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Theater Genres, 2007.
This paper discusses genres of the theater, both past and present.
1,509 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 64.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that, as noted by Alvin Goldfarb and Edwin Wilson in the text 'Theater: The Lively Art', quite often it is difficult to identify a play as either tragic or comic, simply based upon its plot. The writer points out that the way that the author of a play chooses to depict certain events determines the audience's reaction, whether viewers will gasp in horror or roar with laughter. Further, the writer notes that the difficulty in determining the genre of the play based upon plot alone, however, is best illustrated, perhaps in comparing some of Shakespeare's plays with exactly the same plots. The writer concludes that when classifying the genre of a play, one must consider the overall texture of the work, as the playwright usually cannot, nor wants, to create a seamless effect of laughter or sadness.
From the Paper
"Goldfarb and Wilson point out that the genres of tragedy and comedy themselves have undergone substantial reconfiguration over the course of the history of drama. Classical tragedy used to only involve august personages, like kings and great heroes, along the lines of Oedipus Rex or Jason. Later, in modern tragedy, ordinary men and women's lives were given epic scope and drama, like Arthur Miller's tragic figure of the salesman Willy Loman in "Death of a Salesman," or the Iceman Hickey, the man who murders his wife in Eugene O'Neill's "The Iceman Cometh." These modern characters were not heroes or gods. Their actions were deemed worthy by the modern playwright of the audience's interest, and the main character's tragic fall is viewed with great sadness, even though the men are quite ordinary."
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"Hamlet", 2007.
An analysis of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet", focusing on Hamlet's delay in killing Claudius.
2,319 words (approx. 9.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 92.95
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Abstract
This paper explores why Hamlet delayed the revenge of his father's death by killing Claudius, in William Shakespeare's play, "Hamlet". The author examines several possible explanations about why Hamlet did not take immediate revenge including fear of becoming king, suffering from an Oedipus complex, fear of the ghost and other factors that may have played a part in Hamlet's reluctance to exact revenge on the man who killed his father.
From the Paper
"Along those same lines have been arguments that Hamlet was mentally stable but to weak minded to make a decision as strong as deciding to commit murder. This theory is not one that is easily supported however because he shows in many instances during the play that he can make a decision when he needs to. He also does not display weakness when he first begins killing characters. Whatever caused him to delay in the killing of his stepfather probably had more to do with the task of killing Claudius than the act of killing in itself."
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"Macbeth", 2007.
An analysis of the dramatic events which take place in the play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare.
979 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the play "Macbeth" is the story of how ambition can drive a person to commit terrible acts. It looks at how the play is written in the order of the events, with the exposition scattered through much of the first act. It then discusses the various important and dramatic scenes of the play and notes that one of the most important parts establishing the play happens in the first scene when the three witches appear and are talking about how they are going to see Macbeth.
From the Paper
"In the second scene, King Duncan hears about Macbeth's victories and makes him thane of Cawdor in the place of the old thane who was a traitor. In scene iii the witches greet Macbeth as the thane of Cawdor before he has been told of Duncan's decision. The witches predict that Macbeth will become king and that his companion, Banquo, will have a son who become king, although he himself will not ever sit on the throne. This prophecy immediately starts Macbeth thinking about whether he should try to help these events happen or not."
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The Winter's Tale, 2005.
A discussion on Shakespeare's play, "The Winter's Tale".
1,858 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper focuses on the final scene, Act V of "The Winter's Tale". It discusses the main themes of the scene, that of mystery, magic and mockery. The author of the paper offers examples from the text to qualify points made. The paper also highlights the Greek and Christian symbols which Shakespeare presents.
From the Paper
"The symbol of unveiling is also significant in this final scene. That which is "Lonely, apart" is both virginal and mysterious like an esoteric wisdom. Shakespeare therefore imbues the scene with a mystic flavor. Something secret is about to be revealed; one of life's mysteries is to be encountered by human eyes. Paulina states, "prepare / To see the life as lively mock'd as ever / Still sleep mock'd death: behold, and say 'tis well." The references to sleep and death and to a mockery of both also suggest esoteric wisdom, which seeks a greater understanding of the meaning of life, death, and the unconscious mind."
