| Papers [19-36] of 1909 :: [Page 2 of 107] | | Go to page : <— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 —> | |
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"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead", 2008.
An analysis of Tom Stoppard's play "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead".
1,437 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
The paper focuses on two themes in "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead"; one of absurd theatre and the other of the alignment of the Renaissance reality with the existentialist void of the 20th century. The paper opines that, despite the initial confusion that it tends to invite, "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead" continues to be a play which illuminates and heartens.
Outline:
The Point of View
The Theme
Absurd Theatre
The Renaissance Angle, the Dovetailing of the Two Ages and Beyond Absurdity
From the Paper
"It was during the 1960's with the slow, but steady, emergence of the concepts of post-modernism that the idea of the pastiche was beginning to become more and more exciting for writers, scholars, and academicians alike. The environment was charged with possibilities, linearity of both experience and reality were being questioned. Old traditions were quickly being shed or bent into new, contemporary shapes. Amongst all the excitement Marshall McLuhan wisely announced that the paradigm, which had till now defined all things, was now at the verge of a pronounced shift."
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Theater Lighting, 2008.
A look at the history and uses of theatrical lighting.
2,871 words (approx. 11.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 85.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses two kinds of illumination for the theater, general composition illumination and selective illumination. The paper explores early theater lighting that used candles, then the modern oil lamp, then the use of gas as a fuel source for the flame and finally, the advent of electricity that produced the greatest innovation in lighting techniques. The paper discusses how besides for illumination, light has another important feature; that of setting the mood and tone of the stage and enhancing the character of an actor. The paper shows how, with proper control, lighting can be used to reveal what the lighting designer wishes it to reveal or to express.
From the Paper
"Lighting has played an important part in stage productions throughout time. It began simply as the light of day from the sun and the diffusing effect of the clouds, which of course were often unpredictable, to the current computerized state of precise timing, intensity and hue. The human eye is often called the mirror of the soul and that which touches it touches the spirit directly. Lighting in its various forms has an intrinsic emotional quality that can affect the mind of the observer long before any words are spoken. As darkness connotes mystery, brightness relays a feeling of certitude in ones surroundings and so on through a myriad of effects from limelight to fireworks and beyond. The history of lighting in theatre is by nature a map to our own imaginations."
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Hamlet's Indecisiveness: A Good Thing?, 2008.
This paper explains why Shakespeare's title character Hamlet was wise to wait to kill Claudius.
1,475 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how "Hamlet" shows the causes and results of agonizing indecisiveness on Hamlet's part. The paper presents the position that despite the harm by Hamlet waiting to kill Claudius, it also allowed him to at least die with the clarity that he had uncovered the mystery of his father's death and discovered the root causes of Denmark's rottenness.
From the Paper
"A truism about Shakespeare's title character in perhaps his greatest play Hamlet is Prince Hamlet's perceived "tragic flaw" of waiting much too long to avenge his father's death by not killing Claudius; the main architect of the King's premeditated murder, sooner than he does. Despite the fact that Hamlet comes to a bad end his waiting to kill Claudius allows him to at least die with the clarity that he has not just uncovered the mystery of his father's death but discovered, also, the root causes of Denmark's "rottenness" (Reed; McCullen). Hamlet dies trying to put things right, finally destroying what he knows is the main source of that rottenness, Claudius, and with the certainty that Fortinbras will now take the place of his treacherous uncle."
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William Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', 2008.
This paper looks at one of William Shakespeare's best loved romantic comedies "A Midsummer Night's Dream".
1,544 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer first looks at the artist William Shakespeare and then studies his work "A Midsummer Night's Dream". The writer discusses the play and notes that while the situations portrayed in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' are hilarious to the point of being absurd, ultimately the play serves a higher purpose - that is, to affirm the value of love and pleasure in an often hostile universe. The writer concludes that whatever way one chooses to interpret 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', the play's goofy characters, outrageous situations, and rich language have ensured the play's status as a classic work of English literature.
