| Papers [73-90] of 1909 :: [Page 5 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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"Krapp's Last Tape", 2008.
An analysis of Samuel Beckett's play "Krapp's Last Tape".
1,270 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how "Krapp's Last Tape" is a play about endings, about old age and memory. It looks at how, when analyzing what the protagonist, Krapp, perceives as the single most important incident in his life, and examining how this affected his character and the direction of his life, it is perhaps most important to ask how live events did not effect Krapp, or rather how Krapp allowed his life to remain at a standstill. It also examines how Krapp marks the passage of his years not by spending time with loved ones or moving forward, but listening to his own voice on tape. The character's life is like an endless loop, on a spool of recorded sound.
From the Paper
"The repetitive and static nature of Krapp's life finds its most potent metaphor in an encounter Krapp had with a woman on a barge. But rather than a long, lost love that has affected Krapp in a positive or negative way, this seems more like a relationship that never really deepened, and is only yet another thwarted possibility in a life that is a succession of thwarted possibilities. Krapp's haunting by many images from his past that fleetingly promised happiness are demonstrated by his obsessive listening to a tape recording of his own voice. The tape contains a journal entry from long ago, to which Krapp reacts, verbally and physically. Krapp cannot let go of the past, and even the past has few concrete memories of significance, he can only listen to his younger self's articulation of hopes that things will get better."
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Eugene O'Neill's "Desire under the Elms", 2008.
Looks at realism in Eugene O'Neill's "Desire under the Elms".
2,030 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly examines Eugene O'Neill's use of various types of realism in several of his plays. The paper points out that, in general, O'Neill did not deal with the preoccupations of the external world but rather with his own preoccupations, which were derived not from these personal demons but from his religious treatment of them. The paper then relates that the realism in "Desire under the Elms" involves aspects of Freudian psychology, as seen in the character Eben's Oedipal complex. The author concludes that the realism of the setting and of the speech patterns of the play makes the action seem all the more universal and a mirror of human psychology more than anything separate and unique to the characters in the play.
From the Paper
"As O'Neill became more famous in his early years as a playwright, he also became increasingly conscious of his public position and increasingly articulate about his ideals and hopes for American drama. As often happens, after his initial success he achieved notoriety as critics questioned some of his work, such as "All God's Chillun" for its racial theme or "Desire Under the Elms" for its supposed immorality. His reputation then reached new heights with the production of "Strange Interlude" in 1928, a play that took more than five hours to present."
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Friedrich Schiller's "Mary Stuart", 2008.
Looks at the character Mortimer in Friedrich Schiller's play, "Mary Stuart".
1,750 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in "Mary Stuart", Friedrich Schiller dramatized the tragic history of Mary, Queen of Scots, the daughter of Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn. The paper points out that Mortimer, although a second character in the play, has an essential part and actually triggers some of the events in the play, which are illustrated in this paper. The paper stresses that Mortimer is one of the most effective characters in the play, contributing to the snare that is created around the innocent Mary, partly by hatred and partly by too ardent love, which brings her death.
From the Paper
"After this first part, Mortimer's character already comes more into light. Even in their first discussion, Mortimer hints at his infatuation for Mary. His function in the play changes slightly already: he is true in his intention to save the queen, but he has a particular interest in her. He thus already confesses he was instantly fascinated by her portrait when he saw it in France, and became even more so when he saw her in reality: "I saw then, not your picture, but yourself--/ Oh, what a treasure do these walls enclose! /No prison this, but the abode of gods,/ More splendid far than England's royal court.""
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William Shakespeare's "King Henry the IV, Part I", 2008.
Looks at the treatment of women in William Shakespeare's "King Henry the IV, Part I".
920 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the apparent roles and functions of women in William Shakespeare's "King Henry the IV, Part I". Specifically, the paper looks at the impact of women upon other characters and whether or not their roles should have been different and, if so, how they should have been different. The paper contends that Shakespeare accurately captures the gender divisions of his age but fails to highlight the central contribution of Henry IV's first wife, Mary de Bohun, in the establishment of this man as a powerful king over a flourishing empire.
