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"Nun's Priest's Tale", 2008.
This paper uses medieval dream analysis to unravel multiple themes in Geoffrey Chaucer's "Nun's Priest's Tale".
2,158 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 16 sources, APA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that dreams and their medieval interpretation are central to the structure of the "Nun's Priest's Tale". The paper looks at the style and illustrates how this story is clearly a sophisticated treatment of the beast fable. The paper shows how, although Chaucer refuses simple interpretation, the tale is a powerful meditation on human fallibility.
Outline:
Introduction
Style and Characterization
Role of Poem in Chaucer's Narrative
Analyzing Medieval Dreams
Exploring the Beast Fable
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The Nun's Priest's Tale is a 625 line segment of the Canterbury Tales, which is preceded directly by the monk's long and depressing narrative on the lives of fallen men and women. After the Knight interrupts this gloomy account, the Host turns and asks the Nun's Priest to "Telle us swich thyng as may oure hertes glade" (2811) and enliven the mood. In asking a clergyman to recount a secular tale of merriment, particularly after his holy brethren the monk had just offered a long and moralizing account of fame and hubris, the Host is making a sidelong jab at the sanctity of men of the cloth."
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Who is the Captive in 'Captivity'?, 2008.
This paper discusses who is the captive in Sherman Alexie's world, focusing on his work "Captivity'.
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer examines "Captivity," a stream-of-consciousness piece by Sherman Alexie. The writer points out that this work explores Alexie's reaction as a Native-American who grew up on a reservation, amid squalor, alcoholism, poverty, and hopelessness, to one of the classic narratives of a brave white woman enduring the grim experience of being held captive by Native-Americans. The writer discusses that Sherman Alexie, in touch with his tribal past and all of the imagery that it entails, also steps out to do his own dancing, the prolific author of novels, stories, poetry and pieces such as "Captivity," as well as the director of the movie versions of his books.
From the Paper
"In "Captivity," Mary Rowlandson is a recurring image: the white, especially the white girl, alone on the reservation. One version of Mary Rowlandson is the daughter of a white reservation worker. Stepping into her first classroom filled with young tribal members, she carries with her a "memory" distilled from the captivity her namesake endured three centuries earlier, at a time when the Wampanoags might well have thought that they had a chance to clear their traditional lands of the grasping colonists. Terrified, the modern Mary Rowlandson flees the school, envisioning each boy as her would-be captor."
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Kiran Desai's "The Inheritance of Loss", 2008.
This paper analyzes Kiran Desai's "The Inheritance of Loss" and concludes that persistent humiliation defines the lives of the book's main characters.
2,585 words (approx. 10.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 78.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the central themes of Kiran Desai's novel "The Inheritance of Loss" include globalization, unbridled capitalism and economic disparity. The author points that Desai's exploration of these themes is unyielding, and her conclusions are dispiriting as she uncovers the gruesome truths about the lives of the people that the comfortable classes learn to ignore. The paper underscores that Desai's novel grapples with the issue of racial self-hatred and relates that story of the judge in the book is studded with humiliations, but the crux of the matter is his reaction to the daily degradations. The paper concludes that this novel, with its unyielding gaze on the intricacies of the relationships between occupier and occupied, educated and illiterate, westerner and colonized, and rich and poor, is a damning indictment of a system that has relentlessly crushed a large portion of the world's population.
From the Paper
"While the judge's response to the humiliations and degradations that are the natural offspring of colonialism is one of racial self-hatred, his granddaughter's tutors, Lola and Noni, are the very embodiment of the laughable attempt to appropriate a foreign culture. The two tutors are far less menacing than the judge, and they contribute to the book's subtle humor. Desai introduces these two characters by making note of their cottage's name--Mon Ami. The very "French-ness" of that ludicrous name is surprising, and one is left to wonder what inspired the two aspiring socialites to use such a name for a cottage in the Himalayas."
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Violence in "The Song of Roland", 2008.
An analysis of the theme of violence in "The Song of Roland" and a contrast with how violence is portrayed in the "Iliad" by Homer.
2,359 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses "The Song of Roland" and discusses how the violence expressed in this work is striking in terms of what it says about the religious sensibilities of the age. It also looks at what the song says about the social obligations of the warrior class alive during the eighth and ninth centuries in what is today France. The paper then contrasts this with the way in which violence is treated in Greek mythology, most notably in the "Iliad" by Homer.
