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Ted Hughes and Samuel Beckett, 2006.
A review of the work of Samuel Beckett and Ted Hughes.
1,677 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at Samuel Beckett's "Endgame" and Ted Hughes' "Crow". According to the paper, after World War II, authors were faced with the difficulty of creating written works of meaning in a world that seemed so cruel that any attempt at making meaning or moral sense of human behavior seemed futile. This paper discusses Beckett's and Hughes' attempts at making, and failing to make, a new mythology in a world vacant of belief.
From the Paper
"No one could describe Beckett's characters as attractive, and this deliberate impulse towards ugliness is also seen in Ted Hughes creation of the mythological, ugly character in the form of "Crow." A crow, the traditional trickster character of mythology, is a harsh-voiced bird, and Hughes himself said he selected this solitary feeder upon the bones of the dead as his protagonist quite deliberately--just as Beckett's characters feed upon the bones of a cultural system of meaning and a personal past that now has no shape or structure--"it's like the funny story we have heard too often, we still find it funny, but we don't laugh any more," says Nell of the "Endgame" dialogue--the animal Crow feeds upon what is left behind, feeding upon the dead in a world that is based upon death. The crow is a "nightmare" creation, a defiant voice in the wilderness against God. (Sagar, 1975) "
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"The Glass Menagerie", 2007.
This paper reviews the play "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams.
1,735 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 40.95
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Abstract
The paper portrays how Tennessee Williams' play, "The Glass Menagerie", presents its characters trapped in a world partly real and partly the product of their own minds, a world from which they try to escape. The paper shows how the appearance of Jim radically changes their lives. The paper illustrates how the play was somewhat biographical of Williams' experiences and his own family. The paper highlights how Tom's leaving to fulfill his dreams echoes the author's fulfillment as a writer.
From the Paper
"All of the main characters of this play have some unhappiness and unfulfilled expectations about their lives. Tom has a job he dislikes and dreams of poetry and adventures, while his sister is too shy to have a regular relationship with someone other than her family and so finds comfort in her collection of glass animals. "Tom works in a shoe warehouse and is miserably unhappy with his life because he wants to find adventure and write poetry. His job at the warehouse certainly doesn't satisfy these desires.""
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So Young, So Gifted, So Old, 2007.
This paper compares the young protagonists of "The Rocking Horse Winner" by D.H. Lawrence, "Suicide Note" by Janice Mirikitani and "The Cuban Swimmer" by Milcha Sanchez-Scott
981 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, £ 24.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer explains that "The Rocking Horse Winner" by D.H. Lawrence, "Suicide Note" by Janice Mirikitani and "The Cuban Swimmer" by Milcha Sanchez-Scott are three different genres of fiction grappling with a similar problem. The writer further explains that, in each of the stories, a young protagonist is forced to grow old too soon, because of the stresses of the adult world. Additionally, the writer points out that, although Lawrence's short story takes place during the early 20th century, while Mirikitani's poem and Sanchez-Scott's drama are set in contemporary American contexts, all provide examples of how gifted protagonists must suffer and often give up their unique gifts, because of the misunderstandings and imposed pressures of the adults in their lives.
From the Paper
"These protagonists may possess intellectual and physical gifts that the older generation lacks, but these gifts do not give the children the ability to weather the trials and travails of existence any better than an ordinary child or adolescent. In fact, their gifts become burdens rather than sources of comfort as a result of adult needs. For example, "The Rocking Horse Winner" by D.H. Lawrence first presents the home of a financially pressed working-class family in need of money. Money is such a constant and pervasive need that the short story memorably describes the house as virtually breathing the need for money. The use of the short story genre, in contrast to Mirikitani's poem or Sanchez-Scott's more personally focused play allows for a slightly more sympathetic portrayal of the boy's caretakers who press him to use his gift at fortune telling to make money for the family by betting on horses. The story opens with a portrayal of the home, not the child, to balance the eventually cruel treatment of the child. Regardless, by the end of the story, when the reader witnesses the strain that the pressures of this gift of divination has put upon the boy, even the most fair-minded reader concludes that his prophesy is more of a curse, and his family is wrong to depend upon the child for their entire livelihood."
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Hamlet, 2007.
This paper critically analyzes "Hamlet," the greatest tragedy of Shakespeare.
