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Shakespeare's Villains, 2003.
A study of two of William Shakespeare's villains, Iago in "Othello" and Claudius in "Hamlet".
1,770 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper examines two of the most infamous villains in all of Shakespearian literature, Iago in "Othello" and Claudius in "Hamlet". The paper points out that both Claudius and Iago are driven by immoral ambitions. It adds, however, that unlike many "evil villains" in literature, these two characters are far more complex than may be seen at first. The paper praises Shakespeare as a master at providing an audience with keen insight into the human psyche through the actions and words of his heroes, and even more so, his villains. To conclude, the paper maintains that Iago and Claudius, although driven by different ambitions, are both villains in the sense that they have a specific target in mind and will stop at nothing until that aim is reached.
From the Paper
"Another common aspect of Iago's and Claudius's villainous character is their use of women to further their own goals. It is unclear how much Claudius is driven by lust for Gertrude, but marrying her was definitely a strategic move, and part of his master plan to keep the thrown away from Hamlet. By doing this, he is using Gertrude to advance his scheme, convincing her that her son is insane and must be sent away. Iago, a character who does not seem to plan out his every move, also makes women mere pawns in his game. The woman whose innocence and naivety he exploits the most is Desdemona. Claiming to be driven by lust, as perhaps was Claudius, Iago says he lusts after Desdemona to get revenge for Othello's infidelity with Emilia. As he says, it is "wife for wife." This is not the main reason he harms Desdemona, although he enjoys the pain he causes to all those around him. Rather, he uses Desdemona's sweetness to convince Othello that she is cheating on him with Cassio, whom Iago sent to speak to her. This meticulous orchestration of events proves that he is clearly aware of his villainous behavior and feels no regret for any of the losses suffered by the other characters under his influence."
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William Shakespeare?s ?Othello? and ?King Richard III?, 2003.
This paper compares William Shakespeare?s villains, Iago from ?Othello? and Richard III from ?King Richard III?.
1,490 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that Shakespeare?s primary intent in ?Othello? was to develop the villainous character of Iago, whose motives are represented as being highly complex and ambiguous, but villainous in the extreme. The author points out that Richard is shown to be a villain of the highest caliber, whose power-mad lust for the crown compels him to confirm his claim that, ?I am determined to prove a villain?. The paper concludes that Shakespeare portrays Iago and Richard in much the same light, as sociopaths who view others as merely objects representing obstacles in their path to fame and glory, which makes them villains by any definition.
From the Paper
"However, much like Richard, Iago?s ambition is the source of his villainy rather than his resentment at being overlooked for promotion, sexual jealousy or the racial prejudice he had consistently faced; rather: ?A man motivated by simple jealously and hatred would have no such need. He is not inspired by pure evil and desire to torment Othello either. In reality, Iago?s main motivation, born out of an inferiority complex, is a desire to heighten his sense of superiority and power.? According to Agrawal, Samuel Coleridge?s phrase, ?. . . motive hunting of motiveless malignity,? may best describe Iago?s strange actions and behavior. ?Motive hunting? exactly describes Iago?s soliloquies. He continuously ponders over and tries to understand his emotions. It is clear that he wants to torment and destroy Othello. However, he is not sure of the motivations underlying that desire.? "
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Richard III in Shakespeare and History, 2005.
A compare and contrast paper of Richard III from William Shakespeare's drama and the historical figure in English history.
2,252 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the historical from the literary Richard III, as portrayed by Shakespeare. There is a brief description of each portrayal as well as a short analysis of the two together. The representation by Shakespeare shows the villain-hero to be one that we both adore and abhor at the same moment, but the real Richard III was just as fascinating in his ability to twist the royal line to make himself king.
From the Paper
"Being so repulsive, Richard learned to use beautiful words and delicate language to disguise his face and to gain the trust and love of others by speaking sweetly to them. Lady Anne, mourning over the corpse of her father-in-law, was won over by his honeyed tongue. Richard not only slew her father-in-law, King Henry VI, but he murdered Anne's husband, Prince Edward, on the battlefields as well. Richard convinces Anne that it was her beauty that forced him into killing her beloved family. Anne, so swept up by his voice and, perhaps with the sight of an empty future, ends her resistance, stays her curses of him, and agrees to become his wife."
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Villains and Criminals in Shakespearean Drama, 2004.
Analysis of the importance of and attraction to villains throughout Shakespeare's various plays.
1,489 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper shows that, in Shakespearean drama, the villains are traditionally extreme rationalists. It looks at examples, such as Shylock and Iago, who manipulate people by knowing the way they think, while criminals, like Falstaff, are generally good-natured, but have no use for morals or law.
