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Socrates, 2008.
A review on the importance regarding the nature of civic duty, as described by Socrates in "Apology" and the "Crito."
1,638 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 0 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
The paper states that within the "Apology" and the "Crito" several points of extreme importance to Socrates are outlined regarding the nature of civic duty. Some have said that the two works contradict one another in that in the "Apology", Socrates states that he would break the law if there were a law made that said he could no longer practice philosophy and in the "Crito" he outlines the dire responsibility to uphold the laws of the state, and in this case allow himself to be put to death, rather than fleeing. This paper argues that there is no contradiction in the messages of Socrates, as he is consistently alluding to the idea that the laws, though just, are being applied unjustly, in his conviction.
From the Paper
"Socrates, believes that his responsibility to Athens, and to god is to maintain the calling set for him, he does not say he would break the law if he was to be given the option of leaving the court never to practice philosophy again, he says he would rather die than live a life contrary to God by not practicing philosophy for the betterment of the world, and of Athens. In other words, his honor is to serve God and Athens and accepting such a sentence would be contrary to both. 'Wherever a man has taken up a position because he considers it best, or has been posted there by his commander, that is where I believe he should remain, steadfast in danger, taking no account at all of death or of anything else rather than dishonor." (p. 380) Socrates believes that the people who are accusing and convicting him in his trial are abandoning the truth and therefore living contrary to God and to the state of their own souls."
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Galveston, 2008.
A critique and review of David G. McComb's book "Galveston- A History" which is a factual, historical account of the development of the city of Galveston.
898 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the book, "Galveston- A History" by David G.McComb which is a historical chronicle of the development of the city of Galveston, Texas . The paper points out that McComb is largely concerned with contrasting different periods of time in the city's history with earlier periods of time, as well as identifying the cause and effect correlations that have transformed the city through the years. The paper also comments that the book is a narrative on the development of the city with a bias toward technological events, but there is also an attempt to explain how people working in the Gulf Coast environment gave Galveston its distinct character. The paper concludes that McComb attempts to emphasize that Galveston has been touched by every major group of people who made their lives in the New World. This variety, perhaps more than anything else, according to McComb, has been the basis of the island's identity.
From the Paper
"McComb runs with this general theme of transformation from the beginning of his history of Galveston onward. To accomplish this, he starts by describing the island in geographical terms; yet, he does not simply provide a topographical map for the reader to ponder; instead, McComb supplies the very first map ever written of the island, and attempts to generate a picture of how the island itself was formed, and how the first explorers and Native Americans who found it might have seen it. This is an appropriate technique considering, according to McComb, that some of the first Europeans to land on the island were a crew of shipwrecked Spaniards. However, as increased trade and warfare eventually came to the region, the island of Galveston began to reveal its practical utility."
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Victims of Social Mores or Victims of Character?, 2008.
An analysis of the main characters in Anton Chekhov's "The Lady with the Dog," Leo Tolstoy's "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" and Henrik Ibsen "Hedda Gabler".
1,232 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
The paper questions whether society makes the man or whether the character of the individual determines his or her fate. The paper studies the protagonists of the 19th century stories "The Death of Ivan Ilyich," "The Lady with the Dog" and "Hedda Gabler" and shows how, although all of the protagonists are subject to social shaping, none of them are innocent. The paper explains that all characters show some free will in their actions, to the extent to which they allow their love of creature comforts or fear of what people will say to prevent them doing from what they morally know is right.
From the Paper
"Anton Chekhov's "The Lady with the Dog" has a female protagonist named Anna who is married to a man she does respect, a man very similar to Tolstoy's unattractive central character, a man she calls a flunky. She unexpectedly falls in love with a man while she is on a seaside vacation in Yalta who is not her husband, a man who is also trapped in a loveless marriage named Gurov. Anna and Gurov married before they knew what love truly could feel like, but the live in a society where divorce is a kind of social death."
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Heroism in Literature, 2008.
