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Evil is as Evil Does, 2002.
A look at David Hume's philosophy on evil.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a detailed look at David Hume's ideas on evil. The writer of this paper takes the reader on an exploratory journey through the philosophy of Hume focusing on his beliefs when it came to the concept of evilness.
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Hear No Evil, See No Evil, 2004.
A look at the controversial issue of children using the Internet.
1,447 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the question of censorship in relation to the use of Internet by children. The writer explains that the responsibility lies both on the parents and the government in implementing some sort of control, but also argues that inappropriate behavior stems not only from this source. The writer concludes that education is the key factor in achieving a balanced use of the Internet.
From the Paper
"A teenaged gunman opens fire in a Colorado school. A twelve-year-old boy rapes and kills a six-year-old. Yet another boy kills a toddler just for the ?fun? of it. These are but a few of the recent headlines that paint a shocking picture of modern day society. We are a culture in turmoil; a culture beset by depravity and violence. It is hard enough to raise a child today without reading stories such as these, but harder still when, in the name of entertainment; our children and we are bombarded with such images on a daily basis. For who can turn on a television or go to a movie without witnessing some violent and offensive scene? Those who should be setting good examples only encourage the trend toward greater disregard for ethical standards. Authority figures behave inappropriately, heroes tote guns, rock stars sing of shootings and gang violence ? and media moguls cry freedom of speech when confronted with the consequences. Luckily, today?s children can turn to the computer for alternate sources of entertainment and inspiration."
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Monsters in Literature, 2006.
This in-depth paper analyzes various works of Western literature in which the authors utilize monsters or images of evil to symbolically represent the dark side of humanity.
4,151 words (approx. 16.6 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 111.95
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Abstract
The writer of this well-researched paper contends and explains the manner in which the theme of monsters in classic Western literature originates from religious, cultural and linguistic sources. This paper focuses primarily on Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," both classic romantic novels which clearly depict dark and gothic images. This paper explores Shelley's writing style which illustrates how evil can emerge from the human psyche literally as well as symbolically. The writer discusses and details the similarities in both novels. This paper analyzes Hugo's intention when describing Quasimodo who is slightly more appealing than Frankenstein, albeit Quasimodo's appearance does convey a certain amount of fear. This paper contains several selected portions of text from both novels which are relevant to the specific topic detailed in this paper. The writer also discusses how this particular style of dark writing has evolved in more contemporary and up-to-date works by authors such as Stephen King as well as in films such as "Fatal Attraction" and "Silence of the Lambs."
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Frankenstein: Who Was the Real Monster?
Victor Hugo's Hunchback: An Illustrative Device
Allegory or Entertainment?
Modern Monsters: The Theme Continued
Conclusions
Works Cited
From the Paper
"There is little question that Hugo fully intended Quasimodo to evoke horror in his readers. He creates Quasimodo as a grotesquely deformed, almost non-verbal, and deaf. Interestingly, Hugo assigns the character a friend, if not a creator as in Frankenstein, but as a protector--one who supposedly has the best interests of the monster at heart. This friend, Dom Claude Frollo, ironically on some levels represents the "best" of humanity as is exemplified by his devotion to the Church and a life of God. However, the reader soon sees the irony, as well as the inherent evil of the human heart not in the monster, but in the supposedly "good" human man. This, the reader sees most clearly in the following passage, perhaps one of the most striking in the novel, when Frollo, a supposed beacon of hope and mercy, passes by Quasimodo being tortured by a terrible mob."
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An Examination: Literature As Perfect In Every Way., 2002.
An historical overview of literature.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 9 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
"The more things change, the more they stay the same." When Alphonse Karr said this, he could easily have been talking about the themes in Western literature. There is a theme which runs through literature from Homer to our century, like a seam of gold in a rock. No matter what the actual matter is, almost all literature depicts it in this way: it shows human beings, not as they are, but as they should be. All literature is to some extent an idealization, a depiction of a sort of perfect being, beyond the reach of any human. This is not to say that all characters in literature are angels, or perfectly good: that is obviously false. But even flawed or downright evil characters are, in a way, perfect and idealized in their evilness. To prove this thesis, this paper will begin with Homer, the first writer in the Western literary tradition, and continue right up to this century: the idealized depictions are consistent throughout.
