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Shakespeare's "King Lear", 2002.
This paper discusses the use of animal imagery in William Shakespeare's "King Lear".
1,850 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 80.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the references to animals within Shakespeare's "King Lear" and attempts to understand the choice of animal motifs and the role they are intended to play in conveying the playwright?s message.
From the Paper
"In his discourse with the king, the Fool refers to an animal again in the lines, ?Fools had ne'er less wit in a year/ For wise men are grown foppish/ They know not how their wits to wear/ Their manners are so apish? (1.4.152-155). Here, too, the fool is making fun of the king?s paying heed to wrong advise and people by comparing his behaviour with that of an ape?s propensity to imitate. In other words, the Fool is implying that the king is imitating other foolish people instead of retaining his own counsel.
The Fool, as is already evident, is very fond of drawing comparisons to animals to make his point. And so, again we hear him say, ?For, you trow, nuncle/ The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long? (1.4.207-208). The fool uses the analogy of the hedge-sparrow feeding the cuckoo too long to King Lear?s decision to carve up his kingdom between his daughters, implying that the King was doing more for his children than he should."
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Tragedy in "Hamlet", 2002.
A look at the theme of tragedy in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,070 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 50.95
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Abstract
The paper shows that from the beginning of William Shakespeare's play, "Hamlet", the foundation for tragedy is set by introducing the main character in a scene of mourning. The paper discusses various other themes throughout the play where the theme of tragedy is reflected.
From the Paper
"A tragedy always reveals the main character's weakness. In this case, Hamlet's weakness was his vulnerability and his indecision. He wouldn't listen to his associates when he had the chance. He also didn't act promptly when given a chance to avenge his father's death. Had he killed his uncle in the offset of the play, it is arguable that some of the deaths towards the end of the play may not have occurred. Hamlet needed proof that the ghosts were telling the truth. Since he didn't believe them and had given his uncle the benefit of doubt, the tragedy unfolded."
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The Character of Helena, 2002.
An analysis of the character of Helena in Shakespeare play "All?s Well That Ends Well".
1,410 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a character analysis of Helena in the Shakespearean play "All's Well That Ends Well". Often criticized for her manipulative deeds and lack of feminine attributes, Helena's personality is explored by focusing on her feminine and masculine traits and by analyzing her motives. Shakespeare's use of literary devices such as foreshadowing is also explored.
From the Paper
"In Shakespeare?s plays, we often find the female characters to be more powerful and unique in their attributes than the ones that existed in actual 17th century English society. This is exactly the impression we get from the character of Helena in ?All?s well that ends well?, as the woman refuses to be bound by moral and societal restrictions and passionately seeks fulfillment of her desires. Not only that, we also notice that Helena, though lower in social standing than her husband Bertram, doesn?t take into account the status barriers and being fully aware of her rights as a wife tries to win her husband over despite his persistent rejection. The theme of ethics and morality dominantly overshadows the entire play with readers being forced to analyze and judge every person?s motives and every situation in the light of twisted sense of morality that Helena possessed. Helena?s character has been a constant source of conflict among critics as Levin (1930) writes, ?Some regard her as a genuine romantic heroine--resourceful, yes, but also virtuous, feminine, charming, and modest. She never behaves cynically, and her motives are above reproach . The alternative view is that Helena mercilessly pursues Bertram. Whether she is at first motivated by love, sex or ambition she sets out to trap Bertram, succeeds, and--when he flees her--captures him again. She gets the husband she deserves, a spoiled aristocrat." (Levin, pg. 131)"
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The Downfall of Macbeth, 2002.
An analysis of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" with an examination of the reasons for his demise.
1,160 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 2 sources, AU$ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Shakespeare's use of Macbeth to illustrate the universal theme that a lack of strength of character will lead to one's downfall. Macbeth's actions and the motivations behind them are demonstrated with examples from the story and text.
From the Paper
"Many a great man has fallen prey to greed, ambition and power. Macbeth is no exception. His ambition to control the power of the thrown confuses his judgement. He succumbs first to the prophecies of the three witches and then later, murderously, to his wife?s bidding.
Shakespeare uses Macbeth to show the terrible effects that ambition and guilt can have on a man who lacks strength of character. Although the play was written in 1600 England, its theme is universal and cares not about time. It is Macbeth?s lack of character strength that is his demise.
