| Papers [1-15] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 7] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 —> | Search results on "VICTOR HUGO": |
|
|
Victor Hugo, 2004.
An analysis of Victor Hugo, one of the most notable and revolutionary writers of French literature.
2,762 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 82.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the French author, Victor Hugo, and compares him to the protagonist of the literary work, "Les Miserables". The paper contends that Hugo parallels many of the qualities of Jean Valjean, the main character in "Les Miserables". The paper examines the social consciousness displayed in many of Hugo's novels, claiming that it is evidence of the conscience developed over a lifetime of involvement in politics and revolutionary thought.
From the Paper
"Hugo used his literary power to influence political thinking of his time, as well as to raise consciousness regarding the poor, children and other victims of the political upheaval caused by the French Revolution. The author has come to represent the literary movement of French Romanticism. This movement, with its imagination, subjectivity, freedom of thought, and idealization of nature fused itself well with Hugo's humanistic and somewhat rebellious personality. Together with this Hugo's political views leaned towards social liberty, which he combined in his idealism, and he saw 1830 as the year marking the emergence of both (Kirjasto). Hugo and his contemporaries, like many today, saw the role of the artist as social commentator and director. Hugo fulfilled this role admirably by adhering to the political views he held even in the face of significant political opposition. He shows his strongly principled character by never shying away from subject matter that may prove socially and politically inflammatory. The same strong principles can be seen in Jean Valjean, the main character of Les Miserables."
| |
|
Leon Battista Alberti & Victor Marie Hugo, 1997.
Compares critical & aesthetic philosophies of architecture of 15th Cent. Renaissance Italian architect & 19th Cent. Romantic French novelist.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 4 sources, $ 63.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
From the Paper
" Though both Leon Battista Alberti (1404-1472) and Victor Marie Hugo (1802-1885) looked to the past for examples for contemporary architecture, they approached the problem in a completely different spirit. Where Alberti, the Renaissance architect and theorist, wished to impose greater rationality on architecture, and on the disorder of the Medieval city, Hugo, the Romantic novelist, saw a need to remain true to the organic, homogeneous nature of the city of the Middle Ages. The two men were similar in their perception of the Medieval city as an example of uncontrolled growth. But they placed an entirely different value on this fact. Anthony Blunt's remark about Renaissance classicism sums up this difference: "in architecture the revival of Roman forms was used to create a style which answered to the demands of human reason rather than to the more.."
| |
|
Racial and National Identity, 2002.
A discussion of 19th century questions of racial and national identity based on "Burg-Jargal" by Victor Hugo and "Michael Kohlhaas" by Heinrich von Kleist.
899 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines how Victor Hugo and Heinrich von Kleist pose the question of an individual?s shaky sense of racial, national and personal identity in both the texts of "Burg-Jargal" and "Michael Kohlhaas". It looks at how the authors trace notions of personal identity directly to societal causes, influences and forms of societal oppression, but identity is always something immutable and true in the minds of their main characters. It evaluates how rather than psychological explanation being the key to either novel, the notion of identity emerges as a kind of litmus test for the relative justice of a particular element society.
From the Paper
"Burg-Jargal by Victor Hugo deals with the Haitian Revolution of the author?s day. Thus, it may, on the surface, seem quite separate from issues of identity that would plague the French author. However, this also means that identity plays a crucial element in the text, for in any revolution of independence, what constitutes the nature of independence and of national identity is called into question. Hugo uses the events that transpire to show the hypocrisy of a society based on slavery that ignores the needs of its ordinary people because of their race. The love that the slave Pierrot feels for Marie becomes a symbol of a world that is split between slave and free. Identity becomes related to one?s physical and social status in an unjust way, in a way that even love cannot fully extricate."
| |
|
Richard Boleslawski's Film "Les Miserables" (1935), 2005.
A comparison of the plots of Richard Boleslawski's 1935 film version of Victor Hugo's novel "Les Miserables" to the Old and New Testaments.
1,375 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 45.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines how themes from the Old Testament, including the absolute authority of the law above all else and from the New Testament, including unconditional love, forgiveness, salvation and atonement, can be found in Richard Boleslawski's 1935 film version of Victor Hugo's novel "Les Miserables".
