Abstract This paper reviews Alan Bennett's powerful book "Talking Heads", a compilation of many intriguing characters incorporated within six highly different monologues. It compares and contrasts the varied techniques employed by Bennett in the crafting and presentation of sustained, convincing and engaging voices for his protagonists. It looks at the use of techniques such as stereotypes, character self-denial, humour and moreover the use of powerful language, i.e. witticisms, idioms, cynicism and colloquialisms.
From the Paper "Bennett uses a variety of techniques to show the characters emotions in each monologue, some are the same and others are completely different. A change of subject is quite common. In "Soldiering On" Muriel's remorse and grief are shown quite sparsely but when it is shown, "then I felt a bit choked" the subject is changed immediately, ?Anyway the tablet did the trick.? She appears extremely distraught about her husbands? death but the way she has been brought up dictates her behaviour as "keeping up appearances". Bennett shows Susan's emotions in "Bed among the lentils" with the use of frequent sarcasm towards her husband, herself and others. ?Geoffrey praying in that pausy way he does.? ?For once I got it right.? "Fan club running around in small circles" Mrs Frobisher even went as far as to squeeze my elbow.? Susan created the feeling of being useless and unloved, and basically being in the way."
Abstract This paper explains that the primary use of rhetoric is to convince the reader to take the author's side of an opinion; but sometimes the author, as in Machiavelli's "The Prince", has hidden his opinion so deeply in the rhetoric that it is misunderstood. The author points out that Shakespeare used rhetoric in his plays, especially in his political tragedies, to demonstrate how easily men and women were corruptible by power. The paper relates that in "Julius Caesar" Cassius was totally corrupted by his quest for power and brought down ignominiously in battle; however, Brutus, whose flaw was poor judgment and needed to be "one of the gang", was permitted to honorably commit suicide rather than be tried and executed. Many long textual examples.
Table of Contents
Uses and Abuses of Rhetoric
Rhetoric in "Julius Caesar"
Machiavelli's "The Prince"
Rhetoric Unveiled
From the Paper "If Johnny Cochrane were playing to both the jury and the country in this use of a crude rhetorical device, certainly a playwright like Shakespeare would be playing to both royalty and the average playgoer when he wrote "Julius Caesar". Advertisement was limited to a few playbills posted on walls and what the town crier could yell to the generally illiterate common rabble. In looking at any of Shakespeare's plays as Renaissance commercial theatrical adventures, memorable lines would have been good selling points for the literate as was word of mouth of the great fight and death scenes to the common man. Even today our far more sophisticated tastes run from high action adventure to the deeply philosophical in our entertainment."
Abstract This paper discusses the media's role in convincing American's of the validity of military intervention in World War II. It looks at how many American papers attempted to stir up patriotism and support for the war by showing the enthusiasm of American troops who already were involved in combat activities. It shows, with examples how in these sorts of testimonials, the media revealed the fervor and patriotism of American troops, hoping that this depiction of the troops mentality would be infectious and convince Americans that the war was a good a thing. It evaluates how such publications convinced many Americans to reconsider radically their isolationist impulses and take a holistic view of American politics that made them see that international politics could have profound effects on national and even local politics.
From the Paper "America's entry into World War II was indeed a strange and unusual time in the history of American politics, which had a variety of different impacts and effects throughout the nation. Indeed, America had been going through an exceptionally difficult period before entry into the war due to the terrible economic situations of the Great Depression, which had left a large number of American's without work and had destroyed the savings of many more. The leanness of the economic times lead to an increasing tendency towards isolationism in America, with the feeling that Europe and Asia should deal with their own problems. Many Americans felt that such matters were not relevant to American concern and did not require American involvement. Nonetheless, America had grown into one of the most important military and economic powers in the free world and its economy was particularly tied to interests in Europe, so, although many individual Americans may have felt isolated from that theater of conflict, certainly our leaders, who had a greater understanding of the manner in which foreign events affected one another, realized that intervention was necessary and very probably in our own best interests."
