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Shakespeare's "Hamlet", 2005.
This paper discusses the character Horatio in Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,570 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 0 sources, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the character Horatio in Shakespeare's "Hamlet"
is the one person whom the main character Hamlet trusts and is the only prominent character that finds himself alive at the end. The author points out that Horatio is the antithesis of two other characters Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet's old friends upon whom he feels he can no longer rely. The paper relates that Horatio is the pure soul of the play, the herald of Hamlet's story whose behavior parallels Christian tenets because his honesty and goodness rise above the shadowy dealings of many other characters; they are punished and the good Horatio is rewarded. Several quotations.
From the Paper
"The reader senses that Horatio has never given Hamlet any reason to doubt his love and devotion towards him. The service of a true friend is something that is never forgotten and rarely questioned. Hamlet certainly seems sure of the worth of this true friend. Some may see Horatio as a simple "yes-man," which may be a valid argument. Surely, Horatio was never said to have brought grand insight to Hamlet's plan, nor an amazingly original idea. His worth comes from another source. His agreements with his friend are based on true sincerity. Certainly, Claudius recognized that sincerity and found Horatio not to be a worthy candidate for the recognizance work required."
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Aristophanes' "Clouds", 2006.
An analysis of the interplay between philosophy, poetry and divinity in Aristophanes' play "Clouds".
936 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
The paper considers "Clouds" as a critique of philosophy in the form of a comedy, revealing the tension between poetry and philosophy. The paper claims that different forms of subversion lie at the heart of the play about the relationship between Socrates and the Clouds, new and mysterious goddesses he has invented with his worship of reason to replace the old Olympian pantheon. The writer presents the explanation of Leo Strauss as to the Clouds' nature, and contrasts it with the writer's own theory that Aristophanes' purpose in writing "Clouds" was to demonstrate that Socrates' philosophizing, in its excess and amorality, is potentially destructive to society and humanity. In conclusion, the writer shows that Aristophanes is revealed as the representative of the Clouds among the Greeks.
From the Paper
"Generally speaking, Aristophanes' Clouds represent imitation, indeterminacy and play. They are the Gods of language; they are also the language itself. Celestial signs simultaneously revealing and concealing the heavens. Demi-gods linking the human with the divine. Tricksters that teach men of the proper measure. Now the relationship between the Clouds and Aristophanes becomes clearer: the comedian poet considers himself a representative of those daimons, meaning on the one hand that he re-presents them, reveals them, introduces them and on the other, that he is the sole ambassador of the Clouds among his people."
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Wrestling With Chaos, 2006.
An analysis of the art and philosophy of ancient Greece.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper studies how ancient Greek art and thought were affected by their sense of chaos in the world. The paper argues that, from at least the time of Homer, the Greeks displayed an anxiety about their chaotic world. The paper charts the evolution of their response to this chaos, both creatively and philosophically, as depicted in their art and writings. The paper then turns to Greek drama, which it asserts is the culmination of this evolution. The paper assesses how drama served as an inquisition into the nature of man and a fusing of humanist expression with religious tradition. The paper quotes from a variety of original texts to support its argument.
From the Paper
"As an early example of orally presented poetry, the Iliad is clearly an ancestor of drama on a technical level, both as performance art and as verse. The purpose of Homer's epic was primarily to provide a poetic record of an important event in the history of his people from which they could draw a sense of identity and pride after the fall of Mycenean society. In it, however, we can also see "three persistent themes of human interest: the nature of the supernatural, the intervention of the supernatural in human events, and acute observations about the behavior of men toward one another" (Hooper, 60). These themes would continue to influence the development of artistic expression and philosophic thought through Classical Greece and the rise of drama."
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Nora as a Theorist, 2006.
An examination of Nora, a character in Henrik Ibsen's play, "A Doll's House", in light of the theories of Karl Marx and Max Weber.
