dopamine at D2 receptors in the mesolimbic system.

Although what is known about neurotransmitters is complex and somewhat hard to grasp, there are three general principles that clarify matters. First, neurotransmitters can be distinguished from one another by the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with which they are most prominently associated. Second, neurotransmitters can be classified into a handful of categories based on their chemical structure. Third, most neurotransmitters tend to have either an excitatory (activating) or inhibitory (deactivating) effect on affected cells.

Small Molecule Neurotransmitters

The first neurotransmitter discovered was
acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter for stimulating muscles (atropine and botulism block its effects) and conveying information in the parasympathetic nervous system. In the central nervous system, acetylcholine promotes rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and is critical for learning: Foods high in choline—a precursor of acetylcholine—boost learning; low acetylcholine levels inhibit learning, such as in Alzheimer’s disease.

Several small molecule transmitters are amines (substances containing NH2, an amino group). Four amines tend to have arousing effects.
Dopamine is essential for experiencing pleasure and has been implicated in almost any kind of addiction. Low levels of dopamine are associated with depression, restless leg disorder, and Parkinson’s disorder; very high levels are associated with schizophrenia and impulsiveness.
Epinephrine and norepinephrine are related: Norepinephrine plays a primary role in arousal, vigilance, active emotions, and emotional memories. Stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines, activate norepinephrine pathways. Most norepinephrine receptors accept epinephrine, which is the primary neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system. Histamine conducts itching sensations, and its release by mast cells causes the red flaring typical in allergic reactions. Unlike the other amines, higher levels of serotonin tend to induce a calming effect, reducing impulsivity and decreasing appetite. Low levels are linked with depression (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, form a category of antidepressants that increase serotonin), increased aggression (including suicide), and sudden infant death syndrome. Many hallucinogenic drugs (for example, lysergic acid diethylamine, or LSD, and 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine, known as MDMA or Ecstasy) appear to work by interacting with serotonin.

The three most prevalent neurotransmitters are amino acids (substances containing amino and carboxyl groups). Almost all synaptic excitation requiresglutamate; almost all synaptic inhibition necessitates gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain or glycine in the spinal cord and lower brain areas. Glutamate is essential for learning; however, an overrelease can precipitate amnesia and neuronal death. Too much glutamate is also implicated in diseases of white matter (loss of myelin), such as multiple sclerosis; not enough glutamate is associated with schizophrenia. GABA has a sedative effect on the nervous system: Benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and alcohol bind on GABA receptors. Lack of GABA and glycine overactivates the nervous system and can induce disorders such as epilepsy (GABA deficits) and lockjaw (glycine deficits).

Peptides

The largest group of neurotransmitters—several dozen—are peptides (amino acid chains). Two peptides have a complementary effect: Substance P is the main carrier of pain; beta endorphins decrease pain. Beta endorphins and enkephalins belong to a family of opiate chemicals produced by the brain that typically increase pleasure but may inhibit learning.

Neuropetides play a role in many basic drives, including drinking (vasopressin), eating (neuropeptide Y), and sexuality (oxytocin).
Oxytocin, the hormone that is involved in uterine contractions and lactation, also serves as the bonding neurotransmitter. Higher levels of oxytocin stimulate and help to maintain pair bonding, parenting, and other prosocial behaviors.

Lipids, Nucleotides, and Gases

The brain not only produces opioids but also cannabis-like lipids called endocannabinoids. One of these chemicals, anandamide, helps to regulate the release of several small molecule transmitters. Endocannabinoids appear to interact with opioids to produce pleasurable effects, and, as with the opioids, overrelease may interfere with learning.

Adenosine, a nucleotide involved in sleep production, is also released by the nervous system’s other main cell type: glia. Caffeine has excitatory effects because it blocks adenosine receptors.

Two water-soluble gases, nitric acid and carbon monoxide, are neurotransmitters that can be released from any neuronal area, unlike all other neurotransmitters. Both neurotransmitters modulate the activity of other neurotransmitters and play a role in metabolic processes. Nitric oxide also dilates blood vessels: Erectile dysfunction drugs enhance the activity of nitric oxide.

Bibliography

Bohlen und Halbach, Oliver von, and Rolf Dermietzel. Neurotransmitters and Neuromodulators: Handbook of Receptors and Biological Effects. Hoboken: Wiley, 2006. Print.

Carlson, Neil R. Foundations of Physiological Psychology. 7th ed. Boston: Allyn, 2008. Print.

Ingersoll, R. Elliott, and Carl F. Rak. Psychopharmacology for Helping Professionals: An Integral Perspective. Belmont.: Thomson, 2006. Print.

