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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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"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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"One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest", 2008.
An analysis of the characters in "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey and their role in the story.
857 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the novel, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey. It argues that Nurse Ratched purposefully goaded Billy Bibbit to commit suicide. It discusses how the writer's interpretation changes the ending in relation to the opposing interpretation. The paper then traces Chief Bromden's growth as a character and discusses the various stages he goes through.
Table of Contents:
Nurse Ratched's Role in the Suicide of Billy Bibbit
The Character of Chief Bromden
From the Paper
"Although McMurphy's defiance is a key element in Bromden's healing, towards the end of the novel Bromden emerges as having more integrity than his 'teacher.' He refuses to accept the money McMurphy wins after winning a bet that the Chief can move the control panel, because the bet was rigged--McMurphy already knew that the towering Chief could do so. Towards the end of the novel, Chief Bromden appears to be growing stronger, as he is able to mentally retain a sense of sanity even during electroshock treatments. When McMurphy is lobotomized after he physically attacks Nurse Ratched, the Chief is the man who frees McMurphy by taking his life, and escapes the ward by breaking the ward's window with a control panel, and hitching his own ride to sanity and freedom."
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Love and Fantasy, 2008.
An analysis of the themes of love in the works of James Joyce and Haruki Murakami.
2,276 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
The paper focuses on the short stories "Araby," written by James Joyce and "On Seeing the 100% Perfect Girl One Beautiful April Morning," authored by Haruki Muraka that deal with the same theme of love fantasy versus reality. The paper discusses how, in both stories, the protagonists wish love to be like the imagined erotic idealism that is read about in a fairy tale with a perfect union that ends "happy ever after." The paper then shows how the protagonists come of age and are unable to return to the innocence of youth and its fantasies.
From the Paper
"Love is a central theme in many of Joyce's stories and novels, yet his characters always find it difficult to define. Even Joyce, himself, found it a problem to use the word "love." When Nora asked him if he loved her responded in a round-about way that he "was very fond of her, desired her, admired and honored her, and wished to secure her happiness in every way; and if these elements were what is called love then perhaps his affection for her was a kind of love" (Ellmann 6). Joyce's confusion about love and its many varied sides is voiced in a number of his characters. In his works, he writes about all kinds of love from the most ideal and unrealistic to that of friends, family, God, and husband and wife."
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War in Literature, 2008.
A comparison of the style and perspectives on war that are portrayed in Tim O'Brien's short story, "The Things They Carried" and Yusef Komunyakaa's poem, "Facing It."
774 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the ways that war is portrayed in literature. It specifically discusses and compares two literary pieces that reflect the heavy weight of war - Tim O'Brien's short story, "The Things They Carried" and Yusef Komunyakaa's poem, "Facing It." The paper looks at the different perspectives of the writer's and discusses how they convey the emotional strain of war through powerful imagery, tone, theme and point of view.
From the Paper
"In "Facing It," the poet's point of view is serious and nervous with a somber tone. He does not want to cry and tells himself he is made of stone like the wall. When he sees objects reflected in the wall, he is temporarily taken aback and must take a moment to gather himself. For example, when he sees the woman "trying to erase names" (30), he understands that he is catching a reflection of a woman brushing a boys hair. The images blur, representing the blur between the past and the present. In "The Things They Carried," the point of view is from a disillusioned soldier. We read that the soldiers "had no sense of strategy or mission. They searched the villages without knowing what to look for, not caring . . . (15). Here we see that the men feel lost even though they may know exactly where they are. They have no sense of belonging because war has removed any sense of security from them."
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"The Catcher in the Rye", 2008.
An analysis of the theme of innocence in J. D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye".
770 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how J. D. Salinger's novel, "The Catcher in the Rye", demonstrates the difficulty of growing up. It looks at how Holden's character evolves throughout the novel and how, by the end he realizes that innocence is a nice thing that does not last forever and regardless of how one tries to avoid the reality of the world, one must eventually face it. It also discusses how Salinger is successful about presenting the life and thoughts of a troubled teenager crossing from youth into adulthood.
From the Paper
"Holden is a cynic, and a very young one at that. He does not have much faith in the world and thinks that the grown-up world (i.e., the real world) is phony. Like many young adults, he believes he has the world figured out and wants no part of it. Holden has a difficult time with certain truths about life, as demonstrated through his emotional breakdown mentioned at the beginning and the end of the novel. "
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Ethical Ideas in Literature, 2008.
A comparison of ethical dilemmas in "A Language Older Than Words" by Derrick Jensen and "From Christ to the World: Introductory Readings in Christian Ethics," edited by Wayne G. Boulton, Thomas D. Kennedy and Allen Verhey.
