Abstract
This paper presents a summary of the experiences of Alvar Nez Cabeza de Vaca when he came to North America to seek his fortune. It then discusses the transformation of character Cabeza de Vaca undergoes as he spends more and more time with the Native Americans and comes to see them as human beings with value, rather than just uncivilized natives. Cabeza de Vaca's enlightenment is contrasted with the behavior of Hernan Cortes, another Spanish explorer, whose only interest in the Mexican natives, if he was not killing them, was how they could help him further his own ends.

From the Paper
"It is not only the story that we tell that matters but also the way in which we tell it, as we learn from Cabeza de Vaca's Castaways, which was his telling of the 1528-1536 exploration of North America by Europeans. Alvar Nez Cabeza de Vaca had come to the new world to seek his fortune; what he found was far more valuable than the gold that inspired so many Spaniards to come to the New World: Enlightenment. As treasurer of Spanish expedition determined to claim for the throne of Spain a vast tract of land that today spreads across Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, he went with no intent of acknowledging the claims of the indigenous peoples to their land or their wealth. But when he and a few other men were shipwrecked and, seeking their own survival, underwent a long and arduous journey westward, where they would meet up with Hernan Cortes."

Tags:humanity, difference, civilized, mexico, americas, la, malinche, aztec, mestizo, journey

Abstract
This paper provides a comparative analysis of John Tanner's "The Falcon" and Cabeza de Vaca's "Castaway". The analysis focuses on how white observations of gender relations in native communities differ from those of Tanner and de Vaca whose "insider" views stand in contrast.

From the Paper
"In John Tanner's "The Falcon" and Cabeza De Vaca's "Castaway" we are provided with the inside account of native communities by outsiders who lived and interacted with the natives. In these accounts, we see that the observations of Tanner and De Vaca differ from those of white observers on the outside, whose views of gender relations of native communities were often based on their own. However, in "The Falcon" and "Castaway", Tanner and De Vaca show these stereotypes are inaccurate and that women in native communities..."

Tags:Indians, Native Americans, settlers, Europeans, struggle, work, freedom

Abstract
This paper will compare the movie "Castaway" with Homer's "Odyessy". The elements of adventure at sea will be analyzed to bring the two stories together into similar plots and organizations of tales. By looking at the isolation of the main characters, a connection will be made on their resemblances and why they have so much in common.

Abstract
The paper explores how solitary confinement proves a challenge to the author and poet May Sarton, as well as the protagonist Chuck Noland of "Castaway," the 2000 film based upon the real-life experiences of a FedEx employee tragically stranded on a desert island. The paper examines the profoundly different responses of the two characters to solitude. The paper explains that Noland is a man trapped against his will on an island with only a volleyball, while Sarton has recourse to friends and simply chooses to live alone, in relatively comfortable circumstances.

From the Paper
"Both works suggest that human beings are fundamentally social animals to some degree, and need companionship as a way of remaining mentally stable, emotionally centered, and sane. However, because Sarton's solitude is occasionally broken with some visits from other people, it does not have the soul-destroying character that Noland's solitude has. Because Sarton's solitude is chosen, she can take delight in the spiritual rewards provided by a life apart from the hustle, bustle, and time constraints of the rest of the social world. And perhaps most importantly of all, even though Hanks learns a great deal during his time on the island, because Sarton embarked upon her solitary life with a purpose, to pursue a fruitful writing career and to avoid the distractions of too much society, she enjoys her time alone"

Tags:loneliness, companionship, island, society

Abstract
This paper looks at some of the reality television shows that have been aired in the U.S. and analyzes some of the factors that have lead to their success and high ratings. It attempts to define what reality television is since hidden cameras cannot be considered essential, for some shows, especially those with a game-show feel which do not include such voyeurism. It evaluates how reality television shows follow a variety of formats and how they must contain several elements in common to distinguish them from game shows or other entertainment options. For example, all reality shows are unscripted and the contestants, or "castaways" might be strongly encouraged to act in certain ways or to wear certain things, but television producers save money on not having to hire a team of writers.

From the Paper
""The Real World" on the other hand, depends on sex to sell its image. Viewers really only care to see the good-looking group of men and women strip down to their bathing suits or underwear and make out. The nature of the arguments on these two shows is totally different; on the Osbournes, they are far more comical because the family is so unique. Moreover, because the show is about a family and not about seven twenty-something strangers, the social dynamics depicted are totally different on "The Osbournes" than on "The Real World." Arguments between a couple married for over twenty years somehow come across as different from arguments between a cranky surfer and a catty beach bunny. Furthermore, Ozzy has a lot more practice on perfecting his various addictions, although "The Real World" illustrated a young woman struggling with alcoholism."

Tags:amateurs, castaways, game, writers, script

Abstract
Literature has provided opportunities for readers to have a glimpse of different social realities experienced by people of different cultures and societies all over the world. This opportunity has been extended once again through Derek Walcott's play, "Pantomime." The paper explains that in this satirical play, readers are introduced to the characters of Harry Trewe and Jackson Phillip, master-and-slave tandem of the Castaways Guest House in Tobago, West Indies. It shows how the play is set in a different place and how Walcott confronts the continuous discussion and depiction of the oppression of the black man (Jackson) and the seemingly superior position of the white man (Harry).

From the Paper
"Unlike other depictions of the black man-white man antagonistic relationship, "Pantomime" brought into fore two scenarios within the play: the first act delved into the oppression of Jackson, while the second act focused on the reversal of roles between Jackson and Harry, where Jackson was able to empower and assert himself over Harry. This change became apparent through Walcott's use of language: the change in tone, manner, and message of Jackson's lines marked the transition or change within his personality. Where once he had been a faithful and patient servant to Harry, he had eventually 'metamorphosed' into a powerful individual, and his commanding use of his own vernacular speech signified the control that he has throughout the play. Thus, this paper discusses two phases in which vernacular language was used through Jackson's character as a medium of oppression and power and control."

Tags:black, white, slave, master

Abstract
This paper summarizes "Robinson Crusoe" by Daniel Defoe and analyzes the castaway story. It provides details of his years as a castaway building and inventing his own civilization. The paper illustrates the strength and wisdom of the man "Robinson Crusoe" in his ultimate drive to survive and return home.

From the Paper
"Young Robinson Crusoe told his parents that he wished more than anything else to go to sea. His father bitterly opposed the idea, and then warned his son that "if I did take this foolish step, God would not bless me - and I would have leisure hereafter to reflect upon having neglected his counsel, when there might be none to assist in my recovery." These words proved prophetic."

Tags:castaway, survive, civilization, invent, england, ship, shipwreck

Abstract
This paper begins with a discussion of the roots and definition of the word 'rhetoric' by Greek philosophers. It uses as an example of 'rhetoric criticism', a review of the television series by the name of "Survivor" where sixteen carefully chosen people are "cast away" on a movie set that happens to be on an exotic island. The significance of the phenomenal success of the television show "Survivor" is based upon its supposed reality and has evoked much controversy and debate.

From the Paper
"Rhetoric is defined as a counterpart of Dialectic where, in the literal sense of the word, the former is the art of speaking or writing. Rhetoric comes from the Greek word for speech. It has not always been considered a respectable academic discipline. Plato was critical of the idea that rhetoric should be called an art, while Aristotle argued in On Rhetoric that it was indeed an art. Plato's perspective on rhetoric has not been uncommon throughout the ages, namely, that rhetoric is no art at all but merely practiced flattery where rhetoric is labeled as the art of persuasion."

Tags:aristotle, plato, greek, philosphy, castaways