Abstract This paper outlines the normal values driving literary creativity today as compared to those of the Puritan beliefs of the early Americanauthors.
This paper provides an examination of the soaring career, culture, and works of Chinese-Americanauthor Amy Tan with a special emphasis on her novel, "The Hundred Secret Senses".
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 10 sources, 2001, $ 73.95
Abstract This paper examines the life, career and literature of best-selling Chinese-Americanauthor Amy Tan. The author focuses specifically on her novel "The Hundred Secret Senses", and examines the history of Chinese-American immigrants, the discrimination they were subjected to, and the pressures of assimilation into American culture. The paper also looks at the pull between Chinese tradition and American way of life, and how Tan struggles with this issue in her writing.
From the Paper "In only a handful of novels, Amy Tan has brought us the legends and stories of her background. She has introduced the American public to a new world of fiction, based on her own experiences mingled with the experiences of her ancestors in their beloved homeland of China . In these stories, she has shown herself to be a writer of uncommon technical skills, powers of observation, and richness of humanity, a combination of gifts that inspires her many readers to eager anticipation of her future works."
A discussion of the the black experience in American culture as percieved by the authors Richard Wright, Ralph Ellison, Langston Hughes and James Baldwin.
Abstract This paper examines how African-Americanauthors have influenced American culture as they have come forward to present issues that the society would rather have forgotten. It shows how authors such as Richard Wright, Ralph Ellison, Langston Hughes and James Baldwin have come under fire as they have written about the racial and biased experiences throughout their lives and through their narratives they have forged a link between the past, the present (themselves) and their future (the unborn generation).
From the Paper "These literary works are an effort on their part to prove to their nations that regardless of the perceived realities their existence and lives have valuable. The slave past some of these authors have had created a void in their lives that at times left then feeling ashamed and wary of their life experiences. These works were then an effort to wipe out shame and abashment associated with a part of their life that they could not control. By presenting the true essence of their potentials as an industry, as folks with rich traditions and high values they made themselves a ?productive citizen.? Thus, it can be said that African-American culture has been dominated by the struggle from isolated individuals towards the creation of a self-confident social figure. [Okafur-Newsum, 1998]."
Abstract The paper analyses the meaning of "freedom" in African-Americanauthor, James Baldwin's essay "The Discovery of What it Means to be an American". The paper shows that what Baldwin does in this essay, as well as in a number of his other essays, is to question those American assumptions about freedom by reminding us how differentially they apply.
From the Paper "But Baldwin forces us to see how;blackness; as a category applied to humans has almost nothing to do with race or skin color or any other biological or physical attribute as we might believe that it does. Instead, blackness - or whiteness - is a way of designating power between different Americans."
Tags: Civil, Rights, Movement, American, Dream, Negro, black
A look at the injustice and degradation suffered by African-Americans in post-war America, through the eyes of famous African-Americanauthors such as James Baldwin and W.E.B. Du Bois.
Abstract This paper examines the writings of famous African-Americanauthors such as James Baldwin, W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington, and discusses their experiences and understanding of what it meant to be a Black-American in post-war America. The paper focuses primarily on the work of James Baldwin and his description of the destruction of his race and the injustice and the force to which African-Americans were subjected.
From the Paper "Baldwin's experience was that of a black man trying to find meaning and success and identity in apartheid America. Being black--or Negro, in the vernacular of the time--was a crucial fact of life. Baldwin observes the creation and the effects of "the projects," slums, and ghettoes on both the city-dwellers who live there and those who create them in the first place. James Baldwin's "Fifth Avenue, Uptown: A Letter from Harlem" is about one of these 'projects' that has captivated the blacks within the lanes of Harlem. Baldwin desperately and passionately hated the streets of Harlem not for what they were but rather, what they stood for. According to Baldwin the neighborhoods were distinctive in place and culture. They differed from America in all terms and manners. The law, schools, professional associations, and judicial institutions in these neighborhoods, were 'protected by law enforcement not of this territory. Baldwin's "occupation thesis," of course, challenges the American Dream and suggests an endemic basis for social unrest. But, the implication to be developed here is for how we understand law. Jurisprudence rather than policy, ethics, or political theory, is the issue and the challenge is just as compelling."
Abstract This paper analyzes, compares and contrasts their beliefs and writings of African Americanauthors Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois. The paper demonstrates how the two were as different in their attitude toward racial progress as they were in their styles of writing. While both men wrote about race and were concerned with bettering the plight of African Americans, the paper explains that they had very different philosophies about how to accomplish social change. Citing their writing, the paper argues that Washington believed the acquisition of jobs for Blacks was most important, because economic freedom would automatically about social and cultural change. Du Bois, on the other hand, believed in careful political organization and individual action for the improvement of the community and the betterment of society at large. The paper concludes with an analysis of Du Bois' theory on double-consciousness, relating it to contemporary author Jean Toomer, a protege of Du Bois.
