From the Paper
" Demodokos, the "blinded minstrel" (299) is a major figure in Book VIII of The Odyssey. As such, he can be potentially viewed as a special creation in which Homer, the "singer" of The Odyssey has inserted a character that might represent himself. Some of the themes of the song of "Ares dalliance with Aphrodite"(299), recapitulate in miniature the certain major themes of the longer epic. The sense of entrapment and danger, the sense of adventure, the sense of illicit love, the sense of enticing women, the sense of the power of the gods, the sense of questing all appear in the song and are all major themes in the epic itself. Most interesting of all, however, is the idea of the blind minstrel with incredible knowledge who pleases Odysseus with his tale. Demodokos is Homer's indirect tribute to himself, but Homer slyly plays with the reader's perceptions of Demodokos with the ensuing reaction to the song."

Tags:epic, poem, Greek

Abstract
The first piece reported in this paper is an oil on canvas, painted by Mexican artist Manuel Felguerez and titled 'Entre Dos Almas', created in 1992. The next art piece is "Fernwood Figures". It originated from Vanuatu, Melanesia, in the late 19th century to early 20th century, and represents tribal ancestors.The author states that the "Sculpture of Vishnu" originates from India during the Pala period,12th century. The final piece is "The Bard", an oil on canvas, painted by a British artist Richard Westall (1765-1836). Illustrations.

Table of Contents
"Entre Dos Almas"
"Fernwood Figures"
"Sculpture of Vishnu"
"The Bard"

From the Paper
"In Felguerez's paintings, it is very apparent that the he is quite fond of abstractionism. His work, on this media and beyond, is constantly exploring and playing with the primary geometrical shapes like the circle, square and triangle. Around the early seventies, the computer began to influence Manuel's work. The paintings produced by the artist around this time were almost mechanical looking in their composition. Color schemes usually contained a mechanical grayish background color, which was perceived to have derived from his interest in the growing world of computer-generated graphics. Also found in many of these earlier works was the design principle of rhythm and repetition while remaining unified."

Tags:oil, canvas, ancestors, india, melanesia

Abstract
William Shakespeare was born in 1564 and spent most of his childhood in Stratford, Great Britain. It wasn't until the age of 28 that Shakespeare began to gain prominence as a playwright. This paper shows that little is known about the private life of the man who would later be recognized as "the greatest and most famous of English writers". The paper shows that by skillfully creating realistic characters and situations is his plays, Shakespeare is still considered a major influence on writers across the world. Even in poetry, Shakespeare was able to transcend the boundaries of poetry and engage the reader in such a way in which all poets seek to imitate.

From the Paper
"Up until 1594 his plays appear to be influenced from Roman and medieval dramas. From 1594-1600, Shakespeare began to develop a distinctive style. The histories of this period are Shakespeare's best, portraying the lives of kings and royalty in most human terms. He also begins the interweaving, in these histories, of comedy and tragedy that would become one of his stylistic signatures. His comedies mature in this period as well, portraying more characterization in their subjects than previously. Between 1600-1608, Shakespeare wrote his tragedies, which would be the play that brought him infamy for centuries to come. Clearly, Shakespeare was at his best when he was writing these tragedies. The writing of Shakespeare until 1608, brings into focus the romantic tragicomedy. Many claim that Shakespeare seemed to be concerned with redemption at this time because the writing is more serious. These plays were also more lyrical and demonstrate how Shakespeare successfully mastered the technique of symbolism."

Tags:Elizabethan, Henry, IV, War, of, the, Roses, Sonnets

Abstract
The paper identifies the main issues addressed throughout "Insurgency & Terrorism From Revolution to Apocalypse" and explains that it essentially provides the keys for winning the global war on terrorism. The paper relates that this book is presented in a clear, concise manner that prevents being bogged down by military jargon. The paper notes the work's professional presentation, thorough research and lack of bias.

From the Paper
"Many of the books on insurgency and terrorism are written for combatants, often by combatants from the perspective of tactical engagement of the insurgents and guerillas. Bard E. O'Neill is a former Air Force officer, but seems to be more intellectually than tactically inclined. He has earned a doctorate in international relations and teaches international affairs in Washington D.C. at the National War College. Here he directs Middle East Studies and Studies of Insurgency and Revolution. Furthermore, he teaches in the Department of Politics at Catholic University in the nation's capitol. To add to his already impressive resume, he has also served as a consultant for various high-ranking officials within the Department of State and Department of Defense (O'Neill, 231). His experience in politics is evident, as he has written several other books on US policies regarding various topics. His expertise unveils the politics of insurgency to include its nature, strategies, organizational and support structures as well as popular support and the government's response."

Tags:Taliban, Al, Qaeda, Middle, East

Abstract
The characters of Sophocles' "Oedipus" and William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" present two of the most enduring examples of the tragic hero. The paper shows that both characters are victims of fate and both characters are in control of their destinies, yet each character, turning different ways, end up with very different lives. The paper shows that Oedipus was lead by what he believed to be the truth and Hamlet, knowing the truth, is paralyzed by it. In exploring the similarities and differences between these two characters, the paper shows how we are able to understand fate and destiny and how they relate to the truth.

From the Paper
"Hamlet and Oedipus conform to the same classic formula. Hamlet is a member of a royal family and next in line to sit at the throne. Claudias has determined that Hamlet will inherit the throne. This makes Hamlet the second most popular man in Denmark and to anger him is to invoke a king's anger in the years to come. Oedipus is already a king and he clearly asserts his position by announcing that he is king, the world-famous Oedipus. It is safe to assume that Oedipus is already in high standing in both the political and social hierarchy of the times because he is a king and he is world famous. To follow the model of the classic tragic formula, the story not only needs a hero who is in a position of status, but it also needs a hero to also fall from that position."

