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"Fences" and "Death of a Salesman", 2004.
A comparison of August Wilson's play, "Fences", and Arthur Miller's play, "Death of a Salesman".
1,358 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how there are likely as many similarities between these two plays as there are dramatic differences. It explains that both are extremely well-written, both allow the audience to peek into the living rooms and lives of interesting people, and both also put a microscope on society and allow the audience to examine the real characters that make America what it is. This paper compares and contrasts these two plays.
From the Paper
"Fences, which depicts the African-American family experience of the late 1950s, just prior to the social and civil rights explosions of the 1960s, is in a way the balancing act on the other side of the American teeter-totter from Salesman, a story of the middle class American Caucasian experience of the late 1940s. Characters in both fictional families are seen in their realistic settings, and are believable. Death of a Salesman of course is a far more well-known play, indeed an internationally renowned play, having initially run on Broadway for 742 performances, opening in February, 1949, and winning the Pulitzer Prize, plus the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for best play of the season. Miller?s play (directed by the playwright himself) has also been presented in France, Germany, Australia, Russia, England, China ? and 17 million viewers tuned in to its TV production by CBS in 1966 (starring Lee J. Cobb as Willy); topping that were the 25 million in the TV audience in CBS?s 1985 production starring Dustin Hoffman (as Willy), Kate Reid, and John Malkovich."
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Comedy in ?King Lear?, 2004.
Examines elements of comedy in William Shakespeare's tragic play.
1,300 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
On its surface, "King Lear" by William Shakespeare, stands as an excellent example of one of his tragedies and, in certain senses, it is the most obviously ?classical? of Shakespeare's plays in terms of tragedy. This paper examines how there can be room for comedy in the play and shows how Shakespeare blends the two elements of tragedy and comedy successfully throughout the text. The paper also borrows examples from several of Shakespeare's other plays to illustrate this blending of concepts.
From the Paper
"Indeed, at this moment, King Lear comes to realize for the first time the folly of his policy and the treachery of his daughters and in this moment, we, as an audience might begin to have some sympathy for his earnest expression of grief. The Fool, however, responds to Lear?s heartfelt outpouring with a witty remark that provokes laughter rather than sympathy, creating a strange moment for the viewer who is caught between the depths of Lear?s suffering and the hysterics of The Fool?s remark:"
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Change Proposal for a Theatrical Organization, 2004.
Proposal for change in leadership style of a theatrical organization.
2,306 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the organizational and managerial problems of a theatrical organization and proposes a change for the company that would entail hiring a company manager. The paper analyzes and highlights the theater's problems in management style and organizational structure and then presents a plan for implementing the changes needed to eliminate the theater's management problems.
From the Paper
"Spending any time at all at one of the nation?s first, oldest and largest state theaters, a founding member of the League of Resident Theaters, brings to mind only one phrase above all others: ?Off with their heads.? The theatrical organization is run as if by the mad Queen in Alice in Wonderland. No real management is performed. Instead, edicts are issued by the CEO and founder and carried out without regard to the bottom line or any standards of acceptable organizational behavior. In short, there is the rule of fear, and nothing more."
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Drama Techniques in Business, 2004.
A comparison between drama techniques and business training and improvement.
2,112 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 14 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the usefulness of drama techniques developed by Augusto Boal in "Theater of the Oppressed" and applies them towards training programs in the business environment. This is done by means of a brief consideration of selected techniques, followed by their application to education and business. The paper also refers to other drama techniques and literature to support the theory.
From the Paper
"Cooperation is of prime importance in the business environment. In Goffman's work, this concept is explored through group dynamics, and the relationship between performance and audience (Goffman, 1959:22). A group in the performance attempts to work towards a single predetermined goal. Co-operation may then occur in one of two ways: the group is either unanimous in its achievements of the goal, or each individual assumes a differing role, each of which then results in the achievement of the above-mentioned goal."
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Shakespeare, Aristotle, and the Idea of Tragedy, 2004.
Examines the dynamic forms of catharsis and tragic flaws in William Shakespeare?s plays and how they relate to Aristotle's definition of tragedy.
