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Reader's Theater, 2006.
This paper examines the use of drama in the classroom as an effective teaching tool.
3,168 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 10 sources, APA, AU$ 109.95
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Abstract
This paper studies whether drama-based activities, specifically Reader's Theater, might help to increase reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary development in elementary students. In addition, this idea of teaching drama through the curriculum suggests improved learning, social-emotional development and reading as well as participation and
interest. The writer discusses the effectiveness of Reader's Theater in elementary school children. The writer explores that, using drama-based strategies, such as Reader's Theater, it is possible to reach an entire class full of students with a wide variety of learning styles and educational backgrounds. Finally, the writer concludes that drama-based instruction supports the growth of language development while improving memory cognition.
From the Paper
"Creech and Bhavnagri identified ways that drama can benefit elementary school students, in learning about elements of stories. Teachers do not need to be experienced, or to have training in theater or drama in order to utilize drama in the classroom. Instead, according to Creech and Bhavnagri, teachers may use their own imaginative capacities to do so, just as they encourage their students' imaginations and inherent sense of play. Drama, these authors contend, may all too often be pushed aside, in an excessive effort to introduce as much "academic" material as possible. However, drama can actually enhance students' ability to absorb all aspects of learning, including academic learning. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds are especially likely to benefit from the inclusion of drama in the curriculum. Students will learn grammar skills, interpretation skills, problem solving skills, speaking skills, and even writing skills through reading, analyzing, performing, and partially rewriting dramatic texts."
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"Hamlet", 2006.
An analysis of Shakespeare's style of story-telling in "Hamlet".
1,285 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes William Shakespeare's use of ceremony, pomp and circumstance in "Hamlet". The paper discusses the ways in which Shakespeare takes advantage of familiarity, custom and tradition in "Hamlet" to engage modern audiences in much the same way Shakespearean audiences might have enjoyed the work in historical times.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Analysis of Ophelia's Death and Funeral Procession
Conclusions
From the Paper
"In Hamlet's play Ophelia, daughter of Polonius, represents the beauty inherent in young women. Hamlet had fallen in love with Ophelia, described by Shakespeare as an "innocent and sweet girl", someone who was likely to obey the wishes of her elders and depend on the guidance of her father and brothers to determine how to behave (Phillips, 2005). In Hamlet Ophelia lapses into a state of madness and eventually drowns in the river, however even at this moment in the play Ophelia is ceremoniously represented as innocent and "maidenly" dying surrounded by garlands and flowers, suggesting nothing, including death could defeat her maidenly and innocent demeanor (Phillips, 2005)."
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"Julius Caesar", 2006.
A discussion on Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar".
1,639 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper dissects and analyzes the first scene in "Julius Caesar". It discusses the audience of the time in considering the scene. The paper explores how the celebration scene raises important questions about leadership and the power a leader has over his followers. The author of the paper quotes from the text to qualify points made.
From the Paper
"The overall significance of the way the scene is presented is that it causes Caesar to be questioned. The audience can see how the people have accepted Caesar, but can also see that the people are blind to who Caesar really is. The audience can also see that the people have accepted the celebration, but are unable to see that there may not really be a reason to celebrate. For the audience of the time, this may have led people to question how they view their leaders and how they view celebrations. They may have questioned whether an event is truly worth celebrating just because a leader says that it is. A modern audience may also react in the same way."
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Homosexuality, 2006.
A discussion on homosexuality in the John Cameron's play "Hedwig and the Angry Inch".
2,524 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 9 sources, MLA, AU$ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the topic of polymorphous sexuality and gender confusion. It explores the character and its story in "Hedwig and the Angry Inch", commenting on the famous song "The Origins of Love". The author also contrasts and compares the philosophy of the play with Greek, Viking and Egyptian mythology on androgynous man.