An examination of the concept of a hero in "Beowulf",
Homer's "The Iliad", "Gilgamesh", Homer's "The Odyssey" and "Tale of the Heike".
1,866 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
The paper examines five works of ancient literature, "Beowulf",
Homer's "The Iliad", "Gilgamesh", Homer's "The Odyssey" and "Tale of the Heike" in order to determine the meaning of the hero concept as advocated by their authors. The paper relates that Beowulf, Achilles and Odysseus battle against physical monsters, while the Samurai fights a symbolically spiritual battle, although spirituality does play a vitally important role in the lives of all heroes. The paper also shows how society determines the main qualities of the heroes as they manifest themselves in the particular literature of a specific time and a specific region.
Outline:
Beowulf
The Iliad
Gilgamesh
The Odyssey
Tale of the Heike
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The word "hero" today entails a variety of meanings, depending upon the situation, the person referred to, and the mindset of the person speaking. Generally, the connotation of the word refers to somebody who performs a brave action regardless of the danger to him or herself. When examining the ancient literature from different cultures, the meaning of the word "hero" can be estimated and compared with others of its time, and also more modern meanings attached to the word. To this end, five works of ancient literature are examined in order to determine the meaning of the hero concept as advocated by their authors."
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Harry Potter and Wicca, 2008.
This paper explores the contention of some that reading Harry Potter will encourage children to believe in the religion of Wicca, a religion of witchcraft.
2,308 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 71.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the belief of many Christians that Harry Potter is more than just a literary fantasy; it is imbued with evil witchcraft and wizardry and it goes against the teachings of the Bible. The paper examines the religion of Wicca and takes a close look to ascertain whether Harry Potter novels really encourage Satanism and Wicca. The paper asserts that with proper guidance from parents and teachers, there is no way for children to consider Harry Potter as anything more than literary fantasy.
From the Paper
"Who would ever think that a woman who wrote a story about a boy-wizard during a train trip from Manchester to London would change the literary world forever? For over a decade and a half, Harry Potter became a household name and has been read by people from all walks of life and different age groups. The appeal is not simply because of the wonderful world of wizards and witches J.K. Rowling took us but the stories are fantastic and mesmerizing. Starting with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Sorcerer's Stone for American audience) in 1997 and bringing us the seventh book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which was recently released, Rowling's fame - and fortune never wavered but instead continued to sore unchartered heights in the literary world. Despite the fame and success of the seven Harry Potter books and five Hollywood-made movies to-date, Rowling and her creation is not without controversy."
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"Lord of the Flies", 2008.
An analysis of "Lord of the Flies," by William Golding, as a classic coming of age novel, focusing on the themes of society and violence.
1,249 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the theme in William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies", about the superficiality of imposed social order and the violence underlying it. The writer describes how Golding shows two sides of society in Jack's group and Ralph's group and how quickly one side or the other can degenerate and turn ugly. The writer also discusses why Ralph is unable to maintain a leadership role in the group as well as the role of Piggy as the outcast, misunderstood individual in society.
From the Paper
"Ralph's frustration stems from the fact that he is more mature and serious than many of the other children, who seem to ignore the danger they face and the seriousness of their predicament. Ralph is attempting to be a mature leader, and he is discovering an unpleasant aspect of society - people tend to sit back and let a leader do all the work while they reap the benefits. Ralph is taking responsibility for the safety and welfare of the group, while they let him. Again, this is Golding's way of attacking society and how it functions, blended with human nature."
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Heroes, Loyalty and Devotion, 2008.
A comparison and contrast of the ideal hero in "Beowulf" and "The Tale of the Heike".
1,159 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
The paper shows how despite a similar emphasis on loyalty, the way that this value is celebrated in "Beowulf and "The Tale of the Heike" is very different. The paper explains that the hero Beowulf demonstrates his prowess through individual struggle and excellence while the good warriors of the "The Tale of the Heike" collectively show their greatness through their loyalty to their lord. The paper clarifies further that the negation of the self shown by Beowulf is demonstrated by putting the lives of others before his own to make a better community while the negation of the self in "The Tale of Heike" is shown in unswerving devotion to a lord above all other things and showing ruthlessness in battle towards the enemy that opposes the lord.
