Abstract This paper uses both the new criticism and the deconstruction approach to find deeper insight to the possible meanings and connections in "Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day?"
Abstract This paper argues that a common theme in Charlotte Perkins Gilman's work, "The Yellow Wallpaper" and Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is the effect of fantasy and enchantment on the characters in those stories. An examination of the two works shows how fantasy influences and modifies the characters, how it affects the story's setting, and the message that each author is sending to the reader.
Abstract This paper explores the interplay between man's potential and man's behavior. Hamlet's character is studied through utilizing excerpts from the play to form the standards by which to define man. The many aspects of Hamlet's character are brought to light and although it has been argued, and most correctly, that Hamlet's character leads directly to his demise, it is precisely that character that has made him so attractive to countless scores of readers.
From the Paper "Prince Hamlet, in saying "What a piece of work is a man" (2.2.293-294), brings to light the idea of man's inherent potential. "How noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, in form and moving how express and admirable, in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like a god" (2.2.294-296). In this sense, man is capable of infinite measures, of being, essentially, godlike. Yet in actual performance, man is too often ruled by his passions, and often so in the absence of reason. We, as humans, are capable of greatness and nobility, yet we are each also capable of behavior befitting a beast. Hamlet then asks of Ophelia "What should such fellows as I do crawling between heaven and earth"? (3.1.128-129). All of the characters of the play are crawling between heaven and earth, yet some are drawn closer to the earth by way of their "beastly" behavior. The interplay between passion and reason therefore becomes paramount in placing the characters of the play on their respective "rungs of the ladder" between heaven and earth. "
A discussion of religious iconography and the virgin-whore dichotomy in pre and post Elizabethan England using Elizabeth I. and Hamlet's Gertrude as examples of the virgin and whore characterization.
2,285 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 5 sources, 1998, $ 70.95
Abstract A discussion of religious iconography as it relates to the Catholic Queens of England, Elizabeth I. and Hamlet's Gertrude. This paper contains a discussion of the virgin-whore dichotomy as it relates to the depictions of the Catholic Queens of England and Elizabeth I. in comparison to Gertrude. It also deals with an interesting change in religious iconization as England made its movement in support of the Protestant faith. The argument defines and discusses three areas in which queens are compared to religious icons and how their success and failure in these areas establishes their places in the virgin-whore dichotomy.
From the Paper "To give the queen the desired position in the dichotomy as the virgin, queens were often equated with religious icons, making their legacies almost saintly. These images of holiness defined both the queen's positions in the monarchy and the standards to which the future queens were held. After the fall of Catholicism in England, the iconizsation of the queen changed. Elizabeth in particular wasn?t associated by allegory alone to the Virgin Mary, but rather became the Virgin Mother of England in body as well as by allegory. This strengthened both her political position and her position in the virgin-whore dichotomy of the time. By comparing Queen Elizabeth, who was seen as a saintly, virginal figure, to Shakespeare's character Gertrude, who was seen as lusty and betraying, the major virgin-whore dichotomy of the Elizabethan and post-Elizabethan age can be exemplified."
Abstract The paper examines several analytical articles regarding the character of Petruchio and his blatant oppression of Katherine in Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew". Feminist opposition to modern productions of the play and arguments regarding the value of historic perspectives are discussed.
From the Paper "Understanding how Petruchio could be interpreted a hero to historical audiences and also symbol of villainy to some modern audiences is in itself a reason to continue study of Shakespeare's works. It is precisely these types of diametrically opposed views that encourage the search for a better understanding of differences in social structure and historical attitudes. Many other authors will also require comparison between modern society and the culture of their origin in order to be comprehensively understood."
Abstract This paper is about the importance of William Shakespeare's writings. The author argues that Shakespeare's writings are valuable because of the lessons they teach, their literary style and their reflection of the society of the time.
From the Paper "Not too long ago, when Oxford University was deciding on whom should be named "Man of the Millennium", William Shakespeare was chosen to be the winner. Perhaps they were liable to be biased because both he and Oxford are British, but I truly believe it was for reasons far deeper than that. Shakespeare is the most popular playwright read in schools today, but why? School Boards seem to feel that Shakespeare's works provide valuable literary lessons and insights and I agree whole-heartedly. Not only is Shakespeare my favorite playwright, but also one of the historic figures I admire most. I believe that everyone, regardless of age, should read Shakespeare because of the valuable lessons, literary value, and for their own edification and enjoyment."
