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Oedipus the King and Antigone, 2008.
An analysis of the underlying themes and character development in Sophocles' "Oedipus the King," "Antigone" and "Oedipus Colonus."
1,464 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the deeper inferences that Sophocles portrays through the vivid character history of the main characters in his "Three Theban Plays." It describes the characters and the development of the character Oedipus as the model for the tragic hero in "Oedipus the King," "Antigone" and "Oedipus Colonus." The paper concludes that the life of suffering is the underlying theme in the story of Oedipus and Antigone.
From the Paper
"It is also important to note that 'innocence' is not rewarded with an escape from any type of suffering. As in the case with Jocasta and Ismene, who play passive roles, both experience an element of suffering. While many view Jocasta as more a tragic character than Ismene, it is important to note that Ismene is governed by fear of man, rather than will of the gods; serving as the perfect foil to her older sister Antigone.
"Ultimately, the life of suffering is the underlying theme in the story of Oedipus and Antigone. In both plays, the hero's suffer extreme consequences for the choices laid upon them, regardless of their favor to the gods. In this sense, suffering is not only a consequence of choice, but also an inherent part of life. Sophocles portrays this theme perfectly through his tragic hero's and characters, laying the groundwork for many tragedians in the future."
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Hamlet and Truth, 2008.
This paper discusses the aspect of truth in the play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare.
1,330 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that in 'Hamlet', the central character has to face a number of truths in the play. The writer notes that Hamlet has been seen as hesitant to do so in many cases, hesitating while he decides if the truth he is facing is really the truth or not. The writer maintains that these truths contribute to the overall themes of the play and also illuminate the character of Hamlet.
The writer concludes that Hamlet shows that he has learned the importance and sanctity of the confessional and now lets that knowledge guide his action. Throughout the play, Hamlet listens, observes, and learns what is true and what is not, what is right and what is wrong, what he must do and what he must not do.
From the Paper
"The first truth that he must face is that his mother and uncle murdered his father. He is told this by the Ghost, and the way he hesitates before taking the action he is told to take makes it seem that he doubts the Ghost. The Ghost has to be seen as a reliable informant, though some have doubted what the Ghost says and believe that Hamlet has doubts about this as well. The Ghost brings the charges against Claudius in the beginning of the play, introducing the character of Claudius so as to make clear his guilt. The Ghost appears first in the play, passing through as an ominous portent of things to come and as indication of what happened in the past, though this is not yet explained."
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Hamlet's Misogynistic Behaviors, 2008.
This paper explores the central motivations for Hamlet's sexist and misogynistic behaviors in "Hamlet, The Prince of Denmark" by William Shakespeare.
848 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that Hamlet's hatred for his mother and Ophelia causes him to become consumed with an extended misogynist complex that sets his own tragic downfall. The paper examines the roots of this behavior and shows how Hamlet's misogynistic actions occurred due to his inability to find strong female role models and his ghostly father's patriarchal influence.
From the Paper
"The first misogynist resentment that Hamlet has is against his mother, Gertrude. Since she has married Claudius so soon after his father's death, he begins to resent her for not realizing the usurping treachery Claudius represents. After Hamlet's father appears as a ghost and tells him that his brother, Claudius, had poisoned him, Hamlet resents anyone involved with the usurping king. Hamlet states is immediate anger at all women, but especially toward his mother: "Frailty, thy name is woman!" (1.2.146). Hamlet's diatribe on his mother's baseness for marrying his father's murderer is relentless when he defines his mother as a beast: "O God, a beast that wants discourse of reason/Would have mourned longer -- married with my uncle" (1.2.150-151)."
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"The Odyssey", 2008.
An analysis of Homer's use of literary devices and the characterization of Telemachus in "The Odyssey."
791 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the search of Telemachus for his father Odysseus, in the classic ancient Greek play, "The Odyssey" by Homer. It discusses the way that Homer crafts persuasive dialogue and speeches in order to convey what Telemachus learns in his travels and why he is searching for his father. In addition to these literary devices, the paper explains the manner in which Homer characterizes Telemachus in this play and how it too a is method he uses to explain the motivation the son has for finding his father.
From the Paper
"According to Lattimore (1999) this mistake demonstrates that Telemachus has not yet inherited his father's foresight or caution, and the scene in which he tries unsuccessfully to string his father's bow reveals that Telemachus has not yet attained his father's skills with weapons either. But his homecoming was the turning point in his young life, for by the time Telemachus got back to Ithaca, he was a much more self-confident and assertive young man and had acquired the psychological and physical maturity necessary for defeating the suitors. He took advantage of his newly acquired maturity when he joined his father in slaughtering the suitors and then defied their furious relatives in The Odyssey's final scene."
