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Symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby", 2008.
This paper looks at symbolism of empty material success within F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel 'The Great Gatsby'.
1,600 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel 'The Great Gatsby' symbolically and starkly illustrates the potential dangers of a ruthless pursuit of success and its tangible if ultimately negligible reward. The writer notes that the main character, Jay Gatsby, reaches the pinnacle of American success, however Gatsby's conception of success is itself purely symbolic. The writer concludes that near the end, Fitzgerald portrays how the once honorable American Dream of personal prosperity as a reward for steady, honest hard work by a person of ability has been replaced by the mere pursuit of money and the wherewithal money itself allows to make purchases symbolic of wealth.
From the Paper
"Here Nick's unclear view of Gatsby, perhaps trembling alone in the darkness, also seems to symbolically and early on underscore the actual tentativeness of Gatsby's own grip on his contrived persona and later on in the story, and as an indirect result, life itself. Moreover, even at the outset of the novel, there is something out there that Gatsby seems at once to perhaps embrace with open arms and perhaps dread with trembling ones. This turns out, looking back to be Daisy.
"Daisy is symbolized at this early point in the book by the green light at the end of her pier. Green is also symbolic of money (old money in this case), something Daisy possesses and that Gatsby does not. "
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Postmodern Literature, 2008.
An examination of Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and Don DeLillo's "White Noise" as examples of of postmodern literature.
1,667 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how two examples of postmodern literature are Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and Don DeLillo's "White Noise' and how both books are similar in that they both feature unique literary devices common in postmodern literature. It looks at how both novels are sharp criticisms of the disillusionment of society's sense of reality but differ in the fact that "Fear and Loathing in Los Vegas" maintains the author's presence while "White Noise" does not. The paper also discusses how the effect of this variation in presence, combined with the use of illicit drugs and deranged thinking, results in a skewed perspective or reality from the two books' protagonist.
From the Paper
"In his article entitled The Death of the Author, Roland Bartley discusses the trend in postmodern literature for the author to remove him or herself from the telling of the story in order to present a more clear and vivid picture of reality. What makes a comparison of these two novels interesting is that they both excel at capturing, and sometimes distorting, reality but do it in very different ways. In White Noise, Don DeLillo does remove himself from the telling of the story and thus, in the words of Bartley, "lets the narrative take over". However, just the opposite is true in Fear and Loathing in Los Vegas. "
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Illusion and Reality in "Araby", 2008.
This paper discusses the counter-themes of illusion and reality within James Joyce's short story "Araby".
1,185 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that in James Joyce's short story "Araby", the narrator's view of the world seems to be that it is a relatively mundane, routine and unexciting place except when interrupted by his adolescent sensual thoughts and therefore rises a fresh, new and exciting reason to hope, dream and fantasize beyond his usual and predictable home, school and church routine. The writer notes that Joyce develops within this story counter-themes of illusion and reality: the illusion on the boy's part of romantic love for "Mangan's sister" juxtaposed against the more mundane realities of his true everyday existence, including the reality that the boy's own actions and mobility are determined by others.
From the Paper
"Soon the boy cannot extract his sensual images of Mangan's sister from his mind, even long enough to say his prayers. Thoughts of Mangan's sister interfere impede his concentration at school. Neither God nor his studies is in his own mind any match for Mangan's sister. Soon, and without understanding why, the picture inside his head of Mangan's sister, distorted or real, takes on iconic significance, substituting for reality in a way far more, in fact deliciously, exciting. However, by the end of the story, the young boy's reality, which has to do with acquiescing to priorities of those older than himself than it does fulfilling his own desires, pulls him back, and much-cherished hope of buying and presenting Mangan's sister with a special gift from Araby is destroyed by the simple fact that his uncle's tardiness has caused him to arrive to late to Araby to buy her a gift.
"When the boy becomes fascinated with Mangan's sister, his mind wanders far from his usual reality, which consists of school, church, home, and the authority of others - religious, parental, and otherwise."
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Issues of Class and Status: "The Inheritance", 2008.
A discussion of issues of class and status in Louisa May Alcott's novel "The Inheritance".
2,610 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 78.95
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Abstract
The paper examines how Louisa May Alcott explores issues of class status including issues concerning the wealthy and the poor in her work, "The Inheritance". The paper focuses on the life of the protagonist, Edith Adelon, born into what many would consider the lower class and eventually works her way into nobility. The paper calls it a typical tale of rags to riches. The paper concludes that, while class and status do have some role in society, they will never have a more important role than being a lovable character, such as Edith.
From the Paper
"Next comes the lower or "servant" class. Louisa May Alcott may fall into this class too, because she did serve her tenure during part of her life as a servant; many may consider her work as a writer of The Inheritance and of other books including Little Women enough to categorize her as "working" class or as "middle" class depending on whom you talk too. The same could be said of Edith. While she was taken in by the Hamilton's and lived much of her life in a way that suited them because she was eventually treated as their servant, she nonetheless did have some liberties, although few are outlined in the start of The Inheritance. Edith was not however, without money. This is the sole point that one may argue, makes her indistinguishable. The nobility are assumed to be part of the aristocracy. They have money because they are "born" into it and thus they have privileges that may include marrying the cream of the crop in society."