Outline
The Law
Unconditional Love
Forgiveness
Atonement
Salvation
From the Paper
"The concept of absolute authoritarian law is represented by Javert, the policeman. The law, according to Javert, is the answer to all conflict. This guides his judgment and decisions throughout the film. His relentless pursuit of Valjean is evidence of this. The only way to atone for wrongdoing is through harsh punishment, whether fully deserved or not. This concept is also representative of the society at the time. Paris during the 1830's was a harsh place, where many were poor and desperate. It is in fact a desperate crime that leads to Valjean's arrest and imprisonment. Thus, the slightest error would bring upon the perpetrator the harshest punishment. This is reminiscent of the Old Testament, where there was a law for everything from crime to the dress code. If God was not happy with something somebody did, they would be struck dead on the spot. Thus Valjean represents the merciless law of the Old Testament."
| |
|
"Les Miserables", 2004.
This paper discusses issues of social justice in Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables".
2,420 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 15 sources, MLA, $ 73.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables", a novel directed at exposing the social injustices of 19th century France, uses settings, such as the streets of Paris and a poor factory, to show how the lower-class citizens have no opportunity to escape their surroundings. The author points out that the contrast of the poor characters with the rich citizens portrays the never-ending cycle of injustice in this society from both sides. The paper relates that Valjean is the most important character who portrays the different aspects of social justice because he is the only character who breaks free of his social bonds, yet time and time again, he is brought back down.
From the Paper
"Valjean is the most important character to portraying the different aspects of social justice in this story. He is the only character who breaks free of his social bonds, yet time and time again is brought back down. He also shows two other important things. Social justice only comes to those who are willing to make the sacrifices and take the risks to obtain it. Also, as the only character to break through society, in comparison to the number of characters in the story, he shows the immense social injustice because he is the only one who can escape society?s limits. The entire book is loaded with characters that are poor and cannot escape the situations they were born into. Almost every character he meets has some limitation on what they can be by society. He encounters a drying Fantine, the rebels stifled by the government, the Thenardiers who only perpetuate the injustice in their own micro chasm. All are inhibited by the social injustice of the time, and Valjean is used to show that although social injustice ruled back then, it was not impossible to overcome. He also meant that as a lesson to readers. If a reader was experiencing social injustice that it could be overcome, despite what society does to try and hold someone down."
| |
|
Women in "Les Miserables", 2002.
Examines the portrayal of women in 19th century France through Victor Hugo's famous work "Les Miserables."
1,598 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 52.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper describes how Victor Hugo, in his novel "Les Miserables", depicts women as flat, simple characters, especially compared to their male counterparts (with the exception of Eponine.) It shows how various women throughout the book are used as examples to show their limited personalities or simplicity, with Eponine at the end to demonstrate how she is different.
From the Paper
"Rich, developed, and well-rounded characters are hard to find in Les Mis?rables. In fact, nearly all of the people in the story represent single and straightforward qualities, traits or ideas: Jean Valjean?s decency, Javert?s dedication (and obsession) to law and order, the string of men in the ABC woven from ?joy? or ?sarcasm? or ?philosophy?, the bandits in the Patron-Minette, etcetera. Hugo?s technique with cookie-cutter individuals is to smear them across a ?massive canvas,? creating books that Henry James rightfully named ?loose, baggy monsters.? The point is that in sprawling out his ideas in such huge pieces, Hugo flattens men and smothers women, causing them to lose the slice of life that makes fiction real. He does more justice to the men than the women, however. Marius? and Valjean?s crises of conscience at least show some hint of reality; his women are simple, follow male lead, and never climb out of their ?intellectual ruts?. The only person who strays from one line of thinking is Eponine, and that?s what makes her the deepest and most interesting of the otherwise bland 19th century French women."
| |
|
Tragedy in Novels, 2005.
This paper compares two novels, with a similar theme of tragedy, Les Victor Hugo "Les Miserables" and John Steinbeck "The Pearl".
815 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that, although written nearly one hundred years apart, Victor Hugo and John Steinbeck both use irony, animal imagery, and light and dark imagery to portray a recurring theme of tragedy. The author points out that, in "Les Miserables", every character is a victim of tragedy who ironically usually brings his or her suffering upon his or herself and accepts life the way it is and does nothing to try to make it better. The paper relates that, in "The Pearl", ironically Kino finds the pearl, which ultimately leads to his tragic fall.
From the Paper
"The authors utilize irony to show the tragedy in the lives of Kino and Les Miserables characters. People "regarded this traveler with a sort of distrust" This shows the ironic stereotypic nature of humans. This traveler, Jean Valjean, although ragged in appearance, wants to change his lifestyle. Looks for the most part stay the same, but feelings and beliefs fluctuate easily. Even though Valjean still looks like a convict, he feels otherwise. People need not to "want a thing too much." Ironically, Kino drops his entire life to have the pearl; nothing else matters to him. Greed becomes the overtaking influence in his life. Kino functioned just perfectly before he had the pearl, and now he acts as though the pearl is his god."
| |
|
"Les Miserables", 2002.
