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Junot Diaz's "Aguantado", 2007.
An analysis of the theme of abscence in the novel "Aguantado" by Junot Diaz.
981 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how the family in the story "Aguantado" by Junot Diaz is poor and living on the outskirts of a city and how the main issue for the family is the absence of the father. It examines how the idea of absence is increased by the way the story is told, with the narrator observing the comings and goings of others and always being outside of decision-making, in effect paralleling the role of his country, Santo Domingo, in its relationship with the US.
From the Paper
"The story takes place with minimal description and little clear shaping of the narrative. It unfolds in a series of incidents that come to be related around the central issue of the missing father. The narrator notes at the beginning that he has not had a father for many years, yet the idea of the father clearly affects him greatly. He mentions his father often and relates the fortunes of the family to the missing father, also suggesting that the fortunes would improve if the father returned. When he wants so badly to know what letter was delivered and what was in the letter, he seems to suspect even before he is told that the letter comes from his father. The family seems to be suspended in time to a degree, waiting for the father to return, and unable to move forward very much until he does."
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Marcus Tullius Cicero, 2007.
An analysis of the self-serving nature of Marcus Tullius Cicero, as depicted in "Cicero: The Life and Times of Rome's Greatest Politician" by Anthony Everitt.
1,144 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
The aim of this paper is to evaluate the differing behaviors of Cicero within "Cicero: The Life and Times of Rome's Greatest Politician" by Anthony Everitt. Although Cicero is often historically described as a moral and unbiased figure within Roman politics, his self-serving and ambitious nature is often overlooked. The paper discusses how Everitt makes a clear case for this within his book, which reveals the error of Cicero's motivations for the Roman government.The paper also analyzes how Cicero's lack of forgiveness and spite ended his attempts to restore justice and virtue to Rome. In essence, the paper evaluates the self-serving and ruthless behaviors of Cicero within Everitt's historical analysis.
From the Paper
"The first part of Everitt's historical analysis instills the early ambitions of Cicero's father to instill in his son a good education, which would prepare him for a life in government. Everitt makes this clear when he states: "Cicero's father had high ambitions for his two sons and made sure they were given a good schooling" (Everitt 27). This course of thought is continually discussed within the book, especially when it becomes clear that Cicero actually follows his father's wishes to find fame through his education in the Roman government. Of course, Cicero came from an upper class family and connections with the very heart of the Roman Empire, the City of Rome. "
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"The Death of Ivan Ilych", 2007.
This paper focuses on the elements of shame and forgiveness in "The Death of Ivan Ilych" by Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy.
863 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the way that Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy addresses shame and forgiveness within the novel "The Death of Ivan Ilych." The paper discusses how Ivan's illness highlights the issue of shame on himself and his family. The paper shows how Ivan is able to come to terms with this reality and forgive his family and friends.
From the Paper
"The novel The Death of Ivan Ilych by Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy reflects the way and manner in which shame overtakes the life's work of Ivan Ilych. The first chapter begins at the funeral of Ilych, marking the crudities and shallow attitudes that Ivan's wife and friends impart on his memory. The casual and arrogant stoicism that Peter Ivanovich and Ivan's sister reflect in their behaviors, signifies that they only seek security and status in complete disregard for the work that Ivan had accomplished in his life. Tolstoy infuses the shame of the Ilych family by portraying the end of the story, and the callous and inhumane nature of the characters he creates within the text."
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Amiri Baraka's "An Agony. As Now", 2007.
An analysis of Amiri Baraka's poem "An Agony. As Now".
1,131 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that Amiri Baraka's poem "An Agony. As Now" presents the poet observing himself from some distance and taking stock of what he sees. The paper describes how the poet expresses the nature of the black man in American society; he has been made to hate himself by the majority white society that prevents him from feeling complete. The paper shows how he is at war with himself, between the self he was made to be by circumstances and the self he wants to be and is trying to become.
From the Paper
"The work expresses the divided and in some ways unfinished nature of the black man in American society, in keeping with the use of only the left parenthesis because the black man may have started becoming but has been thwarted and prevented from achieving completion. In addition, the poet is expressing the view that his reality and his sense of self depends on his hatred of others. He says he hates himself, because he has been made to hate himself by the majority white society that prevents him from feeling complete. When he looks out at himself and hates himself, it is because of his inability to overcome the limitations placed on him. In the world in which he lives, "innocence is a weapon" (13)."
