Abstract This paper is an analysis of themes prevalent in Ernest Hemingway's novel, "For Whom the Bell Tolls". Themes included are loyalty, bravery, and gender roles. This novel , traces the life of protagonist, Robert Jordan for three days during the Spanish Civil War. Bravery is characterized by one's response when faced with death. Courage, trust, and sacrifice outline loyalty. As it is commonplace to focus attention on detailing language when reading Hemingway, one need read closely to conjure the gender-role issues underlying this novel.
From the Paper "Ernest Hemingway served the North American Newspaper Alliance covering the Spanish Civil War from 1937-38. Upon his return to the United States on his way to a 1953 Pulitzer Prize and a 1954 Noble Prize for literature, he traces the life of protagonist, Robert Jordan for three days during the Spanish Civil War in his writing of ' For Whom the Bell Tolls'. Through Jordan's interaction with other supplementary characters and the use of language, Hemingway addresses the importance of bravery (facing the fear of death/dying), loyalty (trust of others/self), and gender (roles/stereotypes). Bravery and loyalty are complementary and often intertwined characteristics as well as themes. The comprehension and acquisition of these thematic issues and traits is essential before one's sudden, last fatalistic day."
This paper is a review of Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms" from the perspective that the bravest person is one who follows his or her conscience.
1,115 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 38.95
Abstract This paper explains that "A Farewell to Arms" is a sad story, but it is even sadder because Hemingway shows the destruction of war, not only on the countryside, but also on the people. The author points out that Hemingway uses the character, Frederic Henry, to show the horrors of war; the abstracts of war are very different from the realities of war, and the abstract qualities of bravery are very different from the realities of bravery. The paper concludes that Henry is a hero, not because he served in the war and was wounded, but because he was strong enough to understand the war was wrong and stand up against it; therefore, the story shows that it is easy to do what everyone else is doing, but much harder to stand up and be different.
From the Paper " "A Farewell to Arms" is about an American ambulance driver fighting in the First World War named Frederic Henry. He enlisted in the Italian army simply because he was there, and he goes through many adventures in the book. He falls in love with Catherine, a British nurse, and is wounded during the fighting. He returns to the front, but the Italian Army is driven back, and he is nearly executed by angry troops who blame the officers for their retreat. He escapes, and returns to Catherine. They leave Italy and settle is Switzerland, leaving the war and its horror behind them."
Abstract This paper discusses Inge Scholl's moving book about her brother and sister, who formed a student group, the White Rose, to fight the Nazis with propaganda and intelligent arguments. They were beheaded for treason in 1943. The story is presented in detail. The author of the paper asks: "Did the White Rose members give up their lives in vain?" The author feels that the White Rose members should always be remembered for their bravery and strong belief in freedom for all.
From the Paper "At first, Sophie did not know her brother had any part in the leaflets, but when she visited his room, she saw a book marked with a passage that had been reprinted in the leaflets. She grew frightened because she knew her entire family was in danger if he was caught. Three more leaflets came out in a few more days, and they were found throughout Munich, sometimes in mailboxes. Some they were found in other southern German cities, too. Then the leaflets stopped because all the students had to fight in Russia during the summer break. Sophie went home, and while she was there, she heard from a nurse that all the children in the hospital for the mentally ill were sent to concentration camps and exterminated. While Hans and Werner were fighting, they found out their father was in prison for his remarks about Hitler. They took it as a "mark of distinction" (Scholl 39). On his way home, Hans gives a Jewish prisoner a daisy and a chocolate bar, and she put the daisy in her hair after he left."
Abstract The paper reviews the story line of Hemingway's work. The writer praises Hemingway's depiction of a safari and his portrayal of the characters' emotions. The paper analyzes the use of the theme bravery throughout the story. In conclusion, the writer find's the short story to be one of confidence and deception, of great detail and anticipationand of the vitality of nature and the human spirit if let unleashed.
From the Paper "The relationship between the two is made apparent early in the story, and elaborated later on. Francis is a rich baby-faced gentleman who has almost no self-confidence with women or him. Margot at the time of their marriage was a beautiful model that made a handsome amount of money and was used to her extravagant lifestyle. She married Frances for his money, no other reason, and it is stated clearly later that she would never leave him because of that, and also because at her age if she was to leave him she could do no better. Francis on the other hand has the looks and money to be able to shop around for a new partner had he wished to do so, yet he didn't have the nerve to try and risk losing the beautiful, if not controlling wife he had."
Abstract The paper explains that in "The Right Stuff", bravery is born of awareness as much as performance. The paper discusses the characteristics that showed the astronauts had the "Right Stuff." The paper explains the quality of fortitude, perseverance, putting on a brave face and the ability to take on the pressure of other people's perceptions.
