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The American Renaissance in Literature, 2008.
A discussion supporting the claim of an American Renaissance in literature with proof from literature in early American history.
1,464 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the existence of an American Renaissance and supports the claim with evidence from writers from early American history. The paper provides examples from specific works from that period in order to prove that the American Renaissance did occur, and additionally, that the period changed America and the lives of the American people forever.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Birth of the American Renaissance
American Renaissance Authors
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Lastly, the American Renaissance in terms of literature was also characterized by authors who exercised freedom of the written word to speak out against elements in society which were deemed by many to be unacceptable from a moral and legal standpoint. Perhaps the best example of this is "Uncle Tom's Cabin", written by Harriet Beecher Stowe and published in 1852, essentially the highpoint of the American Renaissance. There are those who contend that Stowe's tale of the evils of American slavery was one of the main catalysts that touched off the series of events leading to the American Civil War (McQuade, et al, 1999). Thus, in this case, we see American Renaissance literature as a vehicle for social commentary and change."
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The Examined Life, 2008.
This paper discusses the concept of the examined life, studying the beliefs of Socrates.
1,540 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the philosophy of the examined life is a clear theme in nearly every culture. The writer discusses that within Plato's 'The Trial and Death of Socrates', Socrates is reported by Plato to have constantly attempted to help every man develop the desire to look within himself for the answers to the right and wrong of the world. The writer maintains that much more modern literature also attests to this ideal, as can be seen in 'The White Castle' by Pamuk. The writer discusses that there is a clear sense in both works that the value of examining the innate wisdom of humanity and then challenging the assumptions of such wisdom, is the key to understanding not only the self but the world around us. The conclusion of this work expresses the reality of the knowledge of Socratic ideals.
From the Paper
"The reality of one's life, if unexamined is worthless, and from these stories one can better understand the nature of his purpose and his calling. To Socrates his calling was to bring to his beloved people the nature of self, the reality of humanity and the need to seek out the best path based not on self gain but on determined innate wisdom. To Pamuk's Italian the desire to develop a character that was worthy of praise and to live through the challenge of recognizing that men are interchangeable. Through self discovery we all eventually discover that we all have the same core, regardless of our history, our origin or our eventual place within the world. Many people like to see the broader messages of the novel, that the east and west meet, in a setting like Istanbul, the only city in the world placed on the meeting of two continents, and yet the more individual message, as with Socrates is that each individual must seek answers to the larger questions from internal inquiry."
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Creating America, 2008.
Examines literature from colonial North America and later new immigrants to explore the creation of the American identity.
2,055 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the creation of the American identity was not a fluid, linear process but rather a generational process. The paper points out that this process is reflected in the literature, which shows how the first generation of colonists and later new immigrants long for home, but slowly, themes and traditions emerge that express a belief that the old nation, in the case of America England, is divergent from the new land. Eventually, themes of home as the new land become dominant in literature. The author explores this literature, associated with immigration, as the text of the development of the American identity.
From the Paper
"The tasks were many, and they included lofty goals such as taming the natives and more practical ones, relating to the production of goods to return home. This industry was not thought of as permanent, it was thought of as an industry needed to broaden the boundaries of the world from which they had come. In one demonstrative title, examining the history of the book in the colonial period is a statement about the nature of the colonial mind. Each individual colonist embraced their individuality as a colony charter, rather than as members of a new and emerging national identity of America."
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Freud on Revolution, 2008.
A study of Sigmund Freud's book, "Civilization and its Discontents," focusing on his theories on revolution.
975 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Freud's book, "Civilization and its Discontents," and shows how Freud's theories of man's inherent aggressiveness agree with Karl Marx's philosophy. The author discusses Freud's beliefs about the psyche and the mind, and the polarities of Eros and the "Death Drive" in the history of civilization. The author finds that Freud's hypothesis of the cause of revolution in society can be seen in action today, and discusses the near prophetic nature of some of his writing.
From the Paper
"Freud also uses the book as a pulpit, if you will, for his own views on organized religion, which he considers the "future of an illusion," an essay he refers to often in the book. He believes that religion can help relieve individual neuroses, but in the end, there are better ways to find happiness in life. Thus, the book is his critique on society but also expresses his feelings about some elements of society and how they influence our lives, thoughts, and actions. The book is somewhat a look inside Freud as well as a look at the contemporary society of his time."
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Feminist Hero Literature, 2008.
