The Women Characters Of Antigone Essay Example For Students

The Women Characters Of Antigone Essay Antigone by Sophocles is one of the most distinguished pieces of theatrical work that reflects upon Greek mythology and culture. Antigone has several themes and circumstantial settings that can be indirectly referred or related to in modern society. Sophocles uses various and strategically placed characters to present his play as well as his themes. The play mainly revolves around Antigone who acts alongside her elder sister, Ismene. Both are daughters of Oedipus and Jocasta who are in the context of the play deceased. This essay will analyze these two characters alongside one other female minor character, Eurydice who contributes significantly to the development and success of the play. We will write a custom essay on The Women Characters Of Antigone specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now From the start of the play, the audience is given a vague idea of both Antigones and Ismenes characters. Both sisters have suffered the anguish of having lost their brothers, Eteocles and Polyneices. It is at the beginning of the play that we see Antigones braveness. She notifies Ismene of her intentions to bury Polyneices despite the fact that such an act is punishable by death, for Creon considers Polyneices to be a traitor and that by not having his body buried, Polyneices suffers a posthumous punishment. She makes this declaration while being fully aware of the penalties involved and this brings to light several other things about her character. The audience is able to see that she is confident in her actions and will justify anything that she does. Meanwhile Ismene can be viewed as being afraid and uneager to agree to an action. She confronts her sisters statements by saying, But think of the danger ! Think what Creon will do ! (34, Prologue).This statement by Ismene create a va gue feeling in the audience that Ismene is a pessimist. This view is further reinforced when she says, And do what he has forbidden ! We are women / We cannot fight with men, Antigone ! (46-47, Prologue). Hence Ismene is seen seeking a way out by giving excuses that are in a sense linked to negative stereotypes and this makes a reflection of her pessimistic nature. Antigones actions at the beginning of the play reflect her impulsivness and rash manner in handling situations. Rather than try to confront Creon regarding the burial of her brother she goes ahead to bury him. Her impulsive manner is also seen when she doubts Ismenes promise that she will not divulge any information to anybody else regarding Antigones plans to bury her brother. She does this despite the reasonable consideration that Ismene is her only sister and family member left. Her actions at this point also reflect on her indifference in carrying out actions that reflect on others. She does not seem to care about the fact that burying her brother may have unfavorable consequences on Ismene who would lose her sister and at the same time be in a dilemma. Ismene would have to risk telling the authorities and get her sister prosecuted so as to be a true patriot and to save her own life or keep mum and be prosecuted for aiding and abetting an offense alongside her sister whom she wil l eventually loose, regardless of what she decides to do . This scenario presents a strong argument that Ismene is considerate and rational as she eventually decides to keep Antigones plans secret and continues to do so even when Antigone attacks her. She responds by saying, But a loyal friend indeed to those who love. (85, Prologue). This demonstrates Ismenes passive and unvengeful nature. Antigone bears responsibility well and can therefore be seen to be responsible. When brought before Creon, she admits her actions in burying Polyneices without much ado, she audaciously confesses, I do. I deny nothing (52, ODE I, Scene II). She goes ahead and justifies her action, and calmly makes it clear that she is not afraid of the punishment due to be imposed on her.. In contrast Ismene bears a sense of responsibility just like her sister. When brought before Creon, she admits her role in Antigones crime without hesitation, she says, Yes, if she will let me say so. I am guilty. This and the ensuing exchange that follows between the sisters also brings to light other aspects of the sisters personalities. .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf , .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf .postImageUrl , .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf , .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf:hover , .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf:visited , .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf:active { border:0!important; } .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf:active , .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uc87313ff6a32d531bcc3e5a4030ec8cf:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Importance of Being Earnest a review EssayOne of the aspects that is brought out by this exchange is that of loyalty. Both Ismene and Antigone are loyal to each other even in a situation where it is at the expense of death. Ismene is ready to die alongside her sister. At the same time Antigone cares too deeply for Ismene and does not want Ismene to suffer the punishment of death. The idea that loyalty exists between the two sisters is reinforced by the fact that Ismene, while in the face of death, defends her sister. When Antigone is declared as having lost her mind by Creon, she says, Grief teaches the steadiest minds to waver, King. (153, ODE I, Scene II). Other even ts that had occurred earlier in the play portray this feeling of loyalty and the sisterly love that exists between Ismene and Antigone. Both sisters place family duty above everything else. Ismenes earlier caution at the beginning of the play can now be interpreted as an act of sisterly love and concern. Eurydice who is Creons wife cum queen and Antigone are emotionally impulsive. Antigone commits suicide when she is sentenced to death and confined to a vault of stone. Eurydice in turn commits suicide when she hears about the death of her son, Haemon. Hence both characters can be seen as compulsive and quick to act rather than face the harsh reality of suffering. All in all it can be said that Sophocles primarily uses the various characteristics presented by Antigone, Ismene and Eurydice to develop his play. Although of these characters are the same gender their characteristics differ greatly and this lies in with the underlying themes of the play. Mythology

Information Technology Acts

