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"The Road", 2008.
A summary of the novel, "The Road", by Cormac McCarthy.
779 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 15.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly discusses how "The Road" is about a father who struggles to give his young son hope in a post-apocalyptic world. Plants and animals are dead, bands of humanity have turned into cannibalistic creatures that devour their human prey, and food must be scavenged for survival. The paper looks at how the father and son pair face a dark, dingy world and how, through it all, there is immense love and true hope between the two travelers.
From the Paper
"Through all the melancholy, still, simple joys are had along the way when the boy first experiences the taste of a carbonated cola after a lone can is no doubt mistakenly left in a vending machine in a scavenged grocery store. (20) Nonetheless, tension is the main tenor of the father's life as he is aware of the dangers that could befall them along their journey. The pistol they carry has two (2) bullets, meant for suicide should this become necessary, as the threat of capture, attack, and starvation are fates worse than death."
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"Simple Recipes", 2008.
A critical analysis of Madeleine Thein's "Simple Recipes", using a secondary source.
838 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 17.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly discusses Madeleine Thein's "Simple Recipes" and looks at the intra-family squabble that develops in the story because of stereotyping. More specifically, the paper looks at how the son in, "Simple Recipes", harbors a very negative impression of Malaysian culture in contrast to the father in the story who is proud of his Malaysian background. The paper points out that, in the story, the father and a son activate in one another conflicting stereotypes that culminate in the latter being harshly disciplined by the former. The paper suggests that this is a good example of how stereotypes can blind even loved ones to the realities experienced by each other; moreover, it also demonstrates the plight of many new immigrants arriving in Canada and striving to carve out for themselves a new life.
From the Paper
"Simply stated, when stereotype activation can frustrate goal achievement - be it comprehension goals, self-enhancement goals, and the motivation to avoid prejudice - people will suppress any desire to activate stereotypes/generalizations. Going further, goal intensity is influenced by situational factors. For instance, self-enhancement goals can be intensified by failure and/or reduced by a particular self-affirming experience. As well, comprehension goals can be strengthened by surprise or weakened by time pressure"
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Yann Martel's "Life of Pi", 2008.
Analyzes the themes of religion and human nature in Yann Martel's "Life of Pi".
985 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 0 sources, MLA, £ 19.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the intensely personal nature of Yann Martel's "Life of Pi" and how the complex subject of religion is presented in a fashion that is non-judgmental, charitable and insightful. The author points out that the book is compelling and powerful because the fictionalized author of the tale talks about his own life and struggles while, at the same time, shrouding so many things in suspenseful mystery. The paper suggests that the story uses the theme of religion to capture the human yearning for something better than everyday life with its frequent occurrences of human bestiality. The paper also stresses that Martel's lucid prose, crisp plot and strong dialogue support his central message about faith and why faith truly matters.
From the Paper
"The other great struggle that unfolds in the second part of the book, as it turns out, is the struggle to maintain his humanity in the face of butchery. The cook (the Hyena) who kills the young soldier (the terribly wounded Zebra with the mangled leg) is a horrid being who torments the dying soldier in much the same way as the Hyena torments the wounded Zebra by eating it alive. Faced with such evil, the violent death of his mother, and overcome by desperation and hunger, Pi Patel turns on the cook (becoming Richard Parker, the Bengal Tiger), killing him brutally with a knife and then eating the corpulent fellow for his own satiation."
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"In Dubious Battle" by John Steinbeck, 2008.
An analysis of the metamorphism of absolutist political ideology within "In Dubious Battle" by John Steinbeck.
882 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 18.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the absolutist political ideology of the labor leader, Jim Nolan, in John Steinbeck's novel, "In Dubious Battle". The paper looks at how at the beginning of the strike, Nolan portrays a leader that rests on stern and unyielding principles to overtake and destroy the tyranny of labor domination by landowners. The paper then points out that this unyielding and uncompromising political view, however, results in the failure of the strike and the death of Nolan. The paper then suggests that Jim Nolan represents a metamorphism of an absolutist political ideology that is unrealistic and eventually ends with the failure of the strike within Steinbeck's novel.