From the Paper
"The beginning of the song "When the earth was still flat, and the clouds made of fire, and mountains stretched up to the sky, sometimes higher..." (Trask) is clearly meant to send us back in thought to those elements of the creation myth which are nearly universally shared. Though by the time of Plato many philosophers had already discovered that the earth was round and even theorized its tilt and rotation (Psigate), the myths of the era still spoke of the flat earth and the mountains which upheld the sky. Most cultures speak of something--be it a mountain, a tree, or a god--which holds the sky and earth apart. The shape of the earth (square), and the separation of earth and sky by a pillar/mountain/tree, were both spiritual metaphors refering to the state of the soul. Myths, in ancient Greece and most likely in most other ancient cultures, were understood by the wise to be allegorical and spiritual in nature. By starting with myths such as the earth being flat, Hedwig acknowledges that the story he/she is about to tell is also metaphorical, but that it should be taken as presenting some kind of real truth about our souls."
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Gender Themes in 'The Taming of the Shrew', 2006.
This paper discusses gender roles in Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew'.
2,200 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 81.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses gender roles within the play 'The Taming of the Shrew'. It is the position of this paper that Shakespeare was indeed making a commentary on gender roles when he wrote 'The Taming of the Shrew'. The writer maintains that the comment he was making was that the established system in which men were lords and masters over women and basically owned them and women were expected to be docile and obedient at all times, was ridiculous. The writer concludes that William Shakespeare, in writing this play, showed his audiences in exaggerated terms the ridiculousness of the system of male domination, while also demonstrating to women that attempting to completely overthrow societal norms is not the way to a more equal relationship with men. Instead, he demonstrated a revolutionary concept for his time and showed how men and women can ultimately get along as partners by compromise.
From the Paper
"It is a play intended to make the audience laugh. In order to provoke laughter, a play must have something familiar in it, something that everyday people can recognize and relate to. In the late 16th century, when this particular play was written, European society and in fact most societies in the world, were heavily patriarchal in nature. The man was expected to be the lord and ruler of the household and men ruled the world in general. Women had few, if any, rights, and were considered the property of first their fathers and then their husbands, and were appointed a male guardian if they had neither. Women were expected to be obedient to their husbands, quiet, docile, and to keep an orderly home. While this was no doubt not always the system that went on behind closed doors, it was the "official" system, and the one that everyone was expected to appear to be adhering to in public. Shakespeare picked this system to poke fun at in writing The Taming of the Shrew because it was familiar to the audience, being something that affected them all in their daily lives."
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"The Taming of the Shrew", 2006.
This paper analyzes the protagonists in Shakespeare's play to show that Shakespeare has a keen understanding of human psychology.
1,740 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 67.95
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Abstract
The paper studies Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" and considers the four characters involved. The paper comes to the conclusion that Shakespeare has a strong understanding of what motivates and determines human behavior. All the characters in the play are acting based on circumstances and they all adapt their behavior to suit the circumstances. This shows that Shakespeare has a keen understanding of human behavior and is able to create a play where the actions of the characters and their interactions are explained by human psychology.
From the Paper
"The final character that shows Shakespeare's understanding of human psychology is Bianca. Bianca is the opposite to Kate because she is favored and loved by everyone. This creates the appearance that she is kind, agreeable, and everything that Kate is not. However, it is later revealed that this is not Bianca's true character. Instead, she just behaves this way to suit her own needs. Essentially, she behaves in a way that is consistent with what people want from her. This allows her to gain the love and trust of others, which gives her power and control. In the end though, it is revealed that she is not the loving, trusting wife that Kate is. Once married, Bianca ignores her husband's needs and does as she wishes. The most important point made by Bianca's character is that the real nature of people is not what is immediately seen. In making this point, Shakespeare is showing that people are not who they appear to be but can adapt how they appear to suit their own needs. This shows an awareness of human psychology because it means that Shakespeare is looking beyond just what people say and do and looking into the reasons for their behavior."
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Oedipus Rex, 2006.
This paper discusses 'Oedipus Rex' by Sophocles and examines why this work remains so noteworthy after such a long time.
1,376 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 55.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at 'Oedipus Rex' by Sophocles that was written at least 2000 years ago and examines why the play continues as one of the most important and renowned tragedies ever. The writer discusses that some say it is the unique style, or its historical richness, or perhaps the theme that helps to better understand the foibles of humankind. The writer also suggests that maybe, the play maintains its successful run because it has just as powerful a message for humankind as it did two millennium ago. The writer concludes that all are left with the anxiety that their lives may be just as changeable and unpredictable. The writer maintains that this knowledge and understanding, in fact, is what makes Oedipus Rex today as important and renowned in the present as it was over 2,000 years ago.