5,809 words (approx. 23.2 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 139.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that Marx and Weber both had theories of alienation and authority. It shows that they both thought that men had been alienated from their natural selves. The paper explains that Marx thought it was because men had been subordinated by economics and technology and had given up their power to produce and that Weber believed that men became alienated from themselves when they formed organizations or bureaucracies. The writer discusses that Nora, the main character in "A Doll's House", is a sort of doll to her husband, Torvald. The writer explains that Nora loses her own sense of self as she subordinates herself to Torvald's authority in all things. The writer states that Nora is a theorist in the same way that Marx and Weber are because, when she realizes that she is alienated from herself and that she has an unresolved conflict because of this, she confronts her husband and leaves him, her children and her lifestyle. In conclusion, the writer posits that Nora would have made Karl Marx proud by her decision to leave everything she has ever known to start a new life without the conflict and alienation that she had become accustomed to.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Karl Marx' Theory of Alienation
Max Weber's Theory of Authority
Marx and Weber
"A Doll's House"
Analysis of Nora as a Theorist
Conclusion
References
From the Paper
"The key part that Weber and Marx seem to agree on, though, is that there are people in authority in society, and people who are not in authority. This causes conflict and a sense of alienation for some people. While they vary in the reasons why this causes alienation, and they vary on why some men come to be in authority, they firmly agree on the problem. It is merely the solution and the cause of the problem where they diverge. The conflict and problems that they discuss can be seen in Henrik Ibsen's play "A Doll's House"."
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The Fool in "King Lear", 2006.
Explores the role of the Fool in Shakespeare's tragic play, "King Lear".
1,059 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 0 sources, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The Fool in William Shakespeare's "King Lear" is often mistaken as foolhardy, but everything he says has a deeper significance and greater truth. Since he is the court jester, the audience assumes that the Fool's main purpose is to entertain us. The paper shows that the Fool's dramatic function is not to humor us, but to tell King Lear the truth through his metaphoric rhymes and jests. The Fool is a representation of King Lear's psyche. The paper explains that when the Fool disappears after Act III, scene ii, what is left of King Lear's stable mentality quickly disintegrates. The relationship between King Lear is not one of master and servant. The Fool could be considered King Lear's subconscious; he has perceptions the King Lear does not. With his knowledge, the Fool tries to teach King Lear how to reason out the truth for himself.
From the Paper
"The Fool states that King Lear was wise in a time when he did not need it as he doe now. King Lear was a wise King but when his wisdom was greatly needed he did not apply his knowledge. The Fool states that he is merely a Fool, but he would rather be a Fool than a befallen King. He strives to inform Lear of how adverse his situation is, but King Lear still does not fully comprehend the Fool's metaphors. Before King Lear decided to see his other daughter, Regan, the Fool warns King Lear that Regan's reception will be similar if not worse than Gonerils'."
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Charles Busch's Broadway Plays, 2006.
A review of American playwright Charles Busch.
1,750 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the works of Charles Busch, one of America's more well-known satirists and comedic playwrights. The paper begins with a review and critique of Busch's most recent production, "A Tale of the Allergist's Wife". The paper discusses the play's plot and development, as well as the actors, directors and producers associated with it and awards that it has won. The paper then compares "Allergist's Wife" to Busch's other works, including the play "Woman of the Year" and his writing for the HBO show "Oz". The last section of the paper discusses Busch's career rise and the parallel shift in American society, which can now embrace such an author and his "edgy" themes.
Outline
Thesis Statement
"A Tale of the Allergist's Wife"
Busch's Other Works by Way of Comparison
Further Contrasts and Comparisons
From the Paper
"Busch's play chronicles the spiritual turmoil of Marjorie Taub - brilliantly acted by the veteran comedy and quite often serious actress Linda Lavin - a middle-aged Upper West Side wife and confidant to her Allergist husband - and others as the play delightfully exposes - and how her life changes when a former friend from her past suddenly appears on her doorstep. This is a wonderfully delicious and quite devious social satire that is filled with the wicked fun and delightful surprises one has come to expect from Busch works."
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Fluellen in "Henry V", 2006.
Examines the role of the Welshman, Fluellan in "Henry V" by William Shakespeare.
1,726 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
The Welshman Fluellen in "Henry V" by Shakespeare is an interesting and quite quixotic individual. The paper explains that he speaks boldly of many things, yet at times he is quite incomprehensible. Both his language and his references are puzzling, even though the intensity of his speech is quite clear in the written text. This paper shows that once his language is understood, however, Fluellen is shown to be a human representation of the unification of the British peoples. He also demonstrates the proper manner in which a vassal may disagree with his sovereign.
From the Paper
"A further bit of obscurity is the "disciplines of war" (3.2.59, 3.2.72, etc.) and "law of arms" (4.7.2) to which Fluellen refers. He makes reference in 3.2.81 to "disciplines of the pristine wars of the Romans" (emphasis mine) then goes on to urge Gower to "examine the wars of Pompey the Great" (4.1.69). No real explanation is given to these "disciplines". Campbell states that this is really "a quarrel raging in [Queen] Elizabeth's day but not in Henry V's" (302). It is curious that Fluellen is espousing the viewpoint of that the ancient warriors (Agamemnon, Alexander, Mark Antony, et al) are the greater examples of how warfare should be conducted, while noting that historically Henry used a most unorthodox defense against the French cavalry."
