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"Millennium Approaches", 2004.
An analysis of the play "Millennium Approaches" from Tony Kushner's "Angels in America".
732 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper contends that Tony Kushner's "Angels in America" won the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for sensitively handling of some serious issues concerning America today. The paper focuses on the first play, "Millennium Approaches" where the author talks about the Reagan era. The paper examines the Reagan administration's hostility towards the gay movement that became apparent when the AIDS epidemic engulfed the country.
From the Paper
"Ronald Reagan administration has been criticized for its hostile attitude towards gay movement and cause. The administration was highly conservative and close-minded and is held largely responsible for generating homophobia in the country. The President himself refused to discuss the issue until 1987 when 20,000 people died in the US due to AIDS epidemic. In such a society, everyone who appeared different was ridiculed, attacked, harassed and hated. Jews, homosexuals, AIDS-infected patients, almost everyone who was not part of the mainstream culture and society is considered non-human. They are given an unfair treatment and the society mocks their beliefs and values. "
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Love, 2004.
An analysis of the theme of love in Anton Chekhov's play, "The Brute" and William Faulkner's short story, "A Rose for Emily".
784 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and compares two tales that illustrate how the power of love can often move people to do unexpected things: Anton Chekhov's play, "The Brute" and William Faulkner's short story, "A Rose for Emily". The paper explains how in "The Brute", love seems to appear out of nowhere, hidden beneath a false animosity. The paper contrasts this with "A Rose for Emily", where a more ugly side of love is evident, that drives a woman to kill just so she can have what she wants. The paper examines each story to illustrate an example of how love can drive people to act in crazy ways. The paper explores how Chekhov and Faulkner demonstrate how love truly does have a mind of its own and that sometimes people are victims of love through no fault of their own.
From the Paper
"In The Brute, when we are introduced to Smirnov and Mrs. Popov, they are literally at each other's throats. The longer they speak with each other, the more hostile they become. Smirnov only grows more agitated when he realizes that Mrs. Popov cannot pay him and threatens that he will "stay right here till she pays up" (Chekhov 1099). To add to the drama, he complains of becoming ill. As things progress, the two are squabbling like children, throwing insults back and forth at each other. As their conversation moves toward love, Smirnov says, "Don't tell me I don't know how to love . . . For a man, love is suffering, love is sacrifice. A woman just swishes her train around and tightens her grip on your nose" (1101-2). In response to this, Mrs. Popov retorts that she "shall wear mourning till the day I, too, am called to my eternal rest" (1102). By having the two argue this way, Chekhov is creating the perfect atmosphere for two unlikely victims to fall in love."
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Shakespeare's Globe, 2004.
An analysis of William Shakespeare's theatre, the Globe.
2,277 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper contends that William Shakespeare's theatre, the epic Globe, mirrors the stories of the early, bustling London and ever-morphing England of the 16th and 17th century, from plank and dirt to flame and fame. The paper presents a technical overview of the theatre structure, highlighting the symbolism between the material poverty of the building to that of the society. The paper contends that the social commentary Shakespeare spouted was given a stage by the Globe, which represented, in its own short life, the compendium of Elizabethan life as a whole.
From the Paper
"William Shakespeare was born into a world of words that took him from cold, stone castles in Scotland to the bustling cities of Italy and the high seas of colonial change. An emblem of the Renaissance, the Bard of Avon was not only the conqueror of his own mind and pen, but also of the language of his own social, political, and religious reality. His theatre, the epic Globe, mirrors the stories of the early, bustling London and ever-morphing England in the duration of its own life, from plank and dirt to flame and fame. By 1598, Richard Burbage was the practicing don of the London theatre world, extending his fingertips for production all over the lively center of British commerce and governance. His players, a collection of all-male actors, were widely recognized throughout the theatre world, one of the only sources of popular entertainment. Burbage produced the works of a variety of writers, including William Shakespeare, in his own space called "The Theatre." That year, however, Burbage ordered his company to pull down The Theatre and remove its timber to Bankside. "
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Classroom Drama, 2004.
A review of literature on the topic of using drama as a didactic tool in the classroom.
1,319 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses several articles that deal with the use of drama in the classroom. The paper examines how drama instruction, such as role-play, miming, puppetry, improvisation and readers theatre, in the early elementary classroom can improve learning. The paper highlights the positive experiences that children gain from incorporating drama in their every-day lessons.
From the Paper
"Barbara Ryan Larkin (2001) shares her classroom experience with drama among elementary school students. Her young students would ask to act out stories they read in class, and once Larkin began studying the theories behind drama in education, she came to realize the beneficial effects that taking time to do so would have with student development. Rather than leaving drama for a separate area of study, Larkin found that "drama is presented as a meaningful context for children to read, write, speak, and listen. Struggling students especially seem to be motivated by this experience." (Larkin 2001) Reader's theater is one way of approaching drama in education. It is an interpretive activity where students practice and perform with each other, using methods like repeated readings and improvisation to enhance comprehension and to build on knowledge. Larkin's students responded very excitedly to reader's theater, immediately embracing the opportunity to take on characters, learn scripts, block scenes, and perform with and in front of one another. The teacher read a story to students, helped them learn the vocabulary, reviewed the entire text of the script as a class, then let students develop parts in groups. "
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?Angels in America?, 2005.