2,409 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
William Shakespeare?s most beloved plays are his tragedies. If one were to list his best and most popular plays, "Othello", "Romeo and Juliet", "Hamlet", "King Lear" ,and so forth, one would find the list comprised almost entirely of tragedies. The paper states, therefore, that it would not be amiss to say that much of the modern literary conception of theatrical tragedy is shaped and influenced by Shakespeare. At the same time, the paper shows that the definitions of the tragic form ,as understood at the roots of theatrical history in Greco-Roman times, continue to be part and parcel of the official comprehension of tragedy. The paper shows that many critics have sought to force Shakespeare into the mold of tragedy as defined in Aristotle?s "Poetica", and many others have rightfully protested that he was not cast from that mold, and that, in fact, he owes little to it.
From the Paper
"On the other hand, there is a startling number of criteria discusses by Aristotle that Yanni never mentions, and which Shakespeare either fulfills or denies to some degree. For example, Aristotle suggests that the proper metre for drama is ?The iambic? the proof is that in talking to each other we most often use iambic lines.? (Aristotle) The majority of Shakespeare?s tragedies, of course, use iambic lines. Likewise, Aristotle claims that ?Necessarily then every tragedy has six constituent parts, and on these its quality depends. These are plot, character, diction, thought, spectacle, and song.? Shakespeare is well known for his focus on diction, spectacle, and even song. In these categories one could make any number of parallels between Aristotle?s dramatic suggestions and the original staged forms of Shakespeare?s work."
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?Death of a Salesman?, 2004.
An analysis of the theme of gender criticism in the play, ?Death of a Salesman?, by Arthur Miller.
1,190 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, although Arthur Millers's "Death of a Salesman" is mainly about a salesman named Willy Loman, the almost hidden presence of the women in the play is all too often unnoticed. It looks at how Linda Loman seems to be the glue that holds the Loman clan together, as Willy, Biff, and Happy are all deluded in one way or another. It analyzes how Miller depicts Willy's wife in a very specific way and how he depicts the other women in the story in ways that complement Linda's distinct nature. Although Linda's role as a woman in society is extremely limited, she is a heroic character, being both wife and mother to some very sad and twisted characters.
From the Paper
"Linda then, is a character that we learn directly very little about. It is only through her interactions with her family that her nature is revealed, and this sense of mystery adds to the dramatic tension. The audience cannot fathom why she stays with Willy and her dysfunctional family. Is she accepting her subordinate position as part of the nuclear family in order to hold it together? Or is she limited by her own personal inadequacies that prevent her from standing independently? Miller's creation of a character shrouded in ambiguity allows extensive scope for dramatic tension. This indistinct character of Linda has an effect on her relationship with Willy."
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"Death of a Salesman" and "Lost Boy", 2004.
A comparison of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and Thomas Wolfe's "The Lost Boy".
2,157 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
In Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and Thomas Wolfe's "The Lost Boy", the central characters of Willy Loman and Grover Gant share many similarities, such as a great determination to succeed and a focus on the past events of their lives. This paper discusses how both characters are apparently obsessed with dreams; with Willy Loman, the dream is obtaining what has come to be called the "American Dream," being a phenomenal success in his chosen profession as a salesma; with Grover Gant, the dream involves his proud and prescient mother, who always insisted that Grover was the brightest and best of her offspring. It shows how both characters realize much too late that their dreams are not based in reality, which inevitably leads to disillusionment and personal disaster, not to mention that Loman and Gant are "lost" in a world they cannot understand.
From the Paper
"Miller's American masterpiece Death of a Salesman, first presented on the stage in New York City in 1949, represents a successful attempt to blend the themes of social and personal tragedy within the same dramatic framework. Yet the story of Willy Loman is also one of false values sustained by almost every publicity agency in the national life of the U.S. Willy Loman accepts at face value the over-publicized ideals of material success and blatant optimism, and therein lies his own personal tragedy. His downfall and final
defeat illustrate not only the failure of a man but also the failure of a way of life, being a door-to-door salesman. Miller's ability to project this story of his tragic, lower middle-class hero into the common experience of so many Americans, who sustain themselves and their families with illusions and ignore realities, makes Death of a Salesman one of the most significant in American theater within the last fifty years."
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Clothing in "Cymbeline", 2004.
Examines the use of clothing in William Shakespeare's play, "Cymbeline".
963 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, $ 34.95
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Abstract
"Cymbeline" is one of the lesser-known comedies of William Shakespeare. but it contains all the drama, intensity, chaos. and confusion of a typical Shakespearean work. This paper examines some instances when clothing is used by the characters in the play to carry out important tasks. The paper shows that clothing has been given different terms. such as clothes, apparel. and garments in the play. and this helps in creating the right kind of setting for different incidents.
