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"Little Red Riding Hood.", 2008.
A discussion on the underlying purpose of a story such as "Little Red Riding Hood."
1,180 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
The paper states that stories have been part of culture from the very beginning of human development and that over time, fables and fairy tales have continued to be integrated into everyday life. The paper also relates that scholars disagree on the primary reason why these tales have remained so important in modern times. The paper then questions if fables and fairy tales are just a means to provide information or entertainment with no hidden agenda or, is their purpose to encourage societal mores or intended to help individuals deal with their hidden psychological dilemmas? The paper uses the story "Little Red Riding Hood" to demonstrate these different interpretations.
From the Paper
'' Some stories go even further and make Little Red Riding Hood do the victimizing. Roald Dahl's character pulls a gun out and shoots the wolf to replace her silly cloak and hood with a "lovely furry wolfskin coat" (Zipes et. al 359). Philippe Dumas's "Little Navy Blue Riding Hood" includes a very determined and self-confident girl who is jealous of her famous grandmother, the "ex-Little Red Riding Hood." Little Navy Blue Riding Hood frees the wolf in order to revive the old story and become well-known like her grandmother. However, this wolf, the great-great-nephew of Perrault's wolf, avoids "like the plague anything that resembled a riding hood, no matter what color it was, even if it came from Galeries Lafayette, and especially worn by a little girl" (Dumas 19-20). Believing that her grandmother is the wolf, Little Navy Blue takes the confused old lady to the zoo at knifepoint and locks her in the wolf's cage. Little Navy Blue Riding Hood becomes notorious with all the media attention and the outcry against the little girl who had previously seemed to be "so well-behaved and obedient."
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Rudyard Kipling, 2008.
This paper explores the life, works and writing style of Rudyard Kipling.
2,984 words (approx. 11.9 pages), 14 sources, APA, $ 88.95
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Abstract
The paper paints a picture of Kipling as one of the most controversial authors in modern times who was first admired and then shunned by critics. The paper describes Kipling's background and examines why he was the target of much criticism and then presents an interview with an English professor who is familiar with Kipling's work. The paper concludes that Kipling was able to write in many genres, many voices and to millions of people around the world and will be remembered by his fans as an author of classic literature regardless of his many critics.
Outline:
Introduction
Kipling's Life
Critics and Kipling
Discussion of Kipling's Works
Criticisms
Interview
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Since the beginning of time authors of literature have used their works to convey thoughts, emotions, ideas and facts. Most authors choose whether they want to write fiction, non-fiction poetry or something else and they spend their writing career contributing to that area of literature, however, every once in awhile a writer comes along who is so talented that he or she can cross over into all areas of literature and succeed. Such was the case of well known author Rudyard Kipling. Kipling was a writer who knew no boundaries. His work in non-fiction was equaled by his work in fiction. His poems touched the hearts of millions even while he was busy working on a short story or a piece of non-fiction for others."
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"Southern California: An Island on the Land", 2008.
A review of the book "Southern California: An Island on the Land" by Carey McWilliams.
1,190 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses McWilliams' thesis in "Southern California: An Island on the Land" that California, the golden state of great wealth was built by exploiting individuals who never enjoyed its riches and were often unjustly denied the name or rights of Americans. The paper is of the opinion that McWilliams' book, although first written in 1946, is a strikingly refreshing text to read against more conventional and seemingly balanced histories. The paper explains that McWilliams' passionate history seems to better express the land and why California is still so complex, so racially divided and provokes such passion today.
From the Paper
"Carey McWilliams' title of his history of Southern California, Southern California: An Island on the Land, suggests that Southern California encapsulates a unique culture, as distinct from the rest of the United States, almost like an island nation. Although tied to the land, the colorful constellation of cultures, political personalities, and economic speculation that influenced the region caused it stand apart from the rest of the nation. McWilliams attempts to explain some of the extraordinary developments that occurred during the region's history, even before it became a state."
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Literary Devices in Poetry, 2008.
This paper studies the poems "The Courage that my Mother Had" by Edna St. Vincent Millay and "The Funeral" by Gordon Parks.