From the Paper
"One other thing that becomes evident is that much of the play is about men seeking power - about them accruing titles or lands, in short. As a result, by as early as Act 1, Scene 3, it is fairly clear, at least as we listen to Hotspur denounce the Prince of Wales and "Bolingbroke" (Henry IV), that power in fourteenth century England is a "man's thing" and that women are only referenced in these matters if they are bearing children who may become lineal descendants to a throne or baronetcy or if the behavior of one nobleman or another is so intemperate that he is described by his colleagues as a "woman" who cannot hold his tongue or think rationally."
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Materialism and "Death of a Salesman", 2008.
This paper discusses the false materialistic values of the American dream in 'Death of a Salesman' by Arthur Miller
888 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer analyzes the false values of the American dream that arise in 'Death of a Salesman' by Arthur Miller. The writer maintains that the attitudes of Willy Loman toward his family is a representation of the unrealistic expectations that define the American Dream as being financially secure and living up to external social stereotypes about materialistic success in American society. The writer notes that by understanding the false values of Loman's insatiable desire to accept and follow the American Dream, he invariably destroys his own life, as well as that of his family. The writer discusses the various aspects of materialism that are found within the false values of the American dream within the play and within society.
From the Paper
"Within the American Dream, the common man offers a new perspective on what is good about human nature and the ability to improve oneself, even though Willy is unable achieve his goals. However, Wily is psychologically impaired, and cannot seem to grasp the real depth of his beliefs and suspicions about life beyond what external society expects of him. The false values of Wily's life are essentially dictated by a social expectation--the American Dream-but this is a dream that can never be actualized because of his behaviors within personal relationships. This is how tragedy is expressed in Miller's ideology, especially when Wily cannot realize he is trying to live a dream--not adhering to reality and human error in his judgments about his family. This is how Wily is able to realize the reality of family's own limitations, and how he eventually succumbs to the dream of American life, which is not possible within the error and fallibility of the human condition. "
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Two Tennessee Williams Plays, 2008.
Compares Tennessee Williams' plays "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "Streetcar named Desire" as films and as stories.
990 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that two of Tennessee Williams' most notable plays "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "Streetcar named Desire" have been made into movies, which have become classics. The paper then discusses the similarities and the differences between the plays and concludes that, while both are good movies, "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" has an element of truth that "Streetcar Named Desire" lacks. The paper includes dialogue from both films.
From the Paper
"For all the fierceness of the conflicts among the various members of the family, in the end, "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" is a story of triumph. The story opens with Goober and Mae, with their children in tow, trying to get control of Big Daddy's fortune, and while they claim to be acting for everyone's good, their greed is transparent. Maggie and Brick are fighting and he is drunk so consistently that there seems little hope that they can weather this crisis. But they do. "
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Women in Shakespeare's Tragedies, 2008.
A proposal for a project to study the representation of women in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" and "Othello".
940 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 34 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the project will be a detailed analysis of two works by William Shakespeare, "Othello" and "Romeo and Juliet", focusing primarily on the feminist and philosophical elements of the two plays, as well as the significance of the historical context in which they were written. The author points out that feminists, who are preoccupied with the commentary being made in Shakespeare's plays concerning women, question whether his representations of women truly reflect reality. The paper includes an outline of the method by which the project will be completed.
Table of Contents:
Project Overview
Subject to be Studied
Intended Outcomes
Learning Objectives
Detailed Work Plan
Project Outline
Method
Literary Resources
On-Line Resources
Faculty Supervisor's Role
Proposed Timetable
From the Paper
"The project proposes to examine the genius of Shakespeare as a dramatist who possessed a deep psychological understanding of women and who usually was able to anticipate a feminist perspective on women's issues and roles. Being a male author during the Elizabethan period, Shakespeare exhibited profound insights into the psyche of his female characters. Desdemona is unafraid to confront her father and is fascinated by the violent aspect of life yet she is also incapable of taking any real action to resolve her situation."