From the Paper
"Shylock is an outsider not only because he is Jewish and the rest of the town is Christian, but also because he has a different value system. He makes it clear that he enjoys his role as an outsider when he tells Bassanio "I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk with you and so following; but I will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you" (I.3.33-35). In the play Shylock is both the victim and the villain. He is betrayed by his only daughter when she elopes with a Christian and loots his house of all the gold and jewels. Although he is angry about the loss of his possessions, he is devastated when he learns that she sold a memento which was very important to him. This shows us that Shylock is not motivated merely by financial gain."
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Marcus Rediker's "Villains of All Nations", 2008.
Evaluates historian Marcus Rediker's book about pirates, "Villains of All Nations: Atlantic Pirates in the Golden Age" and the phenomenon these pirates represent.
1,045 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, unlike most historians, Marcus Rediker in his book "Villains of All Nations: Atlantic Pirates in the Golden Age" takes a positive view of piracy and what they represented for the period in which they lived. The author points out that Rediker believes that the issue of piracy should not be observed from the damages they caused but rather from social, economic and human aspects, which justify their actions. Rediker offers several arguments; however, they are easily countered by suggesting that the actual motivation of these pirates was strictly connected to the accumulation of wealth and power. The paper states that Rediker's book is a shallow and inaccurate account of history of pirates.
From the Paper
"By discussing the history of the first pirates at sea, the author points out the difficulties they are considered to have suffered especially during the Spanish war when they were sent in battles without their expressed will. In this sense, he considers that the eventual freedom they came to have after the end of the armed conflicts was an equitable reward of the situation. Through this perspective, the author tries to justify their actions from a moral point of view."
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Villains, 2001.
This paper describes satanic characters in literature.
850 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This essay looks at evil and its corrupting forces in literature, citing Milton's "Paradise Lost" and Shakespeare's "Othello". It goes on to discuss the motives of Gandhi and those in the anti-slavery movements, attempting to explain why good will ultimately prevail.
From the paper:
"Both John Milton and Dr. Martin Luther King were clergymen who based their works, writings and speeches on the principles set forth in Christianity.
" While it might seem to be a difficult task to find a villain in real life who is suitable for comparison to Satan - one in whom personal characteristics are so base that they are better seen as completely nonexistent - it is not difficult to find such a creature in literature.
"The character of Lago from Shakespeare?s play, Othello, fits this description well. Not only can Lago be compared to Satan in Milton?s Paradise Lost, but the character of Othello can be compared to an innocent Adam - a person who is doing perfectly well before the devil moves in and brings hell with him."
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Maximilien Robespierre: Hero or Villain?, 2002.
This paper asks and attempts to answer the question: Was Robespierre a villain for leading the Reign of Terror or was he a hero serving the creator by whatever means were necessary?
1,386 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
The writer looks into the historical figure of French revolutionary thought, Maximilien Robespierre. The paper questions whether he can be seen as a hero or villain based on his extreme actions and involvement in the Reign of Terror in which many people were killed.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background
Reign of Terror
The Change of Heart
Conclusion
From the Paper
"His first real anti-government essay was a pamphlet he produced prior to an election in his hometown. In it, he describe, quite honestly and frankly, how the government was oppressing the poor. The classic clich? of "the rich become richer while the poor become poorer" was literally true. He never set himself forward as a candidate for the election, but didn't take himself out of running when his friends nominated him. Instead, he began to influence others' chances of being elected so that the whole area would be governed by like-minded men (39-41). For anyone wanting to change the government, either hero or villain, one must start small."
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Macbeth: Hero or Villain?, 2003.
A discussion of whether William Shakespeare's character of Macbeth can be considered a hero or a villain through his actions in the play.
2,523 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 0 sources, $ 76.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and in particular, analyzes how the character of Macbeth goes from being a brave loyal soldier to a murderer by the end of the play. It looks at how Macbeth is loyal to the King and serves his country as a soldier, not like the Thane of Cawdor. It also examines how at the start of the play Macbeth is ambitious, brave, superstitious and dedicated to his wife and how he becomes cruel and deceitful from the influence of Lady Macbeth. It explores the events that show this change i.e. the murders Macbeth commits, his intentional revisit to the witches and his response to his wife?s death.
From the Paper
"At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is a brave and loyal soldier in King Duncan?s army. He killed the enemy in the battle; the situation was very treacherous which makes him a hero. Before Macbeth appears, he is described by King Duncan as ?noble? Macbeth. Macbeth is seen as a strong soldier who is trustworthy and brave, a truly laudable figure. Duncan describes him as ?worthiest cousin?. To the wounded sergeant, he is ?Valour?s minion?. All of these descriptions show that Macbeth is a loyal soldier and fought for his country very well. Macbeth puts his country and life before himself. This is what a true hero is, someone who puts other people before himself."
