A Child s Brain And Never Stops - 2405 Words

I was appalled when the book was started by having Pip guess how his parents would look like based off their tombstones. This scene reminded me of myself when I was younger, because I would also come to a conclusion about how someone would look like based on other descriptions such as how they would sound on the phone.In this scene,Dickens perfectly captures the train of thoughts that goes through a child’s brain and never stops. I believe the book was started by using this scene because he wanted pip’s narration to induce the complications of his childhood. Dickens elucidates the social class and the current condition the convict lives in using this description.This description strongly reminds me of a creepy old man that you would†¦show more content†¦This quote doesn’t blend in with the time period. During the time this book was placed in, it was unusual for women to be in charge of the family.When the term brought up by hand is used, it usually means to be bottle fed.However, in the book it means that they were raised by a hand that would spank,smack, and abuse both Joe and Pip. The hand symbolizes strength,whoever uses it will have power over everyone else in the family. During that time it was common for a parent to treat their kid like that, I’m glad that things have changed. A saying I always hear is that everyone always notices your mistakes, but not your pain or sorrow. Whenever, I feel like I have done something wrong, it seems to me like everyone can see through me. I conclude that everyone knows what I did and everyone is just judging and watching me. I believe that when Pip was walking around, he also felt all of these emotions and thoughts going through his head. Additionally, I think that the reason why people tell the truth when it will hurt them is to avoid these thoughts and emotions that would destroy them on the inside. I found Pip’s behavior to be very erratic in this scene. Before, the convict was threatening Pip’s life earlier in the book. I believe that because of the condition of the man, Pip feels sorry for the convict. The pie symbolizes friendship, and when Pip gave the convict the pie they both received something they wanted. Pip

The Ultimate Power Struggle One’s Descent into Immorality Free Essays

If we must fight, we should put up a damn good one. In my power struggles in the past, either within myself or with others, I realized that when I am in the right I don’t back down. I assert my standpoint well and stand firm in what I believe in. We will write a custom essay sample on The Ultimate Power Struggle: One’s Descent into Immorality or any similar topic only for you Order Now All through my childhood, adolescent and adult years, I knew that if I own it, I win it.   The short story, â€Å"Hunters in the Snow† illustrates a complicated power struggle between three friends, who each sink into a sense of immoral conviction as they own up and affirm their weaknesses. The power struggle among the three characters, Tub, Frank and Kenny, is evident all throughout the story. At the beginning of the story we see Kenny, an insensitive man, play a scary joke on Tub by almost running down his friend with the truck. Right away, he shows the reader his dominance over Tub. Frank, on the other hand, treats Tub like a joke, ignoring Tub’s concerns and emphasizing Tub’s obesity as an impediment. With Kenny delightfully participating, he leaves Tub behind in the hike through the snow (Please cite the page number here). Tub meanwhile tries to forgive his friends, and struggles to keep up with their pace. As the story progresses, however, his submissive behavior changes and his struggle for power becomes pronounced when he shoots Kenny and confronts Frank (Please cite the page number here). Wolff’s rich characterization is achieved through skillful narration, in revealing the characters’ personality; and through skillful use of suspense and surprise, in revealing the characters’ actions. Wolff’s characters are so ingeniously shaped and presented that the reader instantly connects with  them.   The power struggle in my friendships with men and with women is in parallel with the story. It is inevitable, in a set of friends, to not acquire a certain reputation; be it a bully, a meddler, a cohort, a confidante. Establishing such an image or a reputation is a dilemma, and a power struggle within the self and with others. The power struggle within oneself is illustrated in the internal conflicts Tub and Frank are experiencing. Tub is lying to himself and to people around him about his weight problem. He appears to be on a strict diet, eating only hard-boiled eggs and celery sticks (Please cite the page number here).   