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"Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", 2002.
Examination of the play by Tenessee Williams and its major themes.
2,418 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
A study of Tennessee Williams' play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, about family conflict over issues of money, land, inheritance, and the continuation of the family. The paper presents these themes and shows that one important one is the theme of illusion, especially in love, with characters who live a lie and refuse to understand or acknowledge their true natures.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Subject of the Play
Theme of the Play
Critical Views of the Play
Early Critical Views
Brick as Homosexual
Ambivalent Relations with Women
The Family at War
Maggie's View
Maggie's Battle with Brick
Desire for a Child
Maggie as Typical Williams Female Character
Character Analysis
Big Daddy and Big Mama
Maggie and Brick
Similarities and Differences
Illusion versus Reality
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Tennessee Williams in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof depicts a family beset by conflicts based on sex, money, inheritance, and ties to the land. Different factions in the family vie for attention out of fear of losing money once the patriarch dies. Money is a major source of family conflict in this play, though there are other conflicts as well. In this play, the conflicts extend into the past and to earlier sins committed by the older members of the family. This suggests several divisions or opposing forces which can be identified in the play--youth versus old age, modernity versus tradition, change versus the status quo, and tensions tearing the family apart versus those keeping the family together. The plot develops around these forces, with different characters representing or supporting different forces in their behavior, the way Big Daddy represents tradition while the younger generation represents change. This contrast is heightened in terms of the theme of inheritance and the decision as to who will control the land and continue the family traditions."
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Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex", 2002.
A study of the work Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" focusing on the enlightenment of Oedipus.
909 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 0 sources, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the famous story of Oedipus who was destined to kill his father and marry his mother and discusses how his action of evading his fate by leaving Corinth was an attempt to exert his free will and seek truth and enlightenment. It argues that, although Oedipus was intent on pursuing the truth throughout his lifetime, without first realizing his own ignorance it was not possible for him to acquire knowledge and true enlightenment. Oedipus was ignorant of his true parentage. It concludes that by asserting his free will over destiny, Oedipus was, in fact, punishing himself for the one true and courageous act of his lifetime ? the successful discovery of enlightenment!
From the Paper
"Although acknowledging the importance of destiny, Greek general thought placed little emphasis on determinism and preferred to portray mankind as possessing free will. In Oedipus Rex, Sophocles addresses both sides of the coin by, on the one hand, stressing the infallibility of the oracle of Apollo, yet also endowing Oedipus with ultimate control over his own actions. It is within this context that the story of Oedipus portrays the tragic plunge of a powerful and wealthy man into the depths of ruin and dishonor. Likewise, Plato, in the Allegory of the Cave and other writings, carefully balances the importance and influence of fate with humankind?s ability to control and steer their path to truth and enlightenment. Although many have raised and examined the similarities which underlie the tale of Oedipus and Plato?s Allegory of the Cave, this paper will propose the view that Plato would have taken, and considers the advice and comment that he may have passed upon Oedipus."
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"Merchant of Venice" and "The Lord of the Flies", 2002.
A character sketch of Shylock from William Shakespeare?s" Merchant of Venice" and Jack from William Golding's "The Lord of the Flies".
1,095 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
A brief examination of the main characters of these two classical works. Their characters are discussed relating to excerpts from the play and novel and then compared to each other. The writer concludes that both Shylock and Jack embody the malicious nature of mankind and are both are power hungry.
From the Paper
""I like not fair terms and a villain's mind". (Shakespeare 1979)
The Merchant of Venice is one of the best comedies written by William Shakespeare and it has become famous because of its character Shylock the Jew. Shylock is perhaps the first character created for Elizabethan audience with anti-Semitic overtones and portraying Jews as comic foils for Christian heroes. Although most famous for his wickedness many modern interpretation have elevated Shylock's energy and eloquence to the height of a tragic hero."
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Othello the Hero, 2002.
A comparison of the character of Othello in Shakespeare's play, to Jesus.
930 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
As the central character in William Shakespeare?s famous tragedy, Othello is generally considered to be a heroic individual. By examining the text of the play, and by comparison with another, widely recognized heroic character, Jesus Christ, this paper argues that Othello?s claim to heroic status should be affirmed.
From the Paper
"Othello was a nobleman and an African Moor by birth, who rose to acclaim the position of Governor-General of Cyprus, which was a city-state within Venice. In addition to being the highest rank within the military of his state, the title of Governor-General ensured that Othello was regarded with respect and admiration by the vast majority of society. His status as heroic is made apparent early in the play when, as he enters a room which is occupied by a gathering of senators and noblemen, one of the senators declares, ?Here comes Barbantio and the valiant Moor? (Act 1, Scene 3). Therefore, on a superficial level alone, the nobility of his birth, the power and respect accorded by his social position, and his physical appearance, of height and strength, fulfils many of the generally regarded requirements of a hero. This initial profile of Othello is also in stark contrast to that of Jesus Christ, who is born into a life of poverty, achieves the title of ?carpenter?, and is neither tall nor strong in appearance."