1,363 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 32.95
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Abstract
This critical analysis focuses on Act V of the Shakespearean play "Hamlet". The paper describes the scene of the gravediggers in the the church graveyard and the ensuing funeral of Ophelia. The paper shows how, after losing all those he loves so dearly, Hamlet undergoes a personal transformation. The paper concludes that, however heroic Hamlet was, the end result was still one of tragedy.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Hamlet: Scene V Act 1
The Funeral Procession
Act V Continues
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Hamlet was written somewhere around the year of 1600 and was one of Shakespeare's most mature and talented works. Hamlet is believed by many to be the greatest tragedy of Shakespeare. This work of Shakespeare is believed to be a popular play that was remade and was based on historical fiction. The historical Hamlet was son of a Danish "King of the Jutes" who lived during the period known as the dark ages. In the historical tale the murder of one brother by another brother took place and was not actually a murder but was a coup. In superstition of that time, the individual who murdered someone who was insane came under a risk of becoming insane themselves."
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Reading Motivation, 2007.
A discussion on fostering reading motivation through process drama.
2,319 words (approx. 9.3 pages), 14 sources, MLA, £ 50.95
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Abstract
The paper examines how a wide range of theories have been advanced to help foster reading motivation among young learners, with some methods being more effective than others. The paper looks at how process drama has been shown to be effective in fostering reading motivation among young learners. Additionally, the paper provides an overview of Readers Theatre and process drama and how teachers can use these techniques to foster reading motivation among young learners today. A critical review of the relevant literature is used to identify effective techniques that can be used to specifically implement process drama in the elementary and middle school classroom. These techniques help make reading more enjoyable to children and adolescents, improve their reading skills and help them see the value of reading in their lives.
Outline:
i)Introduction
ii)Review and Discussion:
Background and Overview
What Process Drama/Readers Theater is and How It is Implemented
How Readers Theatre/Process Drama Can Foster Reading Motivation
Future Areas for Research
iii)Conclusion
iv)References
From the Paper
"While the Readers Theatre approach has enjoyed wide support with proven results in a wide range of settings, these authors suggest that there is a very real downside to its use over the long-term: "Students need to understand that the goal of all reading is constructing meaning, and it is important that instructional activities have a clear purpose that matches students' needs and interests. Repeated reading, while clearly effective in the short term, may not hold students' attention over long periods" (Worthy & Prater, 2002, p. 295). Moreover, while fluency is widely considered to be an essential aspect of reading, Worthy and Prater (2002) point out that, "Children's ability to read fluently does more than make them sound like good readers; it is evidence that they comprehend what they are reading."
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Blame in "Othello", 2007.
This paper focuses on Desdemona's role in the tragic events that occur in Shakespeare's "Othello."
1,039 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 25.95
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Abstract
The paper takes a close look at Desdemona's character in Shakespeare's "Othello," showing that she is partially responsible for the tragic events that occur in the play. The author challenges the accepted view that Othello lead to his own downfall. The paper describes Desdemona as a naive victim and cites this naivete as preventing her from standing up to Othello, and leading to the plays tragic outcome.
From the Paper
"Desdemona's naivete is first seen when she defends Othello to her father. She describes her love for Othello saying, "I saw Othello's visage in his mind, / And to his honour and his valiant parts / Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate" (I,iii). This statement is made as part of a romantic speech where Desdemona describes the greatness of Othello. This shows a level of naivete because Desdemona is only able to see the goodness in Othello. A good comparison can be made by comparing the Duke of Venice's view of Othello. He too, shows that he has a lot of respect for Othello and refers to him as valiant. This respect is based on Othello as a soldier and he is considered brave and valiant. However, this respect does not extend to seeing Othello as a good husband. This is why the Duke of Venice is not easily convinced that Othello and Desdemona's relationship is acceptable. This shows that the Duke of Venice does respect Othello but also sees him realistically and does not consider him perfect. In contrast, Desdemona speaks of Othello as if he is perfect. She can only see the goodness in Othello and is not able to see his faults."
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Two African-American Plays, 2007.
This paper explores African-American manhood and social- economic obstacles in two plays by African-American playwrights: Amiri Baraka's "Dutchman" and Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun".