From the Paper
"The truth is that anyone, anywhere is subject to the will of the gods. Now having the same strengths and weaknesses as anyone in the theater from the least plebeian to most privileged, Oedipus evokes a range of emotions from disgust to pity to terror. All are left with the anxiety that their lives may be just as changeable and unpredictable. For that is what happens to all who are mortal.
That knowledge and understanding, in fact, is what makes Oedipus Rex today as important and renowned in the present as it was over 2,000 years ago. How many humans, today, are just as torn--wondering how much of their lives are dictated by God, fate or some other force they cannot control, and how much they can decide for themselves through their own free will?"
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Philadelphia Dance Theater, 2006.
This paper examines the theaters and dance companies in Philadelphia.
1,015 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 42.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how the state of Philadelphia has more than thirty dynamic and successful dance companies and theaters. The paper describes these theaters that include modern ballet, jazz, tap dancing, modern dance forms, flamenco, African-American, Indian and other types of folk and ethnic dance forms. The paper also provides some background about the Dance Theatre of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Theater Company. The writer concludes that the Philadelphia Theater Company has throughout the years provided a veritable showcase for displaying the vicarious talents of many young dancers of the area and in some certain cases, siblings and their parents too.
From the Paper
"It is an interesting fact that the state of Philadelphia has more than thirty excellent and dynamic Dance Companies, and theaters as well, and some of the nations' oldest dance theaters are in existence in the state today. These theaters are based in Philadelphia, and they tour globally. For example, the Pennsylvania Ballet is today celebrating its fortieth year of existence, and the Group Motion Dance Company and the Philadelphia Dance Company are today preparing for their thirty fifth anniversaries. Although all these theaters and dance companies have been growing through a number of changes over the years, its artistic view point is as strong as it ever was. However, it must be noted that the newer and later hip hop dance companies are thriving in Philadelphia as well, and one reason for this is the nurturing type of nature of the Philadelphia Dance Community as such. (Group Motion Press Room, Kick up your Heels)
The Philadelphia Dance Theater includes modern ballet, jazz, tap dancing, modern dance forms, flamenco, African American, Indian, and other types of folk and ethnic dance forms. Philadanco, or the Philadelphia Dance Company, is already at the performing end of another ballet named the 'Horse's Mouth', and this is also reputed to be a first arte performance by Philadelphia's young artistes. This year's performance of the 'Nutcracker' by the Philadelphia Dance Theater, just like its previous ones, would allow families during the Holiday Season a few hours together to enjoy, uninterruptedly, the magical world created for them by the choreographers and the directors and the performers of the play. (Group Motion Press Room, Kick up your Heels) The Dance Theater of Pennsylvania today is more than twenty seven years old, and it still continues its traditional practice of staging beautiful and timeless ballet productions. The 2005 to 2006 season is under way today, and this is the season in which the Nutcracker is generally staged."
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Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest", 2006.
This paper describes and analyzes Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance of Being Earnest".
1,935 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Oscar Wilde's comic play "The Importance of Being Earnest" is a satiric look at aspects of British society, notably the influence of social class and rigid stratification. The author points out that the play toys with the dual meaning of the sound of Ernest: How important it is to be earnest, meaning sincere, and how important it is to be named Ernest. The paper relates that Wilde develops an inverted parody of the stock romantic situation in which the lovers' devotion alone and not their names have meaning; the play abounds in inversions of romantic cliches found in epigrams and certain conversational exchanges, which are structured on the basis of a reversal of expectations. Includes many quotations.
From the Paper
"To say that Jack is manipulating reality is to say that he is manipulating his own reality, for the play does not deal in what we would call objective reality. This is a world that does not exist, with people who operate on their own logic. Reality for Jack is always something of a blur because he has no idea who he really is. In this sense, his entire life is an appearance rather than a reality until he learns through a series of coincidences at the end of the play who he really is--he is Algy's older brother--and what his name is--his name really is Ernest."
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"The Eumenides" by Aeschylus, 2006.
