Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce and discuss the book "Reservation Blues," by Sherman Alexie. Specifically, it looks at the musical poem at the beginning of the chapter "My God Has Dark Skin," and how it relates to the beliefs and religion of the characters throughout the book.
From the Paper "These words tell the story of how the Native American's had to give up their beliefs, and their religion for the white man's religion, in the name of "modernity" and "Christianity." The numerous Native American tribes each had a complex religious system, made up of folk tales, and a wide variety of gods and goddesses. Yet, when the white men came and took over the Indian lands, they tried to convert them to the "true" religion of Christianity, while they gave up their old ways and beliefs."
Tags: Indian, god, christianity, modernity, native, american, white, men
From the Paper "George Orwell expresses an entirely negative view of imperialism as he portrays it in his novel Burmese Days. The characters of U Po Kyin, Dr. Veraswami, and Ellis in differing ways demonstrate the damage done to individual lives and human relationships by the corrupting influences of British imperialism in Burma.
No character in this novel is immune from the destructive effects of imperialism. So negative is the portrayal by Orwell of imperialism, in fact, that it can be seen as a novel without hope in terms of altering the imperialistic structure of the British rule in Burma. No character---British or Burmese---appears to be capable of escaping the destructive trap of imperialism. Neither is any character truly sympathetic.
The ugliness of imperialism is so pervasive that it affects..."
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine the use of symbolism and imagery in The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams. The plan of the research will be to set forth in general terms the pattern of ideas emerging in the work, and then to discuss the symbolic and imagistic means by which the pattern is elaborated, the ideas are given concrete representation, and the combination of dramatic and thematic content given emotional expression.
The action of The Glass Menagerie is built around Tom Wingfield's memory of a family of sometimes violent and often pathetic emotions, and of the just plain sad fate of his mother Amanda and his sister Laura, who each in her way is doomed when it comes to coping with the realities of the outside world. The difference between them is that Amanda is a survivor and Laura a ..."
From the Paper "In her short story "D"sir"e's Baby," Kate Chopin creates an image of Louisiana society and bolsters that image with her use of color imagery and symbolism. The society is sketched in lightly with references to the people, the places, and the mores of the society, and the use of color helps create this image while also foreshadowing the ending of the story. The important conflict is indicated early in the story--Monsieur Valmond? is described as "practical" and as wanting to know "the girl's obscure origin" (49-50). Armand Aubigny, on the other hand, is in love and does not care.
Contrasts between black and white, light and dark, sun and shade, are made throughout the story. Significantly, the child D"sir"e is found in the shadow of the pillar, and Armand falls in love with her 18 years later while she stands in that same..."
Abstract This paper reviews "Cathedral" by Raymond Carver, about how the central character which the narrator refers to as Bub, learns a lesson in being human from the stranger who visits him and his wife. It examines how the story concentrates on different ideas of seeing, with the most important kind of seeing being understanding, something Bub cannot do and the blind man intuitively can. It examines how the locale for the story becomes important as the stranger serves a spiritual purpose and so guides Bub to a new understanding of himself and his place in the world.
From the Paper "Bub is in many ways an unpleasant man for most of this story. He is antagonistic to the blind man even before that man arrives. He is somewhat unreasonable about it to his wife, for the blind man is her friend and should be treated with more respect just for that reason. Bub does not like to have his routine interrupted, however, and is even rude to the man directly once the man arrives. He seems to take it as a personal affront that the other man is blind, and yet as the story progresses, we discover that the man who cannot see with his eyes can "see" better than Bub as far as having an understanding of the world and the people in it is concerned."
Abstract This paper examines how in his book "Race Matters", Cornell West, in a little over 150 pages, provides an amazing amount of in-depth analysis of the state of racial relations in the United States in the early 1990s. It discusses how psychological, political, sexual, rhetorical, social and economic aspects of ongoing racism in the nation are covered, with West seeing some but not unrealistic hope for the kind of profound change needed to better the lives of blacks still suffering most from racist practices. It evaluates how this hope he does have seems aimed not at the government (although he does call for policies which will create more jobs for blacks and redistribute wealth), but at individuals and at their ability to awaken and organize with a "coalition strategy". It analyzes how he seems intent most on awakening and changing the perceptions of the individual reader, for he believes that group-think, segregation and other aspects of racism are created and maintained by the failure of individuals to think for themselves instead of having their minds and lives shaped by others and by the past.
From the Paper "Prophetic-moral reasoning, for West, is an antidote to group think, in a sense. This kind of reasoning is based on "fundamental ideas of a mature black identity, coalition strategy, and black cultural democracy." This approach not only liberates the individual from group-think and racial stereotyping, it gives like-minded individuals the inspiration to commit to the kind of political organization needed to change the system rather than be absorbed by it. Also, this form of moral reasoning avoids "deifying or demonizing others" (44), which only degrades the blacks who engage in such thinking and wastes energy which could be better spent on mature and moral responses to racism."
Abstract This paper examines how Khushwant Singh wrote "Train to Pakistan" in 1956 when the painful memories of 1947 Partition were still fresh and the wounds hadn't yet healed. It looks at how the book reflects the true emotions that people felt when they were forced to abandon their homes in both India and Pakistan to move north or south according to their religious beliefs. It analyzes how religion was the biggest cause of this partition and it was what forced people to give up everything they previously had including their old identities.
