This paper analyzes Jonathan Swift's pamphlet, "A Modest Proposal", a satirical attack on the English for their inhumane treatment of the Irish in the 18th century.
Abstract This paper explains that Swift effectively parodies the cruel arrogance of the English and the submissiveness of the Irish parliament by presenting a horrific solution in well-reasoned and economically sound terms. The author points out that, instead of direct polemical criticism, Swift uses irony and parody to draw attention to the desperate conditions facing the poor of Ireland. The paper relates that the presenter employs pseudo-scientific statistics to make his argument appear more logical than it really is, thus creating the illusion of scientific certainty and reason by quoting numbers.
From the Paper "The pamphlet is a bold satire that excites the passion of readers even today, over two hundred years after it was written. Suggesting that the Irish poor eat their babies and thus make them beneficial to society is a point sure to demand attention. It works as a satire because the proposal is made with such a straight and sincere face. The narrator presents himself as a reasonable and humanitarian man."
Abstract This paper examines how Mitch Albom, author of the book, "The Five People You Meet in Heaven", effectively illustrates the stages in life that people go through as they reach past the prime of their lives. It looks at how, using the real-life character of Eddie, Albom details his life and the events surrounding the last 50 minutes he would spend on earth. By applying theories and concepts concerning human development, the paper brings into lucidity the importance of "Five People" in studying adulthood and aging and, more specifically, debates whether or not Eddie achieved self-actualization towards the end of his life.
From the Paper "Upon his retirement, Eddie goes back to memories of his life on earth: how, in each event and endeavor he considers as trivial or part of the mundane, lies the truth that he has done something important for other people. His work as maintenance head, Eddie realizes, is not just a mere job of checking the machinery, nut, bolts, cables, in order to ensure that the park's rides are functioning and safe for the passengers to ride on. Most importantly, as Albom tells his readers, Eddie has become significant for all the people in the park ?? because of the simple, mundane things Eddie had done in his life, the accidents he had prevented, the rides he had kept safe, the unnoticed turns he had affected every day?? This reflection on Eddie's part is already part of his life review, an appreciation of the things he have done while living on earth, and how, through deep reflection of his life, he was able to achieve integrity to replace the despair that he feels in life."
Abstract This paper summarizes and analyzes the self-defense Socrates presented at his trial and explains how Socrates was condemned to die not because he did not mount a successful defense, but because his accusers were threatened by Socrates's wisdom and perseverance. The paper concludes by pointing out that Socrates defended himself successfully by proving he was not an evildoer and that he never intentionally corrupted the youth and that God alone is wise.
From the Paper "Socrates was known as one of the most influential Greek philosophers of his time. "The Apology of Socrates" offers a self-portrait based not on false gods or corruption, but rather on a vigilant attention to and exposure of common thinking and false wisdom. Socrates strongly believed that just behavior was better than injustice, and that living morally correct would bring about happiness and well-being. For his life, that is proven to be true. Socrates lived a righteous life, and died a happy man. Throughout the "Apology", Socrates is falsely accused of being a "doer of evil, who corrupts the youth; and who does not believe in the gods of the state" (733). Socrates? self defense was a success because throughout his trial, he was able to prove he was not an evil doer, that he did not corrupt the youth, and that there was no man wiser than God."
This paper discusses "The Rise of the Universities" by Charles Haskins and compares the experience of a medieval student at a university with that of a modern student.
Abstract This paper looks at how medieval universities were quite different from the modern universities of today and how there are many differences between the two types of students. It examines how medieval university students, similar to modern students, liked to party, hang out with friends, study hard when necessary, and go on to make their mark in the world.
From the Paper "Like modern students, medieval students also had to earn money to attend school. They raised money "by loans and by the sale of text-books," just like today's students selling back their books at the bookstore after every semester, and applying for student loans to fund the next semester. In addition, students liked to spend time together when they were not in class, and often banded together to party and hang out in town squares or in the streets of their university towns, just like students do today. Sometimes they were carried away with their celebrations, just like students do today, and some residents of the towns often complained about their behavior, just like today. In addition, just like today, sometimes the antics got out of hand."
Abstract This paper examines how critics have argued that 'much of the novel's great appeal derives from its hostility toward female sexuality' and how arguably, there are instances in the text where female sexuality is indeed viewed negatively: It is seen as animalistic, masculine and frightening. It critically discusses the way gender roles are portrayed, including attraction and repulsion between the sexes and the ways in which Stoker uses images to signify religious themes and sex.
From the Paper "Contrastingly, after Lucy's transformation, it is precisely her womanliness that is focussed upon, with Seward observing that 'she was, if possible, more radiantly beautiful that ever' (p. 240). In fact, Lucy's fate epitomises the treatment of female sexuality in the novel. She is considered to be sweet and 'pure' (p. 253) until Dracula awakens her sexuality, then the men hate, fear her and cannot believe she is the same person: 'the remnant of my love turned into hate and loathing; had she then to be killed, I could have done it with savage delight' (p. 253). Literally, she rejects stereotypical femininity, as 'with a careless motion, she flung to the ground, callous as a devil, the child that up to now she had clutched strenuously to her breast' (p. 253)."
