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"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone", 2008.
A look at the function of the Mirror of Erised in J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone".
754 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" can be considered a "coming of age" book that makes the main character, Harry Potter, understand who he really is and who are the kind of people surrounding him. The paper focuses on the Mirror of Erised and how it made Harry Potter search deep within to find out what he really wants in life. The paper further discusses how the mirror may be a tool that shows humans only what they desire and not what is truly important.
From the Paper
"There have been many coming of age books and movies that people are familiar with that helped them understand who they are or what human nature really is. J.K. Rowling's first book Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone can be considered a "coming of age" book that made the main character understand who he really is and the kind of people surrounding him. For starters, it is where Harry Potter realized his birthright as a wizard, which was kept hidden from him by his aunt and uncle. He also realized that upon reaching the age of 11, he would be reaching that age when he would be schooled with his own kind and learns the ways of witchcraft and wizardry."
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Ancient Literature and Modern Day Life, 2008.
An analysis of how closely modern day life is connected to the life depicted in "Everyman," "Gilgamesh," Homer's "The Odyssey," and in ancient Egyptian poems.
959 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, on first glance, the atmosphere of the ancient Mesopotamian epic "Gilgamesh," Homer's "Odyssey," the Egyptian songs for the dead and the medieval allegory "Everyman" seem quite foreign to our modern culture and sensibilities since the works depict heroes grappling with the gods in a one-on-one fashion, and valor and might are the ultimate determinants of a man or woman's prowess. The paper then argues that the issues these heroes must deal with, however, are also basic human issues common even today and that because of this, these pieces are not simply curiosities, but still resonate as vital works of literature.
From the Paper
"The plea for companionship in the face of death "Everyman" takes on a transcendent power because of its universality and the desire for home in "The Odyssey" gives the work a timeless quality, and makes the amoral protagonist sympathetic. Likewise, in "Gilgamesh," the protagonist's sorrow about losing his beloved best friend makes him sympathetic, even though like King Odysseus, King Gilgamesh is often violent, deceitful, and cruel. When he is punished by the gods, like Odysseus, it is not in an especially just fashion, but simply because he has been cursed for killing the evil demon Humbaba of the Cedar Forest, when provoked and attacked. Instead of Gilgamesh losing his own life, his dearest friend Enkidu is taken to the cruel place in the underworld, which like Homeric conceptions, is a terrible place, regardless of how morally one behaves in life."
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"The Octopus", 2008.
The paper discusses Frank Norris' "The Octopus" as a portrayal of the crushing effects of capitalism on the old, Wild West.
1,009 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper examines "The Octopus" and describes the lifestyle and perspective of the farmers who were threatened by a take-over of all they had by the ever-expanding railroad companies of the Pacific and Southwestern Railroads. The paper discusses how Norris contrasts the pure love of the land of the farmers to the soulless conglomerate of the railroad enterprise, the inhuman octopus of the title.
From the Paper
"Read in light of today's political environment, Frank Norris's The Octopus seems like an unusually prescient view of American capitalism and corruption, specifically in the railroad industry. However, it could seemingly take place anywhere, even though its characters and historical setting is particular to the late 19th century period of robber baron capitalism. By using a narrative, fictional plot, and weaving elements of romantic and dime store novel Western plots and characters, the story uses the fictional medium of art to personalize its characters' struggles, and makes the reader care intimately about the lives of the characters it depicts."
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The Grapes of Wrath, 2008.
A discussion of John Steinbeck's book "The Grapes of Wrath".
1,815 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the book "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck. Specifically it compares two songs to the character of Tom Joad in the book, who is the main character of this historic and classic novel, and he is the inspiration to the other characters around him. He is also the subject of two very different songs written by Woody Guthrie and Bruce Springsteen, which celebrate his integrity and sense of right and wrong, no matter the cost to himself.