Abstract This paper examines how strong arguments can be made for and against animal testing and how both sides are quite persuasive on a number of points. Through a literature review, it looks at how those against animal research make strong points about the excessive, pointlessly inhumane, and sometimes unnecessary use of animals, their terrible suffering and the need to look for alternative methods. It examines how they are less convincing in their claim that animals do not serve as adequate vehicles for useful testing or that the past record of achievements employing animal testing is unimpressive. It shows how those who favor the use of animals in research point to a record of achievement that has benefited humanity and are convincing in arguing that animals continue to be useful. But they cannot successfully defend the treatment of animals in terms of quality of life or the infliction of sometimes unnecessary suffering. It evaluates how the best solution is to develop guidelines that do not forbid the use of animals but insist on humane treatment, curtailing waste, sound justifications, eliminating unnecessary suffering, and commitment to developing alternatives to animal research.
From the Paper "The principal argument of the animal testing advocates is, therefore, that the use of animals in experiments has and does produce strong results that save hundreds of thousands of human lives. But the principal argument of the opposing side cannot be the one put forward by Barnard and Kaufman for, as the other writers show, there is a clear record of accomplishment and the attempt to mount a scientific argument, without "broach[ing] the ethical objections," is easily refuted (Barnard & Kaufman 82)."
Abstract This paper examines how nuclear power is one of the most divisive issues in America today and how opponents of nuclear power have succeeded in convincing people to oppose the construction of new plants and to fight the relicensing of old plants. It puts forth some of the arguments from both sides to support their positions and looks at issues such as the question of safety and need for nuclear power plants and the of storing nuclear waste. It analyzes how proponents of nuclear power present convincing arguments for the continued and expanded uses of nuclear power in this country and how they claim that the objections raised by opponents lack validity and are contrary to the facts and our experience.
From the Paper "The opponents of nuclear power focus on the inherent lack of safety that they believe that the use of nuclear power entails. This includes both the dangers of radiation from nuclear power plants and the possibility of a catastrophic accident. First, the opponents say that radiation levels are higher in areas around nuclear power plants, and this leads to an increased number of deaths from cancer. They cite the case of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth, Massachusetts that went online in 1988. Responding to the concerns of local residents, the state conducted a study which found that there were fifty percent more cancer cases in the five towns around the plant than there were in the rest of the state. The power company had said that people in the area would receive 400 times less radiation from the plant than they would from natural sources. Further studies showed that the risk of getting cancer was four times higher for people living within ten miles of the plant than for other parts of the state. "
Abstract This paper will demonstrate that each of these thinkers has shifted the course of history - some more dramatically than others - and, at the very least, all have greatly contributed to the understanding of modern society. By looking at the broad views of each author in turn, it will be clear that it is not really an issue of who has provided the better ideas; but rather, who provides the best or most convincing ideas from the perspective the analyst is looking at the situation from. In other words, selecting the most convincing theoretician of the three depends on where one stands. Unless we commit to being static and narrow-minded creatures, therefore, the conclusions drawn in this paper are not unquestionable. The objective here is to explore, not to chart the map.
Abstract This paper aims to prove that the disappearance of all ships and planes over the Bermuda Triangle immediately suggests the presence of paranormal activities. Thus, it is impossible for anything, or anybody, that has ever crossed the Triangle to disappear without leaving any trace behind without there being some paranormal dimension to the question. After convincing the non-scientist reader that the activities that have occurred within the Triangle are paranormal, it seeks to convince them of scientific evidence that argues the Triangle to be a gateway to a different world.
From the Paper "Since the disappearance of Flight 19, more than 100 ships and planes crossing the Bermuda Triangle, an area of sea close to the Bermuda Islands in the Pacific, have met with a similar fate, without a single body or a piece of wreckage ever being found (Berlitz 1). In 26 years, 1000 people crossed the Triangle and all vanished (Berlitz 1). As a result, very thorough studies and researches have been carried out into the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle, in the hope of finding a scientific answer to the disappearances of all those who have ever crossed the Bermuda Triangle."
Abstract This paper reviews "Geeks: The Era of Options", a selected excerpt from 'Geeks & Geezers'. The paper discusses how the authors try to convince the reader that there are significant generational differences between the two demographics they label as "geeks" and "geezers". These differences include motivational levels, risk taking tendencies, and even bases of knowledge. The paper reviews the convincing arguments in support of these differences, in general; however, oftentimes there is error in the author's observation and the logic they utilize to come to their conclusions.
Abstract The paper analyzes Margaret J. Wheatley's "Leadership and the New Science: Discovering Order in a Chaotic World", which is a call to organizational leaders and managers to address the needs of their individual employees. The paper looks at the author's background, provides a summary of the book and relates the author's viewpoint and purpose. The paper also examines the author's use of evidence and counter-evidence and discusses how convincing the arguments are. The paper compares this book with other books and articles on this topic and concludes with a final, positive, evaluation of the book.