He tells friends that his obesity is a glandular problem, and therefore not within his will to control. Towards the end of the story, however, he admits to Frank that he is lying about this aspect of his health (Please cite the page number here). Frank, on the other hand, is lying to himself and to his family about his pursuit of lust. He twists facts about Roxanne Brewer, the fifteen-year-old babysitter with whom he has an illicit affair. He rationalizes that her age is not an issue, and that there is something special about her that goes beyond the sexual aspect (Please cite the page number here). He cannot readily admit to himself and to Tub that the ultimate reason for the affair is his sexual gratification. Wolff’s use of the narrative voice and of character dialogue is powerful because it accurately illustrates the convictions of each character with merely a line or two. Wolff crafts character dialogue in its best form. While reading the story, I sympathized with the character named Tub a great deal. He reminds me of an old saying that goes â€Å"A lie, when oft repeated, is eventually considered a truth.†Ã‚  Ã‚   Like Tub, I sometimes tell lies to mask embarrassing inadequacies. However,  unlike Tub, my strength lies in recognizing early on, when to stop seeing the lie as a truth. The power struggle between the characters and their circumstance is illustrated in the plot of the story. The three friends find themselves in a dilemma when, after Tub shot Kenny, the long drive to the hospital is difficult to make because of the unfamiliar area. (Please cite the page number here).   Dealing with their own personal circumstance did not help either, with Frank and Tub taking their sweet time to stop by a tavern, and confessing each other’s weaknesses (Please cite the page number here), clearly an action out of place especially when a wounded and bleeding Kenny is waiting in a truck, out in the cold. When Frank and Tub finally proceed with the drive to the hospital, they take a wrong turn (Please cite the page number here), implying that Kenny might not even make it alive to the hospital. Wolff’s narrative voice is powerful in the revelation of the character’s actions and in the unfolding of the story. The last two lines of the   story have a strong impact on the reader: â€Å"†¦He was wrong. They had taken a different turn a long way back† (Please cite the page number here). Figuratively, it depicts the characters’ descent into immoral convictions, with Frank indulging Tub’s gluttony and Tub condoning Frank’s illicit relationship (Please cite the page number here). I sometimes find myself in a power struggle with my personal circumstance. It is during such times that the feeling of helplessness is so oppressive. Tobias Wolff is clearly a skillful storyteller. With his ingenious use of fiction elements and his masterful ease with manipulating the narrative voice, he creates a powerful story that readers such as myself can relate with.   At the same time, Wolff shocks and  enlightens his readers by revealing the foibles of human character. He achieves one purpose of great literature: to deliver insight so that the reader will realize the value of his strengths and experiences, and the dangers of his weaknesses. Part B. Writing about Poetry On the poem, â€Å"Birches† by Robert Frost (Please cite the page number here). The image of bent birches suggests the idea of an entity being ravaged by external forces, such as a human being weighed down by age and its burdens. This image evokes a sad, poignant fact about life: when we age and are constantly weighed down by problems we may end up â€Å"bent†, radically changed. Using birches as a symbol is an effective technique used by the poet, Robert Frost. During its reading, the verses depict two different images: the literal and the figurative; and so the reader is given two separate but related ideas to grasp, and the experience is enlightening. The image of a boy swinging on birch trees suggests the idea of childhood innocence. Lines 26–28 clearly depict so: â€Å"Some boy too far from town to learn baseball / Whose only play was what he found himself / Summer or winter, and could play alone† (Please cite the page number here). The poet is right on target in conveying the message that childhood, unlike adulthood, is innocent and simple. It does not include complex problems that adults are faced with. The reading of the verses is a delight, since it brings back memories of the reader’s own childhood. On the poem, â€Å"On Reading Poems to a Senior Class at South High† by D.C. Berry (Please cite the page number here). The image of water filling the room as is a fresh, new way of depicting the gradual invasion of intellectual discourse in a learning environment. As the persona is discussing a poem to his class, he likens the situation to an aquarium, where the students open up like gills and let him in (lines 13-14, page no.