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"Hamlet", 2006.
This paper analyzes the character of Gertrude in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
2,642 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 79.95
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Abstract
This paper focuses on the character of Gertrude in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," in which Hamlet describes her when he declares, "Frailty, thy name is woman." This paper contains a detailed study and examination of the significant scenes in which Gertrude appears and shows Hamlet's characterization to be accurate. The writer of this paper sees Gertrude as a shallow woman who is ruled by her sensuality as she lusts for her brother-in-law Claudius and while she does occasionally admit to guilt about certain things, she never specifies what those things are.
From the Paper
"The most significant appearance of Gertrude in Hamlet is Act III, Scene iv, where Hamlet confronts his mother in her chambers. There is much of importance in this scene. At the end of it, we learn that Gertrude is indeed the shallow, sensual woman Hamlet fears she is and wishes she was not. Hamlet begins the confrontation by refusing to acknowledge the legitimacy of Gertrude's remarriage. He calls her "your husband's brother's wife" (III. iv. 16). Yes, Gertrude is Clauidus' wife, but she is first defined through the dead king, her husband, as Hamlet claims. This emphasizes the unjust and improper nature of her marriage. Hamlet goes even further in accusing his mother after he kills Polonius. Gertrude calls the killing "a rash and bloody deed," to which Hamlet replies, "A bloody deed - almost as bad, good Mother, / As kill a king, and marry with his brother" (III. iv. 28-30). Hamlet is directly accusing his mother here. She has broken her wedding vows through a murder, in which she was an accomplice."
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Betrayal in "Hamlet", 2006.
An analysis of the theme of betrayal in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" .
1,845 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Hamlet is betrayed by a number of people and how, as he is betrayed, he reacts in various manners throughout the play. It discusses how through Hamlet's reactions to the betrayals, Shakespeare lays out a process of grieving, hurt, rage, manipulation, self-admonition.
From the Paper
"Did Gertrude have a secret affair while Old Hamlet was still alive?
Claudius may not have killed his brother, if not knowing that Gertrude would marry him. Other reasons that do point out that Gertrude was unfaithful to Old Hamlet was because of her glowing happiness, so shortly after the death of Old Hamlet, and the short period of supposed mourning that is nonexistent not only on Gertrude's part but on everyone's part, and how quickly she married Claudius. Hamlet realizes these all this and it crushes him and so this adds to the grief that he is feeling."
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Shakespeare and Culture, 2006.
An analysis of the contribution of William Shakespeare to today's culture.
2,782 words (approx. 11.1 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 83.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how we have come to look at Shakespeare as a symbol of culture. He must be studied in every compulsory English course in high schools and colleges and his plays attract Hollywood actors, all seeking to get some of this culture to rub off on them. It focuses on how his works fit into our culture today and how some of the stories can be paralleled with real life events.
From the Paper
"Most of the critics and writers about Shakespeare's genius and its meaning for us today approach the subject with reverence sometimes misplaced. Teachers are "trying to make Shakespeare intelligible to students who cared not at all...." (Colie, p. 3) What we should be doing, it seems, is de-mythifying Shakespeare. What he wrote, whether as a morality play, a history, even a bawdy comedy, provides something we can relate to, today, even if the language is somewhat stilted. The sense still comes through. There are even those who believe that teen- agers committing suicide over Marilyn Manson or some heavy metal group's lyrics are somewhat similar to Romeo and Juliet. There are those who see Lady MacBeth in Hillary Rodham Clinton. The point, it seems, should not to liken a modern character to a made-up or even historical one from Shakespeare, but to appreciate the timelessness of his characters and plots."
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"Macbeth" and "Madea", 2006.
A comparative analysis of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and Euripides' "Medea".
2,645 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 0 sources, $ 79.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and Euripides' "Medea" are both tragic plays in the classical sense. It looks at how both Medea and Macbeth lust for the unattainable and how that lust destroys them. It cannot be said which character is a truly tragic figure, because both fit the description. It contends that if either character deserves more sympathy it is Madea, the jilted wife, not Macbeth the King killer since Macbeth's lust for power and his willingness to please his wife leads to his downfall.
