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On "A Global Village Full of Idiots", 2008.
A review of Joan Claytor's article "A Global Village Full of Idiots", a commentary of the harmful effects of television.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 83.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Joan Claytor's "A Global Village Full of Idiots", an entertaining newspaper article that presents at least seven fallacious arguments regarding television culture. It finds the article light and humorous, full of deliberate exaggerations, which produce the series of fallacious arguments that are easily identified and explained. The paper concludes that upon reading the article, the reader will have been entertained by the author's assertion that television is harmful to human experience, the family and home, its powers extending to filling whole houses with unwanted emotions and converting people to mere addicts and idiots.
From the Paper
"The author opens, for instance, in an argument that the "main problem with TV" is that it is addictive. (p.15) This is a presumptive argument in that one cannot know if it is addictive really, or for most viewers, or for any at all. Also, there is not a way in which to understand quite what the author means by using the medical term of addictive, only knowing that a television is not like heroin or tobacco or alcohol for those who are addicted to them. One meets few compulsive television viewers or people who would happily walk two miles in the snow in order to turn on a television that is located elsewhere. People do not need to be hospitalized for withdrawal because the family television is being repaired. North American cities have places where suffering people are treated for different kinds of addictions, but none for those who suffer the physical and emotional effects of television addiction. One waits to be told how it is that television is addictive and realizes that the author might mean habit-forming or familiar, as are not congruent with the bold statement she has made referring to television as addictive. A similar fallacious argument could be made by substituting the term of destructive, or perhaps combustive, for addictive, as would also be presumptive fallacies, if asking the important question of "why?" after writing one statement out, or the other."
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"The Idiot", 2004.
A review of Fyodor Dostoevsky's book, "The Idiot".
2,581 words (approx. 10.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 114.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the book, "The Idiot," written by Fyodor Dostoevsky, focusing on the protagonist of the book, Prince Lyov Myshkin. It explains how Myshkin's interactions with other characters and his characterization throughout the novel reflect the main theme of the novel, which is redemption or the lack and impossibility thereof. The paper contends that Myshkin plays the role of Christ in the novel. He accepts whatever is given him in terms of abuse and effrontery.
From the Paper
"Prince Lyov Myshkin is the main character of Dostoevsky's The Idiot. In terms of redemption, he is often characterized in ways reminiscent of Christ, who, on account of the way in which he spoke and thought, was obliged to live among hostile neighbors who did not understand him. He was thus obliged to live alone, also not understanding the hostility. Furthermore there appears to be in this character a timid purity that reminds the reader of the same trait in Christ. This appears to denote a fear of sex and procreation, which was part of Christ's and indeed of Myshkin's mission in the world. Myshkin's interactions with other characters, and his characterization throughout the novel then reflect the main theme of the novel, which is redemption or the lack and impossibility thereof."
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Redemption in "The Idiot", 2005.
Examines the theme of redemption in Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel, "The Idiot".
3,124 words (approx. 12.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 131.95
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Abstract
Prince Lyov Myshkin is the main character of Dostoevsky's "The Idiot". In terms of redemption, he is often characterized in ways reminiscent of Christ, who, on account of the way in which he spoke and thought, was obliged to live among hostile neighbors who did not understand him. He was thus obliged to live alone, not understanding the hostility. The paper shows that, furthermore, there appears to be in this character a timid purity that reminds the reader of the same trait in Christ. This appears to denote a fear of sex and procreation, which was part of Christ's and, indeed, of Myshkin's mission in the world. The paper shows that Myshkin's interactions with other characters and his characterization throughout the novel then reflect the main theme of the novel, which is redemption or the lack and impossibility thereof.