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Sylvia Plath's "Lady Lazarus", 2007.
An analysis of the autobiographical nature of Sylvia Plath's poem "Lady Lazarus."
1,102 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the autobiographical nature of Sylvia Plath's poem "Lady Lazarus." The paper describes the poet's use of the facts of her own inner life to make a universal statement about the human condition. It also discusses the symbolism of her references to the Holocaust within her poem. The paper concludes that Plath's poem is more than a simple autobiographical work.
From the Paper
"In effect, her poem describes life itself as an ongoing act of dying. At the same time, it is seen as something of a miracle whenever someone reappears each day, essentially emerging from death and marveling at the reactions of others. Plath writes about her own life, but she does so in a way that is revealing to others. Other women may feel as trapped as she does and may empathize with her plight. Men as well can see into the working of her mind and discover something about themselves and the way they may also have similar feelings and reactions to life."
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The Character of Daisy Miller, 2007.
An analysis of the expectations of women, as seen in Henry James' "Daisy Miller".
2,149 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the character of Daisy Miller as found in "Daisy Miller", written by Henry James. The paper describes the times in which the book was set and the expectations of women in those times. The paper then discusses how Daisy Miller does not conform to the typical role of women of that era. It also shows how some of the other characters react to her.
From the Paper
"It is evident that the character of Daisy was constantly misunderstood by the society of Europe in the late 1800s. The character was considered a disgrace to her gender and socially inferior because of elements in her character that could not be tolerated by the social elite. While it could be contended that Daisy Miller was attempting to rebel against the European upper class, or that she was irresponsible to her social position, Daisy Miller was simply being true to her American beliefs about gender. Women's Suffrage and the progress of women outside of the home framed Daisy's viewpoints on her existence. Once in Europe these notions began to shape her relationship with others, both of European and American backgrounds. As the Europeans were insisting that Daisy understand the European customs in relation to propriety, the same people were negligent in comprehending Daisy's American heritage. However, the misconceptions that occurred throughout the story demonstrated how assumptions only serve to create a wider gap of communication between all people. James shows his readers that the practice of guilt by means of assumption occurs in reality, as well as in fiction."
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"Goose's Story", 2007.
An analysis of the complementary nature of the illustrations and the written word in "Goose's Story" by Cari Best and Holly Meade.
965 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper critically evaluates the content and illustrations of "Goose's Story" by Cari Best and Holly Meade. It discusses the content of the story written by Best and how it successfully teaches children how to care for wild animals. The paper also analyzes the impact that the illustrations by Meade have on the child readers. It specifically shows how the illustrations infuse many different artistic mediums that build on Best's written word.
From the Paper
"In conclusion, a critical analysis of Goose's Story by Cari Best and Holly Meade provides a literary insight into how children should learn about injured wildlife. In many cases, the story provides detailed dialogues that can help both parents and their children understand the proper way to treat animals that are injured in the wild. However, the book clearly reads more like an instruction or teaching manual that the publishers wanted to see in too narrow a market specific category, making the characters typical and one-dimensional. In this manner, the book provides valid content, but does not rise to the artistic standards that art and literature should provide for children on a more profound level."
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"The White Heron", 2007.
This paper focuses on the moral philosophy of the character of Sylvia in Sarah Jewett's "The White Heron".
2,527 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Sarah Jewett's short story "The White Heron", where the main character consistently demonstrates that she has the inner strength that allows her independence from the world. The paper focuses on Sylvia's strength of character and powerful convictions. The paper discusses Plato's beliefs of morality and how Sylvia is the epitome of the virtuous human being that Plato found difficult to imagine.
From the Paper
"In Sarah Jewett's short story The White Heron, the main character consistently demonstrates that she has the inner strength that allows her independence from the world. Although she has been controlled by her parents and her grandmother, their power over her exists only on the surface of her existence because the character is guided by a conscience that is more powerful than the will of others. This conscience allows the character to see the world in a different manner than those around her, as she places a higher value on life than on monetary gain. Therefore, while others strive to take any opportunity to find relief from poverty, the character has the strength to embrace it rather than toss aside what she values most."