959 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer introduces, discusses and analyzes the poems "The Courage that my Mother Had" by Edna St. Vincent Millay and "The Funeral" by Gordon Parks. Specifically, the writer discusses the literary devices the poets use to help the reader understand the subject of death and dying. The writer explains that poetry is full of effective literary devices such as simile, metaphor, rhyme, and meter that help create vivid pictures in the poem and help the reader identify with the words. The writer points out that these two works graphically illustrate the pain of losing a loved one with their use of poetic devices and raw emotions.
From the Paper
"In contrast, Parks does not worry about rhyme; he simply uses meter and the rhythm of the words to convey meaning and emotion. Millay speaks about her mother throughout the poem, but Parks only uses three lines to show his father has passed away. Millay openly admires her mother, while it seems there was tension underneath the surface between Parks and his father. He seems to be watching events from the outside looking in, giving the illusion of emotional detachment, while Millay is clearly distraught and overcome by the loss of her mother. By using personification indirectly, Parks likens his father to a giant, while Millay prefers to instead concentrate on her mother's mental qualities and strengths. By looking at the many poetic devices in these two poems, it becomes clear that each poet can use the same device very differently to create memorable and vastly differing poems."
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"The Joys of Motherhood", 2008.
An analysis of the plot and characters in "The Joys of Motherhood," written by Buchi Emecheta.
1,027 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 0 sources, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the novel, "The Joys of Motherhood," written by Buchi Emecheta. The paper discusses the central development of the main character, Nnu Ego and how the books shows the role of women within African society, particularly from a perspective of that role being severely limited and oppressive. The paper suggests that Emecheta's novel is one of the most influential books on native African society and their way of life.
From the Paper
"A further analysis of Emecheta's novel could be painted in the picture of modernity. Much like Kafka's Metamorphisis, Nnu's character can be seen as an abject symbol of modernity. Much like Gregor Samsa, who spent the majority of his life working like an insect rather than appreciating his family and his life, Nnu lived within the restrictions of her society without making the attempt to break free from her societal restrictions. As a result, both of these characters are symbols and warnings of the results of the modern world. They both were limited by the social constraints placed on them on a societal level and as a result they both became victims of society. Both of them suffered from a complex of modernity they attempted to solve their problems by attempting to work within a broken system, as a result they inevitably hit the walls of being socially and political restricted on many different levels."
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Revisiting 'Rothschild's Fiddle', 2008.
This paper looks at the idiom of Anton Chekhov by revisiting his work 'Rothschild's Fiddle' and comparing the style to that of contemporary writer Raymond Carver.
2,631 words (approx. 10.5 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 79.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that before author Anton Chekhov pursued a career in writing, he was a practicing physician and writing was a way for him to express his feelings, opinions, and experiences. His medical practice helped him to bring a unique perspective to his work. The writer points out that Chekhov expressed many themes in his work, including poverty, tragedy, and pain, yet his work seems simple and clear. It allows the reader to come to his or her own conclusions about the material presented. In this essay the writer explores Chekhov's story "Rothschild's Fiddle," and compares the style with that of the contemporary short story writer Raymond Carver.
From the Paper
"Another symbol is seen in the association Chekhov creates between Yakov and the violin and the orchestra. The violin represents the influence of music that soothes him and can change his emotion. Yakov uses the violin and fiddling to forget about the losses he's suffered. As a violin player, he is one of a group of music players. The orchestra stands for togetherness, a group of musicians that play a piece of music smoothly and beautifully by cooperating. TThe orchestra could also represent the town Yakov lives in, where everyone is expected to have common courtesy and respect for each other. In that orchestra or environment, Yakov sticks out like a sore thumb. He often becomes uncomfortable with the surroundings where is playing and feels hatred toward the Jews around him. Seeing Yakov so insecure and uncomfortable shows his inability to feel a part of society. He can't fit in. He cannot see things from the other person's perspective and does not care how others feel. He is alienated and lacks basic social skills."
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Armand Aubigny, 2008.
An analysis of Armand Aubigny's character in the short story "Desiree's Baby" by Kate Chopin.
1,117 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how readers know something important about Armand Aubigny's character by the third paragraph of Kate Chopin's short story "Desiree's Baby". The paper looks at how Aubigny is shown to be as cold as steel, a slave master and very racist, but also attempts to defend Aubigny's actions, claiming that he is a man from a culture where patriarchal and bigoted behavior is acceptable.