Information Technology Acts Children’s Internet Protection Act, 2000 Almost every home, library and school in the US has computers as well as access to the internet. These have become very important to children’s success in their academic work. However, the internet can expose them to online predators as well as inappropriate material. The increase in use of the internet by children especially teenagers brought in concerns about the need to prevent illegal activities over the internet.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Information Technology Acts specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The US Congress enacted the Children’s Internet Protection Act, 2000 to address access to offensive content through the internet. The Act requires schools as well as libraries to put content filters on their information systems to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate sites and contents (Reynolds, 2006). Content devices are placed to block obsce ne and child pornography pictures, as well as, any other material deemed to cause harm to minors. The passing of this Act was prompted by the increase of global network which enabled minors to chart or communicate through email and chart rooms. This was deemed to pose risks to minors who can still be easily deceived by those who pretend to have good intent. Besides, software for hacking and spyware had become very common, meaning that anybody could easily illegally gain access to minors’ information if they wanted to for any reason. Hacking allows unauthorized access, disclosure as well as dissemination of personal identification information about children and teenagers. This posed great risks to minors who access the internet. There were concerns that some of these software companies develop software which enable them track minors’ web-surfing activities, and as a result sell the information to market research companies (Reynolds, 2006). This is illegitimate and again st the Privacy Act. Marketing companies and other firms use such information to send email advertisements by use of ardware through minors’ email addresses, regardless of their ages and the risks associated with the products or activities. Again, the internet allows those who develop pornography movies and pictures to distribute them online. Some of these contents are freely available online and always attract minors’ attention. Such inappropriate contents contribute to minors being involved in immoral activities which include sex when they are not yet mature. The internet also allows drug gangs to make attractive advertisements which allow them to easily recruit teenagers into their drug and gang activities. Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, 1986 The Act was passed to help reduce cracking of information systems as well as to deal with federal computer-related offenses. It governs cases where information systems are used to carry out crimes involving interstate as well as foreign commerce. It also covers the use of computers to commit crimes related to illegal access or use of computers of financial institutions or the federal government.Advertising Looking for essay on it? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The act was passed as a result of the development of electronic funds transfer systems, hacking software, spyware, virus and the increase in adoption of information systems in institutions. The adoption of electronic funds transfers created real concerns about fraud or illegal transfer of funds from financial institutions. Fraudsters are able to maliciously access data and use various techniques to steal money from financial institutions or individual accounts. The development of credit cards, ATM cards and automated machines has increased the risks of fraud. Criminals skim credit card details by swiping them through card reader to copy the information contained in their magnetic str ip, and use them to generate cloned cards (Stamp Walker, 2007). Companies have developed handheld skimmers which can fit into pockets and hands, which allow fraudsters to secretly swipe cards without the knowledge of the owners. Some of these skimmers are attached to ATMs in the card slot. They are used in combination with pinhole cameras to record customers entering PIN. Fraudsters can also take advantage of their powerful encrypting software to encrypt passwords of employees in a financial institution to transfer funds from the institution to a financial institution in another country. The development of online financial transactions has also increased fraud risk. Hackers can hack financial details of an individual or institution through unauthorized leaks in the system and use it carry out fraud activities, which includes illegal transfer of funds and assets across countries. Software companies and individuals continuously develop password hacking software which hackers and crac kers use to view activities of other remotely connected computers. They are therefore able to spy activities of institutions of the federal government or monitor the financial activities of financial institutions. There also software which enables them to capture the activities of these institutions or damage vital data belonging to these institutions (Wienbar, 2004). These software enable them crack passwords since they are stronger than firewall and other filters. They can therefore illegally gain access to confidential information and use it to achieve their own personal interest. Spyware and viruses have been developed to cause damage and to gain unauthorized access to federal information. They can be used to hack, delete files or information stored in protected computers vital to the federal government or institutions. New technologies such as spyware can be used to collect information from corporate or public institutions without the knowledge of the computer users. They can b e used to monitor computer users, collect personal information and take control of the computer of computer systems.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Information Technology Acts specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More They can install additional software which may include virus, and interfere with functionality of other computer programs. The development of webcams also poses great risks. Individuals remotely activate webcams embedded in computers used in institutions to secretly capture activities, and therefore illegally monitor activities of individuals and institutions. Reference List Reynolds, G. (2006). Ethics in information technology, 2nd Ed. St Peter Port: Course Technology Inc. Stamp, J., Walker, J. (2007). Money laundering in Australia, 2004: Trends and issues in crime and criminal justice. Australian Institute of Criminology, 342. Wienbar, S. (2004). The Spyware Inferno. News.com. Web.

