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"The Book of the Courtesans", 2008.
This essay is a book review of Susan Griffin's, "The Book of the Courtesans: A Catalogue of Their Virtues".
830 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This essay discusses Susan Griffin's book "The Book of the Courtesans: A Catalogue of Their Virtues" as a deep and penetrating look into the history of the courtesan profession. The author asserts that Griffin's primary contention in this book is that courtesans have a special place in history; they were neither prostitutes nor part of the immoral underground of European society, but rather a prominent display of femininity during many different eras of Western history. The author also gives a positive personal opinion towards the book.
From the Paper
"Griffin's book focuses on many different stylistic and literary techniques that help to make this both an entertaining and fluid narrative. Her organization of the book is very succinct; she offers the purpose of her book in the introduction by stating clearly that she intends to explain the artistic and aesthetic nature of the courtesan. She continues to advance this position through each following chapter and makes her organizational scheme very understandable. Each chapter works to enhance her position and defend her thesis. Although it may appear through this review that her work is academic in nature, the opposite is true. She carefully hides her thesis and the progression of her 'evidence' through the narrative biographies of famous courtesans throughout the ages. She tells the stories of Veronica Franco of 16th century Venice, Madame de Pompadour of Versailles and many other such courtesans who were able to entrench themselves into the heart of Western society. Through their stories she shows how they practiced their craft and were able to gain 'liberation' from society as a result of their prowess. Her story telling technique makes this narrative extremely digestible and makes her arguments very subtly throughout her work."
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Maria Amparo Escandon's "Santitos", 2008.
Analyzes the role of religion in Maria Amparo Escandon's novel "Santitos".
940 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Maria Amparo Escandon's novel "Santitos"
tells the tale of Esperanza, a young woman who has suffered many tragedies in her life yet still manages to find hope and comfort in her unique brand of Christian faith. The paper points out that institutionalized religion is often portrayed as oppressive to female self-empowerment. However, in this novel, as opposed to this conventional representation of Catholic spirituality, the protagonist Esperanza's life illustrates that popular Catholicism is not necessarily misogynistic or male-dominated. The paper stresses that one of the most unique features of the role of religion in this novel is how sexuality and spirituality are openly linked.
Table of Contents:
Story Summary
The Role of Religion in "Santitos"--Analysis
From the Paper
"To find her daughter, whom she believes has been abducted in the hospital and sold into prostitution, Esperanza herself must live amongst prostitutes and enter seedy locations, in the service of her daughter and also the service of the saints. Esperanza first looks for Blanca in a Tijuana then in California. She says that the saints are waiting for her in California--because of the many names of the cities that begin with "San." This reflects Esperanza's often simplistic and naive view of the world."
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Greek Gods in the Iliad, 2008.
A discussion of the roles played by the gods in Homer's "Iliad" and the human nature of their emotions.
1,487 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the human nature of the Greek gods in the "Iliad" and how their emotional involvement in the Trojan war largely dictated its outcome. The author gives detailed examples, showing that the gods have the same emotions, characters and attitudes as mortals, and only differ from them in the powers they possess and in their immortality.
From the Paper
"Despite all the battles and the bloodshed, Homer's epic poem is filled with deeply religious and highly emotional elements that saw protagonists and antagonists on both sides as deeply devout. In addition, some of the heroes are sons and daughters of the gods themselves who never make any move unless they consult the oracles. These heroes even make numerous sacrifices to the gods of Olympus to ensure victory in battle."
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Apology and Crito, 2008.
A philosophical discussion commenting on the conflict between the 'Apology' and the 'Crito'.
1,361 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The paper is a philosophical discussion about Socrates' belief in the importance of the state over the individual, or individual family interests. The paper comments that Socrates is unwavering in this opinion, to the point that he accepts his own death sentence and does not try to flee. Commenting on this, the paper continues by relating that the conflict between the 'Apology' and the 'Crito', in many minds is that Socrates contradicts himself. He does this by stating in the 'Apology' that if there were a law made that stopped him from practising philosophy he would break it. The paper then goes on to discuss why, in fact, there is no contradiction.
