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Sophocles' Theban Plays, 2008.
This paper discusses the merits of reading Sophocles' Theban play cycle, "Oedipus the King", "Oedipus at Colonus" and "Antigone" in chronological order.
1,323 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper argues that reading the three plays "Oedipus the King", "Oedipus at Colonus" and "Antigone" in chronological order gives us more insight into Sophocles' narrative skill. The paper explains that one is able to fully savor the strange fusion of character and destiny that Sophocles manages to pull off as a playwright and storyteller. The paper argues further that although the play cycle has occasional lapses in chronology and internal inconsistencies, the plays also show us how certain characters, in particular, Creon, are able to radically transform themselves over time.
From the Paper
"Sophocles composed the Theban plays during a thirty-six year span. The three plays were actually not composed in chronological order; Antigone was penned first, followed by Oedipus the King, and finally, Oedipus at Colonus, shortly before Sophocles's death. As such, the three plays are rife with inconsistencies that come out when one reads them closely in chronological (i.e. sequential) order. Most notably, at the end of Oedipus the King, Creon has emerged as the undisputed King. He decides to expel Oedipus from Thebes after consulting with Apollo. Creon is then asked to look after Antigone and Ismene, the two daughters of Oedipus, which he agrees to do. In the subsequent plays, however, the two daughters are found wandering about on their own, either having fled with Oedipus or actively campaigning against Creon, who is supposed to be looking after them."
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Djuna Barnes' "Nightwood", 2008.
Looks at the symbolic function of homosexuality in Djuna Barnes' "Nightwood".
1,315 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Djuna Barnes's classic novel "Nightwood" was one of the few great modernist works to address the subject of homosexuality in such an explicit light. The novel deals with the tumultuous relationship of Nora and Robin, a pair of lesbians, and their circle of friends, most notably Matthew, a gay doctor. The author selects a few passages to examine the symbolic role that homosexuality plays throughout the novel particularly within the symbolic polarity of "night" versus "day". The paper explores the connection articulated by Barnes between homosexuality and death and attempts to unravel the complex implications of such an association.
From the Paper
"The third chapter, "Watchman, What of the Night?" explores this notion of homosexuals as "night people" in great detail. Shortly after Robin has left Nora, Nora shows up at Matthew's house one night around three in the morning in order to discuss her loss. While arriving unexpectedly on someone's doorstep at such a late hour would be considered highly unusual from a "normal" perspective, it seems perfectly natural within the discourse of the "night people" that Barnes has set up in her work. In lieu of consolation, Matthew offers Nora a prolonged discourse on the nature of homosexuality."
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The Works of Maria Edgeworth, 2008.
A comprehensive analysis of the style of Irish writer Maria Edgeworth in "The Castle Rackrent", "The Absentee", "Ormond" and "Helen".
10,366 words (approx. 41.5 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 207.95
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Abstract
The paper relates the background of the eighteenth and nineteenth century Irish writer, Maria Edgeworth. The paper focuses on the author's works, "The Castle Rackrent", "The Absentee", "Ormond" and "Helen" and shows how her novels follow the themes of Irish identity and national character and the moral development of the individual in the social context. The paper provides an in-depth look at Edgeworth's style and techniques and concludes that Edgeworth manages to be engaging despite her didacticism and she also succeeds in using all her fictional instruments and devices with the best results. The paper adds that Edgeworth's novels all treat similar issues but they are nevertheless very different, each time revealing a new aspect of her style.
From the Paper
"Of Anglo-Irish descent, Edgeworth was born in 1768 in Oxfordshire, where she spent most of her early childhood. Her father, Richard Lovell Edgeworth is certainly one of the most important figures in her background, as he had an overwhelming influence on her education and her writing. Her mother, Anna Maria Elers, died when Maria was only six years old, leaving thus even more room for the father figure in the child's life. Soon after, Richard Edgeworth remarried and Honora Sneyd became Maria's first stepmother. The growing family moved to Ireland, and Maria was sent to school in England. When she was twelve years old, her stepmother became ill and died and her father married Elizabeth Sneyd, his second wife's sister, as the latter had actually advised him to do in advance."
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"The River Between" and "Nectar in a Sieve", 2008.
A review of "The River Between" by Ngugi wa Thion'o's and "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya.
1,408 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how, in the novels "The River Between" and "Nectar in a Sieve", the characters are doing things that have application to people and cultures everywhere else on the planet. The paper describes the culture clash between the people of Makuyu and Kameno in "The River Between" and conveys the hopelessness of the terrible grinding poverty in "Nectar in a Sieve".