Outline:
William Shakespeare the Artist
A Midsummer Night's Dream
From the Paper
"A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of Shakespeare's most beloved romantic comedies. It consists of three plots that are chaotically interwoven in order to elicit an atmosphere of magic and the absurd, as well as love and the unknown. Throughout the course of the play, people from all different class backgrounds interact, and against the setting of a magical night forest, they come into contact with a band of mischievous fairies whose pranks will temporarily transform some of the characters, while making others' dreams come true.
"At the center of A Midsummer Night's Dream is the wedding of Duke Theseus of Athens to the Amazonian Queen Hippolyta. Egeus has chosen Demetrius to marry his daughter Hermia - and Hermia is unhappy with the decision. To rebel, she runs away from Athens into the magical forests surrounding the city alongside her lover Lysander, with whom she hopes to elope. Hermia tells her best friend Helena of her plans."
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J. M. Synge, 2008.
An examination of the characters and quality of life portrayed in J. M. Synge's plays, "The Playboy of the Western World" and "Riders to the Sea."
2,182 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper critically examines two of J. M. Synge's best-known and most beloved plays, "The Playboy of the Western World" and "Riders to the Sea." The paper discusses the qualities of Irish life and characters that Synge was intending to evoke, as well as those qualities that establish these plays as two of the more successful Irish dramas of the last century.
From the Paper
"While the island setting of Riders to the Sea is not so distant geographically from the western coast of Ireland where The Playboy of the Western World takes place, the disparate features of the two play sets them apart from one another in stark contrast. One gets the impression from Riders to the Sea that human conflict is very rare on the island; the characters are too busy just trying to survive the brutalities of nature that constantly interfere with their lives. By contrast, the characters in The Playboy of the Western World seem incredibly bored with their natural surroundings - which, while far from resourceful, are certainly not as dire as what the inhabitants of the Aran Islands experience in their day to day lives. As a result of this boredom and complacency, the characters in The Playboy of the Western World are driven to seek out conflict with one another constantly. In fact, it is this pursuit of conflict that motivates much of the action of the play. Nature is hardly present, except for vague references to the physical surroundings of the environment throughout."
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Hamlet's Indecisiveness, 2008.
An analysis of Hamlet's indecisiveness in William Shakespeare's tragedy "Hamlet".
1,007 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the causes and results of the agonizing indecisiveness of Hamlet in Shakespeare's "Hamlet". The paper shows how Hamlet's failure to act sooner and more decisively in avenging his father's death leads to an unfortunate series of ill-timed, poorly executed events that ultimately result in many deaths, most importantly that of Hamlet himself.
From the Paper
"William Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet focuses on causes and results of agonizing indecisiveness by Hamlet, teenage heir to the throne of Denmark who returns from England, his father having died suddenly and mysteriously. Here Hamlet immediately faces two unpleasant, closely related facts: first his mother Queen Gertrude has quickly married his uncle Claudius; and second, as a result Hamlet is denied his birthright. As Marcellus states early on (even before the ghost of Hamlet's father appears and asks his son to avenge his death): "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark" (Act 1.4.91)."
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Power and Corruption, 2008.
An analysis of the theme of power in John Steinbeck's novel, "The Grapes of Wrath", Arthur Miller's play "All My Sons", P. J. Gibson's "Long Time Since Yesterday" and Susan Hazen Hammond's short story "The Women Warriors".
1,017 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper examines John Steinbeck's novel, "The Grapes of Wrath", Arthur Miller's play "All My Sons", P. J. Gibson's "Long Time Since Yesterday" and Susan Hazen Hammond's short story of the Tewa tribe "The Women Warriors". The paper shows how these texts focus on the economic and political power of individuals or societies and how this power is transformed into abuse and corruption.
From the Paper
"John Steinbeck's classic novel, The Grapes of Wrath, describes the period of economical transition during and after the Great Depression in America. The novel revolves around the traditional American leitmotif: the American Dream. It thus offers a glimpse of the changing society, which shifts from tradition to modernism: the land is no longer owned by individuals but by large companies that manage and control it with the sole purpose of obtaining the profit. The book is thus fraught with examples of the way in which the people that hold an economic advantage can transform this advantage into a form of ruthless abuse."
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William Shakespeare's "The Tempest", 2008.
Looks at the protagonist Prospero in William Shakespeare's drama "The Tempest".