From the Paper "Du Bois was committed to an integrationist vision combined with an assertion of a proud cultural heritage; he had a vision of a certain role that the black man should fill in Americans in society; and he believed in full civil liberties, the abolition of racial discrimination. Both men were interested in education. Du Bois believed that education should nurture the growth of culture and felt that education and a university system could transform personal and racial relationships, while Washington favored vocational training for Blacks. Booker T. Washington's "up from slavery" was an overly optimistic account of his life and of race relations in America; it followed the lines of his general philosophy of trusting the paternalism of the southern whites, accepting the fact of white supremacy and accommodating white oppression. Washington emphasized the mutual interdependence of blacks and whites in the south but also felt that they were to remain socially separated."
Abstract This paper describes the differences between Sherwood Anderson, an Americanauthor, and Sir Francis Seymour Haden, a British artist. It compares their major works and discuses three main similarities between them.
From the Paper "Sherwood Anderson is a well-known archetype of an American torn between success and creativity. He walked out of his office as president of his own manufacturing company in Ohio, not only giving up a dream of becoming rich in American business, but also abandoning his responsibilities as a husband and a father. He gave up business for literature. Winesburg, Ohio and The Egg and Other Stories are good examples of how he incorporated his own dramatic life experiences into his writing. Sir Francis Seymour Haden was a successful doctor, and found that his amateur etching helped discipline his hand for surgery. Haden continued with his hobby until it helped him to become one of the best landscape etchers of all time. Realism is the attempt, in literature and art, to depict life as it actually exists. Sherwood Anderson and Sir Francis Seymour Haden use themes of solitude, self-reflection, and nature to portray realism. "
Abstract The search for identity is a predominant theme in African- American literature, where the focus of many characters is based in the quest for a fundamental understanding of the self. This paper explores the search for identity in respect to the works of three noted African- Americanauthors. These works are Ralph Ellison's "Invisible Man", Andrea Lee's "Sarah Phillips", and Toni Morrison's "Beloved".
Abstract This paper explains the content and style of Carl Sandburg's poem, "Prairie Waters at Night"; Ambrose Bierce's short story, "Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge"; Steven Crane's novel, "The Red Badge of Courage;" and Arthur Miller's play, "Death of a Salesman". The author points out that Carl Sandburg's poem, "Prairie Waters at Night," emphasizes the theme of the tranquility of waters at night by using repetition, alliteration, and sentence length to convey the sensations of a calming night by the water through sound. The paper relates that the works by Ambrose Bierce and Stephen Crane demonstrate the use of strong narrative; whereas, in Arthur Miller's play, "Death of a Salesman", the Requiem offers incredible ironies.
Table of Contents
Carl Sandburg's Poem, "Prairie Waters at Night"
Ambrose Bierce's Short Story, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek"
Steven Crane's Novel, "The Red Badge of Courage"
Arthur Miller's Play, "Death of a Salesman"
From the Paper "Alliteration is also a technique that Sandburg utilizes successfully in this poem. The sound of the letter "l" is particularly effective in that it has a hypnotic quality about it. In the words willows, and laughter, we get a feeling of relaxation and ease associated with this scene. The vowel sound in the words long and drowse are also a form alliteration that forces to read the poem slowly. Another technique of sound that the poet uses is long sentences and line lengths. In this way, he forces us to read the sentences slowly, which reinforces the slow, tranquil mood he is trying to convey."
Abstract This paper discusses the life and writing of Jack Kerouac, the 1950s Americanauthor whose novel "On the Road" is considered a classic. The paper traces Kerouac's childhood in Massachusetts, including watershed events such as the death of his older brother. Then the paper analyzes the influence of the Beat Generation and other social phenomena on Kerouac's writing. The paper concludes with Kerouac's tragic demise from alcohol.
From the Paper "The Beat Generation. The Fabulous Fifties. Elvis. Rock and Roll. The Communist Menace. And then there was author Jack Kerouac. He defined a restless, dynamic and evolving generation of angst-ridden adventurers, who were desperately searching for the true meaning of life in the embodiment of this complex muse. Kerouac exuded a James Dean-like persona - in the way he wrote about, and ultimately lived, his life. Agnes Machate writes of Kerouac and his fellow writers of the Beat Generation: "They did not seem to pay too much attention to what was socially practical; in this regard they were rebels. If being non-conformist met their need for freedom and let them express themselves the way the wanted, and allowed them to be what they wanted to be, they did not have to obey any rules. They wouldn't fit in a group, but instead, stand out, so they wouldn't conform just to avoid an unpleasant treatment from society." ("The Generation of Extremes" 1)."
Tags: beat, generation, on, the, road, american, novel, alcoholism, rebel
Abstract This paper considers the early history of the alphabet and how it developed from pictorial representations into something that actually represented language in the form of phonemes or sounds, from early symbols through the true alphabet of the Phoenicians and the alphabets of the Greek and Roman worlds to the alphabet used today, with variations in different parts of the world.
