Abstract The paper reviews the play "King Lear" by William Shakespeare, a tragedy about the downfall of a powerful king and how his flawed judgement affected society at large. It shows how the subplot of Gloucester and Edmund is crucial to the play as Shakespeare has interwoven it as such that the main-plot can?t survive on its own. It examines how Edgar appears throughout Lear's suffering and how the way that Edmund orders Lear and Cordelia's death emphasizes how the two stories are inter-connected. The sub-plot intensifies the tragedy and highlights the important issues of the play such as natural order, filial ingratitude and self-knowledge.
From the Paper "Filial ingratitude is one of the themes in the play and both Lear and Gloucester suffer from it. This occurs because they trust their manipulative children and drive their loyal children away. Cordelia is banished to France when she claims that she cannot, ? heave my heart into my mouth? and Edgar assumes the identity of Tom O? Bedlam after he is made a fugitive. Edmund, Goneril and Regan are surrounded with lies, greed and lust. However, Edmund is a bastard son and could be expected to be of a "base nature". He embraces his illegitimacy,? Thou Nature art my goddess"Now Gods stand up for bastards". On the other hand, Goneril and Regan are both Lear's legitimate daughters and their evil actions are not in their nature, they grow in evil as a result of Lear's flawed judgement and claims that,? the best of his time hath been but rash?. This contrast in their children highlights the fact that Lear is a victim of his own nature whereas Gloucester is a victim of Edmund's machinations."
Why the Oedipal drive behind Hamlet and Edmund cannot come to fruition because it would destroy the natural order of the patriarchal system already in place.
Abstract This paper takes a Freudian approach to comparing Hamlet from "Hamlet" and Edmund from "King Lear". The paper confronts the Oedipal process at work in their subconscious desires to kill father-figures and take the father's place beside their mother-figures. The system breaks down in both plays when both characters try to take the place of the father-figure. Edmund's sexual interest in Goneril and Regan is analyzed in significant detail, as is Hamlet's sexual tension with his mother.
From the Paper "Shakespeare's Hamlet and King Lear both contain a multitude of driving forces at work behind the actions of the main characters, but common to both works exists an obvious Freudian interpretation of what is driving two of the most interesting characters in all of Shakespeare's canon, Hamlet and Edmund the Bastard. Shakespeare is dealing with two characters whose desires happen to be such that they upset the accepted balance of nature. The Freudian drive at work in both characters is the infamous "Oedipal Complex," which basically boils down to a desire to kill the father and take his place beside the mother. Hamlet and Edmund both wish to accomplish actions that will destroy the patriarchal system currently in place, and both thirst for unhealthy relationships with a mother or mother figures. If Hamlet and Edmund both succeed in their respective plots, the natural order of the world would be put into jeopardy, and that order is already being upset merely by the attempt of the two characters to carry out their wish-fulfillment of having their father (figures) replaced by themselves."
Abstract An essay which compares the political philosophy of Edmund Burke with that of his leading critic, Thomas Paine. It argues that Burke's philosophy was less a reaction to the French Revolution than an idealization of the English constitution which was created for the purpose of disarming those in England who might have drawn upon revolutionary principles to foster change at home. Paine's philosophy is distinguished from Burke's chiefly by the fact that it takes a much more critical attitude to the past.
From the Paper "Yet as praise for Burke's philosophy seems detached from any particular enthusiasm for the late 18th-century English state, it seems that Burke's political philosophy is routinely analyzed in a way that completely abstracts it from the political order it was intended to eulogize and exempt from further change. The problem with this abstract approach is that it bestows upon Burke's philosophy the power to legitimize any political order simply because it has subsisted into a venerable old age. In other words, if the Third Reich had lasted a thousand years, it would also be entitled to similar esteem as the fruit of generations of human wisdom. It is hard, however, to see the genuine wisdom in a philosophy which blithely ratifies the past, without developing clear criteria to distinguish between the parts which might be allowed to continue to subsist without harm, and those which will only yield harm if left uncorrected."