From the Paper
"Both "Beowulf" and "The Tale of the Heike" relate military narratives of bloody, bitter conflicts in war-torn societies where human civilization is fragile and savage threats are common. Men and women must band together, just to survive. The heroic individuals that triumph in these early sagas of early Scandinavian and feudal Japan define the values of their early societies by the ethics and character they show during trying times. "Beowulf's" triumphs are physical, like his triumph over Grendel, as well as spiritual, and the warriors of "The Tale of the Heike," even when defeated win moral victories over their enemies because of the superior loyalty they show to their lord and to the emperor."
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The Concept of Family, 2008.
A comparison of two literary works, "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry and "Barn Burning" by William Faulkner.
1,696 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes the works "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry and "Barn Burning" by William Faulkner. Specifically, it compares the concept of family in the two works - the unity and disunity in the families and how this unity influences the lives of the entire family. Both stories are about families, but two very different families. One is a family that overcomes obstacles to reach their goals, while the other is a dysfunctional family that tears itself apart strictly as a result of the father's actions. The paper states that the main characters' growth directly affects the outcome of both stories and the families themselves. The paper comments that without this growth, neither work would be as memorable or carry such an important message. The paper concludes that character growth is essential to both works.
From the Paper
"In sharp contrast, the Snopes family in "Barn Burning" is led by a cruel and dysfunctional patriarch who guides the family into ruin and poverty. The father is domineering and consistently makes the wrong decisions for his family, which cause them untold grief and despair. While Sarty, his son, is on a path to growth and change, he cannot and will not change who he is and how he reacts to adversity. His method of dealing with opposition has always been to "get even" with his enemies by burning their barns. Another critic states, "Abner Snopes is also depicted as a man who will not hesitate to evoke the power of fire against those who oppose him. In 'Barn Burning' the narrator suggests that for Abner, fire has almost mystical powers" (Loges 44). The people know this about him, and his family knows it, but no one will stand up to him, because they fear him. He cannot grow and change as a character because he is flat and one-dimensional, while his son is not. Another literary critic notes, "Abner Snopes, Sarty's father, terrorizes his son and impels him prematurely toward manhood when Sarty must choose between the dictates of his own conscience and his father's frontier justice" (Ford 527). Sarty, this younger son, has hopes and dreams, and he knows they will never come true if he stays with the family or his father is allowed to continue his actions. For the boy, the best step for him is to leave the family. He has caused the death of his father, and that has liberated him and made everything possible. He has the ability to grow, change, and understand right from wrong. Even though the tale is tragic, there is hope at the end of it, because it seems the boy has made the right decision and will somehow prosper. He has changed from the beginning of the story, and he will continue to change until he reaches manhood."
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And Then There Were None, 2008.
A look at how Agatha Christie's book, "And Then There Were None", is a slightly bizarre look at justice in society and how that justice plays out.
1,173 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes and reviews "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie. The writer suggests that, in the book Christie seems to be commenting not only on the social injustice of the caste system in England, but also on how it is so ingrained in society that everyone adheres to it, no matter what.
From the Paper
"The author also shows this in Vera's seemingly compulsive need to let everyone know she is an employee, rather than a guest. She immediately indicates she is a "lesser" being than the guests, and there to serve them, although she does not even know how at the beginning of the story. England's society is based on societal levels and the book helps the reader understand how important they are to English people. Americans may not understand their need to categorize people into societal levels, but at least they will understand how it works a little better by reading this book. It also shows there is something decidedly different about all the guests, which makes the reader want to continue on and discover just what it is."
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Poetry as Social Challenge, 2008.
This paper looks at poetry as a social challenge, concentrating on the work of poets Langston Hughes and Adrienne Rich.