From the Paper
"Rather than embrace the child and reassure one's wife, the way an average man would likely do, Aubigny leaves Desiree and child alone and retreats into his dark world. He was so racist and hateful of any color of skin not his own, he felt that Desiree had brought shame and injury upon his family name. What kind of a man would fall in love so quickly, and then brutally dominate his pretty, soft, feminine wife (taking advantage of her sweetness in order to have a son so his name can be carried on), only to push her away when the child she bore for him did not live up to his expectations? The answer is Aubigny is a man from a culture where patriarchal and bigoted behavior is acceptable. Yes, contemptible to those with grace and loving personalities, but acceptable because for many individuals, that is just how life was in the south prior to the Civil War."
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"The Drunkard", 2008.
A summary and analysis of Frank O'Connor's story "The Drunkard".
1,305 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes Frank O'Connor's story, "The Drunkard". More specifically, the paper relates the plot of the story, the author's use of narrative voice, the crucial phase of the story, and how, rather than a sad tale of a father's alcoholism, the story becomes a funny and ultimately uplifting tale of how the young boy in the story fulfilled his mother's implied plea to guard his father and to act as a brake upon the man's weakness. The paper concludes that the what seems to be a story of tragedy early on becomes a comic and hopeful tale about a young son making good on a promise to his mother.
From the Paper
"Here is the crucial phrase of the story: "To this day I don't know whether he was forswearing me or the drink." This is the punch line that makes the tale into a positive tale, about the father foreswearing drink, rather than a story about either the father's or his son's eventual descent into alcoholism. "My brave little man!" she said with her eyes shining. "It was God did it you were there. You were his guardian angel." The fact that his father eventually foreswore drink indicates the extent to which the incident impacted his father in ways that the boy could not know at the time. However, the mother's joy and the fact that the boy was the father's guardian angel seem to indicate that this incident, for all of its negative implications, was a harbinger of good things to come. The fact that the boy became the drunkard of the title for one night rather than his father is the child's lasting legacy to his family's security, and eventually resulted in his father foreswearing drink for the rest of his life. What seems to be a story of tragedy early on becomes a comic and hopeful tale about a young son making good on a promise to his mother."
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Brazil, 2008.
This paper looks briefly at the history, economy and literature of Brazil.
986 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The writer presents his research on the country of Brazil that portrays Brazil as a powerful, massive nation, with a diversity of people and a history of interesting literature. The writer discusses the injustices that have taken place in this nation and the rampant deforestation of the Amazon rainforests. The writer then looks at two examples of Brazilian literature.
Outline:
Researching Brazil
Personal Reflective Response
What I Learned
From the Paper
"Brazil is an enormous country, covering 3.3 million square miles, with approximately 183 million people living within its sprawling boundaries, according to the BBC News (http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk). In fact Brazil is the largest and most influential nation in South America, and it takes up nearly half of the entire continent. It is the eighth largest economy in the world, and is a major producer of soybeans, sugarcane, coffee, rice, wheat, cotton, oranges, cocoa, and Brazil supplies the world with beef from its large cattle ranches in the south and western regions of the country. The Brazilian coastline is 4,500 miles long, and much of this region consists of very fertile land suitable for farming."
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Nawal Saadawi's "Woman at Point Zero", 2008.
Looks at the theme of female degradation in Egyptian novelist Nawal Saadawi's "Woman at Point Zero" (1998) and its broader feminist and cultural implications.
2,080 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, throughout the world today, in different ways and for different reasons, fiction, film, politics, the Internet and the mass media have taken a dim view of the particularly inhumane treatment of many Muslim women within southern areas, such as the Africa, where Islam is practiced. The paper then points out that the Egyptian woman novelist Nawal El Saadawi, who is also a physician and a feminist, has written many fictional and non-fictional works about women's unequal treatment by men in Islamic societies. "Woman at Point Zero" (1998 and first published in 1975 ) is a stark, disturbing and poignant novel. The paper relates the plot of Saadawi's story about the protagonist Firdaus, an Egyptian-born perpetually abused woman, who out of desperation becomes a prostitute and murders a pimp.
