Abstract This paper explores the interplay between man's potential and man's behavior. Hamlet's character is studied through utilizing excerpts from the play to form the standards by which to define man. The many aspects of Hamlet's character are brought to light and although it has been argued, and most correctly, that Hamlet's character leads directly to his demise, it is precisely that character that has made him so attractive to countless scores of readers.
From the Paper "Prince Hamlet, in saying "What a piece of work is a man" (2.2.293-294), brings to light the idea of man's inherent potential. "How noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, in form and moving how express and admirable, in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like a god" (2.2.294-296). In this sense, man is capable of infinite measures, of being, essentially, godlike. Yet in actual performance, man is too often ruled by his passions, and often so in the absence of reason. We, as humans, are capable of greatness and nobility, yet we are each also capable of behavior befitting a beast. Hamlet then asks of Ophelia "What should such fellows as I do crawling between heaven and earth"? (3.1.128-129). All of the characters of the play are crawling between heaven and earth, yet some are drawn closer to the earth by way of their "beastly" behavior. The interplay between passion and reason therefore becomes paramount in placing the characters of the play on their respective "rungs of the ladder" between heaven and earth. "
Abstract This paper is a biographical overview of J. Edgar Hoover and his role as director of the FBI. The author details his five decades of reform, power and how he abused it. The paper also examines his controversial personality and lifestyle.
From the paper:
"The life and legacy of J. Edgar Hoover is a subject of countless books, files and theories. Rumors surrounding this man run rampant. He single-handedly created the FBI we know today, but through a scheme of illegal and amoral activities. Hoover was the most effective and powerful director of the FBI, from 1924 to 1972. He created the FBI as a separate and distinct faction of the Department of Justice, and garnered public support for his activities. He fought communism, espionage, foreign sabotage, and organized crime. Ruthless in his ways, cunning in his schemes, Hoover's influence on past and current laws and enforcement goes unchecked and unmatched by any other."
Abstract In Mark Twain's novel "Huckleberry Finn", civilization and natural life conflict and unwind as a theme which is portrayed throughout the novel. Huck begins to witness first hand countless aspects of society, and by choosing his own individuality and raising himself on instinct, creates an innate sense of morals, which become more civilized then society itself.
From the Paper "In Mark Twain's novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Twain uses the characters, Huck and Jim, to develop the plot. In the novel Twain uses these characters to form a statement on the society of this day. Huck and Jim are on the run from civilization and they are both sceptical of the so called "civilized" society of which they are both profoundly sceptical. Huck is seen by the other characters as a dirty, uncivilized, backwards boy, and is constantly under pressure to conform to society's values. Jim, a slave belonging to the widow Watson, is not even considered a real person, but as property. The fact that the duo is travelling on the river in order to escape from civilization lends itself to the possibility of viewing this escape, from land to water as a symbol of the pairs escape from society itself. The difference between life on the river and life in the towns along the river is the first important theme in the novel. Huck throughout the book shows maturity and independence choosing to follow his own instincts before society's conventions. When viewed as a symbol, Huck can be seen to represent a natural way of life. Huck's internal struggle to come to terms with himself and society is a second theme present in this novel. He reasons through any problem he encounters by comparing his own instinctual responses with what is expected by society. He often chooses to on moral course of action of which society expressly disapproves. Huck learns more about Jim and starts to understand that the common stereotype regarding black slaves are morally incorrect. He comes to recognize the fallacy of racism. Huck sees that skin colour is the only significant difference between Jim and any white man. Aiding Jim to escape from slavery triggers a crisis of conscious in Huck, which he overcomes when he realises that his is the moral course of action, and that he cannot betray Jim. "I come to being lost and going to hell"and got to thinking over our trip down the river; and I see Jim before me all the time" But somehow I couldn"t seem to strike no places to harden me against him"how good he always was? I was the best friend old Jim ever had in the world, and the only one he's got now?.? During Huck Finns journey down the Mississippi he begins to notice a serious inconsistency between the values of "civilized" society, and those that are natural to him. He eventually comes to reject societies values in favour of his own more moral system."
Tags: adventures, finn, huck, mark, twain, society, american
This paper discusses what occurred during the My Lai Massacre in Vietnam and what may have triggered the U.S. soldiers to "murder" countless civilians and not the enemies that is, the North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong armies.