4,211 words (approx. 16.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 112.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts ethical dilemmas in two books - "A Language Older Than Words," written by Derrick Jensen and "From Christ to the World: Introductory Readings in Christian Ethics," edited by Wayne G. Boulton, Thomas D. Kennedy and Allen Verhey. It describes the concepts discussed in each work and then finally provides a personal critique discussing why arguments are important.
Table of Contents:
A Language Older Than Words: A Review
From Christ To The World: A Review
Personal Critique: Why Arguments Are Important
From the Paper
"Fletcher also talks about this under his category "antinomianism": this is the approach which one takes when entering the "decision-making situation armed with no principles or maxims whatsoever, to say nothing of rules." And to carry the analogy along a bit more, with reference to Fletcher's philosophy, did Bush take the antinomianism approach in 2002, 2003, when putting forth the dishonest notion that Saddam Hussein had nuclear weapons and for the safety of all Americans the U.S. military needed to crush him? Most interesting among his three features of Christian ethics is "situationism," which Fletcher places "between" legalism and antinomianism. This third maxim is used when the person is not making a decision based on a rock-solid Christian footing; i.e., the situation dictates whether it's a good idea to go ahead or not. According to "love's needs," Fletcher writes on page 208, the situationist follows "a moral law or violates it."
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Herman Melville's "Billy Budd", 2008.
Looks at the transcendental core of Herman Melville's novella "Billy Budd".
1,995 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the plot of Herman Melville's "Billy Budd" revolves around the central axis of the war between good and evil by using Biblical and mythical allusions. The author relates that, although Billy Budd seems to be the innocent character, from a religious point of view he becomes guilty after committing an involuntary crime. The paper concludes that the central message of the story is that natural innocence is to be preferred instead of moral truth.
From the Paper
"The character of Billy Budd is drafted on an opposition between the natural and the religious truth. He is at once portrayed as a noble savage, with a natural charm and a baffling innocence. Billy attracts everyone through his natural and pure character, but at the same time, he inspires some of the others with sinful feelings of either desire or envy. His shipmates and the captain also are irresistibly drawn towards Billy as to something incredibly pure and innocent. His beauty also emphasizes the idea that he represents natural perfection. He represents nature in its pristine form, untouched by the usual tinges of civilization. In shape, he seems to be descended from the "unadulterated blood of Ham", an ideal representation of nature and savageness, with an intensely black skin:"[He was] so intensely black that he must needs have been a native African of the unadulterated blood of Ham. A symmetric figure much above the average height."(Melville, 2) His shipmates swarm around him, attracted irresistibly by his natural virtue and sweetness: "Not that he preached to them or said or did anything in particular; but a virtue went out of him
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Sociological Concepts in Literature, 2008.
Examines five literary sources to explore the sociological concepts of transculturation and hybridity, orientalism and cultural translation.
1,595 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that postcolonial literature, such as Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children", deals with transculturation and the incredible and complicated processes, which lead to hybridity of the colonizing and the colonized cultures. The author points out that Arundhati Roy's "The God of Small Things" and Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Books" both represent the deeply rooted differences between the cultures of the West and the East. The paper also looks at Brian Friel's "Translations", Tsitsi Dangarembga's "Nervous Conditions" and Achmat Dangor's "Bitter Fruit" to illustrate that cultural translation is a potent metaphor for the way in which one civilization may try to interpret another through its own terms.
Table of Contents:
Transculturation and Hybridity: Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children"
Orientalism: Arundhati Roy's "The God of Small Things" and Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Books"
Cultural Translation
From the Paper
"Not accidentally, in "Midnight's Children", Saleem revises his own ancestry along with the historical past. The stories of his grandfather Aziz, a young doctor who is educated in Britain and thus already a hybrid himself, are very relevant at this point. Thus, his love story with Naseem is very interesting because it tokens the conflicting cultural attitudes between the Indian and the British cultures. While the Western civilization requires and allows a thorough physical examination of the body before establishing a diagnosis in case of an illness, the Oriental culture denies the propriety of this direct contact between a young man and a young woman outside marriage."
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Literature: Women inside the Patriarchal Society, 2008.
Compares the depiction of the life of women inside the patriarchal society in Rebecca Harding Davis' 'Life in the Iron Mills" and William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily".
895 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the female protagonists in Rebecca Harding Davis' 'Life in the Iron Mills" and Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily" are very different. However, the two women are markedly the prisoners of the patriarchal society that has caught them in its net. The author points out that both women focus all their energy on their male companions, being almost obsessively preoccupied with them. The paper describes both stories.
From the Paper
""Life in the Iron Mills" is the somber story of the grey, empty life of a worker in the iron mills, Hugh Wolfe. In the midst of his brutish life, he has an artistic vision: he is able to model figurines out of the waste materials left at the mill. His aspirations are thwarted nevertheless, and he dies in utter misery. His fate obviously symbolizes the terrible destiny of the working-class people, who had no perspectives outside a barren, instinctual life. The secondary character of this story, Deborah, who is Hugh's cousin, is however an even more interesting figure which perfect the realistic picture drawn by Davis."