The life of Bobby Brown Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The life of Bobby Brown - Term Paper Example The life of Bobby Brown Born in February 5, 1969, the Bobby Brown had an objectionable lifestyle from the beginning. His birthplace was in Massachusetts, hardscrabble Orchard Park projects in the Roxbury, Boston area. His first name after birth was Robert Brown but later came to be known as Bobby Brown. Born to Herbert Brown, Bobby Brown was the second last among his seven siblings. Bobby Brown’s mother was Carol Brown, an elementary school teacher married to her husband, Herbert (a construction worker). Bobby Brown had undesirable experiences given the challenges of poverty during his early life, since his parents could hardly afford a high lifestyle status. This made Bobby Brown to adopt a thug life and turned to stealing with his colleagues of his age. His attempts to steal emanated from Bobby Brown’s desire to acquire what his parents could not provide him because of their low-income level. He desired to have attractive suits and nice pairs of shoes, which he stole from the store. Bobby Br own had a shot on his knees while stealing when he was ten years of age. The incidence occurred during violence breakout between Bobby Brown’s gang group and their rivals while they were attending a party. Bobby Brown also had a shoulder stabbing by knife from one of his acquaintances. The death of one of his friend, James Flint, after a stubbing, became a turning point of Bobby’s thug life. Flint died from the incidence during a party, an incidence that changed Bobby Brown’s life and made him quit his thug life and robbery. He gained determination, focused on his desires in life, and notably turned to hard work. He concentrated on making his lifetime dreams come true. Background From his tender age, Bobby Brown desired to be a musician. His role model was James Brown, whose performance thrilled Bobby Brown. In nurturing his dreams, Bobby Brown started singing in church and realized that he had a desirable voice for singing. Bobby Brown then formed a group with four comrades at the age of twelve, in which they began to sing. The group consisted of Ricky Bells and Ralph Tresvant. Present in the group, as well, were Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe. They named the group as New Edition and performed winning many titles in talent shows (Hallenbeck-Huber, 2010). Maurice Starr, a producer identified the group, New Edition and sponsored it. Starr offered the group a recording contract in 1983. The group produced their first album known as Candy Girl, which gained dominance and fame. Other albums that the group produced while with Bobby Brown included, â€Å"Cool It Now† and the famous â€Å"Mr. Telephone Man†. The fall out of Bobby Brown with his friends came in 1986 after the others could no longer tolerate his rude antics while on stage. He then released his solo album, King of Stage, the same year of the fallout. The album later shined, courtesy of the song, Girlfriend. His next release, the 1988’s Don’t Be Cruel, el evated him to high levels. Data collection methods Collection of data on the life of Bobby will mainly involve the use of reviewed articles about his biography. Sources that outline the various albums produced by Bobby in his music career from 1983 shall serve as credible sources for data collection. Data collection on the life of Bobby would be accessible through interviews attended. The interview of Bobby and Oprah Winfrey would offer an important source for data collecti

Financial statement analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Financial statement analysis - Essay Example The data included in the study was not fit to the standards. Therefore, the values of some ratios are misguiding and incorrect. The website (http://banker.thomsonib.com) provided some missing values that were the core reason for the incorrect and misguiding values. The competing firms were all listed on London Stock Exchange, and the values, therefore, are not entitled to be changed for currency and other issues. Dart Group PLC is operating as a leisure travel and a Distribution & Logistics group. The Company started its operations by providing delivery of flowers that were of every color and now are flying passengers through their fleet of aircrafts. The company is known for their speedy deliveries. The Group has expanded with three new businesses; the first division is the â€Å"Jet2.com† the business operates more than 150 routes locally. The bases are developed at seven northern United Kingdom Airports. The Company has a sister company named the â€Å"Jet2holidays† this company provides the hotel facilities in more than 50 cities and also in sun destinations. The third and final division named â€Å"Fowler Welch† in considered to be one of the leaders in fast supplies. The business provides the top supermarkets with the fast moving goods. The company grew gradually and stabled within the 40 years since the establishment. Dart Group PLC are recently engaged in the scheduled leisure to Mediterranean, this means that the company is expanding in the international market. The Company also provides packaged holidays as the company own the airlines Jet2.com and also is operating in the Holiday services under its division Jet2holidays. The products that are provided to the supermarkets are freshly produced, and the trucks of Fowler Welch are temperature controlled. The business is linked with the retailers, producers (farmers) and the importers in the market (Dart Group

Presidency of James Madison