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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, $ 43.95
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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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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, $ 47.95
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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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Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot", 2008.
A paper describing several different interpretations of the play "Waiting for Godot" by Samuel Beckett.
1,234 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper talks about Samuel Beckett's play "Waiting for Godot" written in the 1950s. It has been performed world wide and has been critiqued and deconstructed many times, and many different interpretations offered as to its meaning. The author of this paper concludes with his own interpretation of what Beckett might have intended from this play - that is the he might simply have wanted people to sit still and reflect about what exactly is so significant in their lives.
From the Paper
"In order to understand the comic relief of Beckett the philosophical view of Schopenhauer must be defined. Schopenhauer believed that the "will" is the inner part of man that drives the world forward--"will" supersede intellect placing desire before thought and "will" prior to being (Ross, 1998).
"In the 21st Century Beckett's Godot still has a place in theater including cyber-theater. Interactive art is all about the spontaneous and unpredictable occurrences between people coming together online and performing as if they were on a stage in front of an audience full of hecklers. The interaction between the performers and the audience is far more entertaining then the play by Beckett "Waiting for Godot" when it is performed open to anyone logged into the chat room at the Digital Storytelling Festival in Crested Butte, CO (Rosenberg, n.d.)."
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Opera: "Salome" and "Heriodade", 2008.
This paper compares the operas "Salome" by Richard Strauss and "Heriodade" by Jules Massenet Different, both of which are based on the same story of John, the Baptist and Salome.
2,300 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Richard Strauss in the opera "Salome" and Jules Massenet in "Heriodade" treat the story of John, the Baptist and Salome in different ways. The author points out that these differences reflect the time of composition and the societies of which the composers were a part. The paper relates that the composers had different motivations for the characters, different theological concerns regarding the story and different musical concerns. The author underscores that the opera by Massenet was a product of what would be called in England the Victorian Age, while the opera by Strauss came during the Edwardian era. The paper discusses that the treatment of women in these opera are different.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Women and Opera
Women in Two Operas
From the Paper
"The opera depicts two women, Salome and Herodias. In this version, Salome is quite different from the image the world would have of her later, for she is essentially moral, even virginal, and seeks to protect John rather than to destroy him. She is herself a victim and not a perpetrator. Indeed, she is also sentenced tob e beheaded and professes her love to John while they are both in a dungeon. Her mother is the villain in this version, and the character of the mother is more like that would later be attributed to Salome herself."
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Hamlet's Sanity, 2008.
An analysis of Hamlet's level of sanity in William Shakespeare's play, "Hamlet."
1,477 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the personality of Hamlet in William Shakespeare's play, "Hamlet." It particularly focuses on the question of whether Hamlet was insane or if he was just pretending to be so. It also questions whether Hamlet could have plotted murder if he was insane. The paper concludes that Hamlet was melancholic, depressed and suffered from anhedonia.
From the Paper
"The fact is that many people have interpreted Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, in different ways. The play is centered on the fact that Hamlet does not immediately seek revenge. Hamlet has been told by a ghost to seek revenge for his father's death. Any person seeing a ghost and hearing one would automatically question their saneness. Hamlet is angry at himself at times for not carrying out the revenge, but murdering someone is not something that can be done easily even in cases where murder is necessary (Prince Hamlet). Looking at the etymology of Hamlet shows that is name is one filled with meaning and controversy (Prince Hamlet). No doubt, Hamlet felt torn in many different ways when it came to seeking revenge for his father. During the Reformation time period, the existence of purgatory was a major issue. Perhaps Hamlet delayed the death to make sure that his uncle had made peace with God (Prince Hamlet). Perhaps most people can see Hamlet as a mirror of the audience, because everyone has problems that could lead them to be insane."