Abstract Discusses the book, "Hard Times," which is about the Great Depression. Discusses how Terkel's book is filled with human experiences, interviews, and narrations from men and women who lost everything, remained unaffected, or grew stronger during the Great Depression.
From the Paper "Studs Terkel supplies his readers with memories, reflections, and visions of the Great Depression in his book "Hard Times." It is not a history book or a book of facts; instead it is a personal collection of impressions and stories that present an overall feeling of the decade. These stories are told by those who were both directly and indirectly linked to the Great Depression. "
A review of the "Journal of Special Education" article, "Special Thinking in Special Settings: A Qualitative Study of Expert Special Educators," written by L.M. Stough and D.J. Palmer.
Abstract This paper discusses the "Journal of Special Education" article, "Special Thinking in Special Settings: A Qualitative Study of Expert Special Educators," written by Stough and Palmer. The paper illustrates that the identified expert teachers were fundamentally concerned about their students' performance in school, and this concern permeated how teachers perceived and responded to their students. The paper contends that concerns with student performance motivated the teachers to closely monitor student behavior and attention and to develop a hypothesis about students' states of mind. The paper explains that strategic actions the teachers took in the classroom were the product of the teachers' hypotheses, combined with frequent reflection upon their extensive knowledge of student characteristics and educational practice.
From the Paper "Special Education is a type of education that gives hope to people with disabilities, most especially the children. There are lots of children all over the world, most especially in developing countries who are in need of Special Education. Yet, Detterman and Thompson (1997) states that effective special educational methods have yet to be developed. Further, they stressed that effective special educational methods will not be developed until; individual differences in student characteristics beyond IQ scores are recognized and understood; and educators focus on specific and realistic goals for outcome. Regarding Detterman and Thompson's opinion on how educators should be, the journal article by Laura M. Stough and Douglas J. Palmer entitled "Special Thinking in Special Settings: A Qualitative Study of Expert Special Educators," could provide an insightful discussion on the topic."
Abstract This paper shows how Robert Frost uses nature in his poetry to illustrate the conflict between man and nature. The paper uses examples from Frost's poetry to show that it is about how humans come to terms with all aspects of nature and how the relationship between man and nature encourages both solitude and companionship.
From the Paper "Robert Frost frequently describes nature in his poems, and for the most part, the conflict between man and nature is evident. Frost seems to be on nature's side as a poet because he is attracted to nature, yet his poetry is about how humans come to terms with all aspects of nature. Frost uses relationships between man and nature to make choices about being alone for the sense of peace in his poetry."
Abstract This paper discusses the relationship between marketing research and marketing strategy and tactics, according to Pravat Choudhury and Geng Cui's article, "Consumer Interests and the Ethical Implications of Marketing: A Contingency Framework," as it appears in the "Journal of Consumer Affairs". The paper includes a brief summary of the article, describing the purpose of the marketing research and assessing the importance of this research in relation to the organization's marketing strategy and tactics. A summary of the research is presented in the conclusion.
From the Paper "While some studies have examined the ethics of market segmentation and selection, the authors point out that there has not been any effort to date to synthesize these various issues to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ethical implications of the marketing exchange. In this article, the point is made that multinational corporations have frequently experienced difficulties with their marketing strategies in other countries in past years, but these difficulties have almost always been at the expense of the consumers such as the notorious Nestle's baby formula scandal. In past decades, though, the most a multinational could reasonably expect in terms of negative consequences for such marketing practices would be a minimal lawsuit compared to the profits generated and some passing bad publicity that would invariably evaporate over time."
Abstract The paper discusses Yukio Mishima's short story entitled, "Patriotism," and the contrast between traditional morality and modernity in pre-World War II Japan. The paper gives a history of the Japanese feudal code and describes how traditions and the concept of honor were integrated into the militaristic government of Japan. Historical context is given to Mishima's story, and the February 26th Incident for which the story uses as its catalyst is described in great detail. The second half of the paper deals with the story itself, giving examples and quotes from the short story to prove the point that Reiko and her husband did not kill themselves due to their passionate love for one another, but instead, were forced to do so because the traditions of ancient Japan and the practices of the modern military system forced them into a situation where suicide would be the only honorable way for them to die. The paper proves the point that Mishima was attempting to demonstrate, that even a love so deep and strong as the one that Reiko and her husband shared could not flourish in the close-minded and backwards-thinking world of Japan in the early-to-mid 20th century.
From the Paper "Takeyama chooses suicide because he knows that he cannot kill his close friends who began the uprising against the Emperor, but consequently he cannot live with himself if he disobeys his Emperor. This represents a loyalty to not just Emperor Hirohito, but also to the code of honor that the military system in Japan established in each soldier. The only honorable thing for Takeyama to do, knowing that he'll be disobeying an order from God essentially, is to kill himself and respectably declare his allegiance to the Japanese Empire in his farewell note. This strict system of ethics and morality is what has pigeonholed Reiko into making her choice to follow her husband, and Takeyama also understands that if Reiko were left alive, the shame and pressure put on her by Japanese society would be unbearable. He sees her killing herself not as just an act of dedication towards him, but as a way to free her of the burdens that would undeniably follow her if she were to live on as the widowed wife of a traitor."
