Abstract In this article, the writer looks at how Homer portrays several types of forces, along with the forces of the Gods, that contribute to shaping man's behavior. Delusion's character is one of the many that demonstrate how the will of man according to Homer is often guided by the supernatural. The writer notes that moreover, Delusion is a specific example of how even the Gods are inferior to the higher force of fate. The writer concludes that, in his writings, Homer uses names to account for social forces that in his time remained unexplainable.
From the Paper "Agamemnon comes entice Achilleus to join the battle by apologizing for his actions, but not taking all of the blame. He claims that Delusion caused him to get angry with Achilleus when he was told to return the girl Chryseis, and forced him to take Achilleus beloved Briseis. Whether or not Delusion drove Agamemnon to argue with Achilleus, his excuse illustrates that it is perfectly normal for a non-human being to cause human action. Elsewhere in the novel, Rumour causes men to talk, and Hatred, Battle Strength, and "heart-freezing Onslaught" cause men to fight. How deep do these forces penetrate into a man's consciousness? Do they cause him to think differently? Does he only recognize their interference once they are gone? Homer does not directly answer these questions, but they can be better understood by examining the nature of the forces."
A comparison of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 with present 'urban legends' and witch-hunts, focusing on Francis Hill's "A Delusion of Satan: The Full Story of the Salem Witch Trials."
Abstract This paper reviews Frances Hill's book, "A Delusion of Satan: The Full Story of the Salem Witch Trials." It addresses her claims concerning the apparent parallels between the Salem Witch Trials and the "witch-hunts" of more recent times. The paper begins by defining the social, religious and political conditions present within Salem Village and the ways in which these elements enabled and promoted the Salem tragedy. Then the paper discusses contemporary worldviews concerning religious beliefs and ideologies and how these factors contributed to modern witch-hunts throughout both Europe and the United States.
Table of Contents:
Synopsis
The Power of Religious Conviction
Demons in Contemporary Western Culture
Influencing Social and Cultural Factors
Urban Tales and Legends
Conclusion
From the Paper "Frances Hill, like most other academics, does not believe that the children depicting apparent signs of demon possession in Salem Village during 1692 were actually truly inflicted in this manner, and she also either partially or wholly disagrees on the various hypotheses that many other theorists have offered in explanation. Instead, Hill emphasizes that the strong presence of strict Purist worldviews - which "as their diaries, letters, and sermons leave [in] no doubt ..... [show that] they regarded all activities besides work and prayer as potentially sinful distractions and believed they should be wary of impulses that led to fun or amusement" (Hill, 1997, p.5) - along with their Pastor's obsession with the devil and sinfulness, created an ambiance that was conducive to public and mass hysteria (Hill, 1997)."
This paper addresses the article "Delusions of Safety" by Maria Ann Gillespie. The primary theme of this article is that women of all ages, races, and social classes are still in a position where they can be violently abused by men, and that if at any po
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 3 sources, 2002, $ 44.95
Abstract This paper addresses the article "Delusions of Safety" by Maria Ann Gillespie. The primary theme of this article is that women of all ages, races, and social classes are still in a position where they can be violently abused by men, and that if at any point that a woman believes that she is safe from such abuse is a "delusion of safety". This paper reviews and responds to Gillespie's article through citing outside sources.
Tags: SOCIOLOGY / SOCIAL PROBLEMS, the nature domestic violence
Abstract A short analysis of the imagery and symbolism behind Ken Kesey's, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", an epic work on society, individuality, and fear. Quotes from the book are used to support the conclusions drawn from Kesey's supposed intentions. A major theme in the paper focuses on how Kesey emphasized the importance of delusions versus reality.