Presidency of James Madison Liliana Martinez The presidency of James Madison was one which many people have disagreeing points of view on. Some think he was not one of our greater presidents because he let the United States fall into the conflict known as the war of 1812. Others think that Madisons presidency was a good one because he led America out of the war of 1812 and united the country. The presidency of James Madison while not being one of the greatest of all the presidents was still above average as a president because of Madisons involvement as the Father of the Constitution, Federalist Papers and presidency overall. Born in 1751, Madison grew up in Orange County, Virginia. He was the oldest of 12 children, seven of whom lived to adulthood. In 1769, he attended the College of New Jersey. In 1776, he is a member and attend the Virginia Convention. From 1780-1783 he is a member of Continental Congress. Then from 1884-1886, he becomes a member of the Virginia Legislature. In 1787, he is a member of the Constitutional Convention. Then from 1789-1797 he is a member of the House of Representatives. Later in1801-1809, he is Secretary of State under Jefferson. His first term of office was in 1809. The War of 1812 was the second war for independence, the U.S vs. o Great Britain. There was later the Embargo Act of 1807, and the Bank of the United States in 1816. He became known as the Father of the Bill of Rights and he also published the Federalist Papers. He was a big help in writing the constitution, he made big contributions to help create and shape America. When the U.s faced the war of 18182, he secured U.S sovereignty for generations to come. He also became. co-Founder of the Democratic-Republican party. And in spite of obstacles, however, America had an impressive strength, particularly in its naval fleets. Little by little, they claimed victories over their opponents. Finally, in 1815, the war ended with the Treaty of Ghent. Neither parties of the war gained new territories, but many historians agree that Americans view the War of 1812 to be the second greatest war that ensured their independence. Madisons presidency ended with his retirement in 1817, when he was 65 years old. Having been such a significant persona in America, James Madison left a legacy that the country will not forget. Dozens of landmarks, towns, cities, institutions, and natural resources have been named after him. His portrait was also featured in the US $5,000 bill. But the true legacy of James Madison was the change of the course of history that millions are now benefiting from. As one of the Founding Fathers, he was part of the birth of America as a nation. As the Father of Constitution, he ensured that this nation would become whole, united, and most of all, in the hands of the people. And as a huge force behind the Bill of Rights, he empowered and inspired the people. James Madisons legacy isnt contained in the United States , they rippled throughout the world. With that, he was indeed a great President. Yes, he had both domestic and foreign policy accomplishments. His domestic accomplishments were he Co-authored the Federalist Papers and was instrumental in the drafting of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, he helped establish the Democratic-Republican Party with Jefferson, and renewed the charter for the Bank of the United States to raise funds for the War of 1812. He then had his foreign policy which was signed Macons Bill No.2, which repealed the Non-Intercourse Act and allowed French and English goods on American ships as long as trade rights were respected, led the nation into the War of 1812 after the failure of diplomatic protests and a trade embargo against Britain. Overall, the policies helped America succeed sand improve its conditions for a stronger and more reliable nation. Sources http://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/james-madison https://millercenter.org/president/madison/life-before-the-presidency http://www.american-presidents-history.com/james-madison-timeline.html http://www.presidential-power.org/presidencies-timelines/james-madison-presidency-timeline.htm https://millercenter.org/president/madison/impact-and-legacy http://totallyhistory.com/james-madison/

LINDA TRIPP: I’m you. . . I’m just like you. Really Linda? I don’t think so! :: Essays Papers

LINDA TRIPP: "I’m you. . . I’m just like you." Really Linda? I don’t think so! Linda Tripp, due to her key role in the Impeachment Scandal has become one of the most controversial figures in current politics. Is she a villain or is she a hero? Looking at Tripp’s actions before, during, and after the Impeachment Scandal the question arises; were these actions legitimate or were they improper? An important factor in answering this question is the audience’s reaction to Tripp’s behavior along with an analyzation and critique of her actions. "Psychological criticism" is the method that will be used to evaluate Linda Tripp. This "attempts to analyze the effects of the rhetorician’s character, intelligence, and sincerity as perceived by the audience." (Campbell, Critiques of Contemporary Rhetoric. 1972, pg. 29) One must look at how Tripp portrays her image to the audience, how Tripp attempts to put herself in a favorable light, how Tripp blames her opponents, how Tripp creates an impression of sincerity, how Tripp identifies herself with the "experiences, values and attitudes of his [her] audience" (Campbell, Critiques of Contemporary Rhetoric. 1972, pg. 30) and the way in which Tripp discounts personal biases and interests. Based on these questions and the opinions of the audience one can judge Tripp’s role in the Impeachment Scandal. Tripp portrays her image to the public by identifying herself as the normal, average, American citizen. When speaking with the press on July 29, 1998 Tripp repeats the statement, "I am you" in four slightly different forms. Tripp speaks about how she ended up in her current predicament and her response is, "I’m you." This is immediately followed by, "I’m just like you. . . I never asked to be placed in this position. Because I am just like you." At the end of her statement she says, "I am no different than you" (Text of Linda Tripp’s Remarks, July 29, 1998, Washington Post, pg. 1&3) This technique removes Tripp for the spotlight for a moment. It asks the audience to relate her to the "girl next door" or in her case just your, "everyday single mom trying to do the right thing." The taping of the phone conversations amongst her Lewinsky can easily be explained by Tripp. "I [even] thought of it as my patriotic duty." (NBC, Today Show, "Linda Tripp Speaks