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Utopias in Children's Literature, 2007.
An analysis of theme and purpose in children's literature, using "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift, "The Giver" by Lois Lowry, and the cartoon "The Smurfs" as examples.
773 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper examines utopias in children's literature in the stories "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift, "The Giver" by Lois Lowry, and the cartoon "The Smurfs". It explains how utopias have been created by the authors, in these stories, in order to explore the benefits and negative aspects of utopian life. The writer describes each of these three utopias in the stories. The writer further suggests that what may appear to be a utopia on the surface can be quite ugly when all of the implications are pondered, and when it is realized what has to be given up in terms of individuality and freedom in order to establish a rigidly controlled society. The writer concludes that all of these fictional utopias present moral themes important for children to learn, but also present deeper implications for adults to reflect upon.
From the Paper
"Reading and analyzing Gulliver's Travels, The Giver, and The Smurfs indicates that the basic purpose of these children's story utopias is the same, for they are meant to provide an easy, trouble-free existence for the inhabitants. The basic needs of daily life are well taken care of by established authorities, everything is meticulously planned, and dangers never arise. For children, these utopian environments are emotionally comforting, while providing a way of teaching morality and the importance of cooperating with others."
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"The End of California", 2008.
A review of style and plot of "The End of California," written by Steve Yarbrough.
922 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews "The End of California," written by Steve Yarbrough. The paper briefly compares his writing style to that of William Faulkner. The paper then discusses the plot and central character of Yarbrough's novel. It analyzes the flaws, as well as the positive aspects of the book and concludes that while not a great novel, it is a pleasurable novel to read.
From the Paper
"In Loring, Alan Depoyster manages the Piggly Wiggly market, where every day for the past fifteen years, he has opened the store room at 7:00 AM. From this initial entrance, it is clear that Alan Depoyster harbors a driving bitterness over the fact that he was relegated to being a stockboy at Piggly Wiggly by the end of high school, and then not even in Loring, because the scandal of his father's desertion of the family was so great that he had to be farmed out to an aunt in a neighboring town in order to be allowed to find a job. Now, although he has risen to being a manager, he clearly knows the limitations of his position, supervising young people who stay with Piggly Wiggly only if they cannot escape to something significantly better, generally far from the confines of Loring. The reappearance of Pete Barrington, now Doctor Barrington, but otherwise so little changed, reopens the wounds that time has scarred over but not really healed."
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"Returning to Dwell in Gardens and Fields I", 2008.
An analysis of the content and context of Tao Qian's "Returning to Dwell in Gardens and Fields I."
1,086 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses "Returning to Dwell in Gardens and Fields I," written by Tao Qian. It describes his work as an elegant and rather autobiographical poem and describes the context in which Qian wrote it. The paper discusses the content of Qian's poetry and the messages that are revealed through it to the contemporary reader.
From the Paper
"As Owen expressed it, the mistake might be made, the poem seems to be saying, of mistaking Tao Qian for a farmer, for he may be seen to work at clearing scrub from the edges of his property, but he explains in the poem that he does not compare himself to the farmers, or to the officials known in the cities, so much as he speaks to humanity or understanding persons, of whatever origin, who might sense the reasons for his choice and departure from a town life that others might very much covet. (See Mirror 234) His poem has done as Tao Qian feels he must, in explaining himself. He writes as though knowing his reader will understand, perhaps a person like himself faced with similar realizations, or having made similar choices. The whole idea of true nature is debatable in that the poet argues he belongs where he was in youth whereas other readers will argue that as a self-conscious farmer, able to describe his present life in relation to something else, that Tao Qian is forever differentiated. As Owen points out, Tao Qian stresses the unity of the self and of the chosen role but even these give away his doubleness, the reader learning how to presume nothing from surfaces and wondering "how inner and outer can be brought together, again." (Mirror 79)"
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"Paradise Lost" by John Milton, 2007.
An examination of John Milton's strong prejudice against women in his epic poem "Paradise Lost".
