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"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock", 2009.
A review and analysis of T. S. Eliot's poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock".
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how T.s. Eliot's poem, "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock", is a tale of the unrequited love of a middle age intellectual. In particular, it looks at how J. Alfred Prufrock is an anxious intellectual who cannot involve himself with the social urban environment of cities and how the fictional character, in some ways, embodies Eliot's own insecurities about life and intellect.
From the Paper
"Eliot represents his own insecurities through the character of J. Alfred Prufrock. He is an intellectual, and does not understand the city-dwellers which surround him. Eliot's mother and five sisters sheltered him as a young boy, (Garraty, 1999). This could very well lead to problems with understanding and properly interacting with women outside the family. These problems later come up in the fictional characters of his writing. Later in his career, after writing the poem, Eliot himself suffered through a failed marriage, (Garraty, 1999). These later failures attest to a life of intellectual insecurities. Eliot was often "regarded ass too academic" and "frequently criticized," (Garraty, 1999). He is sometimes blamed for the end of the romantic and neoclassical era of popular poetry with the introduction of the modern style of poetry. The similarities of the intellectual J. Alfred Prufrock include a sense of intellectual solitude. "
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Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky, 2009.
A review of the life of Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky.
2,669 words (approx. 10.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 80.95
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Abstract
Considering all the torments that Dostoevsky lived through - torments that he then channeled in to some of his most famous fictional creations - was Dostoevsky sincere when he penned the famous quote in The Idiot: "Beauty will save the world"? Did Dostoevsky equate beauty with goodness, or was he simply using Myshkin's naivete to underline the worthlessness of purity and aesthetics in a world of sin and strife? This paper, through an examination of Dostoevsky's life and how the events of his life were filtered in to some of his most famous works, will take the position that both ideas are possible.
From the Paper
"Stories of Dostoevsky's cruel treatment at the hands of his father have reached near legendary status, thanks in no small part to Sigmund Freud's famous essay on the writer's psychological development. After returning home from work each day, Dostoevsky's father would take a nap. His children were assigned to stand guard over him while he slept, remain completely quiet, and swat flies that came anywhere near the sleeping doctor's head. While much psychoanalytic theory has been poured in to the effects of his upbringing on the writer's portrayal of father figures such as that in The Brothers Karamazov, the idea that Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov was actually based on Dr. Dostoevsky has been called in to question by Joseph Frank, the famous biographer of Dostoevsky. Frank claims that letters and personal accounts attest that the father and son actually had a close, loving relationship."
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The Industrial Revolution, 2009.
A discussion and comparison of "Hard Times" by Charles Dickens and "Life in the Iron Mills" by Rebecca Harding Davis.
1,539 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
The paper first examines Charles Dickens' novel "Hard Times", which shows how the Industrial Revolution left in its wake a changed system that benefited a few and enslaved many. The paper then shows the similarities between this novel and Rebecca Harding Davis' "Life in the Iron Mills", which depicts how the Industrial Revolution caused many of the same problems in America.
From the Paper
"The Industrial Revolution was a major shift in economic terms during the nineteenth century in Britain and the United States, and it was a shift not without damage to many people. British social commentary infused the writings of many British novelists of the time, and American writers also responded to the growing perception that the economic changes taking place benefited some and harmed others, at least in the short term. The working class moved from rural to urban regions in search of work in the new factories, but the conditions in those factories was harsh, the work deadening, and the pay not enough to move enough people out of poverty."
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The Death of the Rural South, 2009.
This paper looks at the death of the rural South through the eyes of the Bundren family in William Faulkner's book 'As I Lay Dying'.
2,274 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the Bundren family in William Faulkner's 'As I Lay Dying', all have their different reactions and coping mechanisms after the death of Addie Bundren, the mother of the family. The writer points out that each of these coping mechanisms represents different levels of success, as well as different levels of symbolic ties to dealing with the slow death of the rural South. The writer maintains that through Faulkner's portrayal of what methods are successful and which are not, the author of the book makes a statement on how Southerners should enter into the new modern world, while leaving their older traditions behind. The writer maintains that the characters of the novel and their methods of dealing with their mother's death prove to have different levels of success and failure. The writer concludes that this story also serves as an allegory for how the rural South can survive outside of it's past.