__ ). The use of water as a metaphor for verbal discussion is appropriate and masterful. The image of the persona and his students swimming around the room, â€Å"like thirty tails whacking words† (lines 16-17, page no.__ ) conveys the idea of a loud, intense activity such as a lively discussion of poems.   The poet, D.C. Berry, successfully concretizes an abstract idea by his use of this imagery. He succeeds in making the poem a delightful read, and introducing a fresh concept to his readers. This poem is a fresh new way of looking at class discussions or poetry readings. It is remarkable how one poem can introduce a reader into seeing an idea in another point of view. On the poem, â€Å"Dulce Et Decorum Est† by Wilfred Owen (Please cite the page number here). The most memorable and haunting images in this poem can be found in lines 17-24 (Please cite the page number here). The images convey the idea of death in its violent form. White eyes writhing, blood gargling, sores on tongues (lines 19-24, page no.__ ) are perfect images for this poem that depicts the real, raw situation of soldiers at war. The reader gets a sense of distaste for the concept that it is sweet and becoming to die for  one’s country. The images portray a death so violent it is far from being sweet. The author uses imagery and tone to convey his message to his readers. As a result, it is as if the persona himself takes the readers by the hand and shows them the ghastly conditions of war. This poem offers a vivid vicarious experience and the realization that the effect of war is rarely glorious, especially to those who experience it first hand. Part C. Writing about Poetry On the poem, â€Å"The Unknown Citizen† by W.H. Auden (Please cite the page number here). This satire ridicules the life of the unknown citizen, a life so average that it is perfectly in conformation to the expectations of society. Auden’s use of satirical humor is exemplified by his persona supposedly praising the average conformist, but really putting this conformist in ridule. The title alone is satirical; the conformist, ideal citizen is nameless, he is unknown despite the fact that he did everything right in his life. Instead, he is reduced into a code, JS/07 M 378, conveying the message that this person is treated as a statistical datum, and nothing more. Further, the use of certain departments, like the Bureau of Statistics (line 1) or Producers Research (line 18) that affirms the good qualities of the citizen is also satirical. If the unknown citizen led an insignificant life, why does he need to be investigated? This satire is an important, effective comment on the treatment of individuals in modern society. It is very effective in conveying the idea of man’s loss of his personal identity. The examples of irony in this poem include the title itself, â€Å"the unknown citizen.† He is insignificant and yet the state praises his insignificant existence. In addition, although he led a boring, conformed life, the state chose to investigate and examine his affairs. W.H. Auden cleverly used these ironic elements to reveal the absurdity of conformity He reveals this idea to the readers in a humorous satire using irony, so that readers relate to the poem well. This poem effectively communicates the ridiculous concept of uniformity in society. The feeling of outrage, however, is tempered by satirical humor, an interesting delightful mix. For this literary achievement, Auden deserves to be sincerely lauded. The reduction of human beings into mere numbers or statistics shows an insensitive, inhuman society. Uniformity is good for inanimate objects, but not for living, breathing, feeling individuals who are each so unique. I have always viewed conformity as a negative factor in living a healthy life. This poem re-affirmed my strong belief that there is strength in being different. To have people of varied backgrounds, intellect, convictions, and lifestyle in a society is to allow people to be free; free to be themselves, free from the shackles of conformity. However, I have to admit that I have a quality in common with the unknown citizen. I am a conformist up to the point of abiding the law. Our similarity, however, stops there. I rage against absurd uniformity, and for this, unlike the unknown citizen, I know that I am perfectly happy and free. How to cite The Ultimate Power Struggle: One’s Descent into Immorality, Essay examples

Animal Farm