From the Paper
"Nastasya represents one of the sufferers in the novel, as she has been abused as an adolescent. This once again is a complicated issue of apparent redemption that is in truth a trap. The savior was Totsky, who took in Nastasya as an orphan. He was also however the obstacle towards salvation, in that he sexually abused the young Nastasya. For this, Myshkin observes that Nastasya suffers not only for the wrongs committed against her, but also for the pride and self-contempt that she carries within herself. Nastasya thus, in emancipating herself from Totsky, nonetheless remains her own prisoner. This is already clear when Myshkin sees her photograph for the first time. Nastasya is beautiful, but her life and attitude appear in her face:
"...her expression was passionate, and, as it were disdainful. She was rather thin in the face and perhaps pale." (p. 27)."
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"The Idiot", 2006.
A review of the Dostoevsky novel "The Idiot".
1,380 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews "The Idiot", the Dostoevsky novel about two women competing for the love of a prince. The author compares and contrasts the actions and motivations of the two women, concluding that the competition between them reveals more similarities than differences.
From the Paper
"Aglaya seems to represent the good and Nastasya the bad. Aglaya is the child and Nastasya the woman. Perhaps the differences in how they were raise and by whom is the only difference these two women share. Doestovsky shows how the same woman brought up under different circumstances can develop being similar yet different."
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"The Idiot Boy", 2005.
Analysis of the poem "The Idiot Boy" by William Wordsworth.
1,587 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper explains how, in "The Idiot Boy", Wordsworth attempted to combine two elements of lyrical and emotional poetry with a story of rustic or rural life. It shows how the use of language and the poetic diction is purposely simple to suit the plain themes and characters.
From the Paper
"The poem continues to present the situation that Betty Foy finds herself in through direct and intimate language. The second stanza is composed mainly of questions and the narrator describes the scene and situation to us. The use of questions and interrogation adds to the underlying gentle humor in the poem. This interrogative mode also tends to emphasize activity that is out of the ordinary. Betty has no option but to send her idiot son for help as her friend appears to be seriously ill. The rhythm and rhyme of the stanzas adds to the sense of narrative. This aspect also relates to Wordsworth's assertion in the Preface that the lyrical ballads should be pleasurable to the ear. The simple rhythmic phrasing as well as the natural speech and the gently interrogative style, all add to the easy narrative pace of the poem."
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Wordsworth and Writing his Defense, 2002.
This paper looks at Wordsworth's gender poetics in "The Idiot Boy" and "The Thorn."
3,600 words (approx. 14.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 146.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the themes in Wordsworth's poems "The Idiot Boy," and "The Thorn," in order to show how he used his poetry as a means to escape the pain that he felt in his own life. By using characters in his poetry that parallel people from his own life, Wordsworth was able to examine his own guilt, tension, and anxiety, by means of creating a scenario that does not directly involve himself.
From the Paper
"The narrator of this poem, whom is male, is used to show the reader that he understands what he has done. He wants us to understand, that he [Wordsworth] understands, the restrictions and expectations that society has bestowed upon women. In line 51 the word "dyes" can also mean "dies." If read with the double meaning the line looks more like "beauteous deaths," giving the notion of beauty as killing. Youth is emphasized in "infant's grave." The hill of moss although colorful and lively is the grave of the female self. Young women are given their 3x2 boundaries of wife and mother. Their identities are buried, and as life shifts along these hills of moss turn to ugly thorns. Wordsworth makes his love and admiration of women, along with his remorse and hopes of making peace with his situation evident through this poem. He wants the reader to realize that Martha Ray, as well as, Vallon, should not be made outcasts and emotionally tortured because of the wrong doings of a man."
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Existentialism in Literature, 1992.
A review of "The Floating Opera" by John Barth, "The Stranger" by Albert Camus, "The Idiot" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, "The Castle" by Franz Kafka, "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" by Friedrich Nietzsche and "Nausea" by Jean-Paul Sartre.
