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African-American Art, 2009.
A look at how African-American art represents an era of struggle and survival.
1,292 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that for enslaved African-Americans, art became a form of expressionism, hope, history and therapy. The paper discusses the slaves' tools, songs, dances and their stories that all demonstrate how they are survivors. The paper also looks at the literature from this time period, specifically the narrative of Frederick Douglass, that conveys a strong American spirit that refuses to let anyone or anything beat it down.
From the Paper
"Oral traditions go back as far as Africans do. While it might have been frowned upon in America, the tradition can be continued with songs and story telling. These stories and songs became specific to the African-American experience and they tell us so much about the endurance of slaves. Songs were used as tools of education as well as entertainment because reading was discouraged. Songs were not always sad as one might guess. While some songs told tales of agony and oppression, many were songs of hope that obviously lifted the soul in difficult times. We can learn about the tenacity of the human soul thought some of these songs. For example, one song asks, "didn't my Lord deliver Daniel . . . and why not every man." 1 Similar songs of freedom might have been the only hope that slaves could cling to when their lives seemed the darkest. How African-Americans sang is also significant because dance is very much a tradition that lives today."
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Women in Ross' and Munro's Works, 2009.
A comparison of the roles of the women in Sinclair Ross' "As For Me and My House" and Alice Munro's "Who Do You Think You Are?".
2,412 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 46.95
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Abstract
The paper examines Sinclair Ross' "As For Me and My House" and Alice Munro's "Who Do You Think You Are?", which both involve women who show different strategies of empowerment in societies where women are seen as having little power. The paper illustrates how Mrs. Bentley from "As for me and My House" and Rose, from "Who Do You Think You Are?", play against traditional female roles at the sacrifice of being themselves.
From the Paper
"The central voice in As For Me and My House is Mrs. Bentley; her first name is never given, as her marital status as Mrs. Bentley is her defining mark given that her relationship with her husband and the charade that is their outward life shape her world. Mrs. Bentley is married to a Protestant minister, or at last claims to be. In fact, she and her husband are contemptuous of religion and only pretend to be a minister and his wife as a way of life, a life that has also been one of numerous moves from town to town as they are found out and have to leave again and again. They are confident people more interested in living in different places and in silently laughing at the values of the people among whom they live."
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Irony and Edgar Allan Poe, 2009.
This paper discusses the use of irony in Edgar Allan Poe's works, "The Cask of Amontillado" and "The Black Cat".
850 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 19.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer points out that Edgar Allan Poe is known for his tales of horror and that, as good and thrilling as these tales are, Poe always seems to incorporate another literary technique to emphasize terror within the reader. The writer discusses that "The Cask of Amontillado" and "The Black Cat," are excellent examples of how Poe infuses irony with terror to enhance the terror aspect of his stories. In "The Cask of Amontillado," there is a man leading the other to his death by curious means and in "the Black Cat," one must listen to the tale of a madman completely convinced that he is not mad. The writer maintains that each tale creates a sense of heightened fear when one realizes that these stories could be about real people. The stories could survive without the irony but the irony adds another level of terror that catches and keeps our interest. In fact, the irony allows us feel the terror deeper because it is more difficult to forget these narrators. The writer concludes that this is no doubt Poe's intention - to create narrators that linger in the reader's memory long after eyes have left the last words.
From the Paper
""The Cask of Amontillado" and "The Black Cat," illustrate Edgar Allan Poe's achievement as a writer because these tales are more complicated then we think. He is not only able to craft terror stories that chill us to the bone but he is able to craft them using irony, a technique that makes his stories even more chilling. Each narrator in these stories exhibits strange behavior that causes us to pause and question not only their behavior but human behavior in general. Montresor, for his sickening brilliance and the narrator in "The Black Cat" for his complete insanity. Without the irony, these stories would still be good but they would lack that extra punch that hits us in the gut as we read what is happening. The irony of life's experiences often makes them stick in our memories a little longer and this was Poe's goal. He wanted us to remember these narrators for a long time and the way to ensure that we would is by adding a dash of irony to the already delicious recipe. We cannot forget because, like the car crash at the side of the freeway, we like to look."
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The Life and Works of Edgar Allan Poe, 2009.
A look at some of Edgar Allan Poe's work and a short biography.
1,472 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper provides insight into the life and works of Allan Edgar Poe, author of many stories, essays, and poems. The paper also highlights some of his best known works and goes into more detail as to their plots and characters.
