This paper analyzes and compares the following contemporary books: 'Trash Culture', 'The Death of Literature', 'The Medium is the Massage' and 'What was Literature?'.
Abstract This paper discusses four books about literature today. The author of the paper's ideas are the following: Richard Keller Simon's book 'Trash Culture' encourages studying classic literature and both its classical and contemporary interpretations. Leslie Fiedler's book 'What Was Literature?' states that the examination of the art novel is a pass? exercise; that our approach is flawed if we cannot cater to the detective novel, the pornographic fancy, or the comic strip. Marshall McLuhan's book 'The Medium is the Massage' discusses messages as well as the importance of themes in novels. Alvin Kernan's book' The Death of Literature' advocates negative views against television. The paper also includes examples of modern movies and television shows and compares them to certain books.
From the Paper "Richard Keller Simon, in his book 'Trash Culture' advocates the simultaneous study of classic literature through its traditional forms and contemporary interpretation, highlighting the importance of promoting popular culture in conjunction with classic literature in order to comprehend the crucial perspective in which the books materialize. (R. K. Simon, California, 3-5) In rejecting Stallone's interpretation and condensation of the Iliad as not having the ability to convey any of the inherent messages of its classic counterpart, we deny popular culture as a possibly influential schooling device. (Spectrum, Australia, 1) "
Abstract This paper analyzes the primary elements representing literal and metaphorical death as invoked by the characters in Ibsen's "A Doll's House" and Joyce's "The Dead." The writer of this paper examines the metaphorical embodiments of death that are heavily present in Ibsen's novel while evaluating the symbolism in regards to death in Joyce's work which is related to primary and secondary characters.
From the Paper "Perhaps the effect that the uncovered secrets and glorified memories have upon the characters in both works is each author's way of expressing their beliefs that death, in an emotional sense, is based on choice. This of course is the polar opposite of physical death, which is the one thing human beings have no real control over."
Tags:literature, death, comparative, symbolism, world, drama
Abstract This paper examines how through Ernest J. Gaines's novel "A Lesson Before Dying" and Wendell Berry's "Hannah Coulter", we can see the importance of giving the living a lesson about death. It looks at how death is viewed in both stories as a natural part of life and as something that should be used to educate the living. It shows how in "A Lesson Before Dying", this education occurs through Jefferson's character, when he is told to die with pride and therefore set an example for others, demonstrating to them that there is nothing to fear from death. It also discusses how in "Hannah Coulter", the idea of dying with dignity is demonstrated through Nathan's traumatic struggles with the fact that he watched so many die without dignity.
From the Paper "In Ernest J. Gaines novel, A Lesson Before Dying, readers are presented with a very serious dilemma regarding the death penalty, and the concept of inflicting death as a punishment. The story is about a man who is arrested and persecuted for a killing that he, in fact, had no part in. This character, Jefferson, was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time; as a result of his bad luck, he was accused of killing three men. However, Jefferson was simply there; he did nothing wrong and took no part in this crime. The unfortunate circumstance for Jefferson is the fact that he is poor and black, and these two stereotypical factors prevent must individuals from actually believing that Jefferson is innocent. In response to the present crime, Grant Wiggins comes into the story. "
Compares and contrasts the themes of death in William Shakespeare's "Fear No More the Heat O' the Sun" and Robert Herrick's "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time".
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 2 sources, 2006, $ 26.95
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the treatment of the themes of death in two English poems, one by William Shakespeare and one by Robert Herrick. The paper argues that in "Fear No More the Heat O' the Sun" by Shakespeare death is approached as something positive, not to be feared but embraced and looked forward to whereas Herrick, in "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time", treats death as something to be feared and avoided, viewed in a much more negative light.
From the Paper "This paper looks at two famous poems written in the 16th and 17th centuries that both deal with the prospect of death. One is by William Shakespeare, titled "Fear No More the Heat O' the Sun," and the second is Robert Herrick's classic "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time." These two poems have certain elements in common, and others that are very different, which this paper will discuss. The first and most obvious similarity between these poems is the use of the theme of death and the inevitability of death for each and every person. In the times these poems were written, health and life conditions were much worse than they are today, and death was a common aspect of daily life. Both poems point out that although death will take us all eventually, there is still life to be enjoyed and made the..."