About her Motives in Recording Monica Lewinsky’s Phone Conversations" February 12, 1999) LINDA TRIPP: "I’m you. . . I’m just like you." Really Linda? I don’t think so! :: Essays Papers LINDA TRIPP: "I’m you. . . I’m just like you." Really Linda? I don’t think so! Linda Tripp, due to her key role in the Impeachment Scandal has become one of the most controversial figures in current politics. Is she a villain or is she a hero? Looking at Tripp’s actions before, during, and after the Impeachment Scandal the question arises; were these actions legitimate or were they improper? An important factor in answering this question is the audience’s reaction to Tripp’s behavior along with an analyzation and critique of her actions. "Psychological criticism" is the method that will be used to evaluate Linda Tripp. This "attempts to analyze the effects of the rhetorician’s character, intelligence, and sincerity as perceived by the audience." (Campbell, Critiques of Contemporary Rhetoric. 1972, pg. 29) One must look at how Tripp portrays her image to the audience, how Tripp attempts to put herself in a favorable light, how Tripp blames her opponents, how Tripp creates an impression of sincerity, how Tripp identifies herself with the "experiences, values and attitudes of his [her] audience" (Campbell, Critiques of Contemporary Rhetoric. 1972, pg. 30) and the way in which Tripp discounts personal biases and interests. Based on these questions and the opinions of the audience one can judge Tripp’s role in the Impeachment Scandal. Tripp portrays her image to the public by identifying herself as the normal, average, American citizen. When speaking with the press on July 29, 1998 Tripp repeats the statement, "I am you" in four slightly different forms. Tripp speaks about how she ended up in her current predicament and her response is, "I’m you." This is immediately followed by, "I’m just like you. . . I never asked to be placed in this position. Because I am just like you." At the end of her statement she says, "I am no different than you" (Text of Linda Tripp’s Remarks, July 29, 1998, Washington Post, pg. 1&3) This technique removes Tripp for the spotlight for a moment. It asks the audience to relate her to the "girl next door" or in her case just your, "everyday single mom trying to do the right thing." The taping of the phone conversations amongst her Lewinsky can easily be explained by Tripp. "I [even] thought of it as my patriotic duty." (NBC, Today Show, "Linda Tripp Speaks About her Motives in Recording Monica Lewinsky’s Phone Conversations" February 12, 1999)

The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 9. TARGET

ALICE DROPPED ME OFF IN THE MORNING, IN KEEPING with the slumber party charade. It wouldn't be long until Edward showed up, officially returning from his â€Å"hiking† trip. All of the pretenses were starting to wear on me. I wouldn't miss this part of being human. Charlie peeked through the front window when he heard me slam the car door. He waved to Alice, and then went to get the door for me. â€Å"Did you have fun?† Charlie asked. â€Å"Sure, it was great. Very . . . girlie.† I carried my stuff in, dumped it all at the foot of the stairs, and wandered into the kitchen to look for a snack. â€Å"You've got a message,† Charlie called after me. On the kitchen counter, the phone message pad was propped up conspicuously against a saucepan. Jacob called, Charlie had written. He said he didn't mean it, and that he's sorry. He wants you to call him. Be nice and give him a break. He sounded upset. I grimaced. Charlie didn't usually editorialize on my messages. Jacob could just go ahead and be upset. I didn't want to talk to him. Last I'd heard, they weren't big on allowing phone calls from the other side. If Jacob preferred me dead, then maybe he should get used to the silence. My appetite evaporated. I turned an about face and went to put my things away. â€Å"Aren't you going to call Jacob?† Charlie asked. He was leaning around the living room wall, watching me pick up. â€Å"No.† I started up the stairs. â€Å"That's not very attractive behavior, Bella,† he said. â€Å"Forgiveness is divine.† â€Å"Mind your own business,† I muttered under my breath, much too low for him to hear. I knew the laundry was building up, so after I put my toothpaste away and threw my dirty clothes in the hamper, I went to strip Charlie's bed. I left his sheets in a pile at the top of the stairs and went to get mine. I paused beside the bed, cocking my head to the side. Where was my pillow? I turned in a circle, scanning the room. No pillow. I noticed that my room looked oddly tidy. Hadn't my gray sweatshirt been draped over the low bedpost on the footboard? And I would swear there had been a pair of dirty socks behind the rocking chair, along with the red blouse I'd tried on two mornings ago, but decided was too dressy for school, hanging over the arm. . . . I spun around again. My hamper wasn't empty, but it wasn't overflowing, the way I thought it had been. Was Charlie doing laundry? That was out of character. â€Å"Dad, did you start the wash?† I shouted out my door. â€Å"Um, no,† he shouted back, sounding guilty. â€Å"Did you want me to?† â€Å"No, I got it. Were you looking for something in my room?† â€Å"No. Why?† â€Å"I can't find . . . a shirt. . . .† â€Å"I haven't been in there.† And then I remembered that Alice had been here to get my pajamas. I hadn't noticed that she'd borrowed my pillow, too – probably since I'd avoided the bed. It looked like she had cleaned while she was passing through. I blushed for my slovenly ways. But that red shirt really wasn't dirty, so I went to save it from the hamper. I expected to find it near the top, but it wasn't there. I dug through the whole pile and still couldn't find it. I knew I was probably getting paranoid, but it seemed like something else was missing, or maybe more than one something. I didn't even have half a load here. I ripped my sheets off and headed for the laundry closet, grabbing Charlie's on the way. The washing machine was empty. I checked the dryer, too, half-expecting to find a washed load waiting for me, courtesy of Alice. Nothing. I frowned, mystified. â€Å"Did you find what you were looking for?