From the Paper
"Many consider Edgar Allen Poe "as the master of horror [and] the father of the detective story" (Literary Masters 1). His works not only send chills down the reader's spine, but also "elevate their minds while intensifying their emotional reactions" (Literary Masters 1). Many may question why his stories and poems are so grotesque and death oriented, but once they have read his biography, they recognize the deep connection between Poe's life and his works.
"Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1809, tragedy surfaced in Poe's life at a very young age. His parents separated when he was only one year old and, when he was three, they passed away. Having no family connections other than his two siblings, Poe was "rescued from a childhood of poverty and neglect when he was taken into foster care by John and Francis Allen" (Jacobs 233). While attending the University of Virginia, he accumulated many gambling debts which, in turn, hindered the relationship he had with the Allen's. Because he was unable to pay for these debts, Poe dropped out of school and enlisted in the army. After returning from service, he continued writing and worked as an editor for various companies. During his lifetime, he wrote many poems and stories, but the poem that won him the most fame was "The Raven" written in 1845. During most of his life, he struggled with poverty, alcoholism, and physical and psychological illnesses. Tragically, he died in 1849 from reasons that are still a mystery to this day. Many believe either alcoholism, severe neurological illness, or murder caused his early death."
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"The Autobiography of Malcolm X", 2009.
A review of the book "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Haley.
1,609 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses "The Autobiography of Malcolm X", which tells the story of one of the most influential black leaders of the 1960s, Malcolm X, born in Omaha, Nebraska as Malcolm Little. It looks at how the book shows Malcolm X as a real man, with flaws, dreams, and hopes for the future. It also discusses how the book shows that Malcolm X truly hated "white devils," and how it is easy to see why so many people were frightened of him and his messages.
From the Paper
"Haley's and Malcolm X's thesis for writing this book is quite simple. Haley wanted to share Malcolm's life in largely his own words, so blacks and whites would understand a little more about this man who made such a difference in many people's lives, and inspired fear and misunderstanding in so many whites. In Haley's Epilogue to Malcolm's story, he writes of trying to convince Malcolm to tell his story. Finally, Malcolm agrees. Haley writes, "He said, 'I agree. I think my life story may help people to appreciate better how Mr. Muhammad salvages black people. But I don't want my motives for this misinterpreted by anybody - the Nation of Islam must get every penny that might come to me'" (Haley 386). Clearly, this is the thesis of this work, and this represents the popularity of the work, as well. First published in 1965, it is still popular and studied today, indicating just how far-reaching Malcolm X's life truly was."
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Naturalism in "Maggie: A Girl of the Streets", 2009.
An examination of Stephen Crane's naturalism as evidenced in his character of Maggie, from his novella, "Maggie: A Girl of the Streets."
2,623 words (approx. 10.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the views and works of Stephen Crane and particularly examines the elements of the naturalism for which he is acclaimed. It discusses how this naturalism is evident in his famous character, Maggie, from his novella, "Maggie: A Girl of the Streets." The paper examines the character and how she embodies Crane's views.
From the Paper
"In fact, it is Maggie's lack of education coupled with her lack of a positive role model in her life that causes Maggie to turn to the stage melodrama and the popular romance for her values. These things encourage her dreams of a perfect lover and instill in her the false beliefs that virtue triumphs over vice, and that poverty in ennobling. In addition to the physical appearance of the Bowery of Rum Alley and the Johnson home, Maggie's home life was also combatant contributing to the environment that formed her. Her mother and father constantly fought and alcohol was important in the dysfunction between family members. Crane says that Maggie's mother constantly drank from "a yellow-brown bottle" and Maggie's father's comments confirm that alcoholism when he speaks to Maggie's mother, saying, "You've been drinkin', Mary. You'd better let up on the bot' o1' woman, or you'll git done." Despite his criticism toward Maggie's mother, though, Maggie's father's alcoholism also contributes to the atmosphere within the family."
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Religion in "Mansfield Park", 2009.
An analysis of the significance of religion in the construction of Jane Austen's novel "Mansfield Park".
2,401 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 46.95
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Abstract
The paper attempts to show how religion in the novel "Mansfield Park" is the dominant theme. The paper illustrates how religion offers a perspective on the nature of the characters and the way in which they interact with the rest of the actors on the narrative scene. The paper also shows how religion points out several aspects of the traditional belief in the religiousness of the time while it also addresses indirectly the issue of slavery as a corollary of religion and morals. Finally, the paper demonstrates how we see the power of religion as being an equal replacement to the power of social demands.