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Shakespeare's Fathers and Daughters, 2006.
This paper discusses Shakespeare's portrayal of the relationship between fathers and daughters.
1,969 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 81.95
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Abstract
In this essay, the writer discusses Shakespeare's work, while examining the way in which he portrays the relationship between fathers and daughters. The writer looks at the plays "King Lear" and "The Tempest," in which the daughters pursue a certain course in life due to their fathers' patriarchal actions. Further, the writer discusses the play "The Tempest," in which the character Miranda follows, although somewhat rebelliously, the eventually advantageous path set out by her father. The writer also looks at "Romeo and Juliet" in which the bonds between Juliet and her father appear to be much more loyalty bound than love oriented and patriarchy constraints are to the extreme. Using references from literature discussing Shakespeare's writings, the writer presents this view of the roles of fathers and daughters in Shakespeare's work.
From the Paper
""Romeo and Juliet" is naturally one of the first Shakespeare plays that comes to mind when considering the role of fathers and daughters, because of the work's popularity through the years with its many modern renditions. However the bonds between Juliet and her father appear to be much more loyalty and dutiful bound than love oriented, and patriarchy constraints are to the extreme. Although Cordelia does not actually say the exact words her father, Lear, wants to hear, it is because of love not fear. Likewise, Miranda and Prospero have a very loving father-daughter relationship from the very beginning of "The Tempest." Although "Romeo and Juliet" does definitely show how a daughter's actions are set in place by her father's behavior, "King Lear" and "The Tempest" are even more interesting due to the additional conflicting relationships that exist due to this strong love between father and child."
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Odyssey, Othello and Sir Gawain, 2006.
An analysis of the influence of women to the protagonists in "Odyssey", "Othello" and "Sir Gawain".
2,068 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 85.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes how the male protagonists in the "Odyssey" by Homer, "Othello" by William Shakespeare, and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" are driven by their personal needs, strengths and weaknesses. It also describes how their lives are greatly influenced by women and details these influences.
From the Paper
"Sir Gawain, in other words, is gaining his power and strength to fight the Green Knight from Mary and the Church. This power will help him if he is ever tested to be disloyal in love and spiritual faith. Like Odysseus, on his journey to look for the Green Knight he is confronted by a number of hardships and finally reaches the point of despair. However, he is not helped by the thought of a mortal woman waiting, but a spiritual symbol. As he lies cold and alone in the woods, he prays to Mary to find him shelter and a place of lodging to say Mass on the Eve of Christmas. She answers his prayers and leads him to Bertilak's, "The Cross of Christ me speed!" (33.)"
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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$ 56.95
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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$ 69.95
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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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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$ 88.95
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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$ 73.95
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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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Tragedy and Comedy, 2005.
A discussion of tragedy and comedy in literature.
1,279 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper tries to find the similarities, despite their obvious differences, between tragedy and comedy. The paper explores Greek and Shakespearean literature to qualify points made. The author of the paper concludes with a personal opinion and an example of the correlation of tragedy and comedy in life.
From the Paper
" This criticism can however be rebutted by the fact that tragedy and comedy can entail elements of each other. Although a tragic Greek play involved more death and injury than the comedy, both genres focused on the meaning and the consequences of actions. To once again take the example of Oedipus, several people die as a result of his inability to escape his fate. He however accepts this and does what he feels is necessary to once again balance the elements. This, in an extreme way, gives meaning to Oedipus' tragedy and provides him with a sort of peace. Comedy approaches life from a different angle but also with the basic search for meaning in life. The obstacles before the glory in the end can be related to the obstacles in tragedy, all of which need to be overcome to reach the appropriate end of the play. The common element therefore is the search for meaning and peace through the turmoil of the obstacles provided by means of either tragic or comic elements in the ancient Greek play."
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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$ 63.95
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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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Hamlet and Othello: Driven by Emotion, 2006.
An analysis of the characteristics of Hamlet and Othello.