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Lysistrata, Raisin in the Sun and Oedipus Rex, 2002.
A review of the heroes in these three plays and their importance as heroes in society.
2,070 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
This paper begins by explaining the value and importance of heroes to contemporary society - a catalyst to keep people striving for more. It then compares the heroes of three classic plays and discusses the roles of the hero character in each one. The heroes analyzed are Oedipus in ?Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles; Aristophanes? "Lysistrata?; and Walter in Lorraine Hansberry?s play "Raisin in the Sun".
From the Paper
"Heroes are essential for every society. Heroes are guidance and they are the ?amenders? of society. But society has certain expectations and norms that have been set for the hero. If the heroic figure comes up to these expectations and fits the mould, then he is considered the hero and is even idolized. If however the hero fails the society due to weaknesses within himself or otherwise, the image is immediately shattered and he is rejected as a hero so much so that he may even be repulsive to them. Thus the hero has to be perfect in action and character and should have the capability to recognize his faults and make amendments within him so that he may remain acceptable by society as hero. All his contributions to society will easily be forgotten and will be looked down upon if he deviates from the expectations of society."
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"Hamlet", 2002.
An examination of the expectations of life as experienced by the characters in Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
1,500 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper focuses on the characters on Claudius and Hamlet and their "life experiences". The writer shows that expectations are dangerous as they consist of a mixture of emotion and reason, and ultimately effect our perception of appearance and reality. Different scenes of the play are analyzed as to how the characters react when expecting certain events to occur and things do not turn out as expected.
From the Paper
"Through the telling of Hamlet, Shakespeare presents to us a very important idea about life: more often than not, we let our expectations have too much influence over our perceptions of situations. Even if we do not fall into the conflict of emotion versus reason, our expectations can still blind us as they decide the internal outcome of a situation before it even happens."
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Shakespeare's "King Lear", 2002.
This paper discusses the use of animal imagery in William Shakespeare's "King Lear".
1,850 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the references to animals within Shakespeare's "King Lear" and attempts to understand the choice of animal motifs and the role they are intended to play in conveying the playwright?s message.
From the Paper
"In his discourse with the king, the Fool refers to an animal again in the lines, ?Fools had ne'er less wit in a year/ For wise men are grown foppish/ They know not how their wits to wear/ Their manners are so apish? (1.4.152-155). Here, too, the fool is making fun of the king?s paying heed to wrong advise and people by comparing his behaviour with that of an ape?s propensity to imitate. In other words, the Fool is implying that the king is imitating other foolish people instead of retaining his own counsel.
The Fool, as is already evident, is very fond of drawing comparisons to animals to make his point. And so, again we hear him say, ?For, you trow, nuncle/ The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long? (1.4.207-208). The fool uses the analogy of the hedge-sparrow feeding the cuckoo too long to King Lear?s decision to carve up his kingdom between his daughters, implying that the King was doing more for his children than he should."
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?Trifles:? A Play of Contrasts, 2002.
An analysis of the play "Trifles" by Susan Glaspell showing the differences in perception between men and women.
1,045 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes the different contrasts found in the play. The paper focuses on the way the men in the play view a murder scene compared to how the women view the same scene. An analysis of the different behavior of the men and women is given. The paper shows how the real motive to the murder is discovered through the women's sensitivities. The play is compared to the old Greek myth of the "Three Fates".
From the Paper
"The one-act play ?Trifles,? written by Susan Glaspell in 1916, is a play of contrasts. The early and later life of one woman, Minnie Foster Wright, husband of the dead man John Wright, are compared. The lives of the women visiting the crime scene with the sheriff and attorney are contrasted with the life of the woman jailed for her husband?s murder. Even Minnie?s quilting pieces are contrasted, with some stitched more competently than the last one. The most obvious comparison, though, looks at how the men view the scene versus what the women see."
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Oedipus the King, 2002.
An examination of the feelings and emotions that run through the play "Oedipus the King" by Sophocles.
930 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
"Oedipus the King" (Greek: "Oidipous Tyrannos") is a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles in the 5th Century BC. This paper examines the underlying theme of violence and inevitable tragedy brought about, in part, by the uncontrolled temper, arrogance and stubbornness of its central character, as well as the irony of fate. These aspects of the play are analyzed in this essay.