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Insanity in "Hamlet", 2006.
Examines the theme of madness in this play by William Shakespeare.
1,637 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
Madness, one of the many themes in "Hamlet", affects the outcome of this particular Shakespearean play so much that all the major characters die during the final act. The paper examines how the theme of insanity is interwoven through the play and how it affects all the characters.
From the Paper
"Admirers of Hamlet tend to discount this major fault. Shakespeare however, gives Hamlet's quest for revenge prominence, and shows it as a major sickness of the Prince's soul. For Hamlet promises the ghost, "And thy commands all anon shall live, within the book and volume of my brain." Such an oath is mind shattering. If kept, it can only lead to derangement."
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"Romeo and Juliet", 2006.
Examines the imagery of darkness and light in dialogs between Romeo and Juliet in this play by William Shakespeare.
1,322 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 0 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, in the famous play, "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, the concepts of light and shadow are juxtaposed through the four speeches in which Romeo and Juliet speak to and of each other and their love.
From the Paper
"Tragedy must also have an element of irony, some aspect of the narrative that is unknown or unchangeable to the protagonist, but brings about his doom and seals his fate. There must be inevitability, the complete lack of ability of the hero to control or alter his fate. Irony and inevitability are present in Romeo and Juliet and are given a symbolic presence by the fact that the "light" of their love is only safe in the dark of the night."
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"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead", 2006.
An analysis of the play "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead" by Tom Stoppard .
1,300 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the Tom Stoppard play "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead", about actors in a non-existent play. The author's thesis is that while the characters often attempt to create themselves -- to bring themselves to life -- their lives are ultimately an abstract form of death. The paper supports this sense of limbo in the character's actions, emotions and philosophy, providing support for his thesis by quoting lines from the play.
From the Paper
"The notion of limbo is supported by the fact that the play's action occurs "in a place without any visible character." (p. 12) As Stoppard gives us no particular landmarks, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern exist both everywhere and nowhere. In addition, neither of them have any memory of the past or any normal human requirements, such as the need for food and sleep. The only time they mention sleep in fact, is also the only time they are able to recall a past experience."
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"A Doll's House", 2006.
An analysis of Henrik Ibsen's play "A Doll's House".
1,300 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the play "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen, about deception in marriage. The paper examines the roles of husbands and wives in this play, which were based on the strict moral codes of Victorian society. In particular, the paper studies the role that finance and money played in the dissolution of Norma and Helmer's marriage. The paper also pontificates on the extent to which a wife will go to help her husband -- and at what cost to herself, her children and her marriage.
From the Paper
"Her husband views her as a play- doll- a "Sky lark", synonomis with a fluttering bird with beautiful wings, self absorbed knowing only vanity and beautiful things. She is known only to spend money, much to his dismay as he states, "Bought, did you say? All that? Has my little spendthrift been out squandering money again?" Her attitude about money was frivolous and out of control in her spending habits. Even after Helmer tells her, "But it's going to be three whole months before the first pay check comes in" Her reply, (of inconsequential nature) is, "Pooh!" We can always borrow the meantime.". Even has Helmer lectures her and points out her tolerant character faults and irrational ideas, "Here we go again, you and your frivolous ideas! Suppose I went and borrowed a thousand crowns today and you went and spent it all over Christmas, then on New Year's Eve, a slate fell and hit me on the head and there I was...". Here he is pointing out to her, that money is not guaranteed, especially a continual amount of funds, even death could occur unexpectedly for him."
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Comedy of Manners in Two English Plays.
This paper discusses comedy of manners in two English plays, Richard Sheridan's "A School for Scandal" and Oscar Wilde's "Lady Windermere's Fan".
2,815 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 0 sources, $ 83.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Richard Sheridan's "A School for Scandal" and Oscar Wilde's "Lady Windermere's Fan" are both comedies of wit and manners which provide audiences with an absurd look at London's so-called aristocratic society, by using such devices as gossip, collusion, hidden identities, reversal of attitudes, generational recurrence and the discovery of the unexpected lady. The author points out that central to both plays is the question of whether a disappointed wife might justifiably retaliate or console herself by having an affair; and, in both plays, it is the aspiring gallant or lover, who nearly succeeds in convincing the wife to compromise her marriage and her morals. The paper summarizes that, in Wilde's play, it is gossip, which first creates the disappointment and mistrust in Lady Windermere; while in Sheridan's play it is Lady Teazle's attempt to excel at gossip in order to gain a place in what she considers fashionable society as well as the malicious gossip generated by that very society, which threatens to destroy her marriage. Many quotes.
