His family background gave him no inspiration; his college work did not prepare him; his friends and family scoffed at the idea of a writing career and the citizens of his hometown showed no interest in a literary man- (Whitelaw.101). ... Hawthorne's amazing use of symbolism and other writing devices in his works not only capture your interest but let you enter new worlds" that he created just for you. ...

• Word Count: 1481
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

Knowledge and the Descent into Darkness At the dawning of the 21st century, the term "forbidden knowledge" seems almost quaint. In an age that we can unlock and utilize the power of the atom, read and write the code of life and look into the heavens to see literally billions of years down the road, what knowledge can be forbidden to us? And yet, it is not worldly learning that is dangerous. From the tiniest particle to the largest star, the worst that we can do with the fruits of such knowledge is kill ourselves, and we have all but grown used to that. Knowledge of the soul is another ...

• Word Count: 2372
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: High School