983 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the essential flaws in the characters of Hamlet and Othello and discusses the ways that these flaws leads to the tragic actions of the plays and the characters' downfalls. It examines the ways in which the characters' flaws are similar, in that their flaws are emotional, where both characters do not have full control of their emotions and that this allows them to be governed by their emotions.
From the Paper
"Othello's fatal flaw is also related to his inability to deal with his emotions. The difference is that Othello's emotions are jealousy associated with his wife, not shame associated with his mother. Bradley describes this by saying that "Othello's nature is all of one piece... Love, if he loves, must be to him the heaven where either he must leave or bear no life. If such a passion as jealousy seizes him, it will swell into a well-night incontrollable flood" (Bradley 188). This shows how Othello goes to the extremes, especially relating to his emotions. Bradley also says that "He is quite free from introspection, and is not given to reflection."
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"Henry V", 2006.
An examination of the use of the word 'wild' in William Shakespeare's "Henry V".
1,673 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, in Shakespeare's "Henry V", the word wild or wildness is used throughout the play to describe the character of King Henry V, the characters of men in general and the circumstances in England and France. It provides a definition of the notion of 'wild' and then provides examples of the use of this theme of "wild" from the play.
From the Paper
"In this statement, King Henry refers not to his own wilder days, but to the wilder days of England. The last sentence where he refers to having never valued the seat of England shows that his complaint is against how England has been managed under his father's rule. He considers that France thinks it is better than England and sees his father as not being a strong enough leader to drive England to victory over France. In this context, the wilder days of England is a negative description of the way England was. He is describing England as being poorly managed and overgrown, as if his father was not able to unite England into one. This establishes that Henry also sees wildness as something negative. Clearly, Henry is not a character where he believes that a wild character will help him lead his country."
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War and 'Henry V', 2006.
An analysis of the play "Henry V" by William Shakespeare.
1,891 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 78.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the play "Henry V" by William Shakespeare. Specifically it discusses the various meanings of the word war and how Shakespeare uses it throughout the play. Because so much of the play revolves around war and the results of war, war has become a vital word in this play.
From the Paper
"The word war appears often in this play, along with many variations. In this quote from the First Act, Henry shows the audience his desire to go to war and to conquer France. Shakespeare writes, "For we have now no thought in us but France, / Save those to God, that run before our business. / Therefore, let our proportions for these wars / Be soon collected, and all things thought upon / That may with reasonable swiftness add / More feathers to our wings; for, God before, / We'll chide this Dauphin at his father's door. / Therefore let every man now task his thought, / That this fair action may on foot be brought" (Shakespeare I, ii). The King uses the word as "wars," and acts as if the wars are guided by God.
This is an important aspect of the word, for often wars seem to be religiously inspired, or fought on "God's side." The "right" side in any war believes they are fighting for the right cause and the right reason. For example, in World War II, the Allies were fighting against Fascism and Hitler's horrible dictatorship. The Allies were certainly "right," while Hitler and his followers were "wrong."
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"Hamlet", 2006.
A review of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet", a tragic play that explores human emotions.
1,206 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the tragic play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare. In "Hamlet", Shakespeare explores various human emotions, particularly the need for revenge. This paper takes a look at these emotions as well as the righteous value that proved to be to Hamlet's downfall.
From the Paper
"First, Hamlet is a thinker. He has the mind of a great man and a sense of the vastness of the universe and eternity. He constantly questions himself about the meaning of life. "What is this quintessence of dust?" he asks. Many of his questions are not answerable to this day. He wonders about profound issues that perhaps only God understands. He is certainly aware of "the great question of being" and of what he does not know. "There are more things in heaven and earth...than are dreamt of in our philosophy." He senses the mental nature of existence and makes profound statements, such as, "There is nothing either good nor bad, but thinking makes it so." Hamlet is also a good judge of honesty and can tell when others are not being completely honest with him. For example, when his old friends Gildenstern and Rosenkranz are asked by the queen and Claudius to come and visit him, he knows they are lying about their reason for visiting."
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