From the Paper
"Most of the characters in Wilde's play are noble enough, though their actions are not always. Usually, they initially act out of love or concern, though as in the case of the Duchess of Berwick her concern for Lady Windermere is questionable but her conviction at least seems true. Darlington, too, believing Lord Windermere to be a lout, acts on his love for Lady Windermere not wanting her to endure a loveless life. Her mother, Mrs. Erlynn, though perhaps long ago selfish when she abandoned her family does in the end act in a selfless manner when she claims responsibility for the fan in Darlington's quarters. And of course Lord Windermere attempting to protect his wife from shame was acting out of love."
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"Measure for Measure", 2005.
This paper discusses the role of Pompey in William Shakespeare's dark comedy "Measure for Measure".
1,595 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in William Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure", one character, Pompey Bum, servant of Mistress Overdone, a bawd, serves better than the other characters to highlight the impossible hypocrisy of the play's social situation in which the Viennese legal system conflicts with human nature when public law forbids illicit lovemaking and makes the crime punishable by death. The author points out that Pompey appears at first to be a minor character; however, if Pompey were different, or even absent, the play's weighty morality might well outstrip Shakespeare's need for humor in this hybrid creation. The paper relates the story of the play demonstrating that Pompey's attitude extends beyond the current themes of virtue and morals and moves into the realm of accepting the inevitable that people will always strive to satisfy themselves especially their sexual desires.
From the Paper
"Throughout the play, Pompey's attitude carries this universal perspective. In his next scene, he is meeting with Lord Escalus in less than fortunate circumstance. A constable named Elbow drags Pompey and a gentleman named Froth in front of old Escalus and Angelo. The latter have just been arguing the virtues of moderation, with Escalus bemoaning the severity of the new law: "Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall...and some condemned for a fault alone." When Elbow accuses Pompey of being a "tapster," Escalus quickly notices Elbow's ineloquence and gives Pompey the opportunity to defend himself."
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Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House", 2006.
An analysis of the main character in Henrik Ibsen's famous play "A Doll's House".
2,733 words (approx. 10.9 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 81.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes Nora, the main character in "A Doll's House" and examines the different facets of her personality. The paper discusses both her businesswoman persona that she has kept secret and the little doll persona that she displays for her father and her husband. The paper also compares the story in "A Doll's House" to Ibsen's real life, pointing out similarities between the two and looks at similarities between dilemmas faced by today's women and the women that lived in the era of the novel. Finally, the paper concludes that Nora, in spite of the persona that she projected to her husband and father for so long, is actually a strong, flexible and proud woman.
From the Paper
"In reading what other critics and readers have written about the character Norma Helmer, it appears that her character evolved or was in the process of evolving through out the play. Definitely, she like many women of the 19th Century, carefully hid her strength behind a sweet doll-like demeanor that was at best a fabrication to placate the expectations of her domineering husband and the belief by society at large, that women were weak silly creatures. On the other hand, in presenting this persona, Nora also lied to herself about her own strength and until she revealed herself, she denied her husband the right of the spouse to really know whom he really married. But then maybe Torvald did not really want to know the darker and stronger side of Nora. He was an unappreciative boor for all of her hard work in his name. So we really see the two central characters as they really are at the end of the play. Nora is strong, flexible but proud, and Torvald is a priggish weak egotistical person."
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"Cats", 2006.
Examines the history of the world's greatest musical, written by Andrew Lloyd Weber.
2,348 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the musical "Cats", based on a series of poems by T.S. Elliot and later to become the most popular musical in world history. The paper examines the beginnings of the play at the New London Theater, until it was taken to Broadway in the United States. The paper examines why the play was so popular, as well as the many awards that it won.
From the Paper
"To look at the pre-production problems, the rehearsals with cast changes, the unenthusiastic reviews by many critics, and the enormous expenses of mounting the show, what is it that really has made "Cats" successful. The simple answer is- it is an "audience pleaser". There is no heavy plot line to focus on. The stage and staging are so unusual, as to continue to amaze the audience and to capture their attention. Nobody comes out of a theatre "humming the scenery" as a cynic might remark. But the song, "Memory" heard over and over again on radio stations is the sort of hit that people will remember."
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