Abstract This paper discusses the history of the English duel in the 17th century. The paper looks at the reasons for duelling - commonly over women, because of rival factions, over public office, because of family quarrels or inheritance and because of disputed honorifics. The paper suggests that far from being the ideal of nobility, duelling was in fact a sport of violence by which comparatively minor offenses were settled by blood. It then specifically analyzes women and dueling at that time and analyzes "The Female Duell," attributed to Thomas Toll.
From the Paper "We could expect readers of the era to peruse this tale with a superficial sense of morality and civil decency that perhaps masked a deeper, more perverse, desire to read a story about two women who went out to fight formally over the love of a man. We can expect that then, as now, such a situation might have been the fantasy of more than one Englishman. Despite the fact that there are historical examples of women engaging in duels, fighting in battles, and even living as highwaymen, it was still much more rare than the sight of two men fighting over the love of a single woman. For the situation to be reversed highlights the extremes to which even the fairer sex can go in the name of love."
Abstract This paper studies the dueling themes of reason and passion in the Khatchaturian concerto for violin and orchestra. The paper examines the construction of the concerto and provides a brief biography of the composer.
Abstract This paper critiques two books on the Franco-Prussian War: "From Bismarck to Adenauer" by Gordon A. Craig and "A Duel of Giants" by David Wetzel. The paper focuses on the diplomacy, the roles of Bismarck and Napoleon III and Bismark's stagecraft and his primary goal.
Tags: Bismarck, Napoleon, War, France, Prussia, Franco, Diplomacy
Abstract This paper discusses Book 22 of Homer's "The Iliad". Specifically, the paper discusses the final duel in which the prince of Troy, Hector, is killed by the greatest warrior of the Greek army, Achilles. The paper describes the imagery, particularly the symbolism of prey and predator, destiny and sexuality that is expressed in "The Iliad" and the way that these concepts are portrayed in Book 22.
From the Paper "However, when Zeus weighs the destiny of both Achilles and Hector on the golden scale, it is shown that Hector's fate is to die, and Apollo leaves his side, (Book 22, Lines 180-200) When Hector realizes that Achilles will indeed prevail in their battle, he proclaims that his time to die has come as it was decided it would long ago by the gods. (Book 22, Lines 295-310) After Hector dies, Achilles responds to the Trojan's last words of how he will be cursed by welcoming his own destiny as the gods will make it. (Book 22, Lines 355-365) The gods are seen to play an integral role in the fulfillment of destiny. The gods interfere with the happenings of the mortals, for example Apollo taunting Achilles and aiding Hector in fleeing, or Athena tricking Hector into standing his ground in battle. Even the gods, however, are subject to the destiny that is determined by the golden scales, and even Apollo backed off and allowed Hector to die when it was shown this was his fate."
Abstract The paper discusses how Svidrigaylov Arkady Ivanovich is the primary antagonist and a foil to Raskolnikov in Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment". The paper compares and contrasts the character of Svidrigaylov with that of Raskolnikov in order to illustrate how Svidrigaylov is not just a simple character but an important duel in Raskolnikov's life.
From the Paper "Svidrigaylov Arkady Ivanovich is the primary antagonist and a foil to Raskolnikov; this is one of the egos of Raskolnikov. In The Three Motives of Raskolnikov, Maurice Beebe suggests that Raskolnikov has a triple ego; one of them is Svidrigaylov representing the soul of Raskolnikov; while the others are Sonya, who shows "spirit" and Luzhin, who implies the "intellect" of the protagonist (Beebe 1989). Svidrigaylov lives by "sense" and feeling alone but he disproves Raskolnikov's theory that it is impossible to live by instinct or conscience alone. Svidrigaylov's role of foil in the novel Crime and Punishment serves as a crooked mirror to Raskolnikov so that the two can sketch each other's ideas. In Dostoevsky's Descriptions: Characters and City, Grossman points out the essential role of Svidrigaylov in understanding not only the main character Raskolnikov but also the whole novel. Further, he said Svidrigaylov's character does not function independently, but that the character helps represent what Raskolnikov's fate was (Grossman 1989)."
Abstract In this paper the author analyzes and examines the life and career of Marlene Dietrich. The paper gives particular importance to her films.The author concludes with a review of Dietrich's impact on the audiences of the 20th century.
From the paper:
?The Blue Angel is one of the most timeless films in the history of motion picture, and marked the beginning of Dietrich's world career. This film was based on Heinrich Mann's novel "Professor Unrat" and was directed by Joseph von Sternberg, a Jewish Austrian. Dietrich played Lola Lola, a tantalizing nightclub singer in one of the first German sound films.?
