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"My Antonia", 2007.
An analysis of the theme of friendship and memory in "My Antonia" by Willa Cather.
1,318 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper contends that it is the undertones of Willa Cather's lesbian sexuality, her use of the second person narrative technique
and her portrayal of Jim that form the basis of friendship and memory in her novel "My Antonia".
From the Paper
"Antonia has become the central figure she always was meant to
be, enduring the constant toil and the oppressive sod cave and then
as the vivacious town teenager. "It's no wonder that her sons stood
tall and straight. She was a rich mine of life, like the founders of
early races" (167). Antonia lived her whole life in action as opposed
to Jim's pensive reflection. She milked, broke sod, shocked wheat,
harvested, sacrificed schooling to help on the farm, learned a new
language, fell in love, got jilted and a baby to raise on her own,
and then started all over again to build a life and a new family. "
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Myths and American Culture, 2007.
An examination of the cultural connections between the "myth of the cowboy" and the "myth of origins" in American cultural history.
1,159 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the "myth of the cowboy" and the "myth of origins" in American cultural history. It specifically focuses on the cultural connection between the two myths. The paper argues that these two mythic narratives may be seen to be fundamentally identical in that their narrative elements and ultimate purpose are to justify the expansion and assertion of Euro-American power in the New World.
From the Paper
"In conclusion, it is clear that the "cowboy myth" is a potent cultural construction that - while distinct from the "myths of origin" in terms of time frame - nonetheless may be seen to be intimately related to these myths in how it justifies the extension of European settlement and authority over North America. The myths together effectively displace the Aboriginal First Nations of the continent from their historical role as the first settlers of these lands, and thus achieves on the level of cultural history what European power achieved on the landscape of the continent itself: the displacement and marginalization of Aboriginal culture. In this way, we can see how cultural narratives, while not even historically valid, can possess enormous power to create meanings and determine how we understand our histories and ourselves."
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"Young Goodman Brown", 2007.
An analysis of the spiritual doubt of the main character in Nathaniel Hawthorne's book "Young Goodman Brown".
1,277 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses doubt and impurity in Nathaniel Hawthorne's book
"Young Goodman Brown". It discusses the interpretations that exist for this story and how they relate to the main character's spiritual doubt and issues of faith. It also looks at the symbolic meanings behind the main character's wife and how they are most often used in support of the interpretations of the story regarding his faith and doubt.
Table of Contents:
Doubt and Impurity
Impurity and Faith
Unresolved Doubt and Evil
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Young Goodman Brown has been interpreted to mean that the title character is attempting to retain his faith. The symbolic meanings behind his wife are most often used in support of this argument. Yet the newness of their marriage suggests that this interpretation might not be the best one."
"Instead, it might be that Goodman Brown is not tempted to give up his faith; rather, it might be that he is attempting to resolve his doubts and keep the faith that he does have, safe. Faith, through her symbolic name and ribbons, might represent the need for Goodman Brown to come of age. In the end, it is not Faith, his lack of faith, or the Devil that brings Goodman Brown to evil. His life is made miserable and his soul is lost through the simple presence of unresolved doubt."
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Sense of Self, 2007.
An analysis of the development of sense of self through the texts "Cathedral" by Raymond Carver, "The Fat Girl" by Andre Dubus and "Rules of the Game" by Amy Tan.
762 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how one's sense of self develops and sustains itself. It particularly looks at the psychological and environmental factors that influence one's sense of self. The paper focuses on three texts and their insights into the development of sense of self -"Cathedral" by Raymond Carver, "The Fat Girl" by Andre Dubus and "Rules of the Game" by Amy Tan. The paper then compares the influence of these texts to the writer's own personal experiences and beliefs and how they have influenced his sense of self.
From the Paper
" In his short story, "The Fat Girl", Andre Dubus provides compelling insights into how one's sense of self, which is based primarily upon internal psychological and emotional factors, can conflict with the sense others have of one. He emphasizes this by choosing to describe the emotional appearance of his characters instead of their physical appearance. (Dubus 86-102) This approach clarifies why the perceptions of others can be so different from one's own sense of self, for those perceptions are based to a great extent upon physical appearance, while one's own sense of self is based upon one's own hopes, fears, and beliefs."
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"The Great Gatsby", 2007.