From the Paper
"Macbeth is by far one of the greatest of Shakespeare's tragedies. Its images and representations of ambition, guilt and the degradation of being make him a truly tragic character. Macbeth starts out as a pretty-cool guy - he's a Scottish general and a gentleman, but has always wished to be more. It is not until after Duncan's death, that Macbeth truly begins to deteriorate into a faithless and remorseless man. He tells one lie to cover up another, having to commit one murder to cover up the other, until he looks back, and cannot even remember the first little step he took over the line. Only MacDuff, a faithful servant and soldier of Duncan and Malcom, can bring him down, even though the witches have rightfully prophesied that "no man of woman born" could possibly bring down Macbeth's reign of terror."
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Deception and Death, 2006.
An analysis of Iago's motive for revenge in William Shakespeare's "Othello".
1,045 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 0 sources, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the central theme within a morality play is that a devilish character referred to as vice tempts a Christian character and how Othello's vice is represented in Iago. It discusses how the loathing that Iago feels toward Othello determines and influences the actions of others throughout the play. Iago is a man driven by his desire to destroy Othello while believing his actions are vindicated because Othello has betrayed him professionally and personally without justification.
From the Paper
"The language of the play is as diverse as the characters, containing a mixture of poetry and prose. Othello often speaks in lofty poetry while Iago speaks in prose about how vile things are around him, often using animal imagery. Iago appears to the audience in Act I and wastes little time demonstrating his anger at Othello. He openly laments to Roderigo that he is cursed in his service to Othello and he is "worth no worse a place" than in service to him. It appears to the audience that Iago, who loves to talk about himself, has been a devoted and loyal servant in Othello's army but was overlooked when Othello named his lieutenant as Cassio. He feels dishonored that his duty was not recompensed with a promotion."
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"King Lear", 2006.
A look at the effect of speech and rhetoric in Act One, Scene One in Shakespeare's "King Lear".
941 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 0 sources, $ 33.95
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Abstract
Through a close reading of the love game in William Shakespeare's "King Lear", it is clear that the speech of this play affects the expression of sentiment. This paper explains, however, that it is ultimately the lack of speech that affects the characters and their responses to each other.
From the Paper
"The play begins with Lear, an old king ready for retirement, preparing to divide the kingdom among his three daughters, Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia. The king challenges his daughters to compete for their inheritance by proclaiming their love for him in the grandest possible fashion. He concludes that he will determine which share each daughter will get based on her testimony of love for him, when he says, "'tis our fast intent... to confer (the business) on younger strengths" and that "(I)nterest of territory" will be divided by "which...shall say doth love us most?""
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The Rhetoric of Machiavelli and Shakespeare, 2005.
This paper compares the use and abuse of rhetoric by two Renaissance geniuses: Machiavelli in "The Prince" and Shakespeare in "Julius Caesar".
4,845 words (approx. 19.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 123.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the primary use of rhetoric is to convince the reader to take the author's side of an opinion; but sometimes the author, as in Machiavelli's "The Prince", has hidden his opinion so deeply in the rhetoric that it is misunderstood. The author points out that Shakespeare used rhetoric in his plays, especially in his political tragedies, to demonstrate how easily men and women were corruptible by power. The paper relates that in "Julius Caesar" Cassius was totally corrupted by his quest for power and brought down ignominiously in battle; however, Brutus, whose flaw was poor judgment and needed to be "one of the gang", was permitted to honorably commit suicide rather than be tried and executed. Many long textual examples.
Table of Contents
Uses and Abuses of Rhetoric
Rhetoric in "Julius Caesar"
Machiavelli's "The Prince"
Rhetoric Unveiled
From the Paper
"If Johnny Cochrane were playing to both the jury and the country in this use of a crude rhetorical device, certainly a playwright like Shakespeare would be playing to both royalty and the average playgoer when he wrote "Julius Caesar". Advertisement was limited to a few playbills posted on walls and what the town crier could yell to the generally illiterate common rabble. In looking at any of Shakespeare's plays as Renaissance commercial theatrical adventures, memorable lines would have been good selling points for the literate as was word of mouth of the great fight and death scenes to the common man. Even today our far more sophisticated tastes run from high action adventure to the deeply philosophical in our entertainment."
