Abstract This analysis of Henrik Ibsen's drama, "A Doll's House" provides a feminist critique of the play and in particular, the reasons why Nora is willing to sacrifice her security, her home, the children she loves and the husband she no longer loves in the name of autonomy and self-expression. The analysis also includes a discussion of Victorian norms and gender roles that limit such autonomy and self-expression.
From the Paper "This paper was to explore feminism in the Victorian era as it is illustrated in Ibsen's A Doll's House. The writer reflected on contemporary norms and gender roles to gain insight into the even more limiting norms and gender roles.."
Abstract This paper is an analysis of how the concepts of just and proper are illustrated in Lope de Vega's play, "Fuente Ovejuna," about civil disobedience and the murder of a Commander by a group of townspeople.
From the Paper "Lope de Vega's Fuente Ovejuna provides the story of a local Commander who is a tyrant over the townspeople He rapes the wives of town officials, he seeks to dishonor the Mayor's daughter Laurencia and he rules for ..."
Abstract This paper examines the treatment of women in Henrik Ibsen's drama, "A Doll's House". It also looks at the behavior and actions of the sheltered wife Nora and the causes of Nora's transformation as a character.
From the Paper "Henrik Ibsen's play A Doll's House is almost certainly not as shocking to those who read it today as it was when it was first published. In many ways general public attitudes have caught up with Ibsen's own so that his play now appears to express what man..."
Abstract This paper examines the character of Nora as a developing character in Henrik Ibsen's play, "A Doll's House". In particular, it examines how Nora deceives both herself and Torvald as she realizes she is more as a person than just a housewife.
From the Paper "In Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House the character of Nora undergoes a transformation during the play as she develops from a supposedly happy but unaware house wife to a woman who comes to understand her potential as an individual in her own right ."
Abstract This paper presents an examination of the theme of hypocrisy in Moliere's play, "Tartuffe". It looks at the conflict between appearance and reality in society, revealed through relationships between the characters.
From the Paper "Moliere wrote Tartuffe during the reign of Louis XIV who subsequently banned it from production and read it aloud in his court among respected dignitaries at the same time. Moliere must have had the last laugh at this ironic turn of events as the actions of Louis XIV on this occasion seem to establish the very theme of the play. That is the notion of hypocrisy and by rights the conflict between appearance and reality in society... "
Abstract This paper describes the evidence for Hamlet's and Lady Macbeth's insanity in the plays "Hamlet" and "Macbeth." Definitions of insanity from a psychological perspective are provided in this essay. Both plays are summarized with extensive quotes and examples of each character's behavior that would lead to the diagnosis of some form of psychosis, including murder and suicide.
From the Paper "William Shakespeare used the theme of insanity in many of his plays, and two of the most famous are 'Hamlet' and 'Macbeth'. The theme of insanity in both of these plays is illustrated through several characters. Through the course of this paper it will be shown that in these plays, the characters Lady Macbeth and Prince Hamlet are insane. This paper will discuss the nature of insanity, the role of insanity in both Hamlet and Macbeth, and controversy over the questions of insanity raised by both of these plays. While Hamlet and Lady Macbeth's complimentary characters Ophelia and Macbeth exhibit obvious signs of increasing insanity, it can be argued that both Hamlet and Lady Macbeth are mentally unstable from the beginning of their respective plays."
Abstract This paper summarizes, discusses, and analyzes Arthur Miller's play, "Death of a Salesman". The paper explains that the play depicts the life of Willy Loman and his family. The paper describes the main character of Willy Loman as an aging salesman, who is confronted with his past and the errors in judgment that offer him and his family little hope of happiness in the future. A once successful salesman Loman recalls an extramarital affair that his son Biff discovered and that destroyed his relationship with his son. The mistakes Loman made as a father and the marriage that he could not recall without remembering the affair are significant factors that haunt Loman throughout the play. The paper also points out that the pivotal factor in the play is Willy's intention to ask for a transfer to a new territory, so that he and his family can have one more chance at success. Yet, when he makes this request he is fired, and the last element of hope that Willy had for happiness dissolves.
Abstract This drama study historically critiques the theme of political corruption as it evolves in the play, "The Tempest", by William Shakespeare. The paper analyzes the various characters of this play to illustrate how the struggle for power is complex and that power and greed are the basis of corruption. The paper also points out that ,although Prospero dissolves the aggression set against him in the play, Shakespeare
uses "The Tempest" to reveal a commentary on political intrigue and corruption that reflects the historical Elizabethan monarchal class system and the politics of Shakespeare's times.
Abstract This paper reviews the play 'A Raisin in the Sun', by Lorraine Hansberry. According to the paper, 'A Raisin in the Sun' is about the dreams that people have. More specifically, it is about the dreams of people who do not have the opportunity to pursue those dreams. The paper reports how the main theme of the play is deciding what to do with a large sum of money that is won by one of the characters.
From the Paper "He then describes the life his son will have. This description is partly about material possessions like their house with a gardener and a black Chrysler. However, Walter also describes how his son will be able to go to any school that he wants to and that his son will be able to be anything that he wants to be. As Walter says, "Just tell me, what it is you want to be--and you'll be it" (Hansberry 94). This shows that Walter's dream is linked to his desire for his son to be proud of him and for his son to have opportunities in life. Mama's dream is not to change as much as the others. Instead, she just wants her family to live in a safe neighborhood and have a home they can be proud of. The interesting thing about all of these dreams is that they are all worthwhile. All three of the characters have valuable uses for the money and want to use it to better their own futures. "
Abstract This paper discusses the revival of theater in Europe, beginning in the tenth century, as inspired and sponsored by the Catholic Church. The writer examines how historians now consider the High Middle Ages as the third major theatrical era in Western history. The paper further illustrates how major dramatic forms were connected with the church, its rituals, and its calendar of religious observances. The author explains the importance of these dramas , which included making church services more appealing and teaching scriptural history to the masses. The three types of plays that came out of the High Middle Ages are presented. The author concludes by arguing that drama other than that associated with the Church did exist at this time, influencing theater in the Late Middle Ages and even today.