An analysis of the distortion of people, dreams and values in "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
2,143 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that the main character of "The Great Gatsby" is Nick Carraway, who leaves Minnesota to travel to New York, believing that it is in New York where he can make his fortune and live the American Dream. The paper looks at how the values that Nick brought to New York from Minnesota are constantly challenged as Nick wends his way through the maze of relationships and deceit that snares him in his West Egg, New York life. The paper attempts to show that what Nick finds, instead of success and personal satisfaction, is disillusionment with the American Dream and a desire to return to the life that he knew at home.
Outline:
Quality of Distortion
Distorted People
Distorted Dreams
Distorted Values
From the Paper
"Nick has a similar past to that of Jay Gatsby. Like Gatsby, he comes from the Midwest. Like Gatsby, he desires to get ahead in life. And, like Gatsby, Nick believes that going to New York is the way to accomplish that goal. However, unlike Gatsby, Nick makes an attempt to retain his personal values instead of being caught up by the vortex that swept up Gatsby. For a short time, Nick finds himself tempted by the life that Gatsby leads. He briefly flirts with the fast life, enjoying his brief love affair with Jordan Baker. After Gatsby's death, however, Nick decides to return to the more grounded life he once led."
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Welfare among Single Mothers, 2007.
A review of K. Harris' article "Work and Welfare among Single Mothers in Poverty".
844 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes K. Harris' article "Work and Welfare among Single Mothers in Poverty," which examines the relationship between work and welfare for poor, female-headed families. The paper looks at the work that single mothers on welfare eventually do, if any, and discusses how Harris traces the ways that single mothers work their way off of welfare. The paper presents the results of Harris' research.
From the Paper
"In fact, Harris (1993) found significant labor market activity among her subjects. Two-thirds of all welfare exits occurred because of a work situation, challenging the assumption that these women do not work at the same time as they receive welfare. From a personal perspective, this is a refreshing point-of-view. No matter the cultural conception or the cited statistics, welfare recipients are simply not living in the proverbial lap of luxury. No state, as of the mid-1990s providing so much in the way of welfare benefits that would provide an income even close to the poverty level (Pollitt, 1996). Just for an individual to reach the poverty level would require finding work in addition to welfare benefits. I can empathize with this situation, coming from a family in which working full time did not necessarily mean that one could meet every bill, every time."
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Transformational Leadership, 2007.
An analysis of M. Goldsmith and K. Goldsmith's views on transformational leadership in their article, "Helping People Achieve Their Goals".
734 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses an article, "Helping People Achieve Their Goals," written by authors Goldsmith and Goldsmith. The paper discusses the authors' views on transformational leadership and describes the six barriers to successful attainment that the authors suggest that goals and objectives face. The paper also looks at the weakness of transformational leadership, as well as the progression of leadership models.
From the Paper
"The progression of leadership models indicates a movement over time to a more adaptive and flexible leadership model that is certainly process oriented. It is a rejection of sorts of the path-goal type of leadership that essentially maps out an individual's career development by the dots and if something happens there is often little recourse for the individual. While path-goal theories do serve a purpose they lack the kind of motivational, inspirational, and independent minded qualities that the flatter, less hierarchical organizations require in the global environment where competition can arise 10,000 miles away in markets never considered a threat. It is this sentiment the authors allude to when they state that, "goals are not set in a way that helps ensure the follow-through needed to turn great plans into successful outcomes" (Goldsmith & Goldsmith, 2006, p.1). The authors are really discussing the transformation from well conceived goals and objectives into positive results that culminate into emergent, transformational leaders who constantly revise and update their goals and objectives to reflect the ever-evolving business environment."
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The Greatness of Jay Gatsby, 2007.
An analysis of the source of Jay Gatsby's greatness in "The Great Gatsby," written by Scott Fitzgerald.
1,138 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the greatness of the character, Jay Gatsby, in the novel, "The Great Gatsby," written by Scott Fitzgerald. The paper looks at Gatsby's relationships with other characters in the novel. It suggests that Gatsby is great, but not in terms of integrity and concern for others. Rather, the source of Gatsby's greatness is his drive or ambition.