From the Paper
"Early in the book, Tom proves he is a leader - the real leader of the family although the older men will never acknowledge it. Steinbeck writes, "Tom broke in, 'We'll be moonin' aroun' all day, looking for sompin to do.' The group stirred uneasily. 'We could get ready by daylight an' go," Tom suggested" (Steinbeck 105). Tom is not educated, but he is smart, and the Joads listen to him because he has good ideas, reasons them out, and inspires confidence. In his soul, he is a good, decent man, even though he murders two men by the end of the book. Both of the songs show Joad's character with some of the closing lines of the novel. In "The Ghost of Tom Joad," Springsteen writes, "Now Tom said 'Mom, wherever there's a cop beatin' a guy / Wherever a hungry newborn baby cries / Where there's a fight 'gainst the blood and hatred in the air / Look for me Mom I'll be there'" (Springsteen). Tom is a hero even though he is a murderer, which proves that you cannot always believe everything you hear about a person, and that you must understand the circumstances surrounding an incident."
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Author James Baldwin, 2008.
Looks at themes in the writings of African-American writer James Baldwin.
1,435 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the works of the African-American literary giant James Baldwin on such issues as racism, preference and civil rights. The author points out that, in spite of the racism that existed and still exists in U.S., African Americans, such as Baldwin, have created some of the most profound artistic works. The paper stresses that James Baldwin, along with many other artists including Nina Simone, Maya Angelou and Harry Belafonte, participated in the civil rights movement by marching and lending their talents.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Racism and Sexual Preference Discrimination
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Examples of these themes can be found in such works as "Go Tell It on the Mountain", Baldwin's first novel. This novel explores the life of John Griddle and his family living in poverty in Harlem. Although this novel is not complete autobiographical a great deal of it mirrors Baldwin's own life. The book was published in 1953 when Baldwin was nearly thirty years old. It is obvious that the book is a reflection of Baldwin life growing up in a predominately black community. On of the central themes of the novel is the role of the Black church in the African American community."
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"The Guest", 2008.
An analysis of the short story "The Guest" by Albert Camus.
704 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 25.95
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Abstract
The paper explores the themes of choice, accountability and death
in Albert Camus' "The Guest". The paper shows how fate, choice and accountability are all quite relative and what is right for one may be completely wrong for another.
From the Paper
"The schoolteacher treats the Arab with kindness, and even gives him food and money to help him on his way. And yet, he is marked by the Arab's people because they believe he turned him over to the authorities. Daru realizes what a predicament he is in, and he realizes he is caught in the middle of an unsolvable situation. Camus writes, "And he cursed at one and the same time his own people who had sent him this Arab and the Arab too who had dared to kill and not managed to get away" (Camus). Daru should also curse human nature, and the Arab's choice to turn himself in to the authorities."
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Meaning in Poetry, 2008.
An exploration of the text and textuality in the poetry of Len Lye and Hugh Sykes Davies.
2,327 words (approx. 9.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 71.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that meaning, which was traditionally supposed to emerge from language and to transcend it at the same time, is now considered as something which can never attain full or absolute presence in a given text. The paper then examines the poetry of Len Lye and of Hugh Sykes Davies and shows how difficult it is to interpret and translate. The paper shows how their poetry centers on language experiments and the instability of meaning, which obviously makes translation almost impossible.
From the Paper
"Postmodernism has swept away all the traditional concepts and notions, proclaiming the disappearance of truth as a transcendental or metaphysical reality which exists independently. Meaning, which was traditionally supposed to emerge from language and to transcend it at the same time, is now considered as something which can never attain full or absolute presence in a given text. Derrida for instance, proposed that truth cannot be reached since every thing must be set up permanently against a system of differences, and thus the meaning is always deferred. To reach this conclusion, Derrida analyzes the concept of 'centered structure' which is the very basis of cognitive coherence in the traditional view, and testifies that there is no one center around which the structure can be coherently built, but an infinite number of centers that can be substituted one for the other randomly and incessantly."
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Fairy Tales, 2008.
Looks at several 'happily ever after' fairy tales and their relationship to culture.