2,000 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that William Shakespeare's "The Tempest"
builds its suspense through the interplay of intricate characters. The protagonist Prospero must elude the treacherous Caliban who wants to usurp his bother's throne. There are those who claim that Prospero is just acting on the outside and that on the inside, he is a warm-hearted person. This paper supports the opinion that there is sufficient evidence in the play to suggest that Prospero is not hiding anything and is a selfish and uncaring as he appears on the outside.
From the Paper
"We learn of Caliban's physical appearance from other characters. The audience first learns of Caliban from Prospero's description to Ariel. We learn that Caliban is the child of the witch, Sycorax. Caliban's witch/mother is described as "A freckled whelp, hag-born--not honoured with / A human shape". Trinculo and Stefano describe Caliban as less than human. Trinculo asks if Caliban is "a man or a fish?". Stefano describes Caliban as a "moon-calf". A moon-calf is a medieval expression that refers to a deformed creature."
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Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray", 2008.
Examines the nature of sin as presented in Oscar Wilde's play "The Picture of Dorian Gray".
855 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Oscar Wilde's play, "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and how the origins of sin are presented in the play. The paper uses examples from the play to show how, for Wilde, sin has its origin in awareness and knowledge of desire, just like the fall from grace in Eden. The paper explains how the main character, Dorian, becomes sinful in his knowledge and his awareness of his own beauty and this leads to his downfall.
From the Paper
"Again, there is scarlet, but this is the scarlet of blood letting, not an innocent blush of the young Dorian's lips. Once again, at the words of Lord Henry, even the older and more jaded Dorian is moved to tremble. He blanches at the sight of the picture, but for a different reason, because he can see the monster he has become, rather than fears the passage of age as he did as a young man. His own portrait is described as loathsome, like a serpent, and the diction of the passage is Biblical and elevated, "the scarlet of blood," "desire," and "scarlet dew" as a euphemism for blood."
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"Trifles", 2008.
An examination of the content and message of Susan Glaspell's play, "Trifles."
1,114 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Susan Glaspell's work, "Trifles." It argues that the play is a powerful feminist text that draws attention to the destructive effect that the strict and coercive roles the women have to play in a society, have on their inner lives. The paper describes the content of the play and the message that Glaspell tries to convey through her work.
From the Paper
"The play thus emphasizes the importance of the neglected "trifles" of the women's inner lives, which seem unimportant, as they produce no obvious effect on the outer reality. John Wright is described as a good man through the eyes of society, but the women intuitively perceive his coldness and heartlessness, which for them is equal to murder: "Yes -- good; he didn't drink, and kept his word as well as most, I guess, and paid his debts. But he was a hard man, Mrs. Peters. Just to pass the time of day with him -- [Shivers.] Like a raw wind that gets to the bone."(Glaspell) Wright performs well in society, but the women understand the chilling, murdering effect such a man would have on the joy of life. The women's experience is thus seen almost as a common block: all go through a "different kind of the same thing': "I know how things can be -- for women. I tell you, it's queer, Mrs. Peters. We live close together and we live far apart. We all go through the same things -- it's all just a different kind of the same thing."(Glaspell) Thus, the division of the two worlds, the masculine and the feminine appears to be irreconcilable, as the many men have yet to understand the subtleties of life."
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Anglo-Saxon Culture in Macbeth, 2008.
An analysis of the influences of Anglo-Saxon culture on Shakespeare's play "Macbeth".
2,731 words (approx. 10.9 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 81.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the aspects of Anglo-Saxon culture that are prevalent in the tragedy "Macbeth", including religious implications, the unique interpretation of the idea of faith and the social customs which ruled over the people of early Britain after the departure of the Romans from the area. The paper shows how these elements help frame the tragic story of a man who rejected the normal behavior allotted to his status and let his ambition ruin an entire nation.
From the Paper
"The tragedy of Macbeth took place in Scotland at the end of the medieval period of Europe. It was based on real accounts of a Scottish Thane who murdered his Lord. William Shakespeare was known for his poetic language, which helped framed the dramatic and tragic story of Macbeth, (Nostbakken 14). By highlighting elements of the Anglo-Saxon culture which existed in that area and later influenced future generations, Shakespeare creates a world torn by war and ruled by fate."