From the Paper "The old-fashioned "mental asylum" was rumoured to be full of screaming men, popping pills in their world of illusions; utterly unfit to lead civilized lives and left to shriek and cower in isolation. Modern medicine and modern politesse have changed the ancient chaos of the Bellevue into a white padded room, full of calm and care and cures. Both the past and the present stereotypes are equally false, because the ones who create them are not the ones living them. Whether true to the conventional idea of reality or not, it's the inhabitants who create the habitat and imbue it with their perceptions. One of the miracles of Ken Kesey's book, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, was that he created an false reality that could be easily accepted as fact. Kesey created a psychotic Indian and made his delusions of machines and mutations as indisputably real as the starched white uniforms of Big Nurse herself. It was the imagery Kesey was able to evoke that lent the hospital its sense of validity, not because of what it really was, but because of what it really seemed."
Abstract This paper examines the psychiatric illness of schizophrenia. The author discusses possible causes, risk factors, the symptoms such as depression, hallucinations, lack of motivation, social withdrawal, delusions, etc. The author also discusses how families cope with schizophrenic members, and the various anti-psychotic drugs available.
From the Paper "Schizophrenia can be classified as gradual-onset schizophrenia (also known as insidious schizophrenia) or acute-episode schizophrenia. Sometimes there is a slow build-up of symptoms leading up to episode schizophrenia; other times there are no warning signs. Episode schizophrenia spans a short period of time but is nevertheless intense and oftentimes includes the following symptoms: hallucinations or delusions, thought disorder, and self-disassociation. Schizophrenia can also be onset suddenly. In a matter of weeks or even days, a schizophrenic's behavior can change significantly."
The growth and individuality of L.M. Montgomery's Anne Shirley in "Anne of Green Gables", "Anne of Avonlea", and "Anne of the Island", depicts an inner struggle from self-delusion to self-awareness that can be recognized within us all.
Abstract The paper discusses how the character, Anne Shirley is more than a character in a book. She has been a friend and kindred spirit to millions of people over several generations. It shows how we relate her adventures to our own lives and filter them through our own experiences. Anne grows from childhood into adolescence, from adolescence to adulthood and beyond and each step of the way the reader is there with her, sharing her decisions, facing her fears and relating it to their own lives. The paper discusses how the growth and individuality of L.M. Montgomery's Anne Shirley in "Anne of Green Gables", "Anne of Avonlea", and "Anne of the Island", depicts an inner struggle from self-delusion to self-awareness that can be recognised within us all.
From the Paper "The novels are over, Anne finally realized she loves Gil, and their future seems set, so why do we still need more? What is it about Anne Shirley that has kept a world at her side for close to a century? Epperly captures it best when she states; "we cannot fully explain Anne's hold over us"(46). My mother and grandmother both read Anne's story before me, loved her spirit, and secretly wished to be her. Three generations of women enraptured by one small girl with the heart of a lion. Why? "Anne Shirley continues to live on today because she does not conform to reader expectations, to cultural stereotype, or accepted convention"(Epperly 70). I like to believe Anne Shirley lives on today because each of those readers would consider her a friend and kindred spirit and has held and cherished a piece of her in their hearts since they first discovered her. There is something about Anne that brings out the best in people. Her imagination, her joy in every common thing, her virtues and her faults; Anne is an icon for attaining our dreams."
Abstract This paper looks Schizophrenia and how it is caused by brain dysfunction. It looks at the characteristics of the disorder - withdrawal and the illogical patterns of thinking, delusions and hallucinations. The paper examines the history of the disease since the first diagnosis. The manner in which this disorder effects members of society is also discussed in detail.
From the Paper "The first documented case appears to have occurred in Ancient Egypt, where a description of the condition is described in the Eber papyrus, in the Book of Hearts (Okasha, 1999). The condition was not understood in detail, and the treatment was usually incubation, this was a achieved by spending the night in the temple, the dreams would then be interpreted in seeking the answer to the cause of the illness (Okasha, 1999)."