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The Corruption of Wealth and Power, 2008.
An analysis of the theme of wealth and power as found in "The Revenger's Tragedy" by Cyril Tourneur and "Women Beware Women" by Thomas Middleton.
771 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the corruption of wealth and power in the early 17th century as is seen within the Elizabethan plays, "The Revenger's Tragedy" by Cyril Tourneur and "Women Beware Women" by Thomas Middleton. It discusses the central elements of the plays and shows how they define medieval elite society through an Elizabethan dramatic point of view.
From the Paper
"In conclusion, the two plays The Revenger's Tragedy by Cyril Tourneur and the Women Beware Women by Thomas Middleton represent a social commentary on wealth and power in the Middle Ages. Although these plays were written within the Elizabethan Era, the continuity of greed and disloyalty is a part of the behaviors of medieval aristocracy, which was mostly pervasive within England in the early 17th century. By examining the various characters in these two plays, the desire for wealth and power is the central social theme about medieval upper class culture that is brought forth by Tourneur and Middleton."
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Loman, Hamlet and Death, 2008.
A comparative analysis of the theme of death in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman".
1,438 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the contention that the families of Hamlet and of Willy Loman drove them to their deaths. It looks at how, in the first instance, the faithlessness of Queen Gertrude, the stern injunction of the vengeful ghost of Hamlet's father and the evil-doing of Claudius push Hamlet towards the commission of a terrible crime that ultimately costs him his own life. It also looks at how, Willy's pain at seeing his son Biff fall short of his full potential drives the elder Loman to first melancholic madness and thence to death. In the end, the plays both reveal how the environmental stimuli provided by those around us are often the very stimuli which push us into the abyss.
From the Paper
"In Hamlet, it is soon enough apparent that the young prince's family is the chief cause of his descent into brooding madness. For example, Hamlet's mother, Gertrude, has married the sly and sinister Claudius - the brother of Hamlet the Elder and the man who has profited handsomely from his brother's death (Shakespeare, 154). For Hamlet, who would seem to venerate his father as only a son can, the decision of his mother to join hands in holy matrimony with a fellow Hamlet finds repugnant (Shakespeare, 163) is basically beyond the earthly power of Hamlet to endure."
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"Trifles", 2008.
An analysis of the female gender role stereotypes of Victorian society within Susan Glaspell's "Trifles".
1,209 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the feminist issues that arise within American patriarchal Victorian society within the play "Trifles" by Susan Glaspell. It looks at how the play revolves around the murder investigation of Mr. Wright's wife in relation to her husband's murder and how the various stereotypical female gender roles in the play deny an accurate and unbiased account of the murder through the men and woman that collect evidence for trial. In essence, the paper shows how the gender role of the housewife and the alienated female in Victorian society are the central aspects of stereotypes brought forth by Glaspell in her feminist drama: "Trifles".
From the Paper
"The general plot of Trifles is centered around the mysterious murder of Mr. Wright, a local farmer. His wife, Mrs. Wright, never appears in the play, but is constantly referred to in relation to her possible involvement in the crime. The investigation and ensuing court case revolves around the gender stereotypes that the male officials provide when discovering Mrs. Wright's strange behavior after the death of her husband. In the case of Lewis Hale--who had discovered Mr. Wright's body--his own descriptions of Mrs. Wright infer a strong Victorian sense of the "nurturing" housewife when he had initially questioned her."
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The Low Man and the American Dream, 2008.
An analysis of the warping of the American dream in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman".
1,187 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how, in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman", the notion of dreams and aspirations is central to the play. More specifically, the paper looks at how, it is the perversion of the American dream that provides the hinge of the work and how Willy's supreme investment in and subsequent warping of the American dream ultimately destroys both himself and his family.
From the Paper
"In "Act Two" Charley asks Willy "Why must everybody like you?" (p. 97). It is because, more than anything, Willy wishes to be personally successful. He ties this success to the idea of landscape and to the American ideal of the frontier. His job as traveling salesman who is constantly expanding is key: he is always "going west" in search of different land to conquer (i.e. sell to). This spreading out is indicative of his drive to earn more and more wealth, the main component of his view of success. Secondly, he is a salesman; his very job hinges on selling and consuming. In fact he is essentially selling himself every time and his finical survival depends on his ability to sell not just his product, but himself as a provider of that product. It is this absolute reliance on his own self ability that feeds in to the ideals of Willy's American Dream. "
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Realism and Modern Drama, 2008.