† Charlie yelled. â€Å"Not yet.† I went back upstairs to search under my bed. Nothing but dust bunnies. I started to dig through my dresser. Maybe I'd put the red shirt away and forgotten. I gave up when the doorbell rang. That would be Edward. â€Å"Door,† Charlie informed me from the couch as I skipped past him. â€Å"Don't strain yourself, Dad.† I pulled the door open with a big smile on my face. Edward's golden eyes were wide, his nostrils flared, his lips pulled back over his teeth. â€Å"Edward?† My voice was sharp with shock as I read his expression. â€Å"What -?† He put his finger to my lips. â€Å"Give me two seconds,† he whispered. â€Å"Don't move.† I stood frozen on the doorstep and he . . . disappeared. He moved so quickly that Charlie wouldn't even have seen him pass. Before I could compose myself enough to count to two, he was back. He put his arm around my waist and pulled me swiftly toward the kitchen. His eyes darted around the room, and he held me against his body as if he were shielding me from something. I threw a glance toward Charlie on the couch, but he was studiously ignoring us. â€Å"Someone's been here,† he murmured in my ear after he pulled me to the back of the kitchen. His voice was strained; it was difficult to hear him over the thumping of the washing machine. â€Å"I swear that no werewolves -† I started to say. â€Å"Not one of them,† he interrupted me quickly, shaking his head. â€Å"One of us.† His tone made it clear that he didn't mean a member of his family. I felt the blood empty from my face. â€Å"Victoria?† I choked. â€Å"It's not a scent I recognize.† â€Å"One of the Volturi,† I guessed. â€Å"Probably.† â€Å"When?† â€Å"That's why I think it must have been them – it wasn't long ago, early this morning while Charlie was sleeping. And whoever it was didn't touch him, so there must have been another purpose.† â€Å"Looking for me.† He didn't answer. His body was frozen, a statue. â€Å"What are you two hissing about in here?† Charlie asked suspiciously, rounding the corner with an empty popcorn bowl in his hands. I felt green. A vampire had been in the house looking for me while Charlie slept. Panic overwhelmed me, closed my throat. I couldn't answer, I just stared at him in horror. Charlie's expression changed. Abruptly, he was grinning. â€Å"If you two are having a fight . . . well, don't let me interrupt.† Still grinning, he put his bowl in the sink and sauntered out of the room. â€Å"Let's go,† Edward said in a low hard voice. â€Å"But Charlie!† The fear was squeezing my chest, making it hard to breathe. He deliberated for a short second, and then his phone was in his hand. â€Å"Emmett,† he muttered into the receiver. He began talking so fast that I couldn't understand the words. It was over in half a minute. He started pulling me toward the door. â€Å"Emmett and Jasper are on their way,† he whispered when he felt my resistance. â€Å"They'll sweep the woods. Charlie is fine.† I let him drag me along then, too panicked to think clearly. Charlie met my frightened eyes with a smug grin, which suddenly turned to confusion. Edward had me out the door before Charlie could say anything. â€Å"Where are we going?† I couldn't stop whispering, even after we were in the car. â€Å"We're going to talk to Alice,† he told me, his volume normal but his voice bleak. â€Å"You think maybe she saw something?† He stared at the road through narrowed eyes. â€Å"Maybe.† They were waiting for us, on alert after Edward's call. It was like walking into a museum, everyone still as statues in various poses of stress. â€Å"What happened?† Edward demanded as soon as we were through the door. I was shocked to see that he was glowering at Alice, his hands fisted in anger. Alice stood with her arms folded tight across her chest. Only her lips moved. â€Å"I have no idea. I didn't see anything.† â€Å"How is that possible?† he hissed. â€Å"Edward,† I said, a quiet reproof. I didn't like him talking to Alice this way. Carlisle interrupted in a calming voice. â€Å"It's not an exact science, Edward.† â€Å"He was in her room, Alice. He could have still been there – waiting for her.† â€Å"I would have seen that.† Edward threw his hands up in exasperation. â€Å"Really? You're sure?† Alice's voice was cold when she answered. â€Å"You've already got me watching the Volturis' decisions, watching for Victoria's return, watching Bella's every step. You want to add another? Do I just have to watch Charlie, or Bella's room, or the house, or the whole street, too? Edward, if I try to do too much, things are going to start slipping through the cracks.† â€Å"It looks like they already are,† Edward snapped. â€Å"She was never in any danger. There was nothing to see.† â€Å"If you're watching Italy, why didn't you see them send -â€Å" â€Å"I don't think it's them,† Alice insisted. â€Å"I would have seen that.† â€Å"Who else would leave Charlie alive?† I shuddered. â€Å"I don't know,† Alice said. â€Å"Helpful.† â€Å"Stop it, Edward,† I whispered. He turned on me, his face still livid, his teeth clenched together. He glared at me for half a second, and then, suddenly, he exhaled. His eyes widened and his jaw relaxed. â€Å"You're right, Bella. I'm sorry.† He looked at Alice. â€Å"Forgive me, Alice. I shouldn't be taking this out on you. That was inexcusable.† â€Å"I understand,† Alice assured him. â€Å"I'm not happy about it, either.† Edward took a deep breath. â€Å"Okay, let's look at this logically. What are the possibilities?† Everyone seemed to thaw out at once. Alice relaxed and leaned against the back of the couch. Carlisle walked slowly toward her, his eyes far away. Esme sat on the sofa in front of Alice, curling her legs up on the seat. Only Rosalie remained unmoving, her back to us, staring out the glass wall. Edward pulled me to the sofa and I sat next to Esme, who shifted to put her arm around me. He held one of my hands tightly in both of his. â€Å"Victoria?† Carlisle asked. Edward shook his head. â€Å"No. I didn't know the scent. He might have been from the Volturi, someone I've never met. . . .