Courtney Lord
eNotes Educator
Achievements
3
Educator Level
53
Answers Posted
26
Answers Bonused
About
I work as a middle school English language arts and AP English Literature and Composition teacher. I find happiness in the little things that happen day-after-day: my morning coffee, walks with my dog and cat (yes, he likes to stroll around the block), fresh copies that arrive on time, rainy days, and unexpected smiles.
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Recent Activity
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Answered a Question in Thank You, M'am
While the main conflict in the story is man v. man, I think a solid argument could be made that there are several examples of man v. self conflicts. The main source of conflict in the story is man... -
Answered a Question in The Outsiders
At first glance, it might appear as if the characters in The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton and Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare do not have much in common; however, when one... -
Answered a Question in Romeo and Juliet
As a character, Romeo matures throughout the play in terms of finally accepting responsibility for his own actions. Throughout the play, Romeo makes many rash decisions that lead to deadly... -
Answered a Question in How to Study Romeo and Juliet
In Act I of Romeo and Juliet, characters have different viewpoints regarding the themes of love and hate, which will ultimately impact the decisions Romeo and Juliet make throughout the rest... -
Answered a Question in Romeo and Juliet
Upon Mercutio’s death, he claims that the “plague” on the Capulet and Montague households is why he is dying. However, when taking a closer look at Act III, Scene I, it becomes clear that not only... -
Answered a Question in Romeo and Juliet
In the infamous balcony scene of Romeo and Juliet, a number of metaphors emerge. A metaphor is when two seemingly unlike things are being compared in order to reveal something about the subject.... -
Answered a Question in Romeo and Juliet
In the final scene of Romeo and Juliet, Romeo reveals his maturity in his interaction with Paris and final words before he commits suicide. As Romeo enters the tomb, he is stopped by Paris, who... -
Answered a Question in Romeo and Juliet
In Act I, Scene II of Romeo and Juliet, Paris approaches Lord Capulet about the idea of marrying Juliet. Lord Capulet appears to be genuinely concerned about his daughter’s age when it comes to the... -
Answered a Question in Thank You, M'am
At the very beginning of “Thank You, Ma’m” by Langston Hughes, we are introduced to a tough woman named Mrs. Jones. Roger, a 14- or 15-year-old boy, attempted to steal her purse. Since the strap of... -
Answered a Question in Thank You, M'am
When one expresses gratitude, he shows appreciation for kindness by being kind in return. In the short story “Thank You, M'am” by Langston Hughes, Roger demonstrates his gratitude for Mrs. Jones... -
Answered a Question in Romeo and Juliet
While their differences seem more obvious, the characters of Benvolio and Tybalt do share some similarities. As others have mentioned, both Benvolio and Tybalt are cousins to the main characters of... -
Answered a Question in Romeo and Juliet
In the prologue of Romeo and Juliet, a longstanding, violent feud between two families is introduced: Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient... -
Answered a Question in Freak the Mighty
To celebrate the Fourth of July, Max and Freak are allowed to go and see the fireworks together. As Max points out, this is kind of a big deal since he was never able to go see the fireworks by... -
Answered a Question in Freak the Mighty
In Chapter 5 of Freak the Mighty, Max takes a “timeout” so to speak. Max just got done showing Freak his bedroom when the Fair Gwen began looking for him. Gwen spots the wagon they were using in... -
Answered a Question in Romeo and Juliet
While we see Juliet interact with her parents more than Romeo interacting with his parents in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, we can make strong inferences about their parents’ feelings towards... -
Answered a Question in Romeo and Juliet
Even though Friar Laurence warns Romeo not to move so quickly with his love for Juliet, he marries them anyway. This isn’t the only time that the Friar makes a hasty decision. In fact, the Friar... -
Answered a Question in Romeo and Juliet
Throughout the course of a story, characters may experience change. If a character does not change during the story, that character is considered static. On the other hand, if a character does... -
Answered a Question in A Raisin in the Sun
In the play A Raisin in the Sun, we never actually get to see the Younger family in their new house. However, based on some of the ending dialogue and actions of Act III, we can make some... -
Answered a Question in Freak the Mighty
At the beginning of Chapter 9, “Life Is Dangerous,” in Freak the Mighty, Max believes they are going on another quest or adventure - like normal. However, this journey, according to Max, was a lot... -