From the Paper
"Moreover, Firdaus herself is neither an evil person nor a hardened criminal (or a criminal at all, except in the sense of having also been driven by desperation into being a prostitute); Firdaus is simply a chronically abused, rejected, degraded and humiliated 20th century Muslim woman in Egypt who arrives at "Ground Zero" on one especially unfortunate day. Within this story, Firdaus's degrading experiences both exemplify and underscore the degradation of Muslim women like herself generally, whose repressive and cruel societies under male-dominated fundamentalist Islam make it impossible for such women to catch a break in life."
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"The Story of an Hour", 2008.
This paper analyzes how marriage is portrayed in "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin.
2,072 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
The paper shows how Chopin takes a dim view of marriage in general in "The Story of an Hour". The paper looks at Chopin's own marriage, which although happy, ended in tragedy just like this short story. The paper looks at the unhappy marriage of Chopin's mother and discusses how this is reflected in "The Story of an Hour".
From the Paper
"Kate O'Flaherty Chopin was born into a wealthy but unhappy family in St. Louis, Missouri in 1850. Her mother was nearly 30 years younger than her father was, and he was a gruff, controlling man who sent Kate away to boarding school when she was only five. The family kept slaves, and there is speculation that her father, Thomas, fathered at least two children with the slave women of the family (Toth 6-8). There is a startling similarity between her mother's life and the life of Mrs. Mallard, which leads the reader to believe Kate was writing about her mother when she composed this short story. In 1855, Kate's father was riding a train as it took the inaugural run over a new bridge. The bridge collapsed, and Thomas O'Flaherty was one of the men killed in the accident."
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Cicero, 2008.
An overview of the philosophical theories and literature of Cicero.
1,539 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Cicero put together two rather important philosophical works within the realm of political philosophy: "On Commonwealth" and "On Law". It looks at how, though rarely regarded by modern Western philosophers as one of the most influential thinkers within the tradition, Cicero is nonetheless responsible for bringing the classical Greek perspective back into the Roman school of philosophy. It also examines how Cicero also was one of the first philosophers to introduce the notion of Natural Law into the equation of the ideal society--though he is rarely credited with this achievement.
From the Paper
"At several points within On Commonwealth and On Law Cicero attempts to illustrate the early days of the Roman republic as being far closer to an in ideal society than the age from which he wrote. He appeals to the great leader, Marius, who was the first consul to arise out of the Republic as an individual leader. Out of the struggles of the Punic Wars, from which Rome created much of its early identity as a state in which anyone could live within, the Roman Republic, in reality, began to deteriorate with the naming of Marius as consul. The Punic Wars lasted over a century--between 264 BCE and 146 BCE--but by the time that Rome finally managed to utterly defeat its only major Mediterranean rival, the vast empire that had been accumulated could no longer be stably supported by the Republic as it had functioned until that point. "
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"A Gathering of Old Men.", 2008.
An overview of the book "A Gathering of Old Men", by Ernest J. Gaines.
1,477 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the novel "A Gathering of Old Men" by Ernest J. Gaines. Specifically it describes and assesses how the novel depicts the culture that it is portraying. "A Gathering of Old Men" indicates that even in the relatively modern South, hatred and old ideas still exist. Slavery may have ended in the 19th century, but the residual effects of that institution still follow blacks and whites in the South. The historical context of this moving book illustrates that quite clearly.
From the Paper
"Ernest J. Gaines was born on January 15, 1933 on the River Lake Plantation in Louisiana. He worked in the cane fields of the plantation when he was a child, and the setting offers the background for much of his fiction. He says, "Though the places in my stories and novels are imaginary ones, they are based pretty much on the place where I grew up and the surrounding areas where I worked, went to school, and traveled as a child. My characters speak the way people speak in that area" (Bauer). He has written numerous novels and short stories, and almost all of them tell the emotional stories of black people struggling to live in a largely white world, just like this one. He has won numerous awards and recognition for his novels, including a National Endowment for the Arts grant, a Guggenheim fellow, and a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation fellow (Bauer). He is a professor of English in Lafayette, Louisiana, and he continues to write compelling tales about black life and social issues in his home state."
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Twilight in Los Angeles, 2008.
This paper reviews Anna Deveare Smith's book 'Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992'.