From the Paper "Since Plato's The Republic, the depiction of art, particularly theatre, has been treated as a secondary if not inconsequential chronicle and portrayal of any given era. Nowhere is this more clearly illustrated than during the Middle Ages, where the major dramatic forms, if they existed at all and if they could be called theatre, could only be performed if they were connected with and sanctioned by the church. Coinciding with the well-deserved title of the Dark Ages, the Catholic Church has been historically credited of having begun a revival of theatre in Europe. Extant plays, sponsored by the church and dating back to the tenth century, are categorized into three distinct genres: liturgical drama, which enacted part of the liturgy of the Catholic Mass; cycle plays, which illustrated scriptural history; and morality drama, which metaphorically endorsed the symbolic structure of Christian life. The provincial dramaturgical view generally holds that that these were the only forms of theatre of the time. However, more recent scholarship demonstrates that as these performance-based church rituals begot theatre and theatre further begot church ritual, other plays like university plays, pageants, mummings and disguisings, interludes, other non-cycle religious plays, and drama came into play and that collectively, theatre of the High Middle Ages impacted the evolution of theatre into the Late Middle Ages, and what it is today."
Tags: theater middle ages renaissance cycle play mummings church, pageant robin hood morality drama
Abstract This paper discusses how the character of Ophelia in Shakespeare's famous play, "Hamlet", is defined by the men in her life and when the men in her life disappear so does her character. She is used and abused by the men she relies on and trusts. The paper looks at how Ophelia is one of the most dynamic characters in the play and how, throughout the play, the audience views her transformation from an innocent childlike girl to a crazy confused woman.
From the Paper "Ophelia's best friend in the play is her brother Laertes. In act one scene three Laertes and Ophelia joke with each other and it is apparent that they are fond of each other. "'Tis in my memory lock'd, and you yourself shall keep the key of it." (I.iii.90) This line shows that Ophelia respects her brother's opinions and admires and loves him. Laertes then leaves his sister; this makes him the first man to disappear in her life. After her brother leaves her the audience never sees Ophelia joke or kid around with male figures in the play. "
A discussion on whether it is possible to appreciate Christopher Marlowe's work, "Doctor Faustus", without a thorough knowledge of the religious beliefs that underpin it.
1,152 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 0 sources, 2006, $ 39.95
Abstract This paper examines the various religious undertones which reside within the play "Doctor Faustus" such as as morality, heaven and hell and forbidden knowledge. It discusses whether these religious undertones are important when trying to fully understand the context and meaning of the play.
From the Paper "During the 16th century everyone was thought to be born with original sin, this is the sin which you are born with because of the fall of Adam and Eve. Before the writing of 'Faustus' constant arguments raged about the destiny of the soul because of this sin. Catholicism and Calvinism were the two branches of religion which had conflicting views. Calvinists believed that there is no free will and that you could only be saved if you were one of the 'elect', whereas Catholics believed that you would be saved if your faith was whole and strong. It is unknown where Marlowe's sympathies lie, the mystery of Marlowe's life and the insecure nature of the two differing printed versions of the texts make it a very debatable subject. On the one hand Marlowe portrays hell as the academic, theological idea of permanent separation from God, a direct contrast to the fiery torment described in Catholic teachings. However many other traditionally Catholic views of the after life are portrayed throughout the play."
Abstract This paper discusses how in Act 4, Scene 3 of Shakespeare's, "Henry V", we see Henry give a rousing speech to the few English soldiers who are about to partake in battle. It looks at how this speech is a centerpiece of the play and gives great insight into Henry as both a political and military leader, and as a leader of men. The paper also examines how, through his St. Crispin's Day speech, Henry shows us not only what he wants to get out of being a strong king and military leader, but also his keen ability to rouse the troops and prepare their minds and hearts for battle.
From the Paper "To understand this speech we must first understand its context. The lines that come directly before the speech given by Henry give us great insight into what Henry is trying to convey in his speech. Before Henry gets begins speech Westmoreland says, "O, that we had here but one ten thousand of those men in England that do not have to work today." (Act 4, scene 3 ll. 18-20) These words spoken by Westmoreland are what encourage Henry to erupt into his spectacular oration. Westmoreland remarks to Henry that the English army would be better off if they had thousands more troops to go into France with. This however, is not how Henry feels, and in his ensuing speech, he tells his troops why he would rather have a few courageous troops than thousands of men forced to fight in the name of England."
From the Paper "Creon announces that since Eteocles died defending his city, he is a hero and shall have a hero's burial. However since Polyneices returned from exile to fight for the throne, he is considered to be a traitor to his city. Creon announces that no one is to bury or mourn for Polyneices, and that his body will be left for scavengers. The guard watching over Polynieces? corpse rushes in to inform Creon that the body has been buried, though he is unsure by whom. The elders suggest that perhaps the gods buried him. Creon informs the guard that if he does not produce the criminal who buried Polyneices, the guard will be held responsible for the act. "
Abstract This is a short paper summarizing John Proctor's role in "The Crucible", by Arthur Miller. It covers the main events that transpire within the play, and concludes that John Proctor ? while impure in many respects ? is a decent man who kept is integrity in tact even until the very end.