This paper analyzes and summarizes Aeschylus' play "The Eumenides".
1,980 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in the play "The Eumenides", Aeschylus,
while using many tragic elements to move the plot to its conclusion, nonetheless employs the unique feature of a positive ending, which is not contrived but rather well constructed from the elements throughout the play. The author points out that Aeschylus uses consistent symbolism and does not change the characters or the symbols in the story; instead, the changes occur from within and very gradually. The paper relates that the evolution of the play echoes the evolution within the depicted society during which conflicting forces were at work and the savage practices of the past were being replaced by the civilization of the new paradigm.
Tale of Contents
The Furies
Sacrifice and Redemption
From the Paper
"This is the point where forgiveness rather than revenge comes to the forefront of the play. Athena's argument rests on the new order rather than the old. The emerging civilization is to be based upon understanding, forgiveness and atonement. Indeed, the foregoing events in the play have shown that violence begets violence. Revenge upon revenge is exacted, with never an end to the blood and death of citizens that could otherwise have proved worthy members of society. In the ultimate show of forgiveness and atonement, Athena shows that the Furies can have a place in the new society. This however comes not with a warning, but with an assumption that even the Furies have a sense of justice."
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Shakespeare, 2006.
This paper looks at Shakespeare's semi-autobiographical work "The Tempest".
1,473 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 57.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare and discusses traits of Shakespeare himself that are portrayed within the play. Using references to the character, Prospero from the play, the writer examines the identity of the playwright, Shakespeare. The writer suggests what type of person Shakespeare might have been according to actions and attitudes of Prospero. The writer concludes that consciously or not, Shakespeare compared himself to Prospero, based on Prospero's isolation from society, his magical powers, and his control over others' lives.
From the Paper
"Shakespeare's true identity remains a mystery for most scholars and historians. However, the playwright's knowledge of the culture of nobility and monarchy suggest that Shakespeare may have been a member of the British noble court or at least someone close to it. Because writing and acting were not deemed respectable professions for a nobleperson, it is highly likely that Shakespeare was a pen name for someone within the regal realm. Even if Shakespeare was a common writer or actor, he may still have needed a nom de plume to cover up his true identity. Therefore, Shakespeare led a double life much like that of Prospero. Although Shakespeare was not exiled on an island, he was symbolically living in exile from his community. Like Prospero, Shakespeare might have been a former nobleman."
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Roman Theatre, 2006.
This paper discusses Roman theatre and its history.
1,461 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Roman theatre and explains that it was vastly influenced by the Greek theatre although they have many differences. The paper provides an outline of the general history of Roman theatre and discusses how the Roman theatre gives us an insight on the Romans and their culture. The paper relates that it has played an important part in the beginning and evolution of the European theatre.
From the Paper
"The Roman theatre faced some problems in the beginning due to the fact that the audience was distracted by other events. The first performance of Hecyra was a ruin because the audience was distracted by the boxers and the rope dancer. The second performance was again a disaster as people heard of a rumor that a "gladiatorial display was about to take place" (W. Beare, p.165). The stage was a wooden one and some people hold the view that at a time the Romans had created a revolving stage. This is not considered as an authentic historical record of the history of Roman theatre. The actors and their dressing rooms were located behind the stage."
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"Tartuffe" by Moliere, 2006.
An analysis of the different ways that the play "Tartuffe" may be presented to different audiences.
846 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 36.95
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Abstract
The essay discusses the play "Tartuffe" and how it would often play to different parts of the audience based on social differences. It describes how the actors might play to different parts of the theater, for instance, which would not necessarily be indicated by the text and also the way different subject matter is included for different groups in the theater.
From the Paper
"The foolishness of Orgon contrasts with the deviousness of Tartuffe, and the latter character dominates the play even when not on stage because the other characters all act in response to him and his machinations. Indeed, Tartuffe does not appear physically until the third act, but his presence is felt from the beginning as other characters talk about him, behave as he would have them behave, and show themselves ready to submit their will to his. By the time Tartuffe actually appears, the audience has a strong image of him. This image is not entirely favorable."
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Baz Lurman's Film "Romeo and Juliet", 2006.