From the Paper "The Right Stuff is a story of bravery. However the Rights Stuff conceptually is a definition of the type of bravery required from the individuals chosen to be astronauts. And this type of bravery in large part is due to the different levels of pressure put upon these astronauts. Pressure of expectation, performance, meeting the challenge, and idealization of their missions all contributed to a unique set of personality characteristics that showed they had the "Right Stuff." These characteristics were relatively subtle, as far as how the individuals responded to the subtle and deepened layers of pressure that were thrust upon them."
A look at the circumstances, which led Shaka, the Zulu, to create a nation of people who are renowned the world over for their intense pride, nationalism and bravery.
3,120 words (approx. 12.5 pages), 4 sources, 2001, $ 90.95
From the Paper "The rise of the Zulu nation in South Africa to world prominence in the nineteenth century is credited to Shaka (sometimes spelled Chaka or Tshaka). The story of Shaka and the Zulu nation is marked by a number of historical controversies and is sometimes explained in a mythical or metaphysical context. Shaka was the catalyst in the formation of the Zulu empire, which had a cataclysmic impact on the Africa continent."
Abstract This paper presents an analysis of how the poem shows the speaker's conflict in overcoming her old, reliable dependence on fear and her bravery in attempting to redeem her life from fear.
From the Paper "The quality of the speaker's existence has been handicapped by the presence of her insecurities. As in the old clich?, she is afraid of her own shadow. Now she is ready to give up her shadow; but what is the outcome of taking such an action? Will she be crushed by the loss of her old, familiar coping mechanism? Is the speaker really in the process of freeing herself from her own worst enemy - herself? "
Abstract This paper analyzes the themes of courage, natural goodness, bravery and strength in Charles Dickens' novel, "Hard Times". The author discusses the applicability of these themes and their relevance.
From the Paper "Dickens confronts mid- nineteenth century views of workers in industrial England. In Hard Times, certain members of the working class are highlighted as complex, noble and sentimental individuals. The workers struggle to survive against the repressing forces of industrial society obsessed with statistics and fact. Dickens characterizes the working class in order to reveal the abuses of a system obsessed with profit. In his depiction of the lower class, a collection of social disgraces surface. Both Stephen Blackpool and Cecilia Jupe are affected negatively by the system. Stephen Blackpool remains a victim of the unjust society, yet proves that there is hope within the crowd of workers. Cecilia Jupe is also a victim, yet maintains happiness regardless of her inability to assimilate. Cecilia and Stephen are hurt by notions and prejudice of the working class, yet exert the most admirable qualities of the "heart" in Dickens Hard Times."
Abstract This paper is an analytical comparison of two films, "The "Thin Red Line" and "Enemy at the Gates" as both accurate portrayals of World War II, viewed from different circumstances, but both showing the horrors of war. The author also examines their common themes such as fear and immense strength and bravery.
From the Paper "The Thin Red Line and Enemy at the Gates both accurately portrayed World War II; however, they were entirely different in the approach. In The Thin Red Line, the life of a soldier was portrayed in different ways throughout the movie. It showed some men as being nervous, antsy, and sometimes psychotic. It also showed the men who were calm, levelheaded, and who could still make normal decisions under the stress. One thing that all of them had in common was their fear, and eventually strength. Some of the men were born brave; others were forced to be brave."
Abstract This paper is a literary analysis of Nathanial Hawthorne's novel, "The Scarlett Letter". The author discusses the heroic attributes of the main character, Hester Prynne, how she evolves through the tale, and how she values those she loves and wishes to protect.
From the Paper "Hester Prynne is a selfless heroine of literature. Her character raises many questions about morals, love and dignity and many might argue that she is not a heroine at all. Some may view Hester's actions as silly youthful pride. However, Hester's pride is not silly, it is to be admired. Even as an old lady, far from youthfulness, Hester returns to the village and bravely wears her "A" again."
Abstract This paper looks at the chivalric code that was required of a knight during medieval times. The author discusses who became knights, who they held allegiance to, how they behaved at tournaments, and their strong sense of loyalty. The paper also discusses how such knights were supposed to display great heroism, strength, bravery, and politeness towards women.
From the Paper "The knights in the aristocratic courts represented the chivalric virtues and vowed their allegiance and service as to be their primary and foremost responsibility. The knight was one of the three types of fighting men that used to fight in the battleground during the time of the middle ages. Becoming a knight was a part of a feudal agreement. These knights had a firm and strict belief in the code of chivalry. These knights took a pledge that they would always defend the weak and the powerless that are defenseless against any sort of tyranny and oppression. The other codes of conduct they pledged to obey were that they would always be extremely courteous to all women and all ladies."