3,119 words (approx. 12.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
This paper examines whether John Milton was a misogynist by analyzing his epic poem "Paradise Lost". It discusses how his experiences with women, such as the fiasco of his marriage to Mary Powell, must have had some impact on him. The writer also looks at the time in which Milton lived, the 17th century, which was a time of enormous sexism, and analyzes his hatred for women in this context. The writer concludes that although Milton's Eve is a pathetic, slave-like creature, there is not enough evidence to conclude that Milton was a misogynist and suggests that perhaps Milton was no more (or less) than a man of his time.
From the Paper
"John Milton's Paradise Lost is one of the greatest works of English literature. Many people have commented on it, and argued about it. One of the aspects that people have been interested in, is how Milton portrays women. Does Milton hate women, or look down on them? Is Milton a misogynist? This essay examines the evidence, and finds that Milton did look down on women - but this was normal for a man of his time. In short, he was not so much a misogynist, as a man of his time."
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"The Odyssey", 2008.
An analysis of Homer's narrative strategies in "The Odyssey."
858 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes Homer's narrative strategies that he used in "The Odyssey." It aims to show why he is considered to be one of the first great story-tellers. The paper specifically focuses on Homer's use of detailed description and question-posing, to tell an immensely complex story in such a way that it can be absorbed and processed without confusion.
From the Paper
"Another narrative strategy that Homer employs to keep the many strands of his complex story together is to have gods or goddesses give explanations to one of the characters - and in so doing, give explanations to the reader/listener. For example, when Odysseus wants to go to the place of Alcinous, King of the Phaecians, Athene leads him to the palace, and then provides Odysseus with an account of the history and genealogy of the family, as well as advice on how to achieve his ends by appealing directly to Arete. In this way, the reader/listener is provided with the necessary back story, as well as a wealth of extra details and mythology."
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"A Perfect Night to Go to China", 2008.
An analysis of the inner journey as a quest for redemption in "A Perfect Night to Go to China" by David Gilmour.
1,363 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The protagonist of David Gilmour's novel, "A Perfect Night to Go to China", is an unappealing Toronto media celebrity who endures a catastrophic personal tragedy in the form of the mysterious disappearance of his son one night while the protagonist has stepped out for a beer. This paper argues that this tragedy at the opening of the novel provides the impetus for the inner journeys that the protagonist - Roman - embarks upon through the course of the text. The paper attempts to show that the novel can only be fully understood through an acceptance of the fundamental reality of the surreal. It is only through this that the protagonist's inner journey can be understood as not simply a destructive escape from the tragedy of the world but as a quest for redemption.
From the Paper
"The protagonist's perception of this accusatory atmosphere is important as this perception reflects his fundamental feeling that he has done something wrong; inadvertently made mistake for which he and his family will now pay. He confesses as much to his wife, accepting responsibility for his son's disappearance in the simplest possible language: "I took an involuntary gulp of air. "I made a mistake"" (Gilmour 16). The fact that his wife has to pry these words out of Roman is significant. Roman is, as most readers of the novel would note, an unappealing figure in many respects as he is consumed by his own egoism and arrogance (Wiebe). "
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"Postcards from the Edge", 2008.
This paper compares and contrasts the novel and movie "Postcards from the Edge".
1,076 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the similarities and the differences between the novel and film "Postcards from the Edge," both as artistic expressions and as representatives of their historical period. The paper discusses how the novel is told in brittle, episodic fashion in contrast to the more linear storyline of the film. The paper shows how both forms of the story "Postcards from the Edge" have merit.
Outline:
The Novel as History
The Novel as Literature
The Film as Art
Comparing the Novel and the Film
The Film as History
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Postcards from the Edge is an examination of the Hollywood culture from the point of view from someone who has survived it and who has suffered some of its vagaries. This perspective makes the novel semi-autobiographical, although it is a work of fiction. Through Fisher's eyes, and through the eyes of her protagonist, the reader glimpses the life of an insider. Although it can be difficult to read due to its disjointed nature, Postcards is well worth the effort to attempt."
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Walter Benjamin's "Theses on the Philosophy of History", 2008.
A discussion of various interpretations of history, with a focus on historian Walter Benjamin's 1940 book "Theses on the Philosophy of History".