† Alice shook her head. â€Å"Aro hasn't asked anyone to look for her yet. I will see that. I'm waiting for it.† Edward's head snapped up. â€Å"You're watching for an official command.† â€Å"You think someone's acting on their own? Why?† â€Å"Caius's idea,† Edward suggested, his face tightening again. â€Å"Or Jane's . . . ,† Alice said. â€Å"They both have the resources to send an unfamiliar face. . . .† Edward scowled. â€Å"And the motivation.† â€Å"It doesn't make sense, though,† Esme said. â€Å"If whoever it was meant to wait for Bella, Alice would have seen that. He – or she – had no intention of hurting Bella. Or Charlie, for that matter.† I cringed at my father's name. â€Å"It's going to be fine, Bella,† Esme murmured, smoothing my hair. â€Å"But what was the point then?† Carlisle mused. â€Å"Checking to see if I'm still human?† I guessed. â€Å"Possible,† Carlisle said. Rosalie breathed out a sigh, loud enough for me to hear. She'd unfrozen, and her face was turned expectantly toward the kitchen. Edward, on the other hand, looked discouraged. Emmett burst through the kitchen door, Jasper right behind him. â€Å"Long gone, hours ago,† Emmett announced, disappointed. â€Å"The trail went East, then South, and disappeared on a side road. Had a car waiting.† â€Å"That's bad luck,† Edward muttered. â€Å"If he'd gone west . . . well, it would be nice for those dogs to make themselves useful.† I winced, and Esme rubbed my shoulder. Jasper looked at Carlisle. â€Å"Neither of us recognized him. But here.† He held out something green and crumpled. Carlisle took it from him and held it to his face. I saw, as it exchanged hands, that it was a broken fern frond. â€Å"Maybe you know the scent.† â€Å"No,† Carlisle said. â€Å"Not familiar. No one I've ever met.† â€Å"Perhaps we're looking at this the wrong way. Maybe it's a coincidence . . . ,† Esme began, but stopped when she saw everyone else's incredulous expressions. â€Å"I don't mean a coincidence that a stranger happened to pick Bella's house to visit at random. I meant that maybe someone was just curious. Our scent is all around her. Was he wondering what draws us there?† â€Å"Why wouldn't he just come here then? If he was curious?† Emmett demanded. â€Å"You would,† Esme said with a sudden, fond smile. â€Å"The rest of us aren't always so direct. Our family is very large – he or she might be frightened. But Charlie wasn't harmed. This doesn't have to be an enemy.† Just curious. Like James and Victoria had been curious, in the beginning? The thought of Victoria made me tremble, though the one thing they seemed certain of was that it had not been her. Not this time. She would stick to her obsessed pattern. This was just someone else, a stranger. I was slowly realizing that vampires were much bigger participants in this world than I'd once thought. How many times did the average human cross paths with them, completely unaware? How many deaths, obliviously reported as crimes and accidents, were really due to their thirst? How crowded would this new world be when I finally joined it? The shrouded future sent a shiver down my spine. The Cullens pondered Esme's words with varying expressions. I could see that Edward did not accept her theory, and that Carlisle very much wanted to. Alice pursed her lips. â€Å"I don't think so. The timing of it was too perfect. . . . This visitor was so careful to make no contact. Almost like he or she knew that I would see. . . .† â€Å"He could have other reasons for not making contact,† Esme reminded her. â€Å"Does it really matter who it was?† I asked. â€Å"Just the chance that someone was looking for me . . . isn't that reason enough? We shouldn't wait for graduation.† â€Å"No, Bella,† Edward said quickly. â€Å"It's not that bad. If you're really in danger, we'll know.† â€Å"Think of Charlie,† Carlisle reminded me. â€Å"Think of how it would hurt him if you disappeared.† â€Å"I am thinking of Charlie! He's the one I'm worried about! What if my little guest had happened to be thirsty last night? As long as I'm around Charlie, he's a target, too. If anything happened to him, it would be all myfault!† â€Å"Hardly, Bella,† Esme said, patting my hair again. â€Å"And nothing will happen to Charlie. We're just going to have to be more careful.† â€Å"More careful?† I repeated in disbelief. â€Å"It's all going to be fine, Bella,† Alice promised; Edward squeezed my hand. And I could see, looking at all of their beautiful faces one by one, that nothing I could say was going to change their minds. It was a quiet ride home. I was frustrated. Against my better judgment, I was still human. â€Å"You won't be alone for a second,† Edward promised as he drove me to Charlie's. â€Å"Someone will always be there. Emmett, Alice, Jasper . . .† I sighed. â€Å"This is ridiculous. They'll get so bored, they'll have to kill me themselves, just for something to do.† Edward gave me a sour look. â€Å"Hilarious, Bella.† Charlie was in a good mood when we got back. He could see the tension between me and Edward, and he was misinterpreting it. He watched me throw together his dinner with a smug smile on his face. Edward had excused himself for a moment, to do some surveillance, I assumed, but Charlie waited till he was back to pass on my messages. â€Å"Jacob called again,† Charlie said as soon as Edward was in the room. I kept my face empty as I set the plate in front of him. â€Å"Is that a fact?† Charlie frowned. â€Å"Don't be petty, Bella. He sounded really low.† â€Å"Is Jacob paying you for all the P.R., or are you a volunteer?