Abstract This paper examines the ways in which authors, Jessica Benjamin ("The Bonds of Love") and Frantz Fanon ("Black Skin, White Masks") confront the "temptation" to view the world in extremes. Each author confronts this issue by exploring the mechanisms inherent in vilifying what is seen as opposition through generalizations. The paper examines each author's approach to the issue.
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts Karl Marx and Jessica Benjamin on the issue of power. The paper explains that Benjamin appropriated Marx's view of power to some degree but also points out how Marx's and Benjamin's opinions of power also differed.
From the Paper "Karl Marx differentiated essential power from political power, arguing that man inherently possesses essential powers that are his to use while also being subjected to the influences of political powers employed by elites within society. This view of the human condition, which was to a degree appropriated by Jessica Benjamin, suggests that there are elements or forces within any given society which seek to delimit the capacity of an individual or a group or even a gender to exercise power."
Tags: philosphy, power, Karl Marx, Jessica Benjamin
Abstract In this paper the author discusses whether the "Merchant of Venice" is a fairy tale, as exemplified by the romantic comedy genre, or a problem play. The author looks at the three themes he suggests run through the play: Prejudice, Loyalty and Love. He looks closely at the character of Shylock and how he has been depicted over time, from villain to someone who should be pitied and at the hypocrisy shown by the Christian characters; he examines the relationships between Antonio, Bassanio, Portia, Gratiano, Nerissa, Lorenzo, and Jessica and the resulting marriages and love is examined with respect to the platonic loyalty between friends and in the romantic exchanges between suitors and spouses.
From the paper:
?The theme of loyalty in the play comes out through the interactions of several sets of characters. First, there is Bassanio, who is close friends with Antonio --? friendship which survives many stressful situations in the play. The loyalty between Bassanio and Antonio becomes evident I the first act of the play when Antonio loans Bassanio a large sum of money and takes him on his word that he will repay it.?
Abstract The writer addresses and answers the following questions regarding the two works "Black Skin, White Masks" by Franz Fanon and "Bonds of Love" by Jessica Benjamin. How do subject-object polarities arise? How are they present differently in men and woman"How does this lead to an inherently sexist and racist society" How can these polarities be effectively reversed?
From the Paper "Of all the great social struggles of modern society, perhaps none are so obvious and so ingrained within the minds of the population as the struggles against sexism and against racism. The source of both problems is rooted in the tendency to create a polar dualism between male and female, between white and black. In nearly all cases, this fundamental dualism extends beyond superficial roles and identities, creating a relational structure involving the superiority of one group and the consequent inferiority of the other. In a futile attempt to close the disparaging gap between the extremities of this polar relationship, many have resorted to means that weaken the importance of the role of the superior and at the same time make stronger and more important the role of the inferior. As a result, the roles women and blacks play in society are argued by many to be just as important as those men and whites play, and many would argue that a woman or a black can do anything a man or a white can. Indeed, Benjamin points out that ?Every binary split creates the temptation to merely reverse its terms, to elevate what has been devalued and denigrate what has been overvalued (Benjamin, 9). It is precisely the overwhelming tendency towards this temptation regarding solutions to sexism and racism against which Benjamin and Fanon argue. For inherent within this methodology is the erroneous assumption that the problems of sexism and racism can be solved from within the existing social structure. Benjamin argues extensively against such an approach to solving the problem of male domination, advocating instead the resolution of the dysfunctional dualistic structure, itself: "What is necessary is not to take sides but to remain focused on the dualistic structure itself" (Benjamin, 9). In a similar argument, Fanon points out that racism towards blacks, at least in the East Indies, cannot be resolved by simply elevating the status of the black man in society"
Abstract The paper reviews Jessica Hadgedorn's novel, "The Gangster of Love" which depicts the struggle between the Philippines and America and their history of mutual delusion, strife, and misleading affection. The paper explores the main character, Rocky, and explores the relationships and themes of the book.
From the Paper "Negligent of the cultural tradewinds reeling around her, Rocky constantly constitutes a psychological niche for herself in asserting her independence as a female spirit. Geared up to seek the extent of America's potentialities, she decides to take a chance by embarking on a cross-country trip with Elvis Chang to New York. Armed with little more than a limited amount of funds, a shaky pickup truck, and a repletion of dreams conceiving musical triumph, the couple make plans to start up a rock band called ?The Gangster of Love.?"