From the Paper "The alphabet used in English and other Indo-European languages has been extensively studied to determine how the letters developed over time. Not all languages use an alphabet, and not all alphabets are exactly alike. There are similarities among many of these alphabets, showing a common history. A.C. Moorhouse notes the steps in the development of the alphabet over time. Writing began with picture-writing, offering a synoptic view of a scene or event, as seen or imagined by the artist. This gave way to pictograms, or the separation of the different items in the picture so that they were then portrayed using a number of distinct signs, each standing directly for the object shown. "
A discussion regarding the legal rights of Black Americans from the time they were brought to America as slaves. Specific reference is given to the various laws that were passed during the 19th Century.
1,870 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 4 sources, 2001, $ 59.95
Abstract In this paper the author discusses the situation of Black Americans and assesses whether the abolishment of slavery has provided any greater protection under the law. The author starts at the beginning of the 19th century and looks at how Blacks were taken into slavery and brought to America. The author moves on to discuss the Missouri Compromise and the discussions that took place regarding "slave free states". The author then discusses then various laws that were passed during the 19th century and how the issue of slavery was eventually brought before the nation.
From the paper:
?For a brief period during Reconstruction, many African Americans voted, and some were elected to public office. In the late 1870?s, however, enthusiasm for ensuring black equality waned in both the North and the Republican Party, and by 1877, when federal troops were withdrawn from the South, blacks were left to the power of whites committed to restoring white supremacy.?
Abstract This report examines how three African-American writers-Dubois, Locke and Wright-have described challenges facing African-Americans and writers, and how they have set forth theories about the future of African-Americans in their writings. The report offers a comparative analysis of the three authors and then chooses one author as representative as the most profound and effective theory, also giving rationale for this process. This paper focuses on the position of Richard Wright, the author of "Uncle Tom's Children", W.E.B. Dubois and "The Souls of Black Folk", and A. Locke's "The New Negro" and these books' positions as a way to wake people up to see the problems of racial inequality in America.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Comparison
Most Effective Theory
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Dubois arguably respected these other authors because they all shared the goal of racial equality, but he did not agree with them that submission and acceptance was the necessary way to achieve this goal. All three authors seem to recognize that they are writing at a point of crisis, but Dubois states that "In the history of nearly all other races and peoples the doctrine preached at such crises has been that manly self-respect is worth more than lands and houses, and that a people who voluntarily surrender such respect... are not worth civilizing" (Dubois, p. 246). Dubois also believed that Washington's practical ducational programs, which focused on industry and craftsmanship, while important, were less important than higher education that would provide African-American leaders rather than African-American workers."
Abstract This paper describes the relationship of the American colonies to England prior to the Revolutionary War. The author attempts to do this from both the American perspective and that of the British, showing that the relationship between the colonies and England benefitted both sides. The author believes, however, that the main reason for the breakup that occurred between the American colonies and the Empire was the increase of taxes and contributions to the royal Reserve. Additionally, the author shows how the political thought of the time and various acts of legislation also contributed to the break-up.
From the Paper "The Seven Years War represented a trying moment in the history of the relations between the American colonies and the British. Every colony, throughout the war was forced to offer assistance to the fighting troops; consequently, the US did back Britain in its quest for victory against the French but at the same time gave rise to a serious conflict between them. The British genera opinion was that the colonies should, in their turn contribute to the increase in revenue seeing that they benefited from the protection of the empire."
Abstract This paper examines the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II by comparing this action with the freedom experienced by German-Americans during the same period. The author questions the inherent racism of Americans that enabled such an occurrence to be legally sanctioned, while German-Americans lived their lives freely, although Hitler and Germany were also enemies of America during World War II. The paper then presents a detailed background of the Japanese immigrant experience in America, contrasting this with the American ideal of freedom and the reality of racism. The experiences of African and Native-Americans are also considered. The paper then describes the actual Japanese internment, which was unprecedented event in American history. The paper further states how the Internment still has an effect on the psyche of the Japanese-American population today. The author concludes that the internment of Japanese-Americans during the Second World War was one of the great tragedies of American history.
Outline:
Introduction
Background: The Japanese Experience in America
Prejudice Unleashed: The Internment Experience
Conclusion
From the Paper " Naturally, the situation was worse the further removed from the Anglo-Saxon ideal a group might chance to be. After the Civil War, the newly reunited nation demanded a huge supply of cheap labor to build its rapidly expanding railroad network. In the West, this labor was provided, to a large extent, by settlers from Japan and China. Labor Contractors, generally Japanese or Chinese themselves actively recruited these workers and brought them to America. They helped to lay the foundations of America's industrial prosperity. White American racial attitudes combined with a nationwide railroad strike in 1877 to create the necessary conditions for a crackdown on Asian immigration. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was soon followed by other, stricter acts, in 1892, 1902, and 1904. And as White America saw little, if any difference, between Japanese and any other Asians, the anti-Chinese immigration laws were followed by a Japanese Exclusion Act in 1907. By 1924, the United States had imposed an almost total ban on all immigration from East Asia, ..."
Tags: Japanese-Americans, internment, World, War, II, immigrant, experiences
