Abstract This paper is a comparative analysis of Hans Christian Anderson's Danish tale, "The Emperor's New Clothes" and the Indian tale, "The King and the Clever Girl". It looks at how both the clever girl and the swindler/tailors dupe the king out of money, but do so with a moral intention, to show how fragile the human ego is, and how both tales convey the universality of this theme. In ?The Emperor's New Clothes,? the entire town is willing to lie so as not to appear stupid; in ?The King and the Clever Girl,? the king's ministers pretend they see God so that no one will thing they are of a lowly birth. It discusses how, although the lures in these stories are different, one using clothes versus the other's use of spiritual enlightenment, and the details differ between these two folktales, their messages are clear: productive deception can reveal unproductive human pride.
From the Paper "Illusion and deception are used purposely, not only to secure financial gain for the clever girl and the tailors but also to demonstrate how easy it can be to fool a mighty king. Purposeful deception is actually portrayed as a necessary evil, one that leads to greater self awareness. However, the ending of the Anderson story is more ambiguous than its Indian counterpart: the emperor holds his head up high even after he is aware that he was duped. The Indian king concedes his defeat and displays genuine humility and admiration for the clever young girl; he more obviously learned a lesson about pride than the Danish emperor, who carries on just as if nothing had happened."
Abstract This paper explains that Iago, from William Shakespeare's play, ?Othello,? is probably one of the best evil characters ever created. The author points out that he is an interesting case study because he is proud of his evilness and plans to use it to his utmost abilities to bring Othello down. The paper relates that another aspect about Iago's character that makes him so detestable is that he really has no reasonable excuse to hate Othello so much; he is not crazy, but rather is smart and clever, two characteristics that make him even more dangerous.
From the Paper "Another characteristic of Iago that is unforgettable is his cleverness throughout the entire play. Iago must know Othello well because he demonstrates that he knows just the right things to say to Othello to spur his anger and jealousy. Robert Heilman claims, ?Wit is Iago's instrument to compensate for what he does not have. He perversely hates and yet lusts after what he does not have . . . and he undertakes to disparage it, minimize it, debunk it, and destroy it.? Once he knows what it is he wants to do, he has no trouble achieving his goal. Critic Harold Bloom states that Iago's ruination of Othello is in some ways too subtle for criticism to paraphrase. Iago suggests Desdemona's infidelity by at first not suggesting it, but hovering near and around it.? This is all too true."
Abstract The paper describes how Iago uses selective honesty as his persuasive tactic to dupe Roderigo into his trust and sway him to his own ends. The paper demonstrates how he pretends to be loyal to Othello while causing Roderigo and Brabantio to turn against Othello. The paper highlights Iago's clever words and deceitful persuasions.
From the Paper "At the beginning of "Othello," (Act I, Scene I), on a Venice street, Iago is introduced as a friend and trusted ally of Roderigo, and one who has his "purse" (financial trust.) Roderigo reminds Iago that Iago told him previously that he was antagonistic to Othello, and Iago assures him this is so: "Despise me, if I do not" - even giving what sounds like a plausible reason, i.e., Iago is bitter at Othello for selecting another man, Michael Cassio, over himself to serve as Othello's lieutenant, and he admits his jealousy of Cassio and his wish for vengeance against Othello. Of course, it seems that he is telling all this to Roderigo in order better to win him over and gain his trust more."
Abstract The paper describes Iago in Shakespeare's "Othello" as one who is bent on destroying the lives of others, has a bloated sense of pride, is consumed by jealousy, and is clever enough to manipulate Othello. The paper shows how Shakespeare's Iago is a masterful creation because we love to hate him.
From the Paper "While William Shakespeare's play, Othello, is no doubt about the tragedy we discover in Othello's life, it could easily be called Iago because of the tragedy we find in Iago's character. Iago is perhaps Shakespeare's most fascinating creation because he is so evil. As the play progresses, we discover that he has no substantial reason to behave the way he does and certainly he has no justifiable reason to do what he does. Iago is a man bent on destroying the lives of others and proves to do a very good job at it. Iago concocts the perfect plan for taking a person down and follows it though. He is evil and proud of it and he is extremely clever. Iago is clever in more than one way and this makes him dangerous to his enemies. Iago is significant not only because he is evil but also because without him, there would be no play."
Abstract This paper details the significance of Penelope's character in the Greek classic "The Odyssey," by Homer. The writer contends and explains how Penelope's cleverness and cunning works to her advantage in dealing with her suitors, which she divides and pits against one another. This brief yet concise paper details the plot of Homer's poem while illustrating Penelope's personality as a clever manipulator.
From the Paper "Penelope's first reaction to the stranger is curiosity. The first thing she must know about him is exactly who he is. She asks to know about his family and his hometown. When he recounts that he once knew Odysseus, she becomes sorrowful and also speculative. She then asks him to tell her what "sort of clothes her wore; what the man himself was like, and the comrades who were with him." As he answers her question, she becomes more tearful and he attitudes toward the stranger changes. She tells him that he will be "one beloved and honored" in her halls. She also tells him that of all the stranger that have made their way to her, none have seemed so much like Odysseus in "form, voice, and feet." Here it seems as though Penelope may be aware that the stranger is indeed Odysseus but she never acknowledges this fact forthright."