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Saul Bellow's "Herzog" and the Notion of Identity, 2008.
An analysis of the many aspects of Moses Herzog's personality as portrayed in Saul Bellow's "Herzog."
13,297 words (approx. 53.2 pages), 30 sources, MLA, $ 249.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the content of Saul Bellow's novel, Herzog." It specifically focuses on the many sides of Herzog's personality that emerge throughout the course of the book. It discusses Herzog as an intellectual, as transcendentalist, as an immigrant, as a Jewish American, as emblematic of the city and as a writer. The paper concludes that we are left with a portrait of a complex, confused and difficult individual who none-the-less comes to terms with himself.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Herzog as Intellectual
Herzog as Transcendentalist
Herzog as Immigrant
Herzog as Jewish American
Herzog as Emblematic of the City
Herzog and the Role of Writing
Conclusion
From the Paper
"While this transcendentalist impulse keeps Herzog firmly rooted in the American tradition, he is never fully able to escape his European roots. As an immigrant, he is quintessentially American in a way - never fully "here" nor "there." He persistently holds on to the vestiges of the European tradition, as they are what unites him with history. He is afraid to let go of this history, afraid to fully let himself merge into the whimsicality of the present, and is thus afraid of the future. As Herzog remarks about the interior of a home: "The furniture was richly polished, old, of a vanished Central European epoch - but then this present epoch is vanishing, too, and perhaps faster than all the others" (Bellow 1964, p. 46).
"Like most of Bellow's protagonists, Moses Herzog is an American Jew. This positions him, despite his fairly conventional outlook on life, outside of the American mainstream, whether he likes it or not. Herzog feels most comfortable when he is in the company of other Jews, whether they be familial acquaintances or enemies - at least he knows where he stands with them."
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Waging Nonviolent Struggle, 2008.
A review of the book "Waging Nonviolent Struggle: 20th Century Practice and 21st Century Potential" by Gene Sharp.
1,027 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the book "Waging Nonviolent Struggle: 20th Century Practice and 21st Century Potential" by author and professor of political science, Gene Sharp. The paper explains that according to Sharp, the key to effective nonviolent struggle is the role of strategic planning, a topic this book focuses heavily on. The paper looks at how the book is presented with an introduction regarding the relationship between nonviolent struggle and political power. The paper then points out that the remainder of the book is comprised of twenty-three case studies of various, "improvised nonviolent campaigns in the 20th century selected on the basis of types of actions employed." The paper also notes that following the case studies, there is an in depth analysis of the specific dynamics of how a nonviolent struggle operates, along with a presentation of guidelines on how one can strategically plan for a nonviolent struggle.
From the Paper
"In presenting his case studies, Sharp is able to debunk numerous myths and misconceptions about the use of nonviolent struggle. For instance, the case studies present real examples of how nonviolence is not ineffective against dictatorships and genocide or that all nonviolent struggles rely on an appeal to the general moral character of the opponent. Instead these case studies demonstrate how, when strategic planning is employed, nonviolent struggles, such as economic boycotts and social noncompliance, can lead to a highly disciplined and thus successful movements that also create substantially lower overall mortality rates and less incidences of collateral damage, such as the killing of innocent civilians."
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Toni Morrison's "Paradise", 2008.
An analysis of the generational conflict in Toni Morrison's "Paradise".
2,006 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that the main problem in the town Ruby in Morrison's "Paradise" is the way in which the old generation resents change and stubbornly clings to the past. The paper explains that this generational conflict reflects the results of slavery on the present state of mind of the blacks. The paper highlights Morrison's belief that the past should be dealt with by accepting it and adopting a dynamic attitude towards it.
From the Paper
"Like Morrison's other fictional works, Paradise is the portrayal of a community. The particular community described here is an all-black, extremely conservative society that lives isolated in a small town called Ruby in Oklahoma. The town of Ruby is created as an isolated, utopian society which, through its own established laws and government, is meant to thrive in an absolute, paradisiacal state. The reality is however rather dystopian than utopian: the community is obviously a self-enclosed patriarchal and exclusivist society, in which otherness be it racial or gender related is met by intolerance. The intolerance is reflected in the main plot of the novel: the elders of Ruby attack the Convent, the refuge of many women in the town and kill a few of its inhabitants."
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"The Epic of Gilgamesh" and "Genesis", 2008.
A comparative analysis of the flood myth in two ancient writings, "The Epic of Gilgamesh" and "Genesis".
1,015 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the differences and similarities between "The Epic of Gilgamesh", one of the oldest recorded writings from Sumerian or Babylonian mythology, with "Genesis" from the Judeo-Christian Bible. The paper argues that one of the main differences between the epic and "Genesis", is the Babylonian view that the gods are dangerous for mortals, and that their laws are irrational and cannot be predicted by the human mind. For Judaism and Christianity, on the other hand, God is the bearer of righteousness and a symbol of justice and everything that is morally virtuous. Nonetheless, the paper holds that there is a striking resemblance between the two accounts. The paper attempts to provide evidence sustaining the claim that the Mesopotamian account of the great flood is highly relevant to Christianity. It concludes that the myth of the flood is valid and incorporated in Judaism and Christianity and also in the collective conscience of the peoples who did not follow Yahweh.
