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Race and Masculinity, 2008.
A review of the book "Battle Royal" by Ralph Ellison.
1,460 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 70.95
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Abstract
An examination of racism and cruelty towards African Americans in Ralph Ellison's book, "Battle Royal". The paper explains that in Ellison's story "Battle Royal", powerful symbolism, e.g. that of blind fighting on an electrified rug, is used to significantly portray African Americans' struggle for equality, and to also show both the artificial construction-connection and the degradation of race and masculinity at once. The paper also points out that within Ellison's "Battle Royal", race and masculinity are also deliberately constructed, especially vis-a-vis prejudiced white society, by the African-American author in order to illustrate the conjoining and the degradation, by whites, of African-American race and masculinity.
From the Paper
"Near the end of Ralph Ellison's "Battle Royal"; in the scene where the young black narrator finally repeats his recent high school graduation speech to the assembled white businessmen and other pillars of the [racist] community; Ralph Ellison juxtaposes 1940's-era African American typically degraded masculinity, against the dominant but nervous masculinity of the town's leading middle-aged white males. Here, Ellison describes a clearly well planned and orchestrated afternoon of deep racial and sexual humiliation, combined, of the teenage narrator and other black youths his age who are pressured and coerced into fighting one another, supposedly for prize money."
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Mikael Niemi's "Popular Music from Vittula", 2008.
Reviews Swedish author Mikael Niemi's first novel "Popular Music from Vittula".
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Swedish author Mikael Niemi's novel "Popular Music from Vittula", about coming of age in rural Sweden in the 1960s, is an example of postcolonialism literature that has a perfect blend of protagonist, subject and aesthetic. The paer describes postcolonialism literature as having a theme of ideological and psychological change; whereby, the original cultural world of the postcolonial author has been changed forever by an outside nation or culture so it cannot be rejected. The paper then states that in this book the harsh climate and the values of the land seem isolated from the rest of mainstream Swedish society; however, as in other novels of colonialism, the larger culture is always intruding in visible and invisible ways, just as the boys on the cusp of adolescence and adulthood are being forced to grow up.
From the Paper
"Niemi's tale takes place in the Swedish town of Pajala, a place so remote it might be another nation to many readers, including Swedes. On reviewer observed that the residents are: "looked down upon by the Swedes for being too Finnish and by the Finnish for being too Swedish, the people of Pajala share a universally accepted inferiority complex that is dutifully passed on to the next generation." In short, the residents embody the colonial paradox of being despised for their origins, yet those who attempt to assume any of the culture or follow the rules of the occupiers or dominant culture are mocked by members of that culture."
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"Flowers in the Attic", 2008.
This paper analyzes the book "Flowers in the Attic" by V. C. Andrews.
1,765 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 81.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the maltreatment of the children including beatings, intentional incarceration, neglect, incest and death in "Flowers in the Attic". The paper discusses the lessons a social worker can learn from this novel and apply to his or her practice. The paper posits that this book offers an important lesson on the dark side of human nature and how that nature can affect innocent children.
From the Paper
"The author knows at least some of what she writes about in this novel. One author notes, "Her books, like Flowers in the Attic, as well as its sequels and prequels, concern hidden incest. Clearly, what is taken to be unnatural here is unnatural and repulsive from a moral standpoint" (Carroll, 1990, p. 40). When she was in high school, she fell down a flight of stairs and injured her back so severely that she will spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair. She has felt isolation and unhappiness in her own life, and clearly brings those feelings to her novels. She may have even felt repulsive and unnatural, prompting her to write this book about her own experiences and isolation after her accident. This book was her first novel, and because of the violence, rape, and incest it contains, it has come under controversy ever since it was written in 1979 (Editors, 2005)."
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Mario Livio's "The Golden Ratio", 2008.
A review of Mario Livio's book "The Golden Ratio: The Story of Phi, the World's Most Astonishing Number', which chronicles the history of this number.