This paper discusses the life and style of author Lorrie Moore (Marie Lorena Moore) especially as demonstrated in her writings "How to Be the Other Woman", "How to Be a Writer" and "Charades".
Abstract This paper explains that Lorrie Moore expertly uses her humor to provide readers with an in-depth look at character identity. The author points out that Moore is mostly known for her short stories, which rely on a clever play of words, irony and sardonic black humor that normally hides the characters' underlying sorrow or traumatic experiences. The paper concludes that one of the most remarkable things about Moore's style is the total lack of melodrama. This paper includes many quotations.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Moore's Humor
Making Readers Laugh at Human Nature
Clever Play of Words, Irony and Black Humor
Humor Provides Character Analysis
Biographical Life
Birth and Family
Writing background
Literary Honors
Graduate School
Employment
Subject Matter
"Self-Help": " Lives Can Be Improved by Golf "
Shows Contemporary Life among Yuppies
"How to be the Other Woman"
"How to be a Writer"
Moore's Identity Search under Laughs
Quote by John Blade about Moore's Lighthearted Approach
"Charades"
Moore's Identity Analysis of Several Characters
Conclusion
From the Paper "However, under the laughs and guffaws in "How to Be a Writer" is the woman who is attempting to be taken seriously as an author and make her way in an occupation that is treacherous at best and deadly at worst. As all writers do, Francie begins to look at her own abilities. Here Moore once again shows the underlying search for identity. Francie begins to doubt her own worth as a writer: "Begin to wonder what you do write about. Or if you have anything to say. Or if there is even such a thing as a thing to say. Limit these thoughts to no more than ten...""
This paper discusses serial killers, which the FBI generally defines as someone who kills three or more tomes with a cooling-off period between the crimes.
Abstract This paper explains that, to the public, serial killers appear to be so skilled and clever that they are a particular worry for society and a hidden danger for which there seems to be no shield or protection. The author points out that, in addition to disrupted childhoods, there seems to be some genetic link to criminal behavior as demonstrated by twin studies, which have shown that patterns of significant antisocial behavior are more common between identical twins than non-identical siblings. The paper stresses that serial killers are caught because, regardless of how clever they are, eventually, they leave some kind of evidence behind that forensic science, which has made tremendous advances in recent years, can use to identify the killer. The paper includes many examples of serial killers.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Traits of Serial Killers
Causes
Examples of Serial Killers
Example
Catching Serial Killers
How Many Serial Killers are There?
From the Paper "While most serial killers are white, some belong to other races. Most are male, but about 15% are female. Female serial killers are often harder to detect because they work so quietly, often using poison, kill with longer gaps between victims, and typically murder for financial gain, although a few, such as Aileen Wuornos, use more violent methods and target strangers much as men tend to do. The average male serial killer will have 10 - 13 victims before being stopped."
The writer examines novels by Agatha Christie and Joseph Conrad, and discusses characters and scenes in light of prejudices the authors may have held, bringing as evidence Chinese (non-Western) detective novels.
2,200 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 2 sources, 2001, $ 68.95
Abstract We can also see the kind of xenophobic stereotypes that Christie used when we compare her works to detective fiction taken from an entirely different cultural tradition: When we think about the detective novel, we are most likely to see in our mind's eye Sherlock Holmes's deerstalker cap or hear the Belgian accents of Hercule Poirot. The genre of detective fiction ? with its traditional elements of the seemingly perfect crime, the wrongly accused suspect at whom circumstantial evidence points (in many cases, the bungling of the dim-witted police (in opposition to the cleverness of the private operator), the astonishing powers of observation and superior mind of the detective, and a startling and unexpected denouement (quite likely taking place in a parlor) in which the detective reveals how the identity of the culprit was ascertained ? seems a quintessentially Western concept.
Abstract This paper analyzes the Ancient Greek play of" Lysistrata" and compares it to modern artistic productions. The claim is that this play addressed very contemporary issues. A summary of the play is provided, the characters are analyzed and a historical description of Ancient Greek artistic trends are described.
From the paper:
"Lysistrata is both the name of a woman and the name of one of the most famous comedies of ancient Greece. The name of Lysistrata has become a watchword for feminists and pacifists alike, for reasons a brief synopsis of the play will shortly disclose. Yet this paper will contend that rather than being an pre-modern, non-musical version of the popular musical "Hair" for ancient Athens, where common societal sexual and military mores are brushed away, "Lysistrata bears" far more resemblance to a kind of classical version of ?I Love Lucy.? In the play ?Lysistrata,? clever yet silly women try to twist their husbands around their little fingers to achieve their ends, to great comic effect, perhaps, but not in any fashion that permanently undoes the social mores of the time in a real and lasting fashion."