2,820 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 83.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in his 1940 book "Theses on the Philosophy of History", Walter Benjamin, using the analogy of an Angel of History, warns that false interpretations of history can be as deadly as the historical tragedies themselves. The author points out that a means of avoiding this is not to emphasis and understand history as a rigid sequence of absolutely true events, which must be accepted as the definitive truth. The paper stresses that it must be remembered that history is written by the triumphant winners. The author discuses examples of history from the ancient Greeks to modern times to emphasize that human nature has changed very little over thousands of years: Intolerance still causes ignorance, which causes wars and kills people.
From the Paper
"The exploitation and abuse of women throughout human history is another refutation of the triumphalist conception of history. As Mohanty notes, even in modern times, women are still struggling for equality, for social movements such as women's liberation tend to trigger resistance because many people prefer the status quo and feel threatened by social change. For example, in recent years some feminist organizations have drawn increasing criticism from mainstream America due to strategies and tactics which seem too aggressive and divisive."
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Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein", 2007.
This paper discuses how the narrative in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" deals with the problem of authorship.
770 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 0 sources, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein", the reader is provided three different narrative voices: Victor Frankenstein, the creature he has created, and Captain Robert Walton, intrepid explorer.
The author points out that, by peeling away the concentric layers of narration, the reader discovers that the words attributed to the Frankenstein's creature, specifically from Chapter XI to Chapter XVII, may simply be Victor's subjective interpretation of the creature's mindset and that the entire story may simply a fabrication authored by Robert Walton. The paper suggests that the the unreliable narrator issue reflects a larger theme touched upon in the novel, the tension between author and artifice.
From the Paper
"The opening letters, attributed to Captain Robert Walton, provides the setting and occasion for Victor Frankenstein's narrative. At the end of Chapter IX, Victor agrees to hear his creature's tale, out of a sense of duty as creator. These are the two points in the book where the reliability of the narratives comes into question. Although Walton helps frame the larger narrative, his letters, which initiate and conclude the novel, poses the question whether Walton, not unlike the book's author, is concocting a "ghost story" for the sake of amusement, or whether this account is an accurate representation of actual events."
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John Donne, 2008.
An analysis of John Donne's 17th century letters and poetry.
2,823 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 84.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at how analyzing the social, cultural, and gendered implications of political and economic change during the long seventeenth century, from the accession of Queen Elizabeth to the reign of George I, can be achieved by examining and reflecting upon the poetry and letters of John Donne. The paper relates that John Donne was a keen observer of contemporary life and recorded his observations in numerous poems and letters. The paper then discusses how examining them enables us to view this period through various lenses, including cultural production, status and ethnic difference, and gendered male and female experiences.
From the Paper
"In one of many letters to the Countess of Bedford, Donne contemplated both the bad and good elements in human nature: "Whate'er the world hath bad, or precious, Man's body can produce; hence hath it been, That stones, worms, frogs, and snakes in man are seen. But whoe'er saw, though nature can work so, That pearl, or gold, or corn in man did grow?" (Donne 4) He understood that there are both good and evil impulses in everyone and that no one is either entirely good or entirely evil. Men are capable of perpetrating the most horrible things, but men are also capable of wondrous and noble accomplishments."
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"Black Boy", 2008.
This paper discusses authority and egoism in Richard Wright's autobiography "Black Boy".
1,573 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
The paper examines Richard Wright's autobiography "Black Boy" and identifies how authority was the cause of Wright's egoism. The paper explains how the authorities in the book are all imbued with deep rooted racism, so the only means of survival for Wright is to embrace egoism. The paper highlights how, in the book, more than anything, authority is shown to be continuously abused and in that abuse is the destruction of any societal unity.
From the Paper
"Richard Wright's autobiography Black Boy (1944) shows extreme distrust and distaste for almost all authority. Wright wants to establish himself as a helpful and respectful member of society, but he wants to do this on his own terms, allowing himself to define himself as an individual. However, it is the various authorities in the book, whether they be familial, moral or societal, that keep Wright from achieving his goal; the authority of the hegemonic culture, steadfastly opposed to resistance of any kind, is constantly thrusting an identity on Wright, hindering his own self-integration and causing deeper distrust and resentment. It is the authorities in the book, all imbued with deep rooted racism, that makes it so that the only means of his survival is to embrace egoism."
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"Last Ink", 2008.
An analysis of Michael Ondaatje's poem "Last Ink".
