Abstract This paper explains that the modern, cinematic environment created by director Kenneth Branagh in his film "Henry V", juxtaposes the poetic language of Elizabethan theater with the visual language of film. The author points out that Branagh's plea for cinematic tolerance is especially apt because "Henry V" is a rather obscure film for an American or even European audience, less likely to be informed and interested in why England fought with France over a little patch of land, long ago. The paper describes the valid historicity of the film, the colors used, the techniques of warfare deployed, its Elizabethan language and modern cinematic techniques and looks at how they are all used used effectively to make this film a successful interpretation of Shakespeare's play.
From the Paper "The camera work in the princess scene is especially quick and fleeting, as it follows the princess throughout the castle. Although the camera occasionally becomes anchored to Henry's face during a soliloquy, overall, the camera is a kind of peripatetic actor throughout most of "Henry V". The camera follows the horses as they gallop over the field of battle, wildly. The common soldiers on the ground, as when they are storming the castle walls of the city are shown from the ground up. The camera whizzes by the viewer's eye as it pans through time and from France to England and back again..."
Tags: chorus, color, wartime, historicity, language
This paper examines the horror film genre, also known as realist horror, while focusing on two specific films, "The Blair Witch Project" and "Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer."
Abstract This paper analyzes the realist horror genre in film. The realist horror genre was spearheaded by Alfred Hitchcock in his 1960 film "Psycho." Horror films proliferated throughout the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s in Hollywood. Most of these films used comedy to portray killings, veering away from realism. The writer of this paper contends that the realist aspect of actual human killers is enough to leave lingering fears long after the viewing has ended. This paper focuses on this particular style of filmmaking, in which the approach is to focus on the killer rather than victim, resulting in terrifying the viewing audience. This well-researched paper notes the similarities and differences in "The Blair Witch Project" and "Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer." This paper describes how both films leave the viewer with a lingering thought and fear of the real world. Specifically, fear of the horrific possibilities. "Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer" is based on real-life serial killer Henry Lee Lucas. The movie follows the daily life of Henry, beginning with aftermath shots of freshly murdered victims juxtaposed with images of Henry. This illustrates to the audience that Henry is indeed a bona-fide serial killer. "The Blair Witch Project" is a far cry from the typical slasher film. It uses an entirely different approach to realist horror. The film is shown as a documentary and the actors are not actors at all, but real victims captured on video.
From the Paper "The presentation style changes only during the murder scenes. The pictures are graphic and almost too gory to be real. One woman is seen with a bottle shoved into her throat and the electronics salesman's head goes through a television picture tube - just before the television is plugged in - electrocuting him. Background electric guitar is also present mostly during the build up to a murder. It is not overdone and avoids appearing out of place. Rather, it helps the viewer realize something important in happening. Overall the film does achieve a realism most slasher films cannot approach. This purposeful use of a home-movie style subtly reminds the viewer that the onscreen events are based in truth. Blair Witch takes the realist style one step further by using the camera as a prop in the film. The viewer is constantly reminded that an off-screen character is behind the lens."
Abstract This paper examines how commoners play a significant role in Shakespeare's "Henry V ". The commoner signifies a humanity absent from its rulers. This paper examines this idea as it appears in Shakespeare's text and in the 1989 film "Henry V".
From the Paper "Commoners play a significant role in Shakespeare's Henry V. In his series leading up to and including King Henry's life, common people appear most in Henry V (Symons). Shakespeare scholars give two reasons for their increased appearance. Firstly, Shakespeare wanted to present a "people's history" of the English invasion of France (Symons). Secondly, he tried to present this history by mirroring the lives of commoners and nobility ("Themes, Motifs & Symbols"). However, there is a third representation to examine. The commoner signifies a humanity absent from its rulers. This paper will examine this idea as it appears in Shakespeare's text and in the 1989 film Henry V. The opening lines of Henry V already give an indication as to the role of commoners in the conflict to come. "
A discussion of how various characters such as Hotspur, Prince Hal and Falstaff represent different manifestations of the concept of honor in Shakespeare's 'Henry VI'.
Abstract Honor, the central theme in Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part 1, is embodied primarily in the two main characters. This essay compares and contrasts the concept of honor as lived by Hotspur and Prince Hall, making frequent use of quotes to substantiate claims. Other characters, King Henry and Falstaff, who Shakespeare finds useful in this major treatment of honor, are also discussed.
From the Paper "One of the main themes around which Shakespeare dramatizes the history of his country in The First Part of King Henry IV is honor. To the Elizabethans honor was a major topic of debate as it had been to Englishmen of all ages. Honor is a complex subject, highly personal to some, highly public to others. Honor can be something for which one quietly stands, or about which one shouts in flowery language. The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast some of the various forms taken by honor as represented in Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part I."