A comparison of Japanese kabuki and Shakespeare's plays, addressing the similarities of the works as well as Japanese adaptation of Shakespearean works.
2,500 words (approx. 10 pages), 12 sources, 2000, $ 75.95
Abstract This paper presents an overview of kabuki, including its origins, role in Asian culture, and aspects of performance. Discussion of how Shakespeare's works have been adapted to a kabuki form dominate the paper. Special attention is paid to the woman's role in kabuki theatre.
From the Paper "Drama is an ancient art form, steeped in various world traditions that have many precepts and edicts of rehearsal, production, and performance. The following is a presentation of two viewpoints, and the repercussions of the fusion of the traditions in performance and translation. The Asian world views performance as an attainment of character through repetition and form-study, to learn not just the dialogue and songs of a samurai or handmaiden, but to become that character using extra-ordinary body position (termed "extra-daily technique"), elaborate costumes and makeup, as well as traditional music. There are several styles of performance, but the most flamboyant is kabuki. Presently, there are four hundred plays in the conventional canon, but approximately thirty are performed each year in a seasonal cycle within Japan."
Abstract This paper argues that: in the end, Macbeth allowed himself to fall victim to the temptations of evil through conscious hesitation and a tragic ambition for power, fortifying Shakespeare's purpose and condemning malevolence against the throne.
From the Paper "Macbeth stands as one of Shakespeare's most enduring plays, weaving a mix of stoic courage, false pride, corrupt ambition, and desperate wrath into a work which ends in a symbolic exhibition of the tragic hero's head. Despite this however, Shakespeare directs his audience to recognize the natural order of the denouement, preserving the divine right of kings and ensuring to his Stuart ruler that the monarchy will always prevail over evil. Macbeth reveals his tragic flaw by failing to recognize this fundamental law. Once a valiant and loyal defender of the king, Macbeth is overwhelmed by the tenacity of his wife's lust for the throne as well as the demonic visions of three wicked witches. In the end, however, Macbeth allowed himself to fall victim to the temptations of evil through conscious hesitation and a tragic ambition for power, fortifying Shakespeare's purpose and condemning malevolence against the throne."
Abstract The essay examines the unusual and unconventional father-daughter relationships that exist in "A Midsummer's Night" Dream and ?"Romeo and Juliet".
From the Paper "Biological fathers in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Romeo and Juliet are seen as authoritative, ruling figures. Their only apparent role in each is to make decisions for their daughters."
This paper analyzes William Shakespeare’s most famous play, "Hamlet", in terms of detective fiction narrative. Examining Hamlet's madness, the Queen's guilt, and his relationship with Ophelia.
2,180 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 5 sources, 2002, $ 67.95
Abstract This paper analyzes William Shakespeare's most famous play, Hamlet in terms of detective fiction narrative. Hamlet is examined against 19th and 20th century works such as the Sherlock Holmes and Philip Marlowe stories, while the text of the play is presented and backed up as evidence of an inherent detective narrative. Some of the evidence concerns the Queen's guilt, and Hamlet's confrontation of the Queen in Act III Scene IV - as well as Hamlet's madness and his relationship with Ophelia.
From the Paper ?Hamlet,? says William Hazlitt, ?is the one of Shakespeare's plays that we think of the oftenest.? (Hazlitt, 197) The story, the plot of Hamlet is almost irrelevant: it is his character, and the way we interpret that character, that gives vital, universal meaning to Shakespeare's work over three hundred years later. As Hazlitt comments, ?[Hamlet?s] reality is in the reader's mind. It is we who are Hamlet.? (196) Hazlitt's is a point of view I would like to discuss further. I would argue that Hamlet lends itself almost flawlessly to multiple interpretations, thus remaining a vital, active text that has become a cultural icon since it was first staged in 1600-1601."
Abstract This essay discusses the main differences between Elizabethan and Greek tragedy by examining Shakespeare's poems and plays. The writer examines the use of violence on stage in Shakespearean tragedy as opposed to Elizabethan's.