1,495 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
The paper explains how Michael Ondaatje's poem "Last Ink" presents a complex reflection upon love and how the writer perceives and represents thought and experience. The paper demonstrates how Ondaatje achieves these objectives through the use of imagery and syntactical constructions. The paper illustrates how "Last Ink" is a powerful and resonant poetic work.
From the Paper
"One of the particularly interesting features of "Last Ink" is the centrality of the writing experience in the poem. The act of writing is not for Ondaatje restricted to pen and paper. Rather, throughout his work, he has reflected on writing as an act of creation that is central to the human experience (Vigurs 72). For Ondaatje, for example, lovers are writers and the lover's body becomes a medium upon which a text is inscribed. Love and sensuality have been recognized as predominating in the themes and imagery of Ondaatje's poetry (Sen 338)."
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Hanif Kureishi's "The Buddha of Suburbia", 2007.
This paper analyzes the theme of post-colonial elements of Indian identity in England within Hanif Kureishi's novel "The Buddha of Suburbia".
980 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that "The Buddha of Suburbia" by Hanif Kureishi presents the struggles of a Indian teenager, Karim, which are crucial aspects of post-colonial identity within the suburbs of England. The author points out that the "Englishness" of Karim and his family members are thwarted when his father decides to return to his Buddhist faith, raising questions of Indian identity within the family unit. The paper relates that the post-colonial elements of this novel are revealed through Karim and his father's desire to be Indian against the dominating colonizing principles of English society. The paper includes quotations.
From the Paper
"The early post-colonial elements of "The Buddha of Suburbia" revolve around the main character, Karim, and Indian teenager living in middle class British suburbs. Karim's father, Haroon, had essentially become "British" in every aspect of his life but suddenly has an epiphany to become a devote Buddhist. This causes a great conflict to those native English people in their lives, which is caused by the "native" return to religious principles that Karim's father wishes to explore. Karim's narrative defines the inherent racism of the English people... "
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"The Odyssey", 2008.
An analysis of Homer's use of literary devices and the characterization of Telemachus in "The Odyssey."
791 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the search of Telemachus for his father Odysseus, in the classic ancient Greek play, "The Odyssey" by Homer. It discusses the way that Homer crafts persuasive dialogue and speeches in order to convey what Telemachus learns in his travels and why he is searching for his father. In addition to these literary devices, the paper explains the manner in which Homer characterizes Telemachus in this play and how it too a is method he uses to explain the motivation the son has for finding his father.
From the Paper
"According to Lattimore (1999) this mistake demonstrates that Telemachus has not yet inherited his father's foresight or caution, and the scene in which he tries unsuccessfully to string his father's bow reveals that Telemachus has not yet attained his father's skills with weapons either. But his homecoming was the turning point in his young life, for by the time Telemachus got back to Ithaca, he was a much more self-confident and assertive young man and had acquired the psychological and physical maturity necessary for defeating the suitors. He took advantage of his newly acquired maturity when he joined his father in slaughtering the suitors and then defied their furious relatives in The Odyssey's final scene."
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Carlo Ginzburg's "The Cheese and the World", 2007.
This paper discuses Carlo Ginzburg's book "The Cheese and the World" as a micro-history of the less considered aspects of 16th century Italy.
5,000 words (approx. 20.0 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 126.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Carlo Ginzburg's "The Cheese and the World"
relates, in the style of micro-history, the life of miller Menocchio (1532-1599) from the Italian district of Friuli, who was brought before the Inquisition in 1584 and 1599 on charges of heresy owing to his peculiar religious beliefs and was eventually burned at the stake. The author points out that Ginzburg, who is a noted micro-historian and expert on the Italian Renaissance and early modern European history, comments that Menocchio's predicament owed much to two great historical developments of his day: the advent of the printing press and the Reformation. The author suggests that most readers' perception of the Reformation and its surrounding culture will be upset by the way this book telescopes the arrival of the printing press into the thoughts of the later Renaissance as if these forces immediately changed consciousness.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Printing Press
The Reformation
1599 - What a Heretic Said
On Micro-History
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper
"In a manner much ahead of his time, Menocchio had argued that a religious person believed his faith to be true, just as the Christian believed that Christianity was the correct religion, with a remark too on people believing they embraced a superior culture when, in fact, who was to know this was true, or what an inferior culture might be. The inquisitor asked about the Three Rings and where Menocchio had encountered it, referring to a title as a prohibited book. Ginzburg explains how the Roman Catholic Church was by this time engaged in a "two-front war" against both high culture that would not conform to Counter-Reformation ideals and against popular culture that was showing more signs of questioning..."
