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Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" and "Julius Caesar", 2002.
This paper compares Shakespeare's view of women and of masculine activity in two of his plays, "The Merchant of Venice" and "Julius Caesar".
1,655 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 2 sources, AU$ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper states that, in these Shakespeare's plays, women are equal to men and are not excluded when it comes to love and Christianity, but they are lesser than men and are excluded when it comes to politics and power. The author explains that "The Merchant of Venice" women are portrayed as being equal to men and as having as much power as men; but, in "Julius Caesar", women are portrayed as being lesser than men and as having little power. The paper concludes that, in "The Merchant of Venice", masculine activity is limited and does not exist to isolate women; but, in "Julius Caesar", masculine activity is large and exists to exclude women.
From the Paper
"This difference in subject and theme explains why Shakespeare offers two very different views in the two plays. These different views do not represent that Shakespeare has a view of women that is really any different in either play. Instead, it represents that Shakespeare regards women differently depending on the subject and theme to which he is applying his ideas. The differences in the play in regards to women and the sphere of masculine activity will now be described by illustrating the differences and relating them to the themes and subjects of the plays."
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Hamlet's Grief, 2002.
Introduces, discusses, and analyzes the play, "Hamlet", by William Shakespeare.
1,729 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the claim that something other than his father's tragic murder is the source of Hamlet's distress and the cause for his probing meditations throughout the play. Why does this other experience, awareness, or character affect Hamlet so powerfully? Mostly, it is believed that Hamlet's father's tragic murder is the source of his distress and the cause for his probing meditation throughout the play, but, for my part, that is not the actual reason. No doubt, his father's tragic murder was a strong reason causing his abysmal grief and agony, but, in fact, there were other causes that contributed more toward making Hamlet a totally distressed and anxious man throughout the play.
From the Paper
"The women are a major source of Hamlet's grief and despair, and as such, they turn out to be the scapegoats allowing Hamlet to conceal his own resentment and fury at himself for allowing his father to die, and not living up to his own potential. He sees his mother living an outwardly happy life after his father is murdered, and this is a good deal for him to take, as another critic notes."
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"A Midsummer Night's Dream", 2002.
A look at the themes of lunacy, love, and poetry in William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" .
1,090 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how William Shakespeare's play, "A Midsummer Night's Dream", is full of memorable characters and how they exhibit, among other things, lunacy, lovesickness, and poetry. It analyzes the characters of Bottom, Helena, and Puck, and how they contribute to the play. It demonstrates how Bottom is portrayed as a hilarious lunatic, Helena as a fool in love, and Puck as a mischievous poet.
From the Paper
"Helena proves to be the most loving character in the play. She is in love with Demetrius and there is absolutely nothing that will change her mind. She demonstrates strength of character that can only be achieved through the emotion of love. Whether or not this is wise, is another question. Regardless, she illustrates the power of love and how love is one human emotion that is very difficult to control. For example, she is aware that he loves someone else, but yet she still professes her love to him. This is amazing considering the fact that he is sometimes cruel to her. For instance, when he tells her that he is "sick when I do look on thee" (II.i.213), she simply responds that she is "sick when I look not on you" (II.i.214). She illustrates how we can hear the most hurtful thing from the one we love and not be moved away from our affection."
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Hamlet's Characters, 2002.
An analysis of several of the characters in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,324 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper conducts a character analysis of Hamlet, Laertes and Fortinbras' characters in relation to the events and circumstances that happened in the play "Hamlet." Furthermore, this character analysis is accomplished using the comparative essay analysis, where the researcher gives a causal relationship among the three characters, further discovering the actions, behavior, and motivations of each through their differences and similarities with each other. Texts from Shakespeare's original play and critiques on the play's character are also used in support of the claims that are presented in the paper.
From the Paper
"The play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare has a story that revolves around the main themes of revenge and search for the truth. Shakespeare's male characters, in particular, are portrayed somewhat villainously because of the element of revenge inherent in each character's motivations in the play. Among the male characters in the play, the characters of Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras emerge as the most remarkable among the numerous character in Shakespeare's piece. Many characteristics are shared among these three primary male characters. The first characteristic is that they possess the vitality of their youth, and the second one is that all of them face the world in an idealistic and somewhat naive perspective. Their being young, naive, and idealistic are the main reasons why, throughout the play, they have resorted to radical actions and behavior that will cause either their victory or downfall."
