Speak Essay Example for Free

Speak Essay Speak is an inspirational story of a young girl struggling to manage her teenage life. Melinda, the protagonist of the book, transformed from a withdrawn girl to a outgoing one. Melinda changed dramatically from the beginning of the book to the end. Melinda started off the story as an outcast in her school of Merryweather High School. She was kneed in the back by a girl at the school pep rally and taunted by kids in the hallways. All of this happened because Melinda called the cops at a summer party. But she did this because she was raped by Andy Evans, a senior at the party, and everyone is unaware of this. Melinda rarely talks to people, and when she does, she never really opens up. She creates a safe place in a janitors closet where she goes to be alone, and when she goes home she just sleeps or keeps to herself. The most important turning point in Melindas change in attitude and behavior is when she talks to her art teacher, Mr. Freeman. Throughout the story, Melinda became close with Mr. Freeman, and admired him. Melindas art project was a tree so he gave her the advice to cut off all the trees dead parts, so the tree can grow and prosper again. This gives Melinda the courage to tell her ex-best friend Rachel, who was currently dating Andy Evans, about the rape. Once she told Rachel that, the truth was out. At the end of the story, Melinda had released her burden that had been eating away at her. She befriended her old friends again, and she felt like a whole new person. Melinda became a strong person who was not afraid to speak up anymore. She opened up to her parents and friends, improved her grades, and started a normal teenage life. Melindas story is one of overcoming fear and speaking up for herself. With the help of Mr. Freeman, she turned her situation around and stood up for what was right. Melinda freed herself by speaking. Melinda changed dramatically from the beginning of the book to the end.

Epic of Beowulf :: Epic of Beowulf Essays

?Justification for the Abandonment and Solitude of Beowulf Beowulf is the classic tale of a mighty and heroic Geat leader who comes to an unpleasant and seemingly early end. Throughout his life, Beowulf had been an excellent leader and had led his army to many victories over many foes, of his land and of many others as well. At his peak, Beowulf was the mightiest warrior on all the earth: â€Å"There was no one else like him alive. In his day, he was the mightiest man on earth, high-born and powerful.† (297-298). Eventually, Beowulf would come to be ruler over many people. During this time he would defeat many enemies, two of which being Grendel and his mother. After their defeat, Beowulf and his people experienced a time of peace and prosperity which was enjoyed by all. He remained undefeated until the bitter end when he was defeated by the dragon in the underwater hell-like grave. Beowulf’s death marked the end of not only his reign, but also of the safety know by hi s people, and also the end of his kingdom. The reasons for his abandonment of his people and his insistence to fight alone are not clear, although many have theories as to why the great warrior chose the fate he did. The first topic at hand is why Beowulf chose to fight by himself, especially in the case of the dragon. Beowulf was a very valiant warrior who fought his greatest battles alone, or at least single-handedly. First of all, his battle against Grendel was brilliantly maneuvered in that he awakened from a complete slumber to slay the mighty Grendel and mutilate his body. Secondly, Beowulf battled against Grendel’s mother (who was excessively disturbed about the death of her beloved son) and won a triumphant battle. In both battles, Beowulf won by his own means and was very victorious in each occasion. The question could be raised as to why he chose to fight alone as opposed to having many skilled warriors to help him in his plight to defeat the evil in the world. One possible theory is that it is much more valiant to be the victor of a battle which you yourself have fought and won. This way, there is only one person who is capable of receiving credit for the battle which could help in later times as to the correctness of the tale. Epic of Beowulf :: Epic of Beowulf Essays ?Justification for the Abandonment and Solitude of Beowulf Beowulf is the classic tale of a mighty and heroic Geat leader who comes to an unpleasant and seemingly early end. Throughout his life, Beowulf had been an excellent leader and had led his army to many victories over many foes, of his land and of many others as well. At his peak, Beowulf was the mightiest warrior on all the earth: â€Å"There was no one else like him alive. In his day, he was the mightiest man on earth, high-born and powerful.† (297-298). Eventually, Beowulf would come to be ruler over many people. During this time he would defeat many enemies, two of which being Grendel and his mother. After their defeat, Beowulf and his people experienced a time of peace and prosperity which was enjoyed by all. He remained undefeated until the bitter end when he was defeated by the dragon in the underwater hell-like grave. Beowulf’s death marked the end of not only his reign, but also of the safety know by hi s people, and also the end of his kingdom. The reasons for his abandonment of his people and his insistence to fight alone are not clear, although many have theories as to why the great warrior chose the fate he did. The first topic at hand is why Beowulf chose to fight by himself, especially in the case of the dragon. Beowulf was a very valiant warrior who fought his greatest battles alone, or at least single-handedly. First of all, his battle against Grendel was brilliantly maneuvered in that he awakened from a complete slumber to slay the mighty Grendel and mutilate his body. Secondly, Beowulf battled against Grendel’s mother (who was excessively disturbed about the death of her beloved son) and won a triumphant battle. In both battles, Beowulf won by his own means and was very victorious in each occasion. The question could be raised as to why he chose to fight alone as opposed to having many skilled warriors to help him in his plight to defeat the evil in the world. One possible theory is that it is much more valiant to be the victor of a battle which you yourself have fought and won. This way, there is only one person who is capable of receiving credit for the battle which could help in later times as to the correctness of the tale.