Abstract This paper reviews three different pieces of literature that all deal with the notion of death. The first is Stephen Crane's story "The Open Boat", which shows death to be a powerful force which is everywhere and cannot be denied or forgotten. The second piece is Luigi Pirandello's play "The Man with the Flower in His Mouth" where the author focuses on death through the thoughts and feelings of the man who himself is dying. The final piece is Robert Frost's poem, "Home Burial" in which the main characters find that death is a constant presence which keeps their relationship a sad and angry one.
From the Paper "Despite the angry bitterness of the Man, Pirandello shows death to be more mentally affecting than either physical or emotional. The Man is wrestling with his own death still, and he uses the presence of the Commuter to express his dark thoughts. Pirandello's main point seems to be that death is everywhere, but we are in denial about it, until we are faced with it in a way which we cannot deny, and then we must come to grips with it, however angrily or bitterly, with whatever thoughts of murder or suicide we might have (Pirandello 8). Meanwhile, symbolized by the Commuter, the rest of us go about our lives as if we are immortal."
Tags: poetry, prose, play, frost, pirandello, crane, dying, loss
Abstract Summary: Children's literature can be useful in aiding children in this aspect of their growth. In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the representation of death, and the fear of death, plays a prominent role in terms of character, plot and setting. The character of Harry Potter is defined, from the outset of the book, by the death of his parents.
Abstract The following paper is a brief review of the available literature on the death penalty. The paper notes that all of the studies dismiss the death penalty and its adherents as anachronistic and the paper also notes that a keen awareness of the racial dimensions of the practice is evident in two of the three works. The paper finishes by noting the contentious nature of the issue.
From the Paper "Few if any topics have engendered the heated debate that the death penalty has. Proponents view it as the ultimate denunciation of evil-doing; critics dismiss it as a machine of vengeance and blood-lust with little benefit accruing to society. Not surprisingly, the furor surrounding the continued practice of the death penalty has sparked a great deal of research in the matter as academics attempt to assess the social benefits and social costs of the most severe weapon any society can use against its citizens. The following paper will examine three sociological studies that address the fundamental question that always arises when this debate is revisited: what is the cost/benefit of the death penalty to American society? "
Abstract The subject of this paper is how race impacts capital punishment verdicts issued by US courts. The author believes that capital punishment is powered by a system of justice that is heavily stacked against people of color. The writer cites several cases that show race as an issue in a death penalty verdicts. Additional statistics are presented that show African-Americans are executed more frequently than whites. The paper includes an extensive literature review. The author concludes that the public should be aware of the facts involved in this issue.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Conceptualization
Methodology
Research Design
Study Group / Sample Population
Conclusion
From the Paper "And, Adams continues, of the 221 people "executed for interracial murders, 189 - ninety-four percent - have been black." Is there a pattern of blatant racial bias reflected in these data? Adams insists that "racism...pervades America's criminal justice system," and she wonders, "How is it that racism, as one of the most deplorable features of contemporary society, is able to establish a position in the purported beacon of objectivity and neutrality that is the law?" In her research article, Adams argues that since the death penalty was "reinvented" (Furman v. Georgia in 1972), the "arbitrariness and caprice" of the "pre-Furman" era is back. "
A research paper that explores the concepts of existentialism and essentialism through the characters in Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler" and Leo Tolstoy's "The Death of Ivan Illyich".
Abstract The paper begins by defining the philosophical terms of existentialism and essentialism and how they are reflected in literature in general. It then moves on to explain the thesis of the paper - in Tolstoy's "The Death of Ivan Illyich" and Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler", the characteristics of the two philosophies are most noticeable in the characters Ivan and Gerasim (Tolstoy) and Hedda and George (Ibsen). The paper provides evidence from "Hedda Gabler" that the character George is an essentialist, whereas Hedda contrasts as an existentialist in an essentialist society, which leads her to commit suicide, a very existential action. The paper shows that in Tolstoy's work, the character Ivan Illyich is an existentialist in an existentialist society who at his end transforms into an essentialist.
From the Paper "On the question of creating meaning in one's life, there are two keys that unlock this ageless mystery, long tackled by philosophers. The first, as developed by the classical philosopher Plato, is called essentialism, which holds that human beings must follow a pre-existing pattern, written in sacred religious documents such as the Ten Commandments or the Koran, to fulfill their purpose in life. Therefore, one is to measure the degree to which one is in the right based on these documents and by comparing themselves to those who have followed the documents before them. Yet, the other philosophy, existentialism, as developed by Sartre, rejects the existence of the correct pattern of action, and suggests that human beings solely hold the responsibility of creating meaning in a meaningless world. This opposite philosophy suggests a more atheistic approach to life, with people deciding what is right for them, rather than relying on God to tell them which is the right way of proceeding through life. Thus, existentialists blindly forge their way through a dark void, leaving their own, new path of meaning behind them, as opposed to following the well-trodden Twelve Fold Path of essentialism, which is studded with lampposts by which one can mark their progress."
