Abstract The Icelandicsagas "The Saga of Grettir the Strong" (written in the fourteenth century by an unknown author) and "Egil's Saga" (written in the early thirteenth century by Snorri Sturlson), tell us much about the life in Scandinavia at the time and about the culture that produced these works. The paper shows that in this regard, they are similar to other epics and sagas which convey information about the life of the past, from the Homeric epics through Virgil, "Beowulf", "El Cid" and many others. It shows that the plots might emphasize heroic actions and great battles, but at a more basic level, the sagas tell us how the people lived , how they related to the world, and what they thought about the world in which they lived. This paper analyzes both works, including characters. It discusses the societies in both sagas and compares them with one another.
From the Paper "The characters in the Icelandic saga Egil's Saga live in a brutish world where they have to fight almost contantly to live and protect themselves and their kin. The rules of conscience such as we know them today do not apply to characters such as Egil, who commits his first murder when he is six years old and who is noted and honored for the ruthlessness with which he conducts his affairs. The values of the Vikings have to do with a sense of honor, with the maintenance of order within a kingdom if not between kingdoms, with the continuation of a hierarchy, and with the all-embracing need to further the interests of society in terms of security and the economy. These values applied in an environment of violence, plunder, and the destruction of enemies, and these values can be seen as reflective of the world which formed them."
Abstract The paper states that in Iceland, traditionally, farm labour and fishing were the primary sources of income for many citizens. These types of labor took place in the countryside and in small fishing villages, hence drawing a specific people to live there. Whilst city dwellers tended to have more qualified jobs, the poorer families lived off of the land. The paper notes that this led to a certain stereotype of the countryside 'peasants'. The paper further comments that Icelandic literature often discusses both town and country citizens, comparing the differences in lifestyle between the two, and how each is represented. The paper analyses several Icelandic novels featuring the Icelandic people living in farmhouses compared to those living in the towns. The paper then assesses whether one group of people is seen as inferior to the other, and the differences between them, and how each group is viewed by the other, or by those outside of Iceland.
From the Paper " Those in the countryside were forced to lead more serious lives, and had far too many day-to-day worries concerning their survival to engage in frivolous conversations that had no real purpose or meaning to them. We can tell this immediately from how serious all of Bjartur's children are. Whilst in the cities, Bjartur describes young women as "brazen-faced young sluts...fit for nothing but parading the streets and living on their parents like parasites" , his children, with their country upbringing, are expected to work sixteen hour days."
Abstract The paper examines the dependency theory in relation to Iceland, as well as the country's limited resources. The paper explores the economic performance of Iceland and shows how the country must develop the necessary technological infrastructure to help develop the information industries. The paper also relates that Iceland needs to find ways to make use of its unique geographic location and topographical features.
Outline:
Theoretical Approaches
Capitalist Development
Conclusion
From the Paper "Iceland is a country most people know only by name. Indeed, the name itself is one of the reasons so few tourists visit, given that they tend to look for warmer climes, and Iceland is clearly not in that hemisphere. Also, Iceland has few well-known tourist attractions or even historical sites of import. The country was settled by Norwegian and Celtic immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D. The country does have the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing, established in 930. Iceland was independent for more than 300 years before being ruled by Norway and Denmark."
Abstract This paper examines the various ways in which women used magic in the Norse Sagas using examples taken from English translations of the original sagas. The change in society's attitudes towards witchcraft, from an agreeable and accepted part of society in the early sagas to one of contempt, is looked at. The paper traces the process of how witchcraft was eventually outlawed in the later Sagas. The paper links this change primarily to the introduction of Christianity and its attempt to undermine pagan religions.
From the Paper "Magic is a central theme of the Norse Sagas. Entire sagas have been written about battles with ghosts and the influences of witchcraft on battles and bad luck. Magic was practiced by both men and women. Women, however were considered to be more adept than men and were often called upon by men to cast spells for them. Magic was incorporated into women's daily activities such as brewing, spinning, and weaving. Women used magic for both healing and causing harm. The belief in the power of sorcery was so powerful that it was outlawed after the arrival of the Christians (Gtettir's Saga, Ch. 84). This paper will examine the various ways in which women used magic in the Norse Sagas using examples taken from English translations of the original sagas. Societies' attitudes towards witchcraft changed from an agreeable and accepted part of society in the early sagas to one of contempt and was eventually outlawed in the later Sagas. This change was primarily due to the introduction of Christianity and its attempt to undermine pagan religions."
Abstract This paper presents the history and geography of Iceland's formation from a geological perspective and contains various sources and a glossary.
Abstract Iceland has a long history of politics going back to the pre-Christian age. This paper covers the country's political history and looks at the development of political parties. The paper also covers major industries and environmental issues.
