Abstract This essay suggests that Hamlet was not insane, but emotionally devastated by what he perceived as betrayal by those closest to him. Quotes from the play are used skillfully to support this theory.
From the Paper "As the curtain opens on Shakespeare's ?Hamlet,? the audience is introduced to an extremely bleak young man. The grief triggered by the death of his father and the hasty re-marriage of his mother to his uncle, has left Hamlet feeling disorientated. It is in this state of emotional vulnerability that Hamlet begins to distort reality and doubt the intentions of those around him. Hamlet's initial sense of hopelessness deepens as the play progresses and more of the people in his life appear to betray him. He is left alone in a world where he is unable to trust anyone and even begins to doubt the strength of his own character. The perceived betrayal by those closest to Hamlet, causes him to become disillusioned about himself and others."
Abstract This paper is a synopsis of Durkeim's book "Anomic Suicide," which discusses his opinions on the root sources of suicide. The paper gives a history of the author's views, and discusses marriage, morality and society's role in a person's choice to commit suicide.
From the paper:
"Durkheim strived to define suicide as a product of social factors. The less influence society has on the individual, the more lost or disillusioned he may feel. As man becomes more and more separated from social organization, the more his activity becomes unregulated and unrestrained, a state of anomy may sink in; a state of mind which may lead to suicide."
An examination of the career management for expatriate managers responsible for assigning others to corporate positions with training, role clarity, decision-making, mentoring and transference of values.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 18 sources, 2000, $ 63.95
Abstract The increased pace of the globalization of economic activity emphasizes the need for all corporations to prepare managerial personnel for responsibilities that must be discharged amid alien social structures. Managerial personnel assigned responsibilities in international situations who are not prepared to serve effectively in such situations create a multiplicity of problems for the corporation. The productivity and even the viability of a corporation's international operation are placed at risk. Additionally, the disillusioned manager may sever her or his connection with the corporation, thereby creating additional problems and costs for the firm (Roberts, Kossek, & Ozeki, 1998)."
From the Paper "Effective Career Management of International Assignees
Introduction
The increased pace of the globalization of economic activity emphasizes the need for all corporations to prepare managerial personnel for responsibilities that must be discharged amid alien social structures. Managerial personnel assigned responsibilities in international situations who are not prepared to serve effectively in such situations create a multiplicity of problems for the corporation. The productivity and even the viability of a corporation's international operation are placed at risk. Additionally, the disillusioned manager may sever her or his connection with the corporation, thereby creating additional problems and costs for the firm (Roberts, Kossek, & Ozeki, 1998)."
Abstract The paper shows that "The Tempest", by William Shakespeare, provides an arena for much interplay between illusion and reality. This interplay is facilitated by Prospero, Duke of Milan. Prospero uses the study of magic to disillusion the other characters brought to the island by way of the tempest. This essay discusses instances of illusion and their respective impact on the play in how they bring the theme of illusion versus reality to light.
From the Paper "One of the most well-discussed themes in The Tempest is the theme of illusion versus reality. This theme initially appears as it relates to the opposing worlds of a primitive island and the civilized culture of Milan. All of the characters in this play have been brought to this island in one way or another, and they are forced to coexist in a new and unfamiliar setting. These men are accustomed to reigning over all things, yet they now find themselves in a realm where the reigning power is that of illusion. Throughout the play there can be found examples of the ever-present theme of illusion versus reality in the actions of the characters, as well as in events that take place. Some of the most important elements of the play are presented by way of illusion and, therefore, hold meaning outside of what they first appear to be. Magic plays a considerable part in the workings of the play, as do the sources of the magic. In recognizing the part played by this theme of illusion versus reality, one can more clearly understand why certain events take place in The Tempest."
Abstract This paper analyzes Caputo's novel which tells of his battle experience in the Vietnam War and how it changed him from an idealistic young man fresh out of officer's school, to a ruthless killer, to a disillusioned soldier. Four main themes are presented. First, "A Rumor of War" gives a firsthand account of the corrupting power of war and its ability to strip soldiers of their humanity. Secondly, it exposes the dark side present in even the best man's heart. The book also graphically documents the capacity of man to be inhumane to man. Finally, the novel serves as a testament to the senseless destruction of life and property in the war.
From the Paper "To document the ability of war to corrupt a man and steal his humanity, Caputo unflinchingly documents his own transformation from a young man eager for the test of war to a cold-hearted killer motivated solely by raising the enemy casualty count. As his relationship with Vietnam grows, it is revealed to the author as a place of corruption. "Everything rotted and corroded quickly over there: bodies, boot leather, canvas, metal, morals" (229). He tells of his own loss of morals, a result of the futile missions to eliminate elusive guerilla enemy, the days of uncomfortable waiting laced with momentary terrors of sniper attack, and the mounting pressure from his superiors to show something was being gained with the ever-increasing American losses. A turning point in the book is when Caputo allows the platoon under his command to burn a village to the ground with only marginal justification."