Disorders of Thyroid Gland

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland (a butterfly-shaped structure present in the base of the neck just, below the Adam's apple) is overactive and produces too much of the thyroid hormone (Hurd 2006). In this condition, the body's metabolism rate is significantly increased due to the rise in the T3 and the T4 levels in the blood (forms of the thyroid hormone) that control several vital functions in the body (Mayo 2006). The disease can occur in acute and chronic forms.Several functions such as fat and carbohydrate metabolism, heart rate, protein production, etc are controlled by the thyroid hormones. The pituitary gland also known as ‘master gland’ controls the release of the T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland. It is present in the hypothalamus region of the skull (Mayo 2006). The pituitary gland produces the hormone Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) which controls the thyroid levels in the body through a negative feedback mechanism. If the thyroid hormo ne levels are low, the TSH level raises leading to increased production of thyroid hormones.In situations in which the T3 and T4 levels are higher, the TSH levels rises in the blood (Mayo 2006). In certain tumors that affect the pituitary gland, excessive levels of TSH may be released resulting in hyperthyroidism. In Grave's disease (an autoimmune disorder in which hyperthyroidism is present), the thyroid levels may rise due to certain antibodies prsent in the blood that encourage the thyroid gland to produce higher amounts of T3 and T4. Sometimes, the thyroid gland may get inflamed (known as ‘thyroiditis’) resulting in increased production of the thyroid hormone (Mayo 2006).An individual who develops hyperthyroidism may develop a range of symptoms which include sudden loss of weight, increased appetite, rise in the heart rate, palpitations, arrhythmia, nervousness, anxiety attacks, tremors, irritability, menstrual problems, sweating, confusion, swelling present in the base of the neck (goiter), tiredness, sleeplessness, muscle weakness, problems in bowel movements, clammy skin, skin flushes, hair loss, gynecomastia, etc (Hurd 2006). Besides, the eyes are also affected resulting in protrusion of the eyes, hypertension, dryness of the eyeballs, sensitivity to light, osteoporosis, etc (Mayo 2006).Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone to make up the needs of the body (Mayo 2006). The condition more frequently occur in women than men, over that age of 50 years (Hurd 2007). Hypothyroidism can develop from a range of condition. In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the body’s defense mechanism produces antibodies that tend to destroy the thyroid gland tissues resulting in hypo-secretion (Mayo 2006). It may develop in association with a bacterial or a fungal infection.Some individuals who are treated for hyperthyroidism through radio-isotope therapy, ant-thyroid agents or surgery, may develop hypothyroidism due to reduced activity of the gland (Mayo 2006). Several other treatment and diagnostic interventions such as radiotherapy involving the head and neck region, certain medications such as lithium, etc, may bring about hypothyroidism (Mayo 2006). In some cases, babies are born with a small or a missing thyroid gland and develop hypothyroidism.The pituitary gland may produce lower amounts of TSH due to a tumor involving the gland (Mayo 2006). In general, the metabolism and activities of the body are slowed down in hypothyroidism. Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism include sensitivity to cold, pale, hoarseness of the voice, weight gain, moon-like face, higher cholesterol levels, joint and muscle problems (pain, tenderness and swelling), depression, constipation, fatigue, weakness, abnormal menstrual cycle, drowsiness, short stature, delayed formation of the teeth, etc (Hurd 2007).The skin appears dry, flaky and pale, and the individual may have nail abnormali ties and hair loss (Hurd 2007). The teeth may take longer time to form or may not form at all (Hurd 2007). The individual may develop a goiter (swelling present in the lower part of the neck due to the enlargement of the thyroid gland). As the cholesterol levels (especially LDL or bad cholesterol) are elevated, the individual is at the risk of developing heart problems (Mayo 2006).

American History The Battle Of Gettysburg - 1213 Words

Eli West Survey of American History The Battle of Gettysburg The American Civil War is, to date, the bloodiest and the most real war in the eyes of American citizens, with every battle raging in American back yards and farm fields. This great war of ours holds battles such as Shiloh, Antietam, and Stones River all known for being exceptionally violent and casualty heavy. However, none of these can compare when it comes to the amount lives lost or importance to the outcome of the war itself as the Battle of Gettysburg; the three day engagement fought between the North-bound men of Robert E. Lee’s confederates and the union soldiers under Meade’s command. Confederate General Robert E. Lee was in the midst of a campaign that was focused on sending a war to the North and hopefully making Northern politicians pull their support from the fighting. After victory at Chancellorsville where Lee beat Joseph Hooker in what became known as â€Å"Lee’s perfect battle† because he was able to defeat an army more than twice the size of his own, the two generals being of completely different tact Lee being a more audacious and aggressive commander, where Hooker was known as timid and would often second guess himself. This victory gave Lee and his men the morale boost to march all the way to Pennsylvania. President Lincoln at this time was urging for Hooker to pursue Lee and the confederates, but recalling his ugly defeat at Chancellorsville Lincoln allowed Hooker to resign command three daysShow MoreRelatedEssay about The American Civil War: America’s Bloodiest War716 Words   |  3 PagesThe American Civil War, known as the War Between the States’ by some, was America’s bloodiest war. The Civil War consisted of over 10,000 battles between The Union Army of the North and the South’s Confederate Army, which lasted almost 4 years. The War was fought in 23 states and of the more than 10,000 battles only about 50 were major battles. (Weider, The Civil War, 1) In this paper the reader wi ll learn about important dates of the war also about 4 of the bloodiest battles in the war; the BattleRead MoreThe Battle Of Gettysburg And The Civil War Essay1448 Words   |  6 PagesOn July 1, 1863, the bloodiest, most gruesome war in American History began. The Battle of Gettysburg was fought in the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The Union Army under the command of General George G. Meade faced the Confederate Army led by General Robert E. Lee. They clashed for a long, tragic, three days, but at a costly expense of human life. The American Civil War was one of the most significant battles that the United States has ever been engaged in. 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