4,500 words (approx. 18.0 pages), 8 sources, AU$ 197.95
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From the Paper
"General Observations
This essay explores the various concepts of existentialism as found in the following six works: The Floating Opera (John Barth); The Stranger (Albert Camus); The Idiot (Fyodor Dostoyevsky); The Castle (Franz Kafka); Thus Spoke Zarathustra (Friedrich Nietzsche); and Nausea (Jean-Paul Sartre). These six existentialist writers embrace several viewpoints, a situation which proves existentialism is not a philosophy or a definite school of thought. Most of these existentialists are not even in agreement concerning essentials. It is possible for one existentialist to be a Christian, while the other may be an agnostic or even an atheist. Perhaps the one characteristic all of these thinkers share is their individualism.
Abraham Kaplan states: "Existentialism, moreover, is a..."
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Men's Attitudes Toward Women, 2002.
This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the pieces, "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen and "Trifles" by Susan Glaspell.
1,025 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts Torvald and his attitude toward Nora in Ibsen's play, to the men's attitudes toward women in the play "Trifles." It discusses how both these pieces show women treated simply as idiotic "things" by the men in the pieces, but the women are clearly smarter than the men are, and it is the men who end up looking idiotic in the end.
From the Paper
""Trifles" tells the tale of a woman driven to the "end of her rope" by a spiteful, mean-spirited man, but it is also a story for all women, celebrating how they can band together in a crisis. Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters sense immediately what Mrs. Wright was dealing with, and they attempt to protect her when the men begin to criticize her housekeeping skills. They astutely note, "MRS. HALE. No, I don't mean anything. But I don't think a place'd be any cheerfuller for John Wright's being in it" (Glaspell). While the men are still fumbling around looking at things and speculating, (and appearing increasingly idiotic), the more introspective and sensitive women have solved the crime, and are on the way to saving Mrs. Wright from paying for the murder. "A Doll's House" relates the story of Nora, a woman far ahead of her time in the Victorian era, who cannot live under her husband's thumb any longer, and must strike out on her own, even if it was not the thing to do in Victorian society."
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Disneyfication of "Beauty and the Beast", 2008.
A comparative analysis of Madame Leprince de Beaumont's "Beauty and the Beast" and the Disney film version.
1,898 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 88.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the Disney adaptation of Madame Leprince de Beaumont's "Beauty and the Beast" . The paper contends that an analysis of Belle's character reveals that Disney's treatment of the fairy tale entirely neuters the story, taking away its dramatic, harsh moral lessons, and diminishing its female role model to an idle idiot who should not have survived the first ten minutes. The paper continues to discusses how this is further exacerbated by the introduction of cute, irrelevant animated characters who only serve to trivialize the film further. The paper concludes that, while traditional fairy tales offered chicken soup for the soul, Disney offers canned soup for the soul.
From the Paper
"Beaumont's Beauty has many other good qualities besides, and demonstrates them consistently throughout the story. For example, she is patient when her shrewish sisters berate her. She is considerate when her father offers her gifts, requesting almost nothing for fear it might be beyond his means. She does ask for a rose, not because she wants one, but because she does not want to show her sisters up. Thus, in somewhat Christian fashion, she turns the other cheek, meeting her sisters' insults with kindness and consideration. Disney's Belle gets no such opportunity to show Christian charity - this lucky young woman is an only child, unburdened with mean-spirited sisters! Again, the Disney character is denied the opportunity to model strength of character to viewers, and instead remains comparatively insipid. "
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Dostoevsky's Writings, 2005.
A comparative analysis of existentialist fear and angst in four of Fyodor Dostoevsky' writings.
3,150 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 9 sources, AU$ 181.95
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Abstract
This fourteen page paper examines fear and angst in Dostoevsky's works. It specifically examines the pervasive presence of fear, anxiety, and angst in "The Brothers Karamazov", "Notes from Underground", "The Idiot" and "Crime and Punishment" and demonstrates that Fyodor Dostoevsky believed these negative emotions are triggered primarily because people inevitably become aware that their constantly struggling to understand the meaning of human existence is futile.