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William Shakespeare, 2002.
A literary review of Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure" and "As You Like It".
1,066 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and analyzes the plays "Measure for Measure" and "As You Like It", both by William Shakespeare. Specifically, the paper explains how Shakespeare developed the three themes of love, the stages of human life and the city versus the country in these two plays. The paper includes direct quotes from the two plays.
From the Paper
"Love is a common theme in many of Shakespeare's plays, and these two are no exception. "As You Like It" is a romantic comedy filled with love and romance, and Shakespeare seems to be saying that love is not always courtly and refined, that it can be bawdy, and bring happiness to everyone involved. In fact, at the play's end, Rosalind has shown that love is really a source of absolute happiness, because she has successfully arranged four happy marriages and made sure the government will be more just."
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Caesar and Bush, 2002.
This paper makes a comparison between the Shakespearean character of Julius Caesar and the President of the United States, George W. Bush.
1,854 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the similarities and differences between the character of Julius Caesar in the Shakespeare play, and the George Bush. It discusses how "Julius Caesar" explores the social and political underpinnings of perhaps one of the most famous assassinations of all time and likens this to current events of the war with Iraq and the present international turmoil.
From the Paper
"George W. Bush has recently returned home after making an appearance in a flight suit on an aircraft carrier. The President emerged from his plane and made a speech about the war that the United States recently participated in. During this war, Bush was faced with an enemy whom his father faced before him. The enemy, personified by Saddam Hussein, and the nation's interest in the adversarial relationship between Bush and Hussein is quite similar to Rome's interest in Caesar's nemesis. This coupled with the President's televised appearance on the flight deck was in many ways similar to the appearance of Caesar in the streets of Rome after his victory."
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"King Lear", 2002.
Discusses the character of Edmund in William Shakespeare's play.
847 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 36.95
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Abstract
Edmund, the illegitimate son of the Earl of Gloucester, is at the center of many of the horrific events in "King Lear" by William Shakespeare. The paper shows that his actions are motivated by the circumstances of his birth, as both illegitimate and younger than his brother Edgar, Edmund is unlikely to ever have the power and influence his father enjoys. The paper shows that he is the "unholy" son, the one that will never be fully accepted by society. The paper explores how the economic and social consequences of Edmund's birth shape his personality and behavior.
From the Paper
"Edmund's knowledge of and exposure to circles of power and influence has only whetted his appetite for the title, wealth and power that legally must go to Edgar. Edmund plots to usurp his brother's birthright for himself. He goes about this logically and calmly. Quoting Edmund, William J. Bennett (1998) points out that although in this age of science and research we have many explanations for why people act as they do, Edmund scorned making excuses for his behavior (Bennett, 1998). Edmund is remarkably frank and honest about himself. He says he does not mind being a bastard, because it allows him to maneuver outside society's rules."
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Iago in "Othello", 2002.
This paper examines how Othello's characteristics change throughout Shakespeare's play.
954 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Othello seem to change, but in reality, he never changes but simply reveals his true self. It shows how Shakespeare keeps the readers guessing about Othello's true nature by making him appear good in the beginning of the play but allowing us to see his true nature only after he kills Desdemona.
From the Paper
"To introduce us to the complexity involved with Othello's character, Othello's reputation is under attack from the beginning of the play is because of Iago's remarks. Because we do not really get a glimpse of Othello until the third act of the play, Shakespeare has created suspense within us concerning Othello. Shakespeare at the same time is creating a sense of dislike within us for the character of Iago. Our dislike moves from Iago to Othello."
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"Othello", 2002.
Discusses observations and interpretation in the plot of William Shakespeare's play.