1,260 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 1 source, APA, AU$ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Mario Livio's book "The Golden Ratio: The Story of Phi, the World's Most Astonishing Number", chronicles the history of, not of a person, thing, or concept, but a number. The paper then relates that this number phi, or notion of proportionality or the 'Golden Ratio', however, has been invested with so much cultural, emotional, and religious importance that it has taken on a character of its own. Next, the paper points out that the reason that phi is astonishing is because, for centuries, our fascination with proportion and beauty has made its properties an object of wonder. The paper concludes that, although Livio ultimately deflates the mystery of phi, his book is a helpful explanation not just of the number but also of why balance and symmetry dominates so many modern discussions of art and architecture.
From the Paper
"But ultimately, astrophysicist Mario Livio says that creating this mysterious proportion is no different than a person cutting a piece of string into pieces. While the 'Golden Ratio' appears in many natural phenomena, some supposed appearances are really not true 'Golden Ratios' (such as the Pyramids and Parthenon) and all appearance of perfection is based in human notions of proportionality. It is evidence of humans looking at nature, not that nature or God through nature looking back at us. We see perfection and proportionality because we are looking for it in nature."
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"The Conquest of Everest", 2008.
This paper reviews the book "The Conquest of Everest" by Sir John Hunt.
1,047 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 52.95
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Abstract
The paper describes "The Conquest of Everest" that tells the story of two men who reached the top of Mount Everest in 1953, the first men to reach the summit of the world's tallest mountain. The paper looks at how Sir John Hunt shows the difficulty of preparing for an expedition of this kind and the grave dangers the climbers faced. The paper recommends this book to anyone who is interested in adventure or history.
From the Paper
"Author Hunt chronicles the 1953 expedition thoroughly, from the preparations the team made before the expedition, to the studies and attempts made by other teams trying to scale the mountain. He also discusses the problems with climbing the mountain, which now do not seem as difficult as they were over 50 years ago. For example, he writes, "These two factors, the altitude and the weather, tend separately and together to defeat the climber" (Hunt 12). However, today, it is not unusual for many parties to attempt to climb and conquer Mt. Everest every climbing season, and while there are still injuries and deaths on the mountain, equipment, and knowledge have helped create more opportunities for more people to climb the mountain than ever before, so some of these problems have at least been tamed."
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H.E. Huntley's "The Divine Proportion", 2008.
A review of H.E. Huntley's book, "The Divine Proportion", which argues that mathematics can be beautiful.
1,175 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, APA, AU$ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that H.E. Huntley, in his book "The Divine Proportion" claims that beauty exists as a principle, which is external and transcendent to any individual human being's ability to create either equations or art. The paper also discusses Huntley's arguement that the 'Golden Ratio', also known as phi, is the supreme proof that God is a mathematician and that the mathematician and creator God appreciates nature. The paper concludes that Huntley's book is clearly not aimed at mathematicians, given that he is trying to defend his profession and the beauty of math; however, most people lacking fairly solid math skills would find this book a very difficult read, except for its first and last chapters.
From the Paper
"Huntley's last chapters shift somewhat from the defense of the 'Golden Ratio' as proof of the existence of universal ideals of beauty and proportionality, and moves on into a more general defense of mathematics as a discipline that is in pursuit of beauty no less than sculpture or art. But why does mathematics need to defend itself as beautiful, to hold its place beside art, poetry, and philosophy? The divisions between the disciplines that did not exist for the ancient Greeks say more about the development of our culture into a split between the sciences and the arts than a failure to recognize the capabilities of mathematics' contribution to the world in general."
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Protagonists and Their Roles, 2008.
A comparative analysis of the development of the protagonist in "Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, "Emma" by Jane Austen, and "My Name is Asher Lev" by Chaim Potok.
1,617 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the novels "Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, "Emma" by Jane Austen, and "My Name is Asher Lev" by Chaim Potok. Specifically it examines the role of the protagonist in these three novels and how each of them grows and develops in some way during these novels. The paper concludes that these novels are novels about coming of age or transformations, as they all concentrate on the growth and increasing awareness of the characters to their surroundings and their own maturity and self-awareness, as the evidence shows.
