Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that the 1991 film 'Raise the Red Lantern', directed by Zhang Yimou, may be viewed on different levels. The writer discusses the ideas of women without any rights, dictatorship and the wretched fate of women as shown in the film

From the Paper
"On the most superficial level, it is the wrenching story of women without any rights whatsoever, who have to survive by competing with each for the favor of their master. On another level, it may be seen as an allegory of dictatorship, in which the ordinary citizens sell their souls in a desperate attempt to curry favor with the dictatorial rulers - but even then, cannot survive, as is shown by the wretched fate of fourth mistress Songlian."

Tags:oppression, lantern

Abstract
Set in 1920s Northern China, "Raise the Red Lantern" is based on the novel "Wives and Concubines" by Su Tong. The paper discusses the story line which focuses on nineteen-year old Songlian, who is cajoled into marrying a wealthy householder to become his fourth wife. Songlian is educated, but she dropped out of college following her father's death. It discuses one of the primary themes of "Raise the Red Lantern," which is the role of women in Chinese culture.

From the Paper
"The film is laced with dialogue that reveals ingrained misogyny; the concubines unquestioningly accept their roles. Songlian bemoans her fate but feels powerless to change it. The film opens with a close-up shot of Songlian's face as she speaks to her stepmother off-screen. Songlian's tearfully resolute visage sets the stage for the remainder of the film, which reveals the belief systems, values, behaviors, and customs of Northern China. Visually and emotionally captivating, Raise the Red Lantern lends insight specifically into the lives of wealthy Chinese concubines, and focuses especially on the role of women in Chinese culture."

Tags:concubine, women, chinese, culture

Abstract
This paper reviews the critically acclaimed 1991 film, "Raise the Red Lantern" by world-renowned director Zhang Yimou. The author summarizes the film about a young girl who becomes the third concubine of the wealthy Chen household. The paper describes the film as a parable for the corruption of modern society in China and explains the symbols used to depict communist authoritarianism in the film - the Chen household represents the government, and the customs of the house are the laws of the country. The author also praises Zhang's use of rich colors to enhance the the emotional response to the film.

From the Paper
"The red lanterns in this film are a stunning image, representing the power of the concubine. As was done in historical China, the lanterns are lit at the house of the concubine who the master favours. The concubine that has the lit lanterns ultimately has control over the rest of the concubines, as well as great influence over the master. If a concubine breaks the rules of the household, her lanterns will be covered in black cloth."

Tags:film review, communism, China

Abstract
This paper discusses how the 1991 film "Raise the Red Lantern", directed by Zhang Yimou, may be viewed on different levels. It argues that we should view the film as depicting the subjugation and hopeless situation of Chinese women on the one hand; while keeping in mind that this is mirrored by the subjugation of the peasants by the landowners. Both systems of subjugation utilize a system of divide and rule, so that the oppressed aim their anger at each other, not at their oppressors. The paper attempts to show how, in this way, the film is an excellent allegory of the way in which dictatorships succeed, by dividing and ruling the common people.

From the Paper
"This most noticeable feature of this film is that despite the fact that it is shown from the viewpoint of Songlian, the Fourth Mistress, nevertheless it constantly reflects anti-women prejudice, much of it internalized by women themselves. For example, Second Mistress seems at first to be friendly towards Songlian - causing one to question why. However, it is sad to see that when she introduces her little daughter to Songlian, she states: "How useless! I only have a daughter!" This is a brutally destructive remark to make in front of the small girl, and teaches her to expect nothing from her life. It is shameful that this comment should come from someone who is herself a woman, and reflects a deeply sexist society. No wonder that by the time we meet Songlian at the beginning of the film, she is already resigned to being nothing more than a concubine. "

Tags:peasants, Songlian, Mistress, prejudice

Abstract
The paper analyzes the role of women in turn of the century Chinese culture and reveals the emphasis on ritual and custom in Chinese culture.
The paper looks at the story depicted in the film, which focuses on nineteen-year old Songlian (played by Li Gong), who is cajoled into marrying a wealthy householder to become his fourth wife. It also compares the practice of polygamy and concubines, a religious practice which is alien to the American viewer. The paper examines the difficulties surrounding the film's initial release in China because the film seemed to contain anti-government innuendo.

From the Paper
"It is Zhang Yimou's choice to use the concubines as windows into this facet of 1920's Chinese culture. The film is full of reminders of the shocking misogyny ingrained in Chinese culture. An American viewer might initially scorn Chinese culture based on this insight, but a closer analysis reveals striking similarities between Chinese and American societies. Especially in the 1920s, women accepted their subordinate roles in society. Until the year 1920, American women had no say in politics. They did not work nor attend college, unless it meant meeting a man to marry. American family life seems devoid of rituals when compared to the family shown in Raise the Red Lantern, but in fact, American families are indeed structured and ritualized. However, arranged marriage, polygamy, and more brutal mistreatment of women are singular to the Chinese culture depicted in the film."

