A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Nowadays people may say ''looking out for Number One'', but is it always most necessary to follow this saying? In some cases no, in some cases yes. It has to do with the situation your life is in at the moment. For Example, when it comes to an emergency-type situation. Like a deadly one that can cost you your life. Yes, I do think it is most important to take care of yourself. But when the stakes are not on your life, I think. That yes you should help the other person first. When someone is hurt you should try your best to help them. You should also eventually help yourself, as well. Not to just completely cutout your own wishes out of your life. Being a pushover though, is defiantly not a good thing to be. You should remember that sometimes ''you do need to look out for Number One''.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

---.?.1843

Today, I was bombarded by my nephew about my most coveted hate. Which is, of course, the ''holiday'' Christmas. When i hear the phrase ''merry christmas'' my teeth start to clench, and my hatred starts raging. How can they be happy when they are in poverty. How can they feel happiness when they might freeze in their beds. How could the feel ANY joy what so ever! When they are out of work and out of money. I just don't understand their confounded minds. For what am I supposed to understand, there is nothing to even give a second thought. For I am of the wealthy and I am of the rich. I say Christmas, Bah Humbug! the lot of it. And that nephew of mine, is he tryin' to run himself into an early grave. For he already has himself a wife and children. Bah...Humbug! What a stupid and pitiful thing love is. Does he take me for a fool? All that merry Christmas is a thing only the weak of heart. Who can't rely on their own will power to get things done. Christmas is just a huge waste of time and energy, I say! Who are they kidden! BAH HUMBUG!

Symbolism: The Pearl by John Steinbeck

I believe that in The Pearl Juana symbolizes women, and there are many examples of this. One being that she supports her husband throughout the story and cares for their only son Coyotito.
The Doctor symbolizes the arrogance of the powerful in all societies towards the powerless.
The thing that Coyotito symbolizes is nature. The Priest represents somewhat of the Catholic Church...not being a sense of comfort or growth, they patronize the Indians, yet take their money. Kino symbolizes the bond between anamalistic and humanity. The neighbors kind of symbolize family in a way, because they did care somewhat about Kino and the pearl.