Abstract This paper examines how "Ishi in Two Worlds" tells the tale of an Indian man who was accustomed to living a traditional way of life and then was thrust into the full brunt of modern American civilization by a cruel accident. It looks at how it is the story of a man who dwelled in two worlds, how he spent most of his life in the ways and sphere of the Yahi Indians, and how, after his tribe's eradication, he was forced to live in contemporary civilization, specifically in the context of the modern American university among well-meaning anthropologists who wished to study and learn from him.
From the Paper "Ishi's tale is thus at once fascinating and uncomfortable to hear, as the reader finds him or herself a witness to Indian histories, languages and narratives that would otherwise have been lost, yet also a fly-on-the-wall observer to the personal struggle of an essentially private individual, forced to cope with a civilization he never knew existed, a civilization that has overtaken his own even though it is not necessarily superior to the Yahi's ways. At least the anthropologist under whose care Ishi found himself had some of the current postmodern or tolerant mindset of today. They wished to learn about his culture with an open mind, rather than try to change him or to condemn the Yahi practices. Still, the solitude of Ishi's final years amongst White men and women makes his struggle even painful for a 21st century reader to acknowledge."
Abstract In his book "Discipline and Punish", Michel Foucault analyses the rise of a new type of disciplinary power, one linked to knowledge, techniques of surveillance, and the production of 'truth'. This paper looks at Foucault's analysis of the 'technological take-off in the productivity of power' and how he saw power as utilising the 'techniques' of the production of truth, knowledge, and surveillance. It also covers the idea of power acting through the subjectification of individuals. Finally, it attempts to analyse Foucault's framework for understanding culture, and the extent to which it is useful for this purpose.
From the Paper "To understand how Foucault uses the idea of knowledge as power, it is perhaps most useful for us to first look at how truth is produced, i.e. how 'regimes of truth' came about, and how these are used to legitimise knowledge in order for knowledge to have status and thus be used in power relations. For the production of truth both makes claim to power and sustains and justifies it. Foucault questions the absolute truth of knowledge and sees truth as being something constructed to impose ideas of what is right and true (Fillingham 1993:5-7). "
Tags: abnormal, deviant, knowledge, objectification, panopticism, panopticon, subjectification, surveillance, truth
Abstract This paper examines how Aristophanes' use of gender portrayal and sex created his most popular play, "Lysistrata". It looks at how the women outwitted and outsmarted the men on all aspects and how they were the heroes and ended the Peloponnesian War after decades of fighting. They ended it by crippling Greece's economic status and weakening the males by means of a sex strike. It shows how, in Aristophanes' humorous battle of the sexes, he proves that women can solve any problem with their brains and beauty.
From the Paper "The alliance of the females, led by Lysistrata, was very powerful. They physically and mentally dominated the males throughout the play and ultimately convinced the men to end the war. The women had the power to seize the Akropolis, where the money reserves were kept, and hinder Greece into spending more money on the war. When the Commissioner approached the Akropolis to gather more currency, Myrrhine acted forcefully and broke a "lamp over his head" (Aristophanes, 63). This shows the physical power and aggressiveness of the women in Lysistrata and their ultimate ability to change the economic status in Greece. "
Abstract This paper introduces, summarizes and analyzes Gloria Anzaldua's book, "Borderlands". The paper explains that Anzaldua's book is about the identities of the people who live on the borderlands and, in particular, of those who are immersed in contradictory cultures.
From the Paper "Individuals derive their sense of identity from their culture. In Borderlands/La Frontera, Anzaldua crafts a collage of lyric and prose, myth and autobiography, Spanish and English, past and present, inviting her readers to experience the clash of cultures. Through literary experimentation with the autobiography genre, Anzaldua was able to express her Chicana Mestiza identity as a site of multiple and often over-lapping and contradictory subjectivities."
Abstract This paper is a comparison and contrast between the poetry of Emily Dickinson and Dylan Thomas regarding their interpretations of death in their works ("Because I Could Not Stop For Death" and ""Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night"). These authors have different ideas of death and how it should be perceived by the person who is facing it. Death is inevitable, but Dylan feels that it should be fought and raged against, while Dickinson accepts it as a relief from the life that is lived day to day.
From the Paper "The attitude of Dickinson, in contrast, is more laid back. She feels that when death is ready for someone, he will come. Her words, "We slowly drove - He knew no haste/ And I had put away/ My labor and my leisure too, / For His Civility" (5-8), present us with a softened attitude that death will come at his own choosing, and that there is no point in fighting this inevitable carriage ride into the next world. It is somewhat ironic that the speaker refers to death as being civil."