Answered a Question in Thank You, M'am
In order to make an inference regarding Mrs. Jones’ behavior, it’s important to recognize how her behavior changed throughout the course of the short story. At the beginning of “Thank You, Ma’am”... -
Answered a Question in Freak the Mighty
Max and Kevin meet Loretta Lee in Chapter 11, titled “The Damsel of Distress,” in Freak the Mighty. In the previous chapters, while on one of their quests, Max and Kevin spot what Max refers to as... -
Answered a Question in A Raisin in the Sun
When Mama enters in Act II, Scene I, she actually interrupts an intimate moment between Ruth and Walter as they ponder the problems in their relationships over a loving kiss. Immediately following... -
Answered a Question in Freak the Mighty
Each time Max describes Freak in the beginning of Freak the Mighty, he refers to the intensity of Freak’s eyes, possibly to emphasize Freak’s determined spirit. Whatever Freak lacks in physical... -
Answered a Question in Freak the Mighty
At the end of Chapter 3 in Freak the Mighty, Max picks Freak up, places him in the wagon, and pulls him to his house to show him his room (14): I figure it's easier to show him than explain all... -
Answered a Question in Freak the Mighty
In bits and pieces, Max describes his physical appearance in the first several chapters of Freak the Mighty. On pages 3 and 4, Max overhears Grim and Gram talking about how Max resembles his... -
Answered a Question in The Great Gatsby
One of the main themes of The Great Gatsby is the idea of the American Dream - what it is, how to achieve it, what happens when one achieves it (or doesn't), and what it implies for... -
Answered a Question in Freak the Mighty
Gwen, Freak's mother, is startled when she first sees Max. Max was showing Freak his room in the down under when he heard his mother calling for him. Freak decides it's about time that he heads... -
Answered a Question in Freak the Mighty
In the first chapter of Freak the Mighty, we learn that over time, Max has earned several nicknames from others and he has even given himself some nicknames. On page 1, Max says, "Called me... -
Answered a Question in Freak the Mighty
Early on in the novel, we learn that Max's bedroom is in the basement of Grim and Gram's house. In fact, Max himself says, "... but do I complain about the crummy panelling, or the rug that smells... -
Answered a Question in Freak the Mighty
Many of Max's dislikes in Freak the Mighty can be linked to his severe low self-esteem issues. From the beginning chapters, we know that Max doesn't like himself for a couple of reasons.... -
Answered a Question in Freak the Mighty
There could be several reasons why Freak made up the story regarding his bionic body. After he dies, Max is clearly distraught, and even slightly hurt, that Freak lied to him. This is where the... -
Answered a Question in Twelfth Night
A crucial moment in the play in regards to the theme of self-deception is when Malvolio connects the person in "Olivia's" letter (which was really written by Maria) to himself. As part of a... -
Answered a Question in Romeo and Juliet
When analyzing a theme in literature, it's easier to look at the evidence of the theme you are thinking of using in order to come up with your arguments. From there, you can then combine your... -
Answered a Question in Freak the Mighty
The first time Max and Freak are pursued begins in Chapter 6 titled "Close Encounter of the Turd Kind." Max and Freak have been reunited recently, and they go to the fireworks to celebrate the... -
Answered a Question in Thank You, M'am
In the short story "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes, Mrs. Jones, the main character, demonstrates that she is a tough, yet sincere and honest woman. One of my favorite descriptions of her... -
Answered a Question in The Great Gatsby
In chapter one of The Great Gatsby, Nick describes his cousin Daisy's voice (12): I looked back at my cousin who began to ask me questions in her low, thrilling voice. It was the kind of... -
Answered a Question in Romeo and Juliet
Before determining whether Romeo is a tragic hero or not, it's important to understand the characteristics that tragic heroes must encompass. I provided a reference link at the bottom of this... -
Answered a Question in The Great Gatsby
In The Great Gatsby, cars are a symbol of status and wealth, much like the American Dream. As we explore significant references to cars in The Great Gatsby, you'll notice an irony with... -
Answered a Question in Romeo and Juliet
With this specific soliloquy in mind, it would most make sense to argue that Juliet was infatuated with Romeo. This particular soliloquy occurs in Act III, scene 2 after the Nurse led Juliet to... -
Answered a Question in Antigone
From Creon's perspective, the most important human institution in life is the power of the state. More specifically, upholding and maintaining laws once those laws are put into effect. In the very...