An examination of the history of witchy women from the medieval era to present day and how they are a good source of entertainment from trials to television.
Abstract This paper discusses how witchcraft folklore dates from the middle ages all the way up to this present day. It looks at how documented accounts reveal the conversion of the common woman, who was often a doctor, midwife or village consultant, into the persecuted evil spell casting witch, then to our modern popular witch of the 22nd century. It evaluates how, due to the incredible influence television and literary works have on our culture, society has come to view witches as more than the typical haggard and sinister old women with rotten teeth and warty chins. It shows how through review of the films "Practical Magic", "The Wizard of Oz" and "The Craft", the TV emissions "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" and ?Charmed? and Shakespeare's famous play "Macbeth", the function of witchcraft has gradually conformed to provide women with a sense of power and prerogative.
From the Paper "The landmark film, "The Wizard of Oz" often terrifies young children with the presence of the Wicked Witch of the West. She is the traditional representation for all evil witches, and come Halloween, her image is the most costumed by children. Although rarely, we can also see other little trick or treaters dressed up as princesses and more joyful subjects. This counterbalance can be seen with the witch Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, used to offset her evil rival. Therefore, this film exposes the concept of good witch vs. bad witch, where the beautiful angelic one will always counterbalance a dark villainous hag. Good vs. evil comes hand in hand with pretty vs. ugly, which ultimately labels women with stereotypes built upon their appearances."
Abstract This paper explains that Princess Diana and President Clinton exuded considerable charm that helped developed their initial popularity with their public. The author points out that, in each case, sexual indiscretion on the part of one or both of the marital partners enjoyed a high public profile. The paper stresses that both Diana and Clinton devoted a significant amount of time to political or social causes close to their hearts.
From the Paper "Still, no story has just one side, and Bill Clinton has done much to forward political and social causes close to his heart. One of these is the cause of disadvantaged black people. For his work, Clinton has earned the honor of being inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. For his work promoting the interests of marginalized blacks not only in the United States, but around the world, Toni Morrison has referred to Clinton as "our first Black president". He was also the first White person to receive the honor of being inducted in the Black Hall of Fame. Rodney Slater, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, introduced Clinton with the words: "Mr. President, you have given so many of us the opportunity to be the first Black this, the first Black that, and tonight we are going to give you the opportunity to become the first White inductee into the Black Hall of Fame.""
Abstract This paper examines a bracelet with beads and charms that tells the life story of Jesus. The analysis focuses on how the artifact serves spiritual, social and entertainment purposes for wearers.
Abstract This paper examines how Feng Menglong provides a window into the social, cultural, economic and political nature of Chinese society in the 17th century in his story "Han the Fifth Sells her Charms in New Bridge Town". The paper looks specifically at gender relations in Chinese Society in the 17th century. The paper explains that men and women had rigidly defined roles as well as a range of social and moral obligations attached to these gender roles. Individuals who fail to remain within these prescribed gender roles are seen as weak and immoral. The paper then discusses how Feng Menglong demonstrates what happens when individuals step outside of their prescribed gender roles.
From the Paper "From the story "Han the Fifth Sells her Charms in New Bridge Town" it appears that gender roles were very important in 17th Century Chinese society. Men were seen as being connected to the Yang(Menglong 91). In order to understand the importance of this it is necessary to look at the concept of Ying and Yang. Ying and Yang are often expressed in a symbol known as the Tai Ji Tu made up of two fish shaped symbols forming a circle. Yang is the active, male heaven principle. Ying is the passive, female earth principle."
Tags: social, moral, obligations, male, female, roles, ying, yang
Abstract The paper examines the literature on Cleopatra, finding sources that disclaim the legends of her beauty. The paper discusses Plutarch's literature on Cleopatra and the images he creates of her. The writer proposes that it was her charm, rather than her beauty that captivated Mark Anthony and Julius Caesar. The paper concludes that it was her mind that made her special, as she used her wits to save Egypt and charm Rome's leaders.
From the Paper "In fact, contemporary images of Cleopatra found on coins of the time as well as statuary, seem to suggest a woman with rather harsh, masculine features, including a long, hooked nose and a matronly face. Cleopatra, in fact, bore many of the same features as her ancestors; portraits and statues of her relatives reveal that the long, hooked nose was a family trait."