This paper discusses Gertrude Stein's and Bertolt Brecht's criticism of realism in drama.
1,081 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at the issue of realism in drama, according to Gertrude Stein and Bertolt Brecht, in relation to Stein's play "Dr. Faustus Lights the Light" and August Strindberg's "The Ghost Sonata". The writer focuses on their views regarding realism and concludes that perhaps both Stein and Brecht are advocating alienation as a way of bridging the initial gap between the stage and the spectator in order to bring realism into sharper focus. The writer maintains that Brecht did it epically, while Stein did it psychologically.
From the Paper
"Since there is an unavoidable gap between what one experiences in real life and what one anticipates on the stage, the actual present can never be really done on stage. Therefore realism isn't really real, only a fiction of reality. What one sees in the realism of "The Ghost Sonata" is a staid, set environment rather than an acting platform. The plot is very well set out, it leads us on without giving anything away, there are expected and logical reversals (and vice versa), the characters conform to the dress and modes of the period, the characters evoke our empathy or revulsion, and there is usually a social or moral message implicit in the play. We recognize those emotions and values to which we can relate or have experienced."
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Literary Studies - The Heroic Archetype, 2006.
An analysis of the tragic leader archetype in "The Epic of Gilgamesh", "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare, and "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe.
1,492 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the Jungian hero-leader archetype in "The Epic of Gilgamesh", "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare, and "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe. It explains how by understanding the collective unconscious within Prospero, Gilgamesh, and Okonkwo, the universal truth behind the tragic flaws that define their hero-leader personas is realized. The writer further discusses the basis of the unconscious excess of the hero archetype as part of major literary history of human behavior. In the conclusion, the writer suggests that, by evaluating how Jung's hero-leader archetype exists within the unconscious mind, one can realize the depth of the hero archetype that is found within the annals of literary tradition.
From the Paper
"These three heroic leaders often bring forth examples of Jungian archetype of heroism and valor in their leadership, but at crucial moments they misguided choices that doom them to failure. For the characters Prospero, Gilgamesh, and Okonkwo, the Jungian archetype of the industrious hero-leader often entails the tragic flaw of naivety and rash behavior that lead to their downfall. In essence, a Jungian archetypal analysis of these three characters will be brought forth in relation to the tragic leaders that reside within these classic literary tales of excess."
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"Death of a Salesman" and Canadian Capitalism, 2008.
An analysis of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" in relation to studies of Canadian capitalism.
1,705 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at how Arthur Miller's play of 1949, "Death of a Salesman", offers a strong commentary on capitalism's expectation that all persons can and will participate strongly in a capitalist environment. Related ideas are those of capitalism best serving 'human nature' in an assumption that all human beings are decisive; strongly motivated by acquiring success or belongings, and that conforming to a capitalist system will bring rewards. It discusses how, however, as Miller's "Death of a Salesman" indicates, some personalities are not at all suited to this range of activities and also, how capitalism will always leave behind some persons who for whatever reason cannot compete ably, or cannot summon all of their resources for the very competitive approach that is required. The paper discusses the myth of capitalism, as seen in the play, and looks at how it relates to what is happening in Canada.
Outline:
Introduction
Capitalism as a System and Culture
Capitalism's Dream
More on Markets and Opportunities
From the Paper
"In relation to Canadian capitalism, Phillips identified three ways in which the present system has not pleased or served Canadians in, first, the market's failure to provide a level of social services or other social infrastructure for the best or 'equal' welfare of the people, second, its production of social gaps so large that the cohesion of the society is threatened and may very well collapse in immense differences between the income levels and living experiences of the poor and the 'middle' classes, and third, no mechanism in the market system to guarantee or even just promote full employment and economic growth. (Political Economy 20) In short, Canadian capitalism has become rather like its American counterpart that so worships market forces while indiscriminately ostracizing or just leaving behind one sector and then another. "
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Existentialism and Oscar Wilde, 2007.
An examination of existentialism in Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance of Being Earnest".