From the Paper
"What a reader finds immediately profound and dramatic about The River Between is the symbolism of the two mountains (ridges) laying "side by side" with a river running between. In the story, the two cultures are dead set against one another, with opposing religious beliefs and values. The culture living on the Makuyu ridge subscribes to the Christian beliefs, having been affected and greatly influenced by the British colonial indoctrination; but the tribe living on the Kameno ridge - where the story's protagonist, Waiyaki lives, wants to continue the old cultural traditions (like polytheism and circumcision). In fact Waiyaki is anxious for his circumcision to happen, notwithstanding the hideous feelings a reader gets as the author describes what it is like to be circumcised."
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"The Brothers", 2008.
An analysis of the brotherhood, separation and reconciliation in Bjornstjerne Bjornson's "The Brothers".
702 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 25.95
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Abstract
The paper describes Bjornson's "The Brothers", the touching story of Baard and Anders, two brothers who fight and are reconciled eventually after much suffering and distress. The paper shows how Bjornson drafts a remarkable analysis of the subtleties of the human heart and the fragility of human bonds.
From the Paper
"Bjornson's choice of two brothers as his main characters in this story is significant because it is an example of one the most profound relationships between two people. Baard and Anders were very close all their lives, and loved each other deeply as two brothers should. Nevertheless, when, after their father's death, they intend to sell his goods at an auction, they find that they both want the same thing: a golden watch. The bidding is an important moment because it shows how this small event divides the two for a very long time. Their beautiful relationship is destroyed during the bidding, when each of them considers that the other should give the watch up in favor of the other."
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| Term Paper # 106530 |
temporarily unavailable
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Realism in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, 2008.
This paper discusses the theme of realism in Mark Twain's novel, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn".
745 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
Mark Twain's novel, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," is a realistic novel that reveals how a young boy's morals and actions are at odds with those of the society around him. This paper analyzes themes relating to the main character Huckleberry Finn, along with Jim, a black man and a slave of Miss Watson, who encounters Huck in the wilderness and agrees to travel with him down the Mississippi. Leaving the unadventurous clutches of his home, where he was held prisoner by father, Huck chooses to flee society and return to the natural world, where he feels at home and comfortable. Jim, however, is trained by society and, even though he believes he deserves freedom, he also considers himself inferior to whites. The author of this paper demonstrates the themes of morality, such as that of struggling with the notion of slavery, along with themes of friendship and freedom.
From the Paper
"Huck's morals and actions are at odds with the society that surrounds him. This is clear when we see how Huck struggles with the notion of slavery. Huck's limited education allows him to understand how cruel slavery actually was. If he had been more educated and simply accepted what others tried to teach him, maybe he would not have been so open to his true feelings. However, Huck is blessed in that he has not allowed himself to be influenced by the morals others try to impose on him or what society deems right and wrong. Huck comes to realize that he cannot tell anyone that Jim has run away and tells him, "People would call me a low down abolitionist and despise me for keeping mum--but that don't make no difference. I ain't agoing to tell" (Twain 269). We also see Huck's inner struggle when he cannot bring himself to provide Miss Watson with the letter he that explains everything. Huck knows he cannot send the letter because he "couldn't seem to strike no places to harden me against him" (381). In an act of defiance, he tears up the letter even if it means going to hell. Huck knows that regardless of what society preached, he had a friend in Jim and that friendship was real and more important than any social code. Huck knew the difference between what was "right" in his heart and what was "right" according to social conduct."
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"The Death of Ivan Ilych", 2008.
An analysis of Ivan's shallow life in "The Death of Ivan Ilych" by Leo Tolstoy.
892 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how in "The Death of Ivan Ilych," Leo Tolstoy utilizes characters, Ivan's social status and his illness to demonstrate the terrible fate of living a life of materialism and social climbing. The paper describes how years of social climbing do nothing for Ivan in the area of satisfaction and happiness. The paper looks at Ivan's death where those closest to him are more concerned with their well being than anything else.
From the Paper
"From the very beginning of the story, we see how Tolstoy uses characters in the story to emphasize materialism and social climbing. For example, after the announcement of Ivan's death, we see different characters going over what the death means to them. We read that those that heard the news "the first thought of each of the gentlemen in that private room the changes and promotions it might occasion among themselves or their acquaintances" (Tolstoy 824). For example, Fedor Vasilievich remembers about a promotion he was promised long ago and thinks, "I shall be sure to get Stabel's place or Vinnikov's" (824)."
