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Jealous Loves, 2006.
A study of "Othello" by William Shakespeare and "'Tis Pity She's a Whore" by John Ford.
1,426 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 77.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that marriage creates a social bond between two families, connecting them, perhaps, for generations. It explains that this can be a cause of celebration, but it can also cause strife and conflict. The paper explains that this strife and conflict is one of the reasons why marriage and family relations are such popular plots for theater. The paper explains that when two people from divergent backgrounds marry, that the social ramifications must inevitably be dealt with. The writer states that in both the plays, "Othello" and "'Tis Pity She's a Whore", both central characters are hindered by the unusual social presentations of their relationships, both are driven by insecurity and jealousy and both end their unions with the killing of their mates. The writer posits that these jealous acts are the result of the conflicts that occur when the perceived social norm has been broken, and the insecurity of being a unique couple floats to the surface and becomes a reality. In conclusion, the writer questions whether without the influences from outside these relationships to send the lovers to their doom, could they have become accepted couples given their historical period?
From the Paper
"Each relationship, similarly, crumbles. The end problem with each, then, is never a direct result of moral or social implications in and of themselves. The end is two men driven by jealous drives. The continuous references to the social obstacles throughout each of these plays does nothing to refute the idea that these conditions play a major part in the way these characters react to one another. In the case of both incest and interracial marriage, the strife that is caused is the reaction of the outside social influences on the characters. From these unusual loves, unusual problems have arisen. This is, perhaps, the reason why these types of relationships still remain fodder for human interest and theatrical interpretation, as in more recent plays such as Seth Zui Rosenfeld's Servi and Bernice 4-Eva, and Sam Shepard's Fool for Love. The topics remain of interest because the conflicts remain interesting, and, perhaps, still very much on the edge."
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Macbeths' Punishment, 2006.
An analysis of the Shakespeare play "Macbeth".
2,830 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 136.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the conclusion of the Shakespeare play "Macbeth". The paper states that, while some critics have asked whether Macbeth is being punished at the conclusion, the appropriate question is not whether he is punished, but why? And by whose authority? This paper therefore studies the motivating principle behind Macbeth's punishment, and why his punishment had to include the deaths of so many innocents. The paper attempts to answer this question by examining the structure of the play and the moral and spiritual constructs within which it operates.
From the Paper
"We are alerted to an element of the supernatural early within the play; the play introduces itself with the eerie dancing and meeting of the three weird sisters. These witches, we later realise, serve as the mouthpiece of the structure of the play, giving us, in their predictions, the outline of the play. The power of ordering reality is initially given, not to human agents, but to supernatural beings. Although the play has references to Christianity, there is no direct mention of a Christian God or Christ. Instead, the play is full of references to omens, demons and spiritual beings, and it is these who possess the power of manipulating reality. The weird sisters, and their mistress Hectate, personify the dual constructive and destructive elements of nature which define Macbeth's universe, and which must constantly be realigned and balanced. On the one hand, they appear to us as evil hags, murmuring words of black power to inflict harm on humans, as when the sisters collude to shipwreck an innocent sailor out of vengeance against his wife (1.23.15-21). Yet on the other hand, they subtly remind us of the constructive elements with which they are also tied, through their very alignment with the four elements of earth, water, air and fire, all of which are neccesary for germination and growth as well as destruction. The sisters themselves seem to be but personifications of neutral nature, which can be used negatively or positively, depending on the intent of the users. "Users" may be too strong a term: perhaps "recipients" is more accurate. The sisters voice this duality of their nature, invoking the mingled terms of evil and goodness when they sing "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" (1.1.10). Macbeth echoes this understanding of the sisters and their work when he first says "So fair and foul a day I have not seen" (1.3.38), and again when he reflects that "This supernatural soliciting/ Cannot be ill, cannot be fair" (1.3.131-132)."
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Shakespeare's "Hamlet", 2005.