Abstract This paper will discuss the idea of consumption and investment in the current problems with the California Energy Crisis hearings that are being studied by the media. In Jessica Brice's article "Calif.: Blackouts Weren't Necessary", we can find how consumption can be used to force prices up in the energy market. The basic trouble that is at hand in the way that energy companies were responsible for limiting their investment in energy, and forcing the State of California to foot the bill when the companies shut down power.
Abstract This paper examines the book, "The Ultimate Terrorists", by Jessica Stern, former National Security Council staffer, which explains with chilling lucidity why it is becoming more likely that terrorist threats will materialize into a major terrorist incident featuring a weapon of mass destruction (WMD). It looks at how, after September 11, 2001, the book has taken on a deeper meaning since it was written in 1999, when America held onto the idea that terrorist activity was something that took place on foreign shores. It discusses how Stern's book details in advance many of the factors in play which created the 9/11 tragedy and how terrorists have shifted their perspective from activity that gains power for their political or religious party to choosing targets just for the purpose of making a statement.
From the Paper "The book's strongest chapter concerns the threat of loose Russian materials (the area that was Stern's specialty at the NSC). Stern's knowledge of security in Russia gives these sections a punch that many who report on this issue have lacked up until now. Stern was portrayed by Nichol Kidman in the movie Peacemakers which was built on this theme. The turning point of the movie is a discussion between a military Russian specialist, who knew the military character who would steal a dozen nuclear warheads and Kidman's character who is a specialist on fringe terrorist groups. Kidman's character, after getting a lecture on how predictable a military terrorist would be, says ?I?m not afraid of a man who wants 10 nuclear weapons; I am terrified of the man who wants only one."
Abstract Both of these plays "Henry V" and "The Merchant of Venice" delve into the complex world of parent/child relationships. In "Henry V" we see how the young king's actions are heavily influenced by the relationship with his father and how his father's blood and legacy determine the path he will take. In "The Merchant of Venice" there are more contrasts in the relationships with affection between Lancelot and his father Old Gobbo, but the opposite with Jessica and her father Shylock. The writer shows how the parent/child relationship has dominated families for centuries, and Shakespeare's works help show the complexities of this nearly unavoidable family relationship.
From the Paper "Difficulties with parent/child relationships have been common themes for centuries, and it seems that was no different in Shakespeare's time. Many of Shakespeare's works include some sort of relationship between parent and child at odds. Often, this relationship is the catalyst that alters the play's plot and outcome (think of Romeo & Juliet, and the family feud between the Capulets and the Montegues). These two plays indicate parent/child relationships can be amicable, such as the relationship between Lancelot Gobbo and his father Old Gobbo, or they can be acrimonious, such as the relationship between Jessica and her father, Shylock. The lives of these characters indicate the strong bond between parent and child that, if not careful, can turn into a form of bondage and great discontent. Both plays illustrate difficult parent/child relationships and the ability of parents to mold and influence their children's lives, even after death."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the short story, "The Blossoming of Bongbong," by Jessica Hagedorn, an established Filipino American writer and a first-time novel, "My Year of Meats," by Ruth L. Ozeki, a Japanese American writer. It looks at how both consider the issues raised about the complexity of being Asian-American.
From the Paper "This paper is a consideration of issues raised in two works of fiction by female Asian American writers. The first is a short story written by an established Filipino American author Jessica Tarahata Hagedorn entitled "The Blossoming of Bongbong". The second is ..."
Abstract This paper discusses how, in these two Shakespeare plays, the transformations of characters are a big part of the plots. The paper first looks at how the character of Prince Hal begins "King Henry, Part I" pretending to be a foolish ruffian only to shock the country by accepting the King's challenge of becoming a noble leader. This sincere change is plotted out by Hal the whole time, therefore making him either excessively brilliant or more of a scoundrel. The paper then examines how, in contrast, the transformation of Jessica, in "The Merchant of Venice" is more of a surprise. At the start of "The Merchant of Venice," she is trapped in a home she hates, unable to pursue her artsy ambitions. She then finds her love and becomes a free woman. The paper maintains that Shakespeare used these genuine character revisions to show how relevant personal growth is in our own world, the real stage.