From the Paper
"Through the whole of the Apology Socrates stresses the importance of remaining true to the process of the trial, as the process of the trial is just, as it is a reflection of the power and wisdom of the state, even when applied by unjust men, seeking their own interests. Furthermore, the oaths of the judges are sacred, and should therefore not be swayed with entreaties and persuasive behavior on the part of the accused, as this goes against the nature of the self and the validity of the state. In the Apology Socrates is reported to have said to those who would question why he did not act as other men and defend himself with family and emotional spectacle."
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Beverly Gross' Essay, "Bitch", 2008.
A review and critique of the rhetorical aspects of Beverly Gross' essay "Bitch".
921 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, in her essay "Bitch," Beverly Gross writes about the word "bitch" and how she does not like it, because she feels that is only used in a negative way for women. The paper discusses how, on first reading it is a persuasive article tending to make people think twice about using the word "bitch," when describing a woman and how, upon closer reading, however, the critical reader sees that Gross is only using the word "bitch" as an example of the way that women are treated differently than men. The review is based on an analysis of the rhetorical aspects of the essay.
From the Paper
"Gross uses the rhetorical appeals of ethos, pathos and logos to make her argument. Ethos is when the writer tries to persuade the reader by using his or her reputation or experience as a reason. The author tells the reader what it means to him or her. There is a lot of ethos in this essay. Gross makes it very clear that she does not like the word. For example, she says, "The meaning of bitch has changed over the centuries but it remains the word that comes immediately to the tongue, still 'the most offensive appellation' the English language provides to hurl at a woman" and "Something has become someone. The ball-buster is not a disagreeable thing but a disagreeable (disagreeing?) person. A female person.""
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Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls", 2003.
This paper reviews Ernest Hemingway's novel, "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and discusses major themes and writing techniques.
1,130 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses theme, irony, characterization and fictional technique by the use of syntactic structure and symbolism in "For Whom the Bell Tolls", by Ernest Hemingway. The author states that this piece is a war novel, a love novel, even a historical one. Furthermore, the author asserts that this novel illustrates problems like war, death, human sacrifice, choices, the justification of killing a human being, suicide, tradition and modernization and many more, and its complex nature makes it a valuable work of American literature.
From the Paper
"The novel focuses on the fight between the Loyalists and the Fascists that takes place during the Spanish Civil War. The main character, Robert Jordan, an American Spanish professor and a dynamite expert, offers his services to the guerillas. Their common mission is to bomb a bridge, a difficult task that they have to accomplish in only three days. Their goal seems threatened by the attacks of the Fascists on the one hand, and the frequent quarrels in their own camp, caused mainly by Pablo, on the other hand. During this short time, another event occurs in Robert's life: he falls in love with Maria and will have to deal with both the feeling of love for her and that of his imminent death. At the end, Robert Jordan fulfills his mission at the expense of his own life."
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'The Joy Luck Club', 2008.
This paper studies the novel 'The Joy Luck Club' by Amy Tan.
1,450 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that Amy Tan's novel 'The Joy Luck Club' says much about the conflicts experienced by Chinese immigrants to the United States. The writer discusses that the novel focuses on differences between American and Chinese culture, with some of the differences revealed through generational differences within the Chinese-American community in San Francisco. The writer points out that, to a great extent, this novel may be seen as the author's story and the story of her mother. The writer maintains that Tan is herself a member of the culture she describes in the novel, and the time period of that novel covers the history of a certain immigrant experience in this century as Chinese fleeing the terrors of the Revolution came to the United States seeking peace and a better life. The writer concludes that, as can be seen in this novel, they never lose their ties to their homeland and may gather together in order to preserve that culture to the degree possible and to celebrate it just as the four women do as they play mah jong and talk each week.
From the Paper
"In fact, the stories the mothers tell can be seen as object lessons for their daughters, stories that not only gain the older women the respect of the younger but that also gain that respect from every reader. The stories the mothers tell are about loss, courage, and survival, all qualities that each of the younger women needs, and indeed each qualities that everyone needs to face the vicissitudes of life.