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Irish Gothic Literature, 2007.
This paper is an overview of Irish Gothic literature, featuring many writers including Charles Maturin and Maria Edgeworth.
1,160 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Irish Gothic literature is similar to standard Gothic genre in its regular themes of usurpation, unnatural happenings and the elements of terror; however, Irish Gothic literature seems to take on more readily political and religious colors. The author points out that a frequent motif is the abandoned and decaying "big house", which refers to the big houses of the Protestant upper classes of the ascendancy; the absentee landlord as a recurrent evil character such as Charles Maturin's "Melmoth the Wanderer" (1820) and Maria Edgeworth's "Castle Rackrent" (1800) and "The Absentee" (1812). The paper relates that critics do not agree on the relationship between Irish Gothic literature and politics because Irish authors diverge on the degree to which the political situation impacted the Irish writers of this period.
From the Paper
"Maria Edgeworth's "Castle Rackrent" gave birth to the so called "regional novel" and attracted the attention of the English public essentially for its romantic vision. However, Edgeworth belongs to the more "realistic" tradition and differs somewhat from James MacPherson whose "Temora" (1763) had been very well-accepted too. Edgeworth's novel was the first one of its genre. An old steward relates the eccentricities of three generations of Rackrents (Irish landlords) whose original name was O'Shaughlin and is related to the kings of Ireland."
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Brutality in Art and Literature, 2002.
This paper deals with brutality in art and literature and how it was portrayed - both individual and militaristic brutality.
1,305 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper basically argues that we all have evil in us and we all have the potential of being evil. In other words, we all have the capability of being the next Hitler, but due to our restraints and good will, we will not. This paper also analyzes through literature and artwork, what happens when those restraints fail and evil is unleashed.
From the Paper
"If I were to say that you could be the next Hitler, you would probably think I was crazy and didn't know what I was talking about. Unfortunately this statement cannot be impossible, for everybody has the possibility of being the next Hitler. We all have that possibility because we all have our human nature and this nature covers a vast spectrum. There are people who strive to emerge on the loving side of the spectrum, like Mother Theresa, who gave the world an idea of the infinite beauty and love of the human spirit. She showed everyone how just one woman with love in her heart could affect the world in such a monumental way. Unfortunately the world was also affected in monumental ways by those who represent the other end of the spectrum, people like Pol Pot, who gave the world a grim awakening of just how low the human spirit could fall and how a human spirit absent of love can result in the deaths of millions. Though atrocities such as this may have occurred in the past, the capabilities of human nature have not changed. We are still able to act in same ways as Pol Pot, just as we are able to act in the same was of Mother Theresa. What seems to confuse us all is that even though we are all capable love, some still choose to hate. It is this breach in reason that intrigues a number of authors, poets, and artists and results in their exploration of human nature in such stories as A Modest Proposal and Ladies and Gentlemen, to the gas chambers and pieces of art like "Third of May" and "Massacre of Chois.""
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The Function of Literature, 2002.
A look at the life lessons of literature through a review of William Shakespeare's "Othello" and Theodore Roethke?s poem, ?The Waking?
837 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how literature allows us access to the wisdom of those who have come before us, learned the hard lessons of life, and written down their observations so that we might learn vicariously and gain in wisdom without having to make the same mistakes that others have made. It uses, as an example, William Shakespeare's play, "Othello", which helps us to understand how completely people can deceive themselves and how difficult it may be to determine whether a person is, in fact, good or evil. It also shows how Theodore Roethke?s poem, ?The Waking?, addresses a sense of the divine and of the mystical that many of us do not feel for ourselves.
From the Paper
"Othello?s sense of honor is his most defining attribute, and while it may be tempting to see this sense of honor as undermined by the passion he feels for Desdemona (and even more by the passion he feels when he imagines that he has betrayed her) he is more undone by honor than by passion. Othello cannot imagine that others will not act honorably since he himself would never do so. He is blind to the possibility of dishonorable action. This failure of imagination of Othello can be contrasted to Iago?s own failings, which are quite different. Iago may despise goodness (which is certainly a moral failing) but he recognizes and understands it in others. Othello cannot see evil, which is a terrible sort of weakness indeed."