Animal Farm-a political satire Essay The book Animal Farm, is a political satire of a totalitarian society ruled by a mighty dictatorship, in all probability an allegory for the events surrounding the Russian Revolution. The animals of Manor Farm overthrow their human master (Mr. Jones) after a long history of mistreatment. Little by little, the pigs become dominant, gaining more power and advantage over the other animals, so much so that they become as corrupt and power-hungry as their predecessors, the humans. Major (an old boar) tells them that the source of all their problems is man, and that they must remove man from their midst for hopes of a Utopia. After Majors death Napoleon and Snowball, two boars led the rebellion where soon things start to change. Orwell builds Napoleons career in reference to this quote, Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Napoleon cheated, manipulated, and killed because of greediness for ones place in power. Mr. Jones tries to reclaim his power but the animals p revent him from doing so in what they call The Battle of the Cowshed. After the battle, Napoleon drives Snowball off the farm telling everyone that Snowball was on Mr. Jones side. This is just the beginning of what Napoleons plans are for the future of Manor Farm. This is no surprise coming from Napoleon, based on what he has done before, always disagreeing with Snowballs plans and thinking of his own. Napoleon is further appreciated by the other animals for exposing and removing the traitor, Snowball, from their midst. Napoleon now is on the midst of gaining more power then he could possibly handle. On one part, he didnt get this power fairly in the first place. Napoleon didnt do much while Snowball was around, so when Napoleon thought that the pigs were becoming corrupt bye Snowball. The theme in Animal Farm maintains that in every society there are leaders who, if given the opportunity, will likely abuse their power. The pigs, the most intelligent of the animals, gain control to make wise decision against the humans, but in turn they turn against each other. In one part of the book Napoleon had used the dogs to kill what he believed were the traitors at Manor Farm. Some of the pigs had confessed to being apart of Snowballs plans and having something to do with the neighboring farms, so Napoleon had them all killed in front of all the other animals. Once again Napoleon abuses his power and not forgetting breaking one the Seven Commandments that state No animal shall kill any other animal. The situation at Manor farm really starts to change now. Napoleon moves into Mr. Jones house, sleeps in his bed, and even wears his clothes. Once again Napoleon breaks one of the laws that were made for Manor Farm which states No animal shall sleep in a bed. This confuses the animals but they cant go back and read the commandments because they cant read. Aside from the laws, The pigs are also taking bigger food rations for themselves justifying their behavior as something n ecessary for the brains of their animal society. In order to make these actions appear right, they had to be interpreted differently, which Napoleon arranged. this was typical of the pigs, but yet the other animals didnt see the real picture. Soon the book ends with the pigs walking on two legs saying the Four legs good, Two legs better, and it ends with a question being Who are the humans and who are the animals?The theme throughout Animal Farm is presented through the allegory of corrupted pigs and the passivity of the other barnyard animals. Orwells message about power, in the hands of a few, is corrupting and does nothing to benefit the masses. The animal Napoleon can be compared as a character representing Stalin in Russia. Both were very mean looking, didnt talk very much but always got what they wanted through force. In the part of the book when Napoleon had the dogs charge Snowball to gain his place in leadership. Stalin became the Soviet Leader after the death of Lenin. He was underestimated by his opponents who always became his victims, and he had one of the most ruthless, regimes in history. 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IPHIGENIA Essay Example For Students

IPHIGENIA Essay A monologue from the play by Jean Racine NOTE: This monologue is reprinted from The Dramatic Works of Jean Racine. Trans. Robert Bruce Boswell. London: George Bell and Sons, 1911. CLYTEMNESTRA: Fit offspring of a fatal stock!Thine is the blood of Atreus and Thyestes:Thy daughters murderer; there but remainsOne horror more, to serve her as a feastBefore her mother. Savage, this is thenThe gladsome sacrifice thou was preparingWith artful care! Did not thy hand refuseThe infamy of writing a commandSo cruel! Why dost thou pretend to feelA false distress? Think not that tears can proveA love that shrinks from bold defense in arms.Why has not blood been shed for her in torrents?What wreck and ruin till of thy resistance?What field of corpses coverd seals my mouth?Proofs such as these I would have