Compares the protagonist feminist heroes of Jean Rhys' "Voyage in the Dark" and Nawal El Saadawi's "Woman at Point Zero".
1,475 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper contrasts the protagonists, Anna Morgan in Jean Rhys' "Voyage in the Dark" and Firdaus in Nawal El Saadawi's "Woman at Point Zero". The author relates that Voyage in the Dark, written in 1934, is narrated in first person by the then nineteen-year-old Anna who, in 1912, is exiled from her small Caribbean Island of Dominica and travels to England. Although written generations later in 1975 by Arab-nationalist and feminist Nawal El Saadawi, "Woman at Point Zero" addresses similar themes of a male dominated and controlled, class hierarchal society. The paper describes the plot of each book explaining that both heroes have to confront the barriers that exist against women; however, in the end, the two women take opposite directions.
From the Paper
"The difficulty for both Anna and Firdau is that they do not want to be with men who mistreat them. However, in their societies, they have no choice but to turn to such arrogant and violent men for survival. "A virtuous women was not supposed to complain about her husband. Her duty was perfect obedience". It is a horrible, no-win situation. For example, Firdaus' uncle promises her for marriage to a sixty-year-old man who has a facial deformity that is filled with pus. He leaps on her "like a mad dog"."
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Tom Clancy's "The Hunt for Red October", 2008.
A summary and critique of Tom Clancy's popular novel "The Hunt for Red October", a Jack Ryan spy mystery.
840 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Tom Clancy's "The Hunt for Red October" is a fictionalized version of actual defections in the Soviet navy in the 60s and the 70s. The plot enables the reader to dwell deeply into the thoughts of the main character, Capt. Marko Ramius, and to see a man putting his life in jeopardy just to leave a system he found corrupt and insatiable. The author believes that the novel is well-written and brings the reader to the height of thrill as the pace builds up, ebbs a bit and then goes through a roller coaster ride to the end. The paper concludes that, for the military buff, "Red October" is a cornucopia of military, especially naval, trivia that tests an individual's knowledge of military and naval tactics.
Table of Content:
The Storyline
The Critique
From the Paper
"Marko Ramius was a man at the peak of his career. He has risen to the rank of Captain in the Soviet Navy and commanded one of Mother Russia's submarines, but not just any submarine. He is the commander of the revolutionary Typhoon-class submarine, the Red October. What makes the Red October unique is its stealth propulsion system supposedly undetectable by sonar. Despite Ramius career success, he is a man thorn between duty to the Soviet Union and scorn for the society he belonged to since his wife died recently due to the incompetence of a Soviet doctor - drunk while performing his duties. To make matters worse, he could not accost the inutile doctor because of his connections to the Soviet Politburo - he is the son of one of the top-ranking leaders."
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Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels", 2008.
A look at the message Jonathan Swift conveys in his novel, "Gulliver's Travels".
1,530 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" is a satire. The author points out that the madness of the characters is really a tool to satirize that which is being made fun of, in this case, the civility of men. The paper states that the distance between the reader and Gulliver in the narrative gives the feeling that the work is a travel log, which no reader could possibly believe. The author concludes that the message of this book is for readers to see madness not as madness but as valuable knowledge, which can change the shape of their own behavior and beliefs.
From the Paper
"The job is done in "Gulliver's Travels", by reversing the roles of men and horses, showing the horse to be kind and gentle, even to a creature that they recognize as a refined Yahoo, the name they have given to the human beasts. The horses even took it upon themselves to feed Gulliver's growth, as they recognized in him a refinement that was lacking the other yahoos, and heartily went about trying to teach him their language."
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Antipholus' Speech in Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors", 2008.
A review of Antipholus' Speech in Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors."
936 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
The paper comments that the play, "The Comedy of Errors" is much more than a simple comedy or farce as it is usually seen; it is rather a profound meditation on human life, and the way in which errors blind men and keep them from the truth. The paper concludes that Shakespeare's play is a profound meditation on the human condition as a progression from error, illusion and confusion, towards ultimate truth and enlightenment.
From the Paper
"The passage thus contains a few key elements for the interpretation of the play: first of all, the words "transformation", "error", "deceit" and the phrase "earthy-gross conceit" all hint at the main theme of the play: the plane of the human life is seen as a farcical game, in which the mortals are generally erring and confusing the truth with illusion. The play is thus much more than a simple comedy or farce as it is usually seen; it is rather a profound meditation on human life, and the way in which errors blind men and keep them from the truth. Men are generally "smothered in errors", "feeble" and "weak", in the hands of the divine will."
