| Papers [1-15] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 7] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 —> | Search results on "UNATTAINABLE AMERICAN DREAM": |
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The Unattainable American Dream, 2004.
A look at the definition of the American dream and its representation in "All My Sons" by Arthur Miller.
784 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at how the concept of the American dream as a fairy tale life with plenty of money is, in fact, a myth. Many families strive and work all their lives to fulfill their American dream, but when reality sets in, they end up failing, and their American dream turns into a nightmare: the American reality. In particular, it looks at how Arthur Miller symbolizes the American dream and how, most of the time, it ends up being just a dream and nonexistent, as illustrated in the tragic play, "All My Sons".
From the Paper
"We associate this time of the American dream with the years following WWII, which we see in the 1950?s world created through the movies (i.e. Pleasantville): successful children, perfect families, and a happy stay-at-home mother (Kismaric 53). In the end, everyone knows that the children are not always successful, there are family fights, and not every mother can be at home and happy. Many families strive and work all their lives to fulfill their American dream, but when reality sets in, they end up failing and their American dream turns into a nightmare: the American reality. It may even be propaganda put on by the government to improve society after the war (Kismaric 55), so that the people can relax and live comfortably knowing that while their country is fighting for their freedom, they can live a ?perfect? life."
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Dreams and Dreaming, 2004.
An overview of the process of dreaming and what dreams really mean.
2,253 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to define what exactly a dream is, whether it is a story that evolves in the mind in a single flash of inspiration, moving from beginning to end in a few seconds, or whether there more to it than mere fantasy. It examines how many researchers, both past and present, have given numerous definitions for what dreams are and how they can be interpreted.
Outline
The Mechanics of Dreaming
The Sleep Cycle
Body Dynamics
The Healing Power of Dreams
Dream Deprivation
The Meaning of Dreams
From the Paper
"Thanks to these dream researchers, it is now known that there is a regular cycle of sleeping and dreaming during each period of sleep. For most people, a night of sleep begins with certain rituals; sleep then is supposed to come in an instant. Within the first few minutes, the temperature of the body falls, and brain waves begin their regular alpha rhythms, indicating a relaxed state. In Stage One, the muscles lose their tension, breathing becomes more even, and the heart rate slows. In Stage Two, random or nonsensical image may float through the mind, mimicking the dream state. In Stage Three, the body continues its process of slowing down; the muscles lose all tightness, breaths come slowly and rhythmically, the heart rate decreases and blood pressure falls. In Stage Four, the body and the mind are at their most restful periods and may last for many hours."
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Dreams and Dream Research, 2006.
This paper looks at the sleep cycle and studies dreaming.
2,261 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses what exactly a dream is. The writer ask whether it is a story that evolves in the mind in a single flash of inspiration, moving from beginning to end in a few seconds, or if is there more to it than mere fantasy. The writer discusses the sleep cycle and the act of dreaming and notes that many researchers, both past and present, have given numerous definitions for what dreams are and how they can be interpreted.
Outline:
The Mechanics of Dreaming
The Sleep Cycle
Body Dynamics
The Healing Power of Dreams
Dream Deprivation
The Meaning of Dreams
From the Paper
"A 2000 study at the University of Michigan found that the human body's dreaming condition is much like the fight or flight response in waking life, which gears the body up to confront a threatening situation. Yet the brain simultaneously signals the spinal cord to hold the body completely rigid. Science is still attempting to exactly determine what
physical function dreaming has for humans, but since the 1950's, researchers have made remarkable advances in the study of sleep and dreams.
"The cycles of sleep are a fairly new discovery, but in the years since researchers finally cracked the code of sleep, much has been learned about how the human body reacts when one dreams."
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To Dream or Not To Dream, 2001.
A paper discussing the "American Dream," and how it has been denied to certain people throughout history.
1,111 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 3 sources, $ 38.95
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Abstract
A paper discussing the "American Dream," and how it has been denied to certain people throughout history. The author relies on literary quotes to make the case that, in various points in American history, racism, poverty, and many other factors have conspired to deny the American Dream to groups of people.
From the Paper
"In the world today and throughout the past three centuries, millions of people have turned to America as the ?land of promise? where happiness is guaranteed and dreams are realized. The ?American dream? differs somewhat for all people but is built around the principles of being financially successful and having the opportunity to meet one?s goals in life. As this ideal has become more prevalent throughout the world, it has also become more elusive and difficult to obtain. This dream and guarantee that America supposedly offers is too often smothered by societal structure and philosophies, which impose limitations upon and create barriers against those seeking a better life; consequently, millions are left hopeless with their burning passion for life nearly extinguished."
