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"Much Ado About Nothing", 2009.
A review of self-identity and characterization in William Shakespeare's play "Much Ado About Nothing."
793 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
The paper comments that strong, vibrant characters are one of William Shakespeare's trademarks and that he rarely makes any social commentary without proving a point. The paper highlights that in "Much Ado About Nothing," Shakespeare uses personal struggles to emphasize the danger of deceit as well as the discovery of self. The paper discusses how Shakespeare uses such struggles to bring unlikely individuals together. Beatrice and Benedick become major players in the game of love despite their indifference toward the subject. Their identities are connected to their marital status and because they are stubborn, they cannot see how they are compatible. The paper discusses how, through the techniques of characterization, plot, and narrative, "Much Ado About Nothing" becomes a play about self-identity.
From the Paper
"The play's action leads each character down the road to self-identity. The plot revolves around love and the love story of Beatrice and Benedick is embedded in Claudio and Hero's story. Love is in the air, so to speak, and Claudio and Hero want these two lovers to finally admit their true feelings for each other. Deception drives the plot, however. Beatrice and Benedick are duped, this is true, but without deception, they would have never had the opportunity for love. The irony is that they would fall in love with each other. This irony makes love more enjoyable and, eventually, the couple is not afraid to admit this fact."
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The Grotesque and Divine, 2009.
A comparison between Flannery O'Connor's "A Good Man is Hard To Find" and "Good Country People".
788 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how Flannery O'Connor's short stories "A Good Man is Hard to Find" and "Good Country People" both depict highly flawed protagonists, Grandmother and Hulga, who experience profound revelations about the nature of the divine and their own limitations. The paper shows how in both stories these revelations occur as a result of encounters with grotesque, strange people and almost despite the character's inherent natures.
From the Paper
"Flannery O'Connor's short stories "A Good Man is Hard to Find" and "Good Country People" both depict highly flawed protagonists who live within the context of very limited social worlds. But they experience profound revelations about the nature of the divine and their own limitations at the end of their respective stories. These revelations occur, almost despite the character's inherent natures, as a result of encounters with grotesque, strange people. The grandmother of "A Good Man is Hard to Find" meets her demise at the hands of an outlaw known as the Misfit."
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Toni Morrison's "Beloved", 2009.
An outline of the story "Beloved" by author Toni Morrison.
6,023 words (approx. 24.1 pages), 23 sources, MLA, $ 142.95
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Abstract
The paper notes that Toni Morrison's "Beloved" is a testament to the devastating physical, social and psychological effects of forced bondage. The paper comments that there is a sense throughout the book that what Sethe is seeking is absolution for a morally challenging choice she made 20 years before, when she took the life of her one year old child to save herself from recapture as a slave. The whole of the work is essentially a mental map of the unquenchable grief associated with having to make such a dramatic decision and then live with the consequences of it. The characters as well as many critics and the author, herself demonstrate the need for resolution of this unquenchable grief, yet Sethe, requires essential guidance to do so.The paper states that the story is based upon a set of stories that Morrison herself read while helping to edit a collection of black stories, during the period of slavery and stayed with her in memory through her writing career.
Outline:
Introduction
Judgment of Ambiguity, the Characters
Conclusion
From the Paper
"When Denver seeks help from her former teacher, the self possessed mixed teacher who believed she must pay for her ability to be educated ,as a result of her light complexion by teaching all the children in the community who had not been "picked" because they were to dark Lady Jones builds a community of giving to allow Denver's family to survive "Beloved"'s presence. The story may seem insignificant to the core of the plot, i.e. Sethe's self-forgiveness but it is just another reminder in the story that all the blacks of the community are in some small or large way seeking to resolve old wounds that were created by the racism of the culture and the depraved legacy of slavery."
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A Review of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", 2009.
The paper is a review of the book "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey.
2,050 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
The author of this paper examines and discusses the book by Ken Kesey, written in 1962, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" which relates the experiences of patients and staff in a mental institution in the United States. In particular, the writer of the paper examines two of the main characters in the book, Nurse Ratched, one of the senior nursing staff and a much feared figure amongst the patients, and Randal McMurphy, a convicted felon who sees incarceration in a mental institution as preferable to spending time in jail. The paper's author describes the relationship between these two characters, the enmity that developed between them and its effect on other characters in the book and refers to current literature on the subject of mental illnesses.