2,240 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, like myths, fairy tales have great importance as cultural productions because they emphasize the basic aspects of each culture. The author relates that certain predictable ritualistic motifs, such as the wicked stepmother in "Cinderella" or the marriage between two antagonist characters, one ugly and the other beautiful, in "Beauty and the Beast", are absolutely essential fairy tale ingredients. The author also relates that the theme of love and marriage or the 'happily ever after union' is an archetype; wherein, the human being is fulfilled through his or her union with another being and the fulfillment is naturally achieved after a great quest and fantastic trials. The paper includes references to several fairy tales.
From the Paper
"Without being a general pattern, many of the folktales focus on the love union between a hero and the heroine. The blueprint here varies widely, but in many stories, the love bond is formed sometimes between two characters that belong to different worlds. It can be said in most of the stories one of the two characters that will be together "happily ever after" always pass through sufferance or great trails before the love bond is formed. Also, in almost all the fairytales, the hero is usually the active character who has to win the princess through great efforts and deeds while the latter passively waits for him. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and in some stories the heroine is given the active role, while the prince is passive."
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Narrative Style in Literature, 2008.
A comparison of the narrative style used in "To Room Nineteen" by Doris Lessing and "Cathedral" by Raymond Carver.
1,015 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the use of point of view in "To Room Nineteen" by Doris Lessing and "Cathedral" by Raymond Carver. The paper describes the plots and the characters of each story and discusses and compares the narrative style in the two works. The paper then focuses on what the choices of narrative style portray about the story and how this affects the reader's perceptions.
From the Paper
"Thus, even more so than having an affair, Lessing's wife realizes that she cannot go on living a double existence, one existence characterized by an absence of autonomous identity and one in a room by herself, in Room Nineteen. She is 'cheating' on her husband--with herself, by enjoying her solitude. Finally, Susan lies on the bed in her room, smells the sex of other people in the stale motel sheets and she chooses to annihilate herself, a scene that would be unbearably painful if the reader identified with her as completely the reader inevitably identifies with Carver's first-person narrator. Thus Lessing's use of a third-person narrator deliberately creates distance, and encourages the reader to see Susan as a case study that shows the limits of female existence as fully human beings with an identity beyond sexuality. Carver in contrast encourages the reader to identify with the narrator, as the narrator identifies with the blind man, because the story is about an internal shift that occurs within the narrator, and about a case study of humanity."
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"When the Legends Die", 2008.
A review of Hal Borland's novel "When the Legends Die".
1,001 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 0 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how protagonist Thomas Black Bull comes full circle in Hal Borland's novel "When the Legends Die". It examines how as a Ute native from Colorado, Tom spends a large portion of his childhood in the wilderness, how he is tricked into returning to mainstream civilization and how, after spending years of his life in misery, Tom eventually returns to the woods at the end of the novel. It discusses how the old ways are better than the new ways for Tom because they teach Tom how best to survive and stay physically and mentally healthy and how, in many ways, the novel is about survival.
From the Paper
"After spending many years on the Ute reserve, Tom and his family take some time to adapt back to the old ways. They rely only on a bow and arrow to go hunting. They learn how to preserve meats to store for the long winter. The family seeks an ideal site on which to build a winter cabin and teach Tom the old ways. After several years Tom grows into a traditional Ute boy and knows little else but the ways of his ancestors. When his father dies in an avalanche, Tom is prepared to become a man and carry on the Ute ways of life. Even Tom's transition into adulthood is marked with Ute traditions. The burial of Black Bull and Tom's assuming the name Bear Brother are both in keeping with age-old Ute traditions. "
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"The Red Convertible", 2008.
An analysis of the symbol of the red convertible in "The Red Convertible" by Louise Edrich.
1,465 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at "The Red Convertible" by Louise Edrich that depicts how the Lamartine family, especially the two brothers, deal with the older brother's return from Vietnam. The paper discusses how the altered family dynamics are shown by the symbol of the red convertible and how this symbol changes throughout the story.
From the Paper
"The story presents the struggles of two brothers to cope with their changing relationship, as well as the changes taking places in the post-Vietnam world. In fact, the relationship between the two brothers is used as a direct parallel of the post-war situation in the sense that their story is a symbol of the difficulties and readjustments that many Vietnam veterans and their families were faced with after the war. The theme of brotherhood is central to the plot. The story is told from Lyman's point of view which means the reader has no direct insight into Lyman's brother's thoughts."
