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Icelandic Sagas, 2002.
An analysis of two works of Icelandic literature - "The Saga of Grettir the Strong" (author unknown) and "Egil's Saga" by Snorri Sturluson.
1,995 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
The Icelandic sagas "The Saga of Grettir the Strong" (written in the fourteenth century by an unknown author) and "Egil's Saga" (written in the early thirteenth century by Snorri Sturlson), tell us much about the life in Scandinavia at the time and about the culture that produced these works. The paper shows that in this regard, they are similar to other epics and sagas which convey information about the life of the past, from the Homeric epics through Virgil, "Beowulf", "El Cid" and many others. It shows that the plots might emphasize heroic actions and great battles, but at a more basic level, the sagas tell us how the people lived , how they related to the world, and what they thought about the world in which they lived. This paper analyzes both works, including characters. It discusses the societies in both sagas and compares them with one another.
From the Paper
"The characters in the Icelandic saga Egil's Saga live in a brutish world where they have to fight almost contantly to live and protect themselves and their kin. The rules of conscience such as we know them today do not apply to characters such as Egil, who commits his first murder when he is six years old and who is noted and honored for the ruthlessness with which he conducts his affairs. The values of the Vikings have to do with a sense of honor, with the maintenance of order within a kingdom if not between kingdoms, with the continuation of a hierarchy, and with the all-embracing need to further the interests of society in terms of security and the economy. These values applied in an environment of violence, plunder, and the destruction of enemies, and these values can be seen as reflective of the world which formed them."
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Women and Magic in the Norse Sagas, 2002.
An exploration of the use of magic, particularly by women, in the Norse Sagas.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the various ways in which women used magic in the Norse Sagas using examples taken from English translations of the original sagas. The change in society's attitudes towards witchcraft, from an agreeable and accepted part of society in the early sagas to one of contempt, is looked at. The paper traces the process of how witchcraft was eventually outlawed in the later Sagas. The paper links this change primarily to the introduction of Christianity and its attempt to undermine pagan religions.
From the Paper
"Magic is a central theme of the Norse Sagas. Entire sagas have been written about battles with ghosts and the influences of witchcraft on battles and bad luck. Magic was practiced by both men and women. Women, however were considered to be more adept than men and were often called upon by men to cast spells for them. Magic was incorporated into women's daily activities such as brewing, spinning, and weaving. Women used magic for both healing and causing harm. The belief in the power of sorcery was so powerful that it was outlawed after the arrival of the Christians (Gtettir's Saga, Ch. 84). This paper will examine the various ways in which women used magic in the Norse Sagas using examples taken from English translations of the original sagas. Societies' attitudes towards witchcraft changed from an agreeable and accepted part of society in the early sagas to one of contempt and was eventually outlawed in the later Sagas. This change was primarily due to the introduction of Christianity and its attempt to undermine pagan religions."
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"Njal's Saga" ( Anonymous ), 1995.
Discusses the impact of universal fatalism on family, friendship and law in this 13th Century Icelandic epic by an unknown author.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 4 sources, $ 55.95
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From the Paper
"This study will examine the role which the perspective of universal fatalism plays in the ethic of human interaction in Njal's Saga, the Icelandic epic prose narrative from the late 13th century by an unknown author and translated by Magnus Magnusson and Hermann Palsson. The study will consider the impact of universal fatalism on not only feud and retribution but also friendship, family, and the rule of law---all important features of this ethic.
Essentially, the argument of the study will be that the perspective of universal fatalism of the culture portrayed in the saga forces the characters to adhere to a strict code of chivalric and heroic behavior on earth because they do not have the promise or consolation of any sort of external afterlife. The unspoken assumption of the author is that human beings must find ..."
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Iceland, 2007.
This paper focuses on the economic prospects of Iceland.
2,305 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 71.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the dependency theory in relation to Iceland, as well as the country's limited resources. The paper explores the economic performance of Iceland and shows how the country must develop the necessary technological infrastructure to help develop the information industries. The paper also relates that Iceland needs to find ways to make use of its unique geographic location and topographical features.
Outline:
Theoretical Approaches
Capitalist Development
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Iceland is a country most people know only by name. Indeed, the name itself is one of the reasons so few tourists visit, given that they tend to look for warmer climes, and Iceland is clearly not in that hemisphere. Also, Iceland has few well-known tourist attractions or even historical sites of import. The country was settled by Norwegian and Celtic immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D. The country does have the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing, established in 930. Iceland was independent for more than 300 years before being ruled by Norway and Denmark."
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Iceland's Past and Politics, 2004.
This paper examines the past and present politics of Iceland.
2,347 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
Iceland has a long history of politics going back to the pre-Christian age. This paper covers the country's political history and looks at the development of political parties. The paper also covers major industries and environmental issues.