From the Paper
"The first stage of Jim Nolan's desire to overthrow the cruel and greedy landowners that force him and other to work for brutally low wages is based of his hatred of tyrannical authority. The novel describes the way that Nolan and others had to live in poverty and destitution, which then acts as a catalyst for Nolan's absolutist desire to overthrow the landowners. Steinbeck (1992) relates the foundation for a labor rights when Nolan is questioned about his motives for joining the Union league Club."
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"Revisiting America" Through the Eyes of Susan Wyle, 2008.
A review of the book "Revisiting America" by Susan Wyle.
1,090 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 4 sources, APA, £ 22.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at Susan Wyle's book "Revisiting America". The paper explains that this book is a collection of stories of national treasure and bound together through her love of teaching, writing and desire to understand the implications of American History on our world today. The paper examines how Wyle uses a historical context to look at issues such as race, culture and conflict through the memories of people whose lives history sculpted. The paper also points out that each story calls for tolerance when dealing with ethnic differences in a way no other has seemed to be able to do. In conclusion, the paper shows that Susan Wyle, through her methods of teaching, has brought all her readers into her think tank and enlightened many.
From the Paper
"Another example of how Wyle (2004) demonstrates the commonality between all human beings is through minority groups. Although minority groups preserve their culture they also process the broader culture of their host country--in this case America. Take the immigration of the Irish. Although they left their country behind they brought with them their language, their religious beliefs, their culture specific foods and beverages and their music--by migrating to America the Irish brought their culture and became interdependent with the host culture of America."
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"The Road", 2008.
An analysis of the novel "The Road" by by Cormac McCarthy.
972 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 19.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the Pulitzer Prize-winning 2006 novel "The Road", by Cormac McCarthy, centers itself around the long and unhappy journey of a nameless man and his young son in search of a safe place to live in a post-apocalyptic America where any kind of food, shelter or friendly community is scarce to non-existent. It looks at how along the way the man struggles with desperation to try to teach his son the skills he will need to survive in this harsh landscape after he himself dies, for the father suffers from an illness which, in this world, he realizes will be fatal for him.
From the Paper
"The section of the journey that makes up pages 53 through 58 is interesting in several ways. It is the first time in the novel when the protagonists actually encounter another human being, and it does not turn out well. (We did meet the man's wife early on, but only in a flashback taking place in his memory.) The man they encounter, also unnamed like themselves, is a straggler or scout from a passing group of roving bandits / cannibals. The dialogue that takes place between the father and this man is one of the few long sections of dialogue in the novel (one of the only other ones is much later when they meet the old man who calls himself "Ely"), and so it is one of the few places where the reader can learn something of the father's personality and character. "
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Emotion and "Twelfth Night", 2008.
This paper looks at the overabundance of emotion in Shakespeare's work 'Twelfth Night'.
1,274 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 25.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer points out that many scholarly articles and studies of 'Twelfth Night' tend to downplay the literary importance of the play by categorizing it as a genial and charming play. The writer maintains that there is not anything inherently abominable about being either genial or charming, but these two words do not do justice to Shakespeare's deceptively "light" play. 'Twelfth Night' is not a tragedy, but this does not prevent Shakespeare from exploring, through comedy, several fundamental themes of human existence: love, grief, and desire. This paper analyzes Shakespeare's exploration of these existential themes as they appear in 'Twelfth Night' and argues that the playwright, through comedy, unveils the ludicrousness and inappropriateness of extravagant and sentimental emotion.
From the Paper
"The question and the man who asks it barely register in Orsino's mind, but he is quick to pull out his readily available stock of conventional wisdom as soon as he breaks his reverie, and responds to Curio's question with a trite metaphor on love and hunting. No wonder, then, that the servants show signs of impatience and restlessness: their master is luxuriating in a state of complete self-absorption, and the outside world (or the beings that inhabit it) have ceased to exist. Of course, this matters not at all to the extravagant Orsino, as he is completely clueless as to what transpires around him and simply lacks the energy (in the manner of all love-sick gentleman) to engage in hunting or other depleting physical activities.