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"A Streetcar Named Desire", 2008.
An analysis of Tennessee Williams' play "A Streetcar Named Desire".
1,289 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the self-destructive behaviors and illusions that lead to the downfall of Blanche Dubois, the main character in Tennessee Williams' play "A Streetcar Named Desire". The paper then discusses how Blanche chose insanity so she would not have to deal with the harsh and brutal reality of her life. The paper conveys how she is a tragic character in a tragic story and she represents women who can never face the realities of their lives.
From the Paper
"Tennessee Williams play "A Streetcar Named Desire" is filled with various symbols, literary elements, and techniques that carry special meaning and touch the reader's innermost thoughts. It places the reader in a particular historic time when society and a people used to coexist in different ways compared to today's attitudes. One of the most complex characters in the play, Blanche Dubois, experiences numerous incidents and has certain dynamics that solidify her tragic elements, such as leaving Belle Reve, losing her family house, losing a young husband to suicide, deaths of her family members, and these develop into dependence, desperation, superiority, and poverty."
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Responsibility and Guilt, 2008.
An analysis of the themes of responsibility and guilt in "All My Sons" by Arthur Miller, "Long Time since Yesterday" by P. J. Gibson and "The Kidnapped Wife and the Dream Helper" by Susan Hazen Hammond.
1,061 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that a contrastive analysis of the two plays, "All My Sons" by Arthur Miller and "Long Time since Yesterday" by P. J. Gibson and the short story entitled "The Kidnapped Wife and the Dream Helper" by Susan Hazen Hammond, reveals that, despite the entirely different backgrounds, these three works share common themes: responsibility and guilt. In particular, the paper looks at how the main characters of the three stories are all confronted with the consequences of a past decision, for which they have to pay the price.
From the Paper
"Miller's play is very similar with respect to its main theme. Joe Keller also makes an economical decision at one point in his life: being in charge of the military equipment of the Air Force planes during the Second World War he provides the army with 121 defective cracked cylinder heads. As a result, twenty one of the planes crash and all the pilots die. Thus, faithful to the American Dream of prosperity and wary of his family's finances, Joe knowingly ignores the possible consequences of his act. Years after this tragedy, Joe is still in denial, refusing to acknowledge any personal responsibility or guilt. Thus, the structure of the play is almost identical with that of the short story previously discussed. Joe refuses to take responsibility in two situations, not just one: first for the pilots, and then for the death of his own son, Larry who commits suicide out of shame for his father's immoral act. The self-interest and selfishness are also present in Miller's play. "
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"A Midsummer Night's Dream", 2008.
A discussion on various subject themes in the play "A Midsummer Night's Dream " by William Shakespeare.
914 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare. The paper notes that the play weaves together the three subject themes: a reality in Athens, a dream-state in the woods, and the play-within-the play. The paper discusses that it is a tale of three romances, of love triangles, of jealousy and hilarity. The paper also states that Shakespeare's play is therefore structured to ask its readers and viewing audiences to contemplate the meaning of fiction and its impact on human consciousness.
From the Paper
"They share characters and situations. For example, all four of the play's central human characters fall asleep in the woods and enter its dreamlike world. Hermia, Helena, Demetrius and Lysander all appear in the city and in the woods and have equally significant roles in both worlds. Likewise, Bottom and the rest of the craftsmen troop practice "Pyramus and Thisbe" in the woods but perform it to the king and queen-to-be in Athens. The woods therefore serves as the place in which dreams are created, crafted, and nurtured. Those dreams then impact the daily lives of those living in the concrete world of the city, just as Shakespeare's play impacts the daily lives of those who read and watch them."
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Tragedy, Comedy and Human Nature, 2008.
This paper analyzes how human nature is reflected in the three theater genres of comedy, tragedy and drama.
1,401 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the three theater genres that reconstruct human experience: comedy, tragedy and drama. The paper first discusses the theater genre of tragedy using Shakespeare's "Hamlet" as an example and then describes the genre of comedy using Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" as an illustration. The paper also discusses the origins of drama genre and points out how it differs from the tragedy genre. Furthermore, the paper then points out that despite notable difference in characters, plot, outcome and tone, these three genres all reflect human nature. The paper concludes that whether comical or tragic, the main function of the theater is to stir emotions by portraying the frailties of the human condition.