The reader is introduced to Macbeth by way of description. A ?bleeding sergeant? meets the good King Duncan and his son, Malcolm. The sergeant tells a tale of the recent battle in which ?brave Macbeth? fought bravely (I.ii.19). At first introduction, Macbeth seems to be the perfect soldier, ?carving out his passage? (I.ii.22). Between meeting the witches and his wife?s immoral determination, we are left wondering if Macbeth ever really stood a chance against fate. Perhaps had he not started his crime wave, he might not have ended so horribly and would not have become the ?tyrannt? everyone calls him by the end of the play."
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Updike's "Gertrude and Claudius", 2002.
An analysis of the story and how it compares to Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,120 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper presents an analysis of Updike's "Gertrude and Claudius". While the plot remains the same as in Shakespeare's "Hamlet", Updike presents a completely different view of middle-aged sexuality in this story. The character of Gertrude is explored.
From the Paper
"?The plot of Shakespeare?s ?Hamlet? seems complicated enough!? a casual reader might be tempted to exclaim. Why render the story even more complicated by attempting to surmise ?back story? of some of the more minor characters of the tale, in relation to the action of this already very long play? However, John Updike?s novel Gertrude and Claudius attempts create just such a prologue. In providing a past history for the hero?s mother Gertrude, Updike creates a far different woman in his novel than the sensual, guilty lady of the Jacobean drama ?Hamlet.?
"In Updike?s vision of Gertrude, Gertrude or ?Gerutha? was a strong, beautiful young woman who was married to a warrior Horwendil the Jute by her father. She didn?t love the man, but was forced into the arrangement. When the warrior?s father died, he and she assumed the throne of Denmark as king and queen. Gertrude never really accepted her status as wife of Horwendil and mother of Hamlet. She only came to a full sensuous understanding of herself as a woman when she entered into a liaison with her husband?s brother."
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Female Characters in ?The Winter?s Tale?, 2002.
A paper which discusses how Shakespeare presents female characters with both inner and outer strength in "The Winter?s Tale".
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, AU$ 53.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how, in "The Winter?s Tale", William Shakespeare presents female characters with both inner and exterior strength. It shows that along with the strength, are the qualities of understanding, forgiveness and patience. It explores the three characters in the play that represent these female characteristics - Hermione, Paulina and Perdita. For all three female characters, they are a part of the action and suffer because of the events in the play. Yet even in suffering they remain gracious and strong and forgiving. The paper discusses how it is these characteristics that make "The Winter?s Tale" a play about how strong and solid the female character can be, with the outcome of the play also showing what an impact these qualities can have.
From the Paper
"Hermione is the central female character of the play and also the one who suffers the most. At the same time, she is the character who has the greatest amount of strength. In the play, Hermione is accused of infidelity by her husband, something that must hurt her deeply. And yet even when her husband accuses her, she remains calm. When Leontes first calls Hermione an adulteress she denies it calmly and elegantly saying, ?should a villain say so, the most replenish?d villain in the world, he were as much more villain: you, my Lord, do but mistake? (II,i). For the audience, the calmness that Hermione possesses is emphasized by the contrast with her husband."
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Madness in "Hamlet", 2002.
A critical review of Shakespeare's "Hamlet", with specific reference to the theme of madness.
2,180 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 90.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews ?Hamlet? by Shakespeare, focusing on the concept of madness. It investigates what the nature of madness is and whether madness can even be defined in a ?mad world?. It then strives to espouse what a person can learn about his/herself by studying Hamlet?s interaction with the concept of madness.
From the Paper
"Sometimes there?s a fine line between madness and sanity. Sometimes there?s a fine line between pretense and reality. Pretending madness for too long, could send one over the brink, especially if one has a propensity to brilliance, instability and overanalysis. Shakespeare asks his audience to look deeply into the themes he incorporates into his dramas, offering them an opportunity to explore how his ideas might apply to their own lives. In Hamlet Shakespeare weaves madness into a complex thematic tapestry. He is not asking us to decide if Hamlet is really mad, rather he is asking us to consider several questions: What is the nature of madness? Can madness even be defined in a mad world? What can I learn about myself by studying Hamlet?s interaction with the concept of madness?"