From the Paper "As a very complex character, the real nature of Hal is very difficult to pin down. As the play begins, he is cunningly displayed as a thief mapping out the next robbery with his fat friend, Falstaff. However, despite the disgraceful plans he is drawing out, the sharp wit of Hal can be easily detected. In an entertaining fashion, he and Falstaff exchange witty puns and familiar banter. This is the first clue that Hal is more than meets the eye. Shakespeare blatantly accented Hal's dishonorable actions with an intelligent and crafty personality. Although Hal hangs out with lower characters that provoke him into doing vile deeds, Hal seems to be genuinely above his actions and his friends who all play a role into his bigger and more valuable plan."
Abstract This paper examines the efficacy of the World Bank's educational policies as perceived through various literature that has been devoted to the subject recently. It determines whether the World Bank is truly addressing the root of the problem of poverty by investing so many millions of dollars yearly on educating the poor. This paper utilizes, primarily, two articles that deal specifically with the efficacy of the World Bank's education programs: "The Impact of Education on Economic Growth" by Francisco Rivera-Batiz and "The World Bank's Mission Creep" by Jessica Einborn. In addition, the paper uses several New York Times articles that question the World Bank's role in alleviating poverty.
From the Paper "The result was apparent in India during the 1970s and early 1980s. India spent a large part of its government and private resources on educating its work force. The result was perhaps the most technologically literate and advanced workforce in the world -- at least among India's middle-classes and upper-middle classes. But a huge number of these skilled laborers like doctors and engineers simply left the country en masse to America, Britain, the Middle East and Canada. India called the phenomenon the ?Brain Drain,? but indeed, it drained India's spirit as well."
This paper explores the question:Are Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Prioress' Tale?, Christopher Marlowe's "The Jew of Malta", and William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" Christian texts?
4,045 words (approx. 16.2 pages), 4 sources, 1997, $ 109.95
Abstract The paper states that all three works are a critique of Christian behavior and decadence in their contemporary Christian societies. The author feels that the key to understanding the sense in which these texts are Christian involves understanding the function and portrayal of the Jew, which are more functional props than human characters.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Prioress? Tale
The Ecclesia
The Christian Masses
Who They Judge
What they Judge
The Positive Model
The Jew of Malta
Murder
Avarice and Theft
Lack Of Chastity
Trickery and Deceit
The Positive Model
The Merchant of Venice
The Court Scene
The Corruption of the Positive Model
Significant Names
Shylock
Jessica Tubal
Chus
Conclusion
From the Paper ""I Stand here for Law" (The Merchant of Venice IV I 142) declares Shylock. While he literally means that he is awaiting the judgment according to the law of Venice, it is also metaphorically true within the religious framework of the text. As a Jew, Shylock is representative of the outlook which (in Christian thinking) demands strict adherence to the law as opposed to the Christian stand for mercy. But here, as in the other works we have examined, the sole significance of the Jew is to provide a standard by which to measure the Christian by comparison and contrast. From a Christian point of view, Shylock and his religion are presumed corrupt; Judaism itself is beyond saving; the best one can do for its members is to convert them individually to Christianity."
From the Paper "Two recent novels--Dogeaters by Jessica Hagedorn and Rolling the R's by R. Zamora Linmark--illuminate different aspects of the Filipino experience, the first set in Manila and so in the Filipino homeland, the second in Hawaii and so a reflection of the immigrant experience in America. Both works reflect the difficulty faced in the conflict between the old culture and the new. In both books, the older generation is tied to the culture of the Philippines while the younger generation is seduced by American popular culture. In Dogeaters, this conflict takes place in the Philippines as the powerhouse of American popular culture beckons to the young. In Rolling the R's, the conflict takes place in Hawaii as people who have immigrated form the Philippines are exposed even more directly to American life and culture. The themes of class conflicts, assimilation, and the.."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the two novels and discusses the way in which the theme of identity has been used in both. It shows how identity plays a crucial role in both these novels, but in far different ways. It links the personal identity of the authors to the characters and shows that their dilemnas and searches for their true indentities were similar to the characters.
From the Paper "Chang-rae Lee was born in Korea, but his family moved to New York City when he was only three years old. His father is a successful psychiatrist, so the family always prospered, and lived in well-to-do neighborhoods, but his mother never really learned to speak English. His first book, "Native Speaker," received the PEN/Hemingway Award for Best First Fiction and the 1995 Discover Award. In addition, the literary journal "Granta" called Lee one of the fifty best American writers under the age of forty (Kich 176)."