From the Paper
"Dostoevsky's Writings: A Comparative Analysis of Existentialist Fear and Angst Examining the pervasive presence of fear, anxiety, and angst in The Brothers Karamazov, Notes from Underground, The Idiot and Crime and Punishment demonstrates the Fyodor Dostoevsky believed these negative emotions are triggered primarily because people inevitably become aware that their constantly struggling to understand the meaning of human existence is futile. Acknowledging this futility compels them to either give up and descend willingly into moral degradation or to continue struggling even if it appears useless. In terms of how Dostoevsky used fear in his writing and the manner in which his expression of fear reflects the existentialistic idea, it is evident first of all that his main characters in these four novels have been crafted to display the darkness of the human condition."
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"Girl Interrupted", 2005.
This paper discusses the issues of art and reality in the mental health film "Girl Interrupted", based on the book by Susanna Kaysen and directed by James Mangold.
2,070 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 95.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, from a reality point of view, "Girl Interrupted" is true in the sense of not making the mentally-ill post-adolescent girl a babbling idiot, even though there are some scenes of screaming and tantrums. The author points out that the "art" of the film is seen in the lighting and camera placement, which sets the mood and an outstanding "supporting" performance by Vanessa Redgrave, as the head doctor of the mental hospital. The paper concludes that there are moments of starkness and quiet subtlety in this film, which not only wakes it "watchable" but also makes one want to see it again to catch some nuance that may have been missed the first time.
From the Paper
"Art, of course, is always in the eye of the beholder. But, "Girl Interrupted" presents Art (with a capital A) to an audience for whom the art of cinematography and all the technical aspects of it, mean relatively little. In this film, the intended audience can be caught up in the emotions, clearly visible with a lot of very tough close-ups, and, finally, how it is possible to come to terms with oneself and go on into life, even if it is not "normal" according to society. It is also a strength of the movie that it is not preachy and that the "adult" characters are really only a sort of signpost on the way to potential recovery."
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Authority Figures in "Alice in Wonderland", 2001.
This paper examines the significance of authority figures and the hierarchy of authority in "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll.
1,700 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 80.95
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Abstract
In Lewis Carroll?s novel, "Alice?s Adventures in Wonderland", Carroll creates a satirical impression of human authority. This paper explains how he portrays seemingly powerful characters such as the King and Queen of Hearts as shallow, idiotic, and farcical, while characters such as Alice and the Cheshire-Cat are depicted as knowledgeable, witty characters who possess the real authority in Wonderland. Carroll, through exaggeration, displays the King and Queen of Hearts as somewhat of a parallel to the top of the hierarchy of authority in the real world. The paper looks at how these characters are presented to the reader as abusing power they don?t really possess. It explains how, in the end, Alice, with the help of the Cheshire-Cat, develops as the true figure of authority in Wonderland and symbolizes young children everywhere, showing them that they too can make a difference in the world.
From the Paper
"Lewis Carroll develops Alice as a prominent authority figure throughout her tenure in Wonderland. Alice?s authority increases in her own mind as she realizes how farcical and illogical the important figures in Wonderland really are. This is quite evident at the mad tea party when Alice is arriving and the Mad Hatter and March Hare claim there is no room but
Alice indignantly says, ?there?s plenty of room!,?(Carroll, 60) and sits down in a large armchair
at the head of the table. Alice, here, is showing the characters of Wonderland that they do not intimidate her and she is trying to enforce her own sense of authority over these idiotic beings. The Hatter and the March Hare try to belittle Alice with their remarks but Alice replies to their snide remarks with polite, intelligent responses. This can be manifested when the Hatter and the Hare are rudely commenting on how Alice could use a hair cut and Alice replies, ?you should learn not to make personal remarks . . . it?s very rude.?(Carroll, 60). Although the Hatter and the Hare don?t realize it, Alice is establishing herself as a teacher, or leader, that provides a helpful example to children readers with respect to manners and temperament. The idea of Alice?s authority in Wonderland is further developed to the point where she can be recognized as the supreme authority figure in Wonderland near the end of the story at the trial regarding the stolen tarts. Alice, at this point, has grown back to her normal size and has no respect for, or fear of the Queen or King of Hearts any longer."