Tags:Claudias, Tereisias, Denmark

Abstract
This paper looks at the Globe Theater, where most of William Shakespeare's major works, ,including his famous four tragedies, were first staged. It shows how, although the original building was destroyed in the mid-17th century, a new "Globe Theater" has been built near the site of the old theater in London and replicates many of the original features of the original theater and still stages some of the bard's plays. It traces the history of the Globe Theater, describes the original building's main features, and covers the recent rebuilding of the new Globe.

Outline
Origins
Main Features
A "Microcosm" of the Times
Destruction
The "New" Globe
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The stage of the Globe was a five feet high level platform of about 43 X 28 feet size. The stage was fitted with mechanisms such as trap doors in its floor that were creatively utilized by Shakespeare in his plays. It was surrounded on three sides by the "pit" in which the general audience (known as "groundlings" or the "one penny" audience) stood to watch the performances. The fourth side of the stage had a room for the actors where costumes changes were made. Around the pit were three galleries (balconies) one above the other that had seating for "two-penny" theatergoers. The topmost gallery was roofed with thatch and had a small turret structure, from which a trumpeter announced the day's performances. Since no artificial lighting was available, plays were usually scheduled for the afternoons."

Tags:plays, london, tragedies

Abstract
"Othello" is one of the four great tragedies written during Shakespeare's period of despair when the bard seemed to be concerned with the struggle of good over evil. The paper shows that Iago, the villain in "Othello", is perhaps the most sadistic and consummately evil character in all English literature and his eventual downfall illustrates the triumph of love over hate, a key theme in many of Shakespeare's plays. The paper traces the play act by act in order to analyze the character of Iago.

From the Paper
"In Act Two, Iago's villainous nature is increased when Cassio, Othello's chief of staff, is seen by Iago holding the hand of Desdemona which sets into motion another scheme highlighted by the line "With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio" (2.1.163). Like Roderigo, Cassio submits to Iago's every whim while under the assumption that Iago is only attempting to assist him; but in reality, it is Cassio's downfall that attracts Iago. In addition, since Iago is a very intelligent man, he quickly realizes the advantages that come with trust which he considers as a means to further his goals. As a symbol of his true arrogance, Iago says of himself "I am an honest man" (2.3.245) which is quickly deemed to be a false statement when he has Cassio terminated as Othello's chief of staff."

Tags:Moorish, Roderigo, Desdemona, Cassio

Abstract
The following paper discusses the role of the poet in reference to William Blake?s famous set of 54 poems. The author feels that the function of the poet is the feelings he is able to invoke, the tensions between forces/themes that he is able to create and the message that he is able to portray.

From the paper:


?By the time we tumble into the second cycle of songs, those of experience, we are almost eager to do so. The poet no longer hears the voice of the child ?piping?; he announces: ?Hear the voice of the Bard!/Who Present, Past & Future sees.? This poet sees ?in evey face I meet/Marks of weaknes, marks of woe.? (London). Many of the poems are paired with poems of the first cycle. For Blake, man is torn between the forces of experience and innocence, two states of the soul. Now, in experience, we see ?In a rich and fruitful land,/Babes reduced to misery? (Holy Thursday)?.

Tags:juxtapose, innocent, pastoral, world, childhood, Introduction, rhythms, nursery, rhymes, hopes, fears, dangers

Abstract
This paper is a look at how various animal images in the play "Macbeth" such as the owl, serpent, falcon, raven, rhinoceros, etc. contribute to the powerful impression the Bard leaves on his audiences. The author uses quotes from the play to back-up the explanations.

From the Paper
" In William Shakespeare's play MacBeth, Shakespeare uses imagery to help convey the words his characters speak in their dialogs. Throughout this play, animals are used to describe situations for characters. These characters include Lady MacBeth, MacBeth, Lady MacDuff, Ross, and an old man speaking with Ross. Animal imagery is used to illustrate evil, deceit and fearlessness made by characters who are indeed fearful, and paranoid with unnatural events occurring throughout the course of the play."

Tags:animals, imagery, macbeth, shakespeare

Abstract
The paper discusses "The Illiad" written by the Greek bard Homer who tells the fateful tale of the battle of Troy and of Helen and Paris as the Greeks battled the Trojans for the return of Helen to her husband. It is within this tale a set format was illustrated. The paper shows that this is also seen in the ancient Mesopotamian stories of Gilgamesh. Within these stories the aspects of political authority, warfare and ethics are inter-meshed with heroic deeds, tales of gods and goddesses and historical documentation. This paper discusses the political authority, warfare and ethics of Gilgamesh and "The Illiad" and then compares the two stories to each other with a regard to the cultural and historical differences.

From the Paper
"Warfare in Mesopotamia during the time of Gilgamesh would have been limited to tribal skirmishes, it was not until much later that we see the invasion of Mesopotamia/ Sumeria by other nations and a final collapse of the system. The notion that Sumeria did not have a fully fledged army is clearly seen in the role of the Lugal and later the King, the role of the Lugal as noted above was as a warlord during emergencies, this then would illustrate that unless there was a permanent state of emergency Mesopotamia was a peaceful or semi peaceful region. It is also clear that Gilgamesh uses the strength of warfare to abuse his people."

Tags:Uruk, Humbaba, Enkidu, Tree, of, Knowledge, Achilles, Agamemnon