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"Death of a Salesman" and "Lost Boy", 2004.
A comparison of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and Thomas Wolfe's "The Lost Boy".
2,157 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
In Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and Thomas Wolfe's "The Lost Boy", the central characters of Willy Loman and Grover Gant share many similarities, such as a great determination to succeed and a focus on the past events of their lives. This paper discusses how both characters are apparently obsessed with dreams; with Willy Loman, the dream is obtaining what has come to be called the "American Dream," being a phenomenal success in his chosen profession as a salesma; with Grover Gant, the dream involves his proud and prescient mother, who always insisted that Grover was the brightest and best of her offspring. It shows how both characters realize much too late that their dreams are not based in reality, which inevitably leads to disillusionment and personal disaster, not to mention that Loman and Gant are "lost" in a world they cannot understand.
From the Paper
"Miller's American masterpiece Death of a Salesman, first presented on the stage in New York City in 1949, represents a successful attempt to blend the themes of social and personal tragedy within the same dramatic framework. Yet the story of Willy Loman is also one of false values sustained by almost every publicity agency in the national life of the U.S. Willy Loman accepts at face value the over-publicized ideals of material success and blatant optimism, and therein lies his own personal tragedy. His downfall and final
defeat illustrate not only the failure of a man but also the failure of a way of life, being a door-to-door salesman. Miller's ability to project this story of his tragic, lower middle-class hero into the common experience of so many Americans, who sustain themselves and their families with illusions and ignore realities, makes Death of a Salesman one of the most significant in American theater within the last fifty years."
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Clothing in "Cymbeline", 2004.
Examines the use of clothing in William Shakespeare's play, "Cymbeline".
963 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, $ 34.95
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Abstract
"Cymbeline" is one of the lesser-known comedies of William Shakespeare. but it contains all the drama, intensity, chaos. and confusion of a typical Shakespearean work. This paper examines some instances when clothing is used by the characters in the play to carry out important tasks. The paper shows that clothing has been given different terms. such as clothes, apparel. and garments in the play. and this helps in creating the right kind of setting for different incidents.
From the Paper
"From the above passage it is clear that clothing was used as a tool to transform a meek dainty woman into a strong ad courageous person. It was not exactly transformation of woman into man, but a weak person into a brave one. Clothing, it appears, could change the course of Imogen?s destiny-who would have otherwise been remained imprisoned in the castle. Pisanio encourages her to stop behaving like a weak pretty woman and instead force herself to act and feel as strong as a man. To this, Imogen replies that she already feels like a man. However Pisanio is not happy with this answer and tells her to change into men?s clothing:?First, make yourself but like one.
Fore-thinking this, I have already fit--
'Tis in my cloak-bag--doublet, hat, hose, all
That answer to them: would you in their serving,
And with what imitation you can borrow..? (Pisanio, Act III Scene IV)"
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"Mama Mia!", 2002.
A review of the hit musical, "Mama Mia!".
1,015 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the musical, ?Mama Mia!?, and looks at how, set in present times on a small mythical Greek island, the show mingles about 25 ABBA songs into a story of a mother and her soon-to-be-married daughter. It is a frolicking musical that combines a fun and fast-moving yet simple plot, laughs galore, and loads of hits. It looks at some of the history behind the show, the pop group ABBA, and the plot of the story.
From the Paper
"The cast looks as if it is having as much fun as the audience, while inane things keep on occurring in the contrived and clich? plot. In one scene, Sophie has a nightmare to the music of ?Under Attack.? In the dream sequence, her groom wears a wedding dress, no less. Actually much of the enjoyment of this show comes from seeing where they are going to place each of the 20-odd songs that are listed in the playbill in alphabetical rather than performance order?no one wants the audience to know which tune will come when until seeing the play. The show in fact is making fun of itself as well?who would think of a story taking place on a Greek island with the Italian words ?MaMa Mia!?"
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Bel-Imperia in ?Spanish Tragedy?, 2002.
An analysis of the character portrayal of Bel-Imperia in ?Spanish Tragedy? by Thomas Kyd.
1,113 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Thomas Kyd?s ?The Spanish Tragedy? focuses on the female character, Bel-Imperia, who becomes affected by a conflict between her lover, Horatio, and suitor, Balthazar. It focuses on the character portrayal by Kyd of Bel-Imperia?s character as the faithful and vengeful lover of the fallen Horatio. It also discusses and analyzes important points and events in the play that illustrate Bel-Imperia?s passing from prosperity and misfortune, since Bel-Imperia?s character portrayal in the play goes from being a woman of love to being a woman of revenge.