Abstract How we view death is often determined by how we view life. This paper examines how two stories that illustrate opposite points of view regarding this subject are William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and Francois Voltaire's "Candide." It looks at how with Hamlet, Shakespeare presents us with a character whose life is totally disrupted and for all intents and purposes, destroyed by death. From the onset of the play, Hamlet is forced to deal with death. In contrast, it shows how Voltaire looks at death in a completely different way through the theme of resurrection. With "Candide," we see how death hardly has an impact on the characters at all and how this notion is emphasized through the resurrection of Pangloss, Cunegonde and her brother, the baron.
From the Paper "The physical aspect of death strikes Hamlet when he discovers Yorick's skull. The skull is a very real symbol of death that leaves a lasting impression in Hamlet's mind. In a very real sense, Hamlet has touched death. We see the impact this scene has on Hamlet when he says, "Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft. Where be your gibes now? your gambols? your songs?" (Shakespeare V.i.164-5). Hamlet sees the skull but he also sees Yorick very clearly. This moment leads him to consider the fact that all human beings end their lives in this fashion, including the politician to the pauper. Hamlet realizes that even in death, Caesar "turned to clay" (V.i.185)."
Abstract This paper discusses whether there is a "better death" when someone is ailing and expected to pass away versus the experience mourners engage in when one passes away in a tragic accident such as those who passed in the 9/11 attacks on America. The author postulates that there is, truly, no "better" death just differing ways of accepting it. The paper examines the culture of death in society through discussions of what, if anything, constitutes the "better" death as related in religion and literature.
From the Paper "Death is a topic not often discussed and probably one of the most feared aspects of life, indeed, is the end of life. As Shakespeare wrote, "Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, It seems to me most strange that men should fear, Seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come" (Julius Caesar). Death constitutes an end and, at that, one which is mysterious in that no one is precisely certain what happens after death; is there a heaven and hell as the Judeo Christian system relates; is reincarnation a possibility - what happens? But, beyond this fear of the unknown, is the unmatched loss that death leaves in its wake. Throughout the course of this paper examines the culture of death in society through discussion of what, if anything, constitutes the "better" death."
Abstract The 'American Dream' is the assertion that any individual can become fabulously wealthy and that fabulous wealth, in turn, produces great happiness. It pervades American society and, consequently, American literature. Its thematic impact on The Great Gatsby and "Death of a Salesman" is explored.
This paper discusses the meaning of life and death, using the Bible and Greek mythology to explain and support the argument that there is life after death.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 3 sources, 2002, $ 69.95
Abstract This paper discusses the meaning of life and death, using the Bible and Greek mythology to explain and support the argument that there is life after death. The author examines the meaning of God, and spirituality, and how God has put us on earth for a purpose, and that purpose does not just end when we die.
From the paper:
"Another reason that I believe that we are supposed to end up in union with God is all the instances in literature that say the same thing. For instance, in Genesis, man is originally depicted as living in union with God while living in the Garden of Eden, and eventually man would be transformed into an even more unified being with God. However, this original union is broken by Eve's eating of the apple and Adam doing the same. This resulted in mankind being banished from the Garden, and having to live a life of struggle and pain. However, the possibility remains that man can once again be reunited with God in Heaven."
Abstract This paper explores the presentation of death in three poems, which are Randall Jarrell's "The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner", John Keats "La Belle Dame Sans Merci" and "Pardon" by Richard Wilbur. It is shown that through presenting an encounter with death as an event from which one "awakens", that the three writers wish their readers to also "awaken" to the reality of death.
Abstract This paper discusses Poe's extensive use of symbolism to describe the setting, the characters and the elements of his story in "The Masque of the Red Death" while focusing on death as the the main theme. As this story relates, time marches on and there is no escaping the inevitable death.
From the Paper "During this time of isolation, as the fatal disease is at its worst on the outside, the prince entertains his friends with a magnificent masked ball. Poe describes the costumes worn at the masquerade as beautiful, yet as delirious madman fashions, bizarre, terrible and disgusting. This would point to the symptoms of the disease, yet the prince's guests masquerade thus, perhaps alluding to the fact that the party is not protected from the plague at all. The dancers are described as a "multitude of dreams", nightmarish characters."