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Dystopian Literature, 2006.
This paper discusses three works of dystopian literature: George Orwell's "1984", Neal Stephenson's "Snow Crash" and Kurt Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse 5".
910 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that dystopian literature, which depicts an imaginary place where people lead dehumanized and often fearful repressive lives, seem to have powerful lessons for humanity that are strikingly apropos for today's world climate. The author points out that, in "1984", one of Orwell's main themes and commentaries on humanity is centered on language and how power rests with those people who control the language. The paper relates that the main theme of Neal Stephenson's "Snow Crash" is evil and greed; whereas, real stupidity is the core of Kurt Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse 5".
From the Paper
"One also has to note the massive inflation that has caused much of the trouble in "Snow Crash". The use of other currencies less affected by the massive inflation of the dollar in the novel certainly brings to mind the recent conversion of many European countries' currency to the Euro. These examples of greed as well as other major themes of violence, drug use, drug pushing, and conspiracy seems to be evidence of the inherent evil in humanity even these accusations are softened somewhat by Stephenson's tongue-in-cheek style."
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Women in Old English Literature, 2006.
This paper compares the representation of woman during the period of old English literature as depicted in "Beowulf" (anonymous) and in Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales".
1,100 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in "Beowulf", the epic verse of heroism and honor, the major and the majority of the minor characters are male with the women even Grendel's Mother, the monster's mother, appearing to be of little consequence; however, in Geoffrey Chaucer's stories, "The Wife of Bath" and "The Miller's Tale", female characters are central to the stories. The author points out that the Wife of Bath is the narrator of the tale and includes her own mini-autobiography before beginning her tale of the knight; the female character in "The Miller's Tale" is the central point of action, the reason the story moves forward. The paper relates that the women in "Beowulf" are portrayed as being either evil or good; whereas, in Chaucer's tales, the women move from being revered, as in "The Wife of Bath" to being instrumental in creating fools of men by using sexual powers.
From the Paper
"Chaucer begins the "Miller's Tale" by describing the social circumstances surrounding the group. The Miller is drunk and some feel it would be best if he simply passed up his chance to speak and let someone else entertain, however the Miller insists and apologizes in advance for anything that he might say. This tale does not paint the female character as one of wisdom and loyalty as in the Wife's tale, but rather as a lusty young maiden, who much resembles the Wife herself. The Miller explains that his tale is about a carpenter, his young wife, a student and a clerk. The student boarded with the carpenter and his wife, and one day while the carpenter was away, the student came forth with his intentions to the wife, who readily accepted."
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Female Sovereignty in Medieval Literature, 2002.
A comparative analysis of Geoffrey Chaucer's "Wife of Bath" and John Gower's "Tale of Florent".
3,637 words (approx. 14.5 pages), 16 sources, MLA, $ 101.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, while the concept and theme of female sovereignty in medieval literature may seem oddly out of place to modern readers, it did, in fact, exist. In particular, it looks at how Geoffrey Chaucer?s ?Wife of Bath?s Tale?, from the "Canterbury Tales", and John Gower?s ?Tale of Florent?, from the "Confessio Amantis" are two tales that involve the theme of female sovereignty. It attempts to show how views of women during Chaucer and Gower?s time were considerably misogynistic and how, even in the church, women were not treated equally. It discusses how the belief that women were essentially evil influenced medieval literature and, while the concept of freedom depended on the social class that women belonged to, they were nonetheless treated as possessions. Although the tales by Chaucer and Gower were similar in story and theme, it may be the ?voices? of the characters of the Wife of Bath and the Confessor that helped shape our views of female sovereignty in literature.