This paper discusses the character Horatio in Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,570 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 83.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the character Horatio in Shakespeare's "Hamlet"
is the one person whom the main character Hamlet trusts and is the only prominent character that finds himself alive at the end. The author points out that Horatio is the antithesis of two other characters Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet's old friends upon whom he feels he can no longer rely. The paper relates that Horatio is the pure soul of the play, the herald of Hamlet's story whose behavior parallels Christian tenets because his honesty and goodness rise above the shadowy dealings of many other characters; they are punished and the good Horatio is rewarded. Several quotations.
From the Paper
"The reader senses that Horatio has never given Hamlet any reason to doubt his love and devotion towards him. The service of a true friend is something that is never forgotten and rarely questioned. Hamlet certainly seems sure of the worth of this true friend. Some may see Horatio as a simple "yes-man," which may be a valid argument. Surely, Horatio was never said to have brought grand insight to Hamlet's plan, nor an amazingly original idea. His worth comes from another source. His agreements with his friend are based on true sincerity. Certainly, Claudius recognized that sincerity and found Horatio not to be a worthy candidate for the recognizance work required."
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Parker's "Othello".
An analysis of Oliver Parker's 1995 film version of William Shakespeare's play "Othello".
734 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the film "Othello", describing various key scenes including an analysis of the cinematography of those scenes, showing how the character's thoughts and feelings are conveyed to the viewer on screen. The paper also analyzes the plot and the director's focus in the story and concludes that Parker shows, through the character of Emilia, that mankind's worst enemy is his own desires and wants.
From the Paper
"Parker begins the sequence by showing a scene in which the viewer sees the love and tenderness Othello and Desdemona have for each other. This is when Othello is just recovering from an epileptic seizure caused by Iago's implication that Desdemona is cheating on Othello with Cassio. Desdemona walks into their bedroom with Emilia in tow and sees the post-epileptic state her husband is in. She begins to worry over Othello and they exchange a moment of love. The camera shot of this moment includes a view of Emilia. The viewer can see that Emilia has seen this tender moment and, judging from the expression on her face, she wants to have the love that Othello and Desdemona share."
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The Fool in "King Lear", 2006.
Explores the role of the Fool in Shakespeare's tragic play, "King Lear".
1,059 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 60.95
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Abstract
The Fool in William Shakespeare's "King Lear" is often mistaken as foolhardy, but everything he says has a deeper significance and greater truth. Since he is the court jester, the audience assumes that the Fool's main purpose is to entertain us. The paper shows that the Fool's dramatic function is not to humor us, but to tell King Lear the truth through his metaphoric rhymes and jests. The Fool is a representation of King Lear's psyche. The paper explains that when the Fool disappears after Act III, scene ii, what is left of King Lear's stable mentality quickly disintegrates. The relationship between King Lear is not one of master and servant. The Fool could be considered King Lear's subconscious; he has perceptions the King Lear does not. With his knowledge, the Fool tries to teach King Lear how to reason out the truth for himself.
From the Paper
"The Fool states that King Lear was wise in a time when he did not need it as he doe now. King Lear was a wise King but when his wisdom was greatly needed he did not apply his knowledge. The Fool states that he is merely a Fool, but he would rather be a Fool than a befallen King. He strives to inform Lear of how adverse his situation is, but King Lear still does not fully comprehend the Fool's metaphors. Before King Lear decided to see his other daughter, Regan, the Fool warns King Lear that Regan's reception will be similar if not worse than Gonerils'."
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Fluellen in "Henry V", 2006.
Examines the role of the Welshman, Fluellan in "Henry V" by William Shakespeare.
1,726 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 89.95
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Abstract
The Welshman Fluellen in "Henry V" by Shakespeare is an interesting and quite quixotic individual. The paper explains that he speaks boldly of many things, yet at times he is quite incomprehensible. Both his language and his references are puzzling, even though the intensity of his speech is quite clear in the written text. This paper shows that once his language is understood, however, Fluellen is shown to be a human representation of the unification of the British peoples. He also demonstrates the proper manner in which a vassal may disagree with his sovereign.