From the Paper
"After Bel-Imperia?s confirmation of her love for Horatio, Bel-Imperia and Horatio exchanges love lines with each other, reflecting upon the readers of the play Bel-Imperia?s goodness and thoughtfulness as a woman. However, Bel-Imperia?s relationship with Horatio will always be filled with danger upon Balthazar?s arrival into her life. In the midst of their love dialogue, Bel-Imperia once again mentions the impending danger that awaits her lover: ?If I be Venus, thou must needs be Mars/ And where Mars reigneth there must needs be wars.? Bel-Imperia?s use of mythology illustrates how their love and life together may be likened to an immortal bond between them, but it also gives a ?heavy weight? that are hanging upon them, especially in the rivalry between Balthazar and Horatio."
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"A Raisin in the Sun", 2002.
A review of Lorraine Hansberry?s play, "A Raisin in the Sun".
1,301 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Lorraine Hansberry?s play, "A Raisin in the Sun", is a dramatic tour de force and was one of the more important developments in American dramatic literature in the second half of the 20th century. It looks at how her moving play focuses on the domestic life of the Younger family as they decide what to do with a check that they have received after the death of Walter Lee?s father. It shows how, from the very beginning of the play, Hansberry creates a tone that sets the stage for the later dramatic action and how the play is, ultimately, a meditation on how the human spirit is able to rebound after our dreams have been destroyed. It analyzes how Hansberry reveals the specific dreams of each character in the play and how, in each case, their dreams are disappointed in some strange and sad fashion.
From the Paper
"All of the Youngers do have important, although different dreams. Beneatha dreams of going to medical school, Mama dreams of moving into a new house, and Walter Lee wants to open a liquor store. The problem is that the amount of money that the family has is finite and can only serve to fulfill some, and not all, of the Younger?s dreams. Walter Lee?s dream has a particular significance in relation to his manly pride, and the failure of that dream is terrible. However, ?By the end of the play, they learn that the dream of a house is the most important dream because it unites the family,? and it is through this common dream that the Youngers realize their true strength (?Themes, Motifs, and Symbols?)."
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"Death of a Salesman", 2003.
An analysis of the character Willy Loman in Arthur Miller?s play, ?Death of Salesman?, and the message Miller is trying to transfer about American society.
2,210 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how, in ?Death of a Salesman?, Miller focuses on failure in a society that is obsessed with success. Willy Loman, an unsuccessful salesman, is the main character who falls prey to the propaganda of a society that shuns unsuccessful people. It shows how, through the use of his characters, themes, and symbols, Miller shows his audience how a man who believes in the ?American Dream? as it has been marketed to him can ultimately be destroyed by it.
From the Paper
"Willy?s obsession with the American dream is symbolic of the unattainable, as well as of the flaws of the dream. Willy lives his entire life in pursuit of the American dream yet never attains it. The American dream represented opportunity and freedom for all, in Willy?s eyes, and he believed that all he needed to do was work hard and become popular. According to Willy, "the man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates a personal interest, is the man who gets ahead. Be liked and you will never want (p. 21)." However, hard work left him with nothing. The Samerican dream did little more than make Willy harshly judge himself and those around him by their material accumulation, as is demanded by capitalism and the American dream."
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Mother-Son Relationships, 2002.
A comparison of the mother-son relationships in "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare and "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams.
1,221 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the mother-son relationship in two plays: Hamlet and his mother, Gertrude, in "Hamlet" by Shakespeare, and Amanda and Tom in "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams. It demonstrates how the two plays and the characters of the mothers are quite different and how, in "The Glass Menagerie", Tom is able to brush off his mother?s domination after too much struggle. On the other hand, Gertrude is unable to dominate Hamlet, even though she tries. It also shows how Tom?s relationship with his mother is that of an irritated son who cannot stand his mother?s meddling, whereas Hamlet?s relationship is based on revenge and hatred.