"The stories of the four women offer dramatic contrasts for the more staid and "normal" lives of their daughters. An mei Hsu was forced to watch her mother live as a concubine until the mother reaches the point where suicide is her only way out, a way out the child sees take place. Lindo Jong ran away from a suffocating marriage, and she emigrated to the United States by pretending to be a theology student. Suyuan Woo, the narrator's mother, escapes the Japanese invasion of Kweilin with two babies on her back. Ying ying St. Clair finds herself abandoned by a rich husband and goes to live with poor relatives for ten years; she meets an Anglo American visiting China and settles with him in California, in some ways the easiest journey to these shores of the four, and in other ways one of the most difficult because of the need to adjust to a different level of racism and cultural shock."
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"The Things They Carried ", 2008.
A book review of Tim O'Brien's novel, "The Things They Carried ", about a platoon of American soldiers in the Vietnam War.
1,689 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
The paper is a review of a book describing the War in Vietnam as seen by a soldier who is both the narrator and the protagonist of the 22 stories described. In the book "The Things They Carried " the author, Tim O'Brien gives his perspective of the events and gives a profound understanding of the main character who is also the narrator. Moreover, this paper looks at a few of the main themes and motifs of the novel which are directly and closely linked to the analysis of the main character/narrator.
From the Paper
"This fear of shame also affects men once in Vietnam because it influences the relationships with each other. As absurd as it might seem to the adult O'Brien who can now recall the events from the safety of his home, the men engaged in battle were concerned with each other's opinions even in the immediacy of death and despite the necessity for unity during war. The best example can be encountered in the story entitled "The Dentist" when Curt Lemon decides to have a perfectly good tooth pulled out by the dentist only to ease his shame about having fainted during a previous encounter with the doctor. Moreover, O'Brien introduces us to Jimmy Cross, a young man who decided to go to war only because his friends had; this is meant to illustrate that given the proper conditions, a young man could be easily bullied into going to war by social pressure. What is more thought-provoking, as we are later shown, is the fact that due to confusion, fear, anguish, soldiers such as Jimmy Cross are put in the position where they endanger the lives of others."
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American Literature, 2008.
A review of classical American literature and how it shaped America today.
2,270 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how any American literature class is important today because it offers students the opportunity to view how the culture of America has been shaped and transformed. The paper begins with a review of early colonial and Puritan writings and expands on American history through the women's rights movement and time of slavery and freedom. It also discusses how the early writings of Americans helped shaped America by explaining how America has always given man the opportunity to express him or herself liberally, and offered the right to freedom, democracy and eventually justice for all. For this reason many today look up to America still as a land of opportunity, and is the reason these writings are essential to understanding this opinion of America today.
Outline
Introduction
Early Literature - A Reflection of Hope
Enlightenment and Deism
The 19th Century and Beyond
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Much of early literature including works like William Bradford's, "Of Plymouth Plantation" and John Winthrop's, "A Model of Christian Charity" reflect what America was about in the earliest stages of its growth, or its infancy using our initial analogy. In his original manuscript, Bradford attempts to explain life during the early puritan period as he states, "with singular regard unto ye simple trueth in all things, at least as near as my slender judgmente can attaine the same" (Bradford 3). This early document demonstrates the early spelling and phonetic writing of early authors, but more importantly demonstrates Bradford's attempts to describe the "truth in all things" as he saw them, admitting his own judgment may be "slender" but truthful. Bradford goes on to describe the, "Honourable Nation of England," the first nation purportedly adorned by God, and the transgressions that had led to wars and opposition, imprisonments and banishments that occurred in early times, forcing the people of American to return to churches of God that, "reverte to their anciente pruitie, and recover primitive order, libertie & bewtie" (Bradford 3). "
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"Great Expectations" and "A Clockwork Orange", 2008.
A review of the novels "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens and "A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess.
1,098 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper examines two great works, "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens and "A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess, as novels that fall under the Bildungsroman genre, which is a genre of novel that deals with the growth of the protagonist. The paper explains that the Bildungsroman novel chronicles the life of the hero from childhood to adulthood and the conflict that he meets and resolves on his way to wisdom. The paper then points out that some novels come under the umbrella of Bildungsroman but may contain few deviations such as Burgess' "A Clockwork Orange" and Dickens' "Great Expectations". The paper also looks at how compared to "A Clockwork Orange", "Great Expectations" is certainly a more conformist form of Bildungsroman but the one place where it deviates from tradition is the choice of narrator. The paper analyzes each novel in relation to Bildungsroman, and concludes that both novels are masterpieces in their own right, but Dickens's work is a better example of a true English Bildungsroman than Burgess' work.