From the Paper
"English literature is considered to be one of the most interesting and artistically rewarding experiences for any literature fan. It shares the views of an environment which is complex in its social and cultural elements. At the same time it points out the perspectives of writers who have been deeply influenced by the period of their existence in a more profound manner as the rest of literature writers. In this sense, Jane Austen is viewed as one of the most complex literature writers, for her dedication to her work as well as for the way in which she managed to convey the message across to her readers. Some of the most important novels of her literary creation include "Pride and Prejudice", "Emma", as well as "Sense and Sensibility" which have all represented important sources for inspiration for later authors of the 19th and 20th century."
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Independent Women in "Jane Eyre", 2009.
This paper focuses on Jane's gradual emergence into an independent, confident woman in Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre".
1,724 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 34.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes the development of Jane, the main character in Charlotte Bronte's novel, "Jane Eyre", from her submissive and abusive childhood to the confident and bright woman at the end of the story. The paper examines her relationship with the other characters and shows how and when her personality emerges for her to become a strong, independent woman.
From the Paper
"Jane Eyre is one of the greatest British classics ever written. The story watches closely the life and the evolution of Jane Eyre, a poor, orphan girl who as a child lives upon the mercy of her cold-hearted aunt, Mrs. Reed. The story is very interesting from a feminist point of view. Apparently, Jane Eyre is from the beginning and throughout the development of the story a plain, obedient girl who is always trying to please the others. The humiliations she is subjected to as a child growing up in the middle of an aristocratic family but without being treated as their equal also emphasize her submissive status. Moreover, Jane's relationship with Mr. Rochester could also be regarded as one of dependence. However, the strength of the story lies precisely in the effect of Jane's gradual emergence as a true independent individual, from the obscure beginnings of her childhood to the confident and bright woman at the end of the story. Jane's evolution can be traced in relationship with that of the other characters and it is especially apparent in her love relationship with Mr. Rochester."
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Lewis Nordan's "Wolf Whistle", 2009.
An analysis of Lewis Nordan's treatment of the murder of Emmett Till in Nordan's work, "Wolf Whistle".
2,125 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 41.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how Lewis Nordan's story, "Wolf Whistle", is far from being a mere historical description. The paper identifies the narrative devices that Nordan utilizes to pinpoint the tensions behind the actual historical conflicts and shows how Nordan's narrative, therefore, is not only a historical account but a recreation of the past, which helps to shed light and meaning on the real events.
From the Paper
"Lewis Nordan's Wolf Whistle is probably the best known fictional account of the murder of Emmett Till for racist reasons in 1955. Although Nordan does preserve the main lines of the true history in his book, the story is far from being a mere historical description. Wolf Whistle is not, as one would expect, a grave story that chills through its realism. Instead, Nordan employs a widely-used postcolonial style, in which historical facts, magical realism and a very rich symbolism blend effectively. Naturally, these story-telling techniques help to create a complex reality that manages to rewrite history in a meaningful way by pinpointing the tensions behind the actual historical conflicts."
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Beyond Social Convention, 2009.
An analysis of the love that Catherine and Heathcliff share in Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights".
1,001 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 22.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how, Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights", both characters, Heathcliff and Catherine, have a wild, uncouth nature with passions as strong and indomitable as the savage climate of the place they live in. The paper then shows how their nature and passions are misunderstood by the people that surround them and that find them uncivilized and wild. The paper reveals that Catherine and Heathcliff cannot live apart as their symbiosis is so complete, but neither can they live together in the midst of social conventions.
From the Paper
"Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights is one of the most mesmerizing novels in the English Literature. The intensity of the story obviously comes from the extremely powerful and almost unnatural bond between the two main protagonists in the story, Catherine and Heathcliff. This relationship is particularly hard to describe, as Bronte sets the story over a rather long period of time, involving other characters as well, all of which serve as means to enhance the individuality of the two protagonists. The love that Catherine and Heathcliff share is an immeasurable passion, demonic and heavenly at the same time. If described from a strictly moral point of view, this love would seem unnatural and destructive. However, a more accurate view would be that the love between Catherine and Heathcliff is an absolute, primordial and uncouth passion that goes beyond social convention and its restrictions."
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"Siddhartha", 2009.
A review of Herman Hesse's novel "Siddhartha".