From the Paper
"Emma's growth is similar to Huck's in that she matures and learns to question certain aspects of society. However, her circumstances are far different from Huck's. She is wealthy and pampered, and a bit selfish and self-centered at the beginning of the novel. In comparison, Huck has never had it easy, and he continues to struggle throughout the novel, actively seeking a place for himself and his friend. He is also a loveable character, even if he is mischievous and impish, while there are times when Emma is decidedly unlovable and not open to learning about herself throughout much of the novel, because she is too busy meddling in other's affairs. Inside, she is a good person, just as Huck is, and so the reader hopes she will learn from her mistakes and find love."
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Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, 2008.
A review of the book "Why We Can't Wait" by Martin Luther King, Jr.
852 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the book "Why We Can't Wait" by Martin Luther King, Jr. which describes the 1963 struggle for civil rights that climaxed with legislation that ended segregation in the United States. The paper looks at how this book is written in graphic terms, in language that is intended to move people. The paper also points out that the chapters in the book are, in essence, written sermons. The paper then explains why "Why We Can't Wait" is an important document concerning this period of segregation and oppression of black people in America.
From the Paper
"In the opening chapter, Dr. King addresses the question, "Why 1963?" and summarizes the many events that brought the emotional crisis which black people had endured to a head. Segregationists were proving the depth of their intransigence. Africa was moving to full independence, yet in much of America neither African diplomats to the United States nor United States Marines were accorded basic human decency. To combat this situation, Dr. King had studied and been profoundly influenced by the doctrine of non-violence, which he discusses in his second chapter, "The Sword That Heals.""
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J. D. Salinger's War Fiction, 2008.
Compares J. D. Salinger's use of war themes in his short stories "The Stranger" and "A Perfect Day for Bananafish".
1,015 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that J. D. Salinger's short fiction was influenced to a great extent by his participation in World War II and by the nervous breakdown he suffered when he returned from the battlefield. The paper then points out that, although their setting and main plot differ, his two short stories, "The Stranger" and "A Perfect Day for Bananafish", have many common elements. The paper also relates that both texts have as main characters young men who recently returned from the war suffering from psychological stress. The paper concludes that, in both stories, war is seen as more than a mere experience of death and anguish; it is indicative of inhumanity, corruption and extreme violence as opposed to the world of innocence, which infancy represents.
From the Paper
"Thus, the stories converge in a few points, the most important of which being the former soldier's emotional stress after the war and the refuge they try to take in the innocent world of the two girls, Sybil and Mattie. Thus, Babe notices with surprise the beautiful way in which his little sister makes a playful jump from the curve of the highway to its surface and listens to her innocent babble about some plays they could go and see. The apparently nonsense talk of the child is the most important part of the story as it stands in contrast with the crimes of the war."
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"Bleak House", 2008.
A review of Charles Dickens' novel "Bleak House".
4,299 words (approx. 17.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 164.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how in "Bleak House", Dickens' expressed opinion of the entire British legal system is bleak, at best. It looks at how Dickens' long-winded story, although interestingly woven with plot and characters, paints a portrait of a corrupt, confused and hopeless legal justice system. In particular, it examines how the case, Jarndyce & Jarndyce, which has been in litigation for so many years that no one alive, except one person knows what it is about, is the centerpiece for Dickens' portrait of a system gone to seed and how the local chancery, under whose jurisdiction Jarndyce & Jarndyce languishes, is a portrait of bureaucratic waste and greed.
From the Paper
"Dickens treated the issue of poverty very seriously, and the appalling conditions that prevailed at Tom-all-Alone's reveal his great compassion and even anger over England's poor. One review points out that by describing areas such as Tom-all-Aloe's, Dickens " shows that, had the court used the money that was tied up in foolish legal issues on repairing and maintaining such areas as these, many citizens could have found some hope" (Lecki). In 1853 in a review of the story, Henry Chorley comments on Dickens' poor young character, Jo, saying that , "Perhaps among all the waifs and strays, the beggars and the outcasts, in behalf of whose humanity our author has again and again appealed to a world too apt to forget their existence, he has never produced anything more rueful, more pitiable....The dying scene with its terrible morals and impetuous protest, Mr. Dickens has nowhere in all his works excelled" (Jecki). "
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African-American Identity, 2008.
