Abstract This essay exemplifies how tragedy through deceit and corruption occurred in both Shakespearean plays, "Othello" and "Hamlet". The arguments prove the contributions of the protagonists, antagonists, and the innocent characters to the evil and corruption, which creates a tragedy in both plays.
From the Paper "Lies, deceit, and false appearances are everywhere in one's life and these negative aspects of people contribute to sorrow, pain, and tragedy. In all of Shakespeare? s tragic plays, the protagonist dies, along with many other characters due to a problematic theme occurring in the plot. This is obvious in both Hamlet and Othello. In Hamlet, Claudius kills his brother, Old Hamlet, so he can become King. Old Hamlet's son discovers his secret and attempts to avenge his father's death, which he does at the end of the play when he kills Claudius along with others, and dies himself. In Othello, Iago, the Moor's assistant sabotages Cassio, the first lieutenant in order to get his job. When this works, he attempts to split Othello, the Moor of Venice and his wife using jealousy and murder, and gets killed when is discovered for his scheming. Both plays touch upon common human problems and desires such as greed, jealousy, and revenge."
Abstract Using various pieces by Flannery O'Connor, the effectiveness of deceptive characters is argued as a tool for more realistic and applicable conflict, and eventually promotion of positive moral values.
From the Paper "In her stories, Flannery O'Connor often uses deceit as a tool to make her characters more appealing to her audience and to provide a central point of conflict. It is the one thing that almost everyone can relate to, either from having been deceptive or having been the object of deception. O'Connor used her Catholic background as a strong influence in her writing, and the fact that she uses deceit so frequently in her stories may have something to do with the fact that many accounts in the bible depict deceit as a typical trait of humanity. It was, after all, one of the first sins committed after Adam and Eve had eaten from "the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." Thereafter, Eve bore Cain and Abel. When God asked Cain where his brother was, although Cain had slain Abel and knew what he had done, he replied "I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?" This gives the first account of the nature of humans to deceive (Genesis 4:8-9)."
Abstract Stinnett's book, "Day of Deceit", is a controversial look at the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor. More than a history book, this is a book that points fingers and makes a variety of allegations regarding the American government and its duplicity and deception of the American public. This paper analyzes the book and provides a summary of it. It examines the main and secondary theses of the book.
From the Paper "The author's main thesis in "Day of Deceit" is that President Franklin D. Roosevelt knew of the impending attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and used the attack as a method to incite the American people into joining World War II. This is the main theme woven between the pages of the book. However, there are secondary theses too, including the proposition that America broke the Japanese naval code and knew the Japanese carriers were on their way to launch an attack on Pearl Harbor, and that many documents relating to the attack, including code breaking documents, have never been released to the public."
Tags: President, Roosevelt, Pentagon, Navy, White, House
Abstract This paper uses of the characters in Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," as examples of deceit and naivete, and parallels them with examples from current history. Naivete is illustrated using examples of how both Caesar and the US were unaware of the warning signs of an impending attack. Deceit is illustrated using the fact that the terrorists lived in the US and no one knew, and that Caesar's friends plotted and he never knew. Columbine High School, where two "normal" students went on shooting rampage, is used to illustrate deceit and is compared to Caesar's supporters also going on a rampage and killing him. The author illustrates how Caesar never had chance to change while on the other hand, American is changing and needs to evolve with these changes.
From the Paper "Deception, of course, correlates with the terrorist attacks, too. These Taliban members lived within our communities, shopped at our grocery stores, slept next door and might have even dated a few of our women. All the while, they were secretly plotting a nationwide attack for September 11, 2001. Caesar is also betrayed, though the Senate is supposed to be his supporters. Brutus is his best friend, his confidant. Yet all the while, Brutus is being persuaded to conspire against Caesar. Brutus does conspire, as well as others who once supported Caesar. The conspirators lie, sneak around and deceive their family and friends in order to do what they feel is right for the state of Rome. Eerily, the suicide bombers of September 11 also lied, and snuck around. Perhaps one of the most damaging results of their ultimate deception is that now Americans don?t know who to trust, which leads to many citizens preferring not to trust anyone. (Webb, EDN)"
Abstract This paper analyzes Nietzsche's work, "The Gay Science." It specifically discusses the various aspects of Nietzsche's claims, within his book, about the error-driven nature of human beings, consciousness and knowledge, as well as the phenomenon of self-deceit. The paper then goes on to analyze the cogency of these claims by Nietzsche.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
"Bad" Consciousness
Knowledge
Self-Deceit Conclusion
From the Paper "First of all, it is clear that Nietzsche holds a more favorable view of the instincts as opposed to consciousness. In passage 11, he says, "Consciousness gives rise to countless mistakes that lead an animal or human being to perish sooner than necessary." He goes on to say, "Without the instincts, humanity would long have ceased to exist." (p. 37) This is because, as Nietzsche says, consciousness is misunderstood by humanity - it sees consciousness as the foundational aspect of the human being - its "essence", if you will. This is a misapprehension because, according to Nietzsche, the instincts are more dominant in the human being."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the two ancient and classical stories of "Ramayana," attributed to the Hindu sage Valmiki and "1001 Arabian Nights," which is a collection of stories collected over many centuries by various authors, translators and scholars in various countries. The paper specifically compares the characters within the stories and the lessons of morality that they teach.