From the Paper
"Dickens has used an adult voice to narrate the experiences of a child which is starkly different from other examples of the genre where narrator is either a third person or is the protagonist himself who grows with the novel. Buckley, in his book, Seasons of Youth explains the origin of Bildungsroman and its three distinct categories. He further adds that English Bildungsroman tradition was different from that of German's since the former was "in its broadest sense . . . a convenient synonym for the novel of youth or apprenticeship" (13). Buckley's intensive research indicates that English bildungsroman was not always completely autobiographical."
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Fairy Tales, 2008.
A review of the fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast" by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and its various adaptations.
984 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
The paper relates the story of the fairy tale, "Beauty and the Beast", and highlights the fact that it is unique in that it contains societal elements not commonly found in fairy tales. The paper relates how the original tale of "Beauty and the Beast" by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve has been adapted through time and has been made into several film versions with the basic story and an adapted plot.
From the Paper
"The first print version of the story surfaced in 1740 by author Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve. However, the tale and variations of it was popular throughout Europe prior to its first print publication. The tale generally involves a story about a rich merchant who lives with his four daughters, one being named Beauty. Due to certain circumstances, the father looses his wealth and his daughters are forced to live in the rural country. One day the father becomes lost in the forest and takes shelter in the Beast's palace. The next day, as he is leaving, he plucks a rose for Beauty. The Beast sees this act and accuses the father of stealing from him, denouncing him as a simple thief and ordering him to die. The Beast gives him amnesty so long as one of his daughters comes to suffer in his place. Thus, Beauty goes to the Beast's castle and is made the mistress of the magical place. Eventually the two marry and the Beast is transformed into a handsome prince and Beauty's family comes to live with them."
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Sleep of Reason and Monsters, 2008.
This paper looks at Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and discusses whether is it the dream of reason or the sleep of reason that produces monsters.
1,267 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that it is important to note the daring and thought-provoking core of the story of Frankenstein, i.e. the aspiration of human creation, the feelings associated with this strife, particularly those of guilt and remorse, as well as the religious and philosophical implications that the act itself involves. The writer maintains that the monster created by Frankenstein is a symbol of all monsters that the sleep of reason produces. The writer believes that Frankenstein represents man's attempt to find the answers to questions related to life, death and the divine process of creation. The writer notes that Victor Frankenstein believed that by accumulating a great amount of knowledge, he could explain the mysteries of life. The writer concludes that Frankenstein's story is an allegory: he tried to access areas of knowledge that are not at the disposal of man; he was both unsuccessful, and severely punished precisely by the God he had disregarded.
From the Paper
"The most important theme of the novel is that of knowledge. The monster created by Frankenstein is a symbol of all monsters that the sleep of reason produces. His horrendous physical appearance, as well as his size, is a hyperbola used to describe the effect of the sleep of reason. Put simply, reason is man's capacity to think. Reason is intrinsically related to the concept of "knowledge", in the sense that the former is the main method of achieving and organizing the latter. Knowledge depends upon solid reasoning, which in turn, must be systematic and clear. In the case of Frankenstein, the sleep of reason allows him to lose sight of human limitations and perceptions. His academic interests are a clear clue as to the nature of the main character; he studies chemistry - the science of the material composition of things, and philosophy, which aims at explaining mental and spiritual processes. By combining these two, Frankenstein becomes consumed with the discovery of the secret of human life. As with other products of the sleep reason, Frankenstein's monster destroys everything dear to his creator: his brother, wife and friend; indirectly even his father, who dies of pain and sadness caused by what had happened. In the end, his thirst for knowledge and creation will bring the end of Victor Frankenstein's life as well."
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Female Protagonists in Patriarchal Societies, 2008.
This paper compares the three female protagonists in the novels, "Eveline," by James Joyce, "The Yellow Wallpaper," by Charlette Perkins Gilman and "The Storm," by Kate Chopin.