Abstract The following paper examines how the U.S. military dealt with the moral issues of human death in the Vietnam War, with particular reference to the 'My Lai Massacre'. This paper illustrates and discusses in detail how such an event happened, and examines how the massacre affected the way Americans view the Vietnam War, the government's participation in the war, and the moral issues that go along with the human deaths that are inevitable during wars and conflicts with other nations or enemies of the United States.
From the Paper "The My Lai massacre was triggered by a series of events that led to many deaths of the American troops in Vietnam, particularly the 11th Brigade of the 1st Infantry Battalion of the Charlie Company, the troop of soldiers that were later accused of mass murdering the civilians in the village of My Lai. In a comprehensive report by Mark Gado (2001) of The Crime Library entitled, ?Into the Dark: The My Lai Massacre,? the author discussed in detail several events that have occurred which may be attributed as one reason why the soldiers of the 1st Brigade of the Charlie Company were able to kill many people, civilians who were defenseless against them. Gado discussed the difficulty the Americans were facing in looking for the North Vietnamese army and the Viet Cong, and one of the solutions that the American military were able to formulate to indirectly inflict harm to the enemy is by destroying all resources that might prove to be helpful to them."
Abstract Every day we awaken is another day closer to the future we envision for our advanced civilization, a future that varies for each individual but includes many of those ideas shared by countless books, movies, and television programs.
From the Paper "Biotechnology and Food: Are the Advantages Worth the Risks?
Every day we awaken is another day closer to the future we envision for our advanced civilization, a future that varies for each individual but includes many of those ideas shared by countless books, movies, and television programs. As science continues to make rapid advances in all areas from astronomy to medicine to technology, that future becomes a greater part of our present. While some pioneers work on flying cars and others concentrate on faster computers, biotechnologists busy themselves with the manipulation of DNA, the makeup of all organisms and the biological basis for both a species? and an individual's characteristics. Recent advances in this technology, known as biotechnology, include cloning and gene therapy, a possible form of treatment for a variety diseases. "
Abstract This paper discusses that scholars believe that Arthur is a weave of Celtic kings from history and the stories associated with them that began in the Fifth Century and become immortalized through literature by authors such as Geoffrey of Monmouth, Chretien, Malory and Tennyson. The paper reviews many of the characters from the Arthur legend that have been popularized through countless works of literature, plays, poems, books, movies and art created by artists during every era of history.
From the Paper "The quest for the Holy Grail is said to have begun when the Green Knight arrived at Camelot and issued the challenge. According to the code of Camelot, a knight must not refuse a challenge made to him and must follow it through to the end. Arthur's long reign was marred by the illicit love of Guinevere and Lancelot, and his later years were marked by ?conflicts which culminated in the disastrous battle on Salisbury Plain, when Arthur was mortally wounded by his bastard son Mordred.?
Abstract Changes in public sexual expression from before 1900 to now are evident in countless aspects of today's modern society, in some western cultures more than in others. This paper examines the effect these changes have had on premarital celebrations and ceremonies. In addition to addressing the changes themselves, the writer also discusses some of the possible reasons why these changes have evolved into modern bachelor and bachelorette parties and the social constructs that surround them. The writer also addresses several aspects that effect premarital celebrations and standards including evolving public sexual expression based on religion, legality, social standard and also female body image.
From the Paper "Traditionally even up to the early 1970's women and men celebrated impending nuptials very differently, men with a possible illicit display of wantonness and women with a more demure event, that some would say more openly celebrated psychological union between the future bride and her female friends and family. Women were more likely to celebrate the end of their single life with quiet and communicative social aspects while men felt the need to both bond and in a sense perform the ritual of the last hurrah. (Tye and Powers, 1998, p. 552) "
Tags: bachelor, wedding, premaritual, female, body
Abstract This paper looks at British political history and why in Britain there has not been a revolution like that of France or Russia. The author discusses how there have been threats of revolutions in Britain, but they did not deflect the main current of political development. The writer shows how the gradual and continuous political development in Britain was not only devoid of civil commotion,but also influenced the politics of countless other countries all over the world.