1,000 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that Anna Deveare Smith's 'Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992' is a very original work, standing at the limit between two literary genres, the drama and the documentary. The writer points out that in order to write the play, Smith interviewed approximately one hundred and fifty people who had taken part in any way in the riots that took place soon after the verdict against Rodney King, the black man who had been dreadfully beaten by white policemen. The book is thus made up of monologues coming from people from different races and cultures, different social strata and so on, who tell their opinion or voice their feelings and experiences related to racism and discrimination in general. In the last part of the book, one hears the voice of Twilight Bay, one of those who organized the gang truce and the character who gives the name of the book. The writer concludes that Twilight is a wise political activist of the street, who has a clearer view of racial differences than most of the people around them, and who, although in the middle of a conflict where it would be hard to be impartial, can see that people have to think differently so as to be true to their own humanity.
From the Paper
"Twilight is a black young man who tries to maintain the peace in his neighborhood by staying awake all night to make sure his gang will not be attacked by a rival one. As such, Twilight is a political activist of the street, trying to mediate the conflict between the different races. His vision of the world he lives in is very complex and the author specifically uses it as a conclusion to her documentary. Most of the monologues express an ambivalent view towards racism and social conflict. Some of the people feel hatred, others simply think that the differences between cultures are far too great to be overcome, but at the same time, humanity tells them their own feelings are wrong. Twilight seems to be one step ahead of the others. He represents the hope of an eventual definitive reconciliation between the races. The way he interprets his own name reveals much of his personality and his view. Thus, he feels he is standing between two worlds: the fact that he tries to maintain the peace among the gangs makes him think that he is, like he is being told by the others, somewhere in the limbo, that is, between the dark present and the possibility of a brighter future, when there will finally be peace among the people ... "
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Kurt Vonnegut, 2008.
An analysis of the life, works, character and unique contribution to American fiction of Kurt Vonnegut.
1,202 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Kurt Vonnegut's novels such as "Cat's Cradle" and "Slaughterhouse Five" have a reputation both as great literary classics and great works of underground fiction. It looks at how "Slaughterhouse Five" is his most famous novel and also regarded his most personal, as it was based on his experiences as a prisoner of war in Germany during the Allied firebombing of Dresden in 1945. It also discusses how Vonnegut is credited with helping to elevate the genre of science fiction, once considered a staple of pulp magazine racks, to that of high art and how "Cat's Cradle" tells the tale of scientists trying to create 'ice-nine,' a crystal that could turn all water solid and thus destroy all life on earth.
From the Paper
"Vonnegut is credited with helping to elevate the genre of science fiction, once considered a staple of pulp magazine racks, to that of high art. Cat's Cradle tells the tale of scientists trying to create 'ice-nine,' a crystal that could turn all water solid and thus destroy all life on the earth. In 1963, Cat's Cradle slowly developed a readership as Cold War Americans were increasingly receptive to a book that showed the dangerous potential of science and technology to develop faster than ethics and morality ("Novelist Kurt Vonnegut dies at 84," CNN.com, 2007, p.1) The novel, takes its title from an Eskimo game in which children try to snare the sun with string (Smith, 2007, p.1). Although its first printing sold only 500 copies, it has become a staple of English classes all over America today (Smith, 2007, p.1)."
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"Grendel " by John Gardner, 2008.
A discussion of the novel, "Grendel", which is a retelling of the Anglo-Saxon epic "Beowulf", from the perspective of the antagonist.
1,736 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses that the novel, "Grendel", is a retelling of the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf from the perspective of the antagonist i.e. Grendel. The paper says that the 1971 novel by John Gardner follows the life of Grendel but at the same time attempts to construct a deeper subtext by tackling issues such as the quest for meaning in the world, the purpose of man, and the fight between good and evil. The paper further states that the philosophical content of Grendel is undeniable; Grendel follows the changes that occur inside of him, and in doing so, formulates intelligent commentaries as to the two main perspectives on the world and the purpose of humanity, determinism and existentialism. The paper also states Grendel's war on mankind is waged as a result of his encounter with the dragon whose nihilistic view deeply influences Grendel. Grendel now feels enraged by the romantic view that the Danes have on the world, and their history of braveness and courage. The paper asserts the thesis that Grendel is an existentialist who tries to provide meaning to his life in an environment that is hostile to him.
