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The History of English Literature, 2003.
A study of the history of English Literature, using the book "An Introduction to English Literature" by Jorge Luis Barges.
2,540 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 82.95
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Abstract
A book review of Barges' "An Introduction to English Literature" designed to educate the reader about the rich history of English Literature. Further, the book itself is written by renown author Jorge Luis Barges. His analysis concerning English Literature is focused in: The Anglo Saxon Period; The Fourteenth Century; The Seventeenth Century; The Eighteenth Century; Nineteenth Century Prose; Nineteenth Century Poetry and the end of the Nineteenth Century. Such topics are useful when presenting the reader with a thorough understanding of the history of English literature and writers.
From the Paper
"The author's preface begins with a general introduction on how essential English Literature is to our society as a whole. Borges also offers the reader a glimpse, of how he strategically compiled essential information concerning the history of English Literature, and writers in sixty-eight pages of text. Evidently, English Literature imparts a wealth of critical information. Further, Borges goes on to explain the significance of English literature: Of all the vernacular literatures which developed during the Middle Ages on the fringe of literature in Lain, that of England is one of the oldest. To put it another way, there are few other texts that can be attributed to the end of the seventh or the beginning of the eight centuries of our era."
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Satire in English Literature, 2001.
This paper compares 3 major works of satire in English literature - "Moll Flanders" "Gulliver's Travels" and "Rape of the Lock"
970 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 4 sources, AU$ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper explains how satire was one of the most common tools used by writers and poets in the 17th and 18th centuries to either attack the political regime of the time or to highlight the ridiculous traditions of the society. It compares and contrasts three literary works which used this form of expression for political and social purposes.
From the paper:
"It was a tradition in the English Literature during the seventeenth and early 18th centuries that poets and writers would often use the technique of satire either for political purposes or simply to highlight the idiosyncrasies of the society. In this regard many major English literary figures used satire in their work but while some of them used it to create a light humorous situation, others would give it a very harsh tone, which resulted in some serious problems with those who were targeted in the work."
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The Restoration Period of English Literature, 2002.
A look at six works characterizing literature of the restoration period of English literature.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 6 sources, AU$ 38.95
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Abstract
This essay examines the wit, satire and quest for advancement that characterized the Restoration period of English literature. Works discussed are Pope's "Rape of the Lock," Dryden's "Mac Flecknoe," Johnson's "Vanity of Human Wishes," Congreve's "Way of the World," Swift's "A Modest Proposal," and Behn's "Oroonoko."
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Crime in Old English Literature, 2004.
An argument that the predominant crime in Old English literature is that of anti-heroism through an analysis of the poem "The Battle of Maldon".
1,991 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 68.95
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Abstract
The paper outlines the role of the two Godrics' (the good and the bad) in the Old English poem "The Battle of Maldon" and analyses the beatification of Byhrtnoth. It sticks closely to the poem's use of language as a means of deciding that the main crime of Old English literature is anti-heroism. It expands from here, to surmise that this was the prevalent crime because of the payment of Danegeld and the reign of Aethelred.
From the Paper
"Against a consideration of Byrhtnoth, then, I would like to consider the true perpetrators of the crime of anti-heroism in Maldon: Odda's sons, who flee after their lord's death, thus revoking the heroic ideal. I would like to consider first the role of the two Godrics' in the poem. Any reception of either, it must be noted, is moderated by the moral worth that Byrhtnoth instils in the poem. To put it simply, 'bad' Godric is ignoble, fleeing on his master's horse, and 'good' Godric is virtuous, fighting till the death to avenge his lord. The fact that their names are identical forces one to assume that they are meant as comparative entities in the poem; more than this, there exists an alarming parity in the presentation of each Godric."
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The Battle of the Sexes in English Literature, 2002.
An overview of English Literature focusing on the history of gender roles and stereotypes in major novels.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the battle of the sexes through writings in English literature. It includes quotes from Chaucer, Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night", Milton's "Paradise Lost", and Gay's "The Beggar's Opera". The time period ranges from the middle ages, the renaissance, to the enlightenment. All quotes are from the Norton Anthology Seventh edition and are sited according to MLA format.
From the Paper
"From the beginning of time, the battle of the sexes has been a ferocious conflict; a conflict where women have often been on the losing side. This is truly evident from reading early English literature. Men have had the dominate roles over their women counterparts no matter what the prevailing time period was. Although women's rights diminished and replenished over the centuries, there was never a time when men and women were considered to be equal."