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Kent in Shakespeare?s ?King Lear?, 2002.
This paper explores the role of Kent in Shakespeare?s ?King Lear? as a foreshadow of Lear?s growth from an unfeeling man, to a man who places love above all else.
780 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, AU$ 37.95
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Abstract
This author believes that Kent is perhaps one of the most loyal subjects ever written by Shakespeare. He states that Kent is a complex person, who is loyal to his king, even when he must disagree with him. By doing this, the paper says that Kent causes the reader to look for signs of redemption in King Lear.
From the Paper
"Kent is blunt and does not know how to soften his words. This gets him into trouble, but Kent?s way of communicating also stands in contrast to those around the King who merely say what he wants to hear. Kent?s outspoken nature serves to emphasize the cause of King Lear?s difficulties: he has lost track of who to believe."
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Shakespeare?s Sonnets, 2002.
An analysis of William Shakespeare's sonnets, focusing on the intended audience and the issue of time.
985 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper divides Shakespeare's sonnets into two groups: 1 - 126 are addressed to a young man, and 127 - 152 are addressed to a dark lady.
The paper describes how an analysis of the sonnets show his feelings towards these two people. The writer provides examples from several sonnets in order to illustrate the different relationship Shakespeare appears to have with the young man and the dark lady. Another issue discussed in this paper, is Shakespeare's frequent use of time as an enemy.
From the Paper
"Shakespeare?s sonnets can be divided into two parts. The first 126 are addressed to a young man, while from 127 to 152 are addressed to a dark lady. While Shakespeare does not express who these two people are or his relationship with them, an analysis of the sonnets does show his feelings towards the two people. Shakespeare appears to genuinely love and care for the young man. In contrast, he loves the dark lady but in a lustful way, which at the same times makes him despise her."
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A Love of Farce, 2002.
A study of Shakespeare?s play "A Midsummer Night?s Dream".
1,290 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 1 source, AU$ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the play "A Midsummer Night?s Dream" by William Shakespeare. It describes the playful pursuit of romance and the hilarious farce that is totally reasonless. The author writes that "A Midsummer Night?s Dream" illustrates the farcical nature of love and celebrates its unquestionable irrationality."
From the Paper
"'A Midsummer Night?s Dream' is the quintessential romantic parody. Involving the use of magic potions and mythical creatures, Shakespeare portrays love as a potentially ridiculous pursuit and one totally devoid of reason. When Bottom states to Titania in Act 3, Scene 1, ?reason and love keep little company together nowadays,? he sums up one of the main themes of the play. Reason and love usually do not coexist, for emotions take on a life of their own."
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Shakespeare's Connection with the Contemporary World, 2002.
The paper states that even though the work of William Shakespeare is more than 400 years old, he still is a major box office draw.
820 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 39.95
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Abstract
The author states that Shakespeare?s plays live on with great popularity because they deal with life?s basic issues intertwined with valuable moral lessons. The author points out these issues in various popular Shakespearean plays. The paper believes that Shakespeare?s plays also continue to be popular because of the beauty of his words.
From the Paper
"In fact, it would appear that Shakespeare?s keen sense of human nature and the repetitive nature of life caused by the same basic issues led to his being quite a philosopher and a visionary. Issues such as jealousy and racism (Othello), the futility and destructiveness of senseless feuds (Romeo and Juliet), the dispersal and reunion of a family (A Comedy of Errors), foolish young love (A Midsummer Night?s Dream), and the consequences of power, greed and lust (King Lear and King John) are pretty much at the centre stage of modern life. "
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Literary Criticism on Shakespeare?s Hamlet, 2002.
A study on the historical literary commentary on Shakespeare?s character Hamlet throughout the generations.
1,910 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 81.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the literary comments on Shakespeare?s famous character Hamlet. It reflects on critiques of Hamlet through different eras, and their own influence and interests are a result of their time. The paper describes Hamlet is a universal character throughout the ages and as interpretations of future generations look inside and outside of him and express their own perceptions and their own era.