From the Paper
"Cash did love his mother very much, but as his lack of intense inner monologue in the book shows that he was a man of very little words. Cash's method of coping with death also proves to be successful, in the idea that he cares but still can manage to partake in necessary tasks. Many would not be able to make a coffin for their own mother, but Cash knows what needs to be done, and does it. His simple nature both in his character and in how he copes with death shows that he will live beyond the end of this book. This is also a successful method Faulkner proposes Southerners to live beyond the death of the old South. By internalize the grief of its death, Southerners would prove to be very successful in a modern world. This would allow them to still feel the pain of their past, but also to focus on the necessities of their future. Action and necessity prove to be one of the most successful methods for entering into a new modern South."
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John Donne, 2009.
An overview of the poetry and philosophy of English poet, John Donne.
1,483 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that the novelty of John Donne's poetry is that he does not merely talk of love as a personal experience, but undertakes a universal doctrine of love. The paper refers to Donne's poems "Good Morrow," "The Sun Rising," "A Canonization" and "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning" in order to show how Donne speaks of love in alchemical terms, emphasizing the magical and unusual force which is obtained with the union of the two lovers.
From the Paper
"The seventeenth century English author John Donne is probably the most prominent among the poets which were identified with the metaphysical strain. His work consists of poems, essays and sermons which emphasize the flight from medievalism and the dawn of modernism. One of the most representative poets of his century, Donne, wrote extensively on love in new and original ways. The novelty of Donne's poetry is that he does not merely talk of love as a personal experience, but undertakes a universal doctrine of love. His philosophy molds love as an erotic and spiritual ideal at the same time, the symbol of a passion that takes scope of the whole universe and not only of the two lovers."
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Jack Kerouac's "On the Road", 2009.
Reviews Jack Kerouac's "On the Road", which is considered the bible of the beat generation.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper describe the beat generation, a close group of American writers of the 1950s of whom Jack Kerouac is associated. This group rejected materialism and consumer society and put forth a new set of values. The paper relates that Jack Kerouac in his 1957 novel "On the Road" speaks about this dissatisfaction with contemporary society by presenting a moral and psychological portrait . The paper also points out that Kerouac uses the stream of consciousness technique to recreate his and his friends' deeply philosophical and spiritual cross-country road trips across America. The paper highlights the two main characters of the novel, Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty, who in reality are Jack Kerouac and his closest friend Neal Cassady.
From the Paper
"The Beats were intellectuals, writers who experimented with Zen Buddhism and drugs; the spiritually enlightening experiences that came as a result of the experimentation are described in the novel by characters such as Carlo Marx - real life Beat icon, Allen Ginsberg - and Dean Moriarty. What is interesting to mention here is that Sal Paradise, the main character and narrator of the novel, does not participate in his friends' experiments with Benzedrine. Moreover, he expresses his reluctance as to the possibility of finding one's soul i.e. what the other members of his entourage were looking for."
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The Epic of Gilgamesh, 2009.
A review of the epic poem "The Epic of Gilgamesh".
1,273 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the epic poem "The Epic of Gilgamesh" from the ancient Mesopotamia. The author concedes that although there probably have been different versions and translations of this epic poem, the intended audience for this epic was probably the Sumerians. The paper suggests that whoever wrote the story down knew that history was being made and wanted to preserve it for centuries to come. The paper summarizes the poem and discusses how its historical context allows the reader to understand Gilgamesh and those who lived in his time. The author also calls the poem a historical document as it is the oldest surviving text of which the world is aware.
From the Paper
"Gilgamesh is a character that allows us to see into the life of a king. It is no doubt that he and those he lead had a great respect for knowledge. After all, Gilgamesh was searching for the secret to immortality and he was revered for this feat. While he might not have been admired as a king, he was looked upon as sort of a hero for undertaking this journey. The journey that Gilgamesh embarks upon illustrates what man will do to learn the secret of an eternal life. However, in his godly pursuits, Gilgamesh was not above human experiences and emotions because he could not deny who he was."
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"Slaughterhouse Five", 2008.
An analysis of the main characters in Kurt Vonnegut's text "Slaughterhouse Five".
943 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the work "Slaughterhouse Five" and analyzes the following characters: the nameless narrator of the story, Billy Pilgrim, and Eliot Rosewater. The paper shows how they are all important characters because they each manage to convey a different and more complete view of reality and of the universe.