This paper discusses "Angels in America" by Tony Kushner (1993), a American postmodern theatrical protest piece.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the construction of Tony Kushner's "Angels in America" weaves different forms of modern American culture, such as Jewish assimilation, gay rights, the anti-communism of the past era and the Republican politics of the present, into a singular narrative. The author points out that, through dreams and by combining different parallel stories together on the stage, the play ultimately calls upon the viewer to perceive a larger American truth. The paper relates that Kushner implies that no matter how fragmented Americans may be by their politics, there is a cohesive humanity, which unites America together under the common guiding vision of the same angel.
From the Paper
"The suggestion that America is a seamless fabric of interrelated issues, rather than a patchwork of identities, is first suggested in the opening monologue of the rabbi, who is administering the funeral of an elderly Jewish woman. The rabbi speaks of the assimilation of the Jewish woman's children and the struggles of the woman's ancestors to make it in America. Although the rabbi rather cynically says that in the American melting pot nothing truly melts, the stories of the different characters do intersect, if only in dreams, during the course of the play."
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"Taming of the Shrew", 2004.
An analysis of one of the most memorable and prominent Shakespearean comedies, "Taming of the Shrew".
2,347 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew". The paper examines the play's patriarchic themes, such as the taming of wild women, a man's domineering character and female subjugation. The paper contends that while many critics feel that the play chronicles the domination process in a marriage where Petruchio, the male lead finally overpowers his wild and aggressive wife, Katherine Minola, closer analysis of the play reveals that this is not exactly true. The paper claims that the play actually deals with the issue of equality of power. The paper states that this play presents a mockery of wife submission norms in English society of 17th century rather than an approval of the same.
From the Paper
"Kate who was very wild and rarely ever submitted to anyone was dragged into a marriage against her wishes. One wonders then, how and why did she ever let her father take this action if she was actually so outspoken. We must understand that while she didn't have much choice in the case since it was a time when arranged marriage customs were rife her behavior earned her the right and respect that she deserved. This is very clear when we read the betrothal scenes of both Kate and Bianca and compare them to each other. In Kate's betrothal scene, her father Baptista, makes it absolutely clear that he wants Pet to win her daughter's love before he could hope to have her money while in Bianca's betrothal scene, she is objectified as Baptista feels he could hand her over to anyone he found suitable enough. "
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Nahum Tate?s "King Lear", 2005.
This paper compares Nahum Tate's "King Lear" with Shakespeare's "King Lear" upon which Tate based his version.
1,910 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Nahum Tate's idea was to adapt Shakespeare to suit the taste of 18th century restoration theatergoers; thus, Lear no longer dies, Cordelia marries Edgar, the monarchy is restored and order once again reigns. The author points out Lear's suffering, which in Shakespeare's original play denotes the nature of humanity and the tragedy and misunderstanding that often accompany human life is completely lost in Tate's rewritten version, especially in terms of the ending. The paper reveals that the use of language by Tate and by Shakespeare also differs significantly; whereas Shakespeare believes in the reductive power of language in its simplest form, Tate's philosophy leans more towards the elevated forms of language hence the greater effect of Cordelia's simple statement in the Shakespeare play.
From the Paper
"Other significant differences between the two versions include the roles of the specific characters. Edgar, for example, takes the role of Cordelia's suitor from the beginning of Tate's play, whereas in Shakespeare he never pursues the girl, but does become king at the end of the tragedy. His role in both Shakespeare's and Tate's plays is to restore justice, but in different ways. In Shakespeare's play, his role is tragic. Because of the betrayal by his brother, Edmund, who attempted to dishonor him in his father's eyes, Edgar is obliged to disguise himself. He thus pretends to be a demonic madman in order to escape his father's men. As such he also serves as a parallel for King Lear's madness, and gives him somebody to identify with during this difficulty. Edgar thus has a redemptive function here. In Tate's play, his redemptive function is mainly focused upon Cordelia and eventually the kingdom."
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"Pantomime", 2005.
Reversal of roles through language: The dynamic nature of oppression in the play "Pantomime" by Derek Walcott.
857 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
Literature has provided opportunities for readers to have a glimpse of different social realities experienced by people of different cultures and societies all over the world. This opportunity has been extended once again through Derek Walcott's play, "Pantomime." The paper explains that in this satirical play, readers are introduced to the characters of Harry Trewe and Jackson Phillip, master-and-slave tandem of the Castaways Guest House in Tobago, West Indies. It shows how the play is set in a different place and how Walcott confronts the continuous discussion and depiction of the oppression of the black man (Jackson) and the seemingly superior position of the white man (Harry).