From the Paper
"Willlam Hazlitt largely comments on the contemporariness and universality of Hamlet?s character: that although Shakespeare wrote the play more than 500 years ago, we have come to know the character of the tragic Prince quite well. Not only because we read about him in school, but also ? and more ? because we know his thoughts as we do our own. (Hazlitt 1900) His sayings and speeches are not only real but are as real as our own thoughts when we ponder and despair over our or others? misfortunes and grief. Each of us becomes Hamlet, in Hazlitt?s view, whenever we bear the weight of reflection (Hazlitt), when the sun in us is made dim by ?envious mists? in our hearts, whenever the world looks nothing better than a ?dull blank?, when our love is despised, or when sadness sticks to us and makes our mind sink within. Hazlitt goes on and on in graphically describing the extremely painful condition of Hamlet?s soul in many different but familiar ways that each of us recognizes in ourselves. He says that we think and refer to this particular play most often because it is full of ? reflections on human life? itself. His agonies and helplessness seem to transfer to ?the general account of humanity.? He views Hamlet as a ?great moralizer? who rationalizes about his own feelings and experience and Hazlitt hails the play once again as the most remarkably ingenious and original and for its ?unstudied? development of character."
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Shakespeare's "Richard III", 2002.
A critical review of the play in connection with the role of women.
2,100 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 13 sources, MLA, AU$ 88.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a detailed discussion on the role of women in Richard III. The writer examines the female characters, their station in society, their role as survivors and the impact they have on the other characters in the play.
From the Paper
"Throughout time women have held various roles in the large scheme of life. Different points in history have provided the women with different expectations and societal viewpoints change within those eras. In recent decades the role of a woman has changed dramatically as the women?s movement came to pass and the world learned to accept their equality. It was not always the way it is today however women have held a role of importance since the beginning of time. The era of Richard III was one in which men were the kings of their castles in a literal sense as well as a figurative sense. It was a time of great acts of chivalry as well as a time in which females did not often have jobs or careers."
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The Serpent Iago, 2002.
A paper which explores the role of the serpent, Iago, in Shakespeare's tragedy, "Othello".
1,550 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 68.95
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Abstract
The paper shows that the story of the original sin was a vitally important one for Christians throughout history, and in the extensively Christian world for which William Shakespeare wrote, its absolute truth went unquestioned. The paper discusses how in many ways, the play "Othello" may be seen as a political, emotional, and tragic response to the same questions of knowledge, culpability and death that this creation myth inspires. It shows how the serpent, Iago, convinces the original and ideal man to rebel against god in search of knowledge that he ought not have, and which will only destroy him: Thus Othello falls from strength and purity to weakness, depravity, and death.
From the Paper
"Act III, Scene III, is by far the most loaded and pivotal scene in the play. It is in this scene that Othello is truly seduced to take the forbidden fruit in his hand and to let that ?green-eyed monster? of jealousy to run loose in his heart. Like a newly created creature, at the beginning of the seen he is a lighthearted 16 year old bridegroom. Certainly he has seen his share of the world, won battles and undergone dire straits, but he is still in many ways childlike and innocent. "
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Respect, 2002.
An analysis of two literary works illustrating respect as a matter of perspective.
910 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper describes and compares the form of respect accorded to the two main female protagonists in Willie Wilkins "Woman in White" and Shakespeare?s "The Taming of the Shrew".
From the Paper
"Both Marian and Kate in their respective roles are shown as headstrong and level headed women in a society where women are supposed to be flighty and discernibly submissive. Thus, we see the authors depict the two in a manner where the male protagonists subdue them or seem to subdue them by sheer force of will."
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The Hero/Antihero Motif in Literature, 2002.
An analysis of "Hamlet" by Shakespeare as a method to portray the hero/antihero motif.
2,750 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 110.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a detailed description of the hero/antihero motif used in literature. The writer uses the Shakespearean play, "Hamlet", as a backdrop to discuss the various aspects of the motif and to dissect its components.
From the Paper
"Throughout literary history the hero motif has been used to portray a person of character and virtue. Famed playwright William Shakespeare used the theme of heroes for many of his productions. In Hamlet the hero aspect of the work is intricately woven throughout the story in a pattern that allows the reader to understand that heroes have human traits as well as the traits that make them heroes. Hamlet himself is the hero in the play named after his character while the Uncle is the anti-hero. The use of a hero and anti-hero allows for the conflict and struggle that makes the story interesting and the plot something to follow."
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