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The Rites of Manhood in "The Odyssey", 2008.
An examination of the issue of marriage and the rites of manhood for Telemachus in "The Odyssey" by Homer.
856 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at why marriage and the rites of manhood are central reasons for the journey that Telemachus must undertake in search of his father, Odysseus, in "The Odyssey" by Homer. Telemachus is a young adult that desperately desires to see his father return, since his mother, Penelope, is under great pressure to remarry due to his 20-year absence. It examines Telemachus' journey into manhood to find his father, preventing his mother from remarrying and the loss of family honor.
From the Paper
"The first appearance of Telemachus in The Odyssey relates directly to his defiance of the suitors that wish to marry is mother, Queen Penelope. He is a young man of around twenty years old, and has played a crucial part in the denial of the suitors' admission into his house. In this regard, Athena has already intervened with Telemachus, which has given him the courage to speak against the suitors. This provides a forum for Telemachus to stand up to the greedy and insolent men that only want to marry Penelope because of her power. Telemachus begins his passage into manhood by speaking to the suitors in Book I."
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The Mexican Migrant Worker, 2008.
This paper reviews how Tomas Rivera addresses the issues of class, gender and ethnicity in "And the Earth Did Not Devour Him."
822 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 0 sources, $ 29.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Tomas Rivera's collection of short stories, "And the Earth Did Not Devour Him", that paints a dark picture of physical hardship, social struggles and spiritual enlightenment. The paper looks at how Rivera demonstrates the separation of classes between Americans and Mexicans, as well as the racial biases and stereotypes that have been placed upon the Mexican people since their migration post-World War II.
From the Paper
"The history of Mexican culture has steadily gained popularity in the United States. With the population steadily increasing throughout the years, it is no surprise that its integration has made it to the public school classroom. However, the Mexican people struggle to battle stereotypes and generalizations. While there are many characteristics that typify a native Mexican, or even a Mexican American, their ethnicity and class divisions are significantly apparent in modern America. Tomas Rivera addresses the issues of class, gender and ethnicity in And the Earth Did Not Devour Him. Taking place in post-World War II, the novella tracks the year in the life of a young Mexican boy, traveling with a group of migrant workers in search of work. Topically, the novella is about the young boy's internal struggle to find meaning behind the life events of the year. However, the undertone reveals a great deal about the prejudice and American perspective on the Mexican Migrant worker."
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Zhu Tianwen and "Notes of a Desolate Man", 2007.
A review of the book "Notes of a Desolate Man" by contemporary Taiwan writer Zhu Tianwen.
1,168 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the book "Notes of a Desolate Man" by Zhu Tianwen and relates that the author's way of fitting in so many non-Chinese influences, past and present, his homosexuality, and the death of an old friend in Japan due to AIDS, fit together to produce a deliberately disjointed psychic environment in which the narrator can only feel thankful for small reminders of a world that seemed normal. The writer points out that throughout "Notes on a Desolate Man", the past continues to be mixed up with the present. The writer believes that this book leaves the reader with no doubt as to the narrator's emotions, sense of being displaced and that his life has been rather pointless, though one wishes the narrator could also see through this state of ennui to find the answers of purpose that were suitable for modernists.
From the Paper
"Like many a post-modern character, the narrator, Xiao Chao, can observe his own isolation, well aware of what is happening, amid Western consumerism and media influences. His friend, Ah Yao, is a former lover, a person with whom he has been able to discuss Chinese poetry but also the culture arriving from the West including 1960s avant garde films and thought. Set in the 1990s, Xiao Shao reflects on his 20s as a well to do young Taiwanese in Europe and in America just as countless other persons at mid-life tend to reflect on how they spent this earlier interval in their lives. Like Ah Yao, he had known the gay scene in New York, Paris and Rome, and also the complications of being a gay Chinese male in a conservative Taiwanese society where both men's families were known in Taipei."
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