This paper explores African-American self-definition and development.
999 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 51.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the need for a communal African-American identity, with a commitment to acknowledging racism and combating it. The paper looks at the works of Chinua Achebe, Kwame Gyekye and Aime Cesaire who, from different viewpoints, each make a strong call for African-Americans to form a community or family that remembers and reclaims its cultural legacy. The paper explains that claiming membership in a global community of Africans is a way of building a well-grounded and powerful identity that can heal and liberate.
From the Paper
"The question of the self-identity of African Americans is a complex one. On the one hand, their identity is clear - they are Americans, with all of the challenges and responsibilities that go with this identity in 2007. On the other hand, however, they have a broader identity: their African identity. To some extent, this is true of most Americans - for example, there are many Americans of Irish descent. However, there are two important differences. One of them is that African Americans comprise a visible minority, merely by being clearly and visibly African. The second is that unlike Irish people, millions of Africans today still live in extremely difficult circumstances. Moreover, as famous Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe claims, this is arguably part of the legacy of racism."
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"The Time Machine" and Socialism, 2008.
A reflection on H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine" and its ideas about socialism.
1,040 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 1 source, APA, AU$ 52.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine" is more interesting for its social and intellectual commentary than the idea of time travel in science fiction. The paper describes the Eloi, the peaceful, degenerate people of the future England and shows how Wells conveys his objections to the main ideas of socialism and Utopianism. The paper also explains Wells' belief that instead of creating that perfect society without class conflicts, it is better to work to correct the injustices of capitalism and the large gaps between classes.
Outline:
Introduction
The Block Theory and Time
Wells's Rejection of Utopian Ideas
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper
"Herbert George Wells (1866-1946) remains famous for his great novella, The Time Machine, often mentioned as an important work of science fiction for how it inspired other efforts of science fiction. People may remember this novella for its idea of time travel that Wells was the first to employ in fiction, a story appearing in serial form in New Review in 1894 and 1895, then published in book form by Heinemann in London in 1895. However, The Time Machine seems more important for its indication of what Wells saw in several ideas of his day, beyond matters of science fiction and the Block theory of the universe on which the idea of traveling forwards in time implies. If studying a little of the late 19th century in Britain and the ideals debated by the educated classes, one reads The Time Machine with an appreciation of much that the author believed was incorrect about then important ideas of socialism."
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Loyalty in "Beowulf", 2008.
An analysis of the theme of loyalty and faithfulness in the epic poem "Beowulf".
947 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 48.95
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Abstract
The paper details how Beowulf's followers follow him when his strength is at its peak, but desert him when he is confronted with his deadliest test. The paper explains that Beowulf's loyalty to others is fueled by a profound sense of honor while his warriors, lacking his courage and sense of honor, are weak-willed and turn away from him when he needs them most. The paper shows how this poem is a testament to the extraordinary faith of Beowulf in others and in the warrior's code.
From the Paper
"While Beowulf must endure faithlessness on the part of some of his men, this lack of constancy is not immediately apparent in the text. For instance, on the first night in the castle of Hrothgar, Beowulf lies surrounded by his sturdy retinue of Geat soldiers: "The Geats' great chief/dropped/His head to his pillow/and around him, as ready as they could be, lay the soldiers who had crossed /the sea/At his side, each of them sure that he was lost/to the home he loved" (688-692). These are men prepared to die with their leader, if the fates willed it, and loyalty is surely not an issue for any of them."
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A Timeline of "A Separate Peace", 2008.
This paper presents a timeline of twelve major events that comprise the core of John Knowles,' book "A Separate Peace."
1,285 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 1 source, APA, AU$ 62.95
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Abstract
The paper outlines twelve major events in chronological order in John Knowles' book, "A Separate Peace", and explores their significance. The paper highlights the ideas of coming-of-age as an adult, personal transformations and about friends finding fulfillment through each other. The paper shows how the story is about being forced to confront painful realities; war, human frailty and the loss of innocence being chief among them.
