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"Othello", 2006.
An analysis of Shakespeare's play "Othello".
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the play "Othello" by William Shakespeare, focusing on the main character of Othello and how he torments himself with the thought that Desdemona may be unfaithful. The paper focuses its analysis on two speeches in Act 3, Scene 3, which demonstrate how Othello has gone from confidence in Desdemona's love to suspicion that she is now unfaithful. The paper explores Iago's role in fostering Othello's jealousy and how he manipulates racial tension to accomplish his aims. The paper concludes that both Desdemona and Othello are tragic heroes because their fate is sealed despite their fine qualities. Desdemona is blind to what is happening around her, while Othello is blinded by his own insecurity. The play further asserts that the play has universal resonance because all human beings are subject to the feelings of jealousy and insecurity, and are easy prey to those who choose to manipulate them, like Iago did to Othello.
From the Paper
"Although the conventional belief is that Othello is about jealousy, some scholars believe that jealousy is merely the lynchpin upon which Iago's hatred is transferred to Othello. In the middle of Iago's speech there is a line that is designed to undermine Othello's innate self confidence in a particularly repulsive way: "One may smell in such a will most rank,/ Foul disproportion, thoughts unnatural." (248-249) He has skillfully introduced into Othello's consciousness the disgust some feel for a person of another race."
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Shakespeare and Galileo, 2006.
A look at the shared era of William Shakespeare and Galileo Galelei, the lasting influence of these two men and what they would have thought of each other.
1,235 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the work of William Shakespeare and Galileo Galelei and how their work contributed to the advancement of civilization. The paper also looks at how these men might have viewed one another and what they might have said to one another had they ever had the opportunity to meet. The paper points out that, while Galileo's work may have more relevance to today's world than Shakespeare's work, both men, in their own way, furthered civilization's thirst for truth and knowledge, as well as for entertainment and discovery.
From the Paper
"One has to remember that France was, intellectually, far ahead of England, which would produce the plays of Racine, Moliere and Corneille already being popular- plays which not only criticized some of the manners of the people, but hinted at some revolutionary ideas about the class structure. England had Chaucer, of course, and would be blessed with Milton, one of its greatest poets, Samuel Butler, John Bunyan (among others)and John Dryden, while playwrights prior to Shakespeare included William Wycherly, John Gay (of Beggar's opera fame). The fact is, the humanities were beginning to be part of everyday life. In fact, it was 1685 before the public saw the "Fourth Folio of Shakespeare's works" (Grun Not paginated)."
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Hamlet as Procrastinator, 2006.
An analysis of the character of William Shakespeare's Hamlet and how his tendency to procrastinate cost him his life.
2,530 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
This paper examines and analyzes the character of Hamlet, explaining that he may be one of the most famous procrastinators in the history of literature. The paper points out that this trait is possibly one of the reasons that the play has maintained its popularity over the ages and that it is a trait with which we can all readily identify. The paper analyzes this trait in Hamlet and how it impacts the audience as well as the character and outcome of the play.
From the Paper
"He may be one of the most famous procrastinators in the history of literature. Many writers, students, scholars, actors, directors through the ages have pondered this trait. Perhaps the vein of procrastination that courses through Hamlet is one key reason why it remains so popular in film on stage and as the written word. We can all identify with
putting off doing things we know we should. Thinking too much is usually an ineffective goal-oriented strategy but a wonderful time waster! Here are just two examples through his dialogue that Hamlet seems entranced with procrastination and its offshoots - similar behaviors and/or
character traits)."
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Hamlet and the Gravediggers, 2005.
This paper discusses the final act of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" about gravediggers and views on death.
1,180 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 0 sources, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, at the beginning of the final act of "Hamlet", William Shakespeare foreshadows the bloody and carnage-filled conclusion to this tragedy by introducing views concerning the inevitability and finality of death through the dialogue between Hamlet and the two gravediggers. The author points out that, as Hamlet ponders the past profession of a skull, which has been carelessly tossed out of its grave, he is forced to realize that in death there is no social distinction. The paper concludes that, through Hamlet's reversal of opinion about the desirability of death and the discussion with the gravediggers, Shakespeare, who is readying the audience for the slaughter that is soon to commence, uses the scene as a means of commenting on his perception of death, the only lasting condition and the oldest profession.
