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The Plausibility of Setting in Fiction, 2008.
A comparative analysis of the contribution of the setting to the novels "The Three Strangers" by Thomas Hardy, "The Inn of The Two Witches" by Joseph Conrad and "Will O' The Mill" by Robert Louis Stevenson.
2,102 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how plausibility in fiction is one of the vital aspects of literature and how there are many ways to make a literary work plausible - one of them being the setting. The paper examines three stories as examples to show how the setting contributes to the plausibility of the works. The paper first looks at how, in Thomas Hardy's "The Three Strangers", the setting, which is an isolated cottage, makes the story believable as it is far from the city and its dwellers are ignorant of the facts of daily city life. The paper then looks at Joseph Conrad's "The Inn of The Two Witches" and explains how the setting contributes to the story's gothic theme, as the setting is an inn again in an isolated area. The paper relates that, although there are supernatural characters in this story, the readers accept their existence easily and naturally because of the setting. Finally, the paper examines how, in Robert Louis Stevenson's "Will O' The Mill", the setting is a mill in a beautiful valley. The paper explains that the central character, Will, arrives at strange decisions, but when these decisions are thought within the setting, they seem plausible.
From the Paper
"Thomas Hardy sets his story "The Three Strangers" in a rural part of England. The story is about a farmer who holds a party to celebrate his newborn child. There is a heavy rain during the party and three strangers call on his cottage for a shelter. As the unknown guests speak, a curiosity is created because no one knows exactly who they are, where they come from and go to. The first two strangers tell their stories and their host and we, the readers, hope what they tell is true. The third strangers' visit heightens our excitement as he vanishes as soon as he appears in the cottage. At that moment some news arrive that a prisoner who waits his execution the next day has ran away from the prison. The dwellers of the cottage and their guests mistakenly think that the last stranger is the prisoner and goes after him. They catch him and he immediately reveals the fact. The fact is that the third stranger is the prisoner's brother, the prisoner is the first stranger and the second stranger is his executioner. Of course, the real prisoner is not caught."
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Assessing the American Spirit through Fiction and Non- Fiction, 2002.
Reviews both American non-fiction and American fiction works of art to support the notion that the American spirit is reflected in both types of literature.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 4 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
One of the most poignant quotes in American literature comes from Donald Briscoe, who stated that "To understand American Literature, it is necessary to examine both its fiction and its non- fiction because the key to the American Spirit can be found in both." This paper assesses Briscoe's quote through addressing two works of American fiction and two works of American non- fiction with the intent of proving how the spirit of the American people is reflected in both types of literature.
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Fiction vs. Non-fiction, 2002.
A discussion of reading comprehension and the differences in comprehension of fiction versus non-fiction reading.
4,050 words (approx. 16.2 pages), 9 sources, $ 109.95
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Abstract
The paper starts with a general discussion of reading comprehension and its importance for academic success. Factors involved in reading comprehension, such as phonological memory and word recognition, are examined, as well as other influential forces, such as time limitation and silent reading are outlined. Then the topic of comprehension of fiction versus non-fiction material is explored through a review of the relevant literature.
From the Paper
"Literacy and reading comprehension are subjects that have been explored for decades. Through these explorations we have discovered that comprehension is an essential component in the ability of a person to succeed in academia and in life. Comprehension is defined as ?the act or action of grasping with the intellect?the capacity for understanding fully.?(The Dictionary) Comprehension is important because it allows us to gain knowledge of new concepts; without comprehension it would be impossible to learn anything.
"This discourse will present a literary review of the aforementioned topic so that we can understand comprehension and the effect of comprehension on academic success. The literature presented will seek to display this information in a manner that will inform and enlighten.
Reading comprehension covers a broad range of topics. For the purposes of this literary review we will seek to explain what comprehension is and the effect that fiction and nonfiction works have on comprehension. This review will use a wide range of sources including journals, digests and academic studies."
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Commercial and Literary Fiction, 2007.
This paper examines "A Jury of Her Peers" by Susan Glaspell and "A Municipal Report" by William Sidney Porter as literary fiction and commercial fiction, respectively.
942 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
The paper examines "A Municipal Report", which is an example of "commercial" fiction and "A Jury of Her Peers", which is an example of "literary" fiction. The paper outlines the character developments, plots and themes in order to underscore how "A Municipal Report" is intended as a light-hearted, diversionary romp through a Southern town, while "A Jury of Her Peers" is a troubling look at gendered stereotypes in early twentieth century America.