Abstract In this article, the writer points out that many scholarly articles and studies of 'Twelfth Night' tend to downplay the literary importance of the play by categorizing it as a genial and charming play. The writer maintains that there is not anything inherently abominable about being either genial or charming, but these two words do not do justice to Shakespeare's deceptively "light" play. 'Twelfth Night' is not a tragedy, but this does not prevent Shakespeare from exploring, through comedy, several fundamental themes of human existence: love, grief, and desire. This paper analyzes Shakespeare's exploration of these existential themes as they appear in 'Twelfth Night' and argues that the playwright, through comedy, unveils the ludicrousness and inappropriateness of extravagant and sentimental emotion.
From the Paper "The question and the man who asks it barely register in Orsino's mind, but he is quick to pull out his readily available stock of conventional wisdom as soon as he breaks his reverie, and responds to Curio's question with a trite metaphor on love and hunting. No wonder, then, that the servants show signs of impatience and restlessness: their master is luxuriating in a state of complete self-absorption, and the outside world (or the beings that inhabit it) have ceased to exist. Of course, this matters not at all to the extravagant Orsino, as he is completely clueless as to what transpires around him and simply lacks the energy (in the manner of all love-sick gentleman) to engage in hunting or other depleting physical activities.
"Olivia, too, embodies these same characteristics, and it is perhaps unfortunate that the two do not make their own happy ending. Similarly to her determined pursuer, Olivia's emotional "disorder" reveals itself through her conversations with Cesario. The reader knows, before even encountering Olivia, that she is in mourning for a beloved brother. "
Abstract An examination of Anglo-Saxon medication. The author looks at what Anglo-Saxons used as a form of medication, such as their use of herbs. The author compares medicine of today to that of the past.
From the Paper "At the time Beowulf was written, Anglo-Saxon medicine consisted of two primary components:some remnants of scientific knowledge (interwoven with Christian doctrine) left over from the Roman occupation and the pagan superstitions and magic lore that the Anglo-Saxons themselves brought from the continent. Their medical practices became a curious mixture of these elements which included herbal salves and tinctures, recitation of magic charms, and the invocation of Christ and the Saints through the Mass. Thus, armed with almost no factual knowledge of disease and its causes, no x-rays, no MRIs, and no synthetically produced medications, the Anglo-Saxons dealt with a compendium of medical problems similar to those which face the modern world today.'
Abstract This is a study of French writer Voltaire - his life, works, ideas and thoughts. He is described as one of the most important writers in the French and Modern worlds. It provides an explanation of the historical context in which Voltaire lived and how this influenced the way he thought and wrote. Examples of his work are analyzed.
From the paper:
"Voltaire ? the nom de plume that Francois-Marie Arouet ? is one of the most important writers both of the French language and of the modern world, for in his works he helped to define the progressive humanism that is an essential underpinning of modern life. He was in his time known for his principled and courageous stands against tyranny, bigotry, and cruelty of those who held power in society, and he wrapped these liberal ideals in writing that was eloquent, intelligent and often funny. This ability to be both fiercely progressive and charming at the same time have ensured his enduring place in the history of the West. He demonstrated both to those of his own time and to all of us who have come after him a sense of grace under pressure and the conviction that we can each better not only the conditions of our own lives but the lives of others as well."
Abstract This paper looks at the main characters of the books "Harry Potter", "The Wonderful World of Oz" and "The Hobbit". It argues that each of these characters are "unlikely heroes" which makes the story even more charming for young readers. These heroes are compared to each other.
From the paper:
"At the beginning of the Harry Potter saga, the reader is introduced to the boy who will become the epicenter of the Hogwarts world as a small, scarred baby nestled in the arms of a large, bury and uncouth gamekeeper.
Although the image of Dorothy Gale has largely been fixed in the world's mind as the luminous Judy Garland, crooning ?Somewhere Over the Rainbow,? in the actual first book in the Oz saga, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum, the reader's first vision of Dorothy is somewhat different. In the book, Dorothy Gale is introduced as a poor, young girl on a depleted dust bowl farm in the middle of Kansas during difficult economic times. The land is flat and dry and her world is flat and dry.