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Early English Drama, 2004.
This paper studies three early English dramas in relation to morality, church and religion.
1,582 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 3 sources, APA, AU$ 59.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer analyzes three early English dramas 'Noah's Flood', 'The Second Shepherd's Play' and 'Everyman'. The writer discusses these dramas according to their commonalities in relation to morality, Church, and religion.
From the Paper
"The values in art of any era often reflect the most pressing concerns and staunchest values of the culture in which that art is produced. The case is no different in three literary works of early English drama, 'Noah's Flood', 'The Second Shepherd's Play' and 'Everyman'. Each of these works shares commonalities with respect to the values that are exhibited as positive in each of them. All of these plays demonstrate that only a life lived in accordance with Church doctrine and God's commandments will ... "
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Women in Medieval English Literature, 2002.
An exploration of the role of women in medieval English literature through the examination of different works such as "Beowulf", "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and many other religious and secular lyrics.
1,927 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 12 sources, MLA, AU$ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to recognize the modern vision of an "empowered woman" in medieval English literature since numerous female characters, both religious and secular, demonstrate a power far beyond the traditional sphere of the subservient woman. Examples of such women are the Virgin Mary who appears in many works and the female characters in "Beowulf".
From the Paper
"The medieval romance Sir Gawain and the Green Knight also presents the Virgin Mary as a key figure, able to influence men for the better by personifying Christian values, "representing spiritual love, chastity, obedience and life"(Arkin). At his moment of testing, Gawain draws strength from the image of the Virgin Mary etched on his shield. Mary's symbolic power, here, is as important as her power to act - merely seeing her face is a reminder of the courtly ideal. The effects of Mary on medieval literature, as intermediary, voluntary mother, and representative of Christianity, should not be underestimated."
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English Literature Over the Ages, 2002.
A look at the changes in English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period through the eighteenth century.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 5 sources, AU$ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to trace the history of English Literature starting from the Anglo- Saxon period to the Eighteenth Century. The paper attempts to trace the changes through the various important works of the great writers throughout history.
From the Paper
"A look at the poetic tradition of that age shows that most of the old English poetry was more or less intended to be chanted, accompanied with a harp, by the Anglo-Saxon harp scop or bard (Encarta). The poetry was often bold and strong, but at the same time mournful and elegiac in its spirit. The subjects that this poetry expressed were the sorrow and the ultimate futility of life and lamented the helplessness of humans before the power of their fate. The versification pattern of almost all of this poetry was that it was composed without rhyme, in a characteristic line or verse of four stressed syllables alternating with an indeterminate number of unstressed syllables (Encarta). This form of versification strikes strangely, as it is different from the usual modern pattern. Hence this pattern becomes the striking feature of the era of Anglo-Saxon literature. Another striking feature in the formal character of the Old English poetry is structural alliteration that is the use of syllables beginning with similar sounds in two or three of the stresses in each line(Encarta)."
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Women in Old English Literature, 2006.
This paper compares the representation of woman during the period of old English literature as depicted in "Beowulf" (anonymous) and in Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales".
1,100 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in "Beowulf", the epic verse of heroism and honor, the major and the majority of the minor characters are male with the women even Grendel's Mother, the monster's mother, appearing to be of little consequence; however, in Geoffrey Chaucer's stories, "The Wife of Bath" and "The Miller's Tale", female characters are central to the stories. The author points out that the Wife of Bath is the narrator of the tale and includes her own mini-autobiography before beginning her tale of the knight; the female character in "The Miller's Tale" is the central point of action, the reason the story moves forward. The paper relates that the women in "Beowulf" are portrayed as being either evil or good; whereas, in Chaucer's tales, the women move from being revered, as in "The Wife of Bath" to being instrumental in creating fools of men by using sexual powers.
From the Paper
"Chaucer begins the "Miller's Tale" by describing the social circumstances surrounding the group. The Miller is drunk and some feel it would be best if he simply passed up his chance to speak and let someone else entertain, however the Miller insists and apologizes in advance for anything that he might say. This tale does not paint the female character as one of wisdom and loyalty as in the Wife's tale, but rather as a lusty young maiden, who much resembles the Wife herself. The Miller explains that his tale is about a carpenter, his young wife, a student and a clerk. The student boarded with the carpenter and his wife, and one day while the carpenter was away, the student came forth with his intentions to the wife, who readily accepted."