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Shakespeare's Sonnets 30 and 62, 2008.
An analysis of the theme of self-knowledge in William Shakespeare's Sonnets 30 and 62.
760 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper examines William Shakespeare's Sonnets 30 and 62. The paper maintains that, in each of these sonnets, the poet must look outside himself to find virtue, truth, and love. This act of realization brings self-knowledge to the poet. The paper argues that, by the end of each sonnet, the poet is aware of what is important as opposed to what he once believed to be important. It concludes that each sonnet shows us how we can find virtue, truth, and love if we choose to be open to what the universe brings to us.
From the Paper
"In both sonnets, the poet is reflective. Sonnet 30 begins with a somber mood as the poet looks back over his life and friends. It is important to note that the poem ends on a more positive note as the poet looks to what he has in the present. This sonnet expresses a sense of self-reflection as the poet weighs what is important with what is not important. In addition, we see how the poet brings virtue to things in the present, namely friendship, and does not allow himself to stay lost in the memories of the past for too long. We see the significance of friendship in this poem as the mere thought of a friend can erase all of the woe associated with a dim past. The poet sees virtue in the things that are important now as opposed to what was then. In Sonnet 62, we see reflection that begins with the poet's own attributes. The poet is very aware of his vanity, noting that it is a "sin of self-love" (Sonnet 62 1) that possesses "all mine eye,/And all my soul, and all my every part" (1-2). While this seems arrogant, there is a level of self-knowledge in this poem because the poet realizes it is a sin "grounded inward in my heart"". (4)
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Shakespeare's Sonnets, 2008.
An analysis of Shakespeare's sonnets 30 and 62.
1,002 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper asserts that Shakespeare is just as unrivaled in his sonnets rhyme, rhythm, melody and sound as he is with plays. The paper examines Shakespeare's sonnets 30 and 62 and highlights the theme of individuals looking back on their lives to see how they have succeeded or failed. The paper maintains that people continue to struggle with the same questions and self-doubts and it is Shakespeare's uncanny knack of placing that humanness in words that everyone can appreciate.
From the Paper
"Although William Shakespeare is well known for his plays, his sonnets have also been greatly appreciated and enjoyed for hundreds of years. Traditional sonnets are fourteen-line lyric poems, written in iambic pentameter or lines ten syllables long, with accents falling on every second syllable. They originated in Italy and were first introduced into England during the Tudor period by Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard. The collection of Shakespeare's Sonnets consists of 154 short poems. These were published, together with a poem called "A Lover's Complaint," in 1609."
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Gods and Goddesses in 'The Odyssey', 2008.
This paper discusses "The Odyssey' by Homer, concentrating on the subject of gods and goddesses.
1,024 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer introduces, discusses and analyzes the poem "The Odyssey" by Homer. Specifically, the writer discusses the various ways Homer made use of gods and goddesses in the story, and how they intervened in the lives of the mortals. Throughout this epic journey, Homer uses gods and goddesses to reward Odysseus for his bravery, loyalty, and belief in the gods and goddesses. Homer also uses gods and goddesses to illustrate that even the strongest mortals are no match for the gods when it comes to everything from epic battles to choosing when to return home. The writer concludes that Homer's use of the gods and goddesses in "The Odyssey" is a tribute to the belief systems of the time, and the ideas that the gods and goddesses have complete and absolute power over mortal men.
From the Paper
"The gods are constantly interfering with Odysseus during his journey back home, as well. Poseidon wrecks his ship out of anger, but often, it is his men and their lack of belief that gets in the way of his journey. For example, the men open the bag of wind that Aeolus, the god of winds, has given Odysseus to ensure his safe journey home, which ends up driving the ships far from their destination. Later, the men ignore the gods' warning and slaughter cattle belonging to the sun god Helios, and this leads to the shipwreck where all of them die. Homer is illustrating what happens when you do not listen to and appreciate the power of the gods. Odysseus does not question their wisdom or authority, and so, he survives. His men are constantly questioning and challenging the gods' authority, and they pay with their lives. This is a lesson for all mortals who read the story and do not accept the power and glory of the gods."
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Toni Morrison's "Beloved" and "The Epic of Gilgamesh", 2008.
Compares Toni Morrison's "Beloved" and "The Epic of Gilgamesh", translated by N. K. Sandars, as heroic literature.