1,450 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 57.95
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Abstract
The plot of Shakespeare's "Othello" relies on interpretation rather than observation. Iago is able to shift the way that Othello interprets what should be meaningless observations. The paper shows that by doing so, Iago is successful in making Othello believe that his wife is cheating on him when she is not. This illustrates that what is observed is given meaning by how it is interpreted. It also illustrates how one can be fooled into interpreting things incorrectly, especially when another person has the ability to deceive effectively.
From the Paper
"It is worthwhile to consider exactly how Iago manages to convince Othello that an affair is happening. The first important aspect is that Iago uses Othello's own nature against him. From the beginning, Iago recognizes that Othello is prone to jealousy. He specifically chooses to make Othello believe that his wife is having an affair because he knows that Othello's nature will compel him to experience jealousy. As Iago says, "The Moor is of a free and open nature, / That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, / And will as tenderly be led by the nose / As asses are" (I,iii). This is exactly what Iago does, using Othello's nature to make him believe what he wants him to believe. One of the most important aspects is that the more jealous and angry Othello becomes, the less rational he becomes."
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Literature and Suffering, 2002.
A review of four pieces of literature including "A Rose for Emily", "Daddy", "My Papa's Waltz" and "Hamlet".
1,732 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 66.95
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Abstract
An analysis of the works "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner, "Daddy" by Sylvia Plath, "My Papa's Waltz" by Theodore Roethke and "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare. This paper looks at these literary pieces and how the authors effectively depict suffering through social oppression, gender stratification, physical abuse, and emotional abuse and torment. The writer examines each work as the author's medium for expressing their views on society and the suffering of the people.
From the Paper
"The first lines of the poem establish the repression she had felt under her father's authority: "You do not do, you do not do/ Any more, black shoe/ In which I have lived like a foot... Barely daring to breathe or Achoo." These lines are symbolic of the feelings Plath has for her father, which is represented by the "black shoe." Plath expresses her freedom from her father's authority (implying the repression that she had been subjected into) by saying that she "lived like a foot" 'inside' the 'black shoe.' Contained under her father's authority, Plath's speaker reflects on her life with her father, where she cannot be herself."
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Aristotle and Hamlet, 2002.
An examination of Aristotle's guidelines for tragedy as seen in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
2,005 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how according to Aristotle's "Poetics", a true tragedy can be defined by the elements including plot, diction and thought. It looks at how Shakespeare's "Hamlet, Prince of Denmark" is an excellent example of a play that contains these "spectacular elements" and looks at how Shakespeare successfully employed these elements into the story, creating one of the most tragic heroes in literary history.
From the Paper
"Another important aspect of the development of the play worth noting is that the actions of the characters in Hamlet, Prince of Denmark lead up to a conclusion that has a definite end. Aristotle believed that a work "must not only have an orderly arrangement of parts, but must also be of a certain magnitude" as well as "such an effect is best produced when the events come on us by surprise; and the effect is heightened when, at the same time, they follows as cause and effect"(Aristotle). This illustrates how Shakespeare used cause and effect effectively, which Aristotle felt was a necessary component for a true tragedy."
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Shakespeare's Women, 2002.
A discussion of the strong female characters in William Shakespeare's plays, "The Merchant of Venice" and "The Taming the Shrew."
1,408 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how both the characters of Portia and Katherine in William Shakespeare's plays, "The Merchant of Venice" and "The Taming the Shrew" are intelligent women who each goes through a character metamorphosis. It looks at how just as Portia transformed from submissiveness to a role of command, Katherine's transformation took the opposite turn. She submitted her independence and thus found her true self. It shows how both women were miserable in the beginning of the plays, Portia from obeying and Katherine from disobeying and how by swinging the pendulum, each woman found a balance and triumphed in their feminine roles.
From the Paper
"Katherine in "Taming of the Shrew" is perhaps Shakespeare most famous female character. She and Portia are opposite in initial character. Katherine is ill-tempered and scoffs at obedience. She is prone to tantrums and physical attacks on the victims of her rage. Just as Portia is miserable from obedience despite her charm, Katherine too is unhappy, despite her foul disposition. Katherine's unpleasant nature may stem from fear of her own feminine desires and feelings of inadequacy. She may also be anxious that she will never marry, thus sealing her fate and her role in society as the maiden daughter. Katherine is intelligent and her spirit surely recoils at the thought of such a fate. In fact Katherine's spirit seems out of place amid an era when women were considered nothing more than property."