From the Paper
"Iceland has no military forces. It has no neighbors to fight. Iceland does belong to NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) for defensive capabilities. NATO was and is a federation of country's to contain the spread of communism (Soviet Union). In return for this defense, the Icelandic Government lets NATO have a naval base in Keflavik, Iceland. Having no military, Iceland can use all its resources for social and welfare programs. An interesting note to Iceland not having a military is that the Althing declared Iceland a "nuclear free zone" in 1985."
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Francis Ford Coppola's "Godfather" Saga, 2002.
This paper reviews the three films in director Francis Ford Coppola's "Godfather" saga: "The Godfather" (1972), "The Godfather, Part II" (1974) and "The Godfather, Part III" (1990).
1,425 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the three films in Coppola's Godfather saga, which is set in the world of the American Mafia throughout most of the Twentieth Century, explore the similarities between family and business interests as fundamental aspects of human behavior. The paper states that "The Godfather" (1972) tells the story of the end of Don Vito Corleone's reign as head of the family in the late 1940s. The author points out that "The Godfather, Part II" (1974) continues this story with his son Michael's transfer of the family business to Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas in the 1950s, and is intercut with the early years of Don Vito, from his childhood in Sicily to his rise to power in New York City. The paper continues that "The Godfather, Part III" (1990) presents the aging Michael and his struggle to legitimize the family's business while powerful forces, including his nephew Vincent Mancini, try to pull him back into crime.
From the Paper
"The story begins, therefore, at a point where the broader implications of the family business are clear. But it also shows the awareness, at least of Don Corleone, that being in this business is a necessity but is not, in itself, desirable. He plans for his youngest son Michael--a college-educated war hero--to escape from it. Michael (Al Pacino) himself tells Kay Adams (Diane Keaton), after being quite frank about the nature of the family business, that all this is his family--not him. He understands his father's desire to protect him from it. The brutality of the business is fully revealed in the 'war' sequence that follows the request for accommodation in establishing a heroin importing operation which is favored by some members of the family but rejected by Don Vito."
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Iceland, 2002.
The history and the formation of Iceland.
3,900 words (approx. 15.6 pages), 19 sources, $ 142.95
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Abstract
This paper presents the history and geography of Iceland's formation from a geological perspective and contains various sources and a glossary.
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Man Against Nature: An Ongoing Saga, 2000.
This paper examines Ernest Hemingway's story, "The Old Man and The Sea".
2,120 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
The writer of this paper takes the reader on a journey through the story and develops a detailed overview of Santiago's personality and place in the world, as he knew it. In addition this paper discusses the author's life and compares it to the life of the old man himself.
From the Paper
The struggles and ideas in the story parallel some of the things we already know about Hemingway's personality. He was a loner and a bit rough around the edges, just like Santiago is. He was also the type of writer who would focus so intently on a story he was constructing that he shut out the world in his battle to get it right. This may be illustrative of the struggle Santiago has with the fish. When he brings it back as nothing but a skeleton it is a reflection of the way Hemingway may have felt after finishing each project.
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"Gilgamesh", 2005.
An analysis of the theme of mortality in the Ancient Mesopotamian saga of "Gilgamesh".
1,365 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This truth about human understanding as well as human biology is evidenced by the existence of the heroic saga of "Gilgamesh." It examines how the saga of "Gilgamesh" continually contrasts the mundane and the transcendent and how the hash or mundane reality of the world, and the eternal dream-like existence of the heavens are paired against one another.
From the Paper
"After being confronted with death, Gilgamesh realizes the fragility of his own life and legacy, as well as human joy. Gilgamesh begins the tale unaware of mortality and suffering, except perhaps on an intellectual level. But then, "Gilgamesh wandered in the wilderness grieving over the death of Enkidu and weeping saying: "Enkidu has died. Must I die too?" (48) His friend's death 'brings home' the idea that death can cut close to him-and for the first time, that even though he may be a better fighter than most men, this does not exempt him from mortality, at the end of time. "
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Northern Racism in Kevin Boyle's "Arc of Justice", 2008.
An analysis of Kevin Boyle's "Arc of Justice: A Saga of Race, Civil Rights, and Murder in the Jazz Age".
1,780 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
Through an examination of Kevin Boyle's "Arc of Justice: A Saga of Race, Civil Rights, and Murder in the Jazz Age", this paper explores the notion of northern racism, evident in legal and economic segregation, which continued long after the abolition of slavery. The paper points out that Boyle's text on the subject constructs a postwar period in American history where great social and economic change helped to sow the seeds of contempt and exploitation that were employed to sustain the subjugation and abuse of now freed slaves. Just as in the south, in the north the virulence of America's racism had grown to be a force of determinant influence. The paper concludes that Boyle offers insight into our own times and remarks upon a supposedly tolerant society, attributed a certain degree of benevolence that is in fact largely mythologized.