From the Paper
"Unlike other depictions of the black man-white man antagonistic relationship, "Pantomime" brought into fore two scenarios within the play: the first act delved into the oppression of Jackson, while the second act focused on the reversal of roles between Jackson and Harry, where Jackson was able to empower and assert himself over Harry. This change became apparent through Walcott's use of language: the change in tone, manner, and message of Jackson's lines marked the transition or change within his personality. Where once he had been a faithful and patient servant to Harry, he had eventually 'metamorphosed' into a powerful individual, and his commanding use of his own vernacular speech signified the control that he has throughout the play. Thus, this paper discusses two phases in which vernacular language was used through Jackson's character as a medium of oppression and power and control."
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Lorca's "Blood Wedding" and Ibsen's "The Master Builder", 2005.
A comparison and contrast of Federico Garcia Lorca's play "Blood Wedding" and Henrik Ibsen's play "The Master Builder".
1,278 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, while on first impression these two plays seem very different, when we focus on the element of tragedy in both plays, we can see the common themes they share.
From the Paper
""Blood Wedding" by Federico Garcia Lorca is one of the most important plays by the Spanish playwright in 1932 and was inspired by a true story. The play revolves around a wedding which leads to betrayal, elopement, bloodshed and tragedy. The few main characters in the play are Bridegroom, Bride, Leonardo and Bridegroom's mother. Henrik Ibsen's The Master Builder was written much earlier in 1892 and deals with complex personality of Harvald Solness, a famous architect who is scared of change. He doesn't let youth prevail for he feels that if younger men enter the field, they would take over his place. He doesn't want to be replaced and is thus paralyzed by his fear of younger generation. "So that is it, is it? Halvard Solness is to see about retiring now! To make room for younger men!" "
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"Queer Theory" and "The Picture of Dorian Gray", 2004.
An analysis of "Queer Theory" by Annamarie Jagose and "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde.
802 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Annamarie Jagose's book, "Queer Theory" in relation to Dorian Gray's character in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde. The paper contends that Jagose and Wilde's discussion and portrayal of queerness reflects how this concept is associated to an almost utopian mind state, where the individual has no biases, prejudices and malicious intents in life. The paper assesses that according to these books, queerness is a state where equality and ambiguity is accepted and considered the norm.
From the Paper
"What makes the queer concept vital to the study of gays and lesbians, as well as issues of homosexuality and heterosexuality is that it provides a 'gray area' in which no distinctions between male and female and gay and lesbian are found. Queer appeals to the 20th century philosophers and social scientists simply because it offers an avenue through which gender and sex can be discussed without the political inequality often found between male and female genders and the similarly dichotomous relationship between gays and lesbians. As Jagose had asserted, the queer concept was able to transcend the "natural sexuality" framework-that is, "queer's transcendent disregard for dominant systems of gender"-that society had often used as reference in order to fully understand the identity of an individual."
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"The Master Builder", 2005.
Examines themes of guilt and human nature in this play by Henrik Ibsen.
1,045 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
Henrik Ibsen's play "The Master Builder" explores the complexities of the human mind. This paper shows that through the mental processes of the character, Solness, Ibsen illustrates the power of guilt, a force so strong that it alienates him from his world, the people in his life and, more importantly, himself. Guilt manifests itself through fear and confusion and causes him to make several mistakes. Solness never learns who he is and in a final attempt to find himself, he loses everything.
From the Paper
"Here we see how Ibsen is operating from the perspective that our inner, unmet desires possess the ability to make us feel guiltier than our fulfilled desires. As shown through Solness, this psychological force has the power to turn one against oneself if not kept in check. An excellent example of this can be seen in how Solness does not feel guilty for his circumstance with Kaja but does feel guilt over his lust for Hilde. Here we see how Ibsen is focusing on the power of the inner self, emphasizing that it is a formidable force. In fact, it might even be said that the inner world in which ones lives is more realistic than one's actual world."
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Henrik Ibsen?s "Doll's House", 2005.
A look at the character relationships in Henrik Ibsen's play "Doll's House".
924 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the relationships between the characters in this play, the consequences of those relationships and why the marriage between Nora and Helmer is ultimately one that is shallow and based on hypocrisy.
From the Paper
"Kristine Linde and Nils Krogstad are apparently two minor characters in Henrik Ibsen's play 'Doll's House'. When we meet them for the very first time, they are both surrounded by unfortunate circumstances. Kristine was Mrs. Linde windowed some ten years ago and finally returning to her town to acquire a job at the bank where Torvald Helmer is the manager. Nils Krogstad is in a subordinate position at the very same back and he is a widower with several children. Kristine and Krogstad had been close acquaintances at one time in the past. This is clear from Kristine's initial reaction at seeing Krogstad at Nora's house and her confession that she knew him."
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