1,450 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces the heroic elements of the plots of Toni Morrison's "Beloved" and "The Epic of Gilgamesh", translated by N. K. Sandars. The writer explains that "The Epic of Gilgamesh", considered to be the first tale of a mortal hero, contains themes similar to biblical stories just as Morrison uses similarities of the biblical Cain to shape her main protagonist Sethe. The writer also explains that Morrison tries to break stereotypes through Sethe; while, Sanders in the "Epic" attempts to shatter the image of the vulnerability of male heroes. Both stories can be treated as literary landmarks because these characters defy the convention of a typical hero.
Table of Contents:
The Gilgamesh Epic
The Tale of Beloved
The Ideas of a Hero/Heroine
From the Paper
"Morrison also shows indebtedness to African American and African traditions and mythologies. Toni Morrison in her book has given a new style to fiction and the whole work is very imaginative and thought provoking. The typical master slave image of a strong man or a woman with a strong and healthy body but with a very servile attitude was prevalent but came the decade of 1910s that the African Americans started rebelling against the stereotypes and typical gender and racial roles associated with them. Toni used flight of the imagination and mythic elements along with realistic portrayal of racial, gender and class conflict."
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'Mary Poppins' and Class, 2008.
This paper studies the novel 'Mary Poppins' by P.L. Travers and discusses the elements of social class.
1,114 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the novel 'Mary Poppins' produces a plethora of symbolic notions and sociological representations of class. Many of the figures portrayed in the book stand as reflections of the social differentiations of the timeline in which the book was written. The writer discusses that the author provides a canny depiction of certain characters that, in actuality, would undoubtedly be far more predisposed to a conduct or behavior more parallel to a characterization of despoliation. The writer concludes that 'Mary Poppins' is almost a symbol of persistent delegation that portrays the growth and outward direction of the suppressive realities that represented the lower, working class social realms of her consideration.
From the Paper
"In a manner of contrary consideration, these characters and others with the same relation to sociological statuses common for each sect eluded more to a harmonious and unscathed existence. It is in this light that the character repartee and general development of the characters are fictitiously deployed, thus exuding an opposing perception of the common and often stereotypical notions of such individuals of their era. But, in defense of the opposite end, the activity and sometimes blundering delineation exhumed by each character with symbolic representation of separate classes does support and solidify many of the strengths that stand as demarcates for their title as characters in the novel.
"The storyline of Mary Poppins, though it is set with an English stratagem, provides an intriguing view into the many universal challenges that both men and women faced during the early period of the 20th Century."
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"A Modest Proposal", 2008.
An analysis of the purpose of Jonathan Swift's book, "A Modest Proposal."
1,716 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the conditions in Ireland during the times of Jonathan Swift. It specifically discusses Jonathan Swift's book, "A Modest Proposal" and discusses how it reflects the environment in Ireland at the time that it was written. The paper describes Swift's personal background and the purpose that he had in writing his book.
From the Paper
"Those who do not understand the work as a satirical look at the plight of Irish children often misunderstand Swift's intentions in writing the piece. Taken literally, Swift could be viewed as an unthinkable English imperialist. However, this is simply the perspective chosen by Swift. His experience as a household servant to the English undoubtedly gave him a chance to experience the English attitudes towards the Irish first hand. A Modest Proposal has an air of truth in the manner in which the English viewed the Irish at the time. It is simply an exaggeration of what Swift saw in everyday life. This exaggeration was meant to make the English step back and look at their own behavior and attitudes."
"If one understands the horrors that Swift saw in his travels to Ireland and understands A Modest Proposal as the piece of satire that it is, a sense of compassion can be seen in the work. Swift understood the hopelessness of Irish children born into poverty. A Modest Proposal is an analogy. The key point that he was trying to make was that if the children were to be treated as animals, perhaps an early death would be better than a long life of suffering. This was the main idea of the proposal and summarized Swift's observations and feelings about the treatment of the Irish poor."
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Christopher Buckley's "Boomsday", 2008.
This paper analyzes Christopher Buckley's satiric novel "Boomsday".
1,418 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
The paper examines Christopher Buckley's novel "Boomsday" and identifies the relevant policy windows and the solution put forward by the heroine Cassandra Devine. The paper analyzes how Cassandra's idea first got attention and how various influential constituencies and events affected the progress of that agenda toward real implementation. The paper notes that Cassandra failed in her ultimate objective to avenge herself against her father.