From the Paper
"Certainly, resistance had always existed against the institution. Boyle tells of Leon County, Florida where the slave population had significantly outnumbered the population of white planters and masters. Thus, slaves found themselves at least empowered enough to mount the occasional resistance to the brutality of the experience such as in an anecdote where one slave defends himself against a flogging by reaching for an axe and bludgeoning his master with it. Such resistance, while not necessarily uncommon, was institutionally impotent as "the ferocity of the law undercut more organized rebellion." (46) And more so, we might note, was this true in the north, where no slave master existed against whom such resistance might have been realized. Instead, blacks would simply arrive to find themselves unable to achieve advancement, and no less safe from either violence of exploitation in this new setting."
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John Gardner's "Grendel", 2002.
Examines this retelling of the famous Beowulf saga.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the classic literary saga Beowulf whose theme is the concept of ultimate good battling and vanquishing ultimate evil. The paper focuses on the retelling of the story through American author John Gardner's 1971 novel "Grendel" which presents the monster Grendel in a different light and not as the grim and unhappy spirit he is usually portrayed.
From the Paper
"Perhaps for this reason, Grendel has become almost as much a subject for discourse as Beowulf himself has. Editorial commenting in the numerous translations and interpretations of the poem have often included comments on the manmonster. The many books and articles written on the poem usually include passages of chapters about him, his actions, motivations and personalities. Almost all of these works are usually written within the context of the poem, that is in direct relation to the hero Beowulf himself, "Grendel acts in such a manner because Beowulf does" is the usual rule followed."
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Lee Harvey Oswald, 2002.
This is a history paper analyzing the book "Spy Saga: Lee Harvey Oswald and U.S. Intelligence" by Philip H. Melanson.
1,580 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 1 source, $ 51.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the thesis of the book "Spy Saga: Lee Harvey Oswald and U.S. Intelligence" by Philip H. Melanson, which claims that Oswald, infamous assasin of President J.F. Kennedy, was involved with the C.I.A. The paper discusses Oswald's career in the Marine Corps, the information he gained about the Soviet's, his role with the CIA, and the reasons he was in Dallas on the day he shot the president.
From the Paper
"The thesis of this book is, "...Oswald's links to CIA- related persons, projects, and contexts appear far stronger than do those to any other U.S. intelligence agency..." (p. 4) This book is all about the allegations that Lee Harvey Oswald is in some way, shape, or form is involved with the CIA. There are many noticeable things that have led to these allegations and to this day it is still a mystery. There can be a case made that Oswald was and was not involved with the CIA. I chose this particular quote because it gives the reader the main idea of the book, and it shows that he could've been in the CIA or possibly in some other intelligence agency. Most people including myself never knew that Oswald was involved in anything dealing with the U.S. There are many different incidents in which Lee Harvey Oswald has had some knowledge of or involvement in and this book goes into these incidents. The thesis ties in directly, with the main idea of this book, because it talks about all the things that Oswald was involved."
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"Neither Black Nor White", 2008.
An analysis of the issue of family in a racial context within "Neither Black Nor White: The Saga of an American Family" by Joseph E. Holloway.
826 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the book "Neither Black Nor White: The Saga of an American Family" by Joseph E. Holloway and looks at how the racial
intermixing of familial relationships is a crucial aspect of lineage studies in the book.
From the Paper
"Holloway describes the lineage of John Hadnot of Gloucester, England in the 16th century and the resulting migration of the family to America in 18th century. The story of William Hadnot is the central apparatus of the story of the Hadnot family, as they are slave owners that now live in New Orleans. One crucial aspect of the novel is the issue of mixed race families. Although Hadnot is a prominent slave owner, he is essentially related to the slaves that work for him on the land. This type of proof comes from the determination of William to see the value of the work done by the slaves, which are essentially his own family members."
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J.R.R. Tolkien, 2006.
A look at the influences on the work of author J.R.R. Tolkien.
2,015 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how there are many resemblances between the works of Tolkien and that of ancient works of literature. It looks at how "The Lord of the Rings" saga shares its origins of heroic myth in the classic literature that Tolkien admired, studied and taught. It discusses how the "Beowulf" saga is probably the most recognized today of those studied by Tolkien. Iceland's Poetic Edda and Old Norse Mythology are also reviewed.
From the Paper
"Tolkien himself acknowledged The Kalevala as an influence for some of his ideas. The Kalevala is an epic poem, which Elias Lonnrot in the 19th century said that he had compiled from Finnish folk sources. It is commonly called The Finnish National Epic and is one of the most significant works of Finnish-language literature. The Kalevala is a Finnish epic put together in the 19th century from traditional stories and myths that had been handed down through families. It tells of a hero, Vainamoinin, and his adventures. Magic and magical beings, good and evil, and treasure to be sought (the Sampo) that would provide for all men, are recorded in this great epic poem. "
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Alexander The Great, 2002.
This explores deeply the saga of Alexander The Great.
1,025 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 6 sources, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the accomplishments and history of Alexander The Great as a tale of adventure and conquest. The author argues that while Columbus' discover of the New World was indeed significant, it does not compare to Alexander's great vision.
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