From the Paper
"As our course textbook indicates, commercial fiction is written primarily to make money and is designed to take us away from the world of our troubles; it is, in other words, all about giving pleasure to a reader who is seeking distraction ("Chapter One: Reading the Story," 52-53). In "A Municipal Report," the character development of the story clearly reveals the commercial features of the work. For one thing, there really is no character development to speak of. Instead, the reader is confronted with stereotypes: the vain Californians, blustery and stammering Chicagoans, appallingly slow restaurant service somehow managed with the utmost courtesy, the pompous Brit, Wentworth Caswell, and the dilapidated "Negro" nearly as old as Ham. There is also, unfortunately, an element of racism inherent in the story's depiction of the "old negro" insofar as he often finds himself unintentionally humorous - such as on the occasion when he informs the narrator that the seats "is clean" because his hack has just returned from a funeral (Porter, sec.1-6). As a last point, Azalea Adair is the quintessential polite, elegant yet sheltered and impoverished Southern belle one would expect to find in post-Civil War America (Porter, sec.9-10)."
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Science Fiction, 2002.
A paper exploring the meaning of the term "science fiction" and various literary works and films which have impacted readers and viewers.
2,965 words (approx. 11.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 87.95
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Abstract
A paper written in question-and-answer form where science fiction as an art in literature and films is explored. Subjects covered are works which have impacted viewers and readers over the years, themes of these works and dystopias. Example of questions are: Who are some of the great writers of the past in Science fiction?, What exactly is science fiction as compared to horror, mystery, or adventure novels?, What is the movie "Fahrenheit 451" about? and many more.
From the Paper
"(14) What is the society in Fahrenheit 451 like? Everyone is told they are part of a larger family. They are all cousins. This Utopian society is actually a dysfunctional one in which people are hunted down on TV for any violation of the rules. In one scene everyone in a neighborhood is ordered outside the home to look for a runner. The people obey and stand outside their homes as ordered. It is reminiscent of a scene in China during President Ford's visit when an unexpected snow fell in the middle of the night. Block monitors alerted the people and everyone was out with brooms to clear the sidewalks. This is what a totalitarian society can do. It can provide what the state wants and control the actions of their people. Some people will accept this type of society but most will find it stupefying."
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Science Fiction in Film and Literature, 2002.
A paper which explores of the way science fiction is presented in film and literary form.
2,270 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
The paper explores the theme of science fiction in film and literature since its beginnings with Jules Verne's writings at the end of the nineteenth century. The paper shows how the best science fiction, both literary and filmic, explores issues of the individual in society, the nature of what it means to be human, and the morality of human decision making. While science fiction may be set in the future, it speaks to its contemporary audience about their problems and concerns. Science fiction works studied in this paper include Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World", George Orwell's "1984", Fritz Lang's 1920s film "Metropolis" and the film "Blade Runner", directed by Ridley Scott.
From the Paper
"Novels like Brave New World and 1984 were written in reaction to totalitarian regimes of the time and so used a possible future to comment on a real present. In his novel 1984, George Orwell warned of the seductions of government thought control as he saw them developing in the Soviet Union and elsewhere because of the tensions after World War II, and while the world never reached the state of control seen in that book, it did tend in that direction in response to threats, real and perceived. Huxley extended ideas about government control and psychological testing from his time into the future. Evgeny Zamiatin's We is another novel about a totalitarian regime, a reaction to the same political realities of the 1930s and 1940s."
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Science Fiction, 2008.
An analysis of the three different eras of science fiction.
1,004 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how setting in science fiction is a key element, as it is in all fiction, though the way it is used and the emphasis given to it among the various elements of fiction may differ. In particular, the paper discusses how, in his anthology "Masterpieces", Orson Scott Card divides science fiction somewhat arbitrarily into three categories according to era ("The Golden Age," "The New Wave," and "The Media Generation"). The paper then examines the style and settings of each of these eras with reference to different novels.
From the Paper
"Setting is important in the structure of the novel Count Zero by William Gibson. The setting is the future, but it is not a distant future. It is rather a projection of the present into what Gibson sees as the next logical step as the use of the computer makes the cyberspace that Gibson named in an earlier book into a parallel reality set alongside the "real" world in which we live. Both worlds have evolved in the direction of increasing corporate control accompanied by further surrender of individuality and autonomy on the part of the human inhabitants of the planet. "
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Technological Dystopia in Film and Fiction, 2006.
This well-researched paper analyzes the relevance of robots and robotic technology in both film and various written works of fiction.
2,566 words (approx. 10.3 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
The writer of this paper examines the issue of technological dystopia by highlighting the negative aspects surrounding the inclusion of fictional robots in both film and written works of fiction. The writer discusses why the characters or images portrayed by robots cause either admiration or resentment to the audience. This paper also explores the underlying issues that authors and filmmaker are trying to convey in using robots as central characters in their stories. This paper looks at the human-like robots in author Isaac Asimov's science fiction novels. This paper analyzes the impact of robots and advanced technology in films such as "Terminator" and "I, Robot." This paper discusses the common theme prevalent in numerous films and novels pertaining to the perfection of robots and the imperfection of human beings. This paper also analyzes the relationship between the fictional robot and man.