This paper describes why Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan during World War II and how the United States retaliated against the profound act of aggression.
Abstract This paper historically describes the bombing of Pearl Harbor during World War II by Japan. The paper does so through the personal reflection of a soldier at the time of the attack in 1941 and with tribute to his great dedication and bravery for defending the United States
From the Paper "The tragic day at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 left the American people in a furious, yet fearful state. An unwarranted action of attack was thrown upon us as Japan invaded one of our islands and murdered our citizens. It was people such as my grandfather, Aubrey Hunter, that were willing to take up arms and enlist themselves in the military to help stop Japan from advancing in their murderous ways. It took strength, a great amount of courage, personal sacrifice, and the willingness to potentially give their lives for the cause. It were these attributes from men, such as my grandfather, and women that allowed our U.S. military to build itself up again and revenge the deaths of everyone who died at Pearl Harbor."
Tags: america, hawaii, japan, revenge, states, two, united, war, world, wwii, pearl, harbor, united, states
Abstract This paper discusses how the poet Homer was not only able to create literary works of art but could also provide a deeper understanding of Greek society. The author cites numerous examples from the "Iliad" and "Odyssey" that represent Greek nature, such as the importance of honor, martial bravery, heroism and leadership hierarchy.
From the Paper "The "Iliad" allows us to see how important the concept of honor was to the Greeks, how important it was for them to think not only and not even primarily of their own self interest but to think of the needs of their larger communities when acting. This concept of honor was perhaps especially important in matters of personal physical bravery when ultimate sacrifices might be called for. We may in fact find such a concept of honor, such a desire to be able always to think of the needs of others and not only of oneself as admirable, and indeed it is. However, for the Greeks such a sentiment, which does indeed seem admirable to us, was paired with a sentiment that does not seem admirable at all ? the idea that a person's social standing determined his or her moral worth."
Abstract This paper discusses African-American recruitment into the Union Army due to a shortage in soldiers. The African-Americans were freed from slavery and enrolled into the Army. Black troops faced greater danger than white troops when captured by the Confederate Army. They faced racial discrimination throughout both the South and the North. Segregated units were formed with black enlisted men commanded by white officers and black non-commissioned officers. After white military leaders saw the bravery of the black soldiers during the Battle at Fort Wagner, it led to the fighting reputation and spirit of the blacks.
From the Paper "Emancipation and military service for blacks were key issues from the start of the Civil War. When Fort Sumter was fired upon, free black men tried to enlist in U.S. military units. They were turned away because ?a Federal law dating from 1792 barred Negroes from bearing arms for the U.S. Army.? (National Archives and Records Administration -NARA). By mid 1862, the increasing numbers of former slaves, the decreasing numbers of white volunteers into the military and the needs of the Union Army pushed the federal government into passing the Second Confiscation and Militia Act. This law freed slaves who had masters serving in the Confederate Army. Slavery was then abolished in the territories of the U.S. and on July 22, President Abraham Lincoln presented to Congress a preliminary draft of the Emancipation Proclamation. From then on, black recruitment into the Union Army was pursued. Volunteers from South Carolina, Tennessee, and Massachusetts were the first authorized black regiments."
Tags: emancipation, blacks, African-Americans, Civil, War, slavery, racism, recruitment, Union, Army
Abstract A paper which shows how reality and illusion are interwoven not only throughout the story line of Don Quixote exploits, but how author, Miguel de Cervantes, even leaves the true authorship of this tale in question, suggesting that he is merely translating the story from the original writings of Cide Hamete. The paper discusses the madness of Don Quixote who sees people and objects in his everyday life as the counterparts in his knights and damsels world of chivalry, and how Don Quixote charging the windmills has become a classic scene and now serves to symbolize bravery in vain..
From the Paper "Cervantes begins Part Two of Don Quixote again referring to the writings of Cide Hamete, thus, lending credence to both, Don Quixote and Hamete as real historic characters (Cervantes, 529). This further adds confusion between reality and fantasy. Throughout the novel there are countless scenes crossing the line of reality and illusion. The deathbed scene is perhaps the most poignant, for at the end, even though he himself had given up his chivalrous life and rejoined society, the others around him were still holding on to his fantastic world of knights and damsels in distress. But Don Quixote speaks, "I am no longer Don Quixote of La Mancha, but Alonso Quixana""
Tags: Alonso, Quixano, knighthood, Sancho, Cide, Hame, Miguel, de, Cervantes