From the Paper
"The start of the play depicts its main character, Oedipus as a wise, happy, and beloved ruler of Thebes, though hot-tempered, and somewhat impatient, and arrogant. Oedipus flees Corinth because of a prophecy by a Delphic oracle that he would murder his father and wed his mother. While journeying to Thebes from Corinth, the young Oedipus angrily attacks and kills a small band of travelers who refuse to make way for him at a crossroads, a ?place where three roads meet.? (Therese). The scene depicts the terrible and self-destructive temper of Oedipus as well as the irony of fate with the tragic hero taking the road leading to ultimate tragedy. His fiery temper is further exhibited in the argument between Teiresias and himself, where Teiresias states the truth and Oedipus replies, ?Do you think you can say such things with impunity?? and later calls Teiresias a ?Shameless and brainless, sightless, senseless sot!? (Tragedy in Oedipus the King)."
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Phaedra: Greek Tragedy of Jean Rancine, 2002.
An examination of the character of Phaedra in the famous Greek play.
925 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the Greek poem Phaedra and the challenging role of the anti heroine Phaedra as she battles with her inner emotions of an illicit affair. The paper looks at Phaedra herself and asks whether she is wholly evil or rather just a pawn of the Gods.
From the Paper
"The Greek hero is a much loved and favoured topic of many an author be they classicist, romantic or modern. Many a Greek hero has been idolized by these writers, for example Homer had his Achilles and Odysseus, and Virgil had his Aeneas. However, there is another aspect of the Greek hero or rather in the following case the heroine."
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Tragedy in "Hamlet", 2002.
A look at the theme of tragedy in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,070 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper shows that from the beginning of William Shakespeare's play, "Hamlet", the foundation for tragedy is set by introducing the main character in a scene of mourning. The paper discusses various other themes throughout the play where the theme of tragedy is reflected.
From the Paper
"A tragedy always reveals the main character's weakness. In this case, Hamlet's weakness was his vulnerability and his indecision. He wouldn't listen to his associates when he had the chance. He also didn't act promptly when given a chance to avenge his father's death. Had he killed his uncle in the offset of the play, it is arguable that some of the deaths towards the end of the play may not have occurred. Hamlet needed proof that the ghosts were telling the truth. Since he didn't believe them and had given his uncle the benefit of doubt, the tragedy unfolded."
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The History of the Theater, 2002.
A look at the development of theater through history.
2,000 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
The paper is an exploration of the development of theater over the centuries. It traces the origin of theater back to Classical Greece. The features of this kind of theater are studied. The paper then turns to contemporary theater, in an investigation into the features that is has assimilated from the Greek period. It also looks at The Noh theater of Japan as an influence of contemporary theater.
From the Paper
"The theater is an international institution. Broadly speaking, elements of theater are found in virtually every culture, and modern theater as practiced in America is the result of numerous borrowings and adaptations of earlier forms of ritual and spectacle from ancient Greece, Rome, and Asia. Some of the adaptations are more evident, such as the theater itself, the design of the stage, and the forms of tragedy and comedy, and most of these elements can be traced to Greek and Roman beginnings. Asian theater has had its strongest influence on individual playwrights, certain styles of acting, and certain theatrical effects."
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The Character of Helena, 2002.
An analysis of the character of Helena in Shakespeare play "All?s Well That Ends Well".
1,410 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a character analysis of Helena in the Shakespearean play "All's Well That Ends Well". Often criticized for her manipulative deeds and lack of feminine attributes, Helena's personality is explored by focusing on her feminine and masculine traits and by analyzing her motives. Shakespeare's use of literary devices such as foreshadowing is also explored.
From the Paper
"In Shakespeare?s plays, we often find the female characters to be more powerful and unique in their attributes than the ones that existed in actual 17th century English society. This is exactly the impression we get from the character of Helena in ?All?s well that ends well?, as the woman refuses to be bound by moral and societal restrictions and passionately seeks fulfillment of her desires. Not only that, we also notice that Helena, though lower in social standing than her husband Bertram, doesn?t take into account the status barriers and being fully aware of her rights as a wife tries to win her husband over despite his persistent rejection. The theme of ethics and morality dominantly overshadows the entire play with readers being forced to analyze and judge every person?s motives and every situation in the light of twisted sense of morality that Helena possessed. Helena?s character has been a constant source of conflict among critics as Levin (1930) writes, ?Some regard her as a genuine romantic heroine--resourceful, yes, but also virtuous, feminine, charming, and modest. She never behaves cynically, and her motives are above reproach . The alternative view is that Helena mercilessly pursues Bertram. Whether she is at first motivated by love, sex or ambition she sets out to trap Bertram, succeeds, and--when he flees her--captures him again. She gets the husband she deserves, a spoiled aristocrat." (Levin, pg. 131)"
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Female Characters in ?The Winter?s Tale?, 2002.
A paper which discusses how Shakespeare presents female characters with both inner and outer strength in "The Winter?s Tale".