From the Paper
"At other points in classical Greek literature, it becomes abundantly clear that, while the ancient Greeks were certainly congenial to gaining possessions and tribute by violence, they were not consumed with the same lust for honor and for good reputation in battle that drove the Frankish nights of many centuries later. For instance, when the time comes to fight the Trojans, Odysseus feigns madness in an effort to get out of battle; this ruse ultimately fails when Palamedes finds him out and it is hardly unexpected when the former engineers the latter's eventual demise. As an addendum, Odysseus' shameful actions are brought to the attention of the attending audience in a later sequence found in the Metamorphoses when Ajax and he are competing for the weapons of the deceased Achilles; in a moment of withering disdain, Ajax asks why the always-scheming Odysseus should be rewarded when he had to be dragged into the battle in the first place (Parada & Forlag, para.9)."
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"Across the River and into the Trees", 2008.
An analysis of Ernest Hemingway's novel "Across the River and into the Trees".
2,579 words (approx. 10.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at Ernest Hemingway's "Across the River and into the Trees" and conveys how the text does an admirable job of capturing the weariness, the cynicism, the lingering shadows and the potentiality of Italy in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War. The paper looks at this book relative to Hemingway's other books as well as its relationship to the work of other writers from the period.
From the Paper
"To begin with, Across the River and into the Trees was released in 1950. At that time, Italy was less than a decade removed from the Second World War and from the disastrous reign of Benito Mussolini. As a result of this, many of the old wounds - wounds caused by the association with Hitler, the disastrous reign of Il Duce, the country's heavy losses in history's most costly war- were still fresh, still sore. Beyond that, the country was going through a period of relative upheaval, with the dramatic ascendancy of the "New Left" and with the deliberate purging of anyone involved with Mussolini's fascist party. Finally, the country wracked with concern (or at least its allies were wracked with concern) over the ability of democracy to flourish in a land that had no real tradition (at least in recent decades) of democratic governance (Salvati, 556-559)."
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"Learning to Read and Write", 2008.
A review of Frederick Douglass' book, "Learning to Read and Write" and the reasons why knowledge among slaves was feared by slave-owners.
1,020 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews Frederick Douglass' book, "Learning to Read and Write." It specifically discusses his contention that education and slavery were incompatible with one another and argues that knowledge among slaves was feared by slave-owners. In particular, the paper argues that Douglass' contention was correct and that knowledge among slaves was feared by slave-owners almost as much as if a number of loaded weapons had found their way into the possession of slaves.
From the Paper
"Additionally, a historian of the period might immediately apprehend that one of the common arguments raised against educating African-Americans to read and white was that they were "brutes" who lacked the mental capacity to perform anything other than the most menial tasks. With the proliferation of literate African-Americans, however, this argument would become obsolete - if not outright fatuous - and call into question the rigid social and economic structure that bound African Americans to tedious back-breaking labor while someone else sat at a desk in a comfortable professional office and collected a handsome wage."
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"Lord of the Flies" and "1984", 2008.
A discussion of two books dealing with the bleakness of human nature -"Lord of the Flies" by William Golding and "1984" by George Orwell.
794 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how both William Golding in "Lord of the Flies" and George Orwell in "1984" present a grim view of human nature, a view that indicates that humanity has an irresistible tendency to fall into an abyss of depravity and oppression. The paper explains that at first, Golding seems to offer a less pessimistic view of human nature than Orwell does but in the end their views are nearly identical. The paper looks at how Golding's boys begin free from the oppressions of society, but fall into savagery and how Orwell's society has already fallen before the novel opens, and escape is out of the question. The writer concludes that, in the end, it is harder to say whose vision is more negative, and a reader can do little more than hope that neither author is correct in his bleak vision.
From the Paper
"Orwell presents a society already fallen. The Party controls every aspect of life, especially through the control of the constant propaganda that is bombarded on the inhabitants of Oceana, in which London is located. With the telescreens that watch every person (Orwell 2, 5-6, 9, 11, 27, 97, 148), the "two-minutes hate" each day, to the monthly public hangings (Orwell 23-4, 49-50, 57), the constant fear of the thought police (Orwell 4-5, 62, 101), grim depravation in which goods are always in short supply (Orwell 49, 162), and everything from cigarettes (Orwell 5), to gin (Orwell 5, 77, 150) to housing (Orwell 20-21), is of such poor quality that there is no possibility of joy in life (Orwell 41, 49, 60-61), this is a totalitarian society."