From the Paper
"With the new light shed upon the dark subject of death, Hamlet forces himself to reevaluate his death wishes. Through out the play, Hamlet sees death as a desirable end, worrying only about where his soul would go if he were to commit self-slaughter. At the height of his misery, he makes known his yearnings, exclaiming "O, that this too too sullied flesh would melt..." (1-2-129). It is clear that his coveted will is for a quick demise. Hamlet explains this further when he reveals his belief that his life is useless. After promising to bend his eye away from Wittneberg and towards Elsinore, Hamlet states "How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable/Seem to me all the uses of the world!" (1.2.133-134)."
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Kenneth Branagh's Version of "Much Ado About Nothing", 2006.
An analysis of Kenneth Branagh's film adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing".
1,380 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper describes and summarizes the plot and characters in the film adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing". The paper also explains the play's theme that something so innocent can be quickly turned into woe by deceivers.
From the Paper
"The idyllic scene contrasts sharply with the next scene, where the MEN enter, galloping atop of fierce, snorting steeds that thunder down the hill side, the men sweaty, disheveled uniforms sport triumphant smiles or stern determined gazes, as the prince's army returns from a successful battle. Pure animal testorone, in the most positive sense, that gets the blood circulating and makes the women swoon, even in this day."
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Characterization in Shakespeare's "Macbeth", 2006.
This paper details the three aspects of the title character's personality which eventually leads to his downfall in William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth."
702 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 25.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and analyzes William Shakespeare's cleverly written "Macbeth" while focusing on the three aspects of the title character's personality that leads to his eventual downfall. The three character traits detailed in this paper are: Pride, tyranny and envy. By describing the title character as a proud warrior, tyrannical leader and envious man, Shakespeare proves Macbeth's actions as not only believable but also understandable.
From the Paper
"The first personality trait that Shakespeare reveals in Macbeth is pride. It is evident at the beginning of the play that the citizens of England regard Macbeth as a fearless fighter. While this is often a good trait, it leads to his downfall in two ways. First, Lady Macbeth is able to use his pride to coerce him into killing Duncan: "When you durst do it, then you were a man:/And to be more than what you were, you would/Be so much more the man." (I,vii,49-51). Lady Macbeth knows that pride is one of Macbeth's weaknesses, and she exploits it well. Macbeth's pride again gets the better of him when the witches tell him his fate for the second time. When Macbeth hears that he will be safe until the Birnam Wood rises up against him, his pride overcomes him, and he is not as suspicious as he should be: "That will never be./Who can impress the forest, bid the tree/Unfix his earth-bound root? Sweet bodements, good!" (IV,i,94-96). Macbeth's pride leads him to overconfidence, which leads to his downfall."
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"Hamlet", 2006.
Examines the revenge play within William Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,220 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 0 sources, $ 41.95
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Abstract
Perhaps the most significant scene in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet "is the revenge play, portraying the death of King Gonzago that is acted out inside the actual play itself. The paper shows that the importance of this play entitled 'The Murder of Gonzago', lies in the alterations imposed upon by Hamlet. Hamlet changes the framework of this play in a ruse that he hopes will tell him of the true cause of his father's death
From the Paper
"Hamlet makes clear the importance of the intensity of the dramatic scenes when parleying with the players, as well as in his single dialogue. He fears that if the play were carried out like a typical revenge play, then his uncle will not be affected enough to show his guilt with his own eyes."
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Jealous Loves, 2006.
A study of "Othello" by William Shakespeare and "'Tis Pity She's a Whore" by John Ford.
1,426 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that marriage creates a social bond between two families, connecting them, perhaps, for generations. It explains that this can be a cause of celebration, but it can also cause strife and conflict. The paper explains that this strife and conflict is one of the reasons why marriage and family relations are such popular plots for theater. The paper explains that when two people from divergent backgrounds marry, that the social ramifications must inevitably be dealt with. The writer states that in both the plays, "Othello" and "'Tis Pity She's a Whore", both central characters are hindered by the unusual social presentations of their relationships, both are driven by insecurity and jealousy and both end their unions with the killing of their mates. The writer posits that these jealous acts are the result of the conflicts that occur when the perceived social norm has been broken, and the insecurity of being a unique couple floats to the surface and becomes a reality. In conclusion, the writer questions whether without the influences from outside these relationships to send the lovers to their doom, could they have become accepted couples given their historical period?
From the Paper
"Each relationship, similarly, crumbles. The end problem with each, then, is never a direct result of moral or social implications in and of themselves. The end is two men driven by jealous drives. The continuous references to the social obstacles throughout each of these plays does nothing to refute the idea that these conditions play a major part in the way these characters react to one another. In the case of both incest and interracial marriage, the strife that is caused is the reaction of the outside social influences on the characters. From these unusual loves, unusual problems have arisen. This is, perhaps, the reason why these types of relationships still remain fodder for human interest and theatrical interpretation, as in more recent plays such as Seth Zui Rosenfeld's Servi and Bernice 4-Eva, and Sam Shepard's Fool for Love. The topics remain of interest because the conflicts remain interesting, and, perhaps, still very much on the edge."
