Abstract The paper shows that "The Tempest", by William Shakespeare, provides an arena for much interplay between illusion and reality. This interplay is facilitated by Prospero, Duke of Milan. Prospero uses the study of magic to disillusion the other characters brought to the island by way of the tempest. This essay discusses instances of illusion and their respective impact on the play in how they bring the theme of illusion versus reality to light.
From the Paper "One of the most well-discussed themes in The Tempest is the theme of illusion versus reality. This theme initially appears as it relates to the opposing worlds of a primitive island and the civilized culture of Milan. All of the characters in this play have been brought to this island in one way or another, and they are forced to coexist in a new and unfamiliar setting. These men are accustomed to reigning over all things, yet they now find themselves in a realm where the reigning power is that of illusion. Throughout the play there can be found examples of the ever-present theme of illusion versus reality in the actions of the characters, as well as in events that take place. Some of the most important elements of the play are presented by way of illusion and, therefore, hold meaning outside of what they first appear to be. Magic plays a considerable part in the workings of the play, as do the sources of the magic. In recognizing the part played by this theme of illusion versus reality, one can more clearly understand why certain events take place in The Tempest."
From the Paper "Shylock in the Merchant of Venice and Malvolio in Twelfth Night perform the dual role of villain and comic butt. A role is the impersonation of an imaginary character in a story of drama. In drama, the audience must deduce the attributes of these imaginary characters solely by their words and actions. Therefore, when an actor assumes a role, he has the responsibility of making a fictional character credible and vibrantly alive for the audience. Shylock and Malvolio are reprehensible, ridiculous and absurd in their obstinate refusal to harmonize with their social environment. For their failure to conform to the dictates of the world they inhabit, Shylock and Malvolio are punished. However, our alienation from these two characters is modified by the severe treatment they receive from the people around them. Consequently, the roles of Shylock and ... "
From the Paper " William Shakespeare's Henry V and Kenneth Branagh's movie version from 1989 are certainly similar works, because they derive from the same text, yet by looking at the basic play and the movie's mise en scene it is possible to see that Branagh has used the Bard's words to serve his own images in bringing out a contemporary message.
Branagh's film version is not the celebratory work that Laurence Olivier's 1944 British motion picture was: Olivier directed and starred in this movie as the English and the Allies were close to victory against the Germans. Branagh is true to his generation and their anti-war sentiments that were created during the Vietnam War of the 1960s. Therefore, the recent movie version shows the real price of war--the violence and bloodshed.
From the Paper "The character of Hamlet in the play of the same name by William Shakespeare has long been a difficult one for critics to assess because he is seen as passive rather than active for most of the play. Early in the play he is charged with the task of avenging his father, a task given him by his father's ghost, and yet for most of the play he does nothing about it. He is highly reflective but inactive until the very end of the play when he does his duty, destroys the man who killed his father, and is himself destroyed. Critics have pondered the question of why he waits so long. In his film version from 1948, Laurence Olivier answers this question in a spoken prologue, stating that this is the tragedy of a man who could not make up his mind. There is no prologue in the Franco Zeffirelli version from 1991, with Mel Gibson in the title role, and it is less clear why Hamlet..."
Abstract This paper deals with the themes of jealousy and revenge within the drama "Othello", written by William Shakespeare. With numerous themes depicted throughout the play, that of jealousy and revenge stands out, as they are the basis of the plot and character development. Includes a number of internal documentations (quotes).
From the Paper "Othello is a romantic tragedy set in Venice during the early eighteenth century. This play portrays the author's ability to intertwine many deceiving motives of its characters, into one cohesive and interesting plot. Othello, written by William Shakespeare, is a play that possesses many different aspects of literature, ranging from descriptive imagery to deep symbolism. Of all of Othello's characteristics, though, the most significant is that of its numerous themes. Othello is strewn with a number of important themes, including love, hate, racial tensions, deception, and false appearances. Nevertheless, as considerable as these themes may be towards the overall plot, the two most influential in Othello, are those of jealousy and revenge found within the two main characters of Othello and Iago. The themes of jealousy and revenge are difficult to discuss apart from one another, as jealousy causes revenge, and jealousy is the force that motivates the actions of the main characters."
Abstract This paper analyzes William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet" and Prokofiev's ballet version and shows how, because Prokofiev's ballet is quite lengthy and leaves out few elements of Shakespeare's version, the two works provide an unusual opportunity to compare verbal and non-verbal approaches to telling the same story. It examines how Shakespeare's language requires actors to render some very beautiful, intensely lyrical passages in a manner that approximates, without really becoming, natural speech. In comparison, it looks at how in the ballet the heightened emotions between the two protagonists can only be expressed in the music and the movements of their bodies. It shows how they must, in essence, communicate non-verbally what Shakespeare conveyed in some of the most famous speeches he ever wrote.