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Shakespeare and Music, 2002.
A discussion of the use of music in the works of William Shakespeare.
870 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the historical background of music in the Shakespearean era and discusses how and why music was used in Shakespeare's works. It looks at how Shakespeare used music in most of his plays as a dramatic device to effectively evoke certain moods and sometimes to reflect the state of minds of some characters. The type of music used by the playwright as well as some examples of music in specific plays are also described.
Outline
Historical Background of Music in the Shakespearean Era
Music in Shakespeare's Plays
Vocal Songs
Ballads
Instrumental Music
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Instrumental music has been sparingly used in Shakespeare's plays, in part because of the lack of facilities for such music to be played in performances other than at the Court. Hence in plays performed at the court such as the Twelfth Night and The Tempest we find nearly three times the amount of music normally present in Shakespeare's plays. In these plays, Shakespeare may have had the services of court singers and instrumentalists. In public theater productions, instrumental music was normally provided by a trumpeter, a wind player who doubled on shawm, and a couple of string players who were competent at the violin, viol, and lute. (Springfels) Therefore, the use of instrumental music in most of Shakespeare's plays is sparse."
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"Hamlet", 2002.
An analysis of the main character in William Shakespeare's play.
1,169 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 48.95
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Abstract
William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" (1600-01) is regarded by many scholars and critics as his finest play. The main protagonist, being Hamlet, the so-called "Dark Prince" of Shakespearean tragedy, is an extremely complex man with a great depth of personality who "suffers from insecurity and a sense of the absurd. . . and as a man and a revenger, shifts from an external struggle for vengeance to an internal one". This paper analyzes Hamlet's character and discusses whether his madness was real or feigned.
From the Paper
"Another incident closely related to a form of mental torture occurs when Hamlet finds himself alone with Claudius and slyly decides against instituting his revenge towards the new king until he is in a position of utter debauchery. "When he is drunk asleep, or in his rage, or in the incestuous bed" (III.iii. 92), Hamlet will then kill him and send his soul to eternal damnation. This may seem like an act of pure brutality, but in fact it is quite fair, due to Hamlet's father being murdered before given the chance to confess his sins to God."
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Shakespeare and Marriage, 2002.
Looks at the marriage theme found in "The Taming of the Shrew" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream".
1,585 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the economic role marriage had in Shakespearean times and the importance of women in that role. The paper then goes on to analyze the relevance of marriage as an economic institution to Shakespeare's plays "The Taming of the Shrew" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream".
From the Paper
"Both Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and A Midsummer Night's Dream deal significantly with the theme of marriage. In both plays, a daughter causes difficulties for the father who is attempting to marry her off. In The Taming of the Shrew, Kate's shrewish behavior makes it almost impossible for her father to discover a willing suitor, whereas in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Hermia refuses Egeus attempts to marry her because she is in love with another man. In the case of the former, Kate is eventually "broken" and convinced to become a loving and subservient wife. This play upholds much of the Shakespearean social order of what it was to be a wife. A Midsummer Night's Dream, on the other hand, ultimately allows the daughter's forbidden love to prevail. Why the difference in the two plays?"
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Hamlet and Ophelia, 2002.
An analysis of the similarties in the characters of Hamlet and Ophelia in Shakespeare's play "Hamlet".
1,802 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper examines there the several distinct characteristics of misery and madness that abound in both Hamlet and Ophelia. It explains how their lunacy each stems from similar sources of grief, but the true evolution of their madness is methodically different due to their gender and their status in Elizabethan society.
From the Paper
"Throughout Hamlet, Ophelia appears in a mere five scenes and is only one of two females present in the play and therefore stands not to pose as a prominent member of the play. Ophelia's father, Polonius, whom is the chief advisor to the new King Claudius, and a highly respected man, demands that his daughter tell Hamlet that she can no longer be with him even though she desperately is in love with him."
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