Abstract This paper examines how Pat Barker analyzes the characters of Sassoon and Owen in her historical fiction novel "Regeneration." It reviews the work of historical fiction, centered in Craiglockhart War Hospital, in which she describes the formation of the friendship between Sassoon and Owen, and provides a glimpse into the lives of the emotionally disillusioned and mentally disturbed soldiers. It also looks at how, by focusing on the relationship between Sassoon and Owen, Barker creates a personality and psychological analysis of two great English World War I poets who created a type of beauty and music by exposing the ugliness and sordidness of war.
From the Paper "The bond that is formed at Craiglockhart between Sassoon and Owen is primarily based on Owen's admiration of Sassoon and their mutual passion for poetry. It is clear to see how Barker shows Owen's development as a poet under Sassoon's tutelage. Initially, when Owen meets Sassoon, he tells his mentor that he doesn"t write poetry about the war, because he views poetry as something that doesn"t deal with ugliness; he thought of poetry as "the opposite of all that"Something to to t-take refuge in.? (Barker, 84) Owen ultimately changes his views in response to Sassoon's prodding, and realizes that "It's mad not to write about the war when it"s"such an experience" (Barker, 123-4) Sassoon teaches Owen that poetry can be the domain of all topics, even the most sordid."
Abstract This paper examines how the movie "Signs" is more about faith than it is about either crop circles or aliens. Although the plot centers around the imminent arrival of extraterrestrial beings and what that arrival entails, the film focuses on the disillusioned Reverend Graham Hess, played by Mel Gibson. Following the untimely death of his wife, Hess loses his faith in God and renounces the church.
From the Paper "This loss of faith is established early in the film, when he tells the police officer to ?please stop calling me Father,? and this theme is reexamined throughout the film as Hess confronts the alien presence. Flashbacks and conversations with family members eventually restore Hess's faith in the church. However, religion is only one expression of faith; faith in God and religion is ostensible, but so is the faith in the unseen, in reason, or even in the status quo. Confronted with a foreign, incomprehensible, and frightening reality, various characters in "Signs" develop an individual faith. According to the Gage dictionary, faith means ?believing without proof.? Therefore, the children and all the people who believe that the signs signal the arrival of extraterrestrials have faith that these beings exist"even before they witness them. It is not until Graham Hess sees the green, gnarled claw of the alien in Ray Reddy's pantry that the audience"and Hess--can believe without a doubt that the aliens exist. "Signs" sets up a definition of faith that encompasses primarily faith in religion, but expands this definition to entail faith in family, in miracles, and in any power greater than material life."
Abstract In modern society, public perception of the United States president depends largely on television news coverage. Aware of this, presidents and presidential candidates manipulate the media to create favorable impressions of themselves and their policies. Acting in self-interest to entertain a large audience, the press often sensationalizes events and fails to fully inform the public on realities of news and current situations. The American public has grown disillusioned and apathetic and fails to turn to other sources to educate itself. As a result, the public never sees an accurate reflection of a president's performance. This paper traces how the press has gained increased control over the president's actions and largely determines the outcome of presidential elections.
Abstract The story was about a disillusioned, and mentally ill Canadian, Robert Ross, who after losing his sister to death, joined the Great War. The protagonist went through many trials and hardships, but the novel also lightened itself with the arts. Many theories are presented in an attempt to capture the most important elements of the novel.
Abstract This paper introduces and discusses the film and short story, "The Fallen Idol," written by Graham Greene and directed by Carol Reed. Specifically, the paper compares and contrasts the work of literature with the film, based upon plot, characterization, point of view, symbolism, and tone. It examines how there are many differences between the film and the short story and how each piece tells the story of a young boy disillusioned by the man he idolizes differently. It looks at how the film is not a complete and accurate portrayal of Greene's intent when he wrote the short story.
From the Paper "Each character in the book and the film plays their part extremely efficiently. Phillip is perfectly innocent and trusting until he discovers the truth about Baines, and Mrs. Baines is perfectly evil and unsympathetic. Phillip recognizes her evil even though he is young. "He never called him Master Philip as Mrs. Baines did, who was servile when she was not authoritative" (Greene 127). Of course, the characters are developed much more in the book than in the film, for the author has more time to distinguish each character's flaws and good points. Mrs. Baines comes across as even more evil in the book, because the author has more time to develop her and her idiosyncrasies."
An analysis of John Updike's "Rabbit Run", with an emphasis on its historical approach and the context of the story in the times in which it was written.
Abstract This paper examines "Rabbit Run", a powerful novel by John Updike published in 1960, based on one of the characters, Harry 'Rabbit' Angstrom, a 26-year-old former high school basketball star. In particular, the paper looks at how the historical approach of the story is increasingly evident as the plot reveals the consequences of the post-war family's independence from the church and the assumption of the nuclear mantle. Updike shows us the contemptuous and paradoxical behavior of people of the era, who, by their actions, revel in the freedom that they have gained with the demise of social structures, and yet bemoan the fact that they have lost their way and are disillusioned and directionless. It demonstrates how this concept is best summed up by Updike's creation of a man who tries to justify his concern for clean clothes and, simultaneously, is responsible for destroying his wife and children.