"Olivia, too, embodies these same characteristics, and it is perhaps unfortunate that the two do not make their own happy ending. Similarly to her determined pursuer, Olivia's emotional "disorder" reveals itself through her conversations with Cesario. The reader knows, before even encountering Olivia, that she is in mourning for a beloved brother. "
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Wealth and Democracy, 2008.
This paper provides a review of Kevin Phillips' book, "Wealth and Democracy: A Political History of the American Rich".
1,255 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 24.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that Kevin Phillips' book, "Wealth and Democracy: A Political History of the American Rich", examines the impact wealthy Americans have had on politics since America's colonial days in the eighteenth-century. The writer points out that the author's purpose in writing this book was to analyze the interaction between American governance and the accumulation of wealth. The writer also discusses that Phillips warns that such interaction have undermined the functioning of democracy to such an extent that our system of government resembles a plutocracy much more than it does a democracy. The writer concludes that the greatest strength of this book is its comprehensiveness and that readers should agree with Phillips' theme and conclusions despite the complex format of his book.
From the Paper
"The logic behind the topics of the chapters is based upon Phillips' intention to systematically reveal and analyze the interplay between politics, finance, and economics. For the most part, the chapters go together well to form the book, but coherence is lost at times because there is so much material to cover and the dynamics are so complex. The fit between the thesis of this book and the logic of the book's organization is not perfect by any means, but the historical, economic, political, and social scope of Wealth and Democracy is so broad that its organizational format had to be flexible in order for Phillips to support his thesis from all of these perspectives.
"Phillips places his work into the historiography of American politics and government by making a convincing case that democracy in this country has never really existed as the Founding Fathers intended it to exist."
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On "Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant", 2008.
An analysis of the theme of pain and growth in Anne Tyler's play "Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant".
1,430 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at Anne Tyler's 1982 play, "Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant", with particular focus on the growing pains of the character Cody. The paper discusses Cody's relationship with his mother and recently deceased father. It also examines the theme of pain and growth in relation to the other characters in the play. In the final analysis, the paper holds that only Cody appears to eventually find the peace of mind and personal growth he needs.
From the Paper
"Suffice it to say, Pearl's problem is that her introspection does not give way to a mind-set that allows her to "open up" before her children. Specifically, she not only fails to tell the children what has happened to their father, but she fails to come to terms with what has happened to her, not even giving into her emotions when she has a few minutes alone (Tyler, 18). As one might expect, the pressure of keeping everything inside frequently becomes so great that she explodes in bursts of anger, especially when the children present her with accidents or when they do something to irk one another and then noisily ask for their mother's intercession (Tyler, 19). To this psychologically damaging outlook must be added the fact Pearl is usually over-burdened with work (Tyler, 25). She is forced to shoulder the responsibilities of both a father and a mother. In the end, it is hardly revelatory that she is a mostly withdrawn woman."
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Theophilus Presbyter's Influence on Art History, 2008.
An analysis of the ways in which Theophilus Presbyter influenced later practices of other artists, particularly looking at his treatise, "On Divers Art."
2,144 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 10 sources, MLA, £ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the impact that Theophilus Presbyter's had on the course of painting history. The paper examines his origins and his stature as an impressive cataloguer of the preferred methods of his time as well as how he might very well have influenced the development of Jan Van Eyck's impressive body of work. The paper particularly explores how Theophilus influenced the later practices of other artists - from those working with wood in England to Renaissance masters to the notable Florentine painter, Nardo di Cione. The paper focuses on Theophilus' treatise, "On Divers Art."
From the Paper
"The importance of Theophilus's treatise can scarcely be exaggerated - at least if one is a scholar of medieval art. Specifically, On Divers Arts is widely regarded as the foremost treatise available on the painting, glass-making and metal-working arts of the Middle Ages; certainly, this the general view of John G. Hawthorne and famous medieval translator and historian, C.S. Smith, who make that bold proclamation on the cover pages of their 1979 text devoted to the path-breaking work of Theophilus Presbyter (for full bibliographic information, please see the reference list at the conclusion of this paper). In that respect, the aforementioned twelfth century work may rightly be described as not only pertinent to any understanding of medieval painting, but as the best resource available to modern-day students and scholars eager to learn more about how the panel paintings, stained glass masterpieces, and canvasses of twelfth century Europe were produced."