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Iago's Jealousy, 2008.
This paper analyzes how Iago causes Othello's moral degradation in William Shakespeare's "Othello".
1,663 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
In this analysis of Shakespeare's "Othello, the author discusses how Othello, Iago and Desdemona are victimized by the envy and jealousy of Iago's trickery. The author further emphasizes how Othello's lack of moral objectivity is often the subject of Iago's cunning. The paper then shows how this loss of moral objectivity ultimately acts as the foundation for Iago's success over Othello.
From the Paper
"In these lines, Iago's envious understanding of Othello's jealousy is a successful modus operandi for his diabolical scheme to sabotage Othello's career. When Iago successfully dissolves Othello's trust in Cassio, one can see a glimpse of his anger, which would commit murder against his wife in a jealous rage. In this manner, the racial superiority that Iago feels toward his Moorish superior helps to begin the cataclysm of jealousy that cascades through Iago and then into the marriage of Othello and Desdemona."
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Greek Myths and Monsters, 2008.
A discussion of the monsters in Greek mythology.
1,641 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses three of the monsters of Greek mythology:the Gorgon Medusa, the Minotaur and Scylla and Charybdis. The paper also looks at the role that they play in this culture. The paper explains that among the most grotesque of the Greek monsters was the Gorgon. The paper suggests that the Gorgon is a representation of a human head undergoing decay, more common to the Greeks than to modern peoples, but still distasteful. The paper then points out that just as the Gorgon reflected something the Greeks had seen in real life, the Minotaur may have reflected their revulsion with human sacrifice as carried on by the Minoans of Crete. In conclusion, the paper shows that the Greeks tried to explain their world and to do this they created a series of myths and legends that have vastly enriched the world's lore and literature ever since. While some of their stories seem more than fantastic, on examination, most have a reasonable explanation.
From the Paper
"Medusa was eventually killed by Perseus. He was the product of one of Zeus' many dalliances. Perseus and his mother, Danae, came eventually to the land of Seriphos, where the king fell in love with Danae. Wanting to get Perseus out of the way, the king tricked him into going on a quest for the head of Medusa. (Hard, 239)
"Perseus received help from the gods Hermes and Athena, who sent him to the Graiai, the three "old woman," sisters of the Gorgons, who knew their secrets. The Graiai gave Perseus winged sandals with which he could fly, a cap of invisibility which would let him approach Medusa unseen, and a metal satchel in which he could safely store her head."
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Misogyny in Henrik Ibsen's Plays, 2008.
An analysis of the concept of misogyny in playwright Henrik Ibsen "A Doll's House", "Ghosts" and "Hedda Gabler".
2,120 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that, through an analysis of Henrik Ibsen's plays, "A Doll's House", "Ghosts", and "Hedda Gabler", one can realize the under current of misogyny that Ibsen provides in his own patriarchal Victorian milieu, which devalues the role of women under the various aggressions of men brought forth. The paper explains that, for Ibsen, women provided a servant function within patriarchal society that did not necessarily provide a "feminist" perspective, but revealed that men should be tolerant and respect women. The paper concludes that, as a result, the dark under current of misogynist values provided by Ibsen in his plays informs the reader of the struggle of women in Victorian society, but does not effectively redefine a feminist ideology for women to liberate themselves from patriarchal aggression.
From the Paper
"Hedda's behaviors and actions often appear crude and uninformed as to the nature of husband to use her as a servant for his career. Ibsen often has Hedda appear as naive of the fact that her husband is merely trying to us her as a kind of "trophy wife" to accent his real desire to achieve success in his artistic ambitions. In this manner, she wholly a woman that is able to be traditional, but becomes so enamored of her love that she takes independent action to get his attention. The circumstances under which Hedda burns Lovborg's manuscript are, of course, entirely different and infinitely more dramatic"
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Sexual Tension in 'A Streetcar Named Desire', 2008.