From the Paper
"Grendel is an existentialist who tries to derive meaning from the world around him. Gardner himself explained, "What Grendel does is take, one by one, the great heroic ideals of mankind since the beginning and make a case for these values by setting up alternatives in an ironic set of monster values. I hate Existentialism." (Morace; Van Spanckeren: 67). Grendel starts out as a nihilist for whom everything is meaningless and devoid of real value. However, he yearns for meaning. His revolt is interior because he does not see himself as important since he in only an animal. Moreover, he gets angry at the sky for "ignoring" him. This is a stage of deep confusion for Grendel who is torn between his feeling that nothing is truly of importance in the world, and the awareness that no matter how many men he kills, he cannot break their spirits as they continue to rebuilt their castle. His inability to destroy their faith and morale angers him."
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Ahab's Whale of Malice, 2008.
This paper analyzes the work 'Moby Dick' by Herman Melville, focusing on the character Ahab and the white whale Moby Dick.
1,674 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that one of the most attractive, yet mad aspects of the character of Ahab in Herman Melville's Moby Dick is the way that Ahab seems to attribute morality and intelligent design to the natural world, as embodied in the persona of the white whale Moby Dick. The writer explains that Ahab lost his leg to Moby Dick long ago, and he is determined the whale will pay for this transgression. Ahab is so bent upon his quest in avenging himself against nature that even when he admits that the whale may not have intended to take his leg it does not matter. The writer notes that Ahab says human beings must act as though life has meaning, even though life may be arbitrary and meaningless.
From the Paper
"In other words, there may be a moral intelligence behind animals like the whale, in Ahab's view, and God or some intelligent force is acting behind the manipulation of the objects or pasteboard creations. After all, God gave the whale many human-like characteristics, like the need to be warm and the need to breathe above water, even though God also gave the whale the ability to do these things naturally, without recourse to culture like blankets and breathing apparatus. And Ahab believes that because Moby Dick deprived him of his leg, he must act as if there is moral, intelligent design and reason to the universe, and take vengeance upon either the whale itself or upon the forces or being that gave the whale the power to act against his leg."
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"Carpe Diem" - Seize the Day!, 2008.
An analysis of the expressions of the short nature of human existence as portrayed in "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time" by Robert Herrick and "To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell.
1,314 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses two poems that are both rhetorical attempts by a man to woo a woman's heart and body - "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time" by Robert Herrick and "To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell. The paper specifically focuses on the poems' expressions of the deeper truth about the short nature of human existence and the inexorable passage of time.
From the Paper
"One wonders what Marvell's mistress responded to him, or what the maidens would have said to Herrick if they knew what he thought of them, when he saw them literally carrying rosebuds, or simply tarrying by the wayside under the care of a guardian. It is possible that they may have regretted their chastity, and wanted to enjoy their sensuality but society forbade them sexuality before marriage. In that case, it is a pity that they did not or could not listen to the poet's words. But it is equally possible that they had different desires, invisible to the poet--to see the world, to live more empowering lives outside of the control of powerful fathers, brothers, and later husbands or lovers. And that is the true sadness of the young women's fates, that they never had a chance to write poetry about their own desire to carpe diem. Even Marvell and Herrick did not carpe diem as much as they would have liked, as human life was shorter, and old age was more painful when they wrote their verse."
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"Sophie's World", 2008.
This paper analyzes the ideas of truth, knowledge and power in "Sophie's World" by Jostein Gaarder.
791 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Michel Foucault's theory of knowledge, power and truth as well as the ideas of empiricism and rationalism. The paper then examines how these values are found throughout Gaarder's "Sophie's World". The paper looks at the characters' interaction with the philosophies that all claimed at one time to be the truth.
From the Paper
"Sophie's World - like many novels and human stories as well - can bring truth to light in the mind of the reader and observer as a link between knowledge and power. The first theory of Michel Foucault ("Knowledge, Power, and Truth") holds that knowledge is always "linked to power" and knowledge has the power to "make itself true." Further, Foucault says, power is not necessarily brutal or "repressive" and moreover the power can be expressed through understanding (knowledge) and cultural values. These values are found throughout Sophie's World. It is Foucault's belief that when speaking of truth, one must understand the cultural context of that truth (i.e., what is believed as being true throughout time in a given culture at a given time); there is an underlying "regime of truth," he explained, based on the setting, and context."
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