From the Paper "Until the Middle Ages, Britain was a feudal kingdom that gradually transformed into a strong centralized monarchy. The monarchy came into its own in the middle ages and the monarchs felt secure enough in their position to seek the advice of their subjects in matters of the state. This resulted in the formation of the great councils that initially consisted of members of the nobility and church leaders. In the meetings of the great councils, the monarchs sought advice, exchanged information, and gathered petitions. (Kishlansky). These councils were the precursor of the present day parliament in Britain, the all-powerful legislative and executive body."
Abstract This paper outlines the life story of the entertainer Frank Sinatra also known affectionately as Ol? Blue Eyes and respectfully Chairman of the Board. It discusses how, for a first-generation Italian-American, Frank Sinatra surpassed all expectations he or his family ever had. He literally climbed to the top of the mountain of success and stayed there and even after death, he is revered. It examines some of the stories surrounding his connections to the Mafia and how he palled around with Presidents, slept with their wives, bedded practically every female star in Hollywood, had a recording career that fills a book, won an Oscar, fought for civil rights before it was a popular cause ,and helped countless people financially. It describes how he's been known as an angel of mercy, rescuing people from life and death situations and also as a brute as well, sending guys to beat up someone who fell in his disfavor. It's difficult at times to tell truth from fiction regarding Frank Sinatra. Nevertheless, one thing is certain, an absolute fact, Sinatra is a legend.
From the Paper "Born Francis Albert Sinatra on December 12, 1915, in Hoboken, New Jersey, he was the only child of Dolly and Anthony Martin Sinatra. He worked for the Jersey Observer unloading trucks during his teenage years (Sinatra pg). He soon became of copy boy and had aspirations of becoming a journalist. When the editor told him that copy boys "don"t know enough to be reporters,? Sinatra promptly enrolled in secretarial school, studying English, typing and shorthand (Sinatra pg). "
Tags: blue, eyes, italian, american, mafia, hollywood, oscar
Abstract This paper introduces and discusses T.C. Boyle's "The Tortilla Curtain", a novel on the struggles of two couples as they try to achieve the American Dream; one already handed the chance on a silver platter and the other daring the impossible by crossing illegally into America. The paper shows that while Boyle shows off the endless possibilities of the cliched American Dream, his novel impresses on his readers only the futility of attempting to live it, rather than the success that countless of immigrants and Americans have found while fulfilling their dreams and destinies. The paper explores Boyle's use of imagery, including the image of the coyote which is present throughout the book.
From the Paper "There is a lot of emphasis on materialism in the idea of the American Dream, and the Mossbachers seem to be the epitome of both. Contrastingly, the Rincons are desperate to achieve this materialism, which forms the basis of their American Dream. Where there should be a stronger urge for freedom, the Rincons seek fortune in America.
Through materialism, Boyle shows another feature of the American Dream ? greed. Though it is not obvious, the people in Southern California may be driven by their desire for more as a reason to keep illegal immigrants out, knowing that they too are driven by a strong desire."
Abstract This paper examines how the last decade of the past century has opened up an almost unbelievable world for the ordinary citizens of the world and how the internet has connected people and businesses across the globe. It looks at how this new-world of computers and high technology has created a virtual wonderland for criminals and how a new wave of crime has evolved involving computer hackers, computer viruses, identity theft, e-mail fraud and countless other high-tech crimes. It also discusses how the advent of technology has allowed for ease of maintaining order over high-tech transgressions with such developments as instantaneous court transcripts and global satellite monitoring to keep track of probationers.
From the Paper "High-tech crime is a global problem, crossing the boundaries of countries around the world and making it difficult for law enforcement to find the source. The European Union has been taking steps during the last few years to "fight harmful and illegal content on the Internet, to protect intellectual property and personal data, to promote electronic commerce and the use of electronic signatures and to enhance the security of transactions" (EU pg). Agencies in the United States and Europe are setting up communication networks that will enable countries to share vital information regarding cyber-crime. EU Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs considers cyber-crime a main priority to "establish an area of freedom, security and justice in Europe" (EU pg).
The Federal Bureau of Investigation provides links on its web site for consumers to report Internet fraud, as well as other consumer protection web sites that provide information regarding fraud protection (Internet pg)."