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"Huckleberry Finn", 2007.
Examines the debate over whether Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is a racist text.
1,381 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that, while Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" raises a number of racial issues, it is not a racist text. In particular, the paper notes the commonality of racial epithets during Twain's day and suggests that this explains the "excessive" use of derogatory terms towards African-Americans. It then briefly outlines the position of those who consider the text to be a racist one, offers the counter-argument of those opposed to such a characterization and then concludes by outlining why this writer supports the widespread distribution of Twain's master work.
From the Paper
"Briefly stated, this writer cleaves to the view that Huckleberry Finn is not a racist text. It is not racist because it is meant to be a sharp denunciation of the slave-holding society which dehumanized African-Americans and it is also a text which shocks people into considering how racism works so insidiously to graft itself onto the fabric of a culture that even ugly racial epithets become distressingly common. Ultimately, this writer agrees with Leider and Wilson that American students - at a suitable age - need to be shocked into seeing the ugly side of American history before revisionists "white-wash" it and marginalize the role of slavery in the development of the nation. In the end, even if Twain was subconsciously racist himself, the grotesque nature of many of the whites in the book clearly reveals that his sympathies lie with destroying any fatuous belief that the "Old South" was chivalrous and somehow humane."
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Societal Pressures and "The House of Mirth", 2007.
An analysis of the societal pressure on women in Edith Wharton's novel, "The House of Mirth".
1,238 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the societal pressures that are presented and discussed in Edith Wharton's novel, "The House of Mirth". It explains the role of the main character, Lily Bart and how she had the responsibility of learning to function as a member of her class. It also points out that Edith Wharton was able to turn away from the strictures of her youth as she grew older but the character of Lily Bart could not. The paper compares Lily's choices to the choices of the modern woman.
Table of Contents:
Social Pressures
Pressure to Marry
Modern Women's Choices
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Lily Bart was a product of her times. She was raised in a family with good social connections, but with little money. When left on her own, Lily had no way to support herself. She became not only a product of her times, but also a victim of them, as she tried to find her way to getting a husband. Her failure to do so, as well as her death, were both the result of her primary failure in making the correct decisions. Neither of these failures were truly her fault; society had not taught her how to weigh the options that were open to her to make the correct decisions."
"Today, Lily Bart would have more options open to her. She would have access to social services programs. She would also have the ability to work and to think for herself. Living when she did, however, it was almost inevitable that Lily Bart would die as she did: alone, poor, and with hope being only an elusive dream."
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Friday Night Lights, 2007.
This paper analyzes the book 'Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream' by H.G. Bissinger.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
The writer of this article discusses that in the book 'Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream', H.G. Bissinger writes about the central role of high school football in the community life of Odessa, Texas. The writer notes that the author is attracted to the story when he learns that as many as 20,000 people attend the football games on Friday night, eager to root for a team called the Permian Panthers. The writer discusses that football holds a more important place in the lives of the people of this area than would be true for people elsewhere. The writer points out that the author analyzes not just the games and the crowds but the demographics and economics of the region, suggesting a link between the poor economic life of the region and the focus on a winning football team for community spirit and a relatively inexpensive and reliable source of entertainment.
From the Paper
"The elevation of athletes to a favored position in schools is nothing new and is common in high school and college alike, though Odessa may have exceeded the norm in this regard. The community's dedication to football has much less to do with the athletes themselves than with the need on the part of the rest of the community to have something that raises them above the unsettled nature of the region in which they live. Bissinger notes from the first how the area suffers from economic problems and intermittent violence. Life is described as hard in Odessa, and people find that football can be an escape. The way the people of Odessa respond to football is not unlike what is seen in other communities, Midland included, but as a rule, a community reacts to the local football team to the degree that members of the community are associated with the school because they have children in the school or because they themselves are alumni of the school. In Odessa, on the other hand, the high school football team appeals to people with no direct association with the school at all. The high school has been made the central feature of the community, at least during football season."
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"Young Goodman Brown", 2007.
This paper highlights the fears and paranoia of Goodman Brown in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown".
