Abstract
This paper examines the novel, "Siddhartha," by Hermann Hesse. It specifically discusses the intrinsic theme of appearances and how this theme relates to several other themes that are essential to understanding the novel as whole. The paper shows how the theme of appearances functions as a mechanism creating doubt and wonder within Siddhartha and pushing him on in his ultimate search for true and deep understanding.

From the Paper
"How Siddhartha approaches appearances in the novel also demonstrates a direct and complete shift from part one to the end of the novel. In part one, Siddhartha clings to the idea of enlightenment, but cannot reach it. He is dumbfounded by the lack of progress he has made because he has been able to surpass his teachers every step of the way. At the end of part one, Siddhartha is ready to leave his teachings and set out on his own path. He realizes it's his only way to find true enlightenment. At this point in part one, the concept of appearances is shown to be false, deceiving and ultimately not concrete. On the exterior, Siddhartha remains one of the brightest and most learned students, but on the interior, the turmoil pushes on, eating at Siddhartha and causing speculation and doubt within Siddhartha. Appearance, in part one, functions as a facade that hides enlightenment and deceives those who seek it. This is why Siddhartha says "I called my eyes and tongue, chance" and, once again, why he does refer to appearance as "illusion" (Hesse 33). He has not yet found enlightenment, and thus, has not yet learned how appearance relates to enlightenment, but he asserts that appearances are not real, and that we only think that appearances are true, but in fact, they are not."

Tags:truth, reality, perception

Abstract
The paper describes how Olaf, a white man, allows his racist beliefs and prejudice to influence what he thinks about Jim, a big, intimidating black. The paper points out how Olaf seems to be a meek white man who would never hurt anyone, but he harbors such passionate hate towards someone else, while Jim looks scary, but is a good, kind man. The paper highlights Wright's message that a man's character cannot be determined by his appearance alone.

From the Paper
"Olaf is the quintessential racist white man, fearing a black man that happens to be larger and stronger than he is. Margaret Marshall observes that Wright's stories lay bare the "lower depths of the human relationships between the blacks and the whites" (Marshall 417). Olaf illustrates this when we read that he was tempted to "refuse a man a room solely on the basis of the man's size and color" (Wright 263). It is important to note that Olaf is completely aware of his feelings and why but he does not feel compelled to do anything about them. He gives Jim a room but is not happy about it; when he discovers that Jim is a wealthy black man, we see even more resentment. We read, "Resentment clogged his pores of his wrinkled white skin" (Wright 264). In addition, without provocation, Olaf cannot "shake off a primitive hate for that black mountain if energy" (266). Olaf lives a life filled with hatred because he is prejudiced but he does not think that he is. In fact, he denies the thought only to follow it by stating that God should not make men that are so big and so black. Olaf is like every other individual that does not think there is anything wrong with him or her. It is easy to find fault in others and even easier to justify our own silly behavior. However, Olaf has the bigger problem of the two men because his trouble lives in his own heart."

Tags:racism, stereotypes, prejudice, whites, blacks

Abstract
The paper examines William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" and illustrates how, in these works, people and circumstances are misjudged because of how they appear rather than how they really are. The paper shows how characters in "Hamlet" become victims of skewed perceptions of truth and that perception changes reality while the characters in "The Metamorphosis" also have a skewed perception of Gregor.

From the Paper
"In Hamlet is a play that revolves around the appearance of things and the confusion that brings. Individuals suffer because of differing views or opinions of the truth. Because individuals interpret reality differently, reality (or perception) has many people baffled. Characters in Hamlet become victims of skewed perceptions of truth and that perception changes reality. Hamlet does not see the marriage of his mother in a decent manner and because he has such hostile feelings toward his mother, he cannot look at Ophelia the same way, either. Hamlet's perception of reality is altered because of his grief. He can barely see beyond his father's death without being forced to look at his mother's remarriage."

Tags:perceptions, reality

Abstract
This paper, explores the cynical world view which advises false appearances, using quotations from films such as "Dr Strangelove", "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead", and texts as diverse as Shakespeare's "Hamlet", Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Prince", and Barry Spacks's "Courting Surfaces".

Abstract
This paper discusses the difference between reality and appearance, providing a number of examples.

From the Paper
"Reality and appearance can be and often are polar opposites. Nevertheless, most people find it difficult not to judge reality according to appearances. If things look bad, they conclude that things are bad. Gerald F. Kreyche points out that people cite adages such as 'appearances are deceptive' and 'one can't tell a book by its cover', yet in nearly every aspect of life, perceptions-i.e. appearances-overrun reality. Reality is what actually exists, what is true. Appearance on the other hand..."

Tags:reality, appearance

Abstract
This paper examines the role of physical appearance in job placement. Attractive physical appearance is seen as linked to productivity in some industries with high customer contact. But generally, most employers use it subjectively for candidate selection without linking it to skill sets. Candidates also share this subjective expectation of employers especially when job competition is unpredictable.

Abstract
This paper discusses the powerful and persuasive nature of advertising and how it is utilized as a tool to impact and objectify messages and media influences throughout various cultures. The paper particularly focuses on the effect that advertisements have on appearance anxiety, especially within the adolescent female population and discusses the reasons for its impact.

From the Paper
"Gender is predominantly linked to the female population when it comes to body dissatisfaction, particularly adolescent females because so much of their identity is tied to their physical attributes, or lack thereof (Green, 2003). Research reveals that women far outweigh men in terms of lower body dissatisfaction and media pressures confirm their anxieties (Dittmar, et al, 2004). Studies reveal that women have a higher dissatisfaction in specific areas such as hips, thigh, body fatness and weight (Russell & Cox, 2003). Women's tendencies are to continually compare their own body images to other women as a means of self assessment, typically ending in body dissatisfaction (Tiggemann, et al, 2004). The physical changes are evident in both girls and boys reaching puberty with opposite results inferred for girls who increase their body fat and boys who decrease their body fat and increase muscle tone (Davison & McCabe, 2006)."

Tags:dissatisfaction, stereotype, representations

Abstract
This paper first describes Thomas Hart Benton's "June Morning" by explaining that the curvilinear forms and the realistic details accentuate this typical rural scene. The paper then critiques American Impressionist, Frederick Carl Frieske's "Before Her Appearance", which is a delicate portrait of a young ballerina applying the final touches to her make-up before going on stage. The paper points out that the painter is trying to evoke a feeling of naivete with this young woman by using mottled details, which bring softness to the scene.

From the Paper
"The flowering bushes appear to be doing well in the arid conditions as evidenced by the grass. Pink clusters of flowers adorn the bushes at the left foreground. White flowers, tinged with yellow, grow from a bush, out of the top of the hill in the right foreground. Aged and weathered wooden slats lie askew at the bottom of the bush, accented by rounded boulders. The three slats are broken and laying at odd angles, as if possibly a wheelbarrow or cart broke along the roadside at this spot, and the owner just left it for time to dispose of."

Tags:rural, ballerina, impressionist, mottled, curvilinear

Abstract
This paper discusses the theme of the dichotomy between appearance and reality, and how it is an old and crucial theme throughout literature. The paper explores the works of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edgar Allan Poe and Charlotte Perkins Gilman to demonstrate this theme operating in different ways.

Abstract
In this essay, several quotations and citations from "Hamlet" illustrate Shakespeare's deft ability to use his language to blur the lines between appearance and reality and ultimately propel his characters from fictional literary interpretations into the collective imagination of literate humanity.