990 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper analyses three stories - "Eveline", "The Yellow Wallpaper" and "The Storm", which offer three different types of central female characters. Nonetheless, the three characters have several important common features. The paper states that all three of their stories take place in the same period of time, i.e. late 19th century and early 20th century. This was a time of constraint and hardships for women, who were subjected to the will of their husbands or fathers, and regarded as inferior citizens whose activity outside the home was severely limited. Also, these three women are faced with key events which will alter the course of their lives. And finally, the paper asserts that perhaps the most important aspect they share is their willingness, at least up to a certain point, to challenge social norms and conventions. Moreover, the three protagonists could be seen as three instances of courage and rebellion in patriarchal, conformist societies.
From the Paper
"The protagonist is very creative; she loves her husband but also loves her freedom and the connections with the world outside of her home. She does not refuse to fulfill her domestic duties, but wants to be able to express herself creatively as well. Suffering from post partum depression, the protagonist relies precisely on her creative power in order to heal, but her husband, who is also her doctor, prescribes her exactly the opposite, meaning total mental inactivity. This impossibility of self-expression leads her into a world of fantasy that would eventually lead to madness. The fixation with the yellow wallpaper covering the walls of her room soon becomes her escape, a door into a world she imagines, with a woman hiding behind it- a projection of self. Her insanity is a direct result of the fact that she is not allowed to be in control of her mind and emotions; she is ordered to heal according to someone else's perception of life and what is normal. Her condition as a woman in society keeps her from living the life she longs for and from fulfilling her needs as a writer; she is confined to her role as society envisions it, i.e. of wife and mother, trapped in the domestic universe."
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"The Yellow Wallpaper", 2008.
This paper examines the story "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.
947 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how the story "The Yellow Wallpaper" takes a look at the archaic cultural and social values of the late 19th century, which presented women as little children, without will or control, always under the close surveillance of men. The paper shows how, by using a fictional but largely auto-biographical story, Gilman manages to illustrate the role of women in her society and the horror of not being in control of one's own mind and consequently, ones life.
From the Paper
"Deeply auto-biographical, "The Yellow Wallpaper" tells the tale of a 3-month period of domestic confinement that the main character is subjected to by her husband as a result of her poor mental condition. Set in late 19th century, the story takes a look at the archaic cultural and social values of the era, which presented women as little children, without will or control, always under the close surveillance of men. In a rigid patriarchal society, women were not men's equals, but their inferiors, in charge only with domestic issues. The main character is denied her creative power and restricted her freedom through a treatment for her depression and negative emotions that is based on rest and inactivity. She perceives it as a sort of house arrest which would eventually lead to her descent into madness."
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Race and Masculinity, 2008.
A review of the book "Battle Royal" by Ralph Ellison.
1,460 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
An examination of racism and cruelty towards African Americans in Ralph Ellison's book, "Battle Royal". The paper explains that in Ellison's story "Battle Royal", powerful symbolism, e.g. that of blind fighting on an electrified rug, is used to significantly portray African Americans' struggle for equality, and to also show both the artificial construction-connection and the degradation of race and masculinity at once. The paper also points out that within Ellison's "Battle Royal", race and masculinity are also deliberately constructed, especially vis-a-vis prejudiced white society, by the African-American author in order to illustrate the conjoining and the degradation, by whites, of African-American race and masculinity.
From the Paper
"Near the end of Ralph Ellison's "Battle Royal"; in the scene where the young black narrator finally repeats his recent high school graduation speech to the assembled white businessmen and other pillars of the [racist] community; Ralph Ellison juxtaposes 1940's-era African American typically degraded masculinity, against the dominant but nervous masculinity of the town's leading middle-aged white males. Here, Ellison describes a clearly well planned and orchestrated afternoon of deep racial and sexual humiliation, combined, of the teenage narrator and other black youths his age who are pressured and coerced into fighting one another, supposedly for prize money."
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Mikael Niemi's "Popular Music from Vittula", 2008.
Reviews Swedish author Mikael Niemi's first novel "Popular Music from Vittula".
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Swedish author Mikael Niemi's novel "Popular Music from Vittula", about coming of age in rural Sweden in the 1960s, is an example of postcolonialism literature that has a perfect blend of protagonist, subject and aesthetic. The paer describes postcolonialism literature as having a theme of ideological and psychological change; whereby, the original cultural world of the postcolonial author has been changed forever by an outside nation or culture so it cannot be rejected. The paper then states that in this book the harsh climate and the values of the land seem isolated from the rest of mainstream Swedish society; however, as in other novels of colonialism, the larger culture is always intruding in visible and invisible ways, just as the boys on the cusp of adolescence and adulthood are being forced to grow up.
