| Papers [1-16] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 7] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 —> | Search results on "ILLUSION AMERICAN DREAM": |
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The Illusion of the American Dream, 2005.
A review of three American literary productions that focus on the illusion and fallacy of the so called American Dream.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 4 sources, AU$ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the illusion and possible failure of the so called American Dream as portrayed in 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, 'Death of a Salesman' by Arthur Miller and 'Wall Street ' by Oliver Stone. These literary works bring the fallacy of this American Dream to the attention of it's audience.
From the Paper
"The American Dream forms a basic part of our cultural mythos in the United States and is evident in a large number of literary works and artistic productions. Sometimes the authors in question unintentionally imbue their writing with overtones of the American Dream. Other times, a piece of literature actively calls attention to the precepts of the American Dream, either holding it up as an ideal or deconstructing the contradictions inherent in that particular ideology. In examining three literary productions (even though one is a film), we see that the American Dream is often interpreted as a fallacy. In F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, and Oliver Stone's Wall Street this theme is brought to the forefront of the discussion of American ideological construction."
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Theodore Dreiser's "An American Tragedy", 2005.
This paper discusses the idealized illusion of the American dream in Dreiser's novel, "An American Tragedy".
2,715 words (approx. 10.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 118.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Theodore Dreiser's novel, "An American Tragedy," describes the life and eventual downfall of a young and ambitious Clyde Griffiths, as well as events in Dreiser's own life. The author points out that, throughout the novel, the reader learns of Clyde's unusual childhood, as well as the other events leading up to his misdeeds. The paper summarizes that Dreiser depicts a crime motivated by the pursuit of the American dream, which, in the end, reveals itself to be only an illusion.
From the Paper
"Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, Theodore Dreiser grew up poor in an extremely religious family, causing his fascination with the wealthy in his town. His adolescence was very similar to that of Clyde Griffiths, the novel's main character. Dreiser's father was "a fervent Catholic" who, like Asa and Elvira Griffiths, "never stopped preaching rectitude and self-control to his children, but his guidance was of little practical help." Escaping his rigid conservative family life, Dreiser moved to Chicago eventually landing his first job as a reporter for the Chicago Globe. He continued working as a reporter for varying newspapers, and published his first novel Sister Carrie."
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| Essay # 49594 |
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Dreams and Dream Research, 2006.
This paper looks at the sleep cycle and studies dreaming.
2,261 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 102.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses what exactly a dream is. The writer ask whether it is a story that evolves in the mind in a single flash of inspiration, moving from beginning to end in a few seconds, or if is there more to it than mere fantasy. The writer discusses the sleep cycle and the act of dreaming and notes that many researchers, both past and present, have given numerous definitions for what dreams are and how they can be interpreted.
Outline:
The Mechanics of Dreaming
The Sleep Cycle
Body Dynamics
The Healing Power of Dreams
Dream Deprivation
The Meaning of Dreams
From the Paper
"A 2000 study at the University of Michigan found that the human body's dreaming condition is much like the fight or flight response in waking life, which gears the body up to confront a threatening situation. Yet the brain simultaneously signals the spinal cord to hold the body completely rigid. Science is still attempting to exactly determine what
physical function dreaming has for humans, but since the 1950's, researchers have made remarkable advances in the study of sleep and dreams.
"The cycles of sleep are a fairly new discovery, but in the years since researchers finally cracked the code of sleep, much has been learned about how the human body reacts when one dreams."
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"Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller, 2002.
This paper looks at illusion and the American dream in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman".
1,445 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 69.95
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Abstract
An examination of the themes of illusion and the American Dream in "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller. The play repeatedly shows the main character Willy Loman deluding himself into believing he is successfully pursuing his view of the American Dream ? financial success through business. Miller does this in two ways in particular. First, he constantly has the characters rewriting events so that when they are retold they reflect how they wish their lives really were instead of the reality of what happened. Second, as Willy Loman loses his grip on reality, he relives events from his past. By the end of the play, so many of Willy Loman?s illusions about himself have been shattered, but his illusions about his son Biff are stronger, and he imagines that his suicide will guarantee his son?s business success.