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Censorship and English Literature, 2002.
This paper argues against censoring books and literature in a school's English cirriculum.
3,010 words (approx. 12.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 95.95
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Abstract
This paper examnes the arguments against censorship of literature in the educational system. The author argues that literature allows for the presentation of a wide range of necssary, but sometimes, unpleasant issues, encourages free speech and allows different opinions to be expressed. In this paper's opinion, literature also encourages diversity and is often the students only exposure to different cultures and practices. The author also points out that controversy often encourages dialogue and as a result allows students to form their own, independent ideas. The paper uses examples from different literary works and quotes different educators in order to support these arguments.
From the Paper
"The reality is that a good work of literature very often is shocking to some extent. A comparison of two literature stories that make the same point will illustrate this. These two stories are "A Secret Sorrow" and "A Sorrowful Woman." These two stories have a lot in common. Both deal with a depressed woman whose husband is trying to help her. The major difference is that in "A Sorrowful Woman" the woman commits suicide and in "A Secret Sorrow" the woman is helped by her husband and gets better. Both of these stories show how important it is to reach out to people. The difference is that "A Sorrowful Woman" shows what happens if you don't and "A Secret Sorrow" shows how the situation can be saved if you do reach out. While both stories have the same overall meaning it is "A Sorrowful Woman" that has the most impact. The shock of the ending makes the point much clearer than a happy ending. I believe this same feature is true of most literature - that it is a shock value in a story that makes it effective. I also believe that the world based on television and movies only makes the shock value more important. Consider how many movies have violence in them. Even though violence is not accepted in society, in movies it is common."
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Early English Literary Criticism, 2004.
An analysis of the artistic works of criticism of Alexander Pope and John Dryden.
2,654 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 85.95
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Abstract
Alexander Pope's work, "An Essay on Criticism", takes the form of a two-part poem. John Dryden's "An Essay on Dramatic Posey" takes the form of an extended dialogue between four characters. This paper explains that the 'essays' attempt to formulate critical theories about the proper methodology of poetry and poetic drama, while at the same time, these writers and critics attempt to create artistic works of their own in the process. It examines how, in doing so, both men's works highlight how the 18th century English poetic and prosaic style of a highly rationalistic, argumentative, and logical artistic approach, often defined as "Neo-Classical", could easily be elided with criticism. In other words, art could more easily critiqued in a linear fashion in the Neo-Classical style.
From the Paper
"Long before the structuralists ever attempted to define what constituted the proper way of conceptualizing the narrative art, long before the deconstructionists ever wrote about the socially constructed nature of gender, long before the New Historicists attempted to reconfigure the relationship between text and historical context, the authors Alexander Pope and John Dryden penned their own theories of literary criticism for a far wider audience in their native England. But although both called their works essays, neither authors' central critical text takes the form of a theoretical or critical essay upon the literary art of poetry, prose, and drama."
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Mother Figures in 19th Century English Literature, 2005.
Examines the presence of mother figures in works by Thomas Hardy and Elizabeth Gaskell.
1,617 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 2 sources, APA, AU$ 56.95
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Abstract
During the nineteenth century, especially toward its conclusion, women were beginning to break out from their usual molds, and perceptive authors used that fact to create some outstanding dramas and novels. Thomas Hardy was one, having written "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" and Elizabeth Gaskell wrote "Ruth". There are many ways to look at these two novels; however, one interesting link makes them worth investigating. The paper shows that this link is the presence and the absence of a mother figure that might have changed the denouement of both women - a happy, peaceful conclusion for Ruth in her passing, and a tragic one for Tess, hounded by men seeking revenge for her stabbing of her seducer.
From the Paper
"Hardy, a male in the Victorian age where sex was all done behind closed doors and shuttered windows, as if it never existed at all, took umbrage at the mores of men and women whose lives would be shattered by revelations of premarital sex. Ruth had no mother to comfort her during her distress, having been forcibly removed from Mr. Bellingham. There was no mother to run to when it was time for the baby to be born. And yet, near the end of "Tess", when she might have needed her mother more than a bland Alec, her mother was distant, and not at all communicative with those who wanted information about Tess' whereabouts."
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Early German vs. Early Russian Filmmaking, 2004.
This paper discusses early German vs. early Russian filmmaking
in terms of a controlled versus an uncontrolled narrative perspective.