Outline:
First Major Event: The Return to Devon
Second Event: Climbing up the Tree (the Second Climb)
Third Event: Finny's Confession of Friendship and Gene's Hesitation
Fourth Event: Gene Flunks the Trigonometry Test
Fifth Event: Finny's Fall
Sixth Event: The Visit in the Infirmary and the Failed Confession
Seventh Event: The Confession at Finny's Home in Boston
Eighth Event: Gene's Decision to Enlist - and how It Is Interrupted by Finny's Return
Ninth Event: Gene Decides to Become an Olympic Athlete
Tenth Event: the Fight with Leper at Leper's Home in Vermont
Eleventh Event: the Tribunal
Twelfth Event: Finny's Death
From the Paper
"In chapter one, the narrator of the story returns to the elite Devon school campus in New Hampshire 15 years after graduation. Upon his return, the narrator is re-introduced to the fear he felt at the time (he was a student during the height of the Second World War) and he is prompted to recollect the summer of 1942 when his room-mate, Phineas or "Finny," persuaded him to jump off the branch of a tree found on the Devon campus; the tree, as it turns out, is located right beside a river and it is into the river that one must jump. Ultimately, the act of jumping into the river, and the wrestling that Finny and the narrator do afterwards, causes them to miss dinner that evening."
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"The Awakening" and The Life of Kate Chopin, 2008.
A brief analysis of the life of Kate Chopin and a review of the theme of her work, "The Awakening."
776 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the life of Kate Chopin and reviews her book, "The Awakening." It begins by providing an overview of Chopin's early life and discusses how she began to publish stories and then went on to become a serious and prolific writer. The paper then focuses on her work, "The Awakening," written in 1899. It specifically looks at how Chopin may have been expressing some of her deepest feelings and emotions through the character of Edna.
From the Paper
"Kate married Oscar Chopin when she was 20 years old, and spent her honeymoon in Europe. Oscar was a successful cosmopolitan cotton broker from New Orleans, and shortly after marriage, the couple moved there to begin their married life and eventually raise a family. Oscar was a surprisingly accommodating husband in this male dominated society, and Kate took advantage of every opportunity of her freedoms. She "took long solitary walks, daringly showed her ankles when lifting her skirts to cross a street, smoked cigarettes and kept an intermittent diary" (Lichtenstein). She did not hide her obvious intelligence nor did she hide her disdain and rebellious attitude for "proper society" (Lichtenstein). Oscar died only 12 years after the couple married, but in that time, Kate bore him six children and performed the role of the perfect homemaker as society expected."
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Greek and Roman Philosophy, 2008.
This paper studies the issue of Greek and Roman philosophy and the attempt to give meaning to life.
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 60.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that philosophy was created by the Greeks as a way of delving into many of the questions about life and the relationship of the individual to the rest of the world. The writer also explains that the philosopher asked about the meaning of life and offered answers to how that meaning could be found. The writer notes that one aspect of philosophical inquiry was intended to help understand the meaning of life and to explain the value of philosophical inquiry itself to understand the meaning of life. The writer concludes that philosophers ever since the beginnings of philosophy in the Greek world have considered how to give meaning to life and what aspects of life are most important in making that determination.
From the Paper
"One of the key issues in philosophy is what constitutes a moral life, which entails questions of the meaning of happiness and its importance, the definition of moral character and its necessity, conflicts between the two elements, and the question of what other elements are necessary for living a good life.
"Happiness can be identified not as an element in living the good life but as the act of living the good life. Aristotle indicates this with reference to the issue of wisdom. For Aristotle, practical wisdom means knowledge concerning the good life and how to achieve it. In addition, for Aristotle the good life is the happy life, and everything that is good is good only as it leads to and is conducive to human happiness. Aristotle argues that not all ends are final ends, and some are the means to other ends. Yet there has to be a final end in sight or the process would be infinite and never reach the good, the chief good that is something final. There can be only one final end, and that is the end human beings are seeking. Identifying what this is requires a consideration of its nature and the nature of competing goals."
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