Abstract The writer shows how cleverly Hemingway weaves the image of rain throughout his novel, "A Farewell to Arms" to portray two major moods: One, a time of transition; and two, the emotion of the occasion.
From the Paper "The first mention of rain in the book occurs at the end of summer with Frederic's hospital stay; Frederic and Catherine have spent a day in Milan with friends. At the end of the day when they are together, the evening turns misty, the dampness turns to rain; it begins to rain hard. Catherine asks Frederic a very odd question. She asks him whether he would love her even in the rain. When Frederic, now curious, responds in the affirmative, Catherine reveals a startling phobia, "I'm afraid of the rain because sometimes I see myself dead in it." This first reference to rain portends of things to come, finally ending tragically."
Tags: Frederic, Catherine, WWI, Italy, novel, literature
An examination of Nathanael West's "Day of the Locust" and how it cleverly uses the relationship of three young people to speak out against the false dreams found in Hollywood movies.
Abstract This is an essay on "Day of the Locust", a novel that criticizes Hollywood for creating movies that promise impossible dreams. It examines how Todd Hackett's and Homer Simpson's relationship with Faye Greener contributes to the novel's project of criticizing the Hollywood film industry. The paper provides a brief summary of the novel and then examines the relationships between this romantic trio.
From the Paper "Tod has come to Hollywood as a recruit from the Yale School of Fine Arts to work as a set and costume designer for National Films. As the novel opens, he has only been in Hollywood for three months and is still in awe of the people and the city. Tod views the architectural landscape as well as the movie population as masquerading life, not genuine, merely fronting a fa?ade of illusion.
He begins to take notice of those who stand around on street corners, the wanna-bees who have become bitter and disillusioned with time, waiting for their big break into world of glamour and fame. Although his friends from college see his position as a sellout, Tod sees it as an opportunity to study the culture and create his masterpiece. His artistic eye allows for visual detail throughout the story, while his intellectual status allows for criticisms of the various characters and interactions. His superior attitude contributes to the tension created in the story line, as Tod appears to be a non-participant and positions himself as above the others, thinking himself as more enlightened. However, eventually he becomes just as enthralled and caught-up in the Hollywood scene as the others (West 1983)."
Abstract This paper analyzes Tolstoy's clever use of irony and humor related to a subject that is not particularily funny - war. The writer shows how Tolstoy makes light-hearted jests at the values of wealthy society and resorts to a darker tone of satire as the novel moves on to military society.
From the Paper "It is the early part of the nineteenth century, Russia is at war with that persistent fiend called Bonaparte, cities are burning, and misery runs rampant. With the seriousness of this environment threatening to overbear the mood of the epic War and Peace, Tolstoy chooses very wisely to intersperse various scenes of societal "humor" into the historical tale. While the turmoil rages on, everyday life provides countless opportunities for satirical references to the superficial nature of society, the absurdity of overconfidence, and the ruthlessness of the military mind."
Tags: bonaparte, napoleon, russia, society, value, absurdity, Marya, Bolkonskaya, pierre
Abstract This paper examines and analyzes the poem "I Sat Belonely" by John Lennon. It describes form and verse and studies the use of simile and metaphor throughout the poem. The paper also notes Lennon's use of irregular rhyme scheme, similar to that of Dr. Seuss, and his intention to direct his work toward children. The author of the paper shows that this was a clever way of immortalizing Lennon's literature.
From the Paper "In the poem "I sat belonely" the general rhyme pattern is that of standard crossed rhyme. John Lennon, the author wrote this entire sonnet in crossed rhyme with six quatrains which resembles an English sonnet except for the fact that it is twenty-four lines in length and does not end in a couplet. All six stanzas are iambic tetrameter, the first stanza has end stop on the first, second, and fourth lines with enjambment on the third line. The second stanza is crossed rhyme showing end-stop in all four lines with a caesura in line three. The third stanza also has end-stop punctuation throughout all four lines."
Abstract This paper discusses how the German unification of 1871 occupies a significant place in the history of this great European power and how Otto Von Bismarck, once the prime minister of Prussia, is responsible for single-handedly engineering this unification through clever strategies and creative tactics. It gives a biography of his life and political career and shows how although he was one of those leaders who led Germany to glory, at the same time displayed some cruel traits. He cannot be considered a perfect ruler as he believed immensely in the powers of aristocracy and monarchy and thus wanted to rule Germany with an iron hand.
From the Paper "Whether we admire or despise this leader, one thing cannot change: he was the man solely responsible for first unification of Germany. Very few leaders have been able to attach such glorious victories and achievements to their name. He almost single-handedly devised a clever plan to crush his enemies in two vital wars, which resulted in unification of Northern and Southern German states and turned Germany into a mighty force. Though Bismarck certainly led to the unification of Germany, he cannot be considered a perfect ruler as he believed immensely in the powers of aristocracy and monarchy and thus wanted to rule Germany with an iron hand."
Tags: prussia, military, king, wilhelm, I, war, politics, parliament, austro-prussian, war