From the Paper
"Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five is a postmodernist text which focuses on war and on mankind's potential for cruelty. The narrative leaps from historical accounts of the bombing at Dresden, for example, to science fiction reports of Billy Pilgrim's time traveling and of his adventures on Tralfamadore.
"The nameless narrator of the story is one of the main characters in the book. Despite his playful and, at times, absurd manner of storytelling, I think that he should be given an award for his humanism. His voice is very particular and wise, despite the easy, matter-of-fact tone he takes up. His account of the events is filled with his anti-war sentiment and with the feeling that one cannot actually talk coherently about war and death."
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"Pride and Prejudice", 2008.
This paper analyzes Jane Austen's writing style in her novel, "Pride and Prejudice".
1,337 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the novel "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. Specifically, it discusses the novel's definitive, unique style that was ahead of its time. The paper contends that the novel could be considered the precursor to the modern romance novel. Yet, it has endured through time, remaining popular while thousands of other similar novels have withered away with time. The paper discusses the novel's witty characters, memorable messages, new ideas, and tone that set it apart from other novels of the time.
From the Paper
"Many readers may simply believe "Pride and Prejudice" is a light comic romance with the required happy ending these books contain. One critic notes, "The ebullience and confident assurance of its comedy, combined with its fairy-tale gratifications, has made 'Pride and Prejudice' the best known, and possibly the best liked, of all Jane Austen's novels" (Armstrong vii). However, a closer read of the novel indicates this is more than just a lighthearted romance novel. Even the title itself indicates that some serious social concerns will be addressed in the novel, namely, the "pride and prejudice" of the English social classes and how they conduct themselves will become a strong theme in this novel."
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"The Solitary Reaper" by William Wordsworth, 2008.
A review of William Wordsworth's poem, "The Solitary Reaper".
1,045 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the literary style of "The Solitary Reaper", a poem on humanity, nature and beauty by William Wordsworth . The author describes the setting of the poem and discusses how Wordsworth creates the image of a solitary reaper for the reader. The paper also examines the symbols in the poem that represent the themes of the poem. In addition, the paper analyzes the allegory in the poem - that the reader ought to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life.
From the Paper
"Wordsworth also utilizes several literary devices in the poem. For example, Wordsworth sets the mood and tone of the poem by describing a girl is in a field singing alone. Connotation includes what the lady might be singing about or what caused her to sing in the first place. Another example of connotation occurs with the reaper, the song, and the field. These things are very real and they are significant to the meaning of the poem."
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Cultural Systems and Social Status, 2008.
An analysis of Clifford Geertz's essay "Notes on the Balinese Cockfighting" and F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby".
1,389 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
The paper explains anthropologist Clifford Geertz's belief in "Notes on the Balinese Cockfighting" that all societies contain cultural systems that contain heavily symbolic elements. The paper discusses Geertz's example of Balinese cockfighting where the social order is reflected in the wagering and the spatial organization of the game. The paper compares this to F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" and goes on to show how money, social invitations and material goods all signify deeper meanings than are apparent on their surface.
From the Paper
"According to the anthropologist Clifford Geertz, all societies contain cultural systems that can be read as texts. For example, the rituals surrounding cockfighting in Balinese culture, Geertz argues can be interpreted and re-interpreted much like we interpret "Macbeth" in an English class. Cultural systems contain heavily symbolic elements that can reveal aspects of the culture. Such systems are dynamic and work to affect and change the culture. In Balinese cockfighting, the social order is both reflected in the wagering and the spatial organization of the game in a way that is symbolic, and transcends the ability to make money from betting. The process of playing the game affects the culture and expresses the culture."
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"Snow Country" and "The Stranger", 2008.
A comparison of Yasunari Kawabata's "Snow Country" and Albert Camus' "The Stranger".
1,331 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts Yasunari Kawabata's "Snow Country" with Albert Camus' "The Stranger". The paper points out that, while the styles of the two novels are different, the core of both Yasunari Kawabata's "Snow Country" and Albert Camus' "The Stranger" is based on the theme of estrangement or alienation. The paper then highlights that, even though the thematic similarity could form the basis for a comparison of the works, there are other, more specific resemblances that should be analyzed. Thus, the paper examines how both authors use the settings of their novels as meaningful contexts, which emphasize the two strangers' absolute loneliness.
