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The Character of Hamlet, 2006.
This paper discusses and analyzes the main character in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
895 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper centers on Hamlet's character which has been the subject of critical assessment by literary scholars such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Samuel Johnson in the 17th century and contemporary scholars like Harold Bloom and Northrope Frye. The fact that many continue to psychoanalyze and dissect Hamlet may be the true purpose of this literary gem. A subject of much discussion among critics is Hamlet's state of mind while others claim the biggest tragedy is his inability to act despite his larger-than-life heroic qualities.
From the Paper
"Although early critics viewed Hamlet's flaw as indecisiveness, modern critics have agreed that the character has had no problem deciding on the correct course of action in his situation; however he is unable to carry it out. (Bradley, Coleridge, Bloom,) The fact that Hamlet decides not to murder Claudius when he comes upon him engaged in prayer and vulnerable to attack does not mean that Hamlet has secretly doubted his decision, say these critics. He has made it clear that he thinks such a death too good for the murderer of his father."
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"Measure for Measure" & "Henry IV Part I", 2006.
A comparison of two of Shakespeare's plays, "Measure for Measure" and "Henry IV Part I".
1,300 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes, compares and contrasts the plots and protagonists of two of Shakespeare's plays, "Measure for Measure" and "Henry IV Part I". The author asserts that in these two plays, strong character is defined not by who is more right, but rather by the ability to become more than the sum of one's faults. The author concentrates his analysis on secondary characters, who, despite being fault-ridden, are endearing to the audience for their humor and steadfastness. The paper concludes that Shakespeare's ultimate point is that while all people are flawed, the test of their character is whether they are molded by these flaws -- or overcome them.
From the Paper
"In both of these plays, these people may be questionable or shady characters that often are crude or have abominable habits, they may be people of power and prominence, or they may be just average, everyday citizens. Simply put, they all have faults of their own. Yet, the audience can't help but find them endearing, and the protagonists find that their ability to overcome their faults has a lot to do with the help they receive from these characters. Furthermore, the inability of the antagonists to overcome their vulnerabilities also has something to do with these characters."
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?To His Coy Mistress" and ?Sonnet 116?, 2006.
An analysis and comparison between the Andrew Marvell poem "To His Coy Mistress" and William Shakespeare's "Sonnet 116".
815 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes and compares two poems from the Elizabethan Renaissance: Andrew Marvell's "To His Coy Mistress" and William Shakespeare's "Sonnet 116". The author studies the similarities in theme between the two poems -- that love is invaluable and must be seized. The author asks and answers whether love is worth pursuing immediately if its attributes are truly ageless?
From the Paper
"This passage describes love, ideal in the full sense, as without (admission of) fault or flaw, nor presence of or need for alteration, nor able to be removed. Shakespeare continues by comparing love to an "ever-fixed mark," with the third of these carefully chosen words having a wide variety of applications from cartography to landmarks to a permanent and identifying feature."
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Shakespeare's Poems, 2006.
A discussion on two of Shakespeare's sonnets on love -CXXX and CXVI.
1,415 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 59.95
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Abstract
The paper explores the substance of Sonnet CXXX whereby it notes that this sonnet is not a common poem of love, but rather more truthful and honest. The paper continues to discuss Sonnet CXVI and its theme that love is deeper than a physical attraction. Finally the author discusses the themes of the two poems in conjunction.
From the Paper
"One reads and re-reads these two selections- two out of more than a hundred. And the imagination soars. What would the lady say? How would she reply? Would she just smile, as my respondent did to the first sonnet? Would there be a meeting of the minds, a holding of the hands, a joining of the lips? Are these two poems something that, put down on paper, the lady would put in her family Bible to read, and re-read during times of stress or depression?
Shakespeare wrote his love sonnets at a time when writing them was the only real proof of devotion. There was no Valentine's day candy, no Mother's day dinner, and no greeting card to express devotion. There was only an art form that has never really been equaled in the centuries since these were written. "
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"A Midsummer Night's Dream", 2006.
An examination of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream".
1,140 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Specifically, it focuses on the character of Puck and his last speech which he presented before he died.