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Romantic Poets and the Representation of Memory, 2002.
A paper on how poets from the Romantic era sought to convey the complexities of the human mind through the representation of memory in their poetry.
2,255 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 101.95
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Abstract
The paper shows how Romanticism was a period in human history where structure and form were abandoned for unrestricted thought and movement. It discusses its influence on poetry and how, through their representation of memory in their poetry, poets sought to illustrate the complexities of the human mind as well as explore Descartes? supposition of ?I think, therefore I am.? This paper specifically looks at two poems from the Romantic Era: ?The Nightingale? by Coleridge and ?The Idiot Boy? by Wordsworth. By conducting a thorough analysis of these two poems, the paper shows how many poets believed memory to be more than just observation to the past. Memories are loaded with the reminiscer?s interpretation of previous events and are therefore subject to the reminiscer?s culture, character and rationalising process. The paper discusses how, by representing memory in this way, poets provide their own interpretation of how the human mind operates and what it really means to be fully aware as a member of the human race.
From the Paper
"From the onset, the descriptions of the natural surroundings given by the narrator demonstrates the thought processes of the mind in capturing images from the outside. When the narrator talks of ?No cloud, no relique of the sunken day distinguishes the West, no long thin slip of sullen Light, no obscure trembling hues,? they are not merely observations because the narrator talks of images that are not there. Instead, the narrator implies more about his expectations at seeing a cloud and a relique of the sunken day, and his surprise at finding neither in sight. This is an example of the mind interpreting more than just the surroundings but taking into account time and circumstance in evaluating what is going on outside the mind. This can also be gleaned from the choice of adjectives the narrator employs in describing his surroundings. The narrator observes the ?soft bed of verdure? and ?vernal showers.? "
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Satanism, 2002.
A study of the ancient religion of Satanism and its modern appeal to today's youth.
1,510 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the modern day Church of Satan founded by Anton Szandor LaVey in 1966. It examines the appeal of the religion to young people, and the many myths and fantasies surrounding their rituals. The paper describes contemporary Satanism as a brutal religion of elitism and social Darwinism that seeks to re-establish the reign of the able over the idiotic. The author compares Satanism to Christianity.
From the Paper
"Satanism has an ancient history and has appeared in a number of different forms through the ages. It persists to this day and has been reformed and reshaped in this century by certain believers who have given this ancient religion a somewhat new look. In recent years, there has been considerable concern expressed over the possible influence of Satanism on young people and others, though much of the concern has been hysterical in nature, assuming that satanic influences and satanic rituals are prevalent without any clear evident that it is. Satanism is now one of the many topics being discussed and disseminated utilizing the Internet. Sexuality is one aspect of this religion that is treated differently than it is in Christianity, as a comparison will show."
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Wordsworth's Lyrical Ballads, 2002.
An essay examining Wordsworth's poetry.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, AU$ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Wordsworth renders to others the extraordinary joy which he gleaned from nature. The poems used to illustrate this are "Michael", "Resolution and Independence" and "The Idiot Boy".
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"About Schmidt", 2002.
A look at social psychology themes in the movie "About Schmidt".
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 3 sources, AU$ 90.95
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Abstract
This undergraduate paper examines social psychology themes in the 2003 film, About Schmidt. The author explores why the protagonist in the film is a repressed Midwesterner who only begins to get in touch with his emotions in his mid-sixties after he retires, and analyzes his experiences as he awkwardly deals with the psychological transformation triggered by his reluctant retirement, the sudden death of his wife, his discovery of her affair with his best friend, and the upcoming marriage of his daughter to a man he considers an idiot.
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