Abstract This paper discusses the 1996 article, "Heroism and Tragedy: the Rise of the Redneck in Glasgow's Fiction", in which Duane Carr speaks of Ellen Glasgow as a transitional author entrapped by ideals of the traditional and the modern. Carr's stated thesis is associated with Glasgow's character as a person as well as an author. The paper shows Carr's criticism for Glasgow's characters in her novel, "Barren Ground". It shows also his praise for one character, Dorinda, who, according to Carr, represents a completeness in Glasgow's work.
From the Paper "Though Carr contends that there is no real solution offered for the dichotomy of old versus new or traditional versus modern, the real interpretation lies in the idea that each step toward anything is gradual. Dorinda realizes that she has a lack of control over just how much change can occur and, though this may be sad because she seems to lose so much of her vision through this realization, she also acknowledges the vision in what is right in from of her, the land, her family and a simple life. Dorinda learns that it is alright to be just who she is and not ruin her own life by constantly trying to manipulate and alter her situation."
Abstract This paper examines "The Puerto Rican Nation on the Move: Identities on the Island and in the United States" by Jorge Duane. The author discusses the thesis of the book, research methods, key themes and offers her own evaluation of the book.
This paper considers the questions raised by Andrew M. Gill and Duane E. Leigh in their evaluation of California's community colleges and how they design their research to address those questions.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 1 source, 2006, $ 71.95
Abstract This paper reviews a study by Andrew M. Gill and Duane E. Leigh regarding the need for alternative models to use in evaluating California's community colleges. The arguments, data, methods, and findings are reviewed and critiqued. It is found that the research makes important points, but is incomplete. Specifically the data and analysis are strong, but the theoretical arguments are lacking.
From the Paper "In their study of California's community college programs, Andrew Gil and Duane Leigh (2004) address the curricular approaches and emphases of California's community colleges in order to determine how these colleges are performing in relation to their missions and whether discernible differences exist in those missions. They also consider whether there is a definable standard by which to judge successful performance of colleges in relation to state expectations."
Abstract This paper discusses the 1994 Chinese film "Farewell My Concubine", which is set against a violent background of political upheavals. Beginning during China's warlord era of the 1920s, the film spans 50 years, and includes the Japanese occupation and the Cultural Revolution. In particular, the paper argues that despite its background, the central theme of the film is the love affair between the two central male characters, Duan Xiaolou and Cheng Dieyi.
From the Paper "It might be argued that the film is not so much about a love story as about Chinese history. After all, the film is one of the first to be bold enough to expose the "Cultural Revolution" for the fascist rampage that it really was. It also gives insight into what it was like to be an ordinary citizen during the most important historical event of the era - the establishment of the Peoples' Republic of China by Mao Zedong and his Chinese Communist Party in 1949. The film is certainly flooded with politics and traumatic events such as the Japanese occupation, and all of these events have a profound impact on the lives of the characters. However, it is argued that to the viewer the political details are much less important than the love story that takes centre stage."
Abstract Raymond Carver is a writer known for a distinct writing style and for certain themes. The paper explains that one of the things that is seen in many of his short stories is the lack of hope in the lives of his characters. Carver's stories are not ones where the character is saved by some miraculous event. Instead, his stories just describe the lives of these people and their ongoing struggle. The paper discusses how this theme is closely related to Carver's own life and the life of his family. It shows that it is this lack of hope that Carver portrays in his stories, not offering a sign that these people will rise above their problems, but instead focusing on the continual struggle of their lives. The paper discusses three short stories that illustrate this common theme, namely "Why Don"t You Dance?,? ?What We Talk About When We Talk About Love,? and ?Gazebo.?
From the Paper "The story ends without anything significant happening. The story begins with the lines, "In the kitchen, he poured another drink and looked at the bedroom suite in the front yard" (Carver 3). This sad reflection continues and there is no point where the man finds hope again. Even more significant is the fact that he watches the young couple. This signifies that the whole process will repeat itself. Carver implies that this young couple who seem happy now will ultimately end up the same as the man and his failed marriage. his can be seen as a reflection of Carver's own life. Both himself and his parents had failed marriages, his father struggled with alcoholism he eventually died from, and rather than his mother be saved from poverty, she was thrown into greater poverty by the death of her husband (Garraty & Carnes). This shows where Carver's ideas on love and marriage were obtained from, this story clearly showing that Carver did not believe that a marriage would ever last, or that anyone would ever be miraculously saved from their problems."
Abstract This paper discusses personality theory and looks at ideas from eight different theorists, applying one concept from each to the author's own circumstances. While it is not intended as a comprehensive view of the many different approaches to studying personality, it instead focuses on the ways in which each perspective can be useful in shedding light on how individual personalities develop. It uses the book "Theories of Personality" by Duane Schultz and Sydney Ellen Schultz as its text.
From the Paper "For Maslow, the highest need, the one that can only be addressed once all other, more fundamental needs are satisfied, is that of self-actualization, "the maximum realization and fulfillment of our potentialities, talents, and abilities" (p. 291). At this stage in my life, I feel as though I am finally ready to aim for this level. I have spent much time achieving the other levels, those of basic physical comfort, safety, and belonging. Satisfying the fourth level, that of esteem needs, has been harder, but now that I have a good job and am making steady progress toward my undergraduate degree, I finally feel secure on that level, as well. I now have a clear idea of who I am and what I am capable of, freeing me to begin to "aim higher," right to the top of Maslow's pyramid. I do not know if I will make it, but I am excited by the challenge."
Abstract In this article, the writer maintains that 'The Dahlgren Affair' effectively utilizes the themes of history, drama, bloodshed, war, politics and mystery to weave a tale that originated during the Civil War. Schultz's use of high quality characterization and well-paced narrative adds to the value of the book. The writer notes that there are some flaws in the book, and some critics assert that Schultz either fabricated portions of the story, or just made honest errors, and those discrepancies are reviewed in this paper. The writer concludes that it is unlikely there will be definitive proof presented to verify beyond any shadow of a doubt either point of view regarding the Dahlgren papers. But perhaps what is just as important is that by reading books like Shultz's and by studying all accounts of the Civil War, students and scholars will be more informed about U.S. history, and that in itself is a positive thing.
From the Paper "The genesis of the plot that launches this well-told story is based on an actual attempt to free Union prisoners from the terrible conditions in Libby Prison and Belle Isle prison in Richmond, Virginia. The fact that many Union soldiers had either surrendered or were captured and were being held there - many reportedly near starvation and living in squalor - was eating away at leaders in the North. And so, President Lincoln, who was up for re-election soon and needed to get any positive publicity he could, authorized an attack on Richmond, ostensibly in order to free the prisoners at Libby.
"It was March 2, 1864. But the attack went awry, and in fact when Union Army Colonel Ulric Dahlgren was killed by Confederate soldiers defending Richmond and the prison, papers were found on Dahlgren's body that to this day have historians confused. The controversial nature of the papers has provided historical writer Schultz with a perfect mystery to complement his book."