Abstract This paper concentrates primarily on the imagery of Robert Frost's poems, but also shows how a poetic genius weaves together the various elements of poetry, such as rhythm, rhyme, and symbol, to form an artistic entity. It demonstrates by using his poem "Birches" as an example how, by use of uncomplicated diction, common images and simple rhymes, Frost creates blank verse capable of transmission from the heart and mind of one man to the innermost depths of countless humans far distant in time and place. It looks at how the poem, which centers around a boy swinging on some birches is symbolic of the creative imagination of the poet himself.
From the Paper "Frost acknowledges that in his New England boyhood he was himself a swinger of birches, a real boy swinging on real trees. He begins with the image that he prefers, of a boy bending the birches, "as he went out and in to fetch the cows." He blames his extended metaphor about the ice storm on "Truth," with a capital T, breaking in "With all her matter-of-fact about the ice-storm." (Untermeyer 192). This is an example of Frost's humorous playfulness as he turns his images around to suit his point. He prefers a simple natural truth of a boy swinging birches to some intellectual ideal about the "inner dome of heaven." From his natural image he evolves a far reaching philosophical view. The idea of swinging birches, he says, can take a man away from earthly pain and lift him "Toward heaven" (Untermeyer 193). Being a simple earthy swinger of birches offers a more powerful alternative to Frost than being a high flying philosopher."
Abstract This paper examines how Robert Dahl has devoted his professional life to the study and analysis on the issues of democracy and how among his countless publications is the book "After the Revolution: Authority in a good Society". It looks at how the central theme of this volume is the discussion about the problems, strengths and weaknesses of democracy and democratic authority. It show how in the same way as philosophers Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes and Rousseau did, Dahl explores two basic questions in the world as to: who governs and to what ends do they govern. Also, it analyzes some questions over the limits of power given to people and explains he meaning of justice and sovereignty.
From the Paper "Further, the Criterion of Economy states that ?a process my be less perfect than other alternatives according to the first two criteria but, on balance, more satisfactory simply because it economizes on the amount of time, attention, and energy.? Dahl said, that ideal state is never reached in practice; therefore we are satisfied with the most acceptable, closest one to ideal, solution, which is an optimal system for making decisions. Finally, the Principle of Affected Interests states that ?everyone who is affected by the decisions of a government should have the right to participate in that government.? As was mentioned earlier, Dahl wrote that most associations use some sort of majority rule to make decisions. Hence, the all of the three criteria and the Principle of Equality my be violated for some members of the association. Thus, it needs to be considered how will democracy protects minorities. Dahl suggests three modifications to his fundamental criteria and principles."
Abstract There are approximately 500 active volcanoes world wide and a couple dozen of those erupt every year. Humans have learned to live around volcanoes, for the most part. They have been avoided, feared and even worshipped for millennia. However, that by no means guarantees that humans and the environments that humans depend on, will not come into harm's way. The paper shows that as the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 proves, even with advanced warning and strict security measures, nature can take its toll. The paper describes the aftermath of the explosion, where about 60 people and countless plants and animals died and it would be almost two decades before the surrounding area returned to a stable and comparative ecosystem. The paper shows that if two decades sounds like a long time, one need only keep in mind that scientists were actually pleasantly surprised with the rate of recovery.
From the Paper "It would be a while before the people could breathe freely after this natural disaster. It would be even longer before the world healed itself. Contrary to what one might expect, conservation efforts to help nature along were often doomed to failure. No duplicated ecosystem could replace a lost one. However, scientists eventually learned that the ecosystem was self-correcting. Some things had survived the lava, like small fungi too small to be thoroughly trapped and destroyed. Small animals often survived as well. Over time, when left to its own devices, it seemed that nature worked to preserve itself intact. For example, insects that conservations might think would be harmful killed many surviving trees, but the fallen trees provided prime shelter and a budding environment for other survivors."
Abstract In Joseph Conrad's classic tale, "Heart of Darkness", there are countless presentations of the African native peoples that can be considered racist both within their context and when examined independently of the story. It is often argued that the "racist" presentation of the Africans, however, was not intentional on Conrad's part but rather demonstrated the philosophy of the era in which Conrad was writing. However, this paper demonstrates that Conrad's presentation of the African peoples in Heart of Darkness was indeed racist, and intentionally so.