This paper compares the 1996 film version of Baz Lurman's "Romeo and Juliet" with William Shakespeare's original version of this romantic tragedy.
775 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, while Baz Lurman's "Romeo and Juliet" presents the main theme of the play as a conflict between the bad values of the older generation and the disaffected but still hopeful younger generation, Shakespeare's play evolves more as a tale of fate and the fragile nature of love. The author points out that the film's images stem from a modern sense of alienation, an idea underlined in the overall design of the film, in which a Pluralist or post-modern pastiche of Hispanic, contemporary and some Renaissance images creates a sense of confusion mirrored in the lovers' own difficulties in finding meaning in their world. The paper relates that, although the themes of youthful alienation exist in both versions but are more present in Lurman's cinematic re-telling, Shakespeare, as is consistent with the Renaissance era, takes the example of the lovers to reflect upon the 'chance' nature of romance.
From the Paper
"The unavoidability of fate was an important idea of the Renaissance era during which Shakespeare wrote. Also important, well into the Baroque era was the question of how much respect and deference a child owed his or her parents in terms of selecting a marital partner. Shakespeare sides with the lovers in their passion, but clearly shows how Romeo and Juliet's love upsets the rulership of Verona, and how society is harmed as well as helped. Good aspects to society, such as the kind prince, and Juliet's more loving father and mother are upset when Juliet decides to eschew parental care."
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Gender and Identity Formation, 2006.
This paper studies gender and identity formation in Robinson's "Housekeeping" and Baldwin's "Blues for Mister Charlie".
3,105 words (approx. 12.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 108.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that both the novel "Housekeeping" by Marilynn Robinson and the play "Blues for Mister Charlie" by James Baldwin deal with coming of age identity, conflicts amongst marginalized peoples and long-simmering community conflicts that come to a boil after the homecoming of one of the protagonists. The writer describes how Robinson's text is framed around the coming of age of young women growing up in rural Idaho in the mid-1900s. The girls experience a crisis of feminine identity after they are deprived of their mother, who commits suicide at the beginning of the book. The writer also looks at "Blues for Mister Charlie", that deals with the Black experience of isolation in America. The play centers on the difficulty of young Black people, men and women, who must force their lives and souls to conform to the norms of the White 'Mister Charlie.'
From the Paper
"For Black women, however, Baldwin has slightly less concern in terms of how the norms of their identities are formulated, even though women have a powerful stage presence over the course of the play. Thus Baldwin tends to reduce the importance of the Black female experience of marginalization in America for the Black community as a whole. It is how Black men formulate their new identities within oppressive structures that the author claims as his play's main concern. Continually, "Blues for Mister Charlie" stresses the commonality of all Black oppression and the investiture Black men and women have in creating a positive Black masculine ideal.
The play was written in response to the Emmett Till lynching of real life, a lynching spawned by a Northern Black youngster whistling at a White Southern women. Finding a way to create Black male sexuality in a way that is empowering, and will not bring the wrath of society down upon its head is Baldwin's concern."
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"Red Azalea: Life and Love in China", 2006.
A review of "Red Azalea: Life and Love in China" by Anchee Min.
1,105 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the book "Red Azalea: Life and Love in China" by Anchee Min. According to this paper, the book is based on "Red Azalea" a film Anchee Min worked on at a film studio in China. This paper tells us that "Red Azalea" is the story of the "perfect" Chinese woman - a woman who was loyal to the Communist Party and its teachings above all else, and that the film "Red Azalea" was written by Chairman Mao's wife, Madame Mao (Jiang Ching).
From the Paper
"The film means different things to the characters that are touched by it. For Min, it represents hope and the ability to make a name and a career for herself, and it represents respect from those around her. It also represents her absence from Yan, who she loves, or at least thinks she loves. Min is touched by the story, but she is more impressed with what being a star will mean to her life and her family. However, because her dream of being a star does not come true, the film also represents the end of Min's dreams, or at least the end of her life with Yan and the beginning of a new life. Min writes, "In the dark I realized that it was a lion's den I had entered. The darkness silenced a roaring cry. The coldness of thoughts froze me. I could hear the sound of my dream's spine breaking" (Min 170). Her dream of happiness seems like it will never come true, but that is not how the story ends. "
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