From the Paper "One of the best scenes for comparison is the most famous in the play, the balcony scene in Act II, scene 2. Here the lovers speak almost freely for the first time. They declare their love and commitment and are reluctant to part even though they must. This is one scene where Prokofiev's score had to accommodate the differences between a ballet and a play -- the challenges of presenting a story nonverbally. In Shakespeare's play Romeo returns to the Capulet house after the party and sees Juliet as she comes out to stand on her balcony. The conversation between the lovers is dangerous and fraught with suspense and it is frustrating, as they express their intense longing to be together and wonder whether they will ever find a way to accomplish this."
Abstract This paper conducts a character analysis of Hamlet, Laertes and Fortinbras? characters in relation to the events and circumstances that happened in the play ?Hamlet.? Furthermore, this character analysis is accomplished using the comparative essay analysis, where the researcher gives a causal relationship among the three characters, further discovering the actions, behavior, and motivations of each through their differences and similarities with each other. Texts from Shakespeare's original play and critiques on the play's character are also used in support of the claims that are presented in the paper.
From the Paper "The play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare has a story that revolves around the main themes of revenge and search for the truth. Shakespeare's male characters, in particular, are portrayed somewhat villainously because of the element of revenge inherent in each character's motivations in the play. Among the male characters in the play, the characters of Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras emerge as the most remarkable among the numerous character in Shakespeare's piece. Many characteristics are shared among these three primary male characters. The first characteristic is that they possess the vitality of their youth, and the second one is that all of them face the world in an idealistic and somewhat na"ve perspective. Their being young, na"ve, and idealistic are the main reasons why, throughout the play, they have resorted to radical actions and behavior that will cause either their victory or downfall."
Abstract Both Shakespeare's "Othello" and Bronte's "Jane Eyre" feature the theme of the treatment of the 'other - ' a theme that situates the protagonist, in both of these texts, in a disadvantaged position vis-a-vis the dominant culture. In varying ways, the characters of Othello and Jane Eyre both experience the difficulties of being different, or apart from the status quo. Othello's color sets him notably apart from those around him. For Jane Eyre, it is her low social status, at least at the novel's beginning, although Jane is doubly disadvantaged being both impoverished and female. In both cases, the protagonists are treated with contempt, as if their status of 'other' renders such behavior on part of the dominant culture acceptable. But beneath this theme of marginalization and otherness that manifests itself in both of these texts is a journey into the self: a journey that ends in tragedy for Othello, as his is a path to self-deception, but one of self-discovery and maturation for Jane Eyre.
Abstract Nora and Emilia are both intelligent women who make choices on a basis of moral reasoning. They are loyal to their husbands as a choice, not as a passive obedience. Each woman undergoes a dramatic change when their husbands are suddenly revealed to be immoral men, and as a result, both women choose to reject their husbands for failing to have trustworthy characters. The decision to reject the husband ends very differently for each woman - Nora leaves her relationship; however, Emilia is killed for condemning Lago's immoral character.
Discusses the character of Shylock from "Merchant of Venice" with reference to the anti-Semitic crusade that was taking place during the time Shakespeare wrote his play.
2,650 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 3 sources, 2002, $ 97.95
Abstract This eleven-page graduate paper discusses the character of Shylock in "Merchant of Venice" with reference to anti-Semitic crusade that was going on in England at the time Shakespeare wrote his play. The readers should study the character from all perspectives in order to gain a better understanding of Shakespeare's intentions.
Abstract This paper looks at and compares Shakespeare's play, A Midsummer Night's Dream, with Michael Hoffman's 1999 film adaptation. Looking at how specific differences such as language and scenes differ from interpretations, and how if there is any suggestive influence that enables us to better understand the original play.
Discusses the life and works of William Shakespeare and the controversy regarding the suspicion that some works attributed to Shakespeare were not really his.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 5 sources, 2002, $ 44.95
Abstract This paper discusses the life and works of William Shakespeare. Shakespeare was undeniably the best playwright in English literature but his life has always been a mystery and his works have often been eyed with suspicion as quarters are of the view that Shakespeare was not the author of some of the plays.
Abstract This paper presents a detailed look at the life and works of famed playwright William Shakespeare. The author of this paper takes us on an exploratory path through the childhood and teen years of Shakespeare before embarking on the adult life in which he became so famous.
Abstract This paper demonstrates that the character of Hamlet was actually not insane. The author believes that he was directed to commit the murder of his uncle by his father for purposes of revenge. The paper uses outside sources to support this argument.