had thee bring meOf thine affection and desire to save her.A fatal oracle ordains her death!But what an oracle may seem to sayNot always is its meaning. Can just HeavnThirst for the blood of innocence, or beHonourd by murder? If for Helens crimeHer kin are punishd, for her daughter sendTo Sparta. So let Menelaus ransomThe wife whose frailty in his eyes seems smallMatchd wit h her charms. But surely it is madnessTo make thyself the victim of her sin.And why should I, smiting upon my breast,With my own flesh and blood pay for her folly?Does Helen then, for whom such jealous firesWere kindled, curse of Europe and of Asia,Seem worthy of thine efforts to regain her?How often have we blushd to speak her name!Ere, to his woe, thy brother linkd his fateWith hers, she had been carried off by Theseus,Who, as thou knowest and hast heard from CalchasA thousand times, clandestinely unloosedHer virgin zone; and, pledge of that amour,A princess of her blood has been by herKept in concealment. But a brothers honourIs the least cause of thy solicitude:That lust of empire nothing can extinguish,The pride of seeing twenty monarchs serveAnd fear thee, empire to thine hands confided,These are the gods who claim this sacrificeFrom thee, who far from offering resistanceDost make a barbarous merit of submission.Jealous of powr that can excite their envy,Thou dost not grudge t o pay a heavy priceFrom thine own veins, that so thou mayest quellAll opposition to thy sovereign sway.Is this to be a father? Outraged natureRevolts at this perfidious cruelty.A priest, surrounded by a brutal crowd,Will on my child lay hands of violence,Rend her bared bosom, and with curious eyeFor omens search her palpitating heart!While I, who brought her hither proud and happy,Must needs go back alone and in despair!Still will the ways be scented with the flowrsThat neath her feet were scatterd as we came!It shall not be that to her doom I brought her,Or thou wilt have to add my death to hers.Ay, thou shalt never tear her from these arms,While life is mine: no fears can shake my purpose.Ruthless alike as husband and as fatherCome, if thou darest, snatch her from the breastThat nursed her!

What Makes An Ayn Rand Anthem Sample Essay Work?

What Makes An Ayn Rand Anthem Sample Essay Work?How does an Ayn Rand Anthem Sample essay work? Before we look at that question, let's first take a look at the basic fundamentals of why you need to write poetry. The next paragraph explains it better.Poetry is the art of expressing one's thoughts and feelings in a way that will bring back meaning for the reader. To express your thoughts in poetry, you have to think of words. To express your feelings, you have to feel them. And to feel your feelings, you have to express them in a poetic way.Now, with all that in mind, how does an Ayn Rand Anthem Sample essay work? It really depends on the purpose of the essay, the audience, and the style of the poem. But each example offers a unique story about why poetry is so important to so many people.Each of these essays are all about a person who has a favorite style of writing that he or she uses, whether it be journaling poetry, non-fiction, or fiction. Ayn Rand was one of those types of writers , and her poems are no different.An Ayn Rand Anthem Sample essay offers the reader a glimpse into what makes her unique. Her poems offer the chance to actually see what she looks like when she's writing her poems, how she writes, and what it's like to meet her. If this isn't enough, the entire essay can provide insight into Ayn Rand's life, including interesting stories about her parents, her childhood, and other details. All in all, it's a great way to learn about a great writer.The stories behind each Ayn Rand essay can also help students learn more about herself. You may have heard the stories about her growing up in Soviet Russia, how she was mistreated, and other incidents that shaped her view of the world. If you're considering entering Ayn Rand's poetry contest, this information can help you find out whether it's the right time for you to enter the competition.Ayn Rand's essays offer lessons on creating good writing, both for those who write and those who read. Students can l earn about style, structure, syntax, and what makes good poetry. Some poems include complex stories about historical figures, philosophers, and other things that make them interesting. Whether you're looking for inspiration for a poem or a way to learn about your own writing style, this is a great choice.One thing to keep in mind is that you don't have to follow in the footsteps of Ayn Rand, but there is much to be learned from her. It's a good idea to get some Ayn Rand inspired essays in writing and begin thinking about how the world of poetry can help you succeed.