From the Paper
"The Chief's thoughts help to set the "mood" for the environment into which Randal McMurphy, the protagonist, will soon enter, and which will lead to McMurphy becoming physically, mentally and emotionally neutralized at the hands of Nurse Ratched. McMurphy, is a small-time criminal looking to sit out his recent jail sentence in the state mental institution where Chief Bromden and other patients become the participants in McMurphy's own self-indulgent, but enlightening social experiment, which becomes a contest of wills between McMurphy and Nurse Ratched, and in the end goes horribly awry."
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The Quest for Success, 2009.
A comparison of the novels "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, "My Antonia" by Willa Cather, "Slaughterhouse Five" by Kurt Vonnegut and "The Optimist's Daughter" by Eudora Welty.
995 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 0 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper outlines how the novels "The Great Gatsby" "My Antonia" "Slaughterhouse Five" and "The Optimist's Daughter" all portray the quest for success by changing one's location. The paper shows how all the central characters attempt to remedy their sense of personal emptiness by changing their location and adopting a new place. The paper highlights the way the novels illustrate the futility of merely changing one's location.
From the Paper
"In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald's protagonist Jay Gatsby hopes that by moving away from his Midwestern home and gaining wealth, he can become a new person, a person worthy of his first love Daisy Buchanan, who is currently married to Tom Buchanan, a wealthy but boorish member of a 'fine family' in Long Island. Gatsby aspires to material success, but only to win enough status to impress Daisy. He buys a fancy home in the fashionable section of West Egg, Long Island. Yet Gatsby cannot escape his past and his birth. Everyone eventually comes to know, in the small world of high society, that Gatsby does not come from a fine family but won his wealth through bootlegging."
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Lies and Deceit--Three Takes on Cuckoldry, 2009.
A comparison of the theme of sexual betrayal in Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing," David Hwang's "M. Butterfly," and Annie Proulx's novel, "The Shipping News."
1,307 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and compares emotional and literal cuckoldry in the plays "Much Ado About Nothing," by William Shakespeare, "M. Butterfly," by David Hwang, and the novel, "The Shipping News," by Annie Proulx. The writer describes the deceptions on which the plot of "Much Ado About Nothing" is based, and how every male character is obsessed over his potential to be cuckolded, although it does not actually occur. The paper then looks at how, on the other hand, Hwang's "M. Butterfly," Gallimard and Song are both sexually deceived. However, in both plays, by being cuckolded either metaphorically or literally, the characters begin to grow as people, and attain a new level of self-knowledge and sobriety. The paper then lookst at how, in "The Shipping News," Quoyle's wife's acts of infidelity lead ultimately to Quoyle's rediscovery of his true family and true self. The writer concludes that all of these tales suggest that although infidelity is based in lies and betrayal, those lies can provide the stimulus for growth, change, and self revelation.
From the Paper
"This sense that male closeness is somehow more noble than female closeness is also parodied in David Hwang's "M. Butterfly," where it is demonstrated that only another man can give a man what he really wants--a submissive creature, rather than a woman with real, articulated desires. This also shows a relationship, just like "Much Ado About Nothing" that is based upon illusions. Claudio is meant to believe Hero is dead, Beatrice and Benedick believe that their partner is pining for them, and that they are marrying the other person out of pity, while Rene Gallimard believes that his butterfly is an ultra-feminine Chinese woman, when she is actually a man."
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"Barn Burning", 2009.
An analysis of the theme of missed opportunities in William Faulkner's novel "Barn Burning".
2,406 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the structuralist, feminist, and Marxist elements in William Faulkner's "Barn Burning" and how they effectively convey Faulkner's theme about class struggle and missed opportunities. Specifically, the paper looks at how Faulkner combined the Marxist and feminist viewpoint, along with the structuralist interpretation of blood ties, to make the reader understand the severity of the Southern class struggle and the theme of opportunity limitations for the impoverished.
From the Paper
"That Sarty's social position allows him little opportunity other than becoming his father is as clear to the young boy as it is to the reader. At the story's conclusion, Sarty's desperate attempts to validate these blood ties and the life and death of his father are a testament to his understanding that identity with his family his only chance at any identity. Though more intelligent and certainly more capable of functioning in society than his father is, Sarty chooses to accept his blood ties' identity instead of nothing at all. Even after he runs, he attempts to insure that his father "was brave" because he "was in the war" (Faulkner). Thus, the blood clings to Sarty even after Sarty makes a move toward shedding it. The choices the young man faces--an identity shared with a criminal and psychologically damaged father or no identity at all--is reflective of the limited choices given to a poor family that cannot simply pay fines in bushels of corn, let alone establish itself in a position where it would not be constantly in debt. "
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Tillie Olsen on Motherhood, 2009.