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A Broken Dream, 2002.
Discussing F. Scott Fitzgerald?s "The Great Gatsby" and how the storyline represents the making and breaking of the American Dream.
1,623 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how, through Fitzgerald's cynical writing style, the reader is presented with the idea that the American Dream is a fairy tale and is unattainable. The writer provides a brief summary of the story and explains how Gatsby fought his whole life to try and achieve certain things, but was unsuccesful - love, wealth and recognition.
From the Paper
"One of the great American classic novels is F. Scott Fitzgerald?s The Great Gatsby, in which Jay Gatsby relentlessly pursues the love and adoration of Daisy Buchanan, who had scorned him five years earlier because of his lack of money and status. While romantic love might seem the theme at first glance as the novel unfolds, it becomes clearer that the central theme tying the novel together is the decline and eventual destruction of the American Dream. It is this dream or the lack thereof that haunts the pages of The Great Gatsby. Contributing factors to the demolition of the dream are excess, greed and the confusion of wealth and power in place of success and achievement. In direct correlation with the loss of hope, the characters search in vain for a sense of fulfillment in trivial matters. Fitzgerald ultimately presents the American Dream as a fairy tale, a dream that ceases to exist to the jaded, cynical viewers such as Fitzgerald himself."
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Communism in East Germany: the Unattainable Ideal, 2003.
Exploring the rise and fall of Communism in East Germany post WWII.
4,280 words (approx. 17.1 pages), 32 sources, APA, $ 113.95
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Abstract
The state of East Germany was established in 1949 under Communist rule, and its capital, the city of Berlin, became a symbol of division between Western democratic Europe and Eastern Communist Europe. While, in theory, Communism appeared to be the perfect ideology, when imposed upon East Germany, Communism proved itself to be an unattainable ideal. Through the analysis of the rise of Communism, leadership under Communist rule, and the fall of Communism in East Germany, this paper proves that Communism is, indeed, an unrealistic and unachievable ideology.
From the Paper
"Communism's political and economic ascension to power had a tremendous impact on East Germans. WWII left the people of Germany unstable and insecure. When the Allies took control over Germany and eradicated all traces of the previous Nazi government, the common people of Germany were both relieved and scared of what was to come. They knew for sure, however, that they did not want to be under communist rule as in 1946, when the free elections took place, East Berliners failed to elect the East German Communist Party. Unfortunately, the Soviet Union would not accept defeat, so it created the Socialist Unity Party, a "political force for the common people". Tricked by the new image and influenced by propaganda, the majority of East Germans elected the SED."
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Understanding Descartes?s Dream Argument, 2005.
Examines Descartes's dream theory within the context of the idea that computers might think, dream, and be deceived by dreams.
1,956 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
The ?dream argument? may have been a truly-lived expression of doubtfulness during Descartes's era. This paper notes why Descartes and his contemporaries may have been truly puzzled, given the state of scientific understanding at that time. Today, one cannot even get to the point in which proving or refuting Descartes?s dream argument would make any sense. One cannot simply lift the dream argument out of those circumstances and transplant it to our times. The paper shows that what may be appropriate is to look at computer technology today and ask whether computers can think, dream, and be deceived by their dreams.
From the Paper
"One can first begin with the question of whether computers can really play chess. Over thirty years ago it would have been very apparent that chess game software (and the corresponding hardware) had a challenging time competing with someone who was a decent chess player. When the question was asked over thirty years ago, it was possible to answer the question in the negative by way of showing the essential differences between how a human makes a move in chess versus how a computer performs the same operation."
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Lucid Dreaming, 2002.
A comprehensive examination of the dream state, an overview of lucid dreaming, and its relevance for psychologists and other clinicians today.
4,494 words (approx. 18.0 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 117.95
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Abstract
Lucid dreaming is a paradoxical mental state in which dreamers become aware that they are dreaming and, in some cases, deliberately take control of the dream action. This paper provides an overview of why humans sleep and dream, an examination of what lucid dreams are, and their relevance to psychologists and other clinicians today. A discussion of the potential adverse consequences identified by some critics is followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.
Outline
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Why Do Humans Sleep and Dream Anyway?
What Are Lucid Dreams? Cheap Thrills or Divine Insight?
Learning How to Dream Lucidly
Relevance of Lucid Dreaming to Psychology
"Completely Risk-Free" or Not?