From the Paper
"The answers to these and many other questions put forth by the Bard so long ago begs our response and until that response is forthcoming the cries of anguish throughout the world shall die in the wind. Although The Puck, Robin Goodfellow was alone upon the stage his last words are still heard loudly throughout the world and what he's telling us is that the last word, quite literally belongs to us, and that word or words must be words of action!"
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Human Traits in the "The Tempest", 2006.
Examines the human trait of relinquishing control in William Shakespeare's "The Tempest".
1,653 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 66.95
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Abstract
In "The Tempest", Shakespeare not only tells an intricate tale of greed, revenge and love, but he also conveys a message about the consequences of immersing oneself in these emotions. The paper shows that the play is therefore not merely an adventure story about a group of people stranded on a desert island, as it may initially seem. It is, in all actuality, a model for the complexities of human behavior.
From the Paper
"Prospero's denial of his own responsibility in the situation at the beginning of the play transforms into an epiphany at the end of the play in which he realizes that only through admitting his wrongs and releasing control over other people's actions, can he truly be free. Therefore, the character's self-serving nature cannot be viewed as contradictory to the notion that Prospero represents selflessness, but rather of reinforcement of his emotional and spiritual growth that allowed him to finally be the benevolent man he had always deemed himself to be."
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Love and Death in Works by Shakespeare, 2005.
Examines the connection between love and death in "Othello" and "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare.
916 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 40.95
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Abstract
In literature, love is often the source of the greatest tragic sacrifices. Yet what is the cause of this unfortunate relationship between the majesty of love and the misery of death? This paper shows how William Shakespeare gives this theme ample treatment in "Othello" and "Hamlet". The former slays his beloved wife Desdemona, and the latter's obsessive revenge causes the downfall of the cherished Ophelia. The paper shows how Shakespeare conveys the idea that love, being great, is also greatly flawed, and that it is an individual's subservience to society which causes this vital imperfection.
From the Paper
"However, Othello still resists any open communication on the matter with Desdemona and instead deals with the matter inwardly. He questions her disloyalty, but his lamenting quickly turns to doubt. He wails about her delicate qualities - she is "so high and plenteous wit and invention." But Iago convinces him that all of these qualities actually confirm her deception, because she's trying to make Othello believe she is virtuous. Iago tells Othello: "she's the worse for all this," and Othello agrees."
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"Hamlet", 2006.
This paper analyzes the character of Gertrude in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
2,642 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 1 source, APA, AU$ 99.95
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Abstract
This paper focuses on the character of Gertrude in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," in which Hamlet describes her when he declares, "Frailty, thy name is woman." This paper contains a detailed study and examination of the significant scenes in which Gertrude appears and shows Hamlet's characterization to be accurate. The writer of this paper sees Gertrude as a shallow woman who is ruled by her sensuality as she lusts for her brother-in-law Claudius and while she does occasionally admit to guilt about certain things, she never specifies what those things are.
From the Paper
"The most significant appearance of Gertrude in Hamlet is Act III, Scene iv, where Hamlet confronts his mother in her chambers. There is much of importance in this scene. At the end of it, we learn that Gertrude is indeed the shallow, sensual woman Hamlet fears she is and wishes she was not. Hamlet begins the confrontation by refusing to acknowledge the legitimacy of Gertrude's remarriage. He calls her "your husband's brother's wife" (III. iv. 16). Yes, Gertrude is Clauidus' wife, but she is first defined through the dead king, her husband, as Hamlet claims. This emphasizes the unjust and improper nature of her marriage. Hamlet goes even further in accusing his mother after he kills Polonius. Gertrude calls the killing "a rash and bloody deed," to which Hamlet replies, "A bloody deed - almost as bad, good Mother, / As kill a king, and marry with his brother" (III. iv. 28-30). Hamlet is directly accusing his mother here. She has broken her wedding vows through a murder, in which she was an accomplice."
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Betrayal in ?Hamlet?, 2006.
An analysis of the theme of betrayal in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" .
