| Papers [113-128] of 1817 :: [Page 8 of 114] | | 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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Horatio and Hamlet, 2007.
An analysis of the genuine friendship between Horatio and Hamletin William Shakespeare's famous play, "Hamlet".
1,636 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 64.95
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Abstract
The paper portrays how the relationship between Horatio and Hamlet, in Shakespeare's play, Hamlet", is based on extraordinary trust and confidence. The paper illustrates how Horatio is genuinely interested in Hamlet's welfare and Hamlet recognizes this, thus even in the midst of his lunatic fits, Hamlet doesn't fail to praise Horatio for his selfless devotion. The paper notes that a striking feature of their relationship is the secrecy and privacy of information that Hamlet demands and Horatio readily respects. The paper also shows how Horatio's concern is genuine but his protection style is passive which shows maturity and respect.
From the Paper
"It is in the very beginning of the play, Act I, Scene II, that we realize what this relationship means as the strength of it becomes evident when Horatio encounters the apparition of Hamlet's father and feels that Hamlet must be told. Even though Horatio understands that this information could be both painful and dangerous for the very fragile Hamlet, still he wants him to know since the information could be of significance. Horatio fully recognizes the repercussions of communicating this information since he has seen such visions leading to murder and conflicts."
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The Tragedy of Hamlet, 2003.
A review of 'Hamlet' by William Shakespeare.
818 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at William Shakespeare's most famous play, 'Hamlet'. According to the paper, at face value the plot appears to be relatively simple. The paper goes on to explain, however, that, upon taking a closer look, one realizes that the play has many psychological and metaphysical implications: it is, in fact a meditation on the nature of man, as well as a meditation on life in general.
From the Paper
"At both the psychological and philosophical levels of the play, the Shakespearian text reveals a very important theme- that of the contrast between appearance and reality. The structure of the play and its main events unfold this contrast: the double crime is called a "foul play" by Hamlet upon his hearing from Horatio about the apparition of the ghost of his father. This term intimates that the events as apparent in the play have a hidden meaning. Also, play becomes again important in what was called the "play within play" scene, where it is Hamlet's turn to play and stage a tragedy for Claudius with the aid of some actors, in which he inserts a few lines that speak of his father's murder. Thus, the "play" or the act of playing at reality becomes a central theme of Hamlet. "
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"The Crucible", 2007.
A character analysis of John Proctor from "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller.
1,221 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 50.95
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Abstract
The paper describes the setting of this play, being based on the events surrounding the 1692 witch trails that took place in Salem, Massachusetts. The paper looks closely at the character of John Proctor who commits adultery but is prepared to save his wife even at the expense of his secret being revealed. The paper portrays John's continuous struggle against his inner contradictions and how he chooses death rather than dishonor.
From the Paper
"The plot evolves around one character, John Proctor--"a farmer in his middle thirties"--who commits the sin of cheating on his wife once with Abigail, a girl of seventeen, "strikingly beautiful, an orphan, with an endless capacity for dissembling." (Arthur Miller, The Crucible, 8) Jealous and resentful of being rejected, Abigail accuses Proctor's wife of witchcraft, of murderous thoughts, manipulating others to take sides with her and spreading witchcraft panic through the village. Proctor, who has more or less indirectly caused his wife to be accused, has now a moral obligation to save her. In trying to do so, though, he himself is charged with witchcraft."
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"A Doll's House", 2007.
An analysis of the plot in "A Doll's House," by Henrik Ibsen.
731 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House," underscores the need of a woman to be liberated and to be a person before becoming a wife and mother. The paper describes the story-line of the play and how Ibsen presents his plot to his audience. The paper discusses the character of Nora and her husband and how their personalities are portrayed by Ibsen.
From the Paper
"Helmer refuses to oblige and turns down numerous requests by Nora. This results in an infuriated Krogstad writing a letter to Helmer, revealing Nora's secret. As luck would have it, as soon as the letter to Helmer is posted, Krogstad gets back with the love of his life and decides to withdraw the letter. However Kristine tells him not to do so since she wants the secret out so Nora could see for herself how her husband took the news convinced that "a woman who has once sold herself for another's sake, doesn't do it a second time" Kristine had seen that there was some tension between the two due to this little secret and she sincerely wanted them to get over with it and move on. She insists that letter be posted and this leads to the climax."
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Shakespeare's "Hamlet", 2006.
This paper identifies Renaissance ideals in Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,445 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Renaissance concept and consideration of death are prominent throughout Shakespeare's "Hamlet". The author points out that, in Shakespeare's famous soliloquy, Hamlet hesitates in his consideration of suicide not because of an absolute Christian belief in divine retribution but because he is afraid of an afterlife of which he is unsure. The paper relates that the Renaissance ideas around decay of the body and mortality as the great leveler are present in "Hamlet" on several occasions such as after killing Polonius and disposing of the remains. The paper includes quotations from the play.