Tags:Su, Tong, household, foreign, tradition, communism

Abstract
This essay compares and contrasts the characters of Lady Kaede in Akira Kurosawa's "Ran," the Second Mistress in Zhang Yimou's "Raise the Red Lantern," and Jade Fox in Ang Lee's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." It explains how their domesticated role is only a facade concealing their inner struggles of grief and inferiority, which manifest in their violent, devastating acts of vengeance.

From the Paper
"Many script writers and directors craftily portray the inequality of gender as the orthodox lifestyle of many Asians and Asian Americans. In Kurosawa's Ran, Yimou's Raise the Red Lantern, and Lee's Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, the directors illustrate Lady Kaede (Ran), the Second Mistress (RTRL), and Jade Fox (CTHD) as suppressed and domesticated Asian females in feudal society, which ultimately, this leads to an outbreak of vengeance that empowers these female characters."

Tags:Lady, Kaede, Jade, Fox, Second, Mistress

Abstract
This ten-page undergraduate paper discusses the book "chairman Mao would not be amused' as well as the movie 'Raise the Red Lantern' in the context of post- Mao film and fiction.

Abstract
The author of this paper examines how Edgard Allan Poe's own life's obstacles influenced and inspired the writing of "The Masque of the Red Death." One specific source of inspiration involves Poe's foster father, John Allan, ignoring Poe's pleas for help in assisting his wife, who was ill with tuberculosis. In the story, the audacity of Prince Prospero holding a ball while the outside world dies can be taken as a symbol that reflects John Allan ignoring Poe's many pleas for assistance. There is no compassion in the prince just as John Allan felt no compassion for Poe. "The Masque of the Red Death" is Edgar Allan Poe's literary way of exposing the truly wicked ways of his enemies and visiting upon them the most horrible punishment he can imagine to serve them justice for their crimes.

From the Paper
"Edgar had never forgiven John Allan and despised everything that he had and Edgar did not. This hatred extended from solely John Allan to any wealthy person who was not willing to help or at least acknowledge his own genius. Nathanial Hawthorne was one such person who was so fascinated with Edgar's tales that he took the time to write him a rather cordial letter expressing his admiration for his earnest criticism and writing ability. On the other hand Edgar felt very slighted and unappreciated compared to many of his literary peers. "He could not stand to see other writers, such as Henry Longfellow, Ralph Waldo Emerson and James Russell Lowell, earn more praise and money than he did" (Streissguth 79). Aristocracy seemed to hold Edgar down and when examining "The Masque of the Red Death" we see the revenge that he would wish extracted upon them. Prince Prospero is the embodiment of John Allan and all other men who possessed wealth, but refused to come to his aid. It is possible that Edgar desired the very pestilence that had haunted him for so many years to go forth and destroy those who never knew want or suffered from financial trouble. What better way to see his enemies destroyed than by the disease he was most familiar with?"

Tags:edgar, allan, poe, masque, red, death, tuberculosis

Abstract
This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the topic of non-profit disaster mitigation organization. Specifically, the paper analyzes the American Red Cross including the mission of the organization, its involvement in recent disasters, and funding issues. The paper also examines the Red Cross's relief and disaster efforts.

From the Paper
"The American Red Cross has been in existence since the nineteenth century. Organized by nurse Clara Barton, it has grown to be one of the premier disaster mitigation organizations in the country and the world. It is a non-partisan, humanitarian organization responds to all types of local and national emergencies, from families displaced by home fires to war and terrorism victims. Its mission is to step in during any time of disaster and provide food, clothing, shelter, and assistance to any victims of that disaster."

Tags:American, Red, Cross, disaster, management

Abstract
In this paper the author looks at the painting, "Composition with Red Yellow and Blue" c. 1922 by Piet Mondrian and attempts to bring a sense of purpose to the painting and instill the reader with a sense of appreciation for the message that Mondrian imparts through his art. He concludes by examining the September 11th attacks in relation to Mondrain's art and contends that Mondrain would have regarded it as surreal.

From the paper:

"Mondrian believed that artistic expression should be found in the abstraction of form and color and that his use of vertical and horizontal lines would express the perfect harmony between these two extremes."

Tags:artists, painters, Piet, Mondrian, Composition, Red, Yellow, Blue, Amsterdam, Theosophical, Neoplatonic, Panthelistic, Paris, De, Stijl, Le, Neo, Plasticisme