Table of Contents:
Purity and Deceit in Ramayana
Purity and Deceit in 1001 Arabian Nights
From the Paper "Eventually there are no more virgins and Scheherazade offers herself as the next bride. In order to keep his daughter alive, Scheherazade's father tells Shahryar a story without telling him the conclusion. In order to hear the end, Shahryar must keep Scheherazade alive. The next, Scheherazade finishes the last tale and begins another, only again to stop short of revealing its conclusion. Thus, the 1001 stories of the book are told. Although each of these stories involve their own tales of morals, purity and deceit, in an effort to teach Scheherazade a lesson, this act of telling stories itself is deceitful in that it is done as a method of tricking Scheherazade. However, this act of deceit, like the act of deceit done by Brahman in creating Rama to defeat evil, this act of deceit is also done for the greater good."
Abstract Some form of desire drives many of the characters in William Shakespeare's, "All's Well That Ends Well". For example, the King is driven by his desire to live, Helena is driven by her sexual desire for Betrum and Betrum by his desire for notoriety, as well as his lust for Diana. This essay focuses on causal effect of Helena's sexual desires for Bertrum and how they inspire her deceitful actions throughout the play. When examining Helena's use of language, along with her actions as they are portrayed in the "Healing of the King" and the "Bed Trick," it is argued that Helena's sexual desires drive her to scheme and manipulate other characters, as well as lie, deceive, physically rape and entrap them.
From the Paper "If it is true that Helena had elaborately planned for the action of the play to unfold in the manner in which it did, then one must conclude that she is indeed a lying, manipulative, deceitful woman who uses a rhetorician's tongue and a virgin's allure to get what she wants in the play. Secondly, her language reveals the motive behind her elaborate, premeditated plan, which is rooted in her sexual desire for Betrum."
This paper discusses Cathal Nolan argument that sometimes lies are for the public good, which he presents in "Bodyguard of Lies: Franklin D. Roosevelt and Defensible Deceit in World War II".
970 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 0 sources, 2005, $ 34.95
Abstract This paper explains that Cathal Nolan in "Bodyguard of Lies: Franklin D. Roosevelt and Defensible Deceit in World War II" does not believe it is always proper for governments to lie to the public, but he does establish a clear line, when and when it is not proper to lie, by giving general and specific historical examples of past government lies. The author points out that Reagan in the Iran Contra fiasco, Nixon with Watergate and Johnson with the U.S. incursions into Laos and Cambodia and Bill Clinton in Monica-gate, all lied for non-utilitarian reasons; however, Nolan differentiates between Roosevelt and the other deceivers of public trust because if the Nazi threat was not stopped, it would have continued to spread throughout the world until democracy no longer existed. The paper concludes that truth should be told whenever possible; but when the truth is not for the good of all mankind, a president is justified in using whatever means possible to preserve prosperity and moral goodness.
From the Paper "Roosevelt viewed the Nazi's as a real threat to mankind. History proves he was correct. The public in the 1930's was weary of getting involved in another war. Congress was dominated by isolationists who refused to support foreign nations with arms or manpower even if they were our strategic allies in the fight for Democracy. The country was reeling from the depression, and many felt funds were needed at home. However, Roosevelt knew the threat of Nazism and German expansion was real and felt public opinion had to be altered."
Tags: utilitarian, isolationists, nixon, differentiation, truth
Abstract This paper discusses the civil war in Iraq and the role that the United States played in beginning it. The paper argues that terrorist attacks of 9/11 were ruthlessly exploited by President Bush and his advisors, who falsely accused Iraq of plotting to attack the United States with weapons of mass destruction. The paper concludes that Iraq's civil war was a consequence of that deceit.
From the Paper "As this debate intensifies in the United States, hundreds of innocent Iraqis are being killed every week as sectarian violence escalates and civil war rages. The fragile authority, limited influence, and entrenched corruption of the Iraqi government has prevented it thus far from establishing control, reducing the violence, and forging any semblance of unity between the Shi'ites, Sunnis, and Kurds. Much of its impotence is due to the perceptions of millions of Iraqis that it is little more than a puppet government controlled by the Bush Administration. This widespread perception fuels the insurgency, which doesn't appear likely to abate unless the United States begins withdrawing troops in significant numbers."
Abstract The paper describes Martha Stewart's insider trading when she sold her stock in the ImClone company. The paper details her subsequent denial and deceit. The paper discusses how under any ethical system; from a normative perspective, a utilitarian point of view and a deontological standpoint, Stewart acted wrongly.
From the Paper "On December 27, 2001, Sam Waksal, the key shareholder in ImClone, ordered his broker to sell all his stock in the company. The broker, who was also Martha Stewart's broker, told his assistant to phone Stewart. The assistant left Stewart a message about Waksal's sales, suggesting she might do the same. Stewart called the broker back and ordered him to sell.