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, $ 39.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how, in "The Winter?s Tale", William Shakespeare presents female characters with both inner and exterior strength. It shows that along with the strength, are the qualities of understanding, forgiveness and patience. It explores the three characters in the play that represent these female characteristics - Hermione, Paulina and Perdita. For all three female characters, they are a part of the action and suffer because of the events in the play. Yet even in suffering they remain gracious and strong and forgiving. The paper discusses how it is these characteristics that make "The Winter?s Tale" a play about how strong and solid the female character can be, with the outcome of the play also showing what an impact these qualities can have.
From the Paper
"Hermione is the central female character of the play and also the one who suffers the most. At the same time, she is the character who has the greatest amount of strength. In the play, Hermione is accused of infidelity by her husband, something that must hurt her deeply. And yet even when her husband accuses her, she remains calm. When Leontes first calls Hermione an adulteress she denies it calmly and elegantly saying, ?should a villain say so, the most replenish?d villain in the world, he were as much more villain: you, my Lord, do but mistake? (II,i). For the audience, the calmness that Hermione possesses is emphasized by the contrast with her husband."
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Elizabethan and Jacobean Renaissance Drama, 2002.
A study of these two theater genres.
2,000 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
Using two plays, Christopher Marlowe?s ?Doctor Faustus? and John Webster?s ?The Duchess of Malfi?, the paper explores the theater genres of the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods. Through Marlowe?s play, the paper explores Elizabethan theater and through Webster?s play it studies Jacobean theater. The genres are looked at in the context of being considered the beginnings of the Renaissance and a shift from the Medieval period to a more human-centered view of the universe.
From the Paper
"The plays Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe and The Duchess of Malfi John Webster are both from one of the most productive eras in British drama, the period covering the Elizabethan theater and the Jacobean theater that followed. This period can also be considered the beginnings of the Renaissance and so a shift from the Medieval period to a more human-centered view of the universe."
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Madness in "Hamlet", 2002.
A critical review of Shakespeare's "Hamlet", with specific reference to the theme of madness.
2,180 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews ?Hamlet? by Shakespeare, focusing on the concept of madness. It investigates what the nature of madness is and whether madness can even be defined in a ?mad world?. It then strives to espouse what a person can learn about his/herself by studying Hamlet?s interaction with the concept of madness.
From the Paper
"Sometimes there?s a fine line between madness and sanity. Sometimes there?s a fine line between pretense and reality. Pretending madness for too long, could send one over the brink, especially if one has a propensity to brilliance, instability and overanalysis. Shakespeare asks his audience to look deeply into the themes he incorporates into his dramas, offering them an opportunity to explore how his ideas might apply to their own lives. In Hamlet Shakespeare weaves madness into a complex thematic tapestry. He is not asking us to decide if Hamlet is really mad, rather he is asking us to consider several questions: What is the nature of madness? Can madness even be defined in a mad world? What can I learn about myself by studying Hamlet?s interaction with the concept of madness?"
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"Theatre of the Absurd", 2002.
A study of four works by "Theatre of the Absurd" playwrights.
1,600 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to discuss Absurdist (Existential) theatre and four works by ?Theatre of the Absurd? playwrights. The works used are "Victoria Station" by Harold Pinter, "The Zoo Story" by Edward Albee, "The Philadelphia" by David Ives and "Sure Thing," by David Ives. Specifically, it discusses hopelessness and meaningless as a base plot for the ?Theatre of the Absurd? and how these two concepts reveal themselves in the works.
From the Paper
"All four of these plays are by authors considered to write for the "Theatre of the Absurd" movement, which began in the late 50s. It is a movement concerned with the absurdity and absolute pointlessness of life. Many playwrights participated, including Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, Eugene Ionesco, Jean Genet, and Edward Albee. "The 20th century's most popular non-realistic genre is absurdism. The root 'absurd,' connotes something that does not follow the roots of logic. In the Absurdist school of drama, this holds true. Existence is fragmented, pointless. There is no truth so the search for truth is abandoned in Absurdist works. Language is reduced to a bantering game where words obfuscate rather elucidate the truth. Action moves outside of the realm of causality to chaos. Absurdists minimalize the sense of place. Characters are forced to move in an incomprehensible, void-like realm" (Sosnowski)."
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Kent in Shakespeare?s ?King Lear?, 2002.
This paper explores the role of Kent in Shakespeare?s ?King Lear? as a foreshadow of Lear?s growth from an unfeeling man, to a man who places love above all else.
780 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This author believes that Kent is perhaps one of the most loyal subjects ever written by Shakespeare. He states that Kent is a complex person, who is loyal to his king, even when he must disagree with him. By doing this, the paper says that Kent causes the reader to look for signs of redemption in King Lear.
From the Paper
"Kent is blunt and does not know how to soften his words. This gets him into trouble, but Kent?s way of communicating also stands in contrast to those around the King who merely say what he wants to hear. Kent?s outspoken nature serves to emphasize the cause of King Lear?s difficulties: he has lost track of who to believe."
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