1,170 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 3 sources, APA, £ 25.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at Siddhartha, the protagonist in Herman Hesse's novel titled after the main character. Summarizing the book on Siddhartha's journey for enlightenment, the author describes Siddhartha's process of first studying the ways of the forest-dwelling ascetics, the Samanas. The paper then describes how, when that proves to be unyielding in lasting spiritual fruits, Siddhartha begins to embrace materialism and sensuality before realizing his goal of enlightenment with the understanding of unnecessary stringency of asceticism and the meaninglessness in a materialistic existence. The paper also discusses the tradition of asceticism as practiced in several major religions.
From the Paper
"Asceticism played a major role in the psychological, social, and spiritual evolution of Siddhartha, the titular protagonist in Herman Hesse's novel. Modeled partly after the historical Gautama Buddha, Siddhartha begins his quest for enlightenment by following in the Brahmin footsteps of his fathers and forefathers. Finding little satisfaction in the rites and traditions of Brahmanism, Siddhartha starts to study the ways of the Samanas. The Samanas are forest-dwelling ascetics, rejecting all types of material comforts including sex, material goods, and any food except that which is required for the survival of the body."
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"Siddhartha", 2009.
A comparison of Herman Hesse's "Siddhartha" novel and the movie based on the novel, directed by Conrad Rooks.
765 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 2 sources, APA, £ 17.95
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Abstract
The paper asserts that though the movie, 'Siddhartha', remains relatively faithful to the novel in terms of rough narrative, the film lacks the technical precision and excellence that Hesse demonstrated in the novel. The paper attempts to show Hesse's ability to convey great philosophical and spiritual concepts and expand on the characters and their internal dilemmas in words that speak volumes for the motivations of each character. The paper contends that the book therefore far surpasses the film in terms of artistic merit and literary execution.
From the Paper
"Published in 1922, Herman Hesse's Siddhartha became one of the classic texts of the 1970s counterculture fascination with Eastern philosophy, Buddhism in particular. Even today the book has a strong cult following, though the fervor afforded its admittedly shallow mysticism has dimmed somewhat. In 1972, at the height of the book's popularity and fifty years after the book's release, the text was adapted into a film by Conrad Rooks. Though the movie remains relatively faithful to the novel in terms of rough narrative, the film lacks the technical precision and excellence that Hesse demonstrated in the novel. Without this literary gravitas, the film ultimately falls flat when contrasted to the book."
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The Tragedy of War, 2008.
A review of three poems, Stephen Crane's "Do Not Weep, Maiden, for War is Kind," and Wilfred Owen's two works "Anthem for a Doomed Youth" and "Dulce Et Decorum Est."
846 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 0 sources, £ 19.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the harsh and unbecoming realities of war by reviewing three poems. The author summarizes two works of Wilfred Owen, "Anthem for a Doomed Youth" and "Dulce Et Decorum Est", as well as Stephen Crane's "Do Not Weep, Maiden, for War is Kind." The paper explains how both Owen and Crane use irony in their poems to describe war and describes the similarities that these poems have - premature loss of life and that there is nothing glamorous and exciting about war. The author advocates that these poems can serve as cautions to the seriousness or war and conflicts.
From the Paper
"In the end, these poems all describe men who die too young. Many times, men die for causes that are not even relevant to them; or sign up for a war in a disillusioned state. They often think war is glamorous and exciting; even a death in battle is exciting. However, they fail to realize the seriousness of being injured, the despair that they cause their loved ones, or the fact that death may come slowly and quite painfully. It is apparent that these poets all understood that war is serious, and that there is nothing kind about it. Therefore, these works all serve as cautious warnings to the seriousness of war and conflicts."
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The Power of Language, 2009.
A comparison of Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" and George Orwell's "Politics and the English Language".
1,608 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 33.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how, in his essay "Politics and the English Language", George Orwell focuses on the function of language as a powerful tool that can easily be abused. The paper then examines Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" that also illustrates how language can be manipulated and abused. The paper explains how Swift's projector proves Orwell's theory that we can manipulate language and, as a result, language becomes a major factor in human thought.
From the Paper
"Language is more than words. Language is a tool that can be used in a variety of ways to achieve a variety of purposes. In his essay, "Politics and the English Language," George Orwell focuses on the function of language, emphasizing that it is a tool by which we can wield much power. He observes that language has been used as a creative tool and a manipulative tool. One of the first premises of Orwell's essay is that language and thought are connected. He writes that an "effect can become a cause, reinforcing the original cause and producing the same effect in an intensified form, and so on indefinitely" (Orwell 317). This influence works both ways. "If thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought" (324). This premise is powerful in that it not only suggests that thought can influence language but it emphasizes what we already know - that individuals can be influenced by language."
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