| Papers [541-558] of 1909 :: [Page 31 of 107] | | Go to page : <— 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 —> | |
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?King Lear?, 2002.
A review of William Shakespeare's play ?King Lear?.
1,084 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 0 sources, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper examines "King Lear" by William Shakespeare and how it is a good example of how Shakespeare focuses his lessons on his audience through his characters. It discusses how the message is the meaningless violence that strips the world of justice and good and how the foolish (King Lear and Gloucester) are left with the realization of what they have done and the role they have played in the disastrous and brutal happenings throughout the plot. It shows how the deaths at the end keep the play what it is ? a tragedy and how the characters had to learn through their mistakes and suffer the consequences that Shakespeare felt were fitting.
From the Paper
"In a similar way, Gloucester is deceived by the two sons in his life ? his legitimate son Edgar, and his illegitimate son Edmund. Though Edgar is not quite the virtuous beauty that Cordelia is, he does represent some measure of loyalty and justice, which is completely lacking in the jealous, bitter Edmund. Gloucester is unwilling to see the true character of his son from an adulterous relationship, partially due to his guilt. "
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Revenge in Shakespeare, 2002.
A comparitive essay on Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and "Romeo and Juliet", focusing on the common theme of revenge.
1,274 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses two plays by William Shakespeare, "Hamlet" and "Romeo and Juliet". Specifically, it provides an analysis of the theme of revenge in both plays, and compares how revenge harms the characters in both the plays. The paper portrays revenge to be the undoing of the main characters in both plays, and illustrates how deadly the need to avenge can become.
From the Paper
"Revenge may be sweet, but in "Hamlet" and "Romeo and Juliet," Shakespeare shows the ugly side of revenge, the side that harms everyone it touches. Revenge is an ugly word that indicates evil and violence, and these two plays illustrate the tragic side of revenge. All the lives lost in both plays could have been spared if vengeance had not been such an issue for all the families, and that is the real and abiding tragedy of these works."
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Women in Shakespeare, 2002.
A comparison of two female characters from Shakespeare's literary works, Gertrude from "Hamlet" and Juliet from "Romeo and Juliet".
1,122 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the similarities and differences between Gertrude, from "Hamlet" and Juliet, from "Romeo and Juliet". The paper portrays Gertrude as a woman who is dependent on men, and Juliet as a young woman who has a very single-minded sense of purpose. The situations which cause both women to defy the status quo, are explained, illustrating the they also have something in common.
From the Paper
"It could be argued that Juliet and Gertrude are so different because Juliet seems to have a better-developed sense of right and wrong while Gertrude is able of behaving in ways believed to be wrong because it meets her emotional needs. Juliet is a very young teenager when she meets Romeo at a dance. She knows that Romeo will never be acceptable as a suitor because he belongs to a rival family. Her family and his have been involved in an extended feud, and the marriage of Romeo to Juliet would be opposed by both families."
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?The Cherry Orchard? by Anton Chekhov, 2002.
A review of Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard" with particular emphasis on the symbolism and character of the cherry orchard.
1,066 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper is a review of ?The Cherry Orchard? by Chekhov. It is a play about family relationships. The cherry orchard belongs to Madame Ranevsky and is used a symbol for all that is beautiful about this character and her family, as well as all that is useless and futile. The writer looks at each characters perception of the orchard, which offers an insight into the weaknesses of these characters. The author argues that the fate of the cherry orchard reveals a death impulse as well as a life sustaining one in the play.
From the Paper
"Madame Ranevsky is a cultured woman of beauty and charm. However, she has recently come back from a trip to Europe with her daughter Anya. She is representative of the Russian aristocracy?s love of all that is profligate, cultured, European, and non-Slavic. She does not work, and she contributes little to society. Her beauty is fading, but she still has a great deal of charm and personal attractiveness. However, she is losing her estate because of her spendthrift ways, losing the beauty of her way of life and the orchard because there is nothing to substantiate and economically sustain the orchard?s beauty".
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"Cyrano de Bergerac", 2002.
A review of the play, "Cyrano de Bergerac" written by Edmond Rostand.
975 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 0 sources, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the romantic tragedy, "Cyrano de Bergerac" written by Edmond Rostand. The paper introduces the central characters of the play, and explains the intricate relationship between Cyrano, Roxane and Christian. The paper presents the main theme of the play, the power of unrequited love.
From the Paper
" "Cyrano de Bergerac", written by Edmond Rostand in 1897, is one of the great romantic tragedies of all time. Cyrano is a guardsman and poet with a tender heart and a fabulous, brilliant capacity for poetry and wit. But he is cursed with an enormous, bulbous beak of a nose. Because he believes that no woman can ever love a man with such an ugly nose, he has chosen to win renown for his bravery and the beauty of his verse."