2,510 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the idea of identity in Oscar Wilde's play, "the Importance of Being Earnest" and in other Victorian works, and questions whether the individual or society shapes essence. The writer further discusses Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialist philosophy and how it relates to Wilde's play.The paper also looks at works by other authors where the characters decide how to behave based on their social status.
From the Paper
"The plot of Oscar Wilde's play The Importance of Being Earnest is much involved with questions of identity and toys with the meaning of identity, especially in terms of the social conventions of British Victorian society. Wilde is not normally thought of as an existentialist, but many of the concerns he raises in this play and some of his other works mirror concerns of the existentialists, including the issues of identity and authenticity."
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Arthur Miller's "Death of A Salesman", 2007.
This paper discusses the issues of Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft in the extreme contrasts of the relationships between the people in Arthur Miller's "Death of A Salesman".
820 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Gemeinschaft is a fraternal social bonding based on reciprocal relationships; whereas, in Gesellschaft, mutual affirmation is replaced by a mechanical construction existing in the mind. The author points out that this contrast is most vividly seen in the character of Willy Loman. The paper relates that the Gesellschaft justifies to Willy the end of his frantic pursuit of the American dream of material wealth, spliting him away from himself and from his family. The author believes that Happy is losing himself in the betrayal of the ideal of Gemeinschaft, which is one of the major themes of the play. The paper includes many quotations.
From the Paper
"That is what Gesellschaft means, there is no one home; like Willy, people are all out selling something, and being sold out. There is no greater contrast than this between the daily, supportive personal relations of a Gemeinschaft family and the Gesellschaft society of "business and profit". In that same last scene, Biff clearly observes of his father that "he had the wrong dreams". Charley's famous retort that "A salesman has got to dream, boy" misses the point of Willy's anguished life entirely."
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Comedy in "Twelfth Night", 2008.
An analysis of the use of comedy as a form of instruction in William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night".
1,754 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how "Twelfth Night" is a powerful vehicle for teaching its audiences several important lessons and how the play draws people in because it is an entertaining romantic comedy, complete with cross-dressing and the titillating misunderstandings that derive from the cross-dressing. It argues that the lessons are made more accessible because they are conveyed by characters and actions in a romantic comedy, frequently in a comic way, than they would have been if the lessons were simply stated in a didactic way.
From the Paper
"In Shakespeare's time, his plays provided entertainment and often comedy to people who had far less access to entertainment than we do in our time, with our highly commercialized and ubiquitous entertainment industry. His plays were therefore much enjoyed, and any lessons he intended were keenly listened to. This is the first reason why the comic antics portrayed in Twelfth Night would have been likely to communicate the lessons Shakespeare intended - simply because the play would have been so greatly enjoyed. It is a classic romantic comedy, dealing as it does with the never-failingly-interesting topic of romance, and providing the audience with a satisfying happy ending. "
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"Oedipus the King", 2007.
An analytical review of Sophocles' "Oedipus the King".
1,346 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how studying and analyzing the classical play "Oedipus the King" in terms of character, plot, and theme confirms that these elements are mainly presented through carefully crafted dramatic dialogue and speeches, and developed through the use of literary devices such as hamartia, hubris, and catharsis. It also examines how this type of dramatic approach enabled ancient Greek playwrights like Sophocles to stage their plays in a convincing manner while meeting the immediate challenge of entertaining their audiences.
From the Paper
"Oedipus the King also demonstrates that it is valuable to characterize by comparing and contrasting one character with another, since, like most of the complex symbolism this play, the characters are made to embody certain antithetical qualities that inevitably come into conflict. This helps develop the theme that human flaws such as ambition or daring can and often do lead to tragedy. These flaws have grievous consequences for many characters in Greek drama, who are oblivious to the fatal effect some of their intentions and actions will have. (Kirszner and Mandell1657-1699) "
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"Cloud Nine", 2007.
An analysis of the nationalism and identity of place and people in Caryl Churchill's play, "Cloud Nine."
2,081 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes Caryl Churchill's play, "Cloud Nine." It discusses the play in terms of nationalism, as well as identity for place and people. The paper discusses and questions the central theme of "Cloud Nine" that all that is held to be revered as traditional, should be adhered to socially and culturally. The paper describes the unique perspective and unconventional techniques that are used in the play to construct the theme of nationalism.