Tags: falstaff, hal, hotspur, prince, Shakespeare, Henry, IV, honor, Elizanethans
Abstract This paper explains that Shakespeare's "Hamlet" resonates in Henry James' "Turn of the Screw". The author points out that the latter text can be said to replicate the structure of the former. The paper relates that both texts use ghosts.
From the Paper This research provides a comparison and contrast of Shakespeare's "Hamlet"and Henry James' The Turn of the Screw". The research will identify ways in which "Hamlet " resonates in James's story with a view toward evaluating the extent to which elements of the ..."
Abstract This paper discusses the steps leading up to Henry VIII's break from the Catholic Church and papal domination. The paper focuses on Henry's marriage to Catherine and his relationship with Ann Boleyn as motivating factors for his departure from the Roman Church.
From the Paper "In the early sixteenth century, Europe was the stage for many grand social and political changes all of which altered the way in which man viewed himself and the world around him. No event, however, was more influential in the life of the individual than the ..."
Abstract This paper offers a brief biography of King Henry VIII, of England. It includes aspects of Henry's youth, his education and physical prowess. It also explores his battles with the Roman Catholic Church and France, his marriages, and his later declining years.
From the Paper "To better understand the life of England's King Henry VIII one of the most famous and infamous of monarchs in history the times into which he was born must be understood. Like his father Henry VII, Henry VIII reigned during the transition from Medieval England to Renaissance England. The advent of the printing press, the rise of skepticism, the move toward secularism and unprecedented scientific experiment were responsible for rapidly changing ideas. They were also the cause of some of the greatest conflicts ..."
Tags: Anglican church, Katherine of Aragon, Spain, Holy Roman Empire, Renaissance, Kingship, Henry VII, heirs
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the tendencies of Henry James in his writings. "The Beast in The Jungle", "The Jolly Corner", and "The Portrait of a Lady" are three of James' works that are examined in detail. In particular, this paper focuses on the protagonists of each of the writings respectively. A strong comparison is made between the three protagonists of these writings, and their miserable lives. On the other hand, the protagonist of James' story "The Tragic Muse" is shown to lead a life of happiness and success. The paper notes the clear differences between this story and the others, therefore explaining what leads the character on a different path.
From the Paper "In contrast, Portrait of a Lady presents Ralph as an invalid who lives vicariously through a woman named Isabel Archer whom he leads to doom. He bestows upon her a large sum of money, despite his father's warning that fortune hunters will target her for it. Ralph replies, "That's a risk, and it has entered into my calculation...I'm prepared to take it" (p. 161). Ralph is financially generous to Isabel not out of love but out of a morbid fascination. He wants to see what she will do with it. When Isabel marries a gold-digger, she fulfills the victim role that Ralph's father had feared. Ralph's fascination with Isabel's life overcomes any concern he might have had for her welfare."
This paper contrasts and compares the characters of Creon in the play, "Antigone" by Sophocles and Henry in Arthur Ramsdell Gurney's play, "Another Antigone."
Abstract The paper is a comparison of two plays, and two characters. The author discusses the characters, Creon in the play "Antigone" by Sophocles, and Henry in the play, "Another Antigone," by Arthur Ramsdell Gurney. These two characters are the protagonists in each of their respective plays. The paper examines how their actions affect the outcome of the plays and how their similar characteristics lead to similar outcomes in the stories being told.
From the Paper "In Gurney's Another Antigone, Judy Miller, becomes more of a villainous character, due to her self-absorption which eventually leads her to assume and accuse others of ethnic discrimination. When she learns of the power that students actually have - a power of which she was previously unaware - she then uses it against Harper in precisely the same manner that she imagines it might have been used against her. After realizing that the professors actually need the backing of the students they teach, Miller first agrees to help Harper by telling others about a course he is hoping to teach, but then, when Harper foolishly makes a statement that Miller perceives as anti-Semitic, her ever-present, ever-simmering anger erupts once again, and she abruptly changes her mind."
Abstract Was avarice the overriding facet of Henry VII's character ? Did he have virtues to obscure, and if so, what were they ? The discussions still go on among historians, and this paper sheds light on the character of the king, what drove him, his need for security and to establish his family following the turbulence of the Wars of the Roses.
From the Paper ""He cherished justice above all things". Polydore Vergil made this statement and the statement about Henry's alleged avarice. Not only did he make them both, but he made them in the same piece of writing. What this shows is the difficulty faced when attempting to form a view of a historical character based on personal, and often subjective, judgements. The debate about Henry's rapacity and the extent to which avarice overrode all his other accomplishments and virtues, of which more later, still goes on. For example, Elton put forward a defence of Henry in which he tried to defend Henry from the charges of avarice levelled at him. This was subject to counter argument, and the discussion still continues."