The fantastic world of Middle Earth created by J.R.R. Tolkien is populated by creatures such as elves, wizards, and trolls. Yet the central, saving figure of his first book The Hobbit, the saving sort of creature who will take over the function of hero in the rest of the novels in The Lord of the Rings series is that of a Hobbit. A Hobbit is a small, furry, frequently hungry creature who at first seems to bear little resemblance to the ethereal elves or the wise wizards such as Gandalf. Hobbits have not even been awarded one of the great rings in the division of power that in Middle Earth. Yet it is a Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who ultimately gains control over the ring that shall rule them all."
Abstract In this paper the author examines the story of, "The Water Babies", by the English author, Kingsley and makes note of social conditions that existed in England at the time. The author examines some of the chapters closely and looks at Kingsley's views on cleanliness and morals. The author makes note of the satirical comedy throughout and of Kingsley's concerns about the treatment of children, and his desire for social reform.
From the paper:
"The novel, charmingly and vividly told, is a work of art that was brought about by Kingsley's concerns about the treatment of children, and his desire for social reform. Kingsley, a parson in the Church of England, a novelist, a Christian Socialist, a Protestant controversialist, poet, and an amateur naturalist managed to work every one of his life's fondest beliefs and endeavors into Water Babies."
Tags: tom, orphan, chimney, sweep, grimes, social, reform, conditions
Abstract This is a book review and a character review of Anne Rice's "Interview with the Vampire". The author describes how Rice does not create "absolute" characters so they are not all good or all evil.
From the paper:
"A surefire classic has been produced by the esteemed novelist Anne Rice. This brilliant artist has created Interview With the Vampire, an eerie, "realistic" saga of the life of a vampire, narrated by the angelic demon himself. The themes and moods were recently captured on film, yet the book still captivates audiences with its versatility and forlorn expression. This piece of art does not only convince a reader of its realism, but it also defies the classic "good versus evil" theme."
Abstract The writer of this paper presents a profile of the killer based on the media's information about what crimes he committed and about his life. For the paper this writer chose to profile Ted Bundy.
From the paper:
"To those who knew him, it seemed he had it all. He was good looking, possessed charm, was intelligent and was living with a girl who adored him. He was fun to be around, he played well with his girlfriend's son and the neighbor's liked him. The only time he had a problem is when he had the urge to kill, and it wasn"t a big problem for him, he simply killed and went home again.?
Abstract The paper studies Tennessee Williams' famous play, "A Streetcar Named Desire". It delves into the theme of dominant male patriarchy and the repressed and civilized female societal element as represented by the two main characters Blanche and Stanley.
From the Paper "As to the first element, it seems clear that Blanche was testing Mitch. For what appears to be the first time in many years, she is seriously considering not a brief fling, but a real relationship. Her first marriage was destroyed in part because she did not originally understand or thoroughly know the boy she wed. She has had many flings since then, not unlike the one she suggests that Stella should have chosen over marriage to Stanley: "A man like that is someone you go out with--once--twice--three times when the devil is in you. But live with?" (Williams, 50) This time, Blanche wants to make sure it is not just Desire, but something real. She wants his respect, and to be able to respect him. This is why she withholds her attentions: "He hasn't gotten a thing but a good night kiss, that's all I have given him.. I want his respect. And men don't want anything they get too easily." (Williams, 57)".
Abstract This paper discusses the book's setting and goes into great detail about the different characters, paying special attention to their individual roles in the storyline. The writer also discusses the many different conflicts in the book and how they contribute to the major theme in the book, good versus evil. According to this author, "Treasure Island," by Robert Louis Stevenson is still a classic tale of the coming of age of a young boy in a time that is filled with adventure that today's youth can still appreciate and enjoy.
From the Paper "His maturity really begins with the arrival of Billy Bones, the old captain Billy describes as having "breath hanging like smoke in his wake as he strode off" (12). Billy seems a typical roughneck who frightens people but at the same time knows his match and backs down. When he tries to intimidate Dr. Livesey at first meeting, Billy is put in his place with, ?I have only one thing to say to you, sir,? replies the doctor, "that if you keep on drinking rum, the world will soon be quit of a very dirty scoundrel" (10). This statement gives the reader important insight into not only Billy Bones? vulnerability against authority but also aptly describes Dr. Livesey character. He is an educated and knowledgeable man, well respected for his competence and loyalty. He always does what is reasonable and practical, unlike the impetuousness of the pirates and Jim."