This paper discusses the emphasis on self-discovery in Tillie Olsen's works on motherhood.
1,420 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
The paper makes references to Olsen's "I Stand Here Ironing" "Tell Me a Riddle" and "Silences" and shows how Olsen's views on motherhood are heavily influenced by her own life experiences, especially her experiences as a mother. The paper discusses Olsen's belief that a mother needs to understand her own dependency needs in order to understand who she is as a person.
From the Paper
"Tillie Olsen had a life that can hardly be described as easy or comfortable. She lived in poverty and as a young mother, never found time for herself. For this reason, she understood the trials and tribulations of motherhood as well as the need for self discovery. Thus her work, however little, dwelled on the subject of motherhood with respect to self discovery. That is one of the most amazing aspects of Olsen's views on motherhood. Self-discovery is an important aspect of Tillie Olsen's discourse on motherhood."
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"Hansel and Gretel", 2009.
A discussion of the hunger and cruel treatment of those vulnerable in the Grimm Brothers' tale "Hansel and Gretel" and the Chinese folk tale "The Gold Colt and the Fire Dragon Shirt".
893 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
The paper examines how in "Hansel and Gretel" hunger perverts the normal relationships between parents and children, husband and wife and even stranger and guest. The paper then looks at the Chinese Han folktale of "The Gold Colt and the Fire Dragon Shirt" and how the long drought perverts the relationship of landlord to tenants. The paper discusses how both stories act as a warning to people who ignore their obligations to others and illustrate how ruthlessness as well as cleverness is often required to survive during desperate, hungry times.
From the Paper
"One of the most striking things about reading the original Grimm Brothers' tale of "Hansel and Gretel" is the relentless focus on hunger of the tale, and the way that children or vulnerable people in general are treated cruelly by adults or by people in power. In the original tale, the two children are sent into the woods to starve to death, not by a cruel stepmother, but by their natural mother. Their father, a weak man, acquiesces unwillingly, but because of the terrible famine the people are enduring, he grudgingly goes along with his wife's plan."
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"The Lottery", 2009.
This paper discusses the suitability of the title of Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery".
1,092 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses whether Shirley Jackson's short story, "The Lottery", is aptly named. The paper first outlines the story and discusses how it shows the vulnerability of people and how they react when it is their life on the line instead of the life of someone else. The paper then relates that, in "The Lottery", life is a gamble, and no one knows from year to year whether he/she will be the one who is selected or whether it will be someone else. The people live with that fear, but they seem to block it out, just like people in the rest of society block out the dangers that they face. Thus, the paper concludes that, overall, "The Lottery" is an appropriate title for the story and for the rest of society, as well.
From the Paper
"When most people begin to read Shirley Jackson's The Lottery, they really do not have a clear understanding of why she chose that particular title. They associate the lottery with winning large sums of money from a scratch-off ticket or some other type of prize drawing. The lottery that Jackson describes, though, is much more important - and much more sinister - than the assumption that individuals usually have. The story seems to be upbeat and friendly all the way up to the few ending lines. The beginning of it, "the morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day; the flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green" hardly makes a person think that anything will ever go wrong in the little utopian society that Jackson seems to have created."
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"One Hundred Years of Solitude", 2009.
An examination of the lives of the Buendia generations in Gabriel Garcia Marquez's novel, "One Hundred Years of Solitude."
1,002 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Gabriel Garcia Marquez's novel, "One Hundred Years of Solitude", which chronicles the lives of six Buendia generations until technology and modernity are introduced to the town along with political and social turmoil. The paper describes the life of the family and discusses how the changes that they saw were introduced into the book.
From the Paper
"Solitude, whether individual or collective, physical or emotional, is a condemnation to self-destruction because man was not made to live alone, but to interact with others. The fact that this family was unable to forge meaningful links with the outside world made its survival impossible. The Buendia family build its existence on a sinful premise hence their destruction is imminent throughout the novel. The characters in One Hundred Years of Solitude are quite schematically constructed in the sense that the focus of the novel is not placed on a certain personal drama, but on the fate of the entire family over the course of time. From this perspective, both the men and the women belonging to the Buendia family are not thoroughly explored because Marquez's main purpose is to make a certain thematic point."
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George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion", 2009.
An analysis of George Bernard Shaw's novel "Pygmalion: A Romance in Five Acts".