From the Paper
"When Tom's lover, Myrtle Wilson, is killed in a hit and run accident, everything that occurs is ironic. Gatsby is shot and killed by Mr. Wilson because the car is his. In addition, Tom believes that Gatsby was responsible for the death because Daisy continues to let Tom believe that Gatsby was at the wheel. Not one of the many guests who had attended Gatsby's parties bothered to attend his funeral. The only people in attendance are Gatsby's father, Nick, and Gatsby's servants. It is this lack of memory and respect for Gatsby that seems to deny his greatness. At the same time, Nick states that "Gatsby turned out all right at the end" (8). The reader can only be sympathetic to Gatsby if he or she holds capitalist and materialist values."
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"The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe", 2007.
This paper analyzes the implied readers in C.S. Lewis' "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe".
2,001 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that the implied readers of "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" are likely children of both sexes aged from about 6 to 12. The paper discusses how Lewis was a devout Christian and his aim in "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" was clearly to convey to his readers the importance of certain moral values that are associated with Christianity. The paper shows how Lewis reflects values of the British people he grew up with and teaches the implied readers certain stereotypes about "appropriate" gendered behaviors.
From the Paper
"As the lessons Lewis wants to convey to the implied reader are so closely related to both his religion and his society, it is illuminating to begin with a little background information about Lewis. He was born in Ireland in 1898. At the age of 10, he was sent to boarding school in England. He later attended Oxford University, and then became an English teacher there. He spent his entire life teaching at Oxford and then Cambridge, and writing books, and died in 1963. Thus, Lewis was firmly rooted in an English culture. Consequently he must have absorbed the values that were held by other upper middle class British people in the first half of the 20th century. With regard to religion, Lewis was an atheist till the age of 33, and then converted to Christianity. This conversion is reflected in many of his books, which dealt either implicitly or explicitly with Christian values and morals."
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"Human Sexuality", 2007.
A personal response to the article "Human Sexuality: 'Wonderful Gift' and 'Awesome Responsibility,'" written by Richard Sparks.
728 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 25.95
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Abstract
This essay briefly reviews three articles that discuss human sexuality and how the Church treats it. It looks at "Intimacy and Sexuality: A Letter to Catholic Secondary Students in Ontario" by the Roman Catholic Bishops of Ontario, Kenneth R. Overberg's article, "A Consistent Ethic of Life" and "Fully Alive," sponsored and developed by the Roman Catholic Bishops of Ontario and Ontario's Catholic educators. The paper then gives a personal response to the article "Human Sexuality: 'Wonderful Gift' and 'Awesome Responsibility,'" written by Richard Sparks.
From the Paper
"On the other hand, there are aspects of this article that seem dangerously out of step with modern realities. For example, it again reiterates the prohibition against contraceptive devices of any kind. Yet the reality is that the population of the entire world is threatened by the AIDS pandemic, and that condoms are the most effective prophylactic against contracting AIDS. For example, one of the fastest growing segments of AIDS sufferers is heterosexual women. Moreover, it is well known that many wives are completely faithful, but are infected by their unfaithful husbands, who have affairs or use prostitutes. By continuing to prohibit condoms, the Church sentences these innocent women to lingering, painful deaths - and deprives their children of their mothers. I find this unconscionable, obtuse, unbelievable and unforgivable."
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"The Proud Tower", 2007.
A review of the writing style and historical validity of Barbara Tuchman's book, "The Proud Tower."
1,467 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and reviews Barbara Tuchman's book, "The Proud Tower." It assesses how Tuchman handles the twenty-four year period in Europe which preceded the Great War. The paper specifically examines Tuchman's writing style. Finally, it analyzes her failing to make the linkage between the horrific events of late summer 1914 and the Bismarckian diplomacy, which helped to make the great conflagration inevitable.
From the Paper
"As a final comment upon the book, it should be added that the text, while it does passably well at describing the state of affairs in each of the major nations, never really explores the ugly situation in the Balkans - principally between Serbia and Austria, but also between each of the Balkan states. As a result, the internal divisions which were tearing apart what was left of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire by 1914 (and which certainly helped precipitate war) are given "short shrift" in the text. This oversight, at least in the view of this writer, diminishes Tuchman's chapter on the European and American anarchists (63-117) insofar as an exposition of the problems facing the Austrians as they clung to the remnants of empire would have given the novice reader a greater understanding of what socio-political dynamics made a hate-filled and destructive (and anti-government) movement like the Black Hand (and others) so appealing to disenchanted Serbians and to disenchanted young Eastern Europeans in general."
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Jean-Paul Sartre's "Nausea", 2007.