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Macbeths' Punishment, 2006.
An analysis of the Shakespeare play "Macbeth".
2,830 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 84.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the conclusion of the Shakespeare play "Macbeth". The paper states that, while some critics have asked whether Macbeth is being punished at the conclusion, the appropriate question is not whether he is punished, but why? And by whose authority? This paper therefore studies the motivating principle behind Macbeth's punishment, and why his punishment had to include the deaths of so many innocents. The paper attempts to answer this question by examining the structure of the play and the moral and spiritual constructs within which it operates.
From the Paper
"We are alerted to an element of the supernatural early within the play; the play introduces itself with the eerie dancing and meeting of the three weird sisters. These witches, we later realise, serve as the mouthpiece of the structure of the play, giving us, in their predictions, the outline of the play. The power of ordering reality is initially given, not to human agents, but to supernatural beings. Although the play has references to Christianity, there is no direct mention of a Christian God or Christ. Instead, the play is full of references to omens, demons and spiritual beings, and it is these who possess the power of manipulating reality. The weird sisters, and their mistress Hectate, personify the dual constructive and destructive elements of nature which define Macbeth's universe, and which must constantly be realigned and balanced. On the one hand, they appear to us as evil hags, murmuring words of black power to inflict harm on humans, as when the sisters collude to shipwreck an innocent sailor out of vengeance against his wife (1.23.15-21). Yet on the other hand, they subtly remind us of the constructive elements with which they are also tied, through their very alignment with the four elements of earth, water, air and fire, all of which are neccesary for germination and growth as well as destruction. The sisters themselves seem to be but personifications of neutral nature, which can be used negatively or positively, depending on the intent of the users. "Users" may be too strong a term: perhaps "recipients" is more accurate. The sisters voice this duality of their nature, invoking the mingled terms of evil and goodness when they sing "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" (1.1.10). Macbeth echoes this understanding of the sisters and their work when he first says "So fair and foul a day I have not seen" (1.3.38), and again when he reflects that "This supernatural soliciting/ Cannot be ill, cannot be fair" (1.3.131-132)."
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Shakespeare's "Hamlet", 2005.
This paper discusses the character Horatio in Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,570 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 0 sources, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the character Horatio in Shakespeare's "Hamlet"
is the one person whom the main character Hamlet trusts and is the only prominent character that finds himself alive at the end. The author points out that Horatio is the antithesis of two other characters Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet's old friends upon whom he feels he can no longer rely. The paper relates that Horatio is the pure soul of the play, the herald of Hamlet's story whose behavior parallels Christian tenets because his honesty and goodness rise above the shadowy dealings of many other characters; they are punished and the good Horatio is rewarded. Several quotations.
From the Paper
"The reader senses that Horatio has never given Hamlet any reason to doubt his love and devotion towards him. The service of a true friend is something that is never forgotten and rarely questioned. Hamlet certainly seems sure of the worth of this true friend. Some may see Horatio as a simple "yes-man," which may be a valid argument. Surely, Horatio was never said to have brought grand insight to Hamlet's plan, nor an amazingly original idea. His worth comes from another source. His agreements with his friend are based on true sincerity. Certainly, Claudius recognized that sincerity and found Horatio not to be a worthy candidate for the recognizance work required."
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Parker's "Othello".
An analysis of Oliver Parker's 1995 film version of William Shakespeare's play "Othello".
734 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the film "Othello", describing various key scenes including an analysis of the cinematography of those scenes, showing how the character's thoughts and feelings are conveyed to the viewer on screen. The paper also analyzes the plot and the director's focus in the story and concludes that Parker shows, through the character of Emilia, that mankind's worst enemy is his own desires and wants.
From the Paper
"Parker begins the sequence by showing a scene in which the viewer sees the love and tenderness Othello and Desdemona have for each other. This is when Othello is just recovering from an epileptic seizure caused by Iago's implication that Desdemona is cheating on Othello with Cassio. Desdemona walks into their bedroom with Emilia in tow and sees the post-epileptic state her husband is in. She begins to worry over Othello and they exchange a moment of love. The camera shot of this moment includes a view of Emilia. The viewer can see that Emilia has seen this tender moment and, judging from the expression on her face, she wants to have the love that Othello and Desdemona share."
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The Fool in "King Lear", 2006.