1,450 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the novel "Pygmalion: A Romance in Five Acts" by George Bernard Shaw. Specifically the paper discusses why the play is about turning a flower girl into a duchess, not about turning a woman into a human being. The paper shows how Eliza Doolittle changes in this play, but the play is not about turning her into a decent caring person, because she already is that. The paper notes that the real person turned into a decent human being in the play is Professor Higgins, who changes from a straight-laced, pompous bachelor to a man capable of love, and of seeing the needs of others, rather than just his own.
From the Paper
" Now, the pocket change Higgins gave her would not even pay for a gown. Her lifestyle is changed, and it is so dramatic, how could she possibly go back to her drafty room and ragged clothing? There is no way she could do that, but there is little opportunity for her anywhere else, either. She is meant to take care of the absent-minded Higgins, and it is a task he has trained her for perfectly, although he cannot see it. Her transformation is complete when she helps Higgins transform and become the man, husband, and lover he is meant to be, and that is her purpose in this play."
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"Nickel and Dimed", 2009.
A review of the book "Nickel and Dimed" by Barbara Ehrenreich
1,541 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 0 sources, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews Barbara Ehrenreich's "Nickel and Dimed". The paper describes Ehrenreich's experiences in the book as an undercover journalist who went to three American cities and worked as an ordinary American. The paper specifically discusses the inequalities and problems that Ehrenreich exposed in the book; that the daily lives of most Americans consist of driving beat up cars, living from paycheck to paycheck, and being disrespected. The author urges that Ehrenreich's book should be used as an example, and that the wage system in America should be improved.
From the Paper
"The problem with American culture is its continued clinging to the American Dream. Although few Americans can make that Dream come true, children are taught in school that all Americans can and will succeed if they only work harder. Yet when those children graduate and try working in the real world, they soon find that their low-wage job leads nowhere. Employee benefits are nonexistent because employees are allowed to offer part-time packages to essentially full-time workers. The underlying American political philosophy fears any shift toward social services that might too closely resemble communism."
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Mind Over Matter in Poe and Hawthorne, 2009.
An in-depth analysis and comparison of the mind over matter in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter" and Edgar Allen Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher".
4,653 words (approx. 18.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 120.95
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Abstract
The paper explores the similarities between the characters Roderick Usher in Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" and Arthur Dimmesdale in Hawthorne's "Scarlet Letter." The paper analyzes how the concern of mind over matter is realized in different ways by both Poe and Hawthorne and shows how for Poe, decay incorporates the idea of madness as the inevitable condition of the human mind, while for Hawthorne, decay represents the sinfulness of the people in general. The paper illustrates how both stories follow the connections between physical and mental or spiritual decay and the way in which matter itself hints at a higher, transcendental reality.
From the Paper
"Nineteenth century American literature is pervaded by a late Romantic current promoted by a few very original writers. Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne are two of the most representative writers of the first half of the nineteenth century. The authors' names often appear together in criticism, since their works share primarily in the laden atmosphere and grotesque style of the period. Their novels and short stories are imbued with a grim mood and their heroes are tragic personages who undergo transcendental and all-together transforming experiences. While Poe is more concerned with what he calls the psyche and the intellect however, Hawthorne investigates the realms of spirituality and religious experience."
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Life and Love after Death in Poetry, 2009.
A comparison of John Donne's message of life and love after death in in his poem, "Valediction Forbidding Mourning" with that of Andrew Marvell in his poem, "To His Coy Mistress."
1,301 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 0 sources, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the nature of life and human love after death as discussed by 17th century poets, Andrew Marvell and John Donne. The paper compares the imagery and messages presented by Donne in his poem, "Valediction Forbidding Mourning" and by Marvell in his poem, "To His Coy Mistress." The paper also compares the language that the poets use in conveying their messages.
From the Paper
"Marvell's poem is addressed to a specific woman, a mistress unlike Donne's more vague, spiritual, androgynous and anonymous beloved. Marvell openly begs his coy mistress to come to bed with him--the poem begins as if he is rejecting a refusal she has just given him to do so. "Had we but world enough, and time, /This coyness, lady, were no crime." The poem then evolves in a series of hyperboles, or deliberately extreme statements, that make his appeal to his mistress humorous, rather than crassly sexual. To add to the humor of the poem, and to make the hyperbole even more delightfully absurd, Marvell uses religious references, like stating he "would Love you ten years before the Flood;" that he would wait for his beloved until "the conversion of the Jews," at the end of time, if it were not for his awareness that death awaits them both, and after death there is only a "desert" of "vast eternity.""
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