From the Paper "Iceland has no military forces. It has no neighbors to fight. Iceland does belong to NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) for defensive capabilities. NATO was and is a federation of country's to contain the spread of communism (Soviet Union). In return for this defense, the Icelandic Government lets NATO have a naval base in Keflavik, Iceland. Having no military, Iceland can use all its resources for social and welfare programs. An interesting note to Iceland not having a military is that the Althing declared Iceland a "nuclear free zone" in 1985."
This paper reviews the three films in director Francis Ford Coppola's "Godfather" saga: "The Godfather" (1972), "The Godfather, Part II" (1974) and "The Godfather, Part III" (1990).
Abstract This paper explains that the three films in Coppola's Godfather saga, which is set in the world of the American Mafia throughout most of the Twentieth Century, explore the similarities between family and business interests as fundamental aspects of human behavior. The paper states that "The Godfather" (1972) tells the story of the end of Don Vito Corleone's reign as head of the family in the late 1940s. The author points out that "The Godfather, Part II" (1974) continues this story with his son Michael's transfer of the family business to Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas in the 1950s, and is intercut with the early years of Don Vito, from his childhood in Sicily to his rise to power in New York City. The paper continues that "The Godfather, Part III" (1990) presents the aging Michael and his struggle to legitimize the family's business while powerful forces, including his nephew Vincent Mancini, try to pull him back into crime.
From the Paper "The story begins, therefore, at a point where the broader implications of the family business are clear. But it also shows the awareness, at least of Don Corleone, that being in this business is a necessity but is not, in itself, desirable. He plans for his youngest son Michael--a college-educated war hero--to escape from it. Michael (Al Pacino) himself tells Kay Adams (Diane Keaton), after being quite frank about the nature of the family business, that all this is his family--not him. He understands his father's desire to protect him from it. The brutality of the business is fully revealed in the 'war' sequence that follows the request for accommodation in establishing a heroin importing operation which is favored by some members of the family but rejected by Don Vito."
From the Paper "This study will examine the role which the perspective of universal fatalism plays in the ethic of human interaction in Njal's Saga, the Icelandic epic prose narrative from the late 13th century by an unknown author and translated by Magnus Magnusson and Hermann Palsson. The study will consider the impact of universal fatalism on not only feud and retribution but also friendship, family, and the rule of law---all important features of this ethic.
Essentially, the argument of the study will be that the perspective of universal fatalism of the culture portrayed in the saga forces the characters to adhere to a strict code of chivalric and heroic behavior on earth because they do not have the promise or consolation of any sort of external afterlife. The unspoken assumption of the author is that human beings must find ..."
Abstract This paper examines some of the most spectacular destinations on Earth. It begins with Mount Hekla, one of Iceland's most famous volcanoes and then moves on to Yellowstone National Park located in Wyoming, home to many geysers. In particular, it looks at Grand geyser one of the largest on Earth. It concludes with the Great Barrier Reef, home to a vast array of marine life and examines how it is a complete ecosystem unto itself.
Outline
Mount Hekla
Last Eruption
Predictions for Future Eruptions
Interesting Facts and Stories
Grand Geyser
The Formation of a Geyser
The Future of Grand Geyser
The Great Barrier Reef
Formation
Predictions of Future Activity
Marine Life and Tourism
From the Paper "Grand geyser is one of the many geysers that can be found at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. The most famous geyser located at Yellowstone is Old Faithful, but Grand geyser should not be overlooked. Grand geyser is one of the largest geysers on Earth and has an interval of eight to twelve hours with a height of 150-180 feet and a duration of 10-12 minutes. Grand geyser, like most geysers, is formed from a hot spring with an underground chamber. The future of Grand geyser is really unknown, but it is expected to remain active for many years to come. Yellowstone National Park is a major tourist attraction in Wyoming, thus it draws a large crowd to view the magnificent beauty of Grand geyser. Like most things, there is a danger to the geyser in the form of water contamination."
Abstract This truth about human understanding as well as human biology is evidenced by the existence of the heroic saga of "Gilgamesh." It examines how the saga of "Gilgamesh" continually contrasts the mundane and the transcendent and how the hash or mundane reality of the world, and the eternal dream-like existence of the heavens are paired against one another.
From the Paper "After being confronted with death, Gilgamesh realizes the fragility of his own life and legacy, as well as human joy. Gilgamesh begins the tale unaware of mortality and suffering, except perhaps on an intellectual level. But then, "Gilgamesh wandered in the wilderness grieving over the death of Enkidu and weeping saying: "Enkidu has died. Must I die too?" (48) His friend's death 'brings home' the idea that death can cut close to him-and for the first time, that even though he may be a better fighter than most men, this does not exempt him from mortality, at the end of time. "
Abstract This paper is a detailed examination of the different themes that John Steinbeck raises in his book, "East of Eden." The author discusses the significance of the story's setting and the different family themes that are dealt with throughout the story as the many different family members history are detailed. The author breaks down the individual characters, their symbolism and relevance to the continuity of the family saga.