From the Paper
"Like any other machine invented by man, robots are shown to have the capacity to malfunction. Unlike a malfunctioning watch, car, or any other machine, robots are portrayed to have superior intelligence and consciousness. This makes the "malfunction" even more dangerous, since they can manifest harm with superior intent and capability. A robot defect is magnified because it can create an "intelligent" danger that humans may not be able to handle. There's also the factor of consciousness. Robots can become self-aware and realize that they are superior to humans. The implications of this are vast and debatable. Perhaps they will cooperate with humans and regard us as their creator, or realize that they are the superior beings and enslave humanity. Regardless of the result, authors always highlight this possibility. Something that has the superior capability to do good also has the same capability to do harm, so fail-safe devices should be put in place."
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Science Fiction, 2004.
This paper discusses science fiction, an interesting genre because it blends the fantastic elements of life with some of the ordinary elements of life.
1,190 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that science fiction is a genre often associated with the impossible or the unreal, but a closer inspection reveals that there is often more truth in science fiction than we would guess. The author points out that novels such as ?Frankenstein? and ?The War of the Worlds? introduced the world to science fiction in astonishing ways by looking into the future and making the unbelievable real. The paper relates that contemporary science fiction such as ?1984? and ?2001: A Space Odyssey? still operate on those same levels of discovery bordering on terror.
From the Paper
"Frankenstein?s attitude and curiosity certainly reflected those of Shelley?s time. This can be seen when he becomes ?solely wrapped up? (Shelley 36) in his search to discover a way to produce life. Strangely, he decides that in order to study the origins of life, he must ?first have recourse to death? (36). Frankenstein was not satisfied with studying anatomy. He also felt compelled to ?observe the natural decay and corruption of the human body? (36). As a result of this he spent days and nights in ?vaults and charnel-houses? (36-7). Victor was wildly possessed and was determined to continue with his experiment at any expense."
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Science Fiction in the United States, 2008.
A discussion of the history of science fiction in the United States.
1,000 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how science fiction in the United States has gone through three main periods: Introduction, Golden Age, and Post-War Era. The paper points out that, in the United States, the beginning of science fiction was vague, starting in the nineteenth century. The paper then takes a look at Edgar Allan Poe as one of the first American science fiction authors. The paper concludes that, although the genre of science fiction had a humble beginning, in a short period of time it surfaced into an extremely popular type of literature.
From the Paper
"Therefore there was an interim in the immense success that science fiction had experienced in the Golden age. However, immediately when the war ended, there came "another boom time for science fiction." Major writers who were involved in the war began writing again. Many talented new writers came into the spotlight. Magazines that made it past the difficult times of World War II were now more popular than ever (American). Some authors of this time period were A.E. Van Vogt, J.G. Ballard, Ray Bradbury, Poul Anderson, and Frank Herbert. Post-war science-fiction authors had some new approaches in their works. Most of their works became about predictions of future societies on Earth, the consequences of space travel, and "imaginative explorations of forms of intelligent life and their societies in other worlds" (Science Merriam). Ray Bradbury was a key figure from the post-war era. He was one of the most illustrious science-fiction writers of his generation. Even though Bradbury's works verged on fantasy, most of them are considered science fiction. Two of his most famous works were The Martian Chronicles and Fahrenheit 451. The Martian Chronicles was a series of linked short stories, and Fahrenheit 451 began as a short story named "The Fireman. A major change occurred in the science-fiction industry when the paperback industry overtook the "pulp" magazine's "exclusive hold on science fiction" (American). This significantly increased the popularity of science fiction."
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The Elements of Fiction, 2001.
A look at the use of fiction in a novel through the analysis of one of Edgar Allan Poe's works, "The Cask of Amontillado".
860 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
The writer of this paper uses "The Cask of Amontillado" to illustrate how the elements of fiction can be used in works of literature. It shows how works of fiction often have to be more structured and believable than non-fiction so that it can be taken to heart as a story that may actually happen.
From the Paper
"In Edgar Allan Poe?s The Cask of Amontillado he uses all the elements of fiction to bring his story alive. If the story were missing some of the elements it would fall short of being a believable and viable work of fiction. Each element holds an importance in the story and creates a dimension that creates a life of its own. "
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Handicapped Characters in Contemporary Fiction, 2007.
This paper studies the effect that a handicap has on the development of the disabled characters in contemporary fiction.
1,618 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
In this article, the development of the characters with handicaps in works of fiction is analyzed and attention is paid to how much these particular characters have been influenced by the disabilities that they have. Whether these characters have been affected in a positive or negative way is also a point of consideration. The writer notes that unfortunately, it appears that there has not been that much attention paid to handicapped or disabled characters within the realm of contemporary fiction, but there are more characters with disabilities than is first realized. The writer maintains that the idea that more handicaps and limitations are appearing in fiction today is actually very promising, because it shows that there is more recognition of the fact that these problems do exist within society and they should be recognized and addressed.