From the Paper "The character of Angstrom is indirectly autobiographical in that by calculation, his age and the author's age would approximately tally. This instantly allows the reader to understand the historic perspective of the novel as we are given the opportunity to trace the social changes that have occurred since the 30's down to the day of the novel. The social climate of the thirties was significantly different from the fifties, and sixties. The immense and drastic changes that came about in social standards after the Second World War meant that there lay a greatly urgent need for consolidation of moral values. Creators of the system turned to eco-political means by which they could bring about this consolidation. As a result of this, the average person in the U.S. was subjected to a newer, (imagined) improved lifestyle based on economic success and superficiality."
Abstract This paper discusses how most of the works of the Russian author, Anton Chekhov, involve peasant people, depicting their lives, afflictions, and joys. It examines how he is an author that represents life in a different angle, at times making the readers feel disillusioned or pessimistic after reading his works. In particular, it discusses Chekhov's ability to illustrate reality about human life through the study of his short story, ?Peasant Wives.? Through an analysis of the text, it posits that the brutality of peasant life is vividly depicted in Chekhov's literary works, mainly through the characters and themes illustrated in the story.
From the Paper "The first theme, the theme of realism, talks about the main elements present in most of Chekhov's works, which mainly centers on the element of familiar and the negative of the lives of people. Through the theme of realism, Chekhov truthfully illustrates Russian peasant life in ?Peasant Wives,? wherein difficulties experienced by people of poverty and the seemingly "familiar" conditions that they confront everyday give life to Chekhov's narrative. Furthermore, through the help of the characters in the story, Chekhov manages to add a different twist to these two elements that is characteristic only of Chekhov's writing and narrative style."
Abstract This paper explains that both plays highlight the importance of "identity" and the consequences of not having one. The author points out that "Death of a Salesman" revolves around the disillusioned and delusional world of Willy Loman; whereas, "A Doll's House" focuses on the life of a na?ve housewife, Nora, who again has no identity of her own and lives in a world defined and dictated by her husband. The paper relates that, in both plays, the tension is built up for cataclysmic endings; only something appalling or close to a miracle could wake Willy and Nora to the reality of their situations.
From the Paper "Willy Loman, on the other hand, also suffers from identity crisis; and this stems from his inability to realize his dreams in the cruel capitalist world of America. Unlike some men who made it big in the land of opportunities, Willy remains a salesman all his life, and just the realization that he had failed was profound enough to turn his life upside down. From this point onwards, he builds his own illusionary world where everything goes according to his wishes, and his insanity negatively affects everyone in his family. His insane world is guided by wrong principles and beliefs."
Abstract Social movements are collective actions in which the populace is alerted, educated, and mobilized over years and decades to challenge the power holders and the whole society to redress social problems or grievances and restore critical social values. This paper shows that social movements are seeking change in a variety of policy areas, such as the peace movement, nuclear policy, and environmental policy. The paper shows that to fully understand social movements it is important to examine not one their emergence and development of protest, but more importantly, the policy outcomes. There is an interesting dynamic between social dissent and protest and the effects upon policy in the modern American political system. The paper notes that dissatisfaction or disillusion with partisan politics or the American political system altogether creates the atmosphere and the proper social conditions for social movements to occur.
From the Paper "The civil rights movement utilized the ideas of peaceful public protest combined with the new use of television and a variety of other mass media to influence the public opinion. Burstein (1985) has proposed a theory that stresses the crucial role played by social movements and media coverage as external factors that shape the general public's preferences. His study shows that the Civil rights movement and media coverage affected the people's awareness of the issue and this, in turn, led the Congress to act in favor of African American rights. By this we can see that social movements have and impact on public policy but not a direct one. Rather the impact is therefore mediated by the public opinion."
Abstract This paper examines O'Connor's story and pays particular attention to the narrator's character. The first-person narrator becomes a man when he becomes disillusioned with his parents after he discovers they are not the "principles" he thought, but simply "characters" who could have chosen a very different life and changed his own history. The paper explains that this is the story of a young boy's first encounter with the truth that his parents may not be perfect. Thus, it is the first step on his journey to manhood, when he discovers life is not perfect.
From the Paper "The young narrator really has not thought much of history or his parents' relationship before this story takes place. As he says, "Up to this they had been principles, not characters, like a chain of mountains guarding a green horizon" (O'Connor 422). He discovers his parents could have had very different lives, and he begins to wonder about the choices they made. He says, "One of the discoveries I was making at the time was that mother was not only rather hard-hearted but very impractical as well" (O'Connor 423). This is his first step toward manhood, because he has discovered his mother is not perfect. Once he figures that out, he will never be the same again, and he will never be the "little boy" he once was. In addition, he becomes closer to his father as he becomes a man. He notes he could get his father to pay attention to him after he started learning about his parents' histories."