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Father-Daughter Relationships, 2005.
Examines the father/daughter relationships in plays by William Shakespeare's, focusing on "King Lear".
1,257 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 3 sources, $ 42.95
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Abstract
Most, if not all, of Shakespeare's plays carry a theme where the relationship of the main father and daughter has an important role in the climax and outcome of the stories. By examining the relationship between King Lear and Cordelia in Shakespeare's "King Lear", this paper presents the opinion that the play has the most significant father and daughter relationship out of all Shakespeare's works. The paper also examines "The Tempest" and "Othello".
From the Paper
"In King Lear, Cordelia, the youngest daughter of Lear, refused to go overboard in her statement of love towards her father. When asked for her testimony, she simply replied, "Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave my heart into my mouth. I love your Majesty according to my bond, no more no less." Lear became enraged and casted her off saying, "Here I disclaim all my paternal care, propinquity and property of blood, and as a stranger to my heart and me hold this from thee for ever." Some think that Cordelia was prideful, or even a fool in her response, but I believe she was simply being honest and true."
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"Romeo and Juliet", 2006.
Summarizes William Shakespeare's famous love story.
925 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 0 sources, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the five acts in William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet", a tragic love story which involves rival families, forbidden love and suicide. The paper shows why its message is still considered relevant in this day and age.
From the Paper
"However, the playing off of conflict and compassionate love presents some of the greatest works of the genius of Shakespeare's writing skills. The vast scene portrayals are numerous and should be devoured slowly and with deliberation to absorb their full beauty and to determine their importance as they lead to the climatic scenes of Act V and the ending of the poem."
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"Sonnet Number 130", 2005.
An analysis of the deeper meaning of William Shakespeare's "Sonnet Number 130".
848 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
Diction, syntax and figurative language combine to form the tone of a piece of work. The paper shows that using these guides to analyze William Shakespeare's "Sonnet Number 130" provides a groundwork for understanding the sonnet's rich flavor. Where a quick read of the piece might give the average reader a superficial sense of the tenor in which the words were written, a study of the sonnet's poetic elements explains that initial response. Further, this study provides a richer and more thoughtful viewpoint of the sonnet's meaning.
From the Paper
"All of the sonnet's figurative language serves to negate the mistress' qualities. Shakespeare evokes beautiful images such as sunshine, coral red, snow white, damasked roses, pleasing music, delightful perfumes. Yet all of this beauty only serves to exaggerate the mistress' lack of it. This beauty is a counterpoint to her dun breasts, wiry hair, reeking breath and treading walk."
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"The Tempest" Critiqued, 2005.
Examines the views of two critics on William Shakespeare's "The Tempest".
3,459 words (approx. 13.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 97.95
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Abstract
The play, "The Tempest" by Shakespeare, has elicited many and varied responses. Some believe that Shakespeare wrote the play to symbolize himself in Prospero. As Prospero is bidding farewell to his magician's staff, Shakespeare is bidding farewell to his magical pen. Some critics have emphasized the romantic and comic elements in the play, while others disagree by emphasizing the tragic. This paper presents a discussion of two such opinions, followed by a discussion of the play with these opinions in mind. The critics examined are E.M.W. Tillyard ("The Tragic Pattern") and J. Warton ("Amazing Wildness of Fancy").
From the Paper
"The further tragedy of Prospero's life unfolds. He had once been the Duke of Milan, trusted and respected by all his subjects. His main mistake was however that he failed to give sufficient attention to his politics, and that he trusted the wrong people. His mind was occupied by intellectual pursuits, mainly of the supernatural kind, and thus he freed some time for himself by delegating the tediosness of government to his brother, Antonio. Prospero's naivete in doing this is another typical element of tragedy. His brother thus takes advantage of the opportunity to further his own ambitions. Naivety and pride therefore work together for a tragic result."
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"Romeo and Juliet", 2005.
Examines themes of love and hate in this tragic play by William Shakespeare.