Improving Accessibility to Lucid Dreaming
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Because everyone dreams, it would seem easy enough to classify the experience as being "ordinary," and yet the dream experience itself can seem to be anything but "ordinary." Researchers have been investigating why animals sleep and have attempted to determine the biological role of dreams. Lucid dreaming means dreaming while knowing that you are dreaming. This consciousness allows people to guide their dreams and explore a potentially infinite number of possibilities. A staunch lucid dream advocate and researcher, Dr. Stephen LaBerge, even maintains that lucid dreaming may help people heal faster and enjoy other benefits, including aiding personal-development, enhancing self-confidence, overcoming nightmares, improving mental (and perhaps, physical) health, facilitating creative problem solving as well as providing "thrilling entertainment." In all fairness, it should be pointed out that LaBerge is also hawking DreamLights and other devices designed to help people learn how to dream lucidly at as much as $1,000 a pop -- and he has sold a lot of them."
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Theories of Dreaming, 2000.
This paper examines the various theories put forth in scientific journals surrounding dreaming. Special attention is paid to the dreams of children and the role of REM sleep with respect to dreaming.
3,400 words (approx. 13.6 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 96.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses a wide range of theories involving dreaming, including the dreams of children, adolescents, and women. It also examines the differences in dream content with respect to age and gender, a behavioural perspective of dreaming, the rhetorical theory of dreaming, the causes and effects of post-traumatic nightmares, and a theory of dreaming as an experience of consciousness.
From the Paper
"In children, the REM stage goes from about fifty percent of total sleep in infants, to twenty five percent in two and three year olds, and down to around eighteen percent in older Dreaming 3 children and adolescents. Jean Piaget described three stages in children?s understanding of their own dreams. In Piaget?s theory, the first stage occurs around the age of five or six. These children are only able to interpret their dreams as something external to themselves and as being insignificant. Stage two, which begins around the age of seven or eight, has the children viewing their dreams as coming from the inside but they still view them as things happening around them, in their bedroom as they sleep. Stage three begins around the age of eight or nine and during this stage, children experience their dreams as a reflection of their innermost thoughts and feelings."
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Dreams, 1992.
Examines dream interpretation, Freud's wrong theory and two types of dreaming, discussing the differences between male/female dreaming, effects of stress, dream meanings and nightmares.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 5 sources, $ 71.95
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From the Paper
"Ancient man looked upon dreams as divine prophecies. Alexander the Great was just about ready to give up on his siege of the stubborn city of Tyre. One night, he dreamed of a dancing satyr. Aristander, the dream interpreter traveling with the army, told Alexander his dream foretold the conquest of Tyre. Aristander figured out the dream by splitting the word "Satyros" into the two words "Sa Turos".-Greek for "Thine is Tyre.". Alexander, fortified by the interpretation, attacked and conquered the city.
Dream interpretation continued to be practiced and highly esteemed throughout history. But somewhere along the way, this became disreputable, an undertaking for the superstitious. By the time of Freud, dream interpretation hit an all.time low. At the beginning of this century Freud tried to revive the old idea, but ..."
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Dreams, 1987.
Clinical significance from Freudian & non-Freudian perspectives. Examines wish fulfillment, individual interpretations, human v. animal dreams, recurring dreams and group therapeutic approach.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 14 sources, $ 55.95
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From the Paper
" The purpose of this research is to examine the literature related to dream states as revelatory of unconscious activities. To this end, the paper provides a review of Freudian notions of dream analysis and interpretation; challenges to these notions are then examined. These challenges include the writings of people such as Carl Jung and R. D. Cartwright. There is also a brief discussion of the relatedness of dreams to physical states such as brain activity states and bodily illness.
The first theorist to formulate a comprehensive and scientific theory of dreaming was Sigmund Freud (Mattoon, 1978). He was also the first to integrate dream theory into a theory or personality. Freud initially hypothesized the dream to be a (...)"
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Dreams and Western Philosophy, 2005.
This paper discusses that, until recently, Western philosophy tended to look at dreams negatively as a source of confusion and as a way of determining a person?s character.
3,195 words (approx. 12.8 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 92.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, although Western philosophy emphasized the irrationality of dreams and the dreaming state, Socrates and Aristotle investigated the thought that the dream was a possible indicator of a person?s character. The author points out that this investigative of dreams came to an abrupt halt with Descartes, and not until Jean-Paul Sartre?s ?The Psychology of Imagination? did dreams became an extended topic for philosophical inquiry. The paper relates that an existential psychoanalytic approach to dreams can be seen in Ludwig Binswanger?s essay, ?Dream and Existence? (1930), Michel Foucault?s ?Dream, Imagination, and Existence? (1954), and in Federico Fellini?s dream sequence and interpretation in his film, ?8 ??.