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that in any situation of social or indeed personal upheaval, artists and writers play a central role in shaping the collective consciousness of their environment. Langston Hughes and Adrienne Rich are no exceptions. The writer maintains that while Hughes takes a less angry position than Rich, both poets in their own way call people to political action, and to an awareness of issues that need to be addressed in the society from which they emerge. Another interesting fact about these poets is that they do not write only about social problems, but also do so from an intensely personal viewpoint. The writer discusses that as a black man, Hughes focuses his work mainly on African Americans, while Rich's work revolves mainly around feminism and women's issues. The writer concludes that as such, both poets use their own experience and feelings about the respective lives and issues facing blacks and women in the society of their time.
From the Paper
"Hughes therefore acted as an inspirational force not only to poets, but also to readers, to reshape the familiar into something new and sparkling. He did this not only via the words his used in his work, but also through the innovative and exciting forms he used. In this, he particularly targeted the black community in calling them from cultural complacency. Like he challenged established forms of poetry, Hughes also challenged the complacency that would keep the black community from achieving equality and freedom in society.
"Hughes used his art as a platform for cultivating cultural pride. His emphasis on the lower-class black situation in his work however earned him little respect from the black press, who criticized him harshly for this. Still, this poetry also led to the poet's establishment as an important figure in the Harlem Renaissance. By emphasizing the situations both he and many others suffered in their daily lives, one of Hughes' aims can be seen as calling the black culture towards a type of rebellion against such a situation in a country that prides itself on its orientation towards opportunity."
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The Supernatural in the Works of Shakespeare, 2008.
A discussion on the role of the supernatural in "Hamlet" and "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare.
1,320 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper states that the role of the supernatural in Elizabethan drama cannot be underestimated or overlooked. It was a critical part of the plot as we see in Shakespeare's work, as in those days the supernatural was an acceptable phenomenon. The paper comments that for this reason, it would be wrong to assume that Shakespeare made an effort to incorporate supernatural forces in his plays. They just had to be part of his writings because they were so widely believed in. The paper highlights that the role of supernatural forces in "Hamlet" and "Macbeth" is to exploit the weaknesses of the main characters. They serve as catalysts to the plot and carry the story forward but on the whole they are neither immensely powerful nor dangerous. The paper concludes that their impact is evil as their presence spells doom and destruction. They simply play with character's weaknesses and that leads to destruction by default.
From the Paper
"Macbeth's supernatural friends have an equally devastating effect on the main character's life. The three witches, though limited in their powers, caused major crisis when they foretell Macbeth's future. Here it must be made clear that just like Hamlet's father, the three witches did not want anything evil. They foretold the future because they saw something good for Macbeth. It was Macbeth who destroyed everything in his haste to see the future sooner than it was meant to unfold. Everything has a time at which it unfolds and Macbeth failed to exhibit the required amount of patience. Instead he simply allowed himself to be led astray in his ambition to become the next king."
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The Characters of Katherine Mansfield, 2008.
An analysis of the struggles of the characters in the stories of Katherine Mansfield.
1,378 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the characters in the stories of Katherine Mansfield. The paper specifically looks at how the characters try to avoid the unpleasant realities of human existence and how well they do this. The paper provides examples from the texts of some of her stories in order to illustrate how the characters' struggles provide them with a sense of accomplishment and a degree of hope.
From the Paper
"In this story, the story shifts its point of view from Mr. Woodfield to the boss. He cried when he learned of his son's death, but since then, he has not been able to do so and believes something is wrong with him. The story shows how certain unpleasant things become only vague memories as the individual cannot keep them fully in mind at all times. Death is depicted in this fashion, and while the death may be devastating, human beings necessarily go on without letting the pain cripple them entirely. This is symbolized in the story by the death of the fly on the boss's desk. This death is caused by the boss, who is distressed by what he has done for a moment, but who a second later cannot remember that feeling or even what caused it: "For the life of him he could not remember" (358). This story is more explicit about what may be true for all the other characters in the earlier stories, that people ultimately avoid the unpleasant realities of human existence by simply forgetting them, not intentionally, but because that is the way the mid works."
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