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Henry V, 2002.
This paper compares the real Henry V with Shakespeare's idolized version of Henry V, the hero king.
855 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 3 sources, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the great liberties that Shakespeare took in presenting his hero character. The paper states that the real Henry was neither handsome nor heroic. The paper compares Shakespeare's words about the love of his Henry and Katherine with the real king's marriage to Catherine, which was not one of romance but of convenience.
From the Paper
"The quarrels that Henry had with his father were not about his youthful zeal, but his excessive desire for power and funding for his misadventures. That he disliked his father for good reason probably cannot be denied as just as surely as the fruit speaks of the tree from which it came, so too does the health of the fruit indicate something of the tree."
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"The Crucible" & Salem Witch Trials, 2002.
Analysis of Arthur Miller's play, "The Crucible" and a comparison of the events in this play to the Salem Witch Trials.
651 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper shows how Miller bases the events of his play on the Salem Witch Trials in the 1650's. The play is also inspired by the pseudo witch hunts that occured in Hollywood in the 1950's in the search of Communists, fanned on by McCarthy's laws. It examines whether Miller managed to depict true events of the Salem Witch Trials in his play or whether these were blown out of proportion.
From the Paper
"The accuracy of Arthur Miller?s play, The Crucible, with regards to the actual events upon which he based his play have been the subject of much speculation since he wrote the play in 1953. Miller wrote the play because of the witch-hunt of sorts occurring in Hollywood as the scare of Communism caused the anti-Communism trials headed up by Senator Joseph McCarthy earlier that year (Margo Burns). Miller did not base his play on the actual events that happened in 1692, but rather was inspired by the events. He took actual events in history and then wrote a play. Miller was justified in taking artistic liberties with the historical accuracy, however there is several major (and plenty of minor) discrepancies regarding what actually happened, and what Miller came up with. Pointing out those discrepancies is my purpose ? not to criticize Miller?s imagination."
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"Hamlet", 2002.
The role of the ghost in Shakespeare's "Hamlet"
1,889 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
Traditionally the role of the ghost in Elizabethan plays was to act as the messenger. In this paper about ?Hamlet?, the ghost of Hamlet?s father is portrayed as a messenger of his own death and represents the vengeful spirit. The ghost in this case has a much more specific role than is generally seen in Elizabethan plays. The writer presents that this ghost is a crucial part of the play and manipulates the plot to its tragic end. The paper covers the themes of Hamlets delay in seeking revenge for his fathers death, the relationship between father and son, the nature of the ghost and Hamlet?s insanity. In the conclusion the writer explains that it is through the influence of the ghost that Hamlet is shown his full range of human attributes and thus a meaning is attached to his life.
From the Paper
"The role of the ghost in the Elizabethan play was a familiar occurrence in this tradition. A ghost would usually act as a messenger. In Hamlet the ghost of Hamlet?s father acts as a messenger of his own death and as a representative of the vengeful spirit. Thus in Hamlet the ghost has a more specific role than is generally the case in Elizabethan plays. This ghost, as will be seen, is a crucial part of the play, and manipulates the plot to its tragic end".
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"Phantom of the Opera", 2002.
This paper discusses the experience of seeing "Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway.
550 words (approx. 2.2 pages), 1 source, $ 19.95
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Abstract
The paper describes the staging of "Phantom of the Opera". The author points out the difference between experiencing a live production and reading a script: Reading a play gives us a chance to consider why a playwright does what he does, how he uses words, and how he builds a plot; but, without seeing the play, we have incomplete knowledge of it.
From the Paper
"The set and lighting dramatically enhances the experience as well as the understanding of this play. The plot is a play within a play, putting a special burden on some of the actors who played opera singers. They had to act as characters in the main story of Phantom of the Opera, and then don a second persona when they are in the play within the play, the opera being produced as part of the story line."
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Racism in "Othello", 2002.
Examining the issue of racism in William Shakespeare's "Othello" and how this relates to the character Othello.
2,041 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes Shakespeare's "Othello" for possible racist connotations towards its main character. It explains how Othello possesses "Negroid" features and the manner in which he is first described. It proceeds to analyze whether these external features cause other characters in the play to act differently towards him. The writer selects many lines from the play as proof of racist attitudes toward Othello.
From the Paper
"The play Othello by William Shakespeare is the tragic story of a man who has moved from one culture to another. He looks differently than others because of Negroid features, which are mentioned in the play (thick lips compared to Europeans, and dark skin). Possibly because he isnot completely familiar with the culture within which he lives, he trusts the wrong people, with tragic results."
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?Othello?, 2002.
A discussion of the themes of alienation and otherness in William Shakespeare's ?Othello?.