Outline:
Author's Background
Summary of Book
The Author's Viewpoint and Purpose
Evidence the Author Presents to Support Her Thesis
Author's Use of Evidence and Counter Evidence
The Book's Argument---Convincing or Not
This Book Compared With Other Books and Articles on the Same Subject
Final Evaluation of the Book
From the Paper "The book, Leadership and the New Science: Discovering Order in a Chaotic World, demonstrates how the "new Science" discoveries in fields such as biology, quantum physics, and chaos theory are changing society's antiquated views of the universe. As a result, this new science provides model insights into management, design, and leadership of today's organizations (Wheatley, 2001, p. 4). Throughout her book, Wheatley explains how leaders can change the way they lead to create a competitive business that is able to competently compete in an ever changing world. She writes that good leaders can connect individuals to the identity of the corporation so these individuals can then accept responsibility for changing themselves rather than feeling as though change has been imposed from those at the top (Wheatley, 2001, p. 24)."
This essay examines Locke's social contract between people and sovereign and how Locke embraces the people's right of revolution, and assigns the sovereign reciprocal responsibilities to his subjects that Hobbes does not do.
2,160 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 3 sources, 2000, $ 67.95
Abstract To substantiate the social contract as a valid justification for the political order, I will primarily examine Locke's social contract between people and sovereign, rather than Hobbes's social contract among the people, because Locke's theory is generally superior and more contemporarily relevant. I will first examine the pre-political state of persons, which is the state of nature, and demonstrate that rational individuals are compelled to enter society by agreeing to the social contract. Secondly, I will discuss the principal advantage of the social contract, which is that the government is legitimized by the consent of the people. Thirdly, I will discuss the principal advantage peculiar to Locke's formulation of the social contract, which is that the sovereign is held accountable for his actions. To more thoroughly examine the validity of the social contract in justifying a political order, I will discuss a possible objection to the use of the social contract, namely, that the social contract cannot oblige any but those who originally formed such a contract.
From the Paper "After the English Civil War, justifying political authority became a particularly pressing concern. After all, the nation fought a bloody war to determine whether its supreme authority would be King Charles I, who claimed rule by divine right, or the Parliament. Thomas Hobbes's Leviathan was published in 1651, shortly after the Rump Parliament voted to execute the often-intractable Charles I in 1649. The chaos of the Civil War, regicide, and the establishment of Cromwell's Protectorate surely led Hobbes to favor a sovereign with absolute power. In contrast, Locke's Second Treatise on Government, published in 1690, was greeted by a starkly different English political culture. The 1688 Glorious Revolution, a bloodless coup in which the last Catholic monarch, James II, was finally deposed, allowed for the acceptance of the English Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights finally guaranteed the supremacy of Parliament and the political and civil rights of the people. Granted the historical fact of the Glorious Revolution, Locke embraces the people's right of revolution, and assigns the sovereign reciprocal responsibilities to his subjects that Hobbes does not do. Although Hobbes and Locke ultimately design markedly different states, each justifies the political order with a social contract. The social contract does, indeed, provide a convincing justification for the political order."
Tags: government, hobbes, john, leviathan, locke, on, second, thomas, treatise
Abstract This paper discusses the backdrop of cities in film noir as reflective of the mood of the characters and plots. Examples from films are given to illustrate how the city is transformed from its objective self into a darker, more foreboding place, although still retaining enough realism to convince the viewer that such a city could in fact exist. The paper includes an in-depth definition of what film noir actually is, and shows the common characteristics of these films.
From the Paper "Before any discussion, it is first necessary to define the term film noir for the purposes of this paper, for the term is certainly subjective and can be used too broadly to describe any number of crime movies or psychological thrillers. Robert Ottoson describes film noir as "a body of films"made roughly between 1940 and 1958. The tone and mood of the film noir was overwhelmingly black, hence its name?.Life was conceived to be a hopeless proposition, with people having no control over their fates. Despair, alienation, disillusionment, moral ambiguity, pessimism, corruption, and psychoses carried the day.? There are certain complementary visual traits associated with films noirs that are perhaps more recognizable than particular plot elements, and form ?a consistent thread that unites the very diverse films that together comprise this phenomenon.? "
Abstract This paper examines the statistics on smoking and the tactics that tobacco companies use to advertise their products in order to show how advertisers convince smokers to use their products, despite the obvious risk to their health.
