Abstract "Ragtime" by E.L. Doctorow presents a cast of characters caught up in a frenzied life of liberating themselves from oppression ranging from poverty to the discontent of the soul. By exploring the recurring themes of liberation and oppression in the novel, the paper shows that in fact, the liberation from one state of being only leads to another prison; true liberation seems to beckon as a chimera. Ultimately, what Doctorow depicts powerfully is that oppression affects all humanity, whether he or she is poor or rich, black or white.
From the Paper "The most dramatic example of oppression is illustrated in the episodes involving the racial oppression of Coalhouse Walker. He represented the fundamental injustices committed against African-Americans in the story. Although he was rich, educated and well-cultivated, the color of his skin did not free him for being harassed by Conklin, the Fire Chief (Doctorow 131-133; 145-150). From a superficial perspective, Walker's reaction over his car seemed unduly exaggerated. However, the unnecessary tampering with his car symbolized the unjust oppression of African-Americans. In a reversal of positions, Walker and his followers played the role of oppressors by terrorizing the city with bombing attacks (Doctorow 186-187). It is a tragedy that his "liberation" from being an oppressed person could only take place in such spectacular circumstances, that inevitably resulted in his own death."
Abstract When one examines the early poems of Dylan Thomas, the contents and techniques of his volumes, with a few exceptions, beckon symbolic gestures. Conversely, other works by Thomas, also rich with symbolism, contain contrasts in diction and leave one to wonder if his critics are correct. Though to classify Thomas in any way might seem a futile task, the aim of this paper is to provide an examination of the similarities and contrasts of symbolic representations found in his early poems and in the poem "There was a Saviour." The paper shows that while the early poems of Thomas are a cornucopia of symbolism paralleled in content and style, "There was a Saviour" contains an exposition and subtexts that rarely meet in any similar fashion.
From the Paper "In the analysis of "There was a Saviour," the peculiarity of its language compels us to set about constructing a meaning for it, and allows us to wonder how it is that the diction contain many contrasts not only within its own reading, but among his other poems. The poem in its entirety presents considerable difficulty. Even the syntax is difficult. The striking thing about the syntax is the peculiarity of the tenses and pronouns. Unlike the linear fashion that his other works exhibit, in reading "Saviour" it is difficult to make out what point in time we are supposed to be made aware of."
Abstract The paper argues that "Lara Croft" may seem like an empowering role model for some women because of the way she triumphs in an apparently male-dominated world. However, Lara merely comes across as an object designed to inspire male fantasy as demonstrated by her clothing, demeanor, and relationships, all of which beckon for attention from a predominantly male audience. The paper argues that Lara's haughty behavior and demeanor not only broadcast the false message that a woman needs to be improper to succeed, but are also used in a way to shamelessly draw male attention. Finally, the fact that Lara doesn't have any men in her life at first gives the impression that she is a strong, independent woman. Though, as this paper explores, she is actually quite dependent on her father, while the absence of a male by her side invites the male viewer to occupy that empty space in his imagination.
From the Paper "Thus, male clothing becomes synonymous with victory over males, and Lara ostensibly becomes a symbol of female empowerment as one who transcends the overwhelming obstacles set forth by a male dominated society - all with the aid of her attire. In actuality, however, Lara's victory-by-apparel suggests that if a woman is to succeed in a male dominated world, she must wear a man's clothes, which ultimately disassociates her with her feminine identity, despite the feminine features her clothing may accentuate. Instead of signaling empowerment, Lara's clothes acknowledge that one must possess male traits in order to excel in an openly male-dominated world."
Abstract This paper explains that a gesture of endearment in one place may be an insult in another, such as "touching gestures", which should be avoided in China where touching or prolonged bodily contact is not acceptable. The author points out many conflicting cultural meanings of gestures such as that the "V" for victory, popularized by Winston Churchill, has a negative connotation in European countries where the palm facing inward means, "Up your bum!" The paper relates that it is important to note the vast differences in non-verbal communication, to respect these differences and to avoid infringing on someone's personal space or beliefs.
From the Paper "Beckoning gestures, configurating ones hands while beckoning in China determines exactly what the person that is beckoning is trying to say. The writer reports that one should avoid using the index finger, palm up and toward you, in a back and forth curling motion toward your body because that is a gesture solely used toward animals .The open hand is used for pointing instead of using one finger like in the United States. In Chinese culture, the feet are considered dirty and should not be used in gestures."