1,525 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews William Shakespeare's play ?Othello?. It examines how the theme of ?other-ness? and ?outsider-ness? that is evidenced by the ability of appearances to lie, rather than tell the truth, runs through the play, though it is most clearly embodied in the character of Othello himself. Othello is a Black man, a Moor, who is fundamentally ?other? or perceived as alien by the society in which he dwells. It discusses how Shakespeare represents alienation as not just being evil in terms of blackness, but alienation in ?Othello? also means that a character is existing in a constant state of tension with his or her environment.
From the Paper
"The idea that one can become a stranger to one?s self permeates even to the lesser characters of the play (2.3) Othello is deeply disappointed when he sees Cassio, the man he promoted, brawling in the street. Cassio blames himself and wine for his loss of a position, for the wine making him a stranger to himself. Of course, it is Iago who has skillfully manipulated Cassio to drink to much wine. Iago tells his wife Emilia that he wants the handkerchief that Othello gave Desdemona, which she promised him she would never lose. Emilia obeys him, becoming duplicitous in her actions if not in her thoughts to the mistress she loves. "
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Madame Mao, 2002.
An examination of the life history of Jiang Qing and the extent to which she influenced the Chinese cultural revolution.
2,479 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
Jiang Qing, also known as Madame Mao, was a very influential figure in the cultural revolution of China. Besides being the third wife of Chinese Communist leader, Mao Zedong, it is believed that she was the most influential female in Chinese history. The paper discusses the cultural revolution in China which was one of the most controversial and provocative revolutions to ever take place in the world. Beginning with a brief biography of Madame Mao, the paper explores her life and the impact that she had on the Cultural Revolution. The paper shows that she was an instrumental part of reforming the role of arts within Chinese culture.
From the Paper
"As a result of being outnumbered Jiang created a method known as the three in one combination. (?Chiang Ching: A Revolutionary Life?) This method was composed of leadership cadres, playwrights and the masses. (?Chiang Ching: A Revolutionary Life?) First the leadership cadres would set the theme for the play. Then the playwrights would prepare to write about the theme by going out into real life and gaining experience about the theme. (?Chiang Ching: A Revolutionary Life?) The playwrights would then write the plays and the masses would express how they felt about the theme and suggest ways to improve the play. (?Chiang Ching: A Revolutionary Life?) This method helped in the development of many plays which were performed by large theatre companies and small theatres and artist?s groups as well."
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"Angels in America", 2002.
A review of Tony Kushner's play, "Angels in America", illustrating an unlikely comparison between two relationships.
1,312 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 0 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and compares the two significant relationships portrayed in the play "Angels in America" by Tony Kushner. The characters are described in the context of their relationship, as well as outside the relationship. The paper examines the subliminal messages which are emitted from each of the four central characters, regarding their own self images. The falsity of these self images, is a central theme of the play, and conversely, allows the playwright to emphasize the importance of truth and honesty.
From the Paper
"The relationship between Joe and Harper in Tony Kushner?s ?gay fantasia? of a play entitled ?Angels in America? can be seen as parallel to the relationship of Lewis and Prior, despite both relationships? apparent dissimilarities. In both relationships, the two main characters exist in an unbalanced partnership, riddled with inequities. Only by suffering the traumas of a closeted gay relationship and the horror of AIDS does the nature of these essentially unequal and unfulfilling relationships become ?outed? within the structure of the play."
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Shakespeare?s "Coriolanus", 2002.
This paper presents a critical review of Shakespeare's play, focusing on Coriolanus' attitude toward the common Roman people.
865 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper explores Coriolanus? disdain for the Roman plebeians and begins by explaining how this disdain becomes Coriolanus? tragic flaw. The language he uses to refer to the plebeians is discussed, as are the ways he uses beast metaphors to express his dislike of them. His use of distasteful physical imagery is studied and the importance of names to Coriolanus is looked at. The paper concludes with a synopsis of its main points.
From the Paper
"As is evident, Coriolanus? scorn for the plebeians is the catalyst that leads to his death. It is not so much Coriolanus? attitude that leads to his downfall, but his inability to refrain from expressing his dislike for the Roman commoners (MacKean, 2000). When the senate discusses the discord occurring due to the plebeians insistence on setting the price of grain themselves, Coriolanus (who believes these domestic issues are petty and beneath him) is irritated by the distraction created by the plebeians. ?Would the nobility lay aside their ruth [compassion], and let me use my sword, I'd make a quarry with thousands of these quartered slaves, as high as I could pick my lance.? (van Oort, 1998)."
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The Aeneid, 2002.
A study of the ancient Roman tale "The Aeneid".
1,880 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the classic Roman tale by Virgil, "The Aeneid" and its hero Aenea. It describes Aenea character and his destiny to lead his nation in battle for the creation of Rome. The paper provides a synopsis of the story, along with quotations from the text.