From the Paper
"The Judaic-Christian and the Mesopotamian systems of belief are in clear opposition. Christianity and Judaism praise respect and obedience for the divinity as evidence of God's greatness and moral righteousness. God is the central figure of the faith system because He represents all that is good and right thus humanity must obey Him; here obedience is understood as a definite obligation. On the other hand, for Mesopotamians, respect and piety are the result of humanity's acknowledgement that it is both mortal and weaker than the gods. In this sense, the two virtues are not moral obligations, but a practical attitude which serves as an acknowledgement of the superiority of nature in terms of its power over humans."
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Nature in Robert Frost's Poetry, 2008.
A discussion of the figure of nature in Robert Frost's poems "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening", "Never Again Would Bird's Song Be the Same" and "The Oven Bird".
1,985 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper compares the use of the theme of man's relationship to nature in poet Robert Frost's works "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening", "Never Again Would Bird's Song Be the Same" and "The Oven Bird". The paper argues that the poet frequently used images of nature in order to provide a symbolic reference for his message. All three poems indicate a dichotomy between untouched nature and the human influence, as well as separation from the natural world. The paper points out that rapid technological developments during Frost's lifetime caused him great concern. The paper concludes that, according to the poems discussed here, redemption is only possible by a reconnection to nature.
From the Paper
"Even in this joyous description, the poem is filled with regret. The reader is assumed to know the story of Eve, the fall, and the subsequent banishment from the garden even before reaching the end of the poem. The description of joy itself is therefore also filled with a sense of regret and loss. Regardless of the loss experienced, however, the sense of bittersweet memory remains. The birds are forever influenced by the contact they had with Eve. They regret her loss, and mourn for her, and therefore hold on to her essence in perhaps the vain hope that she might return some day."
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Guiding Characters in Literature, 2008.
An examination of the guiding characters in "The Divine Comedy" and "The Song of Roland".
1,340 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how classical literature often uses pairs of dependent characters to justify the unusual, extraordinary adventures and experiences of the main heroes. The paper looks at Virgil and Beatrice in Dante's "The Divine Comedy" and Olivier in the anonymous "Song of Roland" as examples of guiding characters.
From the Paper
"The heroes of classical literature almost always have guides who help them or sometimes prevent them from achieving their goals. These character guides are sometimes the peers or friends of the heroes and other times supernatural beings or forces. The role of the guiding figures is obviously that of contributing to the initiating experience of the hero. Because the adventures portrayed in classical literature always have an initiating character, the main hero of the story requires help from other men or forces in his journey. Such guiding roles belong for example to Virgil and to Beatrice in the Divine Comedy, or to Olivier in anonymous Song of Roland."
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"White Teeth", 2008.
A review of Sadie Smith's book "White Teeth".
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the novel "White Teeth" by Zadie Smith. Specifically, it outlines and analyzes the most important differences between England in the 1990s and the early 1960s, and the reasons why these differences emerged. The paper argues that the book is about history just as much as it is about relationships. In conclusion, the paper finds Smith's book to be an interesting assessment of family, immigration, and history.
From the Paper
"Immigration is a wedge between people in this story, and that is what it has become in Europe. What is most interesting is the way the immigrants themselves look at their children and their identities. Clara, a Jamaican black, is upset that her daughter's friends are all white, while Alsana, a Bengali, is upset that her sons' girlfriends are all white, as well. Both have different views of themselves and their society, but they both want their children to socialize with their "own kind," even though one married a man of another race, and the other married in an arranged marriage. They want to continue their culture and beliefs, but they left their countries and have come to England to find something more. This indicates the duality in immigrant relationships, and in the relationship between immigrants and whites, as well. There is always tension and mistrust, even in the most well meaning people, and this indicates the outlook throughout Europe (and much of the rest of the world) today. For many, immigrants are unwelcome and treated unfairly, and even for immigrants, they want to live in both worlds, but still do not accept everything about their new countries and the ideals of that country."
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Nature in Poetry, 2008.
A comparative analysis of the forces of nature in the poetry of Charles G. D. Roberts and E. J. Pratt.
1,721 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
The paper examines Roberts' "Tantramar Revisited" and Pratt's "Silences" and reveals the very different, almost opposed representation of nature in their poems. The paper discusses how Roberts conceives of nature as invested with spirituality, while Pratt views nature as something primordial and primitive, in contrast to man's extraordinary spiritual evolution.
From the Paper
"Charles G. D. Roberts and E. J. Pratt are two of the best known Canadian poets, both belonging roughly to the same late Romantic tradition. Their poetry has often been put side by side, especially due to the major prevalence of nature as a poetic theme in their all their writings. In turns, both Roberts and Pratt have been likened to one of the great English Romantic poets who were their predecessors. Thus, Roberts is indebted to Wordsworth, whom he follows faithfully in most of his work. On the other hand, connections can be found between Pratt's and William's Blake poetry, although in this case the influence may have been less conscious."
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