1,845 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 8 sources, APA, AU$ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Hamlet is betrayed by a number of people and how, as he is betrayed, he reacts in various manners throughout the play. It discusses how through Hamlet's reactions to the betrayals, Shakespeare lays out a process of grieving, hurt, rage, manipulation, self-admonition.
From the Paper
"Did Gertrude have a secret affair while Old Hamlet was still alive?
Claudius may not have killed his brother, if not knowing that Gertrude would marry him. Other reasons that do point out that Gertrude was unfaithful to Old Hamlet was because of her glowing happiness, so shortly after the death of Old Hamlet, and the short period of supposed mourning that is nonexistent not only on Gertrude's part but on everyone's part, and how quickly she married Claudius. Hamlet realizes these all this and it crushes him and so this adds to the grief that he is feeling."
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Shakespeare and Culture, 2006.
An analysis of the contribution of William Shakespeare to today's culture.
2,782 words (approx. 11.1 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 104.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how we have come to look at Shakespeare as a symbol of culture. He must be studied in every compulsory English course in high schools and colleges and his plays attract Hollywood actors, all seeking to get some of this culture to rub off on them. It focuses on how his works fit into our culture today and how some of the stories can be paralleled with real life events.
From the Paper
"Most of the critics and writers about Shakespeare's genius and its meaning for us today approach the subject with reverence sometimes misplaced. Teachers are "trying to make Shakespeare intelligible to students who cared not at all...." (Colie, p. 3) What we should be doing, it seems, is de-mythifying Shakespeare. What he wrote, whether as a morality play, a history, even a bawdy comedy, provides something we can relate to, today, even if the language is somewhat stilted. The sense still comes through. There are even those who believe that teen- agers committing suicide over Marilyn Manson or some heavy metal group's lyrics are somewhat similar to Romeo and Juliet. There are those who see Lady MacBeth in Hillary Rodham Clinton. The point, it seems, should not to liken a modern character to a made-up or even historical one from Shakespeare, but to appreciate the timelessness of his characters and plots."
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?Macbeth? and ?Madea?, 2006.
A comparative analysis of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and Euripides' "Medea".
2,645 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 99.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and Euripides' "Medea" are both tragic plays in the classical sense. It looks at how both Medea and Macbeth lust for the unattainable and how that lust destroys them. It cannot be said which character is a truly tragic figure, because both fit the description. It contends that if either character deserves more sympathy it is Madea, the jilted wife, not Macbeth the King killer since Macbeth's lust for power and his willingness to please his wife leads to his downfall.
From the Paper
"Macbeth is by far one of the greatest of Shakespeare's tragedies. Its images and representations of ambition, guilt and the degradation of being make him a truly tragic character. Macbeth starts out as a pretty-cool guy - he's a Scottish general and a gentleman, but has always wished to be more. It is not until after Duncan's death, that Macbeth truly begins to deteriorate into a faithless and remorseless man. He tells one lie to cover up another, having to commit one murder to cover up the other, until he looks back, and cannot even remember the first little step he took over the line. Only MacDuff, a faithful servant and soldier of Duncan and Malcom, can bring him down, even though the witches have rightfully prophesied that "no man of woman born" could possibly bring down Macbeth's reign of terror."
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Deception and Death, 2006.
An analysis of Iago's motive for revenge in William Shakespeare's "Othello".
1,045 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the central theme within a morality play is that a devilish character referred to as vice tempts a Christian character and how Othello's vice is represented in Iago. It discusses how the loathing that Iago feels toward Othello determines and influences the actions of others throughout the play. Iago is a man driven by his desire to destroy Othello while believing his actions are vindicated because Othello has betrayed him professionally and personally without justification.
From the Paper
"The language of the play is as diverse as the characters, containing a mixture of poetry and prose. Othello often speaks in lofty poetry while Iago speaks in prose about how vile things are around him, often using animal imagery. Iago appears to the audience in Act I and wastes little time demonstrating his anger at Othello. He openly laments to Roderigo that he is cursed in his service to Othello and he is "worth no worse a place" than in service to him. It appears to the audience that Iago, who loves to talk about himself, has been a devoted and loyal servant in Othello's army but was overlooked when Othello named his lieutenant as Cassio. He feels dishonored that his duty was not recompensed with a promotion."