This paper discusses the sexual tension present in the play 'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer analyzes the play 'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams and notes that bathing and drunkenness are two common threads exposing sexual tension in the play. The writer points out that even the title of the play suggests the sexual tension between the characters. Further, the writer looks at the connections between desire and death as portrayed in the play. The writer maintains that it is as if Williams is telling us that from too much desire only death can come. The writer notes that Stanley, the most dead of all three characters becomes numb to his reactive behavior. The writer concludes that Stanley is trapped in his uncontrollable animalistic sexual desire destined to live like an animal surviving purely by instinct.
From the Paper
"Stanley is a man's man--full of animal instinct and desire. He cannot control himself in any regard. Stanley cannot control his temper so he beats his pregnant wife. He can't sequester his passion for Blanche so he rapes her. He can't bare losing Stella so he screams for her at the top of his lungs proclaiming his need and love for her. Stanley is all about sexual desire--it rules and runs his life.
"Drunkenness and bathing are the soothsayers for Blanche and Stanley when their desires become overwhelming. Blanche uses a bath to soothe her nerves and to try and wash away her sexually promiscuous path."
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"A Streetcar Named Desire", 2008.
A comparison of patriarchal behaviors in the historical period after World War II with those in modern times, as portrayed within the play, "A Streetcar Named Desire," by Tennessee Williams.
806 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the sexism of patriarchal behaviors that were present in the historical period after World War II. It then compares this how they have changed in modern times, as portrayed within the play, "A Streetcar Named Desire," written by Tennessee Williams. The paper analyzes the roles of both men and women in the play in order to examine patriarchal dominance.
From the Paper
"A modern woman in the feminist perspective would certainly be offended at Stanley's 'lordly' patriarchal values, which would have the woman only be a servant to his domestic needs. The contrast in this scene with modernity in the roles between men and women would be defined through a feminist construct, enabling women to defy commands and overtly sexist demands that Stanley makes to Stella. In this manner, Stanley becomes the patriarchal figure that would not be tolerated in the 21st century, but within the context of the post World War II era, he is able to incite sexism and machismo in the cultural context of the returning soldiers and their behaviors toward women as objects for their servitude in the home. In this manner, the greatly contrasting choices that feminism brought in the 1970s until modern times has changed the way that women react toward sexist men, providing them with a choice to follow or reject these patriarchal behaviors that Stanley epitomizes in the play."
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Chaucer, Shakespeare and Gender Roles, 2008.
A comparison of the portrayal of sexual and gender roles in Geoffrey Chaucer's "Wife of Bath's Tale" and William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night".
1,540 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
The paper compares how Geoffrey Chaucer in "Wife of Bath's Tale" and William Shakespeare in "Twelfth Night" questioned, challenged or mocked contemporary views on gender roles and sexual stereotypes. The paper shows how, although there are differences, we can see a similar attitude in both works toward gender roles, sexual stereotyping and the treatment and portrayal of women.
From the Paper
""The Wife of Bath's Tale" is one of a series of stories in Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. It was probably written shortly prior to his death in 1400. The Canterbury Tales is a "frame story," meaning that a series of narratives are tied together allowing each character to relate their own story (Alexander xvii). Chaucer's stories are the individual tales of a group of pilgrims traveling together to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket at Canterbury (Alexander xvi). "The Wife of Bath's Tale" is really the second for this character as it is preceded by "The Wife of Bath's Prologue" which is sort of an autobiography in which she describes her five marriages. The true order in which Chaucer placed each of the tales (other's including the Miller, the Pardoner, the Prioress and the Nun's Priest) is not known (Alexander xix). Chaucer was not only a writer, but had a long career as a public servant. During his life he traveled widely throughout Europe, no doubt the source of many of his story ideas and characters. It is possible that Chaucer never finished all of his intended tales, and that some of the book is autobiographical, with him playing the varied role of the host for his collection of characters."
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