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Victim or Villain?, 2005.
This paper analyzes the role of Agamemnon in the overall context of the ongoing conflict.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 6 sources, $ 89.95
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Abstract
The paper explains how Agamemnon represents an individual who has the potential to avert extensive tragedy not by means of the typical heroic act, but by a simple compromise which, under the circumstances, would have been truly heroic. The paper notes that Agamemnon did not act alone and his behavior must be viewed in the overall context of the ongoing conflict. The paper discusses how at the most decisive moment for Agamemnon, the motivations of Achilles and Peleus are at work while Chryses and Apollo function as a closed team; however, Agamemnon is not absolved of responsibility.
From the Paper
"The story of Agamemnon is situated in a context of feud which makes later literature such as Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" also emerging from feud seem normal. Furthermore, the saga of Agamemnon and the events leading up to his murder consist of the very lowest in human depravity. At the same time, Agamemnon's sacrifice of his daughter does not seem so deranged by comparison with the forced cannibalism of Atreus against Thyestes who discovers he has eaten his own sons. What is most significant, however, is the question of human action as opposed to fate and the designs of the gods."
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Christopher Columbus: Hero or Villain?, 2000.
While Columbus is traditionally hailed as the heroic discoverer of the New World, his actions reveal that this historic figure was less than honourable.
1,827 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the actions of Christopher Columbus and reveals his underlying motivations. It is demonstrated that the demands he made were outrageous and he sailed only out of greed. He deceived his crew and manipulated the King and Queen of Castile in a desperate attempt for wealth and glory. It looks at how Columbus' incredible brutality toward the natives not only set a pattern for future contacts between Europeans and Indians but finally outraged the authorities in Spain to the point where he was brought home in chains.
From the Paper
"In the spring of 1486 Columbus brought his plan of a westward voyage to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Castile. Instead of immediately approving his proposition, they appointed a special commission to carefully study his proposals. The commission took four years to make its report and during that time Columbus unsuccessfully took his plan to England and Portugal. When the Spanish commission gave its report, it too condemned his proposed expedition as impractical. Ferdinand and Isabella were too preoccupied with the conquest of the Muslim kingdom of Granada and had no time for voyages into the unknown. Despite all this, they hinted that it might be worth trying again in a few months."
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Jesse James: Hero or Villain, 2003.
Examines the life of Jesse James, America's most famous outlaw, and considers the question of whether he is an "American Robin Hood" or a common thug.
3,894 words (approx. 15.6 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 106.95
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Abstract
This extremely detailed term paper tracks the life of Jesse James from his days in the Civil War as a partisan raider through his life as an outlaw. It discusses the various segments of his career as an outlaw, leader, and gunfighter until his death and analyzes whether his actions should be vindicated or condemned.
From the Paper
Theodore Roosevelt, in Century Magazine of 1880, was said to have felt that the phenomenon of the western outlaw could only be understood if the absolute wilderness of the plains during the frontier period was taken into account. Jesse James is far and away the most infamous and best-known outlaw in American history. Modern culture, as evidenced by movies such as American Outlaws, depicts Jesse James as an ?American Robin Hood?: ?His yew bow is a Navy Colt; his jerkin a faded blue coat. He never fails to distribute his stolen loot among weeping widows about to lose their homesteads. Old men receive his coat in the freezing cold with tearful thanks. He reduces to a bloody hulk the bully torturing the frail young farmer, recently arrived from the East to till the soil? . Perhaps more credible individuals take the opposite view, and they write that: ?Jesse James was simply a cold-blooded killer and a thief. There is no credible evidence that he ever gave one cent to a widow or anyone else in need, nor did he take up arms to help the weak. For most of his life he was hunted like a wild animal, able to survive only because he and his gang could intimidate weak-spined county officials or count on kissing kinfolk to hide them out? . But who was the real Jesse James? Was he more likely to defend the downtrodden or prey on them? The answer is probably none of the above. Jesse James was no more a murderous thug than he was a defender of poor farmers; he was the product of a brutal and violent Civil War and reconstruction era of American history."
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Anti-Semitism in "The Merchant of Venice", 2001.
This paper uses research information to support the thesis that Shakespeare portrays Shylock as villain and a sub-human with no regard, feelings or mercy for others, all consequences of his Judaism.
2,090 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 4 sources, $ 65.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at one of Shakespeare's celebrated works, The Merchant of Venice. The author discusses how Shakespeare portrays one of the main characters, the merchant Shylock as not only a villain but someone less than human with no mercy for others, both consequences of his religion, while continuing to remind the reader of the goodness of the Christian characters. The author makes frequent references and quotes key passages from the play.