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David C. Edwards' "Motivation and Emotion", 2008.
Reviews the psychology textbook "Motivation and Emotion"by David C. Edwards.
1,010 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that David C. Edwards' "Motivation and Emotion" is clearly and interestingly written, which keeps the reader from getting bored with the material unlike many other textbooks. Edwards' very direct writing style helps him cover precisely and concisely the material without losing the main message in a myriad of technical jargon and round about discussions. The paper relates the ways that this textbook unravels the many mysteries of both human emotion and motivation.
From the Paper
"Another way that Edwards helps to make his study of motivation and emotion more interesting to the reader is to go through each chapter and highlight material that is going to be of a stronger importance. When he finishes one of those sections, Edwards also creates a summary for it so that the reader has a good chance of better comprehending what he has just explained. There are questions at the end of each chapter, as well, and these are helpful for a student who is trying to study for a test on the material that was presented ."
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"The Death of Ivan Ilych", 2008.
A psychoanalytic review of Leo Tolstoy's "The Death of Ivan Ilych".
1,247 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes Tolstoy's "The Death of Ivan Ilych", by integrating the theories of Sigmund Freud and Jacques Lacan in order to examine the development and indeed demise of the main character. It looks at how Ivan develops from a young person with very idealistic, if somewhat mundane ambitions, to a disillusioned and emaciated man on his death bed. The paper further discusses how Ilych's condition of ego-idealism and narcissism was to a great extent to blamed upon both his society and his childhood and how tragically, he appears to have left this legacy to his children as well.
From the Paper
"Many of Freud's theories have been popularized by today's cultures in terms such as repression, libido, superego, fetishism, and others. Felluga however warns that such terms should not be taken at the often shallow interpretations presented today, but that they should be investigated in terms of Freud's original meanings. Particularly applicable to Tolstoy's main character in The Death of Ivan Ilych are Freud's concepts of repression and superego. Lacan built upon Freud's work to create his theory of the subconscious, and also to create new terms such as the natural or essential reasons for psychic processes. Of use here are instincts and ideology."
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"Faerie Queene", 2008.
An analysis of nature as a testing ground for the human soul in Book One of Edmund Spenser's "Faerie Queene."
1,563 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Book One of Edmund Spenser's epic poem, "Faerie Queene," in which nature serves a primary purpose as a testing ground for the human soul. The paper also discusses the plot of the poem and the characters involved. It looks at the imagery and what it portrays about nature as a testing ground. The paper concludes that by the end of Canto Six, Spenser has established nature as the ultimate battle ground between good and evil in the human spirit.
From the Paper
"Nature is contrasted with the supernatural in Spenser's story, too. Shape-shifting beings, dragons, and sundry other phantasmagoric creatures populate the woods of the Faerie Queen. Spenser's depiction of dragons and other supernatural beasts suggests an interface between the natural world and human intelligence. The beasts are not part of the natural world but they live in it, just like human beings. Human beings are shown to be in the world but not of it; unlike the trees and beasts of the forests, human beings are not entirely comfortable in nature. They are also unlike the woodland gods, supernatural creatures who are wholly in tune with wilderness but who have yet to transcend the ignorance of the animal mind."
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The Benefits and Dangers of Solitude, 2008.
This paper analyzes the experience of solitary confinement in May Sarton's "Journal of a Solitude" and "The Rewards of Living a Solitary Life" and in the 2000 film "Castaway," directed by Robert Zemeckis.
1,319 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper explores how solitary confinement proves a challenge to the author and poet May Sarton, as well as the protagonist Chuck Noland of "Castaway," the 2000 film based upon the real-life experiences of a FedEx employee tragically stranded on a desert island. The paper examines the profoundly different responses of the two characters to solitude. The paper explains that Noland is a man trapped against his will on an island with only a volleyball, while Sarton has recourse to friends and simply chooses to live alone, in relatively comfortable circumstances.
From the Paper
"Both works suggest that human beings are fundamentally social animals to some degree, and need companionship as a way of remaining mentally stable, emotionally centered, and sane. However, because Sarton's solitude is occasionally broken with some visits from other people, it does not have the soul-destroying character that Noland's solitude has. Because Sarton's solitude is chosen, she can take delight in the spiritual rewards provided by a life apart from the hustle, bustle, and time constraints of the rest of the social world. And perhaps most importantly of all, even though Hanks learns a great deal during his time on the island, because Sarton embarked upon her solitary life with a purpose, to pursue a fruitful writing career and to avoid the distractions of too much society, she enjoys her time alone"
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Conflict in "Antigone", 2008.