Tags: disease, disorder, mental, delusion, hallucination, emotional, behavioral, psychology, social
Abstract This paper reviews the Vietnam War novel "The Things They Carried" by Tim Obrien, which analyzes the emotional baggage carried by the grunts. The paper points out that, in addition to physical objects, the soldiers carried madness, delusions, hallucinations, grudges. The author feel that whether the stories comprising the novel are literally true is irrelevant, because the emotions behind them are true.
From the Paper "The baggage the soldiers discarded and acquired in country is as significant as the baggage they brought with them. Once again, in "The Sweetheart of Song Tra Bong"?the greenies are the antithesis of John Wayne's Green Berets. Those green berets were clean-shaven men. Men who slept in pajamas, on mattresses. Men who adopted dirty faced orphans with puppies and baseball caps. Men who protected the indigenous elderly, weak and infirm. Men who died almost soundlessly , bloodlessly, and always valiantly and never stupidly. Those recruiting poster green berets carried with them every western value ascribed to a fighting man by their countrymen from truth, justice and the American Way to baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet."
Abstract This paper looks at two essays concerning free will and freedom. The first, "Delusion of Free Will" by Robert Blatchford, and the second, "Freedom and Determinism" by Richard Taylor. This paper will compare and contrast the opinions of these two philosophers and the understand of true freedom.
Abstract This paper is an analysis of Bartleby the Scrivener in Melville's short novel, "Bartleby." It addresses Bartleby's iconic representation of lost humanity, spiritual death, the implications of delusion and his unwillingness to promote verifiable truth.
From the Paper "In Herman Melville's short novel Bartleby the main character is a mysterious stranger with whom the narrator and therefore the reader, never becomes truly acquainted in spite of repeated efforts. Bartleby is a ghostly presence-devoid ..."
Tags: Melville, Bartleby, spiritual death, Bible, truth, lost humanity, delusion, verifiable truth
Abstract The paper examines the character of Emily in William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily", and shows how her state of mind was not normal. The paper explains what influenced Emily's psychological delusions and schizophrenia but then asserts that the act of murdering Homer and living/sleeping with his corpse for many years is proof of her capability of loving. The paper believes that although in a bizarre and morbid way, Emily showed that she also has the right to be loved and that she can also love.
Outline:
Introduction
The Character of Emily Grierson
Conclusion
From the Paper ""A Rose for Emily" is short story by William Faulkner relating the life of Emily Grierson. This literary piece was first read in the 1930 issue of Forum magazine.
"Described as a weird spinster of her time, Emily was an old maid whose life became of interest to the residents of her town as her relationships with her father, a lover, and her male helper revolved around the house where she was known to have lived until her death. The secrets that Emily kept were something that the people of Jefferson town tried to uncover which was consequently revealed at the end of the story. What made this short story of Faulkner popular was the way he weaved the sinister personalities of the characters and its gruesome finale (Faulkner and Inge, 1970)."
Tags: schizophrenia, delusions, Homer, Baron, love
Abstract This paper discusses Plato's concern that a fictional work of literature could negatively influence the malleable minds of a younger audience. The paper relates that this concern is evident in Plato's "Republic" and then looks at how Miguel de Cerventes' "Don Quixote" lends support to this concern, as the main character, Don Quixote, is driven insane by the fictional stories that he enjoyed. The paper concludes that it was because fictional tails of such fantastic adventures of knights were allowed in Spain that Don Quixote was able to get his hands on these books, and fall under their spell. They inspired vast delusions in him, just as Plato said such writings could if they were not censored.
From the Paper "Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote is the story of a man, who, accompanied by his loyal squire, participated in activities based on the delusions inspired by the books that he read. Don Quixote was at first a normal, honorable man, but after reading a great many books and stories about the chivalrous and challenging adventures of knights, he became of the opinion that he was indeed a knight himself, and that the stories he had read were actually incorporated into the world he experienced. He would produce beliefs, based on the readings that he had scoured, that simple objects and people of the world were actually characters present in the adventures of the greatest knight who ever was, as he often considered himself."