From the Paper "Advertising is defined as the activity of attracting public attention to a product or business, as by paid announcements in print or on the air. Advertisers make public announcement of their products, especially to proclaim the qualities or advantages of a product or business in order to increase sales. But in order for a product to be effectively advertised, it must have a major selling point in order to appeal to consumers. In the case of tobacco products, there is no obvious benefit to the consumer other than the gratification of their nicotine habit, and the advertisers are not interested in pointing out that their products are potentially addictive. Consequently, tobacco companies downplay the possible health risks associated with smoking and secondhand smoke. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission has prohibited tobacco companies from using television to advertise their products since the 1970s in order to discourage impressionable consumers from beginning the smoking habit. Therefore, the problem is that advertisers for tobacco companies have had to seek ways to present their products to the consumer without having to disclose the health risks that cigarettes pose to their customers and those people in the smokers? environment without violating FTC rules. Some of the ways that they have persuaded consumers to use their products is through icons such as Joe Camel, the sponsorship of sporting events, through Websites that oppose the findings of researchers, and through direct mail advertising campaigns that rally smokers through an appeal to their rights and freedoms. "
Tags: cigarettes, minors, ethics, joe, camel, family, cancer
Abstract This paper provides a detailed analysis of the dynamics underlying consumer behavior. The author provides an in depth explanation about what consumer psychology involves, emphasizing perspectives on how advertising works , consumer-based response measures and present state of knowledge about measures of advertising effectiveness.
From the Paper "Consumer psychology is the study of the dynamics underlying consumer behavior specifically concentrating on the use of psychological concepts and methods to explain, predict and influence behavior (Assael, 1992). Consumer psychology perspectives on how advertising works therefore puts much weight on the psychological dimensions of individuals as consumers and how advertising effects them. In other words, consumer psychology attacks the subject of advertising from a psychological point of view. The behavior outcome of advertising (the consumption of produce or a service) is therefore a complex interplay of many aspects. This is because humans are complex individuals and the process involves many levels of psychological functioning on behalf of the individual."
Abstract An examination of the different writing styles and techniques of writers: W.E.B. Du Bois and Mary Wollstonecraft. The author examines their presentations and techniques in gaining audience attention and portraying a convincing argument, and the way these differed according to the time these authors wrote. The author makes reference to various novels such as: Wollstonecraft's "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" and Du Bois's "The Souls of Black Folk".
From the Paper "When addressing an audience, the writer's choice of words, style and the manner in which his or her presentation is executed are critical. They are the key elements to gaining the audience's attention and not only maintaining it, but also convincing them that the argument, which you are making, is worthy. Both Wollstonecraft and Du Bois had brilliant strategies geared toward gaining the attention and approval of their audiences. Although Wollstonecraft wrote for an audience of British men in 1792 and Du Bois for white American men in 1903, they shared a common use of literary wording and usage of speech. Aside from sharing similar writing characteristics they also shared other attributes as well. In Wollstonecraft's "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" and Du Bois's "The Souls of Black Folk" they both have a particular goal in mind, which they hope to achieve by their writings; a goal that if successful, would create a revelation in the way of living for both women and black folk. Wollstonecraft and Du Bois are both fighting, one for the rights of women and the other for the rights of Blacks, but in actuality they are fighting for the same goal. They want equality among all, not just women or Blacks, but for society as a whole."
Abstract This paper discusses the pros and cons of teaching solely in English in the United States. The author explains how the advantages convince us that we should adopt instruction in English nationwide in order to live up to our reputation as a land of equality among our residents. The paper also discusses how teaching in languages alienates English speakers from non-English speakers.
From the paper:
"In the United States, we residents are well known for our diversity and ability to accept many different things. The battle over the most effective way to teach our children has resulted in an ongoing debate between teaching in the English language or bilingual education. Not only has bilingual education been a failure in many parts of the country, but also a waste of precious financial resources. The prevailing language in the U.S. is English, and it has worked well to keep the country united. With a high number of diverse cultures cohabitating, the assortment of languages has served to promote ethnic elitism. Those who do not speak English fluently are incessantly among lower social classes."
Tags: bilingual, children, education, spanish, teach, class, melting, pot, u.s.