From the Paper
"Niemi's tale takes place in the Swedish town of Pajala, a place so remote it might be another nation to many readers, including Swedes. On reviewer observed that the residents are: "looked down upon by the Swedes for being too Finnish and by the Finnish for being too Swedish, the people of Pajala share a universally accepted inferiority complex that is dutifully passed on to the next generation." In short, the residents embody the colonial paradox of being despised for their origins, yet those who attempt to assume any of the culture or follow the rules of the occupiers or dominant culture are mocked by members of that culture."
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"Flowers in the Attic", 2008.
This paper analyzes the book "Flowers in the Attic" by V. C. Andrews.
1,765 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the maltreatment of the children including beatings, intentional incarceration, neglect, incest and death in "Flowers in the Attic". The paper discusses the lessons a social worker can learn from this novel and apply to his or her practice. The paper posits that this book offers an important lesson on the dark side of human nature and how that nature can affect innocent children.
From the Paper
"The author knows at least some of what she writes about in this novel. One author notes, "Her books, like Flowers in the Attic, as well as its sequels and prequels, concern hidden incest. Clearly, what is taken to be unnatural here is unnatural and repulsive from a moral standpoint" (Carroll, 1990, p. 40). When she was in high school, she fell down a flight of stairs and injured her back so severely that she will spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair. She has felt isolation and unhappiness in her own life, and clearly brings those feelings to her novels. She may have even felt repulsive and unnatural, prompting her to write this book about her own experiences and isolation after her accident. This book was her first novel, and because of the violence, rape, and incest it contains, it has come under controversy ever since it was written in 1979 (Editors, 2005)."
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Mario Livio's "The Golden Ratio", 2008.
A review of Mario Livio's book "The Golden Ratio: The Story of Phi, the World's Most Astonishing Number', which chronicles the history of this number.
1,260 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Mario Livio's book "The Golden Ratio: The Story of Phi, the World's Most Astonishing Number", chronicles the history of, not of a person, thing, or concept, but a number. The paper then relates that this number phi, or notion of proportionality or the 'Golden Ratio', however, has been invested with so much cultural, emotional, and religious importance that it has taken on a character of its own. Next, the paper points out that the reason that phi is astonishing is because, for centuries, our fascination with proportion and beauty has made its properties an object of wonder. The paper concludes that, although Livio ultimately deflates the mystery of phi, his book is a helpful explanation not just of the number but also of why balance and symmetry dominates so many modern discussions of art and architecture.
From the Paper
"But ultimately, astrophysicist Mario Livio says that creating this mysterious proportion is no different than a person cutting a piece of string into pieces. While the 'Golden Ratio' appears in many natural phenomena, some supposed appearances are really not true 'Golden Ratios' (such as the Pyramids and Parthenon) and all appearance of perfection is based in human notions of proportionality. It is evidence of humans looking at nature, not that nature or God through nature looking back at us. We see perfection and proportionality because we are looking for it in nature."
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"The Conquest of Everest", 2008.
This paper reviews the book "The Conquest of Everest" by Sir John Hunt.
1,047 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
The paper describes "The Conquest of Everest" that tells the story of two men who reached the top of Mount Everest in 1953, the first men to reach the summit of the world's tallest mountain. The paper looks at how Sir John Hunt shows the difficulty of preparing for an expedition of this kind and the grave dangers the climbers faced. The paper recommends this book to anyone who is interested in adventure or history.
From the Paper
"Author Hunt chronicles the 1953 expedition thoroughly, from the preparations the team made before the expedition, to the studies and attempts made by other teams trying to scale the mountain. He also discusses the problems with climbing the mountain, which now do not seem as difficult as they were over 50 years ago. For example, he writes, "These two factors, the altitude and the weather, tend separately and together to defeat the climber" (Hunt 12). However, today, it is not unusual for many parties to attempt to climb and conquer Mt. Everest every climbing season, and while there are still injuries and deaths on the mountain, equipment, and knowledge have helped create more opportunities for more people to climb the mountain than ever before, so some of these problems have at least been tamed."
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