Explores the role of the Fool in Shakespeare's tragic play, "King Lear".
1,059 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 0 sources, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The Fool in William Shakespeare's "King Lear" is often mistaken as foolhardy, but everything he says has a deeper significance and greater truth. Since he is the court jester, the audience assumes that the Fool's main purpose is to entertain us. The paper shows that the Fool's dramatic function is not to humor us, but to tell King Lear the truth through his metaphoric rhymes and jests. The Fool is a representation of King Lear's psyche. The paper explains that when the Fool disappears after Act III, scene ii, what is left of King Lear's stable mentality quickly disintegrates. The relationship between King Lear is not one of master and servant. The Fool could be considered King Lear's subconscious; he has perceptions the King Lear does not. With his knowledge, the Fool tries to teach King Lear how to reason out the truth for himself.
From the Paper
"The Fool states that King Lear was wise in a time when he did not need it as he doe now. King Lear was a wise King but when his wisdom was greatly needed he did not apply his knowledge. The Fool states that he is merely a Fool, but he would rather be a Fool than a befallen King. He strives to inform Lear of how adverse his situation is, but King Lear still does not fully comprehend the Fool's metaphors. Before King Lear decided to see his other daughter, Regan, the Fool warns King Lear that Regan's reception will be similar if not worse than Gonerils'."
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Fluellen in "Henry V", 2006.
Examines the role of the Welshman, Fluellan in "Henry V" by William Shakespeare.
1,726 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
The Welshman Fluellen in "Henry V" by Shakespeare is an interesting and quite quixotic individual. The paper explains that he speaks boldly of many things, yet at times he is quite incomprehensible. Both his language and his references are puzzling, even though the intensity of his speech is quite clear in the written text. This paper shows that once his language is understood, however, Fluellen is shown to be a human representation of the unification of the British peoples. He also demonstrates the proper manner in which a vassal may disagree with his sovereign.
From the Paper
"A further bit of obscurity is the "disciplines of war" (3.2.59, 3.2.72, etc.) and "law of arms" (4.7.2) to which Fluellen refers. He makes reference in 3.2.81 to "disciplines of the pristine wars of the Romans" (emphasis mine) then goes on to urge Gower to "examine the wars of Pompey the Great" (4.1.69). No real explanation is given to these "disciplines". Campbell states that this is really "a quarrel raging in [Queen] Elizabeth's day but not in Henry V's" (302). It is curious that Fluellen is espousing the viewpoint of that the ancient warriors (Agamemnon, Alexander, Mark Antony, et al) are the greater examples of how warfare should be conducted, while noting that historically Henry used a most unorthodox defense against the French cavalry."
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Corruption in "Hamlet", 2006.
An analysis of the Shakespeare play "Hamlet".
950 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper studies Shakespeare's play "Hamlet". The paper focuses on the theme of corruption and how the desire for power ruins the lives of all concerned. The paper evaluates each of the play's major characters, beginning with Polonius, the most obviously corrupt character and including Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia and Laertes. The paper concludes with the author's assessment that the central theme of "Hamlet" is not indecision -- as some maintain -- but the way in which power corrupts and kills.
From the Paper
"Polonius may be the most obviously corrupt character, but the center of evil of the play's plot and of the kingdom is Claudius. When Marcellus states, 'Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.' [Act I, Sc. iv, 90], it could be interpreted that he is speaking of a threat of war, but when looked at as symbolic, nothing could better sum up Claudius' corrupting effect on the kingdom which is brought on by his unpunished crime. His evil deeds carry him to the throne and pollute the people around him causing chaos, sorrow and death" (Moriarty 4). There could be no doubt that Claudius is what today we would call "power mad." There is no real explanation why he murdered his brother. Did he feel cheated at not being offered the throne in the first place? It is doubtful that he was so in love with Gertrude that this caused the murder. No, it is simply that Claudius wanted to rule. He wanted the power, and his brother- who one feels was far too benevolent a ruler- stood in the way."
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Insanity in "Hamlet", 2006.
Examines the theme of madness in this play by William Shakespeare.
1,637 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
Madness, one of the many themes in "Hamlet", affects the outcome of this particular Shakespearean play so much that all the major characters die during the final act. The paper examines how the theme of insanity is interwoven through the play and how it affects all the characters.
From the Paper
"Admirers of Hamlet tend to discount this major fault. Shakespeare however, gives Hamlet's quest for revenge prominence, and shows it as a major sickness of the Prince's soul. For Hamlet promises the ghost, "And thy commands all anon shall live, within the book and volume of my brain." Such an oath is mind shattering. If kept, it can only lead to derangement."
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