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"Because I Could Not Stop for Death", 2008.
An analysis of how Emily Dickinson conveys ideas of life and death in her poem "Because I Could Not Stop for Death".
1,458 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 28.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the choice of content, use of form and of poetic devices in Emily Dickinson's, "Because I Could Not Stop for Death." The paper shows how these techniques reflect her central thesis that death is something the virtuous should welcome as merely one more step on the way to eternal life.
From the Paper
"To begin with, the content of the poem is significant. Chiefly, Dickinson chooses to emphasize the notion of time through references and metaphors that stress the inevitability of death, the cyclical and/or complementary relationship between life and death, and her own deep-seated Christian beliefs. For instance, the opening quatrain of the poem portrays death as a considerate companion, almost a beau, who tenderly pauses on his busy way for the narrator: "Because I could not stop for death,/He kindly stopped for me;/the carriage held but just ourselves and immortality/" (Dickinson, lines1-4)."
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The Purpose of Life, 2008.
An analysis of the views of various ancient philosophers and authors on the purpose of life.
2,235 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how philosophers and writers throughout the ancient world pondered the meaning and purpose of life, and wrote works such as "The Epic of Gilgamesh", "Allegory of the Cave", and the "Apology of Socrates" in order to express their philosophical beliefs about human existence. Mores specifically, the paper looks at how the unknown Sumerian author of the "Epic of Gilgamesh" defined the purpose of life as a heroic but doomed pursuit of glory and immortality. In contrast, it shows how the ancient Greek philosopher Plato defined the purpose of life in "Allegory" and "Apology" as the pursuit of 'being' virtuous.
From the Paper
"The Epic of Gilgamesh (2007) examines the purpose of life from an ancient Sumerian perspective but complements many of the themes of Plato's Apology and Allegory. The anonymous author tells the story of King Gilgamesh of Uruk, who was punished by the Sumerian gods for oppressing his people. Gilgamesh rules harshly over Uruk and burdens his people with immense construction projects he thinks will glorify his kingship. The walls and temples he commands to be raised are intended to win him lasting fame, but his hubris infuriates the gods, who create Enkidu in order to teach him lessons he must learn. Along with Enkidu, Gilgamesh embarks on adventures but is still defiant of the gods. "
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"People Who Own Themselves", 2008.
A review of Heather Devine's book "The People Who Own Themselves: Aboriginal Ethnogenesis in a Canadian Family".
1,432 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 1 source, APA, £ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how "The People Who Own Themselves" tells the story of Heather Devine's research project about the Desjarlais Family, who were immigrants from Europe to New France, and an Canadian Aboriginal family who were settlers in the same area. The paper maintains that, in reading this book, the reader learns about many aspects of early Canadian history, including the day to day lives of workers in the fur trade, forest hunting and hunters, day to day life in general, and some war history.
From the Paper
"The first thing the reader will notice is that this is not an ordinary history book. Devine (2004) was interested in this subject for very personal reasons. In fact, the study would not have happened if Devine's family did not have a personal connection with the Metis. As Devine (2004) explains in her Preface, her mother was adopted in the 1930s, and grew up in Saskatchewan. She was an unusual child, in that she was much darker than the rest of her family. This probably is why she eventually looked for her roots, and found out that her father was Metis."
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"Bunbury" and "Bunburying", 2008.
This paper examines Algernon's practice of "bunburying" in Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest".
886 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 18.95
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Abstract
The paper argues that "bunburying" is used by the character of Algernon, in Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest", to escape the adult responsibility that attends truth-telling. The paper shows how it is a practice that, ironically, reveals the truth about someone's character and preoccupations.
From the Paper
"When read in its totality, it appears as though being a "Bunburyist" is to be someone who engages in dissembling and misdirection in an attempt to evade unwanted social obligations - or obligations of any sort. In effect, the causes of Algernon's "bunburying" appears rooted in a desire to escape the responsibilities that attend being an adult and a member of the British social elite during the final decades of the nineteenth century."
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