Battle of Champion Hill in the American Civil War

Battle of Champion Hill in the American Civil War   Battle of Champion Hill - Conflict Date: The Battle of Champion Hill was fought May 16, 1863, during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Armies Commanders: Union Major General Ulysses S. Grant32,000 men Confederates Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton22,000 men Battle of Champion Hill - Background: In late 1862, Major General Ulysses S. Grant commenced efforts to capture the key Confederate fortress of Vicksburg, MS. Situated high on the bluffs above the Mississippi River, the town was critical to controlling the river below. After encountering numerous difficulties in approaching Vicksburg, Grant elected to move south through Louisiana and cross the river below the town. He was assisted in this plan by Rear Admiral David D. Porters flotilla of gunboats. On April 30, 1863, Grants Army of the Tennessee began moving across the Mississippi at Bruinsburg, MS. Brushing aside Confederate forces at Port Gibson, Grant drove inland. With Union troops to the south, the Confederate commander at Vicksburg, Lieutenant General John Pemberton, began organizing a defense outside of the city and calling for reinforcements from General Joseph E. Johnston. The majority of these were sent to Jackson, MS though their travel to the city was slowed by damage inflicted to the railroads by Colonel Benjamin Griersons cavalry raid in April. With Grant pushing northeast, Pemberton anticipated that  Union troops  would drive directly on Vicksburg and began withdrawing back towards the city. Able to keep the enemy off balance, Grant instead attacked towards  Jackson with the goal of  cutting the Southern Railroad which connected the two cities. Covering his left flank with the  Big Black River, Grant pressed ahead with Major General James B. McPhersons XVII Corps on the right and issued orders for it  to proceed through Raymond to strike the railroad at Bolton. To McPhersons left, Major General John McClernands XIII Corps was to sever the Southern at Edwards while Major General William T. Shermans XV Corps was to attack between Edwards and Bolton at Midway (Map). On May 12, McPherson defeated some of the reinforcements from Jackson at the Battle of Raymond. Two days later, Sherman drove Johnstons men from Jackson and captured the city.   Retreating, Johnston instructed Pemberton to attack Grants rear. Believing this plan to  be  too dangerous and that it risked leaving Vicksburg uncovered, he instead marched against Union supply trains moving between Grand Gulf  and Raymond.   Johnston reiterated his order on May 16 leading Pemberton to plan a countermarch northeast  towards Clinton.  Ã‚  Having cleared his rear, Grant turned west to deal with Pemberton and begin the drive against  Vicksburg.   This saw McPherson  advance in the north, McClernand in the south,  while Sherman, having completed operations at  Jackson, brought  up the rear. Battle of Champion Hill - Contact:   As Pemberton contemplated his orders on the morning of May 16, his army was strung out along the Ratliff Road from its intersection with the Jackson and Middle Roads south to where it crossed the Raymond Road.   This saw Major General Carter Stevensons division  at the northern end of the line, Brigadier General John S. Bowens in the middle, and Major General William Lorings in the south.   Early in the day, Confederate cavalry encountered Union pickets from Brigadier General A.J. Smiths division from McClernands XIII Corps near a roadblock Loring had  erected on the Raymond Road.   Learning of this, Pemberton instructed Loring to hold off the enemy while the army commenced its march towards Clinton (Map). Hearing the firing, Brigadier General Stephen D. Lee of Stevensons division, became concerned about a potential threat up the Jackson Road to the northeast.   Sending forward scouts, he deployed his brigade on nearby Champion Hill as a precaution.   Shortly  after assuming this position, Union forces were spotted advancing down the road.   These were  the men of Brigadier General Alvin P. Hoveys Division, XIII Corps.   