From the Paper
"Aeneas is said to possess spiritual or godlike qualities that make him fit his role as a hero and destined founder of Rome. Critics see this achievement as proceeding both from his destiny and his own actions. He is the son of the Trojan mortal, Anchises, and the goddess of beauty and love, Venus, and as such, enjoys special protection, while remaining mortal.
His most outstanding quality is his respect and fidelity to prophecy. Ever aware of his destiny and role in the founding of a nation, he always takes this into consideration in taking every action. This awareness and devotion to his noble destiny enable him to endure much suffering and difficulty, from the defeat at Troy to his final duel with Turnus in Italy."
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Ghosts in Literature, 2002.
A study of the ghost characters in literary works of "The Spanish Tragedy ? and ?Hamlet?.
3,090 words (approx. 12.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
This extensive paper presents a detailed exploration of ghosts in the stories of "The Spanish Tragedy" by Thomas Kyd and Shakespeare?s ?Hamlet?. It demonstrates how the writers use the ghosts as the pivotal character that guides and drives the action of the story. The paper describes that plots of each story revolves around the death of someone who comes back as a ghost, and seeks revenge for their murder.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Similarities
Differences
Conclusion
References
From the Paper
"Throughout history writers have used unusual methods to illustrate points if their work that they want the reader to understand. In two classic works of literature a ghost was used to provide many of the needed details to the story that would have been unknown otherwise. In ?The Spanish Tragedy ?and in ?Hamlet? there were ghosts to provide the foundation for many of the stories actions. Without the ghosts much of the things that occurred would not make any sense to the reader. While they each uses a ghost for the purpose of information provision the ghosts and the use of the ghosts have differences as well as similarities."
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Hamlet and Oedipus, 2002.
Comparison of two tragic heroes: Shakespeare?s Hamlet and Sophocles' Oedipus.
2,825 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 84.95
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Abstract
This paper compares at length the tragic qualities of Shakespeare?s Hamlet and Sophocles' Oedipus. It defines the three characteristics of a tragic hero with their exceptional ethics and tragic flaw, and shows how Hamlet and Oedipus fit each definition. The paper analyzes the personalities of both characters and supports its analysis with quotes from the plays.
From the Paper
"The first requirement of the tragic hero is that he is basically a good person. Hamlet meets this criteria by displaying many good traits including intelligence, sensitivity, and humility. However, the greatest evidence of Hamlet?s goodness is his unwillingness to commit murder, even when asked to take revenge for his father?s murder. This illustrates that Hamlet is not just a basically good man, but an exceptionally good man.
Aristotle describes the characteristics of the tragic hero in his classic work ?Poetics.? Aristotle?s model of a tragic hero involves an individual who is basically good, but has one tragic flaw in their nature that results in their undoing. The tragic hero?s journey from prosperity to misfortune is not caused either by circumstance or by them being evil, but rather by a mistake their one flaw causes them to make. In creating this definition of a tragic hero Aristotle was attempting to explain why audiences are so interested in watching the tragic hero. Aristotle attributed the interest in the tragic character to three things. Firstly, the audience likes the hero. Secondly, the audience fears what will happen to the hero. Finally, the audience pities the hero. Importantly, for this pity to occur the hero must still remain liked even when he is doing wrong. This is why it is important that the character is not evil. Rather than evil, he is fallible, though at the same time, his own nature causes his downfall in some way. Overall then, there are three characteristics of the tragic hero: the character must be basically good but have one tragic flaw; the character must bring about their own downfall; and the character must engage the audience, with the downfall causing the audience to pity the character and his demise. Two characters that fit this definition of the classic hero are Hamlet from Shakespeare?s Hamlet, Prince of Denmark and Oedipus from Sophocles? ?Oedipus the King.?
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"Death of a Salesman", 2002.
A review of Arthur Miller's play, "Death of a Salesman", a tragic love story.
1,023 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and analyzes the play "Death of a Salesman," by Arthur Miller. The main character, Willy, is described with a focus on his self opinion and his relationship with his family. Specifically, the paper addresses how Miller foreshadows Willy's suicide throughout the play, and how this foreshadowing creates tension. The paper clearly illustrates the underlying tension throughout the entire play.
From the Paper
"When Willy is first introduced, he is a salesman who is "down on his luck," and immediately there is tension from his wife, Linda. "Why? What happened? Did something happen Willy?" (Miller 1021). Clearly, Linda is worried about him, and not simply because he is growing older, has a hard time concentrating, and makes mistakes while driving. There is something not right with Willy, foreshadowing how something must happen to him later on. He says "nothing is wrong," and he continues to say those words throughout the play, but they ring false, and only add to the tension growing onstage."
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