Abstract Aaron Burr is significant to American history for many reasons. As a soldier, a distinguished lawyer, an attorney general, and vice president of the United States, Burr's life is colored with mystery and controversy. This paper explains how his tie results in the presidential election of 1800 made the country realize the electoral system was flawed and in need of repair. It also looks at how his duel with Alexander Hamilton was a first in American history and how, through deed and action, Burr proved himself to be one of the nation's greatest conspirators.
From the Paper "After the war both men returned to practicing law, often meeting each other in the courtroom. Isaac Cox describes Burr as being noted for "clarity and conciseness of utterance. He never ranted nor lost his temper" (Cox) Melton adds that he "came across as a smart and straightforward lawyer, and he was good at listening" (Melton 30). He became incredibly successful and popular as an attorney but always with an eye on politics. It is also important to note that during these years Burr and Hamilton appeared to be moving in two different directions when it came to politics. Hamilton "cultivated" Washington while Burr "antagonized" him. (31) Hamilton was gearing himself to become a national figure forming what would soon become the Federalist Party, while Burr focused his attentions on politics in New York."
Abstract In the past, duels and showdowns were commonplace methods of dispute resolution, but things have changed. Perhaps as a reflection of a more complex society or a growing recognition of individual rights, the United States has experienced an enormous increase in the number of lawsuits filed over the last half of the 20th century. However, when people and businesses are faced with resolving problems in a fair and equitable manner, they have many other options available to them, which have become increasingly popular as court calendars continue to lengthen. Alternative dispute resolution has greatly expanded over the last several years to include many areas in addition to the traditional commercial dispute; mediation has become an important first step in the process. This paper provides an overview of alternative dispute resolution methods and approaches, a discussion of potential drawbacks and constraints, and an assessment of whether these methods are appropriate for the public sector. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
From the Paper "Some jurisdictions and courts in the U.S. require early neutral evaluation. Under early neutral evaluation, parties to litigation are required to make presentations to a neutral evaluator. The evaluator is engaged to provide both parties with an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of their respective positions, and to facilitate disputes. Courts in some jurisdictions may have case management conferences at which time staff counsel or other court officers may take active roles in promoting settlement discussions."
This paper explores the history of Roman gladiators, including the different types of gladiators, gladiator training, and the Judeo-Christian view of gladiator combat.
Abstract This paper explains how the Romans believed that they inherited the practice of gladiatorial games from the Etruscans, who used them as a part of a funeral ritual; servants dueled to the death for the right to provide companionship to their owners in eternity. It explores how the gladiatorial battles were warranted as strengthening the Roman citizens to the sight of human bloodshed so they could tolerate war better. In some ways, the Romans were the most civilized people of the ancient world, although their advancement and enlightened way of life did not conceal the dark reality of gladiatorial combat, which is unacceptable in modern times.
From the Paper "The word "gladiator" meant one who carries a sword. A gladiator was a skilled warrior who fought to the death in battles to entertain the ancient Romans. Gladiatorial games were immediately and extremely popular within the Roman Empire. Gladiators entered the arena with the intent to kill each other; thus, Roman spectators observed men facing death and trying to overcome it. The games themselves presented ways for Rome to display the power of their empire, although the early Christians associated the games with human sacrifice and a total disregard for the value of human life and rights."
Abstract This paper explains that, in Shakespeare's "Hamlet", Hamlet and Ophelia's relationship is a complex one, forming and developing as results of death, love, obedience and an Oedipus complex. The author points out that there are many similarities between Ophelia and Gertrude; Hamlet's love and sudden dependence on Ophelia may be an attempt to get closer to his mother as a result of the Oedipus complex. The paper concludes that, even in death, Ophelia has a large part in Hamlet's life because Hamlet's death was ultimately caused by Ophelia's death when the graveyard scene, in which Hamlet proclamation, "I loved Ophelia", leads to his fatal duel with Laertes.
From the Paper ""One fair daughter and no more,/The which he loved passing well," Hamlet sings at Polonius, mocking his supposed love for his daughter. Hamlet also calls him "Jephthah, judge of Israel." As told in Judges 11, Jephthah promises God that if he wins in battle he will sacrifice whatever comes out of the doors of his house when he returns. After he wins the battle, his only daughter hears of his victory and comes out to meet him. He keeps his promise to God. Hamlet's implication is that Polonius, like Jephthah, will sacrifice Ophelia for his own advantage."
Abstract This paper discusses the main causes of the 1381 Peasants' Revolt. It gives a general background of the roles that Christianity and the church play within society. The author explains how religion has the capacity to both incite and quell rebellions. Usually, the distinction between the two rests in the distinction between the teachings of religion and the establishments responsible for relaying those teachings. The paper expands on how the peasants' revolt of 1381 clearly exemplifies this schism and explains this apparent duel-edged power of the Church.