Abstract This paper addresses the following question. The 18th century English writer Henry Fielding called the Odyssey "that eating poem." Focusing on specific passages, discuss food as a site of conflict, community, or cultural transaction in the Odyssey.
Tags: LITERATURE / ENGLISH LITERATURE, writer henry fielding
Abstract This paper provides a biography of wiseguy turned FBI informant Henry Hill. It also considers several theories of criminal behavior as possible explanations for Hill's life of crime.
From the Paper "Henry Hill was born in in Brooklyn New York. He was one of seven children and his father Henry Hill Sr worked as a construction company electrician. Money was tight in the Hill household and as an immigrant Henry Hill Sr truly understood the value of money. He had come to the United States from Ireland when he was only twelve years old just after the death of his own father. At that time Henry Sr was responsible for providing for his widowed mother and three younger ..."
Abstract This short paper reviews and analyzes Henry Kissinger's massive work "Diplomacy." The paper examines some perceived flaws in Kissinger's outlook, including his lack of analysis of historical trends which have traditionally influenced foreign policy. The author also criticizes Kissinger for not acknowledging the role of American idealism in US foreign relations.
From the Paper "Henry Kissinger was nothing if not polarizing during his tenure in the Nixon presidential administration; he has continued to divide observers violently after his tenure in politics is over through his public commentary and political analysis of foreign policy. In Diplomacy, Kissinger takes on the task of analyzing the perceived success or failure of foreign policies spanning all of modern history, and much of the eras which preceded it. In this massive tome, Kissinger's opinions regarding leadership and successful politics are evident, and while he makes a cogent and compelling argument for his own opinions, the book also presents something of a reader as to why Kissinger's policies and tactics have remained so controversial. This essay will address two of the major flaws with Kissinger's analysis of foreign policy throughout history: first, his emphasis on the personality of leaders as the primary factor behind their policy, and second, his unrepentant realism with regard to foreign policy and his continued refusal to acknowledge the role which American idealism has played in foreign policy throughout the modern era."
Abstract This paper examines the life of Henry Ford, considering both his positive contributions to American life and his negative characteristics and outlooks. The paper credits Ford with being an innovator in his work. The history of his inventions is presented along with the background and ethics behind the companies he founded. The writer also expounds on Ford's virulent anti-Semitism, and how his beliefs as a notable American industrialist influenced intolerance toward Jews in the Midwest. The paper concluded by stating despite Ford's negative attributes he made tremendous positive contributions to American society.
From the Paper "Henry Ford may be the most famous American innovator. From his development of the Ford Model T, to the introduction of assembly lines, Ford helped usher in a technological revolution. Ford's impact was not limited to technology; he was widely renowned as a champion of his workers, and was the first major manufacturer to ensure that his workers were paid a living wage. Of course, like most people, Ford had his faults. For example, Ford was virulently anti-Semitic, and is credited with much of the spread of anti-Semitism throughout the Midwest. Furthermore, while technologically brilliant, Ford was not highly educated in other areas; this became problematic because he was viewed as a leader by many Americans. Because Ford had a tremendous amount of influence on American people, both his good and bad characteristics helped change the face of American history."
Abstract This paper explores the role and character of Falstaff in Shakespeare's play "Henry IV". The paper acknowledges Falstaff's role as comic relief and his part in Prince Harry's life. This friendship is considered in the paper as well. Several opinions of Falstaff from noted Shakespeare experts are presented along with the writer's view of this character. The paper concludes by stating Falstaff was a necessary figure in the play because he was the only character with whom Prince Harry spoke candidly and often truthfully.
From the Paper "Falstaff made life exciting for Prince Harry, and he was fun to be around. His character is in sharp contrast with the nobility which will be Harry's companions at court when he becomes King, and seems to be quite dishonest by comparison. However, in some ways, he is truer than any of the noblemen, because he is quite candid concerning his own self interest. It is not that he does not lie. He does, in the last scene of Act II, when he tells about how he and his companions were robbed by other highwaymen after capturing their prize, "All! I know not what you call all; but if I fought not with fifty of them, I am a bunch of radish: if there were not two or three and fifty upon poor old Jack, then am I no two-legged creature." Harry and Poins were, of course, the robbers who fell on them as a practical joke, and they all fled immediately. As Falstaff tells the tale and answers questions the lies become more and more exaggerated."
Tags: Falstaff, Henry, IV, comic, relief, William, Shakespeare