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"King Lear", 2006.
A look at the effect of speech and rhetoric in Act One, Scene One in Shakespeare's "King Lear".
941 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 41.95
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Abstract
Through a close reading of the love game in William Shakespeare's "King Lear", it is clear that the speech of this play affects the expression of sentiment. This paper explains, however, that it is ultimately the lack of speech that affects the characters and their responses to each other.
From the Paper
"The play begins with Lear, an old king ready for retirement, preparing to divide the kingdom among his three daughters, Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia. The king challenges his daughters to compete for their inheritance by proclaiming their love for him in the grandest possible fashion. He concludes that he will determine which share each daughter will get based on her testimony of love for him, when he says, "'tis our fast intent... to confer (the business) on younger strengths" and that "(I)nterest of territory" will be divided by "which...shall say doth love us most?""
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The Rhetoric of Machiavelli and Shakespeare, 2005.
This paper compares the use and abuse of rhetoric by two Renaissance geniuses: Machiavelli in "The Prince" and Shakespeare in "Julius Caesar".
4,845 words (approx. 19.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 154.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the primary use of rhetoric is to convince the reader to take the author's side of an opinion; but sometimes the author, as in Machiavelli's "The Prince", has hidden his opinion so deeply in the rhetoric that it is misunderstood. The author points out that Shakespeare used rhetoric in his plays, especially in his political tragedies, to demonstrate how easily men and women were corruptible by power. The paper relates that in "Julius Caesar" Cassius was totally corrupted by his quest for power and brought down ignominiously in battle; however, Brutus, whose flaw was poor judgment and needed to be "one of the gang", was permitted to honorably commit suicide rather than be tried and executed. Many long textual examples.
Table of Contents
Uses and Abuses of Rhetoric
Rhetoric in "Julius Caesar"
Machiavelli's "The Prince"
Rhetoric Unveiled
From the Paper
"If Johnny Cochrane were playing to both the jury and the country in this use of a crude rhetorical device, certainly a playwright like Shakespeare would be playing to both royalty and the average playgoer when he wrote "Julius Caesar". Advertisement was limited to a few playbills posted on walls and what the town crier could yell to the generally illiterate common rabble. In looking at any of Shakespeare's plays as Renaissance commercial theatrical adventures, memorable lines would have been good selling points for the literate as was word of mouth of the great fight and death scenes to the common man. Even today our far more sophisticated tastes run from high action adventure to the deeply philosophical in our entertainment."
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Father-Daughter Relationships, 2005.
Examines the father/daughter relationships in plays by William Shakespeare's, focusing on "King Lear".
1,257 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 3 sources, AU$ 53.95
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Abstract
Most, if not all, of Shakespeare's plays carry a theme where the relationship of the main father and daughter has an important role in the climax and outcome of the stories. By examining the relationship between King Lear and Cordelia in Shakespeare's "King Lear", this paper presents the opinion that the play has the most significant father and daughter relationship out of all Shakespeare's works. The paper also examines "The Tempest" and "Othello".
From the Paper
"In King Lear, Cordelia, the youngest daughter of Lear, refused to go overboard in her statement of love towards her father. When asked for her testimony, she simply replied, "Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave my heart into my mouth. I love your Majesty according to my bond, no more no less." Lear became enraged and casted her off saying, "Here I disclaim all my paternal care, propinquity and property of blood, and as a stranger to my heart and me hold this from thee for ever." Some think that Cordelia was prideful, or even a fool in her response, but I believe she was simply being honest and true."
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"Romeo and Juliet", 2006.
Summarizes William Shakespeare's famous love story.
925 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the five acts in William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet", a tragic love story which involves rival families, forbidden love and suicide. The paper shows why its message is still considered relevant in this day and age.
From the Paper
"However, the playing off of conflict and compassionate love presents some of the greatest works of the genius of Shakespeare's writing skills. The vast scene portrayals are numerous and should be devoured slowly and with deliberation to absorb their full beauty and to determine their importance as they lead to the climatic scenes of Act V and the ending of the poem."
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