From the Paper
"It does not appear that a study on this issue has been performed in the past, which is both good and bad, and is discussed within the confines of the methodology. Here, however, it is important to address the literature that is available and the information that it provides. From Tom Hanks' portrayal of Forrest Gump in the movie of the same name to the wheelchair-bound policeman on Cartoon Network's animated show 'Family Guy,' handicapped people, with both mental and physical impairments, are showing up in various works of fiction. However, it is not just whether they appear that is important, but how they are portrayed and whether they evolve throughout the course of the fiction, or whether they simple remain the same types of background characters that they often are in the beginning."
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Adventure Fiction, 2006.
A look at why adventure fiction is enjoyable to read, using Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Lost World", Richard Jeffries' "After London", H.G.Wells' "The Island of Doctor Moreau" and Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island" as examples.
2,960 words (approx. 11.8 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 87.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that the attraction and the limitations of the genre of adventure fiction are that these books do not want to be "read", they want to be enjoyed. The author points out that it might appear over-simplistic to dismiss "Treasure Island", "The Lost World" and "The Island of Doctor Moreau" as pure fantasy or "escapist" fiction because these novels also serve an important political purpose. The paper states that it is important to remember that, at the end of the nineteenth century, the proportion of boys who could read far outnumbered the girl readers, which suggests that adventure fiction was written to appeal to those youngsters for whom travel and exploration in foreign lands was a source of wonder and excitement. The author concludes that reading, enjoyment and academic analysis then are concerns that are very much questions of relevance and context.
From the Paper
"These authors were certainly influenced by the social and political issues that were occurring in the second half of the nineteenth century and it necessary for us to consider what was going on before we consider the matter of academic analysis. Darwin's theories had unsettled the social order and the success of these novels, it could be argued, was due in some part to the way in which their authors attempted to reinforce the stereotypical values held before "Origin of Species" was brought to the forefront of public attention. Feminist issues too were becoming apparent but women were generally silent in these texts."
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Science Fiction, 2005.
This paper compares Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World", Kurt Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse Five" and Stanislaw Lem's "Solaris" as examples of the science fiction genre.
1,310 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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This paper explains that perhaps the best definition of the distinct genre of science fiction is human morality and technology in a dialogue, projected into the human future. The author points out that Huxley critiques not genetics so much as human fears of unhappiness and the fear of not being able to experience perfect pleasure at all times; and Vonnegut satirizes not so much the technology of modern war, but the institutions that human beings have developed around the new technology, such as the military industrial complex. The paper relates that "Solaris" contains elements of science fiction, such as the projected use of present day technology into a probable future, and a wrestling with its possible moral implications for humanity.
From the Paper
"This coolness of tone is one reason why readers seldom feel the same emotional investiture in the characters of science fiction as they do in characters of other genres. Bernard Marx of "Brave New World" is as close to a hero as Huxley's novel is willing to have, and Marx is callous, clever, and mainly interested in bedding the main female protagonist, even though he occasionally questions his society's values. In "Slaughterhouse Five", the novel's initial setting depicts the main protagonist in 1968, where he is married and has two children. Although it gradually becomes clear that he is injured, and that his wife is dead, the reader does not care so much as merely appreciate the irony that, despite all that Billy has gone through, he may die by accident, even after having survived Dresden."
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Invasion and Colonialism in Science Fiction, 2008.
A discussion of invasion and colonialism themes in science fiction.
1,565 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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This paper examines the theme of invasion in science fiction and how it is, in fact, a colonial topic. The paper also takes a look at related themes such as infestation and infection. It draws upon famous film examples such as "Robocop", "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", and "Alien" to illustrate the symbolic significance of the invader's appearance and what it represents. To conclude, the paper asserts that battles against slick and slimy science-fiction monsters and bad guys reflect the West's battle against outside religious extremists.
From the Paper
"Invasions taking over the mind or body, in an offensively intimate way, are all part of the colonial horror. We are beguiled by a slick oppressor. Memorable science fiction films hone in on this theme of the intruder's allure. A storm trooper is as glossy as a Nazi soldier's boots. There is a brutal anonymity to their sheen, which makes viewers feel dishevelled yet intrigued with what lies beneath. On the other hand, the monster in Alien is covered in slick ooze (Pickover 99). The monster resembles a malignant organ. Ridley Scott's monster is like the lost part of our civilized psyche's missing mojo, and we almost want to stuff it back in, though the monster's only goal is to destroy (Mulhall 47). It is like an AIDS virus: death within temptation. In my opinion, this connection between bodily fascination and death has helped keep the Alien franchise lucrative."
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