From the Paper "Muslims knew that if they did not take such a step, they would be forced to become slaves to Hindus majority that was already more educated and hence more suitable for various positions in the government. Muslims had been living a life of complete self-complacency and came to see their position in true light only when last Mughal Emperor was forced to relinquish control of India. All these political reasons were also grounded in religious differences. Muslims and Hindus were two different nations with separate beliefs, different values, different calendars, and hence they felt it was impossible to live together in one land after the British were driven out. Singh writes, "Where on earth except in India would a man's life depend on whether or not his foreskin had been removed?? "
Abstract In this paper, the writer looks at the approaches Emerson and Thoreau take to social criticism. The writer shows that they share a common dislike of a large society that dwarfs and silences the individual. It then shows that the two authors have many differences in their style of criticism. Whereas Emerson writes to inspire the masses to change and create a better society, Thoreau writes in a less optimistic style, aiming to affect individual readers, so that they might rise above their flawed society rather than be a part of an improved one.
From the Paper "The two American literary pioneers Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau gave voice to a philosophy of individualism and a mode of life striving to reach something beyond ordinary existence. In fact, the two were close friends, sharing very similar thoughts concerning American life in the 19th century. Thoreau was a neighbor of Emerson?s, and for a short time was actually employed by Emerson as a handyman. Emerson played a key role in having Thoreau's early work published ? both in the Transcendentalist newspaper The Dial (of which Emerson was the editor), as well as to a wider audience."
Abstract Historians have always looked to literature for insight into how a culture functioned, what it valued, and how its people lived. Today, when studying the Middle East, many would not only read the Qu"ran, but also "The Arabian Nights", the folklore. The paper shows that when we read "Arabian Nights" we understand a great deal more of how the Arabic people actually lived. Perhaps the most evident discrepancy between the teachings of the Qu"ran and the "Arabian Nights" tales pertains to the view and treatment of Middle Eastern women.
From the Paper "This method of seclusion is dramatically illustrated in The Arabian Nights where we hear the story of the demon that locked his wife in a chest and carried her about as if she were his private property. Yet ironically the authors of the Arabian Nights convey in this same story that not even this extreme could prevent a willful woman from knowing other men."
Presents a positive review and commentary on Hampton Sides's historical account of World War II, "Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission".
865 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 0 sources, 2004, $ 30.95
Abstract This paper describes the plot of "Ghost Soldiers" and then discusses the narrative style of the author, the historical context of the book, and the book's uplifting message of heroism, courage, and virtue.
From the Paper "Ghost Soldiers is a book that depicts the extraordinary skills and virtue of the soldiers of war. Most of all, it is a chronicle of heroism, sacrifices, and triumph dared by the horror WWII had created. Perhaps, we can say that the story presented by Hampton Sides in Ghost Soldiers is a contribution to the journals of WWII. The book is a breathtaking and detailed account of the horrifying experiences of the POW, the rescuing soldiers, and the rest of the soldiers involved in the rescue mission such as the brave Filipino guerillas. As well, the book is an exhibition of the victory of men in uniform and their unspeakable courage to risk their lives for the sake of their soldier-brothers."
Abstract This paper compares the way the poems, "Dover Beach", by Matthew Arnold, and "Dover Bitch", by Anthony Hech, treat the subject of love. The paper explains that, while both poems are about love, the type of love each poem is describing is quite different. The paper goes on to discuss the different tones in the poems, which render the poems' descriptions of love very differently. Also discussed is how Hecht makes his poem, "Dover Bitch", a commentary about the confusing desire for love by satirizing Arnold's poem, "Dover Beach".
From the Paper ""Dover Beach" by Matthew Arnold and "Dover Bitch" by Anthony Hecht are poems that on the surface are based on the same subject--love. Though both poems are about love, the poems are not alike. The love that Matthew Arnold describes is a serious one, while the love that Hecht describes is, arguably, not love at all, but simply desire. "Dover Bitch" uses the "Dover Beach" as a platform to speak of love in a tone that is crass and hollow feeling?a feeling that has more to do with satisfying a physical desire than with satisfying an emotional desire. Both poets achieve their goals through the use of different tones."
Abstract This paper describes the development of the relationship between the characters of Hagar and Lottie in Margaret Laurence's novel, "The Stone Angel". It looks at Lawrence's depiction of complex human relationships and the tragic results of the relationship of the two women.
From the Paper "In Margaret Laurence's novel The Stone Angel, any number of complex human relationships are depicted. One such relationship exists between the protagonist Hagar Shipley and Lottie Drieser Simmons. Though Hagar begins life as a member of a ..."
Tags: literature, Margaret Laurence, The Stone Angel, tragic
Abstract This is a summary of ten different literary critics' comments on Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby". All of the critics are cited and separated into individual sections.
Abstract Illusion versus Reality in The Glass Menagerie
A good piece of literature will be remembered through its theme. A great piece of literature contains more than one theme so that all readers relate on some level to the content of the piece. "The Glass Menagerie", by Tennessee Williams, is the perfect illustration for this point. It contains theme on top of theme, each of which may be analyzed and interpreted through textual evidence. I have read this play many times throughout my life; my interpretations have changed along with my knowledge of life and people. The theme I have chosen to examine for this paper is illusion versus reality. I believe that this is the underlying theme of the piece. While other themes and ideas certainly exist, this theme holds the piece together
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A look at Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" as a historical account of gender roles, marriage, and society in the early 19th-century, and the character of Elizabeth Bennet which constitutes a critique of traditional norms of women's behavior.
947 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, 2000, $ 33.95
From the Paper "Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice can be read as an historical account of gender roles, marriage, and society in the early 19th-century. Most of the characters in the novel embody traditional 19th century standards. However, the character of Elizabeth Bennet constitutes a critique of traditional norms of women's behavior. Her independence, intelligence, and bold personality do not hold to a traditional 19th-century view of women. Elizabeth's rejection of Mr. Collin's proposal does not conform to the submissive role that women were expected to adhere to. Elizabeth has no respect for the existing economic classes as seen by her rude disposition to Lady Catherine on her trip to Hunsford. Further, Elizabeth's carefree and independent nature simply does not agree with the traditionally expected role of women."