A review of the French classic "Les Miserables" by Victor Hugo.
857 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 30.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines the novel "Les Miserables" by Victor Hugo and applies the book towards the events of the time. It evaluates how it reflects a great deal upon the teachings of many philosophers at the time by incorporating ideas from the Enlightenment. It discusses its portrayal of the social injustices and warped customs at the time of the French Revolution and shows how symbolism plays a crucial role in summarizing the basic events that took place during this time. It looks how accurately the book remains with actual history while at the same time carrying on a very complicated plot.
From the Paper
"The focal point of the entire story is a character by the name of Jean Val jean. The book starts out with Jean Val jean being imprisoned for nineteen years for stealing a loaf of bread. During his imprisonment he is harden through much both physical and mental abuse. Upon his release he is taken in by the kind hearted Bishop Myriel who makes Valjean promise to become an honest man once again. During the following years Valjean changes his name to Madeleine and devises a manufacturing process, which brings his town, Montreuil-sur-mer, much profit and eventually makes him mayor."
| |
|
"Les Miserables", 2002.
An analysis of "Les Miserables", by Victor Hugo.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 1 source, $ 26.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines and analyzes the theme of the novel, "Les Miserables", by Victor Hugo. In the process, the paper reviews the theme of the book, how the theme was developed by Hugo, and concludes with the author's opinion of the theme.
| |
|
"Les Contemplations", 2001.
A discussion of how French author Victor Hugo sees poetry as a revolutionary activity through a review of his "Les Contemplations".
2,218 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 68.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines how Victor Hugo's poetry can be seen as 'revolutionary' in two senses, by the way it addresses subjects and themes which were unconventional at that time and by the way its style and structure actively defies literary convention. It explores Hugo's attitude towards the themes of religion, love, nature and politics and looks at his use of style and structure, particularly his use of vocabulary, the first-person, dialogue, prose and dynamic structure of his poems.
From the Paper
"One of the key subject areas in which Hugo can be said to have employed poetry for revolutionary purposes is that of religion. In a time of poetic devotion to the rigid, traditional form of French Catholicism, and the supremacy of God, Hugo?s treatment of religion in Les Contemplations would have seemed somewhat questionable in a number of respects. For instance, in ?Pasteurs et troupeaux?, Hugo draws a near blasphemous comparison between God and another poet, Homer: ?Car Dieu fait un po?me avec des variants; comme le vieil Hom?re?. In addition, whilst Hugo recognises God as a kindly and benevolent force, he also mentions at various points his unjust and cruel nature, for example: ?fatal ma?tre? and ?cr?ateur terrible?."
| |
|
"Les Miserables", 2005.
A review of Victor Hugo's novel "Les Miserables".
1,359 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines how completed many years after the Romantic period had reached its popular peak, "Les Miserables" by Victor Hugo looks as much backward as forward, loving its past and imagining its future. It looks at how by re-reading both the past and the present, Hugo presents the readers with a new future history and how with Enjolras, he calls for a France dominated by heroic action in which there will be no more fictions or parasites, only the real governed by the true. It also shows how, although "Les Miserables" was written more than a century and half ago the themes of loneliness, alienation, misery, cruelty, progress, and regress within the society are still relevant to today's humanity.
From the Paper
"To explore the vicissitudes of historical evolution, Hugo evaluates such major moments as the French Revolution, the Reign of Terror, Waterloo, the July Monarchy, and the insurrections of 1832 and 1848. But this apparently simple sequence is fraught with complexities. On the one hand, he maintains in "L'Argot," all progress aims to abolish material, moral, and intellectual misery. Yet the advent of this era of universal happiness remains problematic. Both notions are challenged at many points in the text, where history often seems to imitate the Thenardiers, those "crablike souls, continually crawling back toward darkness" (Hugo 156)."
| |
|
Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, 2002.
Examining the history of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris and what impact Victor Hugo's book "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" had on its revival.
951 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper looks at the impressive 700 year history of the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. It examines the origins of its construction and how architectural tastes have changed over time, influencing different improvements made to the building. It links this history to the novel written by Hugo known as "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and how through his novel, the Cathedral became famous again. It shows that through this fame, the Cathedral was given a face-lift.