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Stories of Abuse in Eden Robinson's "Monkey Beach", 2008.
An examination of the style and plot of Eden Robinson's "Monkey Beach", with a focus on the stories of violence and abuse that occur throughout the text.
1,595 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the stories of abuse that appear in Eden Robinson's novel, "Monkey Beach." The paper describes Robinson's style of writing and the basic plot of the book. It then looks at the stories of suffering, violence and abuse that occur throughout the narrative. The paper concludes that the book represents an important addition to Native literature in Canada.
From the Paper
"Monkey Beach is a vital tale of mourning, grief and redemption by a strong female character, and one might only wish that patriarchy and male dominance were challenged more directly. For example, Trudy's character comes across as substantially weaker than her 'warrior' brother, and it is Mick that teaches Lisamarie to fight the good fight on behalf of her people. Ultimately, however, Robinson's intimate portrayal of these characters alongside the evocation of British Columbia's natural world, the woodland spirits and the Haisla community at the heart of it all is a moving tribute to the fortitude of a people who have suffered generations of abuse from both within and without."
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"All the King's Men", 2008.
This paper discusses how R. Warren composed "All the King's Men" as a reflection of the betrayal between politicians and the public.
1,210 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that while Warren's work "All the King's Men" was a fictionalized account of politics in the old South, the writing was also an expression of the issues that plagued political institutions in Warren's time. The paper brings research that shows how corruption, supported by betrayal, was a key factor in how politics functioned and how people achieved positions of power.
From the Paper
"Warren (1996) composed All the King's Men as a means of exploring politics and the betrayal that exists between politicians, between constituent and leader and of the self. Prescott (1946) contends that Warren's work was a method for the writer to examine the actions of Huey Long, a once prominent politician who "looted Louisiana" and left many citizens with a weary eye toward the political realm (para. 4). Therefore, the betrayal that Warren (1996) writes about is founded in corruption and the struggle for power between politicians. As the struggle ensues, politicians betray their followers because lies are more effective at in winning votes than the truth. Yet, it is evident that regardless of the momentary glory that the characters achieve in most cases, that glory is overshadowed by the reality of their actions and the knowledge that their efforts required them to betray themselves."
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Metaphor in "The Fish", 2008.
This paper analyzes the use of metaphor in Elizabeth Bishop's "The Fish".
775 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper attempts to convey how Elizabeth Bishop's poem "The Fish" is interesting and effective mainly because of its effective use of metaphor. The paper pinpoints the use of metaphor in the poem and shows how Bishop incorporates this commonly used literary device into the overall narrative.
From the Paper
"Elizabeth Bishop (1911-1979) was a well-known poet of the middle part of the 20th century, but what is not so widely known is that she was a painter as well as a poet, and it seems that her talent for visual artistry often comes through in the strong visual details of her poems, including the one to be discussed here, "The Fish," written in 1946. An early mentor of hers in the field of poetry was fellow poet Marianne Moore, who shared Bishop's early interest in the detailed visual depiction of objects of the natural world and from whom she may have picked up her fascination with metaphor, a literary figure which she uses to good effect in "The Fish." "
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"American Slavery, American Freedom", 2008.
A review of "American Slavery, American Freedom" by Edmund S. Morgan.
1,444 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
The paper describes how Edmund S. Morgan's "American Slavery, American Freedom" examines the political and social impact of slavery in colonial America. The paper explains how Morgan emphasizes the tragic contradiction between freedom and slavery, particularly in the colony of Virginia that produced patriot leaders such as Washington and Jefferson, but also had the most slave owners. The paper further explains Morgan's thesis that this contradiction was caused by prevailing beliefs that racial and gender inequality was a natural condition.
From the Paper
"American Slavery, American Freedom was written by historian Edmund S. Morgan and published in 2003 by W. W. Norton. The author's examination of slavery in America emphasizes the tragic contradiction between freedom and slavery, and focuses on Virginia, which produced leaders of the American Revolution who were dedicated to freedom and equality, but which also had the most slave owners. In his book, Morgan analyzes this paradox as he strives to understand and explain why such a contradiction existed."
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"The Naked Crowd" by Jeffrey Rosen, 2008.
A review of the book "The Naked Crowd" by Jeffrey Rosen.