Seeing the danger, Lee  informed Stevenson who dispatched Brigadier General Alfred Cummings brigade to  form on Lees right.   To the south,  Loring formed his  division behind Jackson Creek and turned back an initial attack by Smiths division.   This done, he assumed a stronger position on a ridge near the Coker House. Battle of Champion Hill - Ebb and Flow: Reaching the Champion House, Hovey spotted the Confederates on his front.   Sending forward the brigades of Brigadier General George McInnis and Colonel James Slack, his forces began engaging Stevensons division.   Slightly to the south, a third Union column, led by Brigadier General Peter Osterhaus XIII Corps division approached the field on the  Middle Road  but halted when it encountered a Confederate roadblock.   As Hoveys men prepared to attack, they were reinforced by Major General John A. Logans Division from XVII Corps.   Forming on Hoveys right, Logans men were moving into position when Grant arrived around 10:30 AM.   Ordering Hoveys men to attack, the two brigades began advancing.   Seeing that Stevensons left flank was in the air, Logan directed Brigadier General John D. Stevensons brigade to strike this area.   The Confederate position was saved as Stevenson rushed Brigadier General Seth Bartons men to the left.   Barely arriving in time, they succeed ed covering the Confederate flank (Map). Slamming into Stevensons lines, McInnis and Slacks men began push the Confederates back.   With situation deteriorating, Pemberton directed Bowen and Loring to bring up their divisions.   As time passed and no troops appeared, a concerned  Pemberton began riding south and rushed forward Colonel Francis Cockrell and Brigadier General Martin Greens brigades from Bowens Division.   Arriving on Stevensons right, they struck Hoveys men and began driving them back  over Champion Hill.   In a desperate situation, Hoveys men were saved by the arrival of Colonel George B. Boomers  brigade of  Brigadier General Marcellus Crockers division  which helped stabilize their line.   As the rest of Crockers division, the brigades of Colonels Samuel A. Holmes and John B. Sanborn, joined the fray, Hovey rallied his men and the combined force counterattacked. Battle of Champion Hill -  Victory Achieved: As the line in the north began to waver, Pemberton became increasingly irate at Lorings inaction.   Possessing a deep personal dislike of Pemberton, Loring had realigned his division but had done nothing to shift men toward the fighting.   Committing Logans men to fight, Grant began to overwhelm Stevensons position.   The Confederate right broke first and was followed by Lees men.   Storming forward, Union forces captured the entire 46th Alabama.   To further worsen Pembertons situation, Osterhaus renewed his advance on the Middle Road.   Livid, the Confederate commander rode off in search of Loring.   Encountering Brigadier General Abraham Bufords brigade, he rushed it forward. As he returned to his headquarters, Pemberton learned that Stevenson and Bowens lines had been shattered.   Seeing no alternative, he ordered a general retreat south to the Raymond Road and west to a bridge over Bakers Creek.   While beaten troops flowed southwest, Smiths artillery opened on Brigadier General Lloyd Tilghmans brigade which was still  blocking the Raymond Road.   In the exchange, the  Confederate commander was killed.   Retreating to  Raymond Road, Lorings men  attempted to follow Stevenson and Bowens divisions over the Bakers Creek Bridge.   They were prevented from doing  so by Union brigade that had crossed upstream and had turned south in an attempt to cut off the Confederate retreat.   As a result, Lorings Division moved south before circling around Grant to reach Jackson.   Fleeing the field, Stevenson and Bowens divisions made for defenses along the Big Black River. Battle of Champion Hill - Aftermath: The bloodiest engagement of the campaign to reach Vicksburg, the Battle of Champion Hill saw Grant suffer 410 killed, 1,844 wounded, and 187 missing/captured while Pemberton incurred 381 killed, 1,018 wounded, and 2,441 missing/captured.   A key moment in the  Vicksburg Campaign, the victory ensured that Pemberton and Johnston would not be able to unite.  