From the Paper
"The Renaissance is considered a period of rebirth for culture and learning. It is traditionally identified at the period of European history that closes the Middle Ages, spanning from the 14th to the mid-17th centuries. Considered the beginning of the modern world, the Renaissance period experienced a rebirth of ancient Greek philosophies, and a renewed interest in classical art forms and sensitivities. Many artists began to explore and expand the work done in the classical age, concentrating on the human form and the depiction of ancient mythologies."
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"Hamlet" and the Renaissance, 2006.
A review of the representation of Renaissance ideals in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,453 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare and looks at how he uses his work to display Renaissance thought and concerns. It examines how, through Hamlet's contemplation of death, his character is solidly connected to the ideals of the Renaissance.
From the Paper
"One such archaic belief that was left behind in the previous centuries was the sense that tragedies, both personal and widespread, were great punishments for sins. In particular, a tragic and untimely death was often considered some kind of spiritual retribution passed down to the individual from God himself. This certainly made sense since the medical knowledge of the day could not explain the horrible plagues that wiped out entire populations, or other such tragic events. Often what is not understood is highly feared and attributed to a greater power, and so an early death or any death preceded by an agonizing illness was considered a terrible event since they were a clear indication of God's displeasure. These conceptions were replaced in the Renaissance, especially by the time Shakespeare was writing Hamlet."
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"The Merchant of Venice", 2007.
An analysis of the money-conscious attitudes of the various characters in William Shakespeare's play, "The Merchant of Venice."
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses whether Shylock the Jew is the most money-hungry character in William Shakespeare's play, "The Merchant of Venice." The paper analyzes the plot and some of the scenes in the play in order to compare the different character's views on money. The paper concludes that it is the Christian Bassanio who is the most money-conscious of all of the persons in the play and explains why this is so.
From the Paper
"It is the Christian Bassanio, ironically, who is the most money-conscious of all of the persons in the play. Bassanio chooses lead, when asked to select from the three caskets that Portia offers to test her suitors. She is happy that he wins, and the lead is supposed to be the correct choice, for the person who chooses lead is supposed to be a man who has hazarded all he has, to win Portia. But in truth, Bassanio has hazarded nothing and desires Portia's gold. It is Antonio who has taken the risk in lending money for his friend. Now that Shylock is angered because of the loss of his daughter, he resolves to call upon the bond Antonio made in jest, a pound of flesh. The jest-like nature of the false bond was reflected when Antonio said that: "The Hebrew will turn Christian: he grows kind." (I.2) In other words, Shylock asked for no interest or money upon the loan in an effort to cement his relationship with Antonio (another example of how Shylock does not always put money before relationships). However, Shylock's kindness turns to cruelty, because a Christian has sundered his relationship with his beloved daughter--a Christian, incidentally, in need of money that willingly spends the ducats stolen by his stolen bride from Shylock's coffers."
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Aristotle's Definition of the Tragedy, 2006.
This paper analyzes Sophocles' "Oedipus the King" according to Aristotle's definition of the tragedy.
965 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in Aristotle's definition of the tragedy, the most important element is that the medium in which the events occur is a drama rather than a narrative. The author points out that Sophocles' "Oedipus the King' is a tragedy that is demonstrated through the unity of events. The paper rates that thought, which relates to the ideas behind the tragic events in the drama, and diction, which refers to the expression of meaning through words, are other important tragic elements that Aristotle defines as important in a tragedy. The author discusses Sophocles' use of the chorus, which coincides with Aristotle's fifth important element of tragedy---song or melody.
From the Paper
"The second important element of the tragedy is a strong main character, who supports the plot of the drama. In this, the main character's motivations and fears interlink with the plot elements in the movement towards the climax of the tragedy. The main character, according to Aristotle, should not only be a person of great importance and prosperity in society, but he should also have admirable personality traits. The combination of material and spiritual prosperity will then make the outcome all the more tragic. This is certainly so in the case of Oedipus."
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'The Glass Menagerie', 2006.
A review of 'The Glass Menagerie' by Tennessee Williams.
1,127 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews one of Tennessee Williams' most memorable plays, 'The Glass Menagerie'. The paper reports that Williams could not help but to embed elements of his personal life in this play. The paper further discusses how, told through the eyes of narrator ,Tom, the story of the Wingfields remarkably resembles Williams' own life.