1,045 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 1 source, $ 36.95
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Abstract
William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is, first and foremost a love story. However, the real point of the play is the devastating effect of hate. The paper shows how the play is set in an atmosphere of hatred between the Montagues and the Capulets, and it is significant that Shakespeare juxtaposes the most beautiful of human emotions with the most terrible. The paper shows that this concept of love set amidst hate is spelled out in the prologue and within the first few lines we are told that the love of these two young people will be destroyed by the mutual hatred of their families.
From the Paper
"By the end of the play, Romeo's manliness has become his driving force. When Paris is killed and begs him to lay him in Juliet's tomb, Romeo remembers that he was Juliet's suitor and is filled with pity for him, granting his last request. When he sees Juliet, He is overcome with grief and in his last speech, vows to protect her and keep her company even in death..."
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"A Midsummer Night's Dream", 2006.
A look at the theme of love in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
1,878 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the way that Shakespeare addresses love in his classic romantic play. It shows how each of the main characters deals with love in a different way and how this, in turn, impacts the way that love is portrayed in the play.
From the Paper
"Moreover, the complexity on stage of all the characters within Act five, Scene one, where the setting is in Athens at the Palace of Theseus, with its steady stream of players entering and exiting as the affairs of the heart are reconciled with the Dream is perhaps the most masterful crafting of language of all the writings within this play. That it was accomplished in so short a time frame too makes A Midsummer Night's Dream one of the greatest masterpieces of literature ever devised."
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Shakespeare's "Othello" and "Hamlet", 2005.
This paper compares Shakespeare's protagonists Othello and Hamlet from his plays "Othello" and "Hamlet".
2,445 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that both the protagonists Othello and Macbeth, in "Othello" and "Hamlet" respectively, are superior men, possessing great courage and outward strength, heroes in war accustomed to commanding a force of men in battle; but both go awry in their personal lives when a different morality and sensitivity is required: Othello is consumed by jealousy and Macbeth, by ambition. The author points out that a key element in Macbeth's nature is his imagination, which he lets soar ahead of his deeds; whereas, Othello is a man of action and not prone to ponder too much. The paper relates that, in their final words, the two men have completely disintegrated: Othello by taking not only Desdemona's life but also his own and Macbeth by resigning himself to go on with the fight for the crown, which even has taken the life of his wife. Many textual examples.
From the Paper
"Macbeth is immediately shown as a man whose ambition is capable of overtaking his personality. However, the additional quality of fear is introduced in Macbeth, who has been referred to in the play's opening passages as "brave Macbeth." Whereas Othello was judicious, Macbeth's courage showed in him a rashness that sets the stage for his later actions. He is described in battle by a soldier as "Disdaining fortune, with his brandish'd steel,/ which smok'd with bloody execution, Like valour's minion,/ Carv'd out his passage till he fac'd the slave;/ And fix'd his head upon our battlements." (I,ii.19-26) He is valour personified and is so ferocious that his sword smokes, an example of hyperbole."
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"Measure for Measure", 2006.
An analysis of William Shakespeare's dark comedy about the Viennese legal system, "Measure for Measure".
1,207 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper summarizes and analyzes "Measure for Measure" by William Shakespeare, explaining that the comedy is about power, trust and the abuse of power.
From the Paper
"He takes ample occasion to expound on his values - which are empty at the core. When Claudio is facing the realization that he might be killed for his sister's morality, the Duke gives him a "pep talk" which might drive anyone to suicide. Vincentio tells him to "be absolute for death" [III.i.4] and explains that life isn't worth living in the first place: "Thou hast nor youth, nor age,/ But as it were an after-dinner's sleep/ Dreaming on both.../...and when thou art old and rich,/ Thou hast neither heat, affection, limb nor beauty/ To make thy riches pleasant." [III.i.32-38] This sort of absolute nihilism leads us to believe that the Duke holds no meaning in life, and that his antics are a result of this meaninglessness. They are carried out without moral purpose, for the sheer pleasure of torment. Thus Vincentio serves as a reminder of the consequences which stem from the apathy of authority."
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