† Charlie grumbled incoherently at me until the food cut off his garbled complaint. Though he didn't realize it, he'd found his mark. My life was feeling a lot like a game of dice right now – would the next roll come up snake eyes? What if something did happen to me? It seemed worse than petty to leave Jacob feeling guilty about what he'd said. But I didn't want to talk to him with Charlie around, to have to watch my every word so I didn't let the wrong thing slip. Thinking about this made me jealous of Jacob and Billy's relationship. How easy it must be when you had no secrets from the person you lived with. So I would wait for the morning. I most likely wasn't going to die tonight, after all, and it wouldn't hurt him to feel guilty for twelve more hours. It might even be good for him. When Edward officially left for the evening, I wondered who was out in the downpour, keeping an eye on Charlie and me. I felt awful for Alice or whoever else it might be, but still comforted. I had to admit it was nice, knowing I wasn't alone. And Edward was back in record time. He sang me to sleep again and – aware even in unconsciousness that he was there – I slept free of nightmares. In the morning, Charlie left to go fishing with Deputy Mark before I was up. I decided to use this lack of supervision to be divine. â€Å"I'm going to let Jacob off the hook,† I warned Edward after I'd eaten breakfast. â€Å"I knew you'd forgive him,† he said with an easy smile. â€Å"Holding grudges is not one of your many talents.† I rolled my eyes, but I was pleased. It seemed like Edward really was over the whole anti-werewolf thing. I didn't look at the clock until after I'd dialed. It was a little early for calls, and I worried that I would wake Billy and Jake, but someone picked up before the second ring, so he couldn't have been too far from the phone. â€Å"Hello?† a dull voice said. â€Å"Jacob?† â€Å"Bella!† he exclaimed. â€Å"Oh, Bella, I'm so sorry!† he tripped over the words as he hurried to get them out. â€Å"I swear I didn't mean it. I was just being stupid. I was angry – but that's no excuse. It was the stupidest thing I've ever said in my life and I'm sorry. Don't be mad at me, please? Please. Lifetime of servitude up for grabs – all you have to do is forgive me.† â€Å"I'm not mad. You're forgiven.† â€Å"Thank you,† he breathed fervently. â€Å"I can't believe I was such a jerk.† â€Å"Don't worry about that – I'm used to it.† He laughed, exuberant with relief. â€Å"Come down to see me,† he begged. â€Å"I want to make it up to you.† I frowned. â€Å"How?† â€Å"Anything you want. Cliff diving,† he suggested, laughing again. â€Å"Oh, there's a brilliant idea.† â€Å"I'll keep you safe,† he promised. â€Å"No matter what you want to do.† I glanced at Edward. His face was very calm, but I was sure this was not the time. â€Å"Not right now.† â€Å"He's not thrilled with me, is he?† Jacob's voice was ashamed, rather than bitter, for once. â€Å"That's not the problem. There's . . . well, there's this other problem that's slightly more worrisome than a bratty teenage werewolf. . . .† I tried to keep my tone joking, but I didn't fool him. â€Å"What's wrong?† he demanded. â€Å"Um.† I wasn't sure what I should tell him. Edward held his hand out for the phone. I looked at his face carefully. He seemed calm enough. â€Å"Bella?† Jacob asked. Edward sighed, holding his hand closer. â€Å"Do you mind speaking to Edward?† I asked apprehensively. â€Å"He wants to talk to you.† There was a long pause. â€Å"Okay,† Jacob finally agreed. â€Å"This should be interesting.† I handed the phone to Edward; I hoped he could read the warning in my eyes. â€Å"Hello, Jacob,† Edward said, perfectly polite. There was a silence. I bit my lip, trying to guess how Jacob would answer. â€Å"Someone was here – not a scent I know,† Edward explained. â€Å"Has your pack come across anything new?† Another pause, while Edward nodded to himself, unsurprised. â€Å"Here's the crux, Jacob. I won't be letting Bella out of my sight till I get this taken care of. It's nothing personal -â€Å" Jacob interrupted him then, and I could hear the buzz of his voice from the receiver. Whatever he was saying, he was more intense than before. I tried unsuccessfully to make out the words. â€Å"You might be right -,† Edward began, but Jacob was arguing again. Neither of them sounded angry, at least. â€Å"That's an interesting suggestion. We're quite willing to renegotiate. If Sam is amenable.† Jacob's voice was quieter now. I started chewing on my thumbnail as I tried to read Edward's expression. â€Å"Thank you,† Edward replied. Then Jacob said something that caused a surprised expression to flicker across Edward's face. â€Å"I'd planned to go alone, actually,† Edward said, answering the unexpected question. â€Å"And leave her with the others.† Jacob's voice rose in pitch, and it sounded to me like he was trying to be persuasive. â€Å"I'll try to consider it objectively,† Edward promised. â€Å"As objectively as I'm capable of.† The pause was shorter this time. â€Å"That's not a half-bad idea. When? . . . No, that's fine. I'd like a chance to follow the trail personally, anyway. Ten minutes . . . Certainly,† Edward said. He held the phone out to me. â€Å"Bella?† I took it slowly, feeling confused. â€Å"What was that all about?† I asked Jacob, my voice peeved. I knew it was juvenile, but I felt excluded. â€Å"A truce, I think. Hey, do me a favor,† Jacob suggested. â€Å"Try to convince your bloodsucker that the safest place for you to be – especially when he leaves – is on the reservation. We're well able to handle anything.† â€Å"Is that what you were trying to sell him?† â€Å"Yes. It makes sense. Charlie's probably better off here, too. As much as possible.† â€Å"Get Billy on it,† I agreed. I hated that I was putting Charlie within the range of the crosshairs that always seemed to be centered on me. â€Å"What else?† â€Å"Just rearranging some boundaries, so we can catch anyone who gets too near Forks. I'm not sure if Sam will go for it, but until he comes around, I'll keep an eye on things.† â€Å"What do you mean by ‘keep an eye on things'?† â€Å"I mean that if you see a wolf running around your house, don't shoot at it.† â€Å"Of course not. You really shouldn't do anything . . . risky, though.† He snorted. â€Å"Don't be stupid. I can take care of myself.† I sighed. â€Å"I also tried to convince him to let you visit. He's prejudiced, so don't let him give you any crap about safety. He knows as well as I do that you'd be safe here.† â€Å"I'll keep that in mind.† â€Å"See you in a few,† Jacob said. â€Å"You're coming up?† â€Å"Yeah. I'm going to get the scent of your visitor so we can track him if he comes back.† â€Å"Jake, I really don't like the idea of you tracking -â€Å" â€Å"Oh please, Bella,† he interrupted. Jacob laughed, and then hung up.