980 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 6 sources, APA, AU$ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the primary difference between the early Russian films of the first half of the 20th century and the German Expressionist movement, whose films exemplify an artistic ethos, is the significance given to narrative and to expressing a singular and coherent ideology for the viewer. The author points out that, in the case of Russian filmmakers such as Eisenstein, the narrative and descriptive sequences of the film are manipulated over the course of the film to invest particular images and aspects of the film with great importance. The paper relates that the German cinema creates a more ambiguous sense of meaning within its choice frames; the visual, rather than the story-based aspects of the film's shot and the film's overall plot arc, have greater significance.
From the Paper
"The greater emphasis on narrative within early Russian cinema also is evidenced in the way that the Russian directors, most notably Eisenstein, create meaning between frames of narrative, rather than within frame in a miens-en-scene approach. In this approach, the meaning of a single scene has a meaning in and of itself and can be invested with different meanings outside of the filmed narrative sequence. For instance, "Potemkin" makes use of what is known as a dialectic montage, or a composition of rapidly evolving scenes, too rapid for the viewer's eye simply to apprehend just one. The composition and the apprehension of scenes all at once creates a singularity of emotion and intent regarding the action, as opposed to a sustained scene where the viewer is able to consider the image and come to his or her own conclusion regarding the events that are transpiring. Miens-en-scene or middle of the scene approach became very popular in postmodernist and post-structuralism critiques and film analysis. Even the most impressionist examples of Russian cinema, such as the "Man with a Movie Camera," have a highly ideological and uniform tone, that of the glory of Russia, in sequences where seemingly unrelated images are created."
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Qumran, Early Christians, and Early Rabbinic Judaism, 1999.
Examines these three major religious groups, major beliefs and the use of canonical scripture.
3,150 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 8 sources, AU$ 120.95
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Abstract
Although fundamentalists in religious life assert that the answers to all human problems are available in inerrant scriptural form, there is still the problem of interpretation. From the beginning, differing stories, differing translations, and differing interpretations of scripture have led to the development of separate communities and sects within communities.
From the Paper
"Research on Qumran, Early Christians, and Early Rabbinic Judaism
Introduction
Although fundamentalists in religious life assert that the answers to all human problems are available in inerrant scriptural form, there is still the problem of interpretation. From the beginning, differing stories, differing translations, and differing interpretations of scripture have led to the development of separate communities and sects within communities. The intent in this essay is to look at three separate groups the Qumran community, the Early Christians and Early Rabbinic Judaism exploring their major beliefs and their use of canonical scripture."
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A.A. Milne as Serious Literature, 2005.
Argues that books by A.A. Milne should be taught in English literature classes.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 85.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that A.A. Milne's children's literature should be taught in the core curriculum of English Literature Classes in high school and college. The paper takes the position that Milne's books are works of serious literature.
From the Paper
"Most people when they are young are introduced to stories and nursery rhymes as an initiation to the world of communication and learning. Preschool and primary school teachers use fairy tales, nursery rhymes and children's stories in order to engage their students so that the students will enjoy school and want to learn more. This is the beginning of learning to read and write. Somewhere along the line however due to social pressure, state and federal testing guidelines and other demands ..."
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Early British Colonial Life in the United States, 2002.
This paper compares the lives of the early English colonists who landed in the Mid-Atlantic area and those who landed in New England.
800 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 4 sources, AU$ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the different positions about slave trade, geographic considerations, economic conditions, Native-American relationships and religion resulted in the development of separate cultures in the New England and the Mid-Atlantic colonies. The paper discusses that the introduction of tobacco was one economic factor that greatly influenced the economic and social structure of the Jamestown and Virginia colonist. The author points out that for the New England colonists the sea was their source of revenue and culture.
From the Paper
"The area soon became controlled by a handful of large plantation landholders with indentured laborers. Since few British colonists could finance their cost of passage, colonizing agencies fronted transportation costs. In exchange, emigrants agreed to work for the agencies as contract laborers for usually between four and seven years. Often, these contracts were sold to colonists with large estates. Though many indentured servants earned their freedom over time, more wealthy colonists were able to absorb New World land rapidly during early colonization. As experienced in other colonies, indentured servitude created an imbalance of economy and political power as Jamestown and the Chesapeake Bay colonies developed. After indentured emigrants won their freedom, the situation also created a need for manpower, which came in the form of a burgeoning slave trade."
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