From the Paper
"Gower?s tale shows efficiency of plot, has amusing descriptions of the ?lothy? woman; and the interesting dilemmas that Florent finds himself in; and the skill with which the confessor (narrator) has recast a tale that "clerkes . . . this chance herde" (1.1856) and wrote down "in evidence" (1.1857). ?The tale of Florent is a good instance of Gower?s ability to engage the reader in the circumstances and unfolding of a tale by intelligent filling out the mental action of the main characters and the physical experiences they go through? (Davenport 151). On the surface Chaucer?s tale forms a romance narrative, but Chaucer ?threw that kind of logic out the window when he invented for a romance a narrator who does not believe in it? (Davenport 159)."
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Literature and Social Reality, 2008.
This paper discusses the social reality of Native American assimilation through the works of Helen Hunt Jackson, Mark Twain, and Walt Whitman.
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at how literature mirrors the social and psychological nuances of the culture of which it is a part. Fiction that bases itself in reality can often be unrealistic in its portrayals, local color can be exaggerated to prove a point or simply to entertain. After the Civil War, the assimilation period of Native Americans was one filled with turmoil and tragedy for this people. This paper discusses how writers of this period would often sympathetically take up their plight or ruthlessly portray them as dangerous and evil characters in their works. Some mixed the two and made social commentary without perhaps even realizing it. The paper also assesses the Age of Realism in American literature with its interwoven romanticism. The paper asserts that this conflict between the two styles also mirrors the conflict between the Native American's natural world and the oncoming civilization's world of reason. The three writer's analyzed within this paper are, Helen Hunt Jackson, Mark Twain, and Walt Whitman.
From the Paper
"Another version for Twain, and one that has some interesting social relevance, is the character of Injun Joe in Tom Sawyer. Also portrayed as evil and despicable, Injun Joe, however, is a 'half-breed' and in some sense this mixing of the two races together has an even more disastrous effects in the creation of an immoral and deadly spawn. 'Say, Huck, I know another o' them voices; it's Injun Joe.' 'That's so -- that murderin' half - breed! I'd druther they was devils a dern sight. What kin they be up to?' (Twain, 1920, p. 84). Was this Twain's intention? Perhaps not but the message is clear that these two races cannot at any level mix together. Here we have the darker side of both realism and romanticism. Certainly there were many conflagrations between Whites and Native Americans both in the early pioneering history and in the Post-Civil war period. Twain seems fixed on portraying the negative in the Native American and siding on the part of the government's imposed innate right of eminent domain upon the Native American's land. He mirrors the comments from a court decision, the United States v. Luccero in1869 as is seen in this excerpt:
"The idea that a handful of wild, half-naked, thieving, plundering, murdering savages should be dignified with the sovereign attributes of nations, enter into solemn treaties and claim a country...as theirs in fee simple, because they hunted buffalo and antelope over it might do for beautiful reading in Cooper's novels or Longfellow Hiawatha, but is unsuited to the intelligence and justice of this age, or the natural rights of mankind. (McQuade, Atwan, Banta, Kaplan, Minter, Stepto, Tichi, & Vendler, 1999, p1322).'"
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Revolutionizing Literature and Southern Society, 2007.
This paper discusses the book 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain and looks at Huckleberry Finn's transformation of America.
1,038 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer explains that Mark Twain's ground-breaking novel, "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," has a strong emphasis on southern society and its relationship to slavery. The writer maintains that it is the novel that has moved American literature and American society forward, past the destitution and injustice brought by slavery.
The writer points out that through the choices that Mark Twain makes by choosing Jim as a protagonist and the outcome of the plot, he emphasizes that slavery is an evil force in southern society. The writer concludes that Mark Twain wrote the novel, 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn', as a way to not only entertain millions of Americans for years to come, but to revolutionize the ways southern society views slavery.
From the Paper
"The characters of Jim and Huck emphasize two typical characters that would be outcast by southern society. Huck is a down-and-out ruffian with a lack of any social polish, and Jim is supposedly just another slave. With these two unlikely protagonists, their moral choices are able to show both an unrefined version of morality, impervious to society as well highlight choices that show nothing but the consequences of southern society. After running away from Pap to Jackson Island, Huck finds Miss Watson's slave, Jim. Huck could have easily turned Jim into Miss Watson, but he made the choice to help him hide, and eventually run away with him. Right from the beginning of the novel, this shows that Huck has some interest in the person Jim is, instead of the slave that Jim is. Huck represents innocence of a boy who society hasn't changed. His decisions were based on what ethically should happen as opposed to what society things should happen."