From the Paper
"A further bit of obscurity is the "disciplines of war" (3.2.59, 3.2.72, etc.) and "law of arms" (4.7.2) to which Fluellen refers. He makes reference in 3.2.81 to "disciplines of the pristine wars of the Romans" (emphasis mine) then goes on to urge Gower to "examine the wars of Pompey the Great" (4.1.69). No real explanation is given to these "disciplines". Campbell states that this is really "a quarrel raging in [Queen] Elizabeth's day but not in Henry V's" (302). It is curious that Fluellen is espousing the viewpoint of that the ancient warriors (Agamemnon, Alexander, Mark Antony, et al) are the greater examples of how warfare should be conducted, while noting that historically Henry used a most unorthodox defense against the French cavalry."
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Corruption in "Hamlet", 2006.
An analysis of the Shakespeare play "Hamlet".
950 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper studies Shakespeare's play "Hamlet". The paper focuses on the theme of corruption and how the desire for power ruins the lives of all concerned. The paper evaluates each of the play's major characters, beginning with Polonius, the most obviously corrupt character and including Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia and Laertes. The paper concludes with the author's assessment that the central theme of "Hamlet" is not indecision -- as some maintain -- but the way in which power corrupts and kills.
From the Paper
"Polonius may be the most obviously corrupt character, but the center of evil of the play's plot and of the kingdom is Claudius. When Marcellus states, 'Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.' [Act I, Sc. iv, 90], it could be interpreted that he is speaking of a threat of war, but when looked at as symbolic, nothing could better sum up Claudius' corrupting effect on the kingdom which is brought on by his unpunished crime. His evil deeds carry him to the throne and pollute the people around him causing chaos, sorrow and death" (Moriarty 4). There could be no doubt that Claudius is what today we would call "power mad." There is no real explanation why he murdered his brother. Did he feel cheated at not being offered the throne in the first place? It is doubtful that he was so in love with Gertrude that this caused the murder. No, it is simply that Claudius wanted to rule. He wanted the power, and his brother- who one feels was far too benevolent a ruler- stood in the way."
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Insanity in ?Hamlet?, 2006.
Examines the theme of madness in this play by William Shakespeare.
1,637 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 86.95
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Abstract
Madness, one of the many themes in "Hamlet", affects the outcome of this particular Shakespearean play so much that all the major characters die during the final act. The paper examines how the theme of insanity is interwoven through the play and how it affects all the characters.
From the Paper
"Admirers of Hamlet tend to discount this major fault. Shakespeare however, gives Hamlet's quest for revenge prominence, and shows it as a major sickness of the Prince's soul. For Hamlet promises the ghost, "And thy commands all anon shall live, within the book and volume of my brain." Such an oath is mind shattering. If kept, it can only lead to derangement."
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"Romeo and Juliet", 2006.
Examines the imagery of darkness and light in dialogs between Romeo and Juliet in this play by William Shakespeare.
1,322 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, in the famous play, "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, the concepts of light and shadow are juxtaposed through the four speeches in which Romeo and Juliet speak to and of each other and their love.
From the Paper
"Tragedy must also have an element of irony, some aspect of the narrative that is unknown or unchangeable to the protagonist, but brings about his doom and seals his fate. There must be inevitability, the complete lack of ability of the hero to control or alter his fate. Irony and inevitability are present in Romeo and Juliet and are given a symbolic presence by the fact that the "light" of their love is only safe in the dark of the night."
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Analyzing Hamlet, Macbeth and King Lear, 2006.
This well-researched paper analyzes the common characteristic flaws shared by the title characters in William Shakespeare's classic plays: "Hamlet," "Macbeth" and "The Tragedy of King Lear."
2,495 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 122.95
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Abstract
This paper details the many common elements of kingship, ascendancy to the throne, issues of loyalty as well as the plots in Shakespeare's classic tragedies "Hamlet," "Macbeth" and "The Tragedy of King Lear." This paper gives a detailed character analysis of Macbeth, King Lear and Hamlet and examines their common motivations and flaws. The writer of this paper explores the nature of each character, who are all basically good and noble men struggling for basic morality. This paper also describes their eventual spiritual revelation, which arrives just before death.