From the Paper
"Willy has also constructed illusions around his sons, especially Biff, who truly was well liked in high school. Willy puts more emphasis on Biff?s athletic talents and personal charm than is realistic, and encourages Biff to do the same. Chasing athletic fame for his son, Willy isn?t concerned when Biff steals a football from the team he plays for, and encourages him to steal sand to aid in a home renovation project. Biff?s friend Bernard reminds Biff that he needs to study for exams or risk not graduating, and both Biff and his father make fun of him for this. He encourages his sons to do dishonest thing, suggesting that Willy?s views about how to get ahead include setting personal values aside."
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To Dream or Not To Dream, 2001.
A paper discussing the "American Dream," and how it has been denied to certain people throughout history.
1,111 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 3 sources, AU$ 56.95
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Abstract
A paper discussing the "American Dream," and how it has been denied to certain people throughout history. The author relies on literary quotes to make the case that, in various points in American history, racism, poverty, and many other factors have conspired to deny the American Dream to groups of people.
From the Paper
"In the world today and throughout the past three centuries, millions of people have turned to America as the ?land of promise? where happiness is guaranteed and dreams are realized. The ?American dream? differs somewhat for all people but is built around the principles of being financially successful and having the opportunity to meet one?s goals in life. As this ideal has become more prevalent throughout the world, it has also become more elusive and difficult to obtain. This dream and guarantee that America supposedly offers is too often smothered by societal structure and philosophies, which impose limitations upon and create barriers against those seeking a better life; consequently, millions are left hopeless with their burning passion for life nearly extinguished."
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Globalization: Reality or Illusion, 2002.
Shows how Michalopoulos and Tsaliki, in their text "Globalization: Reality and Illusion", argue that the concept of globalization is more illusion than reality.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 3 sources, AU$ 129.95
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Abstract
In "Globalization: Reality and Illusion" Michalopoulos and Tsaliki contest the commonly held notion that recent economic growth has been a direct consequence of globalization. They suggest that globalization is more illusion than reality despite being widely held as the source of recent economic growth.
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Illusion and Reality in "Araby", 2008.
This paper discusses the counter-themes of illusion and reality within James Joyce's short story "Araby".
1,185 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 59.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that in James Joyce's short story "Araby", the narrator's view of the world seems to be that it is a relatively mundane, routine and unexciting place except when interrupted by his adolescent sensual thoughts and therefore rises a fresh, new and exciting reason to hope, dream and fantasize beyond his usual and predictable home, school and church routine. The writer notes that Joyce develops within this story counter-themes of illusion and reality: the illusion on the boy's part of romantic love for "Mangan's sister" juxtaposed against the more mundane realities of his true everyday existence, including the reality that the boy's own actions and mobility are determined by others.
From the Paper
"Soon the boy cannot extract his sensual images of Mangan's sister from his mind, even long enough to say his prayers. Thoughts of Mangan's sister interfere impede his concentration at school. Neither God nor his studies is in his own mind any match for Mangan's sister. Soon, and without understanding why, the picture inside his head of Mangan's sister, distorted or real, takes on iconic significance, substituting for reality in a way far more, in fact deliciously, exciting. However, by the end of the story, the young boy's reality, which has to do with acquiescing to priorities of those older than himself than it does fulfilling his own desires, pulls him back, and much-cherished hope of buying and presenting Mangan's sister with a special gift from Araby is destroyed by the simple fact that his uncle's tardiness has caused him to arrive to late to Araby to buy her a gift.
"When the boy becomes fascinated with Mangan's sister, his mind wanders far from his usual reality, which consists of school, church, home, and the authority of others - religious, parental, and otherwise."
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"The Tempest" and the Power of Illusion, 2002.
An analysis of "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare and his use of illusion in the play.
1,543 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 73.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes images, metaphors and symbolism of illusion in Shakespeare's "The Tempest" and explains how he attempts to send messages and morals across to his audience through the use of illusion. It shows, too, how Shakespeare uses Prospero, the magician, to create these illusions.
From the Paper
"In The Tempest, Shakespeare creates the magician Prospero to explore and exploit the power of illusion. Prospero calls his spirits ?actors,? and thus conveys a sense that everything about a drama, including the appearance and the speeches of the characters, is an illusion. Simultaneously, Shakespeare tries to engage the audience in the fantasy of this drama in order to entertain them and to be able to send them various messages regarding morals, truth, and illusion. He achieves these goals by using Prospero to influence the minds of the audience, in the same manner that the magician uses his spirits to delude the minds of the characters in the play."