1,318 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Joseph Rosen's text, "The Naked Crowd". The paper argues that Rosen's central thesis is strong, but that some of his characterizations of those who fear the worst if a comprehensive surveillance system is not put in place across America to thwart things like terrorism are excessively simplistic. The paper points out that, while lucid and well-written, a case can be made that Rosen's suggestion that Congress is a better protector of privacy rights than the courts, is one that certainly needs to be called into question. The writer believes that Rosen's book is a welcome addition to the literature - but certainly not impervious to criticism.
From the Paper
"Joseph Rosen's text begins by first looking at how biometrics firms - far more so than any other American businesses after 9/11 - gained from the brutal terrorist attacks that took so many lives. What made the matter so ironic was that, far from deterring crime, reliable empirical studies suggested that biometrical technologies did nothing at all to lower violent crime rates. Despite, discrete surveillance cameras became the new "in thing" in America - just as they had, for a variety of other reasons, become popular in Great Britain during the 1990s."
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Sexual Tension in 'A Streetcar Named Desire', 2008.
This paper discusses the sexual tension present in the play 'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer analyzes the play 'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams and notes that bathing and drunkenness are two common threads exposing sexual tension in the play. The writer points out that even the title of the play suggests the sexual tension between the characters. Further, the writer looks at the connections between desire and death as portrayed in the play. The writer maintains that it is as if Williams is telling us that from too much desire only death can come. The writer notes that Stanley, the most dead of all three characters becomes numb to his reactive behavior. The writer concludes that Stanley is trapped in his uncontrollable animalistic sexual desire destined to live like an animal surviving purely by instinct.
From the Paper
"Stanley is a man's man--full of animal instinct and desire. He cannot control himself in any regard. Stanley cannot control his temper so he beats his pregnant wife. He can't sequester his passion for Blanche so he rapes her. He can't bare losing Stella so he screams for her at the top of his lungs proclaiming his need and love for her. Stanley is all about sexual desire--it rules and runs his life.
"Drunkenness and bathing are the soothsayers for Blanche and Stanley when their desires become overwhelming. Blanche uses a bath to soothe her nerves and to try and wash away her sexually promiscuous path."
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"Treasure Island", 2008.
This paper analyzes the theme of coming of age in the novel "Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson.
2,005 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the factors of coming of age in Stevenson's novel, "Treasure Island" by looking at the growth of the protagonist, Jim Hawkins, from youth and into manhood. The paper shows how Jim evolved from an inexperienced and naive young man into a man that learned the realities of treasure hunting and of the hardened and callous dangers on the high seas.
From the Paper
"The central prospect of a young man embarking on a journey to find a lost treasure with men that are much older is part of Stevenson's coming of age thematic in Treasure Island. After he has discovered the map with his mother about Captain Flint's treasure and presents it to Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney, Jim is recruited into a sea expedition that demands his highest sense of courage and bravery in the face of the danger that Long John Silver and his pirating mates represent. After Squire Trelawney mistakenly hires Silver and his men to man their ship, Jim must invariably learn to live with sea hardened men that are at once ruthless in their murderous ways; as they are also determined to mutiny when they are far out at sea."
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A Review of Paulo Coehlo's "The Alchemist", 2008.
An analysis of the benevolence of the characters in Paulo Coehlo's novel, "The Alchemist."
1,133 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews Paulo Coehlo's novel, "The Alchemist" and suggests that it is a story founded upon Christian (and Islamic) values prizing humanity, beneficence and charity. It specifically examines the benevolence and willingness to give that characterizes the people who assist Santiago (the protagonist) on his long journey of self-realization.
From the Paper
"At the same time, the "Old King," is quite interesting because of the biblical connotations and denotations his character offers. He is, first and foremost, an ancient biblical figure - his real name is Melchizedek, as he tells Santiago (Coehlo, 7) who once brought wine and food to Abraham after the latter had defeated his enemies. He is also viewed by scholars as the progenitor of all priesthood and as the King of Uprightness - or at least he is when he surfaces early in the Old Testament. Lastly, the Old King, Melchizedek, receives a tithe from Abraham even though the latter hardly knows him (Thomas, 403-404). Like Abraham in the Bible, Santiago gives the Old King something; in this case, his time rather than a portion of his riches. Beyond that, Melchizedek blesses Abraham (Thomas, 403) and it may be said that Melchizedek, by reminding Santiago of his duty to fulfill his Personal Legend, blesses him, as well. In the end, Coehlo has given a distinctly biblical connotation to the Quest motif at the heart of the story."
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