An analysis of the main thematic conflict in the drama "Antigone" by Sophocles.
1,379 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the main thematic conflict in the tragic drama "Antigone". Specifically, the paper relates that the main thematic conflict in "Antigone" is Antigone's rebellion against authority and law. The paper then looks at how Creon represents the power of the state, while Antigone represents the individual. The paper explains how the conflict is resolved in a tragic way; Creon loses some of his pride while Antigone loses her life.
From the Paper
"Early in the play, it becomes clear that Antigone is not afraid of the power of Creon or the state. She believes the laws are unfair, and she is not afraid to stand up against them and challenge Creon and his power. She believes the gods are the only ones who can truly make the laws, and this sets up the conflict between Antigone and Creon that lasts through the entire play. She says, "Creon is not strong enough to stand in my way" (Sophocles 1304), and she truly believes this, which is why this tragic conflict continues. She loves her brother enough to sacrifice herself to make sure he is properly buried and she will not let the laws of a powerful king stand in her way."
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Marie de France's "Eliduc", 2008.
An analysis of the social conventions and gender differences in Marie de France's "Eliduc."
1,173 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces and discusses Marie de France's "Eliduc," which is a typical Medieval story of courtly love. It describes the plot of the story, as well as the main characters. The paper then discusses Gayle Rubin's theories about the the social conventions of the story of "Eliduc" in her work, "Traffic of Women." It also describes how Rubin specifically looks at the social conventions regarding the gender differences in Marie de France's story.
From the Paper
"By taking the example of the animals, the characters highlight the importance of unrestrained desire, which does not wait for social confirmation or acceptance of an action. Expectedly, the triangle would have been solved either with Guilliadun's death or with the sacrifice of the unlawful couple. Here however, social oppression is shaken off by the sacrifice performed by Eliduc's wife. Without further thought, she is so rejoiced at the revival of Guilliadun that she decides instantly to go to a convent and take the veil, thus leaving her husband free to marry his chosen lady. Love is thus placed hierarchically above the constraining marriage. The end of the story brings back the reconciliation of the characters with God, as they marry and then all retire to a convent: "Eliduc married his beloved; the celebrations were conducted with great honor and a noble service on the day of their wedding. They lived together for a long time, and their love was entirely courtly. They gave generous alms and did good deeds, until finally they turned towards God."("Eliduc") Earthly love and divine love are thus brought together and reconciled."
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Censorship in "Beauty and the Beast", 2008.
A comparison of censorship in "Beauty and the Beast" in one of the original versions by Jeanne Marie Le Prince de Beaumont and a modern re-telling by Angela Carter, entitled "The Tiger's Bride."
1,118 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses censorship within the fairy tale, "Beauty and the Beast." It compares two versions of "Beauty and the Beast" - one of the original versions by Jeanne Marie Le Prince de Beaumont and a modern re-telling by Angela Carter, entitled "The Tiger's Bride." The paper examines the function of sexual desire and how censorship is employed to either dilute or completely erase representations thereof.
From the Paper
"It is also interesting to note the difference between the depictions of Beauty in the two stories. In de Beaumont's story, Beauty exudes all the quintessentially feminine "virtues" that would go unchallenged for several centuries. She is devoted to her father, submissive to the demands of the two men in her life - namely, her father and the Beast, and completely passive. In Carter's story, Beauty is anything but passive. Rather than "taming" the Beast by submitting to him, she allows herself to be transformed into a beast, and can thus become one with all the typically "masculine" qualities assigned to the creature.
"One important difference between the two stories, however, is that de Beaumont's was written for an audience of children, while Carter's clearly was not. This is also why sexual desire is largely absent from de Beaumont's text. It has not been censored necessarily in order to protect children, but for the simple reason that this form of desire is too complex for children to understand. It thus reduces the relationships among adults to caricature-like renderings, to a polite code that can nevertheless be unscrambled by more mature readers."
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"A Raisin in the Sun", 2008.
This paper analyzes the protagonist in the play "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry.
1,012 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper describes the Younger family who, although they each have different goals, dreams and ambitions, ultimately work together as one character to achieve the dream of home ownership. The paper shows how the author uses the entire family as a type of larger-than-life protagonist, indicating it takes more than one family member to fight the white "system" and attain the dreams of the entire family.
From the Paper
"At the beginning of this emotional play, all the Younger family characters are introduced in the first act. At first glance, it would not seem as if the playwright had the idea of altering the traditional protagonist role to include the entire family. Each member of the family seems to have a different agenda at the start of the action. Walter wants to buy a liquor store, Mama wants to buy a house, Ruth is afraid to bring another child into the world, and Beneatha wants to go to medical school. In the 1950s, when they play is set, all of these are lofty goals, especially for a struggling black family living on the South Side of Chicago."
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