From the Paper
"From the above passage it is clear that clothing was used as a tool to transform a meek dainty woman into a strong ad courageous person. It was not exactly transformation of woman into man, but a weak person into a brave one. Clothing, it appears, could change the course of Imogen?s destiny-who would have otherwise been remained imprisoned in the castle. Pisanio encourages her to stop behaving like a weak pretty woman and instead force herself to act and feel as strong as a man. To this, Imogen replies that she already feels like a man. However Pisanio is not happy with this answer and tells her to change into men?s clothing:?First, make yourself but like one.
Fore-thinking this, I have already fit--
'Tis in my cloak-bag--doublet, hat, hose, all
That answer to them: would you in their serving,
And with what imitation you can borrow..? (Pisanio, Act III Scene IV)"
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"Mama Mia!", 2002.
A review of the hit musical, "Mama Mia!".
1,015 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the musical, ?Mama Mia!?, and looks at how, set in present times on a small mythical Greek island, the show mingles about 25 ABBA songs into a story of a mother and her soon-to-be-married daughter. It is a frolicking musical that combines a fun and fast-moving yet simple plot, laughs galore, and loads of hits. It looks at some of the history behind the show, the pop group ABBA, and the plot of the story.
From the Paper
"The cast looks as if it is having as much fun as the audience, while inane things keep on occurring in the contrived and clich? plot. In one scene, Sophie has a nightmare to the music of ?Under Attack.? In the dream sequence, her groom wears a wedding dress, no less. Actually much of the enjoyment of this show comes from seeing where they are going to place each of the 20-odd songs that are listed in the playbill in alphabetical rather than performance order?no one wants the audience to know which tune will come when until seeing the play. The show in fact is making fun of itself as well?who would think of a story taking place on a Greek island with the Italian words ?MaMa Mia!?"
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Bel-Imperia in ?Spanish Tragedy?, 2002.
An analysis of the character portrayal of Bel-Imperia in ?Spanish Tragedy? by Thomas Kyd.
1,113 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Thomas Kyd?s ?The Spanish Tragedy? focuses on the female character, Bel-Imperia, who becomes affected by a conflict between her lover, Horatio, and suitor, Balthazar. It focuses on the character portrayal by Kyd of Bel-Imperia?s character as the faithful and vengeful lover of the fallen Horatio. It also discusses and analyzes important points and events in the play that illustrate Bel-Imperia?s passing from prosperity and misfortune, since Bel-Imperia?s character portrayal in the play goes from being a woman of love to being a woman of revenge.
From the Paper
"After Bel-Imperia?s confirmation of her love for Horatio, Bel-Imperia and Horatio exchanges love lines with each other, reflecting upon the readers of the play Bel-Imperia?s goodness and thoughtfulness as a woman. However, Bel-Imperia?s relationship with Horatio will always be filled with danger upon Balthazar?s arrival into her life. In the midst of their love dialogue, Bel-Imperia once again mentions the impending danger that awaits her lover: ?If I be Venus, thou must needs be Mars/ And where Mars reigneth there must needs be wars.? Bel-Imperia?s use of mythology illustrates how their love and life together may be likened to an immortal bond between them, but it also gives a ?heavy weight? that are hanging upon them, especially in the rivalry between Balthazar and Horatio."
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"A Raisin in the Sun", 2002.
A review of Lorraine Hansberry?s play, "A Raisin in the Sun".
1,301 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Lorraine Hansberry?s play, "A Raisin in the Sun", is a dramatic tour de force and was one of the more important developments in American dramatic literature in the second half of the 20th century. It looks at how her moving play focuses on the domestic life of the Younger family as they decide what to do with a check that they have received after the death of Walter Lee?s father. It shows how, from the very beginning of the play, Hansberry creates a tone that sets the stage for the later dramatic action and how the play is, ultimately, a meditation on how the human spirit is able to rebound after our dreams have been destroyed. It analyzes how Hansberry reveals the specific dreams of each character in the play and how, in each case, their dreams are disappointed in some strange and sad fashion.
From the Paper
"All of the Youngers do have important, although different dreams. Beneatha dreams of going to medical school, Mama dreams of moving into a new house, and Walter Lee wants to open a liquor store. The problem is that the amount of money that the family has is finite and can only serve to fulfill some, and not all, of the Younger?s dreams. Walter Lee?s dream has a particular significance in relation to his manly pride, and the failure of that dream is terrible. However, ?By the end of the play, they learn that the dream of a house is the most important dream because it unites the family,? and it is through this common dream that the Youngers realize their true strength (?Themes, Motifs, and Symbols?)."