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the African-American male protagonists in Amiri Baraka's "Dutchman" and Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun". The paper looks at how the protagonist Walter, from 'A Raisin in the Sun" and the protagonist Clay, from "Dutchman", both seek to claim their manhood, despite the social and economic obstacles vigorously enforced by a hostile, white-dominated American society. The author analyzes the contexts and nature of Walter's confrontation with Karl Lindner in "A Raisin in the Sun" and Clay's defensive, violent response to Lula's verbal sexual/gender assaults in Baraka's "Dutchman". The paper concludes that both of these male characters do achieve a temporary and ephemeral degree of manhood but neither of these plays ends on a completely hopeful note.
From the Paper
"However, as the true extent of Lula's hostility towards him becomes apparent, it also becomes clear to Clay that whatever playfulness of flirtation he attempts, as a man, will do nothing to mitigate Lula's hostility toward him as a black man, and particularly a black man endeavoring to be seen as an individual apart from his race. Now, however, with her victim confined to the below-the-ground crucible of the subway, Lula taunts Clay into criticizing whites in general, thereby bringing about the reactions on the part of others in the subway car that seal his fate."
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Truth or Power?, 2007.
This paper discusses the concepts of truth and power, making use of Henrik Ibsen's work "An Enemy of the People".
800 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 20.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that Henrik Ibsen's "An Enemy of the People" is very important to understanding whether truth or power is more important in life. The writer points out that Ibsen's work thoroughly addresses whether someone should tell the truth for the good of society, or instead should allow for power that society might see as more important. The essay then explores whether truth or power is more important. The writer concludes that the world would be a better place if more people were concerned with being truthful and less concerned with how much power they have.
From the Paper
"This appears to be true, as the individuals in Ibsen's story took the truth that was given to them by one man, corrupted it so that they could have power over the town, and in turn made themselves into corrupt individuals. This was unfortunate, because people used power to harm a lot of other people just to feel powerful instead of being truthful, and not harming anyone. In Ibsen's work, the political system is corrupt, and there is a very irrational tendency that is seen in the masses of people that the politicians control. In other words, the politicians abuse their power rather than telling the truth, to make those they control believe basically whatever the politicians want them to."
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Schizophrenia, 2007.
This paper analyzes the development of schizophrenia in John Nash, the main character in Russel Crowe's movie, "A Beautiful Mind."
1,485 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at the movie "A Beautiful Mind" by Russell Crowe that portrays John Nash, a brilliant but eccentric graduate student of mathematics at Princeton University. The paper describes how in spite of Nash's eccentricities, he manages to fall in love, marry, have a child and become a tenured professor. In spite of these accomplishments, the paper shows how paranoid schizophrenia gradually takes hold of him and dominates his life. The paper examines his diagnosis and treatment and explores the condition of schizophrenia in general.
Outline:
The Subject: John Nash
Diagnosis
Treatment
From the Paper
"In spite of Nash's obvious social awkwardness, he possesses a fair amount of charm. He tells his imaginary roommate that he is "quite well balanced" -- he has an equally heavy chip on both shoulders. However, he already believes himself to be special, too gifted to waste his time attending lectures and reading textbooks. In the opening scene, a professor tells the class that it was mathematicians who broke the Japanese code during World War II, and mathematicians who designed the atomic bomb, linking fine mathematical minds to national security. In the movie, his meeting with the Army when they hire him as a secret code-breaker is quite elaborate."
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"A Raisin in the Sun", 2007.
An examination of the central theme of the play, "A Raisin in the Sun", by Lorraine Hansberry.
2,621 words (approx. 10.5 pages), 0 sources, £ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a detailed examination of the work of literature by Lorraine Hansberry, entitled "A Raisin in the Sun". The paper explores the play itself and the central conflict of the play. It then analyzes the central theme and several other aspects of the play so that the reader gets a strong feeling for the storyline behind the plot of the play.
From the Paper
"To understand the themes, conflicts and characters of the play one must have an understanding of the play's plot and storyline. A Raisin in the Sun is a play about an African American family named Youngers. The Youngers live in Chicago on the South Side which is notoriously dangerous and filled with low income families. The family is no exception, until Mr. Youngers senior dies and leaves behind a $10,000 insurance policy. As the family waits for the check, they begin to argue and bicker about how it should be spent. The mother of the family wants a house, the son, Walter, wants to use it to go in partners with a friend and open a liquor store, Walter's wife agrees with her mother in law but doesn't want to anger her husband about the matter, and the sister of Walter wants to go to medical school and believes the money should be used to pay her tuition. The family begins to crumble as individual family members fight and argue over the money and how it would be best spent."