From the Paper
"Hamlet is one of Shakespeare?s most popular tragedies written in around the 1600. The play is a melodrama of revenge, secrecy, madness and conspiracy. It revolves Hamlet, a prince of Denmark who?s life is filled with tragedy. Initially he loses his father and while on the verge of recovering from this loss, he sees his mother Gertrude, marrying his Uncle Claudius within two months of his father?s death. The shock of his mother?s behavior is unbearable for Hamlet as he goes into severe depression and termed by some as complete madness. He fails to continue his studies and because of his mental state, his mother does not allow him to leave Denmark till he is completely stable."
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?The Fantasticks?, 2002.
A review of the off-Broadway production of ?The Fantasticks? .
1,232 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how the musical play, ?The Fantasticks?, originally strikes the viewer as both an effective and humorous parody of the Shakespearean romantic drama, ?Romeo and Juliet?, and the classical Greek and Roman myth of Primus and Thisbe, upon which Shakespeare?s play is based. It looks at how, when examined for its deeper theatrical and literary significance, the play?s "spine", or story, and structure of theatrical staging also conveys to the viewer a more coherent explanation of the moral dilemma that underlines story of thwarted, adolescent love and the purpose of Romantic theater in general.
From the Paper
"The distance of the wall that the children must overcome, emotionally, embodies this separation. ?You must always leave the wall,? is one of the final tropes underlined at the end of the play, by the narrative voice of the storyteller. In other words, in true love, one must also have distance as well as reinforcement of desire and connection. The play?s use of the wall creates a connection not only with ?Romeo and Juliet,? but also with the Classical Greek myth of Primus and Thisbe, where the two mythical personas whispered to one another to communicate across the distance of the wall. An infamous balcony that barred the two of them from communicating physically likewise separated the romantic protagonists Romeo and Juliet."
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?Hedda Gabler?, 2002.
A character study of "Hedda" in Henrik Isben?s play, "Hedda Gabler".
1,352 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the power of human sadness is illustrated in Henrik Isben?s play, "Hedda Gabler", and how ,by employing dramatic techniques, Isben is able to create a complex character inHedda. It analyzes how Isben supplies us with many insights into Hedda?s character and how, through powerful devices such as circular conclusion, symbolism and imagery, we are able to piece together aspects of Hedda?s personality that might have led her to commit suicide. It looks at how her pain and loss of control push her to believe that the only solution is removing herself from the situation.
From the Paper
"Another aspect of the play that the casual observer might miss is Hedda?s true character. Many might simply pass her off as a spoiled snob, but upon closer inspection, Hedda is a woman that was suffering. In fact, Mary Kay Norseng notes that the ?evil? aspects of Hedda?s behavior are more provocative than her pain, but that her pain provides the key to her ?inner logic of her character? (Norseng). Norseng even goes as far to say that Hedda?s suicide ?is not inextricably intertwined in the roots of her past. It is a whim of the present? (Norseng). Norseng also adds that a common misunderstanding about suicide is that it is a selfish act."
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Ancient and Modern Theater, 2002.
A comparison between ancient Greek plays and their modern day adaptations in theater.
2,614 words (approx. 10.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 78.95
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Abstract
This paper shows that there are clear connections between the classical and modern theater in Greece just as there are clear connections between the theater of classical Greece and the modern theater of the West in general. The writer explains that much of what we believe to be proper theater-making comes from classical works, including the same ideas about character, motif and plot.
From the Paper
"The works of the ancient Greek playwrights are difficult for us to read within the context of the 21st century because most people today believe in the validity of the idea of free will. This inclination towards believing in the importance of free will is especially important for Americans, since we have all been (more or less) raised by the national philosophy that dictates to us from childhood onward that anyone can grow up to be president, that we can ? and indeed are responsible ? for making of our lives what we will."
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Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie", 2002.
Summarizes "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams and explains the symbolism he used throughout the play.
3,420 words (approx. 13.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 96.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the story behind the play, "The Glass Menagerie". The focus is on explaining the symbols used in the play. Some of the symbols explained are the fire escape, the use of irony, the glass menagerie, the search for a man by both Laura and Amanda. The paper concludes by suggesting that the family in this play is dysfunctional and explains the reasons for this suggestion.
From the Paper
"Amanda is obsessed with her past as she constantly reminds her children of ?one Sunday afternoon in Blue Mountain? when she received seventeen gentlemen callers (Williams 32). Amanda refuses to acknowledge that her daughter is handicapped and refers to her disability as ?a little defect (that is) hardly noticeable? (Williams 45). Only for brief moments does Amanda ever admit that her daughter is ?crippled? but then quickly reverts back into her state of denial. Amanda doesn't see anything in realistic terms. She believes that the gentleman caller, Jim, is going to be the one man who will rescue Laura, even though she has never seen or spoken to him at this point. Again, she is wrapped up in her own fantasies and delusions about men, who must act as saviors to all young women."