From the Paper
"These early thoughts on dreams have a certain charm in their quaintness and naivet?, and they were tentative attempts at trying to connect the dream state with the awake state. But if the dream had any notion of entering into center stage at any time beyond this period of philosophical antiquity, Descartes rudely gave the dream the hook and pulled it away from the wings and out the exit door. Never mind how the dream state connects with the awake state and how we can come to understand our daily lives. When Descartes contrasted the waking life with the dream state, he talked about the dream as a negative example to advance his theory of rational evidence, the role of sense perception, and the sensory resources available in the waking life."
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August Strindberg and Dreams, 2002.
Examines the use of dreams in August Strindberg's plays, "A Dream Play" and "The Ghost Sonata".
1,198 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
The paper examines how August Strindberg makes use of the form of the dream in the plays "A Dream Play" and "The Ghost Sonata," with varied results. "A Dream Play" was written in 1901, and "The Ghost Sonata" in 1907. The paper shows how the structure of both plays is dreamlike and the characters experience the world as if in a dream. The subject matter of the plays, though, is life itself, with a strong religious and moral tone.
From the Paper
"Much of the dialogue also makes the action of the play seem dreamlike, for though the dialogue could be taken as metaphorical, it has the tone of something surrealistic when the daughter says that the "castle keeps on growing up out of the earth" (Strindberg, "A Dream Play" 199). The action as well has a surrealistic quality, as when the daughter of Indra goes on her dream journey to the opera house, where a mystical door opens to show the four learned representatives of different faculties busily arguing over their disciplines and the great problems of human knowledge. This leads to the great fire that consumes the castle, followed by a wall of questioning human faces as the roof turns into a giant chrysanthemum. Such transformations are of the sort that occur in a dream, carrying symbolic meaning on a deep level."
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Studs Terkel's "American Dreams: Lost and Found", 2005.
This paper discusses the book "American Dreams: Lost and Found" by Studs Terkel, which features a number of American dreamers telling their version of the American dream.
1,000 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 0 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in Studs Terkel's "American Dreams: Lost and Found", the truth about the concept of the "American Dream" is that there is no single concept of this dream because it means different things to different people depending on their race, location, creed and lifestyle. The author reviews various dreams from individuals featured in this book including Miss America Emma Knight, who, through her public speaking, attempted to benefit society and the environment by addressing issues of pollution and the effects of mass consumerism but found that politicians did not want to hear about their mistakes. The paper concludes that the American Dream entails not necessarily money but rather a wish to reach the best level of achievement in any area in which one chooses to focus.
From the Paper
"Some of the dreams featured in Terkel's work do indeed seem grand in terms of money and material success. Ted Turner for example used his drive and individuality to launch CNN; Arnold Schwarzenegger went from impoverished conditions to an international superstar; Wallace Rasmussen, son of a Danish immigrant worked himself up from poverty to a multi-million dollar business CEO and chairman. These dreams also seem to stem from a childhood of poverty and want. However, this is not where the dream ends. Many who have made a great deal of money do not entertained the short-term views criticized by Emma Knight."
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Dreams in Shakespeare's Plays, 2007.
An analysis of the significance of dreams in William Shakespeare's "Richard III", "Macbeth", and "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
1,593 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly explores the significance of dreams in William Shakespeare's plays, "Richard III", "Macbeth", and "A Midsummer Night's Dream". It examines and explains how dreams serve chiefly to add depth and complexity to the main characters, reflect the belief systems of the audience Shakespeare was trying to enthrall and underscore the subjective nature of human "reality." The paper suggests that Shakespeare successfully uses dream sequences for commercial and dramaturgical purposes.
From the Paper
"By emphasizing the angst and suffering of the killers and conspirators, dreams also bolster the moral lesson that appears to lie at the heart of the drama. Just as in Richard III, those who ignore dreams in Macbeth do so at their own peril. For example, in Act II, Scene 1 of the play, Banquo announces to Macbeth that he has dreamt of the strange apparitions he and his untrustworthy friend encountered only a short while earlier. But although Banquo admits that the three strange sisters "have showed some truth" (Garber 113) as it pertains to Macbeth's elevated station, he fails to appreciate that the dream might also offer some insight into his own future. Banquo allows Macbeth to simply and disingenuously dismiss the prior encounter with the witches as meaningless even though their cryptic message is now impelling Macbeth to view his long-time friend as a rival who needs to be terminated (Garber, 114). As with Clarence and Hastings in Richard III, Banquo's inability to recognize the portents coming to him in dream prepares him for his tragic end."
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