893 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
The paper demonstrates how Goodman Brown, the main character of Nathaniel Hawthorne's story, experiences a lifetime of paranoia and misery, leading him to a gloomy death. The paper portrays how his fears are displayed both overtly and through symbols in the story.
Outline:
Faith and Faith
Faith's Ribbons
The "Stranger"
Paranoia
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Brown's fears and paranoia can be seen through several symbols that persist throughout the story. These things can be seen through his wife, Faith; through Faith's ribbons; and through the image of his uncle. The effects that are created by the interaction of these things cause Young Goodman Brown to live his life in doubt of what he sees with his very eyes, leading him to his misery at his death."
"The most overt symbol of this story comes in the person of Brown's wife, Faith. Her name represents the central device that moves the plot: the characters' faith in God. Without Faith, Brown's life loses purpose. He is only newly married, but, in fact, he already intends to "cling to her skirts and follow her to Heaven" (Hawthorne, 1892, p. xx). Before leaving, Brown sees that Faith appears troubled at his departure; however, he decides to keep his appointed meeting, anyway."
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"The Storm", 2007.
A review of sexuality and moral identity in 19th century Victorian England, as seen in Kate Chopin's "The Storm".
737 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This study examines the setting of sexuality and feminist identity of Victorian England in "The Storm" by Kate Chopin. The paper defines the plot of the book and shows how Chopin's main character of the story, Calixta, confronts the morality of feminist sexual liberation. The paper concludes that the setting of Kate Chopin's story, "The Storm", reflects many points of interest in defining the sexuality and moral identity of Victorian England in the 19th century.
From the Paper
"In conclusion, the setting of Kate Chopin's story "The Storm" reflects many points of interest in defining the sexuality and moral identity of Victorian England in the 19th century. In this manner, the plot, character structure, and symbolism define a setting that was harsh and unyielding toward women. Calixta's refusal to abide by these norms offers a 'storm' of deviant structure that seeks to give a deeper understanding of feminist identity in a time of tyrannical patriarchal beliefs."
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Asian-American Literature, 2007.
This paper compares Theresa Cha's "Dictee" with Maxine Hong Kingston's "The Woman Warrior".
1,286 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that despite differences in national origin and individual detail, both Theresa Cha's "Dictee" and Maxine Hong Kingston's "The Woman Warrior" illustrate similar experiences common to Asian-Americans. The paper describes how both authors depict similar experiences of Asian-Americans as they adapt to their minority status in the United States. The paper shows how both authors portray the hardships of Asian-born Americans and their children as they grapple with what it means to be American.
From the Paper
"Both The Woman Warrior and Dictee show the authors' attempts at relating search for identity and heritage with connecting to the past. This is clear from beginning to end in The Woman Warrior. The novel begins with the young main character remembering the story of her unknown aunt who committed suicide in China. Searching for connection between herself and her long-dead aunt, the young girl says, "Unless I see her life branching into mine, she give me no ancestral help" (Kingston 8). This reaching out occurs because the young narrator is trying to find out how her family, including her parents, became who they were. To do this, she must look into where they come from and how things were for them in China."
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"Tropic of Orange", 2007.
This paper examines Karen Tei Yamashita's views of multiculturalism in "Tropic of Orange".
1,062 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Yamashita's "Tropic of Orange" that deals with the cultural and economic issues intimately associated with globalization. The paper focuses on a single passage from the book and explains Yamashita's view that cultural diversity has been reduced in the West to the experiences that can be easily packaged and sold via the existing channels of global capitalism. The paper highlights the idea that multiculturalism has become a commercial venture.
From the Paper
"In Tropic of Orange, Karen Tei Yamashita utilizes the (non)tropes of magical realism to deliver a very specific vision of America's future. As many critics have noted, Yamashita's Tropic of Orange deals with the cultural and economic issues intimately associated with globalization and the uneven development of different parts of the world, with a strong division drawn between nations in the North and those in the South (Wallace 145; Gier and Tejeda). Yamashita's examination of place and border is set against the backdrop of modern Los Angeles, arguably one of the most commercially cosmopolitan cities in the world. It is, we quickly learn, both a part of the United States but simultaneously an entity distinct from that national body."
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