From the Paper "By 1381, however, the Catholic Church was facing crises on a number of fronts. "It was the papacy of Urban VI, however, and the anti-French reforms that became associated with it, which was to split the Church for nearly half a century. . . . The great 'schism' meant that two popes now ruled God's kingdom on earth." This divided the organizational structure of the Church and undermined the supposedly divinely appointed position of the pope. Since the obvious bases for the great schism were political in nature, it was easy for everyone in Christendom to recognize the non-spiritual foundations upon which the Church fundamentally rested. Additionally, the opposing religious sides birthed even more fierce divisions along cultural and geographic boundaries. Notably for Britain, the Scots openly supported the French pope while the English supported the Italian pope. This gave the English added cause to attack the Scots; a sequence of events that would have implications for the revolt."
Abstract This analysis provides a contrast and comparison between Hamlet and Laertes from Scene ii, Act V of Shakespeare's "Hamlet." The focus is on the different motives for Hamlet and Laertes in taking part in their deadly duel and how they are both victims of the actions of others.
From the Paper "In Act V Scene ii of Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet Hamlet and Laertes engage in a deadly duel that has been orchestrated by King Claudius to kill Hamlet. Claudius has poisoned wine he hopes Hamlet will drink and should the drink not work ..."
Tags: noble, motive, revenge, vengeance, King Claudius, poison, victims, Shakespeare
Abstract In the article the writer provides a comparative analysis of the 1979 Iranian hostage situation in which the dueling foreign policy conceits of Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter came to the fore. The paper argues that, whereas Carter favored a more subtle approach, Reagan used bellicose statements and grand pronouncements to suggest that American power, called into question by Carter's hesitant leadership, was as strong as ever. The paper also examines the US willingness (under Reagan) to trade arms for hostages and/or for the protection of American interests in the Middle East.
From the Paper "Comparing and contrasting the Iranian hostage crisis policies of the Carter and Reagan administrations reveals a veritable host of contrasts between Republicans and Democrats, especially in terms of their contrasting political ideologies, foreign policy agendas, and respective self-images. The responses of Carter and Reagan to the Iranian hostage crisis also demonstrated the significant impact foreign crises have on domestic electoral politics, for both men understood that the responses they advocated would have a decisive effect on the 1980 presidential election. To fully appreciate the situation confronting both men in 1980, it is necessary to understand the world as it stood at the dawn of the 1980s. By 1980, America was confronted with a crisis of confidence."
A discussion on the concept of the national romance in literature as presented in "The Charwoman's Daughter" by James Stephens and "Translations" by Brian Friel.
Abstract This paper examines how in both the short story, "The Charwoman's Daughter" and the play, "Translations", James Stephens and Brian Friel use the national romance to illustrate the duel fates of Ireland under the influences of both English rule and traditional Irish culture. It looks at how Stephens creates a fairy-tale-like world where Ireland is a helpless damsel in distress trying to escape into the arms of Irish nationalism and away from the clutches of big, bad England. In contrast, it shows how Friel creates a more romanticized view of how the union between Ireland and England could be if the English only showed respect for Irish customs.
From the Paper "If Mary is the princess in Stephens's fairytale, than the lodger clerk is most definitely her knight in shining armor. Stephens's portrayal of colonialism is obviously not a positive one, mainly because Stephens was a supporter of the Irish Socialist Movement. The Socialist Movement was a group of Irish Nationalists who tried to muster a political force against Britain to put control of the Irish government and economy back into the hands of the people and generate equality between the social classes. Given this information, it makes perfect sense that the scrappy clerk, who wins over Mary's heart, is an Irish Nationalist and member of the Socialist party. "
Abstract The paper relates that the Samurai philosophy of Bushido has been the subject of much study and has been embodied in writings intended to show the Samurai class what the ideal for behavior should be. Many of the elements of this philosophy have been widely accepted as ideal for living and beneficial in a modern context as they were in the past, while other aspects are seen as specific to a time and place. The ideals are seen in dramatic form in Hiroshi Inagaki's "Samurai Trilogy," as it is called in the U.S. and specifically in the third of the films, "Bushido." The paper discusses these three films; "Miyamoto Musashi," "Musashi Miyamoto Sequel: Duel at Ichijoji Temple" and "Bushido."
From the Paper "The three films by Hiroshi Inagaki begin in 1954 with Miyamoto Musashi, the name of the central character, also known as Takezo. Takezo is an orphan and something of a problem in his village, until he and his friend join the army to go into battle. They lose this first fight and then seek refuge in the home of a widow and her daughter. Takezo's friend takes up with the widow and goes away with them, while Takezo returns to his village. His friend's family does not believe him and has him arrested for treason, and he is eventually sentenced to study the samurai code. He falls in love with the virtuous Otsu, formerly betrothed to his friend, and she vows to wait for him when he sets off to be a knight. This film sets up the character and his background and also introduces the samurai code, which will become such an important element in his life."
