buried

"Both Candide and Oskar begin their respective stories convinced that they have a full understanding of the world around them. Oskar, with his "clairvoyance" and Candide with optimism exhibit a naive understanding of their setting. It is only through the loss of this perception that drives both stories through increasingly more bizarre circumstances. It is only after the characters realize the shortcomings of their perception that they experience revelation. Oskar must seek atonement for the guilt he has so long avoided. Candide, likewise, finds no peace until he has abandoned optimism. Oskar has his drum, and Candide has his optimism, but neither have a clue until they leave these things behind."
That, German, and Art are the only things in my mind right now. I'd love to tell you about the Thurm&Taxis ("T-uhrm-und-TAksis") palace, which is bigger than Buckingham in square footage, and Dreden and Munich, but I can't afford to get behind in these classes. As you can see by that sample from my essay, I've got a lot of work to do.
Maybe I'll tell you everything this afternoon. Maybe tomorrow. Right now, though, I've still buried under a mountain of work.