Ã‚  Forced  to  begin falling back towards the city, Pemberton and Vicksburgs fate were essentially sealed.   Conversely, having been defeated, Pemberton  and Johnston failed to  isolate Grant in central  Mississippi, cut off his supply lines to the river, and win a key victory for the Confederacy.  Ã‚  In the wake of the battle, Grant was critical of McClernands inaction.  Ã‚  He firmly believed that had XIII Corps attacked with vigor, Pembertons army could have been destroyed and the  Siege of Vicksburg avoided.   After spending the night at Champion Hill,  Grant continued his pursuit the next day and w on another victory at the Battle of Big Black River  Bridge.    Selected Sources: Civil War Trust: Battle of Champion HillBattle of Champion HillCWSAC Battle Summaries: Battle of Champion Hill

Introduction to Evergreen Bagworm Moths

Introduction to Evergreen Bagworm Moths If you are unfamiliar with bagworm, you might never notice it on the evergreens in your yard. Cleverly disguised in their bags made from the foliage of the host tree, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis larvae feed on cedars, arborvitae, junipers, and other favorite landscape trees. Description Despite its nickname, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis is not a worm, but a moth. The bagworm lives its entire life cycle inside the safety of its bag, which it constructs with silk and interwoven bits of foliage. The larval form appears worm-like, hence the name bagworm. Identifying bagworm in the landscape requires a good eye capable of recognizing their excellent camouflage. Because bagworm usually infests evergreen trees, the brown bags may be overlooked at first, appearing like seed cones. Look for suspicious cone-shaped bundles of dried brown foliage, up to 2 inches long, that match the trees needles or leaves. Only the adult male moth leaves the protection of its bag when ready to mate. The moth is black, with clear wings that span roughly an inch across. Classification Kingdom - Animalia Phylum - Arthropoda Class – Insecta Order – Lepidoptera Family - Psychidae Genus - Thyridopteryx Species - ephemeraeformis Bagworm Diet Bagworm larvae feed on the foliage of both evergreen and deciduous trees, especially these favorite host plants: cedar, arborvitae, juniper, and false cypress. In the absence of these preferred hosts, bagworm will eat the foliage of just about any tree: fir, spruce, pine, hemlock, sweetgum, sycamore, honey locust, and black locust. Adult moths do not feed, living just long enough to mate. Life Cycle Bagworm, like all moths, undergoes complete metamorphosis with four stages. Egg:Â  In late summer and fall, the female lays up to 1,000 eggs in her case. She then leaves her bag and drops to the ground; the eggs overwinter.Larva:Â  In late spring, larvae hatch and disperse on silken threads. They immediately begin feeding and constructing their own bags. As they grow, the larvae enlarge their bags by adding more foliage. They stay within the safety of their bags, sticking their heads out to feed and carrying the bags from branch to branch. Frass falls out of the bottom end of the cone-shaped bag through an opening. Pupa:Â  When the larvae reach maturity in late summer and prepare to pupate, they attach their bags to the underside of a branch. The bag is sealed shut, and the larvae turn to head down inside the bag. The pupal stage lasts four weeks.Adult:Â  In September, adults emerge from their pupal cases. Males leave their bags to fly in search of mates. Females have no wings, legs, or mouthparts, and remain within their bags. Special Adaptations and Defenses The bagworms best defense is its camouflage bag, worn throughout its life cycle. The bag allows otherwise vulnerable larvae to move freely from place to place. Female moths, though confined to their bags, attract mates by releasing strong sex pheromones. Males leave their bags to find partners when they sense the chemical alert from females. Habitat Bagworms live anywhere suitable host plants are available, especially forests or landscapes with cedar, juniper, or arborvitae. In the U.S., bagworms range from Massachusetts south to Florida, and west to Texas and Nebraska. This pest is native to North America.