From the Paper
"The Stranger and Snow Country are the products of two opposed civilizations, the West and the East. As such, the two works have sprung from an entirely different background, but, nevertheless, they are also very similar. Through their thematic, the two novels are very similar, yet their style differs very much. Thus, the core of both works is formed by the theme of estrangement or alienation: both Shimamura and Mersault are equally incapable of love and passion or of any other bond with the people surrounding them. Moreover, the two seem entirely disconnected from their immediate reality. In terms of character and how they actually view the world, the two heroes are quite different. While the thematic similarity could form the basis for a comparison, there are other, more specific resemblances that should be analyzed. The most significant one thus is the fact that both authors use the settings of their novels as meaningful contexts, which emphasize the two strangers' absolute loneliness."
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"Billy Budd", 2008.
An analysis of Billy Budd's death in Herman Melville's story "Billy Budd".
1,222 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
The paper attempts to determine who was responsible for Billy Budd's death in Melville's short story of the same name. The paper shows how the characters of Captain Vere and Claggart, the rigidity of the naval system of justice, and Billy himself, all contributed to Billy's downfall.
From the Paper
"Herman Melville's 1891 seafaring novella Billy Budd is a Christian allegory, transposed into the relatively contemporary setting of a British naval vessel. The Christian Bible details the death of Christ as a series of betrayals and injustices. The popular leader and teacher Christ is betrayed by one of his own followers, Judas, and is handed over by the leadership of his own nation to the Roman judge Pontius Pilate. Pilate washes his hands of his responsibility for a man whom he believes is innocent, because Christ will not verbally defend himself, and because the Roman authorities have charged him with preserving order amongst the populace. Pilate acquiesces, going against his better moral instincts."
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"The Seminoles of Florida" by James W. Covington, 2008.
A review of the book "The Seminoles of Florida " by James W. Covington.
1,115 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper summarizes James W. Covington's "The Seminoles of Florida", a book providing insights to the Seminoles, or the Native American people who are indigenous to Florida. The author provides a short history of the Seminoles and recounts the culture and way of life of the Seminoles in the late 18th century to early 19th century. The paper also discusses how the Seminoles have tried to retain their Native American ways. The author praises Covington for his description of how the Florida Seminoles have developed a workable economy and maintained their identities and recommends this book for anyone who would like a well-rounded background on this Native American tribal unit.
From the Paper
"Many historians believe that the Seminoles are unique, because they protected numerous runaway slaves. This integration of the African-Americans slaves into the Native-American culture is of considerable interest. Whereas, these slaves were literally considered non-humans to many Americans, they were accepted by these Native Americans, which had a very different culture. As Covington noted, the Seminoles' idea of slavery was very different than that of the whites. Although it was accurate that the Seminoles had their own slaves before blacks arrived in Florida in large numbers, these were most often war captives who usually fulfilled the labor demands of those warriors who had died in battles."
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"Transformation of Virginia", 2008.
A review of the book "Transformation of Virginia" by the Australian author Rhys Isaac.
1,074 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the historical and informative book, "The Transformation of Virginia" by Rhys Isaac. The paper notes that the author goes much deeper into the cultures and community life of Virginia than other books of American history. The paper comments that Isaac delves into the everyday events and duties of ordinary people, including slaves, that brings the history of this period in the building of America to life in a very educational and entertaining way. The paper concludes that the book, rich with illustrations and references, takes a closer look at some of the issues and pastimes, by slaves and white citizens, that make colonial history far more interesting than most other books.
From the Paper
"As an example of how effectively he uses his sources, and where he gets them, on page 32 the author is pointing out that slaves didn't work in the fields and labor at other tasks seven days a week. They had Sunday off, as a rule, and they made the most of it. Whereas many history books make it seem like slaves were out there under the whip almost ever day of their lives, working fingers to the bone and being beaten if they refused any order. Sundays they commonly spend in fishing making Potatoes [digging up their small lots of ground allow'd by their Master], building and patching their Quarters or rather cabins" (taken from A Plantation tutor of the Old Dominion, Williamsburg VA, 1957). And also on page 32, the author takes a passage from a book that was published in 1784 by Englishman J.F.D. Smyth, A Tour in the United States of America."
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