Tags: Reflections, Revolution, France, Whig, 18th-century, Common, Sense
Abstract This is a five-page biography of serial killer Edmund Kemper. It details his childhood, adolescence and his criminal years, with an emphasis on his inner psychology and the influences of his family.
Abstract This paper examines the life of Edmund Spenser, who was viewed as a love and pastoral poet and also a classical author. It looks at how Spenser's life ran almost identically to the Elizabethan Age, from his birth in a poor family in London to his religious and political views to his eventual move to Ireland, where he wrote his most famous piece, "The Faerie Queen". It discusses how "The Faerie Queen" contains six books and a fragment of a seventh and how, with each book, a virtue is introduced. A story then unfolds to explain how the hero of that particular book obtains the virtue as his ultimate prize. The focus of the paper is on Book One and the virtue of holiness, which was dedicated to Queen Elizabeth I. It shows how his use and skill with ancient language coupled with his creation, the Spenserian stanza, presents the reader with a delightful look at medieval England.
From the Paper "When she finishes the story she starts to faint. The knight comforts her and vows to rescue her hero. They all leave together with the wise dwarf leading the way. Even though Una has been abandoned, misjudged, and betrayed by the man she loves she remains steadfast. She still loves him and wants to free him from his bondage by the giant. On a moral level here she still represents purity and truth. She has never wavered from either although her errant lover certainly has. On the religious level she represents the true church. She is forgiving and welcomes home the worst of sinners. On the historical level she is the Protestant Church."
This paper is a critical analysis of Edmund Morris' "Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan", a wild revision of the biographical style combining both fiction and non-fiction.
Abstract This paper explains that, in Edmund Morris' "Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan", Morris introduces himself into the narrative both as a true eyewitness and as a fictional one, who is both older and more American than the authentic Morris and lives a life oddly paralleled to Reagan's life. The author points out that, while "Dutch" clearly is not a traditional biography, it adheres to the most important aspects of the fundamental biographical style in that it provides the reader with ample information about Reagan through the most significant moments of his life. The paper relates that Morris developed this style because, despite having been paid more than $2.9 million to write an official biography, Morris found himself deterred by a calculated silence on Reagan's part, which left the author grappling to find who Reagan really was as a man.
From the Paper "Throughout the course of the book, Morris again and again refers to Reagan in physical form, noticing his "deep-chested" strength as a youth, his elegant aging as a 30-year-old actor, and his stiff comportment as a President. At times the descriptions slide into the sensual: "That hard, splendid body, those bruising arms and knees, the prickle of wet wool..." describes the young lifeguard Reagan. Later, "that quiet, palpable mass, at once majestic and unthreatening. It's not simply an aggregate of height and breadth....he [crowds] one's horizon." While these descriptions may seem to be the result of literary license, emphasizing the body rather than the man, they have the distinct effect of creating a character who is almost a paperboard cut-out. By focusing on the two-dimensional, this effect iterates the importance of Reagan's "acting" rather than his authentic "feeling"."
Abstract This paper discusses Edmund Burke's book, "Reflection on the Revolution in France". It examines the claims of inconsistency against him for opposing it while supporting the American Revolution. The paper also identifies some of Burke's predictions, many of which were borne out by the course of the Revolution.
From the Paper "Edmund Burke was a man who expressed his own mind without regard for anyone else's approval. It was this trait that made his views in "Reflection on the Revolution in France" difficult for those who ..."
Tags:Edmund Burke, Reflection on the Revolution in France, reactionary, predictions, criticisms
Abstract This paper introduces and discusses the topic of criminal justice. Specifically it discusses the juvenile offender Edmund Kemper, also known as the Co-ed Killer. The paper analyzes concepts of juvenile delinquency and the justice system. It describes how the system deals with juvenile offenders and whether it is successful in rehabilitating offenders.