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Self-Esteem and Positive Illusion in Romantic Relationship, 2004.
A discussion regarding high self-esteem and how it promotes positive illusion in intimate relationships, which, in turn, motivates an approach that will enhance the relationship.
2,036 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 21 sources, MLA, AU$ 94.95
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Abstract
This research proposal examines the relationship between self-esteem and the quality of romance in terms of the couples' perceived regard and their own satisfaction of the relationship. The paper aims to describe the importance of positive illusion as a mediator of the perception of the intimates. The paper discusses the benefits and drawbacks of such positivity and how it relates to self-esteem. The paper further discusses the impact it has on the relationship quality and whether illusion or reality is more important?
Outline:
Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion
From the Paper
"People with high self-esteem are somehow more motivated to repair their mood and are more likely to take the initiative to action in some way that would make them happier. (Heimpel et al. 2002) High self-esteem beings are more satisfied with their intimate relationships due to protection of self-worth and positive illusions. However, as much as these individuals idealize their relationship with their partner, there bound to be times when the conflict is too perceptible that challenges their belief in a perfect relationship; this should be when high and low self-esteem people differ with each other. If high self-esteem people do indeed have higher motivation to make themselves feel better; the hypothesis is that when positive illusions cannot play a role in repairing the negative feeling towards the relationship because the conflict is too overt, there is a high likelihood for high self-worth individuals to adopt the approach commitment (rather than the avoidance commitment) which is proven to be positively associated with relationship satisfaction. In other words, the reason for the tendency for high self-esteem people be more satisfied with their relationships is that their style of commitment which can enhance the intimate relationship. "
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The Moon Illusion, 2002.
A comprehensive discussion of the moon illusion, illustrating its scientific and philosophic implications.
3,302 words (approx. 13.2 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 137.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the history of illusions and the effect they have had on the intellectual development of the western world. The paper discusses the roots of the problem of the moon allusion in philosophy and the crossover into psychology. An outline is presented of what the moon illusion is, illustrating the issues of size and distance of the moon. The paper provides some of the common responses to the moon allusion by people like Baird and Wagner, Kaufman and Rock, Parks, and Reed. The implications for both science and philosophy for the various outcomes achieved by the researchers are examined.
From the Paper
"Open up any philosophical text, from the elementary textbook, Does the Center Hold? by Donald Palmer to the Oxford History of Western Philosophy. The first entry in the book will be Socrates. Even as far back as that, and probably further back than that, people have been concerned with the problems of perception. Idealism, realism, skepticism. How do we know what we know when the world can change so frequently, so fast. If our senses sometimes deceive us, and they tend to deceive us often, how can we rely upon them to tell us about the outside world. Perhaps it was when these questions were first posed that the science of psychology was first born."
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The Illusion of Motion, 2006.
A look at the philosophy of Zeno/Parmenides as it relates to the concept that motion is an illusion.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 2 sources, AU$ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper explains how the philosophy of Zeno/Parmenides relates to the scenario with the concept that motion is an illusion. Zeno, in support of Parmenides' teachings, created the paradox of dichotomy. The paper then discusses this paradox and how it contends that an object may be observed as traveling from point A to point B within a given time frame. However, Zeno concluded that on a scale of travel the object was consistently tasked with traveling to other points in between point A and point B. Each of these points, according to the philosopher, could be divided in half, which led to the object continuously having to pass through points of travel. Since the distances had the possibility of being divided without end, the process of travel was infinite, or never ending.
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"Race: The Power of an Illusion", 2005.
An analysis of the documentary, "Race: The Power of an Illusion".
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the documentary, "Race: The Power of an Illusion". It explains that people are sectioned by distinct groups of black, white, green, purple and orange which are endowed by our psyche. It explores the essence of the documentary and explains the idea of race as biology suggesting that a belief in race is no more sound than believing that the sun revolves around the earth. It contends that race is real and accounts for many subjects such as anthropology, sociology, American history and cultural studies.