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?King Lear?, 2002.
Discusses the character of Edmund in William Shakespeare's play.
847 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 30.95
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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."
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"A Doll's House", 2002.
An examination of the significance of the title in Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House".
4,125 words (approx. 16.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 110.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a brief outline of the play and the significance of the title and how it contributes to the theme of the play. The theme is then discussed, followed by a discussion of how the title succeeds and how it fails. Finally, three alternative titles are provided, including an illustration of why these three titles would be better options.
From the Paper
""A Doll's House" revolves around the character of Nora Helmer. Nora is a character who is defined by the role that she is placed in as a woman. She has gone from her father's home directly to the home of her husband. Nora has never been an independent woman but has always seen herself based on how the male figure in her life sees her. First, she has been a daughter. Then she has been a wife. She has never been just Nora. The story begins on Christmas Eve as Nora and her husband Torvald look forward to the Christmas they will spend together. The events of the play begin to unfold as Kristine Linde visits and Nora admits to her that she borrowed money without telling her husband and has been trying to repay it. The plot thickens as Nils Krogstad arrives, an employee of Torvald's who is being fired."
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?Mrs. Warren?s Profession?, 2002.
Examines the theme of the role of women in society in George Bernard Shaw's Victorian play.
2,350 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
"Mrs. Warren's Profession" by George Bernard Shaw is a play written in 1894. The roles that women play in this masterpiece show that Shaw was far ahead of his time in his thoughts about what women should do and be. The paper shows that in this work, Shaw presented a new vision of an intellectual, entrepreneurial woman and challenged the conventional roles imposed by society. He also included accounts of women victimized by a capitalist society and defended their rights to take whatever actions they had to in order to changer their circumstances even if that meant prostitution. The paper shows that in fact, Shaw?s beliefs are consistent with modern-day feminism with only one exception. Shaw seemed to fear that a woman?s independence and choice of a career had to come at the expense of something else, namely love and family. Nonetheless, ?Mrs. Warren?s Profession? is still revolutionary in comparison to the idealized Victorian version of what a woman should be.
From the Paper
"Shaw?s view that women must sacrifice love and relations with family members is the most disappointing aspect of his play. While the majority of his work represents a dramatic leap forward for women in the Victorian time, he hasn?t allowed for women to progress in their intellectual growth and entrepreneurship without a consequence. He seems to support their advancement, but is at the same time, afraid of it. This is apparent in Praed?s questions to Vivie, ?What happens to the world of chivalry, feeling, and beauty in the modern business world? Does practicality not appear more viable than romance in a world where sentiment has been reduced to sentimentality?? Regrettably, these concerns are still present in today?s society where it?s argued that a woman going to work will negatively impact the unity of the family and the nurturing of their children."
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Blanche Dubois and Daisy Buchanan, 2002.
A comparison of these two female protagonists from "A Streetcar Named Desire" (Tennessee Williams) and "The Great Gatsy" (F. Scott Fitzgerald), respectively.
1,487 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
Blanche Dubois and Daisy Buchanan are two main characters in literature. Blanche is the main character in Tennessee Williams' play "A Streetcar Named Desire" and Daisy is the main character in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby". An analysis of these two characters in this paper shows that while they are similar based on their upbringing and their need to hide from reality, they are opposites on all other fronts, including how their upbringing has influenced them, what they are concerned with, how they experience love, whether they are willing to make sacrifices, whether they are able to let go of the past and how their problems are resolved.
From the Paper
"Another difference in the two characters is how they experience love. Daisy appears to be incapable of love. While she does claim to have loved Gatsby in their past, she quickly forgets him when he goes to war and she begins seeing other men. She also claims to love him in the present but when it comes the time to make a decision, she chooses Tom because he has wealth. In addition, she allows Gatsby to take the blame when she runs over Myrtle Wilson and does not even attend Gatsby's funeral. These are all signs that Daisy does not feel love, but only experiences love based on how it benefits her. Blanche is almost the complete opposite. She feels love deeply, to the point where she cannot let go of the love she feels for her husband Stanley."
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