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Stephen Crane's Maggie, 2008.
This paper discusses Stephen Crane's book "Maggie: A Girl of the Streets".
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that, like other novels in the naturalist school of literature, Stephen Crane's "Maggie: A Girl of the Streets", exploits the sufferings of the poor through a gaze that effectively casts a sardonic light on the values of the dominant culture - the American middle class of the 19th century. The writer notes that "Maggie: A Girl of the Streets" was inspired by Crane's forays into the slums of the Bowery. The writer points out that this novel is considered to be the first example of literary naturalism in American fiction. The writer maintains that it remains a valuable - if not sadly forgotten - work that manages to capture a pivotal moment in American culture.
From the Paper
"If Crane's work was now successful on an international level, it was still the subject of ridicule by the press on home soil. While the reception for 'The Red Badge of Courage' was warm, it was less so for his first collection of poetry, 'The Black Rider and Other Lines'. Crane spent the next few years working as a war correspondent, during the course of which he was shipwrecked on the way to Cuba, an experience he would hearken back to in the form of the well-known short story 'The Open Boat'. In Florida, Crane met Cora Stewart-Taylor, the madam of a Jacksonville brothel with literary aspirations of her own. The two would marry and go off to Europe together, where they worked as correspondents during the Greco-Turkish War of 1897. This experience would be used as fodder for Crane's final novel, 'Active Service', completed in 1899."
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The Dawn of Warfare in the 'Epic of Gilgamesh', 2008.
This paper discusses the dawn of warfare in the ancient text "Epic of Gilgamesh", translated by M. G. Kovacs.
1,359 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The writer notes that the "Epic of Gilgamesh" is one of the most remarkable writings of the Babylonian ancient literature. Its main theme is the condition of man on earth as a mortal being. The writer discusses that the epic is centered on the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu, the two legendary heroes and friends who pass together through initiating experiences. One of their most important heroic feats is the battle with Humbaba, the demon that guards the Cedar Forest, whom Gilgamesh eventually defeats. The writer notes that the episode of the battle with the demon is very significant for both the ancient and the modern interpretations of warfare. The writer maintains that, first of all, the battle of Gilgamesh against the demon is easily inscribed in the tradition of the battle of good against evil, common to most heroic epics, legends and myths. At the same time, though, modern interpretations of the passage arise when the wider context of the battle is analyzed. The writer concludes that the "Epic of Gilgamesh" has very interesting modern ramifications of meaning, mixed with the traditional epic storyline.
From the Paper
"The 'Epic of Gilgamesh' is a very profound text, which must have had great importance for its contemporary audience. First of all, the traditional battle of good against evil is emphasized throughout the epic. Also, the wars fought by the two friends together emphasize the classic theme of the quest for immortality. The warfare was not at the time done with the aid of any great technology. The braveness of heroes, the help of a beneficial god, such as Shamash in the text, the perfect communion between the two heroes, such were generally the main reasons why the battle was won in a classic epic. Thus, in the text, the episode of the battle against Humbaba describes the way in which the god Shamash raised all the winds to help Gilgamesh win the battle against the demon .. "
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Analysis of Thomas Hardy's Women Characters, 2008.
A thesis paper analyzing the female characters in Thomas Hardy's "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" and "Jude the Obscure" in the light of feminist criticism.
19,400 words (approx. 77.6 pages), 33 sources, MLA, $ 249.95
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Abstract
The novels of Thomas Hardy have created intense critical debate and discussion in recent years, especially in terms of post-structuralist and feminist readings and interpretations of the texts. A central focus of this critical and theoretical literary discourse is the apparent ambivalence and ambiguity that many scholars perceive in the works with regard to his attitude towards women and their place in society. This apparent ambiguity in Hardy's presentation of women forms the underlying and central trajectory of thought in this paper and an attempt is made to relate these critical views to the two main texts under discussion; as well as presenting an overall view of the feminist stance as it pertains to the interpretation of the selected texts. A further and equally important dimension of this study is the exploration of the view that Hardy's perception towards women was influenced by the conservative society and times in which he lived. This paper also explores to what extent the writer questioned and opposed the patriarchal views that were dominant in Victorian society at the time. The central core of the present analysis of Hardy's novels is therefore focused on feminist interpretations and critiques of the works in question. More specifically, the feminist critique is involved with the post structuralist and postmodern deconstruction of western society and the interrogation of the constructs and master narratives that inform or create various social attitudes and perceptions of gender. This is an aspect that is developed in the theory section of the present study and is expanded on further in the analysis of the novels. A central fulcrum around which the discussion in this paper revolves is the apparent ambiguities and contradictions in Hardy's works, when seen from a feminist perspective. This paper also attempts to reconcile these two seemingly opposing views of the works to some extent. Another central element in this analysis of Hardy's novels is the focus on the politics of sex and the cultural and social norms and values that played an important part in the view of women and gender discrimination in Victorian society. There is little doubt that Victorian society had a very narrow view of the potential and individuality of women. There are many feminist views, concepts and theoretical constructs that are also incorporated into the analysis of the texts. For example, the importance of the theory that society "politicizes" the female body and the way that the female body is objectified and becomes an "object of desire" rather then a living person. However, throughout this analysis a balance is maintained between the theoretical views and analytical tools that are used by feminist critics and an analysis of the text itself. In other words, the theoretical views are measured against the actual text.