Abstract This paper discuses the issue of gender roles in Charlotte Lennox's book "The Female Quixote". It focuses on the main character Arabella and how she manages to make the world revolve around her. It looks at the issue of female empowerment, relationship between the sexes and how these relate to modern day.
From the paper:
"Charlotte Lennox's "The Female Quixote" decries the influence of romantic novels on its main female protagonist, Arabella. Like Cervantes? Don Quixote, a reading of romance novels, tales of beautiful women and their influence on men, and of their being the center of the world they dwell in, with everything seeming to revolve around their person, ostensibly seeks to expose the delusions of such women. By putting the onus of such delusions upon the romance, they decry fictions, or at least the genre of fiction that goes by the name of romances. However, a reading of the novels brings forth the great truth that it is neither the romantic fiction, nor its misreading and misinterpretation by the main protagonists of these two novels and others of their kind, but the entire gamut of gender relations that can be held responsible and that needs to be probed further as the cause of such delusions. "
Abstract The paper compares the two primary characters whose delusions provide the basis for the drama within each literary piece. The paper explains that in "Othello", Iago brings about the tragic events in the play, while in "The Turn of the Screw", the delusions of the governess provides the suspense. The paper describes how these distorted views of reality within each character exert their influence through their acceptance by central characters within the story as well as by the authors of such delusions. In conclusion, the writer posits that the illusions in both these stories creates a heightened effect within each story. The writer explains that this effect draws the readers in so that they feel compelled to seek the truth of the story.
From the Paper "The story itself is set up with mystery and intrigue before her first sight of this apparition. We know further that the governess who relates the tale dies, but her death is shrouded in mystery. It must be remembered that the children of these parents had been killed, then the uncle and aunt of these children entrusted with their care were also killed, leaving the responsibility of their care to the son of the deceased relatives. It is known the son, the master of Bly, rarely visits the children, and makes as minimal an amount of contact as possible with them. We wonder as well as with the governess for why he seeks to make as little contact as possible with Bly estate and the children. The delusion of the governess is given further basis in reality when she discovers from Mrs. Grose that the former governess to these children , Miss Jessel, as well as the master's valet who had been in charge of the children, Peter Quint, had also died. From all these deaths, it becomes no wonder why the master of Bly avoids the place and avoids contact with these children as if they were the plague. The common link of all these deaths draws compelling evidence that there is something very strange about these children. Is there a curse which falls upon any who come into contact with these children? The reader is drawn into the delusion that there may be a hidden and unspoken evil that is present with these children who appear like "angels". The answer is never revealed as to the real reason for these apparitions, if they ever existed at all except in the mind of the governess. Were the ghosts of Miss Jessel and Peter Quint seeking to corrupt or destroy Miles and Flora or were they there to seek revenge against the wrongful deaths inflicted upon them somehow by these children? That answer too is never revealed completely to the satisfaction of the reader."
Abstract In "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller, Willy Loman finally realized that he had been living a life of illusion and self-deception. The paper shows how his son Biff has seen the truth about his father's self-delusions much earlier then Willy. This causes clashes between the two, as Willy still believes that Biff will amount to something and Biff finally confronts his father about his low station in life and the fact that the two of them will always be nobodies. The paper examines the relationship between Willy and Biff Loman based on Willy's self-delusions.
From the Paper "Willy developed the theory that if a person is well liked and is very good looking then doors, i.e. opportunity, will automatically be opened for him. In essence Willy believes in style over substance. Willy Loman, raised his two boys to embrace the same illusions about life and the keys to success that he has. Both boys, in their 30's in the play, grow up to be failures as well. Hap, like his father, is blind to this fact; Biff on the other hand has had those illusions removed a long time ago. Biff, unlike his brother and mother, sees the truth about his father and feels a compulsion to seek the truth about himself. This conflict between Biff and Willy is the central conflict in the play that the story revolves around."