From the Paper "As life progresses for the three men, all three separate themselves, which brings a peace treaty of sorts. My sympathies are still toward Adam, who deals with the emotional problems he has gotten from his childhood. Charles has turned into a more likeable person, and the evil that was once so dominant in him has almost disappeared by the time the brothers are reunited in chapter seven. The evil has died with Cyrus, and the interaction between the two brothers reflects that. I almost breathed a sigh of relief when Cyrus is finally dead, but it is amazing how quickly fate takes over the story again, and how Steinbeck weaves a new loop into the story."
Abstract The paper examines the thesis of the book "Spy Saga: Lee Harvey Oswald and U.S. Intelligence" by Philip H. Melanson, which claims that Oswald, infamous assasin of President J.F. Kennedy, was involved with the C.I.A. The paper discusses Oswald's career in the Marine Corps, the information he gained about the Soviet's, his role with the CIA, and the reasons he was in Dallas on the day he shot the president.
From the Paper "The thesis of this book is, ?"Oswald's links to CIA- related persons, projects, and contexts appear far stronger than do those to any other U.S. intelligence agency"? (p. 4) This book is all about the allegations that Lee Harvey Oswald is in some way, shape, or form is involved with the CIA. There are many noticeable things that have led to these allegations and to this day it is still a mystery. There can be a case made that Oswald was and was not involved with the CIA. I chose this particular quote because it gives the reader the main idea of the book, and it shows that he could?ve been in the CIA or possibly in some other intelligence agency. Most people including myself never knew that Oswald was involved in anything dealing with the U.S. There are many different incidents in which Lee Harvey Oswald has had some knowledge of or involvement in and this book goes into these incidents. The thesis ties in directly, with the main idea of this book, because it talks about all the things that Oswald was involved."
Tags: assassination, Marine, Air, U-2, Soviet, Union
Abstract This paper examines the classic literary saga Beowulf whose theme is the concept of ultimate good battling and vanquishing ultimate evil. The paper focuses on the retelling of the story through American author John Gardner's 1971 novel "Grendel" which presents the monster Grendel in a different light and not as the grim and unhappy spirit he is usually portrayed.
From the Paper "Perhaps for this reason, Grendel has become almost as much a subject for discourse as Beowulf himself has. Editorial commenting in the numerous translations and interpretations of the poem have often included comments on the manmonster. The many books and articles written on the poem usually include passages of chapters about him, his actions, motivations and personalities. Almost all of these works are usually written within the context of the poem, that is in direct relation to the hero Beowulf himself, "Grendel acts in such a manner because Beowulf does" is the usual rule followed."
This paper discusses the autobiography "Running from the Devil: A Memoir of a Boy Possessed" by Steven Kissing, a humorous treatment of the concept of the Prince of Darkness versus the Prince of Dorkness.
1,020 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 0 sources, 2005, $ 36.95
Abstract This paper explains that "Running from the Devil: A Memoir of a Boy Possessed" is the epic saga of author Steve Kissing, a sharp yet disturbed child of the 1970s who, in the fifth grade, began having spells, which lasted for only a minute or two, in which he suddenly would see strange sights and hear strange voices: Otherwise, he was a perfect child, got "A" in most of his studies, was a good athlete and even an alter boy. The author points out that, to send the devil away, among other activities, Kissing continued his obsessive long distance running training, which resulted in his becoming a high school track star. The paper relates that this book is a spiritual guide because Kissing's story, especially when he gets back to clarity, is extremely credible.
From the Paper "The way in which a child's worldview is fashioned by faith, family and fate is the source of the humor and the insights of "Running from the Devil". The powers of imagination, redemption and self-discovery are also highlighted. The boy dealing all alone with his supposed craziness in the mind and the body forms the base of the book. The story telling is done in a funny and entertaining way. The Catholic religion and its rites form the structure of the book, and the spiritual change of the coming of age is also well described."
Abstract This paper applies psychological theory to the analysis of Michael Corleone's personality as depicted in the film saga, "The Godfather". The paper applies Sigmund Freud's theory of personality to the character as well as Erik Erikson's approach to personality analysis. The paper explains how these two approaches lead to an understanding of Michael Corleone's character and behavior.
From the Paper "The character of Michael Corleone in "The Godfather" is a good candidate for a detailed character analysis of the self-conscious, making him a good example of Freud's so-called structural hypothesis which posits a theory of personality built on three principal components plus an ancillary feature the ego, superego and id plus the libido. Freud says that personality emerges in three states of being; the pre-conscious (PCS), the unconscious (UCS) and the conscious (CS). The push-pull dynamic is elaborated in Freud's distinction between the ego, id and superego. The Ucs however is the..."
Tags: Godfather, saga, Freud, Erikson, personality, theory