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St. Augustine's Problem of Evil, 2002.
A discussion of St. Augustine's theory of evil and why evil exists if God does.
1,848 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper examines St. Augustine's doctrine on evil. St. Augustine believed that God made a perfect world, but that God?s creatures turned away from God of their own free will, through different types of falls, and that is how evil originated in the world. It shows how Augustine?s approach to a solution to the problem of evil has three main parts: The author explains how Augustine assumes that evil is a privation and cannot be properly said to exist at all, he argues that the apparent imperfection of any part of creation disappears in light of the perfection of the whole and he argues that moral evil, together with that suffering which is created as punishment for sin, originates in the free nature of the will of all creatures. According to Augustine, God has allowed evil to exist in the world because it does not conflict with His goodness. He did not create evil but is also not a victim of it. He simply allows it to exist.
From the Paper
"In Augustine?s study of the problem of evil, he argues that there are a variety of things that are good. Without this variety, he says, there can be a greater good ness of things as a whole than there would be if this variety did not exist. Augustine also argues that evil is not completely real in itself. Instead, it is dependent on something more real, like disease, which is a form of evil. He points out that disease can only exist in a body, which is a form of good. Therefore, Augustine says, God, who is the source of everything that exists, is not in contest with a positive being or a counterpart that is evil."
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Evil, 2007.
This paper discusses and analyzes the concept of evil.
1,819 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer takes a look at the origins of evil and discusses its purpose in society. The writer examines the different interpretations of evil and the way in which evil is viewed in different aspects of society. This essay also looks at the conflicting views on the existence of God and evil. The writer concludes that evil is something which has no definite meaning, as there will always be someone who has a different interpretation. Further, the writer maintains that evil will remain in this world in order to test people's temptations and morals. The writer claims that those who fall to evil ways shall repent it forever.
Outline:
Executive Summary
Introduction
What is Evil?
Definition of Good and Evil
Existence of Evil in the World
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Evil can be classified as an act which causes pain purposely and not accidentally. A person committing an act of evil knows that he/she is doing something which is morally wrong but then still proceeds to do it. Evil is an ugly thing but then one needs to have evil so that there is good in the world. There has to be something out there which will allow us to classify something as an act of good so that it can be distinguished from evil. Evil has to be there so it can balance goodwill in the world so that life can go on. This is known as the theory of duality where it states that life is a struggle between good or evil. It is believed that evil and good are different parts of the pole and cancel each other out."
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Judaism and the Problem of Evil, 2005.
This paper discusses that, despite being the victim of much evil through-out history, Judaism has maintained a basically hopeful attitude towards the problem of suffering and of evil.
1,165 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Judaism addresses the problem of evil without doubting the full existence either of evil or of God and without blaming the problem of evil on supernatural forces such as evil spirits or the divine workings of Karma. The author points out that the Jewish faith suggests that the existence of evil was necessary because it allowed God to create the universe and the concept of free will. The paper relates that, like that of many transcendental Eastern religions, Judaism's relationship to suffering addresses the value and benefit of evil in the world because evil works to clean the soul.
From the Paper
"This idea that humanity's free will forces evil into the world is a common theme in most religions and even among atheists. Many people have an instinct that suggests some outside force works on humans, however, encouraging them to do evil when they would not have a tendency to do it by themselves. For example, in Christian culture the idea of a "devil" who can "make" people do bad things is very common. Christians believe that one of God's angels rebelled and fell from heaven, and now leads an army of demons on earth who wreck havoc on humans, both tempting them to do evil and striking at them with external evil like cancer or natural disasters. Judaism, however, does not believe in anything of the sort, nor do the Hebrew scriptures support this view. On the contrary, according to Jewish understandings, Satan is not a rebel but an obedient angel who is "His Majesty's loyal opposition"."
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