From the Paper
"The glass menagerie symbolizes not only Laura's fragility but that of the entire Wingfield family. Amanda may be the strongest Wingfield but Tom and Laura's mother is also vulnerable. She demonstrates an acute sense of financial insecurity and must feign confidence and strength in spite of having been abandoned by the men in her life. The Glass Menagerie is an inadvertently feminist play for several reasons. First, Amanda encourages Laura's occupational growth and self-sufficiency. Although she was raised in a traditional Southern family, Amanda does not view marriage as a woman's only source of personal satisfaction. Williams suggests that women in fact should not rely on men, based on the playwright's own experiences with his distant father and his personal tendencies toward fantasy and escapism. Tom, like Tennessee, cannot contend with the responsibilities and pressures placed up on him by traditional family life and the American Dream."
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"A Raisin in the Sun", 2007.
A review of Lorraine Hansberry's play "A Raisin in the Sun" .
2,111 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 80.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Lorraine Hansberry's play "A Raisin in the Sun" is considered by critics to be one of the strongest portrayals of the African-American nuclear family. It looks at how the implicit theme of "A Raisin in the Sun" is the impact of the family upon the actions of individual units, especially in relation to African-American families. It also examines how the social premise and moral conflicts of the play focuses on the pursuit of the Younger family to better their current situation. It analyzes the family through several different topics, including the impact of family experiences upon individual action, the impact of social influences upon the entire family, the impact of social and political factors upon the family, and finally, the gender roles that come in conflict within the nuclear family model.
From the Paper
"Common family experiences have a dramatic impact on the actions of each individual unit, and it unites the family in their pursuits. The Younger family is considered lower middle class; three generations occupy the nuclear model, with grandmother Lena at its head, Walter, Ruth and Beneatha as the second generation, and Travis as the youngest. The hardships endured by the family unit as a whole in their pursuit of survival binds them together. Lena and her husband worked tirelessly to raise their kids. Walter works extremely hard as a chauffeur in order to support his family, while Ruth has the full responsibility of handling the house and monitoring the family. It is the result of their persistent hardship that drives them to all yearn for change and greater social mobility (NPR, npg). "
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'Richard III', 2006.
A review of 'Richard III' by William Shakespeare.
1,219 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at William Shakespeare's play 'Richard III' and two movie versions based on this play. According to the paper, 'Richard III' is both a tragedy and a historical account of the short career of the last medieval English king. The paper discusses how Shakespeare's 'Richard III' depicts Richard and his "reign of terror" both unflatteringly and beyond historical accuracy.
From the Paper
" In the movie version, "Looking for Richard," Al Pacino creates, directs and stars as Richard III's obsession for power, lust and betrayal through the streets of New York to the birthplace of Shakespeare to an emotionally charged production of Richard III (Richard III Society 1996) It is a presentation of Shakespeare with an untraditional format more accessible to the modern audience and with which this modern audience can relate better. The cast includes Estelle Parsons as Queen Margaret, Alec Baldwin as Clarence, Kevin Spacey as Buckingham, Winona Ryder as Lady Anne and Aidan Quinn as Richmond. Al Pacino also puts in the enthusiasm and help of Sir John Gielgud, Sir Derek Jacobi, Kenneth Branagh, Vanessa Redgrave, James Earl Jones and Kevin Kline in an attempt at making everyone enjoy Shakespeare and his tales truly timeless in exploring human nature. This version is different from the first two interpretations in that Al Pacino and his actors needed to break down the barriers, which render Shakespeare's history complicated and intimidating. Al Pacino allows his viewer to go behind the scenes and witness the actual process of acting. The heavier aspects of the play are made mild by informal shots of actors dealing with their roles in either a comic or heated forum. Al Pacino's methods of analysis are insightful, amusing and engrossing. He transcends the barrier between actors and their audience as he stands in London's legendary Globe Theater and the halls of New York City's Cloisters Museum (Richard III Society)."
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"The Cuban Swimmer", 2007.
An analysis of the abusive trainer-athlete relationship in the play "The Cuban Swimmer" by Milcha Sanchez-Scott.
1,036 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how the play highlights the potential abuses of the athlete and coach relationship by contrasting the young heroine's poetic and triumphant efforts with the crass desire of her trainer for media exposure. The paper shows how Margarita's trainer, her father, is motivated by his own needs, not by his young charge's athletic glory. The paper stresses that the message of "The Cuban Swimmer" is that Margarita, the young athlete of Hispanic origin, is a success because she manages to break from the confines of her assigned role in the family.
From the Paper
"The fact that the heroine's trainer is also her father further complicates the nature of the abuses Margarita suffers under his hard tutelage. Throughout the short play, her father brusquely tells her how to breath and stroke and reveals his profound ignorance of the true nature of the water and his daughter's increasingly weary body. Despite the contention of Eduardo, the father of the title character, that he has everything under control, the play "The Cuban Swimmer" highlights how little control Eduardo really has over his own emotions as he becomes caught up in the media frenzy that ensues as a result of his teenage daughter's determination and swimming prowess."