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"A Raisin in the Sun", 2007.
An analysis of the themes expressed in Lorraine Hansberry's play, "A Raisin in the Sun".
2,277 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the play, "A Raisin in the Sun", by Lorraine Hansberry. The paper looks at the way that the play is based on one of Langston Hughes's most famous poems, "Montage of a Dream Deferred" and the ways that even the title of the play is derived from this epigraph. The paper delves into the themes of the play and discusses the ways that these themes are expressed.
From the Paper
"There are occasions in the play when we see all characters giving up their dreams even if temporarily only to pick them back up at a later stage. This is the essence of true faith. It never leaves you forever. You can curse your life but you must not abandon it or dreams will be deferred for good. Walter for example gives up his dream of becoming his own boss. He wants to be financially secure- enough to at least raise himself above the servant class. He wanted Travis to have a better future. But all his dreams vanish when he makes the unwise investment and loses money. His dreams have not vanished however from his spirit, they have only started consuming him. this results in extreme frustration as he turns to alcohol for some consolation. George describes him as someone "wacked up with bitterness." (85) Mama cannot see her son consumed by failed dreams and the situation becomes alarming when Walter doesn't take his wife's threatened abortion seriously. Walter becomes a bitter lost soul."
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'The Glass Menagerie', 2006.
A review of the Tennessee Williams' play, 'The Glass Menagerie'.
1,442 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the failure of the 'American Dream' in the play 'The Glass Menagerie' by Tennessee Williams.The paper discusses how the Wingfield family tends to blur reality preferring to live an illusion. According to the paper, this leaves the Wingfield family with continuous feelings of rejection, frustration and desperation.
From the Paper
"Initially, from Tom's end, he showed no conscious effort to redeem himself from the fact that will always be poor and underprivileged, in the midst of the affluent lives of other people in the society they lived in. However, eventually as the play comes to a close, he realized that he cannot always live his life based on simple aspirations and hopes fueled by his movie-watching. Interestingly, Tom's fascination with movies eventually became the catalyst for him to realize that life was harshly and radically different from the movies. The sheltered lives of people in movies are hardly what Tom and his family had experienced, a realization that made him hopeless and desperate, but also motivated to take action. "
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'Tartuffe', 2006.
A review of 'Tartuffe' by Richard Wilbur Moliere.
797 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 20.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at Richard Wilbur Moliere's play, 'Tartuffe'. This paper presents an argument that 'Tartuffe' was Moliere's warning us to be on guard against those that are overzealous about religion, and of those who are overzealous in presenting themselves as pious individuals.
From the Paper
"Cleante questions Tartuffe by asking, "But if this noble and religious zeal, is quite as perfect as you'd have us feel, How is it that it waited to appear, till you were caught embracing Madame here" (Moliere 260). Moliere accomplishes two objectives by these particular words, first he shows that Tartuffe is only pretending to be a pious individual, that when he is alone, or thinks he is alone, with Orgon's wife he immediately makes a play for her which a truly righteous individual would never do, and secondly he shows that Cleante realizes what is really happening, because he knows how a truly righteous individual would act in that situation, and that Tartuffe is not doing so. "
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Tragic Hero, 2007.
This paper analyzes Shakespeare's character of Othello as a tragic hero.
1,812 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 41.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer presents a detailed examination of the Shakespearean character Othello as a tragic hero. The writer discusses the character Othello, as held against the standards of philosopher Aristotle and compared to the character of Creon in Sophocles. The writer explores the six attributes that Aristotle believed were needed to become a tragic hero and argues that Othello fits this description more completely and convincingly than Creon did. The writer concludes that when it comes to Aristotle's definition of a tragic hero Othello clearly outpaces Creon in all six categories of definition.
Outline:
Introduction
Comparing the Characters to the Six Elements
Conclusion
From the Paper
"According to Aristotle there are six significant elements to being labeled a tragic hero. They include nobility and greatness, imperfection, faults or a downfall, punishment exceeding a crime, in other words the misfortune of the hero is not completely deserved by the hero, and there must be a discovery of self or something learned by the hero during the tragedy itself. The final criterion is that the audience is not left feeling a total sense of loss or sadness. When one holds Creon from Sophocles and Othello, from the play Othello against each other one can easily see that Othello is the more convincing tragic hero of the two."
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