Julien, Robert M., Claire D. Advokat, and Joseph E. Comaty. A Primer of Drug Action. 12th ed. New York: Worth, 2011. Print.

Kandel, Eric R. Principles of Neural Science. 5th ed. New York: McGraw, 2013. Print.

Lajtha, Abel, and E. Sylvester Vizi, eds. Handbook of Neurochemistry and Molecular Neurobiology: Neurotransmitter Systems. 3rd ed. New York: Springer, 2008. Print.

Did the My Lai Massacre affect the American people?

The My Lai Massacre affected the American people greatly. The event occurred at a time when there was a growing doubt about the government’s war effort and its honesty with the American people about how well the war was going. The government continued to tell the American people how well the war was going. The pictures and the news reports suggested something different. When the Tet Offensive occurred in January 1968, Americans were convinced the government was being dishonest with them.

When the news of the My Lai Massacre broke, this increased the anti-war spirit in the country and the distrust in the government. In this massacre, American troops killed hundreds of innocent civilians in the raid on the hamlet of My Lai. To make matters worse, the military covered up this event for about a year. More Americans began to demand that we get out of Vietnam. Soldiers began to wonder what other actions were being hidden from the public. Morale was very low, and drug use among the soldiers was high.

The My Lai Massacre had a great impact on the military and on the American people.

Why was the Black Death a good thing for some people?

Between 1347 and 1352, the Black Death wreaked unprecedented havoc on the population of Medieval Europe. This outbreak of bubonic plague, however, was not bad news for everyone: agricultural labourers, for instance, gained much from this catastrophe. According to Utah State University, the population decrease, which historians estimate at between one-third and one-half, meant that the "nobility had difficulty securing the necessary workforce to sow their fields and harvest their crops." (See the reference link provided). This meant that agricultural labourers could be more selective about their working conditions: they had the opportunity to take over land which was previously occupied by plague victims, for instance, and demanded better wages because they were fewer in number. 

We see the impact of this change through a Sumptuary Law which the English Parliament introduced in 1363. This law came as a response to the increased wealth of labourers and sought to curtail their newly-found freedoms by dictating how they dressed and what foods they ate.  

What are Scout Finch's motivations and her point in To Kill a Mockingbird?

The novel covers Scout's early life, from about age five to age eight. So, she has various motivations for some of the things she does. Consider a few events and how they illustrate some of Scout's character traits.

In Chapter 3, Scout picks a fight with Walter Cunningham Jr. because she thinks he got her in trouble at school. However, Jem steps in and invites Walter to their house for dinner. Scout has a quick temper and is more of a tomboy than other girls her age. When Aunt Alexandra comes to live with the family, she will try to teach Scout to become more of a lady and Scout resists this. 

Near the end of Chapter 15, Walter Cunningham Sr. and a mob of men have come to the jail to harm Tom Robinson. Atticus and Mr. Underwood are watching for just such a thing. Scout, Jem, and Dill have come to see what Atticus is up to. While hiding and watching Atticus confront the men, Scout senses something is wrong: 

This was the second time I heard Atticus ask that question in two days, and it meant somebody’s man would get jumped. This was too good to miss. I broke away from Jem and ran as fast as I could to Atticus. 

Scout then tries talking to Walter Cunningham Sr. In her own naive way, Scout is trying to facilitate some kind of peaceful resolution. So, with the first event, we see Scout's temper and reluctance to become more like a lady. With this event, Scout makes an effort to find common ground and it is successful. 

In the end, Scout learns to appreciate the perspectives of others. At the end of the novel, Scout stands on the Radley's porch, thereby literally and symbolically looking at things through Boo's eyes. This is one of the primary themes of the novel. As Scout matures and learns more about the social divisions of her town, she learns to be more empathetic. In learning this empathy, she learns that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird because it is a sin to hurt the innocent. But note how young Scout is in the novel. She is precocious and smart for her age, but she is usually motivated by naivety. However, these are all learning experiences and the knowledge she gains informs her decisions as she gets older. 

According to Tuck, if people heard about the spring, what would happen?

The answer to this question can be found in chapter twelve of Tuck Everlasting. During this chapter, Angus Tuck takes Winnie out in a rowboat to the nearby pond.  It is his way of getting her alone, because he wants to explain the importance of keeping the spring a secret.  Angus is legitimately worried that people would rush to the spring and drink from it without understanding the repercussions of what they are doing.  