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Award-Giving Bodies, 2007.
A comparative analysis of the Academy Awards (Oscars) and MTV Movie Awards (MTV-MA).
994 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a comparative analysis of the Academy Awards and MTV-MA as award-giving bodies. The paper posits that both award-giving bodies have similarities and differences that arise from the culture, audience, commercial value and socio-political relevance of the movies and processes that each award-giving body undergoes. The paper in general attributes specific segments of American culture as the primary driver that distinguishes the Oscars from the MTV-MA.
From the Paper
"These award-giving programs have their own niche and place at the spectrum of American entertainment. The Academy Awards' image differs radically from the MTV Movie Awards, though both programs enjoy popularity and renown not only in the entertainment business, but more specifically because of their influence in American culture. The Academy Awards' (referred to from now on as the Oscars) and MTV-MA's (MTV Movie Awards) importance is based, then, on their relevance to the entertainment business and the general public (as the audience and patrons of the entertainment business)."
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"Marriage of Figaro", 2007.
A comparison of the plays, "Marriage of Figaro," written by Pierre de Beaumarchais to "Travels in France" by Arthur Young.
749 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the play, "Marriage of Figaro," written by Pierre de Beaumarchais. It compares Beaumarchais' play to the play "Travels in France" by Arthur Young. The paper places Beaumarchais' work within the historical context of noble life in the late 18th century. It then compares Young's account of the French city and country life to Beaumarchais' characterization of the nobility and the countryside.
Table of Contents:
Objective
Introduction
I. Beaumarchais: The Nobility and the Countryside
II. Young: Travels in France and the City and Country Life Described
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper
"The play entitled: "Marriage of Figaro" was written by Pierre de Beaumarchais (1732-1799) a French playwright. This play is in the time period setting of the 18th Century, specifically the Count Almaviva's castle in Seville. The work of Arthur Young: "Travels in France" also gives a glimpse into the 18th century politics and social aspects and interactions between the nobility and the poor. In each of the works the self-absorbed nature of the nobility are described as well as the conditions of those unfortunate enough to be poor."
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Macbeth and Materialism, 2007.
This paper examines the concept of materialism in works of art, concentrating on William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.
1,297 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 52.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer explains that in Shakespeare's world, extreme wealth and comfort were enjoyed at their ultimate peak generally only by royalty. The writer relates that people today, like Macbeth in Shakespeare's play, are realizing that material wealth is, after all, not the ultimate pathway towards true happiness. The writer discusses that Macbeth wants the power of being king so badly that he would do anything to fulfill the prophesy, even if it means sinking to levels that are out of his character. The writer concludes that while spirituality takes a different form in the modern-day world than in Shakespeare's time, there is still the separation of pure materialism from the higher, inherently human values.
From the Paper
"True to the prophesy of the above words, Macbeth destroys both his security and power by succumbing to the illusion of security. The appearance of extreme wealth and power blinds him to the true danger around him and to the false promises of the witches. In this way the play acts as a warning for the audience: wealth and power are likely to bring more grief and danger than they are worth. They also destroy any meaningful connection that might exist between the human being and the divine."
"In modern-day works of art, the same warning is issued, although in a more light-hearted, redeeming fashion. Furthermore, material wealth and the divine come closer to each other than in Shakespeare's play, suggesting a new paradigm of wealth and its relationship to divinity. Aristotle's assertion in terms of modern humankind may therefore hold less truth than may have been the case for the average Shakespearean audience."
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Ted Hughes and Samuel Beckett, 2006.
A review of the work of Samuel Beckett and Ted Hughes.
1,677 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at Samuel Beckett's "Endgame" and Ted Hughes' "Crow". According to the paper, after World War II, authors were faced with the difficulty of creating written works of meaning in a world that seemed so cruel that any attempt at making meaning or moral sense of human behavior seemed futile. This paper discusses Beckett's and Hughes' attempts at making, and failing to make, a new mythology in a world vacant of belief.
From the Paper
"No one could describe Beckett's characters as attractive, and this deliberate impulse towards ugliness is also seen in Ted Hughes creation of the mythological, ugly character in the form of "Crow." A crow, the traditional trickster character of mythology, is a harsh-voiced bird, and Hughes himself said he selected this solitary feeder upon the bones of the dead as his protagonist quite deliberately--just as Beckett's characters feed upon the bones of a cultural system of meaning and a personal past that now has no shape or structure--"it's like the funny story we have heard too often, we still find it funny, but we don't laugh any more," says Nell of the "Endgame" dialogue--the animal Crow feeds upon what is left behind, feeding upon the dead in a world that is based upon death. The crow is a "nightmare" creation, a defiant voice in the wilderness against God. (Sagar, 1975) "
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