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| Term Paper # 106616 |
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Aristotle on Pleasure, 2008.
An analysis of Aristotle's views on pleasure, specifically in his work, "The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle."
1,197 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the views of Aristotle on the experience of pleasure in the world. The paper specifically focuses on "The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle" by Aristotle and discusses his views expressed in the work. The paper explains how pleasure for Aristotle is an aspect of human existence that guides action and can guide virtuous living.
From the Paper
"Moderation seems to be the stand of Aristotle on pleasure, somewhere in between the contrary idea of all pleasure being a bad thing for man and all pleasure being a good thing for man Aristotle hangs his idea of pleasure and pleasure seeking as a natural state of man seeking eudaimonia. If a man seeks pleasure that is derived form his own desire in a natural state he is seeking pleasure that is necessary for the completion of a virtuous life. If a man seeks pleasure from an unnatural state, such as in the state of illness he is seeking pleasure for un-virtuous reasons and therefore such acts and emotions cannot be considered pleasure."
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"Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen, 2008.
An analysis of the changes in the character, Brian in the novel "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen, as he adapts to his environment .
704 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 25.95
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Abstract
The paper describes how the character of Brian in Paulsen's "Hatchet" grows to manhood as he learns to adapt to his environment in order to survive. The paper explains that Brian feels anger and despair but understands that he must depend on himself. The paper therefore shows how his survival has stimulated his emotional growth and development.
From the Paper
"After his initial shock at the pilot's death, Brian panics, as just about anyone would in that situation. He finally gains control of the plane and makes radio contact with someone, but he realizes he is going to have to land the plane himself. He is frightened, but this is the first sense of his will to survive - he begins to realize that he will be safer if he lands on water, and he begins to plan, as much as he can, his descent so he can live through the crash. Although the crash itself is extremely dramatic and emotional, Brian survives, and that is his first adaptation of many that will occur throughout this novel."
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"The Secret Lion", 2008.
A review of the short story "The Secret Lion" by Alberto Alvaro Rios.
1,755 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Alvaro Rios' "The Secret Lion" that brings back memories and thoughts of youth, discovery and simple joys. The paper analyzes its images, symbols, characters and setting. The paper finds little to question or criticize in this story and contends that it is well written and captures the joy of youth perfectly.
From the Paper
"Symbolism is one of the important literary elements Rios uses in this compelling short story. The symbolism helps bring the story together in the reader's mind, and causes a lasting impression of lost youth and the simple joys of youth. "The Secret Lion" is a gem of a story that brings back memories and thoughts of youth, discovery, and simple joys that seem to fade as we age. If the reader questions this story, it is with the questions of an adult, which takes away all the realism and joy of this story. To question it is to admit that you have forgotten your own youth, and that would be a shame."
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The Shields of Achilles and Aeneas, 2008.
This paper explores the shields in the "Iliad" by Homer and the "Aeneid" by Virgil.
1,068 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper focuses on the shields of the two mythical characters, Achilles and Aeneas, of Homer's "Iliad" and Virgil's "Aeneid" respectively. The paper points out the relevant distinctions between the two epic poems and discusses how the characters' shields represent much more than armor; they symbolize their fate.
From the Paper
"The Iliad was written in the 8th or 7th century B.C. in ancient Greece, and attributed to Homer who also wrote the Odyssey. These two epic poems are considered by many scholars as the first European pieces of literature. The Aeneid, on the other hand, was written in the 1st century B.C. by the Latin poet Virgil. The Iliad tells the story of the final year of the siege of Troy by the ancient Greeks, with Achilles withdrawing from the battle in revenge, and leaving Agamemnon to lead the Achaeans into fight against the Trojans. In the Aeneid, Virgil combines the theme of warfare from the Iliad and the theme of wandering that can be found in the Odyssey. The main character, Aeneas, is a hero whose personality and actions were meant to glorify Roman values, and to link the founding of Rome with the legends of Troy."