Outline:
1. Introduction
1.2. Thomas hardy and Victorian society: a brief background.
2. Feminist theory and Hardy
2.1. Modern theoretical trajectories and feminism
2.1. 1. A note on post - structuralism and postmodernism
2.2. Feminist theory and literary criticism
2.3. The Social and cultural context
2. 4. The Male Gaze
3. Tess of the d'Urbervilles
3.1. The problem of Hardy as a feminist novel
3.2. Overview
3.3. Tess and traditional feminist interpretations
3.4. Tess of the D'Urbervilles and sexual politics
3.5. Sexual construction
3.6. The development of Tess and the fight against the 'male gaze'
4. Jude the Obscure
4.1. Introduction and overview
4.2. Brief summary of the novel
4.3. The male world divided from nature
4.4. Arabella
4.5. Sue
5. Conclusion and Assessment
6. Bibliography
From the Paper
"The most imperative aspect that Mitchell notes is that feminist interpretations are extremely important in an understanding of these works due to the fact that female characters and issues surrounding sexuality and gender form such an important part of almost all of Hardy's novels and cannot be ignored in terms of modern analysis. This may seem like a rather obvious point but in many of Hardy's works the focus is on the female characters as a reflection of and comment on society and the cultural milieu of the novels.
"Sexuality and its ramifications in terms of characters like Tess in Tess of the D'Urbervilles is also an important aspect of contemporary feminist critique that applies to the novels. This is an aspect that is especially important in an analysis of the novels.
"One of the most important early feminist critics of the work of Thomas Hardy is Mary Jacobus (1975). Her work has been focused on the psychological dimensions and representations of Sue Bridehead and the nature of her emancipation, in Jude the Obscure. (Harvey 183)."
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The Role of the Mother in Fairy Tales, 2008.
An analysis of the roles of mothers and step-mothers in fairy tales and how these relationships are a reflection of society at the time.
3,375 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 95.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the demonstration of social and moral changes through time that can be seen in fairy tales. It focuses on the role of the mother as a guiding force and a source of competition and angst, for children, as it is expressed in more literary fairy tales. The paper analyzes the reflection of the fairy tale into the inner mind of the child which always ends happily to play out resentment toward the dominant rule enforcer of their lives, the mother, without fear.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Chapter 1: (Step) Mothers and Daughters
Chapter 2: Old School, Modern Need
Chapter 3: Grimm Brothers' Mothers and Daughters
Conclusion
From the Paper
"There is no doubt that fairy tales are a clear message of social and cultural coding, and as many argue they should evolve with time, to better reflect the culture in which they are used as teaching tool. (Bettelheim 24) yet, it should also be argued that fairy tales, in their literary history still serve a purpose, no matter how watered down they are. The role of the mother as the allowable antagonist to the children is essential to the child's ability to have feelings of anger and resentment in a form that does less harm, to them than open confrontation. Much of childhood is extremely emotional internalized perception, and acknowledging that these feelings are normal and even healthy, with regard to the child becoming independent, is essential to normal psychological development. Literary fairy tales then serve the purpose of giving us a glimpse into the issues of the past but also hold many truths that are still relevant today, as can be attested by a frequent adaptation of their storylines to modern contexts. The struggle between the mother and the child is universal and will likely remain so, as the relationship one has with one's mother as a child and an adult, for most people is the most significant of all, without fairy tales the regeneration of social guidelines would be much more difficult, hence the liberation of the fairy tale in modern literature and popular media."
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