From the Paper
"A policy window is a moment in political time and history where there is a unique confluence of an idea and an opportunity to enact change. The idea must also be fueled by public demand that something must be done about a pressing concern. The establishment of the Social Security system during the Great Depression, under the guidance of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, when America was in a state of crisis and when Americans doubted the ability of capitalism to work might be seen as one example of a policy window. In Christopher Buckley's novel Boomsday, another policy window opens as a result of the failure of the Social Security system. This America of the future is embroiled in a war it cannot afford. It is facing the impending payout of entitlements to older Americans it cannot sustain in the long term, certainly not for the current generation still paying into the system so their elders can benefit."
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Characters in 'Frankenstein', 2008.
This paper examines the pairing of characters in the novel 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley.
2,228 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer studies the novel 'Frankenstein' and looks at its characters. The writer notes that the relationship that is established between the creator and his creation, as well as the other relations between the characters of the novel, form the core of the moral and psychological investigation developed in the book. The writer points out that Shelley's novel is full of superior characters, which are all angelic to a certain extent. Victor is the superior Romantic hero, alone and isolated in his quest for an unreachable ideal. Walton and Clerval resemble him, with the difference of being more humane. The women are clearly angelic figures, excelling in beauty and virtue. The writer concludes that the creature is like the fallen angel, Satan, who is banished by his own creator and because of this, he becomes evil.
From the Paper
"Of the various pairings of characters in Shelley's novel, the one between Victor Frankenstein and the Creature is arguably the most interesting and most complex. Other pairings might be established however, such as that of Frankenstein with his best friend Henry Clerval, that of Frankenstein and Robert Walton, his biographer, or that between the women characters in the novel, Elizabeth, Caroline, Justine and the others. Thus, first of all, the relationship that takes contour between Frankenstein and his creation is very complex and symbolic. Following the Biblical account, what the creator does when he engenders life is to give birth to a replica of himself, of his own image. In spite of his good intentions to perfect humanity by introducing a new and more enduring race, Frankenstein fails in his attempt because he is trying to assume the place of the divine creator without realizing his own imperfection. The imperfect creator therefore engenders an even more imperfect creation."
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Symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby", 2008.
This paper looks at symbolism of empty material success within F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel 'The Great Gatsby'.
1,600 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel 'The Great Gatsby' symbolically and starkly illustrates the potential dangers of a ruthless pursuit of success and its tangible if ultimately negligible reward. The writer notes that the main character, Jay Gatsby, reaches the pinnacle of American success, however Gatsby's conception of success is itself purely symbolic. The writer concludes that near the end, Fitzgerald portrays how the once honorable American Dream of personal prosperity as a reward for steady, honest hard work by a person of ability has been replaced by the mere pursuit of money and the wherewithal money itself allows to make purchases symbolic of wealth.
From the Paper
"Here Nick's unclear view of Gatsby, perhaps trembling alone in the darkness, also seems to symbolically and early on underscore the actual tentativeness of Gatsby's own grip on his contrived persona and later on in the story, and as an indirect result, life itself. Moreover, even at the outset of the novel, there is something out there that Gatsby seems at once to perhaps embrace with open arms and perhaps dread with trembling ones. This turns out, looking back to be Daisy.
"Daisy is symbolized at this early point in the book by the green light at the end of her pier. Green is also symbolic of money (old money in this case), something Daisy possesses and that Gatsby does not. "
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Postmodern Literature, 2008.
An examination of Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and Don DeLillo's "White Noise" as examples of of postmodern literature.
1,667 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how two examples of postmodern literature are Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and Don DeLillo's "White Noise' and how both books are similar in that they both feature unique literary devices common in postmodern literature. It looks at how both novels are sharp criticisms of the disillusionment of society's sense of reality but differ in the fact that "Fear and Loathing in Los Vegas" maintains the author's presence while "White Noise" does not. The paper also discusses how the effect of this variation in presence, combined with the use of illicit drugs and deranged thinking, results in a skewed perspective or reality from the two books' protagonist.
From the Paper
"In his article entitled The Death of the Author, Roland Bartley discusses the trend in postmodern literature for the author to remove him or herself from the telling of the story in order to present a more clear and vivid picture of reality. What makes a comparison of these two novels interesting is that they both excel at capturing, and sometimes distorting, reality but do it in very different ways. In White Noise, Don DeLillo does remove himself from the telling of the story and thus, in the words of Bartley, "lets the narrative take over". However, just the opposite is true in Fear and Loathing in Los Vegas. "
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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, $ 40.95
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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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