"If people knowed about the spring down there in Treegap, they'd all come running like pigs to slops. They'd trample each other, trying to get some of that water. That'd be bad enough, but afterwards—can you imagine? All the little ones little forever, all the old ones old forever. Can you picture what that means? Forever? The wheel would keep on going round, the water rolling by to the ocean, but the people would've turned into nothing but rocks by the side of the road. 'Cause they wouldn't know till after, and then it'd be too late."

Angus Tuck no longer sees being immortal as a blessing.  He desperately wants to get back "on the wheel."  That means that he wants to feel the effects of time like everybody else.  He wants the ability to grow old and die.  To Angus, being able to die lets him know that he had really lived.  Angus believes that if hundreds of people took a drink from the spring, then hundreds of people would also feel like he does.  

What does the character Othello lose in the play of the same name?

Firstly, Othello loses Iago's loyalty, for his ancient turns against him when he does not appoint him in the position of lieutenant. Iago is deeply embittered and swears revenge. He tells Roderigo that he will act as if he is still loyal to the general in order to deceive him and wait for the ideal opportunity to strike. He informs Roderigo in Act 1, scene 1:

...I follow him to serve my turn upon him:...

...Were I the Moor, I would not be Iago:
In following him, I follow but myself;
Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty,
But seeming so, for my peculiar end:... 

It is also obvious that Othello loses respect for his new bride's father, Brabantio, for he displays his racism and prejudice towards the general when he accuses Othello of abducting his daughter, using witchcraft and plying her with potions in order to abuse her. He unquestioningly believes Iago and Roderigo's lies and assumes that Othello is guilty. His remarks when he confronts Othello in Act 1, scene 2, also indicate his bigotry.  

O thou foul thief, where hast thou stow'd my daughter?
Damn'd as thou art, thou hast enchanted her;
For I'll refer me to all things of sense,
If she in chains of magic were not bound,...

...Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom
Of such a thing as thou, to fear, not to delight.
Judge me the world, if 'tis not gross in sense
That thou hast practised on her with foul charms,
Abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals
That weaken motion: I'll have't disputed on;...

Clearly, Othello cannot respect him for such blatant bias.

When Iago manipulates Othello and preys on his weaknesses, the general also loses his self-control and rationality. He becomes careless an irrational because of jealousy. He believes Iago's lies about Desdemona's deceit and in Act 4, scene 1, he calls her a devil and strikes her in public, with Lodovico witnessing his physical and verbal abuse. In this regard, then, he also loses his trust in her since he believes she and Cassio are cuckolding him.

OTHELLO
[Striking her] Devil!

DESDEMONAI have not deserved this.

LODOVICO
My lord, this would not be believed in Venice,
Though I should swear I saw't: 'tis very much:
Make her amends; she weeps.

OTHELLO
O devil, devil!
If that the earth could teem with woman's tears,
Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile.
Out of my sight!

On a literal level, Othello also believes that he has lost a precious possession, a handkerchief from his mother which he gave to Desdemona as a gift. When he asks her for it, she has no idea where it is. Unbeknownst to her, Emilia had picked up the napkin and gave it to Iago who would use it as ocular proof later as evidence of Desdemona and Cassio's supposed illicit affair. In Act 3, scene 4, Othello demands to know where the napkin is and when Desdemona tells him that she does not know, he says:

That is a fault.
That handkerchief
Did an Egyptian to my mother give;
She was a charmer, and could almost read
The thoughts of people: she told her, while
she kept it,
'Twould make her amiable and subdue my father
Entirely to her love, but if she lost it
Or made gift of it, my father's eye
Should hold her loathed and his spirits should hunt
After new fancies: she, dying, gave it me;
And bid me, when my fate would have me wive,
To give it her. I did so: and take heed on't;
Make it a darling like your precious eye;
To lose't or give't away were such perdition
As nothing else could match.

Othello is so overwhelmed by his jealousy and Desdemona's apparent betrayal that he decides to murder her. He suffocates her in bed and thus also loses a dear and loving wife, who had been loyal to him throughout.

In the end he also loses his own life for he is overcome by remorse when he discovers Iago's malicious deception and that he had been played like a puppet by his vindictive ancient. He decides to die with honor rather than live with the unalterable crime on his conscience. Before he commits suicide, he admits to the grievous error that he had committed and that he had lost something priceless (Desdemona). In his final words at the end of Act 5, scene 2, he declares, in part:

Set you down this;
And say besides, that in Aleppo once,
Where a malignant and a turban'd Turk
Beat a Venetian and traduced the state,
I took by the throat the circumcised dog,
And smote him, thus.

He then stabs himself and dies.