From the Paper
"Even though the vision of utopia has been created, there are major obstacles to its realization. Betty's maturity has been stunted by Clive. "I feel like a child with money. Clive always paid everything" (79). Victoria, meanwhile, expresses the basics of Marxist feminism when she comments on the need for a theoretical background and the links between sex and economics. However, although she knows feminist philosophy, she is still dominated by Martin who ironically is also very familiar with feminism. In an image of identity as mirror, Betty remarks that, "I thought if Clive wasn't looking at me there wasn't a person there" (82). Betty's rebellion was realized through masturbation where she learned to become her own person distinct from her mother and from Clive. The final outcome for Betty was that "I felt triumphant because I was a separate person from them" (Churchill 83)."
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Gender in "Twelfth Night", 2007.
This paper explores the issue of gender from the perspective of the character of Viola in Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night".
1,657 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Viola's presentation of gender in "Twelfth Night", which implicitly challenges the strict binary gender system that prescribes different and opposite behaviors for the two genders. The paper shows how the character of Viola stands in stark contradiction to long-standing prejudices about the weaknesses and frailty of women. The paper also points out, however, Viola remains a victim of the prejudices of her society, in that from her own perspective, she continues to see women as frail.
From the Paper
"In Twelfth Night, Viola and Sebastian are twins, but they are separated in a storm at sea. Viola adopts male garb, and the name Cesario, as a survival strategy - to enable herself to get a job working for the Duke Orsino. Thus, Violet is not explicitly making a statement about gender when she begins passing as a male - rather, she is simply making a statement about wanting to survive. However, the necessity for her to adopt this strategy does of course arise from the strict sex-based segregation of the times. Despite the fact that Viola does not intend to buck the binary-gender system in any way, she certainly seems to enjoy "being a man," and moreover, the fact that she adopts a male persona inevitably leads to gender-based complications. For example, the Countess Olivia falls in love with her, while "Cesario" falls in love with Duke Orsino, and "Cesario" is challenged to a duel by the jealous Sir Andrew. Viola's gender switch thus lays the foundation for much of the plot. However, despite being a plot device, it also makes it possible for Viola to present an alternative representation of gender."
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"Oedipus Rex" versus "Hamlet", 2007.
An analysis of the influence of the Sophoclean Grecian tragedy, "Oedipus Rex" on William Shakespeare's "Hamlet, The Prince of Denmark".
2,414 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper evaluates the influential aspects of the Sophoclean Grecian tragedy on the latter forms of Shakespearean tragedy used within the Elizabethan period. It discusses the various psychological and political issues that abound in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles and how Oedipus acts as a clear role model for the insanity that Hamlet exhibits within Shakespeare's "Hamlet, The Prince of Denmark".
From the Paper
"In conclusion, the reemergence of the Greek tragedy in the Elizabethan era can be readily seen through the works of William Shakespeare through the influence of Sophocles. The plays Hamlet: The Prince of Denmark and Oedipus rex provide textual examples of the psychological and political disposition of the heroic character that is doomed to death due to errors in judgment. By understanding the principle aspects of the tragic hero in the work of Sophocles, one can realize why Shakespeare uses many of the literary devices that define tragedy along the Greek model. This inevitably appears in Hamlet and Oedipus through the presence of insanity in their thought process, but also in their lack of control over the political forces that seek to destroy them. This is how William Shakespeare readily provides an example of the reemergence of Greek tragedy in the Elizabethan era through the tragic works of Sophocles."
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Iago's Plot, 2007.
This paper examines a passage from William Shakespeare's tragedy "Othello."
796 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes a passage from "Othello" in which Iago first conceives of his plot to inflame Othello's jealousy against his wife. The paper shows how it is in this passage that Iago effectively defines his plan of action that leads to the tragic destruction of the play's primary characters. The paper highlights how the passage is critical to our understanding of both the action of the play and the complex character and motivations of Iago.
From the Paper
"This passage is situated in the play directly after the failure of Iago's initial plot to hurt Othello; in which he had stirred Desdemona's father, Brabantio, into a rage at the thought that the Moor had seduced and "stolen" his daughter (I.1). This plot fails when both Othello and Desdemona are brought before the Duke of Venice, where both Othello's nobility and Desdemona's protestations of her love for him sway the Duke in favour of the couple (I.3). Yet, this plot having completely failed, Iago nonetheless continues to scheme. At this point, Shakespeare is compelled to reveal the reason why Iago seems so driven to hurt his master. Significantly, it is Iago's own jealous belief that Othello has slept with Iago's wife that, Iago states, fuels his rage: "I hate the Moor,/ And it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets / He's done my office" (I.3.380-382)."
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