From the Paper
"Written sometime between 1596 and 1598, The Merchant of Venice is classified as both an early Shakespearean comedy and as a problem play; it is a work in which good triumphs over evil, but serious themes are examined and some issues remain unresolved. Specifically, anti-Semitism is woven throughout the play through the interactions of Shylock and the Christians around him. Due to the wave of anti-Jewish sentiment in late sixteenth century England , Shakespeare?s audiences were familiar with the staging of stereotypical evil Jews."
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Shades of Evil in "King Lear", 2003.
A comparison of the difference in characteristic villainy between Edmund, Goneril, and Regan in William Shakespeare's "King Lear".
775 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how, in the first three acts of William Shakespeare's "King Lear", the evil trinity of Edmund, Goneril, and Regan rises to power and how we have an abundance of horror and pessimism as human decency gradually shrinks. It examines how it is to Shakespeare?s credit that, despite making his principal villains partners in their quest for power, he endows them with their own peculiar shades of evil. It looks at how, even though all three have their own idiosyncrasies to deal with, somehow they are never crude, stereotypical villains; each, in his own capacity, has a distinctive quality, which enhances the luster of the evil.
From the Paper
"These sycophantic words, which are repeated by Regan, are drenched in hypocrisy yet their purpose is to attain for themselves a portion of the kingdom. Who would not use a bit of flattery for such a reward? Thus, the two daughters are not exactly evil to begin with but more appropriately ?hard-hearted? realists who will employ any and all means to get their share of the cake. They are very near to a modern go-getter. Even while arguing their case with Lear, their points are apparently more valid than his. It is true that he is old and choleric, his rages and temper are unpredictable and a source of problem. His retinue, especially if it follows the example Lear sets by assaulting Oswald, is likely to be a riotous lot. We almost find her common sense arguments plausible."
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Motivation in Literature, 2007.
An analysis of the motivation of Iago in William Shakespeare's "Othello" and Krogstad in Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House."
1,401 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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This paper analyzes the concept of good and evil and people's motivation for following a particular path in their lives. It focuses on this concept as it is illustrated in William Shakespeare's "Othello" and in Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House." The paper describes the characters of Iago, possibly the most heinous villain in Shakespeare and of Krogstad, a secondary character in Ibsen's "A Doll's House" and discusses their motivation for their actions.
From the Paper
"In terms of the motivation and the purpose of their actions Iago and Krogstad are two different characters. Indeed, Krogstad is the antagonist in "A Doll's House" but he is not necessarily a villain. Krogstad is a person who has been wronged by society as he committed the same crime Nora did, forgery of signatures. Though he did break the law, his mistake was relatively minor but the society has labeled him as a criminal and prohibited him to go beyond his past. Additionally Krogstad's claim that the cause of his immoral behavior was when Mrs. Linde abandoned him for a man with money so she could provide for her family makes it possible for us to see Krogstad as a victim of circumstances. Even if society's unfair treatment of Krogstad is not a justification for his actions, it tempers in the same time out perception of him as a despicable character. It can be said that his actions are indeed motivated because when Torvald becomes director of the bank in which Krogstad is employed and threatens him with dismissal, he naturally has to fight back: "If necessary, I am prepared to fight for my small post in the bank as if I were fighting for my life...It is not only for the sake of the money; indeed, that weighs
least with me in the matter. There is another reason...my sons are growing up; for their sake I must try and win back as much respect as I can in the town. This post in the Bank was like the first step up for me--and now your husband is going to kick me downstairs again into the mud" (act 1, "A Doll's House's Text"). As can be seen Krogstad has reasonable motives for behaving as he does: he wants to keep his job at the Bank in order to spare his children of the hardships that come with a spoiled reputation."
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"Macbeth", 2006.
An analysis of the main character in Shakespeare's "Macbeth".
800 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the tragic character of Macbeth in Shakespeare's play "Macbeth". The paper discusses how, true to Shakespearean tragedy, the character's downfall stems from his own actions. The paper examines Macbeth's murder of King Duncan and his role in instigating the demise of both Banquo and Fleance, as well as eventually engineering the deaths of Lady Macduff and her son. The paper also discusses the play's atypical elements in Shakespeare's tragedy formula -- such as the fact that Macbeth is more villain than hero in comparison to other well-known tragic characters. However, the paper concludes that since there is resolution for the survivors after Macbeth's death, the reader is truly able to see him as a tragic character.
From the Paper
"The reader detects a sense of urgency as the murders evolve - another characteristic of the tragic play. Macbeth is desperate to realize his ambition of becoming and remaining king. But his obsession drives him even further as he attempts to exterminate all those who might challenge or succeed him. Even as he proceeds down this ever-darkening course, Macbeth is aware that his flaw may prove fatal."
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