From the Paper
"The Power of an Illusion, people is sectioned by distinct groups of black, white, green, purple and orange, which is endowed by our psyche. In essence, the idea of race as biology suggesting that a belief in race is no more sound than believing that the sun revolves around the earth. However, race is still an issue. Basically, race is real and accounts for many subjects such as anthropology, sociology, American history, and cultural studies. Psychologist Beverly Daniel Tatum studies race relations and influences the political discussion with respect to race and class politics. She adds that race and the legacy of discrimination continue to affect our lives whether in our everyday interactions with others or in our life opportunities. Also, the norm proclaims that "white" is accepted and never questioned or burdened compared to "nonwhites." The nonwhites feel resentment, angered and frustrated that they are not ..."
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"The Future of an Illusion", 2005.
A summary of the book"The Future of an Illusion" by Sigmund Freud.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 1 source, AU$ 38.95
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Abstract
Sigmund Freud was a brilliant theorist, psychiatrist, and medical doctor. He was also an atheist. These mutual factors are not unusual. Many scientists seem to share Freud's point of view that science and religion are irrevocably at odds with one another. "The Future of an Illusion" is Freud's examination of religion from a psychoanalytic perspective, but it is also a highly philosophical work. This paper summarizes his book.
From the Paper
"Sigmund Freud was a brilliant theorist, psychiatrist, and medical doctor. He was also an atheist. These mutual factors are not unusual. Many scientists seem to share Freud's point of view that science and religion are irrevocably at odds with one another. The Future of an Illusion is Freud's examination of religion from a psychoanalytic perspective, but it is also a highly philosophical work. This paper will summarize his book. This book is not the first time that Freud approached the topic of religion. In the Editor's Notes section, W. D. Robson-Scott mentions that Freud discussed religion as early as 1907, in his paper "Obsessive Actions and Religious Practices." A few years later, Freud also addressed the issue of religion in his book, Totems and Taboos (1964, p. x)."
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Don Quixote: Reality vs. Illusion, 2002.
An analytical paper which compares and contrasts the theme of reality vs. illusion in Don Quixote?s world.
860 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 44.95
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Abstract
A paper which shows how reality and illusion are interwoven not only throughout the story line of Don Quixote exploits, but how author, Miguel de Cervantes, even leaves the true authorship of this tale in question, suggesting that he is merely translating the story from the original writings of Cide Hamete. The paper discusses the madness of Don Quixote who sees people and objects in his everyday life as the counterparts in his knights and damsels world of chivalry, and how Don Quixote charging the windmills has become a classic scene and now serves to symbolize bravery in vain..
From the Paper
"Cervantes begins Part Two of Don Quixote again referring to the writings of Cide Hamete, thus, lending credence to both, Don Quixote and Hamete as real historic characters (Cervantes, 529). This further adds confusion between reality and fantasy. Throughout the novel there are countless scenes crossing the line of reality and illusion. The deathbed scene is perhaps the most poignant, for at the end, even though he himself had given up his chivalrous life and rejoined society, the others around him were still holding on to his fantastic world of knights and damsels in distress. But Don Quixote speaks, ?I am no longer Don Quixote of La Mancha, but Alonso Quixana?"
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Reality and Illusion in Proust and Gide, 2005.
A comparison of the treatment of reality and illusion in the novels, "Un Amour De Swann" (Swann's Love), by Marcel Proust, and Andre Gide's "Les Faux-Monnayeurs" (The Counterfeitors).
2,375 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 105.95
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Abstract
This paper is a discussion of how, in both "Un Amour de Swann" and "Les Faux-Monnayeurs," fictional realities are exposed for their illusory nature, and the inner life of characters' fantasy and imagination is shown to be more real than the outer world they inhabit. In both cases, outer reality is shown to be a limited, disappointing, and inherently false area, and the artifice in a fictional reality is highlighted in order to direct our attention to the artifice in our own lived reality. It explains that, while Proust directs readers towards the 'time of our inner lives' as the space of true meaning and experience, Gide believes that action can be taken to expose the falsity inherent in the outer world and emancipate ourselves from the illusions we are enslaved to.
From the Paper
"Proust's Un Amour de Swann and Gide's Les Faux-Monnayeurs are both concerned with the borderline between reality and illusion, and between the inner world of the self and the outer world of physical reality. Both novels contain characters who live in a reality they can neither experience fully, interpret objectively, or escape from, and both novels present a fictional reality exposed for its falsity in order to lead the reader to question the 'sincerity' of his own self and the nature of his own reality."
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