"ImClone stock plummeted and Waksal was investigated. The SEC learned of Stewart's sale, and called Stewart to a formal interview. Before the interview, Stewart and her broker conspired. Rather than admitting that the broker gave Stewart an inside tip, they invented a story of a "standing sell order." Stewart gave this story to the government in formal interviews. After a lengthy investigation, Stewart on various charges on June 4, 2002, although not for insider trading."
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 In Shakespeare's "Othello", deceit and jealousy combine to make one of the most disturbing tragedies of all time. This paper discusses how, at the helm of this disturbing voyage is the villainous Iago, driven by pure malice. In particular, the paper looks at how there is a great irony in this story, since Iago's plan to dismantle all virtue and trust amongst the targeted characters would never have been successful without his own wife Emilia's complete, unwavering trust and obedience.
From the Paper "The first example of Emilia's unique and seemingly tolerant trust in her husband is shown early in the play. Upon arriving in Cyprus, Iago socially insults his wife in front of Cassio, Desdemona and others. Instead of immediately playing along, she falls silent, waiting for a cue from her husband. Her friend Desdemona notices this immediately: "Alas, she has no speech (II.1.118)." Emilia simply allows Desdemona to defend her, letting the game pass over her. This silence illustrates a great deal about the relationship between the couple. Even though Emilia eventually plays along with the game, "You shall not write my praise (II.1.132)," she clearly allows Iago to be in control of the situation. "
Abstract This paper discusses jealousy as one of the central motives in William Shakespeare's play, "Othello." It discusses the jealousy between Iago and Cassio, the Moor and Cassio, as well as between Iago and the Moor. The paper shows how through Iago's deceitfulness, hatred and disloyalty, the tragedy of the play occurred. The paper suggests that if it had not been for Iago's unsympathetic sentiments and the jealousy, the play might have had a different ending.
From the Paper "Even though many blame the tragedy on Othello's gullibility, it is Iago's tricky and devious behavior that launched and triggered it. Since Othello profoundly trusted Iago, he hardly ever suspected any infidelity from him and that is proven throughout the whole script, in statements such as, "Honest Iago,/ My Desdemona must I leave to thee"(Act I, Scene III, 295). As a consequence, Iago took advantage of Othello's trust and kept revealing more of his forged love, which is proved in the play when Iago alleged that, " Though I do hate him as I do hell-pains,/Yet, for necessity of present life,/I must show out a flag and sign of love" (Act I, scene I, 154-156). It is the "flag and sign of love" which Iago revealed, that instigated Othello's gullibility, and if it wasn't for that advantage, Othello would've not fallen in Iago's trap. Unfortunately, the one closest to the heart is the greatest enemy; because it is him that knows the weakness of one's heart and mind. Iago was indeed very disloyal to his Moor, and deceitful by his behavior toward him."
Abstract The paper discusses the differences and similarities between Boccaccio's "Decameron" and Marguerite of Navarre's "Heptameron". The paper focuses on the theme of "dissimulation" in both works, that is the deliberate withholding of information in order to deceive for a specific purpose. The paper looks at two stories from both works in order to highlight this theme and concludes that both works contain a mixture of fact and fiction, but both use this mixture with the higher goal of showing human hypocrisy and that deceit and dissimulation often rebound against the errant.
From the Paper "The are large differences as well as strong similarities between Boccaccio's Decameron and the Heptameron of Marguerite of Navarre. The works are separated by about two hundred years in time, and also by the difference between the French culture of Marguerite and the Italian culture of Boccaccio. Also, Boccaccio wrote in the time before the Protestant Reformation, and his work is clearly of a strong Catholic bent, despite his constant criticism and poking of fun at clerics and church bureaucrats. Marguerite, on the other hand, wrote during the time of the Reformation and put strong Protestant leanings in her work, which caused some controversy at the time and put her into a certain amount of danger, according to the introduction in the anthology. Even so, the cynicism and critiques that both writers express toward the established churches of their day show strong similarities and suggest that clerical corruption and hypocrisy is a ripe topic of satire in nearly any century."
Abstract The paper describes the film "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price" as an effective, eye-opening account of the Wal-Mart legacy of exploitation, lies, deceit and snuffing out competition, all in the name of low prices for consumers. The paper discusses how the film illustrates how Wal-Mart takes over retail in communities, exploits its workers both in the United States and abroad and gleefully watches small retailers fail when they move into town. The paper posits that it is a mesmerizing look into the world of big business in America that will make any viewer stop and think about what, where and how they purchase the commodities they use every day.
From the Paper "There are so many main points to this film it is hard to narrow them down, but ultimately, the theme is that Wal-Mart is a deceptive, unethical, and disreputable corporation. They use illegal and highly questionable business practices for the sole reason of making a huge profit, and ensuring the happiness of their shareholders. They exploit their workers both in the United States and around the world, they cost taxpayers billions of dollars in welfare and health benefits, and they gleefully run small business owners out of their long held, family-owned enterprises. And yet, they are one of the most successful retailers in history, and the largest retailer in the world."