From the Paper
"By the end of act II, Hamlet has doubts about the ghost. Did his father come back to right a wrong or is it a devil urging him to do evil?Compelled to confirm the ghost's testimony, he arranges to have a local troupe reenact the murder before the court in order to test Claudius' reaction. Hamlet, completely controlled and rational says: I'll have grounds More relative than this. The play's the thing Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King." And his suspicions are confirmed, but still he delays the execution of Claudius. He even refuses to kill the king, when opportunity presents itself and the king is at prayer. Hamlet questions the very nature of humankind. He extends his mistrust to everyone, including Ophelia and his friends from school."
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The Use of Rhetoric in "The Merchant of Venice", 2006.
An analysis of the use of language to modify and influence events in William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice".
1,300 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper examines numerous examples of rhetoric in William Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice". This paper focuses on two characters and their use of language to persuade others to act in a certain way, as well as on Shakespeare's use of those characters to sway the reader. The author first explores Portia's character and her use of rhetoric for control. Next he studies Shakespeare's use of rhetoric for mercy, as seen through the character of Shylock.
From the Paper
"Let's evaluate the scene where Portia and Bassanio are before the caskets where Bassanio must make his choice. The dialogue directly proceeding the finding of the casket is basic lover's speech, but wait! Listen carefully to what Portia says: "If you do love me, you will find me out" (III ii 41). Portia leads Bassanio to believe that the choice he makes in the caskets his own. She leads the reader to believe that Bassanio's love for her is the only force which leads to the discovery of the correct casket. However, earlier when Portia is speaking of the preparations for the casket choice, she speaks of music which is to be played while Bassanio makes his choice. Ok, this seems innocent enough; but examine the song -- the first two lines of the song rhyme with lead. It doesn't take long for the subliminal message to be absorbed in Bassanios brain, and the lead casket is chosen. This manipulative device is an indication to me that Portia has a need to make things go her way. She is afraid that Bassanio will make the wrong choice, and therefore assists him."
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"King Lear", 2006.
An analysis of Shakespeare's play "King Lear".
1,788 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 93.95
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Abstract
The paper compares the characters of King Lear and the Earl of Gloucester and their treatment of their children, and demonstrates that one of the play's themes is "knowledge is power" by showing how ignorance leads to powerlessness for the two men. The paper briefly discusses Shakespeare's treatment of nature and the animal world, then focuses on motherhood. In conclusion, the writer finds that the play is so meaningful that it is impossible to grasp it all in a single reading, which may be a measure of its greatness.
From the Paper
"Moralists usually mean the control over the passions when they speak of the natural order. King Lear is unable to control his passions, and is subject to rages that lead him to commit foolish and vengeful acts that lead to his own and others' destruction. In a sense, Gloucester disrupted the natural order when he fathered a son out of wedlock. It is significant that this is the son who betrays him."
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Lear's Journey of Self-Discovery, 2006.
This paper analyzes William Shakespeare's "The Tragedy of King Lear" and describes how the title character is taken on a journey of self-discovery.
1,408 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper details the plot of Shakespeare's "The Tragedy of King Lear" and asserts that from the first scene it is clear that Lear lacks basic self-knowledge and that his ignorance of his own true nature is to blame for his many problems. This writer of this paper also focuses on Lear's journey of self-discovery and ponders whether his unhealthy imagination was the root cause of his eventual insanity.
From the Paper
"Lear's new, clearer self-perception coincides with his growing madness. Just at the moment when freshly gained self-knowledge allows him greater empathy and knowledge of others, his mind, already perceived by others in the play to be failing, degenerates further. This leads to an odd vacillation between verity and delusion, or as Edgar later comments, "matter and impertinency mix'd, reason in madness." It is in this period that Lear makes some of his most stabbingly accurate self-assesments, and although here his imagination seems to go most awry, progress is actually made."
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Adolescents in Literature, 2006.
This paper details the similarities and differences in the portrayal of adolescents over the span of 400 years in William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" and John Knowles' "A Separate Peace."