From the Paper
"More than seven hundred years old, the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris exemplifies Gothic architecture. Those who visit it cannot fail to be awed at the magnificent structure, which bears her history proudly, now restored to her former grandeur. Many millions of people in the last century have never set foot in its soaring halls, yet they feel that they know it, because they have read Victor Hugo?s monumental novel, Notre Dame de Paris, or The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The Cathedral inspired Hugo to write his moving book, but the book in turn provided an incentive for the Cathedral to be restored from the ravages of the past. The histories of building and book are intertwined."
| |
|
Victor Frankenstein, 2004.
A discussion of the irrationality of the character of Victor Frankenstein in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein".
987 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 35.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper reviews Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and, in particular, examines the irrational behavior of the protagonist, Victor Frankenstein. It looks at how Victor Frankenstein?s irrational behavior begins with his ambition, and what begins as a healthy curiosity about nature and science turns into an obsession that he cannot control. It analyzes the effect of this irrationality on the other characters in the story and shows how Frankenstein?s irrational behavior leads to the death of four innocent people and, eventually, his own demise.
From the Paper
"The next character to suffer from Frankenstein?s irrational behavior is Justine. She is accused of murder and Frankenstein is still unable to tell what he knows. This scene demonstrates the depth of Frankenstein?s irrational behavior. Even as he hears the judges condemning Justine, all he can do is leave the courtroom ?in agony? (69). This scene is amazing because it demonstrates Frankenstein?s selfish nature. He says, ?The tortures of the accused did not equal mine: she was sustained by innocence, but the fangs of remorse tore my bosom and would not forgo their hold? (69). Even as Justine confesses to a murder she did not commit, Frankenstein is not moved. He admits feeling despair, but not so much as to save the girl?s life."
| |
|
Victor Frankenstein: The True ?Modern Prometheus?.
A comparison of Mary Shelley's character, Victor Frankenstein, with the Greek god, Prometheus.
755 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines Mary Shelley's Gothic tale "Frankenstein, Or The Modern Prometheus", published in 1818, in which the main character, Victor Frankenstein, a young student steeped in the mysteries of science, describes his explorations into the unknown through his obsession to create life from the dead, which produces a monster of great size and strength bent on nothing but revenge. In particular, it looks at why Shelley included ?The Modern Prometheus? as part of her title for the novel and how it is clear that she was attempting to compare Victor Frankenstein with Prometheus, the Greek god, who breathed life into man and brought fire to earth after stealing it from Mount Olympus.
From the Paper
"Not surprisingly, the future husband of Mary Godwin, being the great English poet and rebel Percy Bysshe Shelley, wrote a very long lyrical poem in 1820 (two years after the publication of Frankenstein) called ?Prometheus Unbound? which explores Prometheus?s relationship with Earth, his mother, Asia, his wife and Jupiter (Zeus), the King of the Gods. In this poem, Prometheus is described as being bound to a rocky cliff by Jupiter for his misdeeds against the gods. And while chained and powerless, Prometheus is tortured by an eagle that eats his liver on a daily basis, but the liver always grows back which allows the cycle to go on for eternity. Perhaps, since Percy Shelley allegedly aided in the writing of Frankenstein, he may have been attempting to allegorize the ever-growing liver as a symbol of the Monster?s immortality, meaning that the Monster, like Prometheus?s liver, can never die and is eternally damned."
| |
|
Victor Frankenstein, 2003.
An analysis of the character of Victor Frankenstein as an archetypal overreacher in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein".
1,359 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 45.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses how Victor Frankenstein in Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein" is an archetypal overreacher, which means that he is a perfect example of a person who failed by trying to be clever. It examines how the monster is unnatural because Victor goes too far, breaking the laws of nature and how the monster he unleashes does not cause disruption and destruction. It uses events and quotes from the book to show how this is not totally correct, because what he unleashes is not disruption and destruction, but a process over time.
From the Paper
"What Victor does and what he creates are unnatural. Victor?s undertaking of creating a human is unnatural because it had never been attempted or even thought of before. The secret of creating life, Victor insists, fell into his lap, and he wonders why ?among so many men of genius?[he] alone should be reserved to discover so astonishing a secret.? Unnatural can be described as not in the accordance of accepted standards of behaviour. This means that Victor?s thoughts are so outrageous and unnatural that no other scientist in the same field has not even began to think about creating human beings artificially. What Victor creates in unnatural because, although it is intended to be a human being, it is described as hideous and revolting, because Victor creates some sore of super-human creation."
|
|
|