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"Death of a Salesman", 2003.
An analysis of the character Willy Loman in Arthur Miller?s play, ?Death of Salesman?, and the message Miller is trying to transfer about American society.
2,210 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how, in ?Death of a Salesman?, Miller focuses on failure in a society that is obsessed with success. Willy Loman, an unsuccessful salesman, is the main character who falls prey to the propaganda of a society that shuns unsuccessful people. It shows how, through the use of his characters, themes, and symbols, Miller shows his audience how a man who believes in the ?American Dream? as it has been marketed to him can ultimately be destroyed by it.
From the Paper
"Willy?s obsession with the American dream is symbolic of the unattainable, as well as of the flaws of the dream. Willy lives his entire life in pursuit of the American dream yet never attains it. The American dream represented opportunity and freedom for all, in Willy?s eyes, and he believed that all he needed to do was work hard and become popular. According to Willy, "the man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates a personal interest, is the man who gets ahead. Be liked and you will never want (p. 21)." However, hard work left him with nothing. The Samerican dream did little more than make Willy harshly judge himself and those around him by their material accumulation, as is demanded by capitalism and the American dream."
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Mother-Son Relationships, 2002.
A comparison of the mother-son relationships in "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare and "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams.
1,221 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the mother-son relationship in two plays: Hamlet and his mother, Gertrude, in "Hamlet" by Shakespeare, and Amanda and Tom in "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams. It demonstrates how the two plays and the characters of the mothers are quite different and how, in "The Glass Menagerie", Tom is able to brush off his mother?s domination after too much struggle. On the other hand, Gertrude is unable to dominate Hamlet, even though she tries. It also shows how Tom?s relationship with his mother is that of an irritated son who cannot stand his mother?s meddling, whereas Hamlet?s relationship is based on revenge and hatred.
From the Paper
"Hamlet is one of Shakespeare?s most popular tragedies written in around the 1600. The play is a melodrama of revenge, secrecy, madness and conspiracy. It revolves Hamlet, a prince of Denmark who?s life is filled with tragedy. Initially he loses his father and while on the verge of recovering from this loss, he sees his mother Gertrude, marrying his Uncle Claudius within two months of his father?s death. The shock of his mother?s behavior is unbearable for Hamlet as he goes into severe depression and termed by some as complete madness. He fails to continue his studies and because of his mental state, his mother does not allow him to leave Denmark till he is completely stable."
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?The Fantasticks?, 2002.
A review of the off-Broadway production of ?The Fantasticks? .
1,232 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how the musical play, ?The Fantasticks?, originally strikes the viewer as both an effective and humorous parody of the Shakespearean romantic drama, ?Romeo and Juliet?, and the classical Greek and Roman myth of Primus and Thisbe, upon which Shakespeare?s play is based. It looks at how, when examined for its deeper theatrical and literary significance, the play?s "spine", or story, and structure of theatrical staging also conveys to the viewer a more coherent explanation of the moral dilemma that underlines story of thwarted, adolescent love and the purpose of Romantic theater in general.
From the Paper
"The distance of the wall that the children must overcome, emotionally, embodies this separation. ?You must always leave the wall,? is one of the final tropes underlined at the end of the play, by the narrative voice of the storyteller. In other words, in true love, one must also have distance as well as reinforcement of desire and connection. The play?s use of the wall creates a connection not only with ?Romeo and Juliet,? but also with the Classical Greek myth of Primus and Thisbe, where the two mythical personas whispered to one another to communicate across the distance of the wall. An infamous balcony that barred the two of them from communicating physically likewise separated the romantic protagonists Romeo and Juliet."
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?Hedda Gabler?, 2002.
A character study of "Hedda" in Henrik Isben?s play, "Hedda Gabler".
1,352 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the power of human sadness is illustrated in Henrik Isben?s play, "Hedda Gabler", and how ,by employing dramatic techniques, Isben is able to create a complex character inHedda. It analyzes how Isben supplies us with many insights into Hedda?s character and how, through powerful devices such as circular conclusion, symbolism and imagery, we are able to piece together aspects of Hedda?s personality that might have led her to commit suicide. It looks at how her pain and loss of control push her to believe that the only solution is removing herself from the situation.