1,485 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 80.95
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Abstract
The writer of this paper examines the depiction of adolescents in two particular works of literature written within a span of 400 years. This paper explores the key emotional factors of the teenage characters of both novels and details the similarities and difference in both works of writing. The writer asserts that when Shakespeare wrote "Romeo and Juliet" the average life span was much shorter than it is today, which resulted in teens assuming more adult responsibilities at a far younger age. This paper also delves into teenage infatuation and romance and examines whether these particular emotions and feelings have changed over the years. This paper contains relevant plot and character information for both "Romeo and Juliet" and "A Separate Peace."
From the Paper
"Those who would argue that teenagers today are much different than those Shakespeare describes could point to the fact that the Renaissance adolescents took themselves much m ore seriously. Critics of my position might point out that Romeo and Juliet is about real love and A Separate Peace isn't about love at all. However, I must point out that in this modern novel, where modern teenagers interact in many ways, they never seem to think or talk much about girls, and yet there is still-without any homosexual overtones-a story of romantic passion. Gene loves Finny much as Romeo loves Juliet. As with all infatuated teenagers, much of their love is in their minds. Their feelings get confused; they act reflexively, unthinkingly, immaturely; and Romeo, Juliet, and Finny all end up dead."
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Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo and Juliet", 2006.
This paper analyzes and critique's Baz Luhrman's 1996 film version of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."
1,493 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 3 sources, APA, AU$ 80.95
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Abstract
This paper examines director Baz Luhrman's modern day film version of "Romeo and Juliet." The writer of this paper states that the film version of Shakespeare's classic sets the story in a modernized Verona that bears no physical resemblance to the play's original setting and also goes on to note that in order to keep the film down to less than two hours, much of the original text had been cut. This paper compares the film version to the original text of the play and states the pros and cons of trying to improve upon a classic.
From the Paper
"In the interests of keeping the movie less than two hours in length, many of the lines have been cut from the original version. What remains, then, is dialogue that is sufficient for transmitting the basic conflicts within each character. What is interesting, however, is to determine to what extent these lines have been trimmed and to observe that the story's emphasis shifts in the film version as a result of the revisions. First we see an enhancement of Romeo's character by virtue of the fact that his internal struggles are more pronounced than those of Juliet."
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"Othello" and "The Turn of the Screw", 2006.
A comparison between William Shakespeare's "Othello" and Henry James' "The Turn of the Screw".
2,103 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 107.95
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Abstract
The paper compares the two primary characters whose delusions provide the basis for the drama within each literary piece. The paper explains that in "Othello", Iago brings about the tragic events in the play, while in "The Turn of the Screw", the delusions of the governess provides the suspense. The paper describes how these distorted views of reality within each character exert their influence through their acceptance by central characters within the story as well as by the authors of such delusions. In conclusion, the writer posits that the illusions in both these stories creates a heightened effect within each story. The writer explains that this effect draws the readers in so that they feel compelled to seek the truth of the story.
From the Paper
"The story itself is set up with mystery and intrigue before her first sight of this apparition. We know further that the governess who relates the tale dies, but her death is shrouded in mystery. It must be remembered that the children of these parents had been killed, then the uncle and aunt of these children entrusted with their care were also killed, leaving the responsibility of their care to the son of the deceased relatives. It is known the son, the master of Bly, rarely visits the children, and makes as minimal an amount of contact as possible with them. We wonder as well as with the governess for why he seeks to make as little contact as possible with Bly estate and the children. The delusion of the governess is given further basis in reality when she discovers from Mrs. Grose that the former governess to these children , Miss Jessel, as well as the master's valet who had been in charge of the children, Peter Quint, had also died. From all these deaths, it becomes no wonder why the master of Bly avoids the place and avoids contact with these children as if they were the plague. The common link of all these deaths draws compelling evidence that there is something very strange about these children. Is there a curse which falls upon any who come into contact with these children? The reader is drawn into the delusion that there may be a hidden and unspoken evil that is present with these children who appear like "angels". The answer is never revealed as to the real reason for these apparitions, if they ever existed at all except in the mind of the governess. Were the ghosts of Miss Jessel and Peter Quint seeking to corrupt or destroy Miles and Flora or were they there to seek revenge against the wrongful deaths inflicted upon them somehow by these children? That answer too is never revealed completely to the satisfaction of the reader."
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