From the Paper "There are various differences between Elizabethan tragedy, particularly through the works of Shakespeare, and Greek Tragedy. Some of these include the mixing of prose and Poetry, the linear formula of a character with a suffers from a tragic flaw, which leads to the character's downfall, versus the Elizabethan idea of the Wheel of Fortune. However, one of the largest dramatic differences between Greek tragedy and Shakespearean tragedy has to be the use of violence on stage. And what it boils down to is that the perfect combination of dialogue and action that Shakespeare uses in Othello can be more powerful than just the allusion, emotion, and metaphor that Sophocles uses in Oedipus the King."
Abstract This paper discusses the supernatural aspects in "Macbeth" and compares Shakespeare's play with the times it was written: during the reign of King James I and the Salem witch trials in colonial America. The author examines how witchcraft in Shakespeare's time period influenced his writing dramatically and changed the lives of many people.
From the Paper "William Shakespeare wrote the famous tragedy of Macbeth for King James I. At the time of his reign King James I was very interested in Witches and their magic. In America at this time the Salem witchcraft trials were also going on and people were being charged and even executed for it. Concluding from the information of the Salem witch trials, witches in Shakespeare's time played a key role in much of the evil of the world."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts Shakespeare's portrayal of connubial bliss in his comedies "Much Ado About Nothing," "Measure for Measure," and "Twelfth Night." The institution of marriage during Shakespeare's time is examined in detail, including how one decided when one should marry, and to whom, and contrasted to today's notion of marriage. Some of the topics examined include finances, a person's reputation, family involvement, love and honor.
From the Paper "However, despite the fact that in early modern England, ?Most people got married, and most people had children,? (McDonald 265), Beatrice and Benedick seem hell-bent against marriage. It is therefore probable that, while it wouldn?t strike modern audiences as particularly odd, Elizabethan theatergoers found both Beatrice and Benedick's adamancy against marriage a source of humor and eccentricity in social behavior. When Claudio makes light of his intention to marry Hero, Benedick's immediate reaction is, "Is"t come to this? In faith, hath not the world one man but he will wear his cap with suspicion? Shall I never see a bachelor of threescore again? Go to, I? faith, and thou wilt needs thrust thy neck into a yoke, wear print of it, and sigh away Sundays,? (Sundays were the day a man was expected to be with his wife), (Shakespeare, MAAN, I, i, 197-202). Likewise, the Prince, Don Pedro, says of Beatrice, ?She cannot endure to hear tell of a husband,? (Shakespeare, MAAN, II, i, 347-8)."
Tags: ado, bibliography, cited, comedy, format, homosexuality, love, marriage, measure, mla, money, much, night, shakespeare, twelfth, works
Abstract This paper examines the similarities and differences between King Lear of Shakespearee's "King Lear" and Prospero of Shakespeare's "Tempest". Through critical analysis, they can almost be seen as two scenarios for the same man whereby Prospero becomes a better man through self-realization and Lear discovers himself too late.
From the Paper "The doomed title character in Shakespeare's King Lear and the magical Prospero in The Tempest may at first seem to not have much in common. Contrary to first glance, one is in fact the opposite of the other. Each represents an elderly man's interactions with his surroundings; his loved ones, and even himself. It can even be said that if King Lear had lived, he might, because of the transformation brought about by so many painful realizations and experiences, have turned into a Prospero-like character. This is to say a man who, after having been through painful ordeals over which he has no control, finally uses these experiences to manifest his own destiny and create his own domain."
Abstract This essay focuses on the feminist criticism of the Shakespeare's drama "King Lear." The author examines modern and traditional presentations of this play. The main characters, and plot line are detailed, and then analysed in order to look its portrayal of women. The play has undergone several transformations, and has adapted some of the themes regarding women to modern times.
From the Paper "Shakespeare's original King Lear enforces anarchy, sexual insubordination and a misogynist emphasis through its portrayal of women and their impact on society, hence their destructive existence. This drama requires the audience to accept the underlying agreement that fathers are owed particular duties by daughters and chaos will manifest if this condition is not met. This assumption obviously imply that in King Lear, chaos was spawned by the neglect of these duties hence suggesting females are once again the cause of conflict."