From the Paper
"Another aspect of the play that the casual observer might miss is Hedda?s true character. Many might simply pass her off as a spoiled snob, but upon closer inspection, Hedda is a woman that was suffering. In fact, Mary Kay Norseng notes that the ?evil? aspects of Hedda?s behavior are more provocative than her pain, but that her pain provides the key to her ?inner logic of her character? (Norseng). Norseng even goes as far to say that Hedda?s suicide ?is not inextricably intertwined in the roots of her past. It is a whim of the present? (Norseng). Norseng also adds that a common misunderstanding about suicide is that it is a selfish act."
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Ancient and Modern Theater, 2002.
A comparison between ancient Greek plays and their modern day adaptations in theater.
2,614 words (approx. 10.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 78.95
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Abstract
This paper shows that there are clear connections between the classical and modern theater in Greece just as there are clear connections between the theater of classical Greece and the modern theater of the West in general. The writer explains that much of what we believe to be proper theater-making comes from classical works, including the same ideas about character, motif and plot.
From the Paper
"The works of the ancient Greek playwrights are difficult for us to read within the context of the 21st century because most people today believe in the validity of the idea of free will. This inclination towards believing in the importance of free will is especially important for Americans, since we have all been (more or less) raised by the national philosophy that dictates to us from childhood onward that anyone can grow up to be president, that we can ? and indeed are responsible ? for making of our lives what we will."
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Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie", 2002.
Summarizes "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams and explains the symbolism he used throughout the play.
3,420 words (approx. 13.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 96.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the story behind the play, "The Glass Menagerie". The focus is on explaining the symbols used in the play. Some of the symbols explained are the fire escape, the use of irony, the glass menagerie, the search for a man by both Laura and Amanda. The paper concludes by suggesting that the family in this play is dysfunctional and explains the reasons for this suggestion.
From the Paper
"Amanda is obsessed with her past as she constantly reminds her children of ?one Sunday afternoon in Blue Mountain? when she received seventeen gentlemen callers (Williams 32). Amanda refuses to acknowledge that her daughter is handicapped and refers to her disability as ?a little defect (that is) hardly noticeable? (Williams 45). Only for brief moments does Amanda ever admit that her daughter is ?crippled? but then quickly reverts back into her state of denial. Amanda doesn't see anything in realistic terms. She believes that the gentleman caller, Jim, is going to be the one man who will rescue Laura, even though she has never seen or spoken to him at this point. Again, she is wrapped up in her own fantasies and delusions about men, who must act as saviors to all young women."
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?King Lear?, 2002.
Discusses the character of Edmund in William Shakespeare's play.
847 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
Edmund, the illegitimate son of the Earl of Gloucester, is at the center of many of the horrific events in "King Lear" by William Shakespeare. The paper shows that his actions are motivated by the circumstances of his birth, as both illegitimate and younger than his brother Edgar, Edmund is unlikely to ever have the power and influence his father enjoys. The paper shows that he is the ?unholy? son, the one that will never be fully accepted by society. The paper explores how the economic and social consequences of Edmund?s birth shape his personality and behavior.
From the Paper
"Edmund?s knowledge of and exposure to circles of power and influence has only whetted his appetite for the title, wealth and power that legally must go to Edgar. Edmund plots to usurp his brother?s birthright for himself. He goes about this logically and calmly. Quoting Edmund, William J. Bennett (1998) points out that although in this age of science and research we have many explanations for why people act as they do, Edmund scorned making excuses for his behavior (Bennett, 1998). Edmund is remarkably frank and honest about himself. He says he does not mind being a bastard, because it allows him to maneuver outside society?s rules."
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"A Doll's House", 2002.
An examination of the significance of the title in Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House".
4,125 words (approx. 16.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 110.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a brief outline of the play and the significance of the title and how it contributes to the theme of the play. The theme is then discussed, followed by a discussion of how the title succeeds and how it fails. Finally, three alternative titles are provided, including an illustration of why these three titles would be better options.
From the Paper
""A Doll's House" revolves around the character of Nora Helmer. Nora is a character who is defined by the role that she is placed in as a woman. She has gone from her father's home directly to the home of her husband. Nora has never been an independent woman but has always seen herself based on how the male figure in her life sees her. First, she has been a daughter. Then she has been a wife. She has never been just Nora. The story begins on Christmas Eve as Nora and her husband Torvald look forward to the Christmas they will spend together. The events of the play begin to unfold as Kristine Linde visits and Nora admits to her that she borrowed money without telling her husband and has been trying to repay it. The plot thickens as Nils Krogstad arrives, an employee of Torvald's who is being fired."
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