This paper discuses the protagonist Roquentin and his discovery of the contingent nature of existence in Jean-Paul Sartre's novel "Nausea".
1,360 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that, in Jean-Paul Sartre's "Nausea", the protagonist Roquentin's vocation as a historian entails a process of attributing causality, plausibility, order and even predictability to certain observed events; however, throughout the novel, he comes increasingly aware of the fact that human existence is contingent, which is the very opposite. The author points out that Roquentin's realization of this contingent nature of human existence moves him to acknowledging that all of the actions of Rollebon (a character in the book whom Roquentin has spent years researching and writing about) might have been random. The paper relates that Roquentin's discovery of the contingent nature of human existence makes him re-examine everything and everyone in his life and moves him to a point where he is able to liberate himself from the nauseating awareness of absurdity and nothingness that might otherwise have paralyzed him. The paper includes many quotations from the novel.
From the Paper
"And this is precisely the existential crisis that Roquentin faces as he increasingly realizes the contingent nature of reality - he realizes that what he believes about himself and the world are merely his way of unifying his own knowledge. As such, while it may at times be comforting, it is not real. He observes other people making up such unifying stories, aware that he can no longer do this. ... Roquentin's knowledge of the contingency of human existence increasingly means that he cannot make up such comforting stories to impose rigorous order on random events."
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"Oedipus the King", 2007.
An analytical review of Sophocles' "Oedipus the King".
1,346 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how studying and analyzing the classical play "Oedipus the King" in terms of character, plot, and theme confirms that these elements are mainly presented through carefully crafted dramatic dialogue and speeches, and developed through the use of literary devices such as hamartia, hubris, and catharsis. It also examines how this type of dramatic approach enabled ancient Greek playwrights like Sophocles to stage their plays in a convincing manner while meeting the immediate challenge of entertaining their audiences.
From the Paper
"Oedipus the King also demonstrates that it is valuable to characterize by comparing and contrasting one character with another, since, like most of the complex symbolism this play, the characters are made to embody certain antithetical qualities that inevitably come into conflict. This helps develop the theme that human flaws such as ambition or daring can and often do lead to tragedy. These flaws have grievous consequences for many characters in Greek drama, who are oblivious to the fatal effect some of their intentions and actions will have. (Kirszner and Mandell1657-1699) "
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"Cloud Nine", 2007.
An analysis of the nationalism and identity of place and people in Caryl Churchill's play, "Cloud Nine."
2,081 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes Caryl Churchill's play, "Cloud Nine." It discusses the play in terms of nationalism, as well as identity for place and people. The paper discusses and questions the central theme of "Cloud Nine" that all that is held to be revered as traditional, should be adhered to socially and culturally. The paper describes the unique perspective and unconventional techniques that are used in the play to construct the theme of nationalism.
From the Paper
"Even though the vision of utopia has been created, there are major obstacles to its realization. Betty's maturity has been stunted by Clive. "I feel like a child with money. Clive always paid everything" (79). Victoria, meanwhile, expresses the basics of Marxist feminism when she comments on the need for a theoretical background and the links between sex and economics. However, although she knows feminist philosophy, she is still dominated by Martin who ironically is also very familiar with feminism. In an image of identity as mirror, Betty remarks that, "I thought if Clive wasn't looking at me there wasn't a person there" (82). Betty's rebellion was realized through masturbation where she learned to become her own person distinct from her mother and from Clive. The final outcome for Betty was that "I felt triumphant because I was a separate person from them" (Churchill 83)."
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"Drums Along the Mohawk", 2007.
A review of the arguments in Robin Wood's essay, "Drums Along the Mohawk".
1,519 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Robin Wood's essay, "Drums Along the Mohawk", in which he presents a wide-ranging critical analysis of the work of John Ford in his 1939 drama of the same name. The paper describes Wood's analysis of the film and the arguments that he presents. It then critically analyzes the article and presents the writer's point of view as to the article's validity.
From the Paper
"These strengths related to the conceptual framework of the film also highlight a key weakness in Wood's text: its lack of extensive discussion of the cinematic aspects of the work. Indeed, with the exception of a brief discussion of composition in Ford's work (Wood 176), there is little discussion of the film as film instead of in terms of its conceptual framework. Despite film being a visual medium, with only a handful of exceptions Wood's text does not address the visual qualities of Ford's achievement."
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