From the Paper
"The theater can be considered as a reproduction of the fundamental conditions of human existence. The theater can be seen as a set of symbols reconstructing the conditio humana as a basic theater representation contains all the trials and tribulations of life. Acting can be deciphered as the attempt to assume a different identity. In this sense, the theater is a continuous creation and changing of identities. Irrespective of cultural and epochal differences, this has remained a constant as far as theatrical performance. There are three theater genres each reconstructing human experience: comedy, tragedy and drama. Nonetheless, despite notable difference in characters, plot, outcome, tone etc. these three genres have one thing in common, i.e. they reflect human nature."
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"The Glass Menagerie", 2008.
This paper analyzes the symbolism and imagery in the play "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams.
1,786 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how Tennessee Williams uses symbolism throughout "The Glass Menagerie" to illustrate the struggle for happiness that each character faces. The paper focuses on the central symbols of the glass menagerie itself, escape, the unicorn figure and darkness. The paper highlights how the symbolism makes the play richer, more believable and even more tragic in the end.
Outline:
Introduction
Symbolism
Conclusion
From the Paper
""The Glass Menagerie" is a tragic story of the Wingfield family, a dysfunctional family of dreamers who never seem to actually achieve their dreams. Amanda, the mother, is domineering and lives in the past, Laura, the fragile daughter is disabled and cannot face reality, and Tom, the son, is dissatisfied with his life, his family, and his future. Together, the family is dysfunctional and dissatisfied, and each one attempts to escape reality in some way, which is one of the richest symbols in the play."
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Sophocles' "Oedipus Tyrannus", 2008.
Reviews the play Sophocles' "Oedipus Tyrannus", especially the theme of fate and free will.
1,320 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Sophocles' play "Oedipus Tyrannus" asks the question whether Oedipus could have used free will to stop the fulfillment of the prophesy concerning his life and, if not, whether he deserved his self-imposed fate at the end of the play. The paper points out that one of the central flaws in Oedipus' character is his confidence, stubbornness and pride in himself, which led to his fate in the end. The paper concludes that Oedipus cannot be regarded as guilty but rather a victim of forces outside of his control.
Table of Content:
Character
Fate vs. Free Will
Oedipus' Guilt
From the Paper
"The audience is not presented with the impression that Oedipus' fate is the direct result of any flaw in his character. Indeed, the people of Thebes love and respect him. He also shows his integrity in dealing with those seeking his downfall. Creon for example seeks a private audience with Oedipus, but Oedipus refuses this in the interest of disclosure in matters regarding his people. He also shows himself to be a good king, in placing the interests of his people before his own."
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"Othello", 2008.
A discussion on Iago's soliloquies in "Othello" by William Shakespeare in Act I.3.375-396.
1,151 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
The paper states that throughout the play "Othello" by William Shakespeare, the only character to speak to the audience directly and intimately, is the character of Iago. He speaks to the audience and discloses his true motivations for his treacherous actions in the world of the play. The paper comments that Shakespeare uses this literary device specifically to show the audience the true colors of Iago. In the last passage of Act 1, Act 1.3.375-396, Iago's soliloquy is a glance at his manipulative psyche, where he believes himself to be the master of the other characters. His excessive pride and deception later result in the tragic end of the play. The paper notes that the audience develops a strange, but special, relationship with Iago through his manic ridden soliloquies. In the end, however, Shakespeare chooses to end Iago's term as master of the play and reclaims his position as playwright from the arrogant Iago.
From the Paper
"He uses his role as confidant to the other characters to manipulate them into believing he has their best interest in mind, when really he plays them pawns against each other for his own goals. Iago shows the audience his dislike for Roderigo, which therefore allows the audience special access into the real world of Cypress where Iago pulls the strings, and not Othello. This passage also shows the depth of Iago's deception. As seen when he discusses Othello later in his soliloquy, Iago takes great pains to make himself the innocent confidant, when his true purpose is to destroy those who trust in him."
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