From the Paper "The solutions to the problem of juvenile offenders are varied and difficult. Some juveniles seem to understand their actions and their ultimate danger to society, as Kemper did. Others seem unable to understand their violent tendencies or seek help for them. Once they are inside the criminal justice system, these offenders can fall by the wayside in the wake of other more serious offenders, or they can simply be pushed aside as caseloads and workers shortages take their toll on the system. In Kemper's case, the juvenile system let him and society down. They did not follow up on his accusations against his mother, or ensure that his release into society was going smoothly. Instead, they dropped the ball, and Kemper had free reign over himself. The CYA only kept Kemper for three months before they let him go, and clearly, that was not long enough. His treatment was not complete, and he dreaded his home life. The doctors should have been able to see that he was seriously disturbed, and might never be able to function normally in society. Ultimately, the solution is more studies into offenders such as Kemper, so that doctors and the criminal justice system have a better idea how to treat and restrain seriously mentally ill offenders."
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of criminal justice. Specifically the paper discusses the juvenile offender Edmund Kemper also known as the Co-ed Killer. The paper takes a look at concepts of juvenile delinquency in relation to the justice system and how the system deals with juvenile offenders.
From the Paper "The societal impact of Kemper's first release was deadly. Eight women including his mother died as a result, and more probably would have died had Kemper not turned himself in. He became notorious as a serial killer, and finally got the recognition he had so desperately needed from his mother. Throughout his life, his bizarre actions were a cry for help, and no one listened. His mother berated him, the justice system "cured" him and set him free, and the social workers ignored him. There were several different systems at play in Kemper's release, and they all combined to let him, and society, down. The societal impact to eight families was brutal, but what Kemper's case implied to society as a whole was much more important. If Kemper made it through the system and was released back to the very person who seemed to be the cause of most of his problems, how many other offenders had suffered the same fate, and were waiting to claim more victims? Ultimately, society pays for the digressions of the criminal justice system, in small ways, or in larger ones."
Abstract This paper reviews parts of Edmund Burke's speech where he advises England to allow the American colonies their liberty. The paper highlights that this was going against the political beliefs in Britain at the time. The paper then attempts to show that Burke was also showing his intelligence as a leader, philosopher and truly honorable diplomat in this speech.
From the Paper "When Burke states that the British Empire as "an empire so great" he quickly qualifies that by saying the Empire is also "so distracted," a pivotal key to the thrust of his remarks. He knew the British Empire could not possibly sustain all their global holdings, properties, and resources at the level that they once controlled them as a colonial power.
"He admits that even a "genius" would have a hard time keeping the empire together; and he admits to "struggling a good while" until his thoughts began to jell, and he expresses the belief that he has come to a profound grasp of the moment, albeit he is just one man. He uses his customary skillfully crafted rhetoric to cajole the Parliament, saying that if what he is proposing would be "futile or dangerous" or poorly constructed, he wouldn't bother. But bother he does, and will, when it comes to his simple proposition - "peace.""
Tags: colonies, liberty, British, Empire, Revolutionary, War
Abstract Edmund, the illegitimate son of the Earl of Gloucester, is at the center of many of the horrific events in "King Lear" by William Shakespeare. The paper shows that his actions are motivated by the circumstances of his birth, as both illegitimate and younger than his brother Edgar, Edmund is unlikely to ever have the power and influence his father enjoys. The paper shows that he is the "unholy" son, the one that will never be fully accepted by society. The paper explores how the economic and social consequences of Edmund's birth shape his personality and behavior.
From the Paper "Edmund's knowledge of and exposure to circles of power and influence has only whetted his appetite for the title, wealth and power that legally must go to Edgar. Edmund plots to usurp his brother's birthright for himself. He goes about this logically and calmly. Quoting Edmund, William J. Bennett (1998) points out that although in this age of science and research we have many explanations for why people act as they do, Edmund scorned making excuses for his behavior (Bennett, 1998). Edmund is remarkably frank and honest about himself. He says he does not mind being a bastard, because it allows him to maneuver outside society's rules."
Abstract This paper focuses primarily on the methods used by Henry and Mary Crawford to seduce Fanny Price and Edmund Bertram, respectively, and why these methods succeed in some instances-and with specific characters-and fail in others. It looks at why Edmund and Fanny turn down their seducers for a more fulfilling relationship together: After being raised as brother and sister, but only sharing blood as cousins since they have an unparalleled and sincere love which cannot be found or forged outside of the family bloodline.
From the Paper "Austen creates a novel version of the morality play in which Fanny and Mary personify the characteristics with which they are associated. Fanny represents every trait that will enable Edmund to live a spiritually enlightened and fulfilling life. Mary represents material and physical temptations that frustrate and prohibit spiritual growth and development. Throughout the first two volumes of the text, Edmund symbolically leaves Fanny to pursue Mary and her overwhelming temptations: Fanny is first left to cut roses under the ascendancy of Mrs. Norris while Edmund teaches Mary to ride Fanny's horse (63-5). "
Tags: crawford, deirdre, edgar, faye, norris, starkins, viktor
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the Edmund Burke's conciliation speech. According to the paper, Edmund Burke's speech urges Parliament to adopt a more sensible approach to the colonies to ensure not only peace but political and economic obeisance. The paper reports that Burke believed that conciliation with the colonies would help Britain prosper and continue their dominion on both sides of the Atlantic.
From the Paper "Furthermore, Burke points out that disputes with the colonies are causing Britain to become "distracted" from its political and economic goals. Those goals not only include peace, order and "repose" but also imperial strength and integrity. Burke appeals to the British desire for colonial expansion, with all the political and economic benefits derived from it. His concern for the well-being of the colonies themselves is rooted solely in the view that the colonies were British by birth and should remain British in character and loyalty. The British colonies were pushing for greater liberty, manifest in self-governance and independence from the Crown. Burke argues that avowing colonial independence will lead to greater trust and further political cohesion between the New and Old Worlds. He criticizes "the labyrinth of intricate and endless negotiations" that Parliament had been engaging in with the colonies."
Abstract This paper discusses the views of political philosophers Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Edmund Burke. The author explores their beliefs regarding government in society and their views on the nature of man and his relationship with religion, politics, social regimes and civil society. The paper shows how the philosophers' beliefs contrast with each other.
From the Paper "Unlike Burke, Rousseau did not come from a political background. He saw himself as unique with a valuable contribution to make to modern thought and society. He was not a member of the cliques that dominated eighteenth century European society and he made his home traveling from one society to another. He believed himself to be fully conscious at a very young age and took advantage of this state by writing about his beliefs at a young age. His political beliefs stemmed from the romantic enlightenment strand of thought. This foundation was the basis for his beliefs on civil society. Rousseau believed that all rights are conventional. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and those basic rights of man are the result of an agreement or social contract between man and government. These rights therefore depend on the will of government."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination about egalitarian ideas and how they can be applied. Using Edmund Burke's book called "Reflections on the Revolution in France" the writer of this paper explores how Burke's ideas can be applied to the Egalitarian point of view. The paper focuses primarily on Burke's defense of tradition and prejudice.
From the Paper "As globalization continues to knock down previously erected political walls, different societies and cultures are learning to accept each other. Diversity and differences are part of what keeps the world progressing and keeps people communicating. One of the things that the process of globalization has promoted is the acceptance of the beliefs of others that are different . In addition many cultures and systems are learning that they can adopt components of other systems and improve their original foundational basis . One very solid and serious style of belief is the egalitarian method of viewing the world. When Edmund Burke wrote the book, Reflections on the Revolution in France, he did not promote it as an egalitarian viewpoint, but if one reads beyond the initial impression and examines the underpinnings of the premise he discusses it is easy to understand how an egalitarian could embrace the ideas that Burke promotes . His ideas regarding tradition and prejudice are especially applicable to the egalitarian foundational structure . An egalitarian could easily accept the beliefs of Burke in the areas of tradition and prejudice to a very big extent. "