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The Attitude of Certain Writers towards Women, 2008.
A look at the attitude portrayed in some literary Greek works towards women.
3,039 words (approx. 12.2 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at how the literary works of some of the most influential writers of Greece have portrayed the image of women as literary characters. This author draws upon the historical background to explain how tragedies were written and how they considered the approach to be effective in defining the role and stand of women. The work of Aeschylus is relevant in this sense, as his consideration of the woman is obvious throughout his plays.
Outline:
Historical Background
From the Paper
"The status of women has always been a debated subject among scholars and historians alike. There has always been the issue of gender equality and the right of women to be treated without discrimination. However, from the early beginnings of the society, this endeavor has proven to be a hard task especially in ancient civilizations. The Greek society is often viewed as the birth place of democracy and having represented a model of government of the state (Berstein and Milza, 1994). Despite this statement, a thorough analysis of the social environment may prove a limited democratic rule, especially in relation to the relationship between men and women in Greece and Athens in particular."
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Sigmund Freud's "Civilization and Its Discontents", 2008.
Analyzes Sigmund Freud's "Civilization and Its Discontents" from the standpoint of Socrates and Jesus Christ.
2,155 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper states that, in Sigmund Freud's "Civilization and Its Discontents", Freud contends that the feeling of spirituality or religion is the result of one's ego. The author, who plays the role of Socrates, uses the Socratic method to question Freud's arguments. The paper concludes by questioning how there could be sinfulness if Freud believes that religion is an illusion. The author, in the role of Socrates, relates that "sins" are concepts that religions have invented to make people feel guilty and go to church. The author concludes by analyzing each of the beatitudes of the "Sermon on the Mount" from this psychological position.
Table of Contents:
Socrates Responds to Sigmund Freud's "Civilization and Its Discontents"
Sigmund Freud on the Sermon on the Mount
From the Paper
"But let's move on to Beatitude number four: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled." In my own research I have discovered that a desire for happiness in many hearts and minds is matched by a willingness to do good, to try to accomplish positive things for others. This satisfies the ego, and when the parents of a child instill in that child the values that are unselfish, that person while growing up will have a strong desire to be righteous."
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The Love Theme, 2008.
This paper discusses the love theme in the poems "Variation on the Word Sleep" by Margaret Atwood and Al Purdy's "Alive or Not".
1,644 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that love is, not surprisingly, one of the most frequent themes in all literary creations and especially in poetry. The writer points out that throughout the centuries, love has been represented in many different ways in poetry, according to the specific aspect that the poets were trying to communicate. The writer then notes that the two poems, 'Variation on the Word Sleep' by Margaret Atwood and 'Alive or Not' by Al Purdy appear to be dissimilar at a first glance, but, upon a more profound examination, the poems reveal a few common elements. While love is certainly the theme of both poems, it somehow seems to elude the reader at first. This is because the poems are somehow atypical: They seem to avoid the intensity of the actual feeling of love and focus on the representation of two dream sequences instead. The writer notes that Atwood's poem translates the author's wish to plunge into the dream of her lover, while Purdy's text relates a bizarre dream in which he is trying to save his wife from an accident. The writer maintains that both poems offer thus a different perspective on love from inside the dream, which focuses on its haunting power, and the way the feeling travels to the subconscious.
From the Paper
"It is evident though that the poem is not merely about sleeping and dreaming. The same is with Purdy's text which is in fact an account of an odd dream. Love is not mentioned in any way, but it is inherent in both poems. Atwood thus speaks about her wish to descend into her lover's sleep, that is, to dive deeply into his subconscious and meet his greatest fear and his greatest grief.
"This is certainly a different way of approaching the theme of love. Here, the union between the two lovers is not an ecstatic feeling, but a submerged, deep sensation. The imagery of the poem is quite very evocative and the tone is rather slumberous and heavy. The scenery depicted recalls a fairytale atmosphere, typical of dreams. The silver branch